Liquid discharge head and recording device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of improving assemblability of a flow passage member and a seal member.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge head includes: a first flow passage member having a first communication hole; a second flow passage member having a second communication hole; and a seal member which has an opening for forming a flow passage connecting the first communication hole and the second communication hole and is interposed between the first flow passage member and the second flow passage member. The first flow passage member has a mounting surface in which the first communication hole is opened and which extends along a vertical direction and an engaging section. The seal member has an engaged section with which the engaging section can be engaged and is fixed to the first flow passage member along the mounting surface by engagement of the engaging section with the engaged section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection head and a recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A liquid ejection type recording apparatus typified by an inkjet printer has a liquid ejection head (recording head) that ejects liquid onto a recording medium. In the liquid ejection head, it is necessary to fluidly connect between components forming a flow path so that the liquid supplied from the main body of the recording apparatus does not leak to the outside. As a means for fluidly connecting between components, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a configuration in which components are fluidly connected by sandwiching a seal member between members is widely known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in the configuration shown in Patent Document 1, at least in the flow path member, there is no means for positioning the seal member at a predetermined mounting position with respect to the flow path member during the assembly of the liquid ejection head. Therefore, when the mounting surface of the flow path member on which the seal member is placed has an angle with respect to the horizontal direction before the seal member is sandwiched between the two flow path members, it may be difficult to hold the seal member on the mounting surface. In particular, when the seal member is sandwiched horizontally between two flow path members during the assembly of the liquid ejection head, some means for holding the seal member at a predetermined mounting position with respect to the mounting surface along the vertical direction is required to prevent the seal member from falling off.

[0005] Here, in the configuration shown in Patent Document 1, the seal member is placed on the mounting surface of one of the flow path members, and the other flow path member is stacked thereon, so that it is configured to be assembled between the two flow path members. Therefore, when the mounting surface of the flow path member on which the seal member is placed is configured to have an angle with respect to the horizontal direction during the assembly of the liquid ejection head, it may be difficult to hold the seal member at a predetermined mounting position with respect to the mounting surface. In particular, in a configuration in which the seal member is sandwiched horizontally between the two flow path members so that the mounting surface is along the vertical direction, some means for holding the seal member at a predetermined mounting position is required to prevent the seal member from falling off.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the assemblability of a flow path member and a seal member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, the liquid ejection head of the present invention a first flow path member having a first communication hole, a second flow path member having a second communication hole, a seal member having an opening for forming a flow path connecting between the first communication hole and the second communication hole, and interposed between the first flow path member and the second flow path member, in a liquid ejection head having the first flow path member has a mounting surface on which the first communication hole opens and extends along the vertical direction, and an engaging portion, the seal member has an engaged portion with which the engaging portion can be engaged, and is fixed to the first flow path member along the mounting surface by the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the assemblability of the flow path member and the seal member can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for carrying out this invention will be illustratively and in detail described based on examples. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes of the components described in this embodiment Their relative arrangements and the like should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] In addition, although a plurality of features are described in each of the embodiments described below, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations among the embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0012] In this specification, "recording" (sometimes referred to as "printing") refers not only to the case of forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also regardless of whether it is significant or not. Furthermore, it includes not only whether it is manifested so that it can be visually perceived by humans, but also widely includes the case of forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc. on a recording medium or performing processing on the medium. Also, "recording medium" refers not only to paper used in general recording devices, but also widely includes cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc., which can receive ink.

[0013] Furthermore, "ink" (sometimes referred to as "liquid") should be interpreted as widely as the above definition of "recording (printing)". Therefore, it represents a liquid that can be used for forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc., processing the recording medium, or treating the ink (for example, coagulating or insolubilizing the colorant in the ink applied to the recording medium) by being applied on the recording medium. Additionally, "recording element" generally refers to a discharge port or a liquid path communicating therewith and an element that generates energy used for ink ejection, unless otherwise specified. Additionally, "nozzle" generally refers to a discharge port or a liquid path communicating therewith and an element that generates energy used for ink ejection, unless otherwise specified.

[0014] The element substrate (head substrate) for a recording head used hereinafter does not refer to a mere substrate made of silicon semiconductor, but refers to a configuration provided with various elements, wirings, etc. Further, the area on the substrate not only indicates the area simply on the element substrate, but also indicates the surface of the element substrate and the inner side of the element substrate near the surface.

[0015] In the present embodiment, as an example of a liquid ejection method, a liquid ejection head that adopts a method of ejecting liquid by driving a piezo element is exemplified. However, the liquid ejection head to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a liquid ejection head that adopts a thermal method of ejecting liquid by bubbles generated by a heater element or other various liquid ejection methods.

[0016] The present embodiment is an inkjet recording apparatus (recording apparatus) in a form that circulates a liquid such as ink between a tank and a liquid ejection head. However, other forms of recording apparatuses may also be used. For example, instead of circulating the ink, two tanks may be provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the liquid ejection head, and the ink may be flowed from one tank to the other tank to flow the ink in the pressure chamber.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is a one-pass type recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by moving the recording medium once, and nozzles are arranged across the entire width of the recording medium 20. The recording medium 20 is conveyed in the direction of arrow A by a conveying unit 11, and recording is performed by a liquid ejection head 100. The recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is a full-color inkjet printer capable of recording in any color by combining inks of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). color.

[0018] The liquid ejection head 100 in the present embodiment is composed of a plurality of liquid ejection heads 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K corresponding to inks of respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). That is, the liquid ejection head 100Y is a liquid ejection head for ejecting yellow ink. Similarly, the liquid ejection head 100M ejects magenta ink, the liquid ejection head 100C ejects cyan ink, and the liquid ejection head 100K ejects black ink. Further, the liquid ejection head 100Y is configured such that a liquid ejection head 100Ya disposed on one side and a liquid ejection head 100Yb disposed on the other side are arranged side by side in the width direction of the recording medium orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium. The liquid ejection heads 100M, 100C, and 100K are configured in the same manner. The liquid ejection heads 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K are configured to have the same structure as each other, differing only in the color of the ink to be ejected.

[0019] The form of the liquid ejection head 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the present invention is applicable to liquid ejection heads in any form including the example of FIG. 1. That is, even when the liquid ejection head takes another form different from FIG. 1, the present invention can be suitably applied.

[0020] (First Embodiment) The configuration of the liquid ejection head 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. As described above, the recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of liquid ejection heads 100Ya, 100Yb, 100Ma, 100Mb, 100Ca, 100Cb, 100Ka, and 100Kb, which have the same structure as each other. Here, the configuration of one of the plurality of liquid ejection heads 100Ya, 100Yb, 100Ma, 100Mb, 100Ca, 100Cb, 100Ka, and 100Kb will be described.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid ejection head 100 according to the present embodiment, in which the vertical direction of the figure coincides with the vertical direction (+z direction), and the ejection surface on which a plurality of ejection ports are arranged and faces the recording medium 20 is positioned downward (facing downward). FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the liquid ejection head 100 according to the present embodiment, in which the vertical direction of the figure coincides with the direction opposite to the vertical direction (-z direction), and the ejection surface on which a plurality of ejection ports are arranged and faces the recording medium 20 is positioned upward (facing upward). FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid ejection head 100.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid ejection head 100 has four recording element substrates 210 capable of ejecting liquid from an ejection surface on which a plurality of ejection ports (nozzles) are formed. The four recording element substrates 210 are arranged in a staggered pattern on the support member 310. The liquid ejection head 100 is positioned in the recording apparatus 10 by the reference member 340. A liquid connection portion 501 and a refrigerant connection portion 611 are provided above the liquid ejection head 100. When the liquid connection portion 501 of the liquid ejection head 100 is connected to the liquid supply portion on the recording apparatus side, liquid such as ink is supplied into the liquid ejection head 100. Similarly, when the refrigerant connection portion 611 of the liquid ejection head 100 is connected to the refrigerant supply portion on the recording apparatus side, refrigerant is supplied into the liquid ejection head 100. Further, the liquid ejection head 100 has cover members 420 and 430 as a head exterior portion for covering and protecting an electric substrate, an electrical connection portion, and the like.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid ejection head 100 has, as an internal configuration, a support unit 300, an electrical wiring substrate 400, an electrical wiring substrate support member 410, a liquid supply unit 500, and a cooling unit 600. The support unit 300 includes a support member 310. The electrical wiring substrate 400 is supported by the electrical wiring substrate support member 410. The liquid supply unit 500 supplies liquid to the liquid ejection unit 200 via the electrical wiring substrate support member 410 and the support unit 300. The cooling unit 600 cools the drive circuit. Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the liquid ejection head 100 will be described in detail.

[0024] FIG. 5 is an electrical connection configuration diagram of the liquid ejection head 100 according to the present embodiment. The recording device 10 and the recording element substrate 210 are electrically connected via a flexible wiring substrate 250 and an electrical wiring substrate 400. The electrical wiring substrate 400 is electrically connected to the control unit on the recording device side by an electrical connection terminal 402, and a discharge drive signal and the power required for discharge are supplied from the recording device main body to the recording element substrate 210. The electrical wiring substrate 400 and the flexible wiring substrate 250 are electrically connected by an electrical connection portion 401. By aggregating the wirings by the electrical circuit in the electrical wiring substrate 400, the number of terminals of the electrical connection terminal 402 can be made smaller than the number of terminals of the recording element substrate 210. Thereby, when assembling the liquid ejection head 100 to the recording device 10 or when replacing the liquid ejection head, the number of electrical connection portions that need to be removed can be reduced.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the liquid ejection unit 200, showing the liquid ejection unit 200 in a state where the vertical direction in the figure coincides with the vertical direction (+z direction), and the ejection surface on which a plurality of ejection ports are arranged and face the recording medium 20 is located below (facing downward). FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the liquid ejection unit 200, showing the liquid ejection unit 200 in a state where the vertical direction in the figure coincides with the vertical direction (-z direction), and the ejection surface on which a plurality of ejection ports are arranged and face the recording medium 20 is located above (facing upward). FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid ejection unit 200.

[0026] The liquid ejection unit 200 is composed of a recording element substrate 210 that ejects liquid, a recording element substrate flow path member 220, a recording element substrate support member 230, a flow path member 240, and a flexible wiring substrate 250. The recording element substrate flow path member 220 supplies liquid to the recording element substrate 210. The flexible wiring substrate 250 is electrically connected to the recording element substrate 210. The recording element substrate support member 230 is joined to the ejection surface side of the recording element substrate 210.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 9, electrode portions 212 are provided on the thin plate portions 211 at both ends of the recording element substrate 210. By bringing the electrode portions 212 into contact with the first electrical connection portions 252 of the flexible wiring substrate 250, the recording element substrate 210 and the flexible wiring substrate 250 are electrically connected. In order to prevent liquid from entering this electrical connection portion and reinforce the thin plate portion 211 of the recording element substrate 210, a recording element substrate support member 230 is joined to the ejection surface side of the thin plate portion 211. A drive circuit board 251 for driving the recording elements of the recording element substrate 210 is provided on the flexible wiring substrate 250.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support unit 300 that supports the liquid ejection unit 200. The support unit 300 includes a support member 310, a frame member 320, a liquid supply member 330, a reference member 340, and a reference fixing member 350. The support member 310 has the liquid ejection unit 200 joined thereto. The frame member 320 surrounds the periphery of the liquid ejection unit 200. The liquid supply member 330 has a flow path formed therein for supplying liquid to each liquid ejection unit 200 via the support member 310. The reference member 340 has a positioning function with respect to the recording device 10 of the liquid ejection unit 200. The reference fixing member 350 fixes the reference member 340 to the support member 310. For the support member 310, the frame member 320, and the liquid supply member 330, it is preferable to select members having the same linear expansion coefficient, or, when using different types of materials, members having as close a linear expansion coefficient as possible, in consideration of the influence of thermal expansion due to, for example, ink heating temperature control or environmental variations. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress deformation of the entire support unit during thermal expansion and deterioration of the positional accuracy of the recording element substrate 210 associated therewith.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a liquid ejection head in which the liquid ejection unit 200 is assembled to the support unit 300 FIG. 11 is a plan view of the liquid ejection head 100 as viewed from the ejection surface side. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 11. The flow path member 240 and the liquid supply member 330 are joined to the support member 310, and the respective liquid flow paths are fluid-connected. The periphery of the recording element substrate support member 230 is sealed with a peripheral sealing member (not shown) between the frame member 320 in order to prevent liquid intrusion. The back surface of the recording element substrate support member 230 may be sealed with a back surface sealing member (not shown) for reinforcement. Three holes are formed in the support member 310 for inserting the reference fixing member 350. The reference fixing member 350 is fixed to these holes, and the reference member 340 is fixed to the reference fixing member 350. The reference fixing member 350 may be an integral part with the support member 310.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the liquid member connection configuration of the liquid ejection head 100 according to the present embodiment. (a) is a perspective view of the liquid supply unit 500 as viewed from obliquely above, and (b) is a perspective view of the liquid supply unit 500 as viewed from obliquely below. The liquid supply unit 500 has a liquid connection portion 501 and is connected to the liquid supply system of the recording apparatus 10. Thereby, liquid is supplied from the supply system of the recording apparatus 10 to the liquid ejection head 100, and the liquid that has passed through the liquid ejection head 100 is recovered to the supply system of the recording apparatus 10. In this way, the liquid can circulate through the path of the recording apparatus 10 and the path of the liquid ejection head 100. Inside the liquid supply unit 500, a filter (not shown) communicating with each opening of the liquid connection portion 501 is provided in order to remove foreign substances in the supplied ink.

[0031] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connection portion between the liquid supply unit 500 and the liquid supply member 330. The liquid flowing in from the recording apparatus side from the liquid connection portion 501 passes through the communication port 502 and is supplied to the liquid supply member 330. The space between the liquid supply unit 500 and the liquid supply member 330 is sealed by an elastic member 503.

[0032] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the liquid member connection configuration of the support unit 300, and FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the liquid member connection configuration of the liquid discharge unit 200. The liquid supply unit 500 and the liquid supply member 330 are fluid-connected by a communication port 331. In the liquid supply member 330, a flow path (shown by a broken line in FIG. 17) for distributing the liquid to each liquid discharge unit 200 is formed. The liquid supply member 330 and the support member 310 are fluid-connected by a communication port 311. The support member 310 and each liquid discharge unit 200 are fluid-connected by a communication port 241 of the flow path member 240. A liquid flow path 242 is formed in the flow path member 240 and is fluid-connected to the recording element substrate flow path member 220 through the communication port 221.

[0033] FIG. 19 shows the fluid connection configuration in the recording element substrate 210. The liquid flowing in from each communication port 221 passes through the common flow path 222 and is supplied to the recording element substrate 210, and is discharged from the discharge port 213 by the discharge energy generated by the operation of the piezoelectric element 214.

[0034] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cooling unit 600 for cooling the drive circuit board 251. FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling unit 600, and FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 20. The cooling unit 600 has a refrigerant connection portion 611 and is connected to the refrigerant supply system of the recording apparatus 10. Thereby, the refrigerant is supplied from the refrigerant supply system of the recording apparatus 10 to the cooling unit 600, and the refrigerant that has passed through the cooling unit 600 is recovered to the refrigerant supply system of the recording apparatus 10. In this way, the refrigerant can circulate through the path of the recording apparatus 10 and the path of the cooling unit 600. The refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant connection portion 611 branches off through a refrigerant flow path formed between the first refrigerant supply member 610 and the second refrigerant supply member 620. The second refrigerant supply member 620 and the first cooling member 630 are fluid-connected via a seal member 670. The refrigerant branched in the second refrigerant supply member 620 circulates in a refrigerant flow path formed between the first cooling member 630 and the second cooling member 640 and then flows out again into the second refrigerant supply member 620. The first cooling member 630 is brought into contact with the drive circuit board 251 with the heat conduction member 650 interposed therebetween. Accordingly, it is configured to transfer the heat generated during the operation of the drive circuit board 251 to the refrigerant in the first cooling member 630. An elastic member 660 is provided between the two flexible wiring boards 250, whereby the heat conduction member 650 can be surely brought into close contact with the drive circuit board 251. For the first cooling member 630, in order to facilitate the transfer of the heat generated in the drive circuit board 251, it is preferable to select a member having as high a thermal conductivity as possible, such as aluminum.

[0035] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection portion between the recording apparatus 10 and the liquid ejection head 100. (a) shows the state before the liquid ejection head 100 is electrically connected to the recording apparatus 10, and (b) shows the state when the liquid ejection head 100 is electrically connected to the recording apparatus 10. Electrical connection terminals 402 are formed on the electrical wiring board 400 in the liquid ejection head 100, and are electrically connected by connecting to the electrical wiring portion 12 provided in the recording apparatus main body. The periphery (electrical connection portion) of the electrical connection terminals 402 is covered with an openable and closable cover member 430. FIG. 23(b) shows the state when the cover member 430 is opened.

[0036] (Description of the Configuration of the Seal Member and the Refrigerant Supply Member) The configuration of the seal member 670 and the second refrigerant supply member 620 will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 28.

[0037] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the seal member 670 in the present embodiment. (a) is a schematic perspective view, and (b) is a view taken in the direction of arrow G in (a). The seal member 670 has three engaged portions 671 and two openings 672. The engaged portion 671 is configured such that the engaging portion 621 of the second refrigerant supply member 620 can be engaged therewith. Further, the seal member 670 has a second opening 674 between the engaged portion 671 and the opening 672. Further, a contact portion 673 is provided around the opening 672.

[0038] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the first refrigerant supply member 610 and the second refrigerant supply member 620 of the present embodiment, (a) is a schematic perspective view, and (b) is a view taken along arrow H in (a). FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the first refrigerant supply member 610 and the second refrigerant supply member 620 of the present embodiment, (a) is a partially enlarged view of the h1 portion in FIG. 25(a), and (b) is a partially enlarged view of the h2 portion in FIG. 25(b). The second refrigerant supply member 620 has three engaging portions 621 and two first communication ports 622.

[0039] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a state in which the seal member 670 is attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620, (a) is a schematic perspective view, and (b) is a view taken along arrow I in (a). Further, FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line J-J of FIG. 20.

[0040] The seal member 670 is fixed (positioned) to the second refrigerant supply member 620 by the engaged portion 671 engaging with the engaging portion 621 provided on the second refrigerant supply member 620 as the first flow path member. Further, the first cooling member 630 as the second flow path member and the second cooling member 640 are assembled to the second refrigerant supply member 620 with the seal member 670 interposed therebetween. The seal member 670 is mounted so as to be sandwiched at a predetermined mounting position between the second refrigerant supply member 620 and the first cooling member 630.

[0041] The second refrigerant supply member 620 is provided with a first communication port 622 as a first communication hole, and the first cooling member 630 is provided with a second communication port 632 as a second communication hole. The opening 672 provided in the seal member 670 interposed between the second refrigerant supply member 620 and the first cooling member 630 forms a portion of a flow path connecting the first communication port 622 of the second refrigerant supply member 620 and the second communication port 632 of the first cooling member 630.

[0042] On the outer periphery of the opening 672, there is a protruding portion formed in a substantially annular shape so as to surround the opening 672 The contact portion 673 is provided. The seal member 670 has a facing surface 6701 (first facing surface) facing the second refrigerant supply member 620 and a facing surface 6702 (second facing surface) facing the first cooling member 630. The contact portion 673 is provided on each of the facing surfaces 6701 and 6702. That is, the contact portion 673 includes a first contact portion provided on the facing surface 6701 and a second contact portion provided on the facing surface 6702. The thickness of the seal member 670 in the region sandwiched between the second refrigerant supply member 620 and the first cooling member 630 becomes locally thick at the location where the contact portion 673 is provided. That is, the seal member 670 is elastically compressed between the second refrigerant supply member 620 (mounting surface 6201) and the first cooling member 630 (mounting surface 6302), particularly at the location where the contact portion 673 is provided. In this way, when the contact portion 673 contacts the second refrigerant supply member 620 and the first cooling member 630, the opening 672 of the seal member 670 is in a state of being fluidly connected in a liquid-tight manner between the first communication port 622 and the second communication port 632.

[0043] The mounting surface 6201 (first mounting surface) of the seal member 670 on the second refrigerant supply member 620 and the mounting surface 6302 (second mounting surface) of the seal member 670 on the first cooling member 630 are surfaces extending along the vertical direction (z direction). The seal member 670 is sandwiched between the second refrigerant supply member 620 and the first cooling member 630 with the facing surfaces 6701 and 6702 extending along the vertical direction. Therefore, the first communication port 622 of the second refrigerant supply member 620 and the second communication port 632 of the first cooling member 630 are fluidly connected in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction through the opening 672 of the seal member 670.

[0044] The engaging portion 621 of the second refrigerant supply member 620 is a protruding portion protruding from the mounting surface of the seal member 670 on the second refrigerant supply member 620. The engaged portion 671 of the seal member 670 is a hole portion through which the engaging portion 621 of the second refrigerant supply member 620 can be inserted. A plurality of combinations of the engaging portion 621 and the engaged portion 671 are provided, and three are provided in this embodiment.

[0045] The distance a between the engaged portions 671 provided in plurality on the seal member 670 is shorter than the distance b between the engaging portions 621 provided in plurality on the second refrigerant supply member 620. More specifically, among the plurality of engaged portions 671, an engaged portion 671a (first engaged portion) disposed on one side in the vertical direction across the opening 672 and an engaged portion 671b (second engaged portion) disposed on the other side have the distance a provided therebetween in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the distance between the hole centers of the engaged portions 671 is defined as the distance a, but the reference for measuring the distance a is not limited thereto. Similarly, among the plurality of engaging portions 621, an engaging portion 621a (first engaging portion) disposed on one side in the vertical direction across the first communication port 622 and an engaging portion 621b (second engaging portion) disposed on the other side have the distance b provided therebetween in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the distance between the centers of the circular cross-sections of the engaging portions 621 is defined as the distance b, but the reference for measuring the distance b is not limited thereto.

[0046] According to the above configuration, the distance a of the engaged portion 671 takes a first distance before the seal member 670 is assembled to the second refrigerant supply member 620, and takes a second distance longer than the first distance after the seal member 670 is assembled to the second refrigerant supply member 620. That is, when the seal member 670 is attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620, it is attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620 in a deformed state elastically stretched. As a result, an elastic force acts on the seal member 670 after attachment, and the engaged portion 671 comes into close contact with the engaging portion 621. As a result, it becomes difficult for the seal member 670 to come off from the second refrigerant supply member 620, and it is possible to prevent the seal member 670 from dropping off during assembly.

[0047] Further, the contact portion 673 of the seal member 670 is located between the plurality of engaged portions 671. More specifically, the contact portion 673 is disposed between the first engaged portion 671a and the second engaged portion 671b in the vertical direction, which is the direction in which the seal member 670 is elastically stretched when attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620. According to the above configuration, the engaged portion 671 is held and the seal portion By assembling the member 670, it becomes possible to mount it without touching the contact portion 673. As a result, it is possible to prevent the adhesion of dust or the like due to touching the contact portion 673 during assembly, and it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid leaks outside the liquid discharge head 100.

[0048] Furthermore, the protruding length of the engaging portion 621 is sufficiently longer than the thickness of the seal member 670. According to the above configuration, after the seal member 670 is mounted, it becomes difficult for the seal member 670 to come off from the engaging portion 621. As a result, it is possible to prevent the seal member 670 from dropping off from the second refrigerant supply member 620 during assembly.

[0049] Also, by stretching and mounting the seal member 670, the contact surface of the seal member 670 may be deformed, and there is a risk that the liquid may leak outside the liquid discharge head 100. In the present embodiment, a second opening 674 is provided between the contact portion 673 and the engaged portion 671. The second opening 674 is a through hole that penetrates the seal member 670 at a position not communicating with the first communication port 622 and the second communication port 632. By providing the second opening 674, the deformation of the seal member 670 can be absorbed by the deformation of the second opening 672, and the deformation of the contact portion 673 can be suppressed. As a result, the possibility that the liquid leaks outside the liquid discharge head 100 can be reduced.

[0050] (First Modified Example) FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a first modified example in the present embodiment. (a) is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the seal member 670a is mounted on the second refrigerant supply member 620a, and (b) is a front view of (a). Here, the configuration different from the above embodiment in the first modified example will be described, and the description of the configuration common to the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, the opening 672, the first communication port 622, and the second communication port 632 each had two for one seal member 670. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the first modification shown in FIG. 29, there may be one or more opening 672, first communication port 622, and second communication port 632. Also, the engaged portion 671 and the engaging portion 621 each had three for one seal member 670, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the engaged portion 671 and the engaging portion 621 may have at least two or more for one seal member 670a. Since there are two or more engaged portions 671 and engaging portions 621, the seal member 670a is positioned and held with respect to the second refrigerant supply member 620a. As a result, when assembling the first cooling member 630, it is possible to assemble it without the position of the seal member 670a being displaced.

[0052] (Second Modification) FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a second modification in the present embodiment. (a) is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the seal member 670b is attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620b, and (b) is a front view of (a). Here, the configuration different from the above-described embodiment in the second modification will be described, and the description of the configuration common to the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the seal member 670 was attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620 while being stretched in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, a configuration in which the seal member 670b is attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620b while being stretched in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction may also be used.

[0054] (Third Modification) FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a third modification in the present embodiment, and is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the seal member 670c is attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620c. Also, FIG. 32 is FIG. is a view showing the seal member 670c in the third modification, where (a) is a schematic perspective view of the seal member 670c and (b) is a side view in (a). FIG. 33 shows a schematic perspective view of the second refrigerant supply member 620c in the third modification. Here, the configuration different from the above-described embodiment in the third modification will be described, and the description of the configuration common to the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the engaged portion 671 has a round hole shape and the engaging portion 621 has a boss shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, the engaged portion 671c of the seal member 670c may be a convex shape (protrusion), and the engaging portion 621c of the second refrigerant supply member 620c may be a concave shape (recess) corresponding to the shape of the engaged portion 671c (into which the engaged portion 671c can be inserted). In this way, when the seal member 670c is attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620c, any shape that can prevent the seal member 670c from falling off the second refrigerant supply member 620c is acceptable.

[0056] (Fourth Modification) FIG. 34 is a view showing the fourth modification in the present embodiment, where (a) is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the seal member 670d is attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620d, (b) is a side view of (a), and (c) is an enlarged view of part k in (b). Here, the configuration different from the above-described embodiment in the fourth modification will be described, and the description of the configuration common to the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0057] The engaging portion 621d of the second refrigerant supply member 620d has an engaging protrusion 623 that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the engaging portion 621d as a protrusion with respect to the engaged portion 671d as a hole portion of the seal member 670d. The engaging protrusion 623 is provided at a portion (the tip side portion of the engaging portion 621d as a protrusion) that passes through the engaged portion 671d which is a hole portion in the engaging portion 621d. According to the above configuration, when the seal member 670d is about to fall off the second refrigerant supply member 620d, the seal member 670d is caught by the engaging protrusion 623, thereby preventing the seal member 670d from falling off the second refrigerant supply member 620d.

[0058] (Fifth Modification Example) FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a fifth modification example in the present embodiment, and is a schematic perspective view showing a state where a seal member 670e is attached to a second refrigerant supply member 620e. FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view of the seal member 670e for the fifth modification example, and FIG. 37 is a schematic perspective view of the second refrigerant supply member 620e for the fifth modification example. Here, a configuration different from the above embodiment in the fifth modification example will be described, and the description of the configuration common to the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the contact portion 673 is provided on the seal member 670 so that the second refrigerant supply member 620 and the first cooling member 630 are in contact with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 35 to 37, a contact convex portion 624 as a contact portion is provided on the second refrigerant supply member 620e, and a configuration in which the seal member 670e and the contact convex portion 624 are in contact with each other to be fluidly connected may be used. The contact convex portion 624 is provided so as to surround the first communication port 622 on the mounting surface of the seal member 670e in the second refrigerant supply member 620e and protrude from the mounting surface. Although the description is omitted, the first cooling member 630 is also provided with a contact convex portion having the same configuration as the contact convex portion 624.

[0060] (Sixth Modification Example) FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a sixth modification example in the above embodiment. FIG. 38(a) is a schematic perspective view of the seal member 670 in the sixth modification example, and FIG. 38(b) is a front view of FIG. 38(a). Here, a configuration different from the above embodiment in the sixth modification example will be described, and the description of the configuration common to the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the second opening 674 in the seal member 670 was composed of two long holes and one round hole, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 38, the second opening 674f may be an arc-shaped hole having an arc-shaped opening shape extending in a direction along the outer peripheral direction of the opening 672. The second opening 674f of this modification is configured such that two arc-shaped holes corresponding to each of the two openings 672 are connected. That is, as the shape of the second opening 674f, any shape may be adopted as long as it is a hole shape capable of deforming to absorb the deformation of the seal member 670f and suppressing the deformation of the contact portion 673 when the seal member 670f is attached to the second refrigerant supply member 620 while stretching the seal member 670f.

[0062] As described above, in the liquid ejection head, when fluid connection is performed in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction for the head constituent member, there is a risk that the seal member may fall during assembly. Further, by touching the contact surface of the seal member during assembly, dust or the like may adhere to the contact surface, and there is a risk that liquid may leak from the flow path connection portion to the outside of the liquid ejection head. According to the liquid ejection head according to the present embodiment, it is possible to stably hold the seal member at a predetermined attachment position with respect to the flow path member during head assembly. Thereby, it is possible to improve the assemblability and reliability when performing fluid connection using the seal member in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction during head assembly.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment and each modification, an example in which the present invention is applied to the seal member 670 used for the flow path for circulating the refrigerant in the liquid ejection head has been described, but the application range of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the present invention may be applied to a seal member used for a liquid supply flow path for supplying the liquid (ink) ejected from the ejection port toward the ejection port.

[0064] In addition, in the above-described embodiments and each modification, the case where the present invention is applied to a seal member configured to be sandwiched in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction between two flow path members has been described. However, the application range of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention may be applied to a seal member configured to be sandwiched in a direction (inclined direction) having an angle with respect to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction between two flow path members. Further, the present invention may be applied to a seal member configured to be sandwiched in the vertical direction between two flow path members. Even in a configuration where they are stacked in the vertical direction, reliable positioning of the seal member becomes possible, and the assemblability of the liquid ejection head can be improved.

[0065] The above-described embodiments and each modification can be combined with each other in terms of their respective configurations.

[0066] The disclosure of the embodiment of the present invention includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) A first flow path member having a first communication hole, A second flow path member having a second communication hole, A seal member having an opening that forms a flow path connecting between the first communication hole and the second communication hole and interposed between the first flow path member and the second flow path member, In a liquid ejection head having, The first flow path member has an attachment surface where the first communication hole opens and extends along the vertical direction, and an engaging portion, The seal member has an engaged portion with which the engaging portion can be engaged, and is fixed to the first flow path member along the attachment surface by the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion. A liquid ejection head characterized by this. (Configuration 2) The engaging portion is a protrusion protruding from the attachment surface, The engaged portion is a hole portion through which the protrusion can be inserted. The liquid ejection head according to Configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The protrusion has a protruding portion protruding in a direction intersecting the insertion direction with respect to the hole portion at a portion passing through the hole portion. The liquid ejection head according to Configuration 2. (Configuration 4) The engaging portion is a recessed portion recessed from the mounting surface, The engaged portion is a convex portion that can be inserted into the recessed portion, and the liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) The sealing member is assembled so as to be sandwiched between the first flow path member and the second flow path member in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface, and the liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) The engaging portion includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion provided at a position different from the first engaging portion, The engaged portion includes a first engaged portion corresponding to the first engaging portion and a second engaged portion corresponding to the second engaging portion, and the liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) The distance between the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion is, Before the sealing member is assembled to the first flow path member, it is a first distance, After the sealing member is assembled to the first flow path member, it is a second distance longer than the first distance, and the liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 8) The mounting surface is defined as a first mounting surface, The second flow path member has a second mounting surface on which the second communication hole opens and extends along the vertical direction, The sealing member is, Provided so as to surround the opening in a region facing the first mounting surface, and a first contact portion that contacts the first mounting surface, Provided so as to surround the opening in a region facing the second mounting surface, and a second contact portion that contacts the second mounting surface, And has the liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 9) The first contact portion and the second contact portion are provided between the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion, and the liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 10) The first abutting portion is provided so as to protrude from a first opposing surface of the seal member facing the first mounting surface. The liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, wherein the second abutting portion is provided so as to protrude from a second opposing surface of the seal member facing the second mounting surface. (Configuration 11) The seal member has an opposing surface facing the mounting surface. The liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, wherein the first flow path member surrounds the first communication hole on the mounting surface and is provided so as to protrude from the mounting surface, and has an abutting portion that abuts against the opposing surface. (Configuration 12) The liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 11, wherein the seal member has a second opening that does not communicate with the first communication hole and the second communication hole and penetrates the seal member between the engaged portion and the opening. (Configuration 13) A discharge port for discharging liquid, A liquid supply flow path for supplying liquid toward the discharge port, and further includes The liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 12, wherein the flow paths formed by the first flow path member, the second flow path member, and the seal member are different from the liquid supply flow path. (Configuration 14) The liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 13, wherein the flow paths formed by the first flow path member, the second flow path member, and the seal member are flow paths for circulating a refrigerant. (Configuration 15) A recording apparatus that records by ejecting ink from the discharge port of the liquid ejection head according to any one of Configurations 1 to 14 onto a recording medium.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 10…Recording device, 100…Liquid ejection head, 600…Cooling unit, 620…Second refrigerant supply member, 621…Engagement portion, 622…First communication port, 630…First cooling member, 631…Refrigerant flow path, 632…Second communication port, 670…Sealing member, 671…Engaged portion, 672…Opening, 673…Contact portion, 674…Second opening

Claims

1. A first flow path member having a first communication hole, A second flow path member having a second communication hole, A seal member having an opening that forms a flow path connecting between the first communication hole and the second communication hole, and interposed between the first flow path member and the second flow path member, In a liquid discharge head having, The first flow path member has an attachment surface on which the first communication hole opens and extends along the vertical direction, and an engaging portion, The seal member has an engaged portion with which the engaging portion can be engaged, and is fixed to the first flow path member along the attachment surface by the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion. A liquid discharge head characterized by that.

2. The engaging portion is a protruding portion protruding from the attachment surface, The engaged portion is a hole portion through which the protruding portion can be inserted. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1.

3. The protruding portion has a protruding portion protruding in a direction intersecting the insertion direction with respect to the hole portion at a portion passing through the hole portion. The liquid discharge head according to claim 2.

4. The engaging portion is a recessed portion recessed from the attachment surface, The engaged portion is a convex portion that can be inserted into the recessed portion. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1.

5. The seal member is assembled so as to be sandwiched between the first flow path member and the second flow path member in a direction perpendicular to the attachment surface. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1.

6. The engaging portion includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion provided at a position different from the first engaging portion, The engaged portion includes a first engaged portion corresponding to the first engaging portion and a second engaged portion corresponding to the second engaging portion. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1.

7. The distance between the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion is, Before the seal member is assembled to the first flow path member, it is a first distance, After the seal member is assembled to the first flow path member, it is a second distance longer than the first distance. The liquid discharge head according to claim 6.

8. Taking the attachment surface as a first attachment surface, The second flow path member has a second attachment surface on which the second communication hole opens and extends along the vertical direction, The seal member is, A first contact portion provided so as to surround the opening in a region facing the first attachment surface and contacting the first attachment surface, A second contact portion provided so as to surround the opening in a region facing the second attachment surface and contacting the second attachment surface, The liquid discharge head according to claim 7, having.

9. The liquid discharge head according to claim 8, wherein the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion are provided between the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion.

10. The first abutting portion is provided so as to protrude from a first opposing surface of the seal member facing the first mounting surface. The liquid discharge head according to claim 9, wherein the second abutting portion is provided so as to protrude from a second opposing surface of the seal member facing the second mounting surface.

11. The seal member has an opposing surface facing the mounting surface. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path member surrounds the first communication hole on the mounting surface and is provided so as to protrude from the mounting surface, and has an abutting portion that abuts against the opposing surface.

12. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the seal member has a second opening that does not communicate with the first communication hole and the second communication hole and penetrates the seal member between the engaged portion and the opening.

13. A discharge port for discharging liquid, A liquid supply flow path for supplying liquid toward the discharge port, The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, further comprising: wherein the flow path formed by the first flow path member, the second flow path member, and the seal member is a flow path different from the liquid supply flow path.

14. The liquid discharge head according to claim 13, wherein the flow path formed by the first flow path member, the second flow path member, and the seal member is a flow path for circulating refrigerant.

15. A recording apparatus, characterized in that recording is performed by discharging ink from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head according to claim 13 onto a recording medium. ​ ​

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