Liquid discharge head and liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge head which can reduce a load applied to an actuator and can secure a sufficient life.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge head includes a nozzle member having nozzles, a valve body for opening / closing the nozzles, an actuator, an elastic member which holds the actuator, is elastically deformed by driving the actuator and transmits driving force of the actuator to the valve body, and an attenuation member provided between the elastic member and the actuator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection head and a liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a droplet ejection head configured to pressurize and supply ejection liquid to a cavity communicating with a nozzle, to be able to close the nozzle with a pin, to be able to move the pin away from and towards the nozzle with an actuator, and to control the actuator with a control device, so that the pressurized ejection liquid is ejected as droplets from the nozzle only while the pin is separated from the nozzle.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection head capable of reducing the load applied to an actuator and ensuring a sufficient service life.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The liquid ejection head of the present invention includes a nozzle member having a nozzle, a valve body for opening and closing the nozzle, an actuator, an elastic member that holds the actuator and elastically deforms by driving of the actuator to transmit the driving force of the actuator to the valve body, and a damping member provided between the elastic member and the actuator. 、 The elastic member includes a space for holding the actuator, the damping member is provided in the space, and the damping member has a shape that fits into the space.

Effects of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid ejection head capable of reducing the load applied to an actuator and ensuring a sufficient service life.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] An overall perspective view showing an example of a liquid dispensing head according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Overall cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 3] Diagram illustrating the liquid dispensing module alone. [Figure 4] A schematic enlarged view of the tip of a needle valve. [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating another embodiment of the damping member. [Figure 6] A schematic enlarged view showing a modified section of the tip of a needle valve. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment of the liquid dispensing head according to the present invention. [Figure 8] An overall perspective view showing an example of a liquid dispensing device according to the present invention. [Figure 9] An overall perspective view of the carriage. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view showing an example of a liquid dispensing head according to the present invention.

[0009] The liquid dispensing head 300 mainly comprises a housing 310, a connector 350, a supply port 311, and a recovery port 313. The housing 310 is made of a metal or resin material. The connector 350 is a terminal for transmitting electrical signals, and in this embodiment, the connector 350 is provided on the upper part of the housing 310.

[0010] The supply port 311 and the recovery port 313 are located on the left and right sides of the housing 310. The supply port 311 supplies liquid into the head, while the recovery port 313 discharges the liquid from the head.

[0011] Figure 2 is an overall cross-sectional view of the liquid discharge head according to the present invention (cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1).

[0012] The housing 310 has a connector 350 at its top for transmitting electrical signals and a nozzle plate 301 at its bottom that has a nozzle 302 for discharging liquid.

[0013] Furthermore, the housing 310 is equipped with a flow path 312 that sends liquid from the supply port 311 side to the recovery port 313 side via the nozzle plate 301. Here, the nozzle plate 301 is an example of a "nozzle member".

[0014] Between the supply port 311 and the recovery port 313, a liquid discharge module 330 (details described later) is positioned to discharge the liquid in the flow path 312 from the nozzle 302. The number of liquid discharge modules 330 corresponds to the number of nozzles 302, and in this example, a configuration with eight liquid discharge modules 330 corresponding to eight nozzles 302 arranged in a row is shown.

[0015] The number and arrangement of the nozzles 302 and liquid discharge modules 330 are not limited to those described above. For example, the number of nozzles 302 and liquid discharge modules 330 may be nine or more, or there may be only one. Also, the nozzles 302 and liquid discharge modules 330 may be arranged in multiple rows instead of one.

[0016] With the above configuration, the supply port 311 takes in pressurized liquid from the outside, sends the liquid in the direction of arrow a1, and supplies the liquid to the flow path 312. The flow path 312 sends the liquid from the supply port 311 in the direction of arrow a2. Then, the recovery port 313 discharges the liquid that was not discharged from the nozzle 302 located along the flow path 312 in the direction of arrow a3.

[0017] The liquid ejection module 330 includes a needle valve 331 that opens and closes the nozzle 302, and a piezoelectric element 332 that drives the needle valve 331. The housing 310 includes a regulating member 314 at a position facing the upper end of the piezoelectric element 332. This regulating member 314 abuts against the upper end of the piezoelectric element 332 and forms a fixed point of the piezoelectric element 332. Here, the needle valve 331 is an example of a "valve body", and the piezoelectric element 332 is an example of an "actuator".

[0018] When the piezoelectric element 332 is actuated in the above configuration and the needle valve 331 is displaced upward in the figure, the nozzle 302 that was closed by the needle valve 331 is opened, and liquid is ejected from the nozzle 302. Also, when the piezoelectric element 332 is actuated and the needle valve 331 is displaced downward, the tip of the needle valve 331 abuts against the nozzle 302 and the nozzle 302 is closed, and liquid ejection from the nozzle 302 stops.

[0019] During the period when liquid is being ejected from the nozzle 302, in order not to reduce the ejection efficiency from the nozzle 302, the discharge of liquid from the recovery port 313 may be temporarily stopped. Next, the configuration of the liquid ejection module 330 will be described in detail.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a single liquid ejection module provided in the liquid ejection head.

[0021] The liquid ejection module 330 includes a needle valve 331 that opens and closes the nozzle 302, and a piezoelectric element 332. The nozzle plate 301 is joined to the housing 310. Also, the flow path 312 is a flow path common to a plurality of liquid ejection modules 330 provided in the housing 310. [[ID=??]]

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the tip of the needle valve 331 faces the nozzle 302 provided on the nozzle plate 301, and the nozzle 302 is closed when the tip of the needle valve 331 contacts the nozzle plate 301. An elastic body 331a may be provided at the tip of the needle valve 331 to more reliably close the nozzle 302. Furthermore, a bearing portion 321 is provided between the needle valve 331 and the housing 310, and a sealing member 315 such as an O-ring is provided between the bearing portion 321 and the needle valve 331.

[0023] The housing 310 has a space 322 inside it, which holds the leaf spring frame 333. The leaf spring frame 333 comprises a needle valve holding portion 333a, a frame portion 333b, a regulating member contact portion 333c, an expandable portion 333d, and a space 333e. Of these, the needle valve holding portion 333a holds the rear end of the needle valve 331. The regulating member contact portion 333c has a portion that contacts the regulating member 314, and acts as a fixing point to prevent the leaf spring frame 333 from moving upward. The piezoelectric element 332 is held by the space 333e of the leaf spring frame 333.

[0024] In the above configuration, the needle valve 331 and the piezoelectric element 332 are arranged coaxially, i.e., in series in the direction of liquid discharge, via the leaf spring frame 333. Here, the leaf spring frame 333 is an example of an "elastic member," and the needle valve holding part 333a is an example of a "valve body holding part."

[0025] When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 332 by a voltage application means (not shown), it moves the needle valve 331 in a direction that opens the nozzle 302. Therefore, when no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 332, the needle valve 331 closes the nozzle 302, so even if liquid is supplied under pressure to the flow path 312, no liquid will be discharged from the nozzle 302.

[0026] The leaf spring frame 333 holds the piezoelectric element 332. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 332, the piezoelectric element 332 contracts. When the piezoelectric element 332 contracts, the expandable portion 333d elastically deforms to absorb the contraction and pulls the needle valve holder 333a, which is fixed to the tip of the piezoelectric element 332, toward the rear end (upper side in the figure). In this way, the leaf spring frame 333 elastically deforms in response to the drive of the piezoelectric element 332 and transmits the driving force of the piezoelectric element 332 to the needle valve 331. As a result, the needle valve 331 moves away from the nozzle 302, opening the nozzle 302 and discharging the pressurized liquid supplied to the flow path 312 from the nozzle 302.

[0027] Furthermore, the piezoelectric element 332 may be one that has expansion and contraction characteristics, which move the needle valve 331 in the direction of closing the nozzle 302 when a voltage is applied. In this case, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 332, the piezoelectric element 332 expands and the needle valve 331 closes the nozzle 302, and when the application of the voltage is stopped, the piezoelectric element 332 contracts and the needle valve 331 opens the nozzle 302, and the pressurized liquid supplied to the flow path 312 is discharged from the nozzle 302.

[0028] Furthermore, when the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 332 is stopped, the piezoelectric element 332 extends, the needle valve 331 closes the nozzle 302, and the discharge of liquid from the nozzle 302 stops. The liquid discharge head 300 controls the discharge of liquid from the nozzle 302 by controlling the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 332 and the timing of its application. In this embodiment, the leaf spring frame 333 is configured to apply approximately 50% of the driving force of the piezoelectric element 332 as pre-pressure to the piezoelectric element 332 and to sandwich both ends of the piezoelectric element 332 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the vertical direction in Figure 3, which is the direction of expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element 332).

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the leaf spring frame 333, which serves as an elastic member, is composed of a needle valve holding portion 333a, a frame portion 333b, a regulating member contact portion 333c, and an expandable portion 333d, all of which may be composed of separate components. For example, the expandable portion 333d may be made of a spring, and the spring may be attached to the frame portion 333b.

[0030] Furthermore, the liquid discharge module 330 includes a damping member 334 between the side of the leaf spring frame 333 opposite to the side with the needle valve holding portion 333a (the side with the regulating member contact portion 333c in this embodiment) and the piezoelectric element 332. The damping member 334 is made of, for example, a silicone sheet or a rubber material with high damping characteristics, and dampens the force of extension of the piezoelectric element 332 generated by the application of voltage, i.e., the driving force, before transmitting the driving force to the elastic member (leaf spring frame 333) and the needle valve 331 connected thereto. This suppresses overshoot of the piezoelectric element 332.

[0031] Overshoot of the piezoelectric element 332 is a phenomenon in which a larger amount of elongation than the target amount occurs instantaneously when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 332. When aiming for a large elongation of several micrometers or more to move the needle valve 331 a large distance, the piezoelectric element 332 may elongate too much, destroying its laminated structure and potentially damaging the piezoelectric element 332. In this embodiment, the piezoelectric element 332 is configured to be sandwiched at both longitudinal ends by the leaf spring frame 333, but this pressurization alone may not be sufficient to adequately suppress the overshoot of the piezoelectric element 332.

[0032] Therefore, in this embodiment, a damping member 334 is further provided between the side of the leaf spring frame 333 opposite to the side with the needle valve holding portion 333a and the piezoelectric element 332. The damping member 334 suppresses the displacement of the piezoelectric element 332. More specifically, the damping member 334 functions as a damper that suppresses the occurrence of sudden displacements such as overshoot in the piezoelectric element 332. By providing the damping member 334, it is possible to suppress the overshoot of the piezoelectric element 332 even when driving the piezoelectric element 332 to achieve a large elongation of several micrometers or more at a high frequency of several kHz or more.

[0033] The damping member 334 may be provided between the leaf spring frame 333 on the side with the needle valve holding portion 333a and the piezoelectric element 332, as shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the damping member 334 has an outer shape that fits into the space 333e of the leaf spring frame 333, and an inner shape that can fit into the piezoelectric element 332. The damping member 334 does not have to be shaped to fit into both the space 333e and the piezoelectric element 332 as described above, but may have a shape that can fit into either one of them. This suppresses unwanted movement of the damping member 334 and the piezoelectric element 332 in directions other than the thrust direction when the needle valve 331 is operating, and ringing can be suppressed more effectively. The damping member 334 may also be provided on both the side of the regulating member contact portion 333c and the side of the needle valve holding portion 333a of the leaf spring frame 333.

[0034] With the above configuration, even when the piezoelectric element 332 is driven with a high stroke and high frequency, the damping member 334 suppresses the overshoot of the piezoelectric element 332, making it less likely for the piezoelectric element 332 to be damaged due to ringing or the like. As a result, the lifespan of the piezoelectric element 332 can be extended.

[0035] As described above, this embodiment comprises a nozzle plate 301 equipped with a nozzle 302, a needle valve 331 for opening and closing the nozzle 302, a piezoelectric element 332, a leaf spring frame 333 that holds the piezoelectric element 332 and elastically deforms in response to the driving of the piezoelectric element 332 to transmit the driving force of the piezoelectric element 332 to the needle valve 331, and a damping member 334 provided between the leaf spring frame 333 and the piezoelectric element 332.

[0036] Furthermore, as described above, the leaf spring frame 333 is equipped with a needle valve holding portion 333a for holding the needle valve 331, and the damping member 334 is provided between the leaf spring frame 333 on the side opposite to the side equipped with the needle valve holding portion 333a (the side on which the regulating member contact portion 333c is provided in this embodiment) and the piezoelectric element 332.

[0037] Furthermore, as described above, the leaf spring frame 333 is equipped with a needle valve holding portion 333a for holding the needle valve 331, and a damping member 334 is provided between the leaf spring frame 333 on the side equipped with the needle valve holding portion 333a and the piezoelectric element 332.

[0038] This makes it possible to provide a liquid discharge head 300 that reduces the load on the piezoelectric element 332 and ensures a sufficient lifespan.

[0039] Furthermore, as described above, the leaf spring frame 333 is provided with a space 333e for holding the piezoelectric element 332, and a damping member 334 is provided in this space 333e, and the damping member 334 has a shape that fits into the space 333e.

[0040] This suppresses unwanted movement of the damping member 334 in directions other than the thrust direction when the needle valve 331 is operating, thereby further enhancing the ringing suppression effect.

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged view showing a modified example of the tip of a needle valve.

[0042] This modified example differs from the configuration in Figure 4 in that the nozzle plate 301 is provided with a recess 301a. Specifically, the nozzle plate 301 is configured to have a recess 301a in a position where the nozzle 302 and the needle valve 331 face each other, into which the tip of the needle valve 331 can be fitted.

[0043] With the above configuration, it becomes possible to suppress lateral ringing caused by the impact when the needle valve 331 comes into contact with the nozzle 302 during the closing operation of the nozzle 302.

[0044] As described above, in this embodiment, the nozzle plate 301 is provided with a recess 301a into which the needle valve 331 can be fitted, at a position where the nozzle 302 and the needle valve 331 face each other.

[0045] This makes it possible to suppress the lateral ringing that occurred when closing the nozzle 302 due to the impact caused by the contact between the needle valve 331 and the nozzle 302.

[0046] Next, a second embodiment will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment of the liquid discharge head according to the present invention. Figure 7(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle in a closed state, and Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle in an open state.

[0047] The second embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that it includes a reverse spring mechanism 335 as an example of a transmission mechanism between the needle valve 331 and the leaf spring frame 333. In the second embodiment, the piezoelectric element 332 is one that has the characteristic of expanding and contracting when a voltage is applied.

[0048] The reverse spring mechanism 335 is an elastic member formed by molding rubber, soft resin, or a thin metal plate that can be appropriately deformed. The reverse spring mechanism 335 comprises a deformable portion 335a, a fixed portion 335b, a guide portion 335c, and a bent edge 335d.

[0049] The deformed portion 335a has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section and is formed so as to abut against the base end surface of the needle valve 331 (the upper end surface of the needle valve 331 in Figure 7(a)).

[0050] The fixing portion 335b is fixed to the deformable portion 335a and to the inner wall surface of the housing 310.

[0051] The guide portion 335c is held by the holding portion 333a of the leaf spring frame 333, and connects the fixing portion 335b to the leaf spring frame 333.

[0052] The bent side 335d connects the longer side (corresponding to the bottom base of the trapezoid) of the trapezoidal deformation part 335a to the fixing part 335b.

[0053] In the reverse spring mechanism 335 having the structure described above, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 332, the piezoelectric element 332 extends. When the holding portion 333a of the leaf spring frame 333 moves toward the nozzle 302 due to the extension of the piezoelectric element 332, the guide portion 335c is pushed toward the nozzle 302 (in the direction of arrow a in Figure 7(b)).

[0054] This pushing force pulls the deformable portion 335a away from the nozzle 302 (in the direction of arrow b in Figure 7(b)). In other words, the reverse spring mechanism 335 converts the stretching force of the piezoelectric element 332 and the leaf spring frame 333 into a force that pulls in the needle valve 331, and then transmits it to the needle valve 331.

[0055] In the second embodiment, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 332 of the liquid discharge head 300, the piezoelectric element 332 extends, and consequently the needle valve 331 opens the nozzle 302, discharging a droplet D2 from the nozzle 302.

[0056] As described above, the second embodiment includes a reverse spring mechanism 335 between the needle valve 331 and the piezoelectric element 332 that converts the stretching force of the piezoelectric element 332 and the leaf spring frame 333 into a force that pulls the needle valve 331 in, that is, a force opposite to the stretching force of the piezoelectric element 332 and the leaf spring frame 333, and then transmits it to the needle valve 331.

[0057] In the second embodiment as well, it is possible to provide a liquid discharge head 300 that reduces the load on the piezoelectric element 332 and ensures a sufficient lifespan.

[0058] Figure 8 is an overall perspective view of a printing apparatus, which is shown as an example of a liquid dispensing device according to the present invention.

[0059] The printing device 1000 is installed facing the object to be drawn 100, which is an example of an object. The printing device 1000 includes an X-axis rail 101, a Y-axis rail 102 that intersects with the X-axis rail 101, and a Z-axis rail 103 that intersects with the X-axis rail 101 and the Y-axis rail 102.

[0060] The Y-axis rail 102 holds the X-axis rail 101 so that the X-axis rail 101 can move in the Y direction (positive and negative). The X-axis rail 101 also holds the Z-axis rail 103 so that the Z-axis rail 103 can move in the X direction (positive and negative). The Z-axis rail 103 holds the carriage 1 so that the carriage 1 can move in the Z direction (positive and negative).

[0061] The printing device 1000 includes a first Z-direction drive unit 92 that moves the carriage 1 in the Z direction along the Z-axis rail 103, and an X-direction drive unit 72 that moves the Z-axis rail 103 in the X direction along the X-axis rail 101. The printing device 1000 also includes a Y-direction drive unit 82 that moves the X-axis rail 101 in the Y direction along the Y-axis rail 102. Furthermore, the printing device 1000 includes a second Z-direction drive unit 93 that moves the head holder 70 in the Z direction relative to the carriage 1.

[0062] The printing apparatus 1000 with the above configuration moves the carriage 1 in the X, Y, and Z directions, while ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, from a liquid ejection head provided on the head holder 70, and drawing on the object to be drawn 100. Note that the movement of the carriage 1 and the head holder 70 in the Z direction does not necessarily mean that it is parallel to the Z direction, but may be oblique movement as long as it includes at least a component in the Z direction. Here, each rail 101, 102, 103 and each drive unit 72, 82, 92, 93 are examples of "movement means".

[0063] In Figure 8, the surface shape of the object to be drawn on 100 is shown as a flat surface. However, the surface shape of the object to be drawn on 100 may be a nearly vertical surface, a surface with a large radius of curvature, or a surface with some irregularities, such as the body of a car or truck or the fuselage of an aircraft.

[0064] Next, we will explain the configuration of carriage 1.

[0065] Figure 9 is an overall perspective view of the carriage of the printing apparatus shown in Figure 8, with carriage 1 viewed from the side of the object to be printed 100.

[0066] The carriage 1 includes a head holder 70. The carriage 1 is also movable along the Z-axis rail 103 in the Z direction (positive and negative) by power from the first Z-direction drive unit 92 shown in Figure 8.

[0067] The head holder 70 is movable relative to the carriage 1 in the Z direction (positive and negative sides) by power from the second Z-direction drive unit 93 shown in Figure 8. The head holder 70 also has a head fixing plate 70a for attaching the liquid discharge heads 300. Here, we illustrate a configuration in which six liquid discharge heads 300, as described in Figures 1 to 6, are attached to the head fixing plate 70a, and the six liquid discharge heads 300a to 300f are arranged in a stacked manner. In the following description, these liquid discharge heads will be collectively referred to as liquid discharge heads 300.

[0068] Each liquid ejection head 300a to 300f is equipped with multiple nozzles 302. The types and number of ink colors used in heads 300a to 300f may be different for each head, or they may all be the same color. For example, if the liquid ejection device exemplified as the printing device 1000 is a single-color coating device, the inks used in heads 300a to 300f may be the same color. Also, the number of heads constituting head 300 is not limited to six. The number of heads 300 may be seven or more, or fewer than six.

[0069] As shown in the figure, the liquid ejection head 300 is fixed to the head fixing plate 70a with the nozzle rows of each head intersecting the horizontal plane (XZ plane) and the arrangement direction of the multiple nozzles 302 tilted with respect to the X axis. In this state, the nozzles 302 eject ink in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity (positive Z direction) to draw the desired image on the object 100.

[0070] In this invention, the liquid may be a solution, suspension, emulsion, or the like containing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, a coloring agent such as a dye or pigment, a polymerizable compound, a resin, a functionalizing material such as a surfactant, a biocompatible material such as DNA, amino acids or proteins, calcium, or an edible material such as a natural pigment.

[0071] These can be used, for example, in inkjet inks, coatings, surface treatment liquids, components for electronic elements and light-emitting elements, liquids for forming electronic circuit resist patterns, and 3D fabrication materials.

[0072] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device according to the present invention is not limited to the form of the printing apparatus described above. For example, it may be a configuration in which the liquid dispensing head of the present invention is attached to the tip of a robot arm of a multi-joint robot that has multiple joints that allow for free movement like a human arm. Also, the liquid dispensing device is not limited to a configuration in which the liquid dispensing head is moved relative to the object. It is sufficient that the liquid dispensing head and the object can move relative to each other, and it may also be a configuration in which the object is moved relative to the liquid dispensing head.

[0073] The above is merely an example, and the present invention provides specific effects in each of the following embodiments.

[0074] [First aspect] The first embodiment is characterized by comprising a nozzle member (e.g., nozzle plate 301) equipped with a nozzle (e.g., nozzle 302), a valve body (e.g., needle valve 331) for opening and closing the nozzle, an actuator (e.g., piezoelectric element 332), an elastic member (e.g., leaf spring frame 333) that holds the actuator and elastically deforms when the actuator is driven to transmit the driving force of the actuator to the valve body, and a damping member (e.g., damping member 334) provided between the elastic member and the actuator.

[0075] [Second aspect] The second embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the elastic member (e.g., leaf spring frame 333) includes a valve body holding portion (e.g., needle valve holding portion 333a) for holding the valve body (e.g., needle valve 331), and the damping member (e.g., damping member 334) is provided between the elastic member on the side opposite to the side with the valve body holding portion and the actuator (e.g., piezoelectric element 332).

[0076] [Third aspect] The third embodiment is characterized in that, in the first or second embodiment, the elastic member (e.g., leaf spring frame 333) includes a valve body holding portion (e.g., needle valve holding portion 333a) for holding the valve body (e.g., needle valve 331), and the damping member (e.g., damping member 334) is provided between the elastic member on the side with the valve body holding portion and the actuator (e.g., piezoelectric element 332).

[0077] According to the first to third embodiments, a liquid discharge head can be provided that reduces the load on the actuator and ensures a sufficient lifespan.

[0078] [Fourth aspect] The fourth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to third embodiments, the elastic member (e.g., leaf spring frame 333) has a space (e.g., space 333e) for holding the actuator (e.g., piezoelectric element 332), and the damping member (e.g., damping member 334) is provided in the space, and the damping member has a shape that fits into the space.

[0079] According to the fourth embodiment, unwanted movement of the damping member in directions other than the thrust direction during valve operation can be suppressed, thereby further enhancing the ringing suppression effect.

[0080] [Fifth aspect] The fifth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the nozzle member (for example, nozzle plate 301) is provided with a recess (for example, recess 301a) into which the valve body (for example, needle valve 331) can be fitted, at a position where the nozzle (for example, nozzle 302) and the valve body (for example, needle valve 331) face each other.

[0081] According to the fifth embodiment, when closing the nozzle, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of lateral ringing that was caused by the impact of contact between the valve body and the nozzle.

[0082] [Sixth aspect] The sixth embodiment, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, includes a transmission mechanism (e.g., a reverse spring mechanism 335) between the valve body (e.g., a needle valve 331) and the actuator (e.g., a piezoelectric element 332) that converts the stretching force of the actuator and the elastic member (e.g., a leaf spring frame 333) into a retracting force opposite to the stretching force of the valve body, and then transmits it to the valve body.

[0083] According to the sixth embodiment, a liquid discharge head can be provided that reduces the load on the actuator and ensures a sufficient lifespan. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 300 liquid dispensing heads 301 Nozzle plate (an example of a nozzle component) 302 Nozzle 330 Liquid Dispensing Module 331 Needle valve (an example of a valve body) 332 Piezoelectric element (an example of an actuator) 333 Leaf spring frame (an example of an elastic member) 334 Damping member 335 Reverse spring mechanism (an example of a transmission mechanism) [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0085] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-241003

Claims

1. A nozzle member equipped with a nozzle, A valve body for opening and closing the nozzle, Actuator and An elastic member that holds the actuator and elastically deforms in response to the drive of the actuator to transmit the driving force of the actuator to the valve body, The system comprises a damping member provided between the elastic member and the actuator, The liquid discharge head comprises an elastic member having a space for holding the actuator, the damping member being provided in the space, and the damping member having a shape that fits into the space.

2. A liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member includes a valve body holding portion for holding the valve body, and the damping member is provided between the elastic member on the side opposite to the side with the valve body holding portion and the actuator.

3. A liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member comprises a valve body holding portion for holding the valve body, and the damping member is provided between the elastic member on the side with the valve body holding portion and the actuator.

4. A nozzle member equipped with a nozzle, A valve body for opening and closing the nozzle, Actuator and An elastic member that holds the actuator and elastically deforms in response to the drive of the actuator to transmit the driving force of the actuator to the valve body, The system comprises a damping member provided between the elastic member and the actuator, The damping member is a liquid discharge head provided on the side opposite to the side where the valve body is positioned relative to the actuator, in the extension and contraction direction of the actuator.

5. A liquid discharge head according to claim 4, wherein the elastic member includes a valve body holding portion for holding the valve body, and the damping member is provided between the elastic member on the side opposite to the side with the valve body holding portion and the actuator.

6. A nozzle member equipped with a nozzle, A valve body for opening and closing the nozzle, Actuator and An elastic member that holds the actuator and elastically deforms in response to the drive of the actuator to transmit the driving force of the actuator to the valve body, The system comprises a damping member provided between the elastic member and the actuator, A liquid discharge head comprising a transmission mechanism between the valve body and the elastic member, which converts the stretching force of the actuator and the elastic member into a retracting force opposite to the stretching force of the valve body, and then transmits it to the valve body.

7. A liquid dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A liquid dispensing device comprising a means for moving the liquid dispensing head and the object to be dispensed relative to each other.

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