Liquid ejection head and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge head which achieves both of reduction of manufacturing cost and securing of reliability.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge head 1 includes: a recording element substrate 2 which discharges liquid; a rectangular parallelepiped liquid tank 10 which supports the recording element substrate 2 and stores liquid discharged from the recording element substrate 2; and an absorber 3 which is stored in a compressed state in the liquid tank 10 and absorbs and holds liquid. A plurality of projections 15a are formed on a bottom surface 13 of the liquid tank 10. The plurality of projections 15a are arranged to surround or sandwich an injection position X of liquid into the absorber 3 by an injection needle 5 in plan view viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection head and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Some liquid ejection heads, which eject liquids such as ink to record images, are equipped with a liquid tank containing an absorbent that absorbs and retains the liquid. To reduce manufacturing costs, these liquid ejection heads are also required to shorten the takt time required to fill the liquid tank. To achieve this, increasing the liquid filling speed is considered. However, if the liquid is injected at a rate that exceeds the absorbent's capacity, the liquid that is not absorbed by the absorbent may creep up the sides of the liquid tank due to capillary forces between the liquid tank and the absorbent, potentially spilling out of the liquid tank. Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which multiple protrusions are formed on the entire bottom surface of a waste liquid tank to create a certain gap between the absorbent and the tank. This technology is expected to temporarily store the liquid that is not absorbed by the absorbent during high-speed filling in the gap. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-127454 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, simply applying the technology described in Patent Document 1 to high-speed filling of liquid may not be able to deal with the phenomenon of liquid filling at high speed creeping up the sides of the liquid tank, or the temporarily stored liquid may not be able to be absorbed by the absorber later. Furthermore, if there is liquid that cannot be absorbed by the absorber, the liquid may not be usable, or the negative pressure inside the liquid tank may not be maintained properly, which may result in discharge problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a liquid ejection head that achieves both reduced manufacturing costs and ensured reliability, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the liquid ejection head of the present invention includes a recording element substrate that ejects liquid, a rectangular parallelepiped liquid tank that supports the recording element substrate and contains the liquid ejected from the recording element substrate, and an absorber that is contained in a compressed state inside the liquid tank and absorbs and retains the liquid. In one aspect, a plurality of protrusions are formed on the bottom surface of the liquid tank, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged so as to surround or sandwich the position where the liquid is injected into the absorber by the injection needle in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface. In another aspect, a puncture mark formed by the insertion of the injection needle for injecting liquid into the liquid tank is formed on the surface of the absorber opposite to the surface facing the bottom surface of the liquid tank, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged so as to surround or sandwich the puncture mark in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface. In addition, the method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head of the present invention includes the steps of preparing a rectangular parallelepiped liquid tank that supports a recording element substrate that ejects liquid and stores the liquid ejected from the recording element substrate, storing an absorber in a compressed state inside the liquid tank to absorb and retain the liquid, and inserting an injection needle into the absorber and injecting the liquid into the liquid tank through the injection needle, wherein the step of preparing the liquid tank includes forming a plurality of protrusions on the bottom surface of the liquid tank at positions that surround or sandwich the position where the injection needle will be inserted into the absorber in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs while ensuring reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection head according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a cross-sectional view and a plan view of a liquid ejection head according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a modified example of a group of protrusions according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are perspective and plan views showing modified examples of the protrusion according to the embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejection head according to an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid ejection head 1 ejects ink as a liquid to record an image on a recording medium, and includes a recording element substrate 2 that ejects the liquid, and a liquid tank 10 that supports the recording element substrate 2 and contains the liquid to be ejected. The liquid tank 10 includes a rectangular parallelepiped tank body 11 that is open at the top, and a lid member 12 that is welded to the tank body 11 so as to close the opening of the tank body 11. The liquid tank 10 thus formed contains an absorber 3 that absorbs and retains the liquid, as will be described later.

[0010] Fig. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of the liquid head of this embodiment, showing how liquid is poured into the liquid tank. Fig. 2(b) is a plan view of the liquid head of this embodiment, showing the inside of the liquid tank as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface. Note that for simplicity, the lid member and absorber are not shown in Fig. 2(b). The liquid ejection head 1 has an absorber 3 and a filter 4 provided inside the liquid tank 10. The absorber 3 is made of, for example, a fiber aggregate such as polypropylene (PP) fiber, polyethylene (PE) fiber, or PP / PE fiber, or urethane foam. The absorber 3 is compressed and accommodated inside the liquid tank 10 by being pressed by a pressure rib (not shown) formed on the inner surface of the lid member 12, and has the function of retaining the liquid filled in the liquid tank 10 and generating negative pressure. The filter 4 is provided at the opening of a flow path 14 that opens to a bottom surface 13 of the liquid tank 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the "tank bottom surface"), and has the function of capturing foreign matter such as dust contained in the liquid supplied from the liquid tank 10 to the recording element substrate 2 through the flow path 14. In addition, a protrusion group 15 consisting of a plurality of protrusions 15a is formed on the tank bottom surface 13. As will be described in detail later, the protrusion group 15 is provided at each injection position X of the liquid into the absorber 3 by the injection needle 5. The detailed configuration and effect of the protrusion group 15 will be described later.

[0011] Liquid is injected into the liquid tank 10 as follows. That is, after the absorber 3 is housed in a compressed state in the tank body 11, multiple injection needles 5 are inserted into the absorber 3. Then, liquid F is injected into the tank body 11 through the injection needles 5, and the liquid F is absorbed and retained by the absorber 3. After a predetermined amount of liquid F has been injected, the injection needles 5 are pulled out from the absorber 3 to end the injection of liquid L, and the lid member 12 is welded to the opening of the tank body 11. In this way, the liquid ejection head 1 is completed, which is integrally provided with the liquid tank 10 filled with liquid F.

[0012] In the above-described liquid injection process, if the absorbent body 3 is tightly packed inside the tank body 11, and liquid is injected at a rate exceeding the absorbency of the absorbent body 3, problems may occur due to the liquid exceeding the absorbency and not being absorbed by the absorbent body 3. That is, the liquid not absorbed by the absorbent body 3 may move due to capillary force between the liquid tank 10 and the absorbent body 3, creep up the side of the liquid tank 10, and overflow from the liquid tank 10. To address this problem, as described in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to form multiple protrusions on the entire tank bottom surface 13 to create a certain gap between the absorbent body 3 and the tank bottom surface 13, thereby temporarily storing the liquid not absorbed by the absorbent body 3. However, depending on the arrangement of the protrusions, the expected effect may not be achieved.

[0013] Therefore, in this embodiment, a protrusion group 15 consisting of multiple protrusions 15a is formed in a specific region of the tank bottom surface 13. That is, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the protrusion group 15 is arranged so as to surround or sandwich each injection position X into the absorbent body 3 by the injection needle 5 in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the tank bottom surface 13. Such protrusion groups 15 form gaps G between the tank bottom surface 13 and the absorbent body 3, which function as buffer spaces for temporarily storing liquid that is not completely absorbed by the absorbent body 3 during high-speed liquid filling. The "gap" here refers not only to the gap formed between the absorbent body 3 deformed by being pushed up by the protrusions 15a and the tank bottom surface 13, but also to the gap formed between the deformed absorbent body 3 and the base of the protrusions 15a. The injection position X into the absorbent body 3 by the injection needle 5 can be confirmed by the puncture marks formed by the injection needle 5 on the upper surface of the absorbent body 3 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the tank bottom surface 13).

[0014] Thus, in this embodiment, by regulating the arrangement of the protrusion group 15, a controlled gap G is formed between the tank bottom surface 13 and the absorbent body 3. This allows liquid that is not completely absorbed by the absorbent body 3 to temporarily accumulate in the gap G, gradually diffuse into the absorbent body 3, and be absorbed by the absorbent body 3 during subsequent processes, such as a recovery process and an inspection process, after the liquid is injected. That is, providing a controlled gap G provides a buffer effect sufficient to prevent liquid from overflowing from the liquid tank 10 while preventing the liquid from remaining as free ink in the liquid tank 10 until subsequent processes after the liquid is injected. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the liquid's usability and the occurrence of liquid ejection defects, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring reliability. Note that the gap G may be a space that substantially generates capillary force, as long as it achieves the above-described effects. That is, it may be a space that achieves the above-described effects by adjusting the capillary force.

[0015] The specific arrangement of the protrusions 15a is not particularly limited as long as they are arranged to surround or sandwich the liquid injection position X in a plan view. For example, the arrangement can be appropriately set depending on the material and compression state of the absorbent body 3, the viscosity and surface tension of the liquid used, and the like. However, as shown in the figure, when the tank bottom 13 is rectangular, the distance from the liquid injection position X to the side of the liquid tank 10 in the short side direction is short, increasing the possibility that the liquid will reach the side of the liquid tank 10. Therefore, the liquid injection position X is preferably located at the center of the absorbent body 3 in the short side direction of the tank bottom 13 so as to be as far away from the side of the liquid tank 10 as possible. In contrast, the protrusions 15a are preferably not arranged on a straight line S that passes through the injection position X and is parallel to the short side direction of the tank bottom 13. More preferably, the protrusions 15a are not arranged within a range of ±5° from the straight line S centered on the injection position X (within the shaded area in FIG. 2 ). This makes it possible to prevent the liquid remaining in the gap G from approaching the side surface of the liquid tank 10, and effectively prevent the liquid from overflowing from the liquid tank 10.

[0016] However, even if the protrusion 15a is positioned outside the range of ±5° from the line S passing through the pouring position X, if the protrusion 15a is positioned too close to the side surface of the liquid tank 10, an uncontrollable gap G will be formed near the side surface of the liquid tank 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2(b), when the distance from the protrusion 15a closest to the side surface of the liquid tank 10 to the side surface is L and the width (length in the short direction) of the tank bottom surface 13 is W, the relationship L≧W / 9 is preferably satisfied, and more preferably L=W / 8 is satisfied. This enables stable control of the gap G, and stable liquid filling is possible without problems such as liquid overflow, even when the liquid is poured at high speed. If the tank bottom surface 13 is square, the protrusions 15a may be arranged radially from the liquid injection position X as the center, but this is not limited to the above if the liquid injection position X is sufficiently far from the bottom surface of the liquid tank 10 in a plan view.

[0017] Furthermore, in the liquid injection step, if the injection needle 5 is inserted to a position close to the tank bottom surface 13 to inject the liquid, the timing at which the liquid reaches the gap G will be earlier than if the liquid is injected from a position farther from the tank bottom surface 13. In this case, the gap G may become filled with liquid before the absorption capacity of the absorbent body 3 is restored, which may result in an ineffective buffer effect and increased likelihood of liquid overflow. Therefore, it is preferable not to insert the injection needle 5 to a position too close to the tank bottom surface 13. For the same reason, it is preferable that the protrusion 15a is not formed directly below the liquid injection position X, that is, it is preferable that the protrusion 15a is not positioned in a position that overlaps the liquid injection position X in a plan view.

[0018] The shape of the protrusion 15a is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a shape that does not increase the insertion resistance when inserting the absorber 3 into the tank body 11. In other words, the protrusion 15a is preferably a shape in which the cross-sectional area increases from the tip to the base, and is preferably a pyramidal shape such as a cone or pyramid. The dimensions of the protrusions 15a are not particularly limited, but are preferably formed so that the contact surface with the absorber 3 is wide so that the absorber 3 can quickly absorb the liquid remaining in the gap G when the absorbency of the absorber 3 is restored. For example, if the protrusions 15a are conical, the dimensions of their bottom surfaces are approximately 0.2 to 1.0 mm. The height of the protrusions 15a relative to the tank bottom surface 13 is preferably lower than the step 13a between the filter 4, which is located higher than the tank bottom surface 13, and is, for example, approximately 0.1 to 1.2 mm. This is because, when the absorber 3 is inserted into the tank body 11, the pressure contact with the filter 4 may be insufficient, or if the protrusions 15a are too high and the gap G becomes larger than necessary, a large amount of free ink may remain unabsorbed by the absorber 3 until subsequent processes.

[0019] If the size of the tank bottom surface 13 is small and it is not possible to provide a sufficient number of protrusions 15a, a lyophilic treatment may be applied to the surface of at least one of the multiple protrusions 15a in order to increase the amount of liquid that can be stored per protrusion 15a. For example, a film of a lyophilic substance that does not affect the physical properties of the liquid may be formed on the surface of the protrusions 15a, or the wettability of the surface of the protrusions 15a may be increased by ultraviolet (UV) treatment. In this case, if the wettability of the tank bottom surface 13 is also increased, liquid will easily move from the surface of the protrusions 15a down the tank bottom surface 13. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the wettability of only the surface of the protrusions 15a, or to increase the wettability of the surface of the protrusions 15a relatively to that of the tank bottom surface 13. The protrusion group 15 may be provided during the molding of the tank body 11, or may be provided after molding by attaching a liquid-resistant member by adhesive or the like.

[0020] Figures 3(a) to 3(d) are plan views showing several modified examples of the protrusion group of this embodiment, and Figure 4 is a perspective view and plan view showing modified examples of the protrusions of this embodiment. As described above, there are no particular limitations on the arrangement of the protrusions 15a as long as the distance from the protrusion 15a closest to the side surface of the liquid tank 10 to the side surface is a predetermined distance or more. In the configuration shown in Fig. 2, the protrusions 15a are formed symmetrically with respect to the center line C along the longitudinal direction of the tank bottom surface 13, but they may also be asymmetric with respect to the center line C, as shown in Fig. 3(a). 3(b) and 3(c), in addition to the plurality of protrusions 15a, a small protrusion group 16 consisting of a plurality of small protrusions (other protrusions) 16a smaller in size may be provided. In this case, the small protrusion group 16 is preferably formed on the opposite side of the filter 4 across the protrusion group 15, as shown in FIG. 3(b), in order to regulate the flow of liquid to positions away from the filter 4. This prevents excessive liquid from filling positions of the absorbent body 3 far from the filter 4, thereby preventing a decrease in the ease of disposable liquid. Alternatively, from a similar perspective, the small protrusion group 16 may be formed around the filter 4, as shown in FIG. 3(c), in order to allow more liquid to fill around the filter 4. The shape and dimensions of the small protrusions 16a are not particularly limited. For example, the small protrusions 16a shown in FIG. 3(b) are cylindrical with a diameter of approximately 0.5 mm.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to form the gap G between the tank bottom surface 13 and the absorbent body 3 with high precision, protrusions 15a having a plurality of irregularities on the surface may be formed as shown in Fig. 3(d), or protrusions 15a having return portions 15b may be formed as shown in Fig. 4. This improves the engagement between the absorbent body 3 and protrusions 15a, and when the absorbent body 3 is inserted into the tank body 11 using a jig and then the jig is pulled out, it is possible to prevent a portion of the absorbent body 3 from moving in that direction, thereby preventing the gap G from deviating from the desired dimension. The type of irregularities is not particularly limited as long as the surface is rough enough to form the gap G and not cause the absorbent body 3 to shift position, and for example, irregularities such as dimples or grooves can be used.

[0022] Next, the effects of the present invention will be described with reference to specific examples.

[0023] Example 1 In this example, a liquid ejection head 1 shown in FIG. 3(a) was fabricated. A liquid tank 10 was prepared with a tank bottom 13 width (length in the short side direction) W of 18 mm. Cone-shaped protrusions 15a with a bottom diameter of 2 mm and a height of 1.0 mm were formed during tank molding. The protrusion group 15 was arranged such that the spacing between three protrusions 15a aligned in a line was 4 mm, and the distance L from the protrusion 15a closest to the side of the liquid tank 10 to the side was 2 mm, thus satisfying the relationship L = W / 9. Although not described further, the protrusion group 15 also satisfied this relationship in Examples 2 to 5. A pressurized injection method was used to inject liquid. An injection needle 5 was inserted vertically into the absorber 3 to a height of 15 mm from the tank bottom 13, and 12 g of liquid was injected in 1.0 second. When image recording was performed using the liquid ejection head 1 thus fabricated, 90% or more of the liquid was used up. In addition, no overflow of the liquid from the tank body 11 was observed when the liquid was poured.

[0024] Example 2 In this example, the liquid ejection head 1 shown in Fig. 3(b) was fabricated. The liquid tank 10 was the same as that in Example 1, except that the arrangement of the protrusions 15a was different and that small protrusions 16a were cylindrical, with a bottom diameter of 0.5 mm and a height of 0.1 mm, added to the opposite side of the filter 4, across the multiple protrusions 15a. The liquid was also injected using the same procedure as in Example 1. When image recording was performed using the liquid ejection head 1 thus fabricated, 90% or more of the liquid was used up. In addition, no overflow of the liquid from the tank body 11 was observed when the liquid was poured.

[0025] Example 3 In this example, the liquid ejection head 1 shown in Fig. 3(d) was fabricated. The liquid tank 10 was the same as that in Example 1, except that the arrangement of the protrusions 15a was different and that the protrusions 15a had multiple projections and depressions on their surfaces. The liquid was also injected using the same procedure as in Example 1. When image recording was performed using the liquid ejection head 1 thus fabricated, more than 90% of the liquid was used up, and no overflow of the liquid from the tank body 11 was observed when the liquid was poured.

[0026] Example 4 In this example, the liquid ejection head 1 shown in Fig. 3(c) was fabricated. The liquid tank 10 was the same as that in Example 1, except that the arrangement of the protrusions 15a was different and that small protrusions 16a were conical, with a base diameter of 0.08 mm and a height of 0.08 mm, added around the filter 4. The liquid was also injected using the same procedure as in Example 1. When image recording was performed using the liquid ejection head 1 thus fabricated, more than 90% of the liquid was used up, and no overflow of the liquid from the tank body 11 was observed when the liquid was poured.

[0027] Example 5 In this embodiment, the surface of the protrusion 15a is irradiated with UV light (60 mW / cm 2 A liquid ejection head 1 similar to that of Example 3 was fabricated, except that the ink jetting was performed in a time period of 100 s. / 3.0 sec. When image recording was performed using the liquid ejection head 1 thus fabricated, more than 90% of the liquid was used up, and no overflow of the liquid from the tank body 11 was observed when the liquid was poured.

[0028] (Comparative Example) In this comparative example, a liquid ejection head 1 similar to that of Example 1 was produced, except that the projection group 16 was not formed. When an image was recorded using the liquid ejection head 1 thus fabricated, only 80 to 90% of the liquid was used up, and a large amount of liquid overflowed from the tank body 11 when the liquid was poured.

[0029] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) A liquid ejection head having a recording element substrate that ejects liquid, a rectangular parallelepiped liquid tank that supports the recording element substrate and contains the liquid ejected from the recording element substrate, and an absorber that is contained in a compressed state inside the liquid tank and absorbs and holds the liquid, A liquid ejection head characterized in that a plurality of protrusions are formed on the bottom surface of the liquid tank, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged so as to surround or sandwich the position where liquid is injected into the absorber by an injection needle in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface. (Configuration 2) The bottom surface of the liquid tank is rectangular, 2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein, in the plan view, the injection position is disposed at the center of the absorber in the short-side direction of the bottom surface. (Configuration 3) 3. The liquid ejection head according to configuration 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions are not arranged on a straight line that passes through the injection position and is parallel to the short side direction of the bottom surface. (Configuration 4) 4. The liquid ejection head according to configuration 3, wherein, in the plan view, the plurality of protrusions are not arranged within a range of ±5° from the straight line centered on the injection position. (Configuration 5) A liquid ejection head according to configuration 4, wherein, in the planar view, when the distance from the protrusion closest to the side of the liquid tank among the plurality of protrusions to the side is L and the length of the short side of the bottom surface is W, the relationship L≧W / 9 is satisfied. (Configuration 6) 6. The liquid ejection head according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, wherein, in the plan view, the plurality of protrusions are formed symmetrically with respect to a center line along the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface. (Configuration 7) The bottom surface of the liquid tank is square, 2. The liquid ejection head according to configuration 1, wherein, in the plan view, the plurality of protrusions are arranged radially from the injection position as a center. (Configuration 8) 8. The liquid ejection head according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein, in the plan view, the plurality of protrusions are not arranged at positions that overlap the injection position. (Configuration 9) 9. The liquid ejection head according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein a plurality of other protrusions smaller in size than the plurality of protrusions are formed on the bottom surface of the liquid tank. (Configuration 10) a filter provided on the bottom surface of the liquid tank for capturing foreign matter contained in the liquid supplied from the liquid tank to the recording element substrate; 10. The liquid ejection head according to configuration 9, wherein the other protrusions are formed on the opposite side of the filter with the protrusions interposed therebetween. (Configuration 11) a filter provided on the bottom surface of the liquid tank for capturing foreign matter contained in the liquid supplied from the liquid tank to the recording element substrate; 10. The liquid ejection head according to configuration 9, wherein the plurality of other protrusions are formed around the filter. (Configuration 12) 12. The liquid ejection head according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein each of the protrusions is formed in a cone shape. (Configuration 13) 13. The liquid ejection head according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein each of the protrusions has a plurality of projections and recesses on its surface. (Configuration 14) 14. The liquid ejection head according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of protrusions includes at least one protrusion that has been subjected to a lyophilic treatment. (Configuration 15) 15. The liquid ejection head according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein a plurality of the injection positions are set in the absorber, and the plurality of protrusions are formed for each of the injection positions. (Configuration 16) A liquid ejection head having a recording element substrate that ejects liquid, a rectangular parallelepiped liquid tank that supports the recording element substrate and contains the liquid ejected from the recording element substrate, and an absorber that is contained in a compressed state inside the liquid tank and absorbs and holds the liquid, a puncture mark by an injection needle for injecting liquid into the liquid tank is formed on a surface of the absorber opposite to a surface facing the bottom surface of the liquid tank; A liquid ejection head characterized in that a plurality of protrusions are formed on the bottom surface of the liquid tank, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged to surround or sandwich the puncture mark when viewed in a planar view perpendicular to the bottom surface. (Configuration 17) a step of preparing a rectangular parallelepiped liquid tank that supports a recording element substrate that ejects liquid and that contains the liquid to be ejected from the recording element substrate; a step of accommodating an absorbent body in a compressed state inside the liquid tank for absorbing and retaining liquid; and inserting an injection needle into the absorbent body and injecting liquid into the liquid tank through the injection needle, A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head, characterized in that the step of preparing the liquid tank includes forming a plurality of protrusions on the bottom surface of the liquid tank at positions that, in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface, surround or sandwich the position where the injection needle will be inserted into the absorber. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 1 Liquid ejection head 3. Absorbent 10 Liquid Tank 15a protrusion

Claims

1. A liquid ejection head having a recording element substrate that ejects liquid, a rectangular parallelepiped liquid tank that supports the recording element substrate and contains the liquid ejected from the recording element substrate, and an absorber that is contained in a compressed state inside the liquid tank and absorbs and holds the liquid, A liquid ejection head characterized in that a plurality of protrusions are formed on the bottom surface of the liquid tank, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged so as to surround or sandwich the position where liquid is injected into the absorber by an injection needle in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface.

2. The bottom surface of the liquid tank is rectangular, The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein, in the plan view, the injection position is disposed at the center of the absorber in the short-side direction of the bottom surface.

3. The liquid ejection head according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are not arranged on a straight line that passes through the injection position and is parallel to a lateral direction of the bottom surface.

4. The liquid ejection head according to claim 3 , wherein, in the plan view, the plurality of protrusions are not arranged within a range of ±5° from the straight line centered on the injection position.

5. 5. The liquid ejection head according to claim 4, wherein, in the planar view, when the distance from the protrusion closest to the side of the liquid tank among the plurality of protrusions to the side is L and the length of the short side of the bottom surface is W, the relationship L≧W / 9 is satisfied.

6. The liquid ejection head according to claim 2 , wherein, in the plan view, the plurality of protrusions are formed symmetrically with respect to a center line along the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface.

7. The bottom surface of the liquid tank is square, The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein, in the plan view, the plurality of protrusions are arranged radially around the injection position.

8. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are not arranged at positions overlapping the injection position in the plan view.

9. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of other protrusions smaller in size than the plurality of protrusions are formed on the bottom surface of the liquid tank.

10. a filter provided on the bottom surface of the liquid tank for capturing foreign matter contained in the liquid supplied from the liquid tank to the recording element substrate; The liquid ejection head according to claim 9 , wherein the plurality of other protrusions are formed on the opposite side of the plurality of protrusions from the filter.

11. a filter provided on the bottom surface of the liquid tank for capturing foreign matter contained in the liquid supplied from the liquid tank to the recording element substrate; The liquid ejection head according to claim 9 , wherein the plurality of other protrusions are formed around the periphery of the filter.

12. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein each of the protrusions is formed in a cone shape.

13. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein each of the protrusions has a plurality of projections and recesses on its surface.

14. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions includes at least one protrusion that has been subjected to a lyophilic treatment.

15. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of injection positions are set in the absorber, and the plurality of protrusions are formed for each of the injection positions.

16. A liquid ejection head having a recording element substrate that ejects liquid, a rectangular parallelepiped liquid tank that supports the recording element substrate and contains the liquid ejected from the recording element substrate, and an absorber that is contained in a compressed state inside the liquid tank and absorbs and holds the liquid, a puncture mark formed by inserting an injection needle for injecting liquid into the liquid tank is formed on a surface of the absorber opposite to a surface facing the bottom surface of the liquid tank; A liquid ejection head characterized in that a plurality of protrusions are formed on the bottom surface of the liquid tank, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged to surround or sandwich the puncture mark when viewed in a planar view perpendicular to the bottom surface.

17. a step of preparing a rectangular parallelepiped liquid tank that supports a recording element substrate that ejects liquid and that contains the liquid to be ejected from the recording element substrate; a step of accommodating an absorbent body in a compressed state inside the liquid tank for absorbing and retaining liquid; and inserting an injection needle into the absorbent body and injecting liquid into the liquid tank through the injection needle, A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head, characterized in that the step of preparing the liquid tank includes forming a plurality of protrusions on the bottom surface of the liquid tank at positions that, in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface, surround or sandwich the position where the injection needle will be inserted into the absorber.

Images