Head unit and liquid ejection device

Abstract

To reduce a possibility that liquid may leak.SOLUTION: A line head comprises: a plurality of heads including first and second heads having flow passages; common flow passage members, laminated on the plurality of heads, which have common flow passages commonly communicating with the plurality of heads; a plurality of flexible members which include a first flexible member arranged between the first head and the common flow passage member and a second flexible member arranged between the second head and the common flow passage member; and a plurality of fixing members fixing the common flow passage members, the first and second heads and the first and second flexible members. The first flexible member is compressed in a laminating direction in which the common flow passage members are laminated on the plurality of heads, so as to communicate between the first flow passage and the first common flow passage liquid-tightly, and the second flexible member is compressed in the laminating direction, so as to communicate between the second flow passage and the first common flow passage liquid-tightly. The plurality of fixing members include a first fixing member arranged between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, in a planar view from the laminating direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a head unit equipped with a liquid jet head that jets liquid such as ink. The head unit has a plurality of flow path members in which flow paths through which the liquid flows are formed. The head unit also includes a plurality of flexible members that liquid-tightly connect the flow paths of the flow path members with the flow paths of the liquid jet head. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid jet head having a configuration including bolts and nuts as fixing members for fixing the plurality of flow path members and the plurality of flexible members. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-3845 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in conventional technology, in a plan view in the stacking direction, which is the direction in which the reaction force of the flexible members acts, multiple fixing members are arranged outside the area in which the multiple flexible members are arranged. In such conventional technology, the fixing force of the fixing members may not be sufficient for the portion of the flow path member within the area surrounded by the multiple fixing members in a plan view in the stacking direction. If the fixing force of the fixing members is insufficient to counter the reaction force of the flexible members acting on the flow path member, the flow path member may deform, which may reduce the sealing performance of the flexible members. As a result, there is a risk of liquid leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The head unit according to the present invention comprises a plurality of heads including a first head having a first flow path and a second head adjacent to the first head and having a second flow path; a common flow path member stacked on the plurality of heads and having a plurality of common flow paths including a first common flow path communicating with the first and second flow paths; a plurality of flexible members including a first flexible member arranged between the first head and the common flow path member and a second flexible member arranged between the second head and the common flow path member; and a plurality of fixing members that fix the common flow path member to the first and second heads and the first and second flexible members, wherein the first flexible member is compressed in the stacking direction of the plurality of heads and the common flow path member to provide liquid-tight communication between the first flow path and the first common flow path, and the second flexible member is compressed in the stacking direction to provide liquid-tight communication between the second flow path and the first common flow path, and the plurality of fixing members include a first fixing member arranged between the first flexible member and the second flexible member in a planar view seen in the stacking direction.

[0006] A liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention includes the head unit described above and a flow path member external to the head unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the head unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the ejection surface of the head unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a base member, a flexible member, and a fixed member. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a common flow path member and a fixing member. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a base member, a liquid jet head, a flexible member, and a fixed member. [Figure 7] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a common flow path member, a flexible member, and a flow path connecting portion. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a seal portion of the flexible member before attachment. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the arrangement of fixing members positioned between a plurality of liquid jet heads. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a detour portion in the common flow path and a fixing member. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit according to a seventh embodiment.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of 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 those of the actual parts. Furthermore, since the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are applied, 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.

[0009] In the following description, the three mutually intersecting directions may be referred to as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction includes the X1 direction and the X2 direction, which are opposite directions. The X-axis direction is an example of a first direction. The Y-axis direction includes the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction, which are opposite directions. The Y-axis direction is an example of a second direction. The Z-axis direction includes the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction, which are opposite directions. The Z-axis direction is an example of a stacking direction. The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. The liquid ejection apparatus 1 is an inkjet printing apparatus that ejects ink, an example of a "liquid," as droplets onto a medium PA. The liquid ejection apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a so-called line-type printing apparatus in which multiple nozzles that eject ink are distributed across the entire width of the medium PA. The medium PA is typically printing paper. Note that the medium PA is not limited to printing paper and may be a printing target made of any material, such as a resin film or fabric.

[0011] 1, the liquid ejection device 1 includes a liquid container 2, a control unit 3, a medium conveyance mechanism 4, a circulation mechanism 5, and a head unit 20. The head unit 20 has a plurality of liquid ejection heads 10. The plurality of liquid ejection heads 10 is an example of a plurality of heads.

[0012] The liquid container 2 stores ink. Specific examples of the liquid container 2 include a cartridge that is detachable from the liquid ejection device 1, a bag-shaped ink pack made of flexible film, and an ink tank that can be refilled with ink. Any type of ink can be stored in the liquid container 2. The liquid container 2 is an example of a liquid storage section. The head unit 20 includes multiple liquid containers 2 corresponding to the types of ink. The head unit 20 may also be configured to include a single liquid container 2.

[0013] The control unit 3 controls the operation of each element of the liquid ejection device 1. The control unit 3 includes, for example, a processing circuit such as a CPU or FPGA, and a storage circuit such as a semiconductor memory. Various programs and data are stored in the storage circuit. The processing circuit executes the programs and uses the data as appropriate to realize various controls. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0014] The medium transport mechanism 4 is controlled by the control unit 3 and transports the medium PA in the transport direction DM. The medium transport mechanism 4 includes a long transport roller that extends along the width direction of the medium PA and a motor that rotates the transport roller. Note that the medium transport mechanism 4 is not limited to a configuration that uses a transport roller, and may be configured, for example, to use a drum or endless belt that transports the medium PA while adsorbed to its outer peripheral surface by electrostatic force or the like.

[0015] The liquid ejection head 10 is controlled by a control unit 3, and ejects ink supplied from a liquid container 2 via a circulation mechanism 5 onto a medium PA from each of a plurality of nozzles. The plurality of liquid ejection heads 10 are arranged in a direction intersecting the transport direction DM to form a line head 6.

[0016] The ink stored in the liquid container 2 is supplied to the liquid jet head 10 via a circulation mechanism 5. The circulation mechanism 5 supplies ink to the liquid jet head 10 and recovers ink discharged from the liquid jet head 10. The circulation mechanism 5 supplies the recovered ink to the liquid jet head 10 again. The circulation mechanism 5 includes a supply flow path 7 for supplying ink to the liquid jet head 10, a discharge flow path 8 for recovering ink discharged from the liquid jet head 10, a sub-tank for storing the recovered ink, a pump for transporting ink, and the like. The supply flow path 7 and the discharge flow path 8 are, for example, pipes or tubes. The supply flow path 7 and the discharge flow path 8 may be structures formed with grooves, recesses, or the like through which the liquid flows.

[0017] Next, the head unit 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 8. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the head unit 20. The head unit 20 includes a plurality of liquid jet heads 10, a base member 22, a common flow path member 30, a circuit board unit 40, and a cover 21.

[0018] The base member 22 supports the plurality of liquid jet heads 10 and the common flow path member 30. The circuit board unit 40 and the cover 21 are fixed to the base member 22. Most of the liquid jet heads 10 are housed within the base member 22. A portion of the liquid jet heads 10 in the Z1 direction, including the jetting surface F1, is disposed outside the base member 22. The jetting surface F1 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The jetting surface F1 is exposed to the outside. The common flow path member 30 is housed within the base member 22.

[0019] The base member 22 includes a frame portion 23. The frame portion 23 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The frame portion 23 has side walls 24 to 27. The side walls 24 and 25 are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The side wall 24 is an example of a first side wall. The side wall 25 is an example of a second side wall. The thickness direction of the side walls 24 and 25 is along the Y-axis direction. The side wall 25 is located in the Y2 direction relative to the side wall 24. The side walls 26 and 27 are spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The thickness direction of the side walls 26 and 27 is along the X-axis direction. The side wall 27 is located in the X2 direction relative to the side wall 26. Note that FIG. 2 does not show a connecting portion 28 and a supporting portion 29, which will be described later. The connecting portion 28 and the supporting portion 29 are shown in FIG. 4.

[0020] The common flow path member 30 has, for example, a plurality of common flow path substrates 31 and 32. The plate thickness direction of the common flow path substrates 31 and 32 is along the Z-axis direction. The common flow path substrates 31 and 32 are stacked in the Z-axis direction. At least one of grooves and through-holes is formed in the common flow path substrates 31 and 32. The common flow path substrate 32 is provided with a plurality of flow path pipes 35 protruding in the Z2 direction. These grooves and through-holes form flow paths through which ink flows. The common flow path member 30 is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the plurality of liquid jet heads 10. The common flow path member 30 is located between the circuit board unit 40 and the liquid jet heads 10 in the Z-axis direction. The common flow path substrate 31 is disposed closer to the liquid jet heads 10 than the common flow path substrate 32 in the Z-axis direction. The common flow path substrate 32 is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the common flow path substrate 31. Although the common flow path member 30 of this embodiment is made up of two common flow path substrates 31 and 32, the common flow path member 30 may be made up of three or more common flow path substrates stacked together.

[0021] The flow paths of the common flow path member 30 are connected to the supply flow paths 7 and the discharge flow paths 8 shown in FIG. 1 via flow path pipes 35. Ink that has flowed through the supply flow paths 7 flows through the flow paths in the common flow path member 30 and is supplied to the plurality of liquid jet heads 10. Ink that has been discharged from the plurality of liquid jet heads 10 flows through the flow paths in the common flow path member 30 and into the discharge flow paths 8. The ink that has flowed through the discharge flow paths 8 is collected in the subtank 2b. The common flow path member 30 in which the common flow path 50 is formed will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. Furthermore, the connection portion between the common flow path 50 in the common flow path member 30 and the flow paths 60 in the liquid jet heads 10 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0022] The circuit board unit 40 includes a relay board 41 and a control board 42. The relay board 41 is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the common flow path member 30. The control board 42 is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the relay board 41. The relay board 41 and the control board 42 are spaced apart in the Z-axis direction. The relay board 41 is fixed, for example, to an end of the base member 22 in the Z2 direction. The relay board 41 is screwed to the base member 22. The control board 42 is screwed to the base member 22. The relay board 41 and the control board 42 are electrically connected by wiring (not shown). The relay board 41 extends across the multiple liquid jet heads 10 in the X-axis direction. The relay board 41 is arranged so as to overlap the multiple liquid jet heads 10 when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0023] The relay substrate 41 is electrically connected to the connector 19 of the liquid jet head 10 via a flexible wiring substrate 43. The relay substrate 41 is, for example, a rigid substrate. The flexible wiring substrate 43 may be, for example, an FFC. The relay substrate 41 is provided with a connector 44 that is connected to the flexible wiring substrate 43. The connector 44 of the relay substrate 41 is disposed on the surface of the relay substrate 41 that faces the Z1 direction.

[0024] The control board 42 is provided with one or more IC chips and a heat sink 45. The control board 42 is, for example, a rigid board. The IC chip includes a drive signal generation circuit. The drive signal generation circuit can generate a drive signal for driving the piezoelectric element 190 of the liquid ejection head 10. The IC chip may also include a step-down circuit or a step-up circuit that can generate a reference voltage signal that serves as a reference potential when ink is ejected from the liquid ejection head 10. The piezoelectric element 190 is an example of a drive element. The piezoelectric element 190 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The relay board 41 and the control board 42 include wiring, connectors, and other electrical components. The relay board 41 is provided with a connector 46 for connecting to electrical wiring outside the head unit 20.

[0025] The cover 21 is fixed to the base member 22. The cover 21 is screwed to the base member 22. The cover 21 is arranged to cover the relay board 41, the control board 42, and the heat sink 45. Note that part of the cover 21 is not shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] The multiple liquid jet heads 10 include liquid jet heads 10A to 10D. Liquid jet head 10B is located in the X1 direction relative to liquid jet head 10A. Liquid jet head 10C is located in the X1 direction relative to liquid jet head 10B. Liquid jet head 10D is located in the X1 direction relative to liquid jet head 10C. The liquid jet heads 10A to 10D have the same configuration but differ in position. When there is no need to distinguish between the liquid jet heads 10A to 10D, they may be referred to as liquid jet head 10. The liquid jet head 10 is an example of a head. The liquid jet head 10A is an example of a first head. The liquid jet head 10B is an example of a second head. The liquid jet head 10C is an example of a third head.

[0027] A plurality of flow path connecting portions 161 are provided on the top surface of the liquid jet head 10A. The top surface of the liquid jet head 10A is the surface that is closer to the common flow path member 30 in the Z-axis direction. The flow path connecting portions 161 protrude in the Z2 direction. Flow paths through which ink flows are formed inside the flow path connecting portions 161. The plurality of flow path connecting portions 161 include a supply flow path connecting portion 161 and a discharge flow path connecting portion 161. The ink that has flowed inside the common flow path member 30 is supplied to the liquid jet head 10A via the supply flow path connecting portion 161. The ink discharged from the liquid jet head 10A flows into the common flow path member 30 via the discharge flow path connecting portion 161.

[0028] A plurality of flow path connecting portions 162 are provided on the top surface of the liquid jet head 10B. A plurality of flow path connecting portions 163 are provided on the top surface of the liquid jet head 10C. A plurality of flow path connecting portions 164 are provided on the top surface of the liquid jet head 10D. These flow path connecting portions 162 to 164 have the same configuration as the flow path connecting portion 161, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The flow path connecting portion 161 is an example of a first flow path connecting portion. The flow path connecting portion 162 is an example of a second flow path connecting portion.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the ejection surface F1 of the head unit 20. The liquid ejection head 10 has a plurality of head chips 12. The head chip 12 is shown in FIG. 9. The head chip 12 has a plurality of nozzles N that eject ink. The nozzles N form a nozzle row NL that is aligned in the V-axis direction. The V-axis direction is inclined at a predetermined angle α with respect to the X-axis direction. The liquid ejection head 10 has a fixing plate 11 that covers the plurality of head chips 12. A plurality of openings 11a are formed in the fixing plate 11. The openings 11a expose the nozzles N of the head chips 12. The openings 11a extend in the V-axis direction, similar to the nozzle row NL. The surface of the fixing plate 11 facing the Z1 direction forms the ejection surface F1. Note that in FIG. 3, the arrangement of fixing members 81 to 83 is shown by dashed lines. As will be described later, the fixing members 81 to 83 are fixed to the base member 22 and are not provided on the ejection surface F1.

[0030] Next, the head unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the head unit 20 and a flexible member 70. The multiple flexible members 70 include flexible members 70A to 70D. The head unit 20 has multiple connecting portions 28A to 28C. The connecting portions 28A to 28C are connected to the side wall 24 and the side wall 25. The connecting portions 28A to 28C extend in the V-axis direction between the side wall 26 and the side wall 27. The connecting portion 28A is disposed in correspondence with the gap G1 between the liquid jet head 10A and the liquid jet head 10B when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The gaps G1 to G3 are shown in FIG. 3. The gaps G1 and G2 are shown in FIG. 6. The connecting portion 28A is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the gap G1. Similarly, the connecting portion 28B is disposed in correspondence with the gap G2 between the liquid jet head 10B and the liquid jet head 10C. The connecting portion 28B is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the gap G2. The connecting portion 28C is disposed corresponding to the gap G3 between the liquid jet head 10C and the liquid jet head 10D. The connecting portion 28C is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the gap G3. When there is no need to distinguish between the connecting portions 28A to 28C, they may be referred to as connecting portion 28. The multiple connecting portions 28 are located further in the Z2 direction than the multiple liquid jet heads 10. The connecting portion 28 has a predetermined thickness in the Z axis direction.

[0031] The head unit 20 has a plurality of support portions 29A to 29D. The support portion 29A is an example of a first support portion. The support portion 29B is an example of a second support portion. When there is no need to distinguish between the plurality of support portions 29A to 29D, they may be referred to as support portions 29. The support portions 29A to 29D are arranged in the Z2 direction with respect to the liquid jet head 10, and support the plurality of flexible members 70A to 70D, respectively. The support portion 29A is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the liquid jet head 10A, and supports the flexible member 70A. The support portion 29A is located between the liquid jet head 10A and the flexible member 70A in the Z-axis direction. The support portion 29A is connected to the side wall 27 and the connecting portion 28A of the base member 22. An opening is formed in the support portion 29A, through which the flow path connecting portion 161 shown in FIG. 2 is inserted. The flow path connecting portion 161 penetrates the support portion 29A in the Z-axis direction and protrudes in the Z2 direction beyond the support portion 29A.

[0032] The support portion 29B is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the liquid jet head 10B, and supports the flexible member 70B. The support portion 29B is located between the liquid jet head 10B and the flexible member 70B in the Z axis direction. The support portion 29B is connected to the connecting portion 28A and the connecting portion 28B. An opening is formed in the support portion 29B, through which the flow path connecting portion 162 is inserted.

[0033] The support portion 29C is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the liquid jet head 10C, and supports the flexible member 70C. The support portion 29C is located between the liquid jet head 10C and the flexible member 70C in the Z axis direction. The support portion 29C is connected to the connecting portion 28B and the connecting portion 28C. An opening is formed in the support portion 29C, through which the flow path connecting portion 163 is inserted.

[0034] The support portion 29D is located in the Z2 direction with respect to the liquid jet head 10D, and supports the flexible member 70D. The support portion 29D is located between the liquid jet head 10D and the flexible member 70D in the Z axis direction. The support portion 29D is connected to the connecting portion 28C and the side wall 26. An opening is formed in the support portion 29D, through which the flow path connecting portion 164 is inserted.

[0035] In addition, an opening that exposes the connector 19 of the liquid jet head 10 is formed between the support portion 29 and the side wall 25 in the Y-axis direction. The connector 19 of the liquid jet head 10 is illustrated in FIG. 6. An opening that exposes the connector 19 of the liquid jet head 10 is formed between the support portion 29 and the side wall 24 in the Y-axis direction. The liquid jet head 10 has a plurality of connectors 19 that are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. Of the plurality of connectors 19, the connector 19 closer to the side wall 25 is arranged so as to overlap the opening between the support portion 29 and the side wall 25 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Of the plurality of connectors 19, the connector 19 closer to the side wall 24 is arranged so as to overlap the opening between the support portion 29 and the side wall 24 when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0036] The flow path connecting portions 161 to 164 formed in the liquid jet heads 10A to 10D protrude in the Z2 direction through the support portion 29. The flow path connecting portions 161 to 164 are connected to the common flow path 50 of the common flow path member 30.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the common flow path member 30 and the fixing member 80. For ease of explanation, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the flexible member 70 and the common flow path 50. The common flow path member 30 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. In FIG. 5, a plurality of flexible members 70 are indicated by dashed lines. The plurality of flexible members 70 are located between the liquid jet head 10 and the common flow path member 30 in the Z-axis direction. The flexible members 70 are located in the Z1 direction with respect to the common flow path substrate 31.

[0038] A plurality of common flow paths 50 are formed in the common flow path member 30. The plurality of common flow paths 50 include a common flow path 50A and a common flow path 50B. When the common flow paths 50A and 50B are not distinguished from each other, they may be referred to as the common flow path 50.

[0039] FIG. 7, which will be described in detail later, illustrates the surface 31a of the common flow path substrate 31 opposite the liquid jet head 10 in the Z-axis direction. Grooves for defining the common flow paths 50A and 50B are formed on the surface 31a of the common flow path substrate 31, and the common flow path 50 is defined by covering these grooves with the common flow path substrate 32. Note that grooves for defining the common flow path 50 may be formed on the surface of the common flow path substrate 32 facing the surface 31a of the common flow path substrate 31, and the common flow path 50 may be defined by covering these grooves with the common flow path substrate 31. Furthermore, the common flow path 50 may be defined by providing grooves in both the common flow path substrates 31 and 32. The common flow paths 50A and 50B are formed along the X-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction. "Along the X-axis direction" is not limited to being parallel to the X-axis direction, but also includes being inclined with respect to the X-axis direction. The common flow paths 50A and 50B as a whole include those that form a flow in the X-axis direction. The common flow paths 50A and 50B include linear and curved portions. The common flow path 50A is an example of a first common flow path. The common flow path 50B is an example of a second common flow path.

[0040] The common flow paths 50A, 50B include flow paths 51 to 54 that communicate with the flow paths 60A to 60D in the liquid jet head 10. The flow paths 60A to 60D are shown in FIG. 7. The flow paths 51 to 54 are formed to penetrate the common flow path substrate 31 in the Z-axis direction. The flow path 51 is provided at a position corresponding to the flow path connection portion 161 of the liquid jet head 10A. The flow path 51 communicates with the flow path 60A in the liquid jet head 10A. The flow path 52 is provided at a position corresponding to the flow path connection portion 162 of the liquid jet head 10B. The flow path 52 communicates with the flow path 60B in the liquid jet head 10B. The flow path 53 is provided at a position corresponding to the flow path connection portion 163 of the liquid jet head 10C. The flow path 53 communicates with the flow path 60C in the liquid jet head 10C. The flow path 54 is provided at a position corresponding to the flow path connection portion 164 of the liquid jet head 10D. The flow path 54 communicates with a flow path 60D in the liquid jet head 10D. The flow path 60A is an example of a first flow path. The flow path 60B is an example of a second flow path. The flow path 60C is an example of a third flow path. When there is no need to distinguish between the flow paths 60A to 60D, they may be referred to as flow path 60.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the base member 22, the liquid jet head 10, the flexible member 70, and the fixing member 80. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the head unit 20 includes a plurality of flexible members 70. As described above, the plurality of flexible members 70 include flexible members 70A to 70D. The plurality of flexible members 70 are positioned between the liquid jet head 10 and the common flow path member 30 in the Z axis direction. The flexible members 70 liquid-tightly communicate between the flow paths 60 of the liquid jet head 10 and the common flow path 50 of the common flow path member 30. The flexible members 70 ensure a seal between the liquid jet head 10 and the common flow path member 30. The flexible member 70A is an example of a first flexible member. The flexible member 70B is an example of a second flexible member. The flexible member 70C is an example of a third flexible member.

[0042] 6, the flexible member 70A is positioned in the Z2 direction relative to the liquid jet head 10A, and is positioned between the liquid jet head 10A and the common flow path member 30 in the Z-axis direction. The flexible member 70B is positioned in the Z2 direction relative to the liquid jet head 10B, and is positioned between the liquid jet head 10B and the common flow path member 30 in the Z-axis direction. The flexible member 70C is positioned in the Z2 direction relative to the liquid jet head 10C, and is positioned between the liquid jet head 10C and the common flow path member 30 in the Z-axis direction. The flexible member 70D shown in FIG. 4 is positioned between the liquid jet head 10D and the common flow path member 30, and is positioned between the liquid jet head 10D and the common flow path member 30 in the Z-axis direction.

[0043] Next, the sealing portion 71 of the flexible member 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the common flow path member 30, the flexible member 70, and the flow path connecting portion 160. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing portion 71 of the flexible member 70 before attachment. The flexible member 70 has a plurality of sealing portions 71 and a plate-shaped portion 72. The sealing portion 71 is provided at a position corresponding to the flow path connecting portion 160 of the liquid jet head 10.

[0044] Furthermore, the common flow path substrate 31 is provided with a plurality of flow path connecting portions 31c protruding from the surface 31b facing the Z1 direction. The flow path connecting portions 31c are provided at positions corresponding to the flow path connecting portions 160 of the liquid jet head 10 when viewed in the Z axis direction. The sealing portion 71 is disposed between the flow path connecting portions 31c of the common flow path substrate 31 and the flow path connecting portions 160 of the liquid jet head 10 in the Z axis direction.

[0045] The seal portion 71 is disk-shaped. A flow path 71a is formed in the center of the seal portion 71. The flow path 71a connects the common flow path 50 of the common flow path member 30 and the flow path 60 of the liquid jet head 10. The seal portion 71 has a predetermined thickness in the Z-axis direction. The flexible member 70 is made of, for example, resin. The flexible member 70 is elastic and is compressed in the Z-axis direction. The seal portion 71 is sandwiched between the flow path connecting portion 31c and the flow path connecting portion 160 and is compressed in the Z-axis direction. This allows the common flow path 50 and the flow path 60 to communicate liquid-tightly.

[0046] The plate-shaped portions 72 connect the multiple seal portions 71 together. The thickness direction of the plate-shaped portions 72 is along the Z-axis direction. The seal portions 71 are, for example, thicker than the plate-shaped portions 72. The seal portions 71 are located further in the Z1 direction than the plate-shaped portions 72. The seal portions 71 may protrude further in the Z2 direction than the plate-shaped portions 72.

[0047] Next, the fixing member 80 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the head unit 20 includes a plurality of fixing members 80. The plurality of fixing members 80 includes fixing members 81 to 88. The fixing member 81 is an example of a first fixing member. The fixing member 82 is an example of a second fixing member. The plurality of fixing members 80 are fixed to the base member 22. The fixing member 80 can fix the flexible member 70 to the liquid jet head 10 by fixing the common flow path member 30 shown in FIG. 5 to the base member 22. In the Z-axis direction, the flexible member 70, which is positioned between the liquid jet head 10 and the common flow path member 30, is pressed in the Z1 direction by the common flow path member 30. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the seal portion 71 of the flexible member 70 is compressed in the Z-axis direction, and the flow paths between the common flow path member 30 and the liquid jet head 10 are liquid-tightly connected. Liquid-tightness includes maintaining the sealing properties of the flow paths and suppressing ink leakage.

[0048] The fixing member 80 is, for example, a screw. The base member 22 to which the fixing member 80 is fixed is provided with a female thread portion to which the screw is attached. The fixing member 80 is not limited to a screw, and may include other members such as a nut, a pin, a spring, or a clamp member.

[0049] The positional relationship between fixing member 80 and base member 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fixing member 81 is fixed to connecting portion 28A. Fixing member 82 is fixed to connecting portion 28B. Fixing member 83 is fixed to connecting portion 28C. Fixing members 84 and 85 are fixed to side wall 27. Fixing members 86 and 87 are fixed to support portion 29D. Fixing member 88 is fixed to connecting portion 28A.

[0050] The fixing members 81 to 83 are disposed in the center of the connecting portion 28 in the Y-axis direction. The fixing members 81 to 83 are disposed at the same position in the Y-axis direction. The fixing member 88 is positioned further in the Y2 direction than the fixing members 81 to 83. The fixing member 88 is disposed at a position closer to the side wall 25 than the fixing member 81 and closer to the side wall 27 than the fixing member 81.

[0051] The fixing members 84 and 85 are arranged at the same position in the X-axis direction. The fixing member 84 is arranged at a position closer to the side wall 25 than the fixing member 85. The fixing member 84 is located further in the Y2 direction than the fixing members 81 to 83 in the Y-axis direction. The fixing member 85 is located further in the Y1 direction than the fixing members 81 to 83 in the Y-axis direction. The fixing member 85 may be arranged at the same position as the side wall 24 in the Y-axis direction.

[0052] The fixing members 86 and 87 are located between the side wall 24 and the side wall 25 in the Y-axis direction. The fixing member 86 is located closer to the side wall 25 than the fixing member 83 in the Y-axis direction. The fixing member 87 is located closer to the side wall 24 than the fixing member 83 in the Y-axis direction. The fixing members 86 and 87 are located closer to the side wall 26 than the fixing member 83 in the X-axis direction. The fixing member 87 is located closer to the side wall 27 than the fixing member 86 in the X-axis direction. The fixing members 86 and 87 are located in the X2 direction with respect to the side wall 26.

[0053] Next, the positional relationship between the fixing member 80 and the common flow path member 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the common flow path member 30 has a substantially rectangular shape. The longitudinal direction of the common flow path member 30 is along the X-axis direction. The common flow path member 30 has sides 301 to 304 that form its outer shape. Sides 301 and 302 extend in the X-axis direction. Sides 303 and 304 extend in the Y-axis direction.

[0054] Sides 301 and 302 are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. Side 302 is located in the Y2 direction relative to side 301. Sides 303 and 304 are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. Side 303 is located in the X1 direction relative to side 304.

[0055] The multiple fixing members 81 to 83 are located between the side 301 and the side 302 in the Y-axis direction. The fixing members 81 to 83 may be located at an intermediate position between the side 301 and the side 302 in the Y-axis direction. The fixing members 81 to 83 are located between the side 303 and the side 304 in the X-axis direction. The fixing member 82 may be located at an intermediate position between the side 303 and the side 304 in the X-axis direction.

[0056] Fixed member 84 is located at the X2-direction end of side 302. Fixed member 84 is located at the Y2-direction end of side 304. Fixed member 85 is located at the X2-direction end of side 301. Fixed member 85 is located at the Y1-direction end of side 304.

[0057] The fixing member 86 is located inside the intersection of the side 302 and the side 303 of the common flow path member 30. Specifically, the fixing member 86 is located further in the Y1 direction than the side 302 and further in the X2 direction than the side 303. The fixing member 87 is disposed at a position overlapping the side 303 when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0058] For example, eight common flow paths 50 are formed in the common flow path member 30 in the Y-axis direction. Four common flow paths 50A are formed closer to side 302, and four common flow paths 50B are formed closer to side 301. Fixing members 81 to 83 are located between the common flow paths 50A and the common flow paths 50B in the Y-axis direction.

[0059] 10 is a plan view showing the detour portions 55A and 55B in the common flow path 50, and the fixing member 81. As shown in FIG. 10, a fixing hole 91 is formed between the common flow path 50A and the common flow path 50B. The fixing hole 91 penetrates the common flow path member 30 in the Z-axis direction. The fixing member 81 is inserted into the fixing hole 91 and fixed to the base member 22.

[0060] The common flow path 50A has a detour portion 55A that bends to detour around the fixing hole 91. The detour portion 55A bends at a position in the Y2 direction relative to the fixing hole 91. The detour portion 55A may be curved to follow the arc of the fixing hole 91. The detour portion 55A may include multiple portions with different curvatures. The detour portion 55A is an example of a first detour portion. In FIG. 10, the ink flow direction is indicated by an arrow. Note that the ink flow direction is not limited to the direction indicated by the arrow. The ink flow direction may be changed as appropriate. In the common flow path 50A, the length of the straight portion located in the X2 direction relative to the detour portion 55A may be different from the length of the straight portion located in the X1 direction relative to the detour portion 55A.

[0061] The common flow path 50B has a detour portion 55B that bends to detour around the fixing hole 91. The detour portion 55B bends at a position in the Y1 direction relative to the fixing hole 91. The detour portion 55B may be curved to follow the arc of the fixing hole 91. The detour portion 55B may include multiple portions with different curvatures. The detour portion 55B is an example of a second detour portion. In the common flow path 50, the length of the straight portion located in the X1 direction relative to the detour portion 55B may be different from the length of the straight portion located in the X2 direction relative to the detour portion 55B.

[0062] Similarly, the common flow path member 30 has a fixing hole 92 into which the fixing member 82 is inserted. The common flow path 50A has a detour portion 55A that bends to detour around the fixing hole 92. The common flow path 50B has a detour portion 55B that bends to detour around the fixing hole 92. The common flow path member 30 has a fixing hole 93 into which the fixing member 83 is inserted. The common flow path 50A has a detour portion 55A that bends to detour around the fixing hole 93. The common flow path 50B has a detour portion 55B that bends to detour around the fixing hole 93. The detour portions 55A and 55B corresponding to the fixing member 81, the detour portions 55A and 55B corresponding to the fixing member 82, and the detour portions 55A and 55B corresponding to the fixing member 83 have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, for ease of explanation, the fixing members 82 and 83 and the fixing holes 92 and 93 are designated by reference numerals in FIG. 10 .

[0063] A region R is formed between the common flow path 50A and the common flow path 50B. In the region R, a fixing hole 91 is formed and a fixing member 81 is arranged. The "region R" is an example of "a region in which a fixing member 81 is arranged and which is surrounded by a plurality of adjacent common flow paths 50A, 50B."

[0064] The dimension L1 of region R along the X-axis direction is larger than the dimension L2 of region R along the Y-axis direction. Dimension L1 is the distance between end P1 and end P2 of region R in the X-axis direction. End P1 is the end of region R in the X1 direction. End P2 is the end of region R in the X2 direction. The common flow path 50A and the common flow path 50B are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction between end P1 and end P2. Dimension L2 is the distance between end P3 and end P4 of region R in the Y-axis direction. End P3 is the end of region R in the Y1 direction. End P4 is the end of region R in the Y2 direction. Dimension L1 is preferably at least twice as long as dimension L2, and more preferably at least three times as long as dimension L2. Dimension L1 may be the same as or shorter than dimension L2.

[0065] The region where the fixing member 82 is arranged can be formed similarly to the region R where the fixing member 81 is arranged. The region where the fixing member 83 is arranged may also be formed similarly to the region R where the fixing member 81 is arranged. The region where the fixing member 83 is arranged may be formed so as to continue up to the side 303 in the X1 direction of the common flow path substrate 31. In other words, a gap may be formed between the common flow path 50A and the common flow path 50B at a position further in the X1 direction than the fixing member 83.

[0066] Next, the positional relationship between the fixed member 80 and the flexible member 70 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. The fixed member 81 is located between the flexible members 70A and 70B in the X-axis direction. The fixed member 81 is located within the area in which the flexible members 70A and 70B are located in the Y-axis direction. The fixed member 81 is located so as to overlap the flexible members 70A and 70B when viewed in the X-axis direction. In other words, the fixed member 81 is not located outside the flexible members 70A and 70B when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0067] The fixed member 82 is located between the flexible members 70B and 70C in the X-axis direction. The fixed member 82 is located within the area in which the flexible members 70B and 70C are located in the Y-axis direction. The fixed member 82 is arranged so as to overlap the flexible members 70B and 70C when viewed in the X-axis direction. In other words, the fixed member 82 is not located outside the flexible members 70B and 70C when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0068] Fixed member 83 is located between flexible member 70C and flexible member 70D in the X-axis direction. Fixed member 83 is located within the area in which flexible members 70C and 70D are located in the Y-axis direction. Fixed member 83 is arranged so as to overlap flexible members 70C and 70D when viewed in the X-axis direction. In other words, fixed member 83 is not located outside flexible members 70C and 70D when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0069] Fixed members 84 and 85 are positioned in the X2 direction relative to flexible member 70A. Fixed member 84 is positioned in the Y2 direction relative to flexible member 70A. Fixed member 85 is positioned in the Y1 direction relative to flexible member 70A.

[0070] The fixed members 86 and 87 are located between the flexible member 70D and the side wall 27 in the X-axis direction. The fixed members 86 and 87 are arranged at positions overlapping with the flexible member 70D when viewed in the X-axis direction. The fixed members 86 and 87 are arranged at positions overlapping with the flexible member 70D when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0071] When viewed in the X-axis direction, the fixed member 88 is located further in the Y2 direction than the flexible member 70A. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the fixed member 88 is located within the region in which the flexible member 70A is disposed.

[0072] Next, the positional relationship between the fixing members 81 to 83 and the liquid jet head 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 6, and 9. FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing the arrangement of the fixing members 80 positioned between the multiple liquid jet heads 10. When viewed in the Z axis direction, the fixing member 81 is disposed at a position overlapping with the gap G1 between the liquid jet head 10A and the liquid jet head 10B. The fixing member 82 is disposed at a position overlapping with the gap G2 between the liquid jet head 10B and the liquid jet head 10C. The fixing member 83 is disposed at a position overlapping with the gap G3 between the liquid jet head 10C and the liquid jet head 10D.

[0073] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the positional relationship between the fixing member 80 and the regions 171 to 174 will be described. The region 171 is an example of a first region. The region 172 is an example of a second region. The region 171 is a region that surrounds the multiple flow path connections 161 of the liquid jet head 10A. All of the flow path connections 161 are arranged within the region 171. The region 171 is a region that surrounds all of the flow path connections 161 and may be a region that has the smallest area. The region 171 is a region that surrounds the outermost flow path connections 161 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction among the multiple flow path connections 161. In other words, the region 171 can be defined as the smallest convex polygon that contains all of the multiple flow path connections 161. Similarly, the region 172 is a region that surrounds the multiple flow path connections 162 of the liquid jet head 10B. All of the flow path connections 162 are arranged within the region 172. Region 173 is a region that surrounds the plurality of flow path connections 163 of liquid jet head 10C. All of the flow path connections 163 are arranged within region 173. Region 174 is a region that surrounds the plurality of flow path connections 164 of liquid jet head 10D. All of the flow path connections 164 are arranged within region 174.

[0074] Fixed member 81 is located between region 171 and region 172 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Fixed member 82 is located between region 172 and region 173 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Fixed member 83 is located between region 173 and region 174 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Fixed members 81 to 83 are arranged so as to overlap regions 171 to 173 when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0075] The fixing members 84 and 85 are located in the X2 direction with respect to the region 171. The fixing members 84 and 85 are located outside the region 171 when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0076] When viewed in the X-axis direction, the fixing members 86 and 87 are disposed at positions overlapping the region 174. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the fixing members 86 and 87 are disposed at positions overlapping the region 174.

[0077] As described above, the head unit 20 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of liquid jet heads 10. The plurality of liquid jet heads 10 include a liquid jet head 10A having a flow path 60A, and a liquid jet head 10B adjacent to the liquid jet head 10A and having a flow path 60B. The head unit 20 includes a common flow path member 30. The common flow path member 30 is stacked on a plurality of liquid jet heads 10. The common flow path member 30 has a plurality of common flow paths 50 including a common flow path 50A that communicates with the flow paths 60A, 60B. The head unit 20 includes a plurality of flexible members 70. The plurality of flexible members 70 includes a flexible member 70A that is disposed between the liquid jet head 10A and the common flow path member 30, and a flexible member 70B that is disposed between the liquid jet head 10B and the common flow path member 30. The head unit 20 includes a plurality of fixing members 80. The plurality of fixing members 80 fix the common flow path member 30, the liquid jet heads 10A, 10B, and the flexible members 70A, 70B. The flexible member 70A is compressed in the Z-axis direction along the stacking direction of the multiple liquid jet heads 10 and the common flow path member 30, thereby providing liquid-tight communication between the flow path 60A and the common flow path 50A, and the flexible member 70B is compressed in the Z-axis direction, thereby providing liquid-tight communication between the flow path 60B and the common flow path 50A, and the multiple fixing members 80 include a fixing member 81 arranged between the flexible member 70A and the flexible member 70B when viewed in a plane in the Z-axis direction.

[0078] According to such a head unit 20, the fixed member 81 is disposed between the flexible members 70A and 70B when viewed in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the fixed member 81 is disposed near the position where a reaction force is generated in the flexible members 70A and 70B. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the fixed member 81 is not disposed between the flexible members 70A and 70B, even if a reaction force is generated in the flexible members 70A and 70B, the risk of ink leakage due to the flexible members 70A and 70B being pressed against the liquid ejection heads 10A and 10B is reduced.

[0079] The multiple liquid jet heads 10 include a liquid jet head 10C adjacent to the liquid jet head 10B and having a flow path 60C. The multiple flexible members 70 include a flexible member 70C. The flexible member 70C is disposed between the liquid jet head 10C and the common flow path member 30, and provides liquid-tight communication between the flow path 60C and the common flow path 50 by being compressed in the Z-axis direction. The multiple fixing members 80 include a fixing member 82. The fixing member 82 is disposed between the flexible member 70B and the flexible member 70C in a plan view. In the head unit 20, the fixing member 82 is disposed between the flexible member 70B and the flexible member 70C when viewed in the Z-axis direction. As a result, in the head unit 20, even if a reaction force is generated in the flexible members 70B and 70C, the flexible members 70B and 70C can be pressed against the liquid jet heads 10B and 10C, reducing the risk of ink leakage.

[0080] Similarly, the multiple liquid jet heads 10 include a liquid jet head 10D that is adjacent to the liquid jet head 10C and has a flow path 60D. The multiple flexible members 70 include a flexible member 70D. The flexible member 70D is disposed between the liquid jet head 10D and the common flow path member 30, and provides liquid-tight communication between the flow path 60D and the common flow path 50 by being compressed in the Z-axis direction. The multiple fixing members 80 include a fixing member 83. The fixing member 83 is disposed between the flexible member 70C and the flexible member 70D in a plan view.

[0081] The fixing member 81 overlaps the gap G1 between the liquid jet head 10A and the liquid jet head 10B in a plan view. According to the head unit 20 configured as described above, the fixing member 81 can apply a fastening force evenly to the liquid jet heads 10A, 10B arranged on both sides of the fixing member 81. The flexible members 70A, 70B can be pressed evenly against the liquid jet heads 10A, 10B. Therefore, it is possible to reduce variations in the fastening force applied to the plurality of liquid jet heads 10A, 10B.

[0082] Similarly, the fixing member 82 overlaps the gap G2 between the liquid jet head 10B and the liquid jet head 10C in a plan view.

[0083] Similarly, the fixing member 83 overlaps the gap G3 between the liquid jet head 10C and the liquid jet head 10D in a plan view.

[0084] The liquid jet heads 10A, 10B are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction, the common flow path 50A extends along the X-axis direction, the common flow path member 30 has a fixing hole 91 into which a fixing member 81 is inserted, and the common flow path 50A has a detour portion 55A that bends so as to detour around the fixing hole 91 between the flexible members 70A and 70B in a plan view. The portion of the common flow path 50A adjacent to the fixing hole 91 is the detour portion 55A. By providing the detour portion 55A, the fixing member 81 can be disposed between the adjacent flexible members 70A, 70B.

[0085] Similarly, the liquid jet heads 10B and 10C are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction, the common flow path 50A extends along the X-axis direction, the common flow path member 30 has a fixing hole 92 into which the fixing member 82 is inserted, and the common flow path 50A has a detour portion 55A that, in a planar view, bends to detour around the fixing hole 92 between the flexible member 70B and the flexible member 70C.

[0086] Similarly, the liquid jet heads 10C and 10D are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction, the common flow path 50A extends along the X-axis direction, the common flow path member 30 has a fixing hole 93 into which the fixing member 83 is inserted, and the common flow path 50A has a detour portion 55A that, in a planar view, bends to detour around the fixing hole 93 between the flexible member 70C and the flexible member 70D.

[0087] Unlike the common flow paths 50A, the multiple common flow paths 50 have a common flow path 50B that extends along the X-axis direction. In plan view, the common flow path 50B has a detour portion 55B that bends between the flexible members 70A and 70B to detour around the fixing hole 91, and the fixing hole 91 is sandwiched between the detour portion 55A and the detour portion 55B. In plan view, the portion of the common flow path 50B adjacent to the fixing hole 91 is the detour portion 55B. By providing the detour portions 55A and 55B that detour on opposite sides of each other in the Y-axis direction, a space is secured in the common flow path member 30 for arranging the fixing hole 91. This allows a fixing member 81 to be arranged between the flexible members 70A and 70B. Furthermore, compared to the degree of curvature of the detour portions in a configuration in which a detour portion is provided in only one of the common flow paths 50A and 50B, the degree of curvature of each of the detour portions 55A and 55B in the configuration in which the detour portions 55A and 55B are provided in each of the common flow paths 50A and 50B can be reduced. As a result, the flow of ink in the common flow paths 50A and 50B in which the detour portions 55A and 55B are provided is less likely to be obstructed, and a decrease in the ability to expel air bubbles in the ink is avoided.

[0088] Similarly, the common flow path 50B has a detour portion 55B that, in a planar view, bends between the flexible member 70B and the flexible member 70C to bypass the fixing hole 92, and the fixing hole 92 is sandwiched between the detour portion 55A and the detour portion 55B in a planar view.

[0089] Similarly, the common flow path 50B has a detour portion 55B that, in a planar view, bends between the flexible member 70C and the flexible member 70D to bypass the fixing hole 93, and the fixing hole 93 is sandwiched between the detour portion 55A and the detour portion 55B in a planar view.

[0090] The dimension L1 of the region R1, in which the fixing members 81 to 83 are arranged and which is surrounded by the adjacent common flow paths 50A, 50B, along the X-axis direction is larger than the dimension L2 along the Y-axis direction. By forming the common flow paths 50A, 50B so as to surround this region R, the common flow paths 50A, 50B can be gently curved so that the flow of ink in the common flow paths 50A, 50B is not obstructed, thereby avoiding a decrease in the ability to expel air bubbles in the ink flowing in the common flow paths 50A, 50B.

[0091] The head unit 20 includes a base member 22 that holds a plurality of liquid jet heads 10A and 10B, and in a plan view, the outer shape of the flexible member 70A is smaller than the outer shape of the liquid jet head 10A, and the outer shape of the flexible member 70B is smaller than the outer shape of the liquid jet head 10B, and the base member 22 has a frame portion 23 that includes side walls 24 and 25 that are spaced apart from each other, and a connecting portion 28A that extends between the flexible members 70A and 70B so as to connect the side walls 24 and 25, and a fixing member 81 that directly fixes the connecting portion 28 to the common flow path member 30. According to this head unit 20, the connecting portion 28A is provided between the flexible members 70A and 70B, and the fixing member 81 can be attached to this connecting portion 28A. As a result, the fixing member 81 is fixed between the flexible members 70A and 70B, and the flexible members 70A and 70B can be fixed via the common flow path member 30.

[0092] Similarly, the head unit 20 includes a base member 22 that holds multiple liquid jet heads 10B, 10C, and in a plan view, the outer shape of the flexible member 70B is smaller than the outer shape of the liquid jet head 10C, and the outer shape of the flexible member 70C is smaller than the outer shape of the liquid jet head 10C, and the base member 22 has a frame portion 23 that includes side walls 24 and 25 that are spaced apart from each other, and a connecting portion 28B that extends between the flexible member 70B and the flexible member 70C so as to connect the side walls 24 and 25, and the fixing member 82 directly fixes the connecting portion 28B and the common flow path member 30.

[0093] Similarly, the head unit 20 includes a base member 22 that holds multiple liquid jet heads 10C, 10D, and in a planar view, the outer shape of the flexible member 70C is smaller than the outer shape of the liquid jet head 10C, and the outer shape of the flexible member 70D is smaller than the outer shape of the liquid jet head 10D, the base member 22 has a frame portion 23 that includes side walls 24 and 25 that are spaced apart from each other, and a connecting portion 28C that extends between the flexible member 70C and the flexible member 70D so as to connect the side walls 24 and 25, and the fixing member 83 directly fixes the connecting portion 28C and the common flow path member 30.

[0094] The base member 22 includes a support portion 29A on which the flexible member 70A is placed, and a support portion 29B on which the flexible member 70B is placed. According to this head unit 20, the flexible member 70A can be supported by the support portion 29A, and the flexible member 70B can be supported by the support portion 29B. Furthermore, since the base member 22 has the support portions 29A and 29B, the rigidity can be increased and deformation of the base member 22 can be suppressed. As a result, deformation of the flexible members 70A and 70B caused by deformation of the base member 22 is reduced, and the risk of ink leakage can be further reduced.

[0095] Similarly, base member 22 includes a support portion 29C on which flexible member 70C is placed, and a support portion 29D on which flexible member 70D is placed.

[0096] The head unit 20 is a line head configured by arranging a plurality of liquid jet heads 10 side by side along the X-axis direction. In order to configure such a head unit 20, it is necessary to provide a plurality of liquid jet heads 10, and the number of flexible members 70 increases corresponding to the plurality of liquid jet heads 10. As the number of flexible members 70 increases, the reaction force of the plurality of flexible members 70 increases, increasing the possibility of deformation of the common flow path member 30. However, according to the head unit 20 according to the first embodiment, even if the flexible members 70 are arranged between the plurality of liquid jet heads 10 and the common flow path member 30, it is possible to prevent the seal provided by the flexible members 70 from being broken, thereby reducing the risk of ink leakage.

[0097] The multiple fixing members 80 include fixing members 84-87 that are arranged outside the multiple flexible members 70 in a planar view, and the fixing members 81-83 are smaller than the fixing members 84-87 in a planar view. The fixing members 84-87 are an example of a third fixing member. Note that "outside the multiple flexible members 70" refers to a position that does not overlap with the multiple flexible members 70 in a planar view, and refers to a position between the multiple flexible members. "Small fixing members" includes, for example, a screw head with a small outer diameter and a screw shaft with a small outer diameter. In such a head unit 20, the smaller fixing members 81-83 are arranged between the multiple flexible members 70. According to the head unit 20, the space between the multiple flexible members 70 is effectively utilized, and the risk of ink leakage can be reduced by arranging the fixing members 81-83 to fix the flexible members 70. The fixing members 81-83 are not limited to being smaller than the fixing members 84-87, but may be the same size as the fixing members 84-87 or larger than the fixing members 84-87.

[0098] The liquid jet head 10A has a plurality of flow path connecting portions 161 for connecting to a plurality of common flow paths 50, and the liquid jet head 10B has a plurality of flow path connecting portions 162 for connecting to a plurality of common flow paths 50. The fixing member 81 is disposed between a region 171 that surrounds the plurality of flow path connecting portions 161 and a region 172 that surrounds the plurality of flow path connecting portions 162, as viewed in the Z-axis direction. According to this head unit 20, the fixing member 81 is disposed between the region 171 and the region 172. Furthermore, the fixing member 81 is not disposed outside the regions 171 and 172 in the Y-axis direction. In this way, the fixing member 81 is disposed between the regions 171 and 172 in the X-axis direction and at a position not deviated from the regions 171 and 172 in the Y-axis direction. This allows the fastening force of the fixing member 81 to be reliably applied to the flexible members 70A and 70B. As a result, sealing performance is improved, and the risk of ink leakage is reduced.

[0099] The liquid jet head 10C has a plurality of flow path connecting portions 163 for connecting to a plurality of common flow paths 50, and the fixing member 82 is disposed between a region 172 that surrounds the plurality of flow path connecting portions 162 and a region 173 that surrounds the plurality of flow path connecting portions 163, as viewed in the Z axis direction. According to such a head unit 20, the fixing member 82 is disposed between the region 172 and the region 173. Furthermore, the fixing member 82 is not disposed outside the regions 172 and 173 in the Y axis direction.

[0100] The liquid jet head 10D has a plurality of flow path connecting portions 164 for connecting to a plurality of common flow paths 50, and the fixing member 83 is disposed between a region 173 that surrounds the plurality of flow path connecting portions 163 and a region 174 that surrounds the plurality of flow path connecting portions 164, as viewed in the Z axis direction. According to such a head unit 20, the fixing member 83 is disposed between the region 173 and the region 174. Furthermore, the fixing member 83 is not disposed outside the regions 173 and 174 in the Y axis direction.

[0101] Next, a head unit 20B according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing the head unit 20B according to the second embodiment. The head unit 20B shown in FIG. 11 differs from the head unit 20 according to the first embodiment in the arrangement of the fixing members 80B. Specifically, the fixing members 81B to 83B are arranged at different positions in the Y-axis direction. Note that in the description of the head unit 20B according to the second embodiment, descriptions that are the same as those for the liquid jet head 10 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0102] The head unit 20B includes a plurality of liquid jet heads 10E to 10H, a base member 22B, a plurality of flexible members 70E to 70H, and fixed members 81B to 87B. When the plurality of liquid jet heads 10E to 10H are not distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as liquid jet heads 10. When the plurality of flexible members 70E to 70H are not distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as flexible members 70. When the plurality of fixed members 81B to 87B are not distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as fixed members 80B. The liquid jet head 10E is an example of a first head. The liquid jet head 10F is an example of a second head. The liquid jet head 10G is an example of a third head. The flexible member 70E is an example of a first flexible member. The flexible member 70F is an example of a second flexible member. The flexible member 70G is an example of a third flexible member. The fixing member 81B is an example of a first fixing member, and the fixing member 82B is an example of a second fixing member.

[0103] The base member 22B holds a plurality of liquid jet heads 10 lined up in the X-axis direction. The fixing member 80B fixes the common flow path member 30 (not shown) to the base member 22B. The plurality of flexible members 70 are positioned between the liquid jet heads 10 and the common flow path member 30 in the Z-axis direction.

[0104] The flexible member 70E is disposed at a position overlapping with the liquid jet head 10E when viewed in the Z axis direction. The flexible member 70F is disposed at a position overlapping with the liquid jet head 10F when viewed in the Z axis direction. The flexible member 70G is disposed at a position overlapping with the liquid jet head 10G when viewed in the Z axis direction. The flexible member 70H is disposed at a position overlapping with the liquid jet head 10H when viewed in the Z axis direction.

[0105] The fixing member 81B is disposed at a position overlapping with the gap G4 between the liquid jet head 10E and the liquid jet head 10F. The fixing member 82B is disposed at a position overlapping with the gap G5 between the liquid jet head 10F and the liquid jet head 10G. The fixing member 83B is disposed at a position overlapping with the gap G6 between the liquid jet head 10G and the liquid jet head 10H.

[0106] When viewed in the X-axis direction, fixed members 81B, 82B, and 83B are arranged in positions overlapping with multiple flexible members 70. Fixed member 82B is located further in the Y2 direction than fixed members 81B and 83B. Fixed members 81B and 83B are arranged in positions closer to side wall 25 of base member 22B, and fixed member 82B is arranged in a position closer to side wall 24.

[0107] Fixing member 84B is located at the corner where side wall 24 intersects with side wall 27. Fixing member 85B is located at the corner where side wall 25 intersects with side wall 27. Fixing member 86B is located at the corner where side wall 24 intersects with side wall 26. Fixing member 87B is located at the corner where side wall 25 intersects with side wall 26.

[0108] Fixed members 81B, 82B, and 83B are positioned further in the Y1 direction than fixed members 84B and 86B and further in the Y2 direction than fixed members 85B and 87B. Fixed members 81B, 82B, and 83B are positioned further in the X1 direction than fixed members 84B and 85B and further in the X2 direction than fixed members 86B and 87B.

[0109] In the head unit 20B according to the second embodiment, the liquid jet heads 10E to 10H are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction, and the fixing members 81B, 83B and the fixing member 82B are arranged at different positions in the Y-axis direction. The head unit 20B according to the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the head unit 20 according to the first embodiment. The liquid jet device 1 may be configured to include the head unit 20B instead of the head unit 20. In the head unit 20B, the fixing members 81B, 82B, and 83B are arranged in the area where the flexible members 70E to 70H are arranged, so that deformation of the flexible members 70E to 70H can be suppressed and the risk of ink leakage can be reduced.

[0110] Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit 20C according to embodiment 3. Head unit 20C shown in Fig. 12 differs from head unit 20B according to embodiment 2 in that it does not include fixing members 84B, 85B, 86B, and 87B.

[0111] The head unit 20C according to the third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the head unit 20B according to the second embodiment. The liquid ejecting device 1 may be configured to include the head unit 20C instead of the head unit 20. In the head unit 20C, the number of fixing members 80B is reduced compared to the head unit 20B, while the fastening force of the fixing members 80B can be applied uniformly to the liquid ejecting head 10.

[0112] Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit 20D according to embodiment 4. Head unit 20D shown in Fig. 13 differs from head unit 20B according to embodiment 2 in that fixing members 81D, 82D, and 83D are arranged at the same position in the Y-axis direction, and fixing members 84D, 85D, 86D, and 87D are smaller than fixing members 81D, 82D, and 83D. Fixing member 81D is an example of a first fixing member. Fixing member 82D is an example of a second fixing member. Fixing members 84D to 87D are examples of third fixing members.

[0113] In head unit 20D, the multiple fixing members 80D include fixing members 84D, 85D, 86D, and 87D that are arranged outward from the multiple flexible members 70E to 70H in a plan view, and fixing members 84D, 85D, 86D, and 87D are smaller than fixing members 81D, 82D, and 83D in a plan view. This type of head unit 20D according to embodiment 4 also achieves the same effects as head unit 20B according to embodiment 2. The liquid ejecting device 1 may be configured to include head unit 20D instead of head unit 20. In head unit 20D, fixing members 84D, 85D, 86D, and 87D, which are arranged outside flexible members 70E to 70H, are smaller than fixing members 81D, 82D, and 83D, so the size of frame 23 of base member 22D can be reduced. For example, the length of side walls 24 and 25 can be shortened in the X-axis direction. This allows for a reduction in the size of head unit 20D.

[0114] Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit 20E according to embodiment 5. The head unit 20E shown in Fig. 14 differs from the head unit 20 according to embodiment 1 in that a plurality of flexible members 70 are provided for one liquid jet head 10.

[0115] The head unit 20E includes a plurality of liquid jet heads 10, a plurality of flexible members 70, and a plurality of fixing members 80. The plurality of liquid jet heads 10 include liquid jet heads 10I to 10K. The plurality of flexible members 70 include flexible members 70I to 70K. The liquid jet head 10I is an example of a first head. The liquid jet head 10J is an example of a second head. The liquid jet head 10K is an example of a third head. The flexible member 70I is an example of a first flexible member. The flexible member 70J is an example of a second flexible member. The flexible member 70K is an example of a third flexible member.

[0116] A plurality of flexible members 70I are provided for the liquid jet head 10I. A plurality of flexible members 70J are provided for the liquid jet head 10J. A plurality of flexible members 70K are provided for the liquid jet head 10K.

[0117] The fixed member 81 is located between the liquid jet head 10I and the liquid jet head 10J when viewed in the Z axis direction. The fixed member 81 is located between the flexible members 70 when viewed in the Y axis direction. The fixed member 82 is located between the liquid jet head 10J and the liquid jet head 10K when viewed in the Z axis direction. The fixed member 82 is located between the flexible members 70 when viewed in the Y axis direction. The fixed members 81 and 82 are located within an area where multiple flexible members 70 are arranged.

[0118] In this way, the head unit 20E may be provided with a plurality of flexible members 70 for one liquid jet head 10. In the head unit 20E, four flexible members 70 are provided for one liquid jet head 10.

[0119] 15 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit 20F according to embodiment 6. Head unit 20F includes a plurality of heads 210, a plurality of flexible members 270, and a plurality of fixed members 280. The plurality of heads 210 include heads 210A to 210D. The plurality of flexible members 270 include flexible members 270A to 270D. The plurality of fixed members 280 include a plurality of fixed members 281 to 283.

[0120] Heads 210A to 210D are elongated in the Y-axis direction. Heads 210A to 210D have multiple nozzles N. Heads 210A and 210C are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction and are arranged at the same position in the X-axis direction. Heads 210B and 210D are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction and are arranged at the same position in the X-axis direction. Heads 210B and 210D are positioned in the X1 direction relative to heads 210A and 210C. Heads 210A and 210C are an example of a first head. Heads 210B and 210D are an example of a second head. Flexible members 270A and 270C are an example of a first flexible member. Flexible members 270B and 270D are an example of a second flexible member. Fixed members 281 to 283 are an example of a first fixed member.

[0121] When viewed in the X-axis direction, head 210A is disposed so that its Y2-direction end overlaps with the Y1-direction end of head 210B. When viewed in the X-axis direction, head 210B is disposed so that its Y2-direction end overlaps with the Y1-direction end of head 210C. When viewed in the X-axis direction, head 210C is disposed so that its Y2-direction end overlaps with the Y1-direction end of head 210D.

[0122] Fixed member 281 is located between head 210A and head 210B when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Fixed member 281 is arranged so as to overlap head 210A and head 210B when viewed in the X-axis direction. Fixed member 282 is located between head 210B and head 210C when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Fixed member 282 is arranged so as to overlap head 210B and head 210C when viewed in the X-axis direction. Fixed member 283 is located between head 210C and head 210D when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Fixed member 283 is arranged so as to overlap head 210C and head 210D when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0123] In this way, the head unit 20F may be configured to include a plurality of heads 210 arranged in a staggered pattern. According to the head unit 20F, a plurality of fixing members 280 are arranged between the plurality of heads 210 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. This makes it possible to prevent the flexible member 270 from floating up, maintain sealing properties, and prevent ink leakage.

[0124] FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing a head unit 20G according to the seventh embodiment. The head unit 20G includes a plurality of liquid jet heads 10, a plurality of flexible members 70, and a plurality of fixed members 80G. The plurality of liquid jet heads 10 include liquid jet heads 10L to 10O. The plurality of flexible members 70 include flexible members 70L to 70O. The plurality of fixed members 80G include a plurality of fixed members 81G to 83G. The liquid jet head 10L is an example of a first head. The liquid jet head 10M is an example of a second head. The liquid jet head 10N is an example of a third head. The flexible member 70L is an example of a first flexible member. The flexible member 70M is an example of a second flexible member. The flexible member 70N is an example of a third flexible member. The fixed member 81G is an example of a first fixed member. The fixing member 82G is an example of a second fixing member.

[0125] The liquid jet heads 10L to 10O are trapezoidal when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The nozzle rows NL of the liquid jet heads 10L to 10O extend along the X-axis direction. The liquid jet heads 10L to 10O are aligned in the X-axis direction. The liquid jet heads 10L and 10N are spaced apart in the X-axis direction and are arranged at the same position in the Y-axis direction. The liquid jet heads 10M and 10O are spaced apart in the X-axis direction and are arranged at the same position in the Y-axis direction. The liquid jet heads 10M and 10O are offset in the Y2 direction from the liquid jet heads 10L and 10N.

[0126] The flexible member 70L is disposed so as to overlap the liquid jet head 10L when viewed in the Z axis direction. The flexible member 70M is disposed so as to overlap the liquid jet head 10M when viewed in the Z axis direction. The flexible member 70N is disposed so as to overlap the liquid jet head 10N when viewed in the Z axis direction. The flexible member 70L is disposed so as to overlap the liquid jet head 10L when viewed in the Z axis direction.

[0127] The fixed member 81G is located between the liquid jet head 10L and the liquid jet head 10M, when viewed in the Z axis direction. The fixed member 82G is located between the liquid jet head 10M and the liquid jet head 10N, when viewed in the Z axis direction. The fixed member 83G is located between the liquid jet head 10N and the liquid jet head 10O, when viewed in the Z axis direction. The fixed members 81G to 83G are arranged so as to overlap the multiple flexible members 70L to 70O, when viewed in the X axis direction.

[0128] According to such a head unit 20G, the fixing members 80G are disposed between the plurality of liquid jet heads 10, and therefore it is possible to prevent the flexible members 70 from floating up. This makes it possible to maintain the sealing performance and prevent ink leakage.

[0129] It should be noted that the above-described embodiment merely shows a typical form of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and additions are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0130] [Variation 1] While the head unit 20 according to the first embodiment described above is illustrated as including the common flow path member 30 shown in FIG. 5, the common flow path 50 formed in the common flow path member 30 is not limited to this. For example, the common flow path 50 may be formed linearly along the X-axis direction. The common flow path 50 may not include the detour portions 55A, 55B. For example, the common flow paths 50A, 50B may be spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The fixing member 80 may be disposed in the gap between the common flow paths 50A, 50B spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

[0131] [Variation 2] In the head unit 20 of the above-described embodiment 1, the number of common flow paths 50 arranged in the Y1 direction relative to the fixed member 80 (81, 82, 83) was the same as the number of common flow paths 50 arranged in the Y2 direction relative to the fixed member 80 (81, 82, 83), but these numbers do not have to be the same.

[0132] [Variation 3] In the head unit 20 according to the first embodiment described above, the fixing member 80 is fixed to the base member 22 that holds the liquid jet head 10; however, the fixing member 80 is not limited to this. For example, the fixing member 80 may be fixed directly to the liquid jet head 10. Furthermore, the fixing member 80 may be fixed to another component attached to the liquid jet head 10. The fixing member 80 may be fixed directly to the liquid jet head 10, or may be fixed indirectly to the liquid jet head 10.

[0133] [Variation 4] In the head unit 20 according to the first embodiment, the fixing member 80 is fixed to the connecting portion 28 of the base member 22, but the fixing member 80 may be fixed to another portion of the base member 22. For example, the base member 22 may have a protruding portion that protrudes into the region where the flexible member 70 is arranged, and the fixing member 80 may be fixed to the protruding portion.

[0134] [Variation 5] In the head unit 20 of the first embodiment, a case has been described in which a plurality of fixing members 80 are arranged corresponding to all of the gaps between the plurality of flexible members 70, but the fixing members 80 do not have to be arranged in all of the gaps between the flexible members 70. For example, a fixing member 80 may be provided corresponding to at least one of the plurality of gaps. Furthermore, a plurality of fixing members 80 may be arranged in the gaps between the plurality of flexible members 70.

[0135] [Variation 6] In the head unit 20 of the first embodiment, a case has been described in which a plurality of fixing members 80 are arranged corresponding to all of the gaps G1 to G3 between the plurality of liquid jet heads 10, but fixing members 80 do not have to be arranged in all of the gaps G1 to G3. For example, a configuration may be possible in which fixing members 80 are arranged in the gaps G1 and G3, and no fixing member 80 is arranged in the gap G2. Furthermore, a plurality of fixing members 80 may be arranged in the gaps G1 to G3. For example, two fixing members 80 may be arranged in the gap G1.

[0136] [Variation 7] In the head unit 20 of the first embodiment, the fixing member 80 is disposed at a position overlapping the gap G1 between the plurality of liquid jet heads 10 when viewed in the Z axis direction, but the fixing member 80 is not limited to this. The fixing member 80 may also be disposed at a position overlapping the liquid jet head 10, rather than at a position overlapping the gap G1.

[0137] [Variation 8] In the head unit 20 of the first embodiment, the fixing member 80 is described as being provided so as to penetrate the common flow path member 30, but the fixing member 80 may penetrate any one of the plurality of common flow path substrates 31, 32. The fixing member 80 may also fix other members in addition to the common flow path member 30. For example, the fixing member 80 may penetrate the relay substrate 41 that is stacked on the common flow path member 30. The fixing member 80 may fix the relay substrate 41 and the common flow path member 30 to the base member 22, and may also press the common flow path member 30 against the liquid jet head 10 to fix the flexible member 70.

[0138] [Variation 9] In the head unit 20 of the first embodiment, the case where the support portion 29 is provided on the base member 22 and the flexible member 70 is disposed on the support portion 29 has been exemplified, but the base member 22 may not be provided with the support portion 29. For example, the flexible member 70 may be disposed on the liquid jet head 10.

[0139] [Variation 10] In the first embodiment, the common flow path member 30 is provided with a total of eight flow path pipes 35, including four flow path pipes 35 connected to four supply flow paths 7 and four flow path pipes 35 connected to four discharge flow paths 8. However, the number of flow path pipes 35 may be seven or less, or nine or more. That is, the number of common flow paths 50 may be seven or less, or nine or more. Furthermore, instead of the flow path pipes 35, flow path holes into which the supply flow paths 7 and discharge flow paths 8, which are flow path members external to the head unit 20, are inserted, may be provided in the common flow path member 30. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which all of the flow path pipes 35 provided in the common flow path member 30 are connected to the supply flow paths 7. That is, a configuration in which ink does not circulate within the head unit 20 is not required.

[0140] Although the head unit 20 according to the above embodiment is exemplified as including a plurality of liquid jet heads 10, it is sufficient that the head unit 20 includes at least two liquid jet heads 10. The head unit 20 may include, for example, five or more liquid jet heads 10.

[0141] In the above-described embodiment, a line-type liquid ejection device 1 equipped with a line head 6 is exemplified, but the present invention may also be applied to a serial-type liquid ejection device in which a carriage carrying a liquid ejection head 10 is moved back and forth in the width direction of the medium PA.

[0142] The liquid ejection device 1 illustrated in the above-described embodiment can be employed in various devices such as facsimile machines and copiers, as well as devices dedicated to printing. However, the use of the liquid ejection device of the present invention is not limited to printing. For example, a liquid ejection device that ejects a solution of a color material is used as a manufacturing device for forming color filters for display devices such as liquid crystal display panels. Furthermore, a liquid ejection device that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing device for forming wiring and electrodes on a wiring board. Furthermore, a liquid ejection device that ejects a solution of an organic substance related to a living organism is used as a manufacturing device for manufacturing biochips, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1...liquid ejection device, 10, 10A to 10O...liquid ejection head, 20, 20B to 20G...head unit, 22...base member, 23...frame portion, 24...side wall, 25...side wall, 28, 28A to 28C...connecting portion, 29, 29A to 29D...support portion, 30...common flow path member, 31, 32...common flow path substrate, 50, 50A, 50B...common flow path, 55A, 55B...detouring portion, 60, 60A to 60D...flow path, 70, 70A to 70O...flexible member , 80, 81 to 88...fixing members, 80B, 81B to 87B...fixing members, 80D, 81D to 87D...fixing members, 91 to 93...fixing holes, 160, 161 to 164...flow path connection portion, 170, 171 to 174...area, 210, 210A to 210D...head, 270, 270A to 270D...flexible member, 280, 281 to 283...fixing members, X...X-axis direction (first direction), Y...Y-axis direction (second direction), Z...Z-axis direction (stacking direction).

Claims

1. a plurality of heads including a first head having a first flow path and a second head adjacent to the first head and having a second flow path; a common flow path member that is stacked on the plurality of heads and has a plurality of common flow paths including a first common flow path that communicates with the first and second flow paths; a plurality of flexible members including a first flexible member disposed between the first head and the common flow path member and a second flexible member disposed between the second head and the common flow path member; a plurality of fixing members that fix the common flow path member, the first and second heads, and the first and second flexible members; Equipped with the first flexible member is compressed in a stacking direction of the plurality of heads and the common flow path member to liquid-tightly communicate between the first flow path and the first common flow path; the second flexible member is compressed in the stacking direction to provide liquid-tight communication between the second flow path and the first common flow path; the plurality of fixing members include a first fixing member disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member in a plan view seen in the stacking direction; A head unit characterized by:

2. the plurality of heads includes a third head adjacent to the second head and having a third flow path, the plurality of flexible members include a third flexible member that is disposed between the third head and the common flow path member and that is compressed in the stacking direction to liquid-tightly communicate between the third flow path and the first common flow path, the plurality of fixing members includes a second fixing member disposed between the second flexible member and the third flexible member in the plan view; The head unit according to claim 1 .

3. The first to third heads are arranged side by side along a first direction, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are disposed at different positions in a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the stacking direction; The head unit according to claim 2 .

4. the first fixing member overlaps a gap between the first head and the second head in the plan view; The head unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first and second heads are arranged side by side along a first direction, the first common flow path extends along the first direction, the common flow path member has a fixing hole into which the first fixing member is inserted, the first common flow path has a first detour portion that is bent so as to detour around the fixing hole between the first flexible member and the second flexible member in the plan view; The head unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the plurality of common flow paths include a second common flow path that is different from the first common flow path and extends along the first direction; the second common flow path has a second detour portion that is bent so as to detour around the fixing hole between the first flexible member and the second flexible member in the plan view, The fixing hole is sandwiched between the first detour portion and the second detour portion in the plan view. The head unit according to claim 5 .

7. the plurality of common flow paths are adjacent to each other in a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the stacking direction, The head unit according to claim 6 , wherein a dimension along the first direction of an area in which the first fixing member is arranged and which is surrounded by the plurality of adjacent common flow channels is larger than a dimension along the second direction.

8. a base member for holding the first and second heads; In the plan view, an outer shape of the first flexible member is smaller than an outer shape of the first head, and an outer shape of the second flexible member is smaller than an outer shape of the second head, the base member has a frame portion including a first side wall and a second side wall spaced apart from each other, and a connecting portion extending between the first flexible member and the second flexible member so as to connect the first side wall and the second side wall; the first fixing member directly fixes the connecting portion and the common flow path member; The head unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The base member further includes a first support portion on which the first flexible member is placed, and a second support portion on which the second flexible member is placed. The head unit according to claim 8.

10. The fixing member includes a screw. The head unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. a line head configured by arranging the plurality of heads side by side along a first direction, The head unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the plurality of fixing members includes a third fixing member disposed outside the plurality of flexible members in the plan view, In the plan view, the first fixing member is smaller than the third fixing member. The head unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the plurality of fixing members includes a third fixing member disposed outside the plurality of flexible members in the plan view, In the plan view, the third fixing member is smaller than the first fixing member. The head unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. the first head has a plurality of first flow path connecting portions for connecting to the plurality of common flow paths, the second head has a plurality of second flow path connecting portions for connecting to the plurality of common flow paths, The first fixing member is disposed between a first region surrounding the plurality of first flow path connecting portions and a second region surrounding the plurality of second flow path connecting portions, as viewed in the stacking direction. The head unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A head unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14; a flow path member external to the head unit.

Images