LIQUID EJECT HEAD AND LIQUID EJECT APPARATUS

Abstract

To suppress deterioration in printing quality, even when a plurality of head chips is arranged with respect to a conveying direction, in order to improve definition and to cope with a plurality of colors.SOLUTION: A liquid jet head comprises a plurality of head chips that jets liquid in a first direction toward a medium, where a width direction of the medium is defined as a second direction, a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and crossing the second direction and the third direction is defined as a fourth direction. The plurality of head chips has: a first chip group in which a plurality of first head chips having first nozzle rows constituted of a plurality of first nozzles aligned in the fourth direction, is arranged aligned in the second direction; and a second chip group in which a plurality of second head chips having second nozzle rows constituted of a plurality of second nozzles aligned in the fourth direction, is arranged aligned in the second direction. The first chip group is arranged aligned in the third direction with respect to the second chip group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection head and a liquid ejection apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, liquid ejection devices having a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid such as ink, such as a printer of an inkjet type, are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection head in which a plurality of head chips, each having a nozzle row arranged diagonally with respect to the transport direction of a medium such as printing paper, are arranged in the width direction of the medium and mounted on a fixed plate, and the plurality of head chips arranged in the width direction of the medium form a line head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-55476 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when multiple line heads each having the above-described conventional liquid ejection heads are arranged in the transport direction to achieve higher resolution or multiple colors, there is a risk of print quality deteriorating due to misalignment between the multiple line heads. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of a liquid ejection head according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is a liquid ejection head having a plurality of head chips that eject liquid toward a medium in a first direction, wherein the width direction of the medium is a second direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is a third direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersects the second direction and the third direction is a fourth direction, and the plurality of head chips include a first chip group in which a plurality of first head chips having a first nozzle row configured with a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the fourth direction are arranged in the second direction, and a second chip group in which a plurality of second head chips having a second nozzle row configured with a plurality of second nozzles arranged in the fourth direction are arranged in the second direction, and the first chip group is arranged in the third direction relative to the second chip group.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes the above-described liquid ejecting head and a transport unit that transports the medium.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a line head in which a plurality of the above-described liquid ejecting heads are arranged side by side in the second direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a plurality of liquid ejection heads 30 as viewed in the Z1 direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid ejection head 30. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 5 . [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement relationship of a plurality of head chips 38. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the degree of overlap of a plurality of head chips 38. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a view of a liquid jet head 30a according to a reference example, viewed in the Z1 direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a liquid jet head 30b according to a second embodiment, as viewed in the Z1 direction. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a liquid jet head 30c according to a first modified example, as viewed in the Z1 direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a liquid jet head 30d in a second modified example, as viewed in the Z1 direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in each drawing, the dimensions and scale of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones. In addition, since the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are attached, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited.

[0010] 1. First embodiment First, a liquid ejecting apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment will be described.

[0011] 1.1. Overview of the Liquid Ejection Apparatus 100 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a liquid ejection device 100 according to a first embodiment. The liquid ejection device 100 according to this embodiment is an inkjet printing device that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, as droplets onto a medium PP. The liquid ejection device 100 of this embodiment is a so-called line-type printing device in which a plurality of nozzles N that eject ink are distributed across the entire range in the width direction of the medium PP. The medium PP is, for example, printing paper, but any printing target such as a resin film or fabric can be used as the medium PP.

[0012] 1, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a liquid container 93 that stores ink. As the liquid container 93, for example, a cartridge that is detachable from the liquid ejection device 100, a bag-shaped ink pack formed of a flexible film, or an ink tank that can be refilled with ink can be used. A plurality of types of ink with different colors are stored in the liquid container 93.

[0013] Although not shown, the liquid container 93 includes a first liquid container and a second liquid container. The first liquid container stores a first ink. The second liquid container stores a second ink that is a different type from the first ink. For example, the first ink and the second ink are inks of different colors. It is to be noted that the first ink and the second ink may be inks of the same color.

[0014] 1, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a head module 3 having a plurality of liquid ejection heads 30, a control device 90, a transport mechanism 92, and a circulation mechanism 94. The control device 90 includes, for example, a processing circuit such as a CPU or FPGA, and a storage circuit such as a semiconductor memory, and controls each element of the liquid ejection device 100. Here, CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, and FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0015] The transport mechanism 92 transports the medium PP in the Y1 direction under the control of the control device 90. Note that, hereinafter, the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction opposite to the Y1 direction are collectively referred to as the Y-axis direction.

[0016] Under the control of the control device 90, the head module 3 ejects ink supplied from the liquid container 93 in the Z2 direction. The Z2 direction is a direction perpendicular to the Y1 direction. Hereinafter, the Z2 direction and the Z1 direction, which is the opposite direction to the Z2 direction, may be collectively referred to as the Z-axis direction. The head module 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0017] 1.2.Head module 3 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the head module 3. The head module 3 includes a plurality of liquid jet heads 30 and a head fixing substrate 13 that holds the plurality of liquid jet heads 30. The plurality of liquid jet heads 30 are arranged side by side in the X1 direction and the X2 direction that are perpendicular to the Y1 direction that is the transport direction, and are fixed to the head fixing substrate 13. The X2 direction is the opposite direction to the X1 direction. Hereinafter, the X1 direction and the X2 direction may be collectively referred to as the X-axis direction. The head module 3 is a line head having a plurality of liquid jet heads 30 that are arranged so that a plurality of nozzles N are distributed over the entire range of the medium PP in the X-axis direction. In other words, the plurality of liquid jet heads 30 constitute a line head that is long in the X-axis direction. The ejection of ink from the plurality of liquid jet heads 30 is performed in parallel with the transport of the medium PP by the transport mechanism 92, so that an image is formed by ink on the surface of the medium PP. The head module 3 may be a line head that is long in the direction in which the X-axis extends and is composed of only a single liquid jet head 30 in which a plurality of nozzles N are distributed over the entire range of the medium PP in the X-axis direction. The head fixing substrate 13 has a plurality of mounting holes 15 for mounting the liquid jet head 30. The liquid jet head 30 is supported by the head fixing substrate 13 in a state in which it is inserted into the mounting hole 15.

[0018] Returning to FIG. 1 for explanation, the transport mechanism 92 transports the medium PP in the Y-axis direction relative to the head module 3. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a liquid container 93 is connected to the head module 3 via a circulation mechanism 94. The circulation mechanism 94 is a mechanism that supplies ink to each of the multiple liquid jet heads 30 and recovers ink discharged from each of the multiple liquid jet heads 30 for resupply to the liquid jet heads 30. The circulation mechanism 94 has, for example, a sub-tank that stores ink, a flow path for supplying ink from the sub-tank to the liquid jet head 30, a flow path for recovering ink from the liquid jet head 30 to the sub-tank, and a pump for appropriately flowing the ink. By the operation of the circulation mechanism 94, it is possible to suppress an increase in the viscosity of the ink and reduce the retention of air bubbles in the ink.

[0019] 1, a control device 90 supplies the liquid jet head 30 with a drive signal Com for driving the liquid jet head 30 and a control signal SI for controlling the liquid jet head 30. The liquid jet head 30 is driven by the drive signal Com under the control of the control signal SI, and ejects ink in the Z2 direction from some or all of the multiple nozzles N provided in the liquid jet head 30. The nozzles N will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0020] 3 is a view of the multiple liquid jet heads 30 as viewed in the Z1 direction. Each of the multiple liquid jet heads 30 has multiple head chips 38 and a fixing plate 39. In the first embodiment, one liquid jet head 30 has six head chips 38. In the following description, when the head chips 38 need to be distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as head chips 38_1, 38_2, 38_3, 38_4, 38_5, and 38_6, and when the head chips 38 do not need to be distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as head chips 38.

[0021] Fixing plate 39 is a plate member for fixing each of the plurality of head chips 38 to holder 37 shown in Fig. 4. Fixing plate 39 will be described in further detail later.

[0022] Each of the multiple head chips 38 is arranged to extend in the V2 direction. The V2 direction is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, intersects with the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and is a direction between the X1 direction and the Y2 direction. The opposite direction to the V2 direction is referred to as the V1 direction. Furthermore, the V1 direction and the V2 direction are collectively referred to as the V-axis direction. Furthermore, the directions perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the V-axis direction are referred to as the W1 direction and the W2 direction. The W1 direction is a direction between the X1 direction and the Y1 direction, and the W2 direction is a direction between the X2 direction and the Y2 direction. The W1 direction and the W2 direction are collectively referred to as the W-axis direction. The V2 direction is an example of the "fourth direction," and the W1 direction is an example of the "fifth direction."

[0023] Each of the multiple head chips 38 has a nozzle row Ln. The nozzle row Ln is configured with M nozzles N lined up in the V2 direction. M is an integer of 2 or more. For example, the nozzles N of one head chip 38 are arranged in the X-axis direction in a number sufficient to achieve 600 dpi. To simplify the explanation, the resolution achieved by one head chip 38 is referred to as the "single resolution."

[0024] 1.3.Liquid jet head 30 Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid jet head 30. As shown in Fig. 4, the liquid jet head 30 includes a housing 31, a cover substrate 32, an assembly substrate 33, a flow path structure 34, a wiring substrate 35, a holder 37, and a fixing plate 39. Furthermore, the liquid jet head 30 includes head chips 38_1, 38_2, 38_3, 38_4, 38_5, and 38_6 as illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0025] The flow path structure 34 includes a flow path plate Su1, a flow path plate Su2, a flow path plate Su3, a connection pipe 341i1, a connection pipe 341i2, a connection pipe 341o1, a connection pipe 341o2, and a connector hole 343.

[0026] The holder 37 includes a flow path member Du1, a flow path member Du2, a connection pipe 373i1, a connection pipe 373i2, a connection pipe 373o_1, a connection pipe 373o_2, a connection pipe 373o_3, a connection pipe 373o_4, a connection pipe 373o_5, and a connection pipe 373o_6. In the following description, the connection pipes 373i1, 373i2, 373o_1, 373o_2, 373o_3, 373o_4, 373o_5, and 373o_6 are collectively referred to as a connection pipe 373. Furthermore, the holder 37 includes six openings 371 that penetrate in the Z-axis direction.

[0027] The housing 31 supports the flow path structure 34, the wiring board 35, the holder 37, and the fixed plate 39. Furthermore, the housing 31 has a supply hole 311i1, a supply hole 311i2, a discharge hole 312o1, a discharge hole 312o2, and an aggregate substrate hole 313. A connection pipe 341i1 is inserted into the supply hole 311i1 and fitted thereto. A connection pipe 341i2 is inserted into the supply hole 311i2 and fitted thereto. A connection pipe 341o1 is inserted into the discharge hole 312o1 and fitted thereto. A connection pipe 341o2 is inserted into the discharge hole 312o2 and fitted thereto. An aggregate substrate 33 is inserted into the aggregate substrate hole 313. The housing 31 is made of metal or resin. Alternatively, the housing 31 may be made of a resin material having a surface covered with a metal film.

[0028] The cover substrate 32 sandwiches the collective substrate 33 between itself and a portion of the housing 31 extending in the Z1 direction. The collective substrate 33 is a substrate on which wiring is formed for transmitting the drive signal Com and the control signal SI supplied from the control device 90 to each of the multiple head chips 38. The collective substrate 33 is a plate-like member extending parallel to the XZ plane. Here, "parallel" is a concept that includes not only completely parallel, but also parallel by design but can be considered to be parallel when an error caused by, for example, a manufacturing error of the liquid jet head 30 is taken into consideration.

[0029] The flow path structure 34 is a structure in which a flow path for flowing ink between the circulation mechanism 94 and each of the plurality of head chips 38 is provided. The flow path structure 34 is disposed between the housing 31 and the wiring board 35. The flow path plate Su1, the flow path plate Su2, and the flow path plate Su3 included in the flow path structure 34 are stacked in this order in the Z1 direction. The flow path plate Su1, the flow path plate Su2, and the flow path plate Su3 are bonded to each other by an adhesive or the like. The flow path plate Su1, the flow path plate Su2, and the flow path plate Su3 are formed by, for example, injection molding of a resin. A connector 355 of the wiring board 35 is inserted into the connector hole 343.

[0030] The connecting pipe 341i1 introduces the first ink supplied from the first liquid container into the holder 37. The connecting pipe 341i2 introduces the second ink supplied from the second liquid container into the holder 37. The connecting pipe 341o1 discharges the first ink discharged from inside the holder 37 to outside the liquid jet head 30. The connecting pipe 341o2 discharges the second ink discharged from inside the holder 37 to outside the liquid jet head 30.

[0031] The wiring board 35 is a mounting component for electrically connecting the liquid ejection head 30 to the control device 90. The wiring board 35 is a board on which wiring for transmitting various control signals and power supply voltages to the head chip 38 is formed. The wiring board 35 is a plate-like member extending parallel to the XY plane, and is disposed between the flow path structure 34 and the holder 37. The wiring board 35 is, for example, a rigid board. The wiring board 35 has a connector 355, four openings 351, two cutouts 352, four openings 357, and two cutouts 358. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the four openings 351 and the two cutouts 352 are arranged in a staggered manner. The connector 355 is inserted through the connector hole 343 and electrically connected to the assembly board 33.

[0032] Any one of the connecting pipes 373o_1, 373o_3, 373o_4, and 373o_6 is inserted into each of the four openings 357. Any one of the connecting pipes 373o_2 and 373o_5 is inserted into each of the two cutout portions 358.

[0033] The holder 37 is disposed between the wiring board 35 and the fixed plate 39, and is fixed to the fixed plate 39 by an adhesive. Therefore, the holder 37 reinforces the fixed plate 39. The holder 37 is also a structure in which a flow path for flowing ink between the circulation mechanism 94 and each of the plurality of head chips 38 is provided. The flow path member Du1 and the flow path member Du2 included in the holder 37 are stacked in this order in the Z1 direction. The holder 37 is made of, for example, resin or metal. The holder 37 has a recess (not shown) for accommodating the plurality of head chips 38 on the surface on the Z2 direction side, and holds the plurality of head chips 38 by arranging the plurality of head chips 38 between the recess and the fixed plate 39.

[0034] The connecting pipe 373i1 communicates with any one of a plurality of discharge ports (not shown) formed on the surface of the flow path structure 34 in the Z2 direction, and introduces the first ink from the holder 37 into the holder 37. The first ink introduced into the holder 37 is distributed within the holder 37 and supplied to the head chips 38_1, 38_3, and 38_5. The first ink discharged from the head chips 38_1, 38_3, and 38_5 is introduced into the holder 37. The connecting pipes 373o_1, 373o_3, and 373o_5 communicate with any one of a plurality of inlet ports (not shown) formed on the surface of the flow path structure 34 in the Z2 direction, and introduces the first ink from the holder 37 into the flow path structure 34.

[0035] The connecting pipe 373i2 communicates with any one of a plurality of discharge ports (not shown) formed on the surface of the flow path structure 34 in the Z2 direction, and introduces the second ink from the holder 37 into the holder 37. The second ink introduced into the holder 37 is distributed within the holder 37 and supplied to the head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6. The second ink discharged from the head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6 is introduced into the holder 37. The connecting pipes 373o_2, 373o_4, and 373o_6 communicate with any one of a plurality of inlet ports (not shown) formed on the surface of the flow path structure 34 in the Z2 direction, and introduces the second ink from the holder 37 into the flow path structure 34.

[0036] Wiring members 388 of each of the plurality of head chips 38 are inserted through the six openings 371. The six openings 371 are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0037] Each head chip 38 has one nozzle plate 387 and piezoelectric elements PZq corresponding to the M nozzles N of the head chip 38. The six head chips 38 are arranged in a staggered pattern, similar to the openings 351 and cutouts 352 of the wiring board 35. Head chip 38 will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 5 and 6.

[0038] 1.3.Head Chip 38 Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of head chip 38_1. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 5. Line VI-VI is an imaginary line segment passing through inlet 3851 and outlet 3852 and through nozzle N. Note that Fig. 6 shows a cross section of fixing plate 39 in addition to the cross section of head chip 38_1.

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the head chip 38_1 includes a nozzle plate 387, a compliance substrate 3861, a communication plate 382, ​​a pressure chamber substrate 383, a vibration plate 384, a case 385, and a wiring member 388.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the nozzle plate 387 is a plate-shaped member that is elongated in the V-axis direction and extends parallel to the VW plane, and M nozzles N are formed in the nozzle plate 387. The nozzle plate 387 is manufactured by processing a single crystal silicon substrate using a semiconductor manufacturing technique such as etching. However, any known material and manufacturing method may be used to manufacture the nozzle plate 387. The nozzles N are through holes provided in the nozzle plate 387. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the nozzle plate 387 is provided with M nozzles N to form a nozzle row Ln extending in the V-axis direction. However, the nozzle plate 387 may have a configuration in which a part of the M nozzles N is arranged in the V-axis direction to form a plurality of nozzle rows Ln.

[0041] 5 and 6, a communication plate 382 is provided in the Z1 direction of the nozzle plate 387. The communication plate 382 is a plate-shaped member that is elongated in the V axis direction and extends approximately parallel to the VW plane, and forms an ink flow path. Specifically, one supply liquid chamber RA1 and one discharge liquid chamber RA2 are formed in the communication plate 382. Of these, the supply liquid chamber RA1 is provided so as to communicate with the supply liquid chamber RB1 described later and extend in the V-axis direction. The discharge liquid chamber RA2 is provided so as to communicate with the discharge liquid chamber RB2 described later and extend in the V-axis direction. The supply liquid chamber RA1 may be divided into a plurality of chambers in the V-axis direction, and the discharge liquid chamber RA2 may also be divided into a plurality of chambers in the V-axis direction. Hereinafter, the common liquid chamber formed by the supply liquid chamber RA1 and the supply liquid chamber RB1 is referred to as the "supply side common liquid chamber MN1". Similarly, the common liquid chamber formed by the discharge liquid chamber RA2 and the discharge liquid chamber RB2 is referred to as the "discharge side common liquid chamber MN2".

[0042] Further, in the communication plate 382, ​​M nozzle flow paths RN corresponding to the M nozzles N in one-to-one correspondence, M communication flow paths RR1 corresponding to the M nozzles N in one-to-one correspondence, M communication flow paths RR2 corresponding to the M nozzles N in one-to-one correspondence, M communication flow paths RK1 corresponding to the M nozzles N in one-to-one correspondence, M communication flow paths RK2 corresponding to the M nozzles N in one-to-one correspondence, M communication flow paths RX1 corresponding to the M nozzles N in one-to-one correspondence, and M communication flow paths RX2 corresponding to the M nozzles N in one-to-one correspondence. Note that the communication plate 382 may be formed with one communication flow path RX1 and one communication flow path RX2 provided in common to the M nozzles N. In this case, the communication flow path RX1 constitutes a part of the "supply side common liquid chamber MN1", and the communication flow path RX2 constitutes a part of the "discharge side common liquid chamber MN2". In addition, multiple communicating flow paths RX1 may be formed in common to some of the M nozzles N, or multiple communicating flow paths RX2 may be formed in common to some of the M nozzles N.

[0043] 5, in the first embodiment, the communication flow passage RX1 communicates with the supply liquid chamber RA1, is located in the W2 direction as viewed from the supply liquid chamber RA1, and is provided so as to extend in the W-axis direction. The communication flow passage RK1 communicates with the communication flow passage RX1, is located in the W2 direction as viewed from the communication flow passage RX1, and is provided so as to extend in the Z-axis direction. The communication flow passage RR1 is located in the W2 direction as viewed from the communication flow passage RK1, and is provided so as to extend in the Z-axis direction. The communication flow passage RX2 communicates with the discharged liquid chamber RA2, is located in the W1 direction as viewed from the discharged liquid chamber RA2, and is provided so as to extend in the W-axis direction. The communication flow passage RK2 communicates with the communication flow passage RX2, is located in the W1 direction as viewed from the communication flow passage RX2, and is provided so as to extend in the Z-axis direction. The communication flow passage RR2 is located in the W1 direction as viewed from the communication flow passage RK2, and is located in the W2 direction as viewed from the communication flow passage RR1, and is provided so as to extend in the Z-axis direction. Further, the nozzle flow channel RN communicates with the communication flow channel RR1 and the communication flow channel RR2, is located in the W2 direction as viewed from the communication flow channel RR1, is located in the W1 direction as viewed from the communication flow channel RR2, and is provided so as to extend in the W-axis direction. The nozzle flow channel RN communicates with the nozzle N corresponding to the nozzle flow channel RN. The communication plate 382 is manufactured by processing a single crystal silicon substrate using semiconductor manufacturing technology, for example. However, the communication plate 382 may be manufactured using any known material or method.

[0044] 5 and 6, a pressure chamber substrate 383 is provided in the Z1 direction of the communication plate 382. The pressure chamber substrate 383 is a plate-shaped member that is elongated in the V axis direction and extends approximately parallel to the VW plane, and has an ink flow path formed therein. Specifically, the pressure chamber substrate 383 is formed with M pressure chambers CB1 corresponding one-to-one to the M nozzles N, and M pressure chambers CB2 corresponding one-to-one to the M nozzles N. Hereinafter, the pressure chambers CB1 and CB2 are collectively referred to as pressure chambers CB. The pressure chamber CB1 communicates with the communication flow passage RK1 and the communication flow passage RR1, and is provided so as to extend in the W-axis direction, connecting the end of the communication flow passage RK1 in the W1 direction and the end of the communication flow passage RR1 in the W2 direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The pressure chamber CB2 communicates with the communication flow passage RK2 and the communication flow passage RR2, and is provided so as to extend in the W-axis direction, connecting the end of the communication flow passage RK2 in the W2 direction and the end of the communication flow passage RR2 in the W1 direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The number of pressure chambers CB provided corresponding to one nozzle N may be one. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which one nozzle N is provided with either the pressure chamber CB1 or the pressure chamber CB2. The pressure chamber substrate 383 is manufactured by processing a single crystal silicon substrate using, for example, semiconductor manufacturing technology. However, any known material or manufacturing method may be used to manufacture the pressure chamber substrate 383.

[0045] 5 and 6, a vibration plate 384 is provided in the Z1 direction of the pressure chamber substrate 383. The vibration plate 384 is a plate-shaped member that is elongated in the V-axis direction and extends approximately parallel to the VW plane, and is a member that can elastically vibrate. The vibration plate 384 may be formed of the same material as the pressure chamber substrate 383.

[0046] 5 and 6, M piezoelectric elements PZ1 corresponding one-to-one to the M pressure chambers CB1 and M piezoelectric elements PZ2 corresponding one-to-one to the M pressure chambers CB2 are provided on the Z1-direction surface of the vibration plate 384. Hereinafter, the piezoelectric elements PZ1 and PZ2 are collectively referred to as piezoelectric element PZq. The piezoelectric element PZq is a passive element that deforms in response to a change in potential of the drive signal Com.

[0047] 5 and 6, a wiring member 388 is mounted on the Z1 direction surface of the vibration plate 384. The wiring member 388 is a component for electrically connecting the control device 90 and the head chip 38. For example, a flexible wiring board such as FPC, COF, or FFC is preferably used as the wiring member 388. Here, FPC is an abbreviation for Flexible Printed Circuit. COF is an abbreviation for Chip on Film. FFC is an abbreviation for Flexible Flat Cable. A drive circuit 3884 is mounted on the wiring member 388. The drive circuit 3884 is an electric circuit that switches whether or not to supply a drive signal Com to the piezoelectric element PZq under the control of a control signal SI.

[0048] The fixed plate 39 is bonded to the Z2 direction surface of the compliance substrate 3861 and the Z2 direction surface of the holder 37. That is, the six exposure openings 391 provided in the fixed plate 39 expose the nozzle surface FN of the nozzle plate 387 within the exposure openings 391. The nozzle surface FN is a surface on which a plurality of nozzles N are formed, faces the Z2 direction of the nozzle plate 387, and is a surface perpendicular to the Z2 direction. The six exposure openings 391 are also arranged in a staggered pattern, similar to the openings 351 and cutout portions 352 of the wiring substrate 35.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the compliance substrate 3861 has a flexible film 3861a and a support plate 3861b. The flexible film 3861a is a member having flexibility, and for example, a film made of resin such as PPS can be adopted, and the support plate 3861b is a member having rigidity, and for example, stainless steel can be adopted. PPS is an abbreviation of Poly Phenylene Sulfide. The flexible film 3861a is a member that is fixed to the Z2-direction surface of the communication plate 382, ​​and covers the openings that define the supply liquid chamber RA1, the communication flow path RX1, the communication flow path RK1, the communication flow path RK2, the communication flow path RX2, and the discharge liquid chamber RA2 of the communication plate 382 from the Z2-direction side. In other words, the flexible film 3861a is a member that defines the supply liquid chamber RA1, the communication flow path RX1, the communication flow path RK1, the communication flow path RK2, the communication flow path RX2, and the discharge liquid chamber RA2. The support plate 3861b is fixed to the Z2-direction surface of the flexible membrane 3861a, and has an opening formed at a position overlapping the supply liquid chamber RA1, the communication flow path RX1, the communication flow path RK1, the communication flow path RK2, the communication flow path RX2, and the discharge liquid chamber RA2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The fixed plate 39 is bonded to the support plate 3861b so as to seal the opening of the support plate 3861b from the Z2 direction. The space defined by the Z2-direction surface of the flexible membrane 3861a, the opening of the support plate 3861b, and the Z1-direction surface of the fixed plate 39 is in communication with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication passage (not shown), and the flexible membrane 3861a is deformed in the Z1 and Z2 directions by the space, thereby absorbing pressure fluctuations occurring within the head chip 38.

[0050] 5 and 6, a case 385 is provided in the Z1 direction of the communication plate 382. The case 385 is a long member in the V-axis direction, and an ink flow path is formed therein. Specifically, one supply liquid chamber RB1 and one discharge liquid chamber RB2 are formed in the case 385. Of these, the supply liquid chamber RB1 communicates with the supply liquid chamber RA1, is located in the Z1 direction as viewed from the supply liquid chamber RA1, and is provided so as to extend in the V-axis direction. The discharge liquid chamber RB2 communicates with the discharge liquid chamber RA2, is located in the Z1 direction as viewed from the discharge liquid chamber RA2 and in the W2 direction as viewed from the supply liquid chamber RB1, and is provided so as to extend in the V-axis direction.

[0051] The case 385 is also provided with an inlet 3851 that communicates with the supply liquid chamber RB1 and an outlet 3852 that communicates with the discharge liquid chamber RB2. Ink is supplied to the supply liquid chamber RB1 from the liquid container 93 via the inlet 3851 into the supply side common liquid chamber MN1. The ink supplied to the supply side common liquid chamber MN1 passes through a flow path that communicates with the nozzle N and is stored in the discharge side common liquid chamber MN2. The ink stored in the discharge side common liquid chamber MN2 is collected via the outlet 3852.

[0052] Case 385 has opening 3850. Pressure chamber substrate 383, diaphragm 384, and wiring member 388 are provided inside opening 3850. Case 385 is formed by injection molding of a resin material, for example. However, any known material or manufacturing method may be used to manufacture case 385.

[0053] Returning to Fig. 4 for the explanation, head chip 38_1 has been explained in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, but the configuration of head chips 38_2 to 38_6 is also the same as the configuration of head chip 38_1. Wiring members 388 of head chips 38_1 to 38_6 all have the same shape. Wiring members 388 of head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6 are arranged in a direction rotated 180 degrees around the Z-axis direction as an axis, with the direction of wiring member 388 of head chip 38_1 as the reference.

[0054] 1.3. Layout of Head Chip 38 3, each of the multiple head chips 38 is disposed so as to extend in the V2 direction. The arrangement of the multiple head chips 38 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0055] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement relationship of a plurality of head chips 38. The diagram shown in Fig. 7 shows one liquid jet head 30 as viewed in the Z1 direction.

[0056] The multiple head chips 38 included in one liquid ejection head 30 include a first chip group CG1 and a second chip group CG2. The first chip group CG1 includes head chips 38_1, 38_3, and 38_5. The second chip group CG2 includes head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6. For ease of explanation, the head chip 38 included in the first chip group CG1 is referred to as the "first head chip 38A," and the head chip 38 included in the second chip group CG2 is referred to as the "second head chip 38B." In addition, the nozzle row Ln included in the first head chip 38A is referred to as the "first nozzle row LnA," and the nozzle row Ln included in the second head chip 38B is referred to as the "second nozzle row LnB." Furthermore, the nozzles N constituting the first nozzle row LnA will be referred to as "first nozzles NA," and the nozzles N constituting the second nozzle row LnB will be referred to as "second nozzles NB."

[0057] The first ink is supplied to the first chip group CG1, and the second ink is supplied to the second chip group CG2.

[0058] The multiple first head chips 38A are arranged side by side in the X1 direction. Similarly, the multiple second head chips 38B are arranged side by side in the X1 direction. That the multiple head chips 38 are arranged side by side in the X1 direction means that adjacent head chips 38 among the multiple head chips 38 partially or entirely overlap when viewed in the X1 direction. In the first embodiment, for example, head chips 38_1 and 38_3 partially overlap when viewed in the X1 direction. It should be noted that head chips 38_1, 38_3, and 38_5 are examples of the "plurality of first head chips." Head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6 are examples of the "plurality of second head chips." The X1 direction is an example of the "second direction."

[0059] Additionally, adjacent head chips 38 among the multiple first head chips 38A included in the second chip group CG2 partially overlap each other when viewed in the Y2 direction. Similarly, adjacent head chips 38 among the multiple second head chips B included in the second chip group CG2 partially overlap each other when viewed in the Y2 direction. The Y2 direction is an example of the "third direction".

[0060] The first chip group CG1 is arranged next to the second chip group CG2 in the Y2 direction. The first chip group CG1 is arranged next to the second chip group CG2 in the Y2 direction means that the center of gravity G1 of the first chip group CG1 and the center of gravity G2 of the second chip group CG2 are arranged next to each other in the Y2 direction when viewed in the X1 direction perpendicular to the Y2 direction. The center of gravity refers to a point where the sum of the first moments of area in the target shape is zero, and in the case of a rectangular shape, it refers to the intersection of the diagonals. In the first embodiment, the center of gravity G1 is located at a position overlapping with the head chip 38_3. The center of gravity G2 is located at a position overlapping with the head chip 38_4.

[0061] Moreover, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 almost overlap when viewed in the Y2 direction. The first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 almost overlap when viewed in the Y2 direction means that, when viewed in the Y2 direction, head chip 38_5 which is furthest in the X1 direction among the plurality of first head chips 38A and head chip 38_6 which is furthest in the X1 direction among the plurality of second head chips 38B almost overlap, and head chip 38_1 which is furthest in the X2 direction among the plurality of first head chips 38A and head chip 38_2 which is furthest in the X2 direction among the plurality of second head chips 38B almost overlap. In other words, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 approximately overlap when viewed in the Y2 direction, which means that head chip 38_5 among the multiple first head chips 38A which is arranged furthest in the X1 direction and head chip 38_6 among the multiple second head chips 38B which is arranged furthest in the X1 direction are in approximately the same position in the X-axis direction, and that head chip 38_1 among the multiple first head chips 38A which is arranged furthest in the X2 direction and head chip 38_2 among the multiple second head chips 38B which is arranged furthest in the X2 direction are in approximately the same position in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, two head chips 38 being at approximately the same position in the X-axis direction means, for example, that the first nozzle NA located furthest in the X1 direction of head chip 38_5 which is positioned furthest in the X1 direction among the multiple first head chips 38A and the second nozzle NB in ​​the X1 direction of head chip 38_6 which is positioned furthest in the X1 direction among the multiple second head chips 38B are at the same position in the X-axis direction, or the relative distance between those head chips 38 in the X-axis direction is less than half the spacing dx1 in the X-axis direction between adjacent nozzles N in the second nozzle row LnB described later.

[0062] 7, there is an overlap between a width wY1 from an end of the first chip group CG1 in the Y2 direction to an end of the first chip group CG1 in the Y1 direction and a width wY2 from an end of the second chip group CG2 in the Y2 direction to an end of the second chip group CG2 in the Y1 direction.

[0063] Furthermore, the first head chips 38A and the second head chips 38B are alternately adjacent to each other along the X axis. In other words, one first head chip 38A of the first head chips 38A and one second head chip 38B of the second head chips 38B are adjacent to each other along the X axis. Specifically, head chip 38_1, which is one of the first head chips 38A, and head chip 38_2, which is one of the second head chips 38B, are adjacent to each other along the X axis. Similarly, head chip 38_3 and head chip 38_4 are adjacent to each other along the X axis. Furthermore, head chip 38_5 and head chip 38_6 are adjacent to each other along the X axis.

[0064] In other words, the first head chips 38A and the second head chips 38B are alternately adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction, and the first head chips 38A and the second head chips 38B are arranged in a staggered manner. More specifically, the head chips 38_1, 38_2, 38_3, 38_4, 38_5, and 38_6 are arranged in this order in the X-axis direction. In other words, one second head chip 38Bα of the second head chips 38B is located next to one first head chip Aα of the first head chips 38A, and is located in the X1 direction from the first head chip Aα. Furthermore, the second head chip 38Bα is located next to one first head chip 38Aβ of the first head chips 38A that is different from the first head chip 38Aα, and is located in the X2 direction opposite to the X1 direction from the first head chip 38Aβ. In the above description, when one of the multiple second head chips 38B, the target second head chip 38Bα, is, for example, head chip 38_2, head chip 38_1 is an example of the "first head chip α" and head chip 38_3 is an example of the "first head chip β."

[0065] Furthermore, each of the head chips 38_1 to 38_6 is arranged along one of the imaginary straight lines OL1 and OL2 parallel to the imaginary straight line OL1. The imaginary straight lines OL1 and OL2 are straight lines along the U1 direction that is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and intersects both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The first head chips 38A are arranged along the imaginary straight line OL1. The U1 direction is a direction between the X1 direction and the Y2 direction. Therefore, one of the first head chips 38A arranged in the X1 direction among two adjacent first head chips 38A among the first head chips 38A is arranged to be shifted in the Y2 direction from the other first head chip 38A. For example, the head chip 38_3 arranged in the X1 direction among the head chips 38_1 and 38_3 is arranged to be shifted in the Y2 direction from the head chip 38_1. Similarly, of head chips 38_3 and 38_5, head chip 38_5 arranged in the X1 direction is shifted in the Y2 direction from head chip 38_3. The multiple second head chips 38B are arranged along the virtual straight line OL2. Therefore, one of the multiple second head chips 38B arranged in the X1 direction among two adjacent second head chips 38B is arranged shifted in the Y2 direction from the other second head chip 38B. For example, of head chips 38_2 and 38_4, head chip 38_4 arranged in the X1 direction is arranged shifted in the Y2 direction from head chip 38_2. Similarly, of head chips 38_4 and 38_6, head chip 38_6 arranged in the X1 direction is arranged shifted in the Y2 direction from head chip 38_4. In other words, "plurality of head chips 38 are arranged along a virtual straight line" means that the ends of the plurality of head chips 38 in the V2 direction are arranged side by side so as to overlap with a virtual straight line in a plan view in the Z1 direction. Hereinafter, the plan view in the Z1 direction will be simply referred to as "plan view". "plurality of head chips 38 are arranged along a virtual straight line" may mean that the ends of the plurality of head chips 38 in the V1 direction are arranged side by side so as to overlap with a virtual straight line in a plan view in the Z1 direction, or may mean that the centers of the plurality of head chips 38 in the V axis direction are arranged side by side so as to overlap with a virtual straight line in a plan view.

[0066] It has been described that the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 substantially overlap when viewed in the Y2 direction. Here, a specific degree of overlap between the first head chip 38A and the second head chip 38B will be described with reference to FIG.

[0067] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the degree of overlap of the multiple head chips 38. The first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 have multiple sets UN including the first head chip 38A and the second head chip 38B adjacent to each other along the Y axis. In the same set UN of the multiple sets UN, the first head chip 38A is located next to the second head chip 38B and is located in the Y2 direction from the second head chip 38B. Specifically, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 have a set UN1 including the head chip 38_1 and the head chip 38_2, a set UN2 including the head chip 38_3 and the head chip 38_4, and a set UN3 including the head chip 38_5 and the head chip 38_6. In the following description, the set UN is a collective term for the set UN1, the set UN2, and the set UN3. In the first embodiment, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 each have three sets UN, but may have two sets UN, or may have four or more sets UN.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the distance in the X1 direction between adjacent nozzles N in the nozzle row Ln is a first length dx1. In the first nozzle row LnA and the second nozzle row LnB included in a certain group UNx among the groups UN1, UN2, and UN3, the first distance in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NA located furthest in the V2 direction in the first nozzle row LnA and the center of the second nozzle NB located furthest in the V2 direction in the second nozzle row LnB is equal to or less than the second length dx2. In this embodiment, x is an integer from 1 to 3. The second length dx2 is half of the first length dx1. In the first embodiment, the first distance is the second length dx2. For example, the first distance between the center of the first nozzle NA1 located furthest in the V2 direction in the first nozzle row LnA included in the group UN1 and the center of the second nozzle NB2 located furthest in the V2 direction in the second nozzle row LnB included in the group UN1 is the second length dx2.

[0069] In addition, in the first nozzle array LnA and the second nozzle array LnB included in the set UNx, the second distance in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NA located furthest in the V1 direction in the first nozzle array LnA and the center of the second nozzle NB located furthest in the V1 direction in the second nozzle array LnB is equal to or less than the second length dx2. In the first embodiment, the first distance is the second length dx2. For example, the first distance between the center of the first nozzle NA3 located furthest in the V2 direction in the first nozzle array LnA included in the set UN1 and the center of the second nozzle NB4 located furthest in the V2 direction in the second nozzle array LnB included in the set UN1 is the second length dx2.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the first nozzle NA1 is located in the X2 direction relative to the second nozzle NB2. However, the first nozzle NA1 may be located in the X1 direction relative to the second nozzle NB2. In the example of FIG. 8, the number of first nozzles NA that overlap in the Y-axis direction among two first head chips 38A adjacent to each other along the X-axis is four in total for the two first head chips 38A, and two in one first head chip 38A, but it may be one or more. Similarly, the number of second nozzles NB that overlap in the Y-axis direction among two second head chips 38B adjacent to each other along the X-axis is four in total for the two second head chips 38B, and two in one second head chip 38B, but it may be one or more. Hereinafter, the area in which the nozzles N that overlap in the Y-axis direction are arranged is referred to as a "nozzle overlap area."

[0071] Of the two nozzles N that overlap in the Y-axis direction and are included in the nozzle overlap region, only one of the nozzles N may eject ink. For example, the control device 90 ejects ink from one of the two nozzles N arranged in the nozzle overlap region that is not experiencing ejection defects. Ejection defects in a nozzle N occur due to an increase in the viscosity of the ink and the inclusion of air bubbles, etc. The control device 90 executes at least one of the following methods: a method of determining whether or not there is an ejection defect based on image information obtained by reading a printed image formed on the medium PP; and a method of determining whether or not there is an ejection defect based on the waveform of the residual vibration of the vibration plate 384.

[0072] Regarding the distance of the head chips 38 in the W-axis direction, the first distance in the W1 direction between the first head chip 38A and the second head chip 38B included in the group UNx of the multiple groups UN is shorter than the distance in the W1 direction between the head chip 38 arranged closest to the group UNy adjacent to the group UNx among the multiple head chips 38 included in the group UNx and the head chip 38 arranged closest to the first group among the multiple head chips 38 included in the second group. As described above, x is an integer from 1 to 3. y is an integer from 1 to 3, and the difference from x is 1. Using an example where x is 1 and y is 2, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the first distance in the W1 direction between the head chips 38_1 and 38_2 included in the group UN1 is the length dw1, and the second distance in the W1 direction between the head chips 38_2 and 38_3 is the length dw2. And the length dw1 is shorter than the length dw2. Note that when the set UNx is an example of the "first set," the set UNy is an example of the "second set." More specifically, when the set UN1 is an example of the "first set," the set UN2 is an example of the "second set."

[0073] 1.4. Summary of the First Embodiment As described above, the liquid jet head 30 in the first embodiment includes a plurality of head chips 38 that eject liquid toward the medium PP in the Z2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of the "first direction". The plurality of head chips 38 include a first chip group CG1 and a second chip group CG2. The first chip group CG1 includes a plurality of first head chips 38A arranged in the X1 direction, the plurality of first head chips 38A having a first nozzle row LnA configured with a plurality of first nozzles NA arranged in the V2 direction. The second chip group CG2 includes a plurality of second head chips 38B arranged in the X1 direction, the plurality of second head chips 38B having a second nozzle row LnB configured with a plurality of second nozzles NB arranged in the V2 direction. The first chip group CG1 is arranged in the Y2 direction relative to the second chip group CG2. The X1 direction is an example of the "second direction". The X1 direction is the width direction of the medium PP. The Y2 direction is an example of the "third direction". The Y2 direction is a direction perpendicular to the X1 direction. The V2 direction is an example of the "fourth direction". The V2 direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction and intersects with the X1 direction and the Y2 direction. In a configuration in which the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 are fixed to different fixing plates 39, in other words, in a configuration in which the liquid jet head having the first chip group CG1 and the liquid jet head having the second chip group CG2 are different, there was a risk of print quality deteriorating due to misalignment between the two liquid jet heads. In order to suppress the deterioration of print quality, the positions of the liquid jet heads are adjusted on the head fixing substrate to which the liquid jet heads are fixed, but when the liquid jet device is large in scale, the number of liquid jet heads increases, and there was a problem that it took a lot of time to adjust the positions of all of the liquid jet heads. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 are fixed to a single fixing plate 39 and a single holder 37. Therefore, compared to a mode in which the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 are fixed to different fixing plates 39, the positioning accuracy of the nozzles N between the multiple head chips 38 included in one liquid ejection head can be improved. By improving the positioning accuracy of the nozzles N, the deterioration of print quality can be suppressed. Specifically, when the first ink and the second ink are inks of the same color, high resolution can be achieved while suppressing the deterioration of print quality by arranging the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 in appropriate positions. For example, when the individual resolution is 600 dpi, the liquid ejection head 30 can achieve 1200 dpi, which is twice 600 dpi. Furthermore, when the first ink and the second ink are inks of different colors, multi-color printing can be achieved while suppressing the deterioration of print quality. Furthermore, at the ends in the X1 direction and the X2 direction of the liquid jet heads 30, a nozzle overlap region occurs between two liquid jet heads 30 adjacent to each other along the X axis. However, the control device 90 prints on the medium PP using each nozzle N included in the nozzle overlap region generated between the two liquid jet heads 30, and then determines the nozzle N to be used based on the print image formed on the medium. This allows the control device 90 to suppress the landing deviation to less than half the first length dx1, which is the distance in the X1 direction between adjacent nozzles N of the nozzle row Ln.

[0074] By achieving high resolution, the size of the dots formed by one droplet on the medium PP becomes smaller. By reducing the size of the dots, the area that can be filled can be made smaller, improving the so-called quality of the solid print. Furthermore, by reducing the size of the dots, the graininess, or fineness, can be improved. Furthermore, by reducing the size of the dots, the ratio of the ink surface area to the ink volume increases. By increasing the ratio of the ink surface area to the ink volume, the ink drying speed can be improved. Furthermore, by increasing the resolution and reducing the size of the dots, the character quality can be improved.

[0075] Moreover, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 partially overlap each other when viewed in the X1 direction. According to the first embodiment, the size of the liquid ejecting head 30 in the Y axis direction can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 do not overlap when viewed in the X1 direction. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the landing accuracy of the liquid droplets ejected from the nozzles N can be improved, and the printing quality can be improved. The reason why the landing accuracy is improved in the first embodiment will be described. As described above, the medium PP is transported in the Y1 direction, but when the medium PP is supplied to the liquid ejection device 100 at an angle with respect to the Y1 direction, the medium PP may be transported at an angle with respect to the Y1 direction. When the medium PP is transported at an angle with respect to the Y1 direction, the deviation of the landing position of the droplets ejected from the second nozzle NB included in the second chip group CG2 increases with an increase in the distance between the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 in the Y-axis direction. This deviation, when explained using the first nozzle NA1 and the second nozzle NB2 illustrated in FIG. 8, is the distance in the X-axis direction from the position where the droplets ejected from the second nozzle NB2 actually land to the position where the droplets ejected from the second nozzle NB2 should land. In the example of the first embodiment, the position where the droplets ejected from the second nozzle NB2 should land is a position moved by a second length dx2 in the X1 direction from the landing position where the droplets ejected from the first nozzle NA1 land in the X-axis direction. In the first embodiment, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 partially overlap each other when viewed in the X1 direction, so the distance in the Y-axis direction between the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 is shorter than in a state in which the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 do not overlap when viewed in the X1 direction. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the deviation of the landing position of the droplets ejected from the second nozzle NB included in the second chip group CG2 is smaller than the deviation in a state in which the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 do not overlap when viewed in the X1 direction. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, even when the medium PP is transported at an angle with respect to the Y1 direction, the landing accuracy of the droplets ejected from the nozzle N can be improved.

[0076] The first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 have a plurality of sets UN including a first head chip 38A and a second head chip 38B adjacent to each other along the Y axis. The distance in the X1 direction between the centers of the first nozzles NA adjacent to each other in the first nozzle row LnA is a first length dx1. The distance in the X1 direction between the centers of the second nozzles NB adjacent to each other in the second nozzle row LnB is a first length dx1. In the first nozzle row LnA and the second nozzle row LnB included in one set UNx among the plurality of sets UN, the first distance is equal to or less than a second length dx2 which is half of the first length dx1, and the second distance is equal to or less than the second length dx2. The first distance is the distance in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NA located furthest in the V2 direction among the first nozzle row LnA and the center of the second nozzle NB located furthest in the V2 direction among the second nozzle row LnB. The second distance in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NA that is located furthest in the V1 direction in the first nozzle row LnA and the center of the second nozzle NB that is located furthest in the V1 direction in the second nozzle row LnB is equal to or less than the second length. The V1 direction is the opposite direction to the V2 direction. It can also be said that the first length dx1 is the distance in the X-axis direction between adjacent nozzles N of one head chip 38, and the second length dx2 is the distance in the X-axis direction between the first nozzle NA included in the first head chip 38A and the second nozzle NB included in the second head chip 38B included in one set UN. In an embodiment in which the second length dx2 is longer than the first length dx1, there are portions in the X-axis direction where high resolution can be achieved and portions where high resolution cannot be achieved, and when printing at high resolution, the nozzles N in the portions where high resolution cannot be achieved are wasted. The wasted nozzles N will be described with reference to FIG. 9, showing a reference example in which the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 are aligned in the Y2 direction.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a view of the liquid jet head 30a of the reference example as viewed in the Z1 direction. The liquid jet head 30a has a fixed plate 39a and a plurality of head chips 38a. The liquid jet head 30a differs from the first embodiment in that the shape of the fixed plate 39a is a substantially parallelogram in a plan view. The head chip 38a has the same configuration as the head chip 38, but differs from the first embodiment in that the arrangement position with respect to the fixed plate 39a is different. The plurality of head chips 38a have a first chip group CGa1 and a second chip group CGa2. The first chip group CGa1 has head chips 38a_1, 38a_3, and 38a_5. The second chip group CGa2 has head chips 38a_2, 38a_4, and 38a_6. When viewed in the X1 direction, the center of gravity Ga1 of the first chip group CGa1 and the center of gravity Ga2 of the second chip group CGa2 overlap with each other. That is, the first chip group CGa1 is not arranged next to the second chip group CGa2 in the Y2 direction.

[0078] In the reference example, the first distance in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NAa1 located furthest in the V2 direction among the first nozzle row LnA included in the head chip 38a_1 and the center of the second nozzle NBa2 located furthest in the V2 direction among the second nozzle row LnB included in the head chip 38a_2 is a length dxa2. The length dxa2 is longer than the length dx1. Therefore, when the same color ink is used for the first ink ejected from the first chip group CGa1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CGa2, a portion XR1 that can achieve a higher resolution than the single unit resolution and portions XR2 and XR3 that correspond to the single unit resolution that cannot achieve a higher resolution are generated in the X-axis direction. For example, when one head chip 38 achieves 600 dpi, the portion XR1 can achieve 1200 dpi, but the portions XR2 and XR3 can only achieve up to 600 dpi. In addition, when the first ink ejected from the first chip group CGa1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CGa2 are inks of different colors, a portion XR1 that can print multiple colors (two colors in this embodiment) and portions XR2 and XR3 that cannot print multiple colors (two colors in this embodiment) are generated in the X-axis direction. In this way, when performing high-resolution printing or multiple-color printing, the nozzles N corresponding to the portions XR2 and XR3 cannot be used and become wasted nozzles. However, if the liquid jet head 30a illustrated in FIG. 9 is the first liquid jet head 30a, the second liquid jet head 30a located next to the first liquid jet head 30a and located further in the X2 direction than the first liquid jet head 30a can increase the resolution of the portion XR2 of the first liquid jet head 30a and can handle multiple colors (two colors in this reference example). Similarly, the third liquid jet head 30a, which is located next to the first liquid jet head 30a and further in the X1 direction than the first liquid jet head 30a, can provide high resolution and multiple colors (two colors in this reference example) for the portion XR3 of the first liquid jet head 30a. However, in order to provide high resolution or multiple colors for the portions XR2 and XR3 of the first liquid jet head 30a, it is necessary to precisely position the second liquid jet head 30a and the third liquid jet head 30a located next to the first liquid jet head 30a.

[0079] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, by making the second length dx2 equal to or less than the first length dx1, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a portion where high resolution and multiple color support cannot be achieved. When the first ink and the second ink are inks of the same color, it is possible to achieve high resolution while suppressing suppression of deterioration in print quality. Even when the first ink and the second ink are inks of different colors, it is possible to achieve multi-color printing while suppressing suppression of deterioration in print quality. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the portion XR2 is located at the end of the liquid jet head 30a in the X2 direction, and the portion XR3 is located at the end of the liquid jet head 30a in the X1 direction. Therefore, in the reference example, when printing at high resolution by using the same color ink for the first ink ejected from the first chip group CGa1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CGa2, or when printing for two colors with the resolution corresponding to each color being the unit resolution by using inks of different colors for the first ink ejected from the first chip group CGa1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CGa2, the printable width in the X-axis direction is shorter than when printing with the unit resolution using the same color ink for the first ink ejected from the first chip group CGa1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CGa2. Also, it is possible to arrange multiple liquid ejection heads 30 side by side in the X-axis direction so that printing can be performed up to the end of the medium PP in the X-axis direction, but in this case, the liquid ejection device 100 becomes large in the X-axis direction. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, in either case where printing is performed at high resolution by using the same color ink for the first ink ejected from the first chip group CG1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CG2, or where printing is performed corresponding to two colors by using different colors for the first ink ejected from the first chip group CG1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CG2, and the resolution corresponding to each color is the individual resolution, the printable width in the X-axis direction can be maintained compared to the case where printing is performed at the individual resolution using the same color ink for the first ink ejected from the first chip group CG1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CG2.

[0080] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first interval and the second interval are the second length dx2. When the first ink and the second ink are ink of the same color, the first interval and the second interval are the second length dx2, thereby making it possible to achieve a resolution twice as high as the resolution achieved by one head chip 38. However, as described above, the first ink and the second ink may be inks of different colors.

[0081] Also, in the first embodiment, a first distance in the W1 direction between the first head chip 38A and the second head chip 38B included in the set UNx among the multiple sets UN is shorter than a second distance in the W1 direction between the head chip 38 arranged closest to the set UNy adjacent to the set UNx among the multiple head chips 38 included in the set UNx and the head chip 38 arranged closest to the set UNx among the multiple head chips 38 included in the set UNy. ​​The W1 direction is an example of the "fifth direction". The W1 direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction and perpendicular to the V1 direction. The set UNx is an example of the "first set", and the set UNy is an example of the "second set". In other words, the first distance is the distance in the W1 direction between the head chips 38 in one group, and the second distance is the distance in the W1 direction between the head chips 38 of adjacent groups UN. By shortening the distance in the W1 direction between the head chips 38 in one group, the distance in the Y axis direction between the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 is shortened. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, even when the medium PP is transported at an angle with respect to the Y1 direction, the landing accuracy of the droplets ejected from the nozzle N can be improved compared to the aspect in which the first distance is equal to or greater than the second distance.

[0082] In the first embodiment, one of the first head chips 38A arranged in the X1 direction among two adjacent first head chips 38A among the plurality of first head chips 38A is shifted in the Y2 direction from the other first head chip 38A. One of the second head chips 38B arranged in the X1 direction among two adjacent second head chips 38B among the plurality of second head chips 38B is shifted in the Y2 direction from the other second head chip 38B. The V2 direction is a direction between the X1 direction and the Y2 direction. According to the first embodiment, when a plurality of liquid jet heads 30 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction, the distance between the plurality of liquid jet heads 30 can be increased while maintaining the number of nozzles N included in the nozzle overlap region between the liquid jet heads 30, as compared to a mode in which a plurality of first head chips 38A are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. By increasing the distance between the plurality of liquid jet heads 30, the empty space can be effectively utilized. For example, the holder 37 can be made thicker so as to fill the empty space. Alternatively, the ink flow path may be arranged so as to fill the empty space.

[0083] 2. Second embodiment In the first embodiment, the first interval and the second interval are the second length dx2, but in the second embodiment, the first interval and the second interval are 0, which is different from the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described below.

[0084] 10 is a view of the liquid jet head 30b in the second embodiment as viewed in the Z1 direction. The liquid jet head 30b has a plurality of head chips 38b. The head chips 38b have the same configuration as the head chip 38, but differ from the first embodiment in that the arrangement position of the head chips 38b with respect to the fixing plate 39 is different. The plurality of head chips 38b include a set UNb1 including head chips 38b_1 and 38b_2, a set UNb2 including head chips 38b_3 and 38b_4, and a set UNb3 including head chips 38b_5 and 38b_6.

[0085] Although not shown in Fig. 10, in the second embodiment, the multiple head chips 38 have a first chip group CGb1 and a second chip group CGb2. The first chip group CGb1 has head chips 38_1, 38_3, and 38_5. The second chip group CGb2 has head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6. The head chip 38b included in the first chip group CGb1 is referred to as "first head chip 38Ab," and the head chip 38 included in the second chip group CGb2 is referred to as "second head chip 38Bb."

[0086] The nozzle row Ln of the first head chip 38Ab is referred to as the "first nozzle row LnAb," and the nozzle row Ln of the second head chip 38Bb is referred to as the "second nozzle row LnBb." Furthermore, the nozzles N constituting the first nozzle row LnAb are referred to as the "first nozzles NAb," and the nozzles N constituting the second nozzle row LnBb are referred to as the "second nozzles NBb."

[0087] In the second embodiment, the first distance in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NAb1 located furthest in the V2 direction among the first nozzle row LnAb included in the head chip 38b_1 and the center of the second nozzle NBb2 located furthest in the V2 direction among the second nozzle row LnBb included in the head chip 38b_2 is 0. In other words, the center of the first nozzle NAb1 and the center of the second nozzle NBb2 are at the same position in the X1 direction. Similarly, the second distance in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NAb3 located furthest in the V1 direction among the first nozzle row LnAb included in the head chip 38b_1 and the center of the second nozzle NBb4 located furthest in the V1 direction among the second nozzle row LnBb included in the head chip 38b_2 is 0. In other words, the center of the first nozzle NAb3 and the center of the second nozzle NBb4 are at the same position in the X1 direction.

[0088] 2.1. Summary of the second embodiment As described above, in the second embodiment, the first interval and the second interval are 0. Since the first interval and the second interval are 0, there is a second nozzle NBb at the same position in the X-axis direction as each of the first nozzles NAb of the first head chip 38A included in the same group UN. Therefore, when the first ink and the second ink are inks of different colors, the liquid jet head 30b can form an image of higher quality than the liquid jet head 30 in the first embodiment. Specifically, in an image formed by the liquid jet head 30 in the first embodiment, the landing position for one dot changes depending on the color of the ink. On the other hand, in an image formed by the liquid jet head 30b, the landing position for one dot does not change depending on the color of the ink. Furthermore, when the first ink and the second ink are inks of the same color, even if a jetting defect occurs in either one of the nozzles N among a first nozzle NAb and a second nozzle NBb that is located at the same position in the X-axis direction as the first nozzle NAb, both of which are included in the same group UN, the other nozzle N can prevent missing dots.

[0089] 3. Variations The above-mentioned embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples can be combined as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0090] 3.1. First modified example In the first and second embodiments, one head chip 38 has one nozzle row Ln, but this is not limited to this. For example, one head chip 38 may have multiple nozzle rows Ln.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a view of the liquid ejection head 30c in the first modified example, viewed in the Z1 direction. The liquid ejection head 30c has head chips 38c_1, 38c_2, 38c_3, 38c_4, 38c_5, and 38c_6 as the multiple head chips 38c. One head chip 38c has nozzle row Ln1 and nozzle row Ln2 as the two nozzle rows Ln. In the following description, the nozzle N constituting the nozzle row Ln1 included in the head chip 38c_1 is referred to as "nozzle NA1c", and the nozzle N constituting the nozzle row Ln2 included in the head chip 38c_1 is referred to as "nozzle NA2c". In addition, the nozzle N constituting the nozzle row Ln1 included in the head chip 38c_2 is referred to as "nozzle NB1c", and the nozzle N constituting the nozzle row Ln2 included in the head chip 38c_2 is referred to as "nozzle NB2c".

[0092] In the example of FIG. 11, the distance in the X1 direction between the center of the nozzle NA1c1 located furthest in the V2 direction among the multiple nozzles NA1c and the center of the nozzle NA2c1 located furthest in the V2 direction among the multiple nozzles NA2c is 0. Similarly, the distance in the X1 direction between the center of the nozzle NB1c2 located furthest in the V2 direction among the multiple nozzles NB1c and the center of the nozzle NB2c2 located furthest in the V2 direction among the multiple nozzles NB2c is 0. Also, the distance in the X1 direction between the center of the nozzle NA1c3 located furthest in the V1 direction among the multiple nozzles NA1c and the center of the nozzle NA2c3 located furthest in the V1 direction among the multiple nozzles NA2c is 0. Similarly, the distance in the X1 direction between the center of the nozzle NB1c4 located furthest in the V1 direction among the multiple nozzles NB1c and the center of the nozzle NB2c4 located furthest in the V1 direction among the multiple nozzles NB2c is 0.

[0093] Meanwhile, the distance between the center of the nozzle NA1c1 and the center of the nozzle NB1c2 is a second length dx2. Similarly, the distance between the center of the nozzle NA1c3 and the center of the nozzle NB1c4 is a second length dx2.

[0094] The distance between the nozzles N in the X1 direction shown in FIG. 11 is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the distance between the nozzles N in the X1 direction may be adjusted so as to realize a resolution four times the single unit resolution. Specifically, the distance between the centers of the nozzles NA1c1 and NA2c1 in the X1 direction, the distance between the centers of the nozzles NA2c1 and NB1c2 in the X1 direction, and the distance between the centers of the nozzles NB1c2 and NB2c2 in the X1 direction are half the second length dx2.

[0095] The color of ink supplied to the nozzle row Ln1 included in the head chip 38c_1, the color of ink supplied to the nozzle row Ln2 included in the head chip 38c_1, the color of ink supplied to the nozzle row Ln1 included in the head chip 38c_2, and the color of ink supplied to the nozzle row Ln2 included in the head chip 38c_2 may all be the same or may all be different. As an example in which the colors of ink are all different, the nozzle row Ln1 included in the head chip 38c_1 is supplied with yellow ink, the nozzle row Ln2 included in the head chip 38c_1 is supplied with magenta ink, the nozzle row Ln1 included in the head chip 38c_2 is supplied with cyan ink, and the nozzle row Ln2 included in the head chip 38c_2 is supplied with black ink.

[0096] 3.2. Second Modification In addition to the above-mentioned aspects, a temperature sensor 392 may be provided on the surface of the fixed plate 39 in the Z1 direction.

[0097] 12 is a view of a liquid jet head 30d in a second modified example seen in the Z1 direction. The liquid jet head 30d has a fixed plate 39d. A temperature sensor 392 is provided on the Z2 direction surface of the fixed plate 39d so as to be accommodated in a recess provided on the Z2 direction surface of the holder 37 (not shown). In the second modified example, the temperature sensor 392 is provided in a region SR1. The region SR1 is a region within the Z2 direction surface of the fixed plate 39d, and is surrounded in a plan view by a part of a side in the Y2 direction, a part of a side in the W1 direction of the head chip 38_1 near the end in the V2 direction, a side in the V2 direction of the head chip 38_2, and a part of a side in the W2 direction of the head chip 38_3 near the end in the V2 direction.

[0098] By providing temperature sensor 392 in region SR1, which is empty space of fixed plate 39d where no head chip 38 exists, the empty space can be effectively utilized.

[0099] In the second modified example, one temperature sensor 392 is provided in the region SR1, but this is not limited thereto. A plurality of temperature sensors 392 may be provided on the surface of the fixing plate 39 in the Z1 direction. Furthermore, one or more temperature sensors 392 may be provided in at least one of the regions SR2, SR3, and SR4 illustrated in FIG. 12. The region SR2 is a region within the Z1 direction surface of the fixing plate 39d, and is surrounded in a plan view by a part of the Y2 direction side, a part of the W1 direction side of the head chip 38_3 near the end in the V2 direction, the V2 direction side of the head chip 38_4, and a part of the W2 direction side of the head chip 38_5 near the end in the V2 direction.

[0100] Region SR3 is a region within the Z1-direction plane of fixed plate 39d, and is surrounded in plan view by a part of the Y1-direction side, a part of the W1-direction side of head chip 38_2 near the V1-direction end, a V1-direction side of head chip 38_3, and a part of the W2-direction side of head chip 38_4 near the V1-direction end. Region SR4 is a region within the Z1-direction plane of fixed plate 39d, and is surrounded by a part of the Y1-direction side, a part of the W1-direction side of head chip 38_4 near the V1-direction end, a V1-direction side of head chip 38_5, and a part of the W2-direction side of head chip 38_6 near the V1-direction end.

[0101] Although not shown, a protrusion protruding in the Z2 direction may be provided on the surface of the fixed plate 39d in the Z2 direction from a position that overlaps with at least one of the regions SR1, SR2, SR3, and SR4 in a plan view. This configuration can prevent the medium PP from contacting the nozzle surface FN of the fixed plate 39d. The protrusion may be formed integrally with the fixed plate 39d, or a separate member may be bonded to the surface of the fixed plate 39d in the Z2 direction.

[0102] 3.3.Third Modification In each of the above-mentioned aspects, the multiple head chips 38 of the liquid jet head 30 have two chip groups, a first chip group CG1 and a second chip group CG2, but may have three or more chip groups. When the multiple head chips 38 in the third modified example have three chip groups and each head chip 38 has one nozzle row Ln, the liquid jet head 30 in the third modified example can obtain a resolution three times the single resolution by appropriately arranging the multiple head chips 38.

[0103] 3.4. Fourth Modification In the first embodiment, the first interval and the second interval are the second length dx2, but may be greater than 0 and less than the second length dx2.

[0104] 3.5. Fifth Variation In the first embodiment, one of the first head chips 38A arranged in the X1 direction among two adjacent first head chips 38A among the multiple first head chips 38A is arranged shifted in the Y2 direction from the other first head chip 38A, but this is not limited to this. For example, the two adjacent first head chips 38A among the multiple first head chips 38A may be arranged without shifting in the Y2 direction, that is, they may all overlap when viewed in the X1 direction.

[0105] 3.6. Sixth Modification In the first embodiment, the first distance, which is the distance in the W1 direction between the head chips 38 in one set UN, is shorter than the second distance, which is the distance in the W1 direction between the head chips 38 in adjacent sets UN, but is not limited to this. For example, the first distance may be equal to or longer than the second distance.

[0106] 3.7. Seventh Variation The above-described liquid ejection device 100 is a so-called line-type liquid ejection device in which the head module 3 is fixed and printing is performed simply by transporting the medium PP, but the configuration of the line-type recording device is not limited to the above. For example, each of the above-described aspects can also be applied to a so-called serial-type liquid ejection device in which the head module 3 or multiple liquid ejection heads 30 are mounted on a carriage, and the head module 3 or multiple liquid ejection heads 30 are moved in the X-axis direction while the medium PP is transported to perform printing. When applied to a serial-type liquid ejection device, the X-axis direction in the first embodiment is used as the transport direction of the medium PP.

[0107] 3.8. Eighth Variation In each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid jet head 30 may have a heating element instead of the piezoelectric element PZq used in each of the above-described embodiments as an energy generating element that generates energy in the pressure chamber CB to eject ink.

[0108] 3.9. Ninth Variation The above-mentioned liquid ejection apparatus can be used in various devices such as facsimile machines and copy machines, in addition to devices dedicated to printing. However, the use of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention is not limited to printing. For example, a liquid ejection apparatus that ejects a solution of a coloring material is used as a manufacturing device that forms a color filter of a liquid crystal display device. Also, a liquid ejection apparatus that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing device that forms wiring and electrodes of a wiring board.

[0109] 4. Notes From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood, for example.

[0110] A liquid ejection head according to aspect 1, which is a preferred aspect, is a liquid ejection head having a plurality of head chips that eject liquid in a first direction toward a medium, wherein the width direction of the medium is a second direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is a third direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersects the second direction and the third direction is a fourth direction, and the plurality of head chips include a first chip group in which a plurality of first head chips each having a first nozzle row configured with a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the fourth direction are arranged in the second direction, and a second chip group in which a plurality of second head chips each having a second nozzle row configured with a plurality of second nozzles arranged in the fourth direction are arranged in the second direction, and the first chip group is arranged in the third direction relative to the second chip group. According to aspect 1, the first chip group and the second chip group are arranged within a single liquid ejection head, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the first chip group and the second chip group compared to an aspect in which the first chip group and the second chip group are arranged within different liquid ejection heads.

[0111] In aspect 2 which is a specific example of aspect 1, the first chip group and the second chip group partially overlap each other when viewed in the second direction. According to the second aspect, the size of the liquid jet head in the third direction can be reduced.

[0112] In aspect 3, which is a specific example of aspect 2, one second head chip α of the multiple second head chips is located next to one first head chip α of the multiple first head chips and is located in a second direction further than the first head chip α, and the second head chip α is located next to one first head chip β of the multiple first head chips that is different from the first head chip α and is located in the opposite direction to the second direction than the first head chip β.

[0113] In aspect 4, which is a specific example of any one of aspects 1 to 3, the first chip group and the second chip group have a plurality of sets including adjacent first head chips and second head chips among the plurality of first head chips and the plurality of second head chips, and in the same set among the plurality of sets, the first head chip is located next to the second head chip and is located further in a third direction than the second head chip, a distance in the second direction between centers of adjacent first nozzles in the first nozzle row is a first length, and a distance in the second direction between centers of adjacent second nozzles in the second nozzle row is a The distances in the two directions are the first length, and in the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row included in the same group among the multiple groups, the first distance in the second direction between the center of a first nozzle in the first nozzle row that is located furthest in the fourth direction and the center of a second nozzle in the second nozzle row that is located furthest in the fourth direction is less than or equal to a second length that is half the first length, and the second distance in the second direction between the center of a first nozzle in the first nozzle row that is located furthest in the direction opposite to the fourth direction and the center of a second nozzle in the second nozzle row that is located furthest in the direction opposite to the fourth direction is less than or equal to the second length. In an aspect in which the second length is longer than the first length, when performing high-resolution printing, in the second direction, there are portions that can achieve a resolution higher than that achieved by one head chip, and portions that cannot achieve a high resolution, and the nozzles in the portions that cannot achieve a high resolution are wasted. On the other hand, according to aspect 4, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of portions that cannot achieve a high resolution. Also, in an aspect in which the second length is longer than the first length, when performing multiple-color printing, there are portions that can achieve multiple colors, and portions that cannot achieve multiple colors, and the nozzles that cannot achieve multiple colors are wasted. On the other hand, according to aspect 4, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of portions that cannot achieve multiple colors.

[0114] In aspect 5, which is a specific example of aspect 4, the first interval and the second interval are the second length. According to the fifth aspect, when the first ink and the second ink are the same color ink, it is possible to achieve a resolution twice as high as that achieved by one head chip.

[0115] In aspect 6, which is a specific example of aspect 4, the first interval and the second interval are zero. According to the sixth aspect, when the first ink and the second ink are inks of different colors, the liquid jet head in the sixth aspect can form images of higher quality than an aspect in which the first interval and the second interval are greater than zero.

[0116] In aspect 7, which is a specific example of any one of aspects 4 to 6, the multiple groups include adjacent first and second groups, a fifth direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the fourth direction, and the distance in the fifth direction between a first head chip and a second head chip included in the first group is shorter than the distance in the fifth direction between a head chip that is closest to a second group adjacent to the first group among the multiple head chips included in the first group and a head chip that is closest to the first group among the multiple head chips included in the second group. According to the seventh aspect, even when the medium is transported at an angle with respect to the third direction, the landing accuracy of the droplets ejected from the nozzles can be improved compared to the aspect in which the first distance is equal to or greater than the second distance.

[0117] In aspect 8, which is a specific example of any one of aspects 1 to 7, the fourth direction is a direction between the second direction and the third direction, and one of the first head chips arranged in the second direction and included in two adjacent first head chips among the plurality of first head chips is shifted in the third direction compared to the other first head chip, and one of the second head chips arranged in the second direction and included in two adjacent second head chips among the plurality of second head chips is shifted in the third direction compared to the other second head chip. According to aspect 8, when multiple liquid jet heads are arranged side by side in the second direction, the distance between the multiple liquid jet heads can be increased while maintaining the number of nozzles N that overlap in the third direction between the liquid jet heads, compared to an aspect in which multiple first head chips are arranged side by side in the second direction.

[0118] A liquid jet head according to a ninth aspect, which is a preferable aspect, includes the liquid jet head according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and a transport unit that transports the medium. According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of improving the positioning accuracy of the first chip group and the second chip group.

[0119] A liquid jet head according to a tenth aspect which is a preferred aspect includes a line head in which a plurality of the liquid jet heads according to any one of the first to eighth aspects are arranged side by side in the second direction. According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus having a line head in which a plurality of liquid ejecting heads are arranged side by side, which can improve the positioning accuracy of the first chip group and the second chip group. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1...liquid ejection device, 3...head module, 13...head fixing substrate, 15...mounting hole, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d...liquid ejection head, 31...housing, 32...cover substrate, 33...aggregate substrate, 34...flow path structure, 35...wiring substrate, 37...holder, 38, 38A, 38Ab, 38B, 38Bb, 38_1, 38_2, 38_3, 38_4, 38_5, 38_6, 38a, 38a_1, 38a_2, 38a_3, 38a_4, 38a_5, 38a_6, 38b, 38b_1, 38b_2, 38b_3, 38b_4, 38b_5, 38b_6, 38c, 38 c_1, 38c_2, 38c_3, 38c_4, 38c_5, 38c_6...head chip, 39, 39a, 39d...fixing plate, 90...control device, 92...transport mechanism, 93...liquid container, 94...circulation mechanism, 100...liquid ejection device, 311i1, 311i2...supply hole, 312o1, 312o2...discharge hole, 313...hole for assembly board, 341i1, 341i2, 341o1, 341o2...connection tube, 343...hole for connector, 351...opening, 352...notch, 355...connector, 357...opening, 358...notch, 371...opening, 373, 373i1, 37 3i2, 373o_1, 373o_2, 373o_3, 373o_4, 373o_5, 373o_6...connection tube, 382...communication plate, 383...pressure chamber substrate, 384...diaphragm, 385...case, 387...nozzle plate, 388...wiring member, 391...exposure opening, 392...temperature sensor, 3850...opening, 3851...inlet, 3852...outlet, 3861...compliance substrate, 3861a...flexible membrane, 3861b...support plate, 3884...drive circuit, CB, CB1, CB2...pressure chamber, CG1, CGa1, CGb1...first chip group, CG2, CGa2, CGb2...second chip group Chip group, Com... drive signal, Du1... flow path member, Du2... flow path member, FN... nozzle surface, G1, G2, Ga1, Ga2... center of gravity, Ln, Ln1, Ln2, LnA, LnAb, LnB, LnBb... nozzle row, MN1... supply side common liquid chamber, MN2... discharge side common liquid chamber, NA, NA1, NA1c, NA1c1, NA1c3, NA2c, NA2c1, NA2c3, NA3, NAa1, NAb, NAb1, NAb3, NB, NB1c, NB1c2, NB1c4, NB2, NB2c, NB2c2, NB2c4, NB4, NBa2, NBb, NBb2, NBb4... nozzle, OL1,OL2...virtual line, PP...medium, PZ1, PZ2, PZq...piezoelectric element, RA1...supply liquid chamber, RA2...discharge liquid chamber, RB1...supply liquid chamber, RB2...discharge liquid chamber, RK1, RK2...communicating flow path, RN...nozzle flow path, RR1, RR2...communicating flow path, RX1, RX2...communicating flow path, SI...control signal, SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4...area, Su1, Su2, Su3...flow path plate, UN1, UN2, UN3, UNb1, UNb2...group, XR1, XR2, XR3...part.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection head including a plurality of head tips that eject liquid toward a medium in a first direction, a width direction of a medium is defined as a second direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction and the third direction is defined as a fourth direction, The plurality of head chips include a first chip group in which a plurality of first head chips are arranged in the second direction, the first chip group including a first nozzle row in which a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting the same type of liquid are arranged in the fourth direction; a second chip group in which a plurality of second head chips are arranged in the second direction, the second chip group including a second nozzle row in which a plurality of second nozzles for ejecting the same type of liquid are arranged in the fourth direction, the first chip group is arranged next to the second chip group in the third direction, the first chip group and the second chip group substantially overlap each other when viewed in the third direction; Liquid injection head.

2. A liquid ejection head including a plurality of head tips that eject liquid toward a medium in a first direction, a width direction of a medium is defined as a second direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction and the third direction is defined as a fourth direction, The plurality of head chips include a first chip group in which a plurality of first head chips, each having a first nozzle row configured with a plurality of first nozzles aligned in the fourth direction, are arranged in the second direction; a second chip group in which a plurality of second head chips, each having a second nozzle row configured with a plurality of second nozzles aligned in the fourth direction, are arranged in the second direction; the first nozzle row of one of the first head chips adjacent to each other among the plurality of first head chips includes, in the second direction, a first overlapping region that overlaps with the first nozzle row of the other of the adjacent first head chips as viewed in the third direction, and a first non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the first nozzle row of the other of the first head chips as viewed in the third direction, the second nozzle row of one of the second head chips adjacent to each other among the plurality of second head chips includes, in the second direction, a second overlapping region that overlaps with the second nozzle row of the other of the adjacent second head chips as viewed in the third direction, and a second non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the second nozzle row of the other of the second head chips as viewed in the third direction, the first overlapping region is smaller than the first non-overlapping region; the second overlapping region is smaller than the second non-overlapping region; the first chip group is arranged next to the second chip group in the third direction, the first chip group and the second chip group substantially overlap each other when viewed in the third direction; Liquid injection head.

3. A liquid ejection head including a plurality of head tips that eject liquid toward a medium in a first direction, a width direction of a medium is defined as a second direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction and the third direction is defined as a fourth direction, The plurality of head chips include a first chip group in which a plurality of first head chips, each having a first nozzle row configured with a plurality of first nozzles aligned in the fourth direction, are arranged in the second direction; a second chip group in which a plurality of second head chips, each having a second nozzle row configured with a plurality of second nozzles aligned in the fourth direction, are arranged in the second direction; the first chip group is arranged next to the second chip group in the third direction, the first chip group and the second chip group substantially overlap each other when viewed in the third direction; the first chip group and the second chip group each have a plurality of sets including adjacent first head chips and second head chips among the plurality of first head chips and the plurality of second head chips, In the same set among the plurality of sets, the first head chip is located adjacent to the second head chip and is located further in the third direction than the second head chip, The plurality of sets includes a first set and a second set adjacent to each other, a fifth direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the fourth direction; a distance in the fifth direction between a first head chip and a second head chip included in the first set is shorter than a distance in the fifth direction between a head chip arranged closest to the second set among the plurality of head chips included in the first set and a head chip arranged closest to the first set among the plurality of head chips included in the second set; Liquid injection head.

4. the first chip group and the second chip group partially overlap each other when viewed in the second direction; The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

5. one second head chip α of the plurality of second head chips is located adjacent to one first head chip α of the plurality of first head chips and is located further in a second direction than the first head chip α; the second head chip α is located adjacent to one first head chip β different from the first head chip α among the plurality of first head chips, and is located in a direction opposite to the second direction with respect to the first head chip β; The liquid jet head according to claim 4 .

6. the first chip group and the second chip group each have a plurality of sets including adjacent first head chips and second head chips among the plurality of first head chips and the plurality of second head chips, In the same set among the plurality of sets, the first head chip is located adjacent to the second head chip and is located further in the third direction than the second head chip, a distance in the second direction between centers of adjacent first nozzles in the first nozzle row is a first length, a distance in the second direction between centers of adjacent second nozzles in the second nozzle row is the first length, In the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row included in the same group among the plurality of groups, a first distance in the second direction between a center of a first nozzle in the first nozzle row that is located furthest in the fourth direction and a center of a second nozzle in the second nozzle row that is located furthest in the fourth direction is equal to or less than a second length that is half the first length, a second distance in the second direction between a center of a first nozzle in the first nozzle row that is located furthest in a direction opposite to the fourth direction and a center of a second nozzle in the second nozzle row that is located furthest in a direction opposite to the fourth direction is equal to or less than the second length; The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

7. the first interval and the second interval are the second length; The liquid jet head according to claim 6 .

8. the first interval and the second interval are 0; The liquid jet head according to claim 6 .

9. The plurality of sets includes a first set and a second set adjacent to each other, a fifth direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the fourth direction; a distance in the fifth direction between a first head chip and a second head chip included in the first set is shorter than a distance in the fifth direction between a head chip arranged closest to the second set among the plurality of head chips included in the first set and a head chip arranged closest to the first set among the plurality of head chips included in the second set; The liquid jet head according to claim 6 .

10. the fourth direction is a direction between the second direction and the third direction, one of the first head chips arranged in the second direction among two adjacent first head chips among the plurality of first head chips is shifted in the third direction from the other first head chip, one of the second head chips arranged in the second direction among two adjacent second head chips among the plurality of second head chips is shifted in the third direction from the other second head chip; The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

11. Adjacent first head chips among the plurality of first head chips partially overlap each other when viewed in the third direction, Adjacent second head chips among the plurality of second head chips partially overlap each other when viewed in the third direction. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

12. When viewed in the first direction, ends of the first head chips of the first chip group are arranged side by side so as to overlap a first virtual straight line, When viewed in the first direction, ends of the second head chips of the second chip group are arranged side by side so as to overlap a second virtual straight line, The first virtual line is located in the third direction with respect to the second virtual line. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

13. each of the first head chips is located in the third direction with respect to all of the second head chips; The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

14. the first chip group and the second chip group each have a plurality of sets including adjacent first head chips and second head chips among the plurality of first head chips and the plurality of second head chips, In the same set among the plurality of sets, the first head chip is located adjacent to the second head chip and is located further in the third direction than the second head chip, The plurality of sets includes a first set and a second set adjacent to each other, When viewed in the third direction, the first and second head chips of the first set and the first and second head chips of the second set partially overlap each other. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

15. A liquid ejection head including a plurality of head tips that eject liquid toward a medium in a first direction, a width direction of a medium is defined as a second direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction and the third direction is defined as a fourth direction, The plurality of head chips include a first chip group in which a plurality of first head chips each having a plurality of first nozzle rows each configured with a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the fourth direction are arranged in the second direction; a second chip group in which a plurality of second head chips having a plurality of second nozzle rows each configured with a plurality of second nozzles arranged in the fourth direction are arranged in the second direction, the first chip group is arranged next to the second chip group in the third direction, the first chip group and the second chip group substantially overlap each other when viewed in the third direction; the first nozzle rows of the same first head chip substantially overlap each other when viewed in the third direction, the second nozzle rows of the same second head chip substantially overlap each other when viewed in the third direction; Liquid injection head.

16. the first head chip has a first common liquid chamber communicating with the first nozzles constituting the first nozzle row, the second head chip has a second common liquid chamber communicating with the second nozzles constituting the second nozzle row; The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .

17. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 , A conveying unit that conveys the medium; A liquid ejection device comprising:

18. a line head in which a plurality of the liquid jet heads according to claim 1 are arranged side by side in the second direction; Liquid injection device.

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