Liquid discharge head and recording apparatus

Abstract

This liquid discharge head comprises a cover member having a first opening and a second opening, a first head positioned on the cover member and having a first nozzle, and a second head positioned on the cover member and having a second nozzle. When viewed in plan, the first nozzle overlaps the first opening, the second nozzle overlaps the second opening, and the first opening has a first portion and a second portion protruding from the first portion in the first direction. When viewed in the second direction, the second portion overlaps at least a part of the second opening.

Description

Liquid Ejection Head and Recording Apparatus

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection head and a recording apparatus.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection head including a head having a nozzle, and a cover member having an opening in which the head is provided.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-19153

[0004] A liquid ejection head according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a cover member having a first opening and a second opening; a first head positioned on the cover member and having a first nozzle; and a second head positioned on the cover member and having a second nozzle. When viewed in plan, the first nozzle overlaps the first opening, and the second nozzle overlaps the second opening. The first opening has a first portion and a second portion protruding from the first portion in a first direction, and when viewed from a second direction, the second portion overlaps at least a part of the second opening.

[0005] This is a schematic side view showing a printer according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic plan view showing a liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view along line I-I in Figure 2. This is a schematic plan view showing a head according to the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 4. This is a schematic plan view showing a cover member and head according to the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 6. This is a schematic plan view showing an opening according to another embodiment. This is a plan view of a cover member according to the first embodiment showing an enlarged view of one opening. This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a printer according to the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing an enlarged view of two adjacent openings and two adjacent heads according to the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing an enlarged view of two adjacent openings and a wiper according to the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing an enlarged view of two adjacent openings and a wiper according to the second embodiment. This is a plan view showing an enlarged view of two adjacent openings and two adjacent heads according to another embodiment.

[0006] The liquid dispensing head and recording device disclosed in this application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0007] The drawings used in the following description are schematic. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those of actual components or products. Even among multiple drawings showing the same configuration, the dimensional ratios may not match each other in order to exaggerate the shape. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited by the embodiments shown below.

[0008] Furthermore, a Cartesian coordinate system is shown in the drawing. The Cartesian coordinate system according to this embodiment is a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system consisting of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis. The X axis is an axis with the rightward direction of the paper as the positive direction. The Y axis is an axis with the back direction of the paper as the positive direction. The Z axis is an axis perpendicular to the X axis and Y axis. The direction of the X axis is the transport direction of the printing paper P.

[0009] (First Embodiment) The configuration of the printer 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a side view of the printer 100 as seen from the Y-axis direction. Note that the control unit 105 is shown as a conceptual diagram and does not define the actual configuration and positional relationship. The printer 100 is, for example, a line inkjet color printer. The line inkjet method is a method of printing in which the liquid ejection head 1, which will be described later, is fixed to the printer 100. Note that the printer 100 may also be a serial inkjet color printer. The serial inkjet method is a method of printing in which the liquid ejection head 1, which will be described later, is moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the printing paper P is transported.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 100 comprises a mobile unit 101, a fixed plate 102, a liquid discharge head 1, a dryer 103, a sensor unit 104, and a control unit 105. The control unit 105 controls the operation of the mobile unit 101, the liquid discharge head 1, the dryer 103, and the sensor unit 104.

[0011] The moving unit 101 moves the printing paper P and the liquid discharge head 1 relative to each other in the X-axis direction. The moving unit 101 has a paper feed roller 1011, a guide roller 1012, a transport roller 1013, and a recovery roller 1014. The printing paper P and the liquid discharge head 1 are moved relative to each other in the X-axis direction. More specifically, the printing paper P is transported from the paper feed roller 1011, through two guide rollers 1012A, onto a plurality of transport rollers 1013. After that, the printing paper P is transported through two guide rollers 1012B and two guide rollers 1012C to the recovery roller 1014. The printing paper P is an example of a recording medium.

[0012] The fixing plate 102 is flat. The fixing plate 102 is positioned close to the Z-axis positive side of the printing paper P that is being transported by the transport roller 1013.

[0013] The liquid ejection head 1 ejects liquid based on the control of the control unit 105. The ejected liquid lands on the printing paper P. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, four liquid ejection heads 1 are mounted in a row in the X-axis direction on the fixed plate 102. One liquid ejection head 1 is supplied with liquid of the same color. In this embodiment, each of the four liquid ejection heads 1 is supplied with liquid of a different color. In other words, in this embodiment, four liquids of four colors can be ejected by the four liquid ejection heads 1. The colors supplied to the four liquid ejection heads 1 are, for example, magenta, yellow, cyan, and black. The printer 100 can print a color image by landing such liquids on the printing paper P. As shown in Figure 1, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the liquid ejection head 1 and the printing paper P is, for example, 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0014] The dryer 103 dries the printing paper P based on the control of the control unit 105. The dryer 103 dries the printing paper P after it has passed through the two guide rollers 1012B. By drying the printing paper P in the dryer 103, adhesion between the printing paper sheets P and friction of undried liquid ink can be suppressed at the recovery roller 1014.

[0015] The sensor unit 104 detects the state of the transported printing paper P based on the control of the control unit 105. The sensor unit 104 is composed of, for example, a position sensor, a speed sensor, and a temperature sensor. The position sensor can detect the position of the printing paper P. The printer 100 can prevent the printing paper P from shifting position by referring to the detected position of the printing paper P. The speed sensor can measure the printing speed of the printing paper P. The printer 100 can adjust the printing speed to an appropriate speed by referring to the measured printing speed of the printing paper P. The temperature sensor can measure the internal temperature of the printer 100. The printer 100 can maintain the internal temperature of the printer 100 at an appropriate temperature by referring to the measured temperature.

[0016] The types of liquid colors dispensed by the printer 100 can be changed as appropriate. In addition to printing colored liquids, a liquid such as a coating agent may be printed uniformly or in a pattern using the liquid ejection head 1 to treat the surface of the printing paper P. Alternatively, the coating agent may be applied from a coating machine (not shown) instead of the liquid ejection head 1.

[0017] The recording medium printed by the printer 100 may be other than printing paper P, such as a roll of cloth. The printer 100 may also transport the recording medium on a conveyor belt. This allows for the use of sheet paper, cut cloth, wood, or tiles as the recording medium. The printer may also print wiring patterns for electronic equipment by discharging a liquid containing conductive particles from the liquid discharge head 1. A predetermined amount of liquid chemical agent or a liquid containing a chemical agent may be discharged from the liquid discharge head 1 towards a reaction vessel, and a chemical compound may be prepared by reacting them.

[0018] The configuration of the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a plan view of the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis direction. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line I-I in Figure 2.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the liquid dispensing head 1 comprises a plurality of heads 2, a reservoir member 5, and a cover member 6.

[0020] The head 2 comprises individual flow path members 3 and a common flow path member 4. As shown in Figure 2, the liquid ejection head 1 has eight heads 2. The four heads 2 on the negative X-axis side are positioned along the Y-axis within the liquid ejection head 1. The four heads 2 on the positive X-axis side are positioned along the Y-axis within the liquid ejection head 1, aligned between the four heads 2 on the negative X-axis side. In other words, the multiple heads 2 are arranged in a staggered pattern. Furthermore, each head 2 is positioned to partially overlap with at least one other head 2 in the X-axis direction. The number of heads 2 included in one liquid ejection head 1 can be appropriately changed depending on the object to be printed or the printing conditions.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the individual channel member 3 has an elongated plate shape in the Y-axis direction. The individual channel member 3 discharges liquid. The discharged liquid lands on the printing paper P. As shown in Figure 3, the individual channel member 3 has a plurality of individual channels 38. Each of the plurality of individual channel members 3 has 1000 or more individual channels 38.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the common flow channel member 4 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the individual flow channel members 3. The common flow channel member 4 has a common flow channel 41. The common flow channel member 4 supplies liquid to the multiple individual flow channels 38 through the common flow channel 41. One common flow channel 41 is connected to the multiple individual flow channels 38 that each individual flow channel member 3 has.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the reservoir member 5 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the multiple common flow path members 4. The reservoir member 5 has a reservoir flow path 51 that supplies liquid to the multiple common flow paths 41. The reservoir member 5 supplies liquid to the multiple common flow paths 41 through the reservoir flow path 51. In other words, one reservoir flow path 51 is connected to eight common flow paths 41. Although the reservoir flow path 51 is not shown in Figure 2, the reservoir flow path 51 extends from the positive Y-axis side end of the reservoir member 5 to the negative Y-axis side end.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the cover member 6 has an elongated plate shape in the Y-axis direction. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cover member 6 has openings 61 in the portion where the individual flow path members 3 are located. Therefore, the cover member 6 has eight openings 61, the same number as the individual flow path members 3. As shown in Figure 2, the multiple individual flow path members 3 are arranged in a staggered pattern. The multiple openings 61 are also arranged in a staggered pattern. Furthermore, the openings 61 of the cover member 6 are provided in a region that overlaps with the nozzle arrangement region of the individual flow path members 3. Therefore, the liquid discharged from the nozzles 311 of the individual flow path members 3 lands on the printing paper P without being obstructed by the cover member 6.

[0025] Furthermore, the Z-axis negative side of the cover member 6 is located further in the Z-axis negative direction than the Z-axis negative side of the individual flow channel member 3. In other words, the Z-axis negative side of the cover member 6 is located further in the Z-axis negative direction than the discharge surface. This reduces the possibility of the printing paper P coming into contact with the discharge surface of the individual flow channel member 3 when printing on the paper P.

[0026] The configuration of the head 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a plan view of the head 2 according to this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis direction. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in Figure 4.

[0027] As described above, the head 2 has individual flow path members 3 and a common flow path member 4.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the individual flow path member 3 comprises a nozzle member 31, an actuator member 32, and a support member 36. The individual flow path member 3 also has a plurality of individual flow paths 38. Each individual flow path 38 has a nozzle 311, a pressure chamber 331, and an aperture 361.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the nozzle member 31 comprises a plurality of nozzles 311. The plurality of nozzles 311 are positioned along the Y-axis direction and form a nozzle group. The individual flow path member 3 according to this embodiment has two nozzle groups: a nozzle group on the positive X-axis side and a nozzle group on the negative X-axis side. Although the individual flow path member 3 according to this embodiment has two nozzle groups, it may have only one nozzle group or three or more nozzle groups. When viewed from above, the region where the plurality of nozzles 311 are located is the nozzle 311 arrangement region. As shown in Figure 5, the nozzle 311 is a through hole that penetrates the nozzle member 31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0030] The actuator member 32 comprises a pressure chamber substrate 33, a diaphragm 34, and a plurality of piezoelectric elements 35. As shown in Figure 5, the pressure chamber substrate 33 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the nozzle member 31. The diaphragm 34 is also located on the positive Z-axis side of the pressure chamber substrate 33. The plurality of piezoelectric elements 35 are also located on the positive Z-axis side of the diaphragm 34. A plurality of pressure chambers 331 are formed in the pressure chamber substrate 33.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the multiple pressure chambers 331 are located along the Y-axis. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the pressure chambers 331 are through holes that penetrate the pressure chamber substrate 33 in the Z-axis direction. Each pressure chamber 331 is connected to a nozzle 311. Liquid is stored inside the pressure chambers 331. When pressure is applied to the liquid inside the pressure chambers 331, the liquid is discharged to the outside from the nozzle 311. The pressure chamber substrate 33 in this embodiment is made of single-crystal silicon.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the diaphragm 34 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the pressure chamber substrate 33. The diaphragm 34 is also located on the positive Z-axis side of the multiple pressure chambers 331. The material of the diaphragm 34 is, for example, Si or SiO ２ These are some examples. The thickness of the diaphragm 34 may be 1 μm or more and 2 μm or less.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the piezoelectric element 35 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the diaphragm 34. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 35, the piezoelectric element 35 contracts in a direction along the diaphragm 34. Then, the piezoelectric element 35 and the diaphragm 34 are displaced so as to become convex toward the pressure chamber 331. As a result of this displacement, pressure is applied to the liquid in the pressure chamber 331. As a result of the pressure applied to the pressure chamber 331, the liquid inside the pressure chamber 331 is discharged through the nozzle 311.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the support member 36 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the actuator member 32. The support member 36 has a predetermined thickness in the Z-axis direction. The support member 36 supports the actuator member 32. The support member 36 has a plurality of apertures 361. The support member 36 is made of single-crystal silicon. The predetermined thickness is greater than that of the actuator member 32.

[0035] The aperture 361 is a through-hole that penetrates the support member 36 in the Z-axis direction, and the aperture 361 is connected to the pressure chamber 331. The aperture 361 functions as a so-called constriction. As shown in Figure 4, when viewed from above, the aperture 361 is located in the center of the support member 36 in the X-axis direction.

[0036] The pressure chamber 331 and aperture 361 are filled with liquid. Pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 331 by the piezoelectric element 35. Then, liquid is supplied from the pressure chamber 331 to the nozzle 311 and discharged from the nozzle 311. Liquid is replenished from the aperture 361 to the pressure chamber 331.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the common flow channel member 4 has an elongated plate-like shape in the Y-axis direction. The common flow channel member 4 has a common flow channel 41. As shown in Figure 5, the common flow channel 41 is a through-hole that penetrates the common flow channel member 4 in the Z-axis direction. The common flow channel 41 supplies liquid to the multiple apertures 361 of the individual flow channel members 3. The common flow channel 41 is located in the central part of the common flow channel member 4 in the X-axis direction.

[0038] The configuration of the cover member 6 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a plan view of the cover member 6 and head 2 as seen from the Z-axis direction. In Figure 6, the opening 61 is shown in gray. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 6.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the cover member 6 has an elongated plate-like shape in the Y-axis direction. Also, as shown in Figure 7, the cover member 6 is bent toward the positive Z-axis direction at both ends in the width direction. The ends are the end on the positive X-axis side and the end on the negative X-axis side. Therefore, since the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment has portions of the cover member 6 bent toward the positive X-axis side and the negative X-axis side, it is possible to suppress contact between the multiple individual flow path members 3 and the printing medium moving in the X-axis direction.

[0040] The cover member 6 in this embodiment is made of metal. Because metal has high rigidity, the risk of deformation of the cover member 6 is reduced even when it comes into contact with the printing medium. Furthermore, the cover member 6 in this embodiment is set to ground potential. Therefore, the risk of charged dust, paper dust, etc. adhering to the cover member 6 in this embodiment is reduced. As a result, the risk of charged dust, paper dust, etc. adhering from the cover member 6 to the nozzle 311 of the head 2 in the liquid discharge head 1 in this embodiment is reduced.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, one individual flow path member 3 is positioned within one opening 61. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when viewed in plan, one individual flow path member 3 overlaps with one opening 61. Further, when viewed in plan, the plurality of nozzles 311 included in one individual flow path member 3 overlap with one opening 61. As shown in FIG. 7, the common flow path member 4 is positioned on the positive Z-axis side of the cover member 6. That is, the common flow path member 4 is in contact with the solid surface of the cover member 6 on the positive Z-axis side.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the opening 61 includes a first portion 611 and a second portion 612. The second portion 612 protrudes from the first portion 611 in the X-axis direction. Here, since the second portion 612 is positioned at the outer edge extending along the Y-axis direction located on the positive X-axis side of the first portion 611, the X-axis direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction is the protruding direction.

[0043] That is, even if the second portion 612 extends while being inclined with respect to the X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 8(a), since the second portion 612 is positioned at the outer edge 61a extending along the Y-axis direction located on the positive X-axis side of the first portion 611, the X-axis direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction is the protruding direction even in the case of FIG. 8(a).

[0044] Further, as shown in FIG. 8(b), when the second portion 612 is positioned across both the outer edge 61a extending along the Y-axis direction of the first portion 611 and the outer edge 61b extending along the X-axis direction of the first portion 611, both the X-axis direction orthogonal to the outer edge extending along the Y-axis direction and the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the outer edge extending along the X-axis direction are protruding directions.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8(c), when the second portion 612 is positioned at the curved outer edge of the first portion 611 of the second portion 612, the X-axis direction where the first portion 611 is located as viewed from the center 61c of the two points having the longest distance among the outer edges of the second portion 612 is the protruding direction.

[0046] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the maximum width W2 in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the second portion 612 is smaller than the maximum width W1 in the Y-axis direction of the first portion 611. In the liquid discharge head 1 according to the present embodiment, the first portion 611 has a rectangular shape configured by an outer edge along the X-axis direction and an outer edge along the Y-axis direction, and therefore the width in the Y-axis direction at any location has the maximum width W1. That is, as a matter of course, even at the location where the first portion 611 contacts the second portion 612, it has the maximum width W1. Further, in the liquid discharge head 1 according to the present embodiment, the maximum width W2 is provided at the location where the second portion 612 contacts the first portion 611. Although FIG. 6 illustrates that the plurality of openings 61 each include the second portion 612, the present invention is not limited thereto. At least one of the plurality of openings 61 may include the second portion 612. Therefore, the two openings 61 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cover member 6, that is, the two openings located near two short edges 65 described later, do not need to include the second portion 612.

[0047] The liquid discharge head 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the cover member 6 showing one opening 61 in an enlarged manner.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, the solid portion 62 of the cover member 6 on the Y-axis positive direction side relative to the opening 61 and the solid portion 63 of the cover member 6 on the Y-axis negative direction side relative to the opening 61 become discontinuous in the first region A1 extending along the Y-axis direction across the maximum width W3 of the opening 61 in the X-axis direction. Here, "continuous" means that when the solid portion 63 is viewed in the Y-axis direction from a portion of the solid portion 62, there is no opening 61 therebetween.

[0049] The cover member 6, which has many portions where the solid portion 62 and the solid portion 63 are not continuous, can reduce the risk of expansion and contraction occurring in the Y-axis direction. The expansion and contraction of the cover member 6 occurs, for example, due to usage environments such as temperature and humidity of the liquid discharge head 1.

[0050] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a second portion 612, which increases the maximum width W3 of the opening 61 in the X-axis direction by the amount of the maximum width W4 of the second portion 612 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the maximum width W2 of the second portion 612 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the maximum width W1 of the first portion 611 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the risk of the overall area of ​​the opening 61 becoming too large can be reduced.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the cover member 6 according to this embodiment has a pair of opposing long edges 64 and a pair of short edges 65 connecting the ends of the pair of long edges 64. The distance between the edges of the pair of long edges 64 is longer than that between the pair of short edges 65. The pair of long edges 64 and the pair of short edges 65 do not have to be perfectly straight, and may include, for example, partially convex and curved portions. Here, the pair of long edges 64 are aligned along the Y-axis direction. The pair of short edges 65 are aligned along the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis direction. The cover member 6 is easily stretched and contracted along the pair of long edges 64. In the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the second portion 612 protrudes from the first portion 611 in a direction intersecting the pair of long edges 64. Therefore, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the risk of the cover member 6 stretching and contracting along the pair of long edges 64.

[0052] In the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the second portion 612 protrudes from the first portion 611 in the X-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the pair of long edges 64, but it is sufficient if it protrudes in a direction that intersects the pair of long edges 64. In other words, in the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the second portion 612 protrudes from the first portion 611 in a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the cover member 6. Since the second portion 612 protrudes in the short direction of the cover member 6, it is easier to adjust the rigidity of the cover member 6 in the short direction compared to the case where the cover member 6 does not have the second portion 612. For this reason, it is easier to make the cover member 6 flat. Flat means, for example, that the distance between the cover member 6 and the recording medium is uniform in the short direction of the cover member 6.

[0053] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the individual flow path member 3 is located within the first portion 611 of the first opening 61. In other words, when viewed from above, the nozzle 311 of the individual flow path member 3 overlaps with the first portion 611. Also, when viewed from above, the nozzle 311 does not overlap with the second portion 612. In other words, the nozzle 311 overlaps only with the first portion 611. For this reason, liquid tends to accumulate more in the second portion 612 than in the first portion 611. In the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, since the first nozzle 311 overlaps with the first portion 611 and does not overlap with the second portion 612, the risk of liquid accumulated in the second portion 612 adhering to the nozzle 311 can be reduced.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a maximum width W4 in the X-axis direction of the second portion 612 that is smaller than the maximum width W5 in the X-axis direction of the first portion 611. Therefore, for example, liquid tends to accumulate in the second portion 612, making it easier to wipe away the liquid. In addition, it is possible to reduce the size of the opening 61 itself.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6 and other figures, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the width of the second portion 612 in the Y-axis direction decreases in the protruding direction, i.e., in the X-axis direction. This makes it easier for the wiper 111, described later, to wipe away liquid adhering to the cover member 6 in the protruding direction. In this embodiment, the second portion 612 is formed by a curve when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In this case, for example, since there are no corners, it is easier to reduce wear of the second portion 612 by the wiper 111, or wear of the wiper 111 by the second portion 612. In this embodiment, the second portion 612 is semicircular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0056] Furthermore, when viewed from above, the second portion 612 is not limited to curves and may have corners. Having corners makes it easier for liquid to accumulate and easier to wipe away. Figure 17 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of two adjacent openings 61 and two adjacent heads 2 according to another embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 17, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second portion 612 may be triangular in shape. When the second portion 612 is triangular in shape, the direction of one side of the triangle may be along the longitudinal direction of the first portion 611. When the second portion 612 is triangular in shape, its apex may be composed of a corner or a curve.

[0057] As shown in Figure 10, the printer 100 may have a liquid ejection head 1 positioned such that at least a portion of the second portion 612 is located on the negative Z-axis side than the first portion 611. Specifically, the liquid ejection head 1 is fixed to a fixing plate 102 inside the printer 100 such that at least a portion of the second portion 612 is located on the negative Z-axis side than the first portion 611. In such a printer 100, liquid is more likely to accumulate in the second portion 612. If at least a portion of the second portion 612 is located on the negative Z-axis side than the first portion 611, liquid is more likely to accumulate in the second portion 612. Here, the negative Z-axis side is the direction of gravity.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment may have, in addition to a second portion 612 protruding from the first portion 611 in the positive X-axis direction, a fifth portion 615 protruding from the first portion 611 in the negative X-axis direction. Figure 11 is a plan view of the cover member 6 showing an enlarged view of one opening 61.

[0059] Furthermore, although the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment consists of one cover member 6, the cover member 6 may also consist of two members, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figures 12 and 13 show cross-sectional views of the cover member 6 and the head 2, which correspond to the parts shown in Figure 7, respectively.

[0060] In the liquid discharge head 1 shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first cover member 601 has a first through hole 66, and the second cover member 602 has a second through hole 67. The first through hole 66 corresponds to the first opening 61. The first through hole 66, which corresponds to the first opening 61, has a first portion 611 and a second portion 612. That is, in this embodiment, the cover member 6 only needs to have the opening of the cover member located furthest to the negative Z-axis side have the first portion 611 and the second portion 612.

[0061] In the liquid discharge head 1 shown in Figure 12, the second through-hole 67 has the same shape as the first through-hole 66. In other words, the second through-hole 67 overlaps with the first portion 611 and the second portion 612 of the first opening 61.

[0062] In the liquid discharge head 1 shown in Figure 13, the second through-hole 67 is positioned so as to overlap only with the first portion 611 of the first opening 61. In other words, in the liquid discharge head 1 shown in Figure 13, the solid part of the second cover member 602 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the second portion 612, and when viewed from above, the solid part of the second cover member 602 and the second portion 612 overlap. As a result, for example, liquid tends to accumulate in the second portion 612, and the liquid is easier to wipe away.

[0063] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the head 2 can discharge liquid because at least a portion of the second through-hole 67 overlaps with the first through-hole 66.

[0064] Referring to Figure 14, the positional relationship of the two adjacent openings 61 of the cover member 6 will be explained. Figure 14 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the two adjacent openings 61 and the two adjacent heads 2. In Figure 14, the openings 61 are shown in gray.

[0065] The head 2 located on the positive Y-axis side is referred to as the first head 21, and the individual flow path member 3 and the common flow path member 4 having the first head 21 are referred to as the first individual flow path member 301 and the first common flow path member 401, respectively. Furthermore, the nozzle 311 of the first individual flow path member 301 is referred to as the first nozzle 3111. In addition, the opening 61 located on the positive Y-axis side is referred to as the first opening 6101.

[0066] The head 2 located on the negative Y-axis side is referred to as the second head 22, and the individual flow path member 3 and the common flow path member 4 having the second head 22 are referred to as the second individual flow path member 302 and the second common flow path member 402, respectively. The nozzle 311 of the second individual flow path member 302 is referred to as the second nozzle 3112. Furthermore, the opening 61 located on the negative Y-axis side is referred to as the second opening 6102. Since the first head 21 and the second head 22 are positioned in a staggered pattern, the first opening 6101 and the second opening 6102 are also positioned in a staggered pattern.

[0067] When viewed from above, the first nozzle 3111 overlaps with the first opening 6101. Also, the second nozzle 3112 overlaps with the second opening 6102.

[0068] Furthermore, the first opening 6101 has a first portion 611 and a second portion 612. The first portion 611 and the second portion 612 of the second opening 6102 are referred to as the third portion 613 and the fourth portion 614, respectively. In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has the second portion 612 protruding from the first portion 611 in the positive X-axis direction, while the fourth portion 614 protrudes from the third portion 613 in the negative X-axis direction, opposite to the positive X-axis direction.

[0069] When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the second portion 612 overlaps with at least a part of the second opening 6102. Therefore, in the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the risk of expansion and contraction of the cover member 6 in the Y-axis direction can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, in the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the second opening 6102 has a third portion 613 and a fourth portion 614, and when the second portion 612 is viewed from the Y-axis direction, at least a part of the fourth portion 614 overlaps with it. Therefore, in the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the area of ​​the second opening 6102 itself can be reduced.

[0071] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a second portion 612 that, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, also overlaps with at least a portion of the third portion 613. The protruding direction of the second portion 612 is from the first opening 6101 toward the second opening 6102, i.e., the positive X-axis direction. Conversely, the protruding direction of the third portion 613 is the negative X-axis direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a first portion 611 that overlaps with at least a part of the third portion 613 when viewed from the X-axis direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first nozzle 3111 of the first head 21 and the second nozzle 3112 of the second head 22 overlap in the X-axis direction. Also, in this embodiment, the first portion 611 of the liquid discharge head 1 does not overlap with the third portion 613 when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0073] Here, the region between the first portion 611 and the third portion 613 in the X-axis direction is referred to as the second region A2. The region between the first portion 611 and the third portion 613 in the X-axis direction is the region between the X-axis direction in the portion where the first portion 611 and the third portion 613 overlap in the X-axis direction. If liquid enters or adheres to the second region A2, it becomes easier for the liquid to enter the first nozzle 3111 and the second nozzle 3112. In the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the second region A2 is located between the second portion 612 and the fourth portion 614 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, in the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, the second portion 612 and the fourth portion 614 make it difficult for liquid to enter or adhere to the second region A2. Therefore, the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the risk of liquid entering the first nozzle 3111 and the second nozzle 3112.

[0074] As shown in Figure 15, the printer 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with a wiper 111 for wiping off liquid adhering to the cover member 6 of the liquid ejection head 1. Figure 15 is a magnified plan view showing two adjacent openings 61 and the wiper 111 of the cover member 6. As described above, liquid tends to accumulate in the second portion 612 of the liquid ejection head 1 according to this embodiment. Therefore, the recording device 100 according to this embodiment can easily wipe off the liquid with the wiper 111.

[0075] Furthermore, in the recording device 100 according to this embodiment, the direction of movement of the wiper 111 is intersecting with the Y-axis direction. Therefore, compared to a recording device in which the direction of movement of the wiper 111 is aligned with the Y-axis direction, the recording device 100 according to this embodiment can reduce the risk of the wiper 111 getting caught in the second portion 612.

[0076] (Second Embodiment) The liquid discharge head 1a according to the second embodiment will now be described. In describing the liquid discharge head 1a according to this embodiment, basically only the differences from the liquid discharge head 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Matters not specifically mentioned may be the same as in the first embodiment or can be inferred from the first embodiment.

[0077] Referring to Figure 16, the positional relationship of the two adjacent openings 61 of the cover member 6 will be explained. Figure 16 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the two adjacent openings 61 and the two adjacent heads 2, and corresponds to Figure 14 of the first embodiment. In Figure 16, the openings 61 are shown in gray.

[0078] The head 2 located on the positive Y-axis side is referred to as the first head 21, and the individual flow path member 3 and the common flow path member 4 having the first head 21 are referred to as the first individual flow path member 301 and the first common flow path member 401, respectively. Furthermore, the nozzle 311 having the first individual flow path member 301 is referred to as the first nozzle 3111. In addition, the opening 61 located on the positive Y-axis side is referred to as the first opening 6101.

[0079] The head 2 located on the negative Y-axis side is referred to as the second head 22, and the individual flow path member 3 and the common flow path member 4 having the second head 22 are referred to as the second individual flow path member 302 and the second common flow path member 402, respectively. Furthermore, the nozzle 311 having the second individual flow path member 302 is referred to as the second nozzle 3112. In addition, the opening 61 located on the negative Y-axis side is referred to as the second opening 6102.

[0080] When viewed from above, the first nozzle 3111 overlaps with the first opening 6101, and the second nozzle 3112 overlaps with the second opening 6102.

[0081] Furthermore, the first opening 6101 has a first portion 611 and a second portion 612. Therefore, in the liquid discharge head 1 according to this embodiment, compared with a liquid discharge head 1 that does not have the second portion 612, the risk of expansion and contraction of the cover member 6 in the Y-axis direction due to the operating environment of the liquid discharge head 1 can be reduced.

[0082] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a second portion 612 connected to a second opening 6102. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second portion 612 is located between the second opening 6102 and the first portion 611 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has many portions where the solid part is not continuous.

[0083] In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 1 has a maximum width in the Y-axis direction of the second portion 612 that is smaller than the maximum width in the Y-axis direction of the second opening 6102. Therefore, the risk of the overall area of ​​the opening 61 becoming too large can be reduced.

[0084] The first and second embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate. The liquid dispensing head 1 may have components not shown. For example, the liquid dispensing head 1 may have a flexible substrate equipped with a drive IC and wiring for driving the piezoelectric element 35. The components may also be joined together by materials not shown. At least a portion of the space between the cover member 6 and the plurality of heads 2 is joined by resin. Therefore, resin is located between the cover member 6 and the plurality of heads 2. The resin is located on at least a portion of the outer circumference of the opening 61 of the cover member 6. The resin may be an adhesive or a potting agent.

[0085] 1 Liquid discharge head 100 Printer (recording device) 111 Wiper 2 Head 21 First head 22 Second head 311 Nozzle 3111 First nozzle 3112 Second nozzle 4 Common flow path member 5 Reservoir member 6 Cover member 601 First cover member 602 Second cover member 61 Opening 6101 First opening 6102 Second opening 611 First part 612 Second part 613 Third part 614 Fourth part 615 Fifth part 64 Pair of long edges 65 Pair of short edges W1 Maximum width of first part 611 in the Y-axis direction (second direction) W2 Maximum width of second part 612 in the Y-axis direction (second direction) W4 Maximum width of second part 612 in the X-axis direction (first direction) W5 Maximum width of first part 611 in the X-axis direction (first direction)

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing head comprising: a cover member having a first opening and a second opening; a first head located on the cover member and having a first nozzle; and a second head located on the cover member and having a second nozzle, wherein, when viewed from above, the first nozzle overlaps with the first opening; when viewed from above, the second nozzle overlaps with the second opening; the first opening has a first portion and a second portion protruding from the first portion in a first direction; and when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, at least a portion of the second opening overlaps with the second portion.

2. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the maximum width of the second portion in the second direction is smaller than the maximum width of the first portion in the second direction.

3. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the first opening has a second portion whose width in the second direction decreases toward the first direction.

4. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the second opening has a third portion and a fourth portion projecting from the third portion in the opposite direction to the first direction, the maximum width of the fourth portion in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the maximum width of the third portion in the second direction, and the second portion overlaps with at least a part of the fourth portion when viewed from the second direction.

5. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 4, wherein the second portion overlaps with at least a portion of the third portion when viewed from the second direction.

6. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 4, wherein the first portion overlaps with at least a portion of the third portion when viewed from the first direction.

7. The liquid dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second portion is connected to the second opening and is located between the second opening and the first portion in the first direction.

8. The liquid dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first opening has a fifth portion that protrudes in the direction opposite to the first direction.

9. A recording device in which the liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is positioned such that at least a portion of the second portion is located on the side of gravity relative to the first portion.

10. A recording device comprising a liquid dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a wiper for wiping the cover member.

11. The recording device according to claim 10, wherein the direction of movement of the wiper is a direction intersecting the second direction.

Images