Liquid discharge device and assembly method for liquid discharge device

The liquid ejection device addresses assembly and protection challenges by using a removable cap attachment system and a second fixing member to secure the head, resulting in improved reliability and durability.

JP2025096610APending Publication Date: 2025-06-26KYOCERA CORP
View PDF 14 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025068007
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-03-31
Filing Date
2025-04-17
Publication Date
2025-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing liquid ejection devices face challenges in efficiently assembling and protecting the liquid ejection surface, particularly in ensuring reliable attachment and detachment of the cap for maintenance and operation.

Method used

The liquid ejection device incorporates a head with a first surface for ejecting liquid, a holding portion, a removable first fixing member for attaching and detaching a cap, and a second fixing member for securing the head and holding portion, enhancing assembly workability and reliability.

Benefits of technology

This configuration improves the reliability of the assembly process by allowing easy attachment and detachment of the cap, protecting the liquid ejection surface until use, and enhancing the durability and miniaturization potential of the head.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025096610000001_ABST
    Figure 2025096610000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device and an assembly method of the liquid discharge device which can improve reliability in assembly.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes a head, a holding portion, a first fixing member and a second fixing member. The head includes a first surface configured to discharge liquid. The holding portion holds the head. The first fixing member fixes a cap that covers the first surface in a removable manner. The second fixing member fixes the head and the holding portion. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are provided so as to face the opposite sides of each other along the thickness direction of the head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As liquid ejection devices, inkjet printers and inkjet plotters using an inkjet recording method are known. Such an inkjet type liquid ejection device is equipped with a liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid.

[0003] There are known liquid ejection heads that protect the liquid ejection surface with a cap and perform transportation (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0005] A liquid ejection device according to an aspect of the embodiment includes a head, a holding portion, a first fixing member, and a second fixing member. The head has a first surface for ejecting liquid. The holding portion holds the head. The first fixing member removably fixes a cap that covers the first surface. The second fixing member fixes the head and the holding portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the liquid ejection device and the method for assembling the liquid ejection device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

[0008] <Configuration of Printer> First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an overview of a printer which is an example of the liquid ejection device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIGS. 1 and 2 are explanatory views of the printer according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the printer, and FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the printer. The printer according to the embodiment is, for example, a color inkjet printer.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 1 includes a paper feed roller 2, a guide roller 3, an applicator 4, a head case 5, a plurality of transport rollers 6, a plurality of frames 7, a plurality of heads 8, a transport roller 9, a dryer 10, a transport roller 11, a sensor unit 12, and a recovery roller 13. The transport roller 6 is an example of a transport unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the liquid ejection device 1 includes a control unit 14 that controls the paper feed roller 2, the guide roller 3, the applicator 4, the head case 5, the plurality of transport rollers 6, the plurality of frames 7, the plurality of heads 8, the transport roller 9, the dryer 10, the transport roller 11, the sensor unit 12, and the recovery roller 13.

[0011] The liquid ejection device 1 records an image or characters on the printing paper P by landing droplets on the printing paper P. The printing paper P is an example of a recording medium. The printing paper P is in a state of being wound around the paper feed roller 2 before use. Then, the liquid ejection device 1 transports the printing paper P from the paper feed roller 2 through the guide roller 3 and the applicator 4 into the head case 5.

[0012] The applicator 4 uniformly applies a coating agent to the printing paper P. Thereby, since the surface treatment can be performed on the printing paper P, the printing quality of the liquid ejection device 1 can be improved.

[0013] The head case 5 houses the plurality of transport rollers 6, the plurality of frames 7, and the plurality of heads 8. Inside the head case 5, a space is formed that is isolated from the outside, except for a part such as a portion where the printing paper P enters and exits, which is connected to the outside.

[0014] The internal space of the head case 5 has at least one of the control factors such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure controlled by the control unit 14 as required. The conveyance roller 6 conveys the printing paper P inside the head case 5 to the vicinity of the head 8.

[0015] The frame 7 is a rectangular flat plate and is positioned close above the printing paper P conveyed by the conveyance roller 6. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the frame 7 is positioned such that its longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing paper P. And inside the head case 5, a plurality (for example, four) of frames 7 are positioned along the conveyance direction of the printing paper P.

[0016] Liquid, for example, ink is supplied to the head 8 from a liquid tank (not shown). The head 8 is a liquid ejection head that ejects the liquid supplied from the liquid tank.

[0017] The control unit 14 controls the head 8 based on data such as images and characters, and causes the liquid to be ejected toward the printing paper P. The distance between the head 8 and the printing paper P is, for example, about 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0018] The head 8 is fixed to the frame 7. The head 8 is positioned such that its longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing paper P.

[0019] That is, the liquid ejection device 1 according to the embodiment is a so-called line printer in which the head 8 is fixed inside the liquid ejection device 1. Note that the liquid ejection device 1 according to the embodiment is not limited to a line printer, and may be a so-called serial printer.

[0020] A serial printer is a printer that alternately performs an operation of recording while moving the head 8 back and forth in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the printing paper P, for example, in a substantially orthogonal direction, and the conveyance of the printing paper P.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality (for example, five) of heads 8 are fixed to one frame 7. FIG. 2 shows an example in which three heads 8 are located in front of the conveyance direction of the printing paper P and two heads 8 are located behind it, and the heads 8 are positioned so that the centers of the respective heads 8 do not overlap in the conveyance direction of the printing paper P.

[0022] And a head group 8A is constituted by a plurality of heads 8 located on one frame 7. The four head groups 8A are located along the conveyance direction of the printing paper P. The same color ink is supplied to the heads 8 belonging to the same head group 8A. Thereby, the liquid ejection device 1 can perform printing with four-color inks using the four head groups 8A.

[0023] The colors of the inks ejected from each head group 8A are, for example, magenta (M), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (K). The control unit 14 can print a color image on the printing paper P by controlling each head group 8A to eject a plurality of colors of ink onto the printing paper P.

[0024] Note that, in order to perform surface treatment of the printing paper P, a coating agent may be ejected from the head 8 onto the printing paper P.

[0025] Also, the number of heads 8 included in one head group 8A and the number of head groups 8A mounted on the liquid ejection device 1 can be appropriately changed according to the object to be printed and the printing conditions. For example, if the color to be printed on the printing paper P is a single color and within the printable range of one head 8, the number of heads 8 mounted on the liquid ejection device 1 may be one.

[0026] The printing paper P that has been printed inside the head case 5 is conveyed outside the head case 5 by the conveyance roller 9 and passes through the inside of the dryer 10. The dryer 10 dries the printed printing paper P. The printing paper P dried by the dryer 10 is conveyed by the conveyance roller 11 and collected by the collection roller 13.

[0027] In the liquid ejection device 1, by drying the printing paper P with the dryer 10, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the printing papers P wound up overlapping each other and the rubbing of the undried liquid in the recovery roller 13.

[0028] The sensor unit 12 is composed of a position sensor, a speed sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. The control unit 14 can determine the state of each part of the liquid ejection device 1 based on the information from the sensor unit 12 and control each part of the liquid ejection device 1.

[0029] In the liquid ejection device 1 described so far, the case where the printing paper P is used as the printing target (i.e., the recording medium) has been shown. However, the printing target in the liquid ejection device 1 is not limited to the printing paper P, and a roll-shaped cloth or the like may be used as the printing target.

[0030] Also, instead of directly transporting the printing paper P, the liquid ejection device 1 may be configured to place it on a transport belt and transport it. By using the transport belt, the liquid ejection device 1 can use single-sheet paper, cut cloth, wood, tiles, etc. as the printing target.

[0031] Further, the liquid ejection device 1 may eject a liquid containing conductive particles from the head 8 to print a wiring pattern of an electronic device or the like. Also, the liquid ejection device 1 may eject a predetermined amount of a chemical agent or a liquid containing a chemical agent from the head 8 toward a reaction vessel or the like to produce a chemical.

[0032] Also, the liquid ejection device 1 may be provided with a cleaning unit for cleaning the head 8. The cleaning unit performs cleaning of the head 8 by, for example, a wiping process or a capping process.

[0033] The wiping process is, for example, a process of removing the liquid adhering to the head 8 by wiping the surface of the part where the liquid is ejected with a flexible wiper.

[0034] Also, the capping process is carried out as follows, for example. First, a cap is placed to cover the part where the liquid is discharged, for example, the first surface 23a of the nozzle plate 23 where the discharge holes are located (see FIG. 3B) (this is called capping). Thereby, a substantially sealed space is formed between the first surface 23a and the cap. Next, the discharge of the liquid is repeated in such a sealed space. Thereby, it is possible to remove the liquid having a higher viscosity than the standard state, foreign matters, etc. that have clogged the discharge holes of the first surface 23a.

[0035] Note that the liquid discharge device 1 is not limited to the device that conveys the printing target (recording medium) as described above, and the printing target may be fixed and the coater (liquid discharge device) may be moved. As such a liquid discharge device 1, for example, a device equipped with a robotic arm may be used.

[0036] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of Liquid Discharge Head> Next, with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the configuration of the liquid discharge device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of the liquid discharge device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the liquid discharge device shown in FIG. 3A viewed from another direction.

[0037] The liquid discharge device 1 includes a head 8, a first fixing member 31, a second fixing member 32, a frame 40, and a cap 50. The head 8 has a first surface 23a for discharging the liquid. A cap 50 is attached to the head 8 using the first fixing member 31. Also, the head 8 is fixed to the frame 40 using the second fixing member 32.

[0038] The material of the frame 40 is, for example, stainless steel or aluminum. The frame 40 is a holding part for holding the head 8. The frame 40 may be a part of the frame 7 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or may be a member fixed to the frame 7.

[0039] The cap 50 is fixed to the head 8 using the first fixing member 31. The cap 50 protects the first surface 23a. The first surface 23a is a discharge surface having discharge holes through which liquid is discharged. The material of the cap 50 may be, for example, made of metal or resin. In the case of being made of metal, the material of the cap 50 may be, for example, made of stainless steel or aluminum. Also, in the case of being made of resin, the material of the cap 50 may be, for example, a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin having resistance to the liquid discharged from the first surface 23a.

[0040] The first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are, for example, screw members. The first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 shown in FIG. 3 are both provided in the same direction along the thickness direction of the head 8. Specifically, in the case of fixing the head 8 from above the frame 40, the first fixing member 31 is provided from the frame 40 toward the cap 50 side (from above to below), and the second fixing member 32 is also provided in the same direction from the head 8 toward the frame 40 side (from above to below). According to this configuration, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are attached in the direction of gravity, which facilitates the assembly of the liquid discharge device 1, so that the workability during assembly can be improved.

[0041] Also, the first fixing member 31 is provided removably. For this reason, the cap 50 can be removed from the head 8 by removing the first fixing member 31.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the cap is removed from the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the first fixing member 31 is detachably provided in a hole 21 penetrating the head 8 and a hole 51 provided in the cap 50. The first fixing member 31 can be removed in a direction away from the cap 50. By removing the first fixing member 31 in this way, the liquid ejection device 1 can remove the cap 50 while the head 8 is fixed to the frame 40. Therefore, workability can be improved, and the first surface 23a can be protected by the cap 50 until use, improving the reliability in assembly.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state where the cap is removed from the liquid ejection device according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are provided facing opposite sides along the thickness direction of the head 8. The first fixing member 31 is detachably provided in a hole 21 provided in the head 8 and a hole 51 penetrating the cap 50. Also in such a liquid ejection device 1, by removing the first fixing member 31, the liquid ejection device 1 can remove the cap 50 from the head 8 while the head 8 is fixed to the frame 40. Specifically, in the case where the head 8 is fixed from below the frame 40, the first fixing member 31 is provided from the frame 40 toward the side of the cap 50 (from above to below), and the second fixing member 32 is provided in the opposite direction from the head 8 toward the side of the frame 40 (from below to above). Also with this configuration, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are inserted from the heavier object to the lighter object, so that workability can be improved, and the first surface 23a can be protected by the cap 50 until use, improving the reliability in assembly.

[0044] Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to this modification example, the first fixing member 31 can be removed in a direction away from the first surface 23a and in the same direction as the cap 50. Therefore, since it is not necessary to secure a path for removing the first fixing member 31 separately from the path for removing the cap 50, for example, the degree of freedom in design is increased.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a liquid ejection device according to Modification Example 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where the cap is removed from the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. 6.

[0046] The liquid ejection device 1 according to this modification example has a housing 40A instead of the frame 40. The housing 40A is a holding portion that holds the head 8. The housing 40A has a space inside that houses a part of the head 8. The housing 40A may be, for example, a structure that blocks the internal space and the external space. Such a liquid ejection device 1 is applied, for example, to a painting application or the like that ejects a liquid having volatility.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 40A has a hole 42 for fixing the head 8 using the second fixing member 32. Further, the cap 50 has a through portion 52 at a position corresponding to the hole 42. The through portion 52 is a through hole that penetrates the cap 50 in the thickness direction of the head 8. The through portion 52 is not used for fixing the cap 50, but is used to insert the second fixing member 32 to fix the head 8 to the housing 40A. The through portion 52 may be, for example, located at an end of the cap 50 and have a shape that penetrates the cap 50 in the thickness direction of the head 8, that is, a notch.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where the cap is removed from the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. 6. The cap 50 can be removed from the head 8 by removing the first fixing member 31 located outside the longitudinal direction of the first surface 23a. Further, the head 8 has a through portion 26 located outside the short-side direction of the first surface 23a. The through portion 26 is used to fix the head 8 to the housing 40A using the second fixing member 32.

[0049] Here, an example of the shape of the through-hole 26 where the second fixing member 32 is located and its vicinity will be described. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the second fixing member. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the second fixing member. Note that in FIG. 8, the illustration of the cap 50 is omitted.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, the head 8 includes a nozzle plate 23, a flow path member 24, and a base plate 25. The nozzle plate 23 has a first surface 23a for discharging liquid and a second surface 23b facing the first surface 23a. The flow path member 24 is located on the second surface 23b and has a plurality of reservoir plates laminated in the thickness direction of the head 8. The base plate 25 is located on the side opposite to the nozzle plate 23 with the flow path member 24 interposed therebetween. The base plate 25 is a member having a greater thickness than each reservoir plate of the flow path member 24. For example, the base plate 25 may be a machined part of metal or a resin molded product having high rigidity and strength.

[0051] Further, the flow path member 24 has a through-hole 26 penetrating in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the through-hole 26 has a notch shape facing the end surface 27 of the flow path member 24. The through-hole 26 is located away from the second fixing member 32 indicated by the dashed line. The second fixing member 32 fixes the head 8 to the housing 40A by fastening the base plate 25 and the housing 40A. Note that the through-hole 26 being located away from the second fixing member 32 means that the inner wall of the through-hole 26 is not in contact with the second fixing member 32.

[0052] Since the through portion 26 is located away from the second fixing member 32, the flow path member 24 does not receive shear stress associated with the attachment of the second fixing member 32. Each reservoir plate constituting the flow path member 24 is thinner than the base plate 25. Therefore, if stress is received due to the fastening of the second fixing member 32, for example, problems may occur in the discharge performance due to deformation. On the other hand, according to the head 8 according to this modification, the shear stress associated with the attachment of the second fixing member 32 is received by the base plate 25. Since the base plate 25 is thicker than each reservoir plate of the flow path member 24, it is less likely to deform due to the attachment of the second fixing member 32. Therefore, according to the liquid discharge device 1 including the flow path member 24 having such a through portion 26, for example, the durability of the head 8 is enhanced. Note that it is not necessary to increase the size of the head 8 more than necessary, and it can also contribute to the miniaturization of the head 8.

[0053] Next, an example of the shape of the cap 50 where the first fixing member 31 is located and its vicinity will be described. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the first fixing member.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 10, the cap 50 has a hole 51. Further, the base plate 25 has a hole 21 at a position corresponding to the hole 51. The first fixing member 31 fixes the base plate 25 and the cap 50 removably, for example, by being located inside the holes 21 and 51. Note that in FIG. 10, an example in which the first fixing member 31 is provided from the base plate 25 side is shown, but the shape of the holes 21 and 51 may be changed and it may be provided from the cap 50 side.

[0055] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a liquid discharge device according to the second embodiment. The liquid discharge device 1A shown in FIG. 11 includes a robot arm 100 that can be controlled by a control unit 140. A holding portion 101 is located at the tip of the robot arm 100.

[0056] The liquid ejection device 1A may position the robot arm 100 so that the holding part 101 faces downward, and fix the head 8 held by the holding part 101 to the holding part 101 using a second fixing member 32 that faces upward from below the head 8. By positioning the robot arm 100 in this way and fixing the head 8, even in the liquid ejection device 1A equipped with the robot arm 100, the first surface 23a of the head 8 can be protected by the cap 50 until use, improving the reliability in assembly.

[0057] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a liquid ejection device according to a modification of the second embodiment. In the liquid ejection device 1A shown in FIG. 12, the robot arm 100 may be positioned by the control unit 140 so that the holding part 101 faces upward, and the head 8 held by the holding part 101 may be fixed to the holding part 101 using a second fixing member 32 that faces downward from above the head 8. By positioning the robot arm 100 in this way and fixing the head 8, for example, the load associated with the mass is more likely to be transmitted from the head 8 or the second fixing member 32 to the holding part 101, and for example, the workability is improved.

[0058] [Assembly method of liquid ejection device] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an assembly method of a liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment. First, a cap 50 that covers the first surface 23a of the head 8 is attached using a removable first fixing member 31 (step S11). The first fixing member 31 is provided along the thickness direction of the head 8. The first fixing member 31 may be provided from above the head 8 downward as shown, or may be provided from below the cap 50 upward.

[0059] Next, the frame 40 is positioned below the head 8 to which the cap 50 is attached (step S12), and the head 8 and the frame 40 are fixed using the second fixing member 32 (step S13). The second fixing member 32 may be provided from above the head 8 downward as shown in the drawing, or may be provided from below the cap 50 upward. Thereby, the liquid ejection device 1 with the detachable cap 50 attached is completed (step S14).

[0060] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an assembling method of a liquid ejection device according to a modification of the first embodiment. First, a cap 50 that covers the first surface 23a of the head 8 is attached using a detachable first fixing member 31 (step S21). Such step S21 is the same as step S11 described above.

[0061] Next, the frame 40 is positioned above the head 8 to which the cap 50 is attached (step S22), and the head 8 and the frame 40 are fixed using the second fixing member 32 (step S23). The second fixing member 32 may be provided from below the cap 50 upward as shown in the drawing, or may be provided from above the head 8 downward. Thereby, the liquid ejection device 1 with the detachable cap 50 attached is completed (step S24).

[0062] As described above, each embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the frame 40 or the housing 40A may be positioned as the holding portion 101 located at the tip of the robot arm 100 shown in FIGS. 11 and / or 12.

[0063] As described above, the liquid ejection device 1 according to the embodiment includes a head 8, a holding portion, a cap 50, and a second fixing member 32. The head 8 has a first surface 23a that ejects liquid. The holding portion holds the head 8. The cap 50 is fixed to the head 8 using a removable first fixing member 31 and covers the first surface 23a. The second fixing member 32 fixes the head 8 and the holding portion. Thereby, the first surface 23a can be protected by the cap 50 until the head 8 is used, and the reliability in the assembly of the liquid ejection device 1 can be improved.

[0064] Also, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 according to the embodiment are both provided so as to face the same side along the thickness direction of the head 8. Thereby, workability can be improved, and the first surface 23a can be protected by the cap 50 until the head 8 is used, and the reliability in the assembly of the liquid ejection device 1 can be improved.

[0065] Also, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 according to the embodiment are provided so as to face opposite sides along the thickness direction of the head 8. Thereby, workability can be improved, and the first surface 23a can be protected by the cap 50 until the head 8 is used, and the reliability in the assembly of the liquid ejection device 1 can be improved.

[0066] Also, the first fixing member 31 according to the embodiment is detachably provided in the direction in which the cap 50 is located from the holding portion. Thereby, workability can be improved, and the first surface 23a can be protected by the cap 50 until the head 8 is used, and the reliability in the assembly of the liquid ejection device 1 can be improved.

[0067] Also, the liquid ejection device 1A according to the embodiment includes a robot arm 100 having a holding portion 101 located at the tip. Thereby, also in the liquid ejection device 1A provided with the robot arm 100, the first surface 23a of the head 8 can be protected by the cap 50 until the head 8 is used, and the reliability in the assembly of the liquid ejection device 1 can be improved.

[0068] Further, the head 8 according to the embodiment includes a nozzle plate 23 having a first surface 23a and a second surface 23b facing the first surface 23a, a flow path member 24 located on the second surface 23b and having a plurality of reservoir plates laminated in the thickness direction of the head 8, and a base plate 25 located on the side opposite to the nozzle plate 23 with the flow path member 24 interposed therebetween and having a greater thickness than each reservoir plate. The base plate 25 has a first hole for attaching the first fixing member 31 and a second hole for attaching the second fixing member 32. Thereby, the durability of the head 8 is enhanced.

[0069] Further, the flow path member 24 according to the embodiment has a first through portion located at a position corresponding to the second hole and separated from the second fixing member 32. Thereby, the durability of the head 8 is enhanced and the head 8 can also contribute to miniaturization.

[0070] Further, the cap 50 according to the embodiment has a second through portion located at a position corresponding to the second hole and separated from the second fixing member 32. Thereby, workability can be improved.

[0071] Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. For this reason, the broader aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments presented and described as above. Therefore, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 1, 1A Liquid ejection device 4 Coater 6 Conveyor roller (an example of a conveying unit) 8 Head 10 Dryer 14 Control unit 23 Nozzle plate 23a First surface 24 Flow path member 25 Base plate 31 First fixing member 32 Second fixing member 40 Frame 50 Cap

Claims

1. a head having a first surface for ejecting liquid; A holder for holding the head; A first fixing member that removably fixes a cap that covers the first surface; a second fixing member that fixes the head and the holding portion; Equipped with The first fixing member and the second fixing member are provided on opposite sides of the head in a thickness direction. Liquid discharge device.

2. a head having a first surface for ejecting liquid; A holder for holding the head; A first fixing member that removably fixes a cap that covers the first surface; a second fixing member that fixes the head and the holding portion; Equipped with The first fixing member is provided so as to be removable in a direction in which the first surface is located from the holding portion. Liquid discharge device.

3. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are provided toward the same side along the thickness direction of the head. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2 .

4. The robot arm has the holding part at its tip. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a head having a first surface for ejecting liquid; A holder for holding the head; A first fixing member that removably fixes a cap that covers the first surface; a second fixing member that fixes the head and the holding portion; Equipped with The head is a nozzle plate having the first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a flow path member located on the second surface and having a plurality of reservoir plates stacked in a thickness direction of the head; a base plate located on the opposite side of the flow path member from the nozzle plate and having a thickness greater than that of each of the reservoir plates; Equipped with The base plate has a first hole for attaching the first fixing member and a second hole for attaching the second fixing member. Liquid discharge device.

6. The flow path member has a first through-portion located away from the second fixing member at a position corresponding to the second hole. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5 .

7. a cap fixed to the head and covering the first surface; The cap has a second through-portion located at a position corresponding to the second hole and spaced apart from the second fixing member. The liquid ejection device according to claim 6 .

8. a step of attaching a cap to a head having a first surface for ejecting liquid, the cap covering the first surface; Fixing the head with the cap attached to a holder; removing a cap from the head fixed to the holding portion; A method for assembling a liquid ejection device comprising:

9. The cap is fixed to the head using a removable first fixing member; The head is fixed to the holding portion using a second fixing member, The first fixing member and the second fixing member are provided toward the same side along the thickness direction of the head. A method for assembling the liquid ejection device according to claim 8.

10. The cap is fixed to the head using a removable first fixing member; The head is fixed to the holding portion using a second fixing member, The first fixing member and the second fixing member are provided on opposite sides of the head in a thickness direction. A method for assembling the liquid ejection device according to claim 8.

11. removably fixing the first fixing member in a direction in which the cap is separated from the first surface. A method for assembling the liquid ejection device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The liquid ejection device is equipped with a robot arm, and the holding unit is located at the tip of the robot arm. A method for assembling the liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. positioning the robot arm so that the holding portion faces downward; a step of fixing the head located below the holding part to the holding part using a second fixing member extending upward from the head side; The method for assembling a liquid ejection device according to claim 12, comprising:

14. positioning the robot arm so that the holding portion faces upward; a step of fixing the head located above the holding part to the holding part using a second fixing member extending downward from the head side; The method for assembling a liquid ejection device according to claim 12, comprising:

15. The head is a nozzle plate having the first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a flow path member located on the second surface and having a plurality of reservoir plates stacked in a thickness direction of the head; a base plate located on the opposite side of the flow path member from the nozzle plate and having a thickness greater than that of each of the reservoir plates; Equipped with The base plate has a first hole for removably attaching the cap to the head using the first fixing member, and a second hole for fixing the head to the holder using the second fixing member. A method for assembling the liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

16. The flow path member has a first through-portion located away from the second fixing member at a position corresponding to the second hole. A method for assembling the liquid ejection device according to claim 15.

17. The cap has a second through-portion located at a position corresponding to the second hole and spaced apart from the second fixing member. A method for assembling the liquid ejection device according to claim 16.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • printing unit for an ink printing device

    DE102014111466A1

  • Storage form of ink jet head and method for liquid filling during storage of ink jet head

    JP2002321387A

  • Head cap and head cover

    JP2005212209A

  • Liquid discharging apparatus, and head assembly

    JP2008229932A

  • Image forming device

    JP2009066909A