Liquid dispensing unit, and method for manufacturing a liquid dispensing unit

Abstract

To provide a liquid dispensing unit that reduces the effort required for assembly. [Solution] The liquid discharge unit comprises a head for discharging liquid and a heating assembly for heating the liquid supplied to the head. The heating assembly comprises a main body having a flow path through which the liquid flows, a holding part having a facing part facing the main body in the opposite direction and a connecting part connecting the main body and the facing part, a heater for heating the main body, a main metal plate located between the heater and the facing part in the opposing direction, and a secondary metal plate located between the main metal plate and the facing part in the opposing direction and pressing the heater toward the main body via the main metal plate.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a liquid dispensing unit and a method for manufacturing a liquid dispensing unit. [Background technology]

[0002] There are image recording devices that eject liquids such as ink onto a medium such as paper via a liquid ejection head. In such image recording devices, it is known that the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head is heated within the head system including the liquid ejection head (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-154427 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In the head system described in Patent Document 1, the process of attaching the heater module to the flow channel block of the preheating channel is time-consuming. This is because the attachment process must be carried out against the frictional force generated between the flow channel block and the heater module.

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide a liquid dispensing unit that reduces the effort required for assembly, and a method for manufacturing a liquid dispensing unit that can reduce the effort required for assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, A head that dispenses liquid, A liquid dispensing unit comprising a heating assembly for heating the liquid supplied to the head, The heating assembly is A main body having a flow path through which the aforementioned liquid flows, A holding portion having an opposing portion facing the main body in the opposite direction and a connecting portion connecting the main body and the opposing portion, A heater that provides heat to the main body, A main metal plate located between the heater and the opposing part in the aforementioned opposing direction, A liquid discharge unit is provided, having a secondary metal plate positioned between the main metal plate and the opposing portion in the aforementioned opposing direction, and pressing the heater toward the main body portion via the main metal plate.

[0007] In accordance with the second aspect of this disclosure, A method for manufacturing a liquid dispensing unit, The aforementioned liquid dispensing unit is A head that dispenses liquid, The head comprises a heating assembly that heats the liquid supplied to the head, The heating assembly is A main body having a flow path through which the aforementioned liquid flows, A holding portion having an opposing portion facing the main body in the opposite direction and a connecting portion connecting the main body and the opposing portion, A heater that provides heat to the main body, A main metal plate located between the heater and the opposing part in the aforementioned opposing direction, It has a secondary metal plate that is located between the main metal plate and the opposing portion in the aforementioned opposing direction and presses the heater toward the main body portion via the main metal plate, The heater and the main metal plate are inserted between the main body and the opposing part along the first direction, A method for manufacturing a liquid dispensing unit is provided, which includes inserting the secondary metal plate between the inserted main metal plate and the opposing portion, along a second direction intersecting the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the liquid dispensing unit and the method for manufacturing the liquid dispensing unit of this disclosure, the effort required to assemble the liquid dispensing unit is reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the head system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the left wall of the first part of the enclosure, seen from the outside (left side). [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of the heating assembly as seen from the front. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) is a perspective view of the flow channel and the block bodies located at both ends of the flow channel. Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the heater module. Figure 6(c) is a perspective view of the fixing plate. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the arrangement of ink channels inside the heating assembly. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the top plate separated from the sub-tank. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the sub-tank. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the head mechanism. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a plan view of the flow path unit and actuator. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of the first ink in the printhead system. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of the second ink in the printhead system. [Figure 15]Figures 15(a) to 15(d) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the assembly procedure for the heating assembly. Figure 15(a) shows the insertion of the heater module into the accommodating space of the flow channel. Figure 15(b) shows the insertion of the fixing plate between the flow channel and the heater module. Figure 15(c) shows the state after the two fixing plates have been inserted between the flow channel and the heater module. Figure 15(d) shows the completed assembly of the heating assembly. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a modified heating assembly, taken from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Embodiment] A head system 100 (an example of a "liquid ejection unit") and a printer 1000, which are embodiments of this disclosure, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 15.

[0011] <Printer 1000> As shown in Figure 1, the printer 1000 mainly comprises four head systems 100, a platen 200, a pair of transport rollers 301 and 302, an ink tank 400, a reservoir 500, a controller 600, and a housing 700 that houses these components.

[0012] In the case of printer 1000, the direction in which the pair of transport rollers 301 and 302 are aligned, that is, the direction in which the media PM is transported during image formation, is called the "media feeding direction." The direction that extends in the horizontal plane and is perpendicular to the media feeding direction is called the "media width direction."

[0013] Each of the four head systems 100 is a so-called line-type head, supported by a frame 100a at both ends in the media width direction. The frame 100a aligns the front-to-back direction (described later) of each of the four head systems 100 with the media feeding direction of the printer 1000, and supports the nozzle surfaces 40n (described later) of the four head systems 100 facing the upper surface of the platen 200.

[0014] In this embodiment, each of the four head systems 100 is configured to eject two of four different types of ink. These four types of ink are, for example, cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink. The specific structure and function of the head system 100 will be described later.

[0015] The platen 200 is a plate-shaped member that supports the media PM from the opposite side (below) of the head system 100 when ink is ejected from the head system 100 toward the media PM.

[0016] The pair of transport rollers 301 and 302 are positioned to sandwich the platen 200 in the medium feeding direction. The pair of transport rollers 301 and 302 function as a transport device that moves the medium PM in a predetermined manner in the medium feeding direction when the head system 100 forms an image on the medium PM.

[0017] The ink tank 400 is divided into four sections to accommodate four colors of ink. The four colors of ink are sent to the reservoir 500 via conduits 410. The reservoir 500 is also divided into four sections to accommodate four colors of ink. The ink of each color sent to the reservoir 500 is circulated between the reservoir 500 and the head system 100 via conduits and pumps (not shown).

[0018] The controller 600 controls all parts of the printer 1000, causing each part to perform tasks such as image formation on the media PM. The controller 600 includes an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), EEPROM (Electrically Eracable Programmable Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The controller 600 may also include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The controller 600 is connected to an external device (not shown), such as a PC, for data communication and controls each part of the printer 1000 based on print data sent from the external device.

[0019] <Head System 100> As shown in Figure 2, each of the four head systems 100 mainly comprises a housing 10, two heating assemblies 20, a sub-tank 30, 10 head mechanisms 40, 10 ink tube sets ITS, a relay board 50, and a control board section 60. Since the four head systems have the same configuration as each other, the following explanation will focus on one of the four.

[0020] In the following explanation, the direction in which the 10 head mechanisms 40 are arranged in a staggered (zigzag) pattern will be referred to as the width direction of the head system 100, and the direction in which the 10 head mechanisms 40 and the sub-tank 30 are arranged will be referred to as the vertical direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the width direction and the vertical direction will be referred to as the front-to-back direction of the head system 100.

[0021] In the front-to-back direction, the front and rear sides of the page in Figure 2 are defined as the front and rear sides in the front-to-back direction. In the width direction, the left and right sides when viewed from the front in the front-to-back direction are defined as the left and right sides in the width direction. In the up-and-down direction, the side where the sub-tank 30 is located relative to the 10 head mechanisms 40 is defined as the upper side, and the opposite side is defined as the lower side.

[0022] In addition, when the head system 100 is mounted on the printer 1000, the width direction of the head system 100 coincides with the medium width direction of the printer 1000, and the front-rear direction of the head system 100 coincides with the medium feeding direction of the printer 1000.

[0023] <Housing 10> The housing 10 can be formed of, for example, metal. The housing 10 includes a first part 11 and a second part 12 that is detachable from the first part 11.

[0024] The first part 11 has a top plate 11a, a bottom plate 11b, a front wall 11c (FIG. 3. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the front wall 11c is omitted in order to illustrate the inside of the first part 11), a rear wall 11d, a left wall 11e, and a right wall 11f. The top plate 11a and the bottom plate 11b are rectangles that are long in the width direction in plan view. The top plate 11a has a step portion ST 11 and the vicinity of the left end is located above the other regions. The front wall 11c and the rear wall 11d are flat plates that extend along a plane including the width direction and the vertical direction, and the left wall 11e and the right wall 11f are flat plates that extend along a plane including the front-rear direction and the vertical direction. The left wall 11e and the right wall 11f are orthogonal to the front wall 11c and the rear wall 11d.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, an electrical connector CN is provided at the upper part of the left wall 11e, and four air circulation ports AP 10 are provided below the electrical connector CN. Below the four air circulation ports AP 10 two ink supply ports ISP 10 and two ink discharge ports IDP 10 are provided. Note that the electrical connector CN, the air circulation ports AP 10 , the ink supply ports ISP 10 , and the ink discharge ports IDP 10 are not shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] Thus, since the electrical connector CN is located above the ink supply ports ISP 10 and the ink discharge ports IDP 10 , the ink supply ports ISP 10and ink outlet IDP 10 Even if ink leaks from the connector, it prevents an electrical short circuit from occurring at the electrical connector CN.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the second part 12 has a top plate 12a, a bottom plate 12b, a front wall 12c, a rear wall 12d, a left wall 12e, and a right wall 12f. When the second part 12 is attached to the first part 11, the bottom plate 12b of the second part 12 contacts the vicinity of the right edge of the top plate 11a of the first part 11.

[0028] <Heating Assembly 20> The heating assembly 20 is connected to the ink supply port ISP of the housing 10. 10 This assembly supplies ink to the head system 100 via a certain mechanism, and then sends it to the sub-tank 30 while raising its temperature.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the heating assemblies 20 are located in pairs in the front-to-back direction near the bottom 11b of the first part 11 of the housing 10. Each of the two heating assemblies 20 has a longitudinal shape, and its longitudinal direction coincides with the width direction of the head system 100, while its short direction coincides with the vertical direction of the head system 100. In addition, the heating assemblies 20 are positioned in the ink supply port ISP in the ink flow direction. 10 It is located downstream of the sub-tank 30 and upstream of the sub-tank 30.

[0030] In Figure 2, the heating assembly 20 is depicted with a dotted line so as not to obstruct the view of the structure located behind it. The rear surface of the heating assembly 20 located at the front faces the five ink tube sets ITS located at the front. The rear surface of the heating assembly 20 located at the rear faces the five ink tube sets ITS located at the rear.

[0031] The two heating assemblies 20 have identical structures. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each of the two heating assemblies 20 mainly comprises a flow channel section 21 in which an ink flow path is defined, a heater module 22 that heats the flow channel section 21, fixing plates 231 and 232 (an example of a "sub-metal plate") that fix the heater module 22 to the flow channel section 21, block bodies 241 and 242, and a radiant sheet 25.

[0032] The flow channel section 21 is a component that delivers heat from the heater module 22 to the ink while allowing the ink to flow along a defined flow channel inside. As shown in Figure 4, the flow channel section 21 is a longitudinal component with the width direction of the head system 100 as its longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the head system 100 as its short direction. The dimension of the flow channel section 21 in the longitudinal direction is length L. 21 The flow channel 21 is preferably formed from a material with a high heat transfer coefficient, and as an example, it can be formed from a metal such as aluminum.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6(a), the flow channel section 21 includes a main body section 211 and holding sections 212 and 213 formed integrally with the main body section 211.

[0034] The main body 211 is rectangular in shape. The front surface 211c and rear surface 211d of the main body 211 extend along planes perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the head system 100.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, a first channel C1, a second channel C2, and a third channel C3 are defined inside the main body 211. The first channel C1 is a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel section 21. The second channel C2 is located above the first channel C1 and is a straight line extending parallel to the first channel C1. The third channel C3 is U-shaped, connecting the right end of the first channel C1 and the right end of the second channel C2.

[0036] The cross-sectional shapes of the first channel C1, the second channel C2, and the third channel C3 are oval (Figures 5 and 6(a)). By making the cross-sectional shapes of the first to third channels C1 to C3 oval, it is easier to increase the contact area between the ink flowing through the first to third channels C1 to C3 and the main body 211 compared to when the cross-sectional shape is a perfect circle. Therefore, heat from the heater module 22 can be efficiently supplied to the ink.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6(a), the holding portion 212 is an angle-shaped portion that protrudes forward from the upper edge of the front surface 211c of the main body portion 211 and bends downward. The holding portion 212 includes an opposing portion 212F that faces the main body portion 211 in the front-rear direction (an example of the "opposing direction") and a connecting portion 212C that extends in the front-rear direction and connects the main body portion 211 and the opposing portion 212F.

[0038] The opposing portion 212F is a plate-like portion extending in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The rear surface 212Fd of the opposing portion 212F faces the front surface 211c of the main body portion 211 in the front-rear direction. Both the rear surface 212Fd and the front surface 211c extend in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction and are parallel to each other. The connecting portion 212C is a plate-like portion extending in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6(a), the holding portion 213 is an angle-shaped portion that protrudes forward from the lower edge of the front surface 211c of the main body portion 211 and bends upward. The holding portion 213 includes an opposing portion 213F that faces the main body portion 211 in the front-rear direction, and a connecting portion 213C that extends in the front-rear direction and connects the main body portion 211 and the opposing portion 213F.

[0040] The opposing portion 213F is a plate-like portion extending in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The rear surface 213Fd of the opposing portion 213F faces the front surface 211c of the main body portion 211 in the front-rear direction. Both the rear surface 213Fd and the front surface 211c extend in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction and are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the rear surface 213Fd is located on the same plane as the rear surface 212Fd of the opposing portion 212F of the holding portion 212. That is, the rear surface 212Fd and the rear surface 213Fd are flush. The connecting portion 213C is a plate-like portion extending in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0041] The flow channel section 21 defines a housing space HS for housing the heater module 22 by the front surface 211c of the main body section 211, the holding section 212, and the holding section 213. The housing space HS includes a groove SL1 defined by the main body section 211 and the holding section 212, and a groove SL2 defined by the main body section 211 and the holding section 213. Groove SL1 is a slot-shaped groove that extends in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel section 21 and opens downward. Groove SL2 is a slot-shaped groove that extends in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel section 21 and opens upward.

[0042] The dimensions of the storage space HS, groove SL1, and groove SL2 in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel section 21 (i.e., the width direction of the head system 100) are determined by the length L of the flow channel section 21. 21 It is equal to.

[0043] The distance between the front surface 211c and the rear surface 212Fb or rear surface 213Fb is the depth D of the storage space. HS (Figure 5) The distance from the lower surface 212Cb of the connection part 212C to the upper surface 213Ca of the connection part 213C is the width W of the storage space. HS The distance from the lower end 212Fb of the opposing portion 212F to the lower surface 212Cb of the connecting portion 212C is defined as the depth D of the groove SL1. SL1 The distance from the upper end portion 212Fa of the opposing portion 213F to the upper surface 213Ca of the connecting portion 213C is defined as the depth D of the groove SL2. SL2 Let's assume the depth is D. SL1 and depth D SL2 They are equal to each other.

[0044] The heater module 22 is a module that generates heat to be supplied to the flow channel 21. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the heater module 22 is located inside the housing space HS of the flow channel 21.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6(b), the heater module 22 includes a heater 221, a heat dissipation sheet 222, and a metal plate 223 (an example of a "main metal plate").

[0046] The heater 221 has the function of supplying heat to the main body 211 of the flow channel 21. The heater 221 is a longitudinal planar (strip-shaped) heater with the width direction of the head system 100 as its longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the head system 100 as its short direction. The heater 221 has a heating surface 221m and an opposite surface 221n (Figure 6(b)) opposite to the heating surface 221m. The entire heating surface 221m of the heater 221 is in contact with the front surface 211c of the main body 211 of the flow channel 21 (Figure 5).

[0047] The heat dissipation sheet 222 has the function of releasing excess heat generated by the heater 221 to the outside of the heating assembly 20. The heat dissipation sheet 222 can be formed from an elastic material having high thermal conductivity, such as silicone.

[0048] The heat dissipation sheet 222 is a longitudinal planar (strip-shaped) member with the width direction of the head system 100 as its longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the head system 100 as its short direction. The entire rear surface 222d of the heat dissipation sheet 222 is in contact with the opposite surface 221n of the heater 221.

[0049] The metal plate 223 is a component that releases excess heat transferred from the heater 221 to the heat dissipation sheet 222 to the outside of the heating assembly 20. The metal plate 223 can be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

[0050] The metal plate 223 is a long, flat plate with its longitudinal direction oriented in the width direction of the head system 100 and its short direction oriented in the vertical direction of the head system 100. The metal plate 223 has a flat front surface 223c and a flat rear surface 223d. The front surface 222c of the heat dissipation sheet 222 is in contact with the upper and lower center of the rear surface 223d.

[0051] The length L is the longitudinal dimension of heater 221. 221 (Figure 4) The length L is the longitudinal dimension of the heat dissipation sheet 222. 222 The length L is the longitudinal dimension of the metal plate 223. 223 Therefore, length L 221 Length L 222 , and length L 223They are equal to each other, and the length L of the flow channel 21 21 Smaller than. In this embodiment, length L 221 Length L 222 , and length L 223 Each of these is the length L of the heater module 22. 22 It is equivalent to the same thing.

[0052] The dimension of the heater 221 in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction of the head system 100) is thickness T. 221 (Figure 5) The thickness of the heat dissipation sheet 222 is defined as thickness T. 222 The dimension of the metal plate 223 in the thickness direction is the thickness T. 223 Therefore, thickness T 221 Thickness T 222 , and thickness T 223 The sum of (i.e., the thickness T of the heater module 22) 22 ) is the depth D of the containment space HS. HS It is smaller than that.

[0053] The dimension of the heater module 22 in the shorter direction (up and down direction of the head system 100) is width W. 22 (Figure 5) If the width is W, then 22 The width W of the storage space HS is HS It is smaller than that. Note that the width W of the heater module 22 22 This dimension is equal to the dimension in the short direction of the one with the largest dimension in the short direction among the heater 221, heat dissipation sheet 222, and metal plate 223, and in this embodiment it is equal to the dimension in the short direction of the heater 221 and the metal plate 223. When the heater module 22 is fixed to the flow path section 21, there is a gap between the upper end of the heater module 22 and the lower surface 212Cb of the connection section 212C, and between the lower end of the heater module 22 and the upper surface 213Ca of the connection section 213C.

[0054] The fixing plates 231 and 232 fix the heater module 22 to the flow path section 21 and have the function of releasing excess heat transferred from the heater 221 to the metal plate 223 via the heat dissipation sheet 222 to the outside of the heating assembly 20. The fixing plates 231 and 232 can be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

[0055] Fixing plates 231 and 232 have the same shape. As shown in Figure 6(c), fixing plates 231 and 232 are elongated flat plates with the width direction of the head system 100 as the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the head system 100 as the short direction. Fixing plates 231 and 232 have flat front surfaces 231c and 232c and flat rear surfaces 231d and 232d.

[0056] The length L is the longitudinal dimension of the fixing plate 231. 231 (Figure 4) The longitudinal dimension of the fixing plate 232 is length L 232 Therefore, length L 231 and length L 232 These are equal to each other, and the length L of the flow channel 21 21 Larger than. The dimension of the fixing plate 231 in the shorter direction is width W. 231 (Figure 5) The dimension of the fixing plate 232 in the shorter direction is the width W. 232 Therefore, width W 231 and width W 232 These are equal to the depth D of grooves SL1 and SL2. SL1 , D SL2 It is larger than that.

[0057] The fixing plate 231 is located mostly within the groove SL1 in the longitudinal direction. The area near the left end 231e of the fixing plate 231 protrudes to the left of the left end 21e of the flow channel section 21, forming the recess R of the block body 241. 241A It is located inside (described later). The area near the right end 231f of the fixing plate 231 protrudes to the right of the right end 21f of the flow channel section 21, forming the recess R of the block body 242. 242A It is located inside (described later).

[0058] Similarly, the majority of the fixed plate 232 is located inside the groove SL2 in the longitudinal direction. The area near the left end 232e of the fixed plate 232 protrudes to the left of the left end 21e of the flow channel 21 into the recess R of the block body 241. 241B It is located inside (described later). The area near the right end 232f of the fixing plate 232 protrudes to the right of the right end 21f of the flow channel section 21, forming the recess R of the block body 242. 242B It is located inside (described later).

[0059] The fixing plates 231 and 232 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. That is, there is a gap between the lower edge of fixing plate 231 and the upper edge of fixing plate 232.

[0060] In the width direction of the head system 100, each of the fixing plates 231 and 232 is present in the entire region where the heater module 22 (i.e., the heater 221, the heat dissipation sheet 222, and the metal plate 223) is located.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, within the groove SL1, the area of ​​the fixing plate 231, excluding the area near the upper edge of the rear surface 231d, is in contact with the area near the upper edge of the front surface 223c of the metal plate 223. Also, the width W of the fixing plate 231. 231 The depth of groove SL1 is D SL1 Because it is larger than the other side, the front surface 231c of the fixing plate 231 is in contact with the entire rear surface 212Fd of the opposing portion 212F of the holding portion 212, except for the area near its lower edge.

[0062] Similarly, within the groove SL2, the area of ​​the fixing plate 232, excluding the area near the lower edge of the rear surface 232d, is in contact with the area near the lower edge of the front surface 223c of the metal plate 223. Also, the width W of the fixing plate 232. 232 The depth of groove SL2 is D SL2 Because it is larger than the other, the front surface 232c of the fixing plate 232 is in contact with the entire rear surface 213Fd of the opposing portion 213F of the holding portion 213, except for the area near its upper edge.

[0063] Here, the thickness of the fixing plate 231 is defined as thickness T. 231 (Figure 5) The thickness of the fixing plate 232 is defined as thickness T. 232 Therefore, thickness T 231 and thickness T 232 These are equal to each other. Also, the thickness T of the heater module 22 22 and the thickness T of the fixing plate 231 231 (or the thickness T of the fixing plate 232) 232 The sum of the above is the depth D of the containment space HS when the heater module 22 and the fixing plates 231 and 232 are separated from the flow path section 21 and no force is applied from the surroundings. HSis larger than. On the other hand, the thickness T 22 and the thickness T 231 (or the thickness T 232 ) and the total value thereof is equal to the depth D HS of the accommodation space HS when the heater module 22 and the fixing plates 231 and 232 are accommodated in the accommodation space HS of the flow path portion 21. This is because the heater module (specifically, for example, the heat dissipation sheet 222) is compressed in the thickness direction and the heater module 22 and the fixing plates 231 and 232 are accommodated in the accommodation space HS. Therefore, in the state where the heater module 22 and the fixing plates 231 and 232 are accommodated in the accommodation space HS, the fixing plates 231 and 232 press the heater module 22 toward the main body portion 211 of the flow path portion 21, and thereby the heater module 22 is fixed to the flow path portion 21.

[0064] The block body 241 is attached to the left end portion 21e of the flow path portion 21. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the block body 241 has a through hole TH 241A penetrating through the inside of the block body 241 and a through hole TH 241B , and a recess R 241A and a recess R 241B located on the front surface 241c of the block body 241. The through hole TH 241A and the through hole TH 241B are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0065] The through hole TH 241A , the through hole TH 241B respectively have pipelines PC A , PC B inserted therein. As shown in FIG. 7, the pipelines PC A , PC B are fluid-connected to the first to third flow paths C1 to C3 of the flow path portion 21 and together with the first to third flow paths C1 to C3 constitute an ink flow path IC 20 . The end of the pipeline PC B is the upstream end IC 20 of the ink flow path IC 20U , and the end of the pipeline PC A is the downstream end IC 20 of the ink flow path IC 20D .

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, the recess R 241A In the region near the left end 231e of the fixed plate 231 located inside the recess R 241A Is restricted from moving downward by the upward surface S 241A That defines the recess R. Similarly, the region near the left end 232e of the fixed plate 232 located inside the recess R 241B Is restricted from moving upward by the downward surface S 241B That defines the recess R 241B .

[0067] The block body 242 is attached to the right end 21f of the flow path portion 21. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the block body 242 has recesses R 242A And recess R 242B On the front surface 242c of the block body 242

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, the region near the right end 231f of the fixed plate 231 located inside the recess R 242A Is restricted from moving downward by the upward surface S 242A That defines the recess R 242A . Similarly, the region near the right end 232f of the fixed plate 232 located inside the recess R 242B Is restricted from moving upward by the downward surface S 242B That defines the recess R 242B .

[0069] The radiation sheet 25 is provided to efficiently radiate the heat of the flow path portion 21 to the outside. As shown in FIG. 5, the radiation sheet 25 is attached to the rear surface 211d of the main body portion 211 of the flow path portion 21. The radiation sheet 25 may be attached to a region excluding the vicinity of the lower edge and both ends in the longitudinal direction of the rear surface 211d. The radiation sheet 25 may be a sheet formed of a material having a higher emissivity than the flow path portion 21, for example, a carbon sheet

[0070] The heat radiated from the radiation sheet 25 warms the ink flowing through the ink tube set ITS extending at a position facing the radiation sheet 25

[0071] <Sub-tank 30> The sub-tank 30 receives and stores the ink that has been heated in the heating assembly 20. The sub-tank 30 also heats the ink it stores. The ink stored in the sub-tank 30 is distributed to each of the multiple head mechanisms 40.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2, the sub-tank 30 is located above the two heating assemblies 20. The sub-tank 30 has a longitudinal shape, and its longitudinal direction is aligned with the width direction of the head system 100. In addition, the sub-tank 30 is located downstream of the heating assembly 20 and upstream of the multiple head mechanisms 40 in the ink flow direction.

[0073] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the sub-tank 30 is composed of a main body 31, a top plate 32, and a bottom plate 33. A heater 34 (Figure 9) is attached to the underside of the bottom plate 33.

[0074] The main body 31 is formed of resin, for example.

[0075] The main body 31 has a front wall 31c and a rear wall 31d that extend along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the head system 100, and a left wall 31e and a right wall 31f that extend along a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the head system 100.

[0076] The left wall 31e and the right wall 31f have a stepped section ST in the center in the front-to-back direction. 31 It has a stepped section ST 31 The front portions 31ec and 31fc located on the front side are stepped portions ST 31 It is located to the left of the rear portion 31ed, 31fd, which is located behind the rear part.

[0077] The front portion 31ec has an ink supply port ISP near the front of the lower edge. 30 A vent is provided, and behind it is an ink outlet IDP. 30 It is provided. In addition, there are two air vents AP near the upper edge. 30These are arranged in a front-to-back configuration. The rear portion 31ed has an ink supply port ISP located near the rear of the lower edge. 30 A feature is provided, and in front of it is an ink outlet IDP. 30 It is provided. In addition, there are two air vents AP near the upper edge. 30 They are arranged in a row, front and back.

[0078] The main body 31 further has a first separation wall 31w1, a second separation wall 31w2, and a third separation wall 31w3 that are parallel to the front wall 31c and the rear wall 31d and extend between the left wall 31e and the right wall 31f.

[0079] The first separation wall 31w1 has stepped sections ST in the front-rear direction, with the left wall 31e and the right wall 31f. 31 It is in the same position as the second separation wall 31w2, in the front-to-back direction, is the ink supply port ISP of the front portion 31ec of the left wall 31e. 30 and ink outlet IDP 30 Between, and two air vents AP 30 It is located between the two. The third separation wall 31w3 is located in the front-rear direction, and the ink supply port ISP of the rear portion 31ed of the left wall 31e. 30 and ink outlet IDP 30 Between, and two air vents AP 30 It is located between these two points.

[0080] The top plate 32 is, for example, a flat plate made of metal. The planar shape of the top plate 32 is the same as the contour shape of the main body 31 when viewed from above. The top plate 32 is fixed to the upper end of the main body 31 with a sealing rubber (not shown) in between.

[0081] The base plate 33 is a flat plate made of metal (aluminum, for example). The planar shape of the base plate 33 is the same as the shape of the outline of the main body 31 when viewed from above.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9, ten ink flow port sets S are located on the underside of the base plate 33. Each of the ink flow port sets S includes a first ink supply port SP1, a second ink supply port SP2, a first ink outlet DP1, and a second ink outlet DP2.

[0083] The 10 ink flow port sets S are arranged in a staggered (zigzag) pattern along the width direction of the head system 100. In addition, within each ink flow port set S, the first ink supply port SP1, the second ink supply port SP2, the first ink outlet DP1, and the second ink outlet DP2 are arranged in a staggered (zigzag) pattern along the width direction.

[0084] The base plate 33 is fixed to the lower end of the main body 31 with a sealing rubber (not shown) in between.

[0085] As shown in Figure 8, the inside of the sub-tank 30 is defined by the main body 31, the top plate 32, and the bottom plate 33, in order from the front, as the first storage section R1, the second storage section R2, the third storage section R3, and the fourth storage section R4.

[0086] A distribution channel (not shown) provided near the lower end of the main body 31 connects the first storage section R1 to the first ink supply port SP1 of each ink flow port set S. The second storage section R2 connects to the first ink discharge port DP1 of each ink flow port set S. The third storage section R3 connects to the second ink discharge port DP2 of each ink flow port set S. The fourth storage section R4 connects to the second ink supply port SP2 of each ink flow port set S.

[0087] The heater 34 heats the ink stored in the first storage section R1 to the fourth storage section R4. The heater 34 is a planar heater similar to the heater 221 of the heating assembly 20 and is located on the underside of the bottom plate 33 (Figure 9).

[0088] In this embodiment, the heater 34 is attached to the lower surface of the bottom plate 33 so as to be located between the ink flow port sets S in the front-rear and width directions of the head system 100. The heat generated in the heater 34 is supplied to the ink in the first storage section R1 to the fourth storage section R4 via the bottom plate 33.

[0089] Four air vents AP on the left wall 31e 30 These are the four air vents AP of the housing 10. 10Each is connected by a pipeline not shown. The interior of each of the first storage section R1 to the fourth storage section R4 is divided into a liquid phase in which ink is stored and a gaseous phase above it in which air is present. Air outlet AP 10 AP 30 By making the gas phase pressure in the first storage section R1 and the fourth storage section R4 greater than the gas phase pressure in the second storage section R2 and the third storage section R3, an ink flow occurs from the first storage section R1 and the fourth storage section R4 through the head mechanism 40 to the second storage section R2 and the third storage section R3.

[0090] <Head mechanism 40> As shown in Figure 10, each of the ten head mechanisms 40, which have the same configuration as the others, has, from top to bottom, a connecting plate 41, a main body 42, and a head 43. The head mechanism 40 further has a wiring connection part WC that extends vertically between the top of the connecting plate 41 and the head 43.

[0091] The connection plate 41 is provided with ink supply pipe connection parts ISC1 and ISC2, and ink discharge pipe connection parts IDC1 and IDC2.

[0092] The main body 42 is fixed to the lower surface of the connection plate 41. The main body 42 has a flow path inside which ink supplied to the ink supply pipe connection parts ISC1 and ISC2 is supplied to the head 43, and a flow path which returns ink that was not ejected by the head 43 to the ink discharge pipe connection parts IDC1 and IDC2.

[0093] The head 43 is fixed to the lower surface of the main body 42. The head 43 includes a flow path unit 431 and a piezoelectric actuator 432 (Figures 11 and 12).

[0094] As shown in Figure 12, the flow channel unit 431 is a laminated structure in which the ink sealing film 431A, plates 431B to 431E, and nozzle plate 431F are stacked from top to bottom in that order. As shown in Figure 11, a flow channel CH is formed inside the flow channel unit 431.

[0095] The flow path CH has 8 ink flow ports IP43 It includes four manifold channels M1, M2, M3, and M4, and 48 individual channels iCH. Each of the four manifold channels M1 to M4 is a straight channel with ink flow ports IP at both ends. 43 It is connected to the following. Each of the four manifold channels M1 to M4 is connected to 12 individual channels iCH.

[0096] Each individual flow path iCH includes a pressure chamber 1, a descender flow path 2, and a nozzle 3, as shown in Figure 12. The upper surface of the pressure chamber 1 is formed by an ink sealing film 431A. The descender flow path 2 extends vertically from the pressure chamber 1 toward the nozzle 3. The nozzle 3 is a minute opening that ejects ink toward the medium PM and is formed on the nozzle plate 431F. The lower surface of the nozzle plate 431F is the lower surface of the head mechanism 40 and is the nozzle surface 40n. On the nozzle surface 40n, a row of nozzles L3 (Figure 11) is located along the direction in which the manifold flow paths M1 to M4 extend.

[0097] As shown in Figure 12, the piezoelectric actuator 432 is composed of a first piezoelectric layer L1 located on the upper surface of the flow channel unit 431, a second piezoelectric layer L2 above the first piezoelectric layer L1, a common electrode cET sandwiched between the first piezoelectric layer L1 and the second piezoelectric layer L2, and a plurality of individual electrodes iET located on the upper surface of the second piezoelectric layer L2. The plurality of individual electrodes iET are located on the upper surface of the second piezoelectric layer L2 such that each is positioned above the pressure chamber 1 of the plurality of individual flow channels iCH. The portion of the second piezoelectric layer L2 sandwiched between the common electrode cET and each of the plurality of individual electrodes iET becomes an active portion AC that is polarized in the thickness direction.

[0098] Each individual electrode iET of the piezoelectric actuator 432 is connected to a control board 442 on which a driver IC is mounted, via an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 441. The control board 442 is located inside the main body 42.

[0099] The wiring connection section WC is in the form of a circuit board. The upper end of the wiring connection section WC protrudes above the connection plate 41. The wiring connection section WC is connected to the relay board 50 (described later) via a flexible circuit board (not shown). The lower end of the wiring connection section WC is connected to the control board 442.

[0100] Each of the head mechanisms 40 is fixed to the bottom 11b of the first part 11 (Figure 2). In this state, the nozzle surface 40n of each head mechanism 40 is exposed toward the bottom of the housing 10. The nozzle row L3 of the nozzle surface 40n extends along the width direction of the head system 100. The 10 head mechanisms 40 are arranged in a staggered (zigzag) pattern along the width direction.

[0101] Each of the print head mechanisms 40 and the sub-tank 30 are connected by an ink tube set ITS (Figure 2). The ink tube set ITS includes two ink supply tubes IST1 and IST2 and two ink discharge tubes IDT1 and IDT2.

[0102] The upper end of each ink supply tube IST1 is connected to the ink supply port SP1 of each ink flow port set S of the sub-tank 30. The lower end of each ink supply tube IST1 is connected to the ink supply tube connection part ISC1 of the head mechanism 40. The upper end of each ink supply tube IST2 is connected to the ink supply port SP2 of each ink flow port set S of the sub-tank 30. The lower end of each ink supply tube IST2 is connected to the ink supply tube connection part ISC2 of the head mechanism 40.

[0103] The upper end of each ink discharge pipe IDT1 is connected to the ink discharge port DP1 of each ink flow port set S of the sub-tank 30. The lower end of each ink discharge pipe IDT1 is connected to the ink discharge pipe connection part IDC1 of the head mechanism 40. The upper end of each ink discharge pipe IDT2 is connected to the ink discharge port DP2 of each ink flow port set S of the sub-tank 30. The lower end of each ink discharge pipe IDT2 is connected to the ink discharge pipe connection part IDC2 of the head mechanism 40.

[0104] The flow path of the main body 42 is configured such that ink supplied to the ink supply pipe connection ISC1 flows through manifold flow paths M1 and M2, and ink discharged from manifold flow paths M1 and M2 flows to the ink discharge pipe connection IDC1. The flow path of the main body 42 is also configured such that ink supplied to the ink supply pipe connection ISC2 flows through manifold flow paths M3 and M4, and ink discharged from manifold flow paths M3 and M4 flows to the ink discharge pipe connection IDC2. The flow path of the main body 42 may be configured such that ink flows in the same direction in all of the manifold flow paths M1 to M4, or the direction of ink flow in manifold flow paths M1 and M3 may be opposite to the direction of ink flow in manifold flow paths M2 and M4.

[0105] <Relay board 50> The relay board 50 primarily acts as a relay between the control board section 60 (described later) and the control board 442 of the head mechanism 40. The relay board 50 is connected to the wiring connection section WC of each of the 10 head mechanisms 40 by a flexible circuit board (not shown).

[0106] The relay board 50 is also connected to the electrical connector CN of the housing 10 by wiring (not shown), and distributes the power supplied from the electrical connector CN to the control board section 60, etc.

[0107] As shown in Figure 2, the relay board 50 is mounted on the lower surface of the second region 11a2 of the top plate 11a, parallel to the second region 11a2. That is, the mounting surface of the relay board 50 is parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of the second region 11a2, and is parallel to the surface including the width direction and the front-to-back direction.

[0108] <Control board section 60> The control board unit 60 receives print data signals from the controller 600 of the printer 1000 and sends them to the control boards 442 of each head mechanism 40 via the relay board 50. The control board unit 60 is located inside the second part 12 of the housing 10 (Figure 2).

[0109] Terminals (not shown) of the control board section 60 protrude downward through an opening (not shown) provided in the bottom plate 12b of the second section 12. The second section 12 is attached to and detached from the first section 11 by connecting and detaching these terminals to the connector (not shown) of the relay board 50 through an opening (not shown) provided in the second region 11a2 of the top plate 11a of the first section 11.

[0110] <Ink flow> Here, referring to Figures 13 and 14, we will summarize the ink flow in the head system 100. The head system 100 can handle up to two types of ink simultaneously.

[0111] As shown in Figure 13, the reservoir 500 supplies ink to the two ink supply ports ISP of the housing 10. 10 The front ink supply port ISP 10 The first ink supplied to the front heating assembly 20 flows through the pipeline to the ink flow path IC 20 Upstream IC 20U It flows into the ink channel IC. 20 After being heated, the ink flow path IC 20 downstream IC 20D It leaks from there.

[0112] Ink flow channel IC 20 downstream IC 20D The first ink that leaked out flows through the pipeline to the ink supply port ISP of the sub-tank 30. 30 The ink flows from there into the first storage section R1. The first ink inside the first storage section R1 is supplied to each of the 10 ink flow port sets S on the bottom plate 33 via a distribution channel (not shown) at the bottom of the sub-tank 30, and flows through the first ink supply pipe IST1 into each of the 10 head mechanisms 40 from the first ink supply pipe connection part ISC1.

[0113] The first ink that flows into the head mechanism 40 flows through the first and second manifold passages M1 and M2 inside the head mechanism 40. The first ink that is not ejected from the nozzle 3 flows from the first ink discharge pipe connection part IDC1 of the head mechanism 40, through the first ink discharge pipe IDT1, to the first ink discharge port DP1 of the ink flow port set S, and reaches the second storage section R2. After that, the first ink flows out to the ink discharge port IDP on the front side of the sub-tank 30. 30 The ink flows out and travels through the pipeline to the ink outlet IDP of the housing 10. 10 At that point, the reservoir was returned to 500.

[0114] As shown in Figure 14, ink is supplied from the reservoir 500 to the two ink supply ports ISP of the housing 10. 10 The rear ink supply port ISP 10 The second ink supplied to the rear heating assembly 20 flows through the pipeline to the ink flow path IC. 20 Upstream IC 20U It flows into the ink channel IC. 20 After being heated, the ink flow path IC 20 downstream IC 20D It leaks from there.

[0115] Ink flow channel IC 20 downstream IC 20D The second ink that leaked out travels through the pipeline to the ink supply port ISP of the sub-tank 30. 30 The ink flows from there into the fourth storage section R4. The second ink inside the fourth storage section R4 is supplied to each of the 10 ink flow port sets S of the bottom plate 33 via a distribution channel (not shown) at the bottom of the sub-tank 30, and flows into the head mechanism 40 through the second ink supply pipe IST2 and the second ink supply pipe connection part ISC2 of each of the 10 head mechanisms 40.

[0116] The second ink that flows into the head mechanism 40 flows through the third and fourth manifold passages M3 and M4 inside the head mechanism 40. The second ink that is not ejected from the nozzle 3 flows from the second ink discharge pipe connection part IDC2 of the head mechanism 40, through the second ink discharge pipe IDT2, to the second ink discharge port DP2 of the ink flow port set S, and reaches the third storage section R3. After that, the second ink flows to the ink discharge port IDP of the sub-tank 30. 30 The ink flows out and travels through the pipeline to the ink outlet IDP of the housing 10. 10 At that point, the reservoir was returned to 500.

[0117] <Printing method> Image formation on the medium PM by the printer 1000 is performed as follows, by the controller 600 controlling each part of the printer 1000.

[0118] The controller 600 supplies ink from the reservoir 500 to the head mechanism 40 of the head system 100 by controlling a pump (not shown). The ink from the reservoir 500 is sent to the 10 head mechanisms 40 of the head system 100 along the paths shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0119] In parallel with the ink supply described above, the controller 600 sends print data corresponding to the image to be formed to the control board unit 60. The control board unit 60 sends the print data to the control board 442 of each head mechanism 40 via the relay board 50 and a flexible board (not shown). The control board 442 of each head mechanism 40 drives each of the multiple piezoelectric actuators 432 at an appropriate timing based on the print data, and ejects ink from the nozzle 3 at the appropriate timing.

[0120] The controller 600 alternately ejects ink and transports the media PM along the transport direction using a pair of transport rollers 301 and 302, thereby forming an image on the media PM according to the print data.

[0121] <Manufacturing method for head system 100> During the manufacturing of the head system 100, the heater module 22 can be attached to the flow path section 21 of the heating assembly 20 as follows.

[0122] First, as shown in Figure 15(a), the worker attaches the block body 241 to the left end 21e of the flow channel section 21. Next, the worker inserts the heater module 22 into the containment space HS from the right side of the flow channel section 21, along the width direction (an example of the "first direction"). The thickness T of the heater module 22 22 The depth D of the containment space HS HS Smaller than the width of the heater module 22 W 22 The width of the storage space HS is W HS It is smaller than that. Therefore, the worker can easily insert the heater module 22 into the retaining space HS without generating excessive friction between the flow path section 21 and the heater module 22.

[0123] Next, as shown in Figure 15(b), the worker inserts the left end portion 232e of the fixing plate 232 through the gap between the metal plate 223 and the opposing portion 213F of the heater module 22 into the recess R of the block body 241. 241B Insert it until it is in place. The worker then presses the fixing plate 232 downward (an example of the "second direction") near the left end 21e of the flow channel section 21, and inserts the fixing plate 232 into the groove SL2 (more specifically, between the metal plate 223 and the opposing part 213F). That is, the worker pushes the fixing plate 232 between the metal plate 223 and the opposing part 213F. The pressed fixing plate 232 pushes the metal plate 223 toward the main body section 211, and through the metal plate 223, pushes the heater 221 toward the main body section 211. The downward press of the fixing plate 232 by the worker, that is, the insertion of the fixing plate 232 into the groove SL2, can be done, for example, by gripping the upper edge of the fixing plate 232 and the lower edge of the flow channel section 21 with pliers or the like.

[0124] Next, the worker inserts the fixing plate 232 into the groove SL2 again, shifting to the right from the position where the fixing plate 232 was initially inserted into the groove SL2. Then, the worker gradually shifts the position where the fixing plate 232 is pressed downwards to the right, inserting the fixing plate 232 into the groove SL2. As a result, the fixing plate 232 is inserted into the groove SL2 while rotating in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 15(b), and as shown in Figure 15(c), most of it is positioned inside the groove SL2.

[0125] The worker then inserts the fixing plate 231 into the groove SL1 in the same manner. As a result, the right end 231f of the fixing plate 231 and the right end 232f of the fixing plate 232 protrude to the right from the flow channel 21 (Figure 15(c)).

[0126] Finally, the worker attaches the block body 242 to the right end 21f of the flow channel section 21. The right end 231f of the fixing plate 231 is the recess R of the block body 242. 242A Located inside, the right end 232f of the fixing plate 232 is the recess R of the block body 242. 242B It is located inside.

[0127] The effects of the head system 100 of this embodiment are summarized below.

[0128] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, the heater module 22 is fixed to the flow path 21 by fixing plates 231 and 232, which are separate from the heater module 22 and are located between the opposing parts 212F and 213F of the flow path 21 and the metal plate 223 of the heater module 22. Therefore, workers assembling the heating assembly 20 can easily place the heater module 22 in the housing space HS and fix the heater module 22 to the flow path 21. Accordingly, the head system 100 of this embodiment reduces the effort required for assembling the heating assembly, and consequently, the effort required for assembling the head system 100.

[0129] Here, consider a comparative configuration in which the heater module 22 is fixed to the flow path section 21 by bringing the front surface 223c of the metal plate 223, which is part of the heater module 22, into contact with the rear surfaces 212Fd and 213Fd of the opposing sections 212F and 213F. In this comparative configuration, the metal plate 223 of the heater module 22 located in the housing space HS is always in contact with the opposing sections 212F and 213F. Therefore, the worker performing the assembly work of the heating assembly 20 must insert the heater module 22 into the housing space HS while resisting the frictional force generated between the metal plate 223 and the rear surfaces 212Fd and 213Fd. Furthermore, in this comparative configuration, the worker inserts the heater module 22 into the housing space HS while the heater module 22 (mainly the heat dissipation sheet 222) is compressed in the thickness direction. Therefore, the worker must also resist the repulsive force caused by the compression of the heater module 22 when inserting the heater module 22 into the housing space HS. Therefore, the task of placing the heater module 22 into the housing space HS is a physically demanding and difficult task, particularly the length L of the flow path section 21. 21 and the length L of the heater module 22 22 If the size is large, the amount of space the heater module 22 needs to be inserted into the housing space HS increases, making the process of placing the heater module 22 into the housing space HS a more forceful and difficult task.

[0130] In contrast, with the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, the operator can easily place the heater module 22 into the housing space HS with virtually no friction between the flow path section 21 and the heater module 22 and without compressing the heater module 22. Furthermore, the operator can easily fix the heater module 22 placed in the housing space HS to the flow path section 21 by placing fixing plates 231 and 232 between the opposing sections 212F and 213F of the flow path section 21 and the metal plate 223 of the heater module 22.

[0131] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, the flow path section 21 has a holding section 212 located at the upper edge of the main body section 211 and a holding section 213 located at the lower edge of the main body section 211. The heater module 22 is fixed to the flow path section 21 by a fixing plate 231 located between the metal plate 223 of the heater module 22 and the opposing section 212F of the holding section 212, and a fixing plate 232 located between the metal plate 223 of the heater module 22 and the opposing section 213F of the holding section 213. Therefore, the pressure of the heater module 22 on the main body section 211 can be balanced in the vertical direction, and the heater 221 can be made to contact the main body section 211 more effectively.

[0132] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, the fixing plate 231 and the fixing plate 232 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, the operator can easily press the lower edge of the fixing plate 231 when pushing the fixing plate 231 into the groove SL1 without interference from the fixing plate 232. Similarly, the operator can easily press the upper edge of the fixing plate 232 when pushing the fixing plate 232 into the groove SL2 without interference from the fixing plate 231.

[0133] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, the width W of the fixing plate 231 231 The depth of groove SL1 is D SL1 It is larger than [the other]. Therefore, when the fixing plate 231 is fitted into the groove SL1, the area near the lower edge of the fixing plate 231 is located outside the groove SL1. Consequently, when fitting the fixing plate 231 into the groove SL1, a tool such as pliers can be brought into contact with the lower edge of the fixing plate 231 until the fixing plate 231 is fully fitted, making the assembly work easier. The same applies to the fixing plate 232 and groove SL2.

[0134] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, the length L of the fixing plates 231 and 232 is 231 , L 232 The length L of the flow channel section 21 21It is larger than that. Therefore, when the worker inserts the fixing plates 231 and 232 into the grooves SL1 and SL2, the worker can easily align the flow channel 21 and the fixing plates 231 and 232 in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel 21 and the fixing plates 231 and 232.

[0135] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, fixing plates 231 and 232 are present throughout the entire region where the heater 221 is located in the longitudinal direction of the flow path section 21 (the width direction of the head system 100). Therefore, the pressure of the heater module 22 against the main body 211 can be evenly distributed in the longitudinal direction of the main body 211, and the heater 221 can be made to contact the main body 211 more effectively.

[0136] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, block bodies 241 and 242 are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the flow path section 21. The block bodies 241 and 242 can conceal the longitudinal end faces of the heater module 22.

[0137] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, the left end 231e and the right end 231f of the fixing plate 231 protruding from both sides of the groove SL1 are R of block bodies 241 and 242. 241A , R 242A It is located inside the groove SL2. Similarly, the left end 232e and right end 232f of the fixing plate 232 protruding from both sides of the groove SL2 are located in the recess R of the block bodies 241 and 242. 241B , R 242B It is located inside the grooves. Therefore, the fixing plates 231 and 232 can be positioned using each recess. In addition, the occurrence of detachment or displacement of the fixing plates 231 and 232 due to unintended external forces being applied to the ends of the fixing plates 231 and 232 protruding from grooves SL1 and SL2 is suppressed.

[0138] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, the left end 231e and right end 231f of the fixing plate 231 that protrudes from both sides of the groove SL1 that opens downwards are recesses R of the block bodies 241 and 242. 241A , R242A It is located inside the recess R. 241A , R 242A The plane defining it is the upward-facing plane S. 241A S 242A This includes the downward movement of the fixing plate 231 on surface S. 241A S 242A This restricts the detachment of the fixing plate 231 from the groove SL1, effectively suppressing its falling out. Similarly, in the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, the left end 232e and the right end 232f of the fixing plate 232 protruding from both sides of the upward-opening groove SL2 are located in the recess R of the block bodies 241 and 242. 241B , R 242B It is located inside the recess R. 241B , R 242B The plane defining it is the downward-facing plane S. 241B S 242B This includes the upward movement of the fixed plate 232 on surface S. 241B S 242B This restricts the detachment of the fixing plate 232 from the groove SL2, effectively suppressing its removal.

[0139] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of this embodiment, the heater module 22 includes a heat dissipation sheet 222 made of an elastic material. Therefore, the heat dissipation sheet 222 is compressed when the fixing plates 231 and 232 press against the metal plate 223, and the heater 221 makes better contact with the main body 211 due to the reaction force from the compressed heat dissipation sheet 222, and the metal plate 223 makes better contact with the fixing plates 231 and 232. This allows for more efficient transfer (dissipation) of excess heat to the outside.

[0140] [Differentiation] In the head system 100 of the above embodiment, the following modified forms can also be used.

[0141] In the head system 100 of the above embodiment, the heater module 22 is fixed to the flow path section 21 using fixing plates 231 and 232. However, it is not limited to this.

[0142] Specifically, for example, the fixing plate 232 may be omitted, and the heater module 22 may be fixed to the flow path section 21 by a fixing plate 231 (i.e., a single fixing plate). In this case, as shown in Figure 16, the front-to-back distance between the front surface 211c of the main body 211 and the rear surface 213Fd of the opposing part 213F of the holding part 213 is made smaller than the front-to-back distance between the front surface 211c of the main body 211 and the rear surface 212Fd of the opposing part 212F of the holding part 212. The fixing plate 231 is placed between the front surface 223c of the metal plate 223 of the heater module 22 and the rear surface 212Fd of the opposing part 212F of the holding part 212.

[0143] In this embodiment, when inserting the heater module 22 into the housing space HS, the metal plate 223 and the rear surface 213Fd of the opposing portion 213F of the holding portion 213 may come into contact, thus causing friction between the metal plate 223 and the rear surface 213Fd. However, since the contact area is small, the work of placing the heater module 22 into the housing space HS is easy. Also in this embodiment, the fixing plate 231 presses the heater module 22 toward the main body portion 211, ensuring good contact between the heater 221 and the main body portion 211.

[0144] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of the above embodiment, the holding portions 212 and 213 of the flow path portion 21 can be in various forms.

[0145] Specifically, for example, the rear surfaces 212Fd and 213Fd of the opposing portions 212F and 213F do not have to be parallel to the front surface 211c of the main body portion 211, nor do they have to be flat surfaces. Also, the holding portions 212 and 213 do not have to be located over the entire longitudinal region of the flow channel portion 21, but may be present only in a portion of the longitudinal region of the flow channel portion 21.

[0146] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of the above embodiment, the heater 221 of the heater module 22 may be a rubber heater. The rubber heater is compressed by the insertion of the fixing plates 231 and 232, and the metal plate 223 makes good contact with the fixing plates 231 and 232 due to the reaction force from the compressed rubber heater.

[0147] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of the above embodiment, the heat dissipation sheet 222 of the heater module 22 may be omitted.

[0148] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of the above embodiment, the heater module 22 may not have a heater 221 in a part of its longitudinal direction.

[0149] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of the above embodiment, the width W of the heater module 22 22 The width of the storage space HS is W HS It is smaller than this. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the width W of the heater module 22 22 The width of the storage space HS is W HS It may be the same as this.

[0150] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of the above embodiment, the fixing plates 231 and 232 can be in various forms.

[0151] Specifically, for example, the length L of the fixing plates 231 and 232. 231 , L 232 The length of the flow channel 21 is optional. 21 It may be the same as the length L of the flow channel 21. 21 Smaller is also acceptable. Width W of fixing plates 231 and 232. 231 , W 232 The depth D of grooves SL1 and SL2 is also optional. SL1 , D SL2 It may be the same as, and the depth D of grooves SL1 and SL2 SL1 , D SL2 They may be smaller. Instead of the fixing plates 231 and 232, multiple fixing plates arranged in the longitudinal direction of the flow path section 21 may be used.

[0152] The fixing plates 231 and 232 are not limited to flat plates with front surfaces 231c and 232c and rear surfaces 231d and 232d parallel to each other. For example, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the fixing plates 231 and 232, the front surfaces 231c and 232c and rear surfaces 231d and 232d may be inclined relative to each other.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the main body 211 and the heater 221 are in direct contact, the heater 221 and the heat dissipation sheet 222 are in direct contact, the heat dissipation sheet 222 and the metal plate 223 are in direct contact, the metal plate 223 and the fixing plates 231 and 232 are in direct contact, and the fixing plates 231 and 232 and the opposing parts 212F and 213F are in direct contact. However, the embodiment is not limited to these. At least one other member (for example, a plate-shaped member) may be interposed between the main body 211 and the heater 221, between the heater 221 and the heat dissipation sheet 222, between the heat dissipation sheet 222 and the metal plate 223, between the metal plate 223 and the fixing plates 231 and 232, and between the fixing plates 231 and 232 and the opposing parts 212F and 213F.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the dimensions of the flow path section 21, heater module 22, and fixing plates 231 and 232 can be changed as appropriate.

[0155] In the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of the above embodiment, the flow path portion 21 has a longitudinal shape, but is not limited to this. The effect of facilitating the insertion of the head module 22 into the housing space HS, achieved based on the structure of the heating assembly 20 of the head system 100 of the above embodiment, is particularly advantageous when the flow path portion 21 has a longitudinal shape, but is also advantageous when the flow path portion 21 does not have a longitudinal shape. In this disclosure and the present invention, "longitudinal shape" means a shape in which the dimension in the first direction is X times or more the dimension in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the dimension in the third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions is X times or more. Here, "X" may be 1.1, 1.5, 2, 5, or 10.

[0156] The head system 100 of the above embodiment includes, but is not limited to, 10 head mechanisms 40 arranged in a staggered pattern along the width direction. The number of head mechanisms 40 in the head system 100 is arbitrary. In an embodiment having at least three head mechanisms 40, the head mechanisms 40 may be arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0157] The head system 100 in the above embodiment is configured to allow two types of ink to flow simultaneously, but is not limited to this. The head system 100 may be configured to allow only one type of ink to flow.

[0158] The head system 100 in the above embodiment is a circulating head system equipped with a structure for discharging ink that was not ejected by the head mechanism 40 to the outside of the head system 100, but is not limited to this. The components related to ink discharge may be omitted from the head system 100 in the above embodiment.

[0159] The embodiments and modifications described above have been explained using the example of a case in which ink is ejected from the head system 100 to form an image on the medium PM. The head system 100 may be a liquid ejection system that ejects any liquid for image formation, and the medium PM on which the image is formed may be, for example, paper, cloth, resin, etc. The head system 100 may also be used as the head system of a serial head type printer.

[0160] The embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative and not limiting in all respects. For example, the number and configuration of the head systems 100 in the printer 1000 can be changed. The number of colors that the printer 1000 can print simultaneously is also not limited and may be configured to only print in single color. The number and arrangement of individual flow channels iCH can also be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the technical features described in each embodiment and its variations can be combined with each other.

[0161] As long as the features of the present invention are maintained, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and other forms conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0162] (Note) Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments and their modifications are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0163] (Item 1) A head that dispenses liquid, A liquid dispensing unit comprising a heating assembly for heating the liquid supplied to the head, The heating assembly is A main body having a flow path through which the aforementioned liquid flows, A holding portion having an opposing portion facing the main body in the opposite direction and a connecting portion connecting the main body and the opposing portion, A heater that provides heat to the main body, A main metal plate located between the heater and the opposing part in the aforementioned opposing direction, A liquid discharge unit having a secondary metal plate positioned between the main metal plate and the opposing portion in the aforementioned opposing direction, and pressing the heater toward the main body portion via the main metal plate.

[0164] (Item 2) The main body has an elongated shape, The main body and the holding portion define grooves that open in the direction of the short side of the main body, which is perpendicular to the opposing direction and the longitudinal direction of the main body. The liquid dispensing unit according to item 1, wherein at least a portion of the auxiliary metal plate is located inside the groove.

[0165] (Item 3) The holding portion includes a first holding portion located in one of the shorter directions and a second holding portion located in the other of the shorter directions. The groove is A first groove is defined by the main body and the first holding portion and opens toward the other side in the shorter direction, It includes a second groove defined by the main body and the second holding portion, which opens toward one of the shorter directions, The liquid discharge unit according to item 2, wherein the auxiliary metal plate includes a first auxiliary metal plate located inside the first groove and a second auxiliary metal plate located inside the second groove.

[0166] (Item 4) The liquid discharge unit according to item 3, wherein the first auxiliary metal plate and the second auxiliary metal plate are spaced apart from each other in the shorter direction.

[0167] (Item 5) A liquid dispensing unit according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the dimension of the auxiliary metal plate in the short direction is greater than the depth of the groove in the short direction.

[0168] (Item 6) A liquid dispensing unit according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the auxiliary metal plate is longer than the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body.

[0169] (Item 7) A liquid discharge unit according to any one of items 2 to 6, wherein the auxiliary metal plate is present in the entire region where the heater is located in the longitudinal direction of the main body.

[0170] (Item 8) The liquid dispensing unit according to any one of items 2 to 7, wherein the heating assembly has a block body connected to the longitudinal end of the main body.

[0171] (Item 9) The block body has two openings arranged in the short direction of the main body, each of which has two openings that penetrate the block body along the longitudinal direction of the main body, The liquid discharge unit according to item 8, wherein the heating assembly has two conduits, each located at one of the two openings, and each conduit is fluidly connected to the flow path.

[0172] (Item 10) In the longitudinal direction of the main body, the auxiliary metal plate is longer than the main body. The block body has a recess, The liquid dispensing unit according to item 8 or 9, wherein the end of the auxiliary metal plate is located in the recess of the block body.

[0173] (Item 11) The groove opens toward one of the shorter sides of the main body, The liquid dispensing unit according to item 10, wherein the surface defining the recess includes a surface facing the other in the shorter direction.

[0174] (Item 12) The liquid dispensing unit according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the heating assembly has a heat dissipation sheet located between the heater and the main metal plate in the opposing direction.

[0175] (Item 13) A method for manufacturing a liquid dispensing unit, The aforementioned liquid dispensing unit is A head that dispenses liquid, The head comprises a heating assembly that heats the liquid supplied to the head, The heating assembly is A main body having a flow path through which the aforementioned liquid flows, A holding portion having an opposing portion facing the main body in the opposite direction and a connecting portion connecting the main body and the opposing portion, A heater that provides heat to the main body, A main metal plate located between the heater and the opposing part in the aforementioned opposing direction, It has a secondary metal plate that is located between the main metal plate and the opposing portion in the aforementioned opposing direction and presses the heater toward the main body portion via the main metal plate, The heater and the main metal plate are inserted between the main body and the opposing part along the first direction, A method for manufacturing a liquid dispensing unit, comprising inserting the secondary metal plate between the inserted main metal plate and the opposing portion, along a second direction intersecting the first direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0176] 10 cabinets 20 heating assemblies 21 Flow channel 211 Main body 212, 213 Holding part 22 Heater Modules 221 Heater 222 Heat dissipation sheet 223 Metal plate 231, 232 Fixed plate 241, 242 Block letters 30 Sub-tank 40 Head mechanism 50 relay boards 60 Control board section 1000 printers

Claims

1. A head that dispenses liquid, A liquid dispensing unit comprising a heating assembly for heating the liquid supplied to the head, The heating assembly is A main body having a flow path through which the aforementioned liquid flows, A holding portion having an opposing portion facing the main body in the opposite direction and a connecting portion connecting the main body and the opposing portion, A heater that provides heat to the main body, A main metal plate located between the heater and the opposing part in the aforementioned opposing direction, A liquid discharge unit having a secondary metal plate positioned between the main metal plate and the opposing portion in the aforementioned opposing direction, and pressing the heater toward the main body portion via the main metal plate.

2. The main body has an elongated shape, The main body and the holding portion define grooves that open in the direction of the short side of the main body, which is perpendicular to the opposing direction and the longitudinal direction of the main body. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the auxiliary metal plate is located inside the groove.

3. The holding portion includes a first holding portion located in one of the shorter directions and a second holding portion located in the other of the shorter directions. The groove is A first groove is defined by the main body and the first holding portion and opens toward the other side in the shorter direction, It includes a second groove defined by the main body and the second holding portion, which opens toward one of the shorter directions, The liquid discharge unit according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary metal plate includes a first auxiliary metal plate located inside the first groove and a second auxiliary metal plate located inside the second groove.

4. The liquid discharge unit according to claim 3, wherein the first auxiliary metal plate and the second auxiliary metal plate are spaced apart from each other in the short direction.

5. The liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the dimension of the auxiliary metal plate in the short direction is greater than the depth of the groove in the short direction.

6. The liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the auxiliary metal plate is longer than the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body.

7. The liquid discharge unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the auxiliary metal plate is present in the entire region where the heater is located in the longitudinal direction of the main body.

8. The liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the heating assembly has a block body connected to the longitudinal end of the main body.

9. The block body has two openings arranged in the short direction of the main body, each of which has two openings that penetrate the block body along the longitudinal direction of the main body. The liquid discharge unit according to claim 8, wherein the heating assembly has two conduits, each located at one of the two openings, and each conduit is fluidly connected to the flow path.

10. In the longitudinal direction of the main body, the auxiliary metal plate is longer than the main body. The block body has a recess, The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 8, wherein the end of the auxiliary metal plate is located in the recess of the block body.

11. The groove opens toward one of the shorter sides of the main body, The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 10, wherein the surface defining the recess includes a surface facing the other side in the short direction.

12. The liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating assembly has a heat dissipation sheet located between the heater and the main metal plate in the opposing direction.

13. A method for manufacturing a liquid dispensing unit, The aforementioned liquid dispensing unit is A head that dispenses liquid, The head comprises a heating assembly that heats the liquid supplied to the head, The heating assembly is A main body having a flow path through which the aforementioned liquid flows, A holding portion having an opposing portion facing the main body in the opposite direction and a connecting portion connecting the main body and the opposing portion, A heater that provides heat to the main body, A main metal plate located between the heater and the opposing part in the aforementioned opposing direction, It has a secondary metal plate that is located between the main metal plate and the opposing portion in the aforementioned opposing direction and presses the heater toward the main body portion via the main metal plate, The heater and the main metal plate are inserted between the main body and the opposing part along the first direction, A method for manufacturing a liquid dispensing unit, comprising inserting the secondary metal plate between the inserted main metal plate and the opposing portion, along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

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