Flow path connecting member, head unit, and liquid injection device

Abstract

To provide techniques for enabling inhibition of increase in a size of a flow-path coupling member.SOLUTION: A flow-path coupling member includes: multiple one-side coupling portions coupled to respective flow paths of a first flow-path member; multiple other-side coupling portions coupled respective flow paths of a second flow-path member; multiple coupling flow paths each connecting a corresponding one of the one-side coupling portions with a corresponding one of the other-side coupling portions; a first outer surface facing a first direction; and a second outer surface facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, the one-side coupling portions are provided in the first outer surface and arranged in the second direction, and the other-side coupling portions are provided in the second outer surface and arranged in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technology of a flow path connecting member, a head unit, and a liquid ejecting apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a flow path connecting member that connects a supply flow path, which is a flow path member connected to a liquid container, and a base member, which is a flow path member of a liquid ejecting head (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technology, the direction toward which the surface formed with the upstream connection part connected to the supply flow path faces and the direction toward which the surface formed with the downstream connection part connected to the base member faces are not parallel but intersect each other. For this reason, since the flow path of the flow path connecting member is formed three-dimensionally, the flow path connecting member may be increased in size in some cases. Therefore, a technique capable of suppressing an increase in size of the flow path connecting member has been conventionally desired.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] A flow path connecting member is provided according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow path connecting member comprises a plurality of one-side connecting portions connected to each of a plurality of flow paths of a first flow path member, a plurality of other-side connecting portions connected to each of a plurality of flow paths of a second flow path member, a plurality of connecting flow paths that connect each of the plurality of one-side connecting portions to each of the plurality of other-side connecting portions, a first outer surface facing a first direction, and a second outer surface facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the plurality of one-side connecting portions are provided on the first outer surface and arranged along the second direction, and the plurality of other-side connecting portions are provided on the second outer surface and arranged along the first direction.

[0006] A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a head unit comprising a flow path connecting member as described above, a first flow path member connected to the plurality of one-sided connecting portions of the flow path connecting member, and a nozzle for spraying liquid supplied from the first flow path member.

[0007] A third embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid injection device. This liquid injection device comprises a head unit as described above and a second flow path member connected to the plurality of other-side connection portions of the flow path connecting member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing a liquid injection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Disassembled perspective view of the head unit. [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view of the common flow channel member, flow channel connecting member, and external flow channel member. [Figure 4] A view of the flow path connecting member from the third outer surface. [Figure 5] A view of the flow path connecting member from the second outer surface. [Figure 6] A view of the flow path connecting member from the fourth outer surface. [Figure 7] A view of the flow path connecting member from the sixth side. [Figure 8] A view of the flow path connecting member from the first outer surface side. [Figure 9]An exploded perspective view of the flow path connecting member. [Figure 10] A view of the flow path substrate as seen from the first side surface side. [Figure 11] A view of the flow path substrate as seen from the second side surface side. [Figure 12] A view of the flow path substrate as seen from the flow path forming surface side. [Figure 13] A view of the flow path connecting member with one-side bushing attached, as seen from the first outer surface side. [Figure 14] A view of the flow path connecting member as seen from the fifth outer surface side. [Figure 15] A cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 in Fig. 4. [Figure 16] A cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in Fig. 4. [Figure 17] A cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 in Fig. 5. [Figure 18] A cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 in Fig. 5. [Figure 19] A cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 in Fig. 5. [Figure 20] A cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 in Fig. 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A. Embodiment: Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in each drawing, the dimensions and scales of each part are appropriately changed from actual ones. In the following description, three mutually orthogonal directions may be referred to as the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction includes an X1 direction and an X2 direction which are opposite to each other. The Y-axis direction includes a Y1 direction and a Y2 direction which are opposite to each other. The Z-axis direction includes a Z1 direction and a Z2 direction which are opposite to each other. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are, for example, horizontal directions.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a liquid ejecting apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The liquid ejecting apparatus 1 is an inkjet-type printing apparatus that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, as droplets onto a medium PA. The liquid ejecting apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called line-type printing apparatus in which a plurality of nozzles that eject ink are distributed over the entire range of the medium PA in the width direction. The medium PA is typically printing paper. Note that the medium PA is not limited to printing paper, and may be a printing target of any material such as a resin film or fabric, for example.

[0011] The liquid ejecting apparatus 1 includes a control unit 3, a medium conveyance mechanism 4, a supply circulation mechanism 5, and a head unit 20. The head unit 20 includes a plurality of liquid ejecting heads 10 and a flow path connecting member 60 that communicates with the plurality of liquid ejecting heads 10.

[0012] The supply circulation mechanism 5 is a mechanism that supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting heads 10 via the flow path connecting member 60 and collects liquid from the liquid ejecting heads 10 via the flow path connecting member 60. The supply circulation mechanism 5 includes a main tank 51, a recovery-side sub tank 53, a supply-side sub tank 52, a first intermediate flow path 54, a second intermediate flow path 55, a supply flow path 56, a recovery flow path 57, a first pump 58, and a second pump 59.

[0013] The main tank 51 stores liquid. Examples of the main tank 51 include a cartridge attachable to and detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus 1, a bag-shaped ink pack formed of a flexible film, and a tank capable of being refilled with ink. Note that the type of liquid stored in the main tank 51 is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, a plurality of main tanks 51 are provided corresponding to the types of ink. Specifically, the liquid ejecting apparatus 1 includes a main tank 51 that stores cyan ink, a main tank 51 that stores magenta ink, a main tank 51 that stores yellow ink, and a main tank 51 that stores black ink. Note that although a plurality of each component such as the main tanks 51 in the supply circulation mechanism 5 are provided in accordance with the number of main tanks 51, FIG. 1 illustrates only each component of the supply circulation mechanism 5 corresponding to one main tank 51.

[0014] The recovery-side sub-tank 53 recovers the liquid discharged from the liquid injection head 10 via the flow path connecting member 60 and the recovery flow path 57. The recovery-side sub-tank 53 stores the recovered liquid. The recovery-side sub-tank 53 is also connected to the main tank 51 via the first intermediate flow path 54. Driven by the first pump 58, the liquid from the main tank 51 is supplied to the recovery-side sub-tank 53 via the first intermediate flow path 54. The main tank 51 may be connected to a supply-side sub-tank 52 instead of the recovery-side sub-tank 53. The recovery-side sub-tank 53 is connected to the supply-side sub-tank 52 via the second intermediate flow path 55. Driven by the second pump 59, the liquid from the recovery-side sub-tank 53 is supplied to the supply-side sub-tank 52 via the second intermediate flow path 55.

[0015] The supply-side sub-tank 52 supplies liquid to the flow path connecting member 60 via the supply flow path 56. The first intermediate flow path 54, the second intermediate flow path 55, the supply flow path 56, and the recovery flow path 57 are, for example, tubes. The first intermediate flow path 54, the second intermediate flow path 55, the supply flow path 56, and the recovery flow path 57 only need to be able to allow liquid to flow, and may be, for example, structures with grooves or recesses formed therein through which the liquid flows. The first pump 58 and the second pump 59 are driven by commands to the control unit 3.

[0016] The control unit 3 controls the operation of each element of the liquid injection device 1. The control unit 3 includes, for example, a processing circuit such as a CPU or FPGA, and a storage circuit such as a semiconductor memory. Various programs and various data are stored in the storage circuit. The processing circuit executes various programs and uses various data as appropriate to realize various controls. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0017] The media transport mechanism 4 is controlled by the control unit 3 and transports the media PA in the transport direction DM. The media transport mechanism 4 includes a long transport roller along the width direction of the media PA and a motor that rotates the transport roller. The media transport mechanism 4 is not limited to a configuration using transport rollers; for example, it may also use a drum or an endless belt that transports the media PA while it is attracted to its outer surface by electrostatic force or the like.

[0018] The liquid injection head 10 is controlled by the control unit 3. The liquid injection head 10 has a nozzle NZ that injects liquid supplied from a common flow path member 30, which will be described later. The liquid injected from the nozzle NZ lands on the medium PA. Multiple liquid injection heads 10 are arranged in a direction intersecting the transport direction DM to form a line head 6.

[0019] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the head unit 20. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the common flow path member 30, the flow path connecting member 60, and the external flow path member 151. As shown in Figure 2, the head unit 20 comprises a plurality of liquid injection heads 10, a base member 22, a common flow path member 30, and a flow path connecting member 60. The flow path member 30 is an example of a "first flow path member," and the external flow path member 151 is an example of a "second flow path member." The flow path connecting member 60 and the liquid injection heads 10 are arranged with the common flow path member 30 in between.

[0020] The base member 22 supports a plurality of liquid injection heads 10 and a common flow path member 30. Most of the liquid injection heads 10 are housed within the base member 22. The portion of the liquid injection heads 10 in the Z1 direction, including the injection surface F1, is located outside the base member 22. The injection surface F1 is exposed to the outside. The common flow path member 30 is housed within the base member 22. The base member 22 includes a frame portion 23. The frame portion 23 is rectangular in shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The frame portion 23 has side walls 24-27.

[0021] The common flow path member 30 consists of a first common flow path substrate 31 and a second common flow path substrate 32 stacked in the Z-axis direction. The first common flow path substrate 31 is located on the side where the liquid injection head 10 is located. The second common flow path substrate 32 is located on the side where the flow path connecting member 60 is located. The second common flow path substrate 32 has a plurality of flow path pipes 35 that protrude toward the flow path connecting member 60. The flow path pipes 35 are connected to the flow path connecting member 60. The common flow path member 30 also has a plurality of internal flow paths 33 that communicate with each of the plurality of flow path pipes 35. The internal flow paths 33 are flow paths formed inside the common flow path member 30 by stacking the first common flow path substrate 31 and the second common flow path substrate 21. The internal flow paths 33 are formed, for example, by grooves formed in the first common flow path substrate 31 and the second common flow path substrate 32 that closes these grooves. Some of the plurality of internal flow paths 33 are flow paths that supply liquid supplied from the flow path connecting member 60 to the liquid injection head 10. The remaining internal flow channels 33 are channels that allow liquid from the liquid injection head 10 to flow into the flow channel connecting member 60. The first common flow channel substrate 31 of the common flow channel member 30 further has a plurality of common connection parts on the surface facing the liquid injection head 10, which are connected to the flow channel connecting part 160 of the liquid injection head 10. Each of the plurality of common connection parts communicates with the corresponding internal flow channel 33.

[0022] The liquid injection head 10 has a plurality of flow path connection parts 160 protruding toward the common flow path member 30, a plurality of internal flow paths within the head (not shown), and a nozzle NZ shown in Figure 1. Each of the plurality of flow path connection parts 160 communicates with a corresponding internal flow path within the head. Furthermore, the plurality of internal flow paths within the head communicate with a corresponding nozzle NZ. The liquid injection head 10 also has a connector 19. An electrical path for electrically connecting to the control unit 3 shown in Figure 1 is connected to the connector 19.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, each of the multiple flow channels 35 of the common flow channel member 30 is connected to a one-sided connection portion 93 of the flow channel connection member 60, which will be described later. The multiple flow channels 35 are the first flow channel 35a, the second flow channel 35b, the third flow channel 35c, the fourth flow channel 35d, the fifth flow channel 35e, the sixth flow channel 35f, the seventh flow channel 35g, and the eighth flow channel 35h. In this embodiment, the first flow channel 35a, the second flow channel 35b, the fifth flow channel 35e, and the sixth flow channel 35f form a flow channel for recovering liquid from the liquid injection head 10. The third flow channel 35c, the fourth flow channel 35d, the seventh flow channel 35g, and the eighth flow channel 35h form a flow channel for supplying liquid to the liquid injection head 10. Specifically, the first channel pipe 35a allows cyan ink flowing through the common channel member 30 to flow into the common channel member 30 in order to recover cyan ink from the liquid spray head 10. The second channel pipe 35b allows magenta ink flowing through the common channel member 30 to flow into the common channel member 30 in order to recover magenta ink from the liquid spray head 10. The third channel pipe 35c allows cyan ink flowing through the channel connection member 60 to flow into the common channel member 30 in order to supply it to the liquid spray head 10. The fourth channel pipe 35d allows magenta ink flowing through the channel connection member 60 to flow into the common channel member 30 in order to supply it to the liquid spray head 10. The fifth channel pipe 35e allows yellow ink flowing through the common channel member 30 to flow into the common channel member 30 in order to recover yellow ink from the liquid spray head 10. The sixth flow channel tube 35f allows black ink flowing through the common flow channel member 30 to flow into the common flow channel member 30 in order to recover the black ink from the liquid spray head 10. The seventh flow channel tube 35g allows yellow ink flowing through the flow channel connecting member 60 to flow into the common flow channel member 30 in order to supply it to the liquid spray head 10. The eighth flow channel tube 35h allows black ink flowing through the flow channel connecting member 60 to flow into the common flow channel member 30 in order to supply it to the liquid spray head 10.

[0024] The flow path connecting member 60 is fixed to the common flow path member 30 by a first fixing member 88 and a second fixing member 89. The first fixing member 88 and the second fixing member 89 are, for example, screws.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the external flow path member 151 is positioned in the Y2 direction relative to the flow path connecting member 60. The external flow path member 151 includes a flow path forming case 150, a plurality of flow path tubes FP protruding from the flow path forming case 150, and a plurality of supply channels 56 and a plurality of recovery channels 57 connected to the flow path forming case 150. The plurality of flow path tubes FP are a first flow path tube FPa, a second flow path tube FPb, a third flow path tube FPc, a fourth flow path tube FPd, a fifth flow path tube FPe, a sixth flow path tube FPf, a seventh flow path tube FPg, and an eighth flow path tube FPh. Inside each of the plurality of flow path tubes FPa to FPh, a flow path for ink to flow is formed. In addition, inside the flow path forming case 150, a plurality of flow paths (not shown) are formed to connect each of the plurality of flow path tubes FPa to FPh to one of the plurality of supply channels 56 and the plurality of recovery channels 57. In each of the multiple supply channels 56, one of the following inks flows from the supply-side sub-tank 52 towards the channel-forming case 150. In each of the multiple recovery channels 57, one of the following inks flows from the channel-forming case 150 towards the recovery-side sub-tank 53.

[0026] Specifically, the first flow channel pipe FPa allows cyan ink flowing through the flow channel forming case 150 to flow into the flow channel connecting member 60 in order to supply cyan ink stored in the supply-side sub-tank 52 to the liquid spray head 10. The first flow channel pipe FPa is connected to the supply channel 56 corresponding to the cyan ink via a flow channel formed inside the flow channel forming case 150.

[0027] The second flow channel tube FPb allows magenta ink flowing through the flow channel forming case 150 to flow into the flow channel connecting member 60 in order to supply magenta ink stored in the supply-side sub-tank 52 to the liquid spray head 10. The second flow channel tube FPb is connected to the supply channel 56 corresponding to the magenta ink via a flow channel formed inside the flow channel forming case 150.

[0028] The third flow channel tube FPc allows the cyan ink flowing through the flow channel connecting member 60 to flow into the flow channel forming case 150 in order to recover the cyan ink flowing through the liquid injection head 10 into the recovery-side sub-tank 53. The third flow channel tube FPc is connected to the recovery flow channel 57 corresponding to the cyan ink via a flow channel formed inside the flow channel forming case 150.

[0029] The fourth flow channel tube FPd allows the magenta ink flowing through the flow channel connecting member 60 to flow into the flow channel forming case 150 in order to recover the magenta ink flowing through the liquid spray head 10 into the recovery-side sub-tank 53. The fourth flow channel tube FPd is connected to the recovery flow channel 57 corresponding to the magenta ink via a flow channel formed inside the flow channel forming case 150.

[0030] The fifth flow channel tube FPe allows the yellow ink flowing through the flow channel forming case 150 to flow into the flow channel connecting member 60 in order to supply the yellow ink stored in the supply-side sub-tank 52 to the liquid spray head 10. The fifth flow channel tube FPe is connected to the supply channel 56 corresponding to the yellow ink via a flow channel formed inside the flow channel forming case 150.

[0031] The sixth flow channel pipe FPf allows the black ink flowing through the flow channel forming case 150 to flow into the flow channel connecting member 60 in order to supply the black ink stored in the supply-side sub-tank 52 to the liquid spray head 10. The sixth flow channel pipe FPf is connected to the supply channel 56 corresponding to the black ink via a flow channel formed inside the flow channel forming case 150.

[0032] The seventh flow channel tube FPg allows the yellow ink flowing through the flow channel connecting member 60 to flow into the flow channel forming case 150 in order to recover the yellow ink flowing through the liquid injection head 10 into the recovery-side sub-tank 53. The seventh flow channel tube FPg is connected to the recovery flow channel 57 corresponding to the yellow ink via a flow channel formed inside the flow channel forming case 150.

[0033] The eighth flow channel tube FPh allows the black ink flowing through the flow channel connecting member 60 to flow into the flow channel forming case 150 in order to recover the black ink flowing through the liquid spray head 10 into the recovery-side sub-tank 53. The eighth flow channel tube FPh is connected to the recovery flow channel 57 corresponding to the black ink via a flow channel formed inside the flow channel forming case 150.

[0034] The external flow path member 151 is detachably attached to the flow path connecting member 60. Specifically, by moving the external flow path member 151 in the Y1 direction relative to the flow path connecting member 60, each of the flow path pipes FPa to FPh is inserted into each of the multiple other-side connection portions 92 of the flow path connecting member 60, as described later. Also, by moving the external flow path member 151 in the Y2 direction relative to the flow path connecting member 60, each of the flow path pipes FPa to FPh is removed from each of the multiple other-side connection portions 92 of the flow path connecting member 60.

[0035] Figure 4 is a view of the flow path connecting member 60 from the third outer surface Fa3 side. Figure 5 is a view of the flow path connecting member 60 from the second outer surface Fa2 side. Figure 6 is a view of the flow path connecting member 60 from the fourth outer surface Fa4 side. Figure 7 is a view of the flow path connecting member 60 from the sixth surface Fa6 side. Figure 8 is a view of the flow path connecting member 60 from the first outer surface fa1 side. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the flow path connecting member 60. Figures 4 to 7 and 9 show the flow path connecting member 60 with the one-sided bush 200, which is an intermediate member as shown in Figure 9, attached to it. In the following, the Z2 direction is an example of the "first direction", the Y2 direction is an example of the "second direction", and the X2 direction is an example of the "third direction".

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the flow path connecting member 60 has a plate shape with the smallest dimension in the X-axis direction. As shown in Figure 4, the flow path connecting member 60 includes an inter-member flow path 190 that connects the common flow path member 30 and the external flow path member 151. Multiple inter-member flow paths 190 are provided, eight in this embodiment, but one of them is schematically shown in Figure 4. One end of the inter-member flow path 190 is the one-side connection part 93 shown in Figure 8. The other end of the inter-member flow path 190 is the other-side connection part 92 shown in Figure 5. Multiple one-side connection parts 93 and other-side connection parts 92 are provided, corresponding to the number of inter-member flow paths 190, eight in this embodiment. The inter-member flow path 190 further has multiple connecting flow paths 191, shown in Figure 4, located between the one-side connection part 93 and the corresponding other-side connection part 92, which connect the one-side connection part 93 and the corresponding other-side connection part 92. In other words, the flow path connecting member 60 has multiple connecting flow paths 191 that connect each of the multiple one-side connecting portions 93 to each of the corresponding multiple other-side connecting portions 92. Figure 4 schematically shows one connecting flow path 191 for ease of understanding.

[0037] The flow path connecting member 60 has a first outer surface fa1 shown in Figures 4 and 8, a second outer surface fa2 shown in Figures 4 and 5, a third outer surface fa3 shown in Figure 4, and a fourth outer surface fa4, a fifth outer surface fa5, and a sixth outer surface fa6 shown in Figure 6. Each outer surface fa1 to fa6 is a concept that includes not only flat surfaces but also surfaces with irregularities and curved surfaces.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, a one-sided bush 200 is attached to the first outer surface fa1. The first outer surface fa1 is a surface facing the Z2 direction. That is, the normal direction of the first outer surface fa1 is the Z2 direction. In this embodiment, the first outer surface fa1 is a plane on which the cylindrical one-sided connection portion 93 shown in Figure 8 is provided.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5 and 9, the second outer surface fa2 is a surface facing the Y2 direction, which is perpendicular to the Z2 direction. In other words, the normal direction of the second outer surface fa2 is the Y2 direction. In this embodiment, the second outer surface fa2 is a plane formed by the cover member 83 shown in Figure 9, and is the plane on which the other side connection portion 92, which is a circular opening, is provided. In this embodiment, the Z2 direction facing the first outer surface fa1 and the Y2 direction facing the second outer surface fa2 are perpendicular, but are not limited to this and may intersect. For example, the Z2 direction and the Y2 direction may intersect at an angle of 80° or more and less than 90°.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the third outer surface fa3 is a surface facing the X1 direction, which is perpendicular to the Z2 and Y2 directions. In other words, the normal direction of the third outer surface fa3 is the X1 direction. In this embodiment, the third outer surface fa3 is a plane formed by the outer surface of the first sealing substrate 86 shown in Figure 9.

[0041] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the fourth outer surface fa4 is a surface facing the X2 direction, which is opposite to the X1 direction. In other words, the normal direction of the fourth outer surface fa4 is the X2 direction. In this embodiment, the fourth outer surface fa4 is a plane formed by the outer surface of the second sealing substrate 85 shown in Figure 9.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the fifth outer surface fa5 is a surface that faces the Z1 direction, which is the opposite direction to the direction that the first outer surface fa1 faces. The sixth outer surface fa6 is a surface that faces the Y1 direction, which is the opposite direction to the direction that the second outer surface fa2 faces.

[0043] As described above, the flow path connecting member 60 has a plurality of one-side connecting portions 93 shown in Figure 8 and a plurality of other-side connecting portions 92 shown in Figure 5. The plurality of one-side connecting portions 93 shown in Figure 8 are cylindrical members provided on the first outer surface fa1. In this embodiment, eight one-side connecting portions 93 are provided. The plurality of one-side connecting portions 93 are connected to each of the plurality of flow path pipes 35, which are the flow paths of the common flow path member 30 shown in Figure 3.

[0044] As shown in Figure 8, the multiple one-sided connection portions 93 are arranged in a line along the Y2 direction. The flow path connecting member 60 has a first insertion opening 78 through which the first fixing member 88 is inserted, and a second insertion opening 79 through which the second fixing member 89 is inserted. The first insertion opening 78 and the second insertion opening 79 are each provided on the surface facing the common flow path member 30. The area where the first insertion opening 78 is located is the first fixing position Fx1 where the common flow path member 30 and the flow path connecting member 60 are fixed. The area where the second insertion opening 79 is located is the second fixing position Fx2 where the common flow path member 30 and the flow path connecting member 60 are fixed. The second fixing position Fx2 is a different position from the first fixing position Fx1 and is located at a distance from the first fixing position Fx1 in the Y-axis direction along the Y2 direction. The multiple one-sided connection portions 93 are arranged between the first fixed position Fx1 and the second fixed position Fx2 with respect to the Y2 direction. This allows the fixing force provided by the first fixed member 88 and the second fixed member 89 to be strongly applied to the connection portion between the multiple one-sided connection portions 93 and the flow channel pipe 35 of the common flow channel member 30. Therefore, leakage of liquid from between the one-sided connection portions 93 and the flow channel pipe 35 of the common flow channel member 30 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the flow channel connection member 60 is viewed from the first outer surface fa1 side, the multiple one-sided connection portions 93, the first fixed position Fx1, and the second fixed position Fx2 are aligned in a line along the Y-axis direction along the Y2 direction. This allows the fixing force provided by the first fixed member 88 and the second fixed member 89 to be applied more strongly to the connection portion between the multiple one-sided connection portions 93 and the flow channel pipe 35 of the common flow channel member 30.

[0045] At the first fixed position Fx1, the insertion direction of the first fixing member 88, which is inserted into the common flow channel member 30 and the flow channel connecting member 60 in order to fix the common flow channel member 30 and the flow channel connecting member 60, is in the Z2 direction. In this embodiment, the first fixing member 88 is inserted into the common flow channel member 30 and the flow channel connecting member 60 by moving it toward the first insertion opening 78 along the groove portion 141 which extends in the Z2 direction, as described later. In other words, the common flow channel member 30 and the flow channel connecting member 60 can be easily fixed by moving the first fixing member 88 in the Z2 direction along the groove portion 141 and inserting it into the common flow channel member 30 and the flow channel connecting member 60. For example, a jig such as a screwdriver for fixing the first fixing member 88 can be inserted into the groove portion 141 shown in Figure 4, so fixing using the first fixing member 88 can be easily performed.

[0046] Furthermore, in order to fix the common flow channel member 30 and the flow channel connecting member 60 at the second fixed position Fx2, the insertion direction of the second fixing member 89, which is inserted into the common flow channel member 30 and the flow channel connecting member 60, is in the Z2 direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the length of the flow channel connecting member 60 in the Z2 direction in the region where the second insertion opening 79 is located is smaller than the length in the Z2 direction in the region where the first insertion opening 78 is located. In this embodiment, no other members are arranged on the side of the second insertion opening 79 opposite to the Z2 direction in the Z2 direction. As a result, the second fixing member 89 can be easily inserted into the second insertion opening 79 by moving the second fixing member 89 in the Z2 direction. In addition, since a jig such as a screwdriver can be used to fix the second fixing member 89 by utilizing the space on the side of the second insertion opening 79 opposite to the Z2 direction, fixing using the second fixing member 89 can be easily performed.

[0047] The multiple other-side connection portions 92 shown in Figure 5 are formed by through holes provided in the second outer surface fa2. In this embodiment, eight of the multiple other-side connection portions 92 are provided. The multiple other-side connection portions 92 are arranged along the Z2 direction. Here, "arranged along the Z2 direction" includes not only being arranged in a single line, but also forming multiple rows that are arranged in a single line along the Z2 direction, provided that each other-side connection portion 92 is located sequentially in the Z2 direction. Each of the multiple other-side connection portions 92 is connected to each of the flow path pipes FPa to FPh. The multiple other-side connection portions 92 include the first other-side connection portion 92A1, the second other-side connection portion 92B1, the third other-side connection portion 92A2, the fourth other-side connection portion 92B2, the fifth other-side connection portion 92C1, the sixth other-side connection portion 92D1, the seventh other-side connection portion 92C2, and the eighth other-side connection portion 92D2. The first other-side connection 92A1 is connected to the first flow channel FPa shown in Figure 3. The third other-side connection 92A2 is connected to the third flow channel FPc shown in Figure 3. The second other-side connection 92B1 is connected to the second flow channel FPb shown in Figure 3. The fourth other-side connection 92B2 is connected to the fourth flow channel FPd shown in Figure 3. The fifth other-side connection 92C1 is connected to the fifth flow channel FPe shown in Figure 3. The seventh other-side connection 92C2 is connected to the seventh flow channel FPg shown in Figure 3. The sixth other-side connection 92D1 is connected to the sixth flow channel FPf shown in Figure 3. The eighth other-side connection 92D2 is connected to the eighth flow channel FPh shown in Figure 3.

[0048] The multiple other-side connection parts 92A1 to 92D2 form two rows R1 and R2, where a portion of the multiple other-side connection parts 92A1 to 92D2 are aligned in the Z2 direction. The two rows R1 and R2 are aligned in the X2 direction. Furthermore, rows R1 and R2 are offset in the Z-axis direction, so that the multiple other-side connection parts 92A1 to 92D2 are arranged in a staggered pattern along the Z-axis direction. Row R1 is composed of the first other-side connection part 92A1, the third other-side connection part 92A2, the fifth other-side connection part 92C1, and the seventh other-side connection part 92C2, all aligned at regular intervals. Row R2 is composed of the second other-side connection part 92B1, the fourth other-side connection part 92B2, the sixth other-side connection part 92D1, and the eighth other-side connection part 92D2, all aligned at regular intervals. The four other-side connection parts 92A1, 92A2, 92C1, and 92C2 of column R1 and the four other-side connection parts 92B1, 92B2, 92D1, and 92D2 of column R2 are positioned with a portion of each other offset in the Z2 direction. Furthermore, parts of each of the other-side connection parts 92A1, 92A2, 92C1, and 92C2 included in one column R1 and parts of specific other-side connection parts 92B1, 92B2, 92D1, and 92D2 included in the other column R2, which are adjacent in the X2 direction, have an overlapping region Rp when viewed in the X2 direction. For example, the portion of the first other-side connection part 92A1 including the end on the Z2 direction side and the portion of the second other-side connection part 92B1 including the end on the opposite direction from the Z2 direction have an overlapping region Rp when viewed in the X2 direction, and are in the same position with respect to the Z2 direction in region Rp. For example, the portion of the third other-side connection portion 92A2 that includes the end on the Z2 direction side and the portion of the fourth other-side connection portion 92B2 that includes the end on the opposite direction from the Z2 direction have an overlapping region Rp when viewed in the X2 direction, and are in the same position with respect to the Z2 direction in region Rp. By arranging the multiple other-side connection portions 92A1 to 92D2 as described above, the size of the second outer surface fa2 in the Z2 direction can be reduced, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the flow path connection member 60 in the Z2 direction.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the eighth other-side connector 92D2 is located further away from the first other-side connector 92A1 in the Z2 direction than the first other-side connector 92A1. For example, the first other-side connector 92A1 is located further away from the first outer surface fa1 than the second other-side connector 92B1 in the Z2 direction. The plurality of one-side connectors 93 shown in Figure 8 include the first one-side connector 93A1, the second one-side connector 93B1, the third one-side connector 93A2, the fourth one-side connector 93B2, the fifth one-side connector 93C1, the sixth one-side connector 93D1, the seventh one-side connector 93C2, and the eighth one-side connector 93D2. As shown in Figures 4 and 8, the eighth one-sided connection portion 93D2 approaches the second outer surface fa2 in the Y2 direction, in the order from the eighth one-sided connection portion 93D2 toward the first one-sided connection portion 93A1. For example, the first one-sided connection portion 93A is closer to the second outer surface fa2 than the second one-sided connection portion 93B1 in the Y2 direction. This reduces variations in the length of the connecting channel 191 that connects the other-sided connection portion 92 and the one-sided connection portion 93 corresponding to the other-sided connection portion 92.

[0050] The first one-sided connector 93A1 is connected to the first flow channel pipe 35a shown in Figure 3. The second one-sided connector 93B1 is connected to the second flow channel pipe 35b shown in Figure 3. The third one-sided connector 93A2 is connected to the third flow channel pipe 35c shown in Figure 3. The fourth one-sided connector 93B2 is connected to the fourth flow channel pipe 35d shown in Figure 3. The fifth one-sided connector 93C1 is connected to the fifth flow channel pipe 35e shown in Figure 3. The sixth one-sided connector 93D1 is connected to the sixth flow channel pipe 35f shown in Figure 3. The seventh one-sided connector 93C2 is connected to the seventh flow channel pipe 35g shown in Figure 3. The eighth one-sided connector 93D2 is connected to the eighth flow channel pipe 35h shown in Figure 3.

[0051] The first one-sided connection part 93A1 and the first other-sided connection part 92A1 are connected by a connecting channel 191. The second one-sided connection part 93B1 and the second other-sided connection part 92B1 are connected by a connecting channel 191. The third one-sided connection part 93A2 and the third other-sided connection part 92A2 are connected by a connecting channel 191. The fourth one-sided connection part 93B2 and the fourth other-sided connection part 92B2 are connected by a connecting channel 191. The fifth one-sided connection part 93C1 and the fifth other-sided connection part 92C1 are connected by a connecting channel 191. The sixth one-sided connection part 93D1 and the sixth other-sided connection part 92D1 are connected by a connecting channel 191. The seventh one-sided connection part 93C2 and the seventh other-sided connection part 92C2 are connected by a connecting channel 191. The eighth one-sided connection part 93D2 and the eighth other-sided connection part 92D2 are in communication with each other via the connecting channel 191.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, the flow path connecting member 60 comprises a flow path substrate 69 forming the main body, a first sealing substrate 86, a second sealing substrate 85, a bush 84 on the other side, and a cover member 83. The first sealing substrate 86 and the second sealing substrate 85 are each plate-shaped members.

[0053] The channel substrate 69 has a first side surface fb1 to which the first sealing substrate 86 forming the third outer surface fa3 is welded, and a second side surface fb2 to which the second sealing substrate 85 forming the fourth outer surface fa4 is welded. The first side surface fb1 and the second side surface fb2 face opposite directions with respect to the X-axis direction along the X2 direction which is perpendicular to both the Z2 and Y2 directions. That is, the normal direction of the first side surface fb1 is the X1 direction, and the normal direction of the second side surface fb2 is the X2 direction. Grooves and through holes, which will be described later, are formed in the first side surface fb1 and the second side surface fb2. The first sealing substrate 86 and the second sealing substrate 85 are laser-welded to the channel substrate 69 so as to cover these grooves and through holes, thereby forming a part of the inter-component channel 190.

[0054] As shown in Figure 9, the flow channel substrate 69 further has a flow channel forming surface fc having a plurality of openings 72 that open toward the Y2 direction. The flow channel forming surface fc is a plane facing the Y2 direction. That is, the normal direction of the flow channel forming surface fc is the Y2 direction. In this embodiment, eight openings 72 are provided. Each of the plurality of openings 72 forms a part of the corresponding inter-member flow channel 190. A other-side bush 84 is press-fitted into each of the plurality of openings 72. The other-side bush 84 is annular and is an elastic material such as an elastomer. A cover member 83 is fixed to the flow channel substrate 69 so as to cover the other-side bush 84. The cover member 83 and the flow channel substrate 69 are fixed to each other, for example, by a snap fit. The cover member 83 has a plurality of through holes 82 formed therein. The plurality of through holes 82 open toward the Y2 direction. The cover member 83 is fixed to the flow channel substrate 69 such that these through holes 82 and the corresponding openings of the other-side bush 84 pass through a straight line along the Y2 direction. A cylindrical flow channel pipe FP, as shown in Figure 3, is inserted through the through hole 82 and the other-side bush 84. This causes the outer surface of the flow channel pipe FP and the inner surface of the other-side bush 84 to be in close contact, thereby creating a liquid-tight connection between the flow channel pipe FP and the flow channel connecting member 60. In other words, the through hole 82 and the other-side bush 84 constitute the other-side connecting portion 92. The flow channel pipe FP may also be needle-shaped.

[0055] The channel substrate 69 is made of a material that absorbs light from the laser beam used for laser welding. The laser beam refers to the resin laser used for laser welding, and examples include a fiber laser with a wavelength of 1070 nm, a YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet crystal) laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm, and an LD (laser diode) with wavelengths of 808 nm, 840 nm, or 940 nm. Other examples include semiconductor lasers with wavelengths of 635-940 nm, an Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1060 nm, and a CO2 laser with wavelengths of 9600 nm or 10600 nm.

[0056] A material that absorbs laser light is a material whose laser light transmittance is lower than that of the first encapsulating substrate 86 and the second encapsulating substrate 85, and which generates heat when irradiated with laser light, allowing it to weld to the first encapsulating substrate 86 and the second encapsulating substrate 85. For this reason, the flow channel substrate 69 is not limited to a material with 100% absorption of laser light, but may be made of a material with an absorption rate of less than 100%. Since the first encapsulating substrate 86 and the second encapsulating substrate 85 have lower laser light transmittance than the flow channel substrate 69, they can be made of more transparent materials than the flow channel substrate 69. This makes it easy to check the condition inside the inter-member flow channel 190 of the flow channel connecting member 60 from the outside of the flow channel connecting member 60, for example, from outside the first encapsulating substrate 86 and the second encapsulating substrate 85. Specifically, it is easy to check whether ink is filled inside the inter-member flow channel 190, or whether air bubbles have formed in the ink.

[0057] Materials for the channel substrate 69, the first sealing substrate 86, and the second sealing substrate 85 that can be used for laser welding include, for example, polypropylene resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, and polyphenylene sulfide resin.

[0058] Furthermore, the channel substrate 69, which has light-absorbing properties in response to laser light, is formed, for example, by incorporating a black pigment such as carbon black into the resin.

[0059] The one-sided bush 200 is made of an elastic material such as an elastomer. The one-sided bush 200 has a through hole 201 that penetrates along the Z2 direction. The through hole 201 is formed in the Y-axis direction along the Y2 direction, extending over the area where multiple one-sided connecting portions 93 are located. The one-sided bush 200 is fixed in position by being sandwiched between the flow path connecting member 60 and the common flow path member 30. When the flow path connecting member 60 and the one-sided bush 200 are viewed from the Z2 direction side, the one-sided bush 200 is fixed so that the multiple one-sided connecting portions 93 overlap with the through hole 201. The one-sided bush 200 has a sealing function that prevents liquid from leaking out from between the flow path pipe 35 shown in Figure 3 and the one-sided connecting portion 93 shown in Figure 8.

[0060] Figure 10 is a view of the channel substrate 69 from the first side surface fb1. Figure 11 is a view of the channel substrate 69 from the second side surface fb2.

[0061] As shown in Figure 10, the flow path connecting member 60 has a plurality of connecting flow paths 191. The plurality of connecting flow paths 191 are separated by a flow path substrate 69, a first sealing substrate 86, and a second sealing substrate 85. For example, the plurality of connecting flow paths 191 are formed by openings formed in the flow path substrate 69, or by covering grooves formed in the flow path substrate 69 with the first sealing substrate 86 and the second sealing substrate 85. The plurality of connecting flow paths 191 are three-dimensionally extending flow paths. The plurality of connecting flow paths 191 include a first connecting flow path 191A1, a second connecting flow path 191B1, a third connecting flow path 191A2, a fourth connecting flow path 191B2, a fifth connecting flow path 191C1, a sixth connecting flow path 191D1, a seventh connecting flow path 191C2, and an eighth connecting flow path 191D2.

[0062] The first connecting channel 191A1 has the first other-side connecting portion 92A1 shown in Figure 5 connected to one end and the first one-side connecting portion 93A1 shown in Figure 10 connected to the other end, connecting the two connecting portions 92A1 and 93A1. The second connecting channel 191B1 has the second other-side connecting portion 92B1 shown in Figure 5 connected to one end and the second one-side connecting portion 93B1 shown in Figure 10 connected to the other end, connecting the two connecting portions 82B1 and 93B1. The third connecting channel 191A2 has the third other-side connecting portion 92A2 shown in Figure 5 connected to one end and the third one-side connecting portion 93A2 shown in Figure 10 connected to the other end, connecting the two connecting portions 92A2 and 93A2. The fourth connecting channel 191B2 has the fourth other-side connecting section 92B2 shown in Figure 5 connected to one end and the fourth one-side connecting section 93B2 shown in Figure 10 connected to the other end, thus connecting the two connecting sections 92B2 and 93B2. The fifth connecting channel 191C1 has the fifth other-side connecting section 92C1 shown in Figure 5 connected to one end and the fifth one-side connecting section 93C1 shown in Figure 10 connected to the other end, thus connecting the two connecting sections 92C1 and 93C1. The sixth connecting channel 191D1 has the sixth other-side connecting section 92D1 shown in Figure 5 connected to one end and the sixth one-side connecting section 93D1 shown in Figure 10 connected to the other end, thus connecting the two connecting sections 92D1 and 93D1. The seventh connecting channel 191C2 has the seventh other-side connecting portion 92C2 shown in Figure 5 connected to one end and the seventh one-side connecting portion 93C2 shown in Figure 10 connected to the other end, thus connecting the two connecting portions 92C2 and 93C3. The eighth connecting channel 191D2 has the eighth other-side connecting portion 92D2 shown in Figure 5 connected to one end and the eighth one-side connecting portion 93D2 shown in Figure 10 connected to the other end, thus connecting the two connecting portions 92D2 and 93D2.

[0063] Each connecting channel 191A1 to 191D2 has, respectively, a first to eighth through-section 98A1 to 98D2 shown in Figure 11 that penetrates the channel substrate 69 in the X2 direction, a first to eighth channel section 95A1 to 95D2 shown in Figure 10 formed on the first side surface fb1, and a first to eighth extending section 94A1 to 94D2 shown in Figure 11 formed on the second side surface fb2. When the first to eighth through-section 98A1 to 98D2 are used without distinction, they are referred to as through-section 98. Similarly, when the first to eighth channel sections 95A1 to 95D2 are used without distinction, they are referred to as channel section 95. Similarly, when the first to eighth extending sections 94A1 to 94D2 are used without distinction, they are referred to as extending section 94.

[0064] The flow channel portion 95 shown in Figure 10 is demarcated by a groove formed on the first side surface fb1 and the first sealing substrate 86 shown in Figure 9 that covers the first side surface fb1. The flow channel portion 95 extends from the one-side connection portion 93 to the through portion 98 in the Z1 direction, which is opposite to the Z2 direction.

[0065] The extended portion 94 shown in Figure 11 is demarcated by a groove formed on the second side surface fb2 and the second sealing substrate 85 shown in Figure 9 that covers the second side surface fb2. The extended portion 94 extends along the Y2 direction from the through portion 98 toward the other side connection portion 92. "Extending along the Y2 direction" includes not only extending linearly in the Y2 direction, but also being inclined or bent with respect to the Y2 direction as long as it extends toward the Y2 direction. The first extended portion 94A1 extends linearly in the Y2 direction from the first through portion 98A1 toward the first other side connection portion 92A1. The second extended portion 94B1 extends linearly in the Y2 direction from the second through portion 98B1 toward the first other side connection portion 92A1. The third extended portion 94A2 to the eighth extended portion 94D2 are each flow channels that are partially inclined or bent with respect to the Y2 direction. As described above, by forming flow channel portions 95 and extension portions 94, and through portions 98 on the first side surface fb1 and second side surface fb2 of the flow channel substrate 69, respectively, with different directions of extension, it is possible to form a three-dimensionally extending connecting flow channel 191 while miniaturizing the flow channel substrate 69. This suppresses the enlargement of the flow channel connecting member 60. Note that each of the first extension portions 94A1 to the eighth extension portion 94D2 shown in Figure 11 has a linear flow channel portion 140 that extends linearly in the Y2 direction on the side closer to the second outer surface fa2 located on the Y2 direction side of the flow channel connecting member 60. The linear flow channel portions 140 of each of the first extension portions 94A1 to the eighth extension portion 94D2 are aligned in a line in the Z2 direction.

[0066] Furthermore, in the X2 direction, as shown in Figure 5, the other-side connecting portion 92 (specifically the first other-side connecting portion 92A1, the third other-side connecting portion 92A2, the fifth other-side connecting portion 92C1, and the seventh other-side connecting portion 92C2) formed on the side closer to the third outer surface fa3 than the fourth outer surface fa4, further has the following flow path portions. That is, the connecting flow paths 191A1, 191A2, 191C1, and 191C2 each have an extended portion 94 formed on the second side surface fb2 and an intermediate flow path portion for communicating with the other-side connecting portions 92A1, 92A2, 92C1, and 92C2 formed at a position away from the second side surface fb2 in the X2 direction. As shown in Figure 11, the intermediate flow path portion consists of a relay portion 96, one end of which is connected to the other-side connection portions 92A1, 92A2, 92C1, and 92C2, and a bypass portion 99 extending in the X2 direction from the other end of the relay portion 96. The bypass portion 99 is connected to the extended portion 94. Details of the relay portion 96 and the bypass portion 99 will be described later. When distinguishing between the relay portion 96 and the bypass portion 99 corresponding to the other-side connection portions 92A1, 92A2, 92C1, and 92C2, the last two characters of the other-side connection portions 92A1, 92A2, 92C1, and 92C2, "A1", "A2", "C1", and "C2", are added to the end.

[0067] The intermediate sections 96A1, A2, C1, C2 and the bypass sections 99A1, A2, C1, C2 are provided in the middle of the flow path that supplies the same type of liquid, cyan and yellow ink in this embodiment, to the liquid injection head 10 and recovers it from the liquid injection head 10. By providing the intermediate sections 96A1, A2, C1, C2 and the bypass sections 99A1, A2, C1, C2 for the same type of liquid, it is possible to reduce variations in the flow resistance of the flow path through which the same type of liquid flows.

[0068] In Figure 10, each connecting channel 191A1 to 191D2 is configured to have approximately equal channel lengths in order to reduce variations in the resistance of each channel. For example, the length L1 in the Z2 direction of the first channel portion 95A1 is longer than the length L2 of the second channel portion 95B2. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, the length T1 in the Y2 direction of the first extension portion 94A1 is shorter than the length T2 in the Y2 direction of the second extension portion 94B1. Furthermore, by having the length relationship between the channel portion 95 and the extension portion 94 of the connecting channels 191A1 to 191D2 as described above, the connecting channel 191 can be formed without providing the channel substrate 69 in the region Rsp that is opposite to the side where the first outer surface fa1 is located and opposite to the side where the second outer surface fa2 shown in Figure 10 is located. As a result, the channel substrate 69 can be miniaturized by the amount of region Rsp, and therefore the channel connection member 60 can also be miniaturized.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, the flow channel substrate 69 has a groove 141 in which the first fixing member 88 shown in Figure 9 is positioned. The groove 141 is a groove formed on the first side surface fb1. The groove 141 extends along the Z2 direction from the surface of the flow channel substrate 69 opposite to the first outer surface fa1. At the Z2 direction end of the groove 141, a first insertion opening 78 shown in Figure 8 is formed through which the first fixing member 88 is inserted.

[0070] Figure 12 is a view of the flow channel substrate 69 from the flow channel forming surface fc side. Figure 13 is a view of the flow channel connecting member 60 with the one-sided bush 200 attached from the first outer surface fa1 side. Figure 14 is a view of the flow channel connecting member 60 from the fifth outer surface fa5 side. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of line 15-15 in Figure 4. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of line 16-16 in Figure 4. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of line 17-17 in Figure 5. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of line 18-18 in Figure 5. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of line 19-19 in Figure 5. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of line 20-20 in Figure 14. Figures 12 to 20 will be used to mainly explain the details of the connecting flow channel 191.

[0071] As shown in Figure 12, multiple openings 72 are formed on the flow path forming surface fc at positions that overlap with the other side connection portions 92A1 to 92D2 when viewed in the Y1 direction. Each of the multiple openings 72 forms one end of a communication portion which is a flow path that extends linearly in the Y1 direction opposite to the Y2 direction from the flow path forming surface fc and penetrates the flow path substrate 69. The communication portion which includes the first opening 72A1, the third opening 72A2, the fifth opening 72C1, and the seventh opening 72C2 at one end each constitutes the relay portions 96A1, 96A2, 96C1, and 96C2 shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, the communication portions 132B1, 132B2, 132D1, and 132D2, each including the second opening 72B1, the fourth opening 72B2, the sixth opening 72D1, and the eighth opening 72D2 at one end, connect the other-side connection portions 92B1, 92B2, 92D1, and 92D2 to the extended portions 94B1, 94B2, 94D1, and 94D2. Note that the flow path connection member 60 may omit the cover member 83 and the other-side bush 84 shown in Figure 9, in which case the opening 72 functions as the "other-side connection portion".

[0072] Next, we will explain the details of the connecting channel 191 that connects one-side connection part 93 and the other-side connection part 92. Of the connecting channels 191, the first connecting channel 191A1, the third connecting channel 191A2, the fifth connecting channel 191C1, and the seventh connecting channel 191C2 each have the same channel configuration, so we will use the first connecting channel 191A1 to explain the channel configuration. Also, of the connecting channels 191, the second connecting channel 191B1, the fourth connecting channel 191B2, the sixth connecting channel 191D1, and the eighth connecting channel 191D2 each have the same channel configuration, so we will use the second connecting channel 191B1 to explain the channel configuration.

[0073] As shown in Figure 17, the first connecting channel 191A1 has a first relay portion 96A1, a first bypass portion 99A1, a first extending portion 94A1, a first through portion 98A1, and a first channel portion 95A1, in that order from the first other-side connection portion 92A1 to the first one-side connection portion 93A1. The first relay portion 96A1 is a channel that extends linearly from the first other-side connection portion 92A1 in the direction opposite to the Y2 direction. One end of the first relay portion 96A1 is connected to the first other-side connection portion 92A1. The other end of the first relay portion 96A1 is connected to the first bypass portion 99A1. The first bypass portion 99A1 is located between the first relay portion 96A1 and the first extending portion 94A1, and connects the first relay portion 96A1 and the first extending portion 94A1. A portion of the wall that demarcates the first bypass portion 99A1 includes a portion of the wall of the groove portion 141. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, similar to the first connecting channel 191A1, the third connecting channel 191A2 has a third relay portion 96A2 and a third bypass portion 99A2. Also similar to the first connecting channel 191A1, the fifth connecting channel 191C1 has a fifth relay portion 96C1 and a fifth bypass portion 99C1. Also similar to the first connecting channel 191A1, the seventh connecting channel 191C2 has a seventh relay portion 96C2 and a seventh bypass portion 99C2.

[0074] As shown in Figure 18, the second connecting channel 191B1 has a second communication portion 132B1, a second extending portion 94B1, a second through portion 98B1, and a second channel portion 95B1, in the order from the second other-side connection portion 92B1 to the second one-side connection portion 93B1. The second communication portion 132B1 is a channel that extends linearly from the second other-side connection portion 92B1 in the direction opposite to the Y2 direction. One end of the second communication portion 132B1 is connected to the second one-side connection portion 93B1. The other end of the second communication portion 132B1 is connected to the second extending portion 94B1. The second extending portion 94B1 connects the second through portion 98B1 and the second other-side connection portion 92B1 via the second communication portion 132B1. As shown in Figure 15, similar to the second connecting channel 191B1, the fourth connecting channel 191B2 has a fourth connecting portion 132B2. Also similar to the second connecting channel 191B1, the sixth connecting channel 191D1 has a sixth connecting portion 132D1. Also similar to the second connecting channel 191B1, the eighth connecting channel 191D2 has an eighth connecting portion 132D2.

[0075] As shown in Figure 19, the multiple extending portions 94A1 to 94D2, including the first extending portion 94A1 and the second extending portion 94B1, have overlapping portions Lp that overlap each other when viewed in the Z2 direction. As shown in Figure 17, the first fixed position Fx1 is adjacent to both the overlapping portion Lp and the flow path portion 95 when viewed in the Z2 direction with the flow path connecting member 60. Specifically, when viewed in the Z2 direction with the flow path connecting member 60, the first fixed position Fx1 and the overlapping portion Lp are adjacent in the X2 direction. Also, when viewed in the Z2 direction with the flow path connecting member 60, the first fixed position Fx and the flow path portion 95 are adjacent in the Y2 direction. Because the flow path connecting member 60 has overlapping portions Lp, the range in which the multiple extending portions 94 are located in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction can be reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the range in which the multiple extending portions 94 are located, the available space can be effectively utilized to position the first fixed position Fx1. Furthermore, because the first fixed position Fx1 is adjacent to the flow path portion 95, a strong force can be applied to the common flow path member 30 and the one-side connection portion 93 at the first fixed position Fx1 to fix the common flow path member 30 and the flow path connecting member 60. This reduces the possibility of liquid leaking from between the common flow path member 30 and the one-side connection portion 93.

[0076] The first fixed position Fx1 is located adjacent to the overlapping portion Lp when viewing the flow path connecting member 60 in the Z2 direction, and is positioned between the first flow path portion 95A1 and the first bypass portion 99A1. This allows the first fixed position Fx1 to be positioned by effectively utilizing the available space, thereby enabling miniaturization of the flow path connecting member 60. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the length T2 of the second extended portion 94B1 is longer than the length T1 of the first extended portion 94A1, but by providing the first bypass portion 99A1, it is possible to suppress variations in the flow path lengths between the first connecting flow path 191A1 and the second connecting flow path 191B1.

[0077] As shown in Figure 20, when viewing the flow path connecting member 60 in the X2 direction, the straight line extending in the Z2 direction that passes through the center of the eighth one-sided connecting portion 93D2, which is located furthest from the second outer surface fa2 among the multiple one-sided connecting portions 93 in the Y2 direction, is called the first straight line Ln1. Also, when viewing the flow path connecting member 60 in the X2 direction, the straight line extending in the Y2 direction that passes through the center of the first other-sided connecting portion 92A1, which is located furthest from the first outer surface fa1 among the multiple other-sided connecting portions 92 in the Z2 direction, is called the second straight line Ln2. Also, when viewing the flow path connecting member 60 in the X2 direction, the straight line extending in the Z2 direction that passes through the center of the first one-sided connecting portion 93A1, which is located closest to the second outer surface fa2 among the multiple one-sided connecting portions 93 in the Y2 direction, is called the third straight line Ln3. Furthermore, when viewing the flow path connecting member 60 in the X2 direction, the straight line extending in the Y2 direction so as to pass through the center of the eighth other-side connecting portion 92D2, which is located closest to the first outer surface fa1 among the multiple other-side connecting portions 92 in the Z2 direction, is called the fourth straight line Ln4.

[0078] In the above case, the flow path connecting member 60, when viewed in the X2 direction, does not coincide with the intersection point cp1 of the first straight line Ln1 and the second straight line Ln2, but coincides with the intersection point cp2 of the third straight line Ln3 and the fourth straight line Ln4. As a result, since the flow path connecting member 60 has a shape that does not coincide with one of the intersection points cp1, the flow path connecting member 60 can be made smaller compared to the case where the flow path connecting member 60 has a shape that coincides with intersection points cp1 and cp2.

[0079] In particular, in this embodiment, the flow path connecting member 60 and the intersection point have the following positional relationship. Here, there are M one-sided connecting parts 93A1 to 93D2 and M other-sided connecting parts 92A1 to 92D2. "M" is an integer of 2 or more, and in this embodiment it is "8". In addition, the straight line extending in the Z2 direction so as to pass through the center of one-sided connecting part 93 which is the Nth (N is an integer between 1 and M) away from the second outer surface fa2 among the multiple one-sided connecting parts 93A1 to 93D2 in the Y2 direction is defined as the straight line in the Z axis direction. The "straight line in the Z axis direction" is an example of the "straight line in the first direction". The straight line in the Z axis direction includes the first straight line Ln1 and the third straight line Ln3 described above, as well as the fifth straight line Ln5a, the seventh straight line Ln6a, the ninth straight line Ln7a, the eleventh straight line Ln8a, the thirteenth straight line Ln9a, and the fifteenth straight line Ln10a.

[0080] Furthermore, a straight line extending in the Y2 direction that passes through the center of the Nth most distant other-side connection part 92 among the multiple other-side connection parts 92A1 to 92D2 in the Z2 direction is defined as the Y-axis direction straight line. The "Y-axis direction straight line" is an example of the "second direction straight line". In addition to the second straight line Ln2 and the fourth straight line Ln4 described above, the Y-axis direction straight line includes the sixth straight line Ln5b, the eighth straight line Ln6b, the tenth straight line Ln7b, the twelfth straight line Ln8b, the fourteenth straight line Ln9b, and the sixteenth straight line Ln10b.

[0081] Furthermore, if the intersection point of the Nth corresponding X-axis line and Y-axis line is defined as intersection point cp, then M intersection points cp are formed. In this embodiment, eight intersection points cp are formed. Intersection points cp include intersection points cp1 and cp2 as described above, as well as intersection points cp3 to cp8. Intersection point cp3 is the intersection of the 5th line Ln5a and the 6th line Ln5b. Intersection point cp4 is the intersection of the 7th line Ln6a and the 8th line Ln6b. Intersection point cp5 is the intersection of the 9th line Ln7a and the 10th line Ln7b. Intersection point cp6 is the intersection of the 11th line Ln8a and the 12th line Ln8b. Intersection point cp7 is the intersection of the 13th line Ln9a and the 14th line Ln9b. Intersection point cp8 is the intersection of the 15th line Ln10a and the 16th line Ln10b.

[0082] In the above case, the flow path connecting member 60, when viewed in the X2 direction, does not overlap with more than half of the eight intersections cp1, cp3, cp4, cp5, cp6, but overlaps with at least one of the remaining intersections cp2, cp7, cp8. As a result, the flow path connecting member 60 has a shape that does not overlap with more than half of the intersections cp1, cp3, cp4, cp5, cp6, and can be made smaller compared to the case where the flow path connecting member 60 overlaps with more than half of the intersections. In other words, the flow path connecting member 60 does not need to be formed in the region Rsp that is on the opposite side from where the first outer surface fa1 is located and on the opposite side from where the second outer surface fa2 is located, and therefore the flow path connecting member 60 can be made smaller.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, in the Y2 direction, the first one-sided connecting portion 93A1 and the second one-sided connecting portion 93B1, which are part of a plurality of one-sided connecting portions 93A1 to 93D2, are arranged between the end portion fe1 of the first outer surface fa1 furthest from the second outer surface fa2 and the center position Ce1 between the first outer surface fa2 and the second outer surface fa2. In the Z2 direction, the fifth other-sided connecting portion 92C1 to the eighth other-sided connecting portion 92D2, which are part of a plurality of other-sided connecting portions 92A1 to 92D2, are arranged between the end portion fe2 of the second outer surface fa2 furthest from the first outer surface fa1 and the center position Ce2 between the first outer surface fa1 and the first outer surface fa1. The space between the central position Ce1 and the second outer surface fa2 in the Y2 direction, and the space between the central position Ce2 and the first outer surface fa1 in the Z2 direction, can be effectively utilized to form parts of multiple one-sided connection portions 93A1 to 93D2 and parts of multiple other-sided connection portions 92A1 to 92D2. This makes it possible to miniaturize the flow path connection member 60.

[0084] According to the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, a plurality of one-side connection portions 93A1 to 93D2 are provided on the first outer surface fa1 and arranged along the Y2 direction, and as shown in Figure 5, a plurality of other-side connection portions 92A1 to 92D2 are provided on the second outer surface fa2 that intersects with the first outer surface fa1 and are arranged along the Z2 direction. This allows the orientation of the connection channel 191 formed in the flow channel connection member 60 to be changed midway, and the common flow channel member 30 can be connected to the supply channel 56 and the recovery channel 57 by the flow channel connection member 60. Furthermore, this makes it possible to suppress the size of the flow channel connection member 60 in the direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction and the Y2 direction.

[0085] B. Other embodiments: B-1. Other Embodiments 1: In the above embodiment, the flow path connecting member 60 facilitated fluid flow between the common flow path member 30 and the supply flow path 56 and the recovery flow path 57. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above embodiment as long as fluid can flow between the first flow path member and the second flow path member, each having its own flow path.

[0086] B-2. Other Embodiments 2: In the above embodiment, the external flow channel member 151, which is an example of the "second flow channel member," has a flow channel forming case 150, a plurality of flow channel pipes FP protruding from the flow channel forming case 150, and a plurality of supply flow channels 56 and a plurality of recovery flow channels 57 connected to the flow channel forming case 150, but is not limited to this configuration. The external flow channel member may not have a flow channel forming case 150, and the flow channel pipes provided at the ends of the plurality of supply flow channels and the flow channel pipes provided at the ends of the plurality of recovery flow channels may be connected to the other side connection portion 92 of the flow channel connection member 60.

[0087] B-3. ​​Other Embodiments 3: In the above embodiment, the one-sided connection portion 93 was a flow channel pipe, i.e., a convex flow channel joint, and the other-sided connection portion 92 was a concave flow channel joint into which the flow channel pipe was inserted, but the configuration is not limited to this. The one-sided connection portion 93 may be a concave flow channel joint into which a flow channel pipe or flow channel needle provided in the first flow channel member is inserted, or the other-sided connection portion 92 may be a flow channel pipe or flow channel needle, etc., inserted into a concave flow channel joint provided in the second flow channel member.

[0088] C. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following forms (aspects). The technical features in the embodiments described above that correspond to the technical features in each of the forms described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems of this disclosure, or to achieve some or all of the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, if such technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

[0089] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a flow path connecting member is provided. This flow path connecting member comprises a plurality of one-side connecting portions connected to each of a plurality of flow paths of a first flow path member, a plurality of other-side connecting portions connected to each of a plurality of flow paths of a second flow path member, a plurality of connecting flow paths that connect each of the plurality of one-side connecting portions to each of the plurality of other-side connecting portions, a first outer surface facing a first direction, and a second outer surface facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the plurality of one-side connecting portions are provided on the first outer surface and arranged along the second direction, and the plurality of other-side connecting portions are provided on the second outer surface and arranged along the first direction. According to this embodiment, the orientation of the flow paths formed in the flow path connecting member can be changed midway, and the first flow path member and the second flow path member can be connected by the flow path connecting member. Furthermore, a plurality of one-side connecting portions are formed on the first outer surface and arranged along the second direction, and a plurality of other-side connecting portions are formed on the second outer surface that intersects the first outer surface and arranged along the first direction. This makes it possible to suppress the size of the flow path connecting members in directions perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0090] (2) In the above embodiment, the flow channel substrate further comprises a first side surface and a second side surface that face opposite directions with respect to a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions, and each of the plurality of connecting flow channels may include a through portion that penetrates the flow channel substrate in the third direction, a flow channel portion formed on the first side surface and extending from the one-side connecting portion in the direction opposite to the first direction to the through portion, and an extending portion formed on the second side surface and extending from the through portion toward the other-side connecting portion along the second direction. According to this embodiment, by forming a flow channel portion, an extending portion, and a through portion on the first side surface and the second side surface of the flow channel substrate, respectively, with different directions of extension, it is possible to form a three-dimensionally extending connecting flow channel while miniaturizing the flow channel substrate. Thus, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the flow channel connecting member.

[0091] (3) In the above embodiment, the plurality of extending portions have overlapping portions that overlap each other when viewed in the first direction, and the first fixing position to which the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member are fixed may be adjacent to both the overlapping portion and the flow path portion when viewed in the first direction. With this embodiment, by having an overlapping portion, the range in which the plurality of extending portions are located in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the first direction can be reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the range in which the plurality of extending portions are located, the available space can be effectively utilized to form the first fixing position. In addition, by having the first fixing position adjacent to the flow path portion, the force fixing the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member at the first fixing position can be strongly applied to the first flow path member and the one-side connecting portion. This reduces the possibility of liquid leaking out from between the first flow path member and the one-side connecting portion.

[0092] (4) In the above embodiment, the plurality of one-sided connecting portions may be arranged with respect to the second direction between the first fixed position and a second fixed position which is different from the first fixed position and in which the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member are fixed. In this embodiment, the fixing force by the first fixed member and the second fixed member can be strongly applied to the connection portion between the plurality of one-sided connecting portions and the first flow path member, thereby suppressing leakage of liquid from between the one-sided connecting member and the first flow path member.

[0093] (5) In the above embodiment, the insertion direction of the first fixing member inserted into the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member in order to fix the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member at the first fixed position may be the first direction. According to this embodiment, the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member can be easily fixed by inserting the first fixing member in the first direction.

[0094] (6) In the above embodiment, the plurality of other-side connecting portions include a first other-side connecting portion and a second other-side connecting portion, and the plurality of one-side connecting portions include a first one-side connecting portion communicating with the first other-side connecting portion and a second one-side connecting portion communicating with the second other-side connecting portion, wherein the first other-side connecting portion may be further from the first outer surface than the second other-side connecting portion with respect to the first direction, and the first one-side connecting portion may be closer to the second outer surface than the second one-side connecting portion with respect to the second direction. According to this embodiment, variations in the length of the connecting channel that connects the other-side connecting portion and the one-side connecting portion corresponding to the other-side connecting portion can be reduced.

[0095] (7) In the above embodiment, the flow channel substrate has a first side surface and a second side surface that face opposite directions with respect to a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and the plurality of connecting flow channels include a first connecting flow channel that connects the first other side connecting portion and the first one side connecting portion, and a second connecting flow channel that connects the second other side connecting portion and the second one side connecting portion, the first connecting flow channel includes a first through portion that penetrates the flow channel substrate in the third direction, a first flow channel portion formed on the first side surface and extending from the first one side connecting portion in a direction opposite to the first direction to the first through portion, and a second flow channel portion formed on the second side surface and extending from the first through portion to the first The second connecting channel includes a first extending portion that extends along the second direction toward the other side connection portion, and the second connecting channel includes a second penetrating portion that penetrates the channel substrate in the third direction, a second channel portion formed on the first side surface and extending from the second one-side connection portion in the direction opposite to the first direction to the second penetrating portion, and a second extending portion formed on the second side surface and extending along the second direction from the second penetrating portion toward the second other side connection portion, wherein the length of the first channel portion in the first direction is longer than the length of the second channel portion in the first direction, and the length of the first extending portion in the second direction is shorter than the length of the second extending portion in the second direction. According to this embodiment, with respect to the channel substrate, a connecting channel can be formed in a region opposite to the side where the first outer surface is located and opposite to the side where the second outer surface is located, without providing a channel substrate. As a result, the channel substrate can be miniaturized, and therefore the channel connection member can also be miniaturized.

[0096] (8) In the above embodiment, the first connecting flow path includes a first relay portion extending from the first other-side connection portion in a direction opposite to the second direction, and a first bypass portion extending from the first relay portion in the third direction and connecting the first relay portion and the first extending portion, the second extending portion connecting the second through portion and the second other-side connection portion, the first extending portion and the second extending portion having overlapping portions that overlap each other when viewed in the first direction, and the first fixed position to which the first flow path member and the flow path connection member are fixed may be located adjacent to the overlapping portion and between the first flow path portion and the first bypass portion when viewed in the first direction. According to this embodiment, the first fixed position can be located adjacent to the overlapping portion and between the first flow path portion and the first bypass portion when viewed in the first direction, thereby making effective use of space. This makes it possible to miniaturize the flow path connection member.

[0097] (9) In the above embodiment, a portion of the first other-side connection portion and a portion of the second other-side connection portion may overlap when viewed in the third direction. In this embodiment, a portion of the first other-side connection portion and a portion of the second other-side connection portion overlap when viewed in the third direction, so that a portion of the first other-side connection portion and a portion of the second other-side connection portion are positioned at the same location with respect to the first direction. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the second outer surface in the first direction, thereby preventing the flow path connection member from becoming larger in the first direction.

[0098] (10) In the above embodiment, the flow path connecting member may not coincide with the intersection of a straight line extending in the first direction so as to pass through the center of the one-sided connecting portion that is furthest from the second outer surface among the plurality of one-sided connecting portions in the second direction, when viewed in the third direction, and a straight line extending in the second direction so as to pass through the center of the other-sided connecting portion that is furthest from the first outer surface among the plurality of other-sided connecting portions in the first direction, but may coincide with the intersection of a straight line extending in the first direction so as to pass through the center of the one-sided connecting portion that is furthest from the second outer surface among the plurality of one-sided connecting portions in the second direction, and a straight line extending in the second direction so as to pass through the center of the other-sided connecting portion that is furthest from the first outer surface among the plurality of other-sided connecting portions in the first direction. In this embodiment, since the flow path connecting member has a shape that does not coincide with at least one intersection, the flow path connecting member can be made smaller compared to the case in which the flow path connecting member has a shape that coincides with all intersections.

[0099] (11) In the above embodiment, each of the plurality of one-sided connecting portions and the plurality of other-sided connecting portions is provided in M ​​numbers (where M is an integer of 2 or more), and a straight line extending in the first direction so as to pass through the center of the one-sided connecting portion that is the Nth (where N is an integer of 1 or more and not less than or equal to M) away from the second outer surface of the plurality of one-sided connecting portions with respect to the second direction is defined as the first straight line, and a straight line extending in the second direction so as to pass through the center of the other-sided connecting portion that is the Nth farthest away of the plurality of other-sided connecting portions with respect to the first direction is defined as the second straight line, and if the point where the Nth corresponding first straight line and second straight line intersect is defined as an intersection point, then M intersection points are formed, and the flow path connecting member, when viewed in the third direction, does not overlap with more than half of the M intersection points, but may overlap with at least one of the remaining intersection points. According to this embodiment, since the flow path connecting member has a shape that does not overlap with more than half of the intersection points, the flow path connecting member can be made smaller compared to the case in which the flow path connecting member has a shape that overlaps with more than half of the intersection points.

[0100] (12) In the above embodiment, the plurality of one-side connecting portions are arranged in a row in the second direction, and the plurality of other-side connecting portions constitute two rows in which a portion of the plurality of other-side connecting portions is arranged in the first direction, and the two rows are arranged in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions, and a portion of the plurality of other-side connecting portions included in one of the two rows and a specific portion of the other-side connecting portion included in the other row may overlap when viewed in the third direction. With this embodiment, the size of the second outer surface in the first direction can be reduced, so that the flow path connecting member does not become larger in the first direction.

[0101] (13) In the above embodiment, with respect to the second direction, a portion of the plurality of one-sided connecting portions may be arranged between the center position of the end of the first outer surface furthest from the second outer surface and the second outer surface and the second outer surface, and with respect to the first direction, a portion of the plurality of other-sided connecting portions may be arranged between the center position of the end of the second outer surface furthest from the first outer surface and the first outer surface and the first outer surface. According to this embodiment, the space between the center position and the second outer surface with respect to the second direction, and the space between the center position and the first outer surface with respect to the first direction can be effectively utilized to form a portion of the plurality of one-sided connecting portions and a portion of the plurality of other-sided connecting portions. This makes it possible to miniaturize the flow path connecting member.

[0102] (14) A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a head unit comprising a flow path connecting member as described above, a first flow path member connected to the plurality of one-sided connecting portions of the flow path connecting member, and a nozzle for spraying liquid supplied from the first flow path member. This embodiment provides a head unit comprising a flow path connecting member in which the size of the flow path connecting member in directions perpendicular to the first and second directions is suppressed.

[0103] (15) A third embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid injection device. This liquid injection device comprises a head unit as described above and a second flow path member connected to the plurality of other-side connection portions of the flow path connecting member. This embodiment provides a liquid injection device equipped with a flow path connecting member in which the size of the flow path connecting member in directions perpendicular to the first and second directions is suppressed.

[0104] This disclosure can also be implemented in various forms other than those described above. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a flow path connecting member, a head unit, or a method for manufacturing a liquid injection device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1...Liquid injection device, 3...Control unit, 4...Media transport mechanism, 5...Supply circulation mechanism, 6...Line head, 10...Liquid injection head, 19...Connector, 20...Head unit, 21...Second common flow path substrate, 22...Base member, 23...Frame part, 24...Side wall, 30...Common flow path member, 31...First common flow path substrate, 32...Second common flow path substrate, 33...Internal flow path, 35...Flow path pipe, 35a...First flow path pipe, 35b...Second flow Tube, 35c...Third flow channel tube, 35d...Fourth flow channel tube, 35e...Fifth flow channel tube, 35f...Sixth flow channel tube, 35g...Seventh flow channel tube, 35h...Eighth flow channel tube, 51...Main tank, 52...Supply side sub-tank, 53...Recovery side sub-tank, 54...First intermediate flow channel, 55...Second intermediate flow channel, 56...Supply flow channel, 57...Recovery flow channel, 58...First pump, 59...Second pump, 60...Flow channel connecting member, 69...Flow channel substrate, 72,72A1 ~72D2...Opening, 78...First insertion opening, 79...Second insertion opening, 82...Through hole, 82B1...Connecting part, 83...Cover member, 84...Other side bush, 85...Second sealing substrate, 86...First sealing substrate, 88...First fixing member, 89...Second fixing member, 92,92A1~92D2...Other side connecting part, 93,93A1~93D2...One side connecting part, 94,94A1~94D2...Extending part, 95,95A1~9 5D2...flow channel section, 96, 96A1, 96A2, 96C1, 96C2...intermediate section, 98, 98A1~98D2...through section, 99, 99A1, 99A2, 99C1, 99C2...detour section, 132B1, 132B2, 132D1, 132D2...communication section, 140...straight flow channel section, 141...groove section, 150...flow channel forming case, 151...external flow channel member, 160...flow channel connection section, 190...inter-member flow channel, 191,191A1~191D2…Connecting channel, 200…Other side bush, 201…Through hole, Ce1…Center position, Ce2…Center position, DM…Conveying direction, F1…Injection surface, Fx1…First fixed position, Fx2…Second fixed position, Ln1…First straight line, Ln10a…15th straight line, Ln10b…16th straight line, Ln2…Second straight line, Ln3…Third straight line, Ln4…Fourth straight line, Ln5a…Fifth straight line, Ln5b…Sixth straight line, Ln6a…Seventh straight line, Ln6b…Eighth straight line, Ln7a…Ninth straight line, Ln7b…Fourth 10 straight lines, Ln8a...11th straight line, Ln8b...12th straight line, Ln9a...13th straight line, Ln9b...14th straight line, Rp...region, Lp...overlap, NZ...nozzle, PA...medium, R1...row, R2...row, Rsp...region, cp,cp1~cp8...intersection, fa1...first outer surface, fa2...second outer surface, fa3...third outer surface, fa4...fourth outer surface, fa5...fifth outer surface, fa6...sixth outer surface, fb1...first side surface, fb2...second side surface, fc...flow channel forming surface, fe1...end, fe2...end, FP...flow channel tube

Claims

1. A flow path connecting member, Multiple one-sided connection parts connected to each of the multiple flow paths of the first flow path member, Multiple other-side connection parts connected to each of the multiple flow paths of the second flow path member, A plurality of connecting channels that connect each of the plurality of one-side connecting parts to each of the plurality of other-side connecting parts, A first outer surface facing the first direction, A second outer surface facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, A flow channel substrate having a first side surface and a second side surface that face opposite directions with respect to a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions, Equipped with, The plurality of one-sided connecting portions are provided on the first outer surface and are arranged along the second direction. The plurality of other-side connecting portions are provided on the second outer surface and are arranged along the first direction. Each of the aforementioned multiple connection channels is, A through portion that penetrates the flow channel substrate in the third direction, A flow channel portion formed on the first side surface and extending from the one-side connection portion in a direction opposite to the first direction to the through portion, Including an extending portion formed on the second side surface and extending along the second direction from the through portion toward the other side connection portion, A flow path connecting member characterized by the following features.

2. A flow path connecting member according to claim 1, The plurality of extending portions have overlapping portions that overlap each other when viewed in the first direction, The first fixing position to which the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member are fixed is characterized in that, when viewed in the first direction, it is adjacent to both the overlapping portion and the flow path portion.

3. A flow path connecting member according to claim 2, The flow path connecting member is characterized in that the plurality of one-sided connecting portions are arranged with respect to the second direction between the first fixed position and a second fixed position which is different from the first fixed position and where the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member are fixed.

4. A flow path connecting member according to claim 2, A flow path connecting member, characterized in that the insertion direction of the first fixing member, which is inserted into the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member in order to fix the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member at the first fixed position, is the first direction.

5. A flow path connecting member according to claim 1, The plurality of other-side connection portions include a first other-side connection portion and a second other-side connection portion. The plurality of one-sided connection portions include a first one-sided connection portion that communicates with the first other-sided connection portion and a second one-sided connection portion that communicates with the second other-sided connection portion. The first other-side connecting portion is further from the first outer surface than the second other-side connecting portion with respect to the first direction. A flow path connecting member characterized in that the first one-sided connecting portion is closer to the second outer surface than the second one-sided connecting portion with respect to the second direction.

6. A flow path connecting member, Multiple one-sided connection parts connected to each of the multiple flow paths of the first flow path member, Multiple other-side connection parts connected to each of the multiple flow paths of the second flow path member, A plurality of connecting channels that connect each of the plurality of one-side connecting parts to each of the plurality of other-side connecting parts, A first outer surface facing the first direction, A second outer surface facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, Equipped with, The plurality of one-sided connecting portions are provided on the first outer surface and are arranged along the second direction. The plurality of other-side connecting portions are provided on the second outer surface and are arranged along the first direction. The plurality of other-side connection portions include a first other-side connection portion and a second other-side connection portion. The plurality of one-sided connection portions include a first one-sided connection portion that communicates with the first other-sided connection portion and a second one-sided connection portion that communicates with the second other-sided connection portion. The first other-side connecting portion is further from the first outer surface than the second other-side connecting portion with respect to the first direction. The first one-sided connection portion is closer to the second outer surface than the second one-sided connection portion with respect to the second direction. A flow path connecting member characterized by the following features.

7. A flow path connecting member according to claim 6, The flow path substrate comprises a first side surface and a second side surface that face opposite directions with respect to a third direction that is orthogonal to both the first and second directions, The plurality of connecting channels include a first connecting channel that connects the first other-side connecting portion and the first one-side connecting portion, and a second connecting channel that connects the second other-side connecting portion and the second one-side connecting portion. The first connecting channel is A first through-port that penetrates the flow channel substrate in the third direction, A first flow channel portion is formed on the first side surface and extends from the first one-sided connection portion in a direction opposite to the first direction to the first through portion, It includes a first extending portion formed on the second side surface and extending along the second direction from the first through portion toward the first other side connection portion, The second connecting channel is A second penetrating portion that penetrates the flow channel substrate in the third direction, A second flow channel portion is formed on the first side surface and extends from the second one-sided connection portion in the direction opposite to the first direction to the second through portion, It includes a second extending portion formed on the second side surface and extending along the second direction from the second through portion toward the second other side connection portion, The length of the first flow channel portion in the first direction is longer than the length of the second flow channel portion in the first direction. A flow path connecting member characterized in that the length of the first extending portion in the second direction is shorter than the length of the second extending portion in the second direction.

8. A flow path connecting member according to claim 7, The first connecting channel includes a first relay portion extending from the first other-side connecting portion in a direction opposite to the second direction, and a first bypass portion extending from the first relay portion in the third direction, which connects the first relay portion and the first extending portion. The second extending portion connects the second penetrating portion and the second other-side connecting portion. The first extended portion and the second extended portion have overlapping portions that overlap each other when viewed in the first direction, The first fixing position to which the first flow path member and the flow path connecting member are fixed is characterized in that, when viewed in the first direction, it is adjacent to the overlapping portion and is located between the first flow path portion and the first bypass portion.

9. A flow path connecting member according to claim 8, A flow path connecting member characterized in that a portion of the first other-side connecting portion and a portion of the second other-side connecting portion overlap when viewed in the third direction.

10. A flow path connecting member according to claim 7, The flow path connecting member, when viewed in the third direction, The line extending in the first direction so as to pass through the center of the one-sided connection portion that is furthest from the second outer surface among the plurality of one-sided connection portions in the second direction does not coincide with the intersection of the line extending in the second direction so as to pass through the center of the other-sided connection portion that is furthest from the first outer surface among the plurality of other-sided connection portions in the first direction, A flow path connecting member characterized in that it coincides with the intersection of a straight line extending in the first direction so as to pass through the center of the one-sided connecting portion located closest to the second outer surface among the plurality of one-sided connecting portions in the second direction, and a straight line extending in the second direction so as to pass through the center of the other-sided connecting portion located closest to the first outer surface among the plurality of other-sided connecting portions in the first direction.

11. A flow path connecting member according to claim 10, Each of the plurality of one-side connection parts and the plurality of other-side connection parts is provided in M ​​numbers (where M is an integer of 2 or more). With respect to the second direction, the first direction straight line is defined as a straight line extending in the first direction that passes through the center of the Nth (where N is an integer between 1 and M) of the plurality of one-sided connection parts located at a distance from the second outer surface, among the plurality of one-sided connection parts. If, with respect to the first direction, a straight line extending in the second direction that passes through the center of the Nth most distant other-side connection part among the plurality of other-side connection parts is defined as the second direction straight line, When the intersection point of the first direction line and the second direction line corresponding to the Nth point is defined as the intersection point, the M intersection points are formed. The flow path connecting member is characterized in that, when viewed in a third direction, it does not overlap with more than half of the M intersections, but overlaps with at least one of the remaining intersections.

12. A flow path connecting member according to claim 1, The plurality of one-sided connection portions are arranged in a line in the second direction, The plurality of other-side connection portions constitute two rows in which a portion of the plurality of other-side connection portions are aligned in the first direction. The two rows are arranged in a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. A flow path connecting member characterized in that, of the two rows, a portion of each of the plurality of other-side connecting portions included in one row and a specific portion of the other-side connecting portion included in the other row overlap when viewed in the third direction.

13. A flow path connecting member according to claim 1, With respect to the second direction, a portion of the plurality of one-sided connecting portions is positioned between the center position of the end of the first outer surface furthest from the second outer surface and the second outer surface, and the second outer surface. A flow path connecting member characterized in that, with respect to the first direction, a portion of the plurality of other-side connecting portions is arranged between the center position of the end of the second outer surface furthest from the first outer surface and the first outer surface, and the first outer surface.

14. A flow path connecting member according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A first flow path member connected to the plurality of one-sided connection portions of the flow path connecting member, A nozzle for spraying the liquid supplied from the first flow channel member, A head unit characterized by having the following features.

15. The head unit according to claim 14, The system comprises a second flow path member connected to the plurality of other-side connection portions of the flow path connecting member, A liquid injection device characterized by the following features.

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