Passage member, liquid jet head, and liquid jet device

Abstract

To provide a passage member which enables easy exchange of a filter, and to provide a liquid jet head and a liquid jet device.SOLUTION: A passage member includes: a first passage 401 and a second passage 402 forming parts of a supply passage in which a fluid flows; a filter 150 which is disposed in the middle of the supply passage and through which the liquid passes; a flexible holding member 160 which forms a part of the supply passage and holds the filter 150; and a first member 130 and a second member 140 which form parts of the supply passage 400 and are detachably fixed by a screw 170 and a nut 171 so as to sandwich the holding member 160.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow path member having a flow path through which a liquid flows, a liquid ejection head that ejects a liquid from a nozzle, and a liquid ejection apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a flow path member including a filter, a fixing member to which the filter is welded, and layers that are adhered to the fixing member so as to sandwich the fixing member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-338 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The fixing member is fixed to the layer with adhesive, making it difficult to remove the filter and replace it with a different filter. Therefore, when a filter becomes clogged and needs to be replaced, the entire flow path member must be replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aspect of the present invention that solves the above problem is a flow path member comprising: a supply flow path through which a liquid flows; a filter that is disposed midway along the supply flow path and through which the liquid passes; a flexible holding member that forms part of the supply flow path and holds the filter; and first and second members that also form part of the supply flow path and are detachably fixed so as to sandwich the holding member.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention that solves the above problem is a liquid jet head that includes the flow path member of the above aspect and a head tip that jets liquid supplied from the flow path member.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention that solves the above problem is a liquid ejection apparatus that includes the liquid ejection head of the above aspect, and a liquid storage section that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection head. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid ejecting device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid jet head according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid jet head according to the first embodiment taken along the line AA. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the flow path member according to the first embodiment, taken along the line BB. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exploded flow path member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the holding member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a holding member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the first member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the head chip according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the head chip according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the head chip according to the first embodiment taken along line CC. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below based on embodiments. However, the following description illustrates one aspect of the present invention and can be modified as desired within the scope of the present invention. In each drawing, the same reference numerals indicate the same components, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. In each drawing, X, Y, and Z represent three spatial axes that are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, the directions along these axes are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. In each drawing, the direction indicated by the arrow is the positive (+) direction, and the direction opposite the arrow is the negative (-) direction. The Z direction indicates the vertical direction, the +Z direction indicates a vertically downward direction, and the -Z direction indicates a vertically upward direction. Furthermore, the directions of the three spatial axes, which are not limited to positive and negative directions, will be described as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejecting apparatus 1 of the present invention.

[0011] As shown in the figure, the liquid ejection device 1 is an inkjet recording device that ejects and impacts ink, a type of liquid, as ink droplets onto a medium S such as printing paper, and prints an image or the like by forming an array of dots on the medium S. The medium S can be made of any material, such as recording paper, resin film, or cloth.

[0012] The liquid ejecting device 1 includes a liquid ejecting head 2, a liquid storage section 3, a control unit 4 which is a control section, a transport mechanism 5 which feeds out the medium S, and a moving mechanism 6.

[0013] The liquid jet head 2 jets ink supplied from a liquid storage unit 3 from a plurality of nozzles onto the medium S. A detailed configuration of the liquid jet head 2 will be described later.

[0014] The liquid storage unit 3 stores the ink to be ejected from the liquid ejection head 2. Examples of the liquid storage unit 3 include a cartridge that is detachable from the liquid ejection device 1, a bag-shaped ink pack made of flexible film, and an ink tank that can be refilled with ink. Although not specifically shown, the liquid storage unit 3 may store multiple types of ink with different colors, ingredients, etc. individually. The liquid storage unit 3 may also be separated into a main tank and a sub-tank. The sub-tank may be connected to the liquid ejection head 2, and the liquid consumed when droplets are ejected from the liquid ejection head 2 may be replenished from the main tank to the sub-tank. The liquid may also be circulated between the liquid storage unit 3 and the liquid ejection head 2.

[0015] The control unit 4 includes, for example, a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The control unit 4 also includes a power supply device that supplies power from an external power source such as a commercial power source to each element of the liquid ejection device 1. The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the liquid ejection head 2 via external wiring (not shown). The control unit 4 comprehensively controls each element of the liquid ejection device 1 by the control device executing a program stored in the storage device.

[0016] The transport mechanism 5 transports the medium S in the X-axis direction, and includes, for example, a transport roller 5a that is rotated by a transport motor that is driven under the control of the control unit 4.

[0017] The movement mechanism 6 is a mechanism for reciprocating the liquid jet head 2 in the Y-axis direction, and includes a holder 6a that holds the liquid jet head 2, and a conveyor belt 6b that is an endless belt that is stretched along the Y-axis direction. The control unit 4 controls the driving of a conveyor motor (not shown) to rotate the conveyor belt 6b, and moves the liquid jet head 2 reciprocally in the Y-axis direction together with the holder 6a fixed to the conveyor belt 6b.

[0018] The liquid jet head 2 performs a jetting operation of jetting ink supplied from the liquid storage section 3 as ink droplets in the +Z direction from each of the multiple nozzles 21 (see FIG. 3) under the control of the control unit 4. This jetting operation by the liquid jet head 2 is performed in parallel with the transport of the medium S by the transport mechanism 5 and the reciprocating movement of the liquid jet head 2 by the movement mechanism 6, thereby applying ink to the medium S, or so-called printing.

[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid jet head 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid jet head 2 taken along line AA. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the flow path member taken along line BB. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the exploded flow path member. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the second member. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the holding member. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the holding member. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the first member. Note that FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the first member 130, the second member 140, the filter 150, and the holding member 160 of the flow path member, and do not illustrate the other members. Furthermore, the directions of the liquid jet head 2 will be described based on the directions when it is mounted on the liquid jet device 1, i.e., the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid jet head 2 includes a plurality of head chips 8, a flow path member 200 having a supply flow path 400, a relay substrate 210, and a cover 220.

[0021] The flow path member 200 has a supply flow path 400 that supplies ink supplied from the liquid storage portion 3 to the head chip 8.

[0022] The flow path member 200 includes a first flow path member 201 having a filter 150 and a holding member 160, a second flow path member 202, and a sealing member 203. The first flow path member 201, the sealing member 203, and the second flow path member 202 are stacked in this order in the +Z direction.

[0023] The first flow path member 201 includes a first member 130 and a second member 140. In this embodiment, there are four first members 130, which are arranged side by side at intervals in the Y-axis direction. The four first members 130 are also referred to as first member 130A, first member 130B, first member 130C, and first member 130D, in that order from the -Y direction to the +Y direction. The first members 130 and the second members 140 form a first flow path 401, a filter chamber 131, and a second flow path 402, which are parts of the supply flow path 400, and are detachably fixed so as to sandwich the holding member 160.

[0024] 3 to 5 and 9, the first member 130 has a tube connection portion 132 on its surface facing the -Z direction. The tube connection portion 132 has a cylindrical shape that protrudes in the -Z direction from the -Z direction surface of the first member 130. A first flow path 401 is provided inside the tube connection portion 132. A tube (not shown) is connected to the tube connection portion 132, and liquid is supplied from the liquid storage portion 3 to the first flow path 401 via the tube.

[0025] The first member 130 has a filter chamber 131 which is a recess that communicates with the first flow path 401 and is open in the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the filter chamber 131 has a rectangular opening when viewed in the -Z direction, and the shape of the opening of the filter chamber 131 is smaller than the outer shape of the holding member 160 when viewed in the -Z direction, and is approximately the same shape as the outer shape of the filter 150.

[0026] The first member 130 has an accommodating recess 137 formed on the outer side of the filter chamber 131 as viewed in the -Z direction. The accommodating recess 137 is shallower in the Z-axis direction than the filter chamber 131 and has a shape that allows the holding member 160 to be accommodated therein. The first member 130 also has a first rib 135 that protrudes in the +Z direction from a bottom surface 138 of the accommodating recess 137 along the inner circumferential surface that defines the filter chamber 131. In other words, the first rib 135 is formed so as to form a boundary between the filter chamber 131 and the accommodating recess 137 as viewed in the -Z direction. In this embodiment, the first rib 135 is formed in a rectangular frame shape that is aligned with the opening of the filter chamber 131 as viewed in the -Z direction. Note that the first rib 135 is not limited to a configuration that protrudes along the inner circumferential surface of the filter chamber 131, and may be provided at any position on the bottom surface 138 of the accommodating recess 137.

[0027] The first member 130 has second positioning holes 133 on its surface facing the second member 140, for arranging the first member 130 at a predetermined position on the second member 140. In this embodiment, one second positioning hole 133 is provided on each of the two outer sides of the filter chamber 131 in the X-axis direction. A second positioning pin 143 provided on the second member 140 is inserted into the second positioning hole 133. By inserting the second positioning pin 143 into the second positioning hole 133, it is possible to arrange the first member 130 at a predetermined position on the second member 140.

[0028] The first member 130 is provided with first screw insertion holes 136 that penetrate in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, one first screw insertion hole 136 is disposed on each side of the second positioning hole 133 in the X-axis direction.

[0029] 3 to 6, the second member 140 has a plurality of second flow paths 402 corresponding to the plurality of first members 130. In this embodiment, four second flow paths 402 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction at intervals.

[0030] The second member 140 has second ribs 141 that protrude in the -Z direction from an upper surface 148 to which the holding member 160 is fixed. In this embodiment, the second ribs 141 are formed in a rectangular frame shape so as to surround each of the plurality of second flow paths 402 when viewed in the +Z direction.

[0031] The second member 140 has first positioning pins 142 on its surface facing the first member 130 for positioning the holding member 160 at a predetermined position. In this embodiment, one first positioning pin 142 is disposed on each of both outer sides of the second rib 141 in the X-axis direction. The first positioning pins 142 are inserted into first positioning holes 162 provided in the holding member 160. By inserting the first positioning pins 142 into the first positioning holes 162, it is possible to position the holding member 160 at a predetermined position on the second member 140.

[0032] The second member 140 has second positioning pins 143 on its surface facing the first member 130 for positioning the first member 130 at a predetermined position. In this embodiment, one second positioning pin 143 is disposed on each side of the first positioning pin 142 in the X-axis direction. The second positioning pins 143 are inserted into second positioning holes 133 provided in the first member 130. By inserting the second positioning pins 143 into the second positioning holes 133, it is possible to position the first member 130 at a predetermined position on the second member 140.

[0033] The second member 140 is provided with second screw insertion holes 144 that penetrate in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, one screw insertion hole 144 is disposed on each side of the second positioning pin 143 in the X-axis direction. The first screw insertion hole 136 and the second screw insertion hole 144 communicate with each other, and a screw 170 is inserted through the second screw insertion hole 144.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7 and 8, the filter 150 allows the liquid to pass through and captures foreign matter contained in the liquid, such as dust and air bubbles. The shape and material of the filter 150 are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the filter 150 is formed in approximately the same shape as the opening of the filter chamber 131. For example, the filter 150 may be a plate-like member made of metal, resin, or the like with a plurality of fine through-holes. Alternatively, the filter 150 may be made of nonwoven fabric or the like.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 to 5 and 7 and 8, the holding member 160 is a flexible member that holds the filter 150. In this embodiment, the holding member 160 is made of a resin material and is formed into a rectangular frame shape when viewed in the +Z direction. The filter 150 is placed inside the rectangular frame, and the outer edge of the filter 150 is fixed to the holding member 160. There are no particular limitations on the method for fixing the filter 150 to the holding member 160, and examples include adhesion with an adhesive and thermal welding.

[0036] 7, the holding member 160 has a first groove 161 recessed in the -Z direction on its bottom surface facing the second member 140. In this embodiment, the first groove 161 has a rectangular frame shape and is formed on the bottom surface of the holding member 160 so as to surround the filter 150. The first groove 161 has a shape that allows the first rib 135 to be fitted into it. In other words, the first groove 161 has a rectangular frame shape that is roughly the same as the first rib 135, and the opening width is formed to be equal to or slightly wider than the width of the first rib 135.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 8 , the holding member 160 has a second groove 165 recessed in the +Z direction on its upper surface facing the first member 130. In this embodiment, the second groove 165 has a rectangular frame shape and is formed on the upper surface of the holding member 160 so as to surround the filter 150. The second groove 165 has a shape that allows the second rib 141 to be fitted into it. That is, the second groove 165 has a rectangular frame shape that is substantially the same as the second rib 141, and the opening width is formed to be equal to or slightly wider than the width of the second rib 141. In this embodiment, the first groove 161 and the second groove 165 are formed to overlap when viewed in the +Z direction, but are not limited to such a shape or arrangement. That is, the first groove 161 and the second groove 165 do not need to overlap when viewed in the +Z direction, and they do not need to have the same shape.

[0038] 7, the holding member 160 has a first portion 167 that is located inside the first groove 161, and a second portion 168 that is located outside the first groove 161. As shown in FIG. 5, the first portion 167 of the holding member 160 has a thick portion 169 that is thicker in the Z-axis direction than the second portion 168. When the holding member 160 is sandwiched between the first member 130 and the second member 140 as shown in FIG. 4, the second portion 168 including the thick portion 169 is pressed from both sides in the Z-axis direction and is deformed to have approximately the same thickness as the first portion 167.

[0039] 7, the holding member 160 has first positioning holes 162 on its bottom surface facing the second member 140, for arranging the holding member 160 at a predetermined position on the second member 140. In this embodiment, one first positioning hole 162 is arranged on each side of the first groove 161 in the X-axis direction. A first positioning pin 142 provided on the second member 140 is inserted into the first positioning hole 162. By inserting the first positioning pin 142 into the first positioning hole 162, it is possible to arrange the holding member 160 at a predetermined position on the second member 140.

[0040] 4, the first member 130 and the second member 140 are detachably fixed to each other with the holding member 160 sandwiched therebetween. Specifically, the holding member 160 is placed at a predetermined position on the second member 140 by inserting the first positioning pin 142 of the second member 140 into the first positioning hole 162 of the holding member 160. When the holding member 160 is placed at the predetermined position on the second member 140 in this manner, the second rib 141 of the second member 140 is fitted into the first groove 161 of the holding member 160. The predetermined position of the second member 140 with respect to the holding member 160 is the position at which the holding member 160 is fixed when the second rib 141 and the first groove 161 overlap when viewed in the +Z direction.

[0041] Furthermore, by inserting the second positioning pin 143 of the second member 140 into the second positioning hole 133 of the first member 130, the first member 130 is placed at a predetermined position on the second member 140. When the first member 130 is placed at a predetermined position on the second member 140 in this manner, the first rib 135 of the first member 130 is fitted into the second groove 165 of the holding member 160. The predetermined position of the second member 140 with respect to the first member 130 is the position where the first member 130 is fixed when the first rib 135 and the second groove 165 overlap when viewed in the +Z direction.

[0042] When the first member 130 and the second member 140 are fixed so as to sandwich the holding member 160, the filter chamber 131 communicates with the second flow path 402, and the filter 150 is disposed across the filter chamber 131 so as to divide it into two. As a result, liquid that flows from the first flow path 401 into the filter chamber 131 passes through the filter 150 and flows out into the second flow path 402. In addition, dust and foreign matter contained in the liquid are captured by the filter 150. By fixing four first members 130 and one second member 140 in this manner, the first flow path 401, the filter chamber 131, and the second flow path 402 become part of four independent supply flow paths that communicate with each other. Note that the second flow path 402 may branch into two or more paths downstream.

[0043] The first member 130 and the second member 140 are fixed together by a screw 170 and a nut 171. Specifically, the screw 170 is inserted into the first screw insertion hole 136 and the second screw insertion hole 144 from the -Z direction to the +Z direction, and is screwed into a nut 171 that is arranged on the +Z direction side of the second member 140. By screwing together the screw 170 and the nut 171, the first member 130 and the second member 140 are fixed together, and by releasing the screwing, the first member 130 can be removed from the second member 140.

[0044] 4 and 9, first member 130 has a first rib 135 provided between filter chamber 131 and accommodating recess 137. First rib 135 is fitted into second groove 165 of holding member 160. Such first rib 135 and second groove 165 prevent the liquid in filter chamber 131 and air bubbles in the liquid from entering between first member 130 and holding member 160.

[0045] Additionally, first rib 135 protrudes toward holding member 160 along the inner circumferential surface of filter chamber 131 and fits into second groove 165. With first rib 135 and second groove 165 configured in this way, air bubbles in the liquid in filter chamber 131 are stopped by first rib 135 and second groove 165, making it possible to more reliably prevent air bubbles from entering and remaining between accommodating recess 137 of first member 130 and holding member 160.

[0046] 4, 6, and 7, second member 140 has second ribs 141 provided on its upper surface 148 facing the holding member 160. Second ribs 141 fit into first grooves 161 of holding member 160. Such second ribs 141 and first grooves 161 prevent the liquid in filter chamber 131 and air bubbles in the liquid from entering between second member 140 and holding member 160.

[0047] 4 and 5, the holding member 160 has a thick portion 169 in a first portion 167 that is located more inward than the first groove 161. Because the holding member 160 is flexible, an elastic force is generated in the thick portion 169 when it is sandwiched between the first member 130 and the second member 140 and compressed in the thickness direction. Because an elastic force is generated in the thick portion 169, a gap is less likely to be generated between the first portion 167 of the holding member 160 and the second member 140. Because the thick portion 169 is located more inward than the first groove 161, it is possible to more reliably prevent liquid or air bubbles in the filter chamber 131 from entering the first groove 161.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3 , the second flow path member 202 has a plurality of fourth flow paths 404, four in this embodiment. The fourth flow paths 404 and the second flow paths 402 are liquid-tightly connected via a seal member 203. The seal member 203 is made of a material that is liquid-resistant to liquids such as ink used in the liquid jet head 2 and is elastically deformable, such as rubber or elastomer. Such a seal member 203 is provided with a third flow path 403 that penetrates in the Z-axis direction, and the second flow paths 402 and the fourth flow paths 404 communicate with each other via the third flow path 403. In other words, the flow path member 200 has four supply flow paths 400, and each supply flow path 400 has a first flow path 401, a second flow path 402, a third flow path 403, and a fourth flow path 404, with a filter 150 disposed midway.

[0049] The second flow path member 202 has a storage portion 230 having a recessed shape that opens on a surface facing the +Z direction. The head chips 8 are stored in this storage portion 230. In this embodiment, the liquid jet head 2 is equipped with a plurality of head chips 8, for example, two head chips 8. Of the two head chips 8, the one on the -Y direction side is also referred to as head chip 8a, and the one on the +Y direction side is also referred to as head chip 8b. The two head chips 8 are held in a single common storage portion 230. The number of head chips 8 held by the liquid jet head 2 is not particularly limited to this, and may be one, or two or more. Furthermore, the storage portion 230 may be provided independently for each head chip 8, or may be provided for each head chip group consisting of two or more head chips 8.

[0050] In this embodiment, the two head chips 8 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction so that they are at the same position in the X-axis direction. The surface of the head chip 8 facing the -Z direction and the bottom surface of the accommodation section 230, i.e., the surface facing the +Z direction, are bonded with an adhesive (not shown). The bottom surface of the accommodation section 230 bonded to the head chip 8 is referred to as the flow path connection surface 231. Here, the "flow path connection surface" of the flow path member 200 refers to the surface at the height with the largest surface area among the surfaces facing the +Z plane of the flow path member 200, if there are multiple surfaces with different heights in the Z-axis direction. For example, the surface facing the +Z direction of the flow path member 200 may have steps formed by recesses, protrusions, etc., but the "flow path connection surface" refers to the surface facing the +Z direction at the largest surface area among the surfaces with different heights in the Z-axis direction, including these recesses and protrusions.

[0051] The arrangement of the multiple head chips 8 is not particularly limited to this, and may be, for example, a staggered arrangement along the X-axis direction. Here, arranging the multiple head chips 8 in a staggered arrangement along the X-axis direction means that the head chips 8 arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction are arranged so that they are alternately shifted in the Y-axis direction. That is, two rows of head chips 8 arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction are arranged in parallel in the Y-axis direction, and one of the two rows of head chips 8 is shifted by half a pitch in the X-axis direction. By arranging the multiple head chips 8 in a staggered arrangement along the X-axis direction in this way, the nozzles of two head chips 8 can be partially overlapped in the X-axis direction to form a row of nozzles that is continuous across the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the multiple head chips 8 may be arranged in a matrix.

[0052] Fourth flow paths 404 open to flow path connecting surface 231 of second flow path member 202. Each inlet 44 of head chip 8 held in accommodating portion 230 communicates with fourth flow paths 404 opening to flow path connecting surface 231. In this embodiment, two fourth flow paths 404 are provided for one head chip 8.

[0053] The second flow path member 202 has a first wiring insertion hole 205 penetrating through along the Z-axis direction. One end of the first wiring insertion hole 205 opens to the surface of the second flow path member 202 facing the -Z direction, and the other end opens to the flow path connection surface 231. The wiring member 110 of the head chip 8, which will be described in detail later, is led out to the surface of the second flow path member 202 facing the -Z direction through the first wiring insertion hole 205. In this embodiment, one first wiring insertion hole 205 is provided for one head chip 8.

[0054] In the Z-axis direction, a relay substrate 210 to which the wiring members 110 of the plurality of head chips 8 are commonly connected is provided between the sealing member 203 and the second flow path member 202. The relay substrate 210 is made of a hard, rigid substrate with no flexibility, and wiring, electronic components, and the like (not shown) are mounted on the relay substrate 210. In the present embodiment, as an example of the electronic components, a connector 211 to which the wiring members 110 of the head chip 8 are connected, and an external wiring connector 212 to which external wiring (not shown) provided outside the liquid jet head 2 is connected are illustrated. Note that the wiring member 110 is detachable from the connector 211. Printing signals and the like for controlling the head chips 8 are input to the relay substrate 210 from the external wiring via the external wiring connector 212, and are supplied to each head chip 8 via the connector 211 and the wiring members 110 of the relay substrate 210. An opening 206 for external wiring is provided on the side wall of the flow path member 200 facing the connector 212 for external wiring, through which an external wiring connected to the connector 212 for external wiring is inserted. The external wiring is connected to the connector 212 for external wiring of the relay substrate 210 provided inside the flow path member 200 via the opening 206 for external wiring.

[0055] The relay substrate 210 also has a second wiring insertion hole 213 that penetrates in the Z-axis direction. The second wiring insertion hole 213 is disposed at a position that communicates with the first wiring insertion hole 205, that is, at a position that overlaps with the first wiring insertion hole 205 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The wiring member 110 of the head chip 8 is led out to the surface of the relay substrate 210 facing the -Z direction through the first wiring insertion hole 205 and the second wiring insertion hole 213.

[0056] Furthermore, relay substrate 210 has protrusion insertion hole 214 penetrating in the Z-axis direction. Cylindrical protrusion 207 having second flow path 402 provided therein is provided on the surface facing the -Z direction of second flow path member 202 so as to protrude in the -Z direction. Protrusion 207 is inserted into the -Z direction side of relay substrate 210 via protrusion insertion hole 214, and fourth flow path 404 provided in protrusion 207 is connected to third flow path 403.

[0057] Furthermore, a cover 220 is fixed to the surface of the flow path member 200 facing the +Z direction. The cover 220 is made of a metal plate such as stainless steel, and is large enough to cover the accommodation portion 230 of the flow path member 200. The cover 220 is a common member fixed to the surfaces of the two head chips 8 facing the +Z direction. The cover 220 is provided with an exposure opening 221 that exposes the nozzles 21 of the head chip 8 in the +Z direction, independently for each head chip 8. Ink is ejected in the +Z direction from the nozzles 21 exposed from the exposure opening 221. Of course, the exposure opening 221 may be provided in common to a plurality of head chips 8.

[0058] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the head chip 8 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the head chip. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the head chip 8 and cover 220 taken along line CC in Fig. 11. Note that the directions of the head chip 8 will be described based on the directions when it is mounted on the liquid jet head 2, i.e., the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0059] The head chip 8 of this embodiment comprises a pressure chamber substrate 10, a communication plate 15, a nozzle plate 20 in which a plurality of nozzles 21 are formed, a protective substrate 30, a case member 40, a piezoelectric actuator 300, and a wiring member 110.

[0060] The pressure chamber substrate 10 is made of, for example, a silicon substrate. In the pressure chamber substrate 10, a plurality of pressure chambers 12 are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction. The plurality of pressure chambers 12 are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction so as to be at the same position in the Y-axis direction. Two pressure chambers 12 adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction are separated by a partition wall (not shown). In this embodiment, two pressure chamber rows in which the pressure chambers 12 are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction are provided in the Y-axis direction.

[0061] A communication plate 15 and a nozzle plate 20 are stacked in this order on the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 10 facing the +Z direction. A vibration plate 50 and a piezoelectric actuator 300 are stacked in this order on the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 10 facing the -Z direction.

[0062] The communicating plate 15 is made of a plate-like member bonded to the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 10 facing the +Z direction. The communicating plate 15 is provided with nozzle communicating passages 16 that communicate between the pressure chambers 12 and the nozzles 21. The communicating plate 15 is also provided with a first common liquid chamber section 17 and a second common liquid chamber section 18 that constitute a common liquid chamber 100 that communicates with a plurality of pressure chambers 12. The first common liquid chamber section 17 is provided by penetrating the communicating plate 15 in the Z-axis direction. The second common liquid chamber section 18 is provided by opening onto the surface facing the +Z direction without penetrating the communicating plate 15 in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the communicating plate 15 is provided with supply communicating passages 19 that communicate with one end of the pressure chambers 12 in the Y-axis direction, independently for each pressure chamber 12. The supply communication passage 19 communicates the second common liquid chamber portion 18 with the pressure chamber 12, and supplies ink in the common liquid chamber 100 to the pressure chamber 12. As such a communication plate 15, a silicon substrate or the like can be used.

[0063] The nozzle plate 20 is bonded to the surface of the communication plate 15 facing the +Z direction. Nozzles 21 are formed in the nozzle plate 20, which communicate with each pressure chamber 12 via nozzle communication passages 16. In this embodiment, the multiple nozzles 21 are arranged in a row along the X-axis direction. Also, in this embodiment, two nozzle rows, in which the nozzles 21 are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction, are provided spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

[0064] The material of the nozzle plate 20 is not particularly limited, and for example, a silicon substrate or the like can be used.

[0065] The vibration plate 50 has, for example, an elastic film 51 made of silicon oxide provided on the pressure chamber substrate 10 side, and an insulating film 52 made of zirconium oxide provided on the surface of the elastic film 51 facing the -Z direction.

[0066] The piezoelectric actuator 300 includes a first electrode 60 sequentially stacked in the -Z direction on the diaphragm 50, a piezoelectric layer 70 formed using a piezoelectric material, for example, a composite oxide with a perovskite structure represented by the general formula ABO3, and a second electrode 80. Such a piezoelectric actuator 300 is also referred to as a piezoelectric element, and refers to a portion including the first electrode 60, the piezoelectric layer 70, and the second electrode 80. Furthermore, a portion of the piezoelectric layer 70 where piezoelectric strain occurs when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 60 and the second electrode 80 is referred to as an active portion 310. In contrast, a portion of the piezoelectric layer 70 where no piezoelectric strain occurs is referred to as an inactive portion. In other words, the active portion 310 refers to the portion of the piezoelectric layer 70 sandwiched between the first electrode 60 and the second electrode 80. In this embodiment, an active portion 310 is formed for each pressure chamber 12. In other words, the piezoelectric actuator 300 is formed with multiple active portions 310. The plurality of active portions 310 serve as driving elements that cause pressure changes in the ink within the pressure chambers 12. Generally, one of the electrodes of the active portions 310 is configured as an individual electrode that is independent for each active portion 310, and the other electrode is configured as a common electrode that is common to the plurality of active portions 310. In this embodiment, the first electrode 60 constitutes the individual electrode, and the second electrode 80 constitutes the common electrode.

[0067] An individual lead electrode 90, which serves as a lead wiring, is drawn out from the first electrode 60. A common lead electrode (not shown), which serves as a lead wiring, is drawn out from the second electrode 80. A wiring member 110 made of a flexible substrate is connected to the ends of the individual lead electrodes 90 and the common lead electrode opposite to the ends connected to the piezoelectric actuator 300. The wiring member 110 is mounted with a drive circuit 111 having a plurality of switching elements that select whether or not to supply a drive signal (COM) for driving each active portion 310 to each active portion 310. In other words, the wiring member 110 in this embodiment is a chip-on-film (COF). Note that the wiring member 110 does not necessarily have to be provided with the drive circuit 111. In other words, the wiring member 110 may be a flexible flat cable (FFC), flexible printed circuits (FPC), or the like.

[0068] A protective substrate 30 having approximately the same size as the pressure chamber substrate 10 is bonded to the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 10 facing the -Z direction. The protective substrate 30 has accommodation sections 31, which are spaces for protecting the piezoelectric actuators 300. The accommodation sections 31 are provided independently for each row of piezoelectric actuators 300 arranged side by side in the X-axis direction, with two accommodation sections 31 formed side by side in the Y-axis direction. The protective substrate 30 also has a through hole 32 penetrating in the Z-axis direction between two accommodation sections 31 arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. Ends of the individual lead electrodes 90 and common lead electrode drawn from the electrodes of the piezoelectric actuators 300 extend so as to be exposed within the through hole 32, and the individual lead electrodes 90 and common lead electrode are electrically connected to the wiring member 110 within the through hole 32. Such a protective substrate 30 may be made of, for example, a silicon substrate.

[0069] A case member 40 that defines a common liquid chamber 100 that communicates with the multiple pressure chambers 12 is fixed on the protective substrate 30. The case member 40 has substantially the same shape as the above-mentioned communicating plate 15 in a plan view, and is bonded to the protective substrate 30 as well as to the above-mentioned communicating plate 15.

[0070] The case member 40 has a recess 41 on the protective substrate 30 side that is deep enough to accommodate the pressure chamber substrate 10 and the protective substrate 30. This recess 41 has an opening area that is larger than the surface of the protective substrate 30 that is bonded to the pressure chamber substrate 10. Then, with the pressure chamber substrate 10 and the protective substrate 30 accommodated in the recess 41, the opening surface of the recess 41 on the nozzle plate 20 side is sealed by the communicating plate 15.

[0071] The case member 40 is provided with a third common liquid chamber 42 that communicates with the first common liquid chamber 17 of the communication plate 15. The first common liquid chamber 17 and second common liquid chamber 18 provided in the communication plate 15 and the third common liquid chamber 42 provided in the case member 40 constitute a common liquid chamber 100 of this embodiment. A common liquid chamber 100 is provided for each row of pressure chambers 12, i.e., two common liquid chambers 100 in total. Each common liquid chamber 100 is provided continuously along the X-axis direction in which the pressure chambers 12 are arranged side by side, and the supply communication passages 19 that communicate each pressure chamber 12 with the common liquid chamber 100 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The case member 40 is also provided with an inlet 44. The inlet 44 is provided so as to open on the surface of the case member 40 facing the -Z direction, and is connected to the common liquid chamber 100. The inlet 44 is connected to the supply flow path 400 and is a flow path for introducing liquid from the supply flow path 400 to the common liquid chamber 100. The case member 40 also has a connection port 43 that communicates with the through hole 32 of the protective substrate 30 and through which the wiring member 110 is inserted. The connection port 43 is provided to open on the surface of the case member 40 facing the +Z direction. The connection port 43 is also disposed between the two inlets 44 in the Y-axis direction. The connection port 43 has an elongated opening shape extending along the X-axis direction when viewed in the +Z direction. The wiring member 110 of the head chip 8 is led out through the connection port 43 to the surface of the liquid jet head 2 facing the -Z direction. The case member 40 is made of a material such as a metal material, a resin material, or the like.

[0072] A compliance substrate 45 is provided on the surface of the communicating plate 15 on the +Z direction side where the first common liquid chamber portion 17 and the second common liquid chamber portion 18 open. This compliance substrate 45 seals the openings of the first common liquid chamber portion 17 and the second common liquid chamber portion 18 on the ejection surface 20a side. In this embodiment, such a compliance substrate 45 includes a sealing film 46 made of a flexible thin film, and a fixed substrate 47 made of a hard material such as metal. The area of ​​the fixed substrate 47 facing the common liquid chamber 100 is an opening 48 that is completely removed in the thickness direction, and therefore one side of the common liquid chamber 100 forms a compliance portion 49 that is a flexible portion sealed only by the flexible sealing film 46.

[0073] A cover 220 is bonded to the surface of the compliance substrate 45 facing the +Z direction. That is, the cover 220 is bonded to the fixed substrate 47 so as to cover the opening 48. The fixed substrate 47 defines a compliance space inside the opening 48 in which the compliance section 49 can bend and deform. The space between the cover 220 and the sealing film 46 is open to the atmosphere, allowing the compliance section 49 of the sealing film 46 to deform in response to the pressure of the ink in the common liquid chamber 100.

[0074] In such a liquid jet head 2, liquid is supplied to a supply flow path 400 of a flow path member 200 connected to a liquid storage section 3. Foreign matter such as dust and air bubbles contained in the liquid is removed by a filter 150 provided in the flow path member 200, and the liquid is supplied to a common liquid chamber 100 via an inlet 44 of the head chip 8. Then, after the interior from the common liquid chamber 100 to the nozzles 21 is filled with ink, a voltage is applied to each active section 310 corresponding to each pressure chamber 12 in accordance with a recording signal from a drive circuit 111. This causes the diaphragm 50 to flex and deform together with the active section 310, increasing the pressure of the ink in each pressure chamber 12 and causing ink droplets to be ejected from each nozzle 21.

[0075] As described above, the flow path member 200 of this embodiment comprises a supply flow path 400 through which a liquid flows, a filter 150 that is arranged midway along the supply flow path 400 and through which the liquid passes, a flexible holding member 160 that forms part of the supply flow path 400 and holds the filter 150, and a first member 130 and a second member 140 that form part of the supply flow path 400 and are detachably fixed so as to sandwich the holding member 160.

[0076] According to this flow path member 200, the filter 150 is fixed to the holding member 160 and is not directly bonded or welded to the first member 130 or the second member 140. The first member 130 and the second member 140 are detachably fixed to each other. Therefore, the first member 130 and the second member 140 can be released from the first member 130 and removed from the second member 140, and the filter 150 can be removed together with the holding member 160 from the first member 130 or the second member 140. The filter 150 of the flow path member 200 can be replaced by fixing the first member 130 and the second member 140 so as to sandwich another filter 150 between them. In this way, only the filter 150 and the holding member 160 of the flow path member 200 can be replaced, and the other members, such as the first member 130 and the second member 140, can be used as they are. That is, a filter 150 that has become clogged or otherwise defective can be easily replaced. Furthermore, by replacing a defective filter 150 of the flow path member 200, the life of the flow path member 200 can be extended, and parts such as the first member 130 and second member 140 that are not defective can be reused.

[0077] In this embodiment, the flow path member 200 has a first rib 135, a second rib 141, a first groove 161, and a second groove 165, but is not limited to this form and may not have the first rib 135, the second rib 141, the first groove 161, and the second groove 165.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the upper surface 148 of the second member 140 is substantially flat, and the holding member 160 is housed in the housing recess 137 of the first member 130, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the second member 140 may be provided with a housing recess for housing the holding member 160, or housing recesses may be provided in both the first member 130 and the second member 140. Furthermore, the holding member 160 may be sandwiched between the flat surfaces of the first member 130 and the second member 140 that face each other, without providing housing recesses in both the first member 130 and the second member 140.

[0079] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening of filter chamber 131 when viewed in the -Z direction is rectangular, but there are no particular limitations on the shape of filter chamber 131. Also, the shape of filter 150 is approximately square to match the shape of the opening of filter chamber 131, but there are no particular limitations on the shape, and it may be different from the shape of the opening of filter chamber 131. Also, holding member 160 is formed in the shape of a square frame when viewed in the +Z direction, but there are no particular limitations on the shape.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the method of detachably fastening the first member 130 and the second member 140 is exemplified as fastening using the screws 170 and the nuts 171, but is not limited to this. For example, the first member 130 and the second member 140 may be fastened by clamping them together with a clamp or the like.

[0081] In the flow path member 200 of this embodiment, a filter chamber 131 that houses a filter 150 is provided midway through the supply flow path 400, and the first member 130 has a first rib 135 that protrudes from a bottom surface 138 that serves as the abutment surface with the holding member 160 along the inner circumferential surface that defines the filter chamber 131, and the holding member 160 has a second groove 165 into which the first rib 135 is inserted. In addition, the second member 140 has a second rib 141 that protrudes from a top surface 148 that serves as the abutment surface with the holding member 160, and the holding member 160 has a first groove 161 into which the second rib 141 is inserted.

[0082] With such a flow path member 200, air bubbles in the liquid in the filter chamber 131 can be stopped by the first rib 135 and the second groove 165, and air bubbles can be more reliably prevented from remaining between the accommodating recess 137 of the first member 130 and the holding member 160.

[0083] In the flow path member 200 of this embodiment, the filter chamber 131 is formed in the first member 130, and the first rib 135 is formed to protrude along the inner circumferential surface of the filter chamber 131. However, the second rib 141 of the second member 140 may be formed in a similar manner. Specifically, a filter chamber is provided in the second member 140, and the second rib 141 is formed along the inner circumferential surface of the filter chamber, protruding in the -Z direction from the upper surface 148, which is the surface that abuts against the holding member 160. By forming such a second rib 141, it is possible to more reliably prevent air bubbles from remaining between the second member 140 and the holding member 160.

[0084] Furthermore, the first rib 135 does not have to protrude toward the holding member 160 along the inner circumferential surface of the filter chamber 131. That is, the first rib 135 may be provided at any position on the bottom surface 138 of the accommodating recess 137. Furthermore, although the first rib 135, the second rib 141, the first groove 161, and the second groove 165 are all rectangular frame-shaped, they are not limited to such shapes. The bottom surface 138 of the accommodating recess of the first member 130 is an example of a "contact surface of the first member with the holding member," and the top surface 148 of the second member 140 is an example of a "contact surface of the second member with the holding member." The first rib 135 is an example of a "rib of the first member," and the second rib 141 is an example of a "rib of the second member." The first groove 161 and the second groove 165 are examples of a "groove."

[0085] In the flow path member 200 of this embodiment, the holding member 160 has a first portion 167 located inside the first groove 161 and a second portion 168 located outside the first groove 161, and the first portion 167 has a thick portion 169 that is thicker than the second portion 168.

[0086] According to such flow path member 200, an elastic force is generated in thick portion 169, which makes it difficult for a gap to occur between first portion 167 of holding member 160 and second member 140. Furthermore, because thick portion 169 is disposed inside first groove 161, it is possible to more reliably prevent liquid or air bubbles in filter chamber 131 from entering first groove 161.

[0087] Although the thickened portion 169 is provided on the holding member 160 on the second member 140 side, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a thickened portion may be provided on the surface of the holding member that is inside the second groove 165 and that abuts against the first member 130. In this case, it is possible to make it difficult for a gap to occur between the first member 130 and the holding member 160, and it is possible to more reliably prevent liquid or air bubbles from entering between the first member 130 and the holding member 160. Furthermore, the holding member 160 does not have to have the thickened portion 169.

[0088] The flow path member 200 of this embodiment has a plurality of supply flow paths 400, a plurality of filters 150, a plurality of holding members 160, and a plurality of first members 130 for each holding member 160 that holds the plurality of filters 150, and the second member 140 has a plurality of second flow paths 402.

[0089] According to such a flow path member 200, the second member 140 is common to the multiple filters 150 and the holding member 160, and the first member 130 and the holding member 160 are provided individually for each filter 150, so that each filter 150 can be replaced individually. In this way, only the filter 150 to be replaced can be replaced, which improves the convenience of the replacement work.

[0090] It should be noted that there does not need to be a plurality of first members 130, and the first member 130 may be a member common to the plurality of filters 150. Furthermore, the second member 140 does not need to be common to the plurality of supply flow paths 400, and may be a separate member for each of the plurality of supply flow paths.

[0091] The supply flow path 400 formed by the first member 130A is an example of a "first supply flow path," and the supply flow path 400 formed by the first member 130B is an example of a "second supply flow path." The second flow path 402, which is a part of the supply flow path 400 formed by the first member 130A, is a "part of the first supply flow path," and the second flow path 402, which is a part of the supply flow path 400 formed by the first member 130B, is a "part of the second supply flow path." The filter 150 of the first member 130A is an example of a "first filter," and the filter 150 of the first member 130B is an example of a "second filter." The holding member 160 of the first member 130A is an example of a "first holding member," and the holding member 160 of the first member 130B is an example of a "second holding member." The first member 130A is an example of a "first individual member," and the first member 130B is an example of a "second individual member."

[0092] The liquid jet head 2 of this embodiment includes a flow path member 200 and a head chip 8 that jets liquid supplied from the flow path member 200. Such a liquid jet head 2 includes the flow path member 200, which allows only the filter 150 and the holding member 160 to be replaced, so that the filter 150 that has become clogged or otherwise defective can be easily replaced. Furthermore, by replacing a defective filter 150, the life of the liquid jet head 2 can be extended, and parts such as the first member 130 and second member 140 that have not become defective can be reused.

[0093] The liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment includes a liquid ejection head 2 and a liquid storage unit 3 that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection head 2. Such a liquid ejection device includes the liquid ejection head 2, which allows only the filter 150 and the holding member 160 to be replaced, so that the filter 150 that has become clogged or otherwise malfunctions can be easily replaced. Furthermore, by replacing a malfunctioning filter 150, the life of the liquid ejection device 1 can be extended, and parts such as the first member 130 and second member 140 that are not malfunctioning can be reused.

[0094] (Other embodiments) Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the basic configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, the second member 140 is provided with the first positioning pin 142, and the holding member 160 is provided with the first positioning hole 162, but these do not have to be provided. In this case, the second rib 141 and the first groove 161 not only ensure liquid-tightness or airtightness, but also function as a positioning portion between the second member 140 and the holding member 160.

[0096] Furthermore, although the second positioning pin 143 is provided in the second member 140 and the second positioning hole 133 is provided in the first member 130, these do not have to be provided. In this case, the first rib 135 and the second groove 165 not only ensure liquid-tightness or airtightness, but also function as positioning parts between the first member 130 and the holding member 160 and the second member 140.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, a thin-film piezoelectric actuator is used as the pressure generating means for generating a pressure change in the pressure chamber 12, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of piezoelectric actuators can be used, such as thick-film piezoelectric actuators formed by methods such as attaching green sheets, or longitudinal vibration piezoelectric actuators in which piezoelectric material and electrode-forming material are alternately laminated to expand and contract in the axial direction. Furthermore, the pressure generating means can be a so-called electrostatic actuator, which generates static electricity between a vibration plate and an electrode, deforms the vibration plate by electrostatic force, and ejects droplets from the nozzle opening.

[0098] Although the liquid ejection device 1 described above is exemplified as one in which the liquid ejection head 2 moves in the Y-axis direction, which is the main scanning direction, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called line-type liquid ejection device in which the liquid ejection head 2 is fixed and printing is performed simply by moving the medium S, such as paper, in the X-axis direction.

[0099] Furthermore, the present invention is broadly intended for liquid jet heads in general, and can be applied to, for example, recording heads such as various ink jet recording heads used in image recording devices such as printers, color material jetting heads used in manufacturing color filters for liquid crystal displays and the like, electrode material jetting heads used in forming electrodes for organic EL displays, FEDs (field emission displays), and the like, and bioorganic material jetting heads used in manufacturing biochips.

[0100] (Addendum) From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood, for example.

[0101] A flow path member according to a preferred embodiment, aspect 1, includes a supply flow path through which a liquid flows, a filter disposed midway along the supply flow path and through which the liquid passes, a flexible holding member constituting part of the supply flow path and holding the filter, and a first member and a second member constituting part of the supply flow path and detachably fixed to sandwich the holding member. The filter is fixed to the holding member and is not directly bonded or welded to the first member or the second member, and the first member and the second member are detachably fixed. Therefore, the first member can be removed from the second member by releasing the fixation between the first member and the second member, and the filter can be removed together with the holding member from the first member or the second member. The filter of the flow path member can be replaced by fixing the first member and the second member so as to sandwich another filter. In this way, only the filter and the holding member of the flow path member can be replaced, and other components, such as the first member and the second member, can be used as they are. In other words, a filter that has become clogged or has other problems can be easily replaced. Furthermore, it is possible to extend the life of the flow path member by replacing a defective filter in the flow path member, and to reuse parts such as the first member and second member that are not defective.

[0102] In Aspect 2, which is a specific example of Aspect 1, a filter chamber that houses the filter is provided midway along the supply flow path, and the first or second member has a rib that protrudes from the abutment surface with the holding member along an inner circumferential surface that defines the filter chamber, and the holding member has a groove into which the rib is inserted. With such a flow path member, air bubbles in the liquid in the filter chamber can be trapped by the rib and the groove, and air bubbles can be more reliably prevented from remaining between the first or second member and the holding member.

[0103] In Aspect 3, which is a specific example of Aspect 2, the retaining member has a first portion inside the groove and a second portion outside the groove, and the first portion has a thick portion that is thicker than the second portion. With this type of flow path member, elastic force is generated in the thick portion, making it less likely that a gap will form between the first portion of the retaining member and the second member. Furthermore, because the thick portion is located inside the groove, it is possible to more reliably prevent liquid or air bubbles in the filter chamber from entering the groove.

[0104] In Aspect 4, which is a specific example of Aspect 1, the supply flow path includes a first supply flow path and a second supply flow path, the second member constitutes a portion of the first supply flow path and a portion of the second supply flow path, the filter includes a first filter through which liquid in the first supply flow path passes and a second filter through which liquid in the second supply flow path passes, the holding member includes a first holding member that holds the first filter and a second holding member that holds the second filter, and the first member includes a first individual member detachably fixed to the second member so as to sandwich the first holding member between the first member and the second member, and a second individual member detachably fixed to the second member so as to sandwich the second holding member between the first member and the second member. With this type of flow path member, the second member is common to multiple filters and the holding member, and the first member and the holding member are provided individually for each filter, allowing each filter to be replaced. Since only the filter to be replaced can be replaced in this way, the convenience of the replacement work can be improved.

[0105] A liquid jet head according to a preferred aspect 5 includes the flow path member according to any one of aspects 1 to 4 and a head chip that jets liquid supplied from the flow path member. This makes it possible to realize a liquid jet head that can easily replace a filter provided in the flow path member and extend the life of the flow path member.

[0106] A liquid ejection device according to a preferred aspect 6 includes the liquid ejection head according to the above aspect 5, and a liquid storage unit that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection head. This makes it possible to realize a liquid ejection device that can easily replace a filter provided in a flow path member and extend the life of the liquid ejection head. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...liquid ejection device, 2...liquid ejection head, 3...liquid storage section, 8, 8a, 8b...head tip, 20...nozzle plate, 21...nozzle, 130, 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D...first member, 131...filter chamber, 135...first rib, 140...second member, 141...second rib, 150...filter, 160...holding member, 161...first groove, 165...second groove, 167...first portion, 168...second portion, 169...thick portion, 170...screw, 171...nut, 200...flow path member, 201...first flow path member, 202...second flow path member, 203...sealing member, 400...supply flow path, 401...first flow path, 402...second flow path, 403...third flow path, 404...fourth flow path

Claims

1. a supply channel through which a liquid flows; a filter disposed midway through the supply flow path and through which the liquid passes; a flexible holding member that forms a part of the supply flow path and holds the filter; a first member and a second member that constitute a part of the supply flow path and are detachably fixed to sandwich the holding member; A flow path member comprising:

2. a filter chamber for accommodating the filter is provided in the supply flow path; The first member or the second member has a rib that protrudes from a contact surface with the holding member along an inner circumferential surface that defines the filter chamber, The holding member has a groove into which the rib is inserted. The flow path member according to claim 1 .

3. The holding member has a first portion located inside the groove and a second portion located outside the groove, and the first portion has a thick portion that is thicker than the second portion. The flow path member according to claim 2 .

4. the supply flow path includes a first supply flow path and a second supply flow path, the second member constitutes a part of the first supply flow path and a part of the second supply flow path, the filter includes a first filter through which the liquid in the first supply flow path passes and a second filter through which the liquid in the second supply flow path passes; the holding member includes a first holding member that holds the first filter and a second holding member that holds the second filter, the first member includes a first individual member detachably fixed to the second member so as to sandwich the first holding member between the first individual member and the second member, and a second individual member detachably fixed to the second member so as to sandwich the second holding member between the first individual member and the second member, The flow path member according to claim 1 .

5. A flow path member according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a head tip that ejects the liquid supplied from the flow path member; A liquid jet head comprising:

6. The liquid jet head according to claim 5 , a liquid reservoir that supplies liquid to the liquid jet head; A liquid ejection device comprising:

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