Liquid dispensing head, liquid dispensing device

Abstract

The objective is to suppress the deterioration of accessibility to the nozzle surface caused by protruding parts. [Solution] A liquid discharge head 10 is provided with a nozzle plate 3 having a plurality of nozzles 11, and is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium, and has a protruding portion 12 that protrudes in the liquid discharge direction from the nozzle 11 surface on which the ends of the nozzles 11 are provided, and the protruding portion 12 is provided so as to be retractable in the direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction by contact with a wiping member 21.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] When ejecting liquid from the nozzles of a liquid ejection head, problems such as misalignment of the position of an image formed on a recording medium occur due to a change in the ejection direction of the liquid caused by an air current generated by the conveyance of the recording medium.

[0003] In contrast, for example, in the liquid ejection head of Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-174401), a flow rectifying plate is provided that extends below a nozzle surface provided with nozzle ends. The flow rectifying plate reduces the influence of the air current received by the liquid ejected from the nozzle ends and can suppress displacement of the landing position of the liquid.

[0004] However, by providing a protruding portion that protrudes toward the recording medium side from the nozzle surface, during the wiping operation of the nozzle surface by a wiping member, the protruding portion interferes, causing problems such as hindering the wiping operation or restricting the direction of the wiping operation, and there is another problem that the workability deteriorates.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to suppress deterioration of accessibility to the nozzle surface due to a protruding portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention is a liquid ejection head including a nozzle member having a plurality of nozzles, provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of a recording medium, having a protruding portion that protrudes in the liquid ejection direction more than a nozzle surface provided with the ends of the nozzles, and the protruding portion is provided so as to be retractable in a direction opposite to the liquid ejection direction by the contact of a contact member.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] This helps to suppress deterioration of accessibility to the nozzle surface caused by protruding parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a liquid dispensing head relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a bottom view showing the liquid dispensing head of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing a liquid dispensing head relating to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing head different from the embodiment described above. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the wiping process on the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing the wiping process on the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing the wiping process on the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing the wiping process on the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 9] This is a front view showing the wiping process on the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 10] This is a front view of a liquid dispensing head, showing another example of a protruding part. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the liquid chamber of a liquid discharge head in a liquid discharge device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a cross-sectional view in the short-side direction of the liquid chamber of a liquid discharge head in a liquid discharge device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a head driver in a liquid dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a liquid dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a liquid dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the redundant description thereof will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a liquid ejection head according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a bottom view, and FIG. 3 is a side view. The liquid ejection head of the present embodiment ejects ink as a liquid.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection head 10 has a nozzle plate 3 provided with a plurality of nozzles 11 on the side of the recording medium M. Ink 90 is ejected from the end of the nozzle 11 toward the recording medium M. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, two nozzle rows arranged in the vertical direction of FIG. 2 are formed.

[0012] The left - right direction in FIG. 1 is a direction parallel to the recording medium conveyance direction and is also the approaching and separating direction with respect to the wiping member 21 of the liquid ejection head 10. The up - down direction in FIG. 1 is a direction parallel to the ink ejection direction. The up - down direction in FIG. 2, which is the direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1, is the nozzle arrangement direction.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection head 10 has a protruding portion 12. The protruding portion 12 is provided on the upstream side of the liquid ejection head 10 in the recording medium conveyance direction E, and further upstream in the recording medium conveyance direction E than the nozzles 11. The protruding portion 12 is a portion that protrudes toward the recording medium M side from the nozzle surface 3a where the ends of the nozzles 11 of the nozzle plate 3 are formed. Hereinafter, the upstream side in the recording medium conveyance direction, which is the left side in FIG. 1, will be simply referred to as the upstream side, and the downstream side in the recording medium conveyance direction, which is the right side in FIG. 1, will be simply referred to as the downstream side.

[0014] The protruding portion 12 is formed of a flexible material, for example, formed of a PET film or a rubber material.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a liquid ejection head 100 different from the above embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid ejection head 100 is different from the liquid ejection head 10 in FIG. 1 in that it does not have a protruding portion on the upstream side. In this case, the ink 90 ejected from the nozzles 11 is flowed by the airflow D generated by the conveyance of the recording medium M in the direction of arrow E, and the landing position of the ink 90 on the recording medium M is shifted. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the ink 90 is flowed to the downstream side, which is the right side in FIG. 4, from the position of the nozzle 11 that ejected the ink 90, and the landing position of the ink 90 on the recording medium M is shifted.

[0017] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the protruding portion 12 provided upstream in the recording medium conveyance direction E from the nozzles 11 serves as a wall against the airflow D (see FIG. 4). Thereby, the influence of the airflow D on the ink 90 ejected from the nozzles 11 can be suppressed, and the deviation of the landing position of the ink 90 can be suppressed.

[0018] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the protruding portion 12 is provided in the vertical direction of FIG. 2, and particularly in this embodiment, it is provided in a range facing all the nozzles 11. Thereby, the effect of suppressing the deviation of the landing position can be obtained for any of the nozzles 11. The vertical direction in FIG. 2 is also the nozzle arrangement direction or the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate 3 or the like.

[0019] Next, the wiping operation of the liquid discharge head 10 will be explained using Figures 5 to 9.

[0020] As shown in Figure 5, the maintenance and recovery mechanism 20 is provided outside the area where the recording medium M in the main scanning direction is transported. The maintenance and recovery mechanism 20 has a wiping member 21 as a wiping member or contact member. The wiping member 21 is a blade-shaped member that protrudes toward the liquid discharge head 10 side (upper side in Figure 5) and wipes the nozzle surface 3a. As one embodiment of the contact member of the present invention, a wiping member that wipes the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head can be used. The wiping member 21 in this embodiment is an example of such a wiping member.

[0021] When the wiping operation (wiping action) is performed by the wiping member 21, the liquid ejection head 10 moves in the direction of arrow F1, which is the direction towards the maintenance and recovery mechanism 20. Due to this movement, as shown in Figure 6, the wiping member 21 first comes into contact with the protruding portion 12 of the liquid ejection head 10 from the left side of Figure 6. The protruding portion 12 is elastically deformed by the pressure applied by the wiping member 21 and bends toward the nozzle surface 3a. In other words, the portion of the protruding portion 12 that was protruding toward the recording medium side (lower side of Figure 6) beyond the nozzle surface 3a bends and retracts toward the upper side of Figure 6, which is the opposite direction to the ink ejection direction.

[0022] As the protrusion 12 retracts, as shown in Figure 7, when the liquid discharge head 10 moves in the direction of arrow F1, the wiping member 21 can move relative to the nozzle surface 3a side, passing over the protrusion 12. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, the wiping member 21 can wipe the surface of the nozzle surface 3a. The protrusion 12, whose contact state has been released after the wiping member 21 has passed over it, elastically returns to its position protruding toward the recording medium side (position in Figure 5).

[0023] After the wiping operation is complete, as shown in Figure 9, the liquid discharge head 10 moves in the direction of arrow F2, which is the direction of the recording medium passage area. At this time, the wiping member 21 comes into contact with the protrusion 12 from the right side in Figure 9, causing the protrusion 12 to elastically deform and bend in the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 7. This allows the wiping member 21 to pass over the position of the protrusion 12 again. With this, the series of wiping operations on the nozzle surface 3a of the liquid discharge head 10 is completed.

[0024] In this embodiment, by providing the protrusion 12 in an elastically deformable manner, the protrusion 12 can be retracted to the side opposite the recording medium during the wiping operation by the wiping member 21. This suppresses the deterioration of accessibility to the nozzle surface 3a caused by the presence of the protrusion 12. Therefore, the wiping operation can be performed in the same manner as in the conventional method, and the protrusion 12 can be prevented from interfering with the wiping operation. Furthermore, by retracting the protrusion 12 to the side opposite the recording medium through contact with the contact member, a special mechanism for retracting the protrusion 12 is not required, and the configuration of the liquid discharge head 10 can be simplified. In particular, by configuring the protrusion 12 to be retracted through contact with the wiping member 21, the protrusion 12 can be automatically retracted during a series of wiping operations without adding any special actions during the wiping operation. Therefore, the workability of the wiping operation can be improved.

[0025] Furthermore, when we say that the protruding portion retracts in the direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction, we mean that the amount of the protruding portion relative to the nozzle surface in the liquid discharge direction becomes smaller, or that it no longer protrudes at all, as shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 12 extends downward in the direction parallel to the liquid discharge direction as shown in Figure 5, but it may also extend in a direction inclined with respect to the downward direction.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, when the protrusion 12 is elastically deformed and retracted from the recording medium side, the protrusion 12 does not overlap with the nozzle 11A on the side closest to the protrusion 12. In other words, when viewed from below in Figure 7, the protrusion 12 does not overlap with the nozzle 11A, or the downstream end of the protrusion 12 is positioned upstream of the nozzle 11A. This prevents the protrusion 12 from obstructing the ink ejection operation from the nozzle 11 or from causing foreign matter to adhere to the nozzle 11.

[0027] In this embodiment, an adjustment mechanism is provided to adjust the amount of protrusion of the protruding portion 12. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the protruding portion 12 is connected to a sliding portion 22. The sliding portion 22 is connected to a sliding actuator 23, and the driving force is transmitted from the sliding actuator 23. As shown in Figure 3, the sliding portion 22 moves along the sliding rail 24 together with the protruding portion 12 in the vertical direction of Figure 3. Note that this adjustment mechanism is not shown in Figures 5 to 9.

[0028] By transmitting driving force from the slide actuator 23, the slide portion 22 can be moved in the vertical direction in Figure 1, and the protruding portion 12 can be moved in the direction of the double arrow H relative to the main body portion 10A of the liquid discharge head 10.

[0029] The greater the amount the protruding portion 12 is to the recording medium M, the more desirable it is from the viewpoint of protecting the ink ejected from the nozzle 11 from the airflow D caused by the transport of the recording medium. However, if the amount the protruding portion 12 is made too large, the protruding portion 12 may come into contact with the recording medium M, hindering the transport of the recording medium M, scratching the surface of the recording medium M, or coming into contact with the nozzle 11 when the protruding portion 12 is elastically deformed as shown in Figure 7. Thus, it is preferable to provide an appropriate distance between the protruding portion 12 and the recording medium M, and a configuration that allows adjustment of the amount the protruding portion 12 is to be

[0030] Furthermore, the protruding part 12 can be configured to be detachable from the main body 10A of the liquid dispensing head 10. This allows for the replacement of the protruding part 12 alone, rather than the entire liquid dispensing head, if the protruding part 12 becomes damaged or otherwise unable to perform its function. The protruding part 12 can be attached to the main body 10A of the liquid dispensing head 10 by any appropriate method, such as fixing it with screws or fitting the two together.

[0031] Next, another example of the protrusion of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 10.

[0032] As shown in Figure 10, the protrusion 25 of this embodiment is provided so as to be rotatable in the directions of the double arrows J1 and J2, respectively, around a rotation axis 25a perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 10. In other words, the protrusion 25 of this embodiment retracts to the side opposite the recording medium M by rotating around the rotation axis 25a, instead of retracting by elastic deformation as in the previously described embodiment. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, when the wiping member 21 comes into contact with the protrusion 25 before the wiping operation, it retracts to the side opposite the recording medium M by rotating to one side in the direction of the double arrow J2 in Figure 10. Also, in the case of Figure 9 after the wiping operation, when the wiping member 21 comes into contact with the protrusion 25, it retracts to the side opposite the recording medium M by rotating to one side in the direction of the double arrow J1 in Figure 10. As a result, as in the previously described embodiment, deterioration of accessibility to the nozzle surface 3a due to the provision of the protrusion 25 can be suppressed, and the protrusion 25 can be prevented from interfering with the wiping operation. It should be noted that, in the protruding portion 25 of Figure 10, the various configurations described in the liquid discharge head having the protruding portion 12 of the above embodiment can also be adopted, for example, a configuration in which the protruding portion 25 can be attached to and detached from the liquid discharge head body, or a configuration in which the amount of protrusion of the protruding portion 25 can be adjusted.

[0033] Comparing the protrusion 12 in Figure 1 with the protrusion 25 in Figure 9, the protrusion 12, when pressed by the contact member as shown in Figure 9 and deformed toward the upstream side in the recording medium transport direction, can minimize the amount of protrusion toward the upstream side in the recording medium transport direction, thereby reducing the area occupied by the liquid discharge head, including the deformed area of ​​the protrusion. On the other hand, the configuration of the protrusion 25 is less prone to deterioration due to repeated rotation in the direction of arrows J1 or J2, and can maintain a similar amount of retraction even after long-term use. In other words, the protrusion 25 has superior durability as a component.

[0034] Figure 11 shows an example of a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the liquid chamber of the liquid discharge head of the liquid discharge device according to this embodiment. Figure 12 shows an example of a short-direction cross-sectional view of the liquid chamber of the liquid discharge head of the liquid discharge device according to this embodiment. First, an example of the configuration of the liquid discharge head 10 of the liquid discharge device according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 11 and 12.

[0035] The liquid discharge head 10 includes a frame 1, a flow path plate 2, a diaphragm 6, a laminated piezoelectric element 5, and a base 4. The frame 1 has an ink supply port 1-1 into which ink (an example of a liquid) is supplied, and a common liquid chamber 1-2 that stores the ink supplied from the ink supply port 1-1. The flow path plate 2 has a fluid resistance section 2-1 that provides resistance to the ink supplied from the common liquid chamber 1-2, a pressurized liquid chamber 2-2 (an example of a liquid storage section) that stores the ink supplied from the common liquid chamber 1-2, a communication port 2-4 that communicates with the nozzle 11 described later, and a liquid introduction section 2-3 into which liquid is supplied from the common liquid chamber 1-2.

[0036] The diaphragm 6 has a nozzle plate, a protrusion 6-1, a diaphragm portion 6-2, and an ink inlet 6-3. The nozzle plate forms a nozzle 11 that discharges ink stored in the pressurized liquid chamber 2-2 toward the medium. The ink inlet 6-3 allows ink supplied from the common liquid chamber 1-2 to flow into the pressurized liquid chamber 2-2. The laminated piezoelectric element 5 is an example of a piezoelectric element joined to the diaphragm 6 via an adhesive layer. The base 4 fixes the laminated piezoelectric element 5. The base 4 is made of barium titanate-based ceramic or the like, and has two rows of laminated piezoelectric elements 5 arranged on it.

[0037] The multilayer piezoelectric element 5 consists of alternating layers of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric layers 5-1, each 10 to 50 μm thick, and internal electrode layers 5-2 containing silver palladium (AgPd), each several μm thick. The internal electrode layers 5-2 are connected at both ends to the external electrodes 5-3. The end faces of the internal electrode layers 5-2 are connected to the individual electrodes, the external electrodes 5-3 (end face electrodes) and the common electrode 5-4. The multilayer piezoelectric element 5 is also divided into a comb-like shape by half-cut dicing, with each section functioning as a drive unit 5-5 and a support unit 5-6 (non-drive unit).

[0038] The liquid discharge head 10 uses a d33 type multilayer piezoelectric element 5 that displaces in the thickness direction. By deforming (expanding and contracting) the multilayer piezoelectric element 5, the pressure on the liquid stored in the pressurized liquid chamber 2-2 is changed, causing the liquid to be discharged from the nozzle 11. In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 10 discharges the liquid from the nozzle 11 by contracting or expanding the pressurized liquid chamber 2-2 through the deformation of the multilayer piezoelectric element 5. Specifically, the multilayer piezoelectric element 5 expands when a drive signal is applied and charging occurs, and contracts in the opposite direction when the charged charge is discharged.

[0039] An FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 7 is soldered to the external electrode 5-3. The common electrode 5-4 has an electrode layer provided at the end of the multilayer piezoelectric element 5, and this electrode layer is bonded to the ground electrode of the FPC 7. A head driver IC (Integrated Circuits) 300 (see Figure 13) is mounted on the FPC 7, and this head driver IC 300 controls the application of voltage to the drive unit 5-5.

[0040] The diaphragm 6 has a thin film diaphragm portion 6-2, a protrusion (island portion) 6-1 that is joined to a drive portion 5-5 formed in the center of the diaphragm portion 6-2, a thick film portion including a beam that is joined to a support portion 5-6, and an ink inlet 6-3 which is an opening formed by stacking two layers of Ni-plated film by electroforming.

[0041] The flow channel plate 2 is made of a silicon single crystal substrate or the like, with a fluid resistance section 2-1, a pressurized liquid chamber 2-2, and a liquid introduction section 2-3 carved into it, and a through-hole that will become a communication opening 2-4 is formed by etching at a position corresponding to the nozzle 11. The portion of the flow channel plate 2 that remains after etching when forming the communication opening 2-4 becomes the liquid introduction section 2-3 (barrier).

[0042] The nozzle plate 3 is made of a metal material, for example, a Ni plating film made by electroforming. The nozzle plate 3 has many nozzles 11, which are fine discharge openings for ejecting (flying) liquid. The internal shape of these nozzles 11 is horn-shaped (approximately cylindrical or approximately frustoconical). The ink ejection surface of the nozzle plate 3 has a water-repellent treatment layer with a water-repellent surface treatment. Here, the water-repellent treatment layer is a water-repellent film selected according to the physical properties of the ink, for example, PTFE-Ni co-deposition plating, electrodeposition coating of fluororesin, vapor deposition coating of volatile fluororesin (e.g., fluorinated pitch), or baking after solvent application of silicone resin or fluororesin. As a result, the droplet shape of the liquid ejected from the nozzles 11 and the flight characteristics of the liquid are stabilized, and high image quality can be obtained. The frame 1 has an ink supply port 1-1 and a common liquid chamber 1-2 formed by resin molding.

[0043] The liquid ejection head 10 applies a drive signal (for example, a pulse voltage of 10 to 50V) corresponding to the recording signal to the drive unit 5-5, causing a displacement in the stacking direction of the drive unit 5-5, increasing the pressure on the liquid stored in the pressurized liquid chamber 2-2 via the diaphragm 6, and ejecting the liquid from the nozzle 11. Subsequently, as the ejection of liquid from the nozzle 11 ends, the liquid ejection head 10 reduces the pressure on the liquid stored in the pressurized liquid chamber 2-2, generating negative pressure in the pressurized liquid chamber 2-2, and transitioning to the liquid filling process into the pressurized liquid chamber 2-2. When transitioning to the liquid filling process into the pressurized liquid chamber 2-2, the liquid supplied from the ink tank flows into the common liquid chamber 1-2, passes through the ink inlet 6-3, the liquid introduction section 2-3 and the fluid resistance section 2-1, and is filled into the pressurized liquid chamber 2-2. The fluid resistance section 2-1 is effective in damping residual pressure oscillations after liquid is discharged from the nozzle 11, but it also resists refilling due to surface tension. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the fluid resistance section 2-1, a balance can be struck between the damping of residual pressure and the time required for refilling, thereby shortening the time until the next liquid discharge operation (drive cycle).

[0044] Figure 13 shows an example of the configuration of the head driver in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Next, an example of the configuration of the head driver IC300 in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described using Figure 13.

[0045] The head driver IC (Integrated Circuit) 300 is an example of a driver that controls the discharge of liquid from the liquid discharge head 10. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the head driver IC 300 includes a drive waveform generation unit 301, a shift register 302, a latch circuit 303, and a drive board 304.

[0046] The drive waveform generation unit 301 generates and outputs multiple drive pulses (drive signals, drive waveforms) within one printing cycle when forming a print image on the medium. The drive board 304 applies the drive pulses generated by the drive waveform generation unit 301 to the multilayer piezoelectric element 5. The shift register 302 receives the transfer clock, image data, and waveform data from an external data transfer unit and stores the input transfer clock, image data, and waveform data. The latch circuit 303 latches the transfer data, image data, and waveform data stored in the shift register 403.

[0047] Figures 14 and 15 show an example of the configuration of a liquid dispensing device according to this embodiment. Next, an example of the configuration of a liquid dispensing device 30 having a liquid dispensing head 10 according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 14 and 15.

[0048] The liquid dispensing device according to this embodiment may be a serial type liquid dispensing device. Specifically, the liquid dispensing device holds the carriage 233 slidably in the main scanning direction X with main and subordinate guide rods 231 and 232, which are guide members horizontally mounted on the left and right side plates 221A and 221b, and moves the carriage in the main scanning direction via a timing belt by a main scanning motor.

[0049] The carriage 233 is equipped with two liquid ejection heads 10 that eject ink droplets of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (B). The liquid ejection heads 10 are mounted on the carriage 233 with a nozzle row containing multiple nozzles 11 arranged toward the sub-scanning direction Y1 (belt transport direction) perpendicular to the carriage's main scanning direction, and with the ink droplet ejection direction facing downwards.

[0050] One liquid dispensing head 10 has two rows of nozzles, with one row dispensing black (K) liquid and the other row dispensing cyan (C) liquid. The other liquid dispensing head 10 also has two rows of nozzles, with one row dispensing magenta (M) liquid and the other row dispensing yellow (Y) liquid.

[0051] Furthermore, the carriage 233 is equipped with head tanks 235a and 235b for supplying the respective colored liquids corresponding to the nozzle rows of the two liquid ejection heads 10. Hereafter, when head tanks 235a and 235b are not distinguished, they will be referred to as head tank 235. The head tank 235 is supplied with the respective colored liquids from the respective colored ink cartridges 210k, 210c, 210m, and 210y via the respective colored supply tubes 236.

[0052] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device has a paper feeding section for feeding paper 242 (an example of a medium) that is loaded onto the paper stacking section (pressure plate) 241 of the paper feed tray 202, and includes a crescent roller (paper feeding roller) 243 and a separation pad 244. The crescent roller 243 separates and feeds the paper 242 one sheet at a time from the paper stacking section 241. The separation pad 244 is made of a material with a high coefficient of friction and is biased toward the crescent roller 243.

[0053] The liquid dispensing device also includes a guide member 245, a counter roller 246, a transport guide member 247, a pressing member 248, etc., which guide the paper 242 fed from the paper feeding section to the lower side of the liquid dispensing head 10. The pressing member 248 has a tip pressure roller 249. The liquid dispensing device also includes a transport belt 251, which is a transport means for electrostatically attracting the paper 242 fed from the paper feeding section and transporting it to a position opposite the liquid dispensing head 10.

[0054] The conveyor belt 251 is an endless belt stretched between the conveyor roller 252 and the tension roller 253, and rotates in the belt conveying direction (sub-scanning direction). The surface of the conveyor belt 251 is charged by the charging roller 256, which serves as a charging means. The charging roller 256 is in contact with the surface of the conveyor belt 251 and is arranged to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the conveyor belt 251. The conveyor belt 251 moves in the belt conveying direction when the conveyor roller 252 is rotationally driven by the sub-scanning motor via a timing belt.

[0055] Furthermore, the liquid ejection device has a paper ejection section for ejecting the paper 242 on which an image has been recorded (formed) by the liquid ejection head 10, which includes a separation claw 261 for separating the paper 242 from the transport belt 251, a paper ejection roller 262, and a paper ejection roller 263. The liquid ejection device also has a paper ejection tray 203 below the paper ejection roller 262.

[0056] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device has a duplex unit 271 detachably attached to the back of the device body. The duplex unit 271 takes in the paper 242 that is returned by the rotation of the conveyor belt 251 in the reverse direction, inverts it, and then feeds the paper again between the counter roller 246 and the conveyor belt 251. A manual feed tray 272 is provided on the top surface of the duplex unit 271.

[0057] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device has a maintenance and recovery mechanism 20 in the non-printing area on one end of the carriage main scanning direction. The maintenance and recovery mechanism 20 is a mechanism for maintaining and recovering the state of the nozzles 11 of the liquid dispensing head 10. This maintenance and recovery mechanism 20 is provided with cap members (hereinafter referred to as caps) 282a, 282b for capping the nozzle surface of each nozzle 11 of the liquid dispensing head 10, a wiping member 21, and an empty dispensing receiver 284 for receiving the liquid dispensed from the nozzles 11 of the liquid dispensing head 10 in order to discharge the thickened liquid.

[0058] Furthermore, the liquid ejection device has an ink recovery unit 288 located in the non-printing area on the other end of the carriage in the main scanning direction. The ink recovery unit 288 is a liquid recovery container that receives the liquid when the thickened liquid is ejected during the recording of an image onto the paper 242. The ink recovery unit 288 is provided with an opening 289 aligned with the direction of the nozzle row of the liquid ejection head 10.

[0059] In a liquid dispensing device having such a configuration, sheets of paper 242 are fed one by one from the paper feed tray 202. The paper 242 fed approximately vertically above the paper feed tray 202 is guided by a guide member 245 and transported between a transport belt 251 and a counter roller 246. Furthermore, its leading edge is guided by a transport guide member 247 and pressed against the transport belt 251 by a leading pressure roller 249, thereby changing the transport direction by approximately 90°.

[0060] In this process, the liquid dispensing device alternately applies positive and negative charge to the charging roller 256, thereby creating alternating positive and negative charged regions in a strip-like shape in the sub-scanning direction, which is the circumferential direction of the conveyor belt 251. When paper 242 is conveyed onto the charged conveyor belt 251, the paper 242 is attracted to the conveyor belt 251, and the paper 242 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the circumferential movement of the conveyor belt 251.

[0061] At that time, the liquid ejection device drives the liquid ejection head 10 while moving the carriage 233 to eject liquid onto the stationary paper 242 and record an image. After transporting the paper 242 for a preset amount, it then records the image again. When the liquid ejection device receives a recording completion signal or a signal indicating that the trailing edge of the paper 242 has reached the recording area, it terminates the recording of the image onto the paper 242 and ejects the paper 242 into the output tray 203.

[0062] Figures 16 and 17 show other examples of the configuration of the liquid dispensing device according to this embodiment. Next, other examples of the configuration of the liquid dispensing device having the liquid dispensing head 10 according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 16 and 17.

[0063] The liquid dispensing device according to this embodiment may be a line-type liquid dispensing device. Specifically, the liquid dispensing device includes a device body 701, a paper feed tray 702, a paper output tray 703, a transport unit 704, an image forming unit 705, a head cleaning device 706, a transport guide section 707, an ink supply system, and the like.

[0064] The paper feed tray 702 loads and feeds paper 242. The paper output tray 703 loads and outputs the paper 242 on which the image has been recorded. The transport unit 704 transports the paper 242 from the paper feed tray 702 to the paper output tray 703. The image forming unit 705 has a head module array 50. The head module array 50 has a liquid ejection head 10 that ejects liquid onto the paper 242 transported by the transport unit 704 to form an image. The head cleaning device 706 is a maintenance and recovery mechanism that maintains and restores the liquid ejection head 10 after image formation on the paper 242 is completed or at a predetermined timing. The transport guide unit 707 opens and closes the head cleaning device 706. The ink supply system consists of a sub-tank and a main tank that supply ink to the head module array 50 of the image forming unit 705. Here, the paper 242 is the recording medium and is not limited to paper; it may be a sheet made of other materials such as an OHP (OverHeadProjector) sheet.

[0065] The main body of the device 701 has front and rear side plates and stays, etc. Paper 242 stacked on the paper feed tray 702 is fed one sheet at a time to the transport unit 704 by the separation roller 38 and the paper feed roller 39. The transport unit 704 includes a transport drive roller 41A and a transport driven roller 41B, and an endless transport belt 43 wrapped around these rollers 41A and 41B. Multiple suction holes are formed on the surface of the transport belt 43, and a suction fan 44 for sucking up the paper 242 is positioned at the bottom of the transport belt 43. In addition, transport guide rollers 42A and 42B are held by guides above the transport drive roller 41A and the transport driven roller 41B, respectively, and are in contact with the transport belt 43 by their own weight.

[0066] The conveyor belt 43 moves in a circular motion as the conveyor drive roller 41A is rotated by a motor. The paper 242 is attracted onto the conveyor belt 43 by the suction fan 44 and conveyed by the circular motion of the conveyor belt 43. The conveyor driven roller 41B and the conveyor guide rollers 42A and 42B rotate in conjunction with the conveyor belt 43.

[0067] An image forming unit 705, equipped with a head module array 50 that ejects liquid onto the paper 242, is positioned above the transport unit 704 so as to be movable in the transport direction A. During maintenance and recovery operations, the image forming unit 705 moves above the head cleaning device 706, and returns to the position shown in the figure during image formation. The image forming unit 705 has a head module array 50, which is a line-type recording head (liquid ejection head 10), that ejects liquid inks of four colors (yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)) onto the paper 242 that is held and transported on the transport belt 43.

[0068] The head module array 50 is integrally provided with a branching member 54 that distributes and supplies liquid to each colored liquid dispensing head 10. Liquid is supplied to the branching member 54 from a sub-tank, and liquid is supplied to the sub-tank from a main tank. The colors of the liquid supplied to the head module array 50 are not limited to the four colors mentioned above, and may include colors such as red, green, blue, and gray in order to expand the range of colors and gradations of the reproduced image.

[0069] The liquid ejection heads 10 are arranged such that at least one nozzle 11 at the end of adjacent liquid ejection heads 10 overlaps in the direction of arrangement of the liquid ejection heads 10 (direction of arrow X, perpendicular to the direction of transport of the paper 242). This allows liquid to be ejected at the same recording position by the nozzles 11 of the two liquid ejection heads 10, thereby recording a dot. These nozzles 11 capable of recording a dot at the same recording position are called overlapping nozzles, and the area of ​​overlapping nozzles is called a connecting section, nozzle row overlapping section, overlapping nozzle area (or section), or overlapping area (or section).

[0070] Downstream of the transport unit 704, a transport guide section 707 is provided for ejecting the paper 242 to the paper output tray 703. The paper 242 guided by the transport guide section 707 is ejected to the paper output tray 703. The paper output tray 703 includes a pair of side fences 31 that restrict the width direction of the paper 242 and an end fence 32 that restricts the leading edge of the paper 242.

[0071] The head cleaning device 706 is a maintenance and recovery mechanism and includes a cap member 62 and a wiping member corresponding to each liquid discharge head 10 of the image forming unit 705, and a suction pump 63. The suction pump 63 sucks liquid from the nozzle 11 while the nozzle surface (the surface on which the nozzle 11 is formed) of the liquid discharge head 10 is capped by the cap member 62.

[0072] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device, after printing is complete, when liquid is sucked from the nozzle 11 with the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head 10 capped by the cap member 62 of the head cleaning device 706, or when liquid adhering to the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head 10 is cleaned with a wiping member, the entire transport unit 704 is rotated in the direction of arrow B, with the transport driven roller 41B as the pivot point, to enlarge the space between the suction fan 44 and the image forming unit 705, thereby securing space for the image forming unit 705 to move. At this time, the transport guide plate 71 of the transport guide section 707 located above the head cleaning device 706 is also rotated in the direction of arrow C, with the pivot point 72, opening the top of the head cleaning device 706. After the transport unit 704 and the transport guide section 707 are opened, the image forming unit 705 and the paper 242 move in the transport direction A, stop above the head cleaning device 706, the cap member 62 etc. rise, and the device transitions to the cleaning operation (maintenance and recovery operation) of the liquid ejection head 10.

[0073] <Electrode Manufacturing Equipment> Furthermore, the "liquid dispensing apparatus" according to the present invention also includes apparatus for manufacturing electrodes and electrochemical elements. The electrode manufacturing apparatus will be described below.

[0074] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrode manufacturing apparatus is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode including a layer having an electrode material by discharging a liquid composition using a head module including a liquid discharging head.

[0075] <Means for forming a layer containing electrode material, process for forming a layer containing electrode material> The discharge means provided in the electrode manufacturing apparatus shown in Figure 18 is a head module according to the embodiment of the present invention described above. A liquid composition is discharged from the discharge head of the head module, thereby applying the liquid composition to an object and forming a liquid composition layer. The object (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "discharge target") is not particularly limited as long as it is an object on which a layer containing electrode material is formed, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the object can be an electrode substrate (current collector), an active material layer, or a layer containing solid electrode material. The object may also be an electrode composite layer containing active material on an electrode substrate (current collector). Furthermore, the discharge means and discharge process may be means and processes for forming a layer containing electrode material by directly discharging the liquid composition, as long as it is possible to form a layer containing electrode material on the discharge target. Alternatively, the discharge means and discharge process may be means and processes for forming a layer containing electrode material by indirectly discharging the liquid composition.

[0076] <Other components, other processes> Other components included in the electrode composite layer manufacturing apparatus are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Similarly, other steps included in the electrode composite layer manufacturing method are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, components and steps included in the electrode composite layer manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method include heating means and heating steps.

[0077] <Heating means, heating process> The heating means included in the electrode composite layer manufacturing apparatus is a means for heating the liquid composition discharged by the discharge means. Furthermore, the heating step included in the electrode composite layer manufacturing method is a step for heating the liquid composition discharged in the discharge step. By heating the liquid composition, the liquid composition layer can be dried.

[0078] <Configuration that forms a layer containing electrode material by direct discharge of a liquid composition> Here, as an example of an electrode manufacturing apparatus, an electrode manufacturing apparatus that forms an electrode composite layer containing an active material on an electrode substrate (current collector) will be described. As shown in Figure 18, the electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a discharge process section 110 which includes a step of applying a liquid composition onto a printing substrate 804 having an object to be discharged to form a liquid composition layer, and a heating process section 130 which includes a heating step of heating the liquid composition layer to obtain an electrode composite layer.

[0079] The electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a transport unit 805 for transporting the printing substrate 804. The transport unit 805 transports the printing substrate 804 at a preset speed in the order of the discharge unit 110 and the heating unit 130. There are no particular restrictions on the method for manufacturing the printing substrate 804 having an object to be discharged, such as an active material layer, and known methods can be appropriately selected. The discharge unit 110 includes a liquid discharge head 10 that performs a dispensing step of applying a liquid composition onto the printing substrate 804, a container 281b that contains the liquid composition 807, and a supply tube 281c that supplies the liquid composition 807 contained in the container 281b to the liquid discharge head 10.

[0080] In the discharge process section 110, the liquid composition 807 is discharged from the liquid discharge head 10 and applied to the printing substrate 804, forming a thin film layer of the liquid composition. The containment container 281b may be integrated with the electrode composite layer manufacturing apparatus, or it may be detachable from the electrode composite layer manufacturing apparatus. Alternatively, the containment container 281b may be a container used for adding to a containment container integrated with the electrode composite layer manufacturing apparatus, or a containment container detachable from the electrode composite layer manufacturing apparatus.

[0081] The containment container 281b and the supply tube 281c can be arbitrarily selected as long as they are capable of stably containing and supplying the liquid composition 807.

[0082] In the heating section 130, a solvent removal step is performed in which the solvent remaining in the liquid composition layer is heated and removed. Specifically, the solvent remaining in the liquid composition layer is heated and dried by the heating device 803 of the heating section 130, thereby removing the solvent from the liquid composition layer. This forms the electrode composite layer. Furthermore, the solvent removal step in the heating section 130 may be performed under reduced pressure.

[0083] There are no particular restrictions on the heating device 803, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the heating device 803 can be a substrate heater, an IR heater, or a hot air heater. Alternatively, the heating device 803 may be a combination of at least two of the substrate heater, IR heater, and hot air heater. Furthermore, the heating temperature and heating time can be appropriately selected according to the boiling point of the solvent contained in the liquid composition 807 or the film thickness to be formed.

[0084] By using the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, a liquid composition can be discharged to a target location. The electrode mixture layer can be suitably used, for example, as part of the configuration of an electrochemical element. There are no particular restrictions on components other than the electrode mixture layer in the electrochemical element, and known components can be appropriately selected. For example, components other than the electrode mixture layer include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, etc.

[0085] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0086] In this application, the discharged liquid is not particularly limited as long as it has a viscosity and surface tension that can be discharged from the head, but it is preferable that its viscosity becomes 30 mPa·s or less at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, or when heated or cooled. More specifically, it is a solution, suspension, emulsion, etc. containing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, a colorant such as a dye or pigment, a polymerizable compound, a resin, a functional material such as a surfactant, a biocompatible material such as DNA, amino acids or proteins, calcium, or an edible material such as a natural pigment. These can be used, for example, as inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, liquids for forming components of electronic elements and light-emitting elements or electronic circuit resist patterns, and three-dimensional molding material liquids.

[0087] The term "liquid" includes not only ink but also paints, pre-treatment solutions, binders, and overcoat solutions.

[0088] The pressure generating means of the present invention includes those that use piezoelectric actuators (multilayer piezoelectric elements and thin-film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators that use electrothermal conversion elements such as heating resistors, and electrostatic actuators consisting of a diaphragm and a counter electrode.

[0089] A "liquid discharge unit" is a liquid discharge head with integrated functional components and mechanisms, and includes an assembly of parts related to liquid discharge. For example, a "liquid discharge unit" may include a combination of a liquid discharge head with at least one of the following components: a head tank, carriage, supply mechanism, maintenance and recovery mechanism, main scanning movement mechanism, and liquid circulation device.

[0090] Here, integration includes, for example, cases where the liquid dispensing head and functional components or mechanisms are fixed to each other by fastening, bonding, engaging, etc., or where one is held movably relative to the other. Furthermore, the liquid dispensing head and functional components or mechanisms may be configured to be detachable from each other.

[0091] For example, some liquid dispensing units have a liquid dispensing head and head tank integrated into one unit. Others have a liquid dispensing head and head tank integrated into one unit, connected to each other by tubes or similar means. In these liquid dispensing units, a unit including a filter can also be added between the head tank and the liquid dispensing head.

[0092] Additionally, some liquid dispensing units have an integrated liquid dispensing head and carriage.

[0093] Furthermore, some liquid dispensing units integrate the liquid dispensing head and the scanning mechanism by movably holding the liquid dispensing head in a guide member that constitutes part of the scanning mechanism. Others integrate the liquid dispensing head, carriage, and main scanning mechanism.

[0094] Furthermore, some liquid dispensing units integrate the liquid dispensing head, carriage, and maintenance / recovery mechanism by fixing a cap component, which is part of the maintenance / recovery mechanism, to a carriage to which the liquid dispensing head is attached.

[0095] Furthermore, some liquid discharge units have a head tank or a liquid discharge head to which flow path components are attached, to which a tube is connected, integrating the liquid discharge head and the supply mechanism. Through this tube, the liquid from the liquid storage source is supplied to the liquid discharge head.

[0096] The main scanning movement mechanism shall include the guide member alone. The supply mechanism shall also include the tube alone and the loading section alone.

[0097] Here, the "liquid dispensing unit" is described in combination with a liquid dispensing head, but the "liquid dispensing unit" also includes a head module or head unit that includes the liquid dispensing head mentioned above, as well as the functional components and mechanisms described above, all integrated together.

[0098] A "liquid dispensing device" includes devices that drive a liquid dispensing head to dispense liquid, such as a liquid dispensing head, liquid dispensing unit, head module, and head unit. Liquid dispensing devices include not only devices that can dispense liquid onto surfaces to which liquid can adhere, but also devices that dispense liquid into air or into liquid.

[0099] This "liquid dispensing device" may also include means for feeding, transporting, and dispensing paper onto materials to which liquid can adhere, as well as pre-treatment devices, post-treatment devices, etc.

[0100] For example, "liquid ejection devices" include image forming devices that eject ink to form images on paper, and three-dimensional molding devices that eject molding liquid into a powder layer formed in layers to create three-dimensional objects.

[0101] Furthermore, the term "liquid dispensing device" is not limited to those that visualize meaningful images such as letters or figures through the dispensed liquid. For example, it also includes devices that form patterns that do not have meaning in themselves, or devices that create three-dimensional images.

[0102] The term "material to which liquid can adhere" above refers to a material to which liquid can adhere at least temporarily, such as material to which liquid adheres and solidifies, or material to which liquid adheres and penetrates, and is the recording medium in the above embodiment. Specific examples include recording media such as paper, recording paper, film, and cloth; electronic components such as electronic circuit boards and piezoelectric elements; powder layers; organ models; and inspection cells. Unless otherwise specified, it includes all materials to which liquid can adhere.

[0103] The materials referred to as "materials to which liquid can adhere" above include paper, thread, fibers, fabrics, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, etc., as long as liquid can adhere to them, even temporarily.

[0104] Other examples of "liquid dispensing devices" include processing liquid coating devices that dispense processing liquid onto the surface of paper for purposes such as modifying the paper surface, and injection granulation devices that granulate fine particles of raw materials by spraying a compositional liquid, in which raw materials are dispersed in a solution, through a nozzle.

[0105] In this application, the terms image formation, recording, printing, copying, printing, and shaping are all considered synonymous.

[0106] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A liquid dispensing head comprising a nozzle member having multiple nozzles, It is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium and has a protrusion that extends in the liquid discharge direction beyond the nozzle surface on which the end of the nozzle is provided, The liquid dispensing head is characterized in that the protruding portion is provided so as to be retractable in the direction opposite to the liquid dispensing direction by contact with the contact member. <2> The aforementioned protruding portion is flexible and elastically deforms in the direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction upon contact with the contact member. <1> This is the liquid dispensing head described. <3> The aforementioned protrusion is rotatably mounted around a pivot point and retracts in the direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction as a result of its rotation. <1> This is the liquid dispensing head described. <4> When the protruding portion is retracted in the direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction, the protruding portion does not overlap the nozzle. <1> from <3> It is one of the liquid dispensing heads described above. <5> The protruding portion is provided so as to be able to adjust the distance from the recording medium. <1> from <4> It is one of the liquid dispensing heads described above. <6> The aforementioned protrusion is detachably provided with respect to the liquid dispensing head body. <1> from <5> It is one of the liquid dispensing heads described above. <7> The protrusions are provided facing all of the nozzles. <1> from <6> It is one of the liquid dispensing heads described above. <8> <1> from <7> This is a liquid dispensing device equipped with one of the liquid dispensing heads described above. <9> The nozzle surface is equipped with a wiping member, The wiping member is the contact member. <8> This is the liquid dispensing device described. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 3. Nozzle plate (nozzle component) 3a Nozzle surface 10 Liquid dispensing heads 10A Liquid Dispensing Head Body 11 nozzles 12 Protrusion 20 Maintenance and recovery mechanism 21 Wiping member (contact member or wiping member) 25 Protrusion 25a Rotation axis (rotation pivot point) 30 Liquid dispensing device E. Recording medium transport direction M recording medium [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0108] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-174401

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing head comprising a nozzle member having multiple nozzles, It is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium and has a protrusion that extends in the liquid discharge direction beyond the nozzle surface on which the end of the nozzle is provided, The liquid dispensing head is characterized in that the protruding portion is provided so as to be retractable in the direction opposite to the liquid dispensing direction by contact with the contact member.

2. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is flexible and elastically deforms in the direction opposite to the liquid dispensing direction upon contact with the contact member.

3. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is rotatably provided around a pivot point and retracts in the direction opposite to the liquid dispensing direction by its rotational movement.

4. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is retracted in the direction opposite to the liquid dispensing direction, and the protruding portion does not overlap the nozzle.

5. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is provided so as to be able to adjust the distance from the recording medium.

6. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is detachably provided with respect to the liquid dispensing head body.

7. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions are provided facing all of the nozzles.

8. A liquid dispensing device comprising a liquid dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The nozzle surface is equipped with a wiping member, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 8, wherein the wiping member is the contact member.

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