Liquid dispensing head, liquid dispensing unit, and liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge head that is excellent in toughness and can reduce breakage caused by impact from the outside.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge head comprises a nozzle plate in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging liquid are arranged, where the plurality of nozzles are arranged in the nozzle plate while constituting nozzle rows based on a predetermined definition. The nozzle rows having N nozzles are arranged along a second inclining direction inclining with respect to a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the nozzle plate, which is a direction different from a first inclining direction, in the nozzle plate. The nozzle rows are arranged with a predetermined interval X in the second inclining direction. In each of the plurality of nozzles, distances in the second inclining direction between the nozzles and an edge at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate are equal to or more than X and distances in the second inclining direction between the nozzles and an edge at the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate are equal to or more than X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a droplet ejection head configured by connecting a plurality of head modules each having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an inkjet head configured by arranging a plurality of actuator units having a parallelogram outer shape.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a configuration such as that of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to provide a large space between the connection portion of the plurality of head modules and the nozzle region where the nozzles are formed, and there is a problem that the robustness of the head is low.

[0006] In a configuration such as that of Patent Document 2, it is difficult to provide a large space between the connection portion of the plurality of actuator units and the nozzle region where the nozzles are formed within the actuator unit, and there is a problem that the robustness of the head is low.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention relates to a liquid discharge head comprising a nozzle plate on which a plurality of nozzles for discharging liquid are arranged, wherein the plurality of nozzles are divided into P sub-nozzle groups (where P is an integer of 1 or more) consisting of a plurality of sub-nozzles, the plurality of sub-nozzles are arranged at predetermined intervals (d × P) corresponding to the recording resolution (d) and the number of sub-nozzle groups (P) in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, and each of the sub-nozzle groups has a sub-nozzle row consisting of a plurality of sub-nozzles arranged at intervals of (d × P) in the longitudinal direction and in a first inclined direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is included in the same sub-nozzle group. When a nozzle row is defined as a set of rows of P sub-nozzle groups arranged in a row along the first inclination direction, the nozzle plate has a nozzle row having N nozzles arranged along a second inclination direction which is different from the first inclination direction and inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and the short direction, the nozzle row is arranged at a predetermined interval X in the second inclination direction, and for each of the plurality of nozzles, the distance in the second inclination direction between the nozzle and the edge of the nozzle plate on one end in the longitudinal direction is On X The distance in the second inclination direction between the nozzle and the other end edge of the nozzle plate in the longitudinal direction is On X The invention is characterized in that, when the number of nozzle rows is M, the angle between the short direction and the first inclination direction that is acute is δ1, and the angle between the long direction and the second inclination direction that is acute is δ2, then the relationship δ2 ≥ arctan(1 / ((M+1)tanδ1)) is satisfied. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid dispensing head that is highly robust and capable of reducing damage from external impacts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 2]Explanatory drawing showing an example of a head unit. [Figure 3] Schematic exploded view showing an example of a head. [Figure 4] Explanatory drawing showing an example of a flow path portion of a head. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a flow path portion of a head. [Figure 6] Explanatory drawing for the definition of a nozzle row. [Figure 7] Explanatory drawing for the definition of a nozzle row. [Figure 8] Explanatory drawing showing a head of a comparative example. [Figure 9] Explanatory drawing showing a state in which a plurality of heads of a comparative example are arranged side by side. [Figure 10] Explanatory drawing of a head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Explanatory drawing supplementing the relationship between the first embodiment and the comparative example. [Figure 12] Explanatory drawing showing a state in which a plurality of heads according to the first embodiment are arranged side by side. [Figure 13] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​First, the outline of the liquid ejection device will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the liquid ejection device. The illustrated liquid ejection device is a printing device that ejects ink onto paper by an inkjet method and forms an image on the paper.

[0012] The printing device 500 includes a paper feeding unit 501, a conveying unit 503, a printing unit 505, a drying unit 507, and a paper discharging unit 509. The paper feeding unit 501 includes a holding roller 511 that holds the roll-shaped paper 510, and supplies the long continuous paper 510 to the printing unit 505 side. The conveying unit 503 performs, for example, tension control and skew correction on the paper 510 supplied from the paper feeding unit 501, adjusts the state of the tension and conveying position of the paper 51, and conveys the paper 510 to the printing unit

[0013] The printing unit 505 includes an inkjet recording unit 550 equipped with a head unit 555, and a conveying guide member 559 facing the inkjet recording unit 550. The printing unit 505 forms an image on the paper 510 by ejecting ink from the head unit 555 onto the paper 510 moving on the conveying guide member 559.

[0014] Note that the number of head units 555 mounted on the inkjet recording unit 550 may be appropriately increased or decreased according to the type and number of ink colors used in the printing device 500. Further, the liquid used in the head unit 555 is not limited to ink, and may include a processing liquid for modifying the surface of the paper 510, or a coating agent for protecting the image formed on the paper 510.

[0015] The drying unit 507 heats the paper 510 with an image thereon and dries the paper 510 and the image formed on the paper 510. The paper discharging unit 509 includes a winding roller 591 that winds up the paper 510, and winds up the paper <>

[0016] [[ID=]19] The following explanation will be based on the configuration of the printing apparatus 500 described above, but the liquid dispensing device according to the present invention is not limited to printing apparatuses. For example, it can be applied to a three-dimensional molding apparatus that dispenses a molding liquid onto a powder layer formed in layers of powder in order to create a three-dimensional object. It can also be applied to electronic device production equipment that dispenses a resist pattern forming liquid to form resist patterns for electronic circuits.

[0017] Furthermore, the medium is not limited to paper 510. It can be applied to various materials other than paper, such as textiles, fabrics, leather, metals, plastics, glass, wood, and ceramics. The medium's form is also not limited to long pieces; it may be cut to a predetermined size.

[0018] Furthermore, while the printing device 500 was illustrated as a so-called line-type device configuration in which the paper 510 is moved relative to the inkjet recording unit 550 in a fixed position and an image is formed on the paper 510, it is not limited to a line-type configuration. Any configuration in which the inkjet recording unit 550 and the paper 510 move relative to each other is acceptable. Therefore, for example, a so-called serial-type device configuration is also acceptable in which the inkjet recording unit is moved in a direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction relative to intermittently fed paper and an image is formed on the paper 510. Alternatively, a so-called flatbed-type device configuration is also acceptable in which the inkjet recording unit is moved in the XY direction relative to paper held on a paper placement table and an image is formed on the paper 510.

[0019] Furthermore, the discharged substances used in liquid dispensing devices include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions containing solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, polymerizable compounds, resins, functional materials such as surfactants, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids and proteins, and calcium, and edible materials such as natural pigments. The liquid may also contain fine powders such as metal powders. These can be used, for example, in inkjet inks, coatings, surface treatment liquids, liquids for forming components of electronic elements and light-emitting elements, and resist patterns for electronic circuits, as well as material liquids for three-dimensional molding.

[0020] <Head unit configuration> Next, the configuration of the head unit will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a head unit, and is a view of one of the eight head units 555 shown in the inkjet recording unit 550 of Figure 1, as seen from the transport guide member 559 side.

[0021] The head unit 555 includes a plurality of heads 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d arranged adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the media feeding direction. Hereafter, these heads 1a to 1d will be collectively referred to as "head 1". In this embodiment, the "direction perpendicular to the media feeding direction" roughly coincides with the "second direction" described later (a direction in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged at equal intervals with a predetermined pitch corresponding to the recording resolution). Also, the "media feeding direction" roughly coincides with the "first direction" described later (a direction perpendicular to the second direction).

[0022] Heads 1a to 1d include liquid discharge sections 101a to 101d, nozzle plate holding members 102a to 102d, and mounting members 103a to 103d. Hereafter, the liquid discharge sections 101a to 101d will be collectively referred to as "liquid discharge section 101", the nozzle plate holding members 102a to 102d will be collectively referred to as "nozzle plate holding member 102", and the mounting members 103a to 103d will be collectively referred to as "mounting member 103".

[0023] The liquid ejection section 101 of the head 1 includes a nozzle plate 10 with an outer shape that is roughly parallelogram-shaped, and the nozzle plate 10 has a nozzle surface 12 on which nozzles 11 for ejecting liquid are formed. In Figure 2, the nozzles 11 are partially omitted from the illustration, but in reality, nozzles 11 are also formed in the blank areas of the nozzle surface 12. The nozzle plate 10 is held by a nozzle plate holding member 102. The nozzle plate holding member 102 has a mounting member 103 on a part thereof, and the head unit 555 is fixed to the inkjet recording section 550 by attaching the mounting member 103 to a support member 550a provided on the inkjet recording section 550. In the following description, the "nozzle surface 12" will also be referred to as the "nozzle region 12". Here, head 1 is an example of a "liquid ejection head".

[0024] <Head configuration> Next, the configuration of the head will be explained using Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view showing an example of a head, and shows only the liquid discharge section 101 that constitutes head 1 in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the flow path portion of the head, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of the flow path portion of the head. Although the nozzle plate 10 has a roughly parallelogram shape as shown in Figure 2, a simplified rectangular diagram will be used here for explanation.

[0025] The liquid discharge section 101 of the head 1 includes a nozzle plate 10, a flow path plate (individual flow path member) 20, a diaphragm member 30, a common flow path member 50, a damper member 60, a frame member 80, and a circuit board (flexible wiring board) 105 on which a drive circuit 104 is mounted.

[0026] The nozzle plate 10 is equipped with a plurality of nozzles 11 for dispensing liquid (ink in this embodiment), and the plurality of nozzles 11 are arranged in a two-dimensional manner in the short direction of the nozzle plate 10 (short direction of the nozzle plate) and the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate perpendicular thereto.

[0027] The individual flow path member 20 comprises a plurality of pressure chambers (individual liquid chambers) 21, each communicating with a plurality of nozzles 11; a plurality of individual supply flow paths 22, each leading to a plurality of pressure chambers 21; and a plurality of individual recovery flow paths 23, each leading to a plurality of pressure chambers 21. One pressure chamber 21 and the individual supply flow path 22 and individual recovery flow path 23 connected to it are collectively referred to as an individual flow path 25.

[0028] The diaphragm member 30 forms a diaphragm 31, which is a deformable wall surface of the pressure chamber 21, and a piezoelectric element 40 is integrally provided on the diaphragm 31. The diaphragm member 30 also has a supply-side opening 32 that leads to an individual supply channel 22 and a recovery-side opening 33 that leads to an individual recovery channel 23.

[0029] The piezoelectric element 40 is a pressure generating means that deforms the diaphragm 31 to pressurize the liquid in the pressure chamber 21.

[0030] It should be noted that the individual channel members 20 and the diaphragm member 30 are not limited to being separate components. For example, it is possible to form the individual channel members 20 and the diaphragm member 30 as a single unit using an SOI (Silicon on Insulator) substrate. In other words, an SOI substrate in which silicon oxide film, silicon layer, and silicon oxide film are deposited in that order can be used, with the silicon substrate as the individual channel member 20 and the silicon oxide film, silicon layer, and silicon oxide film forming the diaphragm 31. In this configuration, the layer configuration of silicon oxide film, silicon layer, and silicon oxide film on the SOI substrate becomes the diaphragm member 30. Thus, the diaphragm member 30 includes those composed of materials deposited on the surface of the individual channel member 20.

[0031] The common flow channel member 50 has multiple common supply channel branches 52 leading to two or more individual supply channels 22, and multiple common recovery channel branches 53 leading to two or more individual recovery channels 23, which are formed alternately adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. The common flow channel member 50 has through holes that serve as supply ports 54 through which the supply-side openings 32 of the individual supply channels 22 and the common supply channel branches 52 pass, and through holes that serve as recovery ports 55 through which the recovery-side openings 33 of the individual recovery channels 23 and the common recovery channel branches 53 pass. The common flow channel member 50 also forms one or more common supply channel main channels 56 leading to the multiple common supply channel branches 52, and one or more common recovery channel main channels 57 leading to the multiple common recovery channel branches 53.

[0032] The damper member 60 has a supply-side damper 62 facing the supply port 54 of the common supply channel branch 52, and a recovery-side damper 63 facing the recovery port 55 of the common recovery channel branch 53. Here, the common supply channel branch 52 and the common recovery channel branch 53 are constructed by sealing grooves arranged alternately on the common channel member 50, which is the same member, with the supply-side damper 62 or the recovery-side damper 63 of the damper member 60. It is preferable to use a thin metal film or an inorganic film that is resistant to organic solvents as the damper material of the damper member 60. The thickness of the supply-side damper 62 and the recovery-side damper 63 portions of the damper member 60 is preferably 10 μm or less.

[0033] A protective film (also called a wetted film) is formed on the inner wall surfaces of the common supply channel tributary 52 and the common recovery channel tributary 53, and on the inner wall surfaces of the common supply channel main channel 56 and the common recovery channel main channel 57, to protect the inner wall surfaces from the liquid flowing through the channels. For example, on the inner wall surfaces of the common supply channel tributary 52 and the common recovery channel tributary 53, and on the inner wall surfaces of the common supply channel main channel 56 and the common recovery channel main channel 57, a silicon oxide film is formed on the surface by heat treatment of the Si substrate. On top of the silicon oxide film, a tantalum silicon oxide film is formed to protect the surface of the Si substrate from ink.

[0034] The frame member 80 is equipped with a supply port 81 and a discharge port 82 at its upper part. The supply port 81 supplies liquid to the common supply channel main flow 56, and the discharge port 82 discharges liquid discharged from the common recovery channel main flow 57.

[0035] <Definition of nozzle row> Before describing the arrangement of the nozzles 11 provided on the nozzle plate 10, we will explain the definition of the nozzle row in this embodiment using Figures 6 and 7.

[0036] In Figure 6, the nozzle plate 10 has a plurality of nozzles 11 arranged on a plane formed by a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

[0037] The "first axis" is an axis that extends parallel to the "first direction" as shown in the figure, and in this embodiment, the "first axis" and the "first direction" are also the "short side direction of the nozzle plate".

[0038] The "second axis" is an axis that extends parallel to the "second direction" as shown in the figure, and in this embodiment, the "second axis" and the "second direction" are also the "longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate." Furthermore, the "second axis" and the "second direction" are also the "direction in which multiple nozzles are arranged at equal intervals with a predetermined pitch corresponding to the recording resolution."

[0039] Note that "short side direction of the nozzle plate" does not refer to the direction of the short side of the nozzle plate 10, which has an outer shape of a parallelogram. Rather, assuming the nozzle plate is a rectangle and the long side of the rectangle is placed horizontally, the direction of the short side of the rectangle is defined as the short side direction of the nozzle plate. Similarly, "long side direction of the nozzle plate" does not refer to the direction of the long side of the nozzle plate 10, which has an outer shape of a parallelogram. Rather, assuming the nozzle plate is a rectangle, the direction of the long side of the rectangle is defined as the long side direction of the nozzle plate.

[0040] The nozzle plate 10 has a parallelogram shape formed by a short side e of the nozzle plate that is inclined in direction A with respect to the first axis (first direction) and a long side f of the nozzle plate that is inclined in direction B with respect to the second axis (second direction).

[0041] The multiple nozzles 11 provided on the nozzle plate 10 are divided into multiple nozzles constituting sub-nozzle group SBN1 and multiple nozzles constituting sub-nozzle group SBN2. Hereafter, in order to distinguish between all nozzles present on the nozzle plate 10 and the nozzles belonging to each sub-nozzle group SBN1 and SBN2, the nozzles belonging to each sub-nozzle group SBN1 and SBN2 will be referred to as "sub-nozzles".

[0042] Multiple sub-nozzles 11 constituting the sub-nozzle group SBN1 are arranged at intervals of d × P in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. d is the recording resolution, and P is the number of sub-nozzle groups (an integer greater than or equal to 1). In other words, Figure 6 shows an example where P=2, as two sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2 are provided on the nozzle plate 10. Multiple sub-nozzles 11 (four in Figure 6) arranged at intervals of d × P are arranged in an inclined direction A that is inclined with respect to the short direction and the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, forming one sub-nozzle row 11sb1. Here, inclined direction A is an example of a "first inclined direction". In this embodiment, inclined direction A is parallel to the short side e of the nozzle plate described above.

[0043] Similar to the sub-nozzle group SBN1, the multiple sub-nozzles 11 constituting the sub-nozzle group SBN2 are also arranged at intervals of d × P in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. The multiple sub-nozzles 11 arranged at intervals of d × P are arranged in an inclined direction A that is inclined with respect to the short direction and the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, forming a single sub-nozzle row 11sb2.

[0044] In the above configuration, a set of rows consisting of two sub-nozzle rows 11sb1 and 11sb2 arranged along the inclination direction A is defined as a "nozzle row" (nozzle row 11N). Multiple nozzle rows 11N are arranged along an inclination direction B that is different from the inclination direction A and is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and the short direction of the nozzle plate. In this case, each nozzle row 11N is arranged at an interval of N × d in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. N is the number of nozzles included in the nozzle row 11N (an integer of 1 or more), and d is the recording resolution. Here, inclination direction B is an example of a "second inclination direction". In this embodiment, inclination direction B is parallel to the long side f of the nozzle plate as described above.

[0045] Furthermore, the number of nozzles 11 constituting the sub-nozzle rows 11sb1 and 11sb2 is not limited to four. The number of nozzles may be more than four or less than four. Similarly, the number of sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2 is not limited to two. The number of sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2 may be more than two or just one.

[0046] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram that provides a more detailed explanation of the definition of a nozzle row. The multiple nozzles 11 are divided into two sub-nozzle groups, SBN1 and SBN2. The multiple nozzles 11 included in each sub-nozzle row 11sb1 and 11sb2 (see Figure 6) of sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2 are arranged at intervals of d × P in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate.

[0047] Furthermore, the arrangement of the multiple nozzles 11 aligned along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate in the short direction of the nozzle plate is shifted by a predetermined distance L1 in the first direction (direction of arrow A shown in the nozzle surface 12) by a predetermined number of nozzles. Then, the nozzles of the next row of sub-nozzles are shifted in the second direction (direction of arrow B shown in the nozzle surface 12), which is opposite to the first direction. The nozzles 11 are arranged in a regular manner by repeating the above process.

[0048] The origin 0 is defined as the point where the short side e and long side f of the nozzle plate intersect at an angle θ3 (θ3 is acute), and a coordinate plane is formed such that the short side e of the nozzle plate extends from the origin 0 to the second quadrant. Of the two mutually orthogonal axes forming the coordinate plane, the axis extending in the direction of the short side of the nozzle plate is defined as the "first axis," and the axis extending in the direction of the long side of the nozzle plate is defined as the "second axis."

[0049] Furthermore, a row of multiple nozzles, including one nozzle from the sub-nozzle group closest to the origin 0 in the short-side direction of the nozzle plate (sub-nozzle group SBN1 in this example), and one or more nozzles arranged at equal intervals of d × P on the negative side of the second axis and at equal intervals of a predetermined distance L1 on the positive side of the first axis, is defined as the "first sub-nozzle row."

[0050] Furthermore, N is defined as the number obtained by dividing the distance between the nozzles located on the negative side of the first axis within each of the multiple first sub-nozzle rows in the central region of the nozzle plate 10 by a predetermined pitch (recording resolution d).

[0051] Furthermore, L2 is defined as the distance by which a straight line passing through multiple nozzles included in the first sub-nozzle row is shifted, starting from the nozzle located furthest to the negative side of the first axis in the first sub-nozzle row (nozzle 11-1 in this example), so that the starting point coincides with the nozzle located furthest to the negative side of the first axis in the adjacent sub-nozzle row (nozzle 11-2 in this example).

[0052] Furthermore, a group of lines (shown as dashed lines in Figure 7) that includes a straight line passing through multiple nozzles included in the first sub-nozzle row, and multiple straight lines shifted at equal intervals of L2, is defined as the "nozzle row line group." Additionally, a line passing midway between the lines included in the nozzle row line group (shown as a dashed line in Figure 7) is defined as the "intermediate line."

[0053] In this case, the "nozzle row" is defined as a row consisting of multiple nozzles 11 included in the entirety of the P sub-nozzle groups, a nozzle located on one straight line included in the nozzle row straight line group, a nozzle located on an adjacent intermediate line on the positive side of the second axis in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate when viewed from that one straight line, or a nozzle located closer to the aforementioned one straight line than the intermediate line adjacent to that one straight line on the negative side of the second axis.

[0054] <Comparative Example> Next, the configuration of the comparative example will be described using Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the head of the comparative example, where Figure 8(a) is a schematic diagram of the head alone, and Figure 8(b) is an enlarged view of part A shown in Figure 8(a). Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing multiple heads of the comparative example arranged in a row.

[0055] In the head 1R shown as a comparative example, the liquid discharge section 101R and nozzle plate 10R have outer shapes (ridges) that are inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the short direction of the nozzle plate and at an angle θ2 with respect to the long direction of the nozzle plate. In other words, the liquid discharge section 101R and nozzle plate 10R have a parallelogram shape, and multiple nozzles 11R are arranged regularly in a two-dimensional manner on the nozzle plate 10R. The arrangement of the nozzles 11R is such that, for example, a row of nozzles 11N is formed by N nozzles 11R, and multiple rows of these nozzle rows 11N are provided in the long direction of the nozzle plate, parallel to the aforementioned ridges and perpendicular to the short direction of the nozzle plate.

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, the head 1R with the above configuration allows multiple heads 1Ra,1Rb to be arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. The angle of the connecting portion of the heads 1Ra,1Rb (nozzle plates 10Ra,10Rb) depends on the nozzle density in the short direction and the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, and it is necessary to provide nozzles 11R up to the ends of the nozzle plates 10Ra,10Rb. Therefore, at the longitudinal end of the nozzle plate 10R (10Ra,10Rb), as shown in Figure 8(b), the nozzles 11R are arranged to a distance of less than d × P relative to the edge of the nozzle plate 10R, with an arrangement interval of nozzle row 11N.

[0057] As a result, the distance from the nozzle row 11N at the longitudinal end of the nozzle plate to the ridge (edge) of the head 1R (nozzle plate 10R) inevitably becomes small, which presents a robustness challenge as external impacts to the ridge can easily cause damage to the nozzle, as well as the pressure chamber and flow path connected to the nozzle.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when heads 1Ra and 1Rb are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, in the comparative example configuration, the overlap between the nozzle region 12Ra of head 1Ra and the nozzle region 12Rb of head 1Rb is 90% or more. Here, the nozzle region refers to the area enclosed by the dashed line on the nozzle plate 10Ra of head 1Ra, and means the area where the nozzle 11R of the nozzle plate 10 (10Ra, 10Rb) is formed. The area shown by the dashed line on the nozzle plate 10Rb of head 1Rb indicates the extended region obtained by extending the adjacent nozzle region 12Ra in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate.

[0059] In other words, in the comparative example configuration, the extension region of nozzle region 12Ra and the nozzle region 12Rb overlap by more than 90%. In this case, there is a problem that the number of adjacent nozzles, pressure chambers, flow paths, etc. at the connection point between heads 1Ra and 1Rb increases, making it easier for damage from external impacts to spread.

[0060] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of a head according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 10(a) is a schematic configuration diagram of the head alone, and Figure 10(b) is an enlarged view of part A shown in Figure 10(a). Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram supplementing the relationship between the first embodiment and comparative examples, and Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a plurality of heads according to the first embodiment of the present invention arranged in a row. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the nozzle spacing, and Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the head joint portion.

[0061] The basic configuration of head 1 is as described in Figure 2, so the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and their explanation is omitted here. In Figure 10, the nozzle plate 10 is a parallelogram having a short side e of the nozzle plate inclined at an angle θ1' with respect to the short side of the nozzle plate and a long side f of the nozzle plate inclined at an angle θ2' with respect to the longitudinal side of the nozzle plate. In this embodiment, the inclination at angle θ1' corresponds to inclination direction A (first inclination direction) shown in Figure 6, and the inclination at angle θ2' corresponds to inclination direction B (second inclination direction). Multiple nozzles 11 are arranged regularly in a two-dimensional manner on the nozzle plate 10.

[0062] Regarding the nozzle arrangement, the multiple nozzles 11 are divided into two sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2, each consisting of multiple sub-nozzles. The multiple sub-nozzles belonging to each sub-nozzle group SBN1 and SBN2 are arranged at a predetermined interval d × P in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, corresponding to the recording resolution d and the number P (two in this example) of the sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2. Furthermore, the sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2 have a sub-nozzle row consisting of multiple sub-nozzles arranged at an interval d × P in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate and at an angle θ1' (see Figure 6 for details on the sub-nozzle row).

[0063] In this case, the nozzle row 11N is a set of rows consisting of two sub-nozzle rows, each arranged in a line along the direction of angle θ1'. For example, one nozzle row 11N is composed of N nozzles 11, and multiple such nozzle rows 11N are arranged in a sequence with N × d spacing, parallel to the short side e of the nozzle plate and in the direction of the long side f of the nozzle plate.

[0064] In the configuration of the first embodiment, the angle θ2' of the head 1 (nozzle plate 10) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate is set to a larger angle compared to the configuration of the comparative example. In this case, the nozzle region 12 (area enclosed by a dashed line) in which the nozzle 11 is formed is provided with a gap D at the upstream end (left side in Figure 10(a)) and the downstream end (right side in Figure 10(a)) in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. In other words, a gap D is provided between the nozzle 11 of the nozzle row 11N at the one end and the nozzle 11 of the nozzle row 11N at the other end in the direction of angle θ2' and the short side e of the nozzle plate.

[0065] The length of the gap D in the direction of angle θ2' (inclination direction B) is set to be greater than or equal to the spacing X of the nozzle rows 11N, as shown in Figure 10(b), to obtain sufficient space relative to the edge of the nozzle plate 10 (short side e of the nozzle plate). In the configuration of the first embodiment, the angle of the parallelogram forming the nozzle region 12 and the angle of the parallelogram forming the outer shape of the nozzle plate 10 are the same.

[0066] The reason why the length of the gap D in the inclined direction B is set to be greater than or equal to the spacing X of the nozzle rows 11N is due, for example, to the size of the liquid chambers and partitions installed at both ends of the nozzle 11. For example, if the size of the liquid chamber and partition is half the size of the spacing of the nozzle rows 11N, a gap D of X or more is provided between the outermost nozzle 11 (nozzle row 11N) and the edge of the nozzle plate 10, as shown in Figure 10(b). For example, if a partition to protect the liquid chamber is placed at the longitudinal end of the nozzle plate 10, it is preferable to set the length of the gap D in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate to 1.5X or more, equal to the spacing of the nozzle rows 11N. This gap D suppresses damage to the nozzles and liquid chambers at the ends of the nozzle region 12 from impacts applied to the head end.

[0067] As described above, the first embodiment sets the angle θ2' of the nozzle plate 10 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate to a larger angle compared to the comparative example. That is, as shown in Figure 11, in the comparative example, the nozzle plate 10R has an angle θ2 between the long side of the nozzle plate and the straight line in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. In contrast, in the nozzle plate 10 of the first embodiment, the angle θ2' between the long side of the nozzle plate and the straight line in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate is larger than the angle θ2 of the comparative example. Note that the angle between the short side of the nozzle plate and the straight line in the short side direction of the nozzle plate is equal (θ1=θ1') in both the comparative example (angle θ1) and the first embodiment (angle θ1'). Thus, in the first embodiment, the angle of the nozzle arrangement (nozzle row) and the angle θ1' of the short side of the nozzle plate are the same as in the comparative example, while the angle θ2' of the long side of the nozzle plate is made larger than in the comparative example.

[0068] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when multiple heads 1 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plates as shown in Figure 12, the nozzles 11 are arranged such that the overlapping area between the nozzle area 12a of adjacent nozzle plates 10a and the nozzle area 12b of nozzle plate 10b is less than 90% (Figure 12 illustrates a configuration in which no overlap occurs). In other words, when the nozzle area 12a of nozzle plate 10a is extended in the inclination direction B described above, the area of ​​the nozzle area 12b that overlaps with the extended area is less than 90%.

[0069] With the above configuration, the overlapping area between nozzle region 12a and nozzle region 12b is reduced (or eliminated), thereby reducing (or eliminating) direct contact between nozzle plates 10a and 10b at the connection point between heads 1a and 1b. As a result, when an external impact is applied, the collision area between adjacent heads 1a and 1b is reduced, making it possible to suppress damage to nozzle plates 10a and 10b caused by the impact.

[0070] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the nozzle spacing in the head of this embodiment. Note that Figure 13 omits the illustration of the nozzle plate holding member 102 that constitutes the head 1, and only the nozzle plate 10 is shown.

[0071] The nozzles 11 are arranged on the nozzle plate 10 such that when the nozzles 11 are projected onto a line in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, the distance between each nozzle 11 is equal.

[0072] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the head joint section; Figure 14(a) is a schematic diagram of multiple heads arranged side by side, and Figure 14(b) is a schematic diagram of the nozzle at the head joint section.

[0073] As described above, the nozzle spacing can be made equal when projected in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. Therefore, when multiple heads are arranged side by side, at the joint shown by the dashed line in Figure 14(a), nozzles projected from head 1a and nozzles projected from head 1b can be arranged alternately, as shown in Figure 14(b). This allows for continuous and uniform recording resolution without interruption of the nozzles at the joint.

[0074] As described above, this embodiment provides a head 1 comprising a nozzle plate 10 on which a plurality of nozzles 11 for discharging liquid are arranged, wherein the plurality of nozzles 11 are divided into two sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2, each consisting of a plurality of sub-nozzles, and the plurality of sub-nozzles are arranged at predetermined intervals (d × P) corresponding to the recording resolution (d) and the number (P) of the sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate 10, and each of the sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2 has a sub-nozzle row 11sb1 and 11sb2 consisting of a plurality of sub-nozzles arranged at intervals (d × P) in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate and in an inclined direction A that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate and the short direction of the nozzle plate which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, and a set of rows consisting of the sub-nozzle rows 11sb1 and 11sb2 of the two sub-nozzle groups SBN1 and SBN2, which are arranged in a line along the inclined direction A, is defined as nozzle row 11N. Furthermore, the nozzle plate 10 has a nozzle row 11N having N nozzles 11 arranged along an inclination direction B that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and the short direction of the nozzle plate, in a direction different from the inclination direction A. The nozzle row 11N is arranged at a predetermined interval X in the inclination direction B, and for each of the multiple nozzles 11, the distance in the inclination direction B between the nozzle 11 and the edge of one end of the nozzle plate 10 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate is X or more, and the distance in the inclination direction B between the nozzle 11 and the edge of the other end of the nozzle plate 10 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate is X or more.

[0075] This allows for the easy arrangement of nozzle rows 11N in regular groups of a fixed number (N), and by providing a gap D at both ends of the nozzle plate 10 with a length of X or more, robustness can be ensured and damage from external impacts can be reduced.

[0076] Furthermore, as described above, the distance in the inclination direction B between the nozzle 11 and the edge of one end of the nozzle plate 10 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate is 1.5X or more, and the distance in the inclination direction B between the nozzle 11 and the edge of the other end of the nozzle plate 10 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate is 1.5X or more.

[0077] This makes it possible to place partitions or other protective elements at the longitudinal end of the nozzle plate 10 to protect the liquid chamber, thereby increasing its robustness.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by providing multiple sub-nozzle groups, the recording resolution of the head 101 can be increased while ensuring a physical distance between nozzles (the distance between nozzles 11 on the surface of the nozzle plate 10) compared to the case where there is only one sub-nozzle group.

[0079] Furthermore, the head may be configured such that the first sub-nozzle group SBN1 and the second sub-nozzle group SBN2 discharge liquids of different colors. In addition, the spacing between nozzles 11 located in the right and / or left end regions of the nozzle plate 10 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate may be different from the spacing between nozzles 11 located in the central region, as long as it does not substantially affect the image recorded on the medium.

[0080] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of a head according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 15(a) is a schematic configuration diagram of the head alone, and Figure 15(b) is an enlarged view of part A shown in Figure 15(a). Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a plurality of heads according to the second embodiment of the present invention arranged in a row.

[0081] In the second embodiment, the layout of the nozzle region 12 relative to the nozzle plate 10 differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, if the obtuse angle between the edge of one end of the nozzle plate 10 in the longitudinal direction (short side e of the nozzle plate) and the straight line in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate is defined as θa (hereinafter referred to as the nozzle plate edge angle θa), and the obtuse angle between the imaginary line v extending in the inclination direction A of the nozzle region 12 and the straight line in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate is defined as θb (hereinafter referred to as the nozzle region edge angle θb), then the nozzle region 12 is provided such that the nozzle region edge angle θb is greater than or equal to the nozzle plate edge angle θa.

[0082] In this way, by setting the nozzle region edge angle θb to a larger angle, it becomes possible to create wider gaps at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. This makes it less likely for an impact to be transmitted to the nozzle 11 and liquid chamber located at the ends of the nozzle region 12 when an impact is applied to the end of the head 1.

[0083] Furthermore, in the second embodiment as well, when multiple heads 1 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate as shown in Figure 16, the nozzles 11 are arranged such that the overlapping area between the nozzle area 12a of head 1a and the nozzle area 12b of head 1b is less than 90%. This achieves the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, the nozzle plate edge angle θa is defined as the obtuse angle between the edge of one end of the nozzle plate 10 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate and the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, and the nozzle region edge angle θb is defined as the obtuse angle between the imaginary line v extending in the inclination direction A and the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, and the embodiment is configured to satisfy the relationship θa ≤ θb.

[0085] This makes it possible to provide wider gaps D at both ends of the nozzle plate 10 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, making it less likely for impact to be transmitted to the ends of the nozzle area 12.

[0086] <Regarding the distance between the nozzle plate ends> Next, the conditions for ensuring that the distance (spacing) between the nozzle 11 formed on the nozzle plate 10 and the short side e of the nozzle plate 10 in the inclined direction B is at least X will be explained using Figure 17. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram of the distance at the end of the nozzle plate.

[0087] In Figure 17, δ1 is defined as the acute angle between the short direction and the inclination direction A (the first inclination direction, in which the nozzles 11 in the nozzle row 11N are aligned), and δ2 is defined as the acute angle between the long direction and the inclination direction B (the second inclination direction, in which the nozzle row 11N is aligned). In the example of the nozzle plate 10 shown in Figure 17, δ1 corresponds to the acute angle between the short direction of the nozzle plate and the edge on one end of the nozzle plate 10 in the longitudinal direction (the short side e of the nozzle plate parallel to inclination direction A). Similarly, δ2 corresponds to the acute angle between the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate and the edge on one end of the nozzle plate 10 in the short direction (the long side f of the nozzle plate parallel to inclination direction B). Furthermore, in Figure 17, let N be the number of nozzles included in the nozzle row 11N (Figure 17 shows N=3 as an example), M be the number of nozzle rows 11N (Figure 17 shows M=9 as an example), and d be the distance between nozzles 11 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate (recording resolution).

[0088] One head (nozzle plate 10a) and the other head (nozzle plate 10b) are positioned so that their positions are the same in the short-side direction of the nozzle plates. In this case, the nozzles included in nozzle plate 10a and the nozzles included in nozzle plate 10b are arranged side by side so that they are regularly spaced apart at intervals d in the long-side direction of the nozzle plates. In this state, the rows of nozzles have a predetermined spacing X (=N·d / cosδ2) in the inclined direction B, as shown in the upper left portion of Figure 17.

[0089] Here, when the distance from the nozzle of the outermost nozzle row on nozzle plates 10a and 10b to the edge of the nozzle plate (short side e of the nozzle plate) is set to X along the slope direction B, the equation tanδ1 = L1 / (H1+H2) holds for the right-angled triangle shown by the dashed line. H1, H2, and L1 are, H1 = (M+1)·N·d·tanδ2, H2 = (N-1)·d / tanδ1, L1 = (2N-1)·d, And so, from here on, δ² = arctan(1 / ((M+1)tanδ1)) That is the case.

[0090] Therefore, by setting δ2 such that δ2 ≥ arctan(1 / ((M+1)tanδ1)), it is possible to ensure that the distance from the nozzle of the outer nozzle row to the short side e of the nozzle plate is X or greater.

[0091] As described above, in this embodiment, when the number of nozzle rows is M, the angle between the short side of the nozzle plate and the inclination direction A is acute δ1, and the angle between the long side of the nozzle plate and the inclination direction B is acute δ2, δ² ≥ arctan(1 / ((M+1)tanδ1)) Set δ2 such that the relationship is satisfied.

[0092] This allows the nozzle plates to be positioned parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plates, while nozzles can be positioned at equal intervals corresponding to the recording resolution, and the distance to the ends can be ensured to be X or greater, thereby preventing damage to the nozzles. In Figure 17, the case where there is one sub-nozzle group (P=1) was explained as an example, but even when there are two or more sub-nozzle groups, it is preferable to set δ2 such that the relationship δ2≧arctan(1 / ((M+1)tanδ1)) is satisfied. In this case as well, for the same reasons as explained above, the nozzle plates can be positioned parallel to each other, while nozzles can be positioned at equal intervals, and the distance to the ends can be ensured to be X or greater, thereby preventing damage to the nozzles.

[0093] <Variation> Up to this point, we have described a configuration in which multiple heads 1, each equipped with one nozzle plate 10, are arranged to form a head unit 555. However, the number of nozzle plates 10 provided on a single head 1 does not necessarily have to be one. For example, a single head 1 may be equipped with multiple nozzle plates 10, and these multiple nozzle plates 10 may be arranged in a row within a single head in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plates.

[0094] In this case, one nozzle plate 10 (the first nozzle plate) and the other nozzle plate 10 (the second nozzle plate) adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate are arranged in the same manner as in Figure 14. That is, when the nozzles of the first nozzle plate and the nozzles of the second nozzle plate are projected in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, they are arranged to form a region where the nozzles of the first nozzle plate and the nozzles of the second nozzle plate are arranged alternately.

[0095] This ensures that the nozzles are not interrupted at the joints of the nozzle plate 10, allowing for continuous and uniform recording resolution.

[0096] Furthermore, one nozzle plate 10 (the first nozzle plate) and another nozzle plate 10 (the second nozzle plate) adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate are arranged in the same manner as in Figure 12 or Figure 16. In other words, when the nozzle region 12a of the first nozzle plate is extended in the inclination direction B (second inclination direction), the nozzle region 12b of the second nozzle plate is arranged such that less than 90% overlaps with the extended region.

[0097] This reduces (or eliminates) the overlapping area of ​​adjacent nozzle regions, thereby reducing (or eliminating) direct contact between the nozzle plates 10. As a result, when an external impact is applied, the collision area between adjacent nozzle plates 10 is reduced, making it possible to suppress damage to the nozzle plates 10 caused by the impact.

[0098] <Configuration of protective measures> Next, protective means will be described using Figure 18. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of protective means. The head 1 (1a, 1b) described in the first and second embodiments may be configured to include the protective means described below.

[0099] The head 1 shown in Figure 18(a) is provided with protective portions 13 at both ends of the nozzle plate 10 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate 10 to protect the edges of the nozzle plate 10. The protective portions 13 may be in the form of a protective member (cushioning material) made of a resin material capable of absorbing external impacts, or they may be in the form of a protective film formed by coating a resin material. Note that the area in which the protective portions 13 are provided is not limited to the edges of the nozzle plate 10. The area in which the protective portions 13 are provided may be extended to the edges of the head holding member 102 as needed.

[0100] Furthermore, the protective measures are not limited to configurations that are visible from the outside, such as the protective part 13 shown in Figure 18(a). In the head 1 shown in Figure 18(b), the nozzles located at the longitudinal end B (dashed line) of the nozzle plate in the nozzle region 12 are designated as dummy nozzles. In other words, among the nozzles located at end B, a specific nozzle or row of nozzles is designated as a dummy nozzle, and nozzles that are not used in the actual liquid discharge operation are provided. By providing dummy nozzles in this way, the length of the gap D (see Figure 10) of the nozzle plate 10 can be adjusted in effect.

[0101] Furthermore, in addition to the multiple nozzles arranged in a two-dimensional pattern to obtain uniform recording resolution, one or more additional nozzles capable of discharging liquid may be provided at the same longitudinal position as any of the aforementioned nozzles. The number of additional nozzles may be the same as the multiple nozzles arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. In this case, for each of the multiple nozzles arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, the distance in the second inclination direction between the nozzle and the edge of one longitudinal end of the nozzle plate is X or greater, and the distance in the second inclination direction between the nozzle and the edge of the other longitudinal end of the nozzle plate is X or greater. The additional nozzles can be provided at any position.

[0102] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18(c), the protective means may be provided only at the parts where the nozzle plates 10a, 10b come into contact with each other when multiple heads 1a, 1b are arranged side by side. For example, head 1a has a protective part 14a at the longitudinal end of the nozzle plate 10a of head 1b, adjacent to the nozzle plate 10b of head 1b. On the other hand, head 1b has a protective part 14b at the longitudinal end of the nozzle plate 10b of head 1a, adjacent to the nozzle plate 10a of head 1a. The protective part 14 may be in the same form as the protective part 13 in Figure 18(a), with a protective member (cushioning material) made of a resin material capable of absorbing external impact attached, or it may be in the form of a protective film formed by coating a resin material.

[0103] By adding the protective measures described above, it becomes possible to more effectively protect head 1 from external impacts and the like.

[0104] <Examples of application> <<Application Example 1>> The liquid dispensing head of the present invention is also capable of dispensing liquids used to form three-dimensional objects. Examples of liquids used to form three-dimensional objects include hydrogel forming materials for forming three-dimensional structures used in therapeutic technique training. The hydrogel forming material contains water and polymerizable monomers, preferably minerals and organic solvents, and optionally polymerizing initiators and other components. The polymerizable monomer is a compound having one or more unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds, and polymerizable monomers that polymerize by active energy rays such as ultraviolet light or electron beams are preferred.

[0105] Examples of polymerizable monomers include monofunctional monomers and polyfunctional monomers. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Examples of polyfunctional monomers include difunctional monomers, trifunctional monomers, and monomers with four or more functions.

[0106] There are no particular restrictions on the minerals used, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, since hydrogels are mainly composed of water, clay minerals are preferred, and more preferably, layered clay minerals that can be uniformly dispersed at the primary crystal level in water are preferred, and water-swellable layered clay minerals are even more preferred.

[0107] Examples of organic solvents include water-soluble organic solvents. Water solubility in water-soluble organic solvents means that the organic solvent can dissolve in water at a concentration of 30% by mass or more. There are no particular restrictions on water-soluble organic solvents, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include alkyl alcohols with 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, and tert-butyl alcohol; amides such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide; ketones or ketone alcohols such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and diacetone alcohol; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, and di Examples include polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, thioglycol, hexylene glycol, and glycerin; polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol; lower alcohol ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether, diethylene glycol methyl (or ethyl) ether, and triethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether; alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine; and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone.

[0108] These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, polyhydric alcohols, glycerin, and propylene glycol are preferred from the viewpoint of moisturizing properties, with glycerin and propylene glycol being more preferred.

[0109] There are no particular restrictions on the polymerization initiator, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include photopolymerization initiators and thermal polymerization initiators. As a photopolymerization initiator, any substance that generates radicals when irradiated with light (especially ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 220 nm to 400 nm) can be used. When creating three-dimensional shapes using hydrogel forming material, a UV (Ultra Violet) irradiation mechanism is provided, and the extruded hydrogel forming material is cured and formed by irradiating it with UV light.

[0110] (Specific examples of hydrogel-forming materials) While stirring 120.0 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water that had been degassed under reduced pressure for 30 minutes, 12.0 parts by mass of synthetic hectorite (Laponite XLG, manufactured by RockWood), having the composition [Mg5.34Li0.66Si8O20(OH)4]Na-0.66 as a layered clay mineral, was gradually added and stirred. Furthermore, 0.6 parts by mass of etidronic acid (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added and stirred to prepare a dispersion. To the obtained dispersion, 44.0 parts by mass of acryloylmorpholine (manufactured by KJ Chemicals Co., Ltd.), which had had polymerization inhibitors removed by passing it through an activated alumina column, and 0.4 parts by mass of methylenebisacrylamide (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) were added as polymerizable monomers. Furthermore, 20.0 parts by mass of glycerin (manufactured by Sakamoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and 0.8 parts by mass of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) were mixed to obtain a hydrogel-forming material.

[0111] <<Application Example 2>> The liquid dispensing head of the present invention can also be used in inkjet methods for arbitrarily arranging cells to artificially form tissues composed of cells, and is capable of dispensing cell suspensions (cell inks). The cell suspension (cell ink) contains at least cells and a cell drying inhibitor. Furthermore, the cell suspension (cell ink) contains a dispersion medium for dispersing the cells, and may optionally contain other additives such as dispersants and pH adjusters.

[0112] There are no particular restrictions on the type of cells used; they can be selected as appropriate for the purpose. Taxonomically, they can be used with all types of cells, including eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells, multicellular organism cells, and unicellular organism cells. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0113] Examples of eukaryotic cells include animal cells, insect cells, plant cells, and fungi. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, animal cells are preferred, and if the cells form a cell aggregate, adherent cells that adhere to each other and have sufficient cell adhesion to not require isolation without physicochemical treatment are more preferred.

[0114] Cell drying inhibitors are substances that cover the cell surface and inhibit cell drying. Examples include polyhydric alcohols, gel-like polysaccharides, and proteins selected from the extracellular matrix.

[0115] For dispersed culture, cell culture media and buffer solutions are preferred. The medium contains components necessary for the formation and maintenance of cell tissues, prevents drying, and regulates the external environment, such as osmotic pressure. Any known culture medium can be appropriately selected and used. If it is not necessary to keep the cells constantly immersed in the medium solution, the medium can be appropriately removed from the cell suspension. The buffer solution is used to adjust the pH according to the cells and purpose, and any known buffer solution can be appropriately selected and used.

[0116] (Specific examples of cell suspensions (cell inks)) A green fluorescent dye (product name: Cell Tracker Green, Life Technologies) was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (hereinafter referred to as "DMSO") at a concentration of 10 mmol / L (mM), and mixed with serum-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (Life Technologies) to prepare a serum-free medium containing the green fluorescent dye at a concentration of 10 μmol / L (μM). Next, 5 mL of the serum-free medium containing the green fluorescent dye was added to a dish of cultured NIH / 3T3 cells (Clone 5611, JCRB Cell Bank), and the cells were cultured in an incubator (KM-CC17RU2, Panasonic Corporation, 37°C, 5 vol. % CO2 environment) for 30 minutes. After that, the supernatant was removed using an aspirator. 5 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (Life Technologies, hereinafter also referred to as PBS(-)) was added to the dish, and the PBS(-) was removed by aspirating with an aspirator, and the surface was washed. After washing with PBS(-) twice, 2 mL of 0.05% trypsin-0.05% EDTA solution (Life Technologies) was added to each dish.

[0117] Next, the cells were heated in an incubator for 5 minutes, detached from the dish, and then 4 mL of D-MEM containing 10% by mass fetal bovine serum (hereinafter also referred to as "FBS") and 1% by mass antibiotic (Antibiotic-Antimycotic Mixed Stock Solution (100x), manufactured by Nacalai Tesque Co., Ltd.) was added. Then, the cell suspension with inactivated trypsin was transferred to one 50 mL centrifuge tube and centrifuged (product name: H-19FM, manufactured by KOKUSAN, 1,200 rpm, 5 minutes, 5°C), and the supernatant was removed using an aspirator.

[0118] After removal, 2 mL of D-MEM containing 10% FBS and 1% antibiotic was added to the centrifuge tube, and the cells were gently pipetted to disperse and obtain a cell suspension. 10 μL of this cell suspension was taken into an Eppendorf tube, 70 μL of culture medium was added, and then 10 μL was taken into another Eppendorf tube. 10 μL of 0.4% trypan blue staining solution was added and pipetted. 10 μL of the stained cell suspension was taken and placed on a PMMA plastic slide.

[0119] Cell counts were determined by measuring the number of cells using a Countess Automated Cell Counter (manufactured by Invitrogen), thereby obtaining a cell suspension with measured cell counts. PBS(-) was used as the dispersion medium. Glycerin (molecular biology grade, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was dissolved in PBS(-) as a cell drying inhibitor at a mass ratio of 0.5% by mass, and the NIH / 3T3 cell suspension was dispersed in the dispersion medium at a concentration of 6 × 10⁶ cells / mL to obtain cell ink.

[0120] The embodiments of the present invention described above can be modified, added to, or deleted as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and many modifications are possible within the technical concept of the present invention by those with ordinary skill in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 1(1a,1b,1c,1d) head 101(101a,101b,101c,101d) Liquid discharge part 102 (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d) Nozzle plate holding member 103 (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d) Mounting member 10 Nozzle Plates 11 nozzles 11N Nozzle Row 12 Nozzle surface 555 Head Unit

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing head comprising a nozzle plate on which multiple nozzles for dispensing liquid are arranged, The plurality of nozzles are divided into P sub-nozzle groups (where P is an integer of 1 or more) consisting of a plurality of sub-nozzles. The plurality of sub-nozzles are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate at predetermined intervals (d × P) corresponding to the recording resolution (d) and the number of sub-nozzle groups (P). Each of the sub-nozzle groups has a sub-nozzle row consisting of a plurality of sub-nozzles arranged at intervals of (d × P) in the longitudinal direction and in a first inclined direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Multiple sub-nozzle rows included in the same sub-nozzle group are arranged so as not to overlap each other in the longitudinal direction. When a nozzle row is defined as a set of rows consisting of P sub-nozzle groups arranged in a line along the first inclination direction, The nozzle plate has, The nozzle row having N nozzles is arranged along a second inclination direction that is different from the first inclination direction and is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and the short direction. The nozzle rows are arranged at predetermined intervals X in the second inclined direction. For each of the plurality of nozzles, the distance in the second inclination direction between the nozzle and the edge of the nozzle plate on one end in the longitudinal direction is X, and the distance in the second inclination direction between the nozzle and the edge of the nozzle plate on the other end in the longitudinal direction is X. Let M be the number of nozzle rows. δ1 is an acute angle between the aforementioned short direction and the first inclination direction. When the angle between the longitudinal direction and the second inclination direction is acute, let δ2 be denoted as such. The relationship δ² ≥ arctan(1 / ((M+1)tanδ¹)) is satisfied. A liquid dispensing head characterized by the following features.

2. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance in the second inclination direction between the nozzle and the edge of one end of the nozzle plate in the longitudinal direction is 1.5X or more, and the distance in the second inclination direction between the nozzle and the edge of the other end of the nozzle plate in the longitudinal direction is 1.5X or more.

3. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the relationship θa ≤ θb is satisfied when the obtuse angle between the edge of one end of the nozzle plate in the longitudinal direction and the longitudinal direction is defined as the nozzle plate edge angle θa, and the obtuse angle between the imaginary line extending in the first inclination direction and the longitudinal direction is defined as the nozzle region edge angle θb.

4. The liquid dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the liquid dispensing head comprises a plurality of nozzle plates, and the plurality of nozzle plates are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction.

5. The liquid discharge head according to claim 4, characterized in that, among the plurality of nozzle plates, a first nozzle plate and a second nozzle plate adjacent in the longitudinal direction have portions in which, when the nozzles of the first nozzle plate and the nozzles of the second nozzle plate are projected in the longitudinal direction, the nozzles of the first nozzle plate and the nozzles of the second nozzle plate are arranged alternately.

6. The liquid discharge head according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, among the plurality of nozzle plates, in the case of a first nozzle plate and a second nozzle plate adjacent in the longitudinal direction, when the nozzle area of ​​the first nozzle plate is extended in the second inclined direction and the resulting extended area is defined as the extension area, the area of ​​the nozzle area of ​​the second nozzle plate that overlaps with the extension area is less than 90%.

7. A liquid dispensing unit characterized by having a plurality of liquid dispensing heads according to any one of claims 1 to 3 arranged in the longitudinal direction.

8. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, among the plurality of liquid dispensing heads, a first liquid dispensing head and a second liquid dispensing head adjacent in the longitudinal direction have portions in which, when the nozzles of the first liquid dispensing head and the nozzles of the second liquid dispensing head are projected in the longitudinal direction, the nozzles of the first liquid dispensing head and the nozzles of the second liquid dispensing head are arranged alternately.

9. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, among the plurality of liquid dispensing heads, in the first liquid dispensing head and the second liquid dispensing head which are adjacent in the longitudinal direction, when the nozzle region of the first liquid dispensing head is extended in the second inclination direction and the extended region is defined as the extension region, the portion of the nozzle region of the second liquid dispensing head that overlaps with the extension region is less than 90%.

10. A liquid dispensing device characterized by comprising a liquid dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or a liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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