Liquid dispensing head and liquid dispensing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid discharge head and liquid discharge device that suppresses misalignment of droplet landing positions and allows for high-density arrangement of pressure chambers. [Solution] The device has a first individual channel 131 and a second individual channel 132 arranged side by side in a first direction, the first individual channel 131 includes a first pressure chamber 12A for pressurizing the liquid, a first communicating channel 16A having a first portion 161 extending in a third direction, and a first nozzle 21A for discharging the liquid, the second individual channel 132 includes a second pressure chamber 12B for pressurizing the liquid, a second communicating channel 16B communicating with the second pressure chamber 12B and having a second portion 162 extending in a third direction, and a second nozzle 21B for discharging the liquid, and when viewed from the third direction, the first nozzle 21A is located on one side of the second direction relative to the first portion 161, and the second nozzle 21B is located on the other side of the second direction relative to the second portion 162.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection head that ejects a liquid from a nozzle and a liquid ejection device, and particularly to an inkjet recording head that ejects ink as the liquid and an inkjet recording device.

Background Art

[0002] As an inkjet recording head which is a representative example of a liquid ejection head that ejects droplets, for example, it includes a nozzle and a flow path such as a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and by causing a pressure change in the ink in the pressure chamber by a pressure generating means, ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle.

[0003] In such a liquid ejection head, there is one that arranges the nozzles and the pressure chambers in a row to perform high-resolution printing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the pressure chamber and the nozzle are connected by a communication flow path, but within the row of nozzles, the positional relationship between the nozzle and the communication flow path is the same, and the nozzles are arranged in a single row. Therefore, when ejecting ink at a high duty, due to the flow velocity of the flying ink droplets, air cannot pass through between the liquid ejection head and the medium, and it heads towards the end in the row direction, and the landing position of the ink droplets may shift. In particular, the greater the distance between the liquid ejection head and the medium, the greater the flow velocity wall, and since the flight time of the ink droplets is also long, the landing position shift becomes显著.

[0006] Furthermore, if adjacent nozzles are close together and densely arranged, satellite droplets separated from the main droplets are greatly swept up by the airflow caused by the ejected ink droplets, and adhere irregularly to the medium, resulting in printing smudges known as wind patterns.

[0007] While arranging the pressure chambers at a low density can suppress projectile displacement and wind ripples caused by flow velocity, it presents the problem of requiring a larger liquid discharge head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems is a liquid discharge head having a first individual flow path and a second individual flow path arranged in a first direction alongside the first individual flow path, wherein the first individual flow path includes a first pressure chamber extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction and for pressurizing a liquid, a first communicating flow path communicating with the first pressure chamber and having a first portion extending in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and a first nozzle communicating with the first communicating flow path and for discharging a liquid, wherein the second individual flow path includes a second pressure chamber extending along the second direction and for pressurizing a liquid, a second communicating flow path communicating with the second pressure chamber and having a second portion extending in a third direction, and a second nozzle communicating with the second communicating flow path and for discharging a liquid, wherein when viewed from the third direction, the first nozzle is located on one side of the second direction relative to the first portion, and the second nozzle is located on the other side of the second direction relative to the second portion.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a liquid dispensing device characterized by having a liquid dispensing head as described in the above aspect and a control unit that controls the dispensing operation from the liquid dispensing head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid dispensing head according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the liquid discharge head according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing head according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the liquid discharge head according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing head according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the liquid discharge head according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the individual flow channels according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the positional relationship of individual flow channels in the comparative example. [Figure 9] This is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the individual flow channels according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is a plan view showing the positional relationship of individual flow channels in a modified example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is a plan view showing the positional relationship of individual flow channels in a modified example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] This is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the individual flow channels according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a liquid dispensing device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below based on embodiments. However, the following description represents one aspect of the present invention and can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the invention. In each figure, the same reference numerals indicate the same components, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, the directions along these axes are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. In each figure, the direction in which the arrow points is described as the positive (+) direction, and the opposite direction of the arrow is described as the negative (-) direction. Furthermore, the Z direction indicates the vertical direction, with the +Z direction indicating vertically downward and the -Z direction indicating vertically upward. In addition, the directions of the three spatial axes that are not limited to positive and negative directions will be described as the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid discharge head H according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view of the liquid discharge head H according to Embodiment 1, viewed in the -Z direction. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' of Figure 2. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a view of the liquid discharge head H according to Embodiment 1, showing the positional relationship of the individual flow channels, viewed in the -Z direction. Figure 8 is a plan view of the liquid discharge head H according to a comparative example, showing the positional relationship of the individual flow channels, viewed in the -Z direction.

[0013] As shown in the figure, the liquid discharge head H of this embodiment comprises a pressure chamber substrate 10, a communication plate 15, a nozzle plate 20 on which a plurality of nozzles 21 are formed, a protective substrate 30, a case member 40, a piezoelectric actuator 300, and a wiring board 120.

[0014] The pressure chamber substrate 10 is made of, for example, a silicon substrate, a glass substrate, a SOI substrate, or various ceramic substrates. A plurality of pressure chambers 12 are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction on the pressure chamber substrate 10. The pressure chambers 12 extend along the Y-axis direction. That is, the pressure chambers 12 have a so-called high aspect ratio, being long in the Y-axis direction and short in the X-axis direction. The direction in which the pressure chambers 12 extend is the longitudinal direction of the pressure chambers 12 and coincides with the Y-axis direction. The plurality of pressure chambers 12 are arranged on a straight line along the X-axis direction so as to be at the same position in the Y-axis direction. That is, the plurality of pressure chambers 12 have substantially the same length in the Y-axis direction and are arranged so that both ends in the Y-axis direction are at the same position in the Y-axis direction. Two pressure chambers 12 adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction are partitioned by a partition wall. In this embodiment, two rows of pressure chamber arrays in which the pressure chambers 12 are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction are provided in the Y-axis direction. Of course, only one row of pressure chamber arrays may be provided, or three or more rows may be provided. Also, the arrangement of the pressure chambers 12 is not particularly limited to this. For example, the plurality of pressure chambers 12 may be arranged in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction. Here, the pressure chambers 12 being arranged in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction means arranging the pressure chambers 12 arranged side by side in the X-axis direction by alternately shifting them in the Y-axis direction. That is, two rows of pressure chamber arrays in which the pressure chambers 12 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction are provided in the Y-axis direction, and the two rows of pressure chamber arrays are arranged by shifting each other by half of the pitch of the pressure chambers 12, that is, by a so-called half pitch, in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the pressure chambers 12 are assumed to have a high aspect ratio, being long in the Y-axis direction and short in the X-axis direction, but it is not particularly limited to this. For example, the pressure chambers 12 may have substantially the same length in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Also, the direction in which the pressure chambers 12 extend may be the direction in which the ink flows. Although it will be described in detail later, supply communication channels 19 for allowing ink to flow into the pressure chambers 12 and communication channels 16 for allowing the ink in the pressure chambers 12 to flow out communicate with both ends in the Y-axis direction of the pressure chambers 12, respectively. Therefore, the direction in which the ink in the pressure chambers 12 flows coincides with the Y-axis direction.

[0015] On the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 10 facing the +Z direction, the communication plate 15 and the nozzle plate 20 are sequentially stacked in the +Z direction. On the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 10 facing the -Z direction, the diaphragm 50 and the piezoelectric actuator 300 are sequentially stacked in the -Z direction.

[0016] The communication plate 15 is composed of a plate-like member joined to the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 10 facing the +Z direction. The communication plate 15 is provided with a communication flow path 16 that connects the pressure chamber 12 and the nozzle 21. In addition, the communication plate 15 is provided with a first manifold portion 17 and a second manifold portion 18 that constitute a part of a manifold 100 (also called a common supply flow path) where a plurality of pressure chambers 12 communicate in common for each column of the pressure chambers 12. The first manifold portion 17 is provided so as to penetrate the communication plate 15 in the Z-axis direction. The second manifold portion 18 is provided so as to open on the surface facing the +Z direction without penetrating the communication plate 15 in the Z-axis direction. Further, a supply communication path 19 that communicates with one end portion of the pressure chamber 12 in the Y-axis direction is provided independently for each of the pressure chambers 12 in the communication plate 15. The supply communication path 19 communicates the second manifold portion 18 and the pressure chamber 12 and supplies the ink in the manifold 100 to the pressure chamber 12. As such a communication plate 15, a silicon substrate or an SOI substrate is preferably used. Note that the material of the communication plate 15 is not limited to this, and a glass substrate, various ceramic substrates, a metal substrate such as a stainless steel substrate, etc. may also be used.

[0017] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, a diaphragm 50 is provided on the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 10 facing the -Z direction. The diaphragm 50 has, for example, an elastic film 51 made of silicon oxide provided on the pressure chamber substrate 10 side and an insulator film 52 made of zirconium oxide provided on the surface of the elastic film 51 facing the -Z direction. Note that the diaphragm 50 may be composed of only the elastic film 51 or only the insulator film 52. Also, the diaphragm 50 may have other films in addition to the elastic film 51 and the insulator film 52. Further, the material of the diaphragm 50 is not limited to those described above.

[0018] The piezoelectric actuator 300 comprises a first electrode 60, a piezoelectric layer 70, and a second electrode 80 sequentially stacked on a diaphragm 50 in the -Z direction. Such a piezoelectric actuator 300 is also called a piezoelectric element, and refers to the portion including the first electrode 60, the piezoelectric layer 70, and the second electrode 80. Furthermore, the portion in the piezoelectric layer 70 where piezoelectric strain occurs when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 60 and the second electrode 80 is called the active portion 310. That is, the active portion 310 refers to the portion of the piezoelectric layer 70 sandwiched between the first electrode 60 and the second electrode 80. In this embodiment, an active portion 310 is formed for each pressure chamber 12. In other words, multiple active portions 310 are arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction of the piezoelectric actuator 300. These active portions 310 are driving elements that cause pressure changes in the ink within the pressure chamber 12. Generally, one electrode of the active section 310 is configured as an individual electrode independent of each active section 310, while the other electrode is configured as a common electrode common to multiple active sections 310. In this embodiment, the first electrode 60 constitutes an individual electrode, and the second electrode 80 constitutes a common electrode. Of course, the first electrode 60 may constitute a common electrode, and the second electrode 80 may constitute an individual electrode.

[0019] The piezoelectric layer 70 is constructed using a piezoelectric material consisting of a composite oxide with a perovskite structure represented by the general formula ABO3, for example.

[0020] Furthermore, individual lead electrodes 91, which are lead wires, are drawn out from the first electrode 60. Also, a common lead electrode (not shown) is drawn out from the second electrode 80. A flexible wiring board 120 is connected to the ends of these individual lead electrodes 91 and the common lead electrode opposite to the ends connected to the piezoelectric actuator 300. The wiring board 120 is equipped with a drive circuit 121 having multiple switching elements that select whether or not to supply drive signals to each active part 310 to drive each of the active parts 310. In other words, the wiring board 120 in this embodiment is a COF (Chip On Film). Note that the drive circuit 121 is not required on the wiring board 120. In other words, the wiring board 120 may be an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable), an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits), etc.

[0021] A protective substrate 30, having approximately the same size as the pressure chamber substrate 10, is bonded to the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 10 facing the -Z direction. The protective substrate 30 has a piezoelectric actuator housing section 31, which is a space for protecting the piezoelectric actuator 300. The piezoelectric actuator housing section 31 is provided independently for each row of piezoelectric actuators 300 arranged in the X-axis direction, and two are formed side by side in the Y-axis direction. The protective substrate 30 also has a through hole 32 that penetrates in the Z-axis direction between the two piezoelectric actuator housing sections 31 arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The ends of the individual lead electrodes 91 and a common lead electrode (not shown) drawn from the electrodes of the piezoelectric actuator 300 extend so as to be exposed in this through hole 32, and the individual lead electrodes 91 and the common lead electrode are electrically connected to the wiring substrate 120 within the through hole 32. Such a protective substrate 30 is made of a silicon substrate, for example, similar to the pressure chamber substrate 10.

[0022] Furthermore, a case member 40 is fixed to the protective substrate 30, defining a portion of the manifold 100 that communicates with a plurality of pressure chambers 12. The case member 40 has substantially the same shape as the communication plate 15 described above in plan view, and is joined to the protective substrate 30 and also to the communication plate 15 described above. Such a case member 40 has a recess 41 on the protective substrate 30 side that is deep enough to accommodate the pressure chamber substrate 10 and the protective substrate 30. The case member 40 is also provided with a third manifold portion 42 that communicates with the first manifold portion 17 of the communication plate 15. The manifold 100 of this embodiment is composed of the first manifold portion 17 and the second manifold portion 18 provided on the communication plate 15 and the third manifold portion 42 provided on the case member 40. The manifold 100 is provided continuously along the X-axis direction, which is the direction in which the pressure chambers 12 are arranged, and there are two manifolds provided for each row of pressure chambers 12, i.e., a total of two. Furthermore, the case member 40 has an inlet 44 that communicates with the manifold 100 and supplies ink to each manifold 100.

[0023] Furthermore, the case member 40 has a wiring connection port 43 through which the wiring board 120 is inserted, communicating with the through hole 32 of the protective substrate 30, and the wiring board 120 is led out to the side of the liquid discharge head H facing the -Z direction via the wiring connection port 43. The case member 40 is made of, for example, a metal material, a resin material, or the like.

[0024] Furthermore, a compliance substrate 45 is provided on the surface of the communication plate 15 facing the +Z direction, where the first manifold portion 17 and the second manifold portion 18 are open. This compliance substrate 45 seals the openings of the first manifold portion 17 and the second manifold portion 18. In this embodiment, such a compliance substrate 45 comprises a sealing film 46 made of a flexible thin film and a fixed substrate 47 made of a hard material such as metal. Since the region of the fixed substrate 47 facing the manifold 100 is an opening 48 that is completely removed in the thickness direction, one side of the manifold 100 becomes a compliance portion 49 which is a flexible portion sealed only by the flexible sealing film 46.

[0025] A nozzle plate 20 is joined to the surface of the communication plate 15 facing the +Z direction. The nozzle plate 20 is made of a plate-like material, and a silicon substrate or an SOI substrate is preferably used. However, the material of the nozzle plate 20 is not limited to these, and a glass substrate, various ceramic substrates, a metal substrate such as a stainless steel substrate, or an organic material such as polyimide resin may also be used.

[0026] Multiple nozzles 21 are formed on the nozzle plate 20, each communicating with a pressure chamber 12 via a communication channel 16. In this embodiment, one nozzle 21 is arranged for each pressure chamber 12. That is, the liquid discharge head H of this embodiment comprises one supply communication channel 19, one pressure chamber 12, one communication channel 16, and one nozzle 21 as individual flow paths 130. Of course, an individual flow path may have two supply communication channels 19, or two nozzles 21.

[0027] In this embodiment, since the pressure chamber 12 has two rows of pressure chambers arranged side by side in the X-axis direction, the nozzle 21 has two nozzle row groups 200 arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction, with the nozzle row group 200 arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Of the two nozzle row groups 200, the nozzle row group 200 located in the -Y direction will be called nozzle row group 200A, and the nozzle row group 200 located in the +Y direction will be called nozzle row group 200B. Hereafter, when nozzle row groups 200A and 200B are not distinguished, they will be referred to as nozzle row group 200. The same type of ink is ejected from the nozzles 21 that make up each of these nozzle row groups 200A and 200B. The surface of the nozzle plate 20 facing the +Z direction from which the nozzles 21 open will be called the nozzle surface 20a.

[0028] Here, the multiple nozzles 21 constituting each nozzle row group 200 are arranged in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction. That is, in the nozzle row group 200, the closest adjacent nozzles 21 with respect to the X-axis direction are alternately offset in the Y-axis direction. More specifically, the nozzle row group 200 is composed of two nozzle rows 201 arranged in parallel along the Y-axis direction, where each row is a row of nozzles 21 arranged in parallel along the X-axis direction and at the same position along the Y-axis direction. The two rows of nozzle rows 201 constituting one nozzle row group 200 are arranged with a half-pitch offset from each other in the X-axis direction. As a result, the nozzles 21 of the nozzle row group 200 are arranged in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the nozzles 21 constituting the nozzle row located in the +Y direction of the nozzle row group 200A are referred to as the first nozzle 21A, and the nozzles 21 constituting the nozzle row located in the -Y direction are referred to as the second nozzle 21B. Furthermore, the nozzle 21 constituting the nozzle row located in the +Y direction of the nozzle row group 200B is referred to as the third nozzle 21C, and the nozzle 21 constituting the nozzle row located in the -Y direction is referred to as the fourth nozzle 21D. In this embodiment, the nozzle row 201 composed of the first nozzle 21A is referred to as nozzle row 201A, the nozzle row 201 composed of the second nozzle 21B is referred to as nozzle row 201B, the nozzle row 201 composed of the third nozzle 21C is referred to as nozzle row 201C, and the nozzle row 201 composed of the fourth nozzle 21D is referred to as nozzle row 201D. The nozzle rows 201B, 201A, 201D, and 201C are arranged in this order in the +Y direction. That is, the second nozzle 21B, the first nozzle 21A, the fourth nozzle 21D, and the third nozzle 21C are arranged in this order in the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the nozzles 21 of nozzle row group 200A and the nozzles 21 of nozzle row group 200B are connected by different manifolds 100. In other words, different inks, as well as the same ink, can be ejected from the nozzles 21 of nozzle row group 200A and the nozzles 21 of nozzle row group 200B.

[0029] Here, we will describe the individual channel 130 that constitutes the nozzle row group 200A, that is, the individual channel 130 having the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B.

[0030] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the communication channel 16 and pressure chamber 12 that communicate with the first nozzle 21A are referred to as the first communication channel 16A and the first pressure chamber 12A, and the individual channel having the first pressure chamber 12A, the first communication channel 16A and the first nozzle 21A is referred to as the first individual channel 131.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the communication channel 16 and pressure chamber 12 communicating with the second nozzle 21B are referred to as the second communication channel 16B and the second pressure chamber 12B, and the individual channel having these second pressure chamber 12B, second communication channel 16B, and second nozzle 21B is referred to as the second individual channel 132. The first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 communicate with a common manifold 100. Hereafter, when the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as individual channel 130.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 are arranged alternately along the X-axis direction. That is, the second individual channel 132 is positioned between two first individual channel 131 aligned along the X-axis direction. Also, the first individual channel 131 is positioned between two second individual channel 132 aligned along the X-axis direction.

[0033] Here, the first connecting channel 16A of the first individual channel 131 has a first portion 161 that extends in the Z-axis direction. The first nozzle 21A is located on one side of the first portion 161 in the Y-axis direction, in this embodiment, in the +Y direction. When we say that the first nozzle 21A is located in the +Y direction relative to the first portion 161, we mean that, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the first nozzle 21A and the first portion 161 do not overlap, and the center of the first nozzle 21A is located in the +Y direction relative to the center of the first portion 161. The first connecting channel 16A further comprises a third portion 163, one end of which communicates with the first portion 161 and the other end of which communicates with the first nozzle 21A.

[0034] The first portion 161 is provided by an etching process or the like, penetrating the communication plate 15 in the Z-axis direction. The first portion 161 is provided linearly along the Z-axis direction with the same opening area. One end of this first portion 161 communicates with the +Y end of the first pressure chamber 12A.

[0035] The third portion 163 extends in the +Y direction from the first portion 161 to the first nozzle 21A. The third portion 163 is defined by creating a recess that opens on the +Z-facing surface of the communication plate 15 through an etching process or the like, and covering this recess with the nozzle plate 20. Specifically, the communication plate 15 in this embodiment comprises a first communication plate 151 and a second communication plate 152. The first communication plate 151 and the second communication plate 152 are stacked in this order toward the +Z direction. The third portion 163 is provided penetrating the second communication plate 152 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the third portion 163 is defined by creating a recess between the +Z-facing surface of the first communication plate 151 and a groove provided in the second communication plate 152, and covering this recess with the nozzle plate 20. Of course, the communication plate 15 may be formed from a single substrate, or it may be formed by stacking three or more substrates. By constructing the communication plate 15 by stacking two or more substrates as in this embodiment, the depth of the third portion 163 in the Z-axis direction can be easily and accurately formed.

[0036] Furthermore, the third portion 163 is long in the Y-axis direction and short in the X-axis direction, having a so-called high aspect ratio. The direction in which the third portion 163 extends is the longitudinal direction relative to the portion communicating with the first portion 161, and coincides with the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the fourth portion 164 is long in the Y-axis direction and short in the X-axis direction, having a high aspect ratio, but is not limited to this. For example, the third portion 163 may have approximately the same length in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, or the X-axis direction may be longer and the X-axis direction shorter. In this case, the direction in which the third portion 163 extends is the direction in which the ink flows. That is, the direction in which the ink flows in the third portion 163 coincides with the +Y direction.

[0037] Furthermore, the second communication channel 16B of the second individual channel 132 has a second portion 162 that extends in the Z-axis direction. The second nozzle 21B is located on the other side of the Y-axis direction from the second portion 162, in this embodiment, in the -Y direction. When we say that the second nozzle 21B is located in the -Y direction from the second portion 162, we mean that, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the second nozzle 21B and the second portion 162 do not overlap, and the center of the second nozzle 21B is located in the -Y direction from the center of the second portion 162. The second communication channel 16B further comprises a fourth portion 164, one end of which communicates with the second portion 162 and the other end of which communicates with the second nozzle 21B.

[0038] The second portion 162 is provided by an etching process or the like, penetrating the communication plate 15 in the Z-axis direction. The second portion 162 is provided linearly along the Z-axis direction with the same opening area. One end of this second portion 162 communicates with the +Y end of the second pressure chamber 12B.

[0039] The fourth portion 164 extends in the -Y direction from the second portion 162 to the second nozzle 21B. The fourth portion 164 is defined by creating a recess that opens onto the +Z-facing surface of the communication plate 15 by an etching process or the like, and covering this recess with the nozzle plate 20. In this embodiment, the fourth portion 164 is provided penetrating the second communication plate 152 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the fourth portion 164 is defined by creating a recess between the +Z-facing surface of the first communication plate 151 and a groove provided in the second communication plate 152, and covering this recess with the nozzle plate 20. In other words, the third portion 163 and the fourth portion 164 have the same depth in the Z-axis direction.

[0040] Furthermore, the fourth section 164, like the third section 163, has a so-called high aspect ratio, being longer in the Y-axis direction and shorter in the X-axis direction. The direction in which the fourth section 164 extends is the longitudinal direction relative to the section communicating with the second section 162, and coincides with the -Y direction. Of course, like the third section 163, the fourth section 164 may have approximately equal lengths in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, or the X-axis direction may be longer and the X-axis direction shorter. In this case, the direction in which the fourth section 164 extends is the direction in which the ink flows. In other words, the direction in which the ink flows in the fourth section 164 coincides with the -Y direction.

[0041] By arranging the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B in this manner, if the pressure chambers 12 are arranged at intervals of α [dpi] in the X-axis direction, then in each nozzle row 201, the nozzles 21 can be arranged at a density of half α [dpi], i.e., α × 1 / 2 [dpi]. In other words, in nozzle row 201A, the first nozzle 21A can be arranged at a density of α × 1 / 2 [dpi] in the X-axis direction, and in nozzle row 201B, the second nozzle 21B can be arranged at a density of α × 1 / 2 [dpi] in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in nozzle row group 200A, the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B together can be arranged at the same high density of α [dpi] in the X-axis direction as the pressure chambers 12.

[0042] In this way, in each nozzle row 201, the nozzles 21 can be arranged in the X-axis direction at a lower density than that of the pressure chamber 12. That is, in nozzle row 201A, the first nozzles 21A can be arranged in the X-axis direction at wider intervals than that of the pressure chamber 12. Similarly, in nozzle row 201B, the second nozzles 21B can be arranged in the X-axis direction at wider intervals than that of the pressure chamber 12. Therefore, gaps are created between the self-jet generated by the ink ejected from each nozzle 21, allowing the airflow between the medium and the liquid ejection head H due to the relative movement of the medium and the liquid ejection head H to pass through these gaps. Also, since the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B are sufficiently far apart in the Y-axis direction, gaps are also created between the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B, allowing the airflow between the medium and the liquid ejection head H due to the relative movement of the medium and the liquid ejection head H to pass through these gaps. Therefore, the airflow in the direction of the nozzle row is suppressed, which suppresses the misalignment of the flying ink due to airflow, allowing the ink to land at the desired position on the medium.

[0043] Furthermore, by arranging the nozzles 21 constituting the nozzle row group 200A at relatively wide intervals in the X-axis direction, satellite droplets separated from the main droplets are less likely to be greatly stirred up by the airflow of the ejected ink, thereby suppressing the occurrence of printing smudges called wind patterns, which are caused by the irregular adhesion of satellite droplets due to the airflow. Incidentally, if the distance between the nozzles 21 is close and they are arranged at high density, the satellite droplets separated from the main droplets will be greatly stirred up by the airflow of the ejected ink droplets and will adhere irregularly to the medium, causing wind patterns.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to separate the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B in the Y-axis direction, both the first portion 161 and the second portion 162 are made to penetrate through in the Z-axis direction, and the third portion 163 and the fourth portion 164 only need to extend in opposite directions along the Y-axis direction. For example, there is no need to provide flow path portions that are inclined in both the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. Therefore, manufacturing processes such as etching processes can be greatly simplified.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 8, if the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B are arranged so that they are in the same position with respect to the Y-axis, without providing the third portion 163 and the fourth portion 164 in the first individual flow path 131 and the second individual flow path 132 respectively, then by arranging the pressure chambers 12 aligned in the X-axis direction at a low density, that is, by widening the spacing between the pressure chambers 12 aligned in the X-axis direction, the spacing between the nozzles 21 can be widened in the same way as in this embodiment, thereby suppressing misalignment of the ink's landing position. However, widening the spacing between the pressure chambers 12 causes the liquid ejection head H to become larger in the X-axis direction. Also, because the nozzles 21 are arranged at a low density in the X-axis direction, in order to perform high-resolution printing, it is necessary to increase the number of times the liquid ejection head moves back and forth over the medium, which increases the printing time. In this embodiment, since the pressure chambers 12 can be arranged at a high density in the X-axis direction, the enlargement of the pressure chamber substrate 10 in the X-axis direction can be suppressed, and the nozzles 21 of each nozzle row 201 can be arranged at a low density in the X-axis direction, thereby suppressing misalignment of the ink's landing position. Furthermore, in the nozzle array 200A, the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B are arranged at the same high density as the pressure chamber 12 in the X-axis direction, which suppresses a decrease in print resolution and shortens the printing time.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, when L1 is the distance in the Y-axis direction between the first nozzle 21A and the first part 161, and L2 is the distance in the Y-axis direction between the second nozzle 21B and the second part 162, it is preferable that 0.50 × L1 ≤ L2 < 2.00 × L1 is satisfied, more preferably that 0.80 × L1 ≤ L2 ≤ 1.25 × L1 is satisfied, and even more preferably that L1 = L2 is satisfied. For example, if the distance L1 between the first nozzle 21A and the first part 161 and the distance L2 between the second nozzle 21B and the second part 162 differ significantly from the above range, the distance from the first pressure chamber 12A to the first nozzle 21A and the distance from the second pressure chamber 12B to the second nozzle 21B will differ significantly. As a result, the difference in flow resistance (equivalent to the difference in pressure loss) between the two will be large, causing the ink ejection characteristics, such as ink weight and flight speed, to differ significantly between the ink ejected from the first nozzle 21A and the ink ejected from the second nozzle 21B. As described above, by ensuring that the difference between distance L1 and distance L2 satisfies 0.50 × L1 ≤ L2 ≤ 2.00 × L1, the difference in the ink ejection characteristics of the ink ejected from the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B can be reduced. Furthermore, as described above, by satisfying the condition 0.80 × L1 ≤ L2 ≤ 1.25 × L1 between distance L1 and distance L2, the difference in the ink ejection characteristics of the ink ejected from the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B can be further reduced. Of course, by having no difference between distance L1 and distance L2, that is, satisfying L1 = L2, the difference in the ink ejection characteristics of the ink ejected from the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B can be further reduced, suppressing misalignment of the ejected ink's landing position on the medium and standardizing the size of the dots that land on the medium, thereby improving print quality.

[0047] Furthermore, if L1 is the distance in the Y-axis direction between the first nozzle 21A and the first part 161, L2 is the distance in the Y-axis direction between the second nozzle 21B and the second part 162, and W is the width of the first part 161 in the Y-axis direction, then it is preferable that L1 ≥ W and L2 ≥ W. If the distances L1 and L2 are relatively short, the distance in the Y-axis direction between the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B becomes small, and the configuration approaches one where the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B are arranged in a straight line in the X-axis direction, making it impossible to suppress the misalignment of the ink's landing position. For this reason, by making the distance in the Y-axis direction between the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B relatively large, a gap can be secured between the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B, thereby suppressing the misalignment of the ink's landing position.

[0048] The nozzle array group 200B has the same configuration as the nozzle array group 200A. Here, we will describe the individual channel 130 that constitutes the nozzle array group 200B, namely the individual channel 130 having the third nozzle 21C and the fourth nozzle 21D.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the communication channel 16 and pressure chamber 12 that communicate with the third nozzle 21C are referred to as the third communication channel 16C and the third pressure chamber 12C, and the individual channel having these third pressure chamber 12C, third communication channel 16C and third nozzle 21C is referred to as the third individual channel 133.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the communication channel 16 and pressure chamber 12 communicating with the fourth nozzle 21D are referred to as the fourth communication channel 16D and the fourth pressure chamber 12D, and the individual channel having these fourth pressure chamber 12D, fourth communication channel 16D, and fourth nozzle 21D is referred to as the fourth individual channel 134. The third individual channel 133 and the fourth individual channel 134 communicate with a common manifold 100. Also, the manifold 100 through which the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 communicate and the manifold 100 through which the third individual channel 133 and the fourth individual channel 134 communicate are different manifolds and, in this embodiment, do not communicate with each other. Of course, the two manifolds 100 may be connected. Furthermore, hereafter, when the first individual channel 131, the second individual channel 132, the third individual channel 133, and the fourth individual channel 134 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as individual channel 130.

[0051] The third individual channel 133 has substantially the same configuration as the first individual channel 131, and the fourth individual channel 134 has substantially the same configuration as the second individual channel 132.

[0052] In this embodiment, the third individual channel 133 and the fourth individual channel 134 are arranged alternately along the X-axis direction. That is, the fourth individual channel 134 is positioned between two third individual channel 133 aligned along the X-axis direction. Also, the third individual channel 133 is positioned between two fourth individual channel 134 aligned along the X-axis direction.

[0053] Specifically, the third individual channel 133 is positioned offset in the +Y direction, which is one side in the Y-axis direction, compared to the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132. Here, the position of the third individual channel 133 offset in the +Y direction compared to the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 means that, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the third individual channel 133 is positioned offset in the +Y direction so as not to overlap with the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132.

[0054] Furthermore, the third connecting channel 16C of the third individual channel 133 has a fifth portion 165 that extends in the Z-axis direction. The third nozzle 21C is located on one side of the Y-axis direction, in this embodiment, in the +Y direction, relative to the fifth portion 165. When we say that the third nozzle 21C is located in the +Y direction relative to the fifth portion 165, we mean that, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the third nozzle 21C and the fifth portion 165 do not overlap, and the center of the third nozzle 21C is located in the +Y direction relative to the center of the fifth portion 165. The third connecting channel 16C further comprises a seventh portion 167, one end of which communicates with the fifth portion 165 and the other end of which communicates with the third nozzle 21C.

[0055] The fifth portion 165 is provided to penetrate the communication plate 15 in the Z-axis direction. The fifth portion 165 is provided linearly along the Z-axis direction with the same opening area. One end of this fifth portion 165 communicates with the -Y end of the third pressure chamber 12C.

[0056] The seventh portion 167 extends in the +Y direction from the fifth portion 165 to the third nozzle 21C. The seventh portion 167 is defined by providing a recess that opens on the +Z-facing surface of the communication plate 15, and covering this recess with the nozzle plate 20. In this embodiment, the seventh portion 167 is provided penetrating the second communication plate 152 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the seventh portion 167 is defined by forming a recess between the +Z-facing surface of the first communication plate 151 and a groove provided in the second communication plate 152, and covering this recess with the nozzle plate 20. In other words, the seventh portion 167 has the same depth in the Z-axis direction as the third portion 163 and the fourth portion 164.

[0057] Furthermore, the seventh section 167, like the third section 163, has a so-called high aspect ratio, being longer in the Y-axis direction and shorter in the X-axis direction. The direction in which the seventh section 167 extends is the longitudinal direction relative to the section communicating with the fifth section 165, and coincides with the +Y direction. Of course, the seventh section 167, like the third section 163, may have approximately equal lengths in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, or the X-axis direction may be longer and the X-axis direction shorter. In this case, the direction in which the seventh section 167 extends is the direction in which the ink flows. In other words, the direction in which the ink flows in the seventh section 167 coincides with the -Y direction.

[0058] The fourth individual channel 134 is positioned on one side in the Y-axis direction relative to the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132, in this embodiment, in the +Y direction. In other words, similar to the third individual channel 133, the fourth individual channel 134 is positioned so as to not overlap with the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0059] Furthermore, the fourth connecting channel 16D of the fourth individual channel 134 has a sixth portion 166 that extends in the Z-axis direction. The fourth nozzle 21D is located on the other side of the Y-axis direction from the sixth portion 166, in this embodiment, in the -Y direction. When we say that the fourth nozzle 21D is located in the -Y direction from the sixth portion 166, we mean that, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the fourth nozzle 21D and the sixth portion 166 do not overlap, and the center of the fourth nozzle 21D is located in the -Y direction from the center of the sixth portion 166. Also, the fourth nozzle 21D is located in the +Y direction from the first nozzle 21A. In other words, the fourth nozzle 21D is not positioned to overlap with the first nozzle 21A when viewed in the X-axis direction. For this reason, the first nozzle 21A and the fourth nozzle 21D are positioned sufficiently far apart in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the fourth communication channel 16D further comprises an eighth section 168, one end of which communicates with the sixth section 166 and the other end of which communicates with the fourth nozzle 21D.

[0060] The sixth portion 166 is provided penetrating the communication plate 15 in the Z-axis direction. The sixth portion 166 is provided linearly along the Z-axis direction with the same opening area. One end of this sixth portion 166 communicates with the -Y end of the fourth pressure chamber 12D.

[0061] The eighth section 168 extends in the -Y direction from the sixth section 166 to the fourth nozzle 21D. The eighth section 168 is defined by providing a recess that opens onto the +Z-facing surface of the communication plate 15, and covering this recess with the nozzle plate 20. In this embodiment, the eighth section 168 is provided penetrating the second communication plate 152 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the eighth section 168 is defined by forming a recess between the +Z-facing surface of the first communication plate 151 and a groove provided in the second communication plate 152, and covering this recess with the nozzle plate 20. In other words, the eighth section 168, the seventh section 167, the third section 163, and the fourth section 164 have the same depth in the Z-axis direction.

[0062] Furthermore, like the seventh part 167, the eighth part 168 has a so-called high aspect ratio, being longer in the Y-axis direction and shorter in the X-axis direction. The direction in which the eighth part 168 extends is the longitudinal direction relative to the part communicating with the sixth part 166, and coincides with the -Y direction. Of course, like the seventh part 167, the eighth part 168 may have approximately equal lengths in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, or the X-axis direction may be longer and the X-axis direction shorter. In this case, the direction in which the eighth part 168 extends is the direction in which the ink flows. In other words, the direction in which the ink flows in the eighth part 168 coincides with the -Y direction.

[0063] In this way, in each nozzle row 201, the nozzles 21 can be arranged in the X-axis direction at a lower density than that of the pressure chamber 12. That is, in nozzle row 201C, the third nozzle 21C can be arranged in the X-axis direction at a wider interval than that of the pressure chamber 12. Similarly, in nozzle row 201D, the fourth nozzle 21D can be arranged in the X-axis direction at a wider interval than that of the pressure chamber 12. Therefore, gaps are created between the self-jet generated by the ink ejected from each nozzle 21, allowing the airflow between the medium and the liquid ejection head H due to the relative movement of the medium and the liquid ejection head H to pass through these gaps. Also, since the third nozzle 21C and the fourth nozzle 21D are sufficiently far apart in the Y-axis direction, gaps are also created between the third nozzle 21C and the fourth nozzle 21D, allowing the airflow between the medium and the liquid ejection head H due to the relative movement of the medium and the liquid ejection head H to pass through these gaps. Therefore, the airflow in the direction of the nozzle row is suppressed, which suppresses the misalignment of the flying ink due to airflow, allowing the ink to land at the desired position on the medium.

[0064] Furthermore, by arranging the nozzles 21 constituting the nozzle row group 200B at relatively wide intervals in the X-axis direction, satellite droplets separated from the main droplets are less likely to be greatly stirred up by the airflow of the ejected ink, thereby suppressing the occurrence of printing smudges called wind patterns, which are caused by the irregular adhesion of satellite droplets due to the airflow. Incidentally, if the distance between the nozzles 21 is close and they are arranged at high density, the satellite droplets separated from the main droplets will be greatly stirred up by the airflow of the ejected ink droplets and will adhere irregularly to the medium, causing wind patterns.

[0065] Furthermore, it is preferable that the relationship between the distance in the Y-axis direction between the third nozzle 21C and the fifth portion 165 and the distance between the fourth nozzle 21D and the sixth portion 166 satisfies the same relationship as the relationship between the distance L1 between the first nozzle 21A and the first portion 161 and the distance L2 between the second nozzle 21B and the second portion 162 described above. This reduces the difference in the ejection characteristics of the ink ejected from the third nozzle 21C and the fourth nozzle 21D, suppresses misalignment of the ejected ink's landing position on the medium, and standardizes the size of the dots that land on the medium, thereby improving print quality.

[0066] Furthermore, it is preferable that the relationship between the distance in the Y-axis direction between the third nozzle 21C and the fifth portion 165, the distance in the Y-axis direction between the fourth nozzle 21D and the sixth portion 166, and the width of the fifth portion 165 in the Y-axis direction also satisfy the same relationship as the relationship between the distances L1, L2 and width W described above. By satisfying such relationships, a gap can be secured between the third nozzle 21C and the fourth nozzle 21D, thereby suppressing misalignment of the ink's landing position.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first individual channel 131 and the fourth individual channel 134 are positioned at different locations in the X-axis direction. Also, the second individual channel 132 and the fourth individual channel 134 are positioned at different locations in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the first individual channel 131 and the third individual channel 133 are positioned at the same location in the X-axis direction. Also, the second individual channel 132 and the fourth individual channel 134 are positioned at the same location in the X-axis direction.

[0068] This increases the distance between the first nozzle 21A and the fourth nozzle 21D in the Y-axis direction, creating a gap between the ink ejected from the first nozzle 21A and the ink ejected from the fourth nozzle 21D, allowing the airflow between the medium and the liquid ejection head H, caused by the relative movement of the medium and the liquid ejection head H, to pass through the gap. Therefore, the ink ejected from each nozzle 21 can be made to land at the desired position on the medium, suppressing the occurrence of misalignment of the ink's landing point due to the airflow of the flying ink. Incidentally, if the first individual flow path 131 and the fourth individual flow path 134 are positioned at the same location in the X-axis direction, the distance between the first nozzle 21A and the fourth nozzle 21D in the Y-axis direction becomes smaller, making it easier for the ink's landing point to be misaligned due to the influence of the flying airflow.

[0069] Furthermore, if the first individual channel 131 and the fourth individual channel 134 are positioned at different locations with respect to the X-axis direction, the first individual channel 131 and the third individual channel 133 may also be positioned at different locations with respect to the X-axis direction. In other words, the first individual channel 131 and the third individual channel 133 may be offset from each other in the X-axis direction by half a pitch of the pitch of the pressure chamber 12 in the X-axis direction. In this way, even if the first individual channel 131 and the third individual channel 133 are offset from each other in the X-axis direction, if the first individual channel 131 and the fourth individual channel 134 are positioned at different locations in the X-axis direction, the distance between the first nozzle 21A and the fourth nozzle 21D can be increased, and the displacement of the impact position due to airflow can be suppressed. Similarly, if the second individual channel 132 and the third individual channel 133 are positioned at different locations with respect to the X-axis direction, the second individual channel 132 and the fourth individual channel 134 may also be positioned at different locations with respect to the X-axis direction. In other words, the second individual flow path 132 and the fourth individual flow path 134 may be positioned offset from each other in the X-axis direction by half a pitch of the pitch of the pressure chamber 12 in the X-axis direction.

[0070] Furthermore, it is preferable that the distance D1 in the Y-axis direction between the second nozzle 21B and the first nozzle 21A, the distance D2 in the Y-axis direction between the first nozzle 21A and the fourth nozzle 21D, and the distance D3 in the Y-axis direction between the fourth nozzle 21D and the third nozzle 21C are all greater than the width W in the X-axis direction of the first portion 161. In other words, it is preferable that D1 > W, D2 > W, and D3 > W are satisfied. This increases the distances in the Y-axis direction between the second nozzle 21B, the first nozzle 21A, the fourth nozzle 21D, and the third nozzle 21C, preventing the nozzles 21 from being arranged in a straight line in the X-axis direction, and creating gaps between the nozzles 21 to suppress misalignment of the ink's landing position. In this embodiment, distances D1, D2, and D3 are defined as the distance between the centers of the nozzles 21, but the invention is not limited to this, and the distances may be compared from one opening edge to the other of the nozzles 21.

[0071] Furthermore, it is preferable that spacings D1 and D3 are larger than spacing D2. That is, it is preferable that D1 > D2 and D3 > D2 are satisfied. This makes the spacing D3 in the Y-axis direction between the first nozzle 21A and the fourth nozzle 21D relatively large, thereby securing a gap between the first nozzle 21A and the fourth nozzle 21D and suppressing misalignment of the ink's landing position.

[0072] Furthermore, it is preferable that L1 + L2 + W ≥ D is satisfied when L1 is the distance in the Y-axis direction between the first nozzle 21A and the first part 161, L2 is the distance in the Y-axis direction between the second nozzle 21B and the second part 162, W is the width of the first part 161 in the Y-axis direction, and D is the distance in the X-axis direction between the two first nozzles 21A. By having such a relationship, the distance between the nozzles 21 can be widened, and deviations in the ink's landing position can be suppressed.

[0073] In this embodiment, a third individual channel 133 and a fourth individual channel 134 are provided, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and it is also possible to provide only the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 without providing the third individual channel 133 and the fourth individual channel 134.

[0074] In this embodiment, the X-axis direction is an example of the "first direction," the Y-axis direction is an example of the "second direction," the +Y direction is an example of "one side of the second direction," the -Y direction is an example of "the other side of the second direction," and the Z-axis direction is an example of the "third direction."

[0075] (Embodiment 2) Figure 9 is a plan view of the liquid discharge head H in the -Z direction, showing the positional relationship of the individual flow paths according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Note that components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, the liquid discharge head H of this embodiment comprises a first individual flow path 131, a second individual flow path 132, a third individual flow path 133, and a fourth individual flow path 134.

[0077] Although not specifically shown in the diagrams, similar to Embodiment 1 described above, the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 communicate with one manifold 100, and the third individual channel 133 and the fourth individual channel 134 communicate with one manifold 100. Furthermore, the manifold 100 through which the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 communicate is a different manifold from the manifold 100 through which the third individual channel 133 and the fourth individual channel 134 communicate, and in this embodiment, they do not communicate with each other.

[0078] Each individual flow path 130 in this embodiment has two pressure chambers 12, one communication flow path 16 communicating with the two pressure chambers 12, and one nozzle 21 communicating with the communication flow path 16.

[0079] In other words, the first individual flow path 131 comprises two first pressure chambers 12A adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction, one first communication flow path 16A communicating with the two first pressure chambers 12A, and one first nozzle 21A communicating with the first communication flow path 16A.

[0080] Furthermore, each second individual flow path 132 comprises two second pressure chambers 12B adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction, one second communication flow path 16B communicating with the two second pressure chambers 12B, and one second nozzle 21B communicating with the second communication flow path 16B.

[0081] The first communication channel 16A comprises a first portion 161 and a third portion 163, similar to Embodiment 1 described above. The second communication channel 16B comprises a second portion 162 and a fourth portion 164, similar to Embodiment 1 described above. Since the first portion 161, second portion 162, third portion 163, and fourth portion 164 are the same as in Embodiment 1 described above, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0082] In this way, by having one connecting channel 16 communicate with two pressure chambers 12, the weight of the ink ejected from the nozzle 21 can be increased, and the flight speed can be increased. The ink ejected from the nozzle 21 is decelerated by air resistance before it hits the medium, so if the distance between the liquid ejection head H and the medium is large, the deceleration is significant, and the decelerated ink is easily carried away by the airflow, making it prone to misalignment of the landing position. As in this embodiment, by increasing the weight of the ink ejected from the nozzle 21 and increasing the flight speed, misalignment of the landing position can be suppressed by the airflow even if the ink is decelerated. Therefore, even if the distance between the liquid ejection head H and the medium along the Z-axis is large, misalignment of the ink landing position can be suppressed. In addition, ink ejection with different weights can be performed by driving only one of the two pressure chambers 12 or by driving both of the two pressure chambers 12. Therefore, high-speed printing and high-resolution printing can be performed by ejecting ink with different weights.

[0083] Furthermore, in the nozzle row 201, the distance in the X-axis direction between two nozzles 21, for example, the distance D in the X-axis direction between the two first nozzles 21A in nozzle row 201A, can be set to four times the distance in the X-axis direction between the two pressure chambers 12, that is, a density of 1 / 4 × α [dpi], which is 1 / 4 of the density α [dpi] of the pressure chamber 12. Therefore, by providing a gap between the nozzles 21, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the ink's landing position due to the flow velocity caused by self-jet.

[0084] In this embodiment, the third individual flow path 133 and the fourth individual flow path 134 also have two pressure chambers 12, similar to the first individual flow path 131 and the second individual flow path 132.

[0085] In this embodiment, the nozzle 21 is positioned in the center of the communication channel 16 in the Z-axis direction, but is not limited to this. Figure 10 shows a modified example of Embodiment 2. Figure 10 is a plan view of the liquid discharge head H in the -Z direction, showing a modified example of the individual channels of Embodiment 2.

[0086] As shown in Figure 10, the first nozzle 21A is positioned in the X-axis direction, offset from the center in the -X direction within the width of the first communication channel 16A.

[0087] Similarly, the second nozzle 21B is positioned in the X-axis direction, offset from the center in the -X direction within the width of the second communication channel 16B.

[0088] In contrast, the third nozzle 21C is positioned in the X-axis direction, offset from the center in the +X direction within the width of the third communication channel 16C. Similarly, the fourth nozzle 21D is positioned in the X-axis direction, offset from the center in the +X direction within the width of the fourth communication channel 16D.

[0089] In other words, the first nozzle 21A and the third nozzle 21C are positioned at different locations in the X-axis direction, and the second nozzle 21B and the fourth nozzle 21D are positioned at different locations in the X-axis direction.

[0090] By arranging each nozzle 21 in this way, the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B can be positioned in the X-axis direction with the same α [dpi] as the pressure chamber 12. Similarly, the third nozzle 21C and the second nozzle 21B can be positioned in the X-axis direction with α [dpi], the second nozzle 21B and the fourth nozzle 21D can be positioned in the X-axis direction with α [dpi], and the fourth nozzle 21D and the first nozzle 21A can be positioned in the X-axis direction with α [dpi]. Therefore, high-resolution printing can be achieved.

[0091] Furthermore, a modified example of Figure 9 is shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 is a plan view of the liquid discharge head H in the -Z direction, showing a modified example of the individual flow channels of Embodiment 2.

[0092] As shown in Figure 11, the third portion 163 has a first tapered portion 163a in which the width in the X-axis direction gradually decreases toward the first nozzle 21A. In this embodiment, the first tapered portion 163a is formed by gradually narrowing the width of the third portion 163 from one side in the X-axis direction. Of course, the first tapered portion 163a may also be formed by narrowing the width of the third portion 163 from both sides in the X-axis direction. By providing the first tapered portion 163a in the third portion 163 in this way, the area where the ink flow toward the first nozzle 21A stagnates can be reduced, thereby suppressing the accumulation of air bubbles in the first individual flow path 131. In other words, as shown in Figure 9, if the first nozzle 21A is positioned offset from the center in the -X direction within the width of the third portion 163 in the X-axis direction, the ink flow stagnates at the corners in the +Y and -X directions of the third portion 163, and air bubbles tend to accumulate in those areas. In particular, the first communication channel 16A in this embodiment has a relatively wide width in the X-axis direction because it communicates with the two first pressure chambers 12A, making it prone to stagnation in the corners. As a result, bubbles that remain in the channel grow, and these bubbles absorb pressure fluctuations in the pressure chamber 12, causing ink ejection failure. Alternatively, the grown bubbles may move to the first nozzle 21A at an unexpected time, potentially causing ink ejection failure. In this embodiment, by also providing a first tapered section 163a in the third section 163, the areas where bubbles tend to accumulate can be reduced, thereby suppressing ink ejection failure. Furthermore, the fourth section 164 of the second individual channel 132, the seventh section 167 of the third individual channel 133, and the eighth section 168 of the fourth individual channel 134 are also provided with second tapered sections 164a, third tapered sections 167a, and fourth tapered sections 168a, similar to the first tapered section 163a of the third section 163. By providing the second tapered section 164a, the third tapered section 167a, and the fourth tapered section 168a in this manner, air bubbles are less likely to accumulate in each individual flow path 130, thereby suppressing ink ejection failures.

[0093] In this embodiment, a third individual channel 133 and a fourth individual channel 134 are provided, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and it is also possible to provide only the first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 without providing the third individual channel 133 and the fourth individual channel 134.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, ink is supplied from the manifold 100 (also known as the common supply channel) to the first pressure chamber 12A and the second pressure chamber 12B, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the manifold 100, which is the common supply channel for supplying ink from the outside, a common discharge channel may be provided to discharge the ink in the liquid discharge head H to the outside.

[0095] The manifold 100 communicates with one of the two first pressure chambers 12A constituting the first individual flow path 131 and with one of the two second pressure chambers 12B constituting the second individual flow path 132. The common discharge flow path communicates with the other of the two first pressure chambers 12A constituting the first individual flow path 131 and with the other of the two second pressure chambers 12B constituting the second individual flow path 132. As a result, the ink supplied from the manifold 100 is supplied to one of the two first pressure chambers 12A and then supplied to the other of the two first pressure chambers 12A via the first communication flow path 16A. The ink supplied to the other of the first pressure chambers 12A is then discharged to the outside of the liquid discharge head H via the common discharge flow path. Even with this configuration, as described above, it is possible to suppress misalignment of the ink ejected from the nozzle 21 onto the medium.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first individual flow path 131 has one first connecting flow path 16A, that is, one first portion 161, but is not limited to this. For example, the first connecting flow path 16A may have two first portions 161 that communicate with each of the first pressure chambers 12A. However, the two first portions 161 only need to communicate with one third portion 163 in common. The same applies to the second individual flow path 132, the third individual flow path 133, and the fourth individual flow path 134.

[0097] Furthermore, although this embodiment uses a configuration in which one individual flow path 130 has two pressure chambers 12, it is not limited to this, and a configuration in which one individual flow path 130 has three or more pressure chambers 12 may also be used.

[0098] In this embodiment, the X-axis direction is an example of the "first direction," the Y-axis direction is an example of the "second direction," the +Y direction is an example of "one side of the second direction," the -Y direction is an example of "the other side of the second direction," and the Z-axis direction is an example of the "third direction."

[0099] (Embodiment 3) Figure 12 is a plan view of the liquid discharge head H as seen in the -Z direction, showing the positional relationship of the individual flow paths according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Note that components similar to those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0100] As shown in Figure 12, the liquid discharge head H of this embodiment has nozzle row groups 200A and 200B as a nozzle row group 200. Nozzle row group 200A comprises three rows of nozzle row 201: nozzle row 201A, 201B, and 201E.

[0101] The nozzle array 200A is composed of three types of individual channels 130. The three types of individual channels 130 consist of a first individual channel 131 having a first nozzle 21A, a second individual channel 132 having a second nozzle 21B, and a fifth individual channel 135 having a fifth nozzle 21E. The first individual channel 131 and the second individual channel 132 are the same as in Embodiment 1 described above, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0102] The fifth individual flow path 135 comprises a fifth pressure chamber 12E, a fifth communication flow path 16E, and a fifth nozzle 21E.

[0103] The fifth communication channel 16E has a ninth portion 169 that extends in the Z-axis direction. The fifth nozzle 21E is located between the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B with respect to the Y-axis direction. In other words, the fifth nozzle 21E communicates directly with the ninth portion 169.

[0104] Such a fifth individual channel 135 is positioned between the second individual channel 132 and the first individual channel 131 in the X-axis direction. In other words, the first individual channel 131, the second individual channel 132, and the fifth individual channel 135 are repeatedly arranged in this order in the direction of the X-axis direction.

[0105] Therefore, the nozzle array group 200A comprises a nozzle array 201A in which a plurality of first nozzles 21A are arranged in a straight line along the X-axis, a nozzle array 201B in which a plurality of second nozzles 21B are arranged in a straight line along the X-axis, and a nozzle array 201E in which a plurality of fifth nozzles 21E are arranged in a straight line along the X-axis. The nozzle arrays 201B, 201E, and 201A are arranged in this order in the +X direction. In other words, the second nozzles 21B, fifth nozzles 21E, and first nozzles 21A are arranged in this order in the +X direction.

[0106] Even with this configuration, the spacing of the first nozzle 21A in the X-axis direction can be widened in nozzle row 201A. Furthermore, the spacing of the second nozzle 21B in the X-axis direction can be widened in nozzle row 201B, and the spacing of the fifth nozzle 21E in the X-axis direction can be widened in nozzle row 201E. Therefore, gaps are created between the self-jet generated by the ink ejected from each nozzle 21, allowing the airflow between the medium and the liquid ejection head H due to the relative movement of the medium and the liquid ejection head H to pass through these gaps. In addition, the first nozzle 21A, the second nozzle 21B, and the fifth nozzle 21E are sufficiently far apart in the Y-axis direction compared to Figure 8, so sufficient gaps are also created between the first nozzle 21A and the second nozzle 21B, between the second nozzle 21B and the fifth nozzle 21E, and between the first nozzle 21A and the fifth nozzle 21E, allowing the airflow between the medium and the liquid ejection head H due to the relative movement of the medium and the liquid ejection head H to pass through these gaps. Therefore, since the airflow in the direction of the nozzle row is suppressed, the misalignment of the flying ink due to airflow is suppressed, and the ink can be made to land at the desired position on the medium.

[0107] In this embodiment, the nozzle row group 200B side, that is, the side where the third individual channel 133 and the fourth individual channel 134 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction, also has a sixth individual channel 136 similar to the fifth individual channel 135. The sixth individual channel 136 comprises a sixth pressure chamber 12F, a sixth communication channel 16F, and a sixth nozzle 21F. The sixth communication channel 16F comprises a tenth portion 170 extending in the Z-axis direction, and the +Z end of the tenth portion 170 directly communicates with the sixth nozzle 21F. The third individual channel 133, the fourth individual channel 134, and the sixth individual channel 136 are then repeatedly arranged in this order in the +Y direction. In other words, the nozzle array group 200B comprises a nozzle array 201D in which a plurality of fourth nozzles 21D are arranged linearly along the X-axis, a nozzle array 201F in which a plurality of sixth nozzles 21F are arranged linearly along the X-axis, and a nozzle array 201C in which a plurality of third nozzles 21C are arranged linearly along the X-axis. The nozzle arrays 201D, 201F, and 201D are arranged in this order in the +Y direction.

[0108] In this nozzle array 200B, as with the nozzle array 200A, gaps are created between the self-jet flows generated by the ink ejected from each nozzle 21. As a result, airflow between the medium and the liquid ejection head H, caused by the relative movement of the medium and the liquid ejection head H, can pass through these gaps. Therefore, since airflow in the direction of the nozzle array is suppressed, misalignment of the flying ink due to airflow is suppressed, and the ink can be ejected to the desired position on the medium.

[0109] In this embodiment, the first individual channel 131, the second individual channel 132, and the fifth individual channel 135 are repeatedly arranged in this order in the +X direction, but this is not limited to this configuration. The first individual channel 131, the fifth individual channel 135, and the second individual channel 132 may also be repeatedly arranged in this order in the +X direction. The same applies to the third individual channel 133, the fourth individual channel 134, and the sixth individual channel 136.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a third individual channel 133, a fourth individual channel 134, and a sixth individual channel 136 constituting the nozzle row group 200B are provided, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and these may be omitted.

[0111] In this embodiment, the X-axis direction is an example of the "first direction," the Y-axis direction is an example of the "second direction," the +Y direction is an example of "one side of the second direction," the -Y direction is an example of "the other side of the second direction," and the Z-axis direction is an example of the "third direction."

[0112] (Other embodiments) Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the basic configuration of the present invention is not limited to those described above.

[0113] For example, in the embodiments described above, the first portion 161 and the second portion 162 are exemplified as being provided linearly along the Z-axis direction with the same opening area, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the first portion 161 and the second portion 162 may be provided along a direction inclined at an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the Z-axis direction. In other words, the direction in which the first portion 161 and the second portion 162 extend includes a component (vector) in the direction along the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the first portion 161 and the second portion 162 are not limited to being provided with the same opening area in the direction in which they extend, but may have a shape in which the opening area changes in stages along the way, for example, a shape in which the opening area gradually decreases towards the downstream. The same applies to the fifth portion 165 and the sixth portion 166.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, in the embodiments described above, the third portion 163 and the fourth portion 164 are assumed to extend along the Y-axis direction, but the invention is not limited to this, and the third portion 163 and the fourth portion 164 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the direction in which the third portion 163 and the fourth portion 164 extend includes having a component (vector) in the direction along the Y-axis direction. The same applies to the seventh portion 167 and the eighth portion 168.

[0115] Furthermore, although a thin-film piezoelectric actuator 300 was described as the driving element for generating a pressure change in the pressure chamber 12 in the embodiments described above, the invention is not limited to this, and the driving element can be, for example, a thick-film piezoelectric actuator formed by attaching a green sheet, or a longitudinal vibration type piezoelectric actuator that expands and contracts in the axial direction by alternately stacking piezoelectric material and electrode forming material. In addition, the driving element can be a so-called electrostatic actuator in which a heating element is placed in the pressure chamber 12 and droplets are ejected from the nozzle 21 by bubbles generated by the heat generated by the heating element, or an electrostatic actuator that generates static electricity between a diaphragm and an electrode, deforming the diaphragm with electrostatic force and ejecting droplets from the nozzle 21.

[0116] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing head H described above is mounted on the liquid dispensing device 1. Figure 13 shows a schematic configuration of the liquid dispensing device 1 of the present invention.

[0117] As shown in Figure 13, the liquid ejection device 1 is a so-called serial printer equipped with a liquid ejection head H, which transports the medium S in the X-axis direction and prints by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head H toward the medium S in the +Z direction while reciprocating the liquid ejection head H in the Y-axis direction. The medium S can be any material other than cloth, such as recording paper or resin film. Furthermore, the direction in which the liquid ejection head H reciprocates is not limited to the Y-axis direction, but may be inclined with respect to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions. In this embodiment, the +Z direction is an example of the "ejection direction".

[0118] Such a liquid dispensing device 1 comprises a liquid dispensing head H, a liquid storage section 3, a control device 4, a transport mechanism 5 for dispensing the medium S, and a moving mechanism 6.

[0119] The liquid discharge head H discharges the liquid supplied from the liquid storage section 3 as droplets in the +Z direction.

[0120] The liquid storage unit 3 individually stores multiple types of liquids with different colors and components that are dispensed from the liquid dispensing head H. Examples of the liquid storage unit 3 include a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the liquid dispensing device 1, a bag-shaped ink pack made of flexible film, and an ink tank that can be refilled with ink. Figure 13 illustrates one liquid storage unit 3. Incidentally, the liquid storage unit 3 may be a liquid storage unit 3 having divided chambers for individually storing multiple types of liquids, or it may be multiple liquid storage units 3 individually provided according to the multiple types of liquids. Furthermore, the liquid storage unit 3 may be divided into a main tank and a sub-tank. The sub-tank may be connected to the liquid dispensing head H, and the liquid consumed by dispensing droplets from the liquid dispensing head H may be replenished from the main tank to the sub-tank.

[0121] The control device 4 comprehensively controls each element of the liquid dispensing device 1, namely the liquid dispensing head H, the transport mechanism 5, the moving mechanism 6, etc.

[0122] The conveying mechanism 5 conveys the medium S in the X-axis direction and has conveying rollers 5a. The conveying mechanism 5 conveys the medium S in the X-axis direction by the rotation of the conveying rollers 5a. The conveying rollers 5a are rotated by the drive of a conveying motor (not shown). The control device 4 controls the conveying of the medium S by controlling the drive of the medium conveying motor. Note that the conveying mechanism 5 that conveys the medium S is not limited to one equipped with conveying rollers 5a, but may also convey the medium S by belt or drum, for example.

[0123] The moving mechanism 6 is a mechanism for reciprocating the liquid discharge head H in the Y-axis direction and comprises a holder 6a and a conveyor belt 6b. The holder 6a is a so-called carriage that holds the liquid discharge head H and is fixed to the conveyor belt 6b. The conveyor belt 6b is an endless belt installed along the Y-axis direction. The conveyor belt 6b is rotated by the drive of a conveyor motor (not shown). The control device 4 controls the drive of the conveyor motor to rotate the conveyor belt 6b, causing the liquid discharge head H to reciprocate in the Y-axis direction together with the holder 6a. The holder 6a may also be configured to mount the liquid storage unit 3 together with the liquid discharge head H.

[0124] The liquid discharge head H, under the control of the control device 4, performs a discharge operation in which it discharges liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit 3 as droplets in the +Z direction from each of the multiple nozzles 21. This discharge operation by the liquid discharge head H is performed in parallel with the transport of the medium S by the transport mechanism 5 and the reciprocating movement of the liquid discharge head H by the moving mechanism 6, thereby coating the medium S with liquid, or printing, is performed.

[0125] In such a liquid ejection device 1, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the nozzle surface 20a of the liquid ejection head H (see Figure 3) and the surface of the medium S, the so-called paper gap, is preferably 3 mm or more, and more preferably 7 mm or more. By setting the paper gap to 3 mm or more, and more preferably 7 mm or more, the failure of the liquid ejection head H can be suppressed by the medium S colliding with the liquid ejection head H. Furthermore, even if the paper gap is 3 mm or more, and more preferably 7 mm or more, by using the liquid ejection head H described above, misalignment of ink placement on the medium S and the occurrence of wind patterns can be suppressed, thereby achieving high-precision printing.

[0126] In the example shown in Figure 13, the liquid ejection device 1 is exemplified as having a liquid ejection head H mounted on a holder 6a that moves in the main scanning direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to so-called line-type printers in which the liquid ejection head H is fixed and printing is performed simply by moving the medium S in the sub-scanning direction.

[0127] Furthermore, the present invention broadly applies to liquid ejection heads and liquid ejection devices in general, and can of course be applied to liquid ejection heads and liquid ejection devices that eject liquids other than ink. Other examples of liquid ejection heads include various recording heads used in image recording devices such as printers, colorant ejection heads used in the manufacture of color filters for liquid crystal displays, electrode material ejection heads used in electrode formation for organic EL displays and FEDs (field emission displays), and bio-organic material ejection heads used in biochip manufacturing, and the invention can also be applied to liquid ejection devices equipped with such liquid ejection heads. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] H...Liquid discharge head, S...Media, W...Width, 1...Liquid discharge device, 3...Liquid storage section, 4...Control device, 5...Transport mechanism, 6...Movement mechanism, 10...Pressure chamber substrate, 12...Pressure chamber, 12A~12F...First pressure chamber~Sixth pressure chamber, 15...Communication plate, 16...Communication channel, 16A~16F...First communication channel~Sixth communication channel, 17...First manifold section, 18...Second manifold section, 19...Supply communication channel, 20...Nozzle plate, 20a...Nozzle surface, 21...Nozzle, 21A~21F...First nozzle~Sixth nozzle, 30...Protective substrate, 31...Piezoelectric actuator housing section, 32...Through hole, 40...Case member, 41...Recess, 42...Third manifold section, 43...Wiring connection port, 44...Inlet, 45...Compliance substrate, 48...Opening, 49...Compliance section, 50...Vibrating plate, 51... Elastic film, 52…Insulator film, 60…First electrode, 70…Piezoelectric layer, 80…Second electrode, 91…Individual lead electrode, 100…Manifold, 120…Wiring board, 121…Drive circuit, 130…Individual channel, 131~136…First individual channel~Sixth individual channel, 151…First connecting plate, 152…Second connecting plate, 161…First part, 162…Second part, 163…Third part, 163a…First tapered part , 164...4th part, 164a...2nd tapered part, 165...5th part, 166...6th part, 167...7th part, 167a...3rd tapered part, 168...8th part, 168a...4th tapered part, 169...9th part, 170...10th part, 200, 200A, 200B...nozzle row group, 201, 201A~201F...nozzle row, 300...piezoelectric actuator, 310...active part.

Claims

1. A liquid discharge head having a first individual channel and a second individual channel arranged in a first direction parallel to the first individual channel, The first individual flow path is A first pressure chamber extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction and applies pressure to the liquid, A first communication channel having a first portion that communicates with the first pressure chamber and extends in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, A first nozzle that communicates with the first communication channel and discharges liquid, Includes, The second individual channel is, A second pressure chamber extending along the second direction and applying pressure to the liquid, A second communication channel having a second portion that communicates with the second pressure chamber and extends in the third direction, A second nozzle that communicates with the aforementioned second communication channel and discharges liquid, Includes, When viewed from the third direction, The first nozzle is located on one side of the first portion in the second direction, The second nozzle is located on the other side of the second direction from the second portion. A liquid dispensing head characterized by the following features.

2. When L1 is the distance between the first nozzle and the first portion in the second direction, and L2 is the distance between the second nozzle and the second portion in the second direction, the following conditions are met: 0.50 × L1 ≤ L2 ≤ 2.00 × L1. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 1.

3. The following conditions satisfy 0.80 × L1 ≤ L2 ≤ 1.25 × L1. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 2.

4. When L1 is the distance between the first nozzle and the first portion in the second direction, L2 is the distance between the second nozzle and the second portion in the second direction, and W is the width of the first portion in the second direction, the following conditions are met: L1 ≥ W, L2 ≥ W. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 1.

5. The first communication channel further has a third portion extending from the first portion to the first nozzle toward one side in the second direction, The second communication channel further has a fourth portion extending from the second portion to the second nozzle and toward the other side in the second direction. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 1.

6. The system further comprises a third individual channel located at a position shifted to one side in the second direction from the first individual channel and the second individual channel, and a fourth individual channel arranged in the first direction alongside the third individual channel. The third individual channel is A third pressure chamber extending along the second direction and applying pressure to the liquid, A third communication channel having a fifth portion that communicates with the third pressure chamber and extends in the third direction, It includes a third nozzle that communicates with the aforementioned three-communication channel and discharges liquid, The fourth individual channel is A fourth pressure chamber extending along the second direction and applying pressure to the liquid, A fourth communication channel having a sixth portion that communicates with the fourth pressure chamber and extends in the third direction, It includes a fourth nozzle that communicates with the fourth communication channel and discharges liquid, wherein the third nozzle is located on one side of the fifth portion in the second direction, The fourth nozzle is located on the other side of the sixth portion in the second direction, The liquid dispensing head according to feature 1.

7. The nozzles are arranged in the order of the second nozzle, the first nozzle, the fourth nozzle, and the third nozzle, as you move from the other side in the second direction toward the one side. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 6.

8. The distance between the second nozzle and the first nozzle in the second direction, the distance between the first nozzle and the fourth nozzle in the second direction, and the distance between the fourth nozzle and the third nozzle in the second direction are all greater than the width of the first portion in the second direction. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 7.

9. The first individual channel and the fourth individual channel are located at different positions in the first direction. The second individual channel and the third individual channel are located at different positions in the first direction. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 7.

10. The first individual channel and the third individual channel are located at the same position in the first direction. The second individual channel and the fourth individual channel are located at the same position in the first direction. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 8.

11. The first individual channel and the second individual channel are arranged alternately in the first direction. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 1.

12. When L1 is the distance between the first nozzle and the first portion in the second direction, L2 is the distance between the second nozzle and the second portion in the second direction, W is the width of the first portion in the second direction, and D is the distance between the two first nozzles in the first direction, L1 + L2 + W ≥ D satisfies The liquid dispensing head according to feature 11.

13. The system further comprises a fifth individual channel arranged in the first direction alongside the first individual channel and the second individual channel. The fifth individual flow path is A fifth pressure chamber extending along the second direction and applying pressure to the liquid, A fifth communication channel having a ninth portion that communicates with the fifth pressure chamber and extends in the first and third directions, It includes a fifth nozzle that communicates with the fifth communication channel and discharges liquid, The fifth nozzle is located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle in the second direction. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 1.

14. The first individual flow path comprises two first pressure chambers adjacent to each other in the first direction and one first nozzle. The second individual flow path comprises two second pressure chambers adjacent to each other in the first direction, and one second nozzle. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 1.

15. The system further includes a common supply channel that communicates with the two first pressure chambers and the two second pressure chambers, and supplies liquid to each of them. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 14.

16. A common supply channel is provided that is in common communication with one of the two first pressure chambers and one of the two second pressure chambers, and supplies liquid to each of them. The device further includes a common discharge channel that communicates with the other of the two first pressure chambers and the other of the two second pressure chambers, and discharges liquid from each of them. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 14.

17. The system further comprises a third individual channel located at a position shifted to one side in the second direction from the first individual channel and the second individual channel, and a fourth individual channel arranged in the first direction alongside the third individual channel. The third individual channel is A third pressure chamber extending along the second direction, comprising two of the third pressure chambers adjacent to each other in the first direction, A third communication channel having a fifth portion that communicates with the third pressure chamber and extends in the third direction, It includes a third nozzle that communicates with the aforementioned three-communication channel and discharges liquid, The fourth individual channel is A fourth pressure chamber extending along the second direction, comprising two of the fourth pressure chambers adjacent to each other in the first direction, A fourth communication channel having a sixth portion that communicates with the fourth pressure chamber and extends in the third direction, It includes a fourth nozzle that communicates with the fourth communication channel and discharges liquid, The third nozzle is located on one side of the fifth portion in the second direction, The fourth nozzle is located on the other side of the sixth portion in the second direction, The first nozzle is positioned on one side in the first direction relative to the third nozzle. The second nozzle is positioned on one side in the first direction relative to the fourth nozzle. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 14, characterized in that it does so.

18. The first communication channel further has a third portion extending from the first portion to the first nozzle toward one side in the second direction, and the third portion has a first tapered portion whose width in the first direction gradually decreases toward the first nozzle. The second communication channel further has a fourth portion extending from the second portion to the second nozzle to the other side in the second direction, and the fourth portion has a second tapered portion whose width in the first direction gradually decreases toward the second nozzle. The liquid dispensing head according to feature 14.

19. A liquid dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 18, The system includes a control unit that controls the dispensing operation from the liquid dispensing head, A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

20. The distance in the first direction between the nozzle surface through which the first nozzle of the liquid discharge head opens and the medium to which the liquid lands is 3 mm or more. The liquid dispensing device according to feature 19.

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