Head unit and liquid injection device

Abstract

To improve the positioning accuracy of the head chip relative to the support member. [Solution] The system comprises a first liquid spray head that sprays liquid in a first direction, and a support member that supports the first liquid spray head. The support member includes a support plate having a first surface that supports the first liquid spray head and faces the first direction, and a first positioning part for positioning the first liquid spray head and the support plate. The first liquid spray head is A head unit comprising a head tip for spraying liquid, a cover member to which the head tip is fixed, a base member to which the cover member is fixed, and a laminated structure stacked in a second direction opposite to a first direction with respect to a mounting surface provided on the base member, wherein the laminated structure has a facing portion facing the first surface, the base member has a protruding portion that protrudes from the mounting surface in a second direction, and the protruding portion has a contact surface that contacts the first surface and a second positioning portion for positioning the first liquid spray head and the support plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a head unit and a liquid injection device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to a head unit including a liquid injection head and a support member that supports the liquid injection head have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid injection head having a plurality of head chips that inject liquid downward from above, a cover member to which the plurality of head chips are fixed, and a base member that holds the plurality of head chips between the cover member, and a support member that supports the liquid injection head and is provided with an opening for inserting the injection surface from above to below where the liquid is injected in the liquid injection head.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional technology, during the manufacturing of the head unit, the spray surface of the liquid spray head is inserted into the support member from above to below. Therefore, the support member needs to have an opening with an area larger than the spray surface. When a large opening is provided in the support member, the rigidity of the support member cannot be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, it is conceivable to position the support member above the liquid spray head, thereby enabling the liquid spray head to be fixed from below the support member, and thus eliminating the need to form a large opening in the support member. Specifically, a configuration can be considered in which the liquid spray head is fixed to the support member by a laminated structure stacked above the base member that holds multiple head chips. However, with this configuration, the laminated structure is interposed between the base member that holds multiple head chips and the support member, which could potentially reduce the positioning accuracy of the head chips relative to the support member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above problems, the head unit according to the present invention comprises a first liquid injection head that sprays liquid in a first direction, and a support member that supports the first liquid injection head, wherein the support member comprises a support plate having a first surface that supports the first liquid injection head and faces the first direction, and a first positioning part for positioning the first liquid injection head and the support plate, wherein the first liquid injection head has a plurality of head tips having a plurality of nozzle groups for spraying liquid, and a plurality of exposure openings formed to expose each of the plurality of nozzle groups to the outside, and the plurality of head tips are fixed The device comprises a cover member, a base member to which the cover member is fixed, and a laminated structure comprising a plurality of laminated substrates stacked in the first direction, and stacked in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to a mounting surface provided on the base member, wherein the laminated structure has a facing portion facing the first surface, the base member has a protruding portion that protrudes from the mounting surface in the second direction, the protruding portion has a contact surface that contacts the first surface, and a second positioning portion provided to correspond to the first positioning portion for positioning the first liquid spray head and the support plate.

[0006] Furthermore, the liquid injection device according to the present invention comprises a head unit and a main frame that supports the head unit, the head unit comprises a first liquid injection head that injects liquid in a first direction and a support member that supports the first liquid injection head, the support member comprises a support plate having a first surface that supports the first liquid injection head and faces the first direction, and a first positioning part for positioning the first liquid injection head and the support plate, the first liquid injection head comprises a plurality of head tips having a plurality of nozzle groups for injecting liquid, a cover member having a plurality of exposure openings formed to expose each of the plurality of nozzle groups to the outside, the plurality of head tips being fixed to a base member to which the cover member is fixed, and The laminated structure comprises a plurality of laminated substrates stacked in a first direction, and a laminated structure stacked in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to a mounting surface provided on the base member, wherein the laminated structure has a facing portion facing the first surface, the base member has a protruding portion projecting from the mounting surface in the second direction, the protruding portion has a contact surface that contacts the first surface, and a second positioning portion provided to correspond to the first positioning portion for positioning the first liquid spray head and the support plate, the support member has a third positioning portion arranged on the flat plate portion on which the first surface of the support plate is provided for positioning the main body frame and the support plate, and a fixing portion arranged on the flat plate portion for fixing the main body frame and the support plate. It is characterized by the following: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a configuration diagram showing an example of a liquid injection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a head unit HD. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the support member 5. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a head unit HD. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a head unit HD. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the liquid injection head 1. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a head unit HD. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a head unit HD. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a head unit HD. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a head unit HD. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a head unit HD. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a head unit HD. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the head unit HD-W1 related to proportional W1. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the HD-W2 head unit related to proportional W2. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the head unit HD-B1 related to the modified example B1. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the HD-B2 head unit related to the modified example B2. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the relay board 14. [Figure 18] This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the liquid injection head 1. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a supply channel Q(1) to Q(4). [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply channel Q. [Figure 21] This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the supply channels Q(1) to Q(4). [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply channel Q-V1 related to proportionality V1. [Figure 23]It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the suction cleaning process for the supply flow path Q-V1 according to Comparative Example V1. [Figure 24] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the suction cleaning process for the supply flow path Q. [Figure 25] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply flow path Q-V2 according to Comparative Example V2. [Figure 26] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply flow path Q-V3 according to Comparative Example V3. [Figure 27] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply flow path Q-C1 according to Modified Example C1. [Figure 28] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply flow path Q-C2 according to Modified Example C2. [Figure 29] It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the liquid ejection head 1. [Figure 30] It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the liquid ejection head 1. [Figure 31] It is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration around the filter fixing screw 61 and the nut 62. [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in each figure, the dimensions and scales of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones. Further, the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are imposed. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless there is a description specifically limiting the present invention in the following description.

[0009] <<A. Embodiment>> Hereinafter, the liquid ejection device 100 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0010] <<A.1. Overview of the Liquid Ejection Device 100>> FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the liquid ejection device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0011] The liquid ejection device 100 is an inkjet printing device that ejects ink onto a medium PP. The medium PP is typically printing paper, but any printing target such as a resin film or fabric can be used as the medium PP.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a head unit HD, a control device 90, a conveyance mechanism 91, a liquid container 93, a cleaning unit 94, and a moving mechanism 95.

[0013] The liquid container 93 stores ink and supplies the stored ink to the head unit HD. As the liquid container 93, for example, a cartridge detachable from the liquid ejection device 100, a bag-shaped ink pack formed of a flexible film, or an ink tank capable of refilling ink can be adopted. A plurality of types of inks with different colors are stored in the liquid container 93. Note that ink is an example of "liquid".

[0014] The control device 90 includes, for example, a processing circuit such as a CPU or FPGA and a storage circuit such as a semiconductor memory, and controls each element of the liquid injection device 100. Here, CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, and FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array. The control device 90 supplies the head unit HD with a drive signal Com for driving the head unit HD and a control signal SI for controlling the head unit HD. The head unit HD is then driven by the drive signal Com under the control of the control signal SI, and ink is ejected from some or all of the multiple nozzles N provided on the head unit HD. The nozzles N will be described later.

[0015] The transport mechanism 91 transports the medium PP in the Y1 direction along the Y axis under the control of the control device 90. Hereafter, the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction opposite to the Y1 direction will be collectively referred to as the Y-axis direction. Also below, the X1 direction along the X-axis intersecting the Y-axis and the X2 direction opposite to the X1 direction will be collectively referred to as the X-axis direction. Also below, the Z1 direction along the Z-axis intersecting the X-axis and Y-axis and the Z2 direction opposite to the Z1 direction will be collectively referred to as the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the direction of ink ejection from nozzle N is the Z1 direction. In the following, the Z1 direction may be referred to as the "downward direction," and the Z2 direction may be referred to as the "upward direction." Also, in the following, when another object is located in a region in the Z1 direction as viewed from one object, it may be expressed as "the other object is located below the first object." Also, in the following, when another object is located in a region in the Z2 direction as viewed from one object, it may be expressed as "the other object is located above the first object." Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, the case where the X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The X, Y, and Z axes only need to intersect with each other.

[0016] The head unit HD is a line head equipped with multiple nozzles N capable of spraying ink over a wider area than the width of the medium PP in a direction intersecting the transport direction (Y1 direction) of the medium PP. Specifically, the head unit HD according to this embodiment is equipped with multiple nozzles N that extend over a wider area than the width of the medium PP in the X1 direction intersecting the transport direction (Y1 direction) of the medium PP. Therefore, under the control of the control device 90, the head unit HD sprays ink from some or all of the multiple nozzles N in conjunction with the transport of the medium PP by the transport mechanism 91, and the sprayed ink lands on the surface of the medium PP, thereby forming a desired image over the entire surface of the medium PP. In the following, the process by which the liquid spray device 100 forms an image on the medium PP may be referred to as the "printing process".

[0017] The head unit HD is equipped with two liquid injection heads 1, liquid injection head 1-1 and liquid injection head 1-2. Hereinafter, liquid injection heads 1-1 and 1-2 may be collectively referred to as liquid injection head 1-m, where the variable m is a natural number satisfying 1 ≤ m ≤ 2. Furthermore, below, among the various components provided in the head unit HD, the components corresponding to liquid injection head 1-m may be represented by adding the subscript "-m".

[0018] The liquid ejection head 1-1 is equipped with four head tips 12. Each head tip 12 is equipped with multiple nozzles N, and under control by a control signal SI, ink is ejected from some or all of the multiple nozzles N in the Z1 direction. The liquid injection head 1-2, like the liquid injection head 1-1, is equipped with four head tips 12. The liquid injection head 1-2 is positioned in the X1 direction relative to the liquid injection head 1-1.

[0019] The cleaning unit 94 performs a cleaning process. Here, the cleaning process is a process of cleaning each liquid ejection head 1 provided in the head unit HD. Specifically, the cleaning process includes a suction cleaning process of sucking ink from each nozzle N provided in the liquid ejection head 1, and a wiping process of wiping the ejection surface MF, which is the surface provided with a plurality of nozzles N in the head unit HD, with a wiper (not shown).

[0020] The moving mechanism 95 moves the cleaning unit 94 to a position corresponding to a portion of the head unit HD that is the target of the cleaning process.

[0021] <<A.2. Outline of Head Unit HD>> Hereinafter, the outline of the head unit HD will be described while referring to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the head unit HD when viewed in a plan view in the Z1 direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support member 5 included in the head unit HD. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the head unit HD when viewed in a plan view in the Z2 direction. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit HD cut along the I-i line in FIG. 2.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the head unit HD includes two liquid ejection heads 1, namely, a liquid ejection head 1-1 and a liquid ejection head 1-2, a support member 5 that supports the two liquid ejection heads 1, a common flow path member 41 provided with various flow paths, and a common electrical member 42 that is a rigid substrate provided with various electronic components, and is fixed to the main body frame 900 of the liquid ejection device 100.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 5 includes a support plate 50 including a flat plate portion 51 and two bent portions 52, and various openings provided in the flat plate portion 51.

[0025] The flat plate portion 51 is a flat plate-shaped member extending on a plane with the Z-axis direction as the normal direction, and is a rectangular member that is elongated in the X-axis direction. The bent portion 52 is a flat plate-shaped member extending on a plane with the Y-axis direction as the normal direction, and is a rectangular member that is elongated in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the flat portion 51 and the bent portion 52 are made of metal. For example, in this embodiment, the ends of a sheet metal extending on a plane with the Z-axis direction as the normal direction may be bent in the Z1 direction at both ends in the Y-axis direction, so that the bent ends of the sheet metal become the bent portion 52, and the portion of the sheet metal between the two bent portions 52 becomes the flat portion 51.

[0026] In this embodiment, the sheet metal constituting the flat plate portion 51 may be iron-based sheet metal such as SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial), SECC (Steel Electrolytic Cold Commercial), SGCC (Steel Galvanized Cold Commercial), stainless steel-based sheet metal such as SUS304, SUS316, or aluminum-based sheet metal such as A1100, A5052. Furthermore, the sheet metal constituting the flat plate portion 51 is preferably thin enough to be bendable. Specifically, the sheet metal constituting the flat plate portion 51 is preferably 6 mm or less in thickness, preferably 3 mm or less. On the other hand, the sheet metal constituting the flat plate portion 51 is preferably thick enough to ensure sufficient strength. Specifically, the sheet metal constituting the flat plate portion 51 is preferably 0.8 mm or more in thickness.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the flat plate portion 51 is provided with multiple openings. Specifically, the flat plate portion 51 is provided with two head fixing screw holes AH1 and AH2, corresponding to each liquid injection head 1, two head positioning holes AP1 and AP2, a frame fixing screw hole AM, a frame positioning hole AQ, an electrical connection opening AC, and multiple connection flow path openings AR.

[0028] More specifically, the flat plate portion 51 is provided with screw holes AH1-1 and AH2-1 for fixing the liquid spray head 1-1, and screw holes AP1-1 and AP2-1 for fixing the head, and screw holes AH1-2 and AH2-2 for fixing the head, and screw holes AP1-2 and AP2-2 for fixing the head, corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-2. The flat plate portion 51 is also provided with screw holes AM-1 and AQ-1 for fixing the frame, corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-1, and screw holes AM-2 and AQ-2 for fixing the frame, corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-2. Furthermore, the flat plate portion 51 is provided with an opening AC-1 for electrical connection and multiple openings AR-1 for connection channels, corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-1, and an opening AC-2 for electrical connection and multiple openings AR-2 for connection channels, corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-2.

[0029] As described above, the liquid injection head 1 is equipped with four head tips 12. Hereinafter, the j-th head tip 12 of the four head tips 12 equipped with the liquid injection head 1 may be referred to as head tip 12[j]. Here, the variable j is a natural number satisfying 1 ≤ j ≤ 4. Furthermore, below, among the various components provided in the liquid injection head 1, the component corresponding to head tip 12[j] may be represented by adding the subscript [j] to its sign.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the liquid injection head 1 includes a fixed plate 11. The fixed plate 11 is provided with four nozzle exposure openings 111, corresponding to the four head tips 12 of the liquid injection head 1. Hereinafter, among the four nozzle exposure openings 111 provided on the fixed plate 11, the nozzle exposure opening 111 provided corresponding to the head tip 12[j] may be referred to as nozzle exposure opening 111[j]. The nozzle exposure opening 111[j] is an opening for exposing the multiple nozzles N provided on the head tip 12[j] toward the Z1 direction of the head unit HD.

[0031] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 (and Figure 6 described later), it is assumed that the head tip 12[2] and nozzle exposure opening 111[2] are provided in a region located in the X1 direction when viewed from the head tip 12[1] and nozzle exposure opening 111[1]. In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the head tip 12[3] and nozzle exposure opening 111[3] are provided in a region located in the direction between the X1 direction and the Y1 direction when viewed from the head tip 12[1] and nozzle exposure opening 111[1]. In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the head tip 12[4] and nozzle exposure opening 111[4] are provided in a region located in the X1 direction when viewed from the head tip 12[3] and nozzle exposure opening 111[3].

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, each liquid spray head 1 is provided with two support plate fixing screw holes AS, AS1 and AS2, and two support plate positioning holes AB1 and AB2.

[0033] Specifically, the liquid spray head 1-1 is provided with two support plate fixing screw holes AS, AS1-1 and AS2-1, and two support plate positioning holes AB1-1 and AB2-1. The liquid spray head 1-2 is provided with two support plate fixing screw holes AS1-2 and AS2-2, and two support plate positioning holes AB1-2 and AB2-2.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, head fixing screws SH1 are inserted into the head fixing screw holes AH1 and support plate fixing screw holes AS1, which are provided corresponding to each liquid spray head 1, and head fixing screws SH2 are inserted into the head fixing screw holes AH2 and support plate fixing screw holes AS2, which are provided corresponding to each liquid spray head 1. In addition, head positioning pins SP1 are inserted into the head positioning holes AP1 and support plate positioning holes AB1, which are provided corresponding to each liquid spray head 1, and head positioning pins SP2 are inserted into the head positioning holes AP2 and support plate positioning holes AB2, which are provided corresponding to each liquid spray head 1.

[0035] Specifically, head fixing screws SH1-1 are inserted into the head fixing screw hole AH1-1 and the support plate fixing screw hole AS1-1, which are provided corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-1, and head fixing screws SH2-1 are inserted into the head fixing screw hole AH2-1 and the support plate fixing screw hole AS2-1, which are provided corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-1. In addition, head positioning pins SP1-1 are press-fitted into the head positioning hole AP1-1 and the support plate positioning hole AB1-1, which are provided corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-1, and head positioning pins SP2-1 are press-fitted into the head positioning hole AP2-1 and the support plate positioning hole AB2-1, which are provided corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-1. Furthermore, head fixing screws SH1-2 are inserted into the head fixing screw holes AH1-2 and the support plate fixing screw holes AS1-2, which are provided corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-2, and head fixing screws SH2-2 are inserted into the head fixing screw holes AH2-2 and the support plate fixing screw holes AS2-2, which are provided corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-2. In addition, head positioning pins SP1-2 are press-fitted into the head positioning holes AP1-2 and the support plate positioning holes AB1-2, which are provided corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-2, and head positioning pins SP2-2 are press-fitted into the head positioning holes AP2-2 and the support plate positioning holes AB2-2, which are provided corresponding to the liquid spray head 1-2.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the flow path provided in each liquid injection head 1 communicates with the flow path provided in the common flow path member 41 via a connecting flow path RR inserted through the opening AR for the connecting flow path.

[0037] Furthermore, the electronic components provided on each liquid spray head 1 are electrically connected to the electronic components provided on the common electrical component 42 via a BtoB connector CN inserted through an electrical connection opening AC. Here, the electronic components provided on the common electrical component 42 and the relay board 14 include wiring, capacitors, resistors, ICs, etc. The BtoB connector is also called a board-to-board connector. BtoB is an abbreviation for Board to Board. A BtoB connector is a connector that directly connects two boards without using cables. The BtoB connector in this embodiment is a so-called straight type, in which the mating surface of the connector and the surface of the board to which the connector is attached are substantially parallel. The BtoB connector CN is provided on the surface of the common electrical component 42 facing the Z1 direction. In this embodiment, the BtoB connector CN is inserted through the electrical connection opening AC, but the configuration is not limited to this. The electrical connection opening AC may also be used to insert the BtoB connector 142 of the liquid spray head 1, or it may be a flexible substrate such as an FFC or a rigid substrate for electrically connecting the common electrical component 42 and the relay substrate 14.

[0038] Specifically, the flow path provided in the liquid injection head 1-1 communicates with the flow path provided in the common flow path member 41 via a plurality of connecting flow path openings AR-1 corresponding to a plurality of connecting flow path openings RR-1. Similarly, the flow path provided in the liquid injection head 1-2 communicates with the flow path provided in the common flow path member 41 via a plurality of connecting flow path openings RR-2 corresponding to a plurality of connecting flow path openings AR-2. Furthermore, the electronic components provided in the liquid injection head 1-1 and the electronic components provided in the common electrical component 42 are electrically connected by a BtoB connector CN-1 inserted through an electrical connection opening AC-1. Additionally, the electronic components provided in the liquid injection head 1-2 and the electronic components provided in the common electrical component 42 are electrically connected by a BtoB connector CN-2 inserted through an electrical connection opening AC-2.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, a frame fixing screw SM is inserted into the frame fixing screw hole AM ​​provided corresponding to each liquid spray head 1, and a frame positioning pin SQ is inserted into the frame positioning hole AQ provided corresponding to each liquid spray head 1.

[0040] Specifically, a frame fixing screw SM-1 is inserted into the frame fixing screw hole AM-1, which is provided in correspondence with the liquid spray head 1-1, and a frame positioning pin SQ-1 is inserted into the frame positioning hole AQ-1, which is provided in correspondence with the liquid spray head 1-1. In addition, a frame fixing screw SM-2 is inserted into the frame fixing screw hole AM-2, which is provided in correspondence with the liquid spray head 1-2, and a frame positioning pin SQ-2 is inserted into the frame positioning hole AQ-2, which is provided in correspondence with the liquid spray head 1-2.

[0041] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the screw hole AH for fixing the head, the screw hole AP for positioning the head, the screw hole AM ​​for fixing the frame, and the frame positioning hole AQ are arranged in a straight line in the Y-axis direction, so the size of the liquid injection head 1 in the X-axis direction can be suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the frame fixing screw hole AM-1 and frame positioning hole AQ-1, and the frame fixing screw hole AM-2 and frame positioning hole AQ-2 are arranged diagonally on the flat plate portion 51. Therefore, compared to, for example, an arrangement where they are located close together, the positioning accuracy of the support member 5 relative to the main frame 900 is improved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the head fixing screw hole AH1 and head positioning hole AP1, and the head fixing screw hole AH2 and head positioning hole AP2 are arranged diagonally with respect to the liquid spray head 1. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which they are arranged in close proximity, for example, the positioning accuracy of the liquid spray head 1 with respect to the support member 5 is improved. In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, since the head positioning pin SP and the frame positioning pin SQ are arranged on the same surface (the lower surface P511 to be described later) of the flat plate portion 51, compared with the aspect where they are arranged on the opposite surfaces of the flat plate portion 51, the positioning accuracy of the liquid injection head 1 with respect to the main body frame 900 can be improved.

[0042] <<A.3. Configuration of the Liquid Injection Head 1>> Hereinafter, the outline of the configuration of the liquid injection head 1 will be described while referring to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0043] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid injection head 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit HD including the liquid injection heads 1-1 and 1-2, taken along the line II-ii in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit HD including the liquid injection head 1, taken along the line III-iii in FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit HD including the liquid injection head 1, taken along the line IV-iv in FIG. 4.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid injection head 1 includes a fixing plate 11, head chips 12[1] to 12[4], a holder 13, an intermediate substrate 14, a substrate cover 15, and a filter unit 16. Among these, the holder 13 includes a lower holder 131, an intermediate holder 132, and two upper holders 133, namely, an upper holder 133A and an upper holder 133B. The filter unit 16 includes a lower filter unit 161 and an upper filter unit 162.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the fixing plate 11 is a plate-shaped member that is elongated in the X-axis direction and is made of, for example, metal. As described above, the fixing plate 11 is provided with four nozzle exposure openings 111[1] to 111[4]. The nozzle exposure opening 111[j] is an opening for exposing the multiple nozzles N provided by the head tip 12[j] to the lower side of the fixing plate 11. In this embodiment, as described above, the nozzle exposure opening 111[2] is provided in the region of the fixing plate 11 located in the X1 direction when viewed from the nozzle exposure opening 111[1], the nozzle exposure opening 111[3] is provided in the region located in the direction between the X1 direction and the Y1 direction when viewed from the nozzle exposure opening 111[1], and the nozzle exposure opening 111[4] is provided in the region located in the X1 direction when viewed from the nozzle exposure opening 111[3].

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, the fixing plate 11 is electrically connected to the flat plate portion 51 of the support member 5 by a grounding spring 59.

[0047] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, head tips 12[1] to 12[4] are provided on the upper side of the fixing plate 11. Specifically, in this embodiment, the multiple head tips 12 are fixed to the upper surface of the fixing plate 11 with adhesive. As described above, head tip 12[2] is fixed in the region of the fixing plate 11 located in the X1 direction when viewed from head tip 12[1], head tip 12[3] is fixed in the region located between the X1 and Y1 directions when viewed from head tip 12[1], and head tip 12[4] is fixed in the region located in the X1 direction when viewed from head tip 12[3].

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the print head 12 has an injection surface MF (see Figure 18) provided with a plurality of nozzles N that eject ink in the Z1 direction. A wiring circuit board 120 is connected to the print head 12. The wiring circuit board 120 is, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) and is provided so as to extend from the upper surface of the print head 12 in the Z2 direction. In this embodiment, a drive control circuit 121 is mounted on the wiring circuit board 120. The drive control circuit 121 is a circuit for driving the print head 12 based on a control signal SI by supplying a drive signal Com to the print head 12 based on the control signal SI.

[0049] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, a lower holder 131 is provided above the head tips 12[1] to 12[4]. Specifically, in this embodiment, the lower holder 131 is fixed to the fixing plate 11 with adhesive so as to hold the head tips 12[1] to 12[4] between itself and the fixing plate 11. The lower holder 131 is a long member in the X-axis direction and is made of, for example, resin or metal. The lower holder 131 is provided with four wiring openings 131K[1] to 131K[4] corresponding to the four head tips 12[1] to 12[4]. A wiring circuit board 120[j] is inserted through the wiring opening 131K[j]. The lower holder 131 is also provided with notches KKA and KKB. Notch KKA is a recess provided between wiring openings 131K[1] and 131K[2], located on the Y2 end face of the lower holder 131, and extending in the Y1 direction. Notch KKB is a recess provided between wiring openings 131K[3] and 131K[4], located on the Y1 end face of the lower holder 131, and extending in the Y2 direction. Hereinafter, notches KKA and KKB may be collectively referred to as notch KK.

[0050] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, an intermediate holder 132 is provided above the lower holder 131. Specifically, in this embodiment, the intermediate holder 132 is fixed to the upper surface of the lower holder 131 with adhesive. The intermediate holder 132 is a long member in the X-axis direction and is made of, for example, resin or metal. The intermediate holder 132 is provided with four head tips 12[1] to 12[4] and four corresponding wiring openings 132K[1] to 132K[4]. A wiring circuit board 120[j] is inserted through the wiring opening 132K[j]. Hereinafter, the wiring openings 131K[j] and 132K[j] will be referred to as wiring opening 130K[j].

[0051] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, a relay substrate 14 is provided on the upper side of the intermediate holder 132. Specifically, in this embodiment, the relay substrate 14 is fixed to the upper surface of the intermediate holder 132 with adhesive. The relay substrate 14 is a long member in the X-axis direction, and various electronic components are mounted on a base material made of resin, for example.

[0052] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, four wiring circuit boards 120[1] to 120[4] are connected to the relay board 14. In other words, the relay board 14 is electrically connected to the head chip 12[j] via the wiring circuit board 120[j]. The relay board 14 is also provided with a BtoB connector 142. The BtoB connector 142 is provided so as to extend in the Z2 direction from the upper surface of the relay board 14 and is connected to the BtoB connector CN. In other words, the relay board 14 is electrically connected to the common electrical component 42 via the BtoB connector 142 and the BtoB connector CN. Details of the structure of the relay board 14 will be described later in Figure 17.

[0053] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, an upper holder 133 is provided above the intermediate holder 132. Specifically, in this embodiment, the upper holder 133 is fixed to the upper surface of the intermediate holder 132 by adhesive. More specifically, the upper holder 133A is fixed to the upper surface of the intermediate holder 132 at a position above the notch KKA. The upper holder 133B is fixed to the upper surface of the intermediate holder 132 at a position above the notch KKB. The upper holder 133 is a long member in the X-axis direction and is made of, for example, resin or metal.

[0054] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the holder 13, which includes a lower holder 131, an intermediate holder 132, and an upper holder 133, is provided with multiple supply channels Q for supplying ink to the four head tips 12[1] to 12[4] of the liquid spray head 1. In this embodiment, we assume that ink is supplied to the four head tips 12[1] to 12[4] of the liquid spray head 1 using four supply channels Q. Hereinafter, the u-th supply channel Q of the four supply channels Q will be referred to as supply channel Q(u). Here, the variable u is a natural number satisfying 1 ≤ u ≤ 4. Details of the supply channels Q will be described later in Figures 19 and 20.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, a substrate cover 15 is provided above the upper holder 133 and the intermediate substrate 14. Specifically, in this embodiment, the substrate cover 15 may be fixed to the upper surface of the intermediate holder 132 with adhesive, or it may be detachably fixed to the intermediate holder 132 by a snap fit. The substrate cover 15 is a long member in the X-axis direction and is made of, for example, resin or metal.

[0056] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, a filter unit 16 is provided on the upper side of the substrate cover 15. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the filter unit 16 is fixed to the substrate cover 15 by filter fixing screws 61 and nuts 62. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the filter unit 16 includes a lower filter unit 161 and an upper filter unit 162 provided above the lower filter unit 161.

[0057] The lower filter unit 161 is a long member in the X-axis direction and is made of, for example, resin. The lower filter unit 161 is provided with a channel that communicates with the supply channel Q. The lower filter unit 161 is also provided with an electrical connection opening 161K. A BtoB connector 142 is inserted through the electrical connection opening 161K.

[0058] The upper filter unit 162 is a long member in the X-axis direction and is made of, for example, resin. The upper filter unit 162 is provided with a connecting channel RR and a channel communicating with the connecting channel RR. The connecting channel RR is formed inside a channel pipe that is provided so as to protrude in the Z2 direction from the upper surface of the upper filter unit 162, as shown in Figures 6, 8 to 11, etc. The channel provided in the upper filter unit 162 communicates with the channel provided in the lower filter unit 161. The upper filter unit 162 is also provided with an electrical connection opening 162K. A BtoB connector 142 is inserted through the electrical connection opening 162K. Hereinafter, the electrical connection openings 161K and 162K will be referred to as the electrical connection opening 160K. The connecting channel RR, which is inserted through the opening AR for the connecting channel, may be formed inside a channel tube protruding in the Z1 direction from the lower surface of the common channel member 41, or it may be formed inside a flexible tube for liquid-tightly connecting the common channel member 41 and the liquid injection head 1.

[0059] Note that the filter unit 16 is provided with a filter chamber FT in which a filter FF is disposed (see FIGS. 11 and 12 described later). The filter chamber FT communicates with the connection flow path RR and the supply flow path Q. The filter FF is configured to remove bubbles and foreign matters contained in the ink supplied from the liquid container 93 via the connection flow path RR. The ink supplied from the liquid container 93 via the connection flow path RR is subjected to removal of bubbles and foreign matters by the filter FF provided in the filter chamber FT, and then supplied to the supply flow path Q.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a flat plate portion 51 is provided above the filter unit 16 included in the liquid ejection head 1. Further, bent portions 52 are provided in a region located in the Y1 direction as viewed from the filter unit 16 and a region located in the Y2 direction as viewed from the filter unit 16.

[0061] Note that hereinafter, among the components provided above the lower holder 131 in the liquid ejection head 1, that is, the components including the intermediate holder 132, the upper holder 133, the relay substrate 14, the substrate cover 15, and the filter unit 16 may be referred to as a stacked structure 55.

[0062] <<A.4. Relationship between the liquid ejection head 1 and the support member 5>> [[ID=,14]]Hereinafter, the positional relationship between the liquid ejection head 1 and the support member 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 16.

[0063] <<A.4.1. Configuration of the liquid ejection head 1 and the support member 5>> FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a cross section obtained by cutting the head unit HD with a plane having the Y-axis direction as the normal direction. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section obtained by cutting the head unit HD with a plane passing through the screw holes AS for fixing the support plate and having the Y-axis direction as the normal direction. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section obtained by cutting the head unit HD with a plane passing through the positioning holes AB of the support plate and having the Y-axis direction as the normal direction.

[0064] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the head unit HD comprises, as described above, a fixed plate 11 to which the head chip 12 is fixed, a lower holder 131 that houses the head chip 12 between itself and the fixed plate 11 and is fixed to the fixed plate 11, a laminated structure 55 stacked on the lower holder 131, and a flat plate portion 51 fixed on the lower holder 131.

[0065] The lower holder 131 is provided with a mounting surface PS13. The mounting surface PS13 is a surface whose normal direction is in the Z2 direction and is a surface on which the laminated structure 55 is mounted. In this embodiment, the laminated structure 55 is laminated on the mounting surface PS13 in the Z2 direction.

[0066] Furthermore, the lower holder 131 includes a storage section 131S and a protruding section 131T. The storage section 131S and the protruding section 131T are integrally formed by injection molding using a mold or the like, and they are not constructed by bonding or joining separate parts to each other.

[0067] The storage section 131S is the part of the lower holder 131 that is located below the mounting surface PS13, and has a portion that overlaps with the head chip 12 when viewed in the X-axis direction. The storage section 131S houses the head chip 12 between itself and the fixing plate 11.

[0068] The protruding portion 131T is the part of the lower holder 131 located above the mounting surface PS13, and has a portion that overlaps with the laminated structure 55 when viewed in the X-axis direction. The protruding portion 131T also has a contact surface PT13. The contact surface PT13 is a surface whose normal direction is in the Z2 direction, and is the surface located at the end of the protruding portion 131T in the Z2 direction. The contact surface PT13 is in contact with the flat plate portion 51. Hereinafter, the lower surface of the flat plate portion 51 whose normal direction is in the Z1 direction will be referred to as the lower surface P511, and the upper surface of the flat plate portion 51 whose normal direction is in the Z2 direction will be referred to as the upper surface P512. The contact surface PT13 is in contact with the lower surface P511.

[0069] The laminated structure 55 comprises an opposing portion BT and a non-opposing portion BH.

[0070] The opposing portion BT is the part of the laminated structure 55 that faces the lower surface P511 of the flat plate portion 51. In other words, the opposing portion BT is the part of the laminated structure 55 that overlaps with the flat plate portion 51 when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction. The non-opposing portion BH is the part of the laminated structure 55 that does not face the lower surface P511 of the flat plate portion 51. Specifically, the non-opposing portion BH is the part that overlaps with openings such as the electrical connection opening AC and the connection flow channel opening AR provided in the flat plate portion 51 when the laminated structure 55 is viewed in plan in the Z1 direction.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the head unit HD is viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the area of ​​the opposing portion BT of the laminated structure 55 is larger than the area of ​​the non-opposing portion BH. Also, in this embodiment, when the head unit HD is viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the area of ​​each of the multiple openings provided in the flat plate portion 51, such as the electrical connection opening AC and the connection flow path opening AR, is smaller than the area of ​​the injection surface MF of the head tip 12.

[0072] As described above, the flat plate portion 51 is provided with a head positioning hole AP. The protruding portion 131T is provided with a support plate positioning hole AB. The head positioning pin SP is then pressed into the head positioning hole AP and the support plate positioning hole AB, thereby positioning the lower holder 131 relative to the support member 5. This positions the head tip 12 relative to the support member 5.

[0073] As described above, the flat plate portion 51 is provided with a screw hole AH for fixing the head. The protruding portion 131T is provided with a screw hole AS for fixing the support plate. The head fixing screw SH is inserted into the screw hole AH for fixing the head and the screw hole AS for fixing the support plate, thereby fixing the support member 5 and the lower holder 131. In this way, the liquid spray head 1 is fixed to the support member 5.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 10, the position of the end of the protruding portion 131T in the X1 direction in the X-axis direction is referred to as position XT13. The position of the end of the storage portion 131S in the X1 direction in the X-axis direction is referred to as position XS13. The position of the end of the head chip 12[4] arranged at the end in the X1 direction among the plurality of head chips 12 in the X1 direction in the X-axis direction is referred to as position X12. Note that the head chip 12 in FIG. 10 schematically refers to the head chip 12[4]. In this case, in the X-axis direction, position XS13 is located between position XT13 and position X12. That is, in the X-axis direction, the end of the storage portion 131S in the X1 direction is located between the end of the protruding portion 131T in the X1 direction and the end of the head chip 12 in the X1 direction. Similarly, in the X-axis direction, the end of the storage portion 131S in the X2 direction is located between the end of the protruding portion 131T in the X2 direction and the end of the head chip 12[1] arranged at the end in the X2 direction among the plurality of head chips 12.

[0075] Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the X-axis direction, the protruding portion 131T has a shape that protrudes outward more than the storage portion 131S. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, compared with an aspect in which the protruding portion 131T has a shape that narrows inward more than the storage portion 131S in the X-axis direction, it is possible to increase the size of the stacked structure 55 arranged between the protruding portions 131T.

[0076] <<A.4.2. Comparative Example>> Hereinafter, in order to clarify the advantages of the present embodiment, a head unit according to a comparative example will be described while referring to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0077] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a head unit HD-W1 according to a comparative example W1.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 13, the head unit HD-W1 according to the comparative example W1 is different from the head unit HD according to the present embodiment in that it has a flat plate portion 51-W1 instead of the flat plate portion 51 and a lower holder 131-W1 instead of the lower holder 131.

[0079] The lower holder 131-W1 is provided with a support plate positioning hole AB-W1. In addition, a laminated structure 55 is laminated on the upper surface of the lower holder 131-W1 in the Z2 direction. The flat plate portion 51-W1 is provided with a head positioning hole AP-W1 and an opening A-W1. Here, the opening A-W1 is an opening for inserting part or all of the head tip 12, including the spray surface MF of the head tip 12, from the top to the bottom. Then, in the proportional W1, the head positioning pin SP is pressed into the head positioning hole AP-W1 and the support plate positioning hole AB-W1, thereby positioning the lower holder 131-W1 relative to the flat plate portion 51-W1.

[0080] Thus, in the proportional W1 configuration, an opening A-W1 is provided in the flat plate portion 51-W1 for inserting the injection surface MF. When viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the opening A-W1 has a larger area than the injection surface MF of the head tip 12. For this reason, in the proportional W1 configuration, the flat plate portion 51-W1 may not be able to secure sufficient rigidity to support the liquid injection head, which includes the head tip 12, the lower holder 131-W1, and the laminated structure 55. This is particularly noticeable when the flat plate portion 51-W1 is made of sheet metal.

[0081] In contrast, according to this embodiment, when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the area of ​​each opening provided in the flat plate portion 51 is smaller than the area of ​​the injection surface MF. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the area of ​​the opposing portion BT is smaller than the area of ​​the non-opposing portion BH. Therefore, the sum of the areas of the openings provided in the portion of the flat plate portion 51 that overlaps with the laminated structure 55 when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction is smaller than the sum of the areas of the portions without openings. For this reason, according to this embodiment, the rigidity of the flat plate portion 51 can be increased compared to the proportional W1.

[0082] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the head unit HD-W2 related to proportionality W2.

[0083] As shown in Figure 14, the head unit HD-W2 relating to proportionality W2 differs from the head unit HD according to this embodiment in that it has a flat plate portion 51-W2 instead of a flat plate portion 51, a lower holder 131-W2 instead of a lower holder 131, and a laminated structure 55-W2 instead of a laminated structure 55.

[0084] A laminated structure 55-W2 is laminated on the upper surface of the lower holder 131-W2 in the Z2 direction. The lower holder 131-W2 differs from the lower holder 131 in this embodiment in that it does not come into contact with the flat plate portion 51-W2. The laminated structure 55-W2 differs from the laminated structure 55 according to this embodiment in that it is provided with support plate positioning holes AB-W2. The flat plate portion 51-W2 is provided with a head positioning hole AP-W2, a plurality of electrical connection openings AC, and a plurality of connection flow path openings AR. In other words, the flat plate portion 51-W2 differs from the flat plate portion 51 according to this embodiment in that it is provided with a head positioning hole AP-W2 instead of the head positioning hole AP. Then, the head positioning pin SP is pressed into the head positioning hole AP-W2 and the support plate positioning hole AB-W2, thereby positioning the laminated structure 55-W2 and the lower holder 131-W2 relative to the flat plate portion 51-W2.

[0085] Furthermore, according to proportionality W2, when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the area of ​​each opening provided in the flat plate portion 51-W2 is smaller than the area of ​​the injection surface MF. Also, according to proportionality W2, when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the sum of the areas of the openings provided in the portion of the flat plate portion 51-W2 that overlaps with the laminated structure 55-W2 is smaller than the sum of the areas of the portion without openings. For this reason, proportionality W2 allows for higher rigidity of the flat plate portion 51-W2 compared to proportionality W1.

[0086] However, in Comparative Example W2, a laminated structure 55-W2 is interposed between the flat plate portion 51-W2 and the lower holder 131-W2. Therefore, according to Comparative Example W2, there is a problem that the positioning accuracy of the head chip 12 with respect to the flat plate portion 51-W2 cannot be increased as compared with Comparative Example W1.

[0087] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the flat plate portion 51 and the protruding portion 131T included in the lower holder 131 are in direct contact. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the positioning accuracy of the head chip 12 with respect to the flat plate portion 51 can be increased as compared with Comparative Example W2. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it becomes easy to achieve both ensuring the rigidity of the flat plate portion 51 and ensuring the positioning accuracy of the head chip 12 with respect to the flat plate portion 51 as compared with Comparative Example W1 and Comparative Example W2.

[0088] <<A.4.3. Modified Example>> Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, modified examples B1 and B2 in which the lower holder 131 of the head unit HD according to the present embodiment is changed to other modes will be described.

[0089] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a head unit HD-B1 according to Modified Example B1.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 15, the head unit HD-B1 according to Modified Example B1 differs from the head unit HD according to the present embodiment in that it has a lower holder 131-B1 instead of the lower holder 131 and does not have a fixing plate 11. The lower holder 131-B1 differs from the lower holder 131 according to the present embodiment in that it has a storage portion 131S-B1 instead of the storage portion 131S. The storage portion 131S-B1 has a shape in which the storage portion 131S and the fixing plate 11 are combined. And in Modified Example B1, the plurality of head chips 12 are fixed to the storage portion 131S-B1 in a state of being aligned with each other.

[0091] According to Modification B1, similar to the present embodiment, it is easy to achieve both ensuring the rigidity of the flat plate portion 51 and ensuring the positioning accuracy of the head chip 12 with respect to the flat plate portion 51. Further, according to Modification B1, since the head unit HD-B1 does not include the fixed plate 11, the number of components of the head unit HD-B1 can be reduced.

[0092] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a head unit HD-B2 according to Modification B2.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 16, the head unit HD-B2 according to Modification B2 is different from the head unit HD according to the present embodiment in that it has a lower holder 131-B2 instead of the lower holder 131. The lower holder 131-B2 is different from the lower holder 131 according to the present embodiment in that it has a storage portion 131S-B2 instead of the storage portion 131S. The storage portion 131S-B2 is different from the storage portion 131S according to the present embodiment in that a plurality of head chips 12 are fixed in an aligned state with each other.

[0094] In the example shown in FIG. 16, a mode in which the head chip 12 is fixed to both the fixed plate 11 and the storage portion 131S-B2 is illustrated, but Modification B2 is not limited to such a mode. The head chip 12 may be fixed only to the storage portion 131S-B2. In this case, the fixed plate 11 may be fixed only to the storage portion 131S-B2.

[0095] According to Modification B2, similar to the present embodiment, it is easy to achieve both ensuring the rigidity of the flat plate portion 51 and ensuring the positioning accuracy of the head chip 12 with respect to the flat plate portion 51.

[0096] <<A.5. Relay Substrate 14>> Hereinafter, the relay substrate 14 will be described while referring to FIG. 17.

[0097] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a component configuration including the relay substrate 14, the lower holder 131, the intermediate holder 132, and the upper holder 133.

[0098] As shown in Figure 17, the relay board 14 is provided with four drive wiring connection connectors 141[1] to 141[4] corresponding to four wiring circuit boards 120[1] to 120[4] on its upper surface, and a BtoB connector 142 corresponding to a BtoB connector CN. The wiring circuit board 120[j] is connected to the drive wiring connection connector 141[j]. The BtoB connector CN is connected to the BtoB connector 142.

[0099] As shown in Figure 17, when the relay board 14 is viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the BtoB connector 142 is positioned in the X-axis direction between the drive wiring connector 141[1] and the drive wiring connector 141[2], and in the region including the position between the drive wiring connector 141[3] and the drive wiring connector 141[3], and in the Y-axis direction between the drive wiring connector 141[1] and the drive wiring connector 141[2] and the drive wiring connector 141[3] and the drive wiring connector 141[4]. In other words, when the relay board 14 is viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the BtoB connector 142 is positioned inside the four drive wiring connectors 141[1] to 141[4]. More specifically, when the relay board 14 is viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the BtoB connector 142 may be positioned in the center or middle of the four drive wiring connectors 141[1] to 141[4].

[0100] Furthermore, the drive wiring connector 141[j] and the BtoB connector 142 are electrically connected by wiring that is not shown in the diagram. Therefore, the relay board 14 electrically connects the wiring circuit board 120[j] connected to the drive wiring connector 141[j] and the BtoB connector CN connected to the BtoB connector 142.

[0101] Thus, according to this embodiment, since the B-to-B connector 142 is disposed at the center of the four drive wiring connection connectors 141[1] to 141[4], for example, compared with an aspect in which the B-to-B connector 142 is disposed outside the four drive wiring connection connectors 141[1] to 141[4], the path length of the wiring between the B-to-B connector 142 and each drive wiring connection connector 141[j] can be shortened. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that noise is superimposed on the signal flowing through the wiring provided on the relay substrate 14.

[0102] <<A.6. Supply channel Q>> Hereinafter, the supply channel Q will be described while referring to FIGS. 18 to 28.

[0103] <<A.6.1. Outline of supply channel Q>> First, while referring to FIGS. 18 to 21, an outline of the nozzle N supplied with ink from the supply channel Q and an outline of the supply channel Q will be described.

[0104] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the liquid ejection head 1 when viewed in a plan view in the Z2 direction.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 18, the liquid ejection head 1 has a plurality of nozzle rows LL. Here, the nozzle row LL is a set of a plurality of nozzles N. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the nozzle row LL is composed of a predetermined number of nozzles N arranged in the X-axis direction. Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that each of the four head chips 12[1] to 12[4] provided on the liquid ejection head 1 has two rows of nozzle rows LL. That is, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that eight rows of nozzle rows LL are provided in the liquid ejection head 1.

[0106] Hereinafter, the two rows of nozzles LL provided on the head tip 12[j] will be referred to as nozzle row LLa[j] and nozzle row LLb[j]. When the liquid injection head 1 is viewed in the Z2 direction, nozzle row LLa[j] and nozzle row LLb[j] are arranged to be exposed in the Z1 direction from the nozzle exposure opening 111[j]. Furthermore, nozzle row LLb[j] is provided in the Y1 direction when viewed from nozzle row LLa[j].

[0107] As shown in Figure 18, when the liquid injection head 1 is viewed in plan in the Z2 direction, the surface of the head tip 12 on which the nozzle row LL is formed is referred to as the nozzle formation surface MN. The lower surface of the fixing plate 11 is referred to as the medium-facing surface MK. The injection surface MF is the surface that includes the nozzle formation surface MN and the medium-facing surface MK.

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, when the liquid spray head 1 is viewed in plan in the Z2 direction, a notch KKA is provided between the nozzle exposure opening 111[1] and the nozzle exposure opening 111[2]. A media restraining mechanism GZA is positioned in the notch KKA. The media restraining mechanism GZA is a component for preventing the media PP, which is transported in the Y1 direction by the transport mechanism 91, from detaching from the transport path of the media PP. Specifically, the media restraining mechanism GZA prevents the media PP from detaching from the transport path by biasing the media PP in the Z1 direction. Furthermore, when the liquid spray head 1 is viewed in plan in the Z2 direction, a notch KKB is provided between the nozzle exposure opening 111[3] and the nozzle exposure opening 111[4]. A media restraining mechanism GZB is positioned in the notch KKB. The media restraining mechanism GZB has the same configuration as the media restraining mechanism GZA and prevents the media PP, which is transported in the Y1 direction by the transport mechanism 91, from detaching from the transport path of the media PP. In the following, the media restraining mechanism GZA and the media restraining mechanism GZB may be collectively referred to as the media restraining mechanism GZ.

[0109] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, the fixing plate 11 is provided with two fixing plate openings 77, including fixing plate opening 77A and fixing plate opening 77B. Of these, fixing plate opening 77A is provided between nozzle exposure opening 111[1] and nozzle exposure opening 111[3]. Fixing plate opening 77B is provided between nozzle exposure opening 111[2] and nozzle exposure opening 111[4].

[0110] The fixing plate opening 77 is an opening through which a positioning pin provided on a jig (not shown) is inserted when fixing the head chip 12 to the fixing plate 11 during the manufacturing process of the head unit HD. When fixing the head chip 12 to the fixing plate 11, the fixing plate 11 is positioned relative to the jig by inserting the positioning pin of the jig into the fixing plate opening 77. Then, by fixing the head chip 12 to the fixing plate 11 with the positioning pin of the jig inserted into the fixing plate opening 77, accurate positioning of multiple head chips 12 relative to the fixing plate 11 becomes possible.

[0111] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the four supply channels Q(1) to Q(4) provided in the liquid injection head 1 and the eight rows of nozzles LL provided in the liquid injection head 1.

[0112] As shown in Figure 19, the liquid spray head 1 is provided with four supply channels Q(1) to Q(4). The liquid spray head 1 is also provided with four filter chambers FT(1) to FT(4) corresponding to the four supply channels Q(1) to Q(4). The supply channel Q(u) communicates with the filter chamber FT(u). Hereinafter, the connecting channel RR that communicates with the filter chamber FT(u) may be referred to as the connecting channel RR(u). Ink is supplied to the filter chamber FT(u) from a channel provided in the common channel member 41 via the connecting channel RR(u).

[0113] As shown in Figure 19, the supply channel Q(1) supplies ink supplied from the connecting channel RR(1) via the filter chamber FT(1) to the nozzle rows LLa[1] and LLa[2]. The supply channel Q(2) supplies ink supplied from the connecting channel RR(2) via the filter chamber FT(2) to nozzle rows LLb[1] and LLb[2]. The supply channel Q(3) supplies ink supplied from the connecting channel RR(3) via the filter chamber FT(3) to the nozzle row LLa[3] and nozzle row LLa[4]. The supply channel Q(4) supplies ink supplied from the connecting channel RR(4) via the filter chamber FT(4) to nozzle rows LLb[3] and LLb[4].

[0114] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the supply channel Q. Note that Figure 20 shows supply channel Q(1) as an example.

[0115] As shown in Figure 20, the supply channel Q comprises an introduction channel Q0, a distribution channel Q1, and a distribution channel Q2.

[0116] The introduction channel Q0 is a channel for supplying ink introduced from the filter chamber FT(1) to the branching position GB. Specifically, the introduction channel Q0 extends in the Z1 direction in the upper holder 133 and reaches the branching position GB. Here, the branching position GB is the position where the introduction channel Q0 branches into the distribution channel Q1 and the distribution channel Q2.

[0117] The distribution channel Q1 is a channel located downstream of the branching position GB, and is a channel for supplying ink introduced from the introduction channel Q0 to the branching position GB to the nozzle row LLa[1]. Specifically, the distribution channel Q1 connects the introduction channel Q0 and the head tip 12[1]. More specifically, the distribution channel Q1 connects to the introduction channel Q0 at the branching position GB, and also connects to an internal channel provided in the head tip 12[1] for supplying ink to the nozzle row LLa[1].

[0118] As shown in Figure 20, the distribution channel Q1 includes a portion that extends in the Z1 direction from the branching position GB in the intermediate holder 132 and the lower holder 131, and a portion that extends in the X2 direction between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132. In the following, the portion of the introduction channel Q0 and distribution channel Q1 that extends in the Z1 direction in the upper holder 133, intermediate holder 132, and lower holder 131 may be referred to as the extended channel QR1. Furthermore, in the following, the portion of the distribution channel Q1 that extends in the X2 direction between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132 may be referred to as the individual channel QK1. That is, the individual channel QK1 is a channel that is connected to the end of the extending channel QR1 in the Z1 direction, extends in the X2 direction, and communicates individually with the nozzle row LLa[1].

[0119] The distribution channel Q2 is a channel located downstream of the branching position GB, and is a channel for supplying ink introduced from the introduction channel Q0 to the branching position GB to the nozzle row LLa[2]. Specifically, the distribution channel Q2 connects the introduction channel Q0 and the head tip 12[2]. More specifically, the distribution channel Q2 connects with the introduction channel Q0 at the branching position GB and is an internal channel provided in the head tip 12[2] that connects to an internal channel for supplying ink to the nozzle row LLa[2].

[0120] As shown in Figure 20, the distribution channel Q2 includes a portion extending in the X1 direction between the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132, a portion extending in the Z1 direction in the intermediate holder 132, and a portion extending in the X1 direction between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132. In the following, the portion of the distribution channel Q2 that extends in the X1 direction between the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132 may be referred to as the individual channel QK2. That is, the individual channel QK2 is a channel that is connected to the extending channel QR1 at the branching position GB, extends in the X1 direction, and communicates individually with the nozzle row LLa[2]. Furthermore, in the following, the portion of the distribution channel Q2 that extends in the X1 direction between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132 may be referred to as the extended channel QR2.

[0121] As shown in Figure 20, the lower holder 131 is provided with a notch KK located between the individual channel QK1 and the extended channel QR2, at a position that overlaps with the individual channel QK2 when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction. The intermediate holder 132 is provided with a recess 132u that is recessed in the Z2 direction, at a position that overlaps with the individual channel QK2 when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, and at a position that overlaps with the notch KK.

[0122] Thus, according to this embodiment, since a recess 132u is provided on the upper side of the notch KK, sufficient space can be secured for arranging the media holding mechanism GZ.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 21 later, the shape of the supply channel Q is determined such that the channel length of the individual channel QK2 is shorter than the channel length of the individual channel QK1 and shorter than the channel length of the extended channel QR2. In this embodiment, the shape of the holder 13 is determined such that, when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the area inside the outer circumference of the upper holder 133 is smaller than the area inside the outer circumference of the lower holder 131 and smaller than the area inside the outer circumference of the intermediate holder 132. Here, "the area inside the outer circumference of an object when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction" refers to the sum of the area of ​​an object and the area of ​​an opening provided in that object when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction.

[0124] Thus, in this embodiment, by determining the shape of the supply channel Q such that the channel length of the individual channel QK2 is shortened, the area of ​​the upper holder 133 that defines the upper side of the individual channel QK2 can be reduced. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the liquid injection head 1 can be made smaller compared to the case where the channel length of the individual channel QK2 is longer than the channel length of the individual channel QK1 or the channel length of the extended channel QR2, and the area of ​​the upper holder 133 viewed in plan in the Z1 direction is larger than the area of ​​the lower holder 131 or the area of ​​the intermediate holder 132.

[0125] In this embodiment, when viewed from above in the Z1 direction, the introduction channel Q0 in the upper holder 133 is located closer to the head tip 12[1] than to the head tip 12[2]. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distribution channel Q1 can have a portion that extends in the Z1 direction from the branching position GB. In other words, in this embodiment, the supply channel Q can have an extended channel QR1 that extends in the Z1 direction and has a branching position GB along its length.

[0126] Figure 21 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the holder 13 and the supply channels Q(1) to Q(4) when viewed from above in the Z1 direction. In the following, the introduction channel Q0 corresponding to the supply channel Q(u) will be referred to as introduction channel Q0(u), the extension channel QR1 corresponding to the supply channel Q(u) will be referred to as extension channel QR1(u), the individual channel QK1 corresponding to the supply channel Q(u) will be referred to as individual channel QK1(u), the extension channel QR2 corresponding to the supply channel Q(u) will be referred to as extension channel QR2(u), and the individual channel QK2 corresponding to the supply channel Q(u) will be referred to as individual channel QK2(u).

[0127] As shown in Figure 21, the supply channel Q(1), when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, comprises an extending channel QR1(1), an individual channel QK1(1) extending linearly in the X2 direction from the extending channel QR1(1), an individual channel QK2(1) extending linearly in the X1 direction from the extending channel QR1(1), and an extending channel QR2(1) extending linearly in the X1 direction from a position overlapping the X1 end of the individual channel QK2(1). Furthermore, the supply channel Q(2), when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, comprises an extended channel QR1(2), an individual channel QK1(2) that extends in a curved shape from the extended channel QR1(2) toward the X1 direction to avoid the wiring opening 130K[2], an individual channel QK2(2) that extends linearly from the extended channel QR1(2) toward the X2 direction, and an extended channel QR2(2) that extends in a curved shape from a position overlapping the X2 end of the individual channel QK2(2) toward the X2 direction to avoid the wiring opening 130K[1] toward the X2 direction. Furthermore, the supply channel Q(3), when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, comprises an extended channel QR1(3), an individual channel QK1(3) that extends in a curved shape from the extended channel QR1(3) toward the X2 direction to avoid the wiring opening 130K[3], an individual channel QK2(3) that extends linearly from the extended channel QR1(3) toward the X1 direction, and an extended channel QR2(3) that extends in a curved shape from a position overlapping the X1 end of the individual channel QK2(3) toward the X1 direction toward the X1 direction to avoid the wiring opening 130K[4]. Furthermore, the supply channel Q(4), when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, comprises an extending channel QR1(4), an individual channel QK1(4) extending linearly in the X1 direction from the extending channel QR1(4), an individual channel QK2(4) extending linearly in the X2 direction from the extending channel QR1(4), and an extending channel QR2(4) extending linearly in the X2 direction from a position overlapping the X2 end of the individual channel QK2(4).

[0128] Thus, according to this embodiment, among the supply channels Q(1) to Q(4), in the supply channels Q(2) and Q(3) where the position in the Y-axis direction overlaps with the wiring opening 130K[j] and it is necessary to avoid the wiring opening 130K[j], the individual channel QK1(u) and the extending channel QR2(u) are formed in a curved shape to avoid the wiring opening 130K[j], and the individual channel QK2(u) maintains a linear shape. Therefore, in this embodiment, the channel length of the individual channel QK2(u) can be made shorter than the channel length of the individual channel QK1(u) and the channel length of the extending channel QR2(u). Thereby, in this embodiment, the area of the upper holder 133 that defines the upper side of the individual channel QK2(u) can be reduced. Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, the liquid ejection head 1 can be miniaturized as compared with a mode in which the individual channel QK2(u) is curved.

[0129] <<A.6.2. Comparative example>> Hereinafter, in order to clarify the advantages of this embodiment, while referring to FIGS. 22 to 26, the supply channels according to the comparative example and the advantages of this embodiment will be described.

[0130] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the supply channel Q-V1 provided in the liquid ejection head 1-V1 according to the comparative example V1.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 22, the supply channel Q-V1 includes an introduction channel Q0-V1, a distribution channel Q1-V1, and a distribution channel Q2-V1. The introduction channel Q0-V1 is a channel for supplying the ink introduced from the filter chamber FT(1) to the branch position GB-V1, and extends in the Z1 direction in the intermediate holder 132 and reaches the branch position GB-V1. The distribution channel Q1-V1 is a channel for supplying the ink introduced from the introduction channel Q0-V1 to the nozzle row LLa[1], is located downstream of the branch position GB-V1, and extends in the X2 direction from the branch position GB-V1 between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132. The distribution channel Q2-V1 is a channel for supplying ink introduced from the introduction channel Q0-V1 to the nozzle row LLa[2], and is located downstream of the branching position GB-V1, extending in the X1 direction from the branching position GB-V1 between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132.

[0132] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating the suction cleaning process performed on the liquid spray head 1-V1 related to proportionality V1. The suction cleaning process consists of multiple suction operations, including a first suction operation that sucks ink from nozzle row LLa[1] and a second suction operation that sucks ink from nozzle row LLa[2]. Figure 23 shows the first suction operation of the suction cleaning process in progress.

[0133] As shown in Figure 23, the cleaning unit 94 comprises a cap 941, a suction pump 942, a discharge pipe 943, and a waste liquid tank 944. When performing a suction operation targeting the nozzle row LL, the cap 941 seals the nozzle forming surface MN of the spray surface MF on which the nozzle row LL is formed, thereby creating a closed space between the cap 941 and the nozzle forming surface MN. The closed space formed by the cap 941 communicates with a plurality of nozzles N that constitute the nozzle row LL targeted by the suction operation. The suction pump 942 sucks ink from each nozzle N that constitutes the nozzle row LL by reducing the pressure in the closed space formed by the cap 941. The suction pump 942 then discharges the ink sucked from each nozzle N to the waste liquid tank 944 via the discharge pipe 943.

[0134] As shown in Figure 23, when a first suction operation is performed in the liquid spray head 1-V1 to draw ink from the nozzle row LLa[1], a negative pressure is applied to the distribution channel Q1-V1 from the suction pump 942, and the ink in the distribution channel Q1-V1 is discharged from each nozzle N that constitutes the nozzle row LLa[1]. Since the distribution channel Q1-V1 communicates with the introduction channel Q0-V1 and the distribution channel Q2-V1, the negative pressure applied to the distribution channel Q1-V1 from the suction pump 942 also acts on the introduction channel Q0-V1 and the distribution channel Q2-V1 via the distribution channel Q1-V1.

[0135] As described above, at branching point GB-V1, distribution channels Q1-V1 extend in the X1 direction. At branching point GB-V1, distribution channels Q2-V1 extend in the X2 direction. That is, in proportionality V1, at branching point GB-V1, distribution channels Q1-V1 and distribution channels Q2-V1 face each other. Also, at branching point GB-V1, introduction channels Q0-V1 extend in the Z1 direction. That is, in proportionality V1, at branching point GB-V1, distribution channels Q1-V1 and introduction channels Q0-V1 intersect.

[0136] Therefore, in proportionality V1, the negative pressure applied from the suction pump 942 to the distribution channels Q1-V1 acts relatively strongly on the distribution channels Q2-V1, which are opposite to the distribution channels Q1-V1 and extend in the same direction as the distribution channels Q1-V1 at branching point GB-V1, and relatively weakly on the introduction channels Q0-V1, which intersect with the distribution channels Q1-V1 and extend in a different direction from the distribution channels Q1-V1 at branching point GB-V1. Consequently, the negative pressure applied from the suction pump 942 to the distribution channels Q1-V1 makes it easier for the ink in the distribution channels Q2-V1 to be discharged from the nozzle row LLa[1] via the distribution channels Q1-V1, while it becomes more likely that the ink in the introduction channels Q0-V1 will not be sufficiently discharged from the nozzle row LLa[1]. Therefore, according to the proportional V1, there were cases where air bubbles accumulated in the filter chamber FT(1) connected to the introduction channel Q0-V1 could not be sufficiently discharged.

[0137] Furthermore, when a second suction operation is performed in the liquid spray head 1-V1 to draw ink from the nozzle row LLa[2], the negative pressure applied to the distribution channel Q2-V1 from the suction pump 942 acts relatively strongly on the distribution channel Q1-V1, which is opposite to the distribution channel Q2-V1 at branching position GB-V1 and extends in the same direction as the distribution channel Q2-V1, while acting relatively weakly on the introduction channel Q0-V1, which intersects with the distribution channel Q2-V1 at branching position GB-V1 and extends in a direction different from the distribution channel Q2-V1. Therefore, according to proportionality V1, even in the second suction operation, the negative pressure applied to the distribution channel Q2-V1 from the suction pump 942 makes it easier for the ink in the distribution channel Q1-V1 to be discharged from the nozzle row LLa[2] via the distribution channel Q2-V1, while the ink in the introduction channel Q0-V1 is less likely to be sufficiently discharged from the nozzle row LLa[2]. Therefore, according to the proportional V1, even in the second suction operation, it was sometimes not possible to effectively suction out the air bubbles remaining in the filter chamber FT(1) which is connected to the introduction channel Q0-V1.

[0138] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating the suction cleaning process performed on the liquid spray head 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 24 shows the first suction operation targeting the nozzle row LLa[1] during the suction cleaning process.

[0139] As shown in Figure 24, when a first suction operation is performed in the liquid spray head 1 to draw ink from the nozzle row LLa[1], a negative pressure is applied to the distribution channel Q1 from the suction pump 942, and the ink in the distribution channel Q1 is discharged from each nozzle N that constitutes the nozzle row LLa[1]. Since the distribution channel Q1 communicates with the introduction channel Q0 and the distribution channel Q2, the negative pressure applied to the distribution channel Q1 from the suction pump 942 also acts on the introduction channel Q0 and the distribution channel Q2 via the distribution channel Q1.

[0140] As described above, at branching point GB, the distribution channel Q1 extends in the Z1 direction. At branching point GB, the distribution channel Q2 extends in the X1 direction. In other words, in this embodiment, at branching point GB, the distribution channel Q1 and the distribution channel Q2 intersect. Also, at branching point GB, the introduction channel Q0 extends in the Z1 direction. In other words, in this embodiment, at branching point GB, the distribution channel Q1 and the introduction channel Q0 face each other.

[0141] Therefore, in this embodiment, the negative pressure applied to the distribution channel Q1 from the suction pump 942 acts relatively strongly on the introduction channel Q0, which is opposite to the distribution channel Q1 and extends in the same direction as the distribution channel Q1 at the branching position GB, and acts relatively weakly on the distribution channel Q2, which intersects with the distribution channel Q1 at the branching position GB and extends in a direction different from the distribution channel Q1. Consequently, the negative pressure applied to the distribution channel Q1 from the suction pump 942 makes it difficult for ink in the distribution channel Q2 to be discharged from the nozzle row LLa[1] via the distribution channel Q1, while it makes it easier for ink in the introduction channel Q0 to be discharged from the nozzle row LLa[1]. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to proportionality V1, it is possible to effectively discharge air bubbles that are accumulating in the filter chamber FT(1) which is in communication with the introduction channel Q0.

[0142] Furthermore, when a second suction operation is performed in the liquid spray head 1 to suck ink from the nozzle row LLa[2], the negative pressure applied to the distribution channel Q2 from the suction pump 942 acts relatively weaker on the introduction channel Q0, which intersects with the distribution channel Q2 at the branching position GB and extends in a direction different from the direction of extension of the distribution channel Q2, compared to the first suction operation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in the second suction operation, there is a high possibility that the ink in the introduction channel Q0-V1 will not be sufficiently discharged from the nozzle row LLa[2] due to the negative pressure applied to the distribution channel Q2 from the suction pump 942. However, according to this embodiment, since the bubbles remaining in the filter chamber FT(1) communicating with the introduction channel Q0 are sufficiently discharged in the first suction operation, even if the suction of bubbles from the filter chamber FT(1) is insufficient in the second suction operation, the suction cleaning process as a whole can sufficiently discharge bubbles from the filter chamber FT(1).

[0143] As shown in Figure 23, according to proportionality V1, the distribution channels Q1-V1 and Q2-V1 are located between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132. Therefore, according to proportionality V1, it is not possible to provide a notch KK in the lower holder 131. Consequently, according to proportionality V1, it was difficult to secure sufficient space for arranging the media restraining mechanism GZ in the liquid injection head 1-V1. Therefore, according to proportionality V1, it became necessary to provide a separate space for arranging the media restraining mechanism GZ from the space where the liquid injection head 1-V1 is arranged, which could lead to an increase in the size of the liquid injection device.

[0144] In contrast, according to this embodiment, since the distribution channel Q2 includes individual channels QK2 defined by the intermediate holder 132 and the upper holder 133, it becomes possible to provide a notch KK in the lower holder 131 and a recess 132u in the intermediate holder 132. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to secure space for arranging the media holding mechanism GZ in the space where the liquid injection head 1 is arranged. Thus, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to miniaturize the liquid injection device 100 compared to proportional V1.

[0145] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the supply channel Q-V2 provided in the liquid injection head 1-V2 related to proportionality V2.

[0146] As shown in Figure 25, the supply channel Q-V2 comprises an introduction channel Q0-V2, a distribution channel Q1-V2, and a distribution channel Q2-V2.

[0147] The introduction channel Q0-V2 is a channel for supplying ink introduced from the filter chamber FT(1) to the branching position GB-V2. It extends in the Z1 direction through the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132, and reaches the branching position GB-V2. The distribution channels Q1-V2 are channels for supplying ink introduced from the introduction channels Q0-V2 to the nozzle row LLa[1], and are located downstream of the branching position GB-V2, extending in the X2 direction from the branching position GB-V2 between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132. The distribution channel Q2-V2 is a channel for supplying ink introduced from the introduction channel Q0-V2 to the nozzle row LLa[2], and is located downstream of the branching position GB-V2. The distribution channel Q2-V2 includes a portion extending in the X1 direction from the branching position GB-V2 to the bend CB1 between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132, a portion located downstream of the bend CB1 and extending in the Z2 direction in the intermediate holder 132 to the bend CB2, a portion located downstream of the bend CB2 and extending in the X1 direction between the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132 to the bend CB3, a portion located downstream of the bend CB3 and extending in the Z1 direction in the intermediate holder 132 to the bend CB4, and a portion located downstream of the bend CB4 and extending in the X1 direction between the intermediate holder 132 and the lower holder 131.

[0148] According to proportionality V2, the distribution channel Q2-V2 has a portion that extends in the X1 direction from the bend CB2 to the bend CB3 between the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132, making it possible to provide a notch KK in the lower holder 131. Therefore, according to proportionality V2, similar to this embodiment, space can be secured for arranging the media holding mechanism GZ in the space where the liquid injection head 1-V2 is arranged.

[0149] However, according to proportionality V2, at branching point GB-V2, distribution channels Q1-V2 and Q2-V2 face each other, at branching point GB-V2, introduction channels Q0-V2 and distribution channels Q1-V2 intersect, and introduction channels Q0-V2 and distribution channels Q2-V2 also intersect. Therefore, according to proportionality V2, in the first suction operation of the suction cleaning process performed on the liquid spray head 1-V2, in which ink is sucked from the nozzle row LLa[1], the negative pressure applied from the suction pump 942 to the distribution channel Q1-V2 acts relatively strongly on the distribution channel Q2-V2 opposite to the distribution channel Q1-V2, and relatively weakly on the introduction channel Q0-V2 that intersects the distribution channel Q1-V2. Consequently, according to proportionality V2, in the first suction operation, air bubbles accumulated in the filter chamber FT(1) communicating with the introduction channel Q0-V2 cannot be sufficiently discharged. Similarly, according to proportionality V2, in the second suction operation of the suction cleaning process performed on the liquid spray head 1-V2, in which ink is sucked from the nozzle row LLa[2], the negative pressure applied from the suction pump 942 to the distribution channel Q2-V2 acts relatively strongly on the distribution channel Q1-V2 opposite to the distribution channel Q2-V2, and relatively weakly on the introduction channel Q0-V2 that intersects the distribution channel Q2-V2. Therefore, according to proportionality V2, in the second suction operation, air bubbles accumulated in the filter chamber FT(1) communicating with the introduction channel Q0-V2 cannot be sufficiently discharged. Thus, according to the proportional V2, there is a problem in that the suction cleaning process performed on the liquid injection head 1-V2 does not adequately discharge the air bubbles that remain in the filter chamber FT(1) which is connected to the introduction flow path Q0-V2.

[0150] In contrast, according to this embodiment, at the branching position GB, the introduction channel Q0 and the distribution channel Q1 face each other. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with proportional V2, bubbles in the filter chamber FT(1) can be discharged more reliably during the suction cleaning process.

[0151] Furthermore, according to proportionality V2, the distribution channel Q2-V2 has four bends CB: bend CB1, bend CB2, bend CB3, and bend CB4. Therefore, according to proportionality V2, the flow resistance from the bends CB to the ink flowing through the distribution channel Q2-V2 increases, and the load for supplying ink to the head tip 12[2] via the distribution channel Q2-V2 increases.

[0152] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the distribution channel Q2 has only two bends CB: one at the end of the individual channel QK2 in the X1 direction and another at the end of the extended channel QR2 in the X2 direction. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to proportional V2, the flow resistance from the bends CB to the ink flowing through the distribution channel Q2 can be reduced, and the load for supplying ink to the head tip 12[2] via the distribution channel Q2 can be reduced.

[0153] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the supply channel Q-V3 provided in the liquid injection head 1-V3 related to proportionality V3.

[0154] As shown in Figure 26, the supply channel Q-V3 comprises an introduction channel Q0-V3, a distribution channel Q1-V3, and a distribution channel Q2-V3.

[0155] The introduction channel Q0-V3 is a channel for supplying ink introduced from the filter chamber FT(1) to the branching position GB-V3. It extends in the Z1 direction through the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132, and reaches the branching position GB-V3. The distribution channels Q1-V3 are channels for supplying ink introduced from the introduction channels Q0-V3 to the nozzle row LLa[1], and are located downstream of the branching position GB-V3, extending in the X2 direction from the branching position GB-V3 between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132. The distribution channels Q2-V3 are channels for supplying ink introduced from the introduction channels Q0-V3 to the nozzle row LLa[2], and are located downstream of the branching point GB-V3. The distribution channels Q2-V3 include a portion that extends in the X1 direction from the branching point GB-V3 to the bend CB1 between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132, a portion located downstream of the bend CB1 and extending in the Z2 direction in the intermediate holder 132 to the bend CB2, and a portion located downstream of the bend CB2 and extending in the X1 direction between the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132 to the bend CB3.

[0156] According to proportionality V3, the distribution channel Q2-V3 has a portion that extends in the X1 direction from the bend CB2 to the bend CB3 between the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132, making it possible to provide a notch KK in the lower holder 131. Therefore, according to proportionality V3, similar to this embodiment, space can be secured for arranging the media holding mechanism GZ in the space where the liquid injection head 1-V2 is arranged. Furthermore, according to proportionality V3, the distribution channel Q2-V3 has three bends CB: bend CB1, bend CB2, and bend CB3. Therefore, according to proportionality V3, similar to this embodiment, compared to proportionality V2, the flow resistance from the bends CB to the ink flowing through the distribution channel Q2-V3 can be reduced, and the load for supplying ink to the head tip 12[2] via the distribution channel Q2-V3 can be reduced.

[0157] However, according to proportionality V3, at branching point GB-V3, distribution channels Q1-V3 and Q2-V3 face each other, at branching point GB-V3, introduction channels Q0-V3 and distribution channels Q1-V3 intersect, and introduction channels Q0-V3 and distribution channels Q2-V3 also intersect. Therefore, with proportional V3, similar to proportional V2, there is a problem in that the suction cleaning process performed on the liquid injection heads 1-V3 does not adequately discharge the air bubbles that remain in the filter chamber FT(1) which is connected to the introduction flow path Q0-V3.

[0158] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, at the branch position GB, the introduction channel Q0 and the distribution channel Q1 face each other. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, compared with the proportionality V3, in the suction cleaning process, the bubbles in the filter chamber FT(1) can be more reliably discharged.

[0159] Also, according to the proportionality V3, in the distribution channel Q2-V3, the channel extending in the X1 direction from the bending point CB2 to the bending point CB3 between the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132 extends to the upper side of the head chip 12[2]. Therefore, according to the proportionality V3, in the distribution channel Q2-V3, the channel extending in the X1 direction from the bending point CB2 to the bending point CB3 between the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132 is longer than the channel length of the individual channel QK2 in the present embodiment. Therefore, according to the proportionality V3, the upper holder 133 becomes larger, and as a result, the liquid injection head 1-V3 may also become larger.

[0160] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the distribution channel Q2 is provided such that the individual channel QK2 is shorter than the extending channel QR2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, compared with the proportionality V3, the upper holder 133 can be miniaturized, and as a result, the enlargement of the liquid injection head 1 can also be suppressed.

[0161] <<A.6.3. Variation>> Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, in the liquid injection head 1 according to the present embodiment, modification examples C1 and C2 in which the supply channel Q is changed to other modes will be described.

[0162] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the supply channel Q-C1 provided in the liquid injection head 1-C1 according to the modification example C1.

[0163] As shown in Figure 27, the supply channel Q-C1 differs from the supply channel Q in this embodiment in that it includes a distribution channel Q2-C1 instead of a distribution channel Q2. The distribution channel Q2-C1 differs from the distribution channel Q2 in this embodiment in that it includes an individual channel QK2-C1 instead of an individual channel QK2. The individual channel QK2-C1 differs from the individual channel QK2 in this embodiment in that it has an inclined portion that slopes toward the Z1 direction as it moves downstream from the branching position GB. In modified example C1, the individual channel QK2-C1 is defined by an upper holder 133 and an intermediate holder 132, similar to the individual channel QK2. The inclined portion may be provided over the entire area of ​​the individual channel QK2-C1 as shown in Figure 27, or it may be provided only in a part of the individual channel QK2-C1.

[0164] Therefore, in the modified example C1, as in this embodiment, a notch KK can be provided below the individual flow path QK2-C1, making it possible to secure space for arranging the medium holding mechanism GZ in the space where the liquid injection head 1-C1 is located. Furthermore, in modified example C1, similar to this embodiment, the introduction channel Q0 and the distribution channel Q1 face each other at the branching position GB. Therefore, according to modified example C1, similar to this embodiment, bubbles in the filter chamber FT(1) can be more reliably discharged during the suction cleaning process.

[0165] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the supply channel Q-C2 provided in the liquid injection head 1-C2 according to modified example C2.

[0166] As shown in Figure 28, the supply channel Q-C2 comprises an introduction channel Q0-C2, a distribution channel Q1-C2, and a distribution channel Q2-C2.

[0167] The introduction channel Q0-C2 is a channel for supplying ink introduced from the filter chamber FT(1) to the branching position GB-C2. It extends in the Z1 direction through the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132, and reaches the branching position GB-C2. The distribution flow path Q1-C2 is a flow path for supplying the ink introduced from the introduction flow path Q0-C2 to the nozzle row LLa[1]. It is located downstream of the branch position GB-C2 and includes a portion extending in the X2 direction from the branch position GB-C2 between the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132, a portion extending in the Z1 direction in the intermediate holder 132, and a portion extending in the X2 direction between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132. The distribution flow path Q2-C2 is a flow path for supplying the ink introduced from the introduction flow path Q0-C2 to the nozzle row LLa[2]. It is located downstream of the branch position GB-C2 and includes a portion extending in the X1 direction from the branch position GB-C2 between the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132, a portion extending in the Z1 direction in the intermediate holder 132, and a portion extending in the X1 direction between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132.

[0168] Also in the modification C2, similarly to the present embodiment, a notch KK can be provided below the lower holder 131, so that a space for arranging the medium suppressing mechanism GZ can be secured in the space where the liquid ejection head 1-C2 is arranged.

[0169] <<A.7. Filter fixing screw 61 and nut 62>> As described above, in the present embodiment, the filter unit 16 is fixed to the substrate cover 15 by the filter fixing screw 61 and the nut 62. Hereinafter, the fixing of the filter unit 16 to the substrate cover 15 by the filter fixing screw 61 and the nut 62 will be described while referring to FIGS. 29 to 31.

[0170] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid ejection head 1 cut by a plane having the Y-axis direction as the normal direction so as to include the head chip 12[1] and the head chip 12[2]. FIG. 30 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the filter fixing screw 61 in FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the filter fixing screw 61 in FIG. 30.

[0171] As shown in Figures 29 to 31, the substrate cover 15 is provided with a housing section 64. The housing portion 64 is a recess for housing the rectangular prism nut 62 and extends in the X1 direction. Specifically, the housing portion 64 is a recess provided on the end face 640, which is the X2 end of the substrate cover 15, and is directed in the X1 direction. The nut 62 is made of metal and is press-fitted into the housing 64 in the X1 direction. In this embodiment, the nut 62 is fixed to the housing 64 without the use of adhesive. The position of the nut 62 press-fitted into the housing 64 is defined in the X-axis direction by contacting the back surface 641, which is the X1 end of the housing 64, and the position of the nut 62 in the Z-axis direction is defined by contacting the position-defining surface 642, which is located above the bottom surface 643, which is the Z1 end of the housing 64.

[0172] As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the filter unit 16 and the substrate cover 15 are provided with filter fixing screw holes 63 that penetrate the filter unit 16 and the substrate cover 15 in the Z1 direction. The nut 62 is also provided with a screw hole 621. When the nut 62 is press-fitted into the housing 64 and positioned by the back surface 641 and the positioning surface 642, the filter fixing screw holes 63 in the filter unit 16 and the substrate cover 15 and the screw hole 621 in the nut 62 overlap when viewed from the Z1 direction. The filter fixing screw 61 is then inserted into the filter fixing screw holes 63 and 621, thereby fastening the substrate cover 15 and the filter unit 16 together.

[0173] As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the substrate cover 15 is provided with a nut extrusion opening 65 that penetrates the back surface 641. The area of ​​the nut extrusion opening 65 is smaller than the area of ​​the side surface of the nut 62 that contacts the back surface 641. By inserting a rod (not shown) into the nut extrusion opening 65 and pushing the nut 62, which is press-fitted into the housing 64, in the X2 direction with the rod, the nut 62 can be removed from the housing 64.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 30, a screw groove 622 extending in the X1 direction is provided in the nut 62. Since the screw groove 622 opens toward the end face 640 where the recess of the accommodating portion 64 opens, by fastening a screw (not shown) to the screw groove 622 and pulling the screw in the X2 direction, the nut 62 can be taken out from the accommodating portion 64.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 31, a gap 644 communicating with the screw hole 621 is provided between the nut 62 and the bottom face 643 in the accommodating portion 64. By inserting an L-shaped rod (not shown) with a bent tip portion into the gap 644 and pulling the L-shaped rod in the X2 direction with the bent portion of the L-shaped rod hooked on the screw hole 621, the nut 62 can be taken out from the accommodating portion 64.

[0176] Thus, according to the present embodiment, while the insertion direction of the filter fixing screw 61 is the Z1 direction, the insertion direction of the nut 62 into the accommodating portion 64 is the X1 direction. That is, according to the present embodiment, the insertion direction of the filter fixing screw 61 into the nut 62 and the insertion direction of the nut 62 into the accommodating portion 64 intersect. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when fixing the filter fixing screw 61 to the nut 62, it is possible to prevent the nut 62 from falling off to the outside of the accommodating portion 64. Thereby, according to the present embodiment, the nut 62 can be fixed to the accommodating portion 64 without using an adhesive.

[0177] [[ID=(13]]Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since a nut extrusion opening 65 communicating with the accommodating portion 64 is provided in the substrate cover 15, the nut 62 can be easily taken out from the accommodating portion 64. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, compared with a mode in which the insertion direction of the filter fixing screw 61 and the insertion direction of the nut 62 into the accommodating portion 64 are in opposite directions, the reuse of the nut 62 becomes easier.

[0178] <<A.8. Fixing of the fixing plate 11 and the lower holder 131>> As described above, in this embodiment, the lower holder 131 is fixed to the fixing plate 11 with adhesive. The fixing of the lower holder 131 to the fixing plate 11 will be described below with reference to Figures 32 to 37.

[0179] Figure 32 is a plan view of the liquid spray head 1, including the lower holder 131, when the fixing plate 11 has been removed from the liquid spray head 1 and the liquid spray head 1 is viewed in the Z2 direction. For the sake of explanation, in Figure 32, the nozzle exposure opening 111 provided on the fixing plate 11 is shown superimposed on the holder 13. Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid spray head 1 cut by a plane normalized to the X-axis direction, including the fixing plate opening 77. Figure 34 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the fixing plate opening 77 in Figure 33. Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid spray head 1 cut by a plane normalized to the Y-axis direction, including the fixing plate opening 77. Figure 36 is a perspective view of the lower holder 131. Figure 37 is a perspective view of the liquid spray head 1 including the fixing plate 11 and the lower holder 131.

[0180] As shown in Figures 32 to 36, the lower holder 131 is provided with a peripheral wall portion 70. Here, the peripheral wall portion 70 is the part of the lower holder 131 that includes the bottom surface of the storage portion 131S that houses the head tip 12. The peripheral wall portion 70 is provided so as to surround each of the four head tips 12[1] to 12[4] provided on the liquid spray head 1.

[0181] As shown in Figures 32 to 36, the peripheral wall portion 70 comprises four partition wall portions 71 corresponding to four head tips 12[1] to 12[4]. Here, the partition wall portion 71 is the portion of the peripheral wall portion 70 provided between two adjacent head tips 12 in the Y-axis direction. Hereafter, of the four partition wall portions 71 provided by the peripheral wall portion 70, the partition wall portion 71 closest to the head tip 12[j] will be referred to as partition wall portion 71[j]. Note that Figures 33 and 34 show the two partition wall portions 71 provided between the head tips 12[1] and 12[3] of the four partition wall portions 71 provided by the peripheral wall portion 70. That is, Figures 33 and 34 show the partition wall portion 71[1] closest to the head tip 12[1] and the partition wall portion 71[3] closest to the head tip 12[3], respectively.

[0182] As shown in Figures 32, 35, and 36, the peripheral wall portion 70 is provided with a weight-reducing portion 72. The weight-reducing portion 72 is a recess provided on the inside of two partition wall portions 71 located between two adjacent head tips 12 in the Y-axis direction within the peripheral wall portion 70, and is a recess provided so as to be recessed upward from the bottom surface of the peripheral wall portion 70. Hereinafter, as shown in Figure 32, the weight-reducing portion 72 provided between partition wall portions 71[1] and partition wall portions 71[3] may be referred to as weight-reducing portion 72A, and the weight-reducing portion 72 provided between partition wall portions 71[2] and partition wall portions 71[4] may be referred to as weight-reducing portion 72B.

[0183] As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the bottom surface of the peripheral wall portion 70 and the fixing plate 11 function as an adhesive area DS. Here, the adhesive area DS is the area including the bottom surface of the peripheral wall portion 70, to which adhesive DX1 is applied and fixed to the fixing plate 11. The adhesive area DS also comprises four individual adhesive areas DSS[1] to DSS[4] corresponding to the four partition wall portions 71[1] to 71[4]. Individual adhesive area DSS[j] is the area including the bottom surface of the peripheral wall portion 70, to which adhesive DX1 is applied and fixed to the fixing plate 11, and which corresponds to the bottom surface of partition wall portion 71[j].

[0184] As shown in Figures 32 to 36, a recess 73 is provided on the bottom surface of the peripheral wall portion 70. The recess 73 is a portion of the bottom surface of the peripheral wall portion 70 that is recessed in the Z2 direction, and is provided between two partition wall portions 71 that are adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction, and is surrounded by a protrusion 74 that constitutes the end of the lower holder 131 in the Z1 direction. Hereinafter, as shown in Figure 32, the recess 73 provided between partition wall portions 71[1] and partition wall portions 71[3] may be referred to as recess 73A, and the recess 73 provided between partition wall portions 71[2] and partition wall portions 71[4] may be referred to as recess 73B. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the distance from the fixing plate 11 to the recess 73 in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the diameter of the recess 73 when viewed in a plan view in the Z2 direction. However, the distance from the fixing plate 11 to the recess 73 in the Z-axis direction may be larger than the diameter of the recess 73 when viewed in a plan view in the Z2 direction.

[0185] As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the recess 73 and the fixing plate 11 function as a mold region DM. Here, the mold region DM is the region including the recess 73, to which adhesive DX2 is applied and fixed to the fixing plate 11. In this embodiment, when the liquid spray head 1 is viewed in plan in the Z2 direction, the lower holder 131 and the fixing plate 11 are provided such that the fixing plate opening 77A and the recess 73A overlap, and the fixing plate opening 77B and the recess 73B overlap. In this embodiment, the recess 73 is filled and the fixing plate opening 77 is closed by the adhesive DX2 applied to the mold region DM. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that when viewed in plan in the Z1 direction, the recess 73 is larger than the fixing plate opening 77.

[0186] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 34, the mold region DM is positioned inside two adjacent individual bonding regions DSS in the Y-axis direction, with a gap between them. Specifically, as shown in Figures 34 and 36, an outer peripheral relief groove 75 is positioned on the bottom surface of the peripheral wall 70 between the partition wall 71 and the recess 73. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the adhesive DX1 applied to the individual bonding regions DSS and the adhesive DX2 applied to the mold region DM from mixing. Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to use different types of adhesives as adhesive DX1 and adhesive DX2, increasing the degree of freedom in adhesive selection. In this embodiment, it is assumed that adhesives DX1 and DX2 are of different types. However, the same type of adhesive may be used for both adhesives DX1 and DX2.

[0187] Furthermore, in this embodiment, we assume that the distance in the Z-axis direction from the fixing plate 11 to the recess 73 is longer than the distance in the Z-axis direction from the fixing plate 11 to the outer peripheral relief groove 75. However, the distance in the Z-axis direction from the fixing plate 11 to the recess 73 may be less than or equal to the distance in the Z-axis direction from the fixing plate 11 to the outer peripheral relief groove 75.

[0188] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mold region DM is positioned inside two adjacent individual bonding regions DSS in the Y-axis direction, with a gap between them. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the amount of adhesive in the individual bonding regions DSS becomes excessive due to the adhesive DX2 applied to the mold region DM spreading to the individual bonding regions DSS. Thus, according to this embodiment, poor adhesion between the partition wall portion 71 and the fixing plate 11 in the individual bonding regions DSS can be suppressed.

[0189] As shown in FIGS. 33, 35, and 37, in the present embodiment, the fixing plate 11 has a bent portion bent in the Z2 direction at the end in the Y-axis direction, which is a flat bent portion 119Y whose normal direction is the Y-axis direction, and a bent portion bent in the Z2 direction at the end in the X-axis direction, which is a flat bent portion 119X whose normal direction is the X-axis direction. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the width of the bent portion 119X in the Z-axis direction is larger than the width of the bent portion 119Y in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the wiper provided in the cleaning unit 94 moves along the X-axis direction, the possibility that the wiper contacts the lower holder 131 can be reduced.

[0190] <<B. Modified Example>> Each of the embodiments exemplified above can be variously modified. Specific modification modes are exemplified below. Two or more modes arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined within a range that does not conflict with each other.

[0191] <<Modified Example 1>> In the above-described embodiment, the line head has been exemplified and described as the head unit HD, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. The head unit HD may be a serial head that injects ink while reciprocating in the X-axis direction.

[0192] FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a liquid injection device 100D according to Modified Example 1.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 38, the liquid injection device 100D is different from the liquid injection device 100 according to the embodiment in that it includes a head unit HD-D that is a serial head instead of the head unit HD that is a line head, and that it includes a moving mechanism 92 that reciprocates the head unit HD-D in the X1 direction and the X2 direction.

[0194] The moving mechanism 92 reciprocates the head unit HD-D in the X1 and X2 directions under the control of the control device 90. The moving mechanism 92 comprises a storage case 921 for housing the head unit HD-D and an endless belt 922 to which the storage case 921 is fixed. The liquid container 93 may be stored in the storage case 921 together with the head unit HD-D. The head unit HD-D differs from the head unit HD according to the embodiment in that it comprises a total of four liquid injection heads 1, including liquid injection heads 1-3 and 1-4, in addition to liquid injection heads 1-1 and 1-2, and that each liquid injection head 1 is arranged in the head unit HD-D such that the head chip 12 provided on each liquid injection head 1 extends in the Y-axis direction. In this modified example, the variable m is assumed to be a natural number satisfying 1 ≤ m ≤ 4. Furthermore, in this modified example, the m-th liquid injection head 1 among the liquid injection heads 1-1 to 1-4 is referred to as liquid injection head 1-m.

[0195] Figure 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement of nozzle row LL in the HD-D head unit.

[0196] As shown in Figure 39, in the head unit HD-D, liquid injection head 1-2 is provided in the region located in the X1 direction when viewed from liquid injection head 1-1, liquid injection head 1-3 is provided in the region located in the X1 direction when viewed from liquid injection head 1-2, and liquid injection head 1-4 is provided in the region located in the X1 direction when viewed from liquid injection head 1-3. Furthermore, in this modified example, four head tips 12 are provided on the liquid spray head 1-m, similar to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the j-th head tip 12 among the four head tips 12 provided on the liquid spray head 1-m will be referred to as head tip 12-m[j]. The head tip 12 in this modified example has the same configuration as the head tip 12 in the embodiment. In this modified example, in the liquid spray head 1-m, head tip 12-m[2] is provided in a region located in the Y1 direction when viewed from head tip 12-m[1], head tip 12-m[3] is provided in a region located in the direction between the X2 direction and the Y1 direction when viewed from head tip 12-m[1], and head tip 12-m[4] is provided in a region located in the Y1 direction when viewed from head tip 12-m[3].

[0197] Hereinafter, the two rows of nozzle rows LL on the head tip 12-m[j] provided on the liquid spray head 1-m will be referred to as nozzle row LLa-m[j] and nozzle row LLb-m[j], respectively. Nozzle row LLa-m[j] is provided in a region located in the X1 direction when viewed from nozzle row LLb-m[j].

[0198] Furthermore, in this modified example, of the four supply channels Q(1) to Q(4) provided by the liquid spray head 1-m, the supply channels Q(1) and Q(3) are supplied with ink of the same color, while the supply channels Q(2) and Q(4) are supplied with ink of the same color but a different color from the ink supplied to supply channels Q(1) and Q(3). In this modified example, the ink colors sprayed from each nozzle row LL are determined such that the ink colors sprayed from the 16 rows of nozzles LL arranged in the X-axis direction in the head unit HD-D are symmetrical with respect to a virtual line AX extending in the Y-axis direction between the liquid spray heads 1-2 and 1-3.

[0199] Hereinafter, the nozzle row LL that sprays black ink will be referred to as the black spray nozzle row LLC1. The nozzle row LL that sprays cyan ink will be referred to as the cyan spray nozzle row LLC2. The nozzle row LL that sprays yellow ink will be referred to as the yellow spray nozzle row LLC3. The nozzle row LL that sprays magenta ink will be referred to as the magenta spray nozzle row LLC4.

[0200] In this modified example, black ink is supplied to nozzle rows LLb-1[1], LLb-1[2], LLb-1[3], and LLb-1[4], and to nozzle rows LLa-4[1], LLa-4[2], LLa-4[3], and LLa-4[4], and functions as a black spray nozzle row LLC1. In this modified example, cyan ink is supplied to nozzle rows LLa-1[1], LLa-1[2], LLa-1[3], and LLa-1[4], and to nozzle rows LLb-4[1], LLb-4[2], LLb-4[3], and LLb-4[4], and functions as a cyan injection nozzle row LLC2. In this modified example, yellow ink is supplied to nozzle rows LLb-2[1], LLb-2[2], LLb-2[3], and LLb-2[4], and to nozzle rows LLa-3[1], LLa-3[2], LLa-3[3], and LLa-3[4], functioning as a yellow-ejection nozzle row LLC3. In this modified example, magenta ink is supplied to nozzle rows LLa-2[1], LLa-2[2], LLa-2[3], and LLa-2[4], and to nozzle rows LLb-3[1], LLb-3[2], LLb-3[3], and LLb-3[4], and functions as a magenta spray nozzle row LLC4.

[0201] According to this modification, the ink colors ejected from the 16 rows of nozzles LL arranged in the X-axis direction in the head unit HD-D are symmetrical with respect to the virtual line AX. Therefore, when the head unit HD-D moves in the X1 direction, the order of the ink colors that land on the media PP is the same as when the head unit HD-D moves in the X2 direction. Consequently, this modification suppresses the occurrence of unevenness and other defects in the image formed on the media PP, compared to a configuration where the ink colors ejected from the 16 rows of nozzles LL arranged in the X-axis direction in the head unit HD-D are not symmetrical, and enables the formation of higher-quality images.

[0202] <<Modification Example 2>> The liquid ejection apparatus exemplified in the above-described embodiment and Modification Example 1 can be adopted not only in equipment dedicated for printing but also in various types of equipment such as facsimile apparatuses and copying machines. However, the use of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention is not limited to printing. For example, a liquid ejection apparatus that ejects a solution of a coloring material is used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming a color filter of a liquid crystal display device. Further, a liquid ejection apparatus that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming wirings and electrodes of a wiring board.

[0203] <<C. Supplementary Note>> Aspects related to the above description are appended below. For ease of understanding of each aspect, in the following, reference numerals in the drawings are appended in parentheses for convenience, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects.

[0204] <<C.1. Supplementary Note 1>> Hereinafter, the liquid ejection apparatus 100 and the liquid ejection head 1 according to Supplementary Note 1 will be described.

[0205] <<Supplementary Note 1-1>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 1-1 comprises a nozzle row LLa[1] (an example of a "first nozzle group") that sprays ink (an example of a "liquid"), a nozzle row LLa[2] (an example of a "second nozzle group") that sprays ink, and a holder 13 (an example of "multiple flow path plates") including a lower holder 131, an intermediate holder 132, and an upper holder 133 stacked in the Z1 direction (an example of a "first direction"), and the holder 13 is provided with a supply flow path Q for supplying ink to the nozzle row LLa[1] and the nozzle row LLa[2]. The supply channel Q is characterized by comprising: an extending channel QR1 (an example of a "first channel") extending in the Z1 direction; an individual channel QK1 (an example of a "first individual channel") connected to the end of the extending channel QR1 in the Z1 direction, extending in the X2 direction intersecting the Z1 direction, and communicating individually with the nozzle row LLa[1]; and an individual channel QK2 (an example of a "second individual channel") connected to the extending channel QR1 at a branching position GB located in the middle of the extending channel QR1, extending in the X1 direction intersecting the Z1 direction, and communicating individually with the nozzle row LLa[2].

[0206] According to Appendix 1-1, both the portion of the extended flow path QR1 upstream of the branching point GB and the portion of the extended flow path QR1 downstream of the branching point GB extend in the Z1 direction. Therefore, by performing a suction cleaning process that sucks ink from the nozzle row LLa[1], the ink upstream of the branching point GB can be effectively discharged from the nozzle row LLa[1]. Therefore, according to Appendix 1-1, air bubbles accumulating upstream of the branching point GB can be effectively discharged.

[0207] <<Note 1-2>> The liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 1-2 is the liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 1-1, characterized in that the extended flow path QR1 is a flow path that penetrates the upper holder 133 and the intermediate holder 132 of the holder 13 in the Z1 direction, the individual flow path QK1 is a flow path defined between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132 which are adjacent to each other in the Z1 direction, and the individual flow path QK2 is a flow path defined between the intermediate holder 132 and the upper holder 133 which are adjacent to each other in the Z1 direction.

[0208] <<Appendix 1-3>> The liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 1-3 is the liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 1-1 or Appendix 1-2, wherein the supply channel Q includes an individual channel QK1 and a distribution channel Q1 located downstream of the branching position GB (an example of a "first distribution channel"), and an individual channel QK2 and a distribution channel Q2 located downstream of the branching position GB (an example of a "second distribution channel"), the distribution channel Q2 includes an extended channel QR2 (an example of a "second channel") defined between the lower holder 131 and the intermediate holder 132, and the lower holder 131 has a notch KK that, when viewed in the Z1 direction, is positioned between the individual channel QK1 and the extended channel QR2 and overlaps with the individual channel QK2.

[0209] According to Appendix 1-3, since the medium holding mechanism GZ can be placed in the notch KK, the liquid injection device 100, including the liquid injection head 1, can be miniaturized compared to the configuration without the notch KK.

[0210] <<Notes 1-4>> The liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 1-4 is the liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 1-1 to Appendix 1-3, characterized in that the flow path length of the individual flow path QK2 is shorter than the flow path length of the individual flow path QK1 and shorter than the flow path length of the extended flow path QR2.

[0211] According to Appendix 1-4, the upper holder 133 can be made smaller compared to the case where the flow length of individual flow path QK2 is longer than the flow length of individual flow path QK1, or longer than the flow length of extended flow path QR2.

[0212] <<Appendix 1-5>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 1-5 is the liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 1-1 to Appendix 1-4, characterized in that, when viewed in the Z1 direction, the inner area of ​​the outer circumference of the upper holder 133 is smaller than the inner area of ​​the outer circumference of the lower holder 131 and smaller than the inner area of ​​the outer circumference of the intermediate holder 132.

[0213] According to Appendix 1-5, the liquid spray head 1 can be made smaller compared to the case where the inner area of ​​the outer circumference of the upper holder 133 is larger than the inner area of ​​the outer circumference of the lower holder 131, or larger than the inner area of ​​the outer circumference of the intermediate holder 132.

[0214] <<Notes 1-6>> The liquid injection head 1 described in Appendix 1-6 is the liquid injection head 1 described in Appendix 1-1 to Appendix 1-5, characterized in that the individual flow path QK2 extends in a straight line.

[0215] According to Appendix 1-6, the upper holder 133 can be made smaller compared to the configuration in which the individual flow path QK2 extends in a curved shape.

[0216] <<Appendix 1-7>> The liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 1-7 is the liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 1-1 to Appendix 1-6, characterized in that, instead of the individual flow path QK2, it is provided with an individual flow path QK2-C1 having an inclined portion that slopes toward the Z1 direction as it moves downstream from the branching position GB.

[0217] According to Appendix 1-7, the flow resistance can be reduced when ink flows from the extended flow channel QR1 to the individual flow channels QK2-C1.

[0218] <<Appendix 1-8>> The liquid injection device 100 according to Appendix 1-8 is characterized by comprising: a liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 1-1 to Appendix 1-7; a cap 941 that, when the injection surface MF of the liquid injection head 1 is sealed, forms a closed space between itself and the injection surface MF that communicates with a plurality of nozzles N formed on the injection surface MF; and a suction pump 942 (an example of a "pressure reduction mechanism") that reduces the pressure inside the closed space formed by the cap 941 and the injection surface MF.

[0219] <<Notes 1-9>> The liquid ejecting apparatus 100 according to Supplementary Note 1-9 includes the liquid ejecting head 1 described in Supplementary Note 1-3, a conveying mechanism 91 that conveys a medium PP on which ink ejected from the liquid ejecting head 1 lands, and a medium restraining mechanism GZ (an example of a "restricting unit") that is disposed at the notch KK and suppresses the separation of the medium PP conveyed by the conveying mechanism 91 from the conveying path.

[0220] <<C.2. Supplementary Note 2>> Hereinafter, the liquid ejecting apparatus 100 and the head unit HD according to Supplementary Note 2 will be described.

[0221] <<Supplementary Note 2-1>> The head unit HD according to Appendix 2-1 comprises a liquid spray head 1-1 (an example of a "first liquid spray head") that sprays ink (an example of a "liquid") in the Z1 direction (an example of a "first direction"), and a support member 5 that supports the liquid spray head 1-1. The support member 5 comprises a support plate 50 that supports the liquid spray head 1-1 and has a lower surface P511 (an example of a "first surface") facing the Z1 direction, and a head positioning pin SP (an example of a "first positioning part") for positioning the liquid spray head 1-1 and the support plate 50. The liquid spray head 1-1 comprises a plurality of head chips 12 having a plurality of nozzle rows LL (an example of a "nozzle group") that spray ink, and a plurality of nozzle exposure openings 111 (an example of an "exposure opening") formed to expose each of the plurality of nozzle rows LL to the outside. The device comprises a fixing plate 11 to which the top 12 is fixed (an example of a "cover member"), a lower holder 131 to which the fixing plate 11 is fixed (an example of a "base member"), and a laminated structure 55 which includes a plurality of laminated substrates stacked in the Z1 direction and is stacked in the Z2 direction (an example of a "second direction") opposite to the Z1 direction with respect to the mounting surface PS13 provided on the lower holder 131, wherein the laminated structure 55 has a facing portion BT facing the lower side surface P511, and the lower holder 131 has a protruding portion 131T that protrudes from the mounting surface PS13 in the Z2 direction, the protruding portion 131T has a contact surface PT13 that contacts the lower side surface P511, and a support plate positioning hole AB (an example of a "second positioning portion") provided to correspond to the head positioning pin SP and for positioning the liquid spray head 1-1 and the support plate 50.

[0222] According to Appendix 2-1, for example, compared to a configuration in which the support plate positioning holes AB are provided in the laminated structure 55, it becomes possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the head chip 12 relative to the support plate 50.

[0223] <<Note 2-2>> The head unit HD relating to Appendix 2-2 is the same as the head unit HD relating to Appendix 2-1, characterized in that, when viewed in the Z1 direction, the area of ​​the opposing portion BT of the laminated structure 55 is larger than the area of ​​the non-opposing portion BH of the laminated structure 55 that does not overlap with the support plate 50.

[0224] According to Appendix 2-2, compared to the configuration in which the opposing portion BT is smaller than the non-opposing portion BH, the area of ​​the portion of the support plate 50 that faces the laminated structure 55 can be increased, thereby increasing the rigidity of the support plate 50.

[0225] <<Note 2-3>> The head unit HD according to Appendix 2-3 is the head unit HD according to Appendix 2-1 or Appendix 2-2, characterized in that the support plate 50 is provided with a plurality of electrical connection openings AC and a plurality of connection flow path openings AR that penetrate the support plate 50 in the Z1 direction, and each of the plurality of electrical connection openings AC and the plurality of connection flow path openings AR is smaller than the injection surface MF of the liquid injection head 1-1 when viewed in the Z1 direction.

[0226] According to Appendix 2-2, the rigidity of the support plate 50 can be increased compared to the configuration in which the support plate 50 is provided with an opening larger than the injection surface MF.

[0227] <<Note 2-4>> The head unit HD relating to Appendix 2-4 is the head unit HD relating to Appendix 2-1 to Appendix 2-3, characterized in that the first positioning part may be a positioning hole or a positioning hole having a bottom wall, and the second positioning part may be a positioning hole or a positioning pin inserted through a positioning hole.

[0228] <<Note 2-5>> The head unit HD relating to Appendix 2-5 is the head unit HD relating to Appendix 2-1 to Appendix 2-4, characterized in that the lower holder 131 has a housing portion 131S that overlaps with the head chip 12 when viewed in the X1 direction (an example of the "third direction") which is perpendicular to the Z1 direction.

[0229] <<Note 2-6>> The head unit HD according to Appendix 2-6 is the head unit HD according to Appendix 2-1 to Appendix 2-5, characterized in that it includes a lower holder 131-B2 to which a plurality of head chips 12 are fixed, instead of the lower holder 131.

[0230] According to Appendix 2-6, it becomes possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the head chip 12 relative to the support plate 50.

[0231] <<Note 2-7>> The head unit HD relating to Appendix 2-7 is the head unit HD relating to Appendix 2-1 to Appendix 2-6, and comprises a liquid injection head 1-2 (an example of a "second liquid injection head") supported on the lower surface P511 of the support plate 50 and spraying liquid in the Z1 direction, and a common flow path member 41 provided in the Z2 direction when viewed from the support plate 50 and connected to the flow path of the liquid injection head 1-1 and the flow path of the liquid injection head 1-2, wherein the support plate 50 connects the common flow path member 41 and the flow path of the liquid injection head 1-1. The laminated structure 55 is characterized by comprising a plurality of openings AR-1 for connecting channels through which a subsequent connecting channel RR-1 (an example of a "first channel connection section") is inserted, and a plurality of openings AR-2 for connecting channels through which a connecting channel RR-2 (an example of a "second channel connection section") connecting the common channel member 41 and the channel of the liquid injection head 1-2 is inserted, wherein, when viewed in the Z1 direction, the area of ​​each of the plurality of openings AR-1 for connecting channels and the area of ​​each of the plurality of openings AR-2 for connecting channels are smaller than the area inside the outer circumference of the laminated structure 55.

[0232] According to Appendix 2-7, the rigidity of the support plate 50 can be increased compared to the configuration in which the support plate 50 has an opening larger than the outer circumference of the laminated structure 55.

[0233] <<Note 2-8>> The head unit HD according to Supplementary Note 2-8 is the head unit HD according to Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-7, and includes a liquid injection head 1-2 that is supported on the lower surface P511 of the support plate 50 and injects liquid in the Z1 direction, and a common electrical member 42 that is provided in the Z2 direction when viewed from the support plate 50 and is electrically connected to the electronic components of the liquid injection head ***************. The support plate 50 has an electrical connection opening AC-1 through which a BtoB connector CN-1 (an example of the "first electrical connection portion") that electrically connects the common electrical member 42 and the electronic components of the liquid injection head 1-1 is inserted, and an electrical connection opening AC-2 through which a BtoB connector CN-2 (an example of the "second electrical connection portion") that electrically connects the common electrical member 42 and the electronic components of the liquid injection head 1-2 is inserted. When viewed in the Z1 direction, the area of the electrical connection opening AC-1 and the area of each of the electrical connection openings AC-2 are smaller than the area inside the outer periphery of the laminated structure 55.

[0234] According to Supplementary Note 2-8, the rigidity of the support plate 50 can be increased as compared with a mode in which an opening larger than the outer periphery of the laminated structure 55 is provided in the support plate 50.

[0235] <<Supplementary Note 2-9>> The head unit HD according to Supplementary Note 2-9 is the head unit HD according to Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-8, and the laminated structure 55 includes a filter unit 16 having a filter FF through which ink flowing inside the liquid injection head 1-1 passes.

[0236] According to Supplementary Note 2-9, foreign matters and bubbles contained in the ink supplied to the liquid injection head 1-1 can be supplemented in advance.

[0237] <<Supplementary Note 2-10>> The head unit HD according to Supplementary Note 2-10 is the head unit HD according to Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-9, and the laminated structure 55 includes a lower holder 131 and an intermediate holder 132 (an example of a "flow path plate") for supplying ink to the plurality of head chips 12.

[0238] <<Appendix 2-11>> The head unit HD according to Appendix 2-11 is the head unit HD according to Appendices 2-1 to 2-10, and the laminated structure 55 includes a relay substrate 14 electrically connected to a plurality of head chips 12.

[0239] <<Appendix 2-12>> The head unit HD according to Appendix 2-12 is the head unit HD according to Appendices 2-1 to 2-11, and the lower holder 131 is located in the Z1 direction with respect to the mounting surface PS13 and includes a storage portion 131S for accommodating the head chip 12. An end portion of the storage portion 131S in the X1 direction orthogonal to the Z1 direction is located between an end portion of the head chip 12 in the X1 direction and an end portion of the protruding portion 131T in the X1 direction.

[0240] According to Appendix 2-12, since the protruding portion 131T has a structure that protrudes outward from the storage portion 131S, it is easy to secure a space for accommodating the laminated structure 55.

[0241] <<Appendix 2-13>> The head unit HD-B1 according to Appendix 2-13 comprises a liquid ejection head 1-1 that ejects ink in the Z1 direction, and a support member 5 that supports the liquid ejection head 1-1. The support member 5 comprises a support plate 50 that supports the liquid ejection head 1-1 and has a lower surface P511 facing the Z1 direction, and a head positioning pin SP for positioning the liquid ejection head 1-1 and the support plate 50. The liquid ejection head 1-1 comprises a plurality of head chips 12 having a plurality of nozzle rows LL that eject ink, and a lower holder 131-B2 (an example of a "fixing member") to which the plurality of head chips 12 are fixed, and Z1 The laminated structure 55 includes a plurality of laminated substrates stacked in the Z direction, and is stacked in the Z2 direction opposite to the Z1 direction with respect to the mounting surface PS13 provided on the lower holder 131-B2, wherein the laminated structure 55 has a facing portion BT facing the lower side surface P511, and the lower holder 131-B2 has a protruding portion 131T that protrudes from the mounting surface PS13 in the Z2 direction, wherein the protruding portion 131T has a contact surface PT13 that contacts the lower side surface P511, and a support plate positioning hole AB provided to correspond to the head positioning pin SP for positioning the liquid spray head 1-1 and the support plate 50.

[0242] <<Note 2-14>> The liquid injection device 100 according to Appendix 2-14 comprises a head unit HD according to Appendix 2-1 to 2-13 (or a head unit HD-B1 or head unit HD-B2), and a main frame 900 that supports the head unit HD. The support member 5 is arranged on a flat plate portion 51 on which the lower surface P511 of the support plate 50 is provided, and is characterized by comprising a frame positioning hole AQ (an example of a "third positioning portion") for positioning the main frame 900 and the support member 5, and a frame fixing screw hole AM ​​(an example of a "fixing portion") arranged on the flat plate portion 51 for fixing the main frame 900 and the support plate 50.

[0243] According to Supplementary Note 2-14, since the frame positioning hole AQ is provided on the same plane as the head positioning hole AP, the positioning accuracy of the liquid injection head 1 with respect to the main body frame 900 is improved as compared with the aspect in which the head positioning hole AP and the frame positioning hole AQ are provided on different planes.

[0244] <<C.3. Supplementary Note 3>> Hereinafter, the liquid injection head 1 according to Supplementary Note 3 will be described.

[0245] <<Supplementary Note 3-1>> The liquid injection head 1 according to Supplementary Note 3-1 includes a filter fixing screw 61 (an example of a "screw") that inserts the substrate cover 15 (an example of a "first component") and the filter unit 16 (an example of a "second component") into a filter fixing screw hole 63 (an example of a "fixing hole") penetrating in the Z1 direction (an example of a "first direction") to fasten the substrate cover 15 and the filter unit 16, and a metal nut 62 that is inserted along the X1 direction and coupled to the filter fixing screw 61 with respect to a housing portion 64 provided so as to extend in the X1 direction (an example of a "second direction") intersecting the Z1 direction in the substrate cover 15.

[0246] According to Supplementary Note 3-1, since the Z1 direction, which is the insertion direction of the filter fixing screw 61 into the nut 62, and the X1 direction, which is the insertion direction of the nut 62 into the housing portion 64, intersect with each other, it is possible to prevent the nut 62 from dropping out of the housing portion 64 when the filter fixing screw 61 is coupled to the nut 62.

[0247] <<Supplementary Note 3-2>> The liquid injection head 1 according to Supplementary Note 3-2 is the liquid injection head 1 according to Supplementary Note 3-1, and is characterized in that the nut 62 is press-fitted into the housing portion 64.

[0248] According to Supplementary Note 3-2, it is possible to prevent the nut 62 from dropping out of the housing portion 64 when the filter fixing screw 61 is coupled to the nut 62.

[0249] <<Note 3-3>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 3-3 is the liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 3-1 or Appendix 3-2, characterized in that the housing portion 64 has a back surface 641 (an example of the "first surface") that defines the end of the housing portion 64 in the X1 direction, and when the nut 62 is in contact with the back surface 641, the screw hole 621 provided in the nut 62 and the screw hole 63 for fixing the filter overlap when viewed in the Z1 direction.

[0250] According to Appendix 3-3, guiding the position of the nut 62 in the X1 direction becomes easier.

[0251] <<Note 3-4>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 3-4 is the liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 3-1 to Appendix 3-3, characterized in that the housing portion 64 has a position defining surface 642 (an example of a "second surface") for defining the position of the nut 62 housed in the housing portion 64 in the Z1 direction.

[0252] According to Appendix 3-4, it is possible to prevent the position of the nut 62 from shifting in the Z1 direction.

[0253] <<Note 3-5>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 3-5 is the liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 3-1 to Appendix 3-4, characterized in that the housing portion 64 has a back surface 641 that defines the end of the housing portion 64 in the X1 direction, and the back surface 641 is provided with a nut extrusion opening 65 (an example of an "opening") that communicates with the outside of the housing portion 64.

[0254] According to Appendix 3-5, the nut 62 can be easily removed from the housing section 64 by pushing it with a rod or the like through the nut extrusion opening 65.

[0255] <<Appendix 3-6>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 3-6 is the liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 3-1 to Appendix 3-5, characterized in that the nut 62 is provided with a screw groove 622 extending in the X1 direction.

[0256] According to Supplementary Note 3-6, by fastening a screw to the screw groove 622 and pulling in the X2 direction, it becomes easy to remove the nut 62 from the housing portion 64.

[0257] <<Supplementary Note 3-7>> The liquid injection head 1 according to Supplementary Note 3-7 is the liquid injection head 1 according to Supplementary Notes 3-1 to 3-6, and a gap 644 that extends in the X1 direction and communicates with the screw hole 621 of the nut 62 accommodated in the housing portion 64 is provided on the wall surface of the housing portion 64. This is the feature.

[0258] According to Supplementary Note 3-7, by inserting the tip of an L-shaped rod into the screw hole 621 and pulling in the X2 direction, it becomes easy to remove the nut 62 from the housing portion 64.

[0259] <<Supplementary Note 3-8>> The liquid injection device 100 according to Supplementary Note 3-8 includes the liquid injection head 1 according to Supplementary Notes 3-1 to 3-7 and a liquid container 93 that stores ink supplied to the liquid injection head 1. This is the feature.

[0260] <<C.4. Supplementary Note 4>> Hereinafter, the liquid injection head 1 according to Supplementary Note 4 will be described.

[0261] <<Supplementary Note 4-1>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 4-1 comprises a plurality of head chips 12 that spray ink (an example of "liquid"), a fixing plate 11 to which the plurality of head chips 12 are fixed, and a lower holder 131 (an example of "holder") that holds the plurality of head chips 12 between itself and the fixing plate 11. Each of the plurality of head chips 12 is provided with a nozzle row LL (an example of "nozzle group") that sprays ink, and the fixing plate 11 is provided with a plurality of nozzle exposure openings 111 (an example of "exposure openings") corresponding to the plurality of nozzle row LL so as to expose each of the plurality of nozzle row LL corresponding to the plurality of head chips 12 to the outside, and a fixing plate opening 77 (an example of "hole") different from the plurality of nozzle exposure openings 111, and the lower holder 131 The lower holder 131 comprises a peripheral wall portion 70 that surrounds each of the multiple head chips 12 when viewed in plan in the Z2 direction, and a weight-reducing portion 72 provided inside a partition wall portion 71 located between two adjacent head chips 12 within the peripheral wall portion 70. The bottom surface of the lower holder 131 comprises an adhesive region DS that overlaps with the peripheral wall portion 70 and is bonded to the fixing plate 11 when viewed in plan in the Z2 direction, and a recess 73 located inside an individual adhesive region DSS within the adhesive region DS that overlaps with the partition wall portion 71 when viewed in plan in the Z2 direction. The fixing plate opening 77 is located inside the weight-reducing portion 72 when viewed in plan in the Z2 direction, and the recess 73 overlaps with the fixing plate opening 77 when viewed in plan in the Z2 direction and is located inside the individual adhesive region DSS with a gap between it and the individual adhesive region DSS.

[0262] According to Appendix 4-1, since the individual bonding areas DSS and the recess 73 are spaced apart, the mixing of adhesive DX1 applied to the individual bonding areas DSS and adhesive DX2 applied to close the fixing plate opening 77 can be suppressed. Therefore, according to Appendix 4-1, poor adhesion between the lower holder 131 and the fixing plate 11 can be suppressed.

[0263] <<Note 4-2>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 4-2 is the liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 4-1, characterized in that the recess 73 is filled with adhesive DX2.

[0264] <<Note 4-3>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 4-3 is the liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 4-1 or Appendix 4-2, characterized in that the adhesive DX2 filled in the recess 73 and the adhesive DX1 that bonds the fixing plate 11 and the lower holder 131 in the individual bonding area DSS are arranged at a distance from each other.

[0265] <<Note 4-4>> The liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 4-4 is the liquid injection head 1 according to Appendix 4-1 to Appendix 4-3, characterized in that, when viewed in plan in the Z2 direction, the size of the recess 73 is larger than the size of the fixing plate opening 77.

[0266] <<Note 4-5>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 4-5 is the liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 4-1 to Appendix 4-4, characterized in that the bottom surface of the lower holder 131 is provided with an outer peripheral relief groove 75 arranged on the outer circumference of the recess 73, and the distance from the fixing plate 11 to the bottom surface of the recess 73 is longer than the distance from the fixing plate 11 to the bottom surface of the outer peripheral relief groove 75.

[0267] <<Appendix 4-6>> The liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 4-6 is the liquid spray head 1 according to Appendix 4-1 to Appendix 4-5, characterized in that the distance from the fixing plate 11 to the bottom surface of the recess 73 is smaller than the diameter of the recess 73 when viewed from above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0268] 1...Liquid spray head, 5...Support member, 11...Fixing plate, 12...Head tip, 13...Holder, 14...Intermediate substrate, 15...Substrate cover, 16...Filter unit, 50...Support plate, 51...Flat plate section, 55...Laminated structure, 61...Filter fixing screw, 62...Nut, 63...Screw hole for filter fixing, 64...Housing section, 65...Opening for nut extrusion, 70...Peripheral wall section, 71...Partition wall section, 72...Weight reduction section, 73...Recess, 74...Convex section, 75...Outer peripheral relief groove, 77...Fixing plate opening, 100...Liquid spray device, 111...Opening for nozzle exposure, 131...Lower holder, 131S...Storage section, 131T...Protruding section, 132...Intermediate holder, 133...Upper holder, BT...Opposite section, DM...Mold area, DS...Bonding area, DSS...Individual bonding area, GB...Branching position, HD...Head unit, LLa[1]...Nozzle row, LLa[2]...Nozzle row, P511...Lower side surface, PS13...Mounting surface, PT13...Contact surface, Q...Supply channel, Q0...Introducing channel, Q1...Distribution channel, Q2...Distribution channel, QK1...Individual channel, QK2...Individual channel, QR1...Extending channel, QR2...Extending channel.

Claims

1. A first liquid spray head that sprays liquid in a first direction, A support member that supports the first liquid injection head, Equipped with, The aforementioned support member is A support plate having a first surface that supports the first liquid injection head and faces the first direction, The system includes a first positioning unit for positioning the first liquid injection head and the support plate, The first liquid injection head is Multiple head tips having multiple nozzle groups for spraying liquid, Multiple exposure openings are formed to expose each of the multiple nozzle groups to the outside, and the cover member to which the multiple head tips are fixed, The base member to which the cover member is fixed, The laminated structure includes a plurality of laminated substrates stacked in the first direction, and is stacked in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to a mounting surface provided on the base member, The laminated structure comprises a portion facing the first surface, The base member is provided with a projection that protrudes from the aforementioned mounting surface in the second direction, The aforementioned protrusion is A contact surface that contacts the first surface, The system includes a second positioning unit provided to correspond to the first positioning unit, for positioning the first liquid injection head and the support plate, A head unit characterized by the following features.

2. Viewed in the first direction, the area of ​​the opposing portion of the laminated structure is larger than the area of ​​the non-opposing portion of the laminated structure that does not overlap with the support plate. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

3. The support plate is provided with a plurality of openings that penetrate the support plate in the first direction. Each of the plurality of openings is smaller than the spray surface of the first liquid spray head when viewed in the first direction. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

4. One of the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion is a through hole or a positioning hole having a bottom wall. The other of the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion is a positioning pin inserted into the through hole or the positioning hole. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

5. The base member has a portion that overlaps with the head tip when viewed in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

6. The plurality of head chips are fixed to the base member. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

7. A second liquid spray head is supported on the first surface of the support plate and sprays liquid in the first direction, The system includes a common flow path member provided in the second direction as viewed from the support plate and connected to the flow path of the first liquid injection head and the flow path of the second liquid injection head, The support plate has a plurality of openings through which a first flow path connection portion connecting the common flow path member and the flow path of the first liquid injection head and a second flow path connection portion connecting the common flow path member and the flow path of the second liquid injection head are inserted. Viewed in the first direction, the area of ​​each of the plurality of openings is smaller than the area inside the outer periphery of the laminated structure. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

8. A second liquid spray head is supported on the first surface of the support plate and sprays liquid in the first direction, The system includes a common electrical member provided in the second direction as viewed from the support plate, which is electrically connected to the electronic components of the first liquid injection head and the electronic components of the second liquid injection head, The support plate has a plurality of openings through which a first electrical connection portion for electrically connecting the common electrical member and the electronic component of the first liquid injection head, and a second electrical connection portion for electrically connecting the common electrical member and the electronic component of the second liquid injection head are inserted. Viewed in the first direction, the area of ​​each of the plurality of openings is smaller than the area inside the outer periphery of the laminated structure. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

9. The laminated structure includes a filter unit which has a filter through which the liquid flowing inside the first liquid injection head passes. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

10. The laminated structure includes a flow channel plate for supplying liquid to the plurality of head chips. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

11. The laminated structure comprises a relay substrate electrically connected to the plurality of head chips. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

12. The base member is located in the first direction relative to the mounting surface described above and includes a housing portion for housing the head chip, The end of the housing portion in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction is located between the end of the head tip in the third direction and the end of the protruding portion in the third direction. The head unit according to claim 1, characterized in that...

13. A first liquid spray head that sprays liquid in a first direction, A support member that supports the first liquid injection head, Equipped with, The aforementioned support member is A support plate having a first surface that supports the first liquid injection head and faces the first direction, The system includes a first positioning unit for positioning the first liquid injection head and the support plate, The first liquid injection head is Multiple head tips having multiple nozzle groups for spraying liquid, A fixing member to which the plurality of head chips are fixed, The laminated structure includes a plurality of laminated substrates stacked in the first direction, and is stacked in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to a mounting surface provided on the fixing member, The fixing member has a projection that protrudes from the mounting surface described above in the second direction, The laminated structure comprises a portion facing the first surface, The aforementioned protrusion is A contact surface that contacts the first surface, The system includes a second positioning unit provided to correspond to the first positioning unit, for positioning the first liquid injection head and the support plate, A head unit characterized by the following features.

14. A head unit according to claim 1 or claim 13, The main frame that supports the head unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned support member is A third positioning unit is provided on the flat plate portion of the support plate on which the first surface is located, for positioning the main frame and the support plate. The flat plate portion is provided with a fixing portion that secures the main frame and the support plate, A liquid injection device characterized by the following features.

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