First head, liquid ejection head, and recording device

Abstract

To reduce the risk of poor bubble discharge performance in the common channel. [Solution] The first head comprises a plurality of first nozzles, a plurality of first individual flow paths connected to the plurality of first nozzles, and a first common flow path connected to the plurality of first individual flow paths, and has a first portion in which at least a part of the first common flow path and the plurality of first nozzles are located, and a second portion in which at least a part of the first common flow path is located, and which is in a different position from the first portion in the first direction, and whose width in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the width of the first portion in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a first head, a liquid ejection head, and a recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a head having a plurality of nozzles, a plurality of individual flow paths connected to the plurality of nozzles, and a common flow path connected to the plurality of individual flow paths.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first head according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of first nozzles, a plurality of first individual flow paths connected to the plurality of first nozzles, and a first common flow path connected to the plurality of first individual flow paths, and has a first portion where at least part of the first common flow path and the plurality of first nozzles are located, and at least part of the first common flow path is located, whose position in a first direction differs from that of the first portion, and whose width in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is smaller than the width of the first portion in the second direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of the printer according to the present embodiment as viewed from the Y-axis direction. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the liquid ejection head according to the present embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the liquid ejection head shown in Figure 2 as viewed from the direction A. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of the reservoir member according to the present embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line II in Figure 4. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a plan view of the head according to this embodiment, as seen from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a plan view of one embodiment of the head as seen from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a plan view of another configuration of the head according to this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in Figure 6A. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view of the discharge member according to this embodiment, as seen from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view of the common flow channel member according to this embodiment, as seen from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a plan view of a liquid dispensing head, showing three heads that are continuous in the Y-axis direction, as seen from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a liquid dispensing head according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 12. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a liquid dispensing head according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] The first head, liquid ejection head, and recording device disclosed herein will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0007] The drawings used in the following description are schematic. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those of actual components or products. Even among multiple drawings showing the same configuration, the dimensional ratios may not match each other in order to exaggerate the shape. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited by the embodiments shown below.

[0008] Furthermore, a Cartesian coordinate system is shown in the drawings. The Cartesian coordinate system according to this embodiment is a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system consisting of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis. The X axis is an axis with the rightward direction of the paper as the positive direction. The Y axis is an axis with the back direction of the paper as the positive direction. The Z axis is an axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis. The X-axis direction is an example of a first direction and is the transport direction of the printing paper P (see Figure 1).

[0009] Patent Document 1, mentioned above, discloses a head having multiple nozzles, multiple individual channels connected to the multiple nozzles, and a common channel connected to the multiple individual channels.

[0010] The conventional head described in Patent Document 1 has a shape with a constant width. Furthermore, the common channel also has a constant width that follows the shape of the head. Therefore, the conventional head may have a tendency to have poor bubble discharge performance in the common channel.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can solve the above problems and reduce the risk of poor bubble discharge in the common channel.

[0012] With reference to Figure 1, the configuration of the printer 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a side view of the printer 100 according to the present embodiment viewed from the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis direction is an example of the second direction. Note that the control unit 105 is illustrated as a conceptual diagram, and does not define the actual configuration and positional relationship. The printer 100 is, for example, a line inkjet color printer. The line inkjet method is a printing method in which a liquid ejection head 1, which will be described later, is fixed to the printer 100 for printing. Note that the printer 100 may be a serial inkjet color printer. The serial inkjet method is a printing method in which the liquid ejection head 1, which will be described later, is moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the printing paper P is conveyed for printing.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 100 includes a moving unit 101, a fixed plate 102, a liquid ejection head 1, a dryer 103, a sensor unit 104, and a control unit 105. The control unit 105 controls the operations of the moving unit 101, the liquid ejection head 1, the dryer 103, and the sensor unit 104.

[0014] The moving unit 101 causes the printing paper P and the liquid ejection head 1 to move relative to each other in the X-axis direction. The moving unit 101 has a paper feed roller 1011, guide rollers 1012, a conveyance roller 1013, and a collection roller 1014. The printing paper P and the liquid ejection head 1 are moved relative to each other in the X-axis direction. To describe in detail, the printing paper P is conveyed from the paper feed roller 1011, passes between the two guide rollers 1012A, and is conveyed onto the plurality of conveyance rollers 1013. After that, the printing paper P passes between the two guide rollers 1012B and between the two guide rollers 1012C, and is conveyed to the collection roller 1014. The printing paper P is an example of a recording medium.

[0015] The fixed plate 102 has a flat plate shape, and is positioned close to the Z-axis positive direction side of the printing paper P conveyed by the conveyance rollers 1013.

[0016] The liquid ejection head 1 ejects liquid based on the control of the control unit 105. The ejected liquid lands on the printing paper P. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, four liquid ejection heads 1 are mounted in a row in the X-axis direction on the fixed plate 102. One liquid ejection head 1 is supplied with liquid of the same color. In this embodiment, each of the four liquid ejection heads 1 is supplied with liquid of a different color. In other words, in this embodiment, four different colored liquids can be ejected by the four liquid ejection heads 1. The colors supplied to the four liquid ejection heads 1 are, for example, magenta, yellow, cyan, and black. The printer 100 can print a color image by landing such liquids on the printing paper P. As shown in Figure 1, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the liquid ejection head 1 and the printing paper P is, for example, 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0017] The dryer 103 dries the printing paper P based on the control of the control unit 105. The dryer 103 dries the printing paper P after it has passed through the two guide rollers 1012B. By drying the printing paper P in the dryer 103, adhesion between the printing paper sheets P and friction of undried liquid ink at the recovery roller 1014 can be reduced.

[0018] The sensor unit 104 detects the state of the transported printing paper P based on the control of the control unit 105. The sensor unit 104 is composed of, for example, a position sensor, a speed sensor, and a temperature sensor. The position sensor can detect the position of the printing paper P. The printer 100 can prevent misalignment of the printing medium by referring to the detected position of the printing paper P. The speed sensor can measure the printing speed of the printing paper P. The printer 100 can adjust the printing speed to an appropriate speed by referring to the measured printing speed of the printing paper P. The temperature sensor can measure the internal temperature of the printer 100. The printer 100 can maintain the internal temperature of the printer 100 at an appropriate temperature by referring to the measured temperature.

[0019] The types of liquid colors dispensed by the printer 100 can be changed as appropriate. In addition to printing colored liquids, a liquid such as a coating agent may be printed uniformly or in a pattern using the liquid ejection head 1 to treat the surface of the printing paper P. Alternatively, the coating agent may be applied from a coating machine (not shown) instead of the liquid ejection head 1.

[0020] The recording medium printed by the printer 100 may be other than printing paper P, such as rolled cloth. The printer 100 may also transport the recording medium on a conveyor belt. This allows for the use of sheet paper, cut cloth, wood, or tiles as recording media. The printer may also print wiring patterns for electronic devices by discharging a liquid containing conductive particles from the liquid discharge head 1. A predetermined amount of liquid chemical agent or a liquid containing a chemical agent may be discharged from the liquid discharge head 1 towards a reaction vessel, and a chemical compound may be prepared by reacting them.

[0021] The configuration of the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a plan view of the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis direction. Figure 3 is a side view of the liquid discharge head 1 shown in Figure 2 as seen from direction A.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the liquid dispensing head 1 comprises a plurality of heads 2 and a reservoir member 3.

[0023] Head 2 ejects liquid. The ejected liquid lands on printing paper P (see Figure 1). As shown in Figure 2, the liquid ejection head 1 has eight heads 2. Also as shown in Figure 2, head 2 has a first part 21 and a second part 22. The width W1 in the Y-axis direction of the first part 21 is greater than the width W2 in the Y-axis direction of the second part 22. More specifically, the width W1 in the Y-axis direction of the first part 21 is 2 to 4 times the width W2 in the Y-axis direction of the second part 22. Also, the width W3 in the X-axis direction of the first part 21 is approximately the same as the width W4 in the X-axis direction of the second part 22. More specifically, the width W3 in the X-axis direction of the first part 21 is 0.8 to 1.2 times the width W4 in the X-axis direction of the second part 22. The four heads 2 on the negative X-axis side are located along the Y-axis direction within the liquid ejection head 1. Furthermore, the four heads 2 on the positive X-axis side are positioned along the Y-axis within the liquid ejection head 1, aligned between the four heads 2 on the negative X-axis side. In other words, the multiple heads 2 are arranged in a staggered pattern. Also, each head 2 is positioned so as to partially overlap with at least one other head 2 in the X-axis direction. The number of heads 2 included in one liquid ejection head 1 can be appropriately changed depending on the object to be printed or the printing conditions. In addition, the multiple heads 2 may be arranged on a nozzle cover. The nozzle cover has openings in the areas corresponding to the nozzles of the heads 2. The multiple heads 2 can eject liquid onto the printing medium through these openings.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the reservoir member 3 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the multiple heads 2. The reservoir member 3 also has a reservoir channel 39 (see Figure 4), which will be described later. The reservoir member 3 supplies liquid to the multiple heads 2 through the reservoir channel 39.

[0025] Figures 2 and 3 show an example of the configuration of the liquid discharge head 1, and may include other components besides those shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0026] The configuration of the reservoir member 3 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a plan view of the reservoir member 3 according to this embodiment, as seen from the Z-axis direction. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line II in Figure 4.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the reservoir member 3 has a reservoir channel 39 that supplies liquid to multiple heads 2, as described above. The reservoir channel 39 has multiple branch channels 391 and an integrated channel 392.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the four branch channels 391 on the negative X-axis side are located along the Y-axis within the liquid discharge head 1. The four branch channels 391 on the positive X-axis side are located along the Y-axis within the liquid discharge head 1, aligned between the four branch channels 391 on the negative X-axis side. In other words, the multiple branch channels 391 are arranged in a staggered pattern. One branch channel 391 supplies liquid to the second part 22 of one head 2.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the integrated channel 392 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the branch channel 391. The reservoir member 3 according to this embodiment is made of resin.

[0030] The configuration of the head 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 7. Figure 6A is a plan view of the head 2 according to this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis direction. In addition to Figure 6A, this disclosure also includes Figure 6B, which is one form of the plan view of the head 2 according to this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis direction, and Figure 6C, which is another form of the plan view of the head 2 according to this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis direction. In the following description, if Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as Figure 6. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in Figure 6A.

[0031] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the head 2 includes a discharge member 30 and a common flow path member 40.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, the head 2 has a first part 21 and a second part 22 which is positioned differently from the first part 21 in the X-axis direction. The connection portion 23 between the first part 21 and the second part 22 may be formed by an edge along the X-axis direction and an edge along the Y-axis direction intersecting at a right angle, as shown in Figure 6B. Alternatively, the connection portion 23 between the first part 21 and the second part 22 may be formed by edges intersecting in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figure 6C. By forming the connection portion 23 with edges intersecting in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the machining of the head 2 becomes easier, and stress concentration in the connection portion 23 can be alleviated. The corners 24 of the first part 21 or the corners 24 of the second part 22 may be formed at a right angle, as shown in Figure 6B. Furthermore, the corners 24 of the first part 21 or the second part 22 may be composed of edges that intersect in the X-axis and Y-axis directions (so-called C-chamfering), or they may be composed in a curved shape (so-called R-processing), as shown in Figure 6C. By the corners 24 being composed of edges that intersect in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, or by being composed in a curved shape, stress concentration at the corners 24 can be alleviated. As shown in Figure 6, the width W1 in the Y-axis direction of the first part 21 is greater than the width W2 in the Y-axis direction of the second part 22. Here, the width W1 in the Y-axis direction of the first part 21 may be the maximum width in the Y-axis direction of the first part 21. Also, the width W2 in the Y-axis direction of the second part 22 may be the maximum width in the Y-axis direction of the second part 22.

[0033] The discharge member 30 constitutes a part of the first part 21. As shown in Figure 7, the discharge member 30 comprises a plurality of nozzles 31 and a plurality of individual flow paths 32. In other words, all of the plurality of nozzles 31 and all of the plurality of individual flow paths 32 are located in the first part 21.

[0034] As shown in Figure 7, the nozzle 31 opens on the negative Z-axis side of the discharge member 30. The discharge member 30 discharges liquid from the nozzle 31. As shown in Figure 6, the multiple nozzles 31 are located along the Y-axis direction and form a nozzle group. The discharge member 30 according to this embodiment has two nozzle groups: a nozzle group on the positive X-axis side and a nozzle group on the negative X-axis side. Although the discharge member 30 according to this embodiment has two nozzle groups, it may have only one nozzle group or three or more nozzle groups. The multiple nozzles 31 are supplied with liquid from a single common flow path 41.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the common flow channel member 40 has approximately the same shape as the head 2. That is, even when viewed as a standalone unit, the common flow channel member 40 has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22.

[0036] The common flow channel member 40 includes a common flow channel 41. As shown in Figure 6, the common flow channel 41 has an opening 410 in the second portion 22. Liquid flows into the common flow channel 41 from the branched flow channel 391 (see Figure 4) of the reservoir flow channel 39 (see Figure 4) described above, through the opening 410. The opening 410 is located in the second portion 22.

[0037] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the common channel 41 is located in the first section 21 and the second section 22. The common channel 41 has a first channel 411, a second channel 412, and a third channel 413.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the first channel 411 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the individual channel 32. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the first channel 411 extends from the positive Y-axis end to the negative Y-axis end of the first section 21.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second channel 412 is connected to the first channel 411. The second channel 412 is located in the first section 21 and the second section 22. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the second channel 412 is located in the center of the Y-axis direction of the first section 21 and the center of the Y-axis direction of the second section 22.

[0040] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the third channel 413 is connected to the second channel 412. As shown in Figure 7, the common channel member 40 has an opening 410 that opens in the positive Z-axis direction. Liquid is supplied to the third channel 413 through the opening 410 from the branch channel 391 of the reservoir channel 39.

[0041] At least a portion of the common channel 41 is located in the first section 21. Also, at least a portion of the common channel 41 is located in the second section 22. In other words, the common channel 41 is located in both the first section 21 and the second section 22.

[0042] The width in the Y-axis direction of the second channel 412, which allows liquid to flow into the first channel 411, must be smaller than the width in the Y-axis direction of the second section 22. As a result, the flow velocity in the common channel 41 increases in the second channel 412, improving the efficiency of bubble discharge. In other words, in the head 2 according to this embodiment, the risk of poor bubble discharge in the common channel 41 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the width in the Y-axis direction of the second section 22 is smaller than that of the first section 21, the volume of the head 2 itself is reduced. As a result, the heat capacity of the head 2 is reduced, making it easier to control the temperature of the liquid inside the head 2 and the temperature of the head 2 itself, for example. Also, the head 2 is lighter, making maintenance easier, for example.

[0043] Furthermore, while all nozzles 31 in this embodiment are located in the first portion 21, this is not limited to that. Nozzles 31 may also be located in the second portion 22 in addition to the first portion 21. By having nozzles 31 also located in the second portion 22, the number of nozzles 31 relative to the head 2 can be increased. Similarly, individual flow paths 32 may also be located in the second portion 22 in addition to the first portion 21, just like the nozzles 31.

[0044] The configuration of the discharge member 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a plan view of the discharge member 30 according to this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis direction. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 8.

[0045] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the discharge member 30 comprises a nozzle member 33, an actuator member 34, and a support member 35. The discharge member 30 also has a plurality of nozzles 31 and a plurality of individual flow paths 32. Each individual flow path 32 has a pressure chamber 3411 and an aperture 351.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8, the nozzle member 33 comprises a plurality of nozzles 31. As shown in Figure 9, the nozzles 31 are through holes that penetrate the nozzle member 33 in the Z-axis direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the actuator member 34 comprises a pressure chamber substrate 341, a diaphragm 342, and a plurality of piezoelectric elements 343. As shown in Figure 9, the pressure chamber substrate 341 is located on the Z-positive side of the nozzle member 33. The diaphragm 342 is located on the Z-positive side of the pressure chamber substrate 341. The plurality of piezoelectric elements 343 are located on the Z-positive side of the diaphragm 342. The pressure chamber substrate 341 is made of single-crystal silicon.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, the multiple pressure chambers 3411 are through-holes that penetrate the pressure chamber substrate 341 in the Z-axis direction. Each pressure chamber 3411 is connected to a single nozzle 31. The pressure chambers 3411 may also be connected to the nozzles 31 via a flow path such as a descender. As shown in Figure 8, the multiple pressure chambers 3411 are positioned along the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the pressure chambers 3411 are positioned such that their longitudinal direction aligns with the X-axis direction and their transverse direction aligns with the Y-axis direction. Liquid is stored within the pressure chambers 3411. When pressure is applied to the liquid within the pressure chambers 3411, it is discharged to the outside as liquid from the nozzles 31.

[0049] As shown in Figure 9, the diaphragm 342 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the pressure chamber substrate 341. Examples of materials for the diaphragm 342 include Si and SiO2. The thickness of the diaphragm 342 may be between 1 μm and 2 μm.

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, the piezoelectric element 343 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the diaphragm 342. The piezoelectric element 343 also includes a common electrode, a piezoelectric body, and individual electrodes (not shown). When a voltage is applied in the polarization direction of the piezoelectric body by the individual electrodes and the common electrode, the piezoelectric body contracts in a direction along the diaphragm 342. As a result, the piezoelectric body and the diaphragm 342 are displaced so as to become convex toward the pressure chamber 3411. Consequently, pressure is applied to the liquid in the pressure chamber 3411. This causes the liquid to be discharged from the pressure chamber 3411 through the nozzle 31.

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, the support member 35 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the actuator member 34. The support member 35 is thicker in the Z-axis direction than the actuator member 34. The support member 35 is made of single-crystal silicon.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, the support member 35 has multiple apertures 351. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the apertures 351 are located in the center of the support member 35 in the X-axis direction. As shown in Figure 9, the apertures 351 are through holes that penetrate the support member 35 in the Z-axis direction. The apertures 351 are connected to the pressure chamber 3411. The apertures 351 function as a so-called constriction.

[0053] The pressure chamber 3411 and aperture 351 are filled with liquid. Pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 3411 by the piezoelectric element 343. Liquid is then supplied from the pressure chamber 3411 to the nozzle 31 and discharged from the nozzle 31. The pressure chamber 3411 is also replenished with liquid from the common flow path 41 via the aperture 351.

[0054] The configuration of the common flow channel member 40 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a plan view of the common flow channel member 40 as seen from the Z-axis direction. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 10.

[0055] As shown in Figure 10, the common flow channel member 40 has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 which is positioned differently from the first portion 21 in the X-axis direction. The common flow channel 41 also has an opening 410, a first flow channel 411, a second flow channel 412, and a third flow channel 413.

[0056] As shown in Figure 11, the common flow channel member 40 is constructed by stacking four plates 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D. The plates 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D are made of a metal such as 42 alloy. In this embodiment, the common flow channel member 40 has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 made of the same material, but is not limited to this. The first portion 21 and the second portion 22 may be made of different materials. In other words, the common flow channel member 40 may be constructed by joining a first member that constitutes the first portion 21 and a second member that constitutes the second portion 22. Plate 40B is located on the positive Z-axis side of plate 40A. Plate 40C is located on the positive Z-axis side of plate 40B. Plate 40D is located on the positive Z-axis side of plate 40C. Through holes are provided in each of the plates 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D. The through-holes provided in plates 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D constitute a common flow path 41.

[0057] As shown in Figure 11, the first channel 411 is formed by a through-hole in plate 40A. The second channel 412 is formed by a through-hole in plate 40B. The third channel 413 is formed by through-holes in plates 40C and 40D.

[0058] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 receives liquid from the branch channel 391 of the reservoir channel 39 to the third channel 413. Then, liquid is supplied from the third channel 413 to the second channel 412. Then, liquid is supplied from the second channel 412 to the first channel 411. Furthermore, liquid is supplied from the first channel 411 to a plurality of individual channels 32.

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, the common flow channel member 40 according to this embodiment further includes a damper 42 in the first portion 21. As shown in Figure 11, the damper 42 consists of a damper chamber 421 and a damper membrane 422. The damper 42 is in contact with the common flow channel 41. The damper chamber 421 is formed in the plate 40C by a through hole separate from the through hole that constitutes the third flow channel 413. The damper membrane 422 is located between the damper chamber 421 and the first flow channel 411. The damper membrane 422 is made of a material that is low in rigidity and flexible. In the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, since the damper chamber 421 is located on the damper membrane 422, the damper membrane 422 can vibrate and absorb pressure waves transmitted to the common flow channel 41.

[0060] In this case, the liquid discharge head 1 is at risk of some of the pressure waves generated in the pressure chamber 3411 of the individual flow path 32 reaching the common flow path 41 via the aperture 351. Furthermore, the pressure waves that reach the common flow path 41 may propagate to the other individual flow paths 32 and affect the liquid discharge characteristics. As shown in Figure 11, in the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the damper 42 faces the aperture 351. The damper 42 is also in contact with the first flow path 411. In the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the portion of the aperture 351 that connects to the common flow path 41 is open in the positive Z-axis direction, so the damper 42 is located on the positive Z-axis side with respect to the portion of the aperture 351 that connects to the common flow path 41. Therefore, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment can absorb the pressure waves that reach the common flow path 41 with the damper 42. Therefore, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the risk of pressure waves generated in one pressure chamber 3411 propagating to other individual flow paths 32, thereby reducing the risk of affecting the liquid discharge characteristics.

[0061] The positional relationship of head 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a plan view of the liquid discharge head 1, showing three heads 2 that are continuous in the Y-axis direction, as seen from the Z-axis direction.

[0062] Here, the head 2 located in the center direction of the Y-axis is referred to as the first head 201. The head 2 located furthest in the negative Y-axis direction is referred to as the second head 202. The head 2 located furthest in the positive Y-axis direction is referred to as the third head 203.

[0063] Furthermore, the first part 21 of the second head 202 is referred to as the third part 212. The second part 22 of the second head 202 is referred to as the fourth part 222. The first part 21 of the third head 203 is referred to as the fifth part 213. The second part 22 of the third head 203 is referred to as the sixth part 223.

[0064] Furthermore, the nozzle 31, individual channel 32 (see Figure 14), and common channel 41 of the first head 201 are referred to as the first nozzle 311, the first individual channel 321 (see Figure 14), and the first common channel 4101, respectively. The nozzle 31, individual channel 32 (see Figure 14), and common channel 41 of the second head 202 are referred to as the second nozzle 312, the second individual channel 322 (see Figure 14), and the second common channel 4102, respectively. The nozzle 31, individual channel 32, and common channel 41 of the third head 203 are referred to as the third nozzle 313, the third individual channel, and the third common channel 4103, respectively.

[0065] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a first portion 21 that overlaps with at least a portion of the third portion 212 when viewed from the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a first portion 21 that overlaps with at least a portion of the fourth portion 222 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the risk of the width of the liquid discharge head 1 in the X-axis direction becoming excessive can be reduced.

[0066] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a second portion 22 that overlaps with the third portion 212 at least partially when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the liquid discharge head 1 in this embodiment can reduce the risk of the width of the liquid discharge head 1 in the X-axis direction becoming larger compared to a liquid discharge head 1 in which the second portion 22 does not overlap with the third portion 212 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Here, a liquid discharge head 1 in which the second portion 22 does not overlap with the third portion 212 when viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, a liquid discharge head 1 in which the second portion 22 is located on the negative X-axis side of the first portion 21. However, the liquid discharge head 1 in this embodiment may have a configuration in which the second portion 22 does not overlap with the third portion 212 when viewed from the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figure 13.

[0067] The first portion 21 is separated from the third portion 212 in the X-axis direction. Also, the first portion 21 is separated from the fourth portion 222 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the first portion 21 is separated from the second head 202 and does not directly interfere with the second head 202. As a result, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the risk that the second head 202 will affect the liquid discharge characteristics with respect to the first nozzle 311 located on the first head 201. In the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the first head 201 and the second head 202 are separated and no other members are located in the gap, but this is not limited to this. In the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, for example, the first head 201 and the second head 202 are separated and other materials such as adhesive and potting agent may be located in the gap.

[0068] The region where the first nozzle 311 of the first portion 21 is located overlaps, at least partially, with the region where the second nozzle 312 of the third portion 212 is located, when viewed from the X-axis direction. Therefore, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the region where discharge is not possible due to the absence of the nozzle 31 between the Y-axis directions of the first head 201 and the second head 202.

[0069] Here, the opening 410 of the first head 201 is referred to as the first opening 4111. The opening 410 of the second head 202 is referred to as the second opening 4112. The opening 410 of the third head 203 is referred to as the third opening 4113. In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has the first opening 4111 located in the second portion 22. The second opening 4112 is located in the fourth portion 222. The third opening 4113 is located in the sixth portion 223. In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has the first opening 4111, the second opening 4112, and the third opening 4113 located in areas away from the nozzle 31, while also reducing the risk of the width of the liquid discharge head 1 in the X-axis direction becoming larger.

[0070] As described above, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment is located on a plurality of heads 2 and has a reservoir member 3 (see Figure 4) having a reservoir flow path 39 (see Figure 4). The reservoir flow path 39 is connected to a first common flow path 4101 via a first opening 4111, to a second common flow path 4102 via a second opening 4112, and to a third common flow path 4103 via a third opening 4113. Therefore, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment can also reduce the width of the reservoir flow path 39 in the X-axis direction.

[0071] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a first portion 21 that overlaps with at least a portion of the fifth portion 213 when viewed from the X-axis direction. Also, in this embodiment, the first portion 21 of the liquid discharge head 1 overlaps with at least a portion of the sixth portion 223 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Therefore, even when the three heads 2 are continuous in the Y-axis direction, the liquid discharge head 1 in this embodiment can reduce the risk of the width of the liquid discharge head 1 in the X-axis direction becoming large.

[0072] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a second portion 22 that overlaps with the fifth portion 213 at least partially when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Compared to a liquid discharge head in which the second portion 22 does not overlap with the fifth portion 213 when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the liquid discharge head 1 in this embodiment can reduce the risk of the width of the liquid discharge head 1 in the X-axis direction becoming larger.

[0073] Refer to Figure 14 to explain the positional relationship of head 2 in a cross-sectional view. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 12.

[0074] Here, the discharge member 30 of the first head 201 will be referred to as the first discharge member 301. The discharge member 30 of the second head 202 will be referred to as the second discharge member 302. Also, the common flow path member 40 of the first head 201 will be referred to as the first common flow path member 4001. The common flow path member 40 of the second head 202 will be referred to as the second common flow path member 4002. Furthermore, the damper 42 of the first head 201 will be referred to as the first damper 4201. The damper 42 of the second head 202 will be referred to as the second damper 4202.

[0075] As described above, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment has a first opening 4111 (see Figure 12) located in the second portion 22 (see Figure 12). Furthermore, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment has a second opening 4112 (see Figure 12) located in the fourth portion 222 (see Figure 12). Also, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment has a first damper 4201 located in the first portion 21. In addition, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment has a second damper 4202 located in the third portion 212.

[0076] Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 can be positioned such that the first opening 4111 and the second opening 4112 are located in a region away from the nozzle 31, while the first damper 4201 and the second damper 4202 are positioned in a region facing the individual flow path 32.

[0077] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a first discharge member 301 located in the first portion 21. In addition, the liquid discharge head 1 in this embodiment has a second discharge member 302 located in the third portion 212.

[0078] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 may have the discharge member 30 (see Figure 14) and the common flow path member 40 (see Figure 14) made of the same material, as shown in Figure 15. In this liquid discharge head 1, a plurality of first individual flow paths 321 are connected to the first common flow path 4101 on the positive Z-axis side. In addition, a plurality of second individual flow paths 322 are connected to the second common flow path 4102 on the positive Z-axis side. This liquid discharge head 1 can reduce the risk of increasing in size in the Z-axis direction.

[0079] Furthermore, in this liquid discharge head 1, the first common flow path 4101 overlaps with at least a portion of the multiple first individual flow paths 321 when viewed from the X-axis direction. Also, in this liquid discharge head 1, the second common flow path 4102 overlaps with at least a portion of the multiple second individual flow paths 322 when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0080] Furthermore, this technology can take the following configuration. (1) Multiple first nozzles, Multiple individual first flow paths connected to the multiple first nozzles, A first common channel connected to the aforementioned plurality of first individual channels, Equipped with, At least a portion of the first common flow path and the first portion in which the plurality of first nozzles are located, A second portion is located on which at least a part of the first common flow path is located, and which is located in a different position from the first portion in the first direction, and whose width in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the width of the first portion in the second direction, has Head 1. (2) The device further comprises a first opening connected to the first common flow path and into which liquid flows, The first opening is located in the second portion. The first head as described in (1) above. (3) The present invention further comprises a first damper that is opposite to the plurality of first individual flow paths and in contact with the first common flow path, The first damper is located in the first portion. The first head as described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The plurality of first nozzles are also located in the second portion. The first head as described in any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) A first head as described in any one of (1) to (4) above, A second head having multiple second nozzles, multiple second individual flow paths connected to the multiple second nozzles, and a second common flow path connected to the multiple second individual flow paths, Equipped with, The second head is, At least a portion of the second common flow path and the third portion in which the plurality of second nozzles are located, A fourth portion is located on which at least a part of the second common flow path is located, and which is in a different position from the third portion in the first direction, and whose width in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the width of the third portion in the second direction, It has, The above first part is, When viewed from the first direction, at least a portion of the third part overlaps with it. When viewed from the second direction, at least a portion of the fourth portion overlaps. Liquid dispensing head. (6) The liquid dispensing head according to (5), wherein the second portion overlaps with the third portion at least in part when viewed from the second direction. (7) The above first part is, The aforementioned third part is separated from the aforementioned first direction, The fourth part and the second part are separated The liquid dispensing head described in (5) or (6) above. (8) The region where the first nozzle is located overlaps, at least in part, with the region where the second nozzle is located when viewed from the first direction. A liquid dispensing head as described in any one of (5) to (7) above. (9) The first head has a first opening connected to the first common flow path. The second head has a second opening connected to the second common flow path, The first opening is located in the second portion, The second opening is located in the fourth portion. A liquid dispensing head as described in any one of (5) to (8) above. (10) The system further comprises reservoir members located on the first head and the second head, and having reservoir flow channels. The reservoir channel is, The first opening is connected to the first common channel, The second opening connects to the second common flow path. The liquid dispensing head described in (9) above. (11) The third head further comprises a plurality of third nozzles, a plurality of third individual channels connected to the plurality of third nozzles, and a third common channel connected to the plurality of third individual channels. The third head is, At least a portion of the third common flow path and the fifth portion in which the plurality of third nozzles are located, A sixth portion is located on which at least a part of the third common flow path is located, and which is in a different position from the fifth portion in the first direction, and whose width in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the width of the fifth portion in the second direction, It has, The above first part is, When viewed from the first direction, at least a portion of the fifth part overlaps with it. When viewed from the second direction, at least a portion of the sixth portion overlaps. A liquid dispensing head as described in any one of (5) to (10) above. (12) The second part overlaps with the fifth part at least in part when viewed from the second direction. The liquid dispensing head described in (11) above. (13) The first head is A first discharge member having the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of first individual flow paths, A first common flow path member having the first common flow path and located on the first discharge member, It has, The second head is, The second discharge member having the plurality of second nozzles and the plurality of second individual flow paths, A second common flow channel member having the second common flow channel and located on the second discharge member, It has, The first discharge member is located in the first portion, The second discharge member is located in the third portion. A liquid dispensing head as described in any one of (5) to (12) above. (14) The plurality of first individual channels are connected to the first common channel, The aforementioned multiple second individual channels are connected to the second common channel. The liquid dispensing head described in (13) above. (15) When viewed from the first direction, the first common flow path overlaps with at least a portion of the plurality of first individual flow paths. When viewed from the first direction, the second common channel overlaps with at least a portion of the plurality of second individual channels. The liquid dispensing head described in (13) or (14) above. (16) A first head as described in any one of (1) to (4) above, A moving unit that moves the first head and the recording medium relative to each other, The system includes a control unit that controls the moving part. Recording device. (17) A liquid dispensing head as described in any one of (5) to (15) above, A moving unit that moves the liquid discharge head and the recording medium relative to each other, The system includes a control unit that controls the moving part. Recording device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1. Liquid dispensing head 201 Head 1 202 2nd Head 203 3rd Head 21 Part 1 22 Part 2 212 Part 3 222 Part 4 213 Part 5 223 Part 6 3. Reservoir component 39 Reservoir Flow Channel 30 Discharge member 301 First discharge member 302 Second discharge member 311 Nozzle No. 1 312 Nozzle No. 2 313 Third Nozzle 321 First Individual Channel 322 Second Individual Channel 4001 First common flow channel member 4002 Second common flow channel member 4101 First Common Channel 4102 Second Common Channel 4103 Third Common Channel 4111 First opening 4112 Second opening 4113 Third opening 4201 First Damper 4202 Second Damper 100 Printers (recording devices) 101 Mobile Unit 105 Control Unit P Printing paper (recording medium)

Claims

1. Multiple first nozzles, Multiple individual first flow paths connected to the multiple first nozzles, A first common channel connected to the plurality of first individual channels, Equipped with, At least a portion of the first common flow path and the first portion in which the plurality of first nozzles are located, A second portion is located on which at least a part of the first common flow path is located, and which is located in a different position from the first portion in the first direction, and whose width in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the width of the first portion in the second direction, has Head 1.

2. The first common flow path is further provided with a first opening into which liquid flows, The first opening is located in the second portion. The first head according to claim 1.

3. The present invention further comprises a first damper that is opposite to the plurality of first individual flow paths and in contact with the first common flow path, The first damper is located in the first portion. The first head according to claim 1.

4. The plurality of first nozzles are also located in the second portion. The first head according to claim 1.

5. The first head according to claim 1, A second head having a plurality of second nozzles, a plurality of second individual flow paths connected to the plurality of second nozzles, and a second common flow path connected to the plurality of second individual flow paths, Equipped with, The second head is, At least a portion of the second common flow path and the third portion in which the plurality of second nozzles are located, A fourth portion is located on which at least a part of the second common flow path is located, and which is in a different position from the third portion in the first direction, and whose width in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the width of the third portion in the second direction, It has, The first part is, When viewed from the first direction, at least a portion of the third part overlaps with it. When viewed from the second direction, at least a portion of the fourth portion overlaps. Liquid dispensing head.

6. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 5, wherein the second portion overlaps with the third portion at least in part when viewed from the second direction.

7. The first part is, The aforementioned third part is separated from the aforementioned first direction, The fourth portion and the second portion are separated in the second direction The liquid dispensing head according to claim 5.

8. The region where the first nozzle is located overlaps, at least in part, with the region where the second nozzle is located when viewed from the first direction. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 5.

9. The first head has a first opening connected to the first common flow path. The second head has a second opening connected to the second common flow path, The first opening is located in the second portion, The second opening is located in the fourth portion. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 5.

10. The system further comprises reservoir members located on the first head and the second head, and having reservoir flow channels. The reservoir channel is, The first opening is connected to the first common flow path, The second opening connects to the second common channel. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 9.

11. The third head further comprises a plurality of third nozzles, a plurality of third individual channels connected to the plurality of third nozzles, and a third common channel connected to the plurality of third individual channels. The third head is At least a portion of the third common flow path and the fifth portion in which the plurality of third nozzles are located, A sixth portion is located on which at least a part of the third common flow path is located, and which is in a different position from the fifth portion in the first direction, and whose width in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the width of the fifth portion in the second direction, It has, The first part is, When viewed from the first direction, at least a portion of the fifth part overlaps with it. When viewed from the second direction, at least a portion of the sixth portion overlaps. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 5.

12. The second portion overlaps with the fifth portion in at least part when viewed from the second direction. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 11.

13. The first head is A first discharge member having the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of first individual flow paths, A first common flow channel member having the first common flow channel and located on the first discharge member, It has, The second head is, The second discharge member having the plurality of second nozzles and the plurality of second individual flow paths, A second common flow channel member having the second common flow channel and located on the second discharge member, It has, The first discharge member is located in the first portion, The second discharge member is located in the third portion. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 5.

14. The plurality of first individual channels are connected to the first common channel, The aforementioned multiple second individual channels are connected to the second common channel. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 13.

15. When viewed from the first direction, the first common flow path overlaps with at least a portion of the plurality of first individual flow paths. When viewed from the first direction, the second common channel overlaps with at least a portion of the plurality of second individual channels. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 13.

16. A first head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A moving unit that moves the first head and the recording medium relative to each other, The system includes a control unit that controls the moving part. Recording device.

17. A liquid dispensing head according to any one of claims 5 to 15, A moving unit that moves the liquid discharge head and the recording medium relative to each other, The system includes a control unit that controls the moving part. Recording device.

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