Flow path member, liquid discharge head, recording device, method for manufacturing flow path member, and method for replacing nozzle plate

Abstract

A flow path member according to the present invention comprises a first part, a second part, and an adhesive plate. The first part has a plurality of first plates laminated to each other by using a first adhesive material. The plurality of plates of the first part includes a nozzle plate that is closest to a first side in the lamination direction and that has a plurality of nozzles formed therein. The second part overlaps the first part on a side opposite to the first side. The adhesive plate is sandwiched between the first part and the second part and is constituted of a third adhesive material different from the first adhesive material.

Description

Flow path member, liquid ejection head, recording apparatus, method for manufacturing flow path member, and method for replacing nozzle plate

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow path member, a liquid ejection head including the flow path member, a recording apparatus having the liquid ejection head, a method for manufacturing the flow path member, and a method for replacing a nozzle plate.

[0002] A liquid ejection head (e.g., an inkjet head) that ejects droplets (e.g., ink droplets) toward a recording medium (e.g., paper) is known (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2 below). Such a liquid ejection head includes a flow path member having a flow path through which a liquid flows. The flow path member is configured, for example, by laminating a plurality of plates via an adhesive. Then, a flow path is formed by communicating holes (e.g., through holes or recesses) provided in each of the plurality of plates by laminating the plurality of plates. Among the plurality of plates, the nozzle plate located at the lowermost position has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting droplets.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the nozzle plate has a first nozzle plate and a second nozzle plate. The first nozzle plate has a plurality of nozzles. The second nozzle plate has a mounting frame to which the first nozzle plate is attached. When a foreign object clogs the nozzles or the like, the first nozzle plate is replaced.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, the inkjet head has an orifice plate and an ink flow path member. The orifice plate has a plurality of nozzles (corresponding to a nozzle plate). The orifice plate and the ink flow path member are joined, and when joining them, elastic material protrusions interposed between them are compressed to maintain a close contact structure. When the orifice plate deteriorates, the orifice plate is replaced.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-17856 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-82409

[0006] A flow channel member according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first part, a second part, and an adhesive plate. The first part has a plurality of first plates stacked on top of each other via a first adhesive material. The plurality of first plates include a nozzle plate on the first side in the stacking direction, having a plurality of nozzles opening. The second part overlaps the first part on the second side opposite to the first side. The adhesive plate is made of a third adhesive material different from the first adhesive material.

[0007] A flow channel member according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first laminate, a second laminate, and an adhesive plate. The first laminate has a plurality of first plates laminated together via a first adhesive material. The plurality of first plates include a nozzle plate on the first side in the lamination direction, having a plurality of nozzles opening therein. The second laminate has a plurality of second plates laminated together via a second adhesive material, and overlaps the first laminate on the second side opposite to the first side. The adhesive plate is sandwiched between the first laminate and the second laminate and is composed of a third adhesive material different from at least one of the first adhesive material and the second adhesive material.

[0008] A liquid discharge head according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a flow path member and an actuator for applying pressure to the liquid in the flow path member.

[0009] A method for manufacturing the flow channel member according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises forming the first part and bonding the first part to the second part. In forming the first part, the plurality of first plates are laminated via the first adhesive material. In bonding the first part to the second part, the first part and the second part are laminated via a film that serves as the adhesive plate, and the film is melted and solidified. In forming the first part, before laminating the back plate that constitutes the side of the first part facing the second part with the other first plates, the film that serves as the adhesive plate is attached to the back plate having a first through-hole that constitutes a flow channel leading to at least one of the plurality of nozzles. After attaching the film, a second through-hole is formed in the region of the film that overlaps with the first through-hole.

[0010] A replacement method for replacing the nozzle plate in the flow channel member according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: performing a process to reduce the adhesive strength of the adhesive plate to detach the first part from the second part; and bonding the first part and the second part by laminating a new first part onto the second part from which the first part has been detached via a third adhesive material which will become a new adhesive plate.

[0011] A schematic diagram illustrating the outline of the flow channel member according to the first embodiment. A schematic side view of the recording device including the flow channel member of Figure 1. A schematic plan view of the recording device of Figure 2. A schematic perspective view showing the head mounting structure in the recording device of Figure 2. A schematic perspective view showing the head ejection surface in the recording device of Figure 2. A schematic cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. A schematic cross-sectional view showing several other examples of the separation position of the flow channel member in Figure 6. A schematic cross-sectional view showing yet another example of the separation position of the flow channel member in Figure 6. A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the procedure for manufacturing the flow channel member in Figure 6. A schematic cross-sectional view continuing from Figure 9. An exploded perspective view illustrating the outline of the flow channel member according to the second embodiment.

[0012] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The figures used in the following description are schematic. Therefore, for example, the dimensional ratios on the drawings do not necessarily match those of reality. Also, the dimensional ratios may not match between drawings. Certain shapes and / or dimensions may be exaggerated, or details may be omitted. However, the above does not negate the fact that the actual shape and / or dimensions may be as shown in the drawings, or that the characteristics of the shape and / or dimensions may be extracted from the drawings.

[0013] For convenience, the drawings may include a Cartesian coordinate system D1, D2, and D3, and terms such as D1 direction, D2 direction, and D3 direction may be used. The liquid discharge head according to the embodiment may be used in any orientation. However, for convenience, terms (top surface, bottom surface, etc.) that assume the +D3 side is upward may be used.

[0014] Regarding descriptions of aspects explained relatively later, only the differences from the previously explained aspects will be noted. Unless otherwise specified, matters may be treated the same as those explained earlier, or inferred from those aspects. Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, corresponding configurations across multiple aspects may be assigned the same reference numerals, even if there are differences.

[0015] (Outline of Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the outline of a flow channel member 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in the upper left of Figure 1, the flow channel member 1 has a flow channel 3 through which a liquid (e.g., ink) flows. The flow channel 3 has, for example, a plurality of nozzles 5 that eject liquid droplets (e.g., ink droplets). Then, for example, when liquid droplets are ejected from the plurality of nozzles 5 toward a recording medium (e.g., paper), an image (including characters) is formed on the recording medium (recording is performed).

[0016] From another perspective, the flow channel member 1 has a plurality of plates 7 (7A to 7E) stacked on top of each other. Holes (e.g., through holes or recesses) are formed in the plurality of plates 7, forming the flow channel 3. The lowest plate 7A has a plurality of nozzles 5 (i.e., it is a nozzle plate). Adhesive material 9 (9A to 9C) is interposed between adjacent plates 7 in the stacking direction. This fixes the plurality of plates 7 to each other.

[0017] In the following, adhesive material 9A and adhesive material 9B may be referred to as "adhesive layer 9A" and "adhesive layer 9B," respectively. Also, adhesive material 9C may be referred to as "adhesive plate 9C."

[0018] As shown in the upper right of Figure 1, the nozzle plate 7A deteriorates with repeated use of the flow channel member 1. For example, debris formed by the solidification of the liquid in the flow channel 3 can block part or all of each nozzle 5. Also, for example, the water-repellent film 11 covering the lower surface of the nozzle plate 7A deteriorates due to wiping, etc. As a result, for example, the droplet ejection characteristics from the nozzle 5 decrease, and consequently, the image quality deteriorates.

[0019] Therefore, as shown in the lower right of Figure 1, the nozzle plate 7A is separated from the flow channel member 1 (more precisely, the second laminate 13B: an example of the second part, plates 7C to 7E). Then, as shown in the lower left of Figure 1, a new nozzle plate 7A is bonded to the second laminate 13B. In other words, the nozzle plate 7A is replaced in the flow channel member 1. This contributes to achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) compared to, for example, replacing the entire flow channel member 1 (or the entire head described later).

[0020] Here, as shown in the lower right and lower left of Figure 1, in this embodiment, instead of replacing only the nozzle plate 7A, multiple plates 7 (7A and 7B) including the nozzle plate 7A are replaced. That is, the first laminate 13A (an example of the first part) including the nozzle plate 7A is replaced. This ensures the strength of the replaced component compared to, for example, replacing only the nozzle plate 7A. As a result, for example, workability is improved.

[0021] The adhesive plate 9C that bonds the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B is, for example, made of a different type of material (e.g., components and / or composition) than the adhesive layer 9B that bonds at least the plate 7 included in the second laminate 13B. Then, a treatment is performed such that the decrease in adhesive strength of the adhesive material 9C is greater than the decrease in adhesive strength of the adhesive material 9B. This makes it possible to separate the first laminate 13A from the second laminate 13B and replace the first laminate 13A.

[0022] The above effects do not necessarily have to be achieved. Different technical ideas from those described above may be extracted from this disclosure. In this case, for example, contrary to the above description, only the nozzle plate 7A may be replaced, and the types of adhesive materials 9 may also differ from those described above.

[0023] The above is an overview of the flow channel member 1 according to the embodiment. Below, the flow channel member 1 and the like will be described in general order. Sections 1 to 4 describe the first embodiment. 1. Printer (Figures 2 and 3) 2. Head (Figures 4 and 5) 2.1. Head in general 2.2. Head mounting structure 2.3. Flow channel member (Figure 6) 2.3.1. Flow channel member and plate 2.3.2. Example of flow channel shape 2.3.3. Relief groove 2.4. Actuator (Figure 6) 3. Configuration related to replacement of the flow channel member (Figures 6 to 8) 3.1. Method of replacement 3.2. Adhesive material 3.3. Thickness of the member related to separation 3.4. Separation position of the flow channel member 3.5. Shape and dimensions of the adhesive plate in plan view 3.6. Side recess 3.7. Ventilation hole 4. Method for manufacturing and replacing flow path members (Figures 9 and 10) 5. Second embodiment 6. Summary of embodiments

[0024] (1. Printer) Figure 2 is a side view of a printer 15 (an example of a recording device) including the flow path member 1. Figure 3 is a top view of the printer 15.

[0025] The configuration of the printer 15 can be various, except for the configuration related to the flow path member 1 (not shown in Figures 2 and 3), and may be a known configuration, for example. The printer 15 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 is merely one example. Below, we will briefly describe the printer 15 in general, using the printer 15 shown in Figures 2 and 3 as an example.

[0026] The printer 15 has multiple heads 17 (an example of liquid ejection heads). Each head 17 has a flow channel member 1 at its lower part. An image is formed on the upper surface of the media P (an example of a recording medium) by ejecting ink droplets downward from the flow channel member 1. The media P is transported by a transport device 19. The heads 17 and the transport device 19 are controlled by a controller 21.

[0027] The printer 15 is configured as a so-called line printer. That is, the head unit 23, which includes at least one head 17 (five in the example in Figure 3), extends over approximately the entire width (D1 direction) of the media P. When the media P is transported, printing is performed on a strip-shaped area extending in the D1 direction, thereby forming a two-dimensional image.

[0028] In each head unit 23, the five heads 17 are arranged in a staggered pattern so that there are no gaps in the D1 direction when viewed in the D2 direction. Depending on the configuration of the heads 17, multiple heads 17 may be arranged linearly in the D1 direction. The configuration for fixing the multiple heads 17 to each other in each head unit 23 is arbitrary. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a frame 25 having an opening 25a (Figure 4) that exposes the heads 17 downwards.

[0029] Note that the printer 15 is not limited to a line printer. For example, the printer 15 may be a serial printer. In a serial printer, for example, the operation of printing while moving the head (head unit) in a direction intersecting the media P transport direction (D1 direction) and the transport of the media P are performed alternately.

[0030] The printer 15 has a total of four head units 23. The four head units 23 are arranged, for example, in the direction of media P transport. The five heads 17 within each head unit 23 correspond to ink of the same color. The four head units 23 correspond to inks of different colors (four colors of ink). The four colors of ink are, for example, magenta (M), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (K). This allows the printer 15 to function as a color printer.

[0031] Contrary to the above explanation, the printer 15 may perform single-color printing, or conversely, print with more than four colors. In other words, the number of colors is arbitrary. Also, two or more head units 23 may correspond to one color. Conversely, one head unit 23 may correspond to two or more colors, for example, by having one head 17 correspond to two or more colors. The number of heads 17 included in one head unit 23 is arbitrary, and it may be just one. As can be understood from the above, the number of heads 17 that the printer 15 has is arbitrary.

[0032] The printer 15 prints on, for example, a roll of paper as media P. However, media P may also be sheet-fed paper. The size of media P is also arbitrary. For example, the size of media P can be as small as a receipt, as large as standard office paper, or as large as a poster.

[0033] The configuration of the conveying device 19 is arbitrary. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a configuration in which the media P is conveyed by rotating rollers that hold the media P. Other configurations include, for example, a configuration in which the media P is conveyed by conveying a belt that holds the media P, and a configuration in which the media P is conveyed by rotating a drum around which the media P is wound. In a broader sense, the conveying device 19 moves the head 17 and the media P relative to each other.

[0034] The controller 21, for example, includes a computer and controls the head 17 and transport device 19 based on print data, which includes image data.

[0035] The printer 15 may have various other components in addition to those described above. Examples are given below, although they are not shown in the figures. • Drying device: For example, to accelerate the drying of the ink. • Coating device: For example, to uniformly apply a transparent coating agent to the media P. • Cleaning device: For example, to clean the head 17. A cleaning method may include wiping, in which a wiping member is slid against the lower surface of the flow path member 1 (discharge surface 1a in Figure 1). The printer 15 may also use the head 17 for coating an agent in addition to, or instead of, printing with colored ink.

[0036] (2. Head) (2.1. Head in general) Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the head body 27 (at least the lower part of the head 17) and its surrounding components, viewed from above (+D3 side). Figure 5 is a perspective view of the head body 27, viewed from below (-D3 side).

[0037] The head body 27 is the part directly responsible for discharging the liquid and has a discharge surface 1a. Multiple nozzles 5 open into the discharge surface 1a. For convenience, the discharge surface 1a may refer to either the lower surface of the nozzle plate 7A or the lower surface of the water-repellent film 11 (not required) covering the lower surface of the nozzle plate 7A.

[0038] Although not specifically shown in the figures, the head 17 may have the following components in addition to the head body 27: • Circuit board: For example, connected to the head body 27 (for example, the flexible circuit board 32 described later). • Connector: Mounted on the circuit board, contributing to the electrical connection between the head body 27 and the controller 21. • Housing: For example, covering the top of the head body 27 and housing the circuit board. Note that regardless of whether the head 17 has components other than the head body 27, the head body 27 may be considered an example of the liquid dispensing head of this disclosure.

[0039] Multiple nozzles 5 are arranged so that their positions in the D1 direction are different from each other. Therefore, by ejecting ink droplets from the multiple nozzles 5 while the transport device 19 moves the head 17 and the media P relative to each other in the D2 direction, any two-dimensional image is formed. The multiple nozzles 5 may be arranged two-dimensionally as in the illustrated example, or they may be arranged one-dimensionally as in the illustrated example.

[0040] The specific size, number, pitch, and arrangement pattern of the multiple nozzles 5 can be set as appropriate. Since Figure 5 is a schematic diagram, the nozzles 5 are shown as large relative to the size of the head body 27, and the number of nozzles 5 in one head body 27 is shown as small. In general, the nozzles 5 are smaller and the number of nozzles 5 is greater than in the illustrated example. For example, the number of nozzles 5 in one head body 27 may be between 100 and 10,000. Also, for example, one head body 27 may have multiple nozzles 5 with a pitch and arrangement pattern such that the dot density in the D1 direction is between 300 dpi and 2400 dpi when viewed in the D2 direction.

[0041] The head body 27 may have, for example, the following components: ・Flow channel member 1: Shown as a thin plate in Figure 5. ・Back member 29: Overlaps onto the upper surface of the flow channel member 1 as shown in Figure 5. In the example in Figure 5, it has a portion that overlaps with the flow channel member 1 and a flange-shaped portion. ・Actuator substrate 31 (Figure 6): Applies pressure to the liquid in the flow channel 3 for droplet discharge. ・Flexible substrate 32 (see Figure 10, described later): Connected to the actuator substrate 31. ・Driver (not shown): Mounted on the flexible substrate 32, it inputs a drive signal to the actuator substrate 31 based on a signal from the controller 21. The combination of the flow channel member 1 and the actuator substrate 31 may be referred to as the front member 33 (reference numeral in Figure 6). Contrary to the above description, the front member 33 may be considered as the head body or as an example of the liquid discharge head of this disclosure.

[0042] The back member 29 contributes, for example, to mediating between the front member 33 and other components. For example, the back member 29 contributes to positioning the front member 33 with respect to the frame 25. Also, for example, the back member 29 mediates between a tank (not shown) and the front member 33 with respect to the flow of liquid. For example, the back member 29 has an opening 29a (see FIG. 10) that opens on the upper surface and an opening (not shown) that opens on the surface of the lower surface that is adhered to the front member 33. The upper surface opening 29a and the lower surface opening are connected by a flow path (not shown) within the back member 29.

[0043] The actuator substrate 31 is generally flat and is slightly smaller than the flow path member 1 in plan view. The back member 29, for example, overlaps a frame-shaped region on the upper surface of the flow path member 1 that surrounds the actuator substrate 31 in plan view. Therefore, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the actuator substrate 31 is hidden by the flow path member 1 and the back member 29 and is not shown. The actuator substrate 31 is, for example, thinner than the flow path member 1. The description of the general outer shape of the flow path member 1 (described later) may be applied to the general outer shape of the front member 33.

[0044] (2.2. Head mounting structure) FIG. 4 shows an example of the mounting structure of the head body 27 with respect to the frame 25.

[0045] In this mounting structure, alignment plates 35V and 35L are detachably fixed to the head body 27 by screws or the like. On the other hand, the frame 25 has alignment pins 37V and 37L. By bringing the alignment plates 35V and 35L into contact with the alignment pins 37V and 37L in the direction along the D1D2 plane, respectively, the head body 27 is positioned with respect to the frame 25. After positioning, the head body 27 and the frame 25 are fixed to each other by screws or the like.

[0046] When the head body 27 is removed from the frame 25 and the first laminate 13A is replaced, the positions of the alignment plates 35V and 35L are adjusted to match the positions of the plurality of nozzles 5 of the new nozzle plate 7A. Thereafter, as described above, the head body 27 is positioned and fixed with respect to the frame.

[0047] Therefore, for example, when attaching the head body 27 to the frame 25, the necessity of aligning the plurality of nozzles 5 of the new nozzle plate 7A and the frame 25 by image recognition is reduced. As a result, for example, when the manufacturer of the head 17 (or the exchanger of the first laminate 13A) is different from the manufacturer of the entire printer 15 (or the user), the burden on the latter can be reduced.

[0048] The specific positions, shapes, etc. of the alignment plates 35V and 35L are arbitrary as long as the head body 27 can be uniquely positioned in the direction along the D1D2 plane. In the illustrated example, the alignment plates 35V and 35L are located on both sides in the longitudinal direction (D1 direction) of the head body 27. The alignment plate 35V located on the -D1 side has a V-shaped notch at the edge on the -D1 side. The alignment plate 35L located on the +D1 side has an L-shaped notch at the edge on the +D1 side.

[0049] Therefore, by bringing the alignment pin 37V into contact with the notch of the alignment plate 35V, the position of the head body 27 other than the rotational direction centered on the alignment pin 37V is restricted. Also, by bringing the alignment pin 37L into contact with the notch of the alignment plate 35L, the position in the rotational direction is restricted.

[0050] Incidentally, the position of the head body 27 in the D3 direction is defined, for example, by the contact between the lower surface of the flange-like portion of the back member 29 and the upper surface of the peripheral portion of the opening 25a of the frame 25. Different from the description here, the head body 27 may not have the alignment plates 35V and 35L. For example, the position of the nozzle 5 and the position of the alignment mark fixed to the frame 25 may be aligned by image recognition, and then the head body 27 may be fixed to the frame 25.

[0051] (2.3. Flow channel members) (2.3.1. Flow channel members and plates) As shown in Figure 5, the general shape of the flow channel member 1 is, for example, a rectangular flat plate. When referring to a rectangle, the corners may be chamfered and relatively small irregularities may be formed on the edges, as long as no inconsistencies arise. The same applies to the other members. Various dimensions and dimensional ratios of the flow channel member 1 are arbitrary. The size in plan view may be set, for example, so that the number and density of the nozzles 5 described above are realized. The thickness of the flow channel member 1 may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0052] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 5.

[0053] Note that the multiple cross-sectional views (including Figure 6) showing the flow path member 1 are schematic diagrams, and therefore the number of plates 7 constituting the flow path member 1 may differ from one another. In each figure, the uppercase letters attached to the plates 7 are simply assigned sequentially from bottom to top. Therefore, plates 7 with the same letter attached in multiple cross-sectional views, with the exception of the nozzle plate 7A, do not necessarily have the same function.

[0054] As previously described, the flow channel member 1 is constructed by stacking multiple plates 7 via an adhesive material 9 (the adhesive materials 9A and 9B are not shown in Figure 6). The portion or position between adjacent plates 7 in the stacking direction will be referred to as the "boundary 39," regardless of the presence of the adhesive material 9.

[0055] Plate 7 is, for example, flat. The shape and size of the outer edge of plate 7 are approximately the same as the shape and size of the outer edge of the flow channel member 1. In other words, the shapes and sizes of the outer edges of multiple plates 7 are generally the same as each other.

[0056] Therefore, for example, the nozzle plate 7A constitutes the entire discharge surface 1a. Also, plate 7B does not have a recess (mounting frame) into which the nozzle plate 7A fits. The positions of the multiple plates 7 do not overlap in the D3 direction. However, this may differ from the above description.

[0057] The number of layers and thickness of plate 7 are arbitrary. These may be set appropriately, for example, to realize a desired shape for the flow channel 3. The thickness of plate 7 may be, for example, 10 μm or more and 300 μm or less.

[0058] Plate 7 is, for example, integrally formed from a single type of material. The materials of multiple plates 7 may be the same, or some of the plates 7 may be different from each other. The material of plate 7 is arbitrary and may be, for example, metal, resin, or ceramic.

[0059] The lower surface (for example, the entire surface) of the nozzle plate 7A may be covered with a water-repellent film 11 (Figure 1). The material and thickness of the water-repellent film 11 are arbitrary.

[0060] (2.3.2. Examples of flow path shapes) The flow path 3 may have various configurations, for example, a known configuration. In the example in Figure 6, it is as follows.

[0061] The flow path 3 has at least one common flow path 41 (see also Figure 5) and a plurality of individual flow paths 43 (one is shown in Figure 6) connected to each common flow path 41. Each individual flow path 43 has a nozzle 5, and in order from the common flow path 41 to the nozzle 5, there is a supply path 45, a pressure chamber 47, and a descender 49.

[0062] Multiple individual channels 43 and a common channel 41 are filled with liquid. As the volume of the multiple pressure chambers 47 changes and pressure is applied to the liquid, the liquid is sent from the multiple pressure chambers 47 to the multiple descenders 49, and multiple droplets are discharged from the multiple nozzles 5. In addition, the multiple pressure chambers 47 are replenished with liquid from the common channel 41 via multiple supply paths 45.

[0063] The number of common channels 41 is arbitrary; there may be one or multiple (as in the example in Figure 5). Multiple common channels 41 may, for example, extend in a straight line parallel to each other. The direction in which the multiple common channels 41 extend is arbitrary; for example, they may be along the D1 direction (parallel to or inclined with respect to the D1 direction) or along the D2 direction (as in the example in Figure 5). Multiple common channels 41 may or may not merge upstream to form a manifold. The shape and various dimensions of the common channels 41 may be set as appropriate. In the example in Figure 6, the cross-sectional shape of the common channel 41 is rectangular.

[0064] Multiple individual channels 43 are arranged along each common channel 41 (in the longitudinal direction of the common channel 41). That is, multiple nozzles 5 are arranged along the common channel 41. The configuration of the multiple individual channels 43 is basically the same as that of each other. In Figure 5, the multiple nozzles 5 connected to one common channel 41 are arranged in one row on each side of the common channel 41, for a total of two rows. Unlike the illustrated example, the number of rows of multiple nozzles 5 connected to one common channel 41 may be other than two (for example, one or four).

[0065] The pressure chamber 47 is located, for example, above the common flow path 41. The pressure chamber 47 opens to, for example, the upper surface of the flow path member 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "pressure surface 1b") and is blocked by the actuator substrate 31. The pressure chamber 47 may also be blocked by a relatively thin plate 7. The actuator substrate 31 may be placed on top of the thin plate 7. The pressure chamber 47 is formed in a thin shape that extends along the pressure surface 1b with a constant thickness. The planar shape of the pressure chamber 47 may be a suitable shape such as a rhombus, circle, or ellipse.

[0066] The descender 49 extends from the pressure chamber 47 toward the discharge surface 1a. The shape of the descender 49 is, for example, generally cylindrical (right cylindrical or oblique cylindrical). The descender 49 may extend in a straight line or in a curved line. In a plan view, the descender 49 is connected, for example, to the longitudinal end of the pressure chamber 47.

[0067] The nozzle 5 opens into a part of the bottom surface of the descender 49 (the surface opposite to the pressure chamber 47). The nozzle 5 is located, for example, approximately in the center of the bottom surface of the descender 49. However, the nozzle 5 may be positioned eccentrically with respect to the center of the bottom surface of the descender 49. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the nozzle 5 is tapered, with the diameter decreasing towards the discharge surface 1a side. However, the nozzle 5 may be partially or entirely reverse-tapered.

[0068] The supply passage 45 extends, for example, from any point in the common flow path 41 (the top surface in Figure 6) and is connected to the pressure chamber 47. The connection point is, for example, the end of the pressure chamber 47 opposite to the descender 49 (and the bottom surface in the example of Figure 6). The supply passage 45 has, for example, a constriction with a narrowed cross-sectional area.

[0069] Unlike the illustrated example, the pressure chamber 47 may be located, for example, to the side of the common flow path 41. Also, for example, the descender 49 may not be provided, and the nozzle 5 may open on the lower surface of the pressure chamber 47. In addition, unlike the description of the embodiment, the combination of the descender 49 and the pressure chamber 47 may be considered as the pressure chamber.

[0070] (2.3.3. Relief Groove) As shown in Figure 6, the flow channel member 1 may have a relief groove 51 for releasing excess adhesive material 9. The relief groove 51 is formed, for example, by recesses formed on the surfaces of the plates 7 that are joined together. However, a portion of the relief groove 51 may be formed by a slit that penetrates the plate 7.

[0071] All boundaries 39 have relief grooves 51. However, there may be boundaries 39 that do not have relief grooves 51. All relief grooves 51 are, for example, isolated from the flow path 3. However, there may be relief grooves 51 that are not isolated from the flow path 3. The relief grooves 51 may reach the outer surface of the flow path member 1 and be open to the atmosphere (for example, relief grooves 51 isolated from the flow path 3), or they may not be open to the atmosphere. Regarding opening to the atmosphere, the explanation of the ventilation holes 71 described later may be applied, unless it creates a contradiction.

[0072] The relief groove 51 may be formed on the lower surface of the upper (+D3 side) plate 7 at each boundary 39 (as in the example in Figure 6), on the upper surface of the lower plate 7, or on both the upper and lower plates 7. Furthermore, whether the plate 7 on which the relief groove 51 is formed is the upper or / or lower plate may be consistent across multiple boundaries 39 (as in the example in Figure 6), or it may not be consistent.

[0073] The cross-sectional shape of the relief groove 51 may be set as appropriate, for example, semi-circular or rectangular with chamfered corners. The dimensions of the relief groove 51 are also arbitrary. For example, the depth of the relief groove 51 may be 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the thickness of the plate 7 in which the relief groove 51 is formed. Also, for example, the width of the relief groove 51 may be 10 μm to 50 μm, depending on the thickness of the plate 7 and the dimensions of the hole that becomes the flow path 3.

[0074] At each boundary 39, the number and planar shape of the relief grooves 51 may be as appropriate. For example, the relief grooves 51 extend in an annular shape so as to surround each part of the flow path 3 at each boundary 39. For example, the two recesses depicted on both sides of the descender 49 in Figure 6 represent relief grooves 51 that extend in an annular shape so as to surround the descender 49. The same applies to the two recesses on both sides of other parts of the individual flow path 43 and the two recesses on both sides of the common flow path 41.

[0075] Furthermore, although not specifically shown in the figures, in a relatively wide bonding area (for example, an area where the flow path 3 is not located), multiple relief grooves 51 may extend vertically and horizontally (extending so as to intersect with each other) to form a network. Such a network portion may, for example, extend around the entire circumference of the plate 7 on the outer periphery side in a plan view (it may also be connected in an annular shape).

[0076] (2.4. Actuator) The method for applying pressure to the liquid in the flow path 3 is arbitrary and may be, for example, a piezoelectric or thermal type. The piezoelectric type applies pressure to the liquid by utilizing the deformation of a piezoelectric material. The thermal type applies pressure to the liquid by heating the liquid to generate bubbles.

[0077] The deformation mode used by the piezoelectric actuator can be arbitrary, for example, a deflection mode, a longitudinal mode, or a shear mode. In the deflection mode, the extension and / or contraction due to the piezoelectric transverse effect is converted into deflection deformation, and this deflection deformation is used to apply pressure to the liquid. In the longitudinal mode, the extension and / or contraction due to the piezoelectric transverse effect or the piezoelectric longitudinal effect is directly used to apply pressure to the liquid. In the shear mode, the shear deformation of the piezoelectric material is used.

[0078] The specific type of the deflection mode actuator is arbitrary and may be, for example, a unimorph or bimorph type. The unimorph type utilizes the deformation of a single piezoelectric layer. The bimorph type utilizes the deformation of two piezoelectric layers stacked on top of each other. Furthermore, deformation of three or more piezoelectric layers may be used (a type not classified as any of the above may also be adopted).

[0079] Figure 6 illustrates a unimorph-type actuator substrate 31. The description of the unimorph-type actuator substrate 31 may be applied to other types of actuator substrates, as long as it does not create inconsistencies.

[0080] The actuator substrate 31 is, for example, roughly plate-shaped with an area that spans multiple (all) pressure chambers 47. The actuator substrate 31 has, for example, a diaphragm 53, a common electrode 55, a piezoelectric layer 57, and individual electrodes 59 in order from the flow path member 1 side.

[0081] The diaphragm 53, common electrode 55, and piezoelectric layer 57 extend across multiple pressure chambers 47 in a plan view. That is, they are provided in common to multiple pressure chambers 47. Individual electrodes 59 are provided at positions facing each pressure chamber 47. The number of individual electrodes 59 is basically the same as the number of pressure chambers 47. The portion of the actuator substrate 31 corresponding to each pressure chamber 47 is referred to as the actuator 61.

[0082] The portion of the piezoelectric layer 57 sandwiched between the individual electrodes 59 and the common electrode 55 is polarized in the thickness direction. Therefore, for example, when an electric field (voltage) is applied in the polarization direction of the piezoelectric layer 57 by the individual electrodes 59 and the common electrode 55, the piezoelectric layer 57 contracts in the direction along the layer. This contraction is restricted by the diaphragm 53. As a result, the actuator 61 deforms by bending so that it becomes convex toward the pressure chamber 47. When an electric field (voltage) is applied in the opposite direction by the individual electrodes 59 and the common electrode 55, the actuator 61 deforms by bending toward the opposite side of the pressure chamber 47. One or both of these bending deformations are used to apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber 47.

[0083] Each individual electrode 59 has an electrode body 59a that overlaps the pressure chamber 47 in a plan view, and a lead electrode 59b extending from the electrode body 59a. The lead electrode 59b is connected to the flexible substrate 32 via a conductive bonding material (not shown). Although not specifically shown, the common electrode 55 is connected to the flexible substrate 32 via a through-conductor (not shown) that penetrates the piezoelectric layer 57 and a conductive bonding material.

[0084] (3. Configuration related to replacement of flow channel members) (3.1. Mode of replacement) In the overview of the embodiment, the replacement of the first laminate 13A was described. However, the second laminate 13B may be replaceable instead of the first laminate 13A. This allows, for example, when it is discovered during the manufacturing stage of the flow channel member 1 that a defect has occurred only in the second laminate 13B of the two laminates 13A, only the second laminate 13B can be replaced. It may also be possible to select which of the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B to replace. The number of laminates constituting the flow channel member 1 may be three or more instead of two, and two or more may be replaceable.

[0085] In the description of the first embodiment, for convenience, the separation of three or more laminates is not assumed. Also, the description may be based on the premise that the first laminate 13A is replaced, but the second laminate 13B is not replaced. However, unless contradictions arise, the description of the first embodiment may be applied to other embodiments.

[0086] The laminate to be replaced (for example, the first laminate 13A) may be maintained in its laminate state during replacement, or it may be disassembled into multiple plates 7. By choosing one of these options, for example, the workability when separating the first laminate 13A may be improved, or the ease of reusing the material (for example, metal) of the plates 7 may be improved.

[0087] When the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B are separated, the adhesive plate 9C maintains its adhesion to the first laminate 13A and is peeled off from the second laminate 13B. However, part or all of the adhesive plate 9C may remain on the second laminate 13B and be removed by washing.

[0088] (3.2. Adhesive Material) In the description of the embodiment, it was stated that the adhesive material 9C used to bond the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B is of a different type from the adhesive material 9B used for the second laminate 13B, in order to make the first laminate 13A replaceable, or in other words, to maintain the bonded state of the second laminate 13B. As can be understood from the description of the replacement methods in the previous section, the differences in the types of adhesive material 9 may differ from those described in the description of the embodiment. When considering various replacement methods, the differences in the types of adhesive material 9 may be, for example, any of the following: (1) Adhesive material 9C is different from both adhesive materials 9A and 9B. (1-1) Adhesive materials 9A and 9B are the same. (1-2) Adhesive materials 9A and 9B are different. (2) Adhesive material 9C is different from only one of adhesive materials 9A or 9B.

[0089] If we broaden the concepts of (1) and (2) above, it means that the adhesive material 9C is different from at least one of the adhesive materials 9A and 9B. Both (1-1) and (1-2) above can correspond to embodiments in which only one of the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B is intended to be replaced, and embodiments in which both are intended to be selectively replaced. For convenience, the description of the first embodiment will be based on the embodiment of (1-1). However, unless contradictions arise, the description of the first embodiment may be applied to other embodiments.

[0090] When adhesive material 9C is of a different type from adhesive material 9B, the adhesive materials 9B located at multiple boundaries 39 of the second laminate 13B may be of the same type or of different types. The same applies to adhesive material 9A. In the description of the first embodiment, for convenience, the description will be based on the premise that the adhesive materials 9B (and 9A) located at multiple boundaries 39 are of the same type. However, the description of the first embodiment may be applied to other embodiments as long as no inconsistencies arise.

[0091] The adhesive material 9C may be, for example, a re-peelable adhesive material. In this embodiment, the adhesive material 9C may be separated (or destroyed) from the second laminate 13B when the old first laminate 13A is removed, as shown in Figure 1, and a new adhesive material 9C may be placed on the new first laminate 13A. That is, the adhesive material 9C may only be bonded and peeled once (it may not be bonded or peeled again), and it may not have the ability to be bonded again. However, following commonly used terminology, the term "re-peelable" will be used.

[0092] A removable adhesive material can be defined as an adhesive material whose adhesive strength is (generally significantly) reduced by a predetermined treatment. Such treatments include, for example, heating, cooling, chemical treatment, light irradiation, and / or voltage application.

[0093] In the case of heating, the adhesive strength decreases, for example, due to liquefaction. In the case of cooling, the adhesive strength decreases, for example, due to a decrease in viscoelasticity. In the case of chemical treatment, for example, the adhesive material is decomposed by the solvent. In the case of irradiation with light (e.g., ultraviolet light), for example, the adhesive strength decreases due to a change in molecular structure. In the case of application of voltage, for example, the adhesive strength decreases due to ion movement.

[0094] The removable adhesive material whose adhesive strength decreases with heating may be, for example, a thermoplastic resin. The specific type of thermoplastic resin is arbitrary and may be, for example, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycaprolactone, or polyvinyl chloride. The polyolefin may be, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene. The polyolefin may be modified to have adhesive properties. The specific type of thermoplastic resin as adhesive material 9C may not be one that is generally recognized as a removable adhesive material.

[0095] On the other hand, adhesive material 9B (and 9A) may be various materials such that the reduction in adhesive strength caused by any of the above various treatments (treatments applied to the peeling of adhesive material 9C) is less than that of adhesive material 9C. For example, most ordinary adhesive materials that are not re-peelable adhesive materials will satisfy this requirement.

[0096] Furthermore, when the process involves heating, the adhesive material 9B (and 9A) may be, for example, a thermosetting resin. The specific type of thermosetting resin is arbitrary and may be, for example, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, urethane resin, silicone resin, melamine resin, or polyurethane resin.

[0097] The softening point of the thermoplastic resin (adhesive material 9C) and the relative relationship between the curing temperature (e.g., curing start temperature) and softening point of the thermosetting resin (adhesive material 9B (and 9A)) are arbitrary. For example, the softening point of the thermoplastic resin may be 30°C or more lower than the softening point of the thermosetting resin. This reduces the probability that adhesive material 9B (and 9A) will soften when adhesive material 9C is softened. If the thermosetting resin hardly softens even when heated and its softening point cannot be determined, the softening point of the thermoplastic resin may be considered to be 30°C or more lower than the softening point of the thermosetting resin.

[0098] The softening point of thermoplastic resins may be determined, for example, according to JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) K7196 "Test method for softening temperature of thermoplastic plastic films and sheets by thermomechanical analysis". The softening point of epoxy resins as thermosetting resins may be determined, for example, according to the ring-and-ball method of JIS K7234 "Test method for softening point of epoxy resins". The softening point of phenolic resins as thermosetting resins may be determined, for example, according to JIS K6910 "Test method for phenolic resins". K6910 states that the softening point should be determined according to JIS K5601-2-2 "Test method for paint components - Part 2: Component analysis in solvent-soluble substances - Section 2: Softening point (ring-and-ball method)". Therefore, for resins other than epoxy resins, the softening point may be determined according to K5601-2-2.

[0099] There are various specific examples of combinations of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins in which the softening point of the thermoplastic resin is 30°C or more lower than the softening point of the thermosetting resin. For example, generally, the softening point of polyethylene is 115°C to 135°C, and the softening point of polypropylene is 165°C or lower. On the other hand, K7234 states that "there are epoxy resins with a softening point exceeding 200°C." Thus, for example, polyolefins and epoxy resins satisfy the above requirements.

[0100] For clarification, each of the adhesive materials 9A to 9C may cure at high temperatures or at room temperature. Furthermore, each of the adhesive materials 9A to 9C may be a one-component or two-component type. Adhesive materials 9A to 9C may be organic or inorganic materials.

[0101] (3.3. Thickness of Separation Components) The thickness of the plate 7 in contact with the adhesive plate 9C is arbitrary. For example, each of the two plates 7 in contact with the adhesive plate 9C (7B and 7C in the example of Figure 6) may be thicker than the nozzle plate 7A. The ratio or difference of the thicknesses in the above case is also arbitrary. For example, the thickness of one or both of the two plates 7 (each) may be 1.2 times or more, 1.5 times or more, or 2 times or more than the thickness of the nozzle plate 7A. The difference in thickness between the former (7B or 7C) and the latter (9A) may be 20 μm or more or 50 μm or more.

[0102] The thicknesses of the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B are also arbitrary. For example, the thickness of the first laminate 13A may be 100 μm or more. The thickness of the first laminate 13A may be twice or more the thickness of the nozzle plate 7A. The thickness of the first laminate 13A may be 1 / 4 or less the thickness of the flow channel member 1. The thickness of the second laminate 13B may be 500 μm or more.

[0103] The thickness of the adhesive plate 9C is also arbitrary. For example, the thickness of the adhesive plate 9C may be 1 μm or more, 10 μm or more, 30 μm or more, or 80 μm or more, or 150 μm or less, 120 μm or less, 70 μm or less, or 30 μm or less. Any combination of the above lower and upper limits is permitted as long as there is no contradiction. For example, the thickness of the adhesive plate 9C may be 10 μm or more and 120 μm or less.

[0104] The relative thickness of the adhesive plate 9C to the plate 7 is also arbitrary. For example, the adhesive plate 9C may be thinner, the same thickness as, or thicker than the nozzle plate 7A, the plate 7 with the maximum thickness within the flow path member 1, and / or the plate 7 in contact with the adhesive plate 9C (one or / or both).

[0105] The thickness of the adhesive layers 9A and 9B (each, respectively; the same applies hereinafter) is also arbitrary. For example, the thickness of adhesive layers 9A and 9B may be 0.1 μm or more and 3 μm or less. Also, the thickness of adhesive layers 9A and 9B may be thinner than all plates 7 and adhesive plates 9C. For example, the thickness of adhesive plate 9C may be 5 times or more, or 10 times or more, the thickness of adhesive layers 9A and 9B.

[0106] (3.4. Separation Position of Flow Channel Member) The separation position of the flow channel member 1 (in other words, the boundary 39 between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B, and the boundary 39 where the adhesive material 9C is located) is arbitrary as long as the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B each contain a plurality of plates 7. For example, the separation position may be any of the plurality of boundaries 39, the distance from the discharge surface 1a and / or the pressure surface 1b is arbitrary, and the position relative to the shape of the flow channel 3 is also arbitrary.

[0107] In the example shown in Figure 6, the boundary 39 to be separated is located at the bottom of the common channel 41 among the multiple boundaries 39. Therefore, the plate 7C, which is in contact with the adhesive material 9C from above, has through holes that constitute the common channel 41. In this case, for example, since the plate 7C has through holes with a relatively large area in plan view, the adhesive area with respect to the plate 7B is relatively small. As a result, for example, separation from the plate 7B is facilitated.

[0108] The above effects are also achieved when the separation boundary 39 is located midway through or on the upper surface of the common channel 41 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the common channel 41 may be formed by the bottom surface of a recess formed on the upper surface of the plate 7 that constitutes the bottom surface of the common channel 41. Similarly, the upper surface of the common channel 41 may be formed by the bottom surface (the surface on the +D3 side) of a recess formed on the lower surface of the plate 7 that constitutes the upper surface of the common channel 41.

[0109] Therefore, various embodiments in which the bonding area is relatively narrowed by the common channel 41 may be considered, for example, embodiments that satisfy the following requirements: a: At least one of the two plates 7 in contact with the adhesive material 9C has a hole (through hole or recess) that constitutes the common channel 41, opening at least on the side of the adhesive material 9C (-D3 side or +D3 side).

[0110] Requirement a can also be interpreted as the boundary 39 to be separated being selected from among multiple boundaries 39 that satisfy the following requirement: b: It is in contact with a common channel 41 (more specifically, for example, a side or corner).

[0111] The separation boundary 39 illustrated in Figure 6 can be said to satisfy the following requirement among the boundaries 39 that satisfy requirement b: c: It is located closest to the nozzle plate 7A. In the example of Figure 6, when the separation boundary 39 satisfies requirements b and c, the number of plates 7 included in the first laminate 13A is two. However, the number of plates 7 in the first laminate 13A when the separation boundary 39 satisfies requirements b and c may be three or more.

[0112] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the boundary 39 where the adhesive plate 9C is located. For convenience, the flow channel members 1 shown in these figures may be referred to as flow channel members 1A, 1B, or 1C.

[0113] The flow path members 1A to 1C have damper chambers 63 adjacent to the common flow path 41. The damper chambers 63 contribute, for example, to dampening unwanted pressure fluctuations in the common flow path 41. The damper chambers 63 are isolated from the common flow path 41 by a relatively thin partition (not shown in the reference numerals; may be considered as part of the damper) that forms the bottom surface of the common flow path 41. The damper chambers 63 are filled with a gas (e.g., air). The damper chambers 63 are, for example, sealed (however, they may be open to the atmosphere).

[0114] In a planar perspective view, the damper chamber 63 overlaps, for example, with the entire common flow path 41. For example, more than 80% of their areas overlap. That is, the damper chamber 63, like the common flow path 41, is composed of relatively large holes (through holes and / or recesses) in the plate 7. And in any of the flow path members 1A to 1C illustrated in Figure 7, the adhesive plate 9C is located at the boundary in contact with the damper chamber 63. This provides the same effect as when requirement a is met, for example.

[0115] Therefore, in each of the requirements a and b described above, "common flow path 41" may be replaced with "either the common flow path 41 or the damper chamber 63". Furthermore, requirement c may be based on requirement b as described above.

[0116] Various specific configurations are possible for the holes (through holes and / or recesses) that make up the damper chamber 63. In the example shown in Figure 7, they are as follows.

[0117] In the flow channel member 1A, a recess is formed on the lower surface of plate 7C, which constitutes the bottom surface of the common flow channel 41, thereby forming a damper chamber 63. The adhesive plate 9C overlaps the lower surface of plate 7C.

[0118] In the flow channel member 1B, a through hole is formed in plate 7C, which overlaps the lower surface of plate 7D that constitutes the bottom surface of the common flow channel 41, thereby forming a damper chamber 63. The adhesive plate 9C overlaps the lower surface of plate 7C.

[0119] In the flow channel member 1C, a recess is formed on the upper surface of plate 7B, which overlaps the lower surface of plate 7C that constitutes the bottom surface of the common flow channel 41, thereby forming a damper chamber 63. The adhesive plate 9C overlaps the upper surface of plate 7B.

[0120] Although not specifically shown in the diagram, the partition separating the common flow path 41 and the damper chamber 63 may be composed solely of the adhesive plate 9C. Conversely to what is described here, the boundary 39 on which the adhesive plate 9C is located may be a boundary 39 with a large adhesive area. In this case, for example, even if the adhesive strength of the adhesive plate 9C is small, it becomes easier to ensure a certain degree of fixing strength between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B.

[0121] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another example of the boundary 39 where the adhesive plate 9C is located. For convenience, the flow channel member 1 shown in this figure may be referred to as the flow channel member 1D.

[0122] The flow path 3 of the flow path member 1D is configured to circulate liquid. Specifically, in addition to the common flow path 41 and the plurality of individual flow paths 43 described above, the flow path 3 has a plurality of individual recovery flow paths 65 connected to the plurality of individual flow paths 43, and at least one common recovery flow path 67 connected to the plurality of individual recovery flow paths 65. The liquid is supplied, for example, from a tank (not shown) via the back member 29 to the common flow path 41 and flows into the plurality of individual flow paths 43. The liquid that is not discharged from the nozzle 5 then flows sequentially through the plurality of individual recovery flow paths 65 and at least one common recovery flow path 67 and is recovered into the tank via the back member 29.

[0123] In the example shown in Figure 8, the individual recovery channel 65 opens, for example, to the side of the descender 49. The separation boundary 39 (the boundary 39 where the adhesive plate 9C is located) is the boundary 39 above the individual recovery channel 65. In the illustrated example, the individual recovery channel 65 is entirely formed by a through hole formed in the plate 7B which constitutes the lowest part of the side of the descender 49. The adhesive plate 9C is located at the upper boundary 39 of the plate 7B.

[0124] Unlike the illustrated example, the individual recovery channels 65 may, for example, open midway in the vertical direction on the side surface of the descender 49, or they may be configured across two or more plates 7, or they may open on a surface other than the bottom surface (such as a side surface) of the common recovery channel 67. The common channel 41 and the common recovery channel 67 may not be arranged in parallel in a plan view, but rather stacked in the D3 direction.

[0125] Furthermore, in requirements a to c described above, the common flow path and damper chamber may be for recovery purposes. Also, requirement a may be met for both supply and recovery purposes, or requirements b and c may be met.

[0126] (3.5. Shape and dimensions of the adhesive plate in plan view) The adhesive material 9 (9A to 9C) covers, for example, at least the entire overlapping region of the two plates 7 to which it adheres (the region where the flow channel 3 is not located and which can be adhered to each other). However, there may be regions where the adhesive material 9 is not located. In addition, the adhesive material 9 (9A to 9C) may or may not cover the region of the plate 7 that constitutes the upper or lower surface of the flow channel 3 (in other words, the region that is not adhered to the other plate 7).

[0127] The adhesive layers 9A and 9B are formed, for example, by applying an adhesive (one with relatively high fluidity) to the lower surface of the plate 7. Therefore, if the plate 7 to which the adhesive is applied has through holes, the adhesive cannot be placed in the through holes, so the adhesive layers 9A and 9B have through holes that, in a plan view, roughly coincide with (or are larger than) the through holes. In the above example, the adhesive is applied to the lower surface of the plate 7, but the adhesive may also be applied to the upper surface of the plate 7, or to both surfaces.

[0128] On the other hand, the adhesive plate 9C may be manufactured, for example, by layering an adhesive film on the plate 7, as will be described later. Therefore, in a plan view, the adhesive plate 9C may have through holes located inside the through holes of the plate 7 (plate 7B in the example of Figure 1) on which the adhesive film is placed before bonding the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B. Furthermore, in a plan view, the adhesive plate 9C may have through holes located inside the through holes of both plates 7 (7B and 7C in the example of Figure 6) that sandwich the adhesive plate 9C.

[0129] In the above-described case, the through-holes of the adhesive plate 9C may, in principle, have similar shapes and dimensions to the through-holes of one or both of the two plates 7 that sandwich the adhesive plate 9C. However, the former may have significantly different shapes and / or dimensions from the latter, and the portion of the adhesive plate 9C that protrudes into the through-holes (flow channels 3) of the plates 7 may produce some effect (for example, flow regulation).

[0130] In the example shown in Figure 6, a through-hole 9Ch is exemplified as a through-hole in the adhesive plate 9C, which constitutes the descender 49 (or, from another viewpoint, part of the flow path 3). In a plan view, the through-hole 9Ch is located inside both the through-hole 7Bh that constitutes the descender 49 of plate 7B and the through-hole 7Ch that constitutes the descender 49 of plate 7C. In other words, the outer edge of the through-hole 9Ch is set back inward from the outer edges of the through-holes 7Bh and 7Ch along its entire circumference.

[0131] The ratio or difference in size of the through-hole 9Ch to the through-hole 7Bh (and / or 7Ch; the same applies hereinafter) is arbitrary. For example, when comparing diameters in any direction, or representative values ​​of diameters (e.g., minimum diameters, maximum diameters, or average diameters), the through-hole 9Ch may be 0.5 times or more, 0.6 times or more, or 0.8 times or more than the through-hole 7Bh, and may also be 0.95 times or less, 0.9 times or less, or 0.8 times or less. The above lower and upper limits may be combined in any way that does not cause contradiction. Furthermore, the amount by which the outer edge of the through-hole 9Ch protrudes inward from the outer edge of the through-hole 7Bh (if not constant in the circumferential direction, for example, the minimum value, maximum value and / or average value) may be 1 μm or more, 5 μm or more, or 10 μm or more, and may be 50 μm or less, 30 μm or less, or 10 μm or less. The above lower and upper limits may be combined in any way so as not to cause any contradiction.

[0132] In the above, the first and second holes on either side of the through hole 9Ch are taken as examples of through holes 7Bh and 7Ch. However, at least one of the first and second holes may be a recess. In Figure 6, the descender 49 is used as an example, but the same may be applied to other parts of the flow path 3, and also to spaces other than the flow path 3 (e.g., ventilation holes). Depending on the type of through hole in the adhesive plate 9C, the relative sizes of the upper and lower through holes may differ.

[0133] Furthermore, contrary to the above description, the adhesive layers 9A and 9B may also be formed from adhesive films, and may have through holes located inside the through holes of the plates 7 on both sides. The adhesive plate 9C may be formed by applying an adhesive. Also, regardless of the method of formation, the adhesive plate 9C may have through holes that coincide with (or are larger than) the through holes of at least one of the plates 7 on both sides.

[0134] We focus on the minimum width of the area where two adjacent plates 7 in the stacking direction can be bonded to each other on their opposing surfaces. The bondable area is, for example, an area on either of the two opposing surfaces where no holes (through holes, recesses, etc.) are formed. These holes constitute, for example, the flow path 3 and the damper chamber 63, in other words, they realize the function of the flow path member 1. Furthermore, the relief groove 51 is not included in these holes. The minimum width is, for example, the shortest distance between the edges of the holes on the two opposing surfaces, and the shortest distance between the edge of the hole and the outer edge of the two surfaces.

[0135] As indicated by the reference numerals in Figure 6, the minimum width of the two plates 7 (7B and 7C in the example of Figure 6) in contact with the adhesive plate 9C is defined as w1. Among the minimum widths of adjacent plates 7 in the first laminate 13A or the second laminate 13B, the minimum value in the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B is defined as w0. In this case, width w1 may be wider than width w0 (but may not be). In Figure 6, for convenience, widths w0 and w1 represent the width between the common channel 41 and the descender 49. This width has a high probability of being the minimum width, but it is not guaranteed to be the minimum width.

[0136] The specific sizes of widths w0 and w1 are arbitrary, and the ratio and difference between them when w1 > w0 are also arbitrary. For example, width w0 may be 80 μm or more. w1 - w0 may be, for example, 1 μm or more, 5 μm or more, 10 μm or more, or 20 μm or more. Also, w1 / w0 may be, for example, 1.1 times or more, 1.2 times or more, or 1.5 times or more.

[0137] (3.6. Side recess) The flow channel member 1 may have a recess 69 (Figure 6) on its side that is in contact with the boundary 39 between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B. This recess 69 may be used, for example, as a part to which a force is applied to separate the flow channel member 1. The position (plan view), shape and dimensions of the recess 69 are arbitrary and may be as follows, for example.

[0138] In the example shown in Figure 6, the recess 69 is formed by creating a notch only in the bottommost plate 7 of the second laminate 13B (7C in the example shown in Figure 6). Unlike the illustrated example, the recess 69 may be formed by notches in two or more plates 7 that are stacked together. Furthermore, the recess 69 may be formed by only one or more plates 7 of the first laminate 13A, or by only one or more plates 7 of the second laminate 13B, or by plates 7 of both the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B. The notch may not cut out the entire thickness of the plate 7, but only a portion of the thickness.

[0139] The adhesive plate 9C may or may not be cut out, similar to the upper and / or lower plate 7, regardless of whether the recess 69 is formed in the first laminate 13A or the second laminate 13B. In the example in Figure 6, only one or more plates 7 above the adhesive plate 9C are cut out, and the adhesive plate 9C is not cut out. In another view, the portion of the adhesive plate 9C that overlaps with the first laminate 13A is located within the recess 69. Unlike the illustrated example, the recess may be formed solely by the outer edge of the adhesive plate 9C being located inward from the outer edges of the upper and lower plate 7.

[0140] In a plan view, the recess 69 may extend around the entire circumference of the flow channel member 1, or it may be located only on a part of the outer circumference of the flow channel member 1. In the latter case, only one recess 69 may be provided, or multiple recesses 69 may be provided. The length of the recess 69 that does not extend around the entire circumference may be relatively long or short compared to the length of the outer circumference. For example, the length of one recess 69 may be greater than or equal to the length of the long side of the flow channel member 1, greater than or equal to the length of the short side, less than the length of the short side, or less than or equal to 1 / 5 of the short side. The position of the recess 69 that does not extend around the entire circumference is also arbitrary; for example, it may be located on one side, two sides, three sides, or four sides, on the long side and / or short side, or at multiple positions on one side.

[0141] The depth of the recess 69 from the side surface of the flow channel member 1 is also arbitrary. For example, the depth may be 10 μm or more, 50 μm or more, or 100 μm or more.

[0142] (3.7. Ventilation Holes) The flow channel member 1 may have one or more ventilation holes 71 (Figure 6) that are in contact with the boundary 39 between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B. The ventilation holes 71 are, for example, isolated from the flow channel 3 and also open to the outside of the flow channel member 1. The ventilation holes 71 make it easier for air to enter between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B when they are separated, for example. As a result, the negative pressure between them is more easily relieved, and separation is facilitated. The ventilation holes 71 may be in contact with the upper surface of the adhesive plate 9C (example in Figure 6), the lower surface of the adhesive plate 9C, or both.

[0143] The ventilation holes 71 may partially or entirely serve as relief grooves 51. In the example shown in Figure 6, the ventilation holes 71 are entirely also relief grooves 51. Other embodiments include, for example, a configuration in which the ventilation holes 71 are through-holes penetrating the first laminate 13A and / or the second laminate 13B in the lamination direction, and a configuration in which the through-holes are combined with relief grooves 51. The through-holes may be isolated from or connected to the relief grooves 51 of other boundaries 39.

[0144] The position, shape, and dimensions of the relief groove 51, which constitutes part or all of the ventilation hole 71, are arbitrary. The description of the relief groove 51 described above may be applied to the relief groove 51 included in the ventilation hole 71, as long as no contradictions arise. For example, the relief groove 51 included in the ventilation hole 71 may form a mesh-like structure around the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the plate 7 (7C in the example of Figure 6).

[0145] The relief groove 51 included in the ventilation hole 71 may have a different configuration from the other relief grooves 51. For example, the former may be wider than the latter. The ratio or difference in this case is also arbitrary. For example, when comparing representative widths (for example, maximum widths, minimum widths, or average widths), the width of the relief groove 51 included in the ventilation hole 71 may be 1.2 times or more, 1.5 times or more, or 2 times or more than the width of the other relief grooves 51.

[0146] The ventilation hole 71, including the relief groove 51, is connected to the outside of the flow channel member 1, for example, by the relief groove 51 reaching the side surface of the flow channel member 1. For example, the mesh portion formed by the multiple relief grooves 51 may be in contact with the side surface of the flow channel member 1 (the multiple relief grooves 51 may reach the side surface of the flow channel member 1). As described above, the flow channel member 1 may have a recess 69, in which case some or all of the one or more relief grooves 51 that reach the side surface of the flow channel member 1 may reach the recess 69 (or may not).

[0147] (4. Method for manufacturing and replacing flow channel members) Figures 9 and 10 are schematic cross-sectional views showing an example of a method for manufacturing the flow channel member 1.

[0148] In the manufacturing method of the flow channel member 1, first, a first laminate 13A is produced with adhesive material 9C placed on its upper surface (Figure 9). Simultaneously (the order of these processes may vary), a second laminate 13B is also produced (upper part of Figure 10). Subsequently, the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B are bonded together with adhesive material 9C (middle and lower parts of Figure 10).

[0149] During bonding, appropriate treatment may be applied depending on the type of adhesive material 9C. For example, if the adhesive material 9C is a thermoplastic resin, melting by heating and subsequent solidification by cooling (including not only active cooling but also heat dissipation into the atmosphere at room temperature) may be performed, and pressurization may be applied at an appropriate time.

[0150] The method for producing the second laminate 13B may be various, and may be the same as known methods. Specifically, for example, it may be as follows.

[0151] First, a plate 7 is fabricated in which holes (through-holes or recesses) that will serve as flow channels 3 are formed. The holes may be formed, for example, by dry etching or half-etching using a wet etching method.

[0152] Next, the adhesive material 9B is placed on the plate 7. The method of placement may be the same as known methods, for example. For example, the adhesive may be applied to the plate 7 by screen printing. The adhesive material 9B may be placed on either the surface having the relief groove 51 or on the surface not having the relief groove 51. In either case, when applying the adhesive material 9B to the plate 7 (before the excess material flows into the relief groove 51), it may be placed in an area that overlaps with the relief groove 51, or it may be placed so that it does not overlap with the relief groove 51.

[0153] Subsequently, the plates 7 are bonded together. At this time, all plates 7 constituting the second laminate 13B may be bonded simultaneously, or some of the plates 7 may be bonded individually. During bonding, appropriate treatment (heating and pressurizing, etc.) may be performed depending on the type of adhesive material 9B.

[0154] The method for manufacturing the first laminate 13A may be generally the same as the method for manufacturing the second laminate 13B described above. However, the top layer plate 7 of the first laminate 13A (plate 7B in the example of Figure 9) has adhesive material 9C placed on it before it is bonded to the other plates 7.

[0155] Specifically, first, a plate 7B with holes formed in it is manufactured. Next, adhesive material 9C is placed on the plate 7B (upper part of Figure 9). In the illustrated example, the adhesive material 9C is in the form of a film and is placed so as to block the holes (for example, through holes 7Bh that constitute the descender 49) that open on at least the upper surface of the plate 7B. After that, the portion of the adhesive material 9C that was blocking the holes in the plate 7B is removed (middle part of Figure 9). This creates through holes (for example, through holes 9Ch) in the adhesive plate 9C. After that, plate 7B is stacked with other plates 7.

[0156] In the above, there may be various methods for arranging the film-like adhesive material 9C. Furthermore, appropriate processing may be performed according to the type of adhesive material 9C, and temporary bonding may be carried out. For example, if the adhesive material 9C is a thermoplastic resin, the film-like thermoplastic resin may be heated while being pressed against the plate 7B with rollers using a device such as a laminator, thereby simultaneously arranging the adhesive material 9C and performing temporary bonding. The film-like adhesive material 9C may be transported individually and placed on the plate 7B, or it may be attached to a base film and transported, and then heat-transferred from the base film to the plate 7B.

[0157] Various methods can be used to form through holes in the adhesive material 9C. For example, laser light may be irradiated from above or below using a laser 101 (as shown in the illustration). Alternatively, cutting may be performed from above or below using a cutting tool. In the case of a cutting tool, it is possible to form through holes in the adhesive material 9C that fills the recesses of the plate 7B while preventing the cutting tool from interfering with the recesses.

[0158] The first laminated body 13A manufactured as described above may be used to manufacture a new flow channel member 1 as described here, or it may be used to replace the first laminated body 13A in Figure 1. The middle and lower sections of Figure 10 and their descriptions may be used to illustrate the replacement of the first laminated body 13A in Figure 1.

[0159] Contrary to the above description, the through-holes (e.g., through-holes 9Ch) in the film-like adhesive material 9C may be formed before it is placed on the plate 7B. Alternatively, the adhesive material 9C may be placed on the plate 7B after the plate 7B has been bonded to another plate. Before the bonding of the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B, the adhesive material 9C may be placed on the second laminate 13B instead of the first laminate 13A.

[0160] (5. Second Embodiment) Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the head body 27E according to the second embodiment. The head body 27E, like the head body 27 of the first embodiment, includes a flow path member 1 (in the second embodiment, for convenience, referred to as the "flow path member body 1E"), an actuator substrate 31, and a back member 29.

[0161] Unlike the approach in the first embodiment, the combination of the flow path member body 1E and the back member 29 may be considered as the flow path member 2. Furthermore, the flow path member body 1E (an example of a first part) and the back member 29 (an example of a second part) may be bonded together by an adhesive plate 9X (corresponding to the adhesive plate 9C of the first embodiment) that allows for the separation of the two. This may allow for the replacement of either the flow path member body 1E or the back member 29.

[0162] The descriptions of the first laminate 13A, the second laminate 13B, and the adhesive plate 9C (adhesive material 9C) in the first embodiment may be applied to the flow path member body 1E, the back member 29, and the adhesive plate 9X (adhesive material 9X), provided that no inconsistencies arise.

[0163] For example, although not specifically shown, the back member 29 may have a plurality of plates 7 laminated together via an adhesive material 9. The adhesive material 9X (an example of a third adhesive material) may be different from at least one of the adhesive material 9 of the flow channel member body 1E and the adhesive material 9 of the back member 29. In this case, the flow channel member body 1E may be considered as a first laminate, and the back member 29 may be considered as a second laminate.

[0164] Unlike the above, the back member 29 may not be a laminate of multiple plates 7, but rather be an integrally constructed structure. In this case, the material of the back member 29 is arbitrary and may be, for example, metal, resin, or ceramic.

[0165] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, unlike in the first embodiment, the flow channel member body 1E does not necessarily have to have a separation-allowing adhesive plate 9C, and instead of the adhesive plate 9C, it may have an adhesive material 9A or 9B (as previously described, these two may be the same). However, the flow channel member body 1E may have an adhesive plate 9C.

[0166] In the example shown in Figure 11, region R1 indicates the area where the actuator substrate 31 is placed. The adhesive plate 9C is frame-shaped and adheres the flow channel member body 1E and the back member 29 around the periphery of region R1. The adhesive plate 9C has a through hole 9Xh that allows the opening (not shown) on the lower surface of the back member 29 to pass through to the opening 1h in the pressure surface 1b. The opening 1h leads to a common flow channel 41 (not shown in Figure 11). Note that in Figure 11, unlike in Figure 5, the common flow channel 41 is assumed to extend in the direction D1.

[0167] (6. Summary of Embodiments) The following describes various configurations and their effects. However, the following effects are merely examples and do not necessarily have to be achieved. Also, for convenience, the terms and symbols of any of the multiple embodiments may be used below. For example, the terms and symbols of the first embodiment will be used preferentially over the first and second embodiments. However, unless there is a contradiction, the following explanation will also apply to embodiments in which the terms and symbols are not used.

[0168] The flow path member 1 according to this embodiment includes a first laminate 13A (example of a first part), a second laminate 13B (example of a second part), and an adhesive plate 9C. The first laminate 13A has a plurality of plates 7 (example of a first plate) that are laminated together via an adhesive material 9A (example of a first adhesive material). The plurality of plates 7 of the first laminate 13A include a nozzle plate 7A with a plurality of nozzles 5 opening at the -D3 side (example of the first side) in the lamination direction. The second laminate 13B overlaps the first laminate 13A on the +D3 side (example of the second side). The adhesive plate 9C is sandwiched between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B and is made of an adhesive material 9C (example of a third adhesive material) different from the adhesive material 9A.

[0169] From another perspective, the second laminate 13B has a plurality of plates 7 (example of a second plate) laminated together via an adhesive material 9B (example of a second adhesive material). The adhesive plate 9C is composed of an adhesive material 9C (example of a third adhesive material) that is different from at least one of the adhesive materials 9A and 9B (e.g., 9B).

[0170] From yet another perspective, the head 17 according to the embodiment (an example of a liquid discharge head) includes the flow path member 1 as described above, and an actuator 61 that applies pressure to the liquid in the flow path member 1.

[0171] From yet another perspective, the printer 15 (an example of a recording device) according to this embodiment includes the head 17 described above and a transport device 19 that moves the head 17 and the media P (an example of a recording medium) relative to each other.

[0172] From yet another perspective, the replacement method according to the embodiment replaces the nozzle plate 7A in the flow path member 1 according to the embodiment described above. The replacement method includes peeling the first laminate 13A from the second laminate 13B by performing a process that reduces the adhesive strength of the adhesive plate 9C. The replacement method also includes bonding the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B by laminating a new first laminate 13A onto the second laminate 13B from which the first laminate 13A has been peeled off, via an adhesive material 9C that will become a new adhesive plate 9C.

[0173] Therefore, for example, as described with reference to Figure 1 in the overview of the embodiment, the first laminate 13A (or the second laminate 13B) can be replaced. Since the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B each contain multiple plates 7, the strength of the replaced member can be ensured compared to, for example, the case where only the nozzle plate 7A is replaced. As a result, for example, workability is improved.

[0174] The adhesive material 9C may be a removable adhesive material.

[0175] In this case, for example, the separation of the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B is facilitated. Also, since the force applied to the second laminate 13B is reduced as a result of the separation, for example, the probability of deformation occurring in the second laminate 13B (the laminate that is not replaced) is reduced. Also, for example, since the probability of adhesive material 9C remaining in the second laminate 13B is reduced, the need to clean the second laminate 13B is reduced.

[0176] At least one of the adhesive material 9A and adhesive material 9B may be a thermosetting resin. The adhesive material 9C may be a thermoplastic resin.

[0177] In this case, for example, the adhesive strength of the adhesive material 9C can be reduced by heating. Therefore, compared to methods that reduce adhesive strength by other treatments, for example, it is easier to treat the entire adhesive surface simultaneously. Also, for example, the need for the plate 7 to have properties for other treatments (e.g., light transmission or conductivity) is reduced. As a result, for example, the design freedom of the plate 7 is improved. Furthermore, the probability that the adhesive strength of adhesive materials 9A and 9B will decrease due to the treatment (heating) of adhesive material 9C is also low.

[0178] The plates 7 of the first laminate 13A (7B in the example in Figure 6) and the plates 7 of the second laminate 13B (7C in the example in Figure 6), which are in contact with the adhesive plate 9C, may each be thicker than the nozzle plate 7A.

[0179] In this case, for example, the likelihood of plate 7B and / or 7C deforming during separation is reduced. As a result, for example, the likelihood of the second laminate 13B, which is not replaced, becoming unusable is reduced. Also, for example, the likelihood of the first laminate 13A, which is to be replaced, breaking during separation and a portion remaining in the second laminate 13B (the likelihood of reduced workability) is reduced.

[0180] The thickness of the first laminate 13A may be 100 μm or more, twice the thickness of the nozzle plate 7A or more, and one-quarter or less the thickness of the flow channel member 1.

[0181] In this case, for example, the requirement of being 100 μm or more and at least twice the thickness of the nozzle plate 7A improves the effect of replacing the first laminate 13A instead of just the nozzle plate 7A (for example, improved workability due to increased strength). On the other hand, the requirement of being 1 / 4 or less the thickness of the flow channel member 1 improves the effect of reusing the second laminate 13B (for example, contribution to the SDGs).

[0182] The plate 7 of the first laminate 13A in contact with the adhesive plate 9C (7B in the example of Figure 6) may have a through hole 7Bh (example of a first hole) that opens at least towards the second laminate 13B. The plate 7 of the second laminate 13B in contact with the adhesive plate 9C (7C in the example of Figure 6) may have a through hole 7Ch (example of a second hole) that opens at least towards the first laminate 13A and is opposite to the through hole 7Bh. The adhesive plate 9C may have a through hole 9Ch located inside both the through holes 7Bh and 7Ch in a planar perspective view.

[0183] In this case, for example, the adhesive plate 9C can be used as a component that affects the flow of liquid. Also, for example, focusing on the manufacturing process, the probability of unintended processing being performed on the plate 7B when forming the through hole 9Ch, as shown in the middle of Figure 9, is reduced.

[0184] The minimum width w1 in the area where the opposing surfaces of plates 7 (7B and 7C in the example of Figure 6) in contact with the adhesive plate 9C can be bonded to each other may be wider than the smallest minimum width (minimum width w0) in the area where the opposing surfaces of plates 7 of the first laminate 13A or second laminate 13B that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction can be bonded to each other.

[0185] In this case, for example, the likelihood of leakage occurring in the minimum width w1 portion can be reduced. Therefore, for example, the need to make the adhesive strength of adhesive material 9C higher than that of adhesive materials 9A and 9B is reduced. Consequently, the degree of design freedom regarding the type of adhesive material 9C is improved.

[0186] The flow path member 1 may have a common flow path 41 (and / or a common recovery flow path 67; the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph) that is connected to a plurality of nozzles 5. At least one of the two plates 7 (7B and 7C in the example of Figure 6) that are in contact with the adhesive plate 9C may have a hole that opens at least on the side of the adhesive plate 9C and constitutes the common flow path 41 or a damper chamber 63 adjacent to the common flow path 41.

[0187] In this case, for example, as described in the explanation of requirement a, the bonding area between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B is made relatively smaller, thus facilitating their separation.

[0188] The boundary 39 between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B may be the boundary 39 that is in contact with either the common channel 41 (and / or the common recovery channel 67; the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph) or the damper chamber 63 adjacent to the common channel 41, and is the boundary closest to the nozzle plate 7A. However, if one of such boundaries is the nozzle plate 7A, the boundary 39 between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B may be the boundary one layer higher than that boundary.

[0189] In this case, for example, the thickness of the first laminate 13A can be reduced. As a result, for example, the contribution to the SDGs can be improved.

[0190] The flow channel member 1 may have a plurality of descenders 49 extending from the +D3 side (second side) to the -D3 side (first side) and reaching a plurality of nozzles 5, and a plurality of individual recovery channels 65 extending from the sides of the plurality of descenders 49. The boundary 39 between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B may be located on the +D3 side of the plurality of individual recovery channels 65.

[0191] In this case, for example, multiple individual recovery channels 65 can be replaced by replacing the first laminate 13A. As a result, clogging of the individual recovery channels 65 due to solidified components of the liquid can be addressed. When the separation boundary 39 is at the same position as the upper surface of the individual recovery channels 65 (example in Figure 8), for example, the thickness of the first laminate 13A can be reduced, improving the contribution to the SDGs.

[0192] There may be multiple plates on which the individual recovery channels 65 are formed. For example, the individual recovery channels 65 may be drawn out from the descender 49 in the planar direction of the plate, then extend upward and connect to the recovery channel 67. The separation boundary 39 may be above the lowest plate among the multiple plates on which the individual recovery channels 65 are formed, or it may be above the entire set of plates. In the former case, the portion of the individual recovery channels 65 that is relatively prone to ink clogging can be replaced, and the thickness of the first laminate 13A can be reduced. In the latter case, no matter where in the individual recovery channels 65 clogging occurs, the clogging can be resolved by replacement.

[0193] The side surface of the flow channel member 1 along the D3 direction (stacking direction) may have a recess 69 that is in contact with the boundary 39 between the first stacked body 13A and the second stacked body 13B.

[0194] In this case, for example, a jig or the like can be inserted into the recess 69. As a result, it becomes easier to apply a force in the D3 direction for separation to the first laminate 13A and / or the second laminate 13B.

[0195] The recess 69 may be located above (on the second side of) the boundary 39 between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B. The portion of the adhesive plate 9C that overlaps with the first laminate 13A may be located within the recess 69.

[0196] In this case, for example, a force can be applied to the adhesive plate 9C along with the first laminate 13A to separate it from the second laminate 13B. As a result, it becomes easier to peel off the adhesive plate 9C together with the first laminate 13A. Also, for example, since the first laminate 13A can maintain thickness directly below the recess 69, the likelihood of a decrease in strength directly below the recess 69 being reduced when the first laminate 13A is made thinner is reduced.

[0197] The flow path member 1 may have ventilation holes 71 that do not connect to the plurality of nozzles 5, but connect to the outside of the flow path member 1 and are in contact with the boundary 39 between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B.

[0198] In this case, for example, as previously described, it becomes easier to eliminate the negative pressure generated between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B when separating them, thus facilitating separation. Conversely, when bonding the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B, the gas (e.g., air) between them can be released to the outside, making the process easier.

[0199] The ventilation holes 71 may include relief grooves 51 on either of the opposing surfaces of the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B, extending along the opposing surfaces and reaching the side surface of the flow channel member 1 along the lamination direction.

[0200] In this case, for example, the relief groove 51 can also be used as a ventilation hole 71. As a result, it becomes easier to secure space for the ventilation hole 71. Also, since the relief groove 51 extends to the side surface, compared to the configuration in which the relief groove 51 is opened to the atmosphere through a through hole extending in the D3 direction, air can be quickly introduced from the side surface of the flow channel member 1 between the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B.

[0201] The method for manufacturing the flow channel member 1 according to this embodiment comprises forming a first laminate 13A (Figure 9), forming a second laminate 13B (upper part of Figure 10), and bonding the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B (middle and lower parts of Figure 10). In forming the first laminate 13A, a plurality of plates 7 (example of the first plate) are laminated via an adhesive material 9A (example of the first adhesive material) (lower part of Figure 9). In bonding the first laminate 13A and the second laminate 13B, the two are laminated via a film that serves as an adhesive plate 9C, and the film is melted and solidified. The formation of the first laminate 13A includes, before laminating the plate 7 that constitutes the back surface of the first laminate 13A (7B in the example of Figure 9, an example of a back surface plate) with the other plates 7, attaching a film (adhesive material 9C) to the back surface plate 7B, which has through holes 7Bh (an example of a first through hole) formed therein (upper part of Figure 9), and forming through holes 9Ch (an example of a second through hole) (middle part of Figure 9). The through holes 7Bh penetrate the plate 7B and constitute a flow path 3 that leads to at least one of the multiple nozzles 5. The film becomes the adhesive plate 9C and is attached to the plate 7B after the through holes 7Bh are formed. The through holes 9Ch are formed by a laser 101 in the region of the film that overlaps with the through holes 7Bh after the film has been attached.

[0202] The through-holes 9Ch may be formed by punching, water jetting, or the like. By forming the through-holes 9Ch before laminating the entire first laminate 13A, residual material from the processed film is less likely to remain in the through-holes 9Ch and 7Bh. Furthermore, if the opening of the through-hole 7Bh opposite to the opening where the film is attached is covered by a nozzle plate 7A or the like, and the through-hole 9Ch is formed using a processing method such as a laser that penetrates the workpiece and affects the area beyond the penetration, there is a risk that groove-like processing marks will be left on the nozzle plate 7A or the like. If the nozzle plate 7A or the like is not laminated when forming the through-holes 9Ch, processing marks will be less likely to be left on the nozzle plate 7A.

[0203] In the first embodiment, the first laminate 13A is an example of a first part. The second laminate 13B is an example of a second part. The plate 7 of the first laminate 13A is an example of a first plate. The plate 7 of the second laminate 13B is an example of a second plate. The adhesive material 9A is an example of a first adhesive material. The adhesive material 9B is an example of a second adhesive material. The adhesive material 9C is an example of a third adhesive material.

[0204] In the second embodiment, the flow path member body 1E is an example of a first part. The back member 29 is an example of a second part. The plate 7 of the flow path member body 1E is an example of a first plate. The plate 7 of the back member 29 is an example of a second plate. The adhesive material 9 of the flow path member body 1E is an example of a first adhesive material. The adhesive material 9 of the back member 29 is an example of a second adhesive material. The adhesive material 9X is an example of a third adhesive material.

[0205] The technology relating to this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be implemented in various forms.

[0206] The recording device may be a plotter. The recording device may be a handheld printer, which is held and moved by the user and moves relative to the recording medium. The recording device may also move the head relative to the recording medium by moving the head with a robot or the like.

[0207] The recording medium is not limited to paper. For example, the recording medium may be cloth, wood, tile, printed circuit board (more specifically, an insulating layer on which a conductive pattern is printed), or a vehicle body.

[0208] The head may be used for purposes other than recording. For example, the head may be used in the preparation of chemicals. Specifically, for example, the head may dispense a predetermined amount of liquid chemical agent or a liquid containing a chemical agent toward a reaction vessel or the like.

[0209] As can be seen from the examples of recording media above, the liquid is not limited to ink. For example, it may be paint or a conductive material printed on a printed circuit board.

[0210] The flow path component is not limited to being entirely composed of stacked plates. For example, a portion of the flow path component opposite the nozzle plate may be composed of a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System). The MEMS may include not only the flow path component but also actuators.

[0211] 1...Flow channel member, 1E...Flow channel member body (an example of the first part), 2...Flow channel member, 5...Nozzle, 7...Plate (first plate or second plate), 7A...Plate (nozzle plate), 9A...Adhesive material (first adhesive material), 9B...Adhesive material (second adhesive material), 9C and 9X...Adhesive plate (third adhesive material), 13A...First laminate (another example of the first part), 13B...Second laminate (an example of the second part when the first laminate 13A is the first part), 15...Printer (recording device), 17...Head (liquid ejection head), 29...Back member (an example of the second part when the flow channel member body 1E is the first part).

Claims

1. A flow channel member having a plurality of first plates laminated together via a first adhesive material, wherein the plurality of first plates include a first part having a nozzle plate with a plurality of nozzles opening on the first side in the lamination direction, a second part overlapping the first part on the second side opposite to the first side, and an adhesive plate sandwiched between the first part and the second part and made of a third adhesive material different from the first adhesive material.

2. The flow channel member according to claim 1, wherein the third adhesive material is a re-peelable adhesive material.

3. The flow channel member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first adhesive material is a thermosetting resin and the third adhesive material is a thermoplastic resin.

4. The flow channel member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second part comprises a plurality of second plates laminated together via a second adhesive material.

5. The flow channel member according to claim 4, wherein the second adhesive material is a thermosetting resin and the third adhesive material is a thermoplastic resin.

6. The flow path member according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first plate in contact with the adhesive plate among the plurality of first plates is thicker than the nozzle plate, and the second plate in contact with the adhesive plate among the plurality of second plates is thicker than the nozzle plate.

7. The flow channel member according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the minimum width of the mutually adhesive regions of the mutually adhesive surfaces of the first plate in contact with the adhesive plate among the plurality of first plates and the second plate in contact with the adhesive plate among the plurality of second plates is wider than the smallest mutually adhesive region of the mutually adhesive surfaces of the first plate or second plate adjacent to each other in the stacking direction among the first and second parts.

8. A flow channel member according to any one of claims 4 to 7, having a common flow channel that is commonly connected to the plurality of nozzles, wherein at least one of the plurality of first plates, the first plate in contact with the adhesive plate, and the plurality of second plates, the second plate in contact with the adhesive plate, has a hole that opens at least on the side of the adhesive plate and constitutes the common flow channel or a damper chamber adjacent to the common flow channel.

9. The flow channel member according to claim 8, wherein the boundary between the first part and the second part is the boundary between the plurality of first plates and the plurality of second plates and is in contact with either the common flow channel or the damper chamber, and one of the plates is the boundary closest to the nozzle plate among the boundaries that are not the nozzle plate.

10. The flow channel member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the thickness of the first part is 100 μm or more, twice or more the thickness of the nozzle plate, and 1 / 4 or less the thickness of the flow channel member.

11. The flow channel member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first plate in contact with the adhesive plate has a first hole opening at least on the side of the second part, the second part has a second hole opening at least on the side of the first part and facing the first hole, and the adhesive plate has a through hole located inside both the first hole and the second hole in a planar perspective view.

12. A flow channel member according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: a plurality of descenders extending from the second side to the first side and reaching the plurality of nozzles; and a plurality of individual recovery channels extending from the sides of the plurality of descenders, wherein the boundary between the first part and the second part is located on the second side of the plurality of individual recovery channels.

13. The flow channel member according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the side surface of the flow channel member along the stacking direction has a recess in contact with the boundary between the first part and the second part.

14. The flow channel member according to claim 13, wherein the recess is located on the second side with respect to the boundary between the first part and the second part, and the portion of the adhesive plate that overlaps with the first part is located within the recess.

15. The flow path member according to any one of claims 1 to 14, having a vent hole that is not connected to the plurality of nozzles, is connected to the outside of the flow path member, and is in contact with the boundary between the first part and the second part.

16. The flow channel member according to claim 15, wherein the ventilation hole includes a relief groove extending along the opposing surfaces of the first part and the second part and reaching a side surface of the flow channel member along the stacking direction.

17. A liquid discharge head comprising a flow channel member according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and an actuator for applying pressure to the liquid in the flow channel member.

18. A recording device comprising: a liquid discharge head as described in claim 17; and a transport device for moving the liquid discharge head and a recording medium relative to each other.

19. A method for manufacturing a flow channel member according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising: forming a first part by laminating a plurality of first plates via a first adhesive material; and bonding the first part and the second part by laminating the first part and the second part via a film that serves as the adhesive plate, and melting and solidifying the film, wherein the formation of the first part includes, before laminating a back plate that constitutes the side of the first part facing the second part from among the plurality of first plates and the other first plates, attaching the film to the back plate having a first through-hole that constitutes a flow channel leading to at least one of the plurality of nozzles, and after attaching the film, forming a second through-hole in the film that overlaps with the first through-hole.

20. A method for replacing the nozzle plate in a flow channel member according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising: performing a process to reduce the adhesive strength of the adhesive plate to detach the first part from the second part; and bonding the first part and the second part by laminating a new first part onto the second part from which the first part has been detached via a third adhesive material which will become a new adhesive plate.

Images