Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device capable of suppressing wind ripple.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes a plurality of head chips that perform discharge along a first axis. A first head chip includes: a first nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles is arrayed along a third axis; and a second nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles is arrayed along a fourth axis parallel to the third axis. A second head chip includes: a third nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles is arrayed along a fifth axis parallel to the third axis; and a fourth nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles is arrayed along a sixth axis parallel to the third axis. The plurality of nozzles of the first nozzle array and the plurality of nozzles of the fourth nozzle array have positions along a seventh axis orthogonal to the second axis shifted from each other by a half pitch. The plurality of nozzles of the first nozzle array and the plurality of nozzles of the fourth nozzle array discharge first liquid. The plurality of nozzles of the second nozzle array and the plurality of nozzles of the third nozzle array have positions along the seventh axis shifted from each other by a half pitch. The plurality of nozzles of the second nozzle array and the plurality of nozzles of the third nozzle array discharge second liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Liquid ejection devices that eject liquid such as ink onto a medium such as printing paper have been proposed.

[0003] The liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1 includes a head having multiple nozzle rows that eject ink. In this liquid ejection device, the density of the multiple nozzles, the width of the nozzle rows, and the distance between the nozzle rows are ensured in order to prevent ink mist caused by droplets ejected from the nozzles from adhering to the nozzle plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-156045 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for even denser nozzle arrangements to print high-resolution images at high speeds. In this case, shortening the distance between nozzle rows in a conventional configuration to increase nozzle density can lead to the risk of wind ripples occurring. In particular, shortening the distance between two nozzle rows that eject ink of the same color can lead to the risk of wind ripples occurring more easily. However, ensuring sufficient distance between two adjacent nozzle rows to achieve a denser nozzle arrangement while suppressing wind ripples makes it difficult to miniaturize the head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A liquid ejection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a liquid ejection device comprising: a liquid ejection head having a plurality of head chips that eject liquid toward a medium along a first axis; and a movement mechanism that moves a relative position between the liquid ejection head and the medium along a second axis that intersects with the first axis, wherein the plurality of head chips include a first head chip and a second head chip that is arranged side by side on one side of the first head chip, and the first head chip has a first nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along a third axis that intersects with the first axis and the second axis, and a second nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along a fourth axis that is parallel to the third axis, and the second head chip has The liquid ejection head has a third nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along a fifth axis parallel to the third axis, and a fourth nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along a sixth axis parallel to the third axis, wherein the plurality of nozzles in the first nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the fourth nozzle row are shifted by half a pitch in position along a seventh axis perpendicular to the second axis, and the plurality of nozzles in the first nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the fourth nozzle row eject a first liquid, and the plurality of nozzles in the second nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the third nozzle row are shifted by half a pitch in position along the seventh axis, and the plurality of nozzles in the second nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the third nozzle row eject a second liquid of a type different from the first liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a liquid ejection device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the liquid ejection head shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram showing some of the head chips shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are diagrams for explaining examples of liquids ejected from head chips included in each head unit shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing some of the head chips included in the head unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing some of the head chips included in the head unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a bottom view schematically showing a head chip according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing some of a plurality of head chips in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of liquid ejected from a head chip included in each head unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing some of a plurality of head chips in a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions, and some parts are shown schematically to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present disclosure is limited.

[0009] In the following description, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which intersect with each other, will be used as appropriate. In the following description, one direction along the X-axis is the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is the X2 direction. Similarly, the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction are opposite directions along the Y-axis. The Z1 direction and the Z2 direction are opposite directions along the Z-axis. Typically, the Z-axis is a vertical axis, and the Z2 direction corresponds to the downward direction in the vertical direction. However, the Z-axis does not have to be a vertical axis. Furthermore, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are typically perpendicular to each other. In the following description, the α-axis and β-axis, which intersect with the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis and are perpendicular to each other, will be used as appropriate. One direction along the α-axis is the α1 direction, and the direction opposite to the α1 direction is the α2 direction. Similarly, the β-axis is opposite directions to each other along the β-axis.

[0010] In this specification, "different types of liquids" refers to liquids that are at least different in color, material, and use. Furthermore, "elements u and w are misaligned by half a pitch" refers to a misalignment of half the width of each of elements u and w. Note that "half a pitch" is not limited to a strict misalignment of half the width, but also includes manufacturing errors, assembly errors, and the like. In the following examples, the "first axis" corresponds to the Z axis, the "second axis intersecting the first axis" corresponds to the Y axis, and the "seventh axis perpendicular to the second axis" corresponds to the X axis.

[0011] A: First embodiment A1:Liquid discharge device 100 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a liquid ejection device 100 according to a first embodiment. The liquid ejection device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is an inkjet printing device that ejects liquid as droplets onto a medium M. The medium M is a printing target made of any material, such as printing paper, a resin film, or fabric.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a liquid container 9, a control unit 20, a moving mechanism 22, a moving mechanism 23, a support member 25, and a liquid ejection head 1.

[0013] The liquid container 9 stores liquid. Specific embodiments of the liquid container 9 include, for example, a cartridge that is detachable from the liquid ejection device 100, a bag-shaped liquid pack made of flexible film, and a liquid tank that can be refilled with liquid.

[0014] The control unit 20 controls the operation of each element of the liquid ejection device 100. The control unit 20 includes, for example, one or more processing circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and one or more storage circuits such as a semiconductor memory.

[0015] The movement mechanism 22 transports the medium M in the Y2 direction under the control of the control unit 20. The movement mechanism 22 includes a transport roller 221 that transports the medium M. The movement mechanism 23 reciprocates the liquid ejection head 1 along the Y axis under the control of the control unit 20. For example, the movement mechanism 23 moves the liquid ejection head 1 in the Y1 direction when ejecting liquid, and moves the liquid ejection head 1 in the Y2 direction each time the movement in the Y1 direction is completed. The movement mechanism 23 includes a substantially box-shaped carriage 231 that houses the liquid ejection head 1, and an endless transport belt 232 to which the carriage 231 is fixed. These movement mechanisms 22 and 23 move the relative positions of the liquid ejection head 1 and the medium M along the Y axis. Note that, for example, the movement mechanism 23 may be omitted.

[0016] Furthermore, the number of liquid ejection heads 1 mounted on the carriage 231 is not limited to one, but may be multiple. In addition to the liquid ejection heads 1, the carriage 231 may also be equipped with the liquid containers 9 described above.

[0017] The liquid ejection head 1 ejects liquid supplied from a liquid container 9 from a plurality of nozzles N onto a medium M under the control of a control unit 20. This ejection is performed in parallel with the transportation of the medium M by a movement mechanism 22 and the movement of the liquid ejection head 1 by a movement mechanism 23, thereby forming an image on the surface of the medium M.

[0018] A2: Liquid ejection head 1 Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the liquid ejection head 1 shown in Fig. 1. The liquid ejection head 1 shown in Fig. 2 has five head units 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e as the plurality of head units 10.

[0019] The head units 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are spaced apart from one another and lined up in the Y1 direction. Therefore, each head unit 10 has a holder 11 and multiple chip group modules 15. The holder 11 is elongated and extends along the X axis. The holder 11 is a member that holds the multiple chip group modules 15.

[0020] Head unit 10a has six chip group modules 15a. Head unit 10b has six chip group modules 15b. Head unit 10c has six chip group modules 15c. Head unit 10d has six chip group modules 15d. Head unit 10e has six chip group modules 15e. The multiple chip group modules 15 included in each head unit 10 are arranged along the X-axis.

[0021] Each chip group module 15 has six head chips 3 spaced apart and aligned along the X-axis. Specifically, each chip group module 15a has six head chips 3a. Each chip group module 15b has six head chips 3b. Each chip group module 15c has six head chips 3c. Each chip group module 15d has six head chips 3d. Each chip group module 15e has six head chips 3e. In this way, the liquid ejection head 1 has a plurality of head chips 3, 180 head chips 3 in the illustrated example.

[0022] Each head chip 3 ejects ink in the Z1 direction along the Z axis, which serves as the "first axis," toward the aforementioned medium M. Although not shown in detail, each head chip 3 also includes a plurality of nozzles N and a driving element, such as a piezoelectric element, that ejects liquid from each nozzle N. Furthermore, each head chip 3 has a reservoir that stores liquid supplied from a liquid container 9 and supplies the liquid to the nozzles N, and a flow path that allows ink to flow from the reservoir to the nozzles.

[0023] A3: Head chip 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing some of the head chips 3 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the head chips 3 are spaced apart from one another in the direction along the X-axis, for example at equal intervals. Each head chip 3 has a plurality of nozzles N. The nozzles N are spaces from which ink is ejected. The nozzles N are arranged in two rows along the α-axis at intervals. The nozzles N arranged in this manner are divided into four nozzle rows S1, S2, S3, and S4. Each nozzle row S is a collection of nozzles N linearly arranged along the α-axis. In each drawing, each nozzle row S is indicated by a square frame to facilitate understanding of the nozzle row S.

[0024] The multiple nozzles N belonging to each nozzle array S are aligned in a row at equal intervals. The opening areas of the nozzles N are equal to each other. The four nozzle arrays S1 to S4 included in one head chip 3 are arranged in two rows along the β axis and two columns along the α axis. The column direction of each nozzle array S is the direction along the α axis.

[0025] In each head chip 3, the multiple nozzles N are aligned in a direction that intersects the X-axis and Y-axis when viewed in the Z1 direction, which is the liquid ejection direction. Therefore, the multiple nozzles N are aligned in a direction that intersects the direction in which the medium M and the liquid ejection head 1 move when viewed in the Z1 direction. Furthermore, the row direction of each of the four nozzle rows S1, S2, S3, and S4 intersects the X-axis and Y-axis when viewed in the Z1 direction. Therefore, the row direction of each of the four nozzle rows S1, S2, S3, and S4 intersects the direction in which the medium M and the liquid ejection head 1 move when viewed in the Z1 direction.

[0026] In each head chip 3, nozzle row S1 is arranged in the α1 direction relative to nozzle row S2 and is located in the β1 direction relative to nozzle row S3. Nozzle row S4 is arranged in the β2 direction relative to nozzle row S2 and is located in the α2 direction relative to nozzle row S3.

[0027] A4: Example of liquid in each nozzle row S Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of liquid ejected from the head chip 3 of each head unit 10 shown in Fig. 2. The type of liquid stored in the liquid container 9 of Fig. 1 described above is arbitrary, and the type of liquid supplied from the liquid container 9 to each head chip 3 of the liquid ejection head 1 is arbitrary. Fig. 4 shows an example of the type of liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 1. Note that in Fig. 4, different hatching is used for each type of liquid to make it easier to understand.

[0028] In this embodiment, a different liquid is supplied to each head unit 10. Note that the type of liquid in the multiple head chips 3 belonging to each head unit 10 is the same. Fig. 4(a) shows the head chip 3a of head unit 10a. Fig. 4(b) shows the head chip 3b of head unit 10b. Fig. 4(c) shows the head chip 3c of head unit 10c. Fig. 4(d) shows the head chip 3d of head unit 10d. Fig. 4(e) shows the head chip 3e of head unit 10a.

[0029] In the head chip 3a shown in FIG. 4(a), the same liquid is ejected from each nozzle N belonging to nozzle arrays S1 and S3, and the same liquid is ejected from each nozzle N belonging to nozzle arrays S2 and S4. For example, a reaction liquid for a paper medium is ejected from nozzle arrays S1 and S3 of the head chip 3a. This reaction liquid is used when the medium M is paper, and contains, for example, an aggregating agent that instantly aggregates color material components in the liquid. For example, a reaction liquid for a film-based medium is ejected from nozzle arrays S2 and S4 of the head chip 3a. This reaction liquid is used when the medium M is a resin film such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and contains, for example, an aggregating agent that instantly aggregates color material components in the liquid.

[0030] In the head chip 3b shown in Fig. 4(b), the same liquid is ejected from the nozzles belonging to the nozzle rows S1 and S4, and the same liquid is ejected from the nozzles belonging to the nozzle rows S2 and S3. For example, black ink is ejected as the "second liquid" from the nozzle rows S1 and S4 of the head chip 3b. White ink is ejected as the "first liquid" from the nozzle rows S2 and S3 of the head chip 3b.

[0031] In the head chip 3c shown in Figure 4(c), the nozzles belonging to nozzle rows S1 and S3 eject the same liquid, and the nozzles belonging to nozzle rows S2 and S4 eject the same liquid. Green ink is ejected from the nozzle rows S1 and S3 of the head chip 3c. Cyan ink is ejected from the nozzle rows S2 and S4 of the head chip 3c.

[0032] In head chip 3d shown in Figure 4(d), the nozzles belonging to nozzle rows S1 and S3 eject the same liquid, and the nozzles belonging to nozzle rows S2 and S4 eject the same liquid. Orange ink is ejected from nozzle rows S1 and S3 of head chip 3d. Magenta ink is ejected from nozzle rows S2 and S4 of head chip 3d.

[0033] In the head chip 3e shown in Fig. 4(e), the same liquid is ejected from the nozzles belonging to the nozzle rows S1 and S3, and the same liquid is ejected from the nozzles belonging to the nozzle rows S2 and S4. An overprint liquid is ejected from the nozzle rows S1 and S3 of the head chip 3e. The overprint liquid is, for example, a coating liquid used to improve the fixation of the liquid to the medium M. Yellow ink is ejected from the nozzle rows S2 and S4 of the head chip 3e.

[0034] The ink contains a coloring material or a dye. The type of ink in each head chip 3 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0035] As described above, in head chips 3a, 3c, 3d, and 3e, the same liquid is ejected from the nozzles belonging to nozzle rows S1 and S3, and the same liquid is ejected from the nozzles belonging to nozzle rows S2 and S4. Therefore, in head units 10a, 10c, 10d, and 10e, the multiple head chips 3 aligned on the X axis eject the same type of liquid.

[0036] In contrast, in head chip 3b, the same liquid is ejected from the nozzles belonging to nozzle rows S1 and S4, and the same liquid is ejected from the nozzles belonging to nozzle rows S2 and S3. Therefore, in head unit 10b, two types of ink are arranged alternately along the X axis.

[0037] A5: Arrangement of nozzles N in head chip 3b Fig. 5 is a diagram showing some of the multiple head chips 3b that the head unit 10b has. In Fig. 5, for ease of understanding, the nozzles N are colored differently depending on the type of liquid they eject. Specifically, in Fig. 5, the nozzles N that eject white ink are shown in white, and the nozzles N that eject black ink are shown in black.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, of the multiple head chips 3b that head unit 10b has, any one head chip 3b is referred to as the "first head chip 3b1." The middle head chip 3b of the three head chips 3b shown in FIG. 5 is the first head chip 3b1. The head chip 3b arranged next to one side of first head chip 3b1 in the X1 direction is referred to as the "second head chip 3b2." The head chip 3b arranged next to the other side of first head chip 3b1 in the X2 direction is referred to as the "third head chip 3b3."

[0039] The first head chip 3b1 and the second head chip 3b2 are adjacent to each other, with no other head chips 3b interposed between them. Similarly, the first head chip 3b1 and the third head chip 3b3 are adjacent to each other, with no other head chips 3b interposed between them. The third head chip 3b3, the first head chip 3b1, and the second head chip 3b2 are arranged in this order along the β1 direction, spaced apart from each other, with no other head chips 3b interposed between them.

[0040] In addition, in the first head chip 3b1, nozzle row S3 is referred to as the "first nozzle row A," nozzle row S1 is referred to as the "second nozzle row B," nozzle row S4 is referred to as the "fifth nozzle row E," and nozzle row S2 is referred to as the "sixth nozzle row F." In the second head chip 3b2, nozzle row S4 is referred to as the "third nozzle row C," and nozzle row S2 is referred to as the "fourth nozzle row D." In the third head chip 3b3, nozzle row S3 is referred to as the "seventh nozzle row G," and nozzle row S1 is referred to as the "eighth nozzle row H."

[0041] The first nozzle row A, second nozzle row B, third nozzle row C, and fourth nozzle row D are aligned in this order along the Y2 direction, which is the transport direction of the liquid ejection head 1. From another perspective, the second nozzle row B and third nozzle row C are interposed between the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D on the Y axis.

[0042] In the first nozzle row A, a plurality of nozzles N are arranged along a third axis A1 that intersects with the first and second axes. In the second nozzle row B, a plurality of nozzles N are arranged along a fourth axis B1 that is parallel to the third axis A1. In the third nozzle row C, a plurality of nozzles N are arranged along a fifth axis C1 that is parallel to the third axis A1. In the fourth nozzle row D, a plurality of nozzles N are arranged along a sixth axis D1 that is parallel to the third axis A1. The third axis A1, fourth axis B1, fifth axis C1, and sixth axis D1 are arranged in this order along the Y2 direction, which is the transport direction of the liquid ejection head 1.

[0043] As described above, the nozzles N of the first nozzle row A and the nozzles N of the fourth nozzle row D eject white ink as a "first liquid." The nozzles N of the second nozzle row B and the nozzles N of the third nozzle row C eject black ink as a "second liquid different from the first liquid."

[0044] The positions of the multiple nozzles N in the first nozzle array A and the multiple nozzles N in the fourth nozzle array D along the X-axis, which is the "seventh axis perpendicular to the second axis," are offset by half a pitch. For ease of understanding, the diagram illustrates a line segment A0 along the Y-axis that passes through the center of any one of the multiple nozzles N in the first nozzle array A as viewed in the Z1 direction, and a line segment D0 along the Y-axis that passes through the center of any one of the multiple nozzles N in the fourth nozzle array D as viewed in the Z1 direction. The positions of the line segments A0 and D0 are offset along the X-axis. For example, when a straight line along the X-axis is printed on the medium M using droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N in the first nozzle array A and droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N in the fourth nozzle array D, dots formed by droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N in the first nozzle array A and dots formed by droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N in the fourth nozzle array D are printed so that they are alternately aligned along the X-axis.

[0045] Furthermore, the positions of the multiple nozzles N of the second nozzle row B and the multiple nozzles N of the third nozzle row C along the X-axis, which is referred to as the "seventh axis," are offset by half a pitch. A line segment B0 along the Y-axis passing through the center of any one of the multiple nozzles N of the second nozzle row B as viewed in the Z1 direction, and a line segment C0 along the Y-axis passing through the center of any one of the multiple nozzles N of the third nozzle row C as viewed in the Z1 direction, are illustrated. The positions of the line segments B0 and C0 are offset along the X-axis. For example, when a straight line along the X-axis is printed on the medium M using droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N of the second nozzle row B and droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N of the third nozzle row C, the dots formed by droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N of the second nozzle row B and the dots formed by droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N of the third nozzle row C are printed so as to be alternately aligned along the X-axis.

[0046] Whether or not to eject liquid from the plurality of nozzles N belonging to the first nozzle row A, the second nozzle row B, the third nozzle row C, and the fourth nozzle row D is selected as appropriate, and, for example, a desired color is formed on the medium M. For example, one ruled line is formed on the medium M by liquid ejected from the plurality of nozzles N belonging to the first nozzle row A, the second nozzle row B, the third nozzle row C, and the fourth nozzle row D.

[0047] For example, the resolution in the direction along the X axis of the liquid ejected from the multiple nozzles N belonging to the first nozzle row A is 600 dpi, and the resolution in the direction along the X axis of the liquid ejected from the multiple nozzles N belonging to the fourth nozzle row D is 600 dpi. In this case, by shifting the multiple nozzles N of the first nozzle row A and the multiple nozzles N of the fourth nozzle row D by half a pitch along the X axis, it is possible to achieve a resolution of 1200 dpi by combining the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D. Therefore, it is possible to form ruled lines on the medium M with a resolution of 1200 dpi by combining the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D.

[0048] Similarly, for example, the resolution in the direction along the X axis of the liquid ejected from the multiple nozzles N belonging to the second nozzle row B is 600 dpi, and the resolution in the direction along the X axis of the liquid ejected from the multiple nozzles N belonging to the third nozzle row C is 600 dpi. In this case, by shifting the multiple nozzles N of the second nozzle row B and the multiple nozzles N of the third nozzle row C by half a pitch along the X axis, it is possible to achieve a resolution of 1200 dpi for the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C combined. Therefore, it is possible to form ruled lines on the medium M with a resolution of 1200 dpi for the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C combined.

[0049] In this way, for the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D that eject the same "first liquid," the resolution can be increased by offsetting the multiple nozzles N of the first nozzle row A and the multiple nozzles N of the fourth nozzle row D by half a pitch on the X axis. Similarly, for the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C that eject the same "second liquid," the resolution can be increased by offsetting the multiple nozzles N of the second nozzle row B and the multiple nozzles N of the third nozzle row C by half a pitch on the X axis.

[0050] 5, the distance K1 between the third axis A1 and the sixth axis D1 is wider than the distance K3 between the third axis A1 and the fourth axis B1 and the distance K4 between the fifth axis C1 and the sixth axis D1. Therefore, the same liquid ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D is less likely to be affected by each other than, for example, the same liquid ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row A and the second nozzle row B. Therefore, even when solid printing is performed while enabling high-resolution printing by offsetting the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D by half a pitch so that the same liquid is ejected from the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D to form a single ruled line, the risk of wind ripples being generated on the medium M by the liquid ejected from the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D can be reduced. Furthermore, because the distance K1 is wider than the distance K3, the generation of wind ripples can be reduced even when the nozzles N are arranged at a higher density, narrowing the distances K1 and K3. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the difficulty in miniaturizing the liquid ejection head 1 due to the suppression of wind ripples.

[0051] Furthermore, the distance K2 between the fourth axis B1 and the fifth axis C1 is wider than the distance K3 between the third axis A1 and the fourth axis B1 and the distance K4 between the fifth axis C1 and the sixth axis D1. Therefore, the same liquid ejected from the nozzles of the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C is less likely to be affected by each other than, for example, the same liquid ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row A and the second nozzle row B. Therefore, even when solid printing is performed while enabling high-resolution printing by offsetting the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C by half a pitch so that the same liquid is ejected from the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C to form a single ruled line, it is possible to suppress the wind ripples described above and achieve a compact liquid ejection head 1.

[0052] Furthermore, as described above, the first nozzle row A, the second nozzle row B, the third nozzle row C, and the fourth nozzle row D are aligned in this order along the Y2 direction, and therefore the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C are interposed between the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D along the Y axis. Therefore, the distance K1 is greater than the distance K2. As a result, the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D is less likely to be affected by each other than the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C. Therefore, the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D is least likely to produce the wind ripples described above.

[0053] On the other hand, because the distance K1 is wider than the distance K2, the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C are closer to each other than the distance between the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D. Therefore, the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C has smaller landing deviation on the medium M than the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D.

[0054] In this embodiment, the Y-axis as the second axis and the X-axis as the seventh axis are perpendicular to each other when viewed in the Z1 direction, which is the direction along the Z-axis as the first axis. The third axis A1, the fourth axis B1, the fifth axis C1, and the sixth axis D1 intersect with the Y-axis and the X-axis when viewed in the Z1 direction. Therefore, when viewed in the Z1 direction, the directions of the first nozzle row A, the second nozzle row B, the third nozzle row C, and the fourth nozzle row D intersect with the movement direction of the medium M or the liquid ejection head 1. When each nozzle row S is tilted with respect to the movement direction in this way, the effect of reducing the wind ripples described above can be particularly pronounced.

[0055] As described above, the nozzles N of the fifth nozzle row E and the nozzles N of the eighth nozzle row H eject black ink as the "second liquid." The nozzles N of the sixth nozzle row F and the nozzles N of the seventh nozzle row G eject white ink as the "first liquid."

[0056] 5, the positions of the nozzles N of the fifth nozzle array E and the nozzles N of the eighth nozzle array H along the X-axis (the seventh axis) are offset by a half pitch. A line segment E0 along the Y-axis passing through the center of any one of the nozzles N of the fifth nozzle array E as viewed in the Z1 direction, and a line segment H0 along the Y-axis passing through the center of any one of the nozzles N of the eighth nozzle array H as viewed in the Z1 direction, are shown. The positions of the line segments E0 and H0 are offset along the X-axis. For example, when a straight line along the X-axis is printed on the medium M using droplets ejected from the nozzles N of the fifth nozzle array E and droplets ejected from the nozzles N of the eighth nozzle array H, the dots formed by the droplets ejected from the nozzles N of the fifth nozzle array E and the dots formed by the droplets ejected from the nozzles N of the eighth nozzle array H are printed so as to be alternately arranged along the X-axis.

[0057] Furthermore, the positions of the multiple nozzles N of the sixth nozzle array F and the multiple nozzles N of the seventh nozzle array G along the X-axis (the seventh axis) are offset by a half pitch. A line segment F0 along the Y-axis passing through the center of any one of the multiple nozzles N of the sixth nozzle array F as viewed in the Z1 direction, and a line segment G0 along the Y-axis passing through the center of any one of the multiple nozzles N of the seventh nozzle array G as viewed in the Z1 direction, are shown. The positions of the line segments F0 and G0 are offset along the X-axis. For example, when a straight line along the X-axis is printed on the medium M using droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N of the sixth nozzle array F and droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N of the seventh nozzle array G, dots formed by droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N of the sixth nozzle array F and dots formed by droplets ejected from the multiple nozzles N of the seventh nozzle array G are printed so that they are alternately aligned along the X-axis.

[0058] Whether or not to eject liquid from the multiple nozzles N belonging to the seventh nozzle row G, the eighth nozzle row H, the fifth nozzle row E, and the sixth nozzle row F is selected as appropriate, and, for example, a desired color is formed on the medium M. For example, one ruled line is formed on the medium M by liquid ejected from the multiple nozzles N belonging to the seventh nozzle row G, the eighth nozzle row H, the fifth nozzle row E, and the sixth nozzle row F.

[0059] For example, the resolution in the direction along the X axis of the liquid ejected from the multiple nozzles N belonging to the seventh nozzle row G is 600 dpi, and the resolution in the direction along the X axis of the liquid ejected from the multiple nozzles N belonging to the sixth nozzle row F is 600 dpi. In this case, by displacing the multiple nozzles N of the seventh nozzle row G and the multiple nozzles N of the sixth nozzle row F by half a pitch along the X axis, it is possible to achieve a resolution of 1200 dpi by combining the seventh nozzle row G and the sixth nozzle row F. Therefore, it is possible to form ruled lines on the medium M with a resolution of 1200 dpi by combining the seventh nozzle row G and the sixth nozzle row F.

[0060] Similarly, for example, the resolution in the direction along the X axis of the liquid ejected from the multiple nozzles N belonging to the eighth nozzle row H is 600 dpi, and the resolution in the direction along the X axis of the liquid ejected from the multiple nozzles N belonging to the fifth nozzle row E is 600 dpi. In this case, by shifting the multiple nozzles N of the eighth nozzle row H and the multiple nozzles N of the fifth nozzle row E by half a pitch along the X axis, it is possible to achieve a resolution of 1200 dpi for the eighth nozzle row H and the fifth nozzle row E together. Therefore, it is possible to form ruled lines on the medium M with a resolution of 1200 dpi for the eighth nozzle row H and the fifth nozzle row E together.

[0061] In this way, for the seventh nozzle array G and the sixth nozzle array F, which eject the same "first liquid," the resolution can be increased by offsetting the multiple nozzles N of the seventh nozzle array G from the multiple nozzles N of the sixth nozzle array F by half a pitch on the X axis. Similarly, for the eighth nozzle array H and the fifth nozzle array E, which eject the same "second liquid," the resolution can be increased by offsetting the multiple nozzles N of the eighth nozzle array H from the multiple nozzles N of the fifth nozzle array E by half a pitch on the X axis.

[0062] Furthermore, the distance K6 between the fourth axis B1 and the eighth axis G1 is wider than the distance K3 between the third axis A1 and the fourth axis B1 and the distance K7 between the eighth axis G1 and the ninth axis H1. Therefore, the same liquid ejected from the nozzles of the seventh nozzle row G and the sixth nozzle row F is less likely to be affected by each other than, for example, the same liquid ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row A and the second nozzle row B. Therefore, even if solid printing is performed while enabling high-resolution printing by offsetting the seventh nozzle row G and the sixth nozzle row F by half a pitch so that the same liquid is ejected from the seventh nozzle row G and the sixth nozzle row F to form a single ruled line, it is possible to suppress the wind ripples described above and achieve a compact liquid ejection head 1.

[0063] The distance K5 between the third axis A1 and the ninth axis H1 is wider than the distance K3 between the third axis A1 and the fourth axis B1 and the distance K7 between the eighth axis G1 and the ninth axis H1. Therefore, the same liquid ejected from the nozzles of the eighth nozzle row H and the fifth nozzle row E is less likely to be affected by each other than, for example, the same liquid ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row A and the second nozzle row B. Therefore, even if the eighth nozzle row H and the fifth nozzle row E are offset by half a pitch so that the same liquid is ejected from the eighth nozzle row H and the fifth nozzle row E to form a single ruled line, and solid printing is performed while enabling high-resolution printing, it is possible to suppress the wind ripples described above and achieve a compact liquid ejection head 1.

[0064] Furthermore, as described above, the seventh nozzle row G, the eighth nozzle row H, the fifth nozzle row E, and the sixth nozzle row F are aligned in this order along the Y2 direction, and therefore the eighth nozzle row H and the fifth nozzle row E are interposed between the seventh nozzle row G and the sixth nozzle row F along the Y axis. For this reason, the distance K6 is wider than the distance K5. As a result, the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the seventh nozzle row G and the sixth nozzle row F is less likely to be influenced by each other than the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the eighth nozzle row H and the fifth nozzle row E. Therefore, the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the seventh nozzle row G and the sixth nozzle row F is least likely to produce the wind ripples described above.

[0065] On the other hand, because the interval K6 is wider than the interval K5, the eighth nozzle row H and the fifth nozzle row E are closer to each other than the interval between the sixth nozzle row f and the seventh nozzle row G. For this reason, the eighth nozzle row H and the fifth nozzle row E are closer to each other. Therefore, the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the eighth nozzle row H and the fifth nozzle row E has smaller landing deviation on the medium M than the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the seventh nozzle row G and the sixth nozzle row F.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle rows S of all head chips 3b of head unit 10b are arranged in the first to eighth nozzle rows A to G as described above. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the wind ripples described above in head unit 10b can be exerted over the entire area of ​​medium M. Note that the nozzle rows S of all head chips 3b included in head unit 10b do not have to be arranged in the first to eighth nozzle rows A to G as described above.

[0067] As mentioned above, the "first liquid" is white ink. That is, the liquid ejected from each nozzle N belonging to the first nozzle row A, the fourth nozzle row D, the eighth nozzle row H, and the fifth nozzle row E is white ink. White ink is more likely to cause wind ripples than other inks. For this reason, using white ink as the "first liquid" can significantly reduce the occurrence of the wind ripples mentioned above.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, the "second liquid" may be white. That is, the liquid ejected from each nozzle N belonging to the second nozzle array B and the third nozzle array C may be white ink. As described above, the interval K2 is greater than the interval K3. Therefore, when white ink is ejected from each nozzle N of the second nozzle array B and the third nozzle array C, the influence of wind ripples is less than when white ink is ejected from each nozzle of the first nozzle array A and the second nozzle array B. For this reason, it is beneficial for the "second liquid" to be white. From the above perspective, the liquid ejected from each nozzle N belonging to the eighth nozzle array H and the fifth nozzle array E may be white ink.

[0069] Furthermore, the first head chip 3b1, the second head chip 3b2, and the third head chip 3b3 described above may be arranged in the same chip group module 15b, or some of them may be arranged in different chip group modules 15b.

[0070] A6: Arrangement of nozzles N in head chip 3c Fig. 6 is a diagram showing some of the multiple head chips 3c that the head unit 10c has. In Fig. 6, for ease of understanding, the nozzles N are colored differently depending on the type of liquid they eject. Specifically, in Fig. 6, the nozzles N that eject green ink are shown in white, and the nozzles N that eject cyan ink are shown in black.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, of the multiple head chips 3c that head unit 10c has, any one head chip 3c is referred to as the "fourth head chip 3c1." In the fourth head chip 3c1, nozzle row S3 is referred to as the "ninth nozzle row I," and nozzle row S1 is referred to as the "tenth nozzle row J." Furthermore, in the fourth head chip 3c1, nozzle row S4 is referred to as the "ninth nozzle row Ix," and nozzle row S2 is referred to as the "tenth nozzle row Jx."

[0072] The ninth nozzle row I and the tenth nozzle row J are adjacent to each other along the α axis, with no other nozzle rows interposed between them. Similarly, the ninth nozzle row Ix and the tenth nozzle row J are adjacent to each other along the α axis, with no other nozzle rows interposed between them.

[0073] In the ninth nozzle arrays I and Ix, the plurality of nozzles N are aligned along a tenth axis I1 that is parallel to the third axis A1. In the tenth nozzle arrays J and Jx, the plurality of nozzles N are aligned along an eleventh axis J1 that is parallel to the third axis A1.

[0074] The multiple nozzles N of the 9th nozzle array I and the multiple nozzles N of the 10th nozzle array J eject green ink as a "third liquid different from the first liquid and the second liquid." That is, the two adjacent nozzles N of the 9th nozzle array I and the 10th nozzle array J along the α-axis within one fourth head chip 3c1 eject the same green ink. The multiple nozzles N of the 9th nozzle array I and the multiple nozzles N of the 10th nozzle array J are offset by a half pitch along the X-axis, which serves as the seventh axis. The illustration shows a line segment I0 along the Y-axis that passes through the center of any one of the multiple nozzles N of the 9th nozzle array I as viewed in the Z1 direction, and a line segment J0 along the Y-axis that passes through the center of any one of the multiple nozzles N of the 10th nozzle array J as viewed in the Z1 direction. The line segments I0 and J0 are offset along the X-axis.

[0075] For the 9th nozzle row I and the 10th nozzle row J, which eject the same "third liquid," the multiple nozzles N of the 9th nozzle row I and the multiple nozzles N of the 10th nozzle row J are offset by half a pitch on the X axis, thereby increasing the resolution.

[0076] The two nozzle arrays, the ninth nozzle array I and the tenth nozzle array J, are aligned along the α axis and are adjacent to each other without any other nozzle arrays in between. Therefore, the liquid ejected from each nozzle of the ninth nozzle array I and the tenth nozzle array J lands on the medium M with little deviation.

[0077] Similarly, the multiple nozzles N of the 9th nozzle array Ix and the multiple nozzles N of the 10th nozzle array Jx eject cyan ink as a "third liquid different from the first liquid and the second liquid." In other words, the two adjacent nozzles N of the 9th nozzle array Ix and the 10th nozzle array Jx along the α-axis within a single fourth head chip 3c1 eject the same cyan ink. The multiple nozzles N of the 9th nozzle array Ix and the multiple nozzles N of the 10th nozzle array Jx are offset by half a pitch along the X-axis, which serves as the seventh axis. The illustration shows a line segment I2 along the Y-axis that passes through the center of any nozzle N of the multiple nozzles N of the 9th nozzle array Ix as viewed in the Z1 direction, and a line segment J2 along the Y-axis that passes through the center of any nozzle N of the multiple nozzles N of the 10th nozzle array Jx as viewed in the Z1 direction. The line segments I2 and J2 are offset along the X-axis.

[0078] For the 9th nozzle row Ix and the 10th nozzle row Jx, which eject the same "third liquid," the multiple nozzles N of the 9th nozzle row Ix and the multiple nozzles N of the 10th nozzle row Jx are offset by half a pitch on the X axis, thereby increasing the resolution.

[0079] The two nozzle rows, the ninth nozzle row Ix and the tenth nozzle row Jx, are arranged side by side along the α axis and are adjacent to each other, with no other nozzle rows in between. As a result, the liquid ejected from the nozzles of the ninth nozzle row Ix and the tenth nozzle row Jx lands on the medium M with little deviation. This results in excellent printing accuracy.

[0080] In particular, color inks such as green ink are less susceptible to wind ripples than white ink. Compared to color inks, white ink has larger pigment particle diameters and higher pigment concentrations. Furthermore, white ink is often used to form base layers, and simultaneous ejection of droplets from all nozzles tends to generate mist, making wind ripples a problem. On the other hand, color inks are often used to form images, and ink is ejected from selected nozzles rather than simultaneously ejecting droplets from all nozzles. Therefore, reducing the landing deviation of color ink on the medium M can improve the print quality of the entire formed image. The same can be said for overprint liquids and various reaction liquids. Therefore, it is preferable that each nozzle array S in the head chips 3a, 3d, and 3e be based on the same concept as the head chip 3c. In other words, it is preferable that the same type of liquid is supplied to the two nozzle arrays S aligned along the α axis.

[0081] B. Second embodiment In the second embodiment exemplified below, for elements whose actions or functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, the symbols used in the description of the first embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0082] 7 is a bottom view schematically illustrating a head chip 3A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, one head chip 3A includes six nozzle arrays S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6. The six nozzle arrays S are arranged in two rows along the β axis and three columns along the α axis. In each head chip 3A, nozzle array S5 is located in the X2 direction relative to nozzle array S3. Nozzle array S6 is located in the X2 direction relative to nozzle array S4.

[0083] 8 is a diagram showing some of the multiple head chips 3A in the second embodiment. Of the three head chips 3A shown in FIG. 8, the middle head chip 3A is referred to as the "first head chip 3A1." The head chip 3A arranged side by side in the X1 direction, which is one side of the first head chip 3A1, is referred to as the "second head chip 3A2." Furthermore, the head chip 3A arranged side by side in the X2 direction, which is the other side of the first head chip 3A1, is referred to as the "third head chip 3A3."

[0084] In the first head chip 3A1, nozzle row S3 is designated as the "first nozzle row A," nozzle row S1 is designated as the "second nozzle row B," nozzle row S4 is designated as the "fifth nozzle row E," nozzle row S2 is designated as the "sixth nozzle row F," nozzle row S5 is designated as the "eleventh nozzle row P," and nozzle row S6 is designated as the "twelfth nozzle row Q." In the second head chip 3A2, nozzle row S4 is designated as the "third nozzle row C," and nozzle row S2 is designated as the "fourth nozzle row D." In the third head chip 3A3, nozzle row S3 is designated as the "seventh nozzle row G," and nozzle row S1 is designated as the "eighth nozzle row H."

[0085] The eleventh nozzle row P, the first nozzle row A, and the second nozzle row B are aligned in this order along the Y2 direction, which is the transport direction of the liquid ejection head 1. Similarly, the twelfth nozzle row Q, the fifth nozzle row E, and the sixth nozzle row F are aligned in this order along the Y2 direction, which is the transport direction of the liquid ejection head 1. Furthermore, in each of the eleventh nozzle row P and the twelfth nozzle row Q, a plurality of nozzles N are aligned along a twelfth axis P1 that is parallel to the third axis A1.

[0086] As in the first embodiment, the positions of the nozzles N of the first nozzle row A and the multiple nozzles N of the fourth nozzle row D are shifted by a half pitch along the X axis. The positions of the nozzles N of the second nozzle row B and the multiple nozzles N of the third nozzle row C are shifted by a half pitch along the X axis. The positions of the nozzles N of the fifth nozzle row E and the multiple nozzles N of the eighth nozzle row H are shifted by a half pitch along the X axis. The positions of the nozzles N of the sixth nozzle row F and the multiple nozzles N of the seventh nozzle row G are shifted by a half pitch along the X axis.

[0087] The positions of the nozzles N of the second nozzle row B and the nozzles N of the eleventh nozzle row P along the X axis are shifted by half a pitch. A line segment B0 along the Y axis passing through the center of any nozzle N of the multiple nozzles N of the second nozzle row B as viewed in the Z1 direction, and a line segment P0 along the Y axis passing through the center of any nozzle N of the multiple nozzles N of the eleventh nozzle row P as viewed in the Z1 direction are shown. The positions of the line segments B0 and P0 are shifted along the X axis.

[0088] Furthermore, the positions of the multiple nozzles N in the sixth nozzle row F and the multiple nozzles N in the twelfth nozzle row Q along the X axis are offset by half a pitch. The illustration shows a line segment F0 along the Y axis that passes through the center of any nozzle N among the multiple nozzles N in the sixth nozzle row F as viewed in the Z1 direction, and a line segment Q0 along the Y axis that passes through the center of any nozzle N among the multiple nozzles N in the twelfth nozzle row Q as viewed in the Z1 direction. The line segments F0 and Q0 are offset along the X axis.

[0089] The distance K1 between the third axis A1 and the fourth axis B1 is wider than the distance K8 between the fourth axis and the twelfth axis P1. Therefore, the combination of the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D is more effective in suppressing wind ripples than the combination of the second nozzle row B and the eleventh nozzle row P. Furthermore, the distance K2 between the fourth axis B1 and the fifth axis C1 is wider than the distance K8 between the fourth axis and the twelfth axis P1. Therefore, the combination of the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C is more effective in suppressing wind ripples than the combination of the second nozzle row B and the eleventh nozzle row P. Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the distance K1 is wider than the distance K2. Therefore, the combination of the first nozzle row A and the fourth nozzle row D is more effective in suppressing wind ripples than the combination of the second nozzle row B and the third nozzle row C.

[0090] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of liquid ejected from the head chip 3A of each head unit 10 in the second embodiment. Taking into consideration the suppression of wind ripples based on the spacing between the nozzle rows S, Fig. 9 illustrates an example of the nozzle rows S used in the head chip 3A for each head unit 10 and the type of ink used.

[0091] 9(a), the head chip 3a uses nozzle rows S1, S5, S3, and S6, but does not use nozzle rows S2 and S4. For example, a reaction liquid for a paper medium is ejected from the nozzle rows S1 and S5 of the head chip 3a. For example, a reaction liquid for a film-based medium is ejected from the nozzle rows S2 and S4 of the head chip 3a.

[0092] 9(b), head chip 3b uses nozzle rows S1, S2, S3, and S4, but does not use nozzle rows S5 and S6. For example, black ink is ejected as the "second liquid" from nozzle rows S1 and S4 of head chip 3b. White ink is ejected as the "first liquid" from nozzle rows S2 and S3 of head chip 3a.

[0093] 9(c), head chip 3c uses nozzle rows S1, S5, S3, and S6, but does not use nozzle rows S2 and S4. Green ink, for example, is ejected from nozzle rows S1 and S5 of head chip 3c. Cyan ink, for example, is ejected from nozzle rows S2 and S4 of head chip 3c.

[0094] 9(d), head chip 3d uses nozzle rows S1, S5, S3, and S6, but does not use nozzle rows S2 and S4. Nozzle rows S1 and S5 of head chip 3d eject, for example, orange ink. Nozzle rows S2 and S4 of head chip 3d eject, for example, magenta ink.

[0095] 9(e), head chip 3e uses nozzle rows S1, S5, S3, and S6, but does not use nozzle rows S2 and S4. For example, overprint liquid is ejected from nozzle rows S1 and S5 of head chip 3e. For example, yellow ink is ejected from nozzle rows S2 and S4 of head chip 3d.

[0096] In this way, by selecting the nozzle row S to be used for each type of liquid, the same head chip 3A can be used in multiple head units 10. Therefore, it is possible to select the liquid after incorporating multiple head chips 3A into the liquid ejection head 1. This provides excellent usability.

[0097] 9, emphasis is placed on the ink landing position for color inks, and on suppressing wind ripples for white inks. In this way, by setting the arrangement of the nozzle row S so that the required effect can be obtained for each type of liquid, the quality of the formed image can be improved.

[0098] In the illustrated example, nozzle row S5 is positioned in the X2 direction relative to nozzle row S3, but may be positioned in the X1 direction relative to nozzle row S1, for example. Similarly, nozzle row S6 is positioned in the X2 direction relative to nozzle row S4, but may be positioned in the X1 direction relative to nozzle row S2, for example. In this way, the arrangement of nozzle rows S5 and S6 is not limited to the example in FIG. 7.

[0099] C. Variations The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that can be applied to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below.

[0100] C1. First modified example Fig. 10 is a diagram showing some of the multiple head chips 3B in the first modified example. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the nozzle rows S of each head chip 3B are perpendicular to the Y2 direction, which is the transport direction of the liquid ejection head 1. In this way, the row direction of the multiple nozzle rows S of the head chip 3 relative to the transport direction of the liquid ejection head 1 is not particularly limited.

[0101] C2. Other variations In the above explanation, the "first liquid" is white ink and the "second liquid" is black ink. However, the "first liquid" may be a liquid other than white ink, and the "second liquid" may be a liquid other than black ink. Furthermore, the "third liquid" may be, for example, white ink or black ink.

[0102] In each of the above-described embodiments, the carriage 231 carrying the liquid ejection head 1 moves back and forth, but the carriage 231 does not have to be movable.

[0103] The liquid ejection device 100 exemplified in the above embodiment may be employed in various devices such as facsimile machines and copiers, in addition to devices dedicated to printing, and the applications of the present disclosure are not particularly limited. However, the applications of the liquid ejection device are not limited to printing. For example, a liquid ejection device that ejects a solution of a color material is used as a manufacturing device for forming color filters for display devices such as liquid crystal display panels. Furthermore, a liquid ejection device that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing device for forming wiring and electrodes on a wiring board. Furthermore, a liquid ejection device that ejects a solution of an organic substance related to a living body is used as a manufacturing device for manufacturing biochips, for example.

[0104] Although the present invention has been described above based on preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the configuration of each part of the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that exhibits the same function as the above-described embodiments, and any configuration can be added. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...liquid ejection head, 3...head chip, 3b1...first head chip, 3b2...second head chip, 3b3...third head chip, 3c1...fourth head chip, 10...head unit, 11...holder, 15...chip group module, 20...control unit, 22...movement mechanism, 23...movement mechanism, 100...liquid ejection device, A...first nozzle row, B...second nozzle row, C...third nozzle row, D...fourth nozzle row, E...fifth nozzle row, F...sixth nozzle row, G...seventh nozzle row, H...8th nozzle row, I...9th nozzle row, Ix...9th nozzle row, J...10th nozzle row, Jx...10th nozzle row, P...11th nozzle row, Q...12th nozzle row, A1...3rd axis, B1...4th axis, C1...5th axis, D1...6th axis, G1...8th axis, H1...9th axis, I1...10th axis, J1...11th axis, P1...12th axis, K1...spacing, K2...spacing, K3...spacing, K4...spacing, K5...spacing, K6...spacing, K7...spacing, K8...spacing, M...medium, N...nozzle, S...nozzle row.

Claims

1. a liquid ejection head including a plurality of head tips that eject liquid toward a medium along a first axis; a moving mechanism that moves the relative position of the liquid ejection head and the medium along a second axis that intersects with the first axis; A liquid ejection device comprising: the plurality of head chips include a first head chip and a second head chip arranged side by side on one side of the first head chip, the first head chip has a first nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along a third axis intersecting the first axis and the second axis, and a second nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along a fourth axis parallel to the third axis, the second head chip has a third nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along a fifth axis parallel to the third axis, and a fourth nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along a sixth axis parallel to the third axis, the plurality of nozzles in the first nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the fourth nozzle row are shifted in position by half a pitch along a seventh axis perpendicular to the second axis, the plurality of nozzles in the first nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the fourth nozzle row eject a first liquid; the plurality of nozzles in the second nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the third nozzle row are shifted in position along the seventh axis by half a pitch, the plurality of nozzles in the second nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the third nozzle row eject a second liquid that is different from the first liquid; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

2. a distance between the third axis and the sixth axis is wider than a distance between the third axis and the fourth axis and a distance between the fifth axis and the sixth axis, a distance between the fourth axis and the fifth axis is wider than a distance between the third axis and the fourth axis and a distance between the fifth axis and the sixth axis; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

3. When viewed in a direction along the first axis, the second axis and the seventh axis are perpendicular to each other, When viewed in a direction along the first axis, each of the third axis, the fourth axis, the fifth axis, and the sixth axis intersects with the second axis and the seventh axis. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

4. the plurality of head chips include a third head chip arranged side by side on the opposite side to the one side of the first head chip, the first head chip further includes a fifth nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are aligned along the third axis, and a sixth nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are aligned along the fourth axis, the third head chip has a seventh nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along an eighth axis parallel to the third axis, and an eighth nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along a ninth axis parallel to the third axis, the plurality of nozzles in the fifth nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the eighth nozzle row are shifted in position along the seventh axis by half a pitch, the plurality of nozzles in the fifth nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the eighth nozzle row eject the second liquid; the nozzles of the sixth nozzle row and the nozzles of the seventh nozzle row are shifted in position along the seventh axis by half a pitch, the plurality of nozzles in the sixth nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the seventh nozzle row eject the first liquid; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

5. a distance between the third axis and the ninth axis is wider than a distance between the third axis and the fourth axis and a distance between the eighth axis and the ninth axis, a distance between the fourth axis and the eighth axis is wider than a distance between the third axis and the fourth axis and a distance between the eighth axis and the ninth axis; The liquid ejection device according to claim 4 .

6. the plurality of head chips includes a fourth head chip, the fourth head chip has a ninth nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged side by side along a tenth axis parallel to the third axis, and a tenth nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged side by side along an eleventh axis parallel to the third axis, the plurality of nozzles in the ninth nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the tenth nozzle row are shifted in position along the seventh axis by a half pitch, the plurality of nozzles in the ninth nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the tenth nozzle row eject a third liquid different from the first liquid and the second liquid; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

7. the first head chip further includes an eleventh nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged along a twelfth axis parallel to the third axis, the plurality of nozzles in the second nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the eleventh nozzle row are shifted in position along the seventh axis by half a pitch, the plurality of nozzles in the second nozzle row and the plurality of nozzles in the eleventh nozzle row are capable of ejecting a third liquid different from the first liquid and the second liquid; a distance between the third axis and the sixth axis is greater than a distance between the fourth axis and the twelfth axis; The distance between the fourth axis and the fifth axis is wider than the distance between the fourth axis and the twelfth axis. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

8. one of the first liquid and the second liquid is a white ink; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

Images