Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge unit and liquid discharging device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge head which cannot narrow a degree of freedom of a control method for reducing influence by deviation of an impact position of droplets on the end of nozzle arrays, without need of changing a nozzle interval between the nozzle arrays on the end of the nozzle arrays in consideration of deviation of an impact position of droplets by a conveyance air flow of a recording medium.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge head has a nozzle plate having two or more nozzle arrays where nozzles for discharging liquid to a recording medium to be conveyed are arrayed, wherein when a distance between the nozzle on one end and the nozzle on the other end in the nozzle array is assumed as a nozzle array distance, and in the nozzle, a distance between nozzle arrays of the nozzle arrays provided on the upstream side in a conveyance direction of the recording medium is shorter than a distance between nozzle arrays of the nozzle arrays on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection head, a liquid ejection unit, and an apparatus for ejecting liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] In a liquid ejection head, liquid is ejected from a nozzle and lands on a medium to form dots. Conventionally, there has been a problem in which the ejected liquid is affected by air currents, causing it to land in a position that is different from the target position. Prior art has been studied to prevent deviations in the liquid landing position.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection head in which the arrangement interval of the ejection ports in an end region of the ejection port array located on the most upstream side in the direction of relative movement with respect to the recording medium is narrower than the arrangement interval of the ejection ports in an end region of the ejection port array located on the most downstream side in the direction of relative movement. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 also discloses a liquid ejection head in which rectangular recording element substrates are arranged in a staggered pattern. According to Patent Document 1, it is possible to suppress deviation of the landing position of droplets caused by inflowing air currents that occurs when using a liquid ejection head with recording element substrates arranged in a staggered pattern, thereby enabling high-speed, high-quality printed images to be obtained.

[0004] It is known that such liquid ejection heads generate a transport airflow caused by the transport of the recording medium and a self-airflow caused by the ejection of droplets, and these airflows cause deflected ejection. The deflected ejection caused by the airflow at the end of the recording element substrate is determined by the transport airflow caused by the transport of the recording medium and the self-airflow caused by the ejection of droplets.

[0005] The transport airflow near the end of the recording element substrate passes through the path indicated by the symbol 30b in FIG. 6A, for example. Furthermore, when multiple recording element substrates are arranged as in FIG. 6B, the path is as shown by the dashed line in the figure. The transport airflow of path 30b influences droplets at the end of the upstream nozzle row 14a toward the outside of the recording element substrate. Furthermore, the transport airflow of path 30b influences droplets at the end of the downstream nozzle row 14c toward the inside of the recording element substrate. Thus, when the recording element substrates are arranged in a staggered pattern, the direction of the transport airflow changes at the upstream and downstream ends.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, in order to reduce the change in the landing position of droplets caused by this transport air current, the nozzle spacing at the upstream end of the recording element substrate is narrowed and the nozzle spacing at the downstream end is widened. In Patent Document 1, the influence of the transport air current on droplets is reduced by adopting a nozzle arrangement configuration that takes into account the influence of the self-air current caused by droplet ejection. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, if an attempt is made to reduce the effects of the transport airflow by changing the nozzle spacing in this way, it becomes necessary to change the nozzle arrangement each time depending on the printing conditions (such as the media transport speed). Furthermore, because there are areas where the nozzle spacing is not equal between the upstream nozzle row and the downstream nozzle row on the recording element substrate, there is a problem that the physical nozzle arrangement has an adverse effect on image quality. Furthermore, because there are areas where the nozzle spacing is not equal between the upstream nozzle row and the downstream nozzle row, there are limitations on control methods for reducing the effects of fluctuations in droplet landing positions. For example, the existence of areas where the nozzle spacing is not equal makes it difficult to employ controls such as changing the droplet size or specifying the ejection nozzle.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a liquid ejection head that does not require changing the nozzle spacing between nozzle rows at the ends of the nozzle row to take into account the deviation of the droplet landing position due to the air current transporting the recording medium, and that does not restrict the degree of freedom of the control method for reducing the effect of the deviation of the droplet landing position at the ends of the nozzle row. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the liquid ejection head of the present invention is a liquid ejection head having a nozzle plate provided with two or more nozzle rows in which nozzles are arranged to eject liquid onto a transported recording medium, and is characterized in that when the distance from the nozzle at one end of the nozzle row to the nozzle at the other end is defined as the nozzle row distance, the nozzle row distance of the nozzle row provided on the upstream side of the nozzle plate in the transport direction of the recording medium is shorter than the nozzle row distance of the nozzle row on the downstream side of the transport direction of the recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the liquid ejection head of the present invention, there is no need to change the nozzle spacing between nozzle rows at the ends of the nozzle row to take into account the deviation of the droplet landing position due to the air current transporting the recording medium, and this makes it possible to avoid narrowing the degree of freedom of the control method for reducing the effect of the deviation of the droplet landing position at the ends of the nozzle row. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic plan views for explaining Comparative Example 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are schematic plan views for explaining Example 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is another schematic plan view for explaining the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are schematic plan views for explaining Example 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view for explaining Example 3. [Figure 6]1A and 1B are schematic plan views for explaining the flow of air currents in a conventional example. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a device for discharging liquid. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of a device for discharging liquid. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a liquid ejection unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of the liquid ejection unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a head module. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a further exploded perspective view of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the head module as viewed from the nozzle surface side. [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of one head of the head module taken along the short side of the head. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram of another example of a device for discharging liquid. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory plan view of another example of the head unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory plan view of another example of the head unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram of another example of a device for discharging liquid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A liquid ejection head, a liquid ejection unit, and a liquid ejection device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and other modifications, additions, corrections, deletions, and other changes can be made within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can conceive. Any aspect that achieves the functions and effects of the present invention is within the scope of the present invention.

[0013] The liquid ejection head of the present invention is a liquid ejection head having a nozzle plate provided with two or more nozzle rows in which nozzles are arranged to eject liquid onto a recording medium being transported, and is characterized in that when the distance from the nozzle at one end of the nozzle row to the nozzle at the other end is defined as the nozzle row distance, the nozzle row distance of the nozzle row provided upstream in the nozzle plate in the transport direction of the recording medium is shorter than the nozzle row distance of the nozzle row provided downstream in the transport direction of the recording medium.

[0014] A liquid ejection unit of the present invention includes the liquid ejection head of the present invention. Also, a liquid ejection device of the present invention includes the liquid ejection head of the present invention or the liquid ejection unit of the present invention.

[0015] In this invention, the transport airflow at the end of the nozzle plate can be gently released in one direction without any difference in the direction of the airflow between the upstream and downstream sides. Therefore, there is no need to change the nozzle spacing between nozzle rows at the end of the nozzle row to account for deviations in the landing position of droplets due to the transport airflow on the recording medium. This eliminates the need to change the nozzle arrangement each time depending on printing conditions (such as the media transport speed), which has the advantage of simplifying the design and reducing costs.

[0016] In conventional technology, there are areas where the nozzle spacing is not equal between the upstream nozzle row and the downstream nozzle row, which limits the control methods used to reduce the impact of variations in droplet landing positions. For example, the unequal nozzle spacing makes it difficult to employ controls such as changing droplet size or specifying ejection nozzles.

[0017] In contrast, in the present invention, since there is no need to change the nozzle spacing at the ends of the nozzle array between nozzle arrays, it is possible to avoid narrowing the degree of freedom in the control method for reducing the effects of deviations in the landing positions of droplets at the ends of the nozzle array. As described above, in the present invention, by simplifying the airflow direction without making a difference in the airflow direction between the upstream and downstream sides, it is possible to prevent narrowing the degree of freedom in the selection of the control method for reducing the effects of deviations in the landing positions of droplets. When reducing the effects of deviations in the landing positions of droplets, it is possible to perform control on the system side, such as changing the droplet size or specifying the ejection nozzle.

[0018] Furthermore, in the present invention, since there is no need to vary the nozzle spacing at the ends of the nozzle rows, it is possible to prevent adverse effects on image quality due to the physical nozzle arrangement. If there are areas where the nozzle spacing is not uniform, there is a concern that the nozzle arrangement will have an adverse effect on image quality.

[0019] The liquid ejection head of the present invention may be a line type or a serial type. In this embodiment, liquid is ejected onto a conveyed recording medium, but in the present invention, the liquid ejection head may be scanned to eject liquid while the recording medium is stationary. In this case, the conveyance direction of the recording medium may be appropriately referred to as the direction of relative movement, etc.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to an example. In the following description, terms such as upstream side and downstream side may be used. Unless otherwise specified, the upstream side refers to the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium, and the downstream side refers to the downstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium. In addition, a nozzle plate will be used as an example of the nozzle plate in the description. The recording medium may also be referred to as a medium, a medium, a discharged object, a substrate, or the like.

[0021] (Comparative Example 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating Comparative Example 1. The liquid ejection head of Comparative Example 1 has a nozzle plate 10 provided with two or more nozzle rows 12 in which nozzles 11 are arranged. Fig. 1(A) shows two nozzle rows 12. In the figure, the white arrow indicates the transport direction of the recording medium, and the hatched arrow schematically indicates the transport airflow.

[0022] In Fig. 1(A), the nozzle row on the upstream side in the transport direction is referred to as nozzle row 12a, and the nozzle row on the downstream side in the transport direction is referred to as nozzle row 12b. The nozzles at the end of nozzle row 12a are referred to as nozzle 11a, and the nozzles at the end of nozzle row 12b are referred to as nozzle 11b. In Comparative Example 1, as shown in Fig. 1(A), the nozzle plate 10 has a rectangular planar shape. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1(B), in the liquid ejection unit of Comparative Example 1, the rectangular nozzle plates 10 are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0023] In Comparative Example 1, the transport airflow caused by the transport of the recording medium at the end of the nozzle plate 10 flows as indicated by the diagonal arrows. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1A, in the nozzle row 12a on the upstream side of the nozzle plate 10 in the transport direction, the nozzles 11a at the end are subjected to a force directed outward from the nozzle plate 10. This is indicated by the arrow 14a pointing leftward on the paper in the figure. On the other hand, in the nozzle row 12b on the downstream side of the nozzle plate 10 in the transport direction, the nozzles 11b at the end are subjected to a force directed inward from the nozzle plate 10. This is indicated by the arrow 14b pointing rightward on the paper in the figure.

[0024] When liquid is ejected, air pressure near the nozzle causes an air current to flow toward the nozzle (self-air current), causing the droplet landing position to fluctuate.Since this fluctuation in droplet landing position affects image quality, it is necessary to control the fluctuation in droplet landing position.

[0025] However, Comparative Example 1 has a problem in that the means for preventing the impact of deviation in droplet landing positions on image quality are limited. In Comparative Example 1, the landing positions of droplets at the ends of the nozzle array are shifted in the directions indicated by arrows 14a and 14b. In Comparative Example 1, the landing positions are shifted in opposite directions at the end of the upstream nozzle array 12a and the end of the downstream nozzle array 12b. As shown in the figure, arrows 14a and 14b are in opposite directions. When the landing positions of droplets fluctuate in opposite directions between the nozzle arrays, it becomes difficult to employ system-side control, such as changing the droplet size or specifying the ejection nozzles. Therefore, Comparative Example 1 is limited to a means such as changing the nozzle spacing at the end of the upstream nozzle array 12a and the end of the downstream nozzle array 12b.

[0026] In Comparative Example 1, in consideration of the influence of the self-flowing air, the nozzle spacing at the end of the upstream nozzle row 12a is made narrower than the nozzle spacing at the end of the downstream nozzle row 12b in order to suppress fluctuations in the landing position of the droplets. In the figure, the nozzle spacing at the end of the upstream nozzle row 12a is set to x [μm], the nozzle spacing at the end of the downstream nozzle row 12b is set to y [μm], and x <yとしている。

[0027] However, when reducing the effect of the transport airflow by changing the nozzle spacing as in Comparative Example 1, it is necessary to change the nozzle arrangement each time depending on the printing conditions (media transport speed, etc.) Also, there are locations on the nozzle plate 10 where the nozzle spacing is not equal between the upstream and downstream sides, which creates the problem of adversely affecting image quality due to the physical nozzle arrangement.

[0028] Example 1 Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view for explaining Example 1. The liquid ejection head of Example 1 has a nozzle plate 10 provided with two or more nozzle rows 12 in which nozzles 11 are arranged. Fig. 2(A) shows two nozzle rows 12, but there may be more nozzle rows 12. In the figure, the white arrow indicates the transport direction of the recording medium, and the diagonal arrow schematically indicates the transport airflow.

[0029] In Fig. 2(A), the nozzle row on the upstream side in the transport direction is referred to as nozzle row 12a, and the nozzle row on the downstream side in the transport direction is referred to as nozzle row 12b. The nozzles at the end of nozzle row 12a are referred to as nozzle 11a, and the nozzles at the end of nozzle row 12b are referred to as nozzle 11b. In Example 1, as shown in Fig. 2(A), the nozzle plate 10 has a rectangular planar shape. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2(B), in the liquid ejection unit of Example 1, trapezoidal nozzle plates 10 are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the nozzle array distance in Example 1. In the diagram, three nozzle arrays are illustrated, and from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the recording medium, they are respectively designated as nozzle arrays 12a, 12b, and 12c. When describing the nozzle arrays without distinction, they are also referred to as nozzle array 12. The nozzle at one end of nozzle array 12a is designated nozzle 11a, and the nozzle at the other end is designated nozzle 11a'. The same is true for nozzle arrays 12b and 12c. The distance from the nozzle at one end to the nozzle at the other end of the nozzle array is referred to as the nozzle array distance. The nozzle array distance can also be said to be the distance from one end of the nozzle array to the other end. In the diagram, the nozzle array distances of each nozzle array are designated Da, Db, and Dc. For example, the distance from nozzle 11a at one end of nozzle array 12a to nozzle 11a' at the other end is the nozzle array distance Da.

[0031] In the nozzle plate 10 of this embodiment 1, the nozzle row distance on the upstream side is shorter than the nozzle row distance on the downstream side. In the example shown, the nozzle row distance Da of the nozzle row 12a is shorter than the nozzle row distance Db of the nozzle row 12b on the downstream side, and the nozzle row distance Db of the nozzle row 12b is shorter than the nozzle row distance Dc of the nozzle row 12c on the downstream side.

[0032] By doing so, the influence of the transport airflow passing through the end of the nozzle plate 10 can be gently released in one direction without any difference in direction between the upstream and downstream sides. For example, as shown in FIG. 2(A), arrows 14a and 14b, which schematically show the self-flowing airflow, point in the same direction. This allows the direction of change in the impact position due to the transport airflow to be unified in one direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the airflow (hatched arrow) flowing from the upstream side of the recording medium transport direction toward the nozzle plate 10 flows along the end of the nozzle row in one nozzle plate 10.

[0033] In this first embodiment, the direction of the change in the landing position due to the transport airflow can be unified to one direction, making it easy to correct the fluctuation in the landing position. For example, it is possible to perform control on the system side, such as changing the droplet size or specifying the discharge nozzle.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle spacing at the end of the nozzle plate can be made the same between the upstream nozzle row and the downstream nozzle row. In this embodiment, there is no need to change the nozzle spacing at the end between the nozzle rows, as in Comparative Example 1, to prevent fluctuations in the landing position of droplets. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the nozzle spacing at the end of the upstream nozzle row 12a and the nozzle spacing at the end of the downstream nozzle row 12b are both x [μm]. This is expected to improve image quality from the perspective of physical nozzle arrangement. As explained in Comparative Example 1, if the nozzle spacing at the end is different between the upstream nozzle row and the downstream nozzle row, it becomes difficult to improve image quality.

[0035] The nozzle spacing on the end side refers to the distance between the nozzle at the end of the nozzle row and the nozzle adjacent to that nozzle.

[0036] The shape of the nozzle plate 10 can be selected as appropriate. The planar shape of the nozzle plate 10 can be, for example, a polygon. A polygonal shape has advantages in terms of productivity, such as ease of manufacturing. Examples of polygonal shapes include a trapezoid, a rectangle, and a hexagon.

[0037] In this embodiment 1, the nozzle plate 10 has a trapezoidal planar shape, with the upper base on the upstream side and the lower base on the downstream side. When the nozzle plate 10 has a trapezoidal planar shape, the number of nozzles on the upstream side of the nozzle plate that are affected by the airflow transporting the recording medium can be reduced.

[0038] In this embodiment 1, the nozzle plate 10 has a trapezoidal planar shape, and the nozzle rows are arranged similarly to match the planar shape of the nozzle plate. This has advantages in terms of ease of manufacturing and ease of positioning when configured as a head array.

[0039] A supplementary explanation will be given regarding the nozzle array being similarly arranged to match the planar shape of the nozzle plate. In this embodiment 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the arrangement direction of the nozzles 11a and 11b at the ends of the nozzle array is along the oblique side of the nozzle plate 10. As shown in the figure, the arrangement direction of the nozzles 11a at the end of the nozzle array is along the oblique side 13a of the nozzle plate 10, and the arrangement direction of the nozzles 11b at the end of the nozzle array is along the oblique side 13b of the nozzle plate 10. In other words, the angle of the arrangement direction of the nozzles at the end of the nozzle array with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording medium is the same as the angle of the oblique side of the nozzle plate 10. The fact that the nozzle array is similarly arranged to match the planar shape of the nozzle plate can be rephrased as above.

[0040] 2(B) is a schematic plan view illustrating the liquid ejection unit of this embodiment 1. The liquid ejection unit of this embodiment 1 has a plurality of liquid ejection heads. The liquid ejection unit of this embodiment 1 has a head array configuration in which a plurality of liquid ejection heads are arranged.

[0041] As shown in the figure, the nozzle plate 10 has long and short sides, and two or more liquid ejection heads are arranged in a staggered pattern in the long direction. In this case, an overlapping area can be provided, which can suppress streaking and improve image quality.

[0042] The figure shows overlapping areas S1 to S3 where the nozzle rows between the heads overlap. The overlapping areas can be created by arranging the trapezoidal nozzle plates in a staggered pattern. The overlapping areas reduce streaking between the nozzle plates in the width direction of the recording medium (the direction perpendicular to the transport direction), improving quality.

[0043] Example 2 Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining Example 2. Explanation of matters similar to those in Example 1 above will be omitted. The liquid ejection head of Example 2 has a nozzle plate 10 provided with two or more nozzle rows 12 in which nozzles 11 are arranged. Fig. 4(A) shows two nozzle rows 12, but the number of nozzle rows 12 may be greater.

[0044] In this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the nozzle row distance of the upstream nozzle row is shorter than the nozzle row distance of the downstream nozzle row, as shown in Fig. 4(A), for example. Therefore, in this second embodiment, arrows 14a and 14b, which schematically show the self-airflow, are in the same direction, and the direction of the change in the landing position due to the transport airflow can be unified to one direction. As shown in Fig. 4, the airflow (hatched arrow) flowing from the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium toward the nozzle plate 10 flows along the end of the nozzle row in one nozzle plate 10.

[0045] In this second embodiment, the direction of change in landing position due to the transport airflow can be unified to one direction, making it easy to correct fluctuations in landing position. For example, system-side control such as changing the droplet size or specifying the ejection nozzle can be performed. Also, in this second embodiment, the nozzle spacing at the end of the nozzle plate can be made the same between the upstream nozzle row and the downstream nozzle row. As shown in FIG. 4A, the nozzle spacing at the end of the upstream nozzle row 12a and the nozzle spacing at the end of the downstream nozzle row 12b are both x [μm]. This is expected to improve image quality from the perspective of physical nozzle arrangement.

[0046] In this Example 2, the nozzle plate 10 has a rectangular planar shape. When the nozzle plate 10 has a rectangular planar shape, the nozzle plate structure is simpler than when it has a trapezoidal shape, and therefore, from the viewpoint of nozzle plate manufacturing, an improvement in yield rate and an increase in the number of chips can be expected.

[0047] 4(B) is a schematic plan view illustrating the liquid ejection unit of this embodiment 2. In the liquid ejection unit of this embodiment 2, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, the nozzle plate has long and short sides, and two or more liquid ejection heads are arranged in a staggered pattern in the long direction. This makes it possible to provide overlapping regions (e.g., S1 to S3), which can reduce streaking on the nozzle plate and improve image quality.

[0048] Example 3 Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view for explaining Example 3. Explanation of matters similar to those in Example 1 above will be omitted. The liquid ejection head of Example 3 has a nozzle plate 10 provided with two or more nozzle rows 12 in which nozzles 11 are arranged. Fig. 5(A) shows two nozzle rows 12, but the number of nozzle rows 12 may be greater.

[0049] In this embodiment 3, as in the first embodiment, the nozzle row distance of the upstream nozzle row is shorter than the nozzle row distance of the downstream nozzle row, as shown in Fig. 5(A), for example. Therefore, in this embodiment 3 as well, the arrows 14a and 14b, which schematically show the self-airflow, are in the same direction, and the direction of the change in the landing position due to the transport airflow can be unified to one direction. As shown in Fig. 5, the airflow (hatched arrow) flowing from the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium toward the nozzle plate 10 flows along the end of the nozzle row in one nozzle plate 10.

[0050] In this third embodiment, the direction of change in landing position due to the transport airflow can be unified to one direction, making it easy to correct fluctuations in landing position. For example, system-side control such as changing the droplet size or specifying the ejection nozzle can be performed. Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the nozzle spacing at the end of the nozzle plate can be made the same between the upstream nozzle row and the downstream nozzle row. As shown in FIG. 5A, the nozzle spacing at the end of the upstream nozzle row 12a and the nozzle spacing at the end of the downstream nozzle row 12b are both x [μm]. This is expected to improve image quality from the perspective of physical nozzle arrangement.

[0051] In this third embodiment, the nozzle plate 10 has a hexagonal planar shape. When the nozzle plate 10 has a hexagonal planar shape, the distance between the nozzle plates can be narrowed when multiple heads are provided, and the heads can be neatly arranged along the oblique sides of the nozzle plates. Therefore, when a head array configuration is used, the alignment accuracy can be improved, and higher image quality can be expected.

[0052] FIG. 5B is a schematic plan view for explaining the liquid ejection unit of the third embodiment. In the liquid ejection unit of this Example 3, the nozzle plate has long and short sides, and two or more liquid ejection heads are arranged in a staggered pattern in the long direction, as in Example 1. This makes it possible to provide overlapping areas (e.g., S1 to S3), reduce streaking on the nozzle plate, and improve image quality.

[0053] (An embodiment of a liquid ejection unit and a device for ejecting liquid) Next, an example of a liquid ejection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is an explanatory plan view of the main parts of the device, and Figure 8 is an explanatory side view of the main parts of the device.

[0054] This device is a serial type device, and a carriage 403 is moved back and forth in the main scanning direction by a main scanning movement mechanism 493. The main scanning movement mechanism 493 includes a guide member 401, a main scanning motor 405, a timing belt 408, etc. The guide member 401 is hung between left and right side plates 491A and 491B, and movably holds the carriage 403. The main scanning motor 405 then moves the carriage 403 back and forth in the main scanning direction via a timing belt 408 hung between a drive pulley 406 and a driven pulley 407.

[0055] This carriage 403 is equipped with a liquid ejection unit 440 that integrates a liquid ejection head 404 according to the present invention and a head tank 441. The liquid ejection head 404 of the liquid ejection unit 440 ejects liquid of each color, for example, yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). The liquid ejection head 404 is mounted with a nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles 11 arranged in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and the ejection direction facing downward.

[0056] The liquid stored in the liquid cartridge 450 is supplied to the head tank 441 by a supply mechanism 494 for supplying the liquid stored outside the liquid ejection head 404 to the liquid ejection head 404 .

[0057] The supply mechanism 494 is composed of a cartridge holder 451 which is a filling section to which the liquid cartridge 450 is attached, a tube 456, a liquid delivery unit 452 including a liquid delivery pump, etc. The liquid cartridge 450 is detachably attached to the cartridge holder 451. The liquid is delivered from the liquid cartridge 450 to the head tank 441 by the liquid delivery unit 452 via the tube 456.

[0058] This device is provided with a transport mechanism 495 for transporting paper 410. The transport mechanism 495 includes a transport belt 412, which is a transport means, and a sub-scanning motor 416 for driving the transport belt 412.

[0059] The conveyor belt 412 attracts the paper 410 and conveys it at a position facing the liquid ejection head 404. The conveyor belt 412 is an endless belt that is stretched between a conveyor roller 413 and a tension roller 414. The paper can be attracted by electrostatic attraction or air suction.

[0060] The conveyor belt 412 moves in a circular motion in the sub-scanning direction when the conveyor roller 413 is rotationally driven by a sub-scanning motor 416 via a timing belt 417 and a timing pulley 418 .

[0061] Furthermore, a maintenance and recovery mechanism 420 for performing maintenance and recovery of the liquid ejection head 404 is disposed on one side of the conveyor belt 412 on one side of the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction.

[0062] The maintenance and recovery mechanism 420 is made up of, for example, a cap member 421 that caps the nozzle surface (the surface on which the nozzles 11 are formed) of the liquid ejection head 404, a wiper member 422 that wipes the nozzle surface, and the like.

[0063] The main scanning movement mechanism 493, the supply mechanism 494, the maintenance and recovery mechanism 420, and the transport mechanism 495 are attached to a housing including side plates 491A and 491B and a back plate 491C.

[0064] In this device configured as described above, a sheet of paper 410 is fed onto and attracted to the conveyor belt 412, and the sheet of paper 410 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the circular movement of the conveyor belt 412.

[0065] Therefore, by driving the liquid ejection head 404 in accordance with an image signal while moving the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, liquid is ejected onto the stationary paper 410 to form an image.

[0066] As described above, this device is equipped with the liquid ejection head according to the present invention, and therefore can stably form high-quality images.

[0067] Next, another example of a liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an explanatory plan view of the main part of the unit.

[0068] This liquid ejection unit is composed of the components that make up the device for ejecting the liquid, including a housing portion consisting of side plates 491A, 491B and a back plate 491C, a main scanning movement mechanism 493, a carriage 403, and a liquid ejection head 404.

[0069] It is also possible to configure a liquid discharge unit in which at least one of the maintenance and recovery mechanism 420 and the supply mechanism 494 described above is further attached to, for example, the side plate 491B of this liquid discharge unit.

[0070] Next, still another example of a liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is an explanatory front view of the unit.

[0071] This liquid ejection unit is composed of a liquid ejection head 404 to which a flow path part 444 is attached, and a tube 456 connected to the flow path part 444 .

[0072] The flow path part 444 is disposed inside the cover 442. A head tank 441 may be included instead of the flow path part 444. A connector 443 for electrically connecting the flow path part 444 to the liquid ejection head 404 is provided on the upper part of the flow path part 444.

[0073] In this application, a "liquid ejecting device" is a device that includes a liquid ejection head or a liquid ejection unit and ejects liquid by driving the liquid ejection head. Liquid ejecting devices include not only devices that can eject liquid onto objects to which the liquid can adhere, but also devices that eject liquid into air or liquid.

[0074] This "liquid ejecting device" can also include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging items onto which liquid can be attached, as well as pre-processing devices and post-processing devices.

[0075] For example, examples of "liquid ejecting devices" include image forming devices that eject ink to form images on paper, and three-dimensional modeling devices (three-dimensional modeling devices) that eject modeling liquid onto a powder layer formed from layers of powder in order to create a three-dimensional object (a three-dimensional model).

[0076] Furthermore, the term "liquid ejection device" is not limited to devices that use ejected liquid to visualize meaningful images such as letters and figures. For example, it also includes devices that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves, and devices that create three-dimensional images.

[0077] The above-mentioned "object onto which a liquid can adhere" means an object onto which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, an object onto which the liquid can adhere and stick, an object onto which the liquid can penetrate, etc. Specific examples include media such as paper, recording paper, film, and cloth, electronic circuit boards, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers, organ models, and test cells, and unless otherwise specified, includes all objects onto which a liquid can adhere.

[0078] The material of the above-mentioned "object to which a liquid can adhere" may be any material to which a liquid can adhere, even temporarily, such as paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, building materials such as wallpaper and flooring, and textiles for clothing.

[0079] "Liquid" also includes ink, processing liquid, DNA sample, resist, pattern material, binder, modeling liquid, or solutions and dispersions containing amino acids, proteins, calcium, and the like.

[0080] Furthermore, the "liquid ejection device" may be a device in which a liquid ejection head and an object onto which liquid can be attached move relatively, but is not limited to this. Specific examples include a serial type device in which the liquid ejection head moves, and a line type device in which the liquid ejection head does not move. From the viewpoint of ease of considering airflow, the line type is preferable.

[0081] Other examples of "liquid ejecting devices" include a treatment liquid application device that ejects a treatment liquid onto paper to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper for purposes such as modifying the surface of the paper, and an injection granulation device that ejects a composition liquid in which raw materials are dispersed through a nozzle to granulate fine particles of the raw materials.

[0082] A "liquid ejection unit" is a collection of components related to the ejection of liquid, integrating functional parts and mechanisms with a liquid ejection head. For example, a "liquid ejection unit" includes a combination of a liquid ejection head and at least one of the following components: a head tank, a carriage, a supply mechanism, a maintenance and recovery mechanism, and a main scanning movement mechanism.

[0083] Here, "integrated" includes, for example, a liquid ejection head and a functional part or mechanism that are fixed to each other by fastening, bonding, engaging, etc., or one that is held movably relative to the other. The liquid ejection head, functional part, or mechanism may also be configured to be detachable from each other.

[0084] For example, some liquid ejection units have a liquid ejection head and a head tank integrated together, such as liquid ejection unit 440 shown in Fig. 8. Other liquid ejection units have a liquid ejection head and a head tank integrated together by being connected to each other by a tube or the like. Here, a unit including a filter can be added between the head tank and the liquid ejection head of these liquid ejection units.

[0085] Furthermore, there is a liquid ejection unit in which the liquid ejection head and the carriage are integrated.

[0086] In some liquid ejection units, the liquid ejection head is movably held by a guide member that constitutes part of the scanning movement mechanism, and the liquid ejection head and the scanning movement mechanism are integrated together. In other liquid ejection units, as shown in Figure 9, the liquid ejection head, carriage, and main scanning movement mechanism are integrated together.

[0087] Furthermore, there is a liquid ejection unit in which a cap member, which is part of the maintenance and recovery mechanism, is fixed to a carriage on which a liquid ejection head is attached, thereby integrating the liquid ejection head, carriage, and maintenance and recovery mechanism.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 10, there is also a liquid ejection unit in which a tube is connected to a liquid ejection head to which a head tank or flow path components are attached, and the liquid ejection head and a supply mechanism are integrated.

[0089] The main scanning movement mechanism includes the guide member alone, and the supply mechanism includes the tube alone and the loading unit alone.

[0090] Furthermore, the pressure generating means used in the "liquid ejection head" is not limited. For example, in addition to the piezoelectric actuator (which may use a laminated piezoelectric element) as described in the above embodiment, a thermal actuator using an electrothermal conversion element such as a heating resistor, or an electrostatic actuator consisting of a vibration plate and an opposing electrode may also be used.

[0091] In addition, in the present application, the terms image formation, recording, printing, copying, printing, modeling, etc. are all synonymous.

[0092] (Another embodiment of the liquid ejection unit and the device for ejecting liquid) Next, other embodiments of the liquid ejection unit and the device for ejecting liquid will be described. The liquid ejection head or liquid ejection unit of the present invention may be used as a head module. Furthermore, a configuration in which a plurality of liquid ejection heads of the present invention are arranged may be referred to as a head array configuration.

[0093] Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a head module according to this embodiment, Fig. 12 is a further exploded perspective view of Fig. 11, Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the head module as seen from the nozzle surface side, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of one head of the head module taken along the short side of the head.

[0094] The head module 100 includes a plurality of heads 1 that eject liquid, a base member 102, a cover member 103, a heat dissipation member 104, a manifold 105, a printed circuit board (PCB) 106, and a module case 107.

[0095] The head 1 includes a nozzle plate 10 having nozzles 11 formed therein, an individual flow path plate 20 having pressure chambers 21 communicating with the nozzles 11, a vibration plate 30 including a piezoelectric element 40, an intermediate flow path plate 50 laminated on the vibration plate 30, and a common flow path member 70 laminated on the intermediate flow path plate 50.

[0096] The individual flow path plate 20 , together with the pressure chamber 21 , forms an individual supply flow path 22 communicating with the pressure chamber 21 , and an individual recovery flow path 24 communicating with the pressure chamber 21 .

[0097] The intermediate flow path plate 50 forms an intermediate supply flow path 51 that communicates with the individual supply flow path 22 through the opening 31 of the vibration plate 30, and an intermediate recovery flow path 52 that communicates with the individual recovery flow path 24 through the opening 32 of the vibration plate 30.

[0098] The common flow path member 70 forms a common supply flow path 71 that communicates with the intermediate supply flow path 51, and a common recovery flow path 72 that communicates with the intermediate recovery flow path 52. The common supply flow path 71 communicates with the supply port 81 via a flow path 151 of the manifold 105. The common recovery flow path 72 communicates with the recovery port 82 via a flow path 152 of the manifold 105.

[0099] The printed circuit board 106 and the piezoelectric element 40 of the head 1 are connected via a flexible wiring member 90, on which a driver IC (drive circuit) 91 is mounted.

[0100] The multiple heads 1 are inserted into openings 121 in a base member 102, and the peripheral edges of the nozzle plates 10 of the heads 1 are bonded and fixed with an adhesive to a cover member 103 that is bonded and fixed to the base member 102. The cover member 103 has openings 121 that correspond to the areas of the nozzles 11 of the nozzle plate 10, and the cover member 103 covers the peripheral edges of the nozzle plates 10 of the heads 1.

[0101] In addition, in the longitudinal direction of the head 1, a flange portion 70a provided on the outside of the common flow path member 70 is joined and fixed to the base member 102.

[0102] Next, another example of a liquid ejecting device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the device, and Figure 16 is a plan explanatory diagram of an example of a head unit of the device.

[0103] The printing device 500, which is a device for ejecting this liquid, includes an input means 501 for feeding a continuous body 510, a guide and conveying means 503 for guiding and conveying the continuous body 510, such as continuous paper or continuous sheet, fed from the input means 501 to a printing means 505, the printing means 505 for ejecting liquid onto the continuous body 510 to print and form an image, a drying means 507 for drying the continuous body 510, and an ejection means 509 for ejecting the continuous body 510.

[0104] The continuous body 510 is fed from the original winding roller 511 of the carrying-in means 501 , guided and conveyed by the rollers of the carrying-in means 501 , the guide and conveying means 503 , the drying means 507 and the carrying-out means 509 , and wound up by the winding roller 591 of the carrying-out means 509 .

[0105] This continuum 510 is conveyed in the printing means 505 so as to face the head unit 550, and an image is printed by the liquid ejected from the head unit 550.

[0106] Here, as shown in FIG. 16, the head unit 550 includes three head modules 100A, 100B, and 100C according to the present invention mounted on a common base member 552.

[0107] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a head unit 550. As shown in the figure, the arrangement of the liquid ejection heads 1 in the head module 100 can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, the liquid ejection heads 1 may be arranged in a staggered manner. Furthermore, as explained in the above embodiment, the planar shape of the nozzle plate of the liquid ejection head is not limited to a rectangle, and can be selected as appropriate from trapezoidal, hexagonal, etc.

[0108] (Electrode manufacturing equipment) The "liquid ejecting device" according to the present invention also includes a manufacturing device for an electrode and an electrochemical element. An electrode manufacturing device will be described below.

[0109] 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode including a layer having an electrode material by ejecting a liquid composition using a head module including a liquid ejection head.

[0110] <Means for forming layer containing electrode material, and process for forming layer containing electrode material> The discharge means provided in the electrode manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 18 is a head module according to the embodiment of the present invention. The liquid composition is applied to a target object by being discharged from a discharge head provided in the head module, thereby forming a liquid composition layer. The target object (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "discharge target") is not particularly limited as long as it is an object on which a layer containing an electrode material is to be formed, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the target object may be an electrode substrate (current collector), an active material layer, a layer containing a solid electrode material, etc. The target object may also be an electrode mixture layer containing an active material on an electrode substrate (current collector).

[0111] Furthermore, the discharging means and discharging step may be a means and step for forming a layer having an electrode material by directly discharging the liquid composition, as long as it is possible to form a layer having an electrode material on the discharge target. Alternatively, the discharging means and discharging step may be a means and step for forming a layer having an electrode material by indirectly discharging the liquid composition.

[0112] <Other components and processes> Other components included in the manufacturing apparatus for an electrode mixture layer are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. Furthermore, other steps included in the manufacturing method for an electrode mixture layer are also not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. For example, components and steps included in the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for an electrode mixture layer include a heating means and a heating step.

[0113] <Heating means, heating process> The heating means included in the manufacturing device for the electrode mixture layer is a means for heating the liquid composition ejected by the ejection means. Also, the heating step included in the manufacturing method for the electrode mixture layer is a step of heating the liquid composition ejected in the ejection step. By heating the liquid composition, the liquid composition layer can be dried.

[0114] <Configuration for forming a layer containing an electrode material by directly ejecting a liquid composition> Here, as an example of an electrode manufacturing apparatus, an electrode manufacturing apparatus for forming an electrode mixture layer containing an active material on an electrode substrate (current collector) will be described. As shown in Figure 18, the electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a discharge process unit 110 that includes a process of applying a liquid composition onto a printing substrate 704 having an object to be discharged to form a liquid composition layer, and a heating process unit 130 that includes a heating process of heating the liquid composition layer to obtain an electrode mixture layer.

[0115] The electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a conveying section 705 that conveys the printing substrate 704. The conveying section 705 conveys the printing substrate 704 at a preset speed in the order of the discharge process section 110 and the heating process section 130. There are no particular limitations on the method for manufacturing the printing substrate 704 having the object to be discharged, such as an active material layer, and any known method can be appropriately selected.

[0116] The discharge process unit 110 includes a liquid discharge head 281a that realizes the application process of applying the liquid composition onto the printing substrate 704, a storage container 281b that stores the liquid composition 707, and a supply tube 281c that supplies the liquid composition 707 stored in the storage container 281b to the liquid discharge head 281a. In the discharge process unit 110, the liquid composition 707 is discharged from the liquid discharge head 281a and applied onto the printing substrate 704, forming a thin film of the liquid composition layer.

[0117] The storage container 281b may be integrated with the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode mixture layer, or may be detachable from the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode mixture layer. The storage container 281b may be a container used for adding to a storage container integrated with the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode mixture layer, or a storage container detachable from the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode mixture layer.

[0118] The storage container 281b and the supply tube 281c can be arbitrarily selected as long as they can stably store and supply the liquid composition 707.

[0119] In the heating process section 130, a solvent removal step is carried out in which the solvent remaining in the liquid composition layer is heated and removed. Specifically, the solvent remaining in the liquid composition layer is heated and dried by the heating device 703 in the heating process section 130, thereby removing the solvent from the liquid composition layer. This results in the formation of an electrode mixture layer. The solvent removal step in the heating process section 130 may also be carried out under reduced pressure.

[0120] The heating device 703 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the heating device 703 can be a substrate heater, an IR heater, a hot air heater, or the like. The heating device 703 may also be a combination of at least two of the substrate heater, the IR heater, and the hot air heater. The heating temperature and heating time can be appropriately selected depending on the boiling point of the solvent contained in the liquid composition 707 or the thickness of the formed film.

[0121] By using the electrode manufacturing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to eject a liquid composition onto a target object.

[0122] The electrode mixture layer can be suitably used, for example, as a part of the configuration of an electrochemical element. The components other than the electrode mixture layer in the electrochemical element are not particularly limited, and known components can be appropriately selected. For example, components other than the electrode mixture layer include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and the like.

[0123] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A liquid ejection head having a nozzle plate provided with two or more nozzle rows in which nozzles that eject liquid onto a recording medium being conveyed, When the distance from one end nozzle to the other end nozzle in the nozzle row is defined as the nozzle row distance, In the nozzle plate, the nozzle row distance of the nozzle row provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium is shorter than the nozzle row distance of the nozzle row provided on the downstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium. A liquid ejection head characterized by: <2> The nozzle plate has a polygonal planar shape. Characterized by <1> The liquid ejection head according to claim 1. <3> the nozzle plate has a trapezoidal planar shape, The nozzle rows are arranged similarly to the planar shape of the nozzle plate. Characterized by <1> or <2> The liquid ejection head according to claim 1. <4> The nozzle plate has a rectangular planar shape. Characterized by <1> or <2> The liquid ejection head according to claim 1. <5> The nozzle plate has a hexagonal planar shape. Characterized by <1> or <2> The liquid ejection head according to claim 1. <6> <1> from <5> The liquid ejection head according to any one of A liquid ejection unit characterized by: <7> <1> from <5> a plurality of liquid ejection heads according to any one of The nozzle plate has a long side and a short side, Two or more of the liquid ejection heads are arranged in a staggered pattern in the longitudinal direction. A liquid ejection unit characterized by: <8> The nozzle arrays of the plurality of liquid ejection heads have an overlapping area between the nozzle plates in the conveying direction of the recording medium. Characterized by <7> The liquid discharge unit according to claim 1. <9> The liquid ejection head is integrated with at least one of a head tank that stores liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head, a carriage that mounts the liquid ejection head, a supply mechanism that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection head, a maintenance and recovery mechanism that performs maintenance and recovery of the liquid ejection head, and a main scanning movement mechanism that moves the liquid ejection head in a main scanning direction. Characterized by <6> from <8> 10. The liquid ejection unit according to claim 9, wherein: <10> <1> from <5> The liquid ejection head according to any one of A liquid ejection device comprising: <11> <6> from <9> The liquid ejection unit according to any one of A liquid ejection device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1 Liquid ejection head 10 Nozzle plate 11 nozzles 12 nozzle rows [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0125] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7051544

Claims

1. A liquid ejection head having a nozzle plate provided with two or more nozzle rows in which nozzles for ejecting liquid onto a recording medium being conveyed, When the distance from one end nozzle to the other end nozzle in the nozzle row is defined as the nozzle row distance, In the nozzle plate, the nozzle row distance of the nozzle row provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium is shorter than the nozzle row distance of the nozzle row provided on the downstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium. A liquid ejection head characterized by:

2. The nozzle plate has a polygonal planar shape.

2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1.

3. the nozzle plate has a trapezoidal planar shape, The nozzle rows are arranged similarly to the planar shape of the nozzle plate.

2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1.

4. The nozzle plate has a rectangular planar shape.

2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1.

5. The nozzle plate has a hexagonal planar shape.

2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1.

6. A liquid ejection head according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided. A liquid ejection unit characterized by:

7. A liquid ejection head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The nozzle plate has a long side and a short side, Two or more of the liquid ejection heads are staggered in the longitudinal direction A liquid ejection unit characterized by:

8. The nozzle arrays of the plurality of liquid ejection heads have an overlapping area between the nozzle plates in the conveying direction of the recording medium. The liquid ejection unit according to claim 7 .

9. The liquid ejection head is integrated with at least one of a head tank that stores liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head, a carriage that mounts the liquid ejection head, a supply mechanism that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection head, a maintenance and recovery mechanism that performs maintenance and recovery of the liquid ejection head, and a main scanning movement mechanism that moves the liquid ejection head in a main scanning direction. The liquid ejection unit according to claim 6 .

10. A liquid ejection head according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided. A liquid ejection device comprising:

11. The liquid ejection unit according to claim 6 is provided. A liquid ejection device comprising:

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