Nozzle plate, liquid discharge device, and recording device

Abstract

In the present invention, a discharge surface has: a main region in which nozzles of n nozzle rows are arranged at first intervals as viewed in a second direction; and a first sub-region which is adjacent to the main region on a first side in a first direction, and in which nozzles in fewer than n nozzle rows are arranged as viewed in the second direction. A plurality of strip-form regions are assumed by dividing the discharge surface in the first direction at second intervals that are n times the first interval, starting from the position of the nozzle positioned at the end of the first nozzle row on the first side. When the strip-form region to which the nozzles of the xth nozzle row belong is denoted by p(x) as the number reduced in the first sub-region and s(x) = p(x+1) − p(x), where x is in the range of 1 to n−1, p(x+1) is greater than or equal to p(x), and s(1) to s(n−1) include integers that are different from one another.

Description

Nozzle plate, liquid ejection device and recording device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid, a liquid ejection device having the nozzle plate, and a recording device having the liquid ejection device.

[0002] There is known a recording device that records (e.g., prints) by ejecting a liquid (e.g., ink) toward a recording medium (e.g., paper) (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-121998). The liquid is ejected from a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles. The plurality of nozzles are arranged, for example, in a matrix. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-121998 discloses a specific example of an arrangement pattern of the plurality of nozzles.

[0003] WO 2009 / 142894

[0004] A nozzle plate according to one aspect of the present disclosure has an ejection surface extending along a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to each other, and a plurality of nozzles opening in the ejection surface. When n is an integer greater than or equal to 3, a plurality of nozzles are arranged in parallel to each other in n rows of nozzles, each row being configured by arranging the plurality of nozzles in a direction intersecting the second direction. When viewed in the second direction, the nozzles of the n nozzle rows are positioned at different positions in the first direction. The ejection surface has a main region and a first sub-region adjacent to the main region on a first side in the first direction. The n nozzle rows are counted as the first row, the second row, the third row, ..., the nth row, from a third side in the second direction to a fourth side opposite the third side. In this case, in the main region, the nozzles of the n nozzle rows are arranged at a first interval when viewed in the second direction. In the first sub-region, the nozzles of less than n nozzle rows are arranged when viewed in the second direction. A plurality of band-shaped regions are assumed by dividing the ejection surface in the first direction at second intervals that are n times the first interval, starting from the position of the nozzle located at the end of the first side in the first nozzle row. The nozzles located at the boundary and inside of each band-shaped region on the first side are considered to belong to that band-shaped region.

[0005] In a first aspect, in the first sub-region, some of the nozzle rows on the fourth side have the number of strip regions to which the nozzles belong reduced from the first side compared to the first nozzle row. Let p(x) be the number of strip regions to which the nozzles belong in the xth nozzle row in the first sub-region, and let s(x) = p(x+1) - p(x). In this case, p(x+1) is greater than or equal to p(x) for x ranging from 1 to n-1. s(1) to s(n-1) include integers that are different from one another.

[0006] In a second aspect, in the first sub-region, the number of nozzles in a portion of the band-shaped region on the second side opposite to the first side is increased from the third side compared to the first band-shaped region located furthest to the first side. Let t(y) be the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of nozzles belonging to the y-th band-shaped region from the first side. Let u(y) = t(y+1) - t(y). When y is increased, y when t(y)+1 reaches n is defined as y. ｎ In this case, y is set to 1. ｎ In the range of -1, t(y+1) is greater than or equal to t(y). ｎ −1) include integers that are different from each other.

[0007] A liquid ejection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the nozzle plate and a flow path that is located on the opposite side of the nozzle plate from the ejection surface and that communicates with the plurality of nozzles.

[0008] A recording apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the liquid ejection device and a transport device that moves the liquid ejection device and the recording medium relative to each other in the second direction.

[0009] 1. A schematic perspective view showing a recording apparatus according to an embodiment. A top view of a plurality of flow path members included in the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. A planar perspective view of one of the plurality of flow path members of FIG. 2. A planar perspective view showing an enlarged view of region IV of FIG. 3. A cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 4. A schematic view illustrating a nozzle arrangement according to a first example from a first perspective. A schematic view illustrating a nozzle arrangement according to the first example from a second perspective. A schematic view illustrating a nozzle arrangement according to a second example from a first perspective. A schematic view showing a nozzle arrangement according to a third example. A diagram corresponding to a part of FIG. 9. A diagram showing parameter values ​​of the nozzle arrangement according to the third example. A schematic view showing a nozzle arrangement according to a fourth example. A diagram corresponding to a part of FIG. 12. A diagram showing parameter values ​​of the nozzle arrangement according to the fourth example. A diagram showing parameter values ​​of the nozzle arrangement according to the fourth to fifteenth examples.

[0010] For aspects that are described relatively later among multiple aspects relating to various devices or components, only differences from the previously described aspects will be described. Matters not specifically mentioned may be considered to be the same as or inferred from the previously described aspects. Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, the same reference numerals may be used to refer to corresponding configurations in multiple aspects, even if there are differences.

[0011] The drawings used in the following description are schematic. Therefore, for example, certain shapes and / or dimensions may be exaggerated or details may be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions of the same components in the drawings do not necessarily match. However, this does not deny that shape and / or dimensional features may be extracted from the drawings.

[0012] For convenience, the drawings may be illustrated with a Cartesian coordinate system D1D2D3, and terms such as D1 direction, D2 direction, and D3 direction may be used. The recording device according to the embodiment may be used in any orientation. However, for convenience, an example in which the +D3 side is upward may be used without any particular specification, and expressions based on this example may be used.

[0013] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a printer 1 (an example of a recording device) according to an embodiment. The printer 1 is configured as an inkjet printer that prints on a medium 101 (an example of a recording medium) such as paper. More specifically, in the illustrated example, the medium 101 is roll paper, and is transported in the direction indicated by the outline arrow (or the opposite direction). Ink is then ejected from an ejection system 3 toward the medium 101, thereby performing printing.

[0014] The ejection system 3 has, for example, a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) ejection units 5. The plurality of ejection units 5 eject, for example, ink of different colors (for example, four colors). Each ejection unit 5 has, for example, a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) heads 7 arranged in a direction (direction D1) that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the transport direction of the medium 101. The ejection system 3, ejection units 5, and heads 7 are each an example of a liquid ejection device.

[0015] 2 is a top view showing the portion of one ejection unit 5 on the media 101 side (more specifically, the flow path member 9 described below). However, in this figure, the nozzle area NA located on the lower surface (the surface on the -D3 side) of the flow path member 9 is also shown by a two-dot chain line. The nozzle area NA indicates the area where the nozzles 11 that eject ink (see FIGS. 4 and 5 for the reference numerals described below) are arranged.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a planar perspective view of one flow path member 9. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of region IV in Fig. 3. However, in Figs. 3 and 4, for convenience of illustration, selected components are shown in perspective. More specifically, Fig. 3 shows, for example, an inlet 15S for supplying ink to the nozzle 11, a main common supply flow path 17S, and a sub-common supply flow path 19S, among the flow paths 13 through which ink flows. Fig. 4 shows, for example, the nozzle 11 in addition to the above components.

[0017] 2, 3, and 4, the multiple nozzles 11 are arranged in a matrix within a parallelogram-shaped nozzle region NA. The multiple nozzles 11 included in each nozzle region NA are sometimes collectively referred to as a nozzle group 27. As shown in Fig. 4, in each nozzle group 27, the multiple nozzles 11 are arranged in a direction intersecting direction D2 (direction D4 in the illustrated example) to form multiple (n) nozzle rows 29.

[0018] When viewed in the D2 direction (the transport direction of the medium 101), the nozzles 11 of the multiple (n) nozzle rows 29 are positioned in different directions in the D1 direction. In other words, when viewed in the D2 direction, between adjacent nozzles 11 in one nozzle row 29, nozzles 11 of one or more other nozzle rows 29 are located. This makes it possible to form dots on the medium 101 that are aligned in the D1 direction at a distance shorter than the distance in the D1 direction between adjacent nozzles 11 in one nozzle row 29. In other words, higher resolution is achieved compared to an embodiment in which only one nozzle row 29 is provided.

[0019] 2, each nozzle region NA has a main region NAm that does not overlap with adjacent nozzle regions NA when viewed in the D2 direction, and sub-regions NAs that do. In the main region NAm, the desired resolution is achieved by only one nozzle region NA (one nozzle group 27). In the sub-region NAs, the desired resolution is achieved by two nozzle regions NA (two sub-regions NAs, two nozzle groups 27) that overlap with each other. From another perspective, by separating the two nozzle regions NA from each other, for example, space that can be used for an appropriate purpose (such as arranging the main common supply flow path 17S) is secured between them.

[0020] 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example (first example) of the arrangement of nozzles 11 in adjacent portions of two nozzle groups 27. To simplify the explanation, this figure shows fewer nozzle rows 29 than in FIG. 4. Specifically, one nozzle group 27 includes four nozzle rows 29. The aspect ratio does not necessarily match the actual ratio (the same applies to other drawings corresponding to FIG. 6).

[0021] 6, in the region marked with parallel vertical lines, hatched circles indicate nozzles 11. The nozzles 11 of the two nozzle groups 27 are marked with different hatching. Circles drawn with solid lines and without hatching indicate non-arrangement positions NN of the nozzles 11, as will be described later.

[0022] The circles aligned along the D1 direction below the vertically lined area indicate projection points PP obtained by projecting the nozzles 11 of the two nozzle groups 27 parallel to the D2 direction onto a straight line parallel to the D1 direction. The projection points PP are hatched in the same manner as the corresponding nozzles 11.

[0023] Focus on the nozzle group 27 at the bottom right of Fig. 6. The multiple nozzle rows 29 are counted (numbered) from the -D2 side (an example of the third side in the second direction) to the +D2 side (an example of the fourth side in the second direction) as the first row, second row, third row, ..., and nth row. n is an integer equal to or greater than 3, and is 4 in Fig. 6. x in the figure indicates the row number.

[0024] When viewed in the D2 direction, the multiple nozzles 11 in each nozzle row 29 are arranged at a constant interval d1 (an example of a second interval). The arrangement area of ​​the multiple nozzles 11 is assumed to be divided into multiple strip-shaped areas BA in the D1 direction (an example of a first direction) at intervals equal to the interval d1. The positions of the multiple strip-shaped areas BA are set so that the nozzles 11 included in the first nozzle row 29 are located at the boundaries of the multiple strip-shaped areas BA.

[0025] The nozzles 11 located in each strip area BA (for example, at its center) belong to that strip area BA. Also, the nozzles 11 in the first row located on the boundary of each strip area BA on the -D1 side (an example of the first side in the first direction) belong to that strip area BA.

[0026] At this time, in the main region NAm (which includes the two right-hand band regions BA in FIG. 6) associated with the single nozzle group 27 at the bottom right, each of the nozzles 11 in the n (four in this case) nozzle rows 29 belongs to one band region BA. This achieves a resolution that allows dots to be formed at intervals of d1 / n (an example of the first interval) using only one main region NAm.

[0027] On the other hand, in the sub-region NAs associated with one nozzle group 27 at the bottom right, one band-shaped region BA includes one nozzle 11 from each of less than n nozzle rows 29 (a total of less than four rows of nozzles 11). In other words, compared to the main region NAm, no nozzles 11 are provided at non-arrangement positions NN.

[0028] When viewed in the direction D2, the nozzles 11 associated with the upper left nozzle group 27 are located at a position in the direction D1 corresponding to the non-position NN associated with the lower right nozzle group 27. This allows the two adjacent sub-regions NAs to achieve a resolution of d1 / n. Furthermore, it becomes possible to separate the adjacent nozzle groups 27 (see distance L1), which in turn allows, for example, the supply main common flow path 17S to be located between the nozzle groups 27.

[0029] A band-shaped area BA may be set for each nozzle group 27. In a portion where two adjacent nozzle groups 27 overlap in the D1 direction, the positions of the band-shaped areas BA of both nozzle groups 27 are the same in the D1 direction. The band-shaped area BA may be considered as two overlapping band-shaped areas BA, or as one band-shaped area BA shared by two nozzle groups 27. However, for convenience, the description of the embodiment will use expressions that assume the former interpretation. Therefore, for example, a description of the number of nozzles 11 belonging to one band-shaped area BA refers to the number of nozzles 11 included in one nozzle group 27, unless otherwise specified.

[0030] In the illustrated sub-region NAs of the lower right nozzle group 27 (the sub-region NAs located on the -D1 side of the main region NAm), the number of nozzles 11 is reduced as the nozzle row 29 moves closer to the +D2 side, and nozzles 11 are also reduced from the -D1 side. As a result, the line connecting the nozzles 11 located at the end of each nozzle row 29 on the -D1 side is inclined in the D2 direction compared to when the number of nozzles 11 is not reduced. As a result, for example, it becomes easier to increase the distance L1.

[0031] In Figure 6, distance L1 is defined as the distance between a line indicating angle α (described below) for the lower right nozzle group 27 and a line parallel to the line and passing through the rightmost nozzle 11 of the first nozzle row 29 included in the upper left nozzle group 27.

[0032] In this embodiment, for example, the method of reducing the number of nozzles 11 in the sub-region NAs is devised. This makes it easier to set the above-mentioned inclination, for example. Specifically, this is as follows.

[0033] Let p(x) be the number of nozzles 11 removed from the xth nozzle row 29 in the sub-region NAs (the number of nozzles removed from the band-shaped region BA to which the nozzles 11 belong), and let s(x) = p(x+1) - p(x). In this case, p(x+1) is set to be equal to or greater than p(x) for x in the range of 1 to n-1. In other words, the number of nozzles 11 removed from the x+1th nozzle row 29 is equal to or greater than the number of nozzles 11 removed from the xth nozzle row 29. Also, s(1) to s(n-1) include s(x)s with different values. Note that s(x) is a parameter similar to a rate of change.

[0034] In the example of Figure 6, as shown in the table at the bottom, when x is 1, 2, 3, or 4, p(x) is 0, 1, 3, or 4. Therefore, when x is in the range of 1 to n-1 (n=4), p(x+1) is greater than or equal to p(x). Also, when x is 1, 2, or 3, s(x) is 1, 2, or 1. Therefore, s(1) to s(n-1) include s(x) with different values.

[0035] To explain the effect of this setting, the angle α at which the end of the nozzle group 27 is inclined is defined as follows: Let us assume a virtual position VP obtained by shifting the position of the nozzle 11 located at the end on the -D1 side of the nth nozzle row 29 along the nozzle row 29 to the boundary on the -D1 side of the band-shaped area BA that includes that nozzle 11. Consider a line (symbol omitted) that connects the nozzle 11 located at the end on the -D1 side of the first nozzle row 29 to the virtual position VP. The angle formed by this line and the D1 direction is defined as α.

[0036] In FIG. 6 , angle A1 is angle α when s(1) to s(3) are all 1. Angle A2 is angle α when s(1) to s(3) are all 2. When s(1) to s(3) include 1 and 2 (the nozzle arrangement in the illustrated example), angle α is between angle A1 and angle A2. Furthermore, angle α can be adjusted between angle A1 and angle A2 by changing the ratio of the number of 1s and 2s included in s(1) to s(3). In this way, in this embodiment, angle α can be finely adjusted.

[0037] 6, attention is focused on the number of nozzles 11 (band-shaped areas BA) that are reduced in each nozzle row 29. However, it is also possible to easily adjust the angle α by focusing on the number of nozzles 11 included in each band-shaped area BA and setting the number of nozzles 11. Specifically, this is as follows.

[0038] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the same arrangement of nozzles 11 as that shown in Figure 6. Focusing on the nozzles 11 belonging to the band-shaped area BA in the sub-area NAs on the -D1 side (an example of the first side in the first direction) of the lower right nozzle group 27, as shown by the dotted lines surrounding the nozzles 11, it can be seen that the number of nozzles 11 increases as you move closer to the band-shaped area BA on the +D1 side (an example of the second side in the first direction), and also as you move from the -D2 side (an example of the third side in the second direction).

[0039] Therefore, in the sub-area NAs on the -D1 side, the number obtained by subtracting 1 (the number of nozzles 11 in the first nozzle row 29) from the number of nozzles 11 belonging to the y-th band-shaped area BA from the end on the -D1 side is defined as t(y), and u(y) = t(y+1) - t(y). Also, as y is increased, the y when t(y)+1 reaches n (4 in FIG. 7) is defined as y. ｎ (5 in Figure 7) At this time, y is changed from 1 to y ｎ In the range of -1, t(y+1) is equal to or greater than t(y). In other words, the number of nozzles 11 in the y+1th strip area BA is equal to or greater than the number of nozzles 11 in the yth strip area BA. ｎ−1) include different values ​​of u(y), where u(y) is a parameter similar to a rate of change.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 7, as shown in the table at the bottom, when y is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, t(y) is 0, 1, 1, 2, or 3. Therefore, when y is 1 or more, y ｎ -1 or less (y ｎ In the range of t(y+1) = 5, t(y) is equal to or greater than t(y). When y is 1, 2, 3, or 4, u(y) is 1, 0, 1, or 1. Therefore, the range from u(1) to u(y) is ｎ −1) includes u(y)s that are different from each other.

[0041] Technical matters may be extracted from the present disclosure from a different perspective than the above. In this case, p(x+1) does not have to be greater than or equal to p(x), and all s(x) may have the same value. The same applies to t(y) and u(y). Furthermore, the sub-region NAs may not be configured.

[0042] The above is an overview of the printer 1 according to the embodiment. The following will be explained in the following order: 1. Printer 1 in general (FIG. 1) 2. Discharge system 3 (FIG. 1) 3. Discharge unit 5 (FIGS. 1 and 2) 4. Head 7 (FIGS. 3 to 5) 4.1. Head 7 in general 4.2. Flow path member 9 4.2.1. Flow path member in general 4.2.2. Flow path shape in general 4.2.3. Common flow path 4.2.4. Individual flow paths 4.3. Actuator 5. Arrangement of nozzle 11 5.1. Arrangement according to the first example (FIGS. 6 and 7) 5.1.1. First example in general 5.1.2. s(x) 5.1.2.1. First additional condition: range of values ​​taken by s(x) 5.1.2.2. Second additional condition: presence or absence of continuity of values ​​5.1.2.3. Third additional condition: distribution of values ​​5.1.3. u(y) 5.1.4. f(n) 5.2. Arrangement according to the second example (FIG. 8) 5.3. Arrangement according to the third example (FIGS. 9 to 11) 5.4. Arrangement according to the fourth example (FIGS. 12 to 14) 5.5. Arrangement according to the fifth to twelfth examples (FIG. 15) 5.6. Arrangement according to other examples 6. Summary of embodiments

[0043] 1 includes, for example, the above-described ejection system 3 and a transport device 31 that transports the medium 101. Although not specifically shown, the printer 1 may also include, for example, a drying device that dries ink that has landed on the medium 101, or a controller that controls each part of the printer 1 (such as the ejection system 3 and the transport device 31).

[0044] The printer 1 prints on, for example, roll paper as the medium 101. However, the medium 101 may also be sheet paper. The size of the medium 101 is also arbitrary. For example, the size of the medium 101 may be small like a receipt, a size commonly used in offices, or large like a poster. From another perspective, the size of the printer 1 is arbitrary.

[0045] The transport device 31 may have any configuration. FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration in which a roller in contact with the media 101 is rotated. Other configurations include a configuration in which a belt that adsorbs the media 101 is transported, or a configuration in which a drum around which the media 101 is wound is rotated. The transport path for the media 101 may also be any configuration. For example, the transport path may extend generally straight (including a path that curves gradually so that part or all of the path does not make a U-turn) (as in the illustrated example), or it may extend in a U-turn.

[0046] 1 is configured for use in a so-called line printer. That is, the ejection system 3 (or, from another perspective, the ejection unit 5) spans almost the entire width (direction D1) of the medium 101. Then, as the medium 101 is transported, printing is performed in a band-shaped area extending in the direction D1, thereby forming a two-dimensional image.

[0047] Unlike the illustrated example, one head 7 may span substantially the entire width of the medium 101. The ejection system 3 may also be for a serial printer. In this case, the operation of printing while moving the head 7 (or the ejection unit 5 or the ejection system 3) in the direction D1 and the transport of the medium 101 are performed alternately. For convenience, in explaining the embodiments, a line printer in which two or more heads 7 (three in FIG. 1) span the width of the medium 101 may be used as an example unless otherwise specified.

[0048] The ejection system 3 has at least one head 7 (12 in the illustrated example). In the example of FIG. 1, as described above, four ejection units 5 are arranged in the D2 direction (the transport direction of the medium 101) corresponding to four colors. In other words, the multiple (three) heads 7 in each ejection unit 5 correspond to ink of the same color. The four colors are, for example, magenta (M), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (K). This allows the printer 1 to function as a color printer.

[0049] Contrary to the above description, the printer 1 may be one that prints in a single color, or conversely, one that prints in more than four colors. In other words, the number of colors is arbitrary. Also, contrary to the above description, two or more ejection units 5 may correspond to one color. This may more than double the resolution of one color. Conversely, one head 7 may correspond to two or more colors. As can be understood from the above, the number of ejection units 5 (heads 7) that the ejection system 3 has is arbitrary.

[0050] The discharge system 3 may hold the discharge unit 5 using an appropriate member. In FIG. 1 , a plate-shaped (frame-shaped) unit holding member 33 is shown as an example. The unit holding member 33 has an opening (not shown) that exposes the discharge surface 9 a ( FIG. 5 ) of the head 7 where the nozzles 11 are open. The discharge unit 5 (for example, a head holding member 35 described later) abuts against the periphery of the opening of the unit holding member 33 from the +D3 side, and is fixed to the unit holding member 33 with screws (not shown) or the like.

[0051] (3. Discharge Unit) Each discharge unit 5 has multiple heads 7 (three in the illustrated example) that are positioned at different positions in the D1 direction. The multiple heads 7 may, for example, have the same configuration as each other, or may have different configurations as each other. In the description of the embodiment, the former form may be taken as an example unless otherwise specified.

[0052] The number of heads 7 included in the discharge unit 5 is arbitrary. For example, unlike the illustrated example, the number of heads 7 may be two, or may be four or more. Also, unlike the description of the embodiment, only one head 7 may be provided. In other words, the discharge unit 5 may not be conceptualized.

[0053] In each ejection unit 5, the multiple heads 7 are arranged, for example, linearly in the D1 direction (or, from another perspective, in a row). That is, the positions of the multiple heads 7 in the D2 direction are the same. In this regard, the multiple heads 7 may be arranged so that each of them has a configuration that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees with respect to an axis of symmetry parallel to the D3 axis, or the multiple heads 7 may be arranged so that each of them has a configuration that is rotationally asymmetrical by 180 degrees with respect to an axis of symmetry parallel to the D3 axis, in the same direction or in opposite directions. Whether the positions in the D2 direction are the same or different may be determined, for example, based on the position of the nozzle 11.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2 , the sub-regions NAs of adjacent heads 7 are adjacent to each other. As with two adjacent sub-regions NAs within a single head 7, the desired resolution is achieved by both nozzles 11. In the description of the outline of the embodiment, it was stated that the sub-regions NAs contribute to ensuring the arrangement area of ​​the main supply common flow path 17S. In addition to or instead of ensuring such an area, the sub-regions NAs can contribute to ensuring the distance between adjacent heads 7 (however, in the example of FIG. 2 , the distance between the two is zero) and / or ensuring the distance from the sub-regions NAs of each head 7 to the outer edge of the head 7 in the portion where the heads 7 are adjacent to each other.

[0055] Unlike the illustrated example, the positions of adjacent heads 7 in the D2 direction may be offset from each other by a distance shorter than the length of the heads 7 in the D2 direction. In other words, in such a positional relationship, the shapes of the sub-regions NAs and the positions of the sub-regions NAs relative to the heads 7 may be set so that the desired resolution is achieved by the adjacent sub-regions NAs of the adjacent heads 7. Furthermore, the multiple heads 7 may be arranged in a staggered pattern. In other words, the multiple heads 7 may be arranged in the D1 direction with their positions in the D2 direction alternately differing, so that the ends of the heads 7 overlap each other when viewed in the D2 direction.

[0056] In each ejection unit 5, the multiple heads 7 may be fixed to one another by an appropriate member. FIG. 1 illustrates a plate-shaped (frame-shaped) head holding member 35. The head holding member 35 has, for example, an opening (not shown) that exposes the ejection surface 9a (FIG. 5) of the head 7 on which the nozzles 11 are open. The head 7 abuts against the periphery of the opening of the head holding member 35 from the +D3 side and is fixed to the head holding member 35 by screws (not shown) or the like. Note that, unlike the illustrated example, the multiple heads 7 may be fixed directly to the unit holding member 33 (the head holding member 35 may not be provided).

[0057] (4. Head) (4.1. Head in General) Any driving method may be used for ejecting ink from the head 7. For example, the head 7 may be a piezoelectric type that applies pressure to the ink by deforming a piezoelectric body, or a thermal type that applies pressure to the ink by heating the ink to generate bubbles. In the description of the embodiments, the piezoelectric type may be used as an example unless otherwise specified.

[0058] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Figure 4. As shown in this figure, the head 7 has, for example, the flow path member 9 described above having the nozzles 11, and an actuator substrate 37 that applies pressure to the ink in the flow path member 9 to eject ink droplets. The actuator substrate 37 has a plurality of actuators 39 that respectively correspond to the plurality of nozzles 11.

[0059] Although not specifically shown, the head 7 may have other components than those described above. For example, although not specifically shown, the head 7 may have the following components: A plate-like or tubular member that supplies (and / or recovers) ink to the flow path member 9; A flexible substrate that inputs a drive signal to the actuator 39; A rigid circuit board that is connected to the flexible substrate; A driver IC (integrated circuit) that generates a drive signal and is mounted on the flexible substrate or circuit board; A housing that houses these components. Regardless of the presence or absence of these components, only the flow path member 9, or only the combination of the flow path member 9 and the actuator substrate 37, may be considered to be the head.

[0060] One head 7 (or, from another perspective, one flow path member 9 or one nozzle plate 41N (described later)) has, for example, multiple (four in the example of FIG. 2) nozzle regions NA (nozzle groups 27). However, one head 7 may only have one nozzle group 27. In other words, the sub-regions NAs may contribute solely to achieving the desired resolution between adjacent heads 7. However, in the description of the embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the description may be made on the premise that one head 7 has multiple nozzle regions NA.

[0061] The head 7 may simply be supplied with ink from a tank (not shown), or may be supplied with ink from a tank (not shown) and collect the ink in the tank. In other words, the ejection system 3 may not circulate ink, or may circulate ink. In the description of the embodiments, a configuration in which ink is circulated will basically be taken as an example.

[0062] (4.2. Flow Channel Member) (4.2.1. Flow Channel Members in General) The flow channel member 9 is a generally flat member. Its planar shape is, for example, a parallelogram, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . Note that, in this context, the corners may be chamfered with straight or curved lines, and the sides may have relatively small recesses or protrusions. The same applies to other members and / or other shapes. This parallelogram has, for example, a first pair of sides parallel to the D1 direction and a second pair of sides inclined with respect to the D2 direction. The second pair of sides is, for example, along (e.g., parallel to) the side of the sub-region NAs opposite to the main region NAm. From another perspective, the angle of the second pair of sides with respect to the D1 direction is approximately the same as the angle α ( FIG. 6 ) (for example, the difference between the two is 5° or less, 3° or less, or 1° or less).

[0063] Unlike the illustrated example, the shape of the flow path member 9 does not have to be a parallelogram. For example, it is clear that the shape and orientation of the first opposite side parallel to the D1 direction are arbitrary. It is also clear that the shape and orientation of the side of the head 7 located at the end that is not adjacent to the other heads 7 are arbitrary. As will be understood from the above explanation that the multiple heads 7 do not have to be arranged in a straight line and the later explanation that the nozzle area NA does not have to be a parallelogram, the shape and orientation of the side located between two heads 7 are also arbitrary. A shape for aligning the adjacent sides of two adjacent heads 7 may be formed. Only a portion of the flow path member 9 on the ejection surface 9a side may be parallelogram-shaped.

[0064] The dimensions of the flow path member 9 are arbitrary. Take an example where the printer 1 is a line printer that prints on a relatively wide medium 101. The maximum length of the flow path member 9 in the D1 direction (the length parallel to the D1 direction from the lower left corner to the upper right corner in FIG. 3 ) may be, for example, 50 mm or more and 300 mm or less. The maximum length of the flow path member 9 in the D2 direction may be, for example, 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less. The maximum length in the D1 direction may be longer than the maximum length in the D2 direction. For example, the former may be 1.5 times or more and 5 times or less than the latter. The thickness of the flow path member 9 may be 0.5 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0065] 5, the flow path member 9 is configured, for example, by stacking a plurality of flow path parts 41 in the D3 direction. The flow path parts 41 are generally flat plate-shaped members, and overlapping parts are fixed together with an adhesive (not shown) interposed between them. Holes formed in the plurality of flow path parts 41 are connected to each other to form the flow path 13. The holes that form the flow path 13 are, for example, through-holes that penetrate the flow path part 41 in the thickness direction (D3 direction), or recesses formed on the surface of the flow path part 41 on the +D3 side or the −D3 side.

[0066] Of the multiple flow path parts 41, the one located closest to the -D3 side has a nozzle 11. This flow path part 41 may be referred to as a nozzle plate 41N.

[0067] The shape, dimensions, number of layers, material, etc. of the flow path parts 41 are arbitrary. For example, the shape and size of the outer edge of each flow path part 41 may be the same as the shape and size (as described above) of the outer edge of the flow path member 9. The thickness of the flow path part 41 may be, for example, 10 μm or more and 300 μm or less. The material of the flow path parts 41 may be, for example, metal, resin, or ceramic.

[0068] The flow path member 9 may be realized in a manner different from the illustrated example. For example, all or a part (e.g., the part on the +D3 side) of the flow path member 9 (flow path 13) may be configured by stacking flow path parts 41 in a direction perpendicular to the D3 direction, rather than by stacking flow path parts 41 in the D3 direction. Furthermore, at least a part of the flow path parts may have a shape that cannot be considered as a plate shape.

[0069] The method for forming each of the flow path parts 41, including the nozzle plate 41N, is arbitrary. For example, the holes and outer edges of the flow path part 41 (41N) may be formed by punching, laser processing, dry etching (excluding laser processing), and / or wet etching. Furthermore, the holes and outer edges of the flow path part 41 (41N) may be formed either first or simultaneously. In the former case, the methods for forming the holes and outer edges may be the same or different from each other.

[0070] For example, the nozzles 11 may be formed in the nozzle plate 41N by a suitable method (e.g., punching), and then the outer edge of the nozzle plate 41N may be formed by a method other than machining (e.g., laser processing). If, instead of this procedure, the nozzles 11 are formed and then the outer edge is formed by cutting the nozzle plate 41N by machining (e.g., punching), distortion may occur near the outer edge of the nozzle plate 41N, which may result in errors in the shape and / or position of the nozzles 11 near the outer edge. The procedure described above can reduce the likelihood of such an error.

[0071] The flow path member 9 may have components other than the flow path, such as a damper (not shown) that attenuates pressure fluctuations of the ink.

[0072] (4.2.2. General Flow Path Shape) The flow paths 13 included in the flow path member 9 may have various configurations as long as they have nozzles 11. In the illustrated example, the flow paths 13 are configured to be able to circulate ink. More specifically, for example, the flow paths 13 have a supply flow path that leads from the outside of the flow path member 9 to the nozzles 11, and a recovery flow path that leads from any position in the supply flow path to the outside of the flow path member 9. The supply flow path, for example, gradually branches from the outside of the flow path member 9 and leads to the multiple nozzles 11. The recovery flow path, for example, gradually merges from the side of the multiple nozzles 11 and leads to the outside of the flow path member 9. Note that the supply and recovery of ink may be reversed from the following description. That is, ink may be supplied from a flow path described below as a recovery flow path, and ink may be recovered from a flow path described below as a supply flow path.

[0073] More specifically, for example, the supply flow path has the following portions in the order of ink flow. Note that some of the individual flow paths 20 described below also constitute recovery flow paths. The number of flow paths is the number in one flow path member 9. Inlet 15S (FIGS. 2 to 4): At least one (four in the illustrated example) is provided, and receives ink from outside the flow path member 9. Supply main common flow path 17S (FIGS. 3 and 4): At least one (two in the illustrated example) is provided, and extends from the inlet 15S. Supply sub-common flow path 19S (FIGS. 3 to 5): At least one (multiple (many) in the illustrated example) is provided, and extends from (for example, branches off from) the supply main common flow path 17S. Individual flow paths 20 (FIGS. 4 and 5): Multiple (multiple in the illustrated example) are provided, and branch off from the supply sub-common flow path 19S, and each individual flow path includes a nozzle 11.

[0074] The recovery flow path has the following parts in order of ink flow, for example: - Common recovery sub-path 19C (Fig. 5): At least one (multiple (large number) in the illustrated example) is provided, where multiple individual paths 20 converge. - Common recovery main path 17C (Figs. 3 and 4): At least one (two in the illustrated example) is provided, and extends from the common recovery sub-path 19C (where, for example, multiple common recovery sub-paths 19C converge). - Outlet 15C (Figs. 2 to 4): At least one (four in the illustrated example) is provided, where the common recovery main path 17C is connected, and where ink flows out of the flow path member 9.

[0075] As described above, ink is supplied from outside the flow path member 9 to the individual flow paths 20 including the nozzles 11, via the inlet 15S, the main common supply flow path 17S, and the sub-common supply flow path 19S in this order. Ink that has not been ejected from the nozzles 11 is discharged from the individual flow paths 20 to outside the flow path member 9, via the sub-common recovery flow path 19C, the main common recovery flow path 17C, and the outlet 15C in this order.

[0076] One inlet 15S, one supply main common flow path 17S, and one supply sub-common flow path 19S are each connected to multiple nozzles 11 (common to multiple nozzles 11). A combination of two or more of these may be considered as one type of common flow path. The same can be said for one outlet 15C, one recovery main common flow path 17C, and one recovery sub-common flow path 19C. Each of the multiple individual flow paths 20 includes a nozzle 11, and basically, the number of the individual flow paths 20 is the same as the number of the nozzles 11.

[0077] (4.2.3. Common Flow Channel) The number of inlets 15S is arbitrary. In the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4, the number of inlets 15S (in one flow channel member 9) is four. Unlike the illustrated example, for example, the number of inlets 15S may be one or more and three or less, or five or more. Also, in the illustrated example, as will be understood from the description below, two inlets 15S correspond to two nozzle groups 27 together, rather than separately. Unlike the illustrated example, for example, one inlet 15S may correspond to a nozzle group 27 separately from the other inlet 15S, and / or may correspond to only one nozzle group 27, or may correspond to three or more nozzle groups 27.

[0078] The position of the inlet 15S is also arbitrary. In the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4 , the inlet 15S opens in a region of the upper surface of the flow path member 9 that is outside the nozzle region NA in a planar perspective view. Specifically, the inlet 15S is located in a space between the outer edge of the flow path member 9 and opposite sides of the nozzle region NA that face each other in the direction D2, which are inclined with respect to the direction D1. This allows the flow path member 9 to be made smaller. Furthermore, the inlet 15S is selectively located in some of the multiple spaces described above. Unlike the illustrated example, for example, the inlet 15S may be located outside the spaces described above, or may be located in all of the spaces.

[0079] The shape and dimensions of the inlet 15S are also arbitrary. In the example of Figures 2 to 4, the inlet 15S has a generally circular cross section, extends in the direction D3, and reaches the upper surface of the main supply common flow path 17S. The diameter of the inlet 15S is, for example, generally the same as the width of the main supply common flow path 17S.

[0080] The above description of the number, position, shape, dimensions, etc. of the inlet 15S may be applied to the outlet 15C, but in the illustrated example, the outlet 15C is shifted to the opposite side of the main supply common flow path 17S with respect to the inlet 15S.

[0081] In the illustrated example, the common supply flow paths (17S and 19S) excluding the inlet 15S and the common recovery flow paths (17C and 19C) excluding the outlet 15C are configured to generally overlap in a plan view. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , they are arranged one above the other. More specifically, for example, in a plan view, the common recovery flow path is configured by extending the common supply flow path outward from the position of the inlet 15S. The portions (most portions) other than the extended portion are basically the same, except for, for example, manufacturing errors. Therefore, in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the shape of the common supply flow path may be considered to indicate the shape (most portions) of the common recovery flow path.

[0082] Unlike the illustrated example, the common supply flow paths (17S and 19S) and the common recovery flow paths (17C and 19C) arranged above and below may have different shapes other than the above-mentioned extended portions. Furthermore, the common supply flow path and the common recovery flow path may be arranged at different positions in a plan view. For example, they may extend partially or entirely parallel to each other in a plan view.

[0083] In the illustrated example, the common supply flow paths (17S and 19S) are located above (on the +D3 side of) the common recovery flow paths (17C and 19C). This allows, for example, the common supply sub-flow path 19S to be closer to the pressure chamber 23 described below, and the common recovery sub-flow path 19C to be closer to the nozzle 11, thereby improving space efficiency. However, the up-down relationship can also be reversed from the illustrated example.

[0084] In the illustrated example, the height (size in the D3 direction) of each of the common supply flow paths (17S and 19S) and the common recovery flow paths (17C and 19C) is less than half the thickness (in the D3 direction) of the flow path member 9. However, even in a configuration in which the two overlap, it is possible for one of them to be more than half the thickness of the flow path member 9. Furthermore, in an embodiment in which the two do not overlap, or in an embodiment in which a recovery flow path is not provided, it is clear that the height of the common supply flow path may be more than half the thickness of the flow path member 9 (of course, it may also be less than half). The specific height of each common flow path is arbitrary.

[0085] The number and positions (in plan view) of the supply main common channels 17S are arbitrary. In the example of Fig. 3, one supply main common channel 17S is provided to connect two inlets 15S, and a total of two supply main common channels 17S are provided corresponding to the four inlets 15S. Ink flows from both sides of each supply main common channel 17S toward the center.

[0086] In the illustrated example, each main common supply channel 17S extends between two adjacent nozzle regions NA (nozzle groups 27) and generally along the opposing ends (sides of a parallelogram) of the two nozzle groups 27. Each main common supply channel 17S supplies ink to the two nozzle groups 27 located on either side of it via sub-common supply channels 19S.

[0087] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, no supply main common channel 17S is provided in the central region of the three regions located between the four nozzle groups 27. In other words, a supply main common channel 17S is provided in every other region located between the multiple nozzle groups 27. From another perspective, a supply main common channel 17S is provided on only one side of each nozzle group 27 (ink is supplied to each nozzle group 27 from only one side).

[0088] Unlike the illustrated example, for example, one supply main common channel 17S may be provided in one inlet 15S. Then, ink may flow from one end of the supply main common channel 17S to the other. A specific example of such an embodiment is a configuration in which the illustrated supply main common channel 17S is divided into two channels in the length direction. In this case, for example, one supply main common channel 17S supplies ink to half of the two nozzle groups 27 on either side, on the +D2 side or the −D2 side.

[0089] Also, unlike the illustrated example, for example, a supply main common flow channel 17S may be provided between the central nozzle groups 27. Furthermore, depending on how the heads 7 are arranged, a supply main common flow channel 17S may be provided on the -D1 side and / or +D1 side of all of the multiple nozzle groups 27 of each head 7. From another perspective, the number of supply main common flow channels 17S may be the same as the number of spaces between the multiple nozzle groups 27, or may be greater than that. The positions and / or number of such supply main common flow channels 17S may be applied not only to the illustrated example, but also to an embodiment in which the above-mentioned supply main common flow channel 17S is divided in the length direction.

[0090] In various aspects different from the illustrated example as described above, each supply main common channel 17S may supply ink only to the nozzle group 27 located on one side thereof, or may supply ink to the nozzle groups 27 located on both sides thereof. From another perspective, one nozzle group 27 may be supplied with ink only from the supply main common channel 17S located on one side thereof, or may be supplied with ink from the supply main common channel 17S located on both sides thereof.

[0091] The shape of the supply main common flow path 17S is also arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the supply main common flow path 17S has a main portion (reference numeral omitted) extending along opposite sides of the nozzle group 27 that face each other in the D1 direction, and a connection portion (reference numeral omitted) extending from the main portion to the inlet 15S. The connection portion extends, for example, along opposite sides of the nozzle group 27 that face each other in the D2 direction. The supply main common flow path 17S (main portion and / or connection portion) extends linearly with, for example, a constant cross section (constant shape and dimensions). The cross-sectional shape is, for example, rectangular.

[0092] The dimensions of the supply main common flow path 17S are also arbitrary. In a plan view, the inclination angle of the supply main common flow path 17S (main portion) with respect to the D1 direction may be, for example, approximately the same as the angle α ( FIG. 6 ) (e.g., the difference between the two is 3° or less or 1° or less). The width of the supply main common flow path 17S (main portion) may be, for example, close to the distance L1 ( FIG. 6 ). For example, the difference between the two may be, at most, 5×d1 or less, 3×d1 or less, or 2×d1 or less. And / or the difference between the two may be, at most, 0.6×L1 or less, 0.5×L1 or less, or 0.3×L1 or less.

[0093] Each supply sub-common channel 19S extends, for example, between two adjacent nozzle rows 29 and along (for example, parallel to) those two nozzle rows 29. Each supply sub-common channel 19S supplies ink to the nozzles 11 included in the two nozzle rows 29 on either side. Therefore, one channel member 9 has a total of half the number of nozzle rows 29 (24 × 4 ÷ 2 = 48 in the illustrated example). Unlike the illustrated example, for example, one supply sub-common channel 19S may be provided for one nozzle row 29, or one supply sub-common channel 19S may be provided for four nozzle rows 29. The shape and dimensions of the supply sub-common channel 19S are arbitrary. For example, the supply sub-common channel 19S extends linearly with a constant cross section (constant shape and dimensions). The cross-sectional shape is, for example, rectangular (see FIG. 5 ).

[0094] The common supply flow path may be significantly different from the illustrated example. For example, the common supply sub-flow path 19S may extend so as to intersect with the nozzle row 29. More specifically, the common supply sub-flow path 19S may extend along the row of the nozzles 11 arranged in a matrix. Furthermore, for example, the common supply main flow path 17S may be omitted from the flow path member 9, and an inlet 15S may be provided for each common supply sub-flow path 19S. A flow path may be provided that connects the common supply flow path and the common recovery flow path without the individual flow paths 20. For example, a flow path may be provided that connects the end of the common supply sub-flow path 19S opposite to the end connected to the common supply main flow path 17S with the end of the common recovery sub-flow path 19C opposite to the end connected to the common recovery main flow path 17C.

[0095] The above-mentioned explanations regarding the number, position, shape, dimensions, etc. of the common supply flow paths (17S and 19S) may be applied to the common recovery flow paths (17C and 19C) unless there is a contradiction, etc. This applies not only to the case where the common recovery flow path overlaps the common supply flow path as in the illustrated example, but also to the case where the two do not overlap.

[0096] (4.2.4. Individual Flow Paths) As shown in Fig. 4, the multiple individual flow paths 20 are arranged, for example, along each common supply sub-flow path 19S. From another perspective, the multiple nozzles 11 are arranged along the common supply sub-flow path 19S. As will be understood from the above explanation, this arrangement constitutes a nozzle row 29 in the illustrated example. Furthermore, in the examples of Figs. 4 and 5, as already mentioned, the multiple nozzles 11 connected to each common supply sub-flow path 19S are arranged in two rows, one row on each side of each common supply sub-flow path 19S. The two individual flow paths 20 leading to the nozzles 11 on both sides are, for example, oriented opposite to each other in a direction intersecting the common supply sub-flow path 19S (direction D2 in the illustrated example).

[0097] 5, each individual flow path 20 has, for example, a supply connection portion 21S, a pressure chamber 23, and a descender 25, in that order from the supply sub-common flow path 19S to the nozzle 11. Furthermore, each individual flow path 20 has a recovery connection portion 21C that connects the descender 25 to the recovery sub-common flow path 19C. Note that in FIG. 4, with regard to the individual flow path 20, only the portion of the supply connection portion 21S that extends from the supply sub-common flow path 19S to the +D3 side, the pressure chamber 23, the descender 25, and the nozzle 11 are shown.

[0098] When the volume of the pressure chamber 23 changes and pressure is applied to the ink, liquid is sent from the pressure chamber 23 to the descender 25, and eventually ink droplets (droplets) are ejected from the nozzle 11. Furthermore, liquid is replenished into the pressure chamber 23 from the supply sub-common flow path 19S via the supply connection portion 21S. Ink that is not ejected from the nozzle 11 is recovered into the recovery sub-common flow path 19C via the recovery connection portion 21C.

[0099] The shape and dimensions of each part of the individual flow passage 20 are arbitrary. In the illustrated example, they are as follows.

[0100] The supply connection portion 21S extends upward from the upper surface of the supply sub-common flow path 19S, then extends horizontally, extends upward again, and is connected to one end of the lower surface of the pressure chamber 23. Unlike the example shown in the figure, in a mode in which ink is supplied from each supply sub-common flow path 19S to two rows of individual flow paths 20 located on one side thereof, for example, the horizontal lengths of the supply connection portion 21S (and the recovery connection portion 21C) are made different between the individual flow paths 20 in the two rows.

[0101] The pressure chamber 23 opens, for example, on the upper surface of the flow path member 9 and is closed by the actuator substrate 37. Unlike the illustrated example, the pressure chamber 23 may be closed by a relatively thin flow path part 41. The upper surface of the flow path member 9 may be formed by the upper surface of the flow path part 41, and the actuator substrate 37 may be disposed on that upper surface (however, this may also be interpreted as a matter of defining the boundary between the flow path member 9 and the actuator substrate 37). The pressure chamber 23 is formed, for example, in a thin shape that extends with a constant thickness along the upper surface of the flow path member 9. The planar shape of the pressure chamber 23 may be an appropriate shape such as a rhombus (example of FIG. 4 ), a circle, or an ellipse. For example, in a planar perspective view, a portion of the pressure chamber 23 on the supply connection portion 21S side overlaps with the supply sub-common flow path 19S.

[0102] The descender 25 extends from one end of the lower surface of the pressure chamber 23 (the side opposite the supply connection portion 21S) toward the ejection surface 9a. The descender 25 may extend linearly (as in the illustrated example), or may be partially or entirely curved. The descender 25 may also extend parallel to the D3 direction (as in the illustrated example), or may be inclined relative to the D3 direction. The shape and dimensions of the cross section of the descender 25 parallel to the D1D2 plane may or may not be constant along its length. The shape of the cross section of the descender 25 parallel to the D1D2 plane is arbitrary, and may be, for example, circular.

[0103] The nozzle 11 opens to a part of the bottom surface (the surface opposite to the pressure chamber 23) of the descender 25. The nozzle 11 may be located, for example, approximately in the center of the bottom surface of the descender 25 (as in the illustrated example), or it may not be located in the center. The vertical cross section of the nozzle 11 may be, for example, tapered so that the diameter decreases toward the ejection surface 9a (as in the illustrated example), or may be partially or entirely reverse tapered.

[0104] One end of the recovery connection portion 21C opens, for example, in a region closest to the ejection surface 9a on the side surface of the descender 25. The other end opens, for example, to the lower surface of the recovery sub-common channel 19C.

[0105] As described above, the nozzles 11 in different nozzle rows 29 are positioned differently in the direction D1. This arrangement may be achieved by any appropriate method. For example, the shapes and dimensions of the multiple individual flow paths 20 may be identical, while the positions of the multiple individual flow paths 20 in the direction along the supply sub-common flow path 19S may be different between nozzle rows 29. Alternatively, for example, the positions and shapes from the supply connection portions 21S to the pressure chambers 23 of the multiple individual flow paths 20 may be identical between nozzle rows 29, while the shapes of the descenders 25 may be different between nozzle rows 29. Alternatively, for example, the method of varying the positions and the method of varying the shapes of the descenders may be combined.

[0106] The configuration of the individual flow paths 20 may be completely different from the illustrated example. For example, depending on the type of actuator 39 (whether it is piezoelectric or not, and the specific structure if it is piezoelectric, etc.), the pressure chamber 23 may be located to the side or below the common flow paths (17S and 19S). Also, for example, the descender 25 may not be provided, and the nozzle 11 may open directly to the bottom surface of the pressure chamber 23. However, the pressure chamber 23 and the descender 25 may be considered as a whole to be the pressure chamber, and even in the illustrated example, the nozzle 11 may be considered to open to the bottom surface of the pressure chamber.

[0107] (4.3. Actuator) The actuator substrate 37 is, for example, generally plate-shaped and has an area spanning the plurality of pressure chambers 23. Its planar shape may or may not be the same as the planar shape of the flow path member 9. The actuator 39 illustrated in FIG. 5 is configured by a so-called unimorph type piezoelectric actuator. The actuator 39 may also be configured by another type of piezoelectric actuator, such as a bimorph type. The actuator 39 (actuator substrate 37) has, for example, a vibration plate 43, a common electrode 45, a piezoelectric layer 47, and individual electrodes 49, in this order from the flow path member 9 side.

[0108] The vibration plate 43, the common electrode 45, and the piezoelectric layer 47 extend across the plurality of pressure chambers 23 in a plan view, for example. That is, they are provided in common to the plurality of pressure chambers 23. The individual electrodes 49 are provided for each pressure chamber 23 in positions facing the pressure chamber 23. The number of individual electrodes 49 is basically the same as the number of pressure chambers 23.

[0109] The portion of the piezoelectric layer 47 sandwiched between the individual electrode 49 and the common electrode 45 is polarized in the thickness direction. Therefore, for example, when an electric field (voltage) is applied in the polarization direction of the piezoelectric layer 47 by the individual electrode 49 and the common electrode 45, the piezoelectric layer 47 contracts in a direction along the layer. This contraction is regulated by the vibration plate 43. As a result, the actuator 39 is flexibly deformed so as to become convex toward the pressure chamber 23. Consequently, the volume of the pressure chamber 23 is reduced, and pressure is applied to the liquid in the pressure chamber 23. Conversely, when an electric field (voltage) is applied in the opposite direction to the polarization direction, the actuator 39 is flexibly deformed so as to become concave relative to the pressure chamber 23. Using this convex and / or concave deformation, the actuator 39 applies pressure to the pressure chamber 23.

[0110] (5. Nozzle Arrangement) (5.1. Arrangement Related to First Example) (5.1.1. General Description of First Example) The nozzle region NA illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 7 is parallelogram-shaped. However, the nozzle region NA does not have to be parallelogram-shaped. For example, although not specifically shown, the nozzle region NA may be a bilaterally symmetrical trapezoid. Multiple trapezoidal nozzle regions NA may be arranged with the orientations of their upper and lower bases alternately reversed, thereby achieving a resolution of d1 / n between adjacent nozzle regions NA. Furthermore, among multiple parallelogram-shaped or trapezoidal nozzle regions NA, the side on the -D1 side or +D1 side that is not intended to be adjacent to another nozzle region NA may be parallel to the D2 direction (sub-regions NAs may be eliminated).

[0111] In the illustrated example, the nozzle rows 29 are inclined at an angle θ with respect to the direction D1. Consequently, the opposing sides of the nozzle area NA in the direction D2 are also inclined. However, the nozzle rows 29 may also be parallel to the direction D1. The specific size of the angle θ is also arbitrary.

[0112] There is an arbitrary correspondence between the arrangement of the nozzles 11 in the nozzle group 27 (or, from another perspective, the orientation of the parallelogram presented by the nozzle area NA) and the transport direction of the medium 101. From another perspective, assuming that the Cartesian coordinate system D1D2D3 is fixedly defined with respect to the transport device 31, in the description of the embodiment, the terms -D1 and +D1 may be interchangeable, and / or the terms -D2 and +D2 may be interchangeable.

[0113] The arrangement of the multiple nozzles 11 in the nozzle region NA may or may not be 180° rotationally symmetric with respect to an axis of symmetry parallel to the D3 direction. From another perspective, when a condition related to s(x) and / or u(y) is satisfied in a sub-region NAs located on the −D1 side of the main region NAm, the condition related to s(x) and / or u(y) may or may not be satisfied when, in a sub-region NAs located on the +D1 side of the main region NAm, the nozzle rows 29 are counted from the +D2 side as the first, second, third, ..., nth row, and a band-shaped region BA is set based on the nozzle 11 located at the end of the first nozzle row 29 on the +D1 side. When the condition related to s(x) and / or u(y) is satisfied, the numerical sequence formed by s(x) and / or u(y) may be the same or different in the sub-region NAs located on the −D1 side and the sub-region NAs located on the +D1 side.

[0114] For example, it is conceivable to use two flexible substrates to input drive signals to the actuators 39 of one nozzle group 27. If the arrangement of the nozzles 11 is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees, then drive signals can be input to the actuators 39 of one nozzle group 27 using two flexible substrates that have the same arrangement of connection points with the actuators 39. Of such two flexible substrates, a first flexible substrate is electrically connected to the actuators 39 that correspond to the nozzles 11 on the −D2 side of a predetermined boundary in one nozzle group 27. A second flexible substrate is electrically connected to the actuators 39 that correspond to the nozzles 11 on the +D2 side of the predetermined boundary in one nozzle group 27.

[0115] The nozzles 11 may be intentionally positioned slightly offset from their original positions so long as the principle of achieving a resolution of d1 / n is not violated. For example, in a configuration in which the distance d1 between adjacent nozzles 11 in each nozzle row 29 is intended to be constant, the distance d1 may be varied by a small amount. Furthermore, in a configuration in which multiple nozzles 11 in each nozzle row 29 are intended to be arranged linearly, the nozzles 11 may be arranged in a slight meandering pattern. Such variations (e.g., randomness) contribute to, for example, reducing the likelihood of periodic occurrence of irregularities and reducing the visibility of the irregularities. Of course, unintended deviations due to manufacturing errors may also exist.

[0116] Two adjacent nozzle groups 27 (adjacent sub-regions NAs) are spaced apart in the D1 direction by a distance (roughly L1 / cos α) longer than the distance d1 at the same position in the D2 direction. This ensures that areas can be used for various purposes. Meanwhile, the +D1-side sub-region NAs formed by the -D1-side nozzle group 27 is located on the +D2 side of the -D1-side sub-region NAs formed by the +D1-side nozzle group 27, so that the two sub-regions overlap in the D1 direction. This allows the two sub-regions to complement each other, achieving a resolution of d1 / n. Specifically, the positions of the multiple strip-shaped regions BA included in the adjacent sub-regions NAs are the same in the D1 direction. A total of n nozzle rows 29 of nozzles 11 belong to these two strip-shaped regions BA. The n nozzles 11 are positioned differently in the D1 direction.

[0117] The multiple nozzle groups 27 (multiple nozzle regions NA) are arranged linearly in the D1 direction. From another perspective, for example, the nozzles 11 located at the ends of the first nozzle row 29 on the -D1 side are all positioned in the D2 direction identically. However, the multiple nozzle groups 27 may be positioned differently in the D2 direction. For example, in the illustrated example, the nozzle group 27 on the -D1 side may be shifted toward the +D2 side relative to the nozzle group 27 on the +D1 side.

[0118] The number n of nozzle rows 29 is arbitrary. However, if the number n of nozzle rows 29 is too small, even if it is possible to simply arrange the nozzles 11, when arranging structures such as pressure chambers 23, the following problem may occur, depending on other design parameters. When the number n of rows is small, it may be necessary to increase the angle θ of the nozzle rows 29 (approaching 90°) to achieve a predetermined resolution. If the angle θ is large, extending the nozzle rows 29 will increase the size of the head 7 in the D2 direction, so it is considered that the nozzle rows 29 cannot be made too long. If the angle θ is large and the nozzle rows 29 are not very long, the size of the nozzle groups 27 in the D1 direction will be small. This will increase the number of nozzle groups 27 per unit length. The boundaries between the nozzle groups 27 may result in slightly reduced printing accuracy. Furthermore, for example, structures such as the inlet 15S may increase in number in accordance with the number of nozzle groups 27, and the area in which such structures are arranged will also increase. If the number n of nozzle rows 29 is set to 8 or more, further 16 or more, and particularly 20 or more, the size of the head 7 in the D2 direction can be reduced, and the number of nozzle groups 27 per unit length can also be reduced.

[0119] (5.1.2. s(x)) As explained in the overview of the embodiment with reference to FIG. 6, the nozzle group 27 satisfies the condition that s(1) to s(n-1) include s(x) whose values ​​are different from one another. In addition to this condition, the nozzle group 27 may also satisfy any additional condition (although it is of course not necessary to satisfy this condition). Examples of additional conditions are given below.

[0120] (5.1.2.1. First Additional Condition: Range of Values ​​that s(x) Can Take) Here, an additional condition similar to the range of values ​​that s(x) can take will be described.

[0121] 6, s(x) is 1, 2, 1. 1 and 2 can be said to be two consecutive integers. In an aspect where s(x) is one of two consecutive integers, it is easier to bring the line connecting the nozzles 11 located at the ends of the nozzle group 27 in the D1 direction closer to a straight line than in an aspect where s(x) is a discrete value (for example, 1, 3, 1) (this aspect is also included in the technology according to the present disclosure).

[0122] Just to be clear, in the following description, as an example of the effect of an optional additional condition, the line connecting the nozzles 11 may approach a straight line (or be made easier to do so), but such an effect does not necessarily have to be achieved. Also, various methods are possible for determining whether or not the line is approaching a straight line, and it is not necessarily possible to determine unambiguously whether or not the line has approached a straight line.

[0123] The two consecutive integers described above may be other than 1 and 2. For example, when considering a number of rows n and an angle α different from those in FIG. 6 , the two consecutive integers may be 0 and 1, or 2 and 3. The smallest integer among the two consecutive integers that can be used as the value of s(x) is 0. The largest integer is close to k / n, where k is the number of strip areas BA included in the sub-area NAs.

[0124] Furthermore, the condition that s(x) is one of two consecutive integers can be broadened to a condition that s(x) is one of m consecutive integers (here, integers are equal to or greater than 0). In this case, too, by appropriately setting m, it becomes easier to make the line connecting the nozzles 11 located at the ends of the nozzle group 27 in the D1 direction closer to a straight line.

[0125] For example, m may be set according to the magnitude of the value of n. For example, when n (which is 3 or more as described above) is 10 or less (as in the illustrated example), m may be set to 2. When n is greater than 10, m may be set to the integer part of n / 5. For example, when n=11, m=2. When n=15, m=3.

[0126] When m is 3 or greater, s(1) to s(n-1) do not need to include all m consecutive integers. For example, when m is 3 or greater, s(1) to s(n-1) may include only 0 and 1, or only 0 and 2. Furthermore, as can be understood from the latter example, when integers less than m are selected from m consecutive integers as values ​​included in s(1) to s(n-1), the selected integers of 2 or greater do not need to be consecutive.

[0127] Naturally, m = n / 5 increases as n increases. However, even when n increases, m may be relatively small. For example, regardless of the value of n, m may be 4, 3, or 2. The smaller m is, the easier it is to make the line connecting the nozzles 11 located at the ends of the nozzle group 27 in the D1 direction closer to a straight line.

[0128] (5.1.2.2. Second Additional Condition: Presence or Absence of Continuity of Values) Here, an additional condition regarding the presence or absence of continuity of the same value in the sequence in which s(1) to s(n-1) are arranged in order will be described.

[0129] Below are examples of s(x) that satisfy the condition that each of s(1) to s(n-1) is one of two consecutive integers when n=7. The values ​​of x are smaller as they are written further to the left (same below). Example a1: 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1 Example a2: 2, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1 Example a3: 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1

[0130] In Example a1, the number of times s(x) is 1 is 4. The number of times s(x) is 2 is 2. Therefore, when comparing the number of two consecutive integers (here, 1 and 2) in s(1) to s(n-1), the number of 2s is less than the number of 1s.

[0131] The integer with the larger number (here, 1) may be referred to as the "first integer." The integer with the smaller number (here, 2) may be referred to as the "second integer." The number of first integers in s(1) to s(n-1) (here, 4) may be referred to as the first number, and the number of second integers (here, 2) may be referred to as the second number.

[0132] In example a1, the second integers are not consecutive. The same can be said for example a2. On the other hand, in example a3, the second integers are consecutive. Compared to example a3, examples a1 and a2 can reduce the likelihood of a large meandering caused by consecutive second integers occurring in the line connecting the nozzles 11 at the ends of the nozzle group 27 in the D1 direction. Therefore, the additional condition that the second integers are not consecutive may be satisfied.

[0133] Not only the second integers but also the first integers may not be consecutive. Such examples are shown below. Here, n=8. Even in these examples, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of a large meander caused by consecutive first integers occurring in the line connecting the nozzles 11 at the ends of the nozzle group 27 in the D1 direction. Example a4: 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1 Example a5: 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2

[0134] As can be seen from Examples a1 to a5, when the integers with fewer numbers (second integers) are said to be discontinuous, the integers with more numbers (first integers) may or may not be discontinuous. The number of consecutive first integers is also arbitrary. The greater the number of consecutive first integers, the closer the line connecting the nozzles 11 at the ends of the nozzle group 27 in the D1 direction to a straight line may be. Furthermore, the example in FIG. 6 where s(x) is 1, 2, 1 also satisfies the condition that the first integers and the second integers are discontinuous.

[0135] The above condition can be extended from a case where s(x) is any one of two consecutive integers to a case where s(x) is any one of m consecutive integers. For example, when comparing the number of m consecutive integers in s(1) to s(n-1), the integer with the smallest number (excluding integers with a number of 0; the same applies below) is not consecutive. And / or, the integers other than the integer with the largest number are not consecutive (the integer with the largest number may or may not be consecutive). And / or, all the integers are not consecutive.

[0136] In the above, it is assumed that when comparing the number of m consecutive integers in s(1) to s(n-1), there is a difference in the number. However, the numbers may be the same. The integers may not be consecutive. Examples of such a case are shown below. Here, n=7 and m=2. Example a6: 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2 Example a7: 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1

[0137] (5.1.2.3. Third Additional Condition: Value Distribution) Here, we will describe an additional condition regarding the distribution of the same value in the sequence of numbers s(1) to s(n-1) arranged in order.

[0138] In an embodiment where s(1) to s(n-1) are any of m consecutive integers, the same integers may be evenly distributed in the sequence of s(x). Various methods for evenly distributing the integers are possible, but examples are as follows.

[0139] Examples of s(x) when n=9 or 10 are shown below. Here, we take as an example a mode that satisfies the condition that the second integer with the smaller number (2 in the example below) is not consecutive. Example b1: 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1 Example b2: 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1 Example b3: 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1

[0140] In the description here, in each sequence consisting only of a large number of first integers (1 in examples b1 to b3) and separated by second integers, the number of first integers may be referred to as the consecutive number. For example, in the 1, 1 sequence on the left side of example b1, the number of consecutive 1s may be said to be two, or there may be two consecutive 1s. In a sequence containing only one first integer (for example, the central sequence consisting of 1 in example b2), the first integers are not consecutive, but in the description of the embodiments, for convenience, it may be said that the number of consecutive first integers is 1, or that there is one consecutive first integer.

[0141] In example b1, the first integers occur twice or three times in a row. That is, the consecutive number is 2 or 3. These 2 and 3 can be said to be consecutive integers. In example b2, the consecutive number of the first integers is 1 or 3. These 1 and 3 are not consecutive integers. In example b3, the consecutive number of the first integers is always 2. Furthermore, in examples b1 and b3, compared to example b2, the line connecting the nozzles 11 at the ends of the nozzle group 27 in the D1 direction is more likely to be close to a straight line.

[0142] Therefore, when each of s(1) to s(n-1) is either one of two consecutive integers (first integers and second integers), the number of first integers contained in a sequence consisting only of fewer integers (first integers) and separated by more numerous integers (second integers) may all be the same integer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "third integers") (in example b3, all two), or may be either one of two consecutive integers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "fourth integers" and "fifth integers") (in example b1, two and three).

[0143] The third integer is, of course, not limited to 2 as exemplified in Example b3. The fourth and fifth integers are also not limited to 2 and 3 as exemplified in Example b1. For example, the third integer may be 1 or an integer greater than or equal to 3. Furthermore, the fourth and fifth integers may be, for example, 1 and 2, or 3 and 4, or a combination of integers greater than these. The magnitude relationship between the first and second integers and the third, fourth and fifth integers is also arbitrary.

[0144] The examples (1, 2, 1), a1, a4, and a5 in Figure 6 also satisfy the condition that the second integers with a smaller number are not consecutive and the consecutive number of first integers with a larger number is either the third integer or the fourth or fifth integer. However, the examples in Figure 6, a4, and a5 may be excluded by adding a condition that at least one of the consecutive numbers is 2 or greater. Furthermore, the example a1 may be excluded by adding a condition that all of the consecutive numbers are 2 or greater. Any of these additional conditions may also be applied to the consecutive number of first integers and / or the consecutive number of second integers in the expanded conditions described below.

[0145] In the explanations referring to Examples b1 to b3, it is assumed that the integers with fewer occurrences (second integers) are not consecutive. However, the second integers may not be consecutive and may instead satisfy the same conditions as the first integers. That is, the consecutive number of second integers may all be the same (sixth integer), or may be two consecutive integers (seventh and eighth integers). Note that the sixth integer may be the same as or different from the third integer, or either the fourth or fifth integer. The same applies to the seventh and eighth integers.

[0146] When the condition for the number of consecutive numbers related to the second integer is set as described above, for example, example a3 satisfies both the condition for the number of consecutive numbers related to the first integer and the condition for the number of consecutive numbers related to the second integer. If the number of consecutive numbers is not limited to two or more, for example, examples in FIG. 6, examples a1, a4, a5, b1, and b3 also satisfy the above condition. The example in FIG. 6 and example a3 may be excluded by adding a condition that there are two or more sequences consisting of second integers and separated by first integers.

[0147] Furthermore, the various conditions regarding the consecutive numbers above are based on the premise that the number of first integers is different from the number of second integers. However, the conditions regarding the consecutive numbers of first integers and second integers may be satisfied when the numbers are the same. For example, examples a6 and a7 satisfy the conditions regarding the consecutive numbers above if the requirement that at least one of the consecutive numbers be 2 or greater is not required.

[0148] The conditions related to the consecutive numbers described above can be extended from the case where s(x) is one of two consecutive integers to the case where s(x) is one of m consecutive integers. For example, when comparing the numbers of m consecutive integers in s(1) to s(n-1), the consecutive numbers of the integers with the largest number of occurrences may be the same as each other or one of two consecutive integers. And / or, the consecutive numbers of the integers other than the integer with the smallest number of occurrences may be the same as each other or one of two consecutive integers. And / or, the consecutive numbers of all the integers may be the same as each other or one of two consecutive integers.

[0149] From a viewpoint different from the continuity number, the distribution of the same values ​​in the sequence from s(1) to s(n-1) may be set. For example, the coefficient of determination R based on the residual between the position of the nozzle 11 located at the end in the D1 direction and a predetermined straight line ２ The distribution of integers selected from m consecutive integers may be set so that the value of the linear regression line is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined straight line may be a regression line specified based on the nozzles 11 located at the ends in the D1 direction (the coefficient of determination in this case is R1). ２), it may be a straight line used in the definition of angle α (in this case, the coefficient of determination is R2 ２ ) may also be used.

[0150] The coefficient of determination R ２ The following calculations are based on the assumption that the nozzle rows 29 are aligned at regular intervals in the D2 direction. The positions of the nozzles 11 in the band-shaped area BA in the D1 direction differ depending on the nozzle row 29, but these differences are ignored. The figures are rounded to the fourth decimal place. Example (1, 2, 1) in Figure 6: R1 ２ = 0.980, R ２ =0.978 (1, 3, 1): R1 ２ = 0.953, R ２ = 0.948 Example a1: R1 ２ = 0.990, R ２ = 0.986 Third Example: R1 ２ = 0.985, R ２ =0.981 Example a4: R1 ２ = 0.995, R ２ = 0.994 Example b1: R1 ２ = 0.995, R ２ = 0.994 Example b2: R1 ２ = 0.993, R ２ = 0.990

[0151] Based on the above example, for example, R1 ２ The values ​​of s(1) to s(n-1) may be set so that R2 is 0.960 or more, 0.980 or more, 0.990 or more, or 0.995 or more. ２ The values ​​of s(1) through s(n-1) may be set so that s(1) is 0.950 or more, 0.970 or more, 0.980 or more, or 0.990 or more.

[0152] (5.1.3.u(y)) The above explanation of any additional condition regarding s(x) may be applied to u(y). Therefore, for example, the explanation in Section 5.1.2 can be applied to u(y) by substituting the word p with the word t, the word s with the word u, x with y, and substituting n-1 as the value of x with y, unless a contradiction occurs. ｎYou can replace it with -1. Just to be sure, a brief explanation will be given below.

[0153] When n is 10 or less, m is set to 2, and when n is greater than 10, m is set to the integer part of n / 5. In this case, u(1) to u(y ｎ Each of u(1) to u(y −1) is an integer equal to or greater than 0 and may be any of m consecutive integers. Even if n is 15 or greater, m may be 4 or less, 3 or less, or 2 or less. For example, u(1) to u(y −1) may be any of m consecutive integers. ｎ Each of u(y) through u(y) can be either of two consecutive integers. In the example shown in Figure 7, u(y) is either 0 or 1, and the above condition is satisfied.

[0154] Two consecutive integers are defined as a first integer and a second integer, and the number of u(y) whose value is the first integer is defined as a first number, and the number of u(y) whose value is the second integer is defined as a second number. In this case, the first number may be greater than the second number, and the first number may be greater than the second number, and the first number may be greater than the second number, and the second number may be greater than the first number. ｎ When the numbers u(1) to u(y −1) are arranged in order, the second integers may not be consecutive. Alternatively, the first number and the second number may be the same, and the numbers u(1) to u(y −1) may be consecutive. ｎ When the first integer and the second integer are arranged in order from 0 to 1, the first integer and the second integer may not be consecutive. In the example of Figure 7, there is only one second integer (0), which is the smallest in number, and therefore the integers are not consecutive, so the above condition is satisfied.

[0155] u(1) to u(y ｎ When the first integers (up to -1) are arranged in order, there may be multiple number sequences each containing only one or more first integers and separated from each other by a second integer. The number of first integers contained in the multiple number sequences may be the same, or may be either two consecutive integers. In the example of Figure 7, the first integer (1) with the largest number is one or two consecutive first integers, and the above condition is satisfied.

[0156] (5.1.4. f(n)) In addition to or instead of s(x) and t(y), the nozzle 11 may be arranged so that f(n), which will be described below, satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0157] f(n) is the ratio of p(n) to the number n of nozzle rows 29 (f(n) = p(n) / n), and is a parameter related to the angle α. p(n) is the number of nozzles 11 removed from the nth nozzle row 29, which is the nozzle row closest to the +D2 side. In other words, p(n) represents how far the nozzle 11 closest to the -D1 side in the nth nozzle row 29 is shifted toward the +D1 side relative to the nozzle 11 closest to the -D1 side in the first nozzle row 29 (unit: distance d1, decimals rounded down). As f decreases, the angle α increases (approaching 90°), and as f increases, the angle α decreases (approaching 0°).

[0158] Reducing f(n) increases the ratio of the printing width that can be printed at a specified resolution to the size of the head 7 in the D1 direction, but reducing f also narrows the spacing between the nozzle groups 27. Therefore, f may be set to 1.1 or greater and 1.5 or less (when n = 24, p(24) is 27 or greater and 36 or less), or even 1.15 or greater and 1.45 or less (when n = 24, p(24) is 28 or greater and 34 or less).

[0159] (5.2. Arrangement According to Second Example) FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 6, showing the arrangement of the nozzles 11 according to a second example.

[0160] The second example differs from the first example mainly in the arrangement pattern (periodic pattern) of the nozzles 11 in each strip area BA. Specifically, in the first example ( FIG. 6 ), the n nozzles 11 belonging to each strip area BA were arranged in a straight line, with the nozzles 11 positioned closer to the +D2 side as they moved toward the +D1 side. On the other hand, in the second example, the n nozzles 11 are not arranged in a straight line.

[0161] However, as in the first example, the positions of the n nozzles 11 in the direction D1 are different in each band-shaped area BA. Also, the spacing d1 between adjacent nozzles 11 is constant in each nozzle row 29. From another perspective, the arrangement patterns of the n nozzles 11 are the same in the multiple band-shaped areas BA.

[0162] In this way, the arrangement pattern of the nozzles 11 in the band area BA to which the conditions related to s(x) and u(y) are applied does not have to be linear. Note that various non-linear arrangement patterns are possible other than the second example, and the second example is merely one example. Specifically, there are nPn patterns, including linear patterns, and any of them may be adopted.

[0163] In FIG. 8, specific values ​​of s(x) (and u(y)) are also illustrated that are different from those in FIG. 6. However, as in FIG. 6, the condition that s(1) to s(n-1) include integers that are different from one another (1 and 2 in the example of FIG. 8) is satisfied. In addition, some optional additional conditions are also satisfied.

[0164] In FIG. 8, when t(y)+1 reaches n (here, 4), y (=y ｎ ) is 6. t(1) to t(y ｎ -1) is 0, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3. u(1) to u(y ｎ -1) is 1, 0, 1, 0, 1.

[0165] (5.3. Arrangement according to the third example) Figures 9 to 11 show the arrangement of nozzles 11 according to the third example. Figure 9 is a diagram similar to Figure 6. However, the reference numerals have been omitted. As with Figure 6, the aspect ratio does not necessarily match the actual ratio. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of nozzles 11 belonging to one band-shaped area BA. The numbers on the vertical axis indicate the nozzle row 29 numbers. For example, "1" on the vertical axis indicates the first row. Figure 11 is a diagram showing x, p(x), s(x), y, t(y), and u(y).

[0166] In short, the third example is an example in which the number (n) of nozzle rows 29 is greater than in the first and second examples. Specifically, n is 24, which is the same as the number n illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 11, the third example also satisfies the condition that s(1) to s(n-1) include mutually different integers (1 and 2 in the illustrated example), and the condition that u(1) to u(y ｎThe condition is met that s(1) through s(n-1) contain distinct integers (0 and 1 in the illustrated example). Also, some optional additional conditions are met. For example, the conditions are met that s(1) through s(n-1) are 1 or 2, and each s(x) is one of two consecutive integers.

[0167] (5.4. Arrangement according to the fourth example) FIGS. 12 to 14 are similar to FIGS. 9 to 11 and show the arrangement of the nozzles 11 according to the fourth example. In short, the fourth example differs from the third example mainly in the setting of s(x) (and t(y)). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, in the fourth example as well, s(1) to s(n-1) (u(1) to u(y)) are set to s(1) to s(n-1) (u(1) to u(y)). ｎ However, in the fourth example, the two integers s(1) to s(n-1) (0 and 3 in the example shown) are not consecutive.

[0168] (5.5. Arrangements Related to Fifth to Twelfth Examples) Prior to explaining the arrangements related to the fifth to twelfth examples, a supplementary explanation of the third and fourth examples will be provided. Figures 10 and 13 show the periodic pattern of the nozzles 11. Figures 10 and 13 show in which nozzle row 29 the nozzles 11 are arranged, in order in the D1 direction. The periodic pattern is one period of the arrangement of the nozzles 11, which is repeated periodically.

[0169] Here, let us consider the distance between the nozzles 11. The nozzles 11 are arranged with a certain distance between them so as not to be subject to limitations when manufacturing the nozzle plate 41N. Furthermore, since there are limitations when manufacturing the flow path parts 41 for the descenders 25 and pressure chambers 23 connected to the nozzles 11, the nozzles 11 are arranged with a certain distance between them so that a certain distance can be maintained between them. Even for nozzle groups 27 with the same angle α or p(n), the distance between the nozzles 11 changes depending on the periodic pattern. Conversely, for nozzle groups 27 with different angles α or p(n), the periodic patterns that can increase the distance between the nozzles 11 may differ.

[0170] FIG. 15 shows periodic patterns and the like for multiple examples (fourth to twelfth examples (EX.4 to EX.12)) in which the combinations of p(n) and periodic patterns are different from one another. Each table shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the table on the left side of FIG. 14, with the addition of a column for i. i indicates the position of the nozzle 11 in the D1 direction within the band-shaped area BA (order from the -D1 side), and corresponds to the horizontal axis of FIG. 13. This figure also includes a table for the fourth example, which has already been mentioned, so please refer to the table for the fourth example to check the correspondence between x and i and FIG. 13.

[0171] The illustrated nozzle arrangement can increase the distance between the nozzles 11. Alternatively, if the distance between the nozzles 11 arranged in this manner is longer than a predetermined distance, the entire nozzle arrangement may be contracted in the direction D2. In this case, the size of the head 7 in the direction D2 can be reduced. In this case, for example, the widths of the supply sub-common flow paths 19S and the recovery sub-common flow paths 19C may be left unchanged, and the distance between the supply sub-common flow paths 19S and the recovery sub-common flow paths 19C may be shortened.

[0172] It should be noted that, not limited to the fifth to twelfth examples, if the periodic pattern is made 180° rotationally symmetric, the arrangement of the nozzles 11 of the nozzle group 27 can be made 180° rotationally symmetric.

[0173] (5.6. Arrangements in Other Examples) In the examples up to this point, the multiple nozzles 11 in each nozzle row 29 are arranged at a constant interval d1 in the direction D1. From another perspective, it is assumed that n nozzles 11 belonging to different nozzle rows 29 are arranged in a predetermined pattern in the band-shaped area BA, and that this predetermined pattern is repeated periodically. However, the multiple nozzles 11 do not have to be arranged at a constant interval d1.

[0174] For example, although not shown, among the multiple band-shaped regions BA, the arrangement pattern of the n nozzles 11 in some band-shaped regions BA may be different from the arrangement pattern of the n nozzles 11 in other band-shaped regions BA. However, in a portion where band-shaped regions BA with different nozzle 11 arrangement patterns are adjacent to each other, the arrangement pattern of the n nozzles 11 in the band-shaped region BA is set so that the distance between adjacent nozzles 11 that belong to the same nozzle row 29 is greater than d1 / n.

[0175] In the case where the periodicity is relaxed in this way, for example, the probability that spots will appear periodically on the medium 101 is reduced. As a result, the probability that spots will be visible is reduced.

[0176] In the explanation so far, the positions of the multiple strip-shaped areas BA in the D1 direction have been set so that the nozzles 11 of the first nozzle row 29 are located at their boundaries. When taking into consideration an example in which the arrangement pattern of the nozzles 11 is not constant as described above, the positions of the multiple strip-shaped areas BA in the D1 direction may be set so that the boundary of the strip-shaped area BA to which a nozzle 11 belongs is located at the end of the first nozzle row 29 on the -D1 side.

[0177] (6. Summary of the embodiment) The nozzle plate 41N according to the embodiment has an ejection surface 9a extending along a first direction (D1 direction) and a second direction (D2 direction) that are orthogonal to each other, and a plurality of nozzles 11 opening in the ejection surface 9a. When n is an integer greater than or equal to 3, n nozzle rows 29 are arranged in parallel to each other. Each nozzle row 29 is configured such that the plurality of nozzles 11 are arranged in a direction (D4 direction) that intersects the D2 direction. When viewed in the D2 direction, the nozzles 11 of the n nozzle rows 29 are positioned at different positions in the D1 direction (i.e., the D1 direction is the direction of resolution). The n nozzle rows 29 are counted as the first row, second row, third row, ..., nth row, from the third side in the D2 direction (e.g., the -D2 side) to the fourth side (e.g., the +D2 side) opposite the third side. In this case, the ejection surface 9a has a main region NAm and a first sub-region (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the sub-region NAs refers to the -D1 side) adjacent to the main region NAm on a first side (-D1 side) in the D1 direction. In the main region NAm, the nozzles 11 of n nozzle rows 29 are arranged at a first interval (d1 / n) when viewed in the D2 direction. In the sub-region NAs, the nozzles 11 of less than n nozzle rows 29 are arranged. Starting from the position of the nozzle located at the end of the -D1 side in the first nozzle row 29, a plurality of band-shaped regions BA are assumed, each divided into two sections in the D1 direction at second intervals (d1) that are n times the first interval. The nozzles 11 located at the boundary and inside of each band-shaped region BA on the -D1 side are considered to belong to each band-shaped region.

[0178] From a first perspective (see FIG. 6 ), in the sub-region NAs, some nozzle rows 29 on the −D2 side have the number of strip areas BA to which nozzles 11 belong reduced from the −D1 side compared to the first nozzle row 29. Let p(x) be the number of strip areas BA in which nozzles 11 are located in the xth nozzle row 29 in the sub-region NAs. Let s(x) = p(x+1) - p(x). In this case, p(x+1) is greater than or equal to p(x) for x ranging from 1 to n−1. s(1) to s(n−1) include integers that are different from one another.

[0179] From a second perspective (see FIG. 7), in the sub-area NAs, some band-shaped areas BA on the second side (+D1 side) opposite the -D1 side have an increased number of nozzles 11 from the +D2 side compared to the first band-shaped area BA located furthest from the -D1 side. Let t(y) be the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of nozzles 11 belonging to the y-th band-shaped area BA from the -D1 side. Let u(y) = t(y+1) - t(y). When y is increased, the value of y when t(y)+1 reaches n is called y. ｎ In this case, y is set to 1. ｎ In the range of -1, t(y+1) is greater than or equal to t(y). ｎ -1) contain different integers

[0180] Therefore, for example, as described in the description of the outline of the invention, the angle α can be finely adjusted by adjusting the ratio of the number of mutually different integers included in the multiple s(x) (or u(y)). From another perspective, the distance L1 can be finely adjusted. This, for example, improves the degree of freedom in designing components related to the angle α and / or the distance L1. For example, the degree of freedom in the direction and width of the main common supply channel 17S and the distance (offset amount) between the nozzle plate 41N and the nozzle group 27 in the portion where two heads 7 are adjacent to each other is improved. Furthermore, since the distance L1 affects the space for arranging a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to the actuator substrate 37 and the space required for manufacturing, securing these spaces is also made easier.

[0181] In the first aspect, n may be equal to or greater than 5. s(2) to s(n-2) may include integers that are different from one another.

[0182] Similarly, in the second aspect, y ｎ may be 5 or more. ｎ -2) may include integers that are different from each other.

[0183] In this case, for example, among the nozzles 11 constituting the left and right end sides of the nozzle group 27, multiple s(x)s will contain integers that are different from each other at positions away from both ends of the side toward the center of the side. As a result, for example, the fact that multiple s(x)s are different from each other is likely to have a significant impact on the slope of the left and right end sides. The same is true for u(y).

[0184] When n is 10 or less, m is set to 2, and when n is greater than 10, m is set to the integer part of n / 5. In this case, in the first aspect, each of s(1) to s(n-1) is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and may be any of m consecutive integers. Similarly, in the second aspect, u(1) to u(y ｎ −1) is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and may be any of m consecutive integers.

[0185] In this case, the range of values ​​similar to the rate of change is narrowed compared to, for example, a case where multiple s(x) (or u(y)) are not selected from m consecutive integers, so it is easier to make the line connecting the nozzles 11 located at the ends of the nozzle group 27 in the D1 direction closer to a straight line.

[0186] In the first aspect, each of s(1) to s(n-1) may be either of two consecutive integers.

[0187] Similarly, in the second aspect, u(1) to u(y ｎ -1) may be either of two consecutive integers.

[0188] In these cases, for example, the range of values ​​similar to the rate of change is further narrowed, so it is expected that the above effect (making it easier to make the line connecting the nozzles 11 closer to a straight line) will be further improved.

[0189] In a first aspect, two consecutive integers are defined as a first integer and a second integer, and the number of s(x)s from s(1) to s(n-1) whose values ​​are the first integer is defined as a first number, and the number of s(x)s whose values ​​are the second integer is defined as a second number. In this case, the first number may be greater than the second number, and the second integers may be discontinuous when s(1) to s(n-1) are arranged in order. Alternatively, the first number and the second number may be the same, and the first integers and the second integers may be discontinuous when s(1) to s(n-1) are arranged in order.

[0190] Similarly, in the second aspect, two consecutive integers are defined as a first integer and a second integer, the number of u(y) whose value is the first integer is defined as a first number, and the number of u(y) whose value is the second integer is defined as a second number. In this case, the first number may be greater than the second number, and the first number may be greater than the second number, and the first number may be greater than the second number, and the second number may be greater than the first number. ｎ When the first and second numbers are arranged in order from u(1) to u(y −1), the second integers may not be consecutive. Alternatively, the first and second numbers may be the same, and the first and second numbers may be arranged in order from u(1) to u(y −1). ｎ −1), the first integers and the second integers may not be consecutive.

[0191] In these cases, for example, the probability of large meandering occurring due to successive second integers is reduced, so it is expected that the above effect (making it easier to make the line connecting the nozzles 11 closer to a straight line) will be further improved.

[0192] In the first aspect, when s(1) to s(n-1) are arranged in order, there may be a plurality of number sequences each including only one or more first integers and separated from each other by second integers. The number of first integers included in the plurality of number sequences may be the same or may be any two consecutive integers.

[0193] Similarly, from u(1) to u(y ｎ When arranged in order from 0 to 1), there may be a plurality of number sequences each containing only one or more first integers and separated from each other by a second integer. The number of first integers contained in the plurality of number sequences may be the same or may be any of two consecutive integers.

[0194] In these cases, for example, the first integer will be distributed in multiple locations with roughly the same consecutive numbers, so it is expected that the above effect (making it easier to make the line connecting the nozzles 11 closer to a straight line) will be further improved.

[0195] The ejection surface 9a may have a second sub-region (+D1-side sub-region NAs) adjacent to the main region NAm on a second side (+D1 side) opposite the first side. In the +D1-side sub-region NAs, strip-shaped regions BA to which nozzles 11 of less than n nozzle rows 29 belong may be aligned in the D1 direction. In the +D1-side sub-region NAs, the number of strip-shaped regions BA to which nozzles 11 belong may be reduced from the +D1 side in some nozzle rows 29 on the -D2 side compared to the nth nozzle row 29. When the n nozzle rows 29 constituting the -D1-side sub-region NAs, the main region NAm, and the +D2-side sub-region NAs are referred to as a nozzle group 27, multiple nozzle groups 27 may be aligned in the D1 direction. In two adjacent nozzle groups 27, the +D1-side sub-region NAs formed by the nozzle group 27 located on the -D1 side and the -D1-side sub-region NAs formed by the nozzle group 27 located on the +D1 side may be separated in the D1 direction by a distance longer than the length (distance d1) of the strip-shaped region BA at the same position in the D2 direction, but the former may be located on the +D2 side of the latter, so that their positions in the D1 direction overlap, and the positions in the D1 direction of the multiple strip-shaped regions BA included in each may match. A total of n nozzle rows 29 of nozzles 11 may belong to the two strip-shaped regions BA whose positions in the D1 direction match each other.

[0196] That is, the adjacent portions (sub-regions NAs) of the two nozzle groups 27 may achieve a resolution of d1 / n, similar to the main region NAm. In this case, satisfying the conditions s(x) and / or u(y) provides the effect of facilitating fine adjustment of the distance L1 between the nozzle groups 27. Furthermore, because each nozzle group 27 has sub-regions NAs on both sides in the D1 direction, the effect of facilitating fine adjustment of the angle α on both sides is also provided. As a result, for example, the effect of facilitating securing a distance or space that is useful from various perspectives is doubled.

[0197] A liquid ejection device according to the embodiment (for example, the head 7, the ejection unit 5, or the ejection system 3) may include the nozzle plate 41N according to the embodiment described above and a flow path 13 (for the sake of convenience in this paragraph, the nozzles 11 are excluded). The flow path 13 may be located on the opposite side of the nozzle plate 41N from the ejection surface 9a, and may communicate with a plurality of nozzles 11.

[0198] In this case, since the head 7 has the nozzle plate 41N according to the embodiment, it is possible to enjoy the various effects described above that are provided by the nozzle plate 41N.

[0199] As described above, the head 7 may be provided with two adjacent nozzle groups 27 (more specifically, adjacent sub-regions NAs). The flow path 13 may have a main common flow path (e.g., a supply main common flow path 17S) that extends between the two adjacent nozzle groups 27 along the opposing ends of the two nozzle groups 27. The supply main common flow path 17S may be commonly connected to the multiple nozzles 11 in at least one of the two nozzle groups.

[0200] In this case, for example, as described above, the angle α and / or the distance L1 can be adjusted by adjusting s(x) and / or u(y), thereby improving the degree of freedom in designing the supply main common flow path 17S. Just to be clear, the angle and width of the supply main common flow path 17S are not necessarily the angle α and the distance L1. The reasons for this include the fact that the supply main common flow path 17S needs to avoid not only the nozzle 11 but also other parts of the individual flow paths 20, and that wall portions of a certain thickness need to be provided between the flow paths from the standpoint of tolerance and / or strength.

[0201] The flow path 13 may have one or more sub-common flow paths (for example, a common supply sub-flow path 19S) branching off from the common supply main flow path 17S and extending along the nozzle row 29. The common supply sub-flow path 19S may lead in common to multiple nozzles 11 in any one of the nozzle rows 29.

[0202] In this case, for example, since the number of nozzles 11 included in the nozzle row 29 is generally greater than n, the effect of adjusting s(x) and / or u(y) on the flow rate of the supply sub-common channel 19S is small compared to the case where the supply sub-common channel 19S intersects with the nozzle row 29 (as already mentioned, this case is also included in the technology according to the present disclosure). Therefore, the possibility that a change in the design of the supply sub-common channel 19S will be required when adjusting s(x) and / or u(y) is reduced.

[0203] The supply sub-common flow path 19S may extend along and between two adjacent nozzle rows 29, and may be commonly connected to the multiple nozzles 11 that the two nozzle rows 29 have.

[0204] In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 , a configuration is likely to result in a combination of two adjacent nozzle rows 29 at a first distance aligned in the direction D2 at a second distance longer than the first distance. On the other hand, although not specifically shown, in a configuration in which the supply sub-common flow path 19S supplies ink to a total of four nozzle rows 29 on both sides (as described above, this configuration is also included in the technology related to the present disclosure), a configuration is likely to result in a combination of four nozzle rows 29 aligned at a relatively short distance aligned in the direction D2 at a relatively long distance, with two types of short distances. Compared to the latter configuration, the former configuration makes it easier to predict the influence of s(x) and / or u(y) on the angle α and / or the distance L1. In other words, the design is simplified.

[0205] The recording apparatus (printer 1) according to the embodiment includes a liquid ejection device according to the embodiment (for example, a head 7, an ejection unit 5, or an ejection system 3), and a conveying device 31 that moves the head 7 and a recording medium (media 101) relative to each other in the direction D2. Therefore, for example, the recording apparatus can enjoy the various effects provided by the head 7 described above.

[0206] The technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be implemented in various forms.

[0207] For example, the recording device is not limited to those generally classified as printers. For example, the recording device may be a plotter. Furthermore, for example, the recording device may be a device in which a liquid ejection device is moved by a robot to print on a stationary recording medium, or a handheld printer in which a liquid ejection device is moved by hand to print on a stationary recording medium. As can be understood from the above, the transport device is not limited to one that moves the recording medium, but may also be one that moves the liquid ejection device, or one that moves both the liquid ejection device and the recording medium.

[0208] Furthermore, for example, the liquid is not limited to ink, but may be paint or a conductive material for patterning a circuit board (however, either can be considered as a type of ink). Furthermore, for example, the liquid may be one that exhibits the properties of a Newtonian fluid, or one that exhibits the properties of a non-Newtonian fluid (e.g., pseudoplasticity).

[0209] Furthermore, for example, the media is not limited to paper, but may be, for example, resin, cloth, wood, metal, or ceramic. Furthermore, the media is not limited to paper (film)-like objects, but may be, for example, plate-like objects, car bodies, or buildings.

[0210] The nozzle plate and the liquid ejection device may be used for purposes other than recording. For example, the nozzle plate may be used for ejecting a chemical substance from a nozzle toward another chemical substance to cause a chemical reaction.

[0211] In the main region NAm of the first to fourth examples, the arrangement pattern of n nozzles 11 belonging to different nozzle rows 29 was repeated every distance d1 (every strip area BA). However, the arrangement pattern of n×j nozzles 11 (j is an integer greater than or equal to 2) belonging to different nozzle rows 29 may be repeated every distance d1×j (every j strip areas BA). In this case, the conditions related to s(x) and / or u(y) may also be satisfied. And / or, unlike the description of the embodiment, the same conditions may be satisfied with respect to p′(x) and / or s′(y) defined in units of j strip areas BA rather than in units of strip areas BA.

[0212] 1...printer (recording device), 3...ejection system (liquid ejection device), 5...ejection unit (liquid ejection device), 7...head (liquid ejection device), 9...flow path member, 9a...ejection surface, 11...nozzle, 29...nozzle row, 41N...nozzle plate, BA...band-shaped region, NAm...main region, NAs...sub-region (first sub-region or second sub-region).

Claims

an ejection surface extending along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other; a plurality of nozzles opening on the ejection surface; It has a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a direction intersecting the second direction, and n nozzle rows are arranged in parallel to each other, where n is an integer of 3 or more; When viewed in the second direction, the nozzles in the n nozzle rows are positioned differently in the first direction, When the n nozzle rows are counted as the first row, the second row, the third row, ..., the n-th row from the third side in the second direction to the fourth side opposite to the third side, the ejection surface is a main region in which the nozzles of n nozzle rows are arranged at a first interval when viewed in the second direction; a first sub-region adjacent to the main region on a first side in the first direction, in which the nozzles of the nozzle rows that are less than n rows are aligned as viewed in the second direction, Assuming that the ejection surface is divided into a plurality of strip-shaped regions in the first direction at second intervals that are n times the first interval from the position of the nozzle located at the end of the first side in the first nozzle row, and the nozzles located at the boundary and inside of each strip-shaped region on the first side are the nozzles belonging to that strip-shaped region, In the first sub-region, the number of the strip regions to which the nozzles belong is reduced from the first side in some of the nozzle rows on the fourth side compared to the first nozzle row, When the number of the nozzles in the x-th nozzle row is reduced in the first sub-region by p(x) and the number of the nozzles in the band-shaped region to which the nozzles belong is set to s(x)=p(x+1)-p(x), p(x+1) is greater than or equal to p(x), where x is in the range of 1 to n-1; s(1) to s(n-1) include different integers Nozzle plate. 　 n is 5 or more, and s(2) to s(n-2) include integers that are different from one another. The nozzle plate according to claim 1 . 　 When n is 10 or less, m is 2. When n is greater than 10, m is the integer part of n / 5. Each of s(1) to s(n-1) is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and is one of m consecutive integers. The nozzle plate according to claim 1 or 2. 　 Each of s(1) through s(n-1) is one of two consecutive integers The nozzle plate according to claim 3 . 　 When the two consecutive integers are a first integer and a second integer, and the number of s(x) whose values ​​are the first integer from s(1) to s(n-1) is the first number, and the number of s(x) whose values ​​are the second integer is the second number, the first number is greater than the second number, and when s(1) through s(n-1) are arranged in order, the second integers are not consecutive; or The first number and the second number are the same, and when s(1) to s(n-1) are arranged in order, the first integers and the second integers are not consecutive. The nozzle plate according to claim 4 . 　 When s(1) to s(n-1) are arranged in order, there are a plurality of number sequences each including only one or more of the first integers and separated from each other by the second integers, and the number of the first integers in each of the plurality of number sequences is either the same in each of the plurality of number sequences or is either two consecutive integers. The nozzle plate according to claim 5 . 　 an ejection surface extending along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other; a plurality of nozzles opening on the ejection surface; It has a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a direction intersecting the second direction, and n nozzle rows are arranged in parallel to each other, where n is an integer of 3 or more; When viewed in the second direction, the nozzles in the n nozzle rows are positioned differently in the first direction, When the n nozzle rows are counted as the first row, the second row, the third row, ..., the n-th row from the third side in the second direction to the fourth side opposite to the third side, the ejection surface is a main region in which the nozzles of n nozzle rows are arranged at a first interval when viewed in the second direction; a first sub-region adjacent to the main region on a first side in the first direction, in which the nozzles of the nozzle rows that are less than n rows are aligned as viewed in the second direction, Assuming that the ejection surface is divided into a plurality of strip-shaped regions in the first direction at second intervals that are n times the first interval from the position of the nozzle located at the end of the first side in the first nozzle row, and the nozzles located at the boundary and inside of each strip-shaped region on the first side are the nozzles belonging to that strip-shaped region, In the first sub-region, the number of nozzles in a part of the band-shaped region on a second side opposite to the first side is increased from the third side compared to a first band-shaped region located furthest to the first side, Let t(y) be the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of nozzles belonging to the y-th band-shaped region from the first side, and let u(y) = t(y+1) - t(y). When y is increased, the y when t(y)+1 reaches n is defined as y. ｎ When y is 1 to y ｎ t(y+1) is greater than or equal to t(y) in the range of −1; u(1) to u(y ｎ -1) contain different integers Nozzle plate. y ｎ is 5 or more, and u(2) to u(y ｎ -2) contain different integers The nozzle plate according to claim 7 . 　 When n is 10 or less, m is 2, and when n is greater than 10, m is the integer part of n / 5. ｎ -1) is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and is one of m consecutive integers The nozzle plate according to claim 7 or 8. 　 u(1) to u(y ｎ -1) is one of two consecutive integers The nozzle plate according to claim 9. 　 When the two consecutive integers are a first integer and a second integer, the number of u(y) whose values ​​are the first integer is a first number, and the number of u(y) whose values ​​are the second integer is a second number, The first number is greater than the second number, and u(1) to u(y ｎ -1), the second integers are not consecutive; or The first number and the second number are the same, and u(1) to u(y ｎ -1), the first integer and the second integer are not consecutive. The nozzle plate of claim 10. 　 u(1) to u(y ｎ -1), there are a plurality of number sequences each containing only one or more of the first integers and separated from each other by the second integers, and the number of the first integers contained in the plurality of number sequences is either the same or two consecutive integers. The nozzle plate of claim 11. 　 the ejection surface has a second sub-region adjacent to a second side of the main region opposite to the first side, in which the nozzles of the nozzle rows less than n rows are arranged as viewed in the second direction, In the second sub-region, the number of the strip regions to which the nozzles belong is reduced in some of the nozzle rows on the third side compared to the n-th nozzle row, and When the n nozzle rows constituting the first sub-region, the main region, and the second sub-region are referred to as nozzle groups, a plurality of the nozzle groups are aligned in the first direction, In two adjacent nozzle groups, the second sub-region formed by the nozzle group located on the first side and the first sub-region formed by the nozzle group located on the second side are separated in the first direction by a distance longer than the length of the band-shaped region in the first direction at the same position in the second direction, but the former is located on the fourth side relative to the latter, so that their positions in the first direction overlap, and the positions of the band-shaped regions included in each of the nozzle groups in the first direction match each other, The nozzles of a total of n nozzle rows belong to two band-shaped regions whose positions in the first direction are mutually coincident, with the nozzles being positioned at different positions in the first direction. 　 The nozzle plate according to any one of claims 1 to 12. 　 A nozzle plate according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a flow channel located on the opposite side of the nozzle plate from the ejection surface and communicating with the plurality of nozzles; A liquid ejection device comprising: 　 the ejection surface has a second sub-region adjacent to a second side of the main region opposite to the first side, in which the nozzles of the nozzle rows less than n rows are arranged as viewed in the second direction, In the second sub-region, the number of the strip regions to which the nozzles belong is reduced from the second side in some of the nozzle rows on the third side compared to the n-th nozzle row, When the n nozzle rows constituting the first sub-region, the main region, and the second sub-region are referred to as nozzle groups, a plurality of the nozzle groups are aligned in the first direction, In two adjacent nozzle groups, the second sub-region formed by the nozzle group located on the first side and the first sub-region formed by the nozzle group located on the second side are separated in the first direction by a distance longer than the length of the band-shaped region in the first direction at the same position in the second direction, but the former is located on the fourth side relative to the latter, so that their positions in the first direction overlap, and the positions of the band-shaped regions included in each of the nozzle groups in the first direction match each other, the nozzles in a total of n nozzle rows belong to two strip-shaped regions whose positions in the first direction are the same, with the nozzles being positioned at different positions in the first direction from each other; The flow path includes a main common flow path that extends between two adjacent nozzle groups in a planar perspective view of the ejection surface along opposing ends of the two nozzle groups and that is commonly connected to a plurality of the nozzles in at least one of the two nozzle groups. The liquid ejection device according to claim 14. 　 The flow path has one or more sub-common flow paths branching from the main common flow path and extending along the nozzle rows, the sub-common flow paths being commonly connected to a plurality of the nozzles in any of the nozzle rows. The liquid ejection device according to claim 15. 　 The sub-common flow path extends between two adjacent nozzle rows in a planar perspective view of the ejection surface, along the two nozzle rows, and is commonly connected to the plurality of nozzles included in the two nozzle rows. The liquid ejection device according to claim 16. 　 The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, a conveying device that moves the liquid ejection device and the recording medium relatively in the second direction; A recording device having:

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