Liquid ejection head

Abstract

To provide a liquid ejection head in which wiring pitch can be prevented from being narrow and furthermore which can be prevented from increasing in the width of the liquid ejection head.SOLUTION: A liquid ejection head according to an embodiment comprises an actuator, a base plate, an orifice plate, a common liquid chamber, a supply port, a discharge port, and a partition wall. The actuator includes a plurality of pressure chambers arranged in one direction. The actuator is provided in the base plate. The orifice plate includes a plurality of ejection ports facing the plurality of pressure chambers. The common liquid chamber is formed adjacently to the actuator. The supply port is formed in the base plate and arranged in the common liquid chamber. The discharge port is formed in the base plate and arranged in the common liquid chamber. The partition wall partitions the common liquid chamber in between the supply port and the discharge port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a liquid ejection head. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technique is known for a liquid ejection head such as an inkjet head, in which an actuator forming multiple pressure chambers and a common liquid chamber are provided on one side of a base plate. The liquid ejection head also has a frame member that covers the periphery of the common liquid chamber, and an orifice plate in which ejection ports for ejecting ink are provided. By covering the frame member with this orifice plate, multiple pressure chambers are formed in the actuator.

[0003] Each pressure chamber is provided with a driving electrode for driving the partition wall. For example, a liquid ejection head has two rows of actuators. The liquid ejection head has a supply hole for supplying ink between the two rows of actuators, and a discharge hole on the opposite side, so that the ink circulates through a manifold. In the case of liquid ejection with such a structure, since the discharge hole is present in the wiring pull-out area, the wiring must be formed to avoid the discharge hole, and there is a risk of the wiring pitch becoming narrow in some areas. In addition, since the discharge hole is disposed between the actuator and the frame member, the width of the liquid ejection head becomes large. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-43425 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection head that can prevent the wiring pitch from becoming narrower and can also prevent the width of the liquid ejection head from becoming larger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The liquid ejection head of the embodiment includes an actuator, a base plate, an orifice plate, a common liquid chamber, a supply hole, a discharge hole, and a partition wall. The actuator has a plurality of pressure chambers arranged in one direction. The base plate is provided with the actuator. The orifice plate has a plurality of discharge ports facing the plurality of pressure chambers. The common liquid chamber is formed adjacent to the actuator. The supply hole is formed in the base plate and is located in the common liquid chamber. The discharge hole is formed in the base plate and is located in the common liquid chamber. The partition wall divides the common liquid chamber between the supply hole and the discharge hole. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a liquid ejection head according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a head main body according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a head main body according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are explanatory views showing an example of a method for manufacturing the partition walls of the head body according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A liquid ejection head 1 according to an embodiment and a liquid ejection device 2 using the liquid ejection head 1 will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid ejection head 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the head body 11, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the head body 11. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a manufacturing method for the partition wall 118 of the head body 11, and Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the liquid ejection device 2. Note that in each figure, the configuration is enlarged, reduced or omitted as appropriate for the purpose of explanation.

[0009] The liquid ejection head 1 is, for example, an inkjet head provided in a liquid ejection device 2 such as the inkjet recording device shown in Fig. 5. The liquid ejection head 1 is provided in a head unit 2130 that includes a supply tank 2132 as a liquid storage unit provided in the liquid ejection device 2.

[0010] The liquid ejection head 1 is supplied with ink as liquid stored in a supply tank 2132. The liquid ejection head 1 may be a non-circulation type head that does not circulate ink, or may be a circulation type head that circulates ink. In this embodiment, the liquid ejection head 1 will be described using an example of a non-circulation type head. The liquid ejection head 1 may be connected to a temperature adjustment device 2116 provided in the liquid ejection device 2, and may be configured to be supplied with temperature adjustment liquid (temperature adjustment water) that controls the temperature of the ink.

[0011] 1 to 4, the liquid ejection head 1 includes a head body 11, a manifold unit 12, and a circuit board 13. The liquid ejection head 1 may include a cover that covers the head body 11, the manifold unit 12, and the circuit board 13. The liquid ejection head 1 may be a four-row integrated structure head that includes two sets of head bodies 11, each of which has a pair of actuators 113.

[0012] The head body 11 ejects liquid. As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the head body 11 includes a base plate 111, a frame member 112, an actuator 113, and an orifice plate 114. The head body 11 also includes a common liquid chamber 116. In this embodiment, an example in which one head body 11 includes a pair of actuators 113 will be described.

[0013] The head body 11 has a partition wall 118 that partitions a part of the common liquid chamber 116. The head body 11 also has a plurality of electrodes 119 on the base plate 111 and the actuator 113 that drive a plurality of first pressure chambers 1131 and a plurality of second pressure chambers 1132 of the actuator 113, respectively.

[0014] The base plate 111 is formed, for example, from a ceramic material in a rectangular plate shape. The base plate 111 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape that is long in one direction. The base plate 111 has one or more supply holes 1111 and one or more discharge holes 1112. A pair of actuators 113 are provided on the base plate 111, and a wiring pattern for driving the actuators 113 is formed. The supply holes 1111 and the discharge holes 1112 are through holes that penetrate between both main surfaces of the base plate 111.

[0015] The supply hole 1111 is provided, for example, in a position facing a first common liquid chamber 1161 (described later) of the common liquid chamber 116. The supply hole 1111 is, for example, an elongated hole that is long in one direction along the longitudinal direction of the first common liquid chamber 1161.

[0016] The drain hole 1112 is provided, for example, at a position facing each of two third common liquid chambers 1163 (described later) of the common liquid chamber 116. In addition, for example, the drain hole 1112 is provided in the base plate 111 adjacent to the secondary sides of the plurality of second pressure chambers 1132.

[0017] The frame member 112 is fixed by adhesive or the like to one main surface of the base plate 111. The frame member 112 surrounds a supply hole 1111, a plurality of discharge holes 1112, and an actuator 113 that are provided in the base plate 111.

[0018] For example, the frame member 112 is formed in a rectangular frame shape, thereby forming an opening that is long in one direction along the longitudinal direction of the frame member 112. In the opening of the frame member 112, the actuator 113, a supply hole 1111, and two discharge holes 1112 are arranged.

[0019] A pair of actuators 113 are bonded to the mounting surface of the base plate 111. The pair of actuators 113 are arranged in two rows on the base plate 111 with a supply hole 1111 between them. The actuators 113 are formed in a plate shape that is long in one direction. The actuators 113 are placed in an opening of the frame member 112 and bonded to the main surface of the base plate 111. As a specific example, the actuators 113 are formed by bonding two rectangular plates of piezoelectric material that are long in one direction to face each other so that their polarization directions are opposite to each other. Here, the piezoelectric material is, for example, PZT (lead zirconate titanate). The actuators 113 are bonded to the mounting surface of the base plate 111 by, for example, a thermosetting epoxy adhesive.

[0020] The actuator 113 has, for example, a plurality of first pressure chambers 1131 arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction at the center side in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of second pressure chambers 1132 arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Note that the actuator 113 may have a configuration having a plurality of air chambers arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction, between adjacent first pressure chambers 1131, and alternately arranged with the plurality of first pressure chambers 1131.

[0021] The actuator 113 has a plurality of grooves formed in the longitudinal direction of the actuator 113 on the main surface side opposite to the base plate 111 side, and these grooves form a first pressure chamber 1131 and a second pressure chamber 1132. In other words, the actuator 113 has a plurality of walls arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction and forming grooves between them. The walls are piezoelectric bodies 1133 that form a plurality of first pressure chambers 1131 and a plurality of second pressure chambers 1132 between adjacent walls, and change the volumes of the first pressure chambers 1131 and the second pressure chambers 1132 by applying a drive voltage.

[0022] The surface of the actuator 113 opposite to the base plate 111 is bonded to the orifice plate 114. In addition, the actuator 113 has a wiring pattern formed thereon that becomes part of a plurality of electrodes 119 for driving the first pressure chamber 1131 and the second pressure chamber 1132.

[0023] For example, the width of the actuator 113 in the short side direction gradually increases from the top side toward the base plate 111 side. The cross section of the actuator 113 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (short side direction) is formed into a trapezoidal shape. That is, the side surface of the actuator 113 in the short side direction is inclined. In the side surface of the actuator 113, an area in which a plurality of first pressure chambers 1131 are provided is disposed opposite the first common liquid chamber 1161 and the second common liquid chamber 1162, and an area in which a plurality of second pressure chambers 1132 are provided is disposed opposite the second common liquid chamber 1162 and the third common liquid chamber 1163.

[0024] As a specific example, the actuator 113 is formed of a laminated piezoelectric member in which two rectangular piezoelectric materials long in one direction are bonded to face each other so that their polarization directions are opposite to each other. Here, the piezoelectric material is, for example, PZT (lead zirconate titanate). The actuator 113 is bonded to the mounting surface of the base plate 111 by, for example, a thermosetting epoxy adhesive. Then, an inclined surface (inclined portion) is formed in the actuator 113 by, for example, a cutting process. In addition, the surfaces of the base plate 111 and the actuator 113 on which the multiple electrodes 119 are patterned are polished by, for example, a polishing process to form a polished surface. In addition, in the actuator 113, a plurality of grooves forming a plurality of first pressure chambers 1131 and a plurality of second pressure chambers 1132 are formed by, for example, a cutting process, and a piezoelectric body (driving element) 1133 that is a side wall separating adjacent grooves is formed.

[0025] The first pressure chamber 1131 is a pressure chamber for ejecting ink from the ejection port 1141 during an operation such as printing by the liquid ejection head 1. The second pressure chamber 1132 is a pressure chamber for ejecting ink from the ejection port 1141 during maintenance. Note that, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the actuator 113 has a plurality of first pressure chambers 1131 and a plurality of second pressure chambers 1132, but, for example, the actuator 113 may not have the second pressure chambers 1132, or may have air chambers arranged alternately with the plurality of first pressure chambers 1131.

[0026] The orifice plate 114 is formed in a plate shape. The orifice plate 114 is fixed by adhesive or the like to the main surface of the frame member 112 opposite to the base plate 111. The orifice plate 114 has a plurality of discharge ports 1141 formed at positions facing the plurality of first pressure chambers 1131 and the plurality of second pressure chambers 1132. In this embodiment, the orifice plate 114 has two discharge port rows 1142 in which the plurality of discharge ports 1141 are aligned in one direction.

[0027] The multiple outlets 1141 include, for example, multiple first outlets 11411 facing the multiple first pressure chambers 1131, and multiple second outlets 11412 facing the multiple second pressure chambers 1132. The multiple first outlets 11411 are holes for ejecting ink when the liquid ejection head 1 performs an operation such as printing. The multiple second outlets 11412 are, for example, purging holes for ejecting ink to perform purging during maintenance.

[0028] The common liquid chamber 116 communicates between the supply hole 1111 and the primary sides of the multiple first pressure chambers 1131 of the actuator 113. In addition, the common liquid chamber 116 communicates between the secondary sides of the multiple first pressure chambers 1131 of the actuator 113 and the discharge hole 1112 via, for example, multiple second pressure chambers 1132.

[0029] As a specific example, the common liquid chamber 116 has a first common liquid chamber 1161 that communicates with the supply hole 1111 and the primary side of the multiple first pressure chambers 1131 of the actuator 113, a second common liquid chamber 1162 that communicates with the secondary side of the multiple first pressure chambers 1131 of the actuator 113 and the primary side of the multiple second pressure chambers 1132, and two third common liquid chambers 1163 that communicate with the secondary sides of the multiple second pressure chambers 1132 and the discharge hole 1112.

[0030] The primary side of the multiple first pressure chambers 1131 is the upstream side of the multiple first pressure chambers 1131 in the direction of liquid flow. The secondary side of the multiple first pressure chambers 1131 is the downstream side of the multiple first pressure chambers 1131 in the direction of liquid flow. The primary side of the multiple second pressure chambers 1132 is the upstream side of the multiple second pressure chambers 1132 in the direction of liquid flow. The secondary side of the multiple second pressure chambers 1132 is the downstream side of the multiple second pressure chambers 1132 in the direction of liquid flow.

[0031] The first common liquid chamber 1161 is formed between the central sides of the pair of actuators 113 excluding both ends. The first common liquid chamber 1161 constitutes an ink flow path from the supply hole 1111 to the primary side openings of the multiple first pressure chambers 1131 of each actuator 113.

[0032] The second common liquid chambers 1162 are formed between each actuator 113 and the frame member 112. The second common liquid chambers 1162 form ink flow paths from secondary openings of the multiple first pressure chambers 1131 to primary openings of the multiple second pressure chambers 1132.

[0033] The third common liquid chamber 1163 is formed, for example, between one actuator 113 and separated from the first common liquid chamber 1161 by a partition wall 118. The third common liquid chamber 1163 is formed between both ends of a pair of actuators 113. The third common liquid chamber 1163 forms an ink flow path from the secondary side openings of the multiple second pressure chambers 1132 of each actuator 113 to the discharge hole 1112.

[0034] 2, the partition wall 118 is made of a photosensitive resin material. The partition wall 118 divides the area of ​​the common liquid chamber 116 between the pair of actuators 113 into a first common liquid chamber 1161 in which a plurality of first pressure chambers 1131 are formed, and a third common liquid chamber 1163 in which a plurality of second pressure chambers 1132 are formed.

[0035] The electrodes 119 apply a driving voltage individually to the piezoelectric bodies 1133. The electrodes 119 individually deform the pressure chambers 1131, 1132. The electrodes 119 are formed by a wiring pattern formed on the base plate 111 and a wiring pattern formed on the actuator 113.

[0036] For example, an ink supply pipe and an ink discharge pipe are connected to the manifold unit 12. The manifold unit 12 forms a liquid supply flow path that connects the supply hole 1111 of the base plate 111 and the ink supply pipe, and a liquid discharge flow path that connects the discharge hole 1112 of the base plate 111 and the ink discharge pipe.

[0037] Furthermore, when the liquid ejection head 1 is connected to a temperature adjustment device 2116 provided in the liquid ejection device 2, a temperature adjustment water supply pipe and a temperature adjustment water discharge pipe, which are temperature adjustment water pipes, are connected to the manifold unit 12. The manifold unit 12 connects the temperature adjustment water supply pipe and the temperature adjustment water discharge pipe to form a temperature adjustment flow path through which the temperature adjustment water flows.

[0038] The circuit board 13 includes a wiring film 131 having one end connected to a plurality of electrodes 119 of the base plate 111, a driver IC 132 mounted on the wiring film 131, and a printed wiring board 133 mounted on the other end of the wiring film 131.

[0039] The circuit board 13 drives the actuator 113 by applying a drive voltage to the wiring pattern of the actuator 113 via the driver IC 132 , thereby increasing or decreasing the volume of the pressure chamber 1131 and causing droplets to be ejected from the ejection port 1141 .

[0040] The wiring film 131 is connected to the multiple electrodes 119. For example, the wiring film 131 is an ACF (anisotropic conductive film) fixed to the connection portion of the base plate 111 by thermocompression bonding or the like. For example, multiple wiring films 131 to be connected are provided for one head body 11. In this embodiment, two wiring films 131 are connected to one actuator 113. The wiring film 131 is, for example, a COF (chip on film) on which a driver IC 132 is mounted.

[0041] The driver IC 132 is connected to the plurality of electrodes 119 via the wiring film 131. The driver IC 132 may be connected to the plurality of electrodes 119 by other means such as ACP (anisotropic conductive paste), NCF (non-conductive film), and NCP (non-conductive paste) instead of the wiring film 131.

[0042] The printed wiring board 133 is a PWA (Printing Wiring Assembly) on which various electronic components and connectors are mounted.

[0043] Next, an example of a manufacturing method of the partition wall 118 formed in the head body 11 of the liquid ejection head 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. First, a photosensitive resin material 1181 is applied on the base plate 111 and between a pair of actuators 113 provided on the base plate 111 (ACT1). At this time, the actuator 113 may have a plurality of grooves that form a plurality of first pressure chambers 1131 and a plurality of second pressure chambers 1132 formed therein, or may have not yet been formed with the plurality of grooves. In addition, the region to which the photosensitive resin material 1181 is applied is, for example, the region in which the partition wall 118 is formed, but may be configured to be provided in the entire region between the pair of actuators 113. In addition, for example, when an air chamber is provided in the actuator 113, the photosensitive resin material 1181 may also be provided in a plurality of grooves in order to simultaneously form walls that form the air chambers.

[0044] Next, a mask 51 is placed on the actuator 113 (ACT2). Here, the mask 51 has an opening 511 in a portion facing the region where the partition wall 118 is to be formed, the opening 511 having the same shape as the surface shape of the partition wall 118 on the opposite side to the base plate 111. The mask 51 is placed on the actuator 113 via a release film 52 for releasing the mask 51 from the actuator 113. For example, the release film is made of a material that can transmit light that hardens the photosensitive resin material 1181. When an air chamber is to be formed at the same time, an opening is formed in the mask 51 in a portion facing the wall formed in the groove that forms the air chamber.

[0045] Next, for example, ultraviolet light (UV) is irradiated from above the mask 51 as light for hardening the photosensitive resin material 1181 (ACT3). As a result, the photosensitive resin material 1181 in the region where the partition wall 118 is to be formed is hardened by the light.

[0046] Next, the remaining photosensitive resin is removed with a developer (ACT4). As a result, the partition wall 118 is formed between the pair of actuators 113. When the partition wall 118 is formed using the photosensitive resin material 1181 in this manner, the hardened portion depends on the mask 51, so that it is possible to form a fine flow path depending on the shape of the mask 51. That is, since the resin material forming the partition wall 118 does not need to be hardened at a high temperature as a thermosetting resin material, it is possible to reduce deterioration in accuracy due to thermal deformation. Furthermore, by forming the partition wall 118 by such a manufacturing method, it is possible to form a fine partition wall 118 with good accuracy at a low temperature. After the partition wall 118 is formed, for example, the upper surfaces of the actuator 113 and the partition wall 118 are polished. Then, the frame member 112 is bonded to the base plate 111, and the orifice plate 114 is bonded to the frame member 112, the actuator 113, and the partition wall 118.

[0047] The liquid ejection head 1 thus configured is provided in an inkjet recording device, which is an example of the liquid ejection device 2 shown in FIG. 5. Hereinafter, the liquid ejection device 2 will be described as the inkjet recording device 2. The liquid ejection head 1 is connected to a supply tank 2132 serving as a liquid storage unit provided in the inkjet recording device 2. The liquid ejection head 1 is either a circulation type head that circulates ink between the supply tank 2132 and the liquid ejection head 1, or a non-circulation type head that receives ink from the supply tank 2132 and discharges ink to a maintenance device 2117 during maintenance. The liquid ejection head 1 is disposed in a position in which the ejection ports 1141 of the orifice plate 114 of the head body 11 face downward.

[0048] An inkjet recording apparatus 2 having a liquid ejection head 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. The inkjet recording apparatus 2 includes a housing 2111, a medium supply unit 2112, an image forming unit 2113, a medium discharge unit 2114, a conveying device 2115 which is a supporting device, a temperature adjustment device 2116, a maintenance device 2117, and a control unit 2118.

[0049] The inkjet recording device 2 is an inkjet printer that performs an image forming process on paper P by ejecting liquid such as ink while transporting the paper P as a recording medium, which is the object of ejection, along a predetermined transport path 2001 from a medium supply section 2112 through an image forming section 2113 to a medium ejection section 2114.

[0050] The medium supply unit 2112 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 21121. The image forming unit 2113 includes a support unit 2120 that supports paper, and a plurality of head units 2130 that are disposed above and facing the support unit 2120. The medium discharge unit 2114 includes a paper discharge tray 21141.

[0051] The support section 2120 includes a conveyor belt 21201 provided in a loop shape in a predetermined area where image formation is performed, a support plate 21202 supporting the conveyor belt 21201 from the rear side, and a plurality of belt rollers 21203 provided on the rear side of the conveyor belt 21201.

[0052] The head unit 2130 includes liquid ejection heads 1 which are multiple inkjet heads, multiple supply tanks 2132 as liquid tanks mounted on each liquid ejection head 1, a pump 2134 which supplies ink, and a connection flow path 2135 which connects the liquid ejection heads 1 and the supply tanks 2132.

[0053] In this embodiment, the liquid ejection heads 1 are provided with four colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and four supply tanks 2132 for storing ink of each color. The supply tanks 2132 are connected to the liquid ejection heads 1 by connection flow paths 2135.

[0054] The pump 2134 is a liquid-sending pump constituted by, for example, a piezoelectric pump. The pump 2134 is connected to the control unit 2118, and is drive-controlled by the control unit 2118.

[0055] The connection flow path 2135 includes a supply flow path connected to an ink supply pipe of the liquid ejection head 1. The connection flow path 2135 also includes a recovery flow path connected to an ink discharge pipe of the liquid ejection head 1. For example, since the liquid ejection head 1 is of a non-circulation type, the recovery circuit is connected to a maintenance device 2117. Note that, for example, if the liquid ejection head 1 is of a circulation type, the recovery flow path is connected to a supply tank 2132.

[0056] The transport device 2115 transports the paper P along a transport path 2001 that runs from a paper feed cassette 21121 of the medium supply unit 2112 through the image forming unit 2113 to a paper discharge tray 21141 of the medium discharge unit 2114. The transport device 2115 includes a plurality of guide plate pairs 21211-21218 and a plurality of transport rollers 21221-21228 that are arranged along the transport path 2001. The transport device 2115 supports the paper P so that it can move relative to the liquid ejection head 1.

[0057] The temperature adjustment device 2116 includes a temperature adjustment water tank 21161, a temperature adjustment circuit 21162 such as piping or tubes for supplying the temperature adjustment water, a pump for supplying the temperature adjustment water, and a temperature adjuster for adjusting the temperature of the temperature adjustment water. The temperature adjustment device 2116 supplies the temperature adjustment water in the temperature adjustment water tank 21161, which has been adjusted to a predetermined temperature by the temperature adjuster, to the temperature adjustment water supply pipe of the liquid ejection head 1 via the temperature adjustment circuit 21162 by the water supply of the pump. The temperature adjustment device 2116 also collects the water discharged from the temperature adjustment water discharge pipe through the manifold unit 12 into the temperature adjustment water tank 21161 via the temperature adjustment circuit 21162. The temperature adjuster is, for example, a heater or a cooler. The temperature adjustment device 2116 may also be configured to adjust the temperature of the ink supplied to the liquid ejection head 1.

[0058] The maintenance device 2117, for example, during maintenance, sucks and recovers ink remaining on the outer surface of the orifice plate 114. Furthermore, if the liquid ejection head 1 is of a non-circulation type, the maintenance device 2117, during maintenance, recovers ink inside the head body 11 from the second ejection port 11412 that faces the second pressure chamber 1132. Such a maintenance device 2117 has, for example, a tray or tank for storing the recovered ink.

[0059] The control unit 2118 includes a CPU 21181 as an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing various variable data, image data, etc., and an interface unit for inputting data from the outside and outputting data to the outside.

[0060] Next, a description will be given of the flow of ink in the head main body 11 of the liquid ejection head 1 configured as above. First, the ink moves from the supply hole 1111 of the base plate 111 to the first common liquid chamber 1161.

[0061] 2, the ink that has moved to the first common liquid chamber 1161 moves to the second common liquid chamber 1162 through the multiple first pressure chambers 1131. When the first pressure chamber 1131 is driven, the ink in the driven first pressure chamber 1131 is ejected from the first ejection port 11411. The ink that is not ejected from the first ejection port 11411 moves to the second common liquid chamber 1162.

[0062] In this embodiment, since the liquid ejection head 1 is of a non-circulation type, the ink in the second common liquid chamber 1162 moves to the third common liquid chamber 1163 via the multiple second pressure chambers 1132, and remains in the third common liquid chamber 1163. Then, when the secondary side of the ink discharge pipe is opened during maintenance, ink filling, or the like, the ink in the second common liquid chamber 1162 is discharged from the discharge hole 1112 of the base plate 111 through the discharge flow path of the manifold unit 12.

[0063] Furthermore, during maintenance or ink refilling, the second pressure chamber 1132 is driven, and the ink in the second pressure chamber 1132 is ejected from the second outlet 11412 together with air accumulated in the second common liquid chamber 1162 and the third common liquid chamber 1163, for example.

[0064] The liquid ejection head 1 and the liquid ejection device 2 using the liquid ejection head 1 configured in this manner have a partition wall 118 between the pair of actuators 113, which separates the first common liquid chamber 1161 and the third common liquid chamber 1163. As a result, the third common liquid chamber 1163 becomes a chamber separated from the first common liquid chamber 1161, and it becomes possible to provide a discharge hole 1112 in the region of the base plate 111 where the third common liquid chamber 1163 is provided. In other words, the supply hole 1111 and the discharge hole 1112 provided between the pair of actuators 113 are fluidically separated. Therefore, the liquid ejection head 1 does not need to provide a discharge hole 1112 in the second common liquid chamber 1162.

[0065] Since the liquid ejection head 1 is configured such that no discharge hole 1112 is disposed in an area (second common liquid chamber 1162) where the plurality of electrodes 119 are provided, it is possible to prevent the wiring pitch of the plurality of electrodes 119 formed on the base plate 111 in the second common liquid chamber 1162 from becoming narrow. Furthermore, by providing the discharge hole 1112 between the pair of actuators 113, the second common liquid chamber 1162 between the actuators 113 and the frame member 112 can be made smaller in width than the width in which the discharge hole 1112 can be provided. In other words, the liquid ejection head 1 can make the width of the second common liquid chamber 1162 in the short side direction of the actuator 113 smaller than the case where the discharge hole 1112 is provided in the second common liquid chamber 1162.

[0066] Therefore, the width of the liquid ejection head 1 in the arrangement direction of the pair of actuators 113 (the width direction of the actuators 113) can be reduced. In other words, the width of the liquid ejection head 1 in the width direction can be prevented from becoming large.

[0067] Furthermore, by forming the partition wall 118 provided in the head body 11 from the photosensitive resin material 1181, the partition wall 118 can be formed at a low temperature, and therefore the partition wall 118 is not affected by heat. Therefore, the liquid ejection head 1 can form the partition wall 118 with high precision.

[0068] According to the liquid ejection head 1 and liquid ejection device 2 configured in this manner, by separating the space between the pair of actuators 113 with a partition wall 118 and providing a supply hole 1111 and a discharge hole 1112, it is possible to prevent the wiring pitch from becoming narrow and to prevent the width of the liquid ejection head 1 from becoming large.

[0069] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. For example, in the above-mentioned example, the head body 11 is of a non-circulation type, but may be of a circulation type. Also, in the above-mentioned example, the ink (liquid) in the head body 11 flows from the second common liquid chamber 1162 through the second pressure chamber 1132 to the third common liquid chamber 1163, but this is not limiting. In other words, as long as the second common liquid chamber 1162 and the third common liquid chamber 1163 are in communication with each other, the configuration may not include the second pressure chamber 1132.

[0070] For example, in the case of an actuator 113 that does not have a second pressure chamber 1132, the actuator 113 may have a groove or the like that connects the second common liquid chamber 1162 and the third common liquid chamber 1163. In addition, for example, a gap may be provided between an end of the actuator 113 in the longitudinal direction and the frame member 112, and this gap may connect the second common liquid chamber 1162 and the third common liquid chamber 1163.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the liquid ejection head 1 and the liquid ejection device 2 are used in a recording device that ejects ink as a liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the liquid ejection head 1 and the liquid ejection device 2 can also be used in, for example, 3D printers, industrial manufacturing machines, and medical applications.

[0072] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the liquid ejection head and the liquid ejection apparatus can prevent the wiring pitch from becoming narrower, and can also prevent the width of the liquid ejection head from becoming larger.

[0073] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...liquid ejection head, 2...liquid ejection device (inkjet recording device), 11...head body, 12...manifold unit, 13...circuit board, 51...mask, 52...release film, 111...base plate, 112...frame member, 113...actuator, 114...orifice plate, 116...common liquid chamber, 118...partition wall, 119...electrode, 131...wiring film, 132...driver IC, 133...printed wiring board, 511...opening, 1111...supply hole, 1112...discharge hole, 1131...first pressure chamber, 1132...second pressure chamber, 1133...piezoelectric body (drive element), 1141...ejection port, 1142...ejection port array, 1161...first common liquid chamber, 1162...second common liquid chamber, 1163...third common liquid chamber, 1181... Photosensitive resin material, 2001...conveyance path, 2111...casing, 2112...medium supply section, 2113...image forming section, 2114...medium discharge section, 2115...conveyance device, 2116...temperature control device, 2117...maintenance device, 2118...control section, 2120...support section, 2130...head unit, 2132...supply tank, 2134...pump, 2135...connection flow path, 11 411...first outlet, 11412...second outlet, 21121...paper feed cassette, 21141...paper output tray, 21161...temperature control water tank, 21162...temperature control circuit, 21201...conveyor belt, 21202...support plate, 21203...belt roller, 21211-21218...guide plate pair, 21221-21228...conveyor roller, P...paper.

Claims

1. an actuator having a plurality of pressure chambers arranged in one direction; a base plate on which the actuator is provided; an orifice plate having a plurality of ejection ports facing the plurality of pressure chambers; a common liquid chamber formed adjacent to the actuator; a supply hole formed in the base plate and disposed in the common liquid chamber; A drain hole formed in the base plate and disposed in the common liquid chamber; a partition wall that divides the common liquid chamber between the supply hole and the discharge hole; A liquid ejection head comprising:

2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein the partition wall is made of a photosensitive resin material.

3. the common liquid chamber includes a first common liquid chamber provided on a primary side of the plurality of pressure chambers, and a second common liquid chamber provided on a secondary side of the plurality of pressure chambers, the supply hole and the discharge hole are provided in the first common liquid chamber, The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein the partition wall separates the first common liquid chamber.

4. The liquid ejection head according to claim 3 , wherein the actuator has a flow path that connects the second common liquid chamber to a part of the first common liquid chamber in which the discharge hole is provided and that is separated by the partition wall.

5. The outlet includes a first outlet and a second outlet, the pressure chamber is a first pressure chamber, the flow passages are a plurality of second pressure chambers, The liquid ejection head according to claim 4 , wherein the orifice plate has the first ejection port facing the first pressure chamber, and the second ejection port facing the second pressure chamber.

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