Droplet ejection head and recording device

Abstract

The position of the coupler that supplies liquid in the droplet dispensing head is stabilized. [Solution] The droplet dispensing head comprises a flow path member, a reservoir member, a head cover, a coupler, and an auxiliary member. The flow path member has a plurality of dispensing holes from which droplets are dispensed. The reservoir member is located above the flow path member and supplies liquid to the flow path member. The head cover is located above the reservoir member. The coupler has a coupler body that supplies liquid to the reservoir member and a locking portion provided on the outer surface of the coupler body, with a diameter larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body. The auxiliary member is located on the side of the head cover and has a first through hole, supporting the coupler with the locking portion and the outer edge of the first through hole connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a droplet ejection head and a recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a printing head, for example, a droplet ejection head that performs various types of printing by ejecting a liquid such as ink supplied from an ink tank through an ink pipe onto a recording medium is known. Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet head having a discharge unit unit that discharges ink in response to a drive signal and a drive board unit that outputs a drive signal. The drive board unit is fixed to the side wall of the housing and has a locking member that detachably locks an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the supply-side ink pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above locking member locks the ink pipe to the side wall of the housing, and does not lock the coupler to the side wall of the housing. Therefore, the conventional locking member does not disclose a technique for stably locking the position of the coupler, and there is room for improvement in the conventional locking member in this regard.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a droplet ejection head and a recording apparatus capable of stabilizing the position of a coupler that supplies a liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A droplet dispensing head according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a flow channel member, a reservoir member, a head cover, a coupler, and an auxiliary member. The flow channel member has a plurality of dispensing holes from which droplets are dispensed. The reservoir member is located above the flow channel member and supplies liquid to the flow channel member. The head cover is located above the reservoir member. The coupler has a coupler body that supplies liquid to the reservoir member and a locking portion provided on the outer surface of the coupler body, with a diameter larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body. The auxiliary member is located on the side of the head cover and has a first through hole, supporting the coupler with the locking portion and the outer edge of the first through hole connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the position of the coupler that supplies liquid in the droplet dispensing head can be stabilized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the droplet dispensing head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the auxiliary member and its surrounding members according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the auxiliary member and its peripheral members according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the auxiliary member and coupler according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a method for securing a coupler. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a method for securing a coupler. [Figure 10]Figure 10 shows an example of a fitting portion in a side view. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB shown in Figure 9. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along the CC line shown in Figure 9. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the configuration of the auxiliary member and coupler according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the DD line shown in Figure 13. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments for implementing the droplet ejection head and recording device according to this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "Embodiments") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent. Also, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] Furthermore, in the embodiments described below, expressions such as "constant," "orthogonal," "perpendicular," or "parallel" may be used, but these expressions do not require strict adherence to "constant," "orthogonal," "perpendicular," or "parallel" conditions. In other words, each of the above expressions allows for deviations such as manufacturing accuracy or installation accuracy.

[0011] Furthermore, in the drawings referenced below, for the sake of clarity, mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axis directions are sometimes defined, and a Cartesian coordinate system is shown with the positive Z axis pointing vertically upward.

[0012] (First Embodiment) <Printer Configuration> First, an overview of the printer 1, which is an example of a recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, will be described while referring to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment. The printer 1 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a color inkjet printer.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a paper feed roller 2, a guide roller 3, an applicator 4, a head case 5, a plurality of transport rollers 6, a plurality of frames 7, a plurality of droplet ejection heads 8, a transport roller 9, a dryer 10, a transport roller 11, a sensor unit 12, and a recovery roller 13.

[0014] The printer 1 also includes a control unit 14. The control unit 14 controls the paper feed roller 2, the guide roller 3, the applicator 4, the head case 5, the plurality of transport rollers 6, the plurality of frames 7, the plurality of droplet ejection heads 8, the transport roller 9, the dryer 10, the transport roller 11, the sensor unit 12, and the recovery roller 13.

[0015] The printer 1 records an image or characters on the printing paper P by landing droplets on the printing paper P. The printing paper P is an example of a recording medium. The printing paper P is in a state of being wound around the paper feed roller 2 before use. Then, the printer 1 transports the printing paper P from the paper feed roller 2 through the guide roller 3 and the applicator 4 into the head case 5.

[0016] The applicator 4 uniformly applies a coating agent to the printing paper P. Thereby, since the surface treatment can be performed on the printing paper P, the printing quality of the printer 1 can be improved.

[0017] The head case 5 houses a plurality of transport rollers 6, a plurality of frames 7, and a plurality of droplet ejection heads 8. Inside the head case 5, a space isolated from the outside is formed, except that a part such as a portion where the printing paper P enters and exits is connected to the outside.

[0018] The internal space of the head case 5 is controlled by the control unit 14, as needed, by at least one of the control factors such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. The transport rollers 6 transport the printing paper P within the head case 5 to the vicinity of the droplet ejection head 8.

[0019] The frame 7 is a rectangular flat plate positioned close above the printing paper P being transported by the transport rollers 6. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the frame 7 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the transport direction of the printing paper P. Inside the head case 5, multiple (for example, four) frames 7 are positioned along the transport direction of the printing paper P.

[0020] In the following explanation, the transport direction of the printing paper P will also be referred to as the "sub-scanning direction," and the direction perpendicular to this sub-scanning direction and parallel to the printing paper P will also be referred to as the "main scanning direction."

[0021] The droplet ejection head 8 is supplied with a liquid, such as ink, from a liquid tank (not shown). The droplet ejection head 8 ejects droplets supplied from the liquid tank.

[0022] The control unit 14 controls the droplet ejection head 8 based on data such as images or characters, and ejects droplets toward the printing paper P. The distance between the droplet ejection head 8 and the printing paper P is, for example, about 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0023] The droplet ejection head 8 is fixed to the frame 7. The droplet ejection head 8 is fixed to the frame 7, for example, at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The droplet ejection head 8 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the transport direction of the printing paper P.

[0024] In other words, the printer 1 according to the first embodiment is a so-called line printer in which a droplet ejection head 8 is fixed inside the printer 1. However, the printer 1 according to the first embodiment is not limited to a line printer, but may also be a so-called serial printer. A serial printer is a printer that alternately performs the operation of recording while moving the droplet ejection head 8 in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the printing paper P, for example, in a nearly perpendicular direction, and transporting the printing paper P.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, multiple (for example, five) droplet ejection heads 8 are fixed to a single frame 7. Figure 2 shows an example where three droplet ejection heads 8 are located in front of the printing paper P in the transport direction and two are located behind it, and the droplet ejection heads 8 are positioned so that the centers of each droplet ejection head 8 do not overlap in the transport direction of the printing paper P.

[0026] A head group 8A is formed by multiple droplet ejection heads 8 located on a single frame 7. The four head groups 8A are positioned along the transport direction of the printing paper P. Droplet ejection heads 8 belonging to the same head group 8A are supplied with ink of the same color. As a result, the printer 1 can print using four colors of ink with the four head groups 8A.

[0027] The ink colors ejected from each head group 8A are, for example, magenta (M), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (K). The control unit 14 controls each head group 8A to eject multiple colors of ink onto the printing paper P, thereby enabling the printing of a color image on the paper P.

[0028] Furthermore, in order to treat the surface of the printing paper P, a coating agent may be dispensed onto the printing paper P from the droplet ejection head 8.

[0029] Furthermore, the number of droplet ejection heads 8 included in one head group 8A, or the number of head groups 8A installed in printer 1, can be appropriately changed depending on the object to be printed or the printing conditions. For example, if the color to be printed on the printing paper P is a single color and the printing is limited to the area that can be printed with one droplet ejection head 8, then the number of droplet ejection heads 8 installed in printer 1 may be as small as one.

[0030] The printed paper P, which has been processed inside the head case 5, is transported to the outside of the head case 5 by the transport roller 9 and passes through the inside of the dryer 10. The dryer 10 dries the printed paper P. The dried printed paper P is transported by the transport roller 11 and collected by the recovery roller 13.

[0031] In printer 1, drying the printing paper P in the dryer 10 reduces the likelihood of overlapping printing paper P sticking together or undried liquid rubbing against each other in the recovery roller 13.

[0032] The sensor unit 12 is composed of a position sensor, a speed sensor, or a temperature sensor, etc. Based on the information from the sensor unit 12, the control unit 14 can determine the state of each part of the printer 1 and control each part of the printer 1.

[0033] The printer 1 described so far has shown the case where printing paper P is used as the printing target (i.e., recording medium), but the printing target in printer 1 is not limited to printing paper P. For example, the printing target may be a roll of cloth or the like.

[0034] Alternatively, the printer 1 may transport the printing paper P on a conveyor belt instead of directly transporting it. By using a conveyor belt, the printer 1 can print on sheets of paper, cut cloth, wood, tiles, etc.

[0035] The printer 1 may also print wiring patterns for electronic devices by ejecting droplets containing conductive particles from the droplet ejection head 8. Alternatively, the printer 1 may produce chemical compounds by ejecting a predetermined amount of liquid chemical agent or droplets containing a chemical agent from the droplet ejection head 8 toward a reaction vessel or the like.

[0036] The printer 1 may also include a cleaning unit for cleaning the droplet ejection head 8. The cleaning unit cleans the droplet ejection head 8, for example, by wiping or capping.

[0037] Wiping is a process that removes liquid adhering to the droplet dispensing head 8 by wiping the surface of the area where the droplets are dispensed with a flexible wiper, for example.

[0038] Furthermore, the capping process is carried out, for example, as follows: First, a cap is placed over the surface of the area from which the droplets are dispensed (this is called capping). This creates a nearly sealed space between the surface of the area from which the droplets are dispensed and the cap.

[0039] Next, the droplets are repeatedly dispensed within this sealed space. This removes any liquid or foreign matter with a higher viscosity than standard that may have clogged the nozzle from which the droplets are dispensed.

[0040] <Configuration of the droplet dispensing head> Next, the configuration of the droplet dispensing head 8 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the droplet dispensing head 8 according to the first embodiment. For ease of understanding, the tube 60 and auxiliary member 70 are omitted from Figure 3.

[0041] The droplet dispensing head 8 comprises a head body 20, a tube 60 (see Figure 6), a wiring section 30, a head cover 40, two heat sinks 45, and two heat insulating members 50. The head body 20 includes a flow path member 21, a piezoelectric actuator substrate (not shown), a branched flow path member 23, and a reservoir member 24. The tube 60 supplies liquid such as ink to the reservoir member 24.

[0042] In the following explanation, for convenience, the direction in which the head body 20 is provided in the droplet dispensing head 8 may be referred to as "down," and the direction in which the head cover 40 is provided relative to the head body 20 may be referred to as "up."

[0043] The flow path member 21 of the head body 20 is substantially flat in shape and has a first surface (not shown) which is a main surface, and a second surface (not shown) located on the opposite side of the first surface. The first surface has an opening (not shown), and liquid is supplied from the reservoir member 24 to the inside of the flow path member 21 through this opening.

[0044] The second surface has multiple discharge holes (not shown) for discharging droplets onto the printing paper P. The flow channel member 21 has a flow channel inside for transferring liquid from the first surface to the second surface.

[0045] The piezoelectric actuator substrate is located on the first surface of the flow channel member 21. The piezoelectric actuator substrate has a plurality of displacement elements (not shown). The flexible substrate 31 of the wiring section 30 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric actuator substrate.

[0046] The branch channel member 23 is located on the channel member 21. The branch channel member 23 has a branch channel (not shown) inside that connects to the channel of the channel member 21. The branch channel member 23 is made of metal, for example. The branch channel member 23 is a box-shaped member that extends long in the main scanning direction (Y-axis direction) and has an open top surface. The branch channel member 23 has a slit portion (not shown), through which a flexible substrate 31 connected to the piezoelectric actuator substrate is inserted.

[0047] The reservoir member 24 is located on the branch channel member 23. The reservoir member 24 is an injection-molded resin product. The reservoir member 24 is provided with resin boss portions 247 at both ends in the main scanning direction (Y-axis direction). Here, "resin" means made of resin, including resin which is the main component and contains small amounts of impurities. These boss portions 247 are molded integrally with the reservoir member 24. A tube 60, described later, is inserted into the boss portion 247. Specifically, the tube 60 is fixed in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the boss portion 247. The reservoir member 24 has a flow path inside, and liquid is supplied from the outside via the tube 60. The reservoir member 24 supplies liquid to the branch channel member 23. The reservoir member 24 stores the liquid supplied to the branch channel member 23.

[0048] Tube 60 (see Figure 6) is a flexible piping member for supplying and recovering liquid from the inside of the reservoir member 24. Tube 60 is inserted into boss portions 247 located at both ends of the reservoir member 24 in the main scanning direction (Y-axis direction). Liquid is supplied to the reservoir member 24 via tube 60 connected to one of the two boss portions 247. The liquid supplied to the reservoir member 24 is then discharged from the reservoir member 24 via tube 60 connected to the other of the two boss portions 247.

[0049] When printing, liquid may be supplied from one tube 60 while the other tube 60 is closed. Alternatively, liquid may be supplied from both tubes 60. When initially introducing liquid to the droplet ejection head 8, supplying liquid from one tube 60 and collecting it from the other tube 60 makes it easier for air and storage liquid that were in the flow path inside the reservoir member 24 to escape from the flow path. This makes it easier to introduce liquid to the droplet ejection head 8.

[0050] Furthermore, while printing is in progress, liquid may be supplied from one tube 60 and collected from the other tube 60. Doing so makes it less likely for air bubbles to accumulate in the flow path inside the reservoir member 24. In addition, by supplying liquid adjusted to a constant temperature, the temperature of the droplet ejection head 8 can be stabilized. The collected liquid may be passed through a filter or the like and then supplied back to the droplet ejection head 8. In other words, the liquid may be circulated. The supply and collection of liquid to and from the droplet ejection head 8, or the circulation of the liquid, may be controlled by the control unit 14.

[0051] Furthermore, liquid may be supplied from the reservoir member 24 to the flow path member 21, and liquid may be recovered from the flow path member 21 to the reservoir member 24. In addition, within the flow path member 21, liquid may be supplied and recovered in the flow path facing the nozzle (discharge hole) to prevent liquid from accumulating inside and around the nozzle. In such an embodiment, liquid is supplied to the droplet discharge head 8 from the outside, a portion of the liquid is discharged from the discharge hole, and the undischarged liquid is recovered to the outside.

[0052] The wiring section 30 includes a flexible circuit board 31, a wiring circuit board 32, a plurality of driver ICs 33, and a pressing member 34. The flexible circuit board 31 is a flexible wiring circuit board that transmits a predetermined signal sent from the outside to the head body 20. As shown in Figure 3, the droplet ejection head 8 according to the first embodiment has two flexible circuit boards 31.

[0053] One end of the flexible circuit board 31 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric actuator board of the head body 20. The other end of the flexible circuit board 31 is led upward through the slit portion of the branched flow channel member 23 and is electrically connected to the wiring board 32. This allows the piezoelectric actuator board 22 of the head body 20 to be electrically connected to the outside.

[0054] The wiring board 32 is located above the head body 20. The wiring board 32 distributes signals to multiple driver ICs 33.

[0055] Multiple driver ICs 33 are located on one main surface of the flexible substrate 31. As shown in Figure 3, in the droplet ejection head 8 according to the first embodiment, two driver ICs 33 are provided on each flexible substrate 31. However, the number of driver ICs 33 provided on a single flexible substrate 31 is not limited to two.

[0056] The driver IC 33 drives each displacement element on the piezoelectric actuator substrate of the head body 20 based on the drive signal sent from the control unit 14 (see Figure 1). This allows the driver IC 33 to drive the droplet dispensing head 8.

[0057] The pressing member 34 is, for example, a leaf spring having a roughly U-shape in cross-section. The pressing member 34 is located between the two flexible substrates 31 and presses the driver IC 33 on the flexible substrates 31 toward the heat sink 45. This ensures that the driver IC 33 is in close contact with the heat sink 45, allowing the heat generated when the driver IC 33 is operating to be efficiently dissipated to the heat sink 45. The pressing member 34 is located between the reservoir member 24 and the head cover 40. Alternatively, the pressing member 34 may be positioned to bring the driver IC 33 into contact with the heat sink 45.

[0058] The head cover 40 is attached to the head body 20 and is positioned to cover the wiring section 30 located on the head body 20, such as the flexible circuit board 31, the wiring circuit board 32, etc. The head cover 40 is a component that covers a predetermined structure such as the wiring section 30, and does not necessarily have to be located on the head body 20. This allows the head cover 40 to seal the wiring section 30. The head cover 40 is made of, for example, resin or metal.

[0059] The head cover 40 is box-shaped and extends long in the main scanning direction, and has a first opening 40a and a second opening 40b on two opposing sides along the sub-scanning direction. In the example in Figure 3, the first opening 40a is provided on the side located on the positive X-axis side, and the second opening 40b is provided on the side located on the negative X-axis side. The head cover 40 also has a third opening 40c on its lower surface and a fourth opening 40d on its upper surface.

[0060] The side of the head cover 40 is provided with two first protrusions 42a for positioning the auxiliary member 70 (described later) and four screw holes 42b for attaching the auxiliary member 70. Furthermore, a second protrusion 43 for positioning the pressing member 34 is provided at the lower part of the side having the first protrusions 42a.

[0061] The two heat sinks 45 are attached to the sides of the head cover 40. One of the two heat sinks 45 is positioned to cover the first opening 40a, and the other is positioned to cover the second opening 40b.

[0062] The heat sink 45 is, for example, a plate-shaped member that is long in the longitudinal direction of the droplet ejection head 8, and is made of a metal or alloy with high heat dissipation properties. The heat sink 45 is provided so as to be in contact with the driver IC 33 and dissipates the heat generated by the driver IC 33.

[0063] Each of the two heat sinks 45 has multiple through holes 46 through which screws (not shown) are inserted. The head cover 40 also has multiple through holes 41 through which screws are inserted. The multiple through holes 41 in the head cover 40 are located in positions corresponding to the multiple through holes 46 in the heat sinks 45. The screws are inserted through the through holes 41 in the head cover 40 and the through holes 46 in the heat sinks 45 and fitted into the through holes 41 in the head cover 40. In this way, the two heat sinks 45 are fixed to the head cover 40. The head cover 40 with the heat sinks 45 attached has a box shape with the first opening 40a and the second opening 40b closed and the third opening 40c and the fourth opening 40d open.

[0064] The third opening 40c is positioned opposite the reservoir member 24. The flexible substrate 31 is inserted through the third opening 40c.

[0065] The fourth opening 40d is provided for inserting a connector (not shown) provided on the wiring board 32. Sealing the space between the connector and the fourth opening 40d with resin or the like makes it difficult for liquids or debris to enter the inside of the head cover 40.

[0066] Furthermore, the heat sink 45 has through holes 48a to 48c in the central and both ends of the longitudinal direction of the head body 20. The heat sink 45 and the heat insulating member 50 are fitted together by the projections 54 of the heat insulating member 50 fitting into the through holes 48a to 48c, respectively.

[0067] The heat insulating member 50 is located between the heat sink 45 and the head body 20. The longitudinal width of the heat insulating member 50 is wider than the longitudinal width of the heat sink 45. The heat insulating member 50 is made of, for example, resin. The thermal conductivity of the heat insulating member 50 may be lower than that of the heat sink 45. By providing the heat insulating member 50, heat generated by the driver IC 33 is less likely to be transferred to the head body 20 via the heat sink 45.

[0068] Furthermore, the heat insulating member 50 has a plurality of through holes 55 for accommodating screws (not shown). These through holes 55 are located in positions corresponding to the through holes in the reservoir member 24. The heat insulating member 50 is fixed to the reservoir member 24 by fitting the screws into the through holes 55 of the heat insulating member 50 and the through holes in the reservoir member 24.

[0069] Note that Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the droplet dispensing head 8, and may include other components besides those shown in Figure 3.

[0070] <Configuration of auxiliary and peripheral members> The configuration of the auxiliary member 70 and its peripheral members will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the auxiliary member 70 and its peripheral members according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the auxiliary member 70 and its peripheral members according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the auxiliary member 70 and coupler 80 according to the first embodiment. Note that in Figures 4 and 5, the tube 60 and coupler 80 are omitted for ease of understanding.

[0071] The auxiliary member 70 is, for example, an injection-molded resin product. The auxiliary member 70 has a bottom portion 70a, a mounting portion 70b, two side wall portions 70c, and an upper portion 70d. The auxiliary member 70 is located on the side of the head cover 40.

[0072] The mounting portion 70b faces the head cover 40 and has a mounting surface to the head cover 40. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the mounting portion 70b has a through hole 72 into which the first protrusion 42a of the head cover 40 is fitted, a through hole (not shown) for accommodating a screw 74, and a recess (not shown) located on the mounting surface to the head cover 40. The recess is, for example, a gate mark.

[0073] The through-hole 72 is located in a position corresponding to the first protrusion 42a on the side surface of the head cover 40. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the auxiliary member 70 is positioned and its rotation is restricted when the first protrusion 42a of the head cover 40 is fitted into the through-hole 72.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the auxiliary member 70 is fixed to the head cover 40 by fitting the screw 74 into the through hole (not shown) of the auxiliary member 70 and the through hole (not shown) of the head cover 40. The auxiliary member 70 has a rib 76 around the screw 74. The rib 76 may be U-shaped, surrounding the screw 74 and extending substantially parallel to the end of the side wall portion 70c. After the auxiliary member 70 is fixed to the head cover 40 by the screw 74, a resin such as silicone is applied around the screw 74 inside the rib 76. At this time, the rib 76 prevents the resin from dripping from around the screw 74 outward beyond the rib 76. As a result, the resin is applied around the screw 74, which is intended to be sealed, and the screw 74 and its surroundings are sealed by the resin. This makes it difficult for liquids or dirt to enter the inside of the head cover 40. Note that a waterproofing material 90 (see Figure 6) may be positioned between the mounting portion 70b of the auxiliary member 70 and the head cover 40.

[0075] Each of the two side wall portions 70c connects the bottom portion 70a, the mounting portion 70b, and the upper portion 70d. The auxiliary member 70 having side wall portions 70c improves the strength of the droplet dispensing head 8. One side wall portion 70c has a roughly rectangular shape, and the other side wall portion 70c has a fitting portion 75 on the upper part of the roughly rectangular shape. The fitting portion 75 is positioned in correspondence with the key portion 83 fixed to the coupler 80 described later, and has tooth-shaped protrusions and recesses. The fitting portion 75 includes a base portion 75a, a tooth portion 75b, and a groove portion 75c. The base portion 75a extends in the positive Z-axis direction from the roughly rectangular shape of the side wall portion 70c. Furthermore, the mounting portion 70b is connected to the base portion 75a at a right angle to it in part, and extends in the positive Z-axis direction to the same position as the base portion 75a, thereby reinforcing the strength of the fitting portion 75. The tooth portion 75b has a claw portion 75b1 at its tip that is wider in the Z-axis direction than the tooth portion 75b.

[0076] A groove 75c is formed at the lower part of the tooth portion 75b. The tooth portion 75b is located at approximately the upper half height of the base portion 75a and is a convex portion with its tip pointing in the negative direction of the Y axis. The groove 75c is located at approximately the lower half height of the base portion 75a and is a concave portion with its opening pointing in the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0077] A ring-shaped support portion 73 is located at the upper part 70d. The support portion 73 is located below the fitting portion 75 in the Z-axis direction. The support portion 73 has a circular first through hole 73a. The outer shape of the support portion 73 may be circular, partially arc-shaped, or polygonal, such as a quadrilateral. In the example of Figure 5, the outer shape of the support portion 73 is a roughly quadrilateral with a partially arc-shaped portion 73b. However, it is not limited to this, and the shape of the support portion 73 is considered to be ring-shaped regardless of the outer shape, as long as it has a circular first through hole 73a inside. Furthermore, the support portion 73 is not limited to a complete ring shape, but may have a gap in part of the ring shape. For example, the support portion 73 may have multiple gaps in the radial direction of the ring shape, and the divided parts may be C-shaped. The auxiliary member 70 may have an upper part 70d that connects the two side wall portions 70c, and a circular first through-hole 73a that penetrates the upper part 70d may be formed in the upper part 70d. In this case, the auxiliary member 70 does not need to have a support portion 73.

[0078] The bottom portion 70a faces the reservoir member 24 and has a second through-hole 71. The first through-hole 73a and the second through-hole 71 are located opposite each other in the Z-axis direction. The diameter of the first through-hole 73a is larger than the diameter of the second through-hole 71. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second through-hole 71 is located radially outward from the boss portion 247 and surrounds the boss portion 247 and the tube 60 inserted into the boss portion 247 through a gap 71a. The diameter of the second through-hole 71 is, for example, the diameter of the tube 60 inserted into the boss portion 247 + 0.4 mm or less.

[0079] With this configuration, even when a force is applied to the resin boss portion 247, which has lower bending strength compared to a metal boss portion, in a direction that causes the boss portion 247 to bend, the force can be received by the auxiliary member 70, thereby reducing the likelihood of the boss portion 247 breaking. The direction in which the boss portion 247 bends is the direction that intersects the axis of the boss portion 247. For example, if the direction along the axis of the boss portion 247 is defined as the longitudinal direction of the boss portion 247, the direction in which the boss portion 247 bends may be the transverse direction or a direction that includes a transverse component.

[0080] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the reservoir member 24 has a reservoir member body 241 and an upper cover 242 located on top of the reservoir member body 241. The reservoir member body 241 and the upper cover 242 are made of resin. The reservoir member body 241 has an opening 244 and a positioning projection 246. The opening 244 and the projection 246 are located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the reservoir member body 241. Specifically, the projection 246 is located longitudinally inward of the reservoir member body 241 than the opening 244. The opening 244 is provided in a position corresponding to the boss portion 247 (see Figure 6).

[0081] The top cover 242 has the boss portion 247 and the through hole 248 described above. The boss portion 247 and the through hole 248 are located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the top cover 242. Specifically, the through hole 248 is located further inward in the longitudinal direction of the top cover 242 than the boss portion 247.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, the boss portion 247 has a hollow shape and is located at a position corresponding to the opening 244 of the reservoir member body 241. As shown in Figure 6, a large-diameter portion 247a may be located in the middle of the boss portion 247, which has a larger diameter than other parts of the middle portion. Here, the middle portion of the boss portion 247 refers to the area excluding the base of the boss portion 247. For example, if the boss portion 247 is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction, the area closest to the top cover 242 is the base of the boss portion 247, and the other two areas are the middle portion. This large-diameter portion 247a functions as a "return" to reduce the slippage of the tube 60. The second through hole 71 of the auxiliary member 70 described above faces the large-diameter portion 247a, as shown in Figure 6.

[0083] Because the auxiliary member 70 has a second through hole 71, even if a force is applied to the boss portion 247 in a bending direction, the force can be received by the auxiliary member 70, thereby reducing the risk of the boss portion 247 breaking. Furthermore, as described above, if the second through hole 71 is located opposite the large diameter portion 247a, the large diameter portion 247a will first come into contact with the auxiliary member 70 and receive the force, thus reducing stress on the base of the boss portion 247.

[0084] As shown in Figure 4, the through hole 248 is located at a position corresponding to the projection 246 of the reservoir member body 241. The pressing member 34 has a through hole 35, a positioning groove 36, and a through hole 37. The through hole 35, the groove 36, and the through hole 37 are located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pressing member 34. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the groove 36 is located further inward in the longitudinal direction of the pressing member 34 than the through hole 35. The through hole 37 is located further inward in the longitudinal direction of the pressing member 34 than the groove 36. The through hole 35 is located at a position corresponding to the boss portion 247. As shown in Figure 6, the boss portion 247 is inserted through the through hole 35.

[0085] The groove 36 is located at a position corresponding to the second protrusion 43 of the head cover 40. As shown in Figure 6, the head cover 40 is positioned when the second protrusion 43 of the head cover 40 is fitted into the groove 36. This reduces variations in the bending accuracy of the head cover 40. The groove 36 may also penetrate the pressing member 34.

[0086] The through-hole 37 is located in a position corresponding to the projection 246 of the reservoir member body 241. The projection 246 of the reservoir member body 241 is inserted through the through-hole 248 of the upper cover 242 and the through-hole 37 of the pressing member 34, thereby positioning the upper cover 242 and the pressing member 34.

[0087] As described above, the auxiliary member 70 in the droplet dispensing head 8 according to the first embodiment is located radially outward from the boss portion 247 and has a second through-hole 71 that surrounds the boss portion 247 and the tube 60 inserted into the boss portion 247 through a gap 71a. Therefore, even if a force is applied in a direction that causes the boss portion 247 to bend, the force can be received by the auxiliary member 70, thereby reducing the bending of the boss portion 247.

[0088] In this description, an example has been given in which the reservoir member 24 has a reservoir member body 241 and a top cover 242, but the configuration of the reservoir member 24 is not limited to this. For example, the reservoir member body 241 and the top cover 242 may be integrally molded. In this case, the integrally molded reservoir member 24 may be made of resin.

[0089] Furthermore, although this example shows the reservoir member 24 having a boss portion 247, that is, the boss portion 247 being integrally molded with the reservoir member 24, the configuration of the boss portion 247 is not limited to this. For example, the boss portion 247 may be configured as a separate component from the reservoir member 24.

[0090] <Coupler configuration and method of fixing the coupler> Next, the configuration of the coupler 80 and the method of fixing the coupler 80 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 12. Figures 8 and 9 show an example of a method of fixing the coupler 80. Figure 10 shows an example of a mating portion 75 in a side view. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB shown in Figure 9. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line CC shown in Figure 9.

[0091] After describing an example of the configuration of the coupler 80 with reference to Figure 7, etc., an example of a method for fixing the coupler 80 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. As shown in Figure 7, the coupler 80 has a coupler body 81 connected to the tube 60 and a locking portion 82. The locking portion 82 is provided on the outer surface of the coupler body 81. The locking portion 82 has a portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body 81. The end of the coupler body 81 is the portion below the locking portion 82 and is the connection portion between the coupler body 81 and the tube 60. The end of the coupler body 81 includes the connection surface 82b (lower end surface) of the coupler body 81 that the tube 60 abuts against or comes into contact with when the coupler body 81 and the tube 60 are connected. The surface obtained by cutting the coupler body 81 perpendicular to the Z axis at the end of the coupler body 81 and the locking portion 82 is circular in shape.

[0092] The auxiliary member 70 supports the coupler 80 by connecting the locking portion 82 to the outer edge of the first through hole 73a. As shown in Figure 11, the locking portion 82 is provided on the outer surface of the coupler body 81 and may have a stepped portion 82a as an example of a portion whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body 81. The stepped portion 82a has a ring-shaped surface of a predetermined width parallel to the connecting surface 82b, and the outer diameter of the stepped portion 82a is larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body 81. The inner diameter of the stepped portion 82a is equal to the diameter of the end of the coupler body 81. The inner diameter of the support portion 73, i.e., the diameter of the first through hole, is smaller than the outer diameter (outermost diameter) of the stepped portion 82a and slightly larger than the inner diameter (innermost diameter) of the stepped portion 82a. The outer diameter of the support portion 73 is larger than the outer diameter of the stepped portion 82a. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the locking portion 82 connects the stepped portion 82a to the outer edge of the first through hole 73a with the stepped portion 82a inserted into the first through hole 73a from the end of the coupler body 81. Specifically, the auxiliary member 70A supports the coupler 80 by placing the stepped portion 82a on the upper surface of the support portion 73 at the outer edge of the first through hole 73a. As a result, the auxiliary member 70 can support the coupler 80 so that it can rotate while restricting its radial and downward movement.

[0093] However, the locking portion 82 does not have to have a stepped portion 82a. The outer surface of the coupler body 81 has a shape that continuously and smoothly decreases in diameter toward the end of the coupler body 81, and the locking portion 82 may be provided on the outer surface of the coupler body 81 and may be a portion with a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the first through hole 73a. The locking portion 82 connects the portion on the outer surface of the coupler body 81 with a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the first through hole 73a to the outer edge of the first through hole 73a. The end of the coupler body 81 that is smaller than the diameter of the first through hole 73a is inserted into the first through hole 73a. In this way as well, the auxiliary member 70 can support the coupler 80 while restricting its radial movement.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 to 10, the coupler 80 has a key portion 83 and a coupler fixing portion 84 that fixes the key portion 83 to the outer surface of the coupler body 81. The key portion 83 is provided on the outer surface of the coupler body 81 and has radially extending tooth-shaped protrusions and indentations. The key portion 83 has an intertooth portion 83a and tooth portions 83b and 83c. The tooth portions 83b and 83c are convex portions, and the intertooth portion 83a is a concave portion located between the tooth portions 83b and 83c. With this configuration, the key portion 83 and the mating portion 75 fit together by interlocking the tooth-shaped protrusions and indentations of each other. Specifically, the tooth portion 75b fits into the intertooth portion 83a, and the tooth portion 83c fits into the groove portion 75c, thereby mating the key portion 83 and the mating portion 75. The auxiliary member 70 supports the coupler 80 in the state where the key portion 83 and the fitting portion 75 are fitted together.

[0095] The coupler fixing portion 84 has a U-shaped member 84a, and the key portion 83 is fixed to the coupler body 81 by fixing the key portion 83 to the lower surface of the U-shaped member 84a. However, the coupler fixing portion 84 is not limited to this configuration as long as it is capable of fixing the key portion 83 to the coupler body 81. Furthermore, the key portion 83 may be separate from the coupler body 81 and be fixed to the coupler body 81 in a detachable manner, or it may be integrated with the coupler body 81.

[0096] As shown in Figure 7, the auxiliary member 70 lowers the coupler 80 from above the support portion 73 on the side of the head cover 40, passes the tube 60 through the first through hole 73a, and connects the locking portion 82 to the outer edge of the first through hole 73a. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the auxiliary member 70 places the stepped portion 82a on the outer edge of the first through hole 73a on the upper surface of the support portion 73. As a result, the coupler 80 is supported by the support portion 73. As a result, as shown in Figure 11, the auxiliary member 70 supports the coupler 80 by placing it on the support portion 73 with the stepped portion 82a, and houses the tube 60 inside the auxiliary member 70. In this way, the auxiliary member 70 can stabilize the position of the coupler 80 while restricting its radial and downward movement. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 6, the auxiliary member 70 makes it easier to connect the coupler 80, such as by connecting the tube 60 to the boss portion 247.

[0097] With the coupler 80 supported by the support portion 73, the coupler 80 rotates, and in response, the key portion 83 rotates in the circumferential direction of the coupler body 81. In the example shown in Figure 8, the coupler 80 rotates counterclockwise in the direction of the arrow. As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the auxiliary member 70 can engage the key portion 83 with the fitting portion 75. This allows the auxiliary member 70 to stabilize the position of the coupler 80 while restricting its vertical movement, thereby facilitating the connection of the coupler 80.

[0098] Next, we will continue to explain the details of the support structure of the coupler 80 by the auxiliary member 70 using Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 is a side view from the X-axis direction of the state in which the mating portion 75 and the key portion 83 are engaged (mating state).

[0099] (Matching part) As shown in the side view of Figure 10, the fitting portion 75 has a base portion 75a, a tooth portion 75b, and a groove portion 75c. The tooth portion 75b is a protrusion extending in the negative Y-axis direction by a predetermined width from the upper end of the base portion 75a. The tooth portion 75b consists of a root portion 75b2 extending from the base portion 75a and a claw portion 75b1 further extending from the root portion 75b2. When the tooth portion 75b is divided into two in the Y-axis direction, approximately half on the base portion 75a side is the root portion 75b2, and approximately half on the tip side is the claw portion 75b1. The width of the claw portion 75b1 in the Z-axis direction is wider than the width of the root portion 75b2 in the Z-axis direction, at least at the base end (the portion connected to the root portion 75b2). In other words, the height of the upper end of the base of the claw portion 75b1 (position in the Z-axis direction) is approximately equal to the height of the upper end of the base portion 75a, and higher than the height of the upper end of the root portion 75b2. Also, the height of the lower end of the base of the claw portion 75b1 is lower than the height of the lower end of the root portion 75b2. The groove portion 75c is a recess (space) located between the upper end of the side wall portion 70c and the tooth portion 75b. The length of the groove portion 75c in the Y-axis direction is equal to the length of the tooth portion 75b.

[0100] (Key section) The key portion 83 has teeth 83b and 83c and an intertooth portion 83a located between the teeth 83b and 83c (see Figure 7). The teeth 83b and 83c are convex portions extending radially from the outer surface of the coupler body 81, and each is approximately rectangular in shape. The teeth 83b is located higher in the Z-axis direction than the teeth 83c. As shown in Figure 10, the height of the lower end of the teeth 83b (position in the Z-axis direction) is lower than the height of at least the upper end of the base portion 75b1 of the claw portion 75b1, and higher than the height of the upper end of the root portion 75b2. The height of the upper end of the teeth 83c is higher than at least the lower end of the base portion 75b1 of the claw portion 75b1, and lower than the height of the lower end of the root portion 75b2. The intertooth portion 83a is a recess located between the teeth 83b and 83c, and is approximately rectangular in shape. The Z-axis length of the intertooth portion 83a is longer than the Z-axis length of the root portion 75b2. Furthermore, the length of the groove 75c in the Z-axis direction is longer than the length of the tooth portion 83c in the Z-axis direction in the space below the root portion 75b2. Although the tooth portion 83c is T-shaped in side view, it is not limited to this and may be I-shaped without a projection in the Y direction in side view.

[0101] As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the rotation of the coupler 80 causes the teeth 83c to fit into the space below the root portion 75b2 of the groove 75c, and the root portion 75b2 of the teeth 75b to fit into the intertooth portion 83a. In this way, the auxiliary member 70 fixes the coupler 80 by fitting the key portion 83 into the fitting portion 75 through the rotation of the key portion 83.

[0102] Furthermore, the claw portion 75b1 has a wider width in the Z-axis direction than the base portion 75b2, and tapers towards the tip of the claw portion 75b1. This makes it easier for the key portion 83 and the mating portion 75 to engage. However, the claw portion 75b1 does not necessarily have to taper towards the tip. Once the coupler 80 is rotated and the key portion 83 engages with the mating portion 75, the width of the claw portion 75b1 in the Z-axis direction is wider than the width of the base portion 75b2 at the base end of the claw portion 75b1, so the rotation (reverse rotation) of the key portion 83 is locked (stopped) by the claw portion 75b1. As a result, the auxiliary member 70 can restrict the circumferential movement of the coupler 80. In this way, the auxiliary member 70 can securely fix the coupler 80. As a result, the connection work of the coupler 80 becomes easier, and for example, the connection work of the coupler 80 can be done with one hand.

[0103] Figure 12 shows a cross-section rotated approximately 90° around the Z-axis relative to the cross-section shown in Figure 11. That is, Figure 12 shows a cross-section along the CC line in Figure 9. As mentioned above, the inner diameter of the support portion 73 is smaller than the outer diameter of the stepped portion 82a and slightly larger than the inner diameter of the stepped portion 82a. As a result, the support portion 73 rests the stepped portion 82a on the upper surface of the support portion 73 and supports the coupler 80 from below. At this time, there may be a gap between the outer surface of the coupler body 81 below the stepped portion 82a and the first through hole 73a, to the extent that it can restrict the radial movement of the coupler 80. However, as long as the coupler 80 can rotate, there does not need to be a gap between the outer surface of the coupler body 81 and the first through hole 73a.

[0104] The tube 60 is made of resin and is a relatively soft material. Therefore, if the support portion 73 supports the coupler 80 from below at the connection surface 82b, the sliding of the coupler 80 may damage the tube 60 that comes into contact with the connection surface 82b. To avoid this, the support portion 73 supports the coupler 80 at a stepped portion 82a, which is a position other than the connection surface 82b that contacts the tube 60. This prevents the tube 60 from being damaged by the sliding of the coupler 80.

[0105] The coupler body 81 has a coupler connection portion 86 that protrudes from the center of the connection surface 82b at the end of the coupler body 81 and is inserted into the tube 60. The tube 60 is fixed in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the coupler connection portion 86. The coupler body 81 has a flow path inside. A flow path is also formed inside the coupler connection portion 86. Liquid is supplied to the reservoir member 24 from the outside through the internal flow paths of the coupler body 81, the tube 60, and the boss portion 247. The coupler connection portion 86 may have a large-diameter portion 86a that is larger in diameter than other parts. Such a large-diameter portion 86a functions as a "return" to reduce the slippage of the tube 60.

[0106] The droplet dispensing head 8 according to the first embodiment described above has both a configuration in which the coupler 80 is supported with the locking portion 82 connected to the outer edge of the first through hole 73a, and a configuration in which the coupler 80 is supported with the key portion 83 and the fitting portion 75 fitted together. However, it is not limited to this, and the droplet dispensing head 8 may have either a configuration in which the coupler 80 is supported with the locking portion 82 connected to the outer edge of the first through hole 73a, or a configuration in which the coupler 80 is supported with the key portion 83 and the fitting portion 75 fitted together.

[0107] <Effects of the First Embodiment> For example, the droplet discharge head 8 according to the first embodiment includes a flow channel member 21 having a plurality of discharge holes from which droplets are discharged, a reservoir member 24 located above the flow channel member 21 and supplying liquid to the flow channel member 21, and a head cover 40 located above the reservoir member 24. Furthermore, the droplet discharge head 8 includes a coupler body 81 that supplies liquid to the reservoir member 24, a coupler 80 having a locking portion 82 provided on the outer surface of the coupler body 81 and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body 81, and an auxiliary member 70 located on the side surface of the head cover 40, having a first through hole 73a, and supporting the coupler 80 in a state where the locking portion 82 and the outer edge of the first through hole 73a are connected.

[0108] With this configuration, the auxiliary member 70 supports the coupler 80 while connecting the locking portion 82 to the outer edge of the first through hole 73a, thereby stabilizing the position of the coupler 80 while restricting its radial and downward movement. This allows the auxiliary member 70 to simplify the connection work of the coupler 80. Furthermore, the auxiliary member 70 guides the connection portion from the coupler 80 to the boss portion 247 through the tube 60 into the auxiliary member 70 via the first through hole 73a and the second through hole 71. This prevents damage to these connection portions and improves workability by eliminating the need for a hose clip to secure the tube 60 so that it does not come off the coupler 80.

[0109] Furthermore, for example, the droplet discharge head 8 according to the first embodiment includes a flow channel member 21 having a plurality of discharge holes from which droplets are discharged, a reservoir member 24 located above the flow channel member 21 and supplying liquid to the flow channel member 21, and a head cover 40 located above the reservoir member 24. In addition, the droplet discharge head 8 includes a coupler body 81 that supplies liquid to the reservoir member 24, a coupler 80 having a key portion 83 provided on the outer surface of the coupler body 81, and an auxiliary member 70 located on the side of the head cover 40 and having a fitting portion 75 at a position corresponding to the key portion 83, and supporting the coupler 80 in a state where the key portion 83 and the fitting portion 75 are fitted together by the rotation of the key portion 83.

[0110] With this configuration, the auxiliary member 70 can stabilize the position of the coupler 80 while restricting its radial and vertical movement by rotating the coupler 80 to engage the key portion 83 and the fitting portion 75. Furthermore, after the key portion 83 and the fitting portion 75 are engaged, the auxiliary member 70 can prevent the coupler 80 from rotating in the opposite direction by locking the coupler 80 with the claw portion 75b1. In other words, the auxiliary member 70 can restrict the circumferential movement of the coupler 80. As a result, the auxiliary member 70 makes the connection work of the coupler 80 easier. In addition, the auxiliary member 70 guides the connection portion from the coupler 80 through the tube 60 to the boss portion 247 into the auxiliary member 70 through the first through hole 73a and the second through hole 71. This prevents damage to these connection portions and improves workability by eliminating the need for hose clips.

[0111] (Second Embodiment) <Configuration of auxiliary components> In the droplet dispensing head 8 according to the second embodiment, the support portion 73A of the auxiliary member 70A also serves as the tube 60 connected to the coupler 80. The other configurations of the auxiliary member 70A are substantially the same as those of the auxiliary member 70 in the droplet dispensing head 8 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the support portion 73A and its surrounding structure of the auxiliary member 70A will be described below with reference to Figures 13 and 14, and the other configurations of the auxiliary member 70A will not be described.

[0112] Figure 13 shows the configuration of the auxiliary member 70A and coupler 80 according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the line DD shown in Figure 13. Note that the head of the coupler 80 and the head cover 40 are omitted in Figures 13 and 14. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the auxiliary member 70A is, for example, an injection-molded resin product. The auxiliary member 70A has a bottom portion 70a, a mounting portion 70b, two side wall portions 70c, and an upper portion 70d. The two side wall portions 70c connect the bottom portion 70a, the mounting portion 70b, and the upper portion 70d. The auxiliary member 70A is located on the side of the head cover 40.

[0113] The support portion 73A penetrates the bottom portion 70a and the upper portion 70d of the auxiliary member 70A. The support portion 73A has a first enlarged diameter portion 73Aa located at the upper end of the support portion 73A, a second enlarged diameter portion 73Ac located at the lower end of the support portion 73A, and a support portion body 73Ab connecting the first enlarged diameter portion 73Aa and the second enlarged diameter portion 73Ac.

[0114] The first enlarged diameter portion 73Aa is ring-shaped and has a third through-hole 173a that penetrates the upper part 70d. The second enlarged diameter portion 73Ac is ring-shaped and has a fourth through-hole 171 that penetrates the bottom part 70a. The support body 73Ab has a cylindrical hollow shape and has a flow path inside that communicates with the third through-hole 173a and the fourth through-hole 171. The support portion 73A may be made of the same resin as the tube 60, or it may contain a resin material. However, resin is just one example of a material for the support portion 73A and is not limited to it.

[0115] As shown in Figure 14, the coupler body 81 has a coupler connection portion 86 that protrudes from the center of the connecting surface 82b at the end of the coupler body 81. The third through hole 173a is located radially outward of the coupler connection portion 86 and surrounds the coupler connection portion 86 via an O-ring 77a. The coupler connection portion 86 is inserted into the third through hole 173a and the support body 73Ab. The coupler connection portion 86 may have a large-diameter portion 86a that is larger in diameter than other parts. Such a large-diameter portion 86a functions as a "return" that reduces the dislodgement of the coupler connection portion 86 from the support body 73A. As a result, the upper part of the support body 73A is fixed in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the coupler connection portion 86. The coupler body 81, including the coupler connection portion 86, has a flow path inside. The flow path inside the coupler body 81 communicates with the flow path inside the support body 73A.

[0116] Furthermore, the fourth through-hole 171 is located radially outward from the boss portion 247 and surrounds the boss portion 247 via the O-ring 77b. The boss portion 247 is inserted into the interior of the fourth through-hole 171 and the support body 73Ab. The boss portion 247 may have a large-diameter portion 247a that is larger in diameter than other parts. Such a large-diameter portion 247a functions as a "return" that reduces the possibility of the boss portion 247 coming out of the support body 73A. As a result, the lower part of the support body 73A is fixed in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the boss portion 247. The reservoir member 24 is located corresponding to the fourth through-hole 171 (see Figure 6), and liquid is supplied from the outside via the coupler body 81, the coupler connection portion 86, and the support body 73A.

[0117] The inner diameter of the first enlarged portion 73Aa and the inner diameter of the second enlarged portion 73Ac are greater than the inner diameter of the support body 73Ab. The outer diameters of the first enlarged portion 73Aa and the second enlarged portion 73Ac are greater than the outer diameter of the support body 73Ab. The inner diameters of the first enlarged portion 73Aa and the inner diameter of the second enlarged portion 73Ac may be equal. The first enlarged portion 73Aa is an example of the first part in which the first through hole is located, and the second enlarged portion 73Ac is an example of the second part in which the second through hole is located. The first part and the second part are connected by the support body 73Ab.

[0118] The auxiliary member 70A supports the coupler 80 by connecting the end of the coupler body 81 with the first enlarged diameter portion 73Aa at the outer edge of the third through hole 173a. Specifically, the auxiliary member 70A supports the coupler 80 by placing its connecting surface 82b on the upper surface of the first enlarged diameter portion 73Aa at the outer edge of the third through hole 173a.

[0119] An O-ring 77a is interposed between the connection surface 82b of the coupler body 81 and the first enlarged diameter portion 73Aa. The O-ring 77a seals the space between the connection surface 82b of the coupler body 81 and the first enlarged diameter portion 73Aa, preventing liquid passing through the support portion 73A from leaking to the outside. Additionally, an O-ring 77b is interposed between the boss portion 247 and the second enlarged diameter portion 73Ac. The O-ring 77b seals the space between the boss portion 247 and the second enlarged diameter portion 73Ac, preventing liquid passing through the support portion 73A from leaking to the outside.

[0120] <Effects of the second embodiment> For example, the droplet discharge head 8 according to the second embodiment includes a flow channel member 21 having a plurality of discharge holes from which droplets are discharged, a reservoir member 24 located above the flow channel member 21 and supplying liquid to the flow channel member 21, and a head cover 40 located above the reservoir member 24. Furthermore, the droplet discharge head 8 includes a coupler 80 having a coupler body 81 that supplies liquid to the reservoir member 24, and a support part 73A located on the side of the head cover 40 and containing a resin material that includes a first part (for example, a first enlarged diameter part 73Aa) where a third through hole 173a is located, a second part (for example, a second enlarged diameter part 73Ac) where a fourth through hole 171 is located, and a hollow support part body 73Ab connecting the first part and the second part, and an auxiliary member 70A that supports the coupler 80 at the outer edge of the third through hole 173a with the end of the coupler body 81 connected to the first part.

[0121] With this configuration, the auxiliary member 70A has a structure in which the support body 73Ab of the support part 73A also serves as the tube 60, thus eliminating the need for the tube 60 and reducing the manufacturing cost of the droplet discharge head 8. Furthermore, the auxiliary member 70A connects the end of the coupler body 81 and the first enlarged diameter part 73Aa at the outer edge of the third through hole 173a, thereby stabilizing the position of the coupler 80 while restricting its radial and downward movement. This allows the auxiliary member 70A to simplify the connection work of the coupler 80. In addition, the auxiliary member 70A guides the connection portion from the coupler 80 to the boss part 247, which connects the liquid flow path, into the auxiliary member 70A via the support part 73A. This prevents damage to these connection portions and improves workability by eliminating the need for hose clips.

[0122] In Figures 13 and 14, the auxiliary member 70A does not have a fitting portion 75, but the auxiliary member 70A may have a fitting portion 75. In this case, the coupler 80 may be supported in a state where the key portion 83 located on the outer surface of the coupler body 81 is rotated to engage the key portion 83 and the fitting portion 75. However, the droplet discharge head 8 does not have to have a key portion 83 and a fitting portion 75.

[0123] As a result, the auxiliary member 70A can restrict the radial and vertical movement of the coupler 80 by rotating the coupler 80 and engaging the key portion 83 with the fitting portion 75. Furthermore, after the key portion 83 and the fitting portion 75 are engaged, the auxiliary member 70A can restrict the circumferential movement of the coupler 80 by locking the coupler 80 with the claw portion 75b1. This further simplifies the connection work of the coupler 80.

[0124] Furthermore, the reservoir member 24 has a resin boss portion 247, and the auxiliary member 70A inserts the boss portion 247 into the fourth through hole 171. This allows the auxiliary member 70A to fix the support portion 73A in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the boss portion 247.

[0125] In one embodiment, the recording device (for example, printer 1) may include a droplet ejection head 8 described in either the first or second embodiment, and a control unit (for example, control unit 14) that controls the droplet ejection head 8.

[0126] Furthermore, the following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiments. <Note> (1) A flow channel member having multiple discharge holes from which droplets are discharged, A reservoir member located above the flow channel member and supplying liquid to the flow channel member, A head cover located on the reservoir member, A coupler comprising a coupler body for supplying the liquid to the reservoir member, and a locking portion provided on the outer surface of the coupler body, having a diameter larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body, An auxiliary member located on the side surface of the head cover, having a first through-hole, and supporting the coupler while connecting the locking portion and the outer edge of the first through-hole, A droplet dispensing head equipped with a droplet dispensing head. (2) A flow channel member having multiple discharge holes from which droplets are discharged, A reservoir member located above the flow channel member and supplying liquid to the flow channel member, A head cover located on the reservoir member, A coupler having a coupler body that supplies the liquid to the reservoir member, and a key portion provided on the outer surface of the coupler body, An auxiliary member located on the side of the head cover and having a fitting portion located at a position corresponding to the key portion, which supports the coupler when the key portion and the fitting portion are fitted together by the rotation of the key portion, A droplet dispensing head equipped with a droplet dispensing head. (3) The coupler has a locking portion located on the outer surface of the coupler body, and whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body. The droplet dispensing head according to (2), wherein the auxiliary member has a first through hole and supports the coupler while connecting the locking portion and the outer edge of the first through hole. (4) The auxiliary member has a support portion that is ring-shaped or has a gap in a part of the ring shape. The first through-hole is provided inside the support portion, and is a droplet dispensing head as described in (1) or (3). (5) The locking portion is a ring-shaped stepped portion, The droplet dispensing head according to (4), wherein the inner diameter of the support portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the stepped portion and larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body. (6) The droplet dispensing head according to (5), wherein the support portion rotatably supports the coupler by inserting the end of the coupler body into the first through hole and placing the stepped portion on the outer edge of the first through hole. (7) The droplet dispensing head according to (2) or (3), wherein the key portion rotates in accordance with the rotation of the coupler, so that the key portion and the mating portion fix the coupler in a state where their tooth shapes are mated together. (8) The fitting portion has a toothed portion and a claw portion at the tip of the toothed portion that is wider than the toothed portion. The claw portion locks the rotation of the key portion, as described in (7) of the droplet dispensing head. (9) The coupler body has a coupler connection portion that protrudes from the end of the coupler body, The droplet dispensing head has a tube connected to the coupler connection part, The reservoir member has a resin boss portion into which the tube is inserted, The auxiliary member is a droplet dispensing head according to (1) or (3), having a second through-hole that surrounds the tube inserted into the boss portion with a gap in between. (10) The auxiliary member and the head cover are fixed together by screws. The auxiliary member surrounds the screw with ribs, The droplet dispensing head according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the area around the screw is sealed with resin inside the rib. (11) The aforementioned auxiliary member is A bottom portion facing the reservoir member and having the second through hole, The upper part where the first through hole is located, A mounting portion facing the head cover and having a mounting surface for the head cover, Two side wall portions connecting the bottom portion, the mounting portion, and the upper portion, A droplet dispensing head as described in (9), comprising: (12) A flow channel member having multiple discharge holes from which droplets are discharged, A reservoir member located above the flow channel member and supplying liquid to the flow channel member, A head cover located on the reservoir member, A coupler having a coupler body that supplies the liquid to the reservoir member, An auxiliary member comprising a support part made of a resin material, having a first part located on the side surface of the head cover and having a third through hole, a second part located on the fourth through hole, and a hollow support body connecting the first part and the second part, and supporting the coupler with the end of the coupler body and the first part connected at the outer edge of the third through hole, A droplet dispensing head equipped with a droplet dispensing head. (13) The coupler has a key portion located on the outer surface of the coupler body, The droplet dispensing head according to (12), wherein the auxiliary member has a fitting portion located at a position corresponding to the key portion, and supports the coupler in a state where the key portion and the fitting portion are fitted together by the rotation of the key portion. (14) The coupler body has a coupler connection portion that protrudes from the end of the coupler body, The auxiliary member is a droplet dispensing head according to (12) or (13), wherein the coupler connection portion is inserted into the third through hole. (15) The reservoir member has a resin boss portion, The auxiliary member is a droplet dispensing head according to any one of (12) to (14), wherein the boss portion is inserted into the interior of the fourth through hole. (16) A droplet dispensing head as described in any one of (1) to (15), A control unit for controlling the droplet dispensing head, A recording device equipped with the following features.

[0127] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Indeed, the embodiments described above can be embodied in a variety of forms. Furthermore, the embodiments described above may be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 1. Printer 8 droplet dispensing heads 20 Head Body 21 Flow channel member 24 Reservoir component 40 headcovers 60 tubes 70, 70A Auxiliary Members 70a bottom 70b Mounting section 70c side wall part 70d upper 71 Second through hole 71a Gap 73, 73A support part 73a 1st through hole 74 screws 75 Fitting part 75b1 Claw part 75b Teeth 75c Groove 76 Ribs 80 couplers 81 Coupler body 82 Locking part 82a Stepped section 83 Key section 171 Fourth through hole 173a 3rd through hole 247 Boss Section

Claims

1. A flow channel member having multiple discharge holes from which droplets are discharged, A reservoir member located above the flow channel member and supplying liquid to the flow channel member, A head cover located on the reservoir member, A coupler comprising a coupler body for supplying the liquid to the reservoir member, and a locking portion provided on the outer surface of the coupler body, having a diameter larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body, An auxiliary member located on the side surface of the head cover, having a first through-hole, and supporting the coupler while connecting the locking portion and the outer edge of the first through-hole, A droplet dispensing head equipped with a droplet dispensing head.

2. A flow channel member having multiple discharge holes from which droplets are discharged, A reservoir member located above the flow channel member and supplying liquid to the flow channel member, A head cover located on the reservoir member, A coupler having a coupler body that supplies the liquid to the reservoir member, and a key portion provided on the outer surface of the coupler body, An auxiliary member located on the side of the head cover and having a fitting portion located at a position corresponding to the key portion, which supports the coupler when the key portion and the fitting portion are fitted together by the rotation of the key portion, A droplet dispensing head equipped with a droplet dispensing head.

3. The coupler has a locking portion located on the outer surface of the coupler body, and whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body. The droplet dispensing head according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary member has a first through hole and supports the coupler while connecting the locking portion and the outer edge of the first through hole.

4. The auxiliary member has a support portion that is ring-shaped or has a gap in a part of the ring shape. The droplet dispensing head according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the first through-hole is provided inside the support portion.

5. The locking portion is a ring-shaped stepped portion, The droplet dispensing head according to claim 4, wherein the inner diameter of the support portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the stepped portion and larger than the diameter of the end of the coupler body.

6. The droplet dispensing head according to claim 5, wherein the support portion rotatably supports the coupler by inserting the end of the coupler body into the first through hole and placing the stepped portion on the outer edge of the first through hole.

7. The droplet dispensing head according to claim 2, wherein the key portion rotates in accordance with the rotation of the coupler, so that the key portion and the mating portion fix the coupler in a state where their tooth shapes are mated together.

8. The fitting portion has a toothed portion and a claw portion at the tip of the toothed portion that is wider than the toothed portion. The droplet dispensing head according to claim 7, wherein the claw portion locks the rotation of the key portion.

9. The coupler body has a coupler connection portion that protrudes from the end of the coupler body, The droplet dispensing head has a tube connected to the coupler connection part, The reservoir member has a resin boss portion into which the tube is inserted, The droplet dispensing head according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the auxiliary member has a second through-hole that surrounds the tube inserted into the boss portion with a gap in between.

10. The auxiliary member and the head cover are fixed together by screws. The auxiliary member surrounds the screw with ribs, The droplet dispensing head according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the area around the screw is sealed with resin inside the rib.

11. The aforementioned auxiliary member is A bottom portion facing the reservoir member and having the second through hole, The upper part where the first through hole is located, A mounting portion facing the head cover and having a mounting surface for the head cover, Two side wall portions connecting the bottom portion, the mounting portion, and the upper portion, A droplet dispensing head according to claim 9, comprising:

12. A flow channel member having multiple discharge holes from which droplets are discharged, A reservoir member located above the flow channel member and supplying liquid to the flow channel member, A head cover located on the reservoir member, A coupler having a coupler body that supplies the liquid to the reservoir member, An auxiliary member comprising a support part containing a resin material, which is located on the side surface of the head cover and includes a first part in which a third through hole is located, a second part in which a fourth through hole is located, and a hollow support body connecting the first part and the second part, and which supports the coupler in a state in which the end of the coupler body and the first part are connected at the outer edge of the third through hole, A droplet dispensing head equipped with a droplet dispensing head.

13. The coupler has a key portion located on the outer surface of the coupler body, The droplet dispensing head according to claim 12, wherein the auxiliary member has a fitting portion located at a position corresponding to the key portion, and supports the coupler in a state where the key portion and the fitting portion are fitted together by the rotation of the key portion.

14. The coupler body has a coupler connection portion that protrudes from the end of the coupler body, The droplet dispensing head according to claim 12, wherein the auxiliary member inserts the coupler connection portion into the third through hole.

15. The reservoir member has a resin boss portion, The droplet dispensing head according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the auxiliary member inserts the boss portion into the interior of the fourth through hole.

16. A droplet dispensing head according to any one of claims 1, 3, or 12, A control unit for controlling the droplet dispensing head, A recording device equipped with the following features.

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