Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection device

Abstract

To provide a liquid ejection head and a liquid ejection device that can readily detect deformation of a cover and detect a failure of a liquid ejection head.SOLUTION: A liquid ejection head includes: a first head chip Hc for ejecting liquid; a cover 160 including a first surface 162 and a second surface 163 which is a surface oriented in an opposite direction to the first surface 162 and to which the first head chip Hc is fixed; and a first detection element 200 for detecting deformation of the cover 160.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, liquid ejecting apparatuses equipped with a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid such as ink, such as inkjet printers, have been known.

[0003] The liquid jet head includes a head chip having a plurality of nozzles for jetting droplets, a holder for holding the head chip, and a cover (fixing plate) for protecting the droplet ejection surface side of the head chip (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-42753 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is a risk that the cover may be deformed due to the medium colliding with the cover, resulting in poor printing. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to detect the deformation of the cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aspect of the present invention that solves the above problem is a liquid ejection head characterized by comprising a first head chip that ejects liquid, a cover having a first surface and a second surface facing in the opposite direction from the first surface and to which the first head chip is fixed, and a first detection element for detecting deformation of the cover.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a liquid ejection device comprising the liquid ejection head according to aspect 1 and an alarm unit for notifying a user that an abnormality has occurred in the liquid ejection head based on a detection signal from the first detection element. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a liquid ejecting device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid jet head according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid jet head according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view of a portion of a liquid jet head according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a liquid jet head according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a liquid jet head according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a liquid jet head according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a head chip according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the liquid ejecting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a function realization unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the displacement of the cover and the voltage output by the detection element. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a cover according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a modified example of the liquid jet head. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a modified example of the liquid jet head. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a modified example of the liquid jet head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] (Embodiment 1) 1 is an external view of a liquid ejecting apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.

[0011] As shown in the figure, the liquid ejection device 1 is a so-called serial printer that includes a liquid ejection head H and prints by conveying a medium S in the X-axis direction while moving the liquid ejection head H back and forth in the Y-axis direction and ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head H toward the medium S in the +Z direction. Note that the medium S can be made of any material, such as cloth, recording paper, or resin film.

[0012] The liquid ejection device 1 comprises a liquid ejection head H, a liquid storage section 3, a control unit 4 which is a control section, a transport mechanism 5 which feeds out the medium S, a moving mechanism 6, and a housing 2 which houses these components.

[0013] The liquid jet head H jets the liquid supplied from a liquid storage unit 3 that stores the liquid as droplets in the +Z direction.

[0014] The liquid storage unit 3 individually stores multiple types of liquid with different colors and components to be ejected from the liquid ejection head H. Examples of the liquid storage unit 3 include a cartridge that is detachable from the liquid ejection device 1, a bag-shaped ink pack made of flexible film, and an ink tank that can be refilled with ink. FIG. 2 illustrates a single liquid storage unit 3. The liquid storage unit 3 may be a liquid storage unit 3 having separate chambers that individually store multiple types of liquid, or may be multiple liquid storage units 3 that are individually provided according to the multiple types of liquid. The liquid storage unit 3 may also be divided into a main tank and a sub-tank. The sub-tank may be connected to the liquid ejection head H, and the liquid consumed by ejecting droplets from the liquid ejection head H may be replenished from the main tank to the sub-tank.

[0015] The control unit 4 comprehensively controls each element of the liquid ejecting device 1, that is, the liquid ejecting head H, the transport mechanism 5, the moving mechanism 6, and the like.

[0016] The transport mechanism 5 transports the medium S in the X-axis direction and has a transport roller 5a. The transport mechanism 5 transports the medium S in the X-axis direction by rotating the transport roller 5a. The transport roller 5a is rotated by driving a transport motor (not shown). The control unit 4 controls the driving of the medium transport motor, thereby controlling the transport of the medium S. Note that the transport mechanism 5 that transports the medium S is not limited to one that includes the transport roller 5a, and may transport the medium S by, for example, a belt or a drum.

[0017] The movement mechanism 6 is a mechanism for reciprocating the liquid ejection head H in the Y-axis direction, and includes a holder 7 and a conveyor belt 8. The holder 7 is a so-called carriage that holds the liquid ejection head H, and is fixed to the conveyor belt 8. The conveyor belt 8 is an endless belt that is installed along the Y-axis direction. The conveyor belt 8 is rotated by the drive of a drive motor (not shown). The control unit 4 controls the drive of the conveyor motor to rotate the conveyor belt 8, and moves the liquid ejection head H back and forth in the Y-axis direction together with the holder 7. Note that the holder 7 may be configured to mount a liquid storage unit 3 together with the liquid ejection head H.

[0018] The housing 2 has an operation panel 9 fixed to its outer periphery. The operation panel 9 includes a display device 9a, which is an example of a display unit, and an operation device 9b, which is an example of a reception unit that receives user input. The display device 9a is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED lamp, or the like, and displays various information. The operation device 9b is configured with various switches that can receive input from the user. Examples of the switches of the operation device 9b include a direction switch that controls the cursor position, a confirmation switch that makes a decision, a cancel switch, and a power switch. The display device 9a may be a touch panel that can receive user input. In the case of a touch panel, the touch panel serves as both the display unit and the reception unit.

[0019] Although not specifically shown, the liquid ejection device 1 also has a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the liquid ejection head H. An example of the maintenance unit is a wiper that wipes the ejection surface of the liquid ejection head H. An example of the maintenance unit is a cap that covers the ejection surface of the liquid ejection head H and a suction unit that sucks the inside of the cap, and performs suction cleaning by sucking the liquid and the like from inside the liquid ejection head H through the cap using the suction unit. An example of the maintenance unit is a moisture retention cap that covers the ejection surface of the liquid ejection head H and prevents the liquid near the nozzles 21 from drying out.

[0020] The liquid jet head H performs a jetting operation of jetting the liquid supplied from the liquid storage section 3 as droplets in the +Z direction from each of the multiple nozzles 21 (see FIG. 4) under the control of the control unit 4. This jetting operation by the liquid jet head H is performed in parallel with the transport of the medium S by the transport mechanism 5 and the reciprocating movement of the liquid jet head H by the movement mechanism 6, thereby applying the liquid to the medium S, or so-called printing.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid jet head H according to the first embodiment, as viewed in the +Z direction. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid jet head H, as viewed in the -Z direction. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a holder 130 of the liquid jet head H, as viewed in the -Z direction. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid jet head H taken along line AA' in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid jet head H taken along line BB' in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid jet head H taken along line CC' in FIG. 5. For ease of explanation, in FIG. 8, a second region 165 (described below), which is positioned offset in the +Y direction with respect to the cross-sectional position shown in FIG. 8, is shown by a dashed line. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the cover 160, as viewed in the +Z direction. Note that the respective directions of the liquid jet head H will be described based on the directions when the liquid jet head H is mounted on the liquid jet device 1, i.e., the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0022] As shown in the figure, the liquid ejection head H comprises a plurality of head chips Hc each having a nozzle 21 for ejecting ink droplets, a holder 130 for holding the head chips Hc, a flow path member 170 for supplying ink to the head chips Hc, a relay board 180 to which wiring for transmitting and receiving control signals and the like is connected to the head chips Hc, and a cover member 190 for accommodating the flow path member 170 therein.

[0023] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the head chip Hc. Note that the directions of the head chip Hc will be described based on the directions when it is mounted on the liquid jet head H, that is, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0024] As shown in the figure, the head chip Hc includes a flow path forming substrate 10, a communication plate 15, a nozzle plate 20 in which a plurality of nozzles 21 are formed, a protective substrate 30, a case member 40, and a piezoelectric actuator 300.

[0025] The flow path forming substrate 10 is made of, for example, a silicon substrate. In the flow path forming substrate 10, a plurality of pressure chambers 12 are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction. The plurality of pressure chambers 12 are arranged on a straight line along the X-axis direction so as to be at the same position in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, two pressure chamber rows are provided in the Y-axis direction, each row having the pressure chambers 12 arranged side by side along the X-axis direction. The pressure chambers 12 constituting these two pressure chamber rows are arranged at the same position in the X-axis direction. Note that the two pressure chamber rows may be arranged with a shift of half the pitch of the pressure chambers 12, i.e., a so-called half pitch, from each other in the X-axis direction. In other words, all of the pressure chambers 12 in the two pressure chamber rows may be arranged in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction.

[0026] A communication plate 15 and a nozzle plate 20 are sequentially stacked on the surface of the flow path forming substrate 10 facing the +Z direction. A vibration plate 50 and a piezoelectric actuator 300 are sequentially stacked on the surface of the flow path forming substrate 10 facing the -Z direction.

[0027] The communication plate 15 is made of a plate-like member bonded to the surface of the flow channel forming substrate 10 facing the +Z direction. The communication plate 15 is provided with nozzle communication passages 16 that connect the pressure chambers 12 and the nozzles 21. The communication plate 15 is also provided with a first manifold portion 17 and a second manifold portion 18 that constitute part of a manifold 100 that serves as a common liquid chamber through which multiple pressure chambers 12 communicate. The first manifold portion 17 is provided to penetrate the communication plate 15 in the Z-axis direction. The second manifold portion 18 is provided to open on the surface facing the +Z direction without penetrating the communication plate 15 in the Z-axis direction. The communication plate 15 is also provided with supply communication passages 19 that communicate with the pressure chambers 12, independently for each pressure chamber 12. The supply communication passages 19 connect the second manifold portion 18 and the pressure chambers 12, and supply ink from the manifold 100 to the pressure chambers 12. Such a communication plate 15 is made of, for example, a silicon substrate.

[0028] The nozzle plate 20 is bonded to the side of the communication plate 15 opposite to the flow channel forming substrate 10, i.e., the surface facing the +Z direction. The nozzle plate 20 has a plurality of nozzles 21 formed thereon, which communicate with each pressure chamber 12 via nozzle communication passages 16. In this embodiment, a plurality of nozzles 21 are arranged in a line along the X-axis direction for each pressure chamber row. That is, in this embodiment, two nozzle rows, each with the nozzles 21 arranged side by side along the X-axis direction, are provided, spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The nozzles 21 constituting these two nozzle rows are arranged so as to be at the same position in the X-axis direction. Of course, when the two pressure chamber rows are arranged at positions offset from each other by half a pitch of the pressure chambers 12 in the X-axis direction, the two nozzle rows may also be similarly arranged so as to be offset from each other by half a pitch of the nozzles 21 in the X-axis direction. That is, all of the nozzles 21 in the two nozzle rows may be arranged in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction.

[0029] The nozzle plate 20 is made of, for example, a silicon substrate. The surface of the nozzle plate 20 facing the +Z direction forms part of the ejection surface of the liquid ejecting head H.

[0030] In this embodiment, the vibration plate 50 has an elastic film 51 made of silicon oxide provided on the flow path forming substrate 10 side, and an insulating film 52 made of zirconium oxide provided on the surface facing the -Z direction of the elastic film 51. The vibration plate 50 may be composed of only the elastic film 51, or may be composed of only the insulating film 52, or may have a configuration including other films in addition to the elastic film 51 and the insulating film 52.

[0031] The piezoelectric actuator 300 includes a first electrode 60, a piezoelectric layer 70, and a second electrode 80, which are sequentially stacked on the vibration plate 50 in the -Z direction. Such a piezoelectric actuator 300 is also referred to as a piezoelectric element, and refers to a portion including the first electrode 60, the piezoelectric layer 70, and the second electrode 80. Furthermore, the portion where piezoelectric strain occurs in the piezoelectric layer 70 when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 60 and the second electrode 80 is referred to as an active portion 310. In other words, the active portion 310 refers to the portion where the piezoelectric layer 70 is sandwiched between the first electrode 60 and the second electrode 80. In this embodiment, an active portion 310 is formed for each pressure chamber 12. These multiple active portions 310 function as "drive elements" that generate pressure changes in the ink within the pressure chamber 12. Generally, one of the electrodes of the active portions 310 is an individual electrode independent of each other, and the other electrode is a common electrode shared by the multiple active portions 310. In this embodiment, the first electrode 60 is separated for each active portion 310 to form an individual electrode for the active portion 310, and the second electrode 80 is provided continuously across the multiple active portions 310 to form a common electrode for the multiple active portions 310. Of course, the first electrode 60 may form a common electrode, and the second electrode 80 may form an individual electrode.

[0032] The piezoelectric layer 70 is made of a piezoelectric material made of a complex oxide with a perovskite structure represented by the general formula ABO3, for example.

[0033] Furthermore, individual lead electrodes 91, which are lead wiring, are led out from the first electrode 60. Furthermore, a common lead electrode (not shown), which is lead wiring, is led out from the second electrode 80. A flexible wiring substrate 110 is connected to the ends of these individual lead electrodes 91 and the common lead electrode opposite to the ends connected to the piezoelectric actuator 300. The wiring substrate 110 is mounted with a drive circuit 111 having a plurality of switching elements that select whether or not to supply a drive signal (COM) for driving each of the active portions 310 to each active portion 310. In other words, the wiring substrate 110 in this embodiment is a COF (Chip On Film). Note that the wiring substrate 110 does not necessarily have to be provided with the drive circuit 111. In other words, the wiring substrate 110 may be an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable), an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits), or the like.

[0034] A protective substrate 30 having approximately the same size as the flow path forming substrate 10 is bonded to the surface of the flow path forming substrate 10 facing the -Z direction. The protective substrate 30 has piezoelectric actuator accommodating sections 31, which are spaces for protecting the piezoelectric actuators 300. The piezoelectric actuator accommodating sections 31 are independently provided for each row of piezoelectric actuators 300 arranged side by side in the X axis direction, and two are formed side by side in the Y axis direction. The protective substrate 30 also has a through hole 32 penetrating in the Z axis direction between two piezoelectric actuator accommodating sections 31 arranged side by side in the Y axis direction. Ends of individual lead electrodes 91 and a common lead electrode (not shown) drawn from the electrodes of the piezoelectric actuators 300 extend so as to be exposed within the through hole 32, and the individual lead electrodes 91 and the common lead electrode are electrically connected to the wiring substrate 110 within the through hole 32. The protective substrate 30 is made of, for example, a silicon substrate, similar to the flow path forming substrate 10.

[0035] Additionally, a case member 40 is fixed to the protective substrate 30. The case member 40 defines a portion of a manifold 100 that communicates with the multiple pressure chambers 12. The case member 40 has substantially the same shape as the above-described communicating plate 15 in a plan view, and is bonded to the protective substrate 30 as well as the above-described communicating plate 15. The case member 40 has a recess 41 on the protective substrate 30 side that is deep enough to accommodate the flow path forming substrate 10 and the protective substrate 30. The case member 40 is also provided with a third manifold portion 42 that communicates with the first manifold portion 17 of the communicating plate 15. The first manifold portion 17 and second manifold portion 18 provided on the communicating plate 15 and the third manifold portion 42 provided on the case member 40 constitute the manifold 100 of this embodiment. A manifold 100 is provided for each nozzle row. That is, different types of ink can be ejected from each nozzle row. The case member 40 is also provided with inlet ports 44 that communicate with the manifolds 100 and supply ink to each manifold 100. The case member 40 is also provided with connection ports 43 that communicate with the through holes 32 of the protective substrate 30 and through which the wiring substrate 110 is inserted, and the wiring substrate 110 is led out to the surface of the liquid jet head H that faces the -Z direction via the connection ports 43. The case member 40 is made of, for example, a metal material, a resin material, or the like.

[0036] Furthermore, a compliance substrate 45 is provided on the surface of the communicating plate 15 on the +Z direction side where the first manifold portion 17 and the second manifold portion 18 open. This compliance substrate 45 seals the openings on the +Z direction side of the first manifold portion 17 and the second manifold portion 18. In this embodiment, such compliance substrate 45 includes a sealing film 46 made of a flexible thin film, and a fixed substrate 47 made of a hard material such as metal. An opening 48 that is completely removed in the thickness direction is provided in the region of the fixed substrate 47 facing the manifold 100, and one side of the manifold 100 forms a compliance portion 49 that is a flexible portion sealed only by the flexible sealing film 46.

[0037] In such a liquid jet head H, liquid is taken in through the inlet 44, and the inside of the flow path from the manifold 100 to the nozzles 21 is filled with ink. Thereafter, in accordance with a signal from the drive circuit 111, a voltage is applied to each active portion 310 corresponding to each pressure chamber 12, thereby deflecting and deforming the vibration plate 50 together with the piezoelectric actuator 300. This increases the pressure of the liquid in the pressure chamber 12, and droplets are ejected from the predetermined nozzles 21.

[0038] The head chip Hc has a shape that is long in the direction in which the nozzles 21 are arranged, that is, long in the X-axis direction, and short in the Y-axis direction.

[0039] The holder 130 includes a holder body 140 and a reinforcing plate 150 fixed to the surface of the holder body 140 facing the +Z direction.

[0040] The holder body 140 is made of a material such as metal or resin. The holder body 140 has a first recess 141 having a concave shape that opens on a surface facing the +Z direction. The first recess 141 of the holder body 140 is defined by a first wall portion 142.

[0041] The reinforcing plate 150 and the cover 160 are fixed to a surface of the first wall portion 142 of the holder main body 140 facing the +Z direction. Specifically, a concave-shaped cover accommodating portion 143 to which the reinforcing plate 150 and the cover 160 are fixed is provided on the surface of the first wall portion 142 of the holder main body 140 facing the +Z direction. That is, the outer peripheral edge of the surface of the holder main body 140 facing the +Z direction is an edge portion 144 that protrudes in the +Z direction, and this edge portion 144 forms the cover accommodating portion 143. The reinforcing plate 150 is fixed to the bottom surface of the cover accommodating portion 143, i.e., the surface of the first wall portion 142 facing the +Z direction, and the cover 160 is fixed to the surface of the reinforcing plate 150 facing the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the holder main body 140, the reinforcing plate 150, and the cover 160 are bonded together, for example, by an adhesive.

[0042] The reinforcing plate 150 is formed of a plate-like member such as a metal, such as stainless steel. The reinforcing plate 150 has an opening 151 that communicates with the first recess 141. The opening 151 of the reinforcing plate 150 is defined by a second wall portion 152. That is, the opening 151 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the first recess 141 of the holder body 140 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The opening area of ​​the opening 151 is approximately the same size as the first recess 141.

[0043] In holder 130 configured with such holder main body 140 and reinforcing plate 150, storage section 131 having a recessed shape that opens in the +Z direction is formed by first recess 141 and opening 151. That is, first wall 142 of holder main body 140 that defines first recess 141 and second wall 152 of reinforcing plate 150 that defines opening 151 configure wall 132 that defines storage section 131.

[0044] The accommodation section 131 of the holder 130 accommodates a plurality of head chips Hc fixed to the cover 160. The opening of the accommodation section 131 is sealed by the cover 160. That is, the head chips Hc are accommodated in a space defined by the accommodation section 131 and the cover 160. The accommodation section 131 may be provided for each head chip Hc, or may be provided continuously across a plurality of head chips Hc. In this embodiment, the accommodation section 131 is provided for each head chip Hc.

[0045] In this holder 130, the head chips Hc are arranged in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction. Arranging the head chips Hc in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction means arranging the head chips Hc arranged side by side in the X-axis direction with the head chips Hc alternately shifted in the Y-axis direction. That is, two rows of head chips Hc arranged side by side in the X-axis direction are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction, and the two rows of head chips Hc are shifted in the X-axis direction. By arranging the head chips Hc in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction in this manner, the nozzles 21 of the two head chips Hc partially overlap in the X-axis direction, forming a row of nozzles 21 that is continuous along the X-axis direction. Forming a long nozzle row along the X-axis direction using multiple head chips Hc in this manner improves yield and reduces costs compared to forming a long nozzle row on a single head chip Hc. The number of head chips Hc held by holder 130 is not limited to four, but may be one or two or more.

[0046] The cover 160 is formed of a plate-like member such as a metal, such as stainless steel. The cover 160 has an exposure opening 161 that exposes the nozzle surface of each head chip Hc, on which multiple nozzles 21 are formed. In this embodiment, an exposure opening 161 is provided independently for each head chip Hc. The exposure opening 161 has a shape that is long in the X-axis direction and short in the Y-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction, in accordance with the shape of the head chip Hc.

[0047] The cover 160 has a first surface 162 facing the +Z direction and a second surface 163 facing the opposite direction to the first surface 162, i.e., facing the -Z direction. The cover 160 is fixed to the nozzle surface side of the head chip Hc, i.e., the surface facing the +Z direction, at the peripheral portion of the exposed opening 161 of the second surface 163. In this embodiment, the cover 160 is joined to the fixed substrate 47 of the compliance substrate 45 of the head chip Hc. The first surface 162 of the cover 160, together with the surface of the nozzle plate 20 facing the +Z direction, constitutes an ejection surface.

[0048] Such a cover 160 is fixed to a surface facing the +Z direction of the wall portion 132 of the holder 130 so as to close the opening of the accommodation portion 131 of the holder 130. In this embodiment, the cover 160 is fixed inside the cover accommodation portion of the holder main body 140 via a reinforcing plate 150.

[0049] The thickness of cover 160 in the Z-axis direction is 300 μm or less, preferably 200 μm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or less. By reducing the thickness of cover 160 in the Z-axis direction, the distance between the nozzle surface where nozzles 21 of head chip Hc open and medium S, that is, the so-called paper gap, can be shortened, thereby improving the landing accuracy of droplets ejected from head chip Hc on the medium.

[0050] The reinforcing plate 150 is preferably made of a material that is stronger than the cover 160. In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 150 is formed of a plate-like member that is made of the same material as the cover 160 and that is thicker in the Z-axis direction than the cover 160. Of course, the reinforcing plate 150 may be made of a different material from the cover 160.

[0051] Furthermore, the reinforcing plate 150 has a through hole 153 at a position different from the opening 151. Here, "the through hole 153 is at a position different from the opening 151" refers to a state in which the opening 151 and the through hole 153 are not in communication with each other. In this embodiment, the through holes 153 are provided between two openings 151 that are aligned in the X-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction. That is, two through holes 153 are provided in the reinforcing plate 150. A temperature detection element (not shown) that detects the temperature of the cover 160 is directed into the through hole 153 of the reinforcing plate 150. Of course, it is not necessary to provide a temperature detection element in the through hole 153, and it is not necessary to provide the through hole 153 at all.

[0052] The liquid jet head H also includes a detection element 200 for detecting deformation of the cover 160. In this embodiment, the detection element 200 is disposed on the second surface 163 of the cover 160. That is, the detection element 200 is a strain gauge fixed to the second surface 163 of the cover 160 facing the -Z direction and detecting deformation of the cover 160. A strain gauge is a conductive resistive element that is attached to a measurement object and measures the amount of strain in multiple stages based on the electrical resistance value that changes as the measurement object expands and contracts in proportion to the expansion and contraction of the measurement object. The electrical resistance value detected by the strain gauge is detected as a voltage value, for example. By using a strain gauge as the detection element 200, deformation of the cover 160 can be detected. When a strain gauge is used as the detection element 200, the voltage output from the detection element 200 increases as the strain of the detection element 200 increases, and therefore the amount of deformation of the cover 160 can be detected based on the magnitude of the voltage output from the detection element 200.

[0053] Furthermore, at least a portion of detection element 200 is disposed at a position outside first region 164 of cover 160 to which wall portion 132 is fixed. Cover 160 includes first region 164 to which wall portion 132 is fixed, second region 165 to which head chip Hc is fixed, and third region 166 between first region 164 and second region 165. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, detection element 200 is disposed in third region 166 of cover 160 along the X-axis, which is the longitudinal direction of head chip Hc. Note that third region 166 is located opposite housing portion 131 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, detection element 200 formed in third region 166 is disposed within housing portion 131. In this embodiment, detection element 200 is provided electrically independent for each head chip Hc. That is, in this embodiment, since the accommodation section 131 is provided independently for each head chip Hc, a total of four detection elements 200 are provided for each accommodation section 131.

[0054] Such a detection element 200 is formed in the third region 166 of the second surface 163 in a so-called U-shape, with one end of two linear portions formed linearly along the X-axis direction connected to each other. In this embodiment, the length of the detection element 200 along the X-axis direction is longer than the head chip Hc. Of course, the length of the detection element 200 along the X-axis direction may be shorter than the head chip Hc. Note that the detection element 200 may be provided in a zigzag pattern, i.e., moving in the X-axis direction while meandering toward the Y-axis direction. By providing the detection element 200 in a meandering pattern, the detection element 200 can be formed long and have a high resistance value. Therefore, the detection element 200 can be used as a strain gauge with high sensitivity to deformation of the cover 160.

[0055] Here, second region 165 of cover 160 is a region fixed to head chip Hc, and first region 164 is a region fixed to wall 132. Therefore, first region 164 and second region 165 are supported by wall 132 and head chip Hc at second surface 163 and are therefore less likely to deform. In contrast, third region 166 of cover 160 is more susceptible to deformation than first region 164 and second region 165 because neither first surface 162 nor second surface 163 is fixed to another member. In this way, by providing detection element 200 in third region 166 of cover 160, which is more susceptible to deformation, the detection accuracy of detection element 200 in deformation of cover 160 can be improved.

[0056] The entire detecting element 200 of this embodiment is provided in the third region 166. Note that it is sufficient that at least a portion of the detecting element 200 is provided in the third region 166, and the other portion may be provided in the first region 164, the second region 165, or the like.

[0057] Each of these detection elements 200 can detect deformation of the cover 160 around each head chip Hc. The head chip Hc is susceptible to misalignment of the landing positions of droplets ejected from the head chip Hc on the medium S due to stress along the X-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction. Therefore, by arranging the detection elements 200 along the X-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the head chip Hc, deformation of the cover 160 in the X-axis direction can be detected with higher accuracy, making it easier to detect misalignment of the landing positions of droplets ejected from the head chip Hc due to stress caused by deformation of the cover 160 along the X-axis direction. Furthermore, by electrically providing an independent detection element 200 for each head chip Hc, it is possible to determine which of the four head chips Hc has an abnormality through detection by each detection element 200. This allows for identifying and replacing the head chip Hc with an abnormality, or for reusing the head chip Hc with no abnormality to manufacture a new liquid ejection head H, which is known as refurbishing.

[0058] By providing the liquid ejection head H with the detection element 200 for detecting deformation of the cover 160 in this manner, the deformation of the cover 160 can be easily detected, and an abnormality in the liquid ejection head H due to the deformation of the cover 160 can be detected.

[0059] Furthermore, by arranging the detection element 200 on the cover 160, the detection element 200 can directly detect deformation of the cover 160, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detection element 200. Furthermore, by arranging the detection element 200 on the second surface 163 of the cover 160, it is possible to prevent the paper gap between the ejection surface and the medium S from becoming larger and to prevent the medium S from colliding with the detection element 200 and the cover 160 from being deformed.

[0060] The cover 160 is generally grounded to dissipate static electricity from the medium S. For this reason, it is preferable that the second surface 163 of the cover 160 on which the detection element 200 is disposed be subjected to an insulating treatment. The insulating treatment can be performed, for example, by subjecting the second surface 163 to a surface treatment using a fluororesin or the like, or by fixing an insulating film to the second surface 163 with an adhesive. Alternatively, it is preferable that the detection element 200 be bonded to the second surface 163 with an insulating adhesive. It is also preferable that the detection element 200 be disposed on an insulating film fixed to the second surface 163, in other words, that the detection element 200 be disposed on the second surface 163 via a film, is the same as that the detection element 200 is disposed on the second surface 163 of the cover 160.

[0061] Here, deformation of the cover 160 of the liquid jet head H occurs due to various factors as follows.

[0062] For example, deformation of the cover 160 may occur due to stress when assembling the liquid jet head H, specifically when fixing the head chips Hc to the cover 160, or when fixing the cover 160 with the head chips Hc assembled thereto to the holder 130. Deformation of the cover 160 may also occur when assembling the assembled liquid jet head H to the liquid jet device 1.

[0063] Furthermore, deformation of the cover 160 may occur when the medium S collides with the cover 160 during printing or the like.

[0064] Furthermore, deformation of the cover 160 may occur when the holder 130 is deformed by linear expansion due to heat generated when the liquid ejecting head H is used.

[0065] If the cover 160 is deformed in this way, stress will be generated at the joint between the head chip Hc and the cover 160, and there is a risk that the compliance portion 49 will not function normally.

[0066] Furthermore, if the cover 160 is deformed, the communicating plate 15 of the head chip Hc may be damaged, and ink may leak from the communicating plate 15 .

[0067] Furthermore, if an inlet 44 connected to a flow path is provided at both ends of the head chip Hc in the X-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction, deformation of the cover 160 may cause the head chip Hc to tilt and deform in the longitudinal direction, which may cause ink to leak from the inlet 44.

[0068] Furthermore, when performing suction cleaning in which the ejection surface of the liquid ejection head H is covered with a cap and the liquid inside the liquid ejection head H is sucked and discharged through the cap by a suction means, if the cover 160 is deformed, poor capping by the cap will occur, preventing normal suction cleaning and moisturizing by the moisturizing cap, and there is a risk of the liquid inside the nozzle 21 becoming thicker.

[0069] Furthermore, when the cover 160 is used to position multiple head chips Hc relative to one another, if the cover 160 is deformed, the positions of the head chips Hc may become misaligned, which may result in misalignment of the landing positions of droplets on the medium S.

[0070] Therefore, by detecting the deformation of the cover 160 with the detection element 200, the abnormality occurring in the liquid jet head H described above can be easily detected.

[0071] Note that a detection element wiring 203 is connected to each of both ends of the detection element 200. The detection element wiring 203 is part of the "relay wiring connected to the detection element." In this embodiment, both ends of the detection element 200 are disposed within the accommodation portion 131. Therefore, the detection element wiring 203 is connected to the detection element 200 within the accommodation portion 131. The detection element wiring 203 in this embodiment is a flexible wiring board such as an FPC. Of course, the connection between the detection element 200 and the detection element wiring 203 is not limited to within the accommodation portion 131, and may be in the first region 164 or the second region 165. Alternatively, the detection element 200 may be extended to the outside of the first region 164, and the detection element wiring 203 may be connected outside the first region 164.

[0072] Holder 130 is also provided with a plurality of communicating paths 135 that allow ink to circulate between head chip Hc and flow path member 170. One end of each communicating path 135 opens to the bottom surface of storage section 131, i.e., the surface of storage section 131 facing the -Z direction, and communicates with each of four inlets 44 of head chip Hc. Therefore, four communicating paths 135 are provided per head chip Hc. The other end of each communicating path 135 opens to the surface of holder 130 facing the -Z direction, and communicates with a flow path in flow path member 170, which will be described in detail later.

[0073] Moreover, the holder 130 is provided with a wiring insertion hole 136 for inserting the wiring substrate 110 of the head chip Hc and the detection element wiring 203 for each accommodation section 131. The wiring insertion hole 136 opens to the bottom surface of the accommodation section 131, i.e., the surface on the −Z direction side within the accommodation section 131, and also opens to the surface of the holder 130 on the −Z direction side.

[0074] The flow path member 170 is fixed to a surface of the holder 130 facing the -Z direction. The flow path member 170 is composed of a plurality of members stacked in the Z-axis direction. A flow path that supplies liquid to the head chip Hc is provided inside the flow path member 170 (not shown). Furthermore, two flow path connectors 171 that communicate with the internal flow paths are provided on the surface of the flow path member 170 facing the -Z direction. The liquid from the liquid storage unit 3 is supplied from the flow path connectors 171 via a supply tube or the like (not shown) that is provided outside the liquid jet head H.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the relay board 180 includes a first relay board 181, a second relay board 182, and a third relay board 183 that connects the first relay board 181 and the second relay board 182 together.

[0076] The first relay substrate 181 is made of a hard, rigid substrate with no flexibility, and has wiring, electronic components, and the like (not shown) mounted thereon. In this embodiment, as an example of an electronic component, an external connector 184 is illustrated, to which external wiring (not shown) provided outside the liquid jet head H is connected. The first relay substrate 181 is fixed to a surface of the flow path member 170 facing the -Z direction.

[0077] The second relay board 182 is made of a hard, rigid board with no flexibility, and has wiring, electronic components, and the like (not shown) mounted thereon. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, a first connector 185 and a second connector 186 are illustrated as examples of electronic components. The wiring board 110 of the head chip Hc is connected to the first connector 185, and the detection element wiring 203 is connected to the second connector 186.

[0078] The second relay substrates 182 are fixed to both side surfaces of the flow path member 170 in the Y-axis direction. That is, one liquid jet head H has two second relay substrates 182. The wiring substrates 110 and the detection element wiring 203 of the two head chips Hc positioned in the +Y direction are commonly connected to the second relay substrate 182 arranged in the +Y direction of the flow path member 170. Furthermore, the wiring substrates 110 and the detection element wiring 203 of the two head chips Hc positioned in the -Y direction are commonly connected to the second relay substrate 182 arranged in the -Y direction of the flow path member 170.

[0079] The first relay board 181 and the two second relay boards 182 are connected via a third relay board 183. The third relay board 183 is made of, for example, a flexible wiring board having flexibility.

[0080] Drive signals and head control signals for controlling the head chips Hc are input from external wiring to the first relay board 181 via the external connector 184. The various signals input to the first relay board 181 are input to the two second relay boards 182 via the third relay board 183, and then input to each head chip Hc from the second relay board 182. In other words, wiring for the drive signals (not shown) is provided on the relay board 180 and the wiring board 110 of each head chip Hc. Furthermore, the voltage detected by the detection element 200 is transmitted to the outside via the external wiring from the external connector 184 via the detection element wiring 203 and wiring (not shown) of the relay board 180. The wiring (not shown) of this relay board 180, which is electrically connected to the detection element wiring 203, is the remainder of the "relay wiring connected to the detection element."

[0081] That is, the external connector 184 has terminals connected to the detection element wiring 203 connected to the detection element 200 and wiring (not shown) of the relay substrate 180 connected to the detection element wiring 203, and terminals connected to the wiring substrate 110 to which a drive signal for driving the active portion 310 for ejecting liquid is input and wiring (not shown) of the relay substrate 180 connected to the wiring substrate 110. This eliminates the need to separately provide a connector for inputting a drive signal for driving the active portion 310 of the liquid jet head H from the outside and a connector for outputting a voltage output by the detection element 200, and allows connection using the common external connector 184, thereby reducing costs. Of course, the connector for inputting a drive signal for driving the active portion 310 of the liquid jet head H from the outside and the connector for outputting a voltage output by the detection element 200 may be provided separately. Alternatively, the relay substrate for inputting a drive signal to the active portion 310 and the relay substrate for outputting a voltage output by the detection element 200 may be provided separately.

[0082] In addition, the signal amplification circuit and digital circuit necessary for the detection element 200 to detect deformation of the cover 160 may be provided, for example, on the relay board 180, or on a control unit 4 connected via external wiring of the liquid ejection head H.

[0083] Furthermore, the cover member 190 is fixed to the surface of the holder 130 facing the −Z direction, and houses the flow path member 170 and the relay substrate 180 inside.

[0084] The cover member 190 has an electrical connection opening 191 that opens on a surface facing the -Z direction. The external connector 184 of the relay board 180 housed inside the cover member 190 is exposed to the outside through the electrical connection opening 191.

[0085] The cover member 190 also has two flow path connection openings 192 on the surface facing the -Z direction. The flow path connection portion 171 of the flow path member 170 housed inside the cover member 190 is exposed to said portion via the flow path connection openings 192.

[0086] The electrical configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment. Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the function realization section of the control unit 4.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 11, the liquid ejecting device 1 includes a control unit 4, which is a control section of this embodiment, a print engine 220, and an operation panel 9.

[0088] The control unit 4 is an element that controls the entire liquid ejection device 1. The control unit 4 has a control processing unit 211 that includes a CPU and the like, a memory unit 212, a drive signal generation unit 213, an external I / F (interface) 214, and an internal I / F 215. The memory unit 212 also includes a ROM that records control programs and the like, and a RAM that temporarily records various data required for printing images. The control processing unit 211 comprehensively controls each element of the liquid ejection device 1 by executing the control program recorded in the memory unit 212.

[0089] Print data indicating an image to be printed on the medium S is sent from an external device 230 such as a host computer to the external I / F 214 of the control unit 4, and a print engine 220 is connected to the internal I / F 215. The print engine 220 is an element that records an image on the medium S under the control of the control unit 4, and includes a liquid ejection head H, a transport mechanism 5, and a movement mechanism 6.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 4 has the functions of an injection control section 240, an abnormality detection section 241, and a notification section 242.

[0091] The ejection control unit 240 controls the ejection of droplets from the nozzles 21 of the liquid ejection head H. Specifically, the control processing unit 211 converts print data transmitted from the external device 230 to the external I / F 214 into head control signals, such as a clock signal CLK, a latch signal LAT, a change signal CH, pixel data SI, and setting data SP, that instruct each drive element to eject / not eject droplets from each nozzle 21 of the liquid ejection head H, and transmits the signals to the liquid ejection head H via the internal I / F 215. In addition, the drive signal generation unit 213 generates a drive signal (COM) and transmits it to the liquid ejection head H via the internal I / F 215. That is, ejection data such as head control data and drive signals is transmitted to the liquid ejection head H via the internal I / F 215, which is a transmission unit.

[0092] The liquid jet head H, to which ejection data such as a head control signal and a drive signal is supplied from the control unit 4, generates application pulses from the head control signal and the drive signal, and applies the application pulses to the drive elements.

[0093] Furthermore, the control processing unit 211 generates movement control signals for the transport mechanism 5 and the movement mechanism 6 from print data received from the external device 230 via the external I / F 214, and transmits these to the transport mechanism 5 and the movement mechanism 6 via the internal I / F 215, thereby controlling the transport mechanism 5 and the movement mechanism 6. In this way, printing on the medium S is performed.

[0094] The abnormality detection unit 241 detects an abnormality in the liquid ejection head H caused by deformation of the cover 160 based on the voltage output from the detection element 200. That is, the abnormality detection unit 241 determines the degree of deformation of the cover 160 by comparing the voltage (hereinafter referred to as the initial value) detected by the detection element 200 before deformation of the cover 160 with the voltage detected by the detection element 200 after deformation of the cover 160. The voltage output from the detection element 200 is an example of a "detection signal."

[0095] The initial value may be, for example, a result of measurement after the liquid jet head H is manufactured but before the liquid jet head H is shipped from a factory, i.e., before the liquid jet head H is attached to the holder 7 of the liquid jet apparatus 1. The measured initial value is preferably stored in a storage element (not shown) included in the liquid jet head H before the liquid jet head H is shipped from a factory, for example, in a storage element built into the drive circuit 111 provided on the wiring substrate 110. Of course, if a storage element other than the drive circuit 111 is mounted on the liquid jet head H, the initial value may be stored therein. This enables the abnormality detection unit 241 to read the initial value while the liquid jet head H is attached to the liquid jet apparatus 1. With this configuration, even if the liquid jet head H is replaced, the initial value of the new liquid jet head H can be easily read. The initial value may also be stored in a storage element (not shown) provided in the control unit 4 of the liquid jet apparatus 1. Furthermore, by comparing the initial value detected by the detection element 200 before the liquid jet head H is attached to the holder 7 of the liquid jet device 1 with the value measured after the liquid jet head H is attached to the holder 7, it is possible to detect deformation of the cover 160 due to stress when the liquid jet head H is attached to the holder 7. Note that the value measured after attachment is preferably the value measured before the liquid jet head H starts its first printing operation.

[0096] Furthermore, the initial value may be, for example, a result of measurement after the liquid jet head H is attached to the holder 7 of the liquid jet apparatus 1. Note that when measuring the initial value, it is assumed that no deformation occurs in the cover 160 when the liquid jet head H is attached to the holder 7 of the liquid jet apparatus 1. After the liquid jet head H is attached to the holder 7 of the liquid jet apparatus 1, it is preferable to measure the initial value before the liquid jet head H starts its first printing operation.

[0097] The abnormality detection unit 241 can detect the amount of deformation of the cover 160 by comparing a previously measured initial value with the voltage output from the detection element 200. When the voltage detected by the detection element 200 is equal to or less than a preset threshold, the abnormality detection unit 241 determines that the deformation of the cover 160 is not large enough to cause an abnormality in the liquid jet head H. When the voltage detected by the detection element 200 is larger than the preset threshold, the abnormality detection unit 241 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the liquid jet head H due to the deformation of the cover 160. Note that the threshold used for determination by the abnormality detection unit 241 may be set in advance through experiments, simulations, or the like, and the threshold may also be stored in a memory element or the like built into the drive circuit 111, similar to the above-mentioned initial value.

[0098] The notification unit 242 notifies the user of an abnormality in the liquid jet head H detected by the abnormality detection unit 241. In this embodiment, the notification unit 242 notifies the user of the abnormality in the liquid jet head H by displaying the abnormality in the liquid jet head H on the display device 9a. For example, as described above, when it is determined that the voltage output by the detection element 200 is equal to or lower than the threshold value and that no abnormality has occurred in the liquid jet head H due to deformation of the cover 160, the notification unit 242 does not display anything in particular on the display device 9a, or displays that there is no abnormality in the liquid jet head H.

[0099] Furthermore, when the abnormality detection unit 241 detects an abnormality, the notification unit 242 displays on the display device 9a a message that an abnormality has occurred in the liquid jet head H. In this embodiment, when the voltage output by any of the four detection elements 200 exceeds a threshold, the abnormality detection unit 241 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the head chip Hc corresponding to the detection element 200 whose voltage exceeded the threshold. Therefore, the notification unit 242 may display on the display device 9a information about which of the multiple head chips Hc has an abnormality. In particular, when the detection elements 200 are provided electrically independent for each head chip Hc as in this embodiment, it is possible to identify that an abnormality has occurred in the head chip Hc corresponding to the detection element 200 that detected the voltage exceeding the threshold. Therefore, it is sufficient to display on the display device 9a the position of the head chip Hc in which the abnormality has occurred. In other words, the message "that an abnormality has occurred in the liquid jet head H" may include information about which of the multiple head chips Hc has an abnormality. Furthermore, when displaying on the display device 9a that an abnormality has occurred in the head chip Hc, the notification unit 242 may display, for example, a message urging replacement of a specific head chip Hc or replacement of the liquid jet head H. In other words, the message "that an abnormality has occurred in the liquid jet head H" may include information urging replacement of the liquid jet head H.

[0100] When the notification unit 242 notifies the user of an abnormality in the liquid ejection head H, the user can immediately take action such as replacing the liquid ejection head H or a specific head chip Hc themselves, or requesting a maintenance company such as the manufacturer of the liquid ejection head H to replace the faulty liquid ejection head H or a specific head chip Hc.

[0101] The method of notifying the user of an abnormality in the liquid ejection head H by the notification unit 242 is not limited to displaying the information on the display device 9a. The notification unit 242 may, for example, notify the user by a sound generating unit that emits an alarm sound or voice, or by flashing or lighting a white light unit such as an LED lamp. The notification unit 242 may also output a signal to an external device 230, such as a host computer, notifying the user of an abnormality in the liquid ejection head H.

[0102] In the above example, the abnormality detection unit 241 makes a judgment using one threshold value, but is not particularly limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the abnormality detection unit 241 may detect an abnormality in the liquid jet head H using a preset first threshold value and a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value. For example, if the voltage output by the detection element 200 is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the abnormality detection unit 241 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the liquid jet head H due to deformation of the cover 160.

[0103] Furthermore, if the voltage output by the detection element 200 is greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the abnormality detection unit 241 determines that the head chip Hc is not faulty, but that the cover 160 has been deformed to the extent that printing defects occur.

[0104] Furthermore, if the voltage output by the detection element 200 is greater than the second threshold value, the abnormality detection unit 241 determines that the head chip Hc is broken, for example, that the cover 160 is deformed to the extent that the communication plate 15 is cracked.

[0105] Then, when the voltage output by the detection element 200 is below the first threshold value and the abnormality detection unit 241 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the liquid ejection head H, the notification unit 242 does not display anything in particular on the display device 9a, or displays that there is no abnormality in the liquid ejection head H.

[0106] Furthermore, when the detection element 200 detects that the voltage detected is greater than the first threshold value and equal to or less than the second threshold value, and the abnormality detection unit 241 determines that the cover 160 has been deformed to a degree that does not cause a malfunction in the head chip Hc, the notification unit 242 displays on the display device 9a that an abnormality has occurred in the liquid ejection head H and that the head chip Hc can be reused but the cover 160 cannot. In other words, even if the cover 160 is deformed, if the deformation is minor, large stress is not applied to the components that make up the head chip Hc, and cracks or poor adhesion between the components that make up the head chip Hc may not occur. In this way, even if the cover 160 is deformed, if the head chip Hc is normal, it is possible to replace only the cover 160, or to reuse the undamaged head chip Hc to manufacture a new liquid ejection head H, which is so-called refurbishing.

[0107] Furthermore, if the abnormality detection unit 241 detects that the voltage detected by the detection element 200 is greater than the second threshold value and determines that the cover 160 has been deformed to the extent that the head chip Hc will break down, the notification unit 242 will display on the display device 9a that an abnormality has occurred in the liquid ejection head H and that the head chip Hc and cover 160 cannot be reused.

[0108] In this way, first and second thresholds corresponding to the state of deformation of cover 160 are set in advance, and abnormality detection unit 241 determines the degree of deformation of cover 160 based on the first and second thresholds and notifies the user, allowing the user to take action according to the degree of deformation of cover 160. Note that the first threshold may correspond to the degree of deformation of cover 160 that corresponds to the degree of deformation immediately before a printing defect actually occurs. Similarly, the first threshold may correspond to the degree of deformation of cover 160 that corresponds to the degree of deformation immediately before the head chips Hc actually fail. This makes it possible to notify the user before a printing defect occurs or before the head chips Hc fail, thereby suppressing the occurrence of printing defects and preventing failure of the head chips Hc.

[0109] The abnormality detection unit 241 may constantly monitor the voltage output from the detection element 200 to detect an abnormality in the liquid ejection head H, but the cause of deformation of the cover 160 can be identified by performing abnormality detection at various times, for example.

[0110] As described above, by measuring before and after the liquid jet head H is attached to the holder 7, deformation of the cover 160 when the liquid jet head H is attached can be detected.

[0111] Furthermore, for example, by detecting an abnormality in the liquid ejecting head H immediately before a printing operation or after printing is completed, deformation of the cover 160 caused by a collision with the medium S can be detected.

[0112] Furthermore, by detecting deformation of the cover 160 before sealing the ejection surface of the liquid ejection head H with a cap or a moisturizing cap, i.e., before capping, it is possible to detect defective cleaning operation or poor moisturizing caused by poor sealing during capping due to deformation of the cover 160.

[0113] Furthermore, after sealing the ejection surface of the liquid ejection head H with a cap or moisturizing cap, the cap or moisturizing cap is removed from the ejection surface of the liquid ejection head H, and then deformation of the cover 160 is detected after so-called uncapping, thereby making it possible to detect deformation of the cover 160 caused by the load from capping acting abnormally on the cover 160.

[0114] Furthermore, by detecting the deformation of the cover 160 after the liquid adhering to the ejection surface is wiped away by the wiper, it is possible to detect the deformation of the cover 160 caused by abnormal wiping by the wiper.

[0115] By detecting the deformation of cover 160 at various times in this way, the cause of the deformation of cover 160 can be identified and notified to the user. Therefore, the user can easily resolve the problem that caused the deformation of cover 160 and take measures to prevent the deformation of cover 160 from recurring.

[0116] In this embodiment, any one of the four head chips Hc is an example of a "first head chip," and the detection element 200 corresponding to the first head chip is an example of a "first detection element." Furthermore, the accommodation section 131 that accommodates the first head chip is an example of a "first accommodation space." Furthermore, any one of the four head chips Hc is an example of a "second head chip," and the detection element 200 corresponding to the second head chip is an example of a "second detection element." Furthermore, the accommodation section 131 that accommodates the second head chip is an example of a "second accommodation space." Furthermore, the X-axis direction is an example of a "longitudinal direction" of the head chip Hc.

[0117] (Embodiment 2) 14 is a plan view of the cover 160 of the liquid jet head H according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed in the +Z direction. Note that the same members as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 14, the liquid jet head H has a detection element 200 and a detection element 201. The detection element 200 is similar to the detection element 200 of the first embodiment described above, and therefore the same reference numerals are used and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0119] The detection element 201 is a strain gauge provided in a region facing the through-hole 153 of the second surface 163 of the cover 160. In this embodiment, the detection element 201 is provided in a region facing the through-hole 153 of the second surface 163 so as to meander in a zigzag pattern along the surface of the second surface 163. That is, the detection element 201 is provided so as to meander in the Y-axis direction while moving back and forth in the X-axis direction. The detection element 201 is provided electrically independent of the detection element 200. Therefore, one end of the detection element 201 is connected to a detection element wiring (not shown) in one of the housing sections 131 adjacent to the detection element 200 in the X-axis direction, and the other end of the detection element 201 is connected to a detection element wiring (not shown) in the other housing section 131 adjacent to the detection element 200 in the X-axis direction. The detection element wirings connected to the detection element 201 are connected to the relay substrate 180, similar to the detection element wiring 203 connected to the detection element 200. Wall 142 of holder main body 140 may have a through hole formed therein at a position facing through hole 153, the through hole communicating with through hole 153. In such a configuration, detection element wiring connected to detection element 201 may be connected to relay board 180 via through hole 153 and the through hole in wall 142.

[0120] The detection element 200 can detect deformation of the cover 160 around each head chip Hc. Therefore, the above-mentioned abnormality of the liquid ejecting head H, in particular, deviation of the landing position on the medium S of droplets ejected from each head chip Hc due to deformation of the cover 160, can be detected.

[0121] Furthermore, the detection element 201 can detect deformation of the cover 160 between two head chips Hc arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the liquid ejection head H due to deformation of the cover 160 between two head chips Hc arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by providing the detection element 201 in a serpentine shape, the detection element 201 can be formed long and with a high resistance value. Therefore, the detection element 201 can be used as a strain gauge with good sensitivity to deformation of the cover 160.

[0122] The detection element 201 can be disposed simultaneously with the temperature detection element within the through-hole 153. By providing the temperature detection element and the detection element 201 within the through-hole 153 in this manner, the space required for providing each element individually is eliminated, and the liquid jet head H can be made smaller.

[0123] In this embodiment, one of the two detection elements 201 is an example of a "first detection element."

[0124] In this embodiment, any one of the four head chips Hc is an example of a "first head chip," and detection element 200 corresponding to the first head chip may be an example of a "first detection element." In this case, accommodating section 131 that accommodates the first head chip is an example of a "first accommodating space," any one of the four head chips Hc is an example of a "second head chip," detection element 200 corresponding to the second head chip is an example of a "second detection element," and accommodating section 131 that accommodates the second head chip is an example of a "second accommodating space." Also, the X-axis direction is an example of a "longitudinal direction" of head chip Hc.

[0125] Furthermore, although the liquid jet head H of the present embodiment includes the detection element 200 and the detection element 201, it may be configured to include only the detection element 201 without including the detection element 200.

[0126] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the basic configuration of the present invention is not limited to those described above.

[0127] For example, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration has been exemplified in which the holder 130 is provided with an independent accommodation portion 131 for each head chip Hc, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. Here, a modified example of the liquid jet head H is shown in Fig. 15. Note that Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the modified example of the liquid jet head H, taken along line CC'.

[0128] 15, the two head chips Hc are housed in a common housing portion 131. This housing portion 131 is defined by a wall portion 132. In this embodiment, of the two head chips Hc, the head chip Hc arranged in the -Y direction is referred to as the first head chip, and the head chip Hc arranged in the +Y direction is referred to as the second head chip.

[0129] One detection element 205 is disposed between the first head chip Hc and the second head chip Hc. That is, the detection element 205 of this embodiment is a common detection element that serves both as a detection element for the first head chip Hc that detects deformation of the cover 160 around the first head chip Hc and a detection element for the second head chip Hc that detects deformation of the cover 160 around the second head chip Hc. By providing one detection element 205 common to the two head chips Hc in this way, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing costs, compared to when a detection element is provided for each head chip Hc, and the space required for arranging the detection element 205 can be reduced, thereby achieving miniaturization. Note that even if multiple head chips Hc are disposed in a common housing portion 131, detection elements 200 may be provided individually for each of the multiple head chips Hc, as in the first embodiment.

[0130] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, strain gauges are used as the detection elements 200 and 201 for detecting deformation of the cover 160, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. Here, resistive film pressure sensors may be used as the detection elements. An example in which resistive film pressure sensors are used as the detection elements is shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion illustrating a modified example of the liquid jet head H.

[0131] 16, the reinforcing plate 150 has a protrusion 154 that protrudes like a canopy into the opening 151. A space is defined between the cover 160 and the surface of the protrusion 154 facing the +Z direction.

[0132] The detection element 206 consists of a resistive film pressure sensor and includes an upper electrode 207 provided on the surface of the protrusion 154 facing the +Z direction, and a lower electrode 208 provided in a position opposite the upper electrode 207 on the second surface 163 of the cover 160.

[0133] In such detection element 206, when cover 160 is deformed, the distance between upper electrode 207 and lower electrode 208 becomes shorter or longer, and the resistance value between upper electrode 207 and lower electrode 208 changes. This change in the resistance value between upper electrode 207 and lower electrode 208 changes the voltage output between upper electrode 207 and lower electrode 208. Specifically, as upper electrode 207 and lower electrode 208 come closer, the contact area between them increases and the resistance value decreases, resulting in a decrease in the voltage value output from detection element 206. For this reason, detection element 206 can detect the deformation of cover 160 by detecting the change in the voltage between upper electrode 207 and lower electrode 208.

[0134] The detection element for detecting deformation of cover 160 is not limited to a resistive pressure sensor, but may be, for example, a piezoelectric sensor or a capacitance pressure sensor. A piezoelectric sensor uses a piezoelectric element that generates an electric charge on its surface when pressure is applied. The magnitude of the electric charge is proportional to the applied force, so the greater the amount of deformation, the greater the electric charge, i.e., the greater the detected voltage. A capacitance pressure sensor detects a smaller electrostatic capacitance as the amount of deformation increases. In the case of a capacitance pressure sensor, the first threshold value may be set to be greater than the second threshold value.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the detection element 200 is provided on the second surface 163 of the cover 160, but this is not particularly limited. Here, the detection element 200 is provided on the cover 160, but this is not particularly limited. Here, an example in which the detection element is provided in a location other than the cover 160 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. Note that FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a modified example of the liquid jet head H.

[0136] 17, the liquid jet head H includes a holder 130, a head chip Hc, a cover 160, and the like, similar to the first embodiment described above. The detection element 209 includes an electrode 210B arranged on a surface of the head chip Hc facing the -Z direction, and an electrode 210A arranged on the bottom surface of the accommodation portion 131 of the holder 140. For example, a capacitance type pressure sensor is used as such a detection element 209. Note that the detection element 209 may also be a resistive film type pressure sensor.

[0137] The top surface of head chip Hc and the bottom surface of housing portion 131 of holder 130 are bonded with an adhesive (not shown). In other words, when an external force in the -Z direction acts on a portion of cover 160 that overlaps with housing portion 131 in a plan view seen in the Z axis direction, cover 160 is recessed in the -Z direction starting from the inner edge of housing portion 131, which causes the adhesive layer between head chip Hc and holder 130 to collapse, and head chip Hc moves in the -Z direction toward the bottom surface of housing portion 131. In other words, detection element 209 can detect the deformation of cover 160 by detecting the electrostatic capacitance resulting from a change in the distance of the gap between electrode 210A and electrode 210B as head chip Hc moves.

[0138] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the detection elements 200 are arranged along the X-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the head chips Hc. However, this is not particularly limited. For example, when multiple head chips Hc are arranged along the Y-axis direction, the detection elements may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. This allows the detection elements to detect deformation of the cover 160 along the Y-axis direction and detect positional deviations of the head chips Hc arranged along the Y-axis direction. In particular, when multiple head chips Hc are arranged in the Y-axis direction at the same position in the X-axis direction, by arranging the detection elements along the Y-axis direction, positional deviations of the multiple head chips Hc due to deformation of the cover 160 can be detected. Of course, the detection elements may be arranged along both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The detection elements arranged along the X-axis direction and the detection elements arranged along the Y-axis direction may be electrically independent, or may be electrically connected. By electrically independently arranging the detection elements along the X-axis direction and the detection elements along the Y-axis direction, it is possible to determine whether deformation of the cover 160 is along the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, thereby enabling highly accurate detection of abnormalities in the liquid ejection head H. When the detection elements provided along the X-axis direction and the detection elements provided along the Y-axis direction are electrically connected, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0139] Furthermore, the detection element 200 may be partially provided in the first region 164 and the second region 165, or entirely provided in at least one of the first region 164 and the second region 165.

[0140] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described first embodiment, the holder 130 is exemplified as having a configuration including the holder main body 140 and the reinforcing plate 150, but is not particularly limited to this. The holder 130 may be configured without the reinforcing plate 150, that is, may be configured only with the holder main body 140. In this case, the first wall portion 142 of the holder main body 140 is an example of a "wall portion," and the first recess 141 is an example of a "container portion."

[0141] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the detection element 200 is provided independently for each head chip Hc, and the detection element 201 is provided independently from the detection element 201, but this is not particularly limited. For example, at least two of the four detection elements 200 may be electrically connected. In this case, deformation of the cover 160 around each head chip Hc cannot be detected, but by combining the detection result of the detection element 201 with the detection element 200, the deformation of the cover 160 around each head chip Hc can be estimated. Of course, at least one detection element 200 may be electrically connected to the detection element 201. By electrically connecting the detection elements 200 and 201, the number of components such as the detection element wiring 203 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs, and the space required for routing the detection element wiring 203 can be reduced, thereby reducing the size of the liquid ejection head H.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, at least a portion of the detection element 200 is provided in the third region 166, but the detection element 200 does not have to be provided in the third region 166. For example, the detection element 200 may be provided in the second region 165, and although the sensitivity will be lower than in the first embodiment, it will be possible to detect deformation of the cover 160.

[0143] In the first embodiment described above, the first to third relay substrates 181 to 183 are examples of "relay substrates" having detection element wiring 203 connected to detection element 200 and wiring for drive signals for driving drive elements for ejecting liquid, but this is not limiting. For example, if detection element wiring 203 is electrically connected to wiring substrate 110 having wiring for drive signals for head chip Hc, wiring substrate 110 of this head chip Hc is also an example of a "relay substrate."

[0144] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the thin-film piezoelectric actuator 300 is used as the driving element that generates a pressure change in the pressure chamber 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the driving element can be, for example, a thick-film piezoelectric actuator formed by attaching a green sheet or the like, or a longitudinal vibration type piezoelectric actuator in which piezoelectric material and electrode forming material are alternately laminated and expanded and contracted in the axial direction. The driving element can also be a so-called electrostatic actuator in which a heating element is disposed in the pressure chamber 12 and bubbles generated by the heat generated by the heating element are used to eject droplets from the nozzle 21, or a so-called electrostatic actuator in which static electricity is generated between a vibration plate and an electrode, and the electrostatic force deforms the vibration plate to eject droplets from the nozzle 21.

[0145] Furthermore, the present invention is broadly applicable to liquid ejection devices in general that include a liquid ejection head. Examples of liquid ejection heads include various inkjet recording heads used in image recording devices such as printers, and colorant ejection heads used in manufacturing color filters for liquid crystal displays and the like. Examples of liquid ejection heads include electrode material ejection heads used in forming electrodes for organic EL displays, FEDs (field emission displays), and the like, and bioorganic material ejection heads used in biochip manufacturing, and the present invention can also be applied to liquid ejection devices that include these liquid ejection heads.

[0146] (Addendum) From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood, for example.

[0147] A liquid jet head according to a first preferred aspect includes a cover having a first head chip that ejects liquid, a first surface, and a second surface that faces in the opposite direction from the first surface and to which the first head chip is fixed, and a first detection element that detects deformation of the cover. In this way, the detection element can detect deformation of the cover, and therefore various abnormalities in the liquid jet head, such as printing defects caused by deformation of the cover, can be detected.

[0148] In Aspect 2, which is a specific example of Aspect 1, the first detection element is disposed on the cover. By providing the detection element on the cover, deformation of the cover can be detected with high accuracy.

[0149] In Aspect 3, which is a specific example of Aspect 2, the first detection element is disposed on the second surface of the cover. This makes it easier to dispose the detection element because the medium is less likely to collide with the detection element compared to when the detection element is disposed on the first surface.

[0150] In Aspect 4, which is a specific example of Aspect 1, the head chip is held between the cover and the holder, and the holder has a wall portion fixed to the second surface.

[0151] In Aspect 5, which is a specific example of Aspect 4, the first detection element is disposed on the cover, and at least a portion of the first detection element is disposed in a region of the cover that is separated from a first region to which the wall portion is fixed. In this manner, by providing the detection element in a region that is not supported by the wall portion of the cover and is prone to deformation, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting deformation of the cover.

[0152] In Aspect 6, which is a specific example of Aspect 5, the cover includes a second region to which the first head chip is fixed and a third region between the first region and the second region, and at least a portion of the first detection element is disposed in the third region. In this way, by providing the detection element in an easily deformable region that is not supported by the first head chip and wall portion of the cover, deformation of the cover can be detected with high accuracy.

[0153] In Aspect 7, which is a specific example of Aspect 6, the first detection element is disposed in a portion of the third region that is along the longitudinal direction of the first head chip. By providing the detection element along the longitudinal direction of the first head chip, where stress caused by deformation of the cover is likely to cause deviation in the impact position on the medium or damage, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting defects in the first head chip caused by deformation of the cover.

[0154] In Aspect 8, which is a specific example of Aspect 1, the first detection elements are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first head chip. By providing the detection elements along the longitudinal direction of the first head chip, which is prone to deviation in impact position or damage to the medium due to stress caused by deformation of the cover, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting defects in the first head chip caused by deformation of the cover.

[0155] In Aspect 9, which is a specific example of Aspect 3, the liquid ejection head further includes a second head chip that ejects liquid, and a second detection element that is disposed on the second surface and detects deformation of the cover. This allows for detection of abnormalities due to deformation of the cover for each head chip, making it possible to identify damaged or likely damaged head chips. Therefore, it is possible to detect head chips that need to be replaced in order to refurbish the liquid ejection head.

[0156] In Aspect 10, which is a specific example of Aspect 9, the device further includes a holder that holds the first head chip and the second head chip between itself and the cover and has a wall portion fixed to the second surface, the first head chip and the first detection element are accommodated in a first accommodation space defined by the wall portion, and the second head chip and the second detection element are accommodated in a second accommodation space defined by the wall portion and separated from the first accommodation space. This allows abnormalities due to deformation of the cover to be detected by the detection element corresponding to each head chip.

[0157] In Aspect 11, which is a specific example of Aspect 9, the device further includes a holder that holds the first head chip and the second head chip between itself and the cover and has a wall portion fixed to the second surface, the first head chip and the second head chip are accommodated in a common accommodation space defined by the wall portion, and the first detection element and the second detection element are common detection elements disposed between the first head chip and the second head chip. This reduces the number of detection elements, thereby reducing costs, and also reduces the space required to provide the detection elements, thereby achieving miniaturization.

[0158] In Aspect 12, which is a specific example of Aspect 1, the first detection element is a conductive resistive element. This allows deformation of the cover to be easily detected by the first detection element, which is a conductive resistive element.

[0159] In Aspect 13, which is a specific example of Aspect 1, a relay board is provided that has relay wiring connected to the first detection element and wiring for a drive signal for driving a drive element for ejecting liquid. By providing the relay wiring and the wiring for the drive signal on a single relay board, the number of components can be reduced, leading to cost savings, and the space required for providing multiple relay boards can be reduced, leading to miniaturization.

[0160] A liquid ejection device according to a preferred aspect 14 includes the liquid ejection head according to any of the above aspects, and a notification unit that notifies a user that an abnormality has occurred in the liquid ejection head based on a detection signal from the first detection element. In this way, the detection element detects deformation of the cover, and the notification unit notifies the user of an abnormality in the liquid ejection head, making it possible to detect various abnormalities in the liquid ejection head, such as printing defects caused by deformation of the cover. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] H...liquid ejection head, Hc...head chip, 1...liquid ejection device, 2...casing, 3...liquid storage section, 4...control unit, 5...transport mechanism, 6...movement mechanism, 9...operation panel, 9a...display device, 9b...operation device, 10...flow path forming substrate, 12...pressure chamber, 15...communication plate, 20...nozzle plate, 21...nozzle, 30...protective substrate, 40...case member, 44...inlet, 45...compliance substrate, 100... manifold, 110... wiring board, 111... drive circuit, 130... holder, 131... accommodation portion, 132... wall portion, 140... holder body, 141... first recess, 142... first wall portion, 143... cover accommodation portion, 144... edge portion, 150... reinforcing plate, 151... opening, 152... second wall portion, 153... through hole, 154... protrusion portion, 160... cover, 161... exposure opening, 16 2...first surface, 163...second surface, 164...first region, 165...second region, 166...third region, 170...flow path member, 171...flow path connection portion, 180...relay board, 181...first relay board, 182...second relay board, 183...third relay board, 184...external connector, 185...first connector, 186...second connector, 190...cover member, 191...electrical connection opening, 192 ...Opening for connecting flow path, 200, 201, 205, 206, 209...Detection element, 203...Wiring for detection element, 207...Upper electrode, 208...Lower electrode, 211...Control processing unit, 212...Memory unit, 213...Drive signal generation unit, 220...Print engine, 230...External device, 240...Ejection control unit, 241...Abnormality detection unit, 242...Alarm unit, 300...Piezoelectric actuator, 310...Activation unit.

Claims

1. a first head tip that ejects liquid; a cover having a first surface and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface and having the first head chip fixed thereto; a first detection element for detecting deformation of the cover; Equipped with A liquid jet head characterized by:

2. the first detection element is disposed on the cover; The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

3. the first detection element is disposed on the second surface of the cover; The liquid jet head according to claim 2 .

4. a holder having a wall portion fixed to the second surface and holding the first head chip between itself and the cover; The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

5. the first detection element is disposed on the cover; At least a portion of the first detection element is disposed in a region of the cover that is separated from a first region to which the wall portion is fixed. The liquid jet head according to claim 4 .

6. the cover includes a second region to which the first head chip is fixed and a third region between the first region and the second region, At least a portion of the first detection element is disposed in the third region. The liquid jet head according to claim 5 .

7. the first detection element is disposed in a portion of the third region along the longitudinal direction of the first head chip; The liquid jet head according to claim 6 .

8. the first detection elements are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first head chip; The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

9. a second head tip that ejects liquid; a second detection element disposed on the second surface for detecting deformation of the cover; Equipped with The liquid jet head according to claim 3 .

10. a holder having a wall portion fixed to the second surface, the holder holding the first head chip and the second head chip between the holder and the cover; the first head chip and the first detection element are accommodated in a first accommodation space defined by the wall portion; the second head chip and the second detection element are accommodated in a second accommodation space that is partitioned from the first accommodation space and defined by the wall portion; The liquid jet head according to claim 9 .

11. a holder having a wall portion fixed to the second surface, the holder holding the first head chip and the second head chip between the holder and the cover; the first head chip and the second head chip are accommodated in a common accommodation space defined by the wall portion, the first detection element and the second detection element are common detection elements disposed between the first head chip and the second head chip; The liquid jet head according to claim 9 .

12. the first detection element is a conductive resistive element; The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

13. a relay substrate having relay wiring connected to the first detection element and wiring for a drive signal for driving a drive element for ejecting liquid; The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

14. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 ; a notification unit that notifies a user that an abnormality has occurred in the liquid ejection head based on a detection signal from the first detection element; Prepare, A liquid ejection device characterized by:

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