Patent Grant
10124586
The present invention relates to a technology of ejecting a liquid such as an ink.
A liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid such as an ink from a plurality of nozzles is proposed in the related art. For example, JP-A-2004-330717 discloses a configuration in which a surface of a substrate on which a groove is formed is sealed with a film such that flow paths of an ink supplied to a liquid ejecting head or of air for pressurizing an ink cartridge are formed. In a technology according to JP-A-2004-330717, tubes are joined to a supply port or a discharge port formed on a side surface of a substrate and an ink or air supplied to the supply port from the tube on the supply side is discharged to the tube on the discharge side from the discharge port. In addition, JP-T-2005-500926 discloses a configuration in which a plurality of substrates are stacked and a flow path is formed between the substrates and an ink supplied to a flow path from a tube joined to a supply port (ink suction port) formed on a side surface of the substrate is divided into a plurality of inks. In addition, JP-A-2010-006049 discloses a liquid ejecting head that includes a plurality of heads, a wiring substrate, and a liquid flow path. The plurality of heads are fixed on a surface of a fixing plate (platform). The wiring substrate is a circuit substrate in which a wiring that transmits a drive signal to the plurality of heads is formed and faces the fixing plate interposing the plurality of heads therebetween. The liquid flow path is a flow path through which an ink supplied from the outside is distributed to the plurality of heads and is disposed between the plurality of heads and the wiring substrate.
However, in technologies according to JP-A-2004-330717 and JP-T-2005-500926, since the supply port and the discharge port are formed on the side surfaces of the substrate for forming a flow path and a tube is joined from the side surfaces so as to protrude, there is a problem in that it is difficult to reduce a size of the liquid ejecting head when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate.
In addition, in a technology according to JP-A-2010-006049, since the liquid flow path needs to be disposed in a space between the wiring substrate and the plurality of heads, there is a problem in that, particularly in a configuration in which a large number of flow paths of liquid flow paths or a large number of branches of liquids are formed, it is difficult to reduce a size of the liquid flow path (furthermore, a size of the liquid ejecting head) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the wiring substrate. Although the wiring substrate is focused on in the above description, similar problems can arise also in a configuration in which the liquid flow path is disposed between an element such as a mechanism (for example, a self-sealing valve for producing negative pressure) for controlling a filter for removing bubbles or foreign substances or the flow path of an ink and the plurality of heads.
An advantage of some aspects of the invention is miniaturization of a liquid ejecting head.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a flow path structure includes: a plate-shaped base section; a supply port formed on one surface of the base section; and a plurality of discharge ports formed on the other surface of the base section. A flow path through which the supply port and the plurality of discharge ports communicate with each other is formed in the base section. In the above configuration, since the supply port is formed on one surface of the base section and the plurality of discharge ports are formed on the other surface of the base section, the flow path structure is decreased in size (furthermore, a size of a liquid ejecting head on which the flow path structure is mounted) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base section, compared to the technologies according to JP-A-2004-330717 and JP-T-2005-500926 in which a supply port and a discharge port are formed on the side surfaces of the substrate so as to join tubes to each other.
In the flow path structure according to the first aspect of the invention, the base section may include: a substrate that includes a first surface on which the supply port is formed and a second surface on which the plurality of discharge ports are formed; a first front-side groove that is formed on the first surface so as to extend in a first direction and communicates with the supply port and with the plurality of discharge ports via a through-hole formed on the substrate; and a film-like first sealing portion that is disposed on the first surface and seals the first front-side groove and thus, forms at least a part of the flow path. In the above aspect, since the film-like first sealing portion is disposed on the first surface of the substrate such that the flow path is formed, there is an advantage in that it is easier to achieve a thin flow path structure, for example, compared to a configuration in which a plurality of substrates are joined to each other such that a flow path is formed between the substrates.
In the flow path structure according to a preferred example of the first aspect, the base section may include: a rear-side groove that is formed on the second surface; and a film-like second sealing portion that is disposed on the second surface and seals the rear-side groove. The rear-side groove may communicate with the supply port via the through-hole formed on the substrate, and the first front-side groove may communicate with the rear-side groove via the through-hole formed on the substrate. In the above aspect, since the supply port communicates with the first front-side groove through the rear-side groove formed on the second surface of the substrate, there is an advantage in that it is easier to manufacture the substrate, for example, compared to a configuration in which a supply port communicates with the first front-side groove via a flow path inside a substrate.
In the flow path structure according to a preferred example of the first aspect, the base section may include: a second front-side groove formed on the first surface so as to extend in the first direction. Each of the first front-side groove and the second front-side groove may communicate with the rear-side groove via the through-hole formed on the substrate. For example, the first front-side groove and the second front-side groove may be positioned on the opposite sides to each other interposing the supply port therebetween in a plan view. In the above aspect, since the first front-side groove and the second front-side groove communicate with each other via the rear-side groove, there is an advantage in that it is possible to form a flow path in a wider range of the first direction.
In the flow path structure according to a preferred example of the first aspect, the substrate may be formed of a thermoplastic resin material and surfaces formed of the resin material on the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion may be welded to the substrate. In the above aspect, since the surfaces of each of the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are welded to the substrate, there is an advantage in that it is easier to dispose the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion, for example, compared to a configuration in which the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion adhere to the substrate with an adhesive.
In the flow path structure according to a preferred example of the first aspect, the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion may be film-like members separate from each other. In the above aspect, since the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are the film-like members separate from each other, there is an advantage in that it is easier to dispose the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion on the substrate, compared to a configuration in which the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are continuous with each other.
In the flow path structure according to an aspect of the invention, the base section may include: a first substrate that has a first surface on which the supply port is formed; and a second substrate that has a second surface on which the plurality of discharge ports are formed. A first flow path surface on a side opposite to the first surface of the first substrate and a second flow path surface on a side opposite to the second surface of the second substrate may be joined to each other. The flow path may be formed of a groove formed on at least one of the first flow path surface and the second flow path surface. In the above aspect, since the flow path is formed by joining the first substrate and the second substrate to each other, there is an advantage in that it is possible to sufficiently secure a mechanical strength of the flow path, compared to the aspect described above in which the flow path is formed of the film-like sealing portion.
In the flow path structure according to a preferred example of the respective aspects (including both the first aspect and the second aspect) illustrated above, each of the plurality of discharge ports may be a tube-shaped portion that protrudes from the second surface, and one discharge port and another discharge port of the plurality of discharge ports may have different heights from each other with respect to the second surface. In the above aspect, since the discharge ports on the second surface have different heights from each other, in a process of fixing the flow path structure and a joining target to each other in a state in which each of the discharge ports is inserted into the supply port of the joining target, time points at which stress from each of the discharge ports acts on the joining target is temporally dispersed. Thus, there is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent the joining target from deformation or damage due to the stress from each of the discharge ports of the flow path structure.
In the flow path structure according to a preferred example of the invention, the supply port, the plurality of discharge ports, and flow paths from the supply port to the plurality of discharge ports may be formed for each of a plurality of fluids. In the above aspect, since the plurality of flow paths corresponding to different fluids are formed on the substrate, it is possible to distribute the plurality of fluids plurally.
In the flow path structure according to a preferred example of the invention, the plurality of fluids may include a liquid and a gas. The flow path of the liquid may extend linearly in a plan view and the flow path of the gas may be formed in a bent shape in a plan view so as to bypass an attachment hole for fixing the substrate. In the above aspect, the flow path of the liquid may extend linearly and the flow path of the gas may be formed in the shape so as to bypass the attachment hole. Thus, there is an advantage in that it is possible to form an attachment hole while resistance in the flow path of the liquid is lowered. The resistance in the flow path does not cause a particular problem even when the flow path of the gas is bent so as to bypass the attachment hole.
In the flow path structure according to a preferred example of the invention, the plurality of fluids may include a plurality of gases which are pressurized individually from each other. In the above aspect, since the plurality of gases which are pressurized individually from each other are distributed by the flow path structure, it is possible to utilize each of the plurality of gases separately for control (opening/closing or pressure adjustment) of the flow path of the liquid. The same or different kinds of gases are used as each of the plurality of gases. For example, the plurality of gases can be air.
In the flow path structure according to a preferred example of the first aspect, the plurality of fluids may include a first liquid, a second liquid, and a gas. A flow path of the gas may be positioned between a flow path of the first liquid and a flow path of the second liquid in a plan view. In the above aspect, there is an advantage in that it is possible to easily join the flow path structure to the joining target in which the supply port of the gas is formed between a supply port of the first liquid and a supply port of the second liquid.
According to a preferred example of a second aspect of the invention, a liquid ejecting head includes the flow path structure according to each of the above aspects. Specifically, the liquid ejecting head according to an aspect of the invention includes the flow path structure according to each of the aspects described above which distributes each of a plurality of fluids including a liquid and a gas; a flow path controlling section that controls a flow path of a liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure using a gas of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure; and a liquid ejecting section that ejects the liquid which passed through the flow path controlling section, from a plurality of nozzles. According to each of the aspects described above, since the flow path structure is decreased in size, there is an advantage in that the liquid ejecting head is decreased in size.
In the liquid ejecting head according to a preferred example of the second aspect, the liquid ejecting section may include: a liquid distributing unit that distributes a liquid of each system which passed through the flow path controlling section; a plurality of ejection head units which eject a liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the liquid distributing unit, from the plurality of nozzles in accordance with a drive signal; and a wiring substrate which is disposed between the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit and on which a wiring that transmits the drive signal is formed. In the above aspect, the wiring substrate is disposed between the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit. That is, the liquid is distributed on one side and the other side of the wiring substrate. Thus, for example, it is possible to decrease a size of the liquid ejecting head when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wiring substrate, compared to a configuration in which the liquid flow path is disposed only between the wiring substrate and a plurality of ejection heads. In addition, there is an advantage in that a distance between each of the ejection head units and the wiring substrate is decreased, compared to a configuration in which both the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit are disposed between the wiring substrate and the plurality of ejection head units.
In the liquid ejecting head according to a preferred example of the second aspect, the liquid distributing unit may include an opening corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection head units. Each of the plurality of ejection head units may include a flexible wiring substrate joined to the wiring substrate via the opening of the liquid distributing unit. In the above aspect, since the flexible wiring substrate of each ejection head unit is joined to the wiring substrate via the opening of the liquid distributing unit, there is an advantage in that a size required for the flexible wiring substrate is decreased (furthermore, the manufacturing cost is reduced).
According to a third aspect of the invention, a liquid ejecting head includes: a flat plate-shaped flow path structure that distributes each of a plurality of fluids including a liquid and a gas; a flow path controlling section that controls a flow path of a liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure using a gas of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure; and a liquid ejecting section that ejects the liquid which passed through the flow path controlling section, from a plurality of nozzles. The liquid ejecting section includes a flat plate-shaped liquid distributing unit that distributes the liquid of each system which passed through the flow path controlling section, and a plurality of ejection head units which eject the liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the liquid distributing unit, from the plurality of nozzles in accordance with a drive signal. The flow path controlling section is positioned between the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit which overlap with each other in a plan view. In the above aspect, since each of the plurality of fluids including the liquid and the gas is distributed by the flat plate-shaped flow path structure, it is possible to miniaturize the liquid ejecting head, compared to a configuration in which the liquid and the gas are distributed plurally by a separate mechanism. In addition, since the liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure is distributed plurally by the liquid distributing unit separated from the flow path structure, there is an advantage in that the liquid ejecting head is decreased in size when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flow path structure, compared to a configuration in which the liquid is distributed by only a single element. The above advantage is remarkably effective in a configuration in which a great number of distributions are performed by the flow path structure or a liquid distributing unit (for example, a configuration in which the distribution number of a liquid by the flow path structure exceeds the number K of types of liquids, or a configuration in which the distribution number of a liquid by the liquid distributing unit exceeds the number K of types of liquids).
In the liquid ejecting head according to a preferred aspect of the invention, the liquid distributing unit may include a first flow path substrate, a second flow path substrate, and a third flow path substrate which are stacked. A first flow path through which a first liquid of the plurality of fluids is distributed to the plurality of ejection head units may be formed between the first flow path substrate and the second flow path substrate. A second flow path through which a second liquid of the plurality of fluids is distributed to the plurality of ejection head units may be formed between the second flow path substrate and the third flow path substrate. In the above aspect, since the first flow path is formed between the first flow path substrate and the second flow path substrate and the second flow path is formed between the second flow path substrate and the third flow path substrate, there is an advantage in that the liquid distributing unit is decreased in planar size, compared to a configuration in which both the first flow path and the second flow path are formed between a pair of substrates.
In the liquid ejecting head according to a preferred example of the invention, each of the plurality of ejection head units may include: a liquid storage chamber that stores a liquid obtained after being distributed by the liquid distributing unit; a plurality of pressure chambers which are filled with a liquid ejected from the nozzle; and a plurality of supply flow paths through which a liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber is supplied to the plurality of pressure chambers. In the above aspect, the liquid is distributed plurally by the flow path structure, the liquid obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure is distributed plurally by the liquid distributing unit, and the liquid after being distributed by the liquid distributing unit is distributed to the plurality of pressure chambers via each supply flow path.
In the liquid ejecting head according to a preferred example of the invention, the flow path structure may distribute the liquid to a plurality of discharge ports arranged along a first direction. The plurality of pressure chambers in each of the plurality of ejection head units are arranged along a second direction which is different from the first direction. In the above aspect, since the plurality of pressure chambers are arranged along the second direction which is different from the first direction along which the plurality of discharge ports of the flow path structure are arranged, it is possible to form the plurality of nozzles of each ejection head unit along the first direction in high density, for example, compared to a configuration in which the plurality of pressure chambers are arranged along the first direction.
According to an aspect of the invention, a liquid ejecting head includes a flow path structure that distributes a liquid; a liquid distributing unit that distributes a liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure; a plurality of ejection head units which eject the liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the liquid distributing unit, from the plurality of nozzles in accordance with a drive signal; and a wiring substrate which is disposed between the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit and on which a wiring that transmits the drive signal is formed. In the above aspect, the wiring substrate is disposed between the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit. That is, the distribution of the liquid is executed on both sides between which the wiring substrate is interposed. Thus, it is possible to decrease the liquid ejecting head in size when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wiring substrate, compared to the configuration according to JP-A-2004-330717 in which the liquid flow path is disposed only between the wiring substrate and the plurality of heads. In addition, there is an advantage in that the distance between each of the ejection head units and the wiring substrate is decreased, compared to a configuration in which both the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit are disposed between the wiring substrate and the plurality of ejection head units.
According to a preferred example of the first aspect, each of the plurality of ejection head units may include: the flexible wiring substrate joined to the wiring substrate. According to the first aspect, since the distance between each of the ejection head units and the wiring substrate is decreased, there is an advantage in that a size required for the flexible wiring substrate for joining each of the ejection head units to the wiring substrate is decreased (furthermore, the manufacturing cost is reduced).
According to the second aspect of the invention, a liquid ejecting head includes a flow path structure that distributes a liquid; a liquid distributing unit that distributes a liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure; a plurality of ejection head units which eject a liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the liquid distributing unit, from the plurality of nozzles; and a flow path controlling section that is disposed between the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit and controls a flow path of a liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure. In the above aspect, the flow path controlling section is disposed between the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit. That is, the distribution of the liquid is executed on both sides between which the flow path controlling section is interposed. Thus, it is possible to decrease the liquid ejecting head in size when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flow path structure, compared to a configuration in which the liquid flow path is disposed only between the flow path controlling section and the plurality of ejection head units. In addition, there is an advantage in that it is possible to suppress a variation of a pressure drop in the flow path structure, compared to a configuration in which the flow path controlling section is disposed on the upstream side of the flow path structure.
According to the third aspect of the invention, a liquid ejecting head includes a flow path structure that distributes a liquid; a liquid distributing unit that distributes a liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure; a plurality of ejection head units which eject the liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the liquid distributing unit, from the plurality of nozzles; and a filter section that includes a filter which is disposed between the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit and through which a liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure passes. In the above aspect, the filter section is disposed between the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit. That is, the distribution of the liquid is executed on both sides between which the filter section is interposed. Thus, it is possible to decrease the liquid ejecting head in size when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flow path structure, compared to a configuration in which the liquid flow path is disposed only between the filter section and the plurality of ejection head units. In addition, since the filter section is disposed on the upstream side of the liquid distributing unit, there is an advantage in that there is a low possibility that bubbles or foreign substances flow in the liquid distributing unit. In a configuration in which the filter section and the liquid distributing unit are fixed to each other detachably, it is possible to easily perform cleaning of the filter section.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a liquid ejecting head includes a flow path structure that distributes a liquid; a liquid distributing unit that distributes a liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure; and a plurality of ejection head units which eject the liquid of each system obtained after being distributed by the liquid distributing unit, from the plurality of nozzles. Rigidity of the liquid distributing unit is higher than rigidity of the flow path structure. In the above aspect, since the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit which distribute the liquid are configured to be separate from each other, it is possible to decrease the liquid ejecting head in size when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flow path structure, compared to a configuration in which the liquid flow path is formed of a single element. In addition, since the rigidity of the liquid distributing unit is higher than the rigidity of the flow path structure, it is possible to effectively prevent the liquid distributing unit from deformation or damage. In a configuration in which a communication member, on which a through-hole that communicates with a flow path inside the liquid distributing unit is formed, is disposed so as to be in contact with the liquid distributing unit, since pressure from the communication member acts on the liquid distributing unit, the fourth aspect is particularly preferable, in which the liquid distributing unit is configured to have high rigidity such that the deformation or damage is suppressed.
According to a preferred example of each aspect described above, the flow path structure distributes the liquid to a plurality of discharge ports arranged along a first direction, and the plurality of liquid ejecting units including the liquid distributing unit and the plurality of ejection head units are arranged along the first direction. In the above aspect, since the plurality of liquid ejecting units are arranged along the first direction along which the plurality of discharge ports of the flow path structure are arranged, there is an advantage in that it is easy to dispose each liquid ejecting unit. In addition, in a configuration in which a casing is provided, which is disposed between the flow path structure and the liquid distributing unit and supports the plurality of liquid ejecting units, there is an advantage in that it is possible to sufficiently secure mechanical strength of the liquid ejecting head using the casing even in a case where the rigidity of the flow path structure is low.
In a preferred example of the liquid ejecting head according to each aspect of the invention, the flow path structure includes: a plate-shape base section; a supply port formed on one surface of the base section; and a plurality of discharge ports formed on the other surface of the base section. A flow path through which the supply port and the plurality of discharge ports communicate with each other is formed in the base section. In the above aspect, since the supply port is formed on one surface of the base section and the plurality of discharge ports are formed on the other surface of the base section, it is possible to decrease the flow path structure in size (furthermore, a size of a liquid ejecting head on which the flow path structure is mounted) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base section, compared to the a configuration in which a supply port and a discharge port are formed on the side surfaces of the substrate so as to join tubes to each other. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the base section may include: a substrate that includes a first surface on which the supply port is formed and a second surface on which the plurality of discharge ports are formed; a first front-side groove that is formed on the first surface so as to extend in a first direction and communicates with the supply port and with the plurality of discharge ports via a through-hole formed on the substrate; and a film-like first sealing portion that is disposed on the first surface and seals the first front-side groove and thus, forms at least a part of the flow path. According to an aspect, the base section may include: a first substrate that has a first surface on which the supply port is formed; and a second substrate that has a second surface on which the plurality of discharge ports are formed. A first flow path surface on a side opposite to the first surface of the first substrate and a second flow path surface on a side opposite to the second surface of the second substrate is joined to each other. The flow path is formed of a groove formed on at least one of the first flow path surface and the second flow path surface.
A liquid ejecting apparatus according to a preferred aspect of the invention includes the liquid ejecting head according to each aspect described above. A preferred example of the liquid ejecting apparatus is a printing apparatus that ejects an ink; however, a usage of the liquid ejecting apparatus according to an aspect of the invention is not limited to printing.
The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.
The control device 10 controls every element of the printing apparatus 100 collectively. The transport mechanism 12 transports the printing medium M in a Y direction in accordance with control by the control device 10. The pump 16 is a gas supplying device that supplies air A of two systems (A1 and A2) to the liquid ejecting head 14 in accordance with control of the control device 10. The air A1 and air A2 are air used for control of a flow path inside the liquid ejecting head 14. The pump 16 according to the first embodiment can pressurize the air A1 and air A2 separately from each other. The liquid ejecting head 14 ejects an ink I supplied from the liquid container 18 onto the printing medium M in accordance with control by the control device 10. The liquid ejecting head 14 according to the first embodiment is a line head that is long in an X direction intersecting with the Y direction. A direction perpendicular to an X-Y plane (plane parallel to a surface of the printing medium M) is described as a Z direction, hereinafter. The ejection direction of the ink I by the liquid ejecting head 14 corresponds to the Z direction.
The flow path controlling section G2 in
Inks I of the four systems which passed each flow path controlling unit U2 after being distributed by the flow path structure G1 are supplied to the six liquid ejecting unit U3 in parallel. Each liquid ejecting unit U3 has the liquid distributing unit 60. The liquid distributing unit 60 distributes each of the inks I of the four systems supplied from the flow path controlling unit U2 of the previous stage into inks of six systems corresponding to a different ejection head unit 70. That is, the inks I of the four systems obtained after being distributed by the liquid distributing unit 60 are supplied to each of the six ejection head units 70 in parallel. Each ejection head unit 70 ejects each of the inks I of the four systems from a different nozzle N. As above, a specific example of each element (the flow path structure G1, the flow path controlling section G2, and the liquid ejecting section G3) of the liquid ejecting head 14 already described is described in detail hereinafter.
Flow Path Structure G1
The substrate 20 according to the first embodiment is a flat plate material long in the X direction and has a first surface 21 and a second surface 22 parallel to the X-Y plane. In
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Schematically, the grooves 341 (341a, 341b, and 341c) and the grooves 342 (342a, 342b, and 342c) are grooves (front-side grooves) formed so as to extend in the X direction. Specifically, according to the first embodiment, the grooves 341 corresponding to inks I extend along the X direction substantially linearly and the grooves 342 corresponding to the flows of air A is formed in a bent shape so as to bypass an attachment hole 23 formed on the substrate 20. The attachment holes 23 are through-holes used to fix the substrate 20 and, specifically, are screw holes into which screws (not illustrated) that fix the flow path structure G1 to the flow path controlling section G2 are inserted.
As illustrated in the side view of
As illustrated in
Four grooves 351a corresponding to the inks I, respectively, and two grooves 352a corresponding to the flows of air A, respectively, are formed in the region 32a of the second surface 22. Similarly, four grooves 351b and two grooves 352b are formed in the region 32b. The grooves 351 (351a and 351b) and the grooves 352 (352a and 352b) are grooves (rear-side grooves) formed on the second surface 22. The four grooves 351b are positioned on the outer side of the two grooves 352b in the region 32b and the groove 352a is positioned in a space between a pair of the grooves 351a in the region 32a.
In
The six discharge ports DI1 corresponding to the inks I of any one system are arranged substantially at equal intervals along the X direction so as to be overlapped with the grooves 341 (341a, 341b, and 341c) corresponding to the inks I on the first surface 21 in a plan view. As illustrated in
As illustrated in the side view of
The sealing portions 25 and the sealing portions 26 according to the first embodiment have a surface layer formed of the same material (thermoplastic resin material such as polypropylene) as that of the substrate 20 and the surface of the surface layer is pressed against the substrate 20 in a heated state and thereby is welded to the substrate 20. Thus, there is an advantage in that it is easy to dispose the sealing portions 25 and the sealing portions 26. For example, the sealing portions 25 and the sealing portions 26 are appropriately configured by laminating PET and polypropylene. In addition, according to the first embodiment, the sealing portions 25 and the sealing portions 26 are formed separately from each other. Thus, there is an advantage in that it is easy to dispose the sealing portions 25 and the sealing portions 26, compared to a configuration in which the sealing portions 25 and the sealing portions 26 are formed integrally to each other.
As illustrated in
The grooves 352b on the second surface 22 in
As above, in the flow path structure G1 according to the first embodiment, the flow paths (PI1 and PA1) which reach the plurality of discharge ports (DI1 and DA1) from the supply ports (SI1 and SA1) are formed for each of the plurality of fluids including the ink I and the air A. As understood from
As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the supply ports (SI1 and SA1) are formed on the first surface 21 of the substrate 20 and the discharge ports (DI1 and DA1) are formed on the second surface 22 of the substrate 20, the flow path structure G1 is decreased in size when viewed from the Z direction, compared to the configurations according to JP-A-2004-330717 and JP-T-2005-500926 in which the supply port and the discharge port are formed on the side surfaces of the substrate so as to join tubes to each other. Thus, it is possible to decrease the liquid ejecting head 14 in size.
Flow Path Controlling Section G2
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The flow path opening/closing unit 44 is a mechanism (choke valve) which controls opening and closing of the flow path PI2 according to the air A1 supplied through the flow path PA2_1. The flow path opening/closing unit 44 illustrated in
The pressure adjusting unit 46 in
For example, during cleaning the liquid ejecting unit U3 (ejection head unit 70), the negative pressure of the flow path of the ink I is released and then, the ink I is ejected from each of the nozzles N. Here, in a state in which the negative pressure generating unit 42 is valid, the relief of the negative pressure by the pressure adjusting unit 46 can be failed. Thus, there is a possibility that the ink I is not sufficiently discharged from each of the nozzles N or that bubbles enters the flow path from each of the nozzles N. According to the first embodiment, since the air A1 in the flow path PA2_1 is pressurized and thereby, the flow path PI2 is closed by the flow path opening/closing unit 44, the air A2 in the flow path PA2_2 is pressurized and thereby, the negative pressure of the flow path PI2 is released by the pressure adjusting unit 46. According to the above operation, since the release of the negative pressure is performed by the pressure adjusting unit 46 in a state (that is, state in which application of the negative pressure by the negative pressure generating unit 42 is invalid) in which the flow path PI2 is closed by the flow path opening/closing unit 44 such that the negative pressure generating unit 42 and the pressure adjusting unit 46 are isolated from each other, there is an advantage in that it is possible to effectively release the negative pressure of the flow path on the downstream side of the flow path opening/closing unit 44.
As understood from the above description, the negative pressure generating unit 42, the flow path opening/closing unit 44, and the pressure adjusting unit 46 according to the first embodiment function as elements that control the flow path PI2 of each of the inks I and the flow path controlling section G2 is collectively described as an element that controls each of the flow path PI2 using the each of the air A (A1 and A2) of the systems obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure G1. A configuration of each of the flow path controlling unit U2 of the flow path controlling section G2 according to the first embodiment is as above.
Flow Path Structure G3
The liquid ejecting section G3 ejects, from the nozzles N, the inks I of each system which passed through the flow path controlling section G2. As illustrated in
The filter section 52 is an element that removes bubbles or foreign substances contained in each of the inks I supplied from the flow path controlling section G2 and is configured to include a first member 522 and a second member 524 which are fixed in a state of facing each other and four filters 526 corresponding to the inks I as illustrated in
The communication member 54 in
The wiring substrate 56 in
The liquid distributing unit 60 in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As described above, each flow path Q1 is formed between the first flow path substrate 62 and the second flow path substrate 64 and each flow path Q2 is formed between the second flow path substrate 64 and the third flow path substrate 66. That is, the positions of the flow path Q1 and the flow path Q2 are different from each other in the Z direction. As a result of employing the above configuration, as understood from
Each of the six ejection head units 70 in
The flow path forming substrate 71 is a flat plate that configures the flow path of the ink I. An opening 712, a supply flow path 714, and a communication flow path 716 are formed in the flow path forming substrate 71 according to the first embodiment. The supply flow path 714 and the communication flow path 716 are formed for each nozzle N and the opening 712 is continuous through the plurality of nozzles N which eject the ink I of one system. The pressure chamber forming substrate 72 is a flat plate on which a plurality of openings 722 corresponding to the different nozzles N are formed. The flow path forming substrate 71 and the pressure chamber forming substrate 72 are formed of, for example, a silicon single-crystal substrate.
The compliance section 75 in
The vibrating plate 73 is disposed on a surface of the pressure chamber forming substrate 72 in
A plurality of piezoelectric elements 732 corresponding to the different nozzles N are formed on a surface of the vibrating plate 73 which is on a side opposite to the pressure chamber forming substrate 72. Each of the piezoelectric elements 732 is a stacked body in which a piezoelectric body is interposed between electrodes facing each other. The piezoelectric element 732 vibrates along with the vibrating plate 73 when a drive signal is supplied, and thereby pressure in the pressure chamber C is changed and then, the ink I is ejected from the nozzle N. Each of the piezoelectric elements 732 is sealed and protected by a protecting plate 76 which is fixed to the vibrating plate 73.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The fixing plate 58 in
As described above, according to the first embodiment, each of the inks I is distributed by the flow path structure G1 and the liquid distributing unit 60. Thus, there is an advantage in that the liquid ejecting head 14 is decreased in size when viewed from the Z direction, compared to a configuration in which the inks I are distributed by a single element to the same number as in the first embodiment.
According to the first embodiment, since the flow path controlling section G2 that controls the opening and closing of the flow path PI2 of each of the inks I and the pressure in the flow path PI2 is disposed between the flow path structure G1 and the liquid distributing unit 60, there is an advantage in that it is possible to reduce a variation of a pressure drop of each of the flow path PI1 in the flow path structure G1, compared to a configuration in which the flow path controlling section G2 is disposed on the upstream side of the flow path structure G1.
According to the first embodiment, since the filter section 52 is disposed between the flow path structure G1 and the liquid distributing unit 60 (on the upstream side of the liquid distributing unit 60), it is possible to reduce a possibility that bubbles or foreign substances flow in the liquid distributing unit 60, for example, compared to a configuration in which the filter section 52 is disposed on the downstream side of the liquid distributing unit 60. In addition, since it is possible to detach the filter section 52 according to the first embodiment from the liquid distributing unit 60, there is an advantage in that it is easy to clean each of the filters 526.
A second embodiment according to the invention is described. The reference sign used in the first embodiment is attached to an element which has the same action or function as in the first embodiment according to each embodiment to be described later and thus, detailed description thereof is appropriately omitted.
In the configuration according to the first embodiment in which the discharge ports D (DI1 and DA1) on the second surface 22 have the same height as each other, in a process (an assembly process of the liquid ejecting head 14) of inserting each of the discharge ports D (DI1 and DA1) of the flow path structure G1 into each of the supply ports S (SI2 and SA2) of the flow path controlling section G2, since stress from the entire discharge ports D acts on the flow path controlling section G2 simultaneously, there is a possibility that the flow path controlling section G2 is deformed due to the stress from the flow path structure G1. On the other hand, according to the second embodiment, since the heights of the discharge port DI1 and the discharge port DA1 are different from each other, in the assembly process of the liquid ejecting head 14, a time point at which stress from each of the discharge ports DI1 starts to act on the flow path controlling section G2 is different from a time point at which stress from each of the discharge ports DA1 starts to act on the flow path controlling section G2. That is, time points at which the stress from each of the discharge ports D starts to act on the flow path controlling section G2 are temporally dispersed. Thus, there is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent the flow path controlling section G2 from deformation or damage in the assembly process of the liquid ejecting head 14, compared to the first embodiment.
In the illustration of
Similar to the first surface 21 of the substrate 20 according to the first embodiment, on the first surface 271 of the first substrate 27, the four supply ports SI1 to which the inks I (C, M, Y, and K) of each system is supplied from the liquid container 18 and the two supply ports SA1 to which the air A (A1 and A2) of the two systems are supplied from the pump 16 are formed. In addition, similar to the second surface 22 of the substrate 20 according to the first embodiment, on the second surface 281 of the second substrate 28, the four discharge ports DI1 corresponding to the inks I of the systems and the two discharge ports DA1 corresponding to the systems of the air A are formed separately for each of the six liquid ejecting units U3. The six discharge ports DI1 corresponding to the ink I of any one system are arranged substantially at equal intervals in the X direction and the six discharge ports DA1 corresponding to the air A of any one system are arranged substantially at equal intervals in the X direction.
As illustrated in
On the second flow path surface 282 of the second substrate 28, four grooves 283 corresponding to the inks I of the systems and two grooves 284 corresponding to the air A of the systems are formed. The grooves 283 extend substantially linearly along the X direction so as to be overlapped with six discharge ports DI1 corresponding to the ink I of one system in a plan view and communicates with the discharge ports DI1 via a through-hole H2 formed in the second substrate 28 as understood from
The first flow path surface 272 of the first substrate 27 and the second flow path surface 282 of the second substrate 28 are joined to each other such that the grooves 273 and the grooves 283 are overlapped with each other in a plan view and the grooves 274 and the grooves 284 are overlapped with each other in a plan view. In terms of the joining of the first substrate 27 and the second substrate 28, it is possible to employ any known technology such as welding (for example, ultrasonic welding) or adhesion. As illustrated in
As understood from the above description, the flow path PI1 communicates with one supply port SI1 and the six discharge ports DI1 and the flow path PA1 communicates with one supply port SA1 and the six discharge ports DA1. Similar to the first embodiment, the four flow paths PI1 (the grooves 273 and the grooves 283) corresponding to the inks I are positioned on both sides between which the two flow paths PA1 (the grooves 274 and the grooves 284) according to the air A are interposed. The configuration, in which the flow paths PA1 (the grooves 273 and the grooves 283) according to the air A are bent so as to bypass the attachment hole 23 in a plan view, is also the same as in the first embodiment. The configuration of each element other than the flow path structure G1 is the same as in the first embodiment.
The same effect as in the first embodiment is realized in the third embodiment. In addition, according to the third embodiment, since the first substrate 27 and the second substrate 28 are joined and thereby, the flow paths PI1 and the flow paths PA1 are formed, there is an advantage in that it is possible to sufficiently maintain mechanical strength of the flow paths PI1 and the flow paths PA1 (it is possible to prevent each flow path from damage), compared to the first embodiment in which the film-like sealing portions 25 and sealing portions 26 are sticked on the substrate 20. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, since the film-like sealing portions 25 and sealing portions 26 are sticked on the substrate 20 and thereby, the flow paths PI1 and the flow paths PA1 are formed, there is an advantage in that it is easy to achieve the thin flow path structure G1, compared to the third embodiment in which the first substrate 27 and the second substrate 28 are joined. In addition, according to the third embodiment in which the flow paths are formed on the joining surfaces of the first substrate 27 and the second substrate 28, high flatness is not required for the first flow path surface 272 of the first substrate 27 or the second flow path surface 282 of the second substrate 28. However, according to the first embodiment, since the flexible sealing portions 25 and sealing portions 26 are sticked to the substrate 20, there is an advantage in that a condition for the required flatness for the substrate 20 is lowered (it is possible to use an inexpensive substrate 20), compared to the third embodiment.
According to the first embodiment, a structure, in which the substrate 20 and the sealing portions (25 and 26) are stacked, and a structure, in which the first substrate 27 and the second substrate 28 according to the third embodiment are stacked, are comprehensively described as a plate-like structure (substrate) in which flow paths (PI1 and PA1) that causes the supply ports (SI1 and SA1) and the plurality of discharge ports (DI1 and DA1) to communicate with each other. The supply ports (SI1 and SA1) are formed on one surface of the base section and the plurality of discharge ports (DI1 and DA1) are formed on the other surface of the base section.
As described above, although the grooves (273, 274, 283, and 284) are formed in both the first substrate 27 and the second substrate 28, it is possible to form the grooves only one of the first substrate 27 and the second substrate 28. In addition, the configuration according to the second embodiment in which heights of the discharge ports (DI1 and DA1) can be applied also to the third embodiment.
The embodiments described above can be modified in various ways. The aspects of the specific modifications are described as follows. Two or more aspects selected arbitrarily from the following examples can be appropriately combined within a range in which the selected aspects are not incompatible with each other.
(1) According to each embodiment described above, the flow path structure G1 distributes both the ink I and the air A; however, it is possible to use the flow path structure G1 for distributing either one of the ink I or the air A. That is, either the flow path PI1 for distributing the ink I or the flow path PA1 for distributing the air A can be omitted. In addition, according to each embodiment, the flow path controlling section G2 is disposed between the flow path structure G1 and the liquid ejecting section G3; however, a configuration in which the flow path controlling section G2 is omitted or a configuration in which the flow path controlling section G2 is disposed on the upstream side of the flow path structure G1 can be employed. In the configuration in which the flow path controlling section G2 is omitted, the flow path PA1 for distributing the air A is omitted from the flow path structure G1 and each ink I obtained after being distributed by the flow path structure G1 is supplied to the liquid ejecting section G3 (liquid ejecting unit U3).
(2) According to each embodiment described above, the flow path controlling section G2 is configured of the plurality of flow path controlling unit U2 formed separately from each other; however, it is possible to realize the function of the flow path controlling section G2 by a single device. That is, the invention does not necessarily require a configuration in which the flow path controlling section G2 is separated into the plurality of flow path controlling units U2. In addition, according to each embodiment described above, the liquid ejecting section G3 is configured to have the plurality of liquid ejecting units U3 formed separately from each other; it is possible to realize the functions of the liquid ejecting section G3 by a single device. That is, the invention does not necessarily require the configuration in which the liquid ejecting section G3 is separated into the plurality of liquid ejecting unit U3.
(3) According to the first embodiment, the grooves 341 (341a, 341b, and 341c) formed on the first surface 21 of the substrate 20 of the flow path structure G1 communicate with the supply ports SI1 via the grooves 351 (351a and 351b) of the second surface 22; however, it is possible for the grooves 341 to communicate with the supply port SI1 via the flow path formed inside the substrate 20. That is, the grooves 351 of the second surface 22 can be omitted. Here, in the configuration in which the grooves 351 are formed on the second surface 22 as in each embodiment described above, there is an advantage in that it is possible to easily form the substrate 20, for example, by mold injection, compared to a configuration in which the flow path is formed inside the substrate 20. In the illustration described above, the grooves 341 of the ink I is focused; however, it is possible for the groove to communicate with the supply port SA1 via the flow path formed inside the substrate 20, similar to the grooves 342 for supplying of the air A. As understood from the above description, the configuration according to the first embodiment is described comprehensively as the configuration in which the front-side grooves formed on the first surface 21 communicate with the supply ports (SI1 and SA1) and the configuration in which the front-side grooves communicate with the supply port.
(4) According to the first embodiment, the sealing portions 25 and the sealing portions 26 disposed in the substrate 20 are film-like; however, the shape of the sealing portion 25 and the sealing portion 26 are not limited to the above illustration. For example, it is possible to form the flow paths by sticking a flat plate formed of a resin material on the substrate 20 as the sealing portion 25 and the sealing portion 26. Here, in terms of reducing a thickness of the flow path structure G1, it is preferable that the configuration is employed, in which the thickness of the sealing portion 25 and the sealing portion 26 is greater than the thickness of the substrate 20.
(5) The element that ejects ink from the nozzles N is not limited to the piezoelectric element 732 described above. For example, it is possible to use a light emitting element that ejects the ink from the nozzles N by generating the bubbles by heating and changing the pressure in the pressure chamber C instead of the piezoelectric element 732. The piezoelectric element 732 or the light emitting element are comprehensively described as an element (pressure generating element) that changes the pressure inside the pressure chamber C and, according to the invention, a method (piezo method/thermal method) that changes the pressure or any specific configuration may be employed.
(6) The printing apparatus 100 illustrated in each embodiment described above is not only an apparatus dedicated to printing, but also can employ a various apparatuses such as a facsimile machine or a copy machine. Further, the usage of the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the invention is not limited to printing. For example, the liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution with color is used as a manufacturing apparatus that forms a color filter of the liquid crystal display apparatus. In addition, the liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing apparatus that forms a wiring or electrode on the wiring substrate.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-053757 | Mar 2014 | JP | national |
| 2014-053758 | Mar 2014 | JP | national |
This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/074,879, filed Mar. 18, 2016, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/638,739, filed Mar. 4, 2015, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,269 on May 24, 2016, which patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/638,739 claims the benefit and priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-053757 filed on Mar. 17, 2014 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-053758 filed on Mar. 17, 2014. The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2014-053757 and 2014-053758 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20170282623 A1 | Oct 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15074879 | Mar 2016 | US |
| Child | 15625068 | US | |
| Parent | 14638739 | Mar 2015 | US |
| Child | 15074879 | US |
