The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2019-059862, filed Mar. 27, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The present disclosure relates to a technique of discharging a liquid from a nozzle.
In related art, a technique for discharging a liquid in a pressure chamber from a nozzle is known (for example, JP-A-2017-13390).
In related art, a technique for causing a larger amount of liquid to be discharged from a nozzle is desired. Here, when a volume of a pressure chamber is simply increased in order to cause a larger amount of liquid to be discharged from a nozzle, rigidity of the pressure chamber is lowered. There is a case where, due to the lowering of the rigidity of the pressure chamber, a transmission of a pressure from the pressure chamber to the liquid is weakened thereby lowering a discharge efficiency of discharging a liquid from a pressure chamber to a nozzle. Further, a resonance frequency of a piezoelectric element and a pressure chamber is lowered due to lowering of rigidity of the pressure chamber. By this, there is a case where a pressure responsiveness of the pressure chamber is lowered.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid discharging head is provided. The liquid discharging head includes a nozzle plate having a first surface on which a nozzle for discharging a liquid is formed, and a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface on which a communication flow path communicating with the nozzle is formed; and a chamber plate on which a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with the nozzle are formed, where the chamber plate is disposed on the second surface side of the nozzle plate, and a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber among the plurality of pressure chambers communicate with the nozzle through one communication flow path.
The liquid discharging apparatus 100 includes a liquid container 14, a flow mechanism 615, a transport mechanism 722 for sending out the medium 12, a control unit 620, a head moving mechanism 824, and a liquid discharging head 26. The liquid container 14 individually stores a plurality of kinds of inks discharged from the liquid discharging head 26. As the liquid container 14, a bag-shaped liquid pack formed of a flexible film, a liquid tank capable of replenishing a liquid, or the like can be used. The flow mechanism 615 is provided in the middle of a flow path coupling the liquid container 14 and the liquid discharging head 26. The flow mechanism 615 is a pump and supplies a liquid from the liquid container 14 to the liquid discharging head 26.
The liquid discharging head 26 has a plurality of nozzles Nz for discharging a liquid. The nozzles Nz constitute a nozzle row that is arranged side by side along the first axis direction X. In the embodiment, two nozzle rows are used to discharge one kind of liquid. The nozzle Nz has a circular nozzle opening for discharging a liquid. In another embodiment, one nozzle row may be used to discharge one kind of liquid.
The control unit 620 includes a processing circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a storage circuit such as a semiconductor memory, and integrally controls the transport mechanism 722, the head moving mechanism 824, and the liquid discharging head 26. The transport mechanism 722 is operated under control of the control unit 620, and transports the medium 12 along the first axis direction X. That is, the transport mechanism 722 is a mechanism for relatively moving the medium 12 with respect to the liquid discharging head 26.
The head moving mechanism 824 is provided with a transport belt 23 stretched over a printing range of the medium 12 in the first axis direction X and a carriage 25 for accommodating the liquid discharging head 26 and fixing it to the transport belt 23. The head moving mechanism 824 is operated under control of the control unit 620, and causes the liquid discharging head 26 to reciprocate along the main scanning direction together with the carriage 25. When the carriage 25 reciprocates, the carriage 25 is guided by a guide rail (not shown). Further, a head configuration in which the liquid container 14 is mounted on the carriage 25 together with the liquid discharging head 26 may be adopted.
The liquid discharging head 26 is a stacked body in which head constituent materials are stacked in the third axis direction Z. The liquid discharging head 26 is provided with nozzle rows in which rows of the nozzles Nz are arranged along the sub-scanning direction. The liquid discharging head 26 is prepared for each color of liquid stored in the liquid container 14, and discharges the liquid supplied from the liquid container 14 toward the medium 12 from a plurality of nozzles Nz under control of the control unit 620. A desired image or the like is printed on the medium 12 by the liquid discharged from the nozzle Nz during the reciprocation of the liquid discharging head 26. An arrow indicated by a broken line in
The plurality of pressure chambers 221 communicate with the corresponding nozzles Nz and accommodate the liquid. The plurality of pressure chambers 221 constitute a pressure chamber row LX by being arranged side by side along the first axis direction X. In the plurality of pressure chambers 221, two adjacent pressure chambers 221 commonly communicate with one nozzle Nz. Further, the plurality of nozzles Nz constitute the nozzle row LNz arranged along the first axis direction X. In the example shown in
The drive element 1100 is provided in correspondence with each of the plurality of pressure chambers 221. The drive element 1100 is, for example, a piezo element. The drive element 1100 is electrically coupled to the nozzle drive circuit 28, and generates a pressure change in the liquid in the pressure chamber 221 by a voltage as a drive pulse from the nozzle drive circuit 28 being applied. The drive element 1100 is mounted on a wall that defines the pressure chamber 221.
The plurality of nozzles Nz have nozzle openings in a third axis direction Z, respectively. The liquid in the pressure chamber 221 is pushed out by the drive element 1100 being driven. By this, the liquid is discharged outward from the nozzle opening.
The nozzle drive circuit 28 controls the operation of the drive element 1100. The nozzle drive circuit 28 has a switch circuit 281 for switching between on and off of supply of the drive pulse to the drive element 1100. The switch circuit 281 is provided in correspondence with each nozzle Nz. A switch circuit 281A is used for commonly controlling the driving of two drive elements 1100 provided in correspondence with the pressure chambers 221a1 and 221b1. A switch circuit 281B is used for commonly controlling the driving of two drivers 220a and 220b provided in correspondence with the pressure chambers 221a2 and 221b2. A switch circuit 281C is used for commonly controlling the driving of two drive elements 1100 provided in correspondence with the pressure chambers 221a3 and 221b3. A switch circuit 281D is used for commonly controlling the driving of two drive elements 1100 provided in correspondence with the pressure chambers 221a4 and 221b4.
A drive pulse COM and a pulse selection signal SI are supplied to the nozzle drive circuit 28 from the control unit 620. The pulse selection signal SI is a signal for selecting a drive pulse generated according to print data PD and applied to the driver 220 of the drive element 1100. The drive pulse COM is composed of at least one drive pulse. In the embodiment, for example, the drive pulse COM has a discharge pulse that vibrates the drive element 1100 to the extent that the liquid is discharged from the nozzle Nz and a micro vibration pulse that vibrates the liquid in the nozzle Nz to the extent that no liquid is discharged. For example, when the pulse selection signal SI indicates a signal for selecting the discharge pulse, the switch circuit 281 switches between on and off such that the discharge pulse is supplied to the drive element 1100 from the drive pulse COM.
Before describing each configuration of the liquid discharging head 26, the flow path of the liquid discharging head 26 will be described with reference to
Each nozzle Nz of the liquid discharging head 26 communicates with the liquid supplied to a first introduction hole 44a and a second introduction hole 44b by the flow mechanism 615. The first introduction hole 44a and the second introduction hole 44b are formed in the case member 40.
The liquid supplied to the first introduction hole 44a flows through a first common liquid chamber 440a in the case member 40 to flow into a first reservoir 42a. The first reservoir 42a commonly communicates with a plurality of the first pressure chambers 221a. The first reservoir 42a is formed by the flow path plate 15. The liquid in the first reservoir 42a sequentially flows through a first individual flow path 192 and a first supply flow path 224a to flow into the first pressure chamber 221a. A plurality of the first individual flow paths 192 and a plurality of the first supply flow paths 224a are provided in correspondence with respective first pressure chambers 221a. The first individual flow path 192 is formed by the flow path plate 15. The first supply flow path 224a and the first pressure chamber 221a are formed by the flow path forming substrate 10. The first individual flow path 192 and the first supply flow path 224a that couple the first pressure chamber 221a and the first reservoir 42a constitute a first coupling flow path 198.
The liquid in the first pressure chamber 221a flows through a communication flow path 16 to reach the nozzle Nz. The communication flow path 16 is formed by the flow path plate 15. The nozzle Nz is formed by the nozzle plate 20.
The liquid supplied to the second introduction hole 44b flows through a second common liquid chamber 440b in the case member 40 and flows into a second reservoir 42b. The second reservoir 42b commonly communicates with a plurality of the second pressure chambers 221b. The second reservoir 42b is formed by the flow path plate 15. The liquid in the second reservoir 42b sequentially flows through a second individual flow path 194 and a second supply flow path 224b to flow into the second pressure chamber 221b. A plurality of the second individual flow paths 194 and a plurality of the second supply flow paths 224b are provided in correspondence with respective second pressure chambers 221b. The second individual flow path 194 is formed by the flow path plate 15. The second supply flow path 224b and the second pressure chamber 221b are formed by the flow path forming substrate 10. The second individual flow path 194 and the second supply flow path 224b that couple the second pressure chamber 221b and the second reservoir 42b constitute a second coupling flow path 199.
The liquid in the second pressure chamber 221b flows through a communication flow path 16 to reach the nozzle Nz. Thus, the communication flow path 16 is a flow path through which the liquid of the first pressure chamber 221a and the liquid of the second pressure chamber 221b that communicate with one nozzle Nz are joined. When the first supply flow path 224a and the second supply flow path 224b are used without distinguishing them, the supply flow path 224 is used.
Next, in addition to
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The fixed substrate 47 is formed of a material such as stainless steel harder than the flexible member 46. The fixed substrate 47 is a frame-like member, and the nozzle plate 20 is disposed inside the frame. The fixed substrate 47 seals an opening on the nozzle plate 20 side of the second reservoir 42b formed on the flow path plate 15.
The flexible member 46 is formed of a flexible material. The flexible member 46 has a frame shape, and the nozzle plate 20 is disposed inside the frame. The flexible member 46 is a film-like thin film having flexibility, for example, a thin film formed of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or aromatic polyamide and having a thickness of 20 μm or less. The flexible member 46 is a planar vibration absorbing body forming one wall of the second reservoir 42b. The flexible member 46 functions to absorb the pressure change in the second reservoir 42b.
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The plurality of pressure chambers 221 are provided side by side in the first axis direction X. A plurality of the supply flow paths 224 are provided side by side in the first axis direction. The pressure chamber 221 and the supply flow path 224 are formed by anisotropic etching the first surface 225 side of the flow path forming substrate 10. A partition wall 222 is provided between the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b adjacent to each other and between the first supply flow path 224a and the second supply flow path 224b adjacent to each other.
The actuator substrate 1105 is bonded to the surface 226. By this, the opening on the surface 226 side of the pressure chamber 221 and the supply flow path 224 is sealed by the actuator substrate 1105.
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The actuator substrate 1105 includes a vibration plate 210, a drive element 1100, and a protective layer 280. The vibration plate 210 includes an elastic layer 210a and an insulating layer 210b disposed on the elastic layer 210a. The vibration plate 210 is formed as follows, for example. That is, the elastic layer 210a of the vibration plate 210 is formed on the surface 226 of the flow path forming substrate 10 before the pressure chamber 221 or the supply flow path 224 is formed, by a sputtering method or the like. Next, the insulating layer 210b is formed on the elastic layer 210a by a sputtering method or the like. Zirconium oxide may be used for the elastic layer 210a, and silicon oxide may be used for the insulating layer 210b.
The drive element 1100 is disposed on the surface 211 of the vibration plate 210. The drive element 1100 includes a piezoelectric layer having piezoelectric characteristics and a common electrode and a segment electrode arranged so as to sandwich both surfaces of the piezoelectric layer. When the drive element 1100 is driven, a bias voltage serving as a reference potential is supplied to the common electrode. On the other hand, when the drive element 1100 is driven, a drive pulse selected from the drive pulses COM is supplied to the segment electrode when the switch circuit 281 is turned on.
The protective layer 280 is disposed on the drive element 1100 and covers a part of the drive element 1100. The protective layer 280 has an insulating property and may be formed of at least one of an oxide material, a nitride material, a photosensitive resin material, and an organic-inorganic hybrid material. For example, the protective film 80 may be formed of an oxide material such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2). The protective layer 280 may have an opening 81 that exposes a part of the common electrode that is an upper electrode described later. In plan view, at least a part of the opening 81 is formed at a position overlapping the plurality of pressure chambers 221.
The actuator substrate 1105 has a lead electrode coupled to the common electrode and a lead electrode coupled to the segment electrode which is a lower electrode. Details of the actuator substrate 1105 will be described later.
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The circuit substrate 29 has the wiring member 121 and the nozzle drive circuit 28. The wiring member 121 is a member for supplying an electric signal to the drive element 1100. The wiring member 121 is electrically coupled to a plurality of drive elements 1100 and a control unit 620. As the wiring member 121, a flexible sheet-like material such as a COF substrate can be used. The nozzle drive circuit 28 may not be provided in the wiring member 121. That is, the wiring member 121 is not limited to the COF substrate, and may be an FFC, an FPC, or the like. The wiring member 121 is electrically coupled to the drive element 1100 by the lead electrode described later. Further, the wiring member 121 has a plurality of terminals 123 electrically coupled to the plurality of lead electrodes.
The flow path forming substrate 10 and the nozzle plate 20 constituting the head main body 11 are single plate-like members, but may be formed by stacking a plurality of plates. Further, although the above-described flow path plate 15 is formed by stacking the first flow path plate 15a and the second flow path plate 15b, but may be formed by a single plate or by stacking three or more plates.
The partition wall 222 extends along the second axis direction Y. Here, a length L2 of the second region R2 in the second axis direction is preferably equal to or smaller than half of a length L1 in the second axis direction Y of the first region R1. When the length L2 is larger than this, the first region R1 becomes relatively small, and the influence of lowering the discharge efficiency due to the increase of the compliance of the pressure chamber 221 may become significant. In other words, the effect of improving the above-described discharge efficiency becomes particularly excellent by doing so.
The length L2 of the second region R2 in the second axis direction Y is preferably equal to or greater than a width W of each of the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b in first axis direction X. This is because if the length L2 is smaller than this, the effect of reducing the inertance of the communication flow path 16 may not be sufficiently obtained. In other words, the effect of improving the above-described discharge efficiency becomes particularly excellent by doing so.
Further, the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b adjacent to each other are formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to a first virtual line Ln1 in plan view, and the communication flow path 16 is preferably formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to the first virtual line Ln1. The first virtual line Ln1 is positioned between the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b adjacent to each other in the first axis direction X. In this way, a deviation in magnitude between the pressure wave transmitted from the first pressure chamber 221a to the communication flow path 16 and the pressure wave transmitted from the second pressure chamber 221b to the communication flow path 16 can be suppressed. By this, the occurrence of deviation between the amount of the liquid flowing into the communication flow path 16 from the first pressure chamber 221a and the amount of the liquid flowing into the communication flow path 16 from the second pressure chamber 221b can be suppressed.
In the disclosure, “substantially in line symmetry” means not only perfect line symmetry but also asymmetry that may occur in production. For example, when the pressure chamber 221 is formed by anisotropic etching, a step or unevenness is generated on the side wall of the pressure chamber 221 or the side wall is inclined as shown in
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The segment electrode 240 is a conductive layer and constitutes a lower electrode in the drive element 1100. The segment electrode 240 may be a metal layer containing, for example, any one of platinum (Pt), iridium (Ir), gold (Au), and nickel (Ni).
In addition, although omitted in
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The common electrode 260 is formed to cover at least a part of the movable region 215 in plan view. As shown in
The drive element 1100 has the driver 220 provided in correspondence with each pressure chamber 221. The driver 220 is a part of the piezoelectric layer 250 being sandwiched between the common electrode 260 and the segment electrode 240 on the pressure chamber 221. By applying a voltage as a drive pulse to the segment electrode 240, the driver 220 is deformed and pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 221. Here, the driver 220 disposed on the first pressure chamber 221a in order to vary the liquid pressure of the first pressure chamber 221a is also referred to as a first driver 220a. Further, a driver disposed on the second pressure chamber 221b in order to vary the liquid pressure of the second pressure chamber 221b is also referred to as a second driver 220b.
The first lead electrode 270 is electrically coupled to the common electrode 260 at the second portion 252 of the piezoelectric layer 250. Further, the first lead electrode 270 is electrically coupled to the nozzle drive circuit 28 shown in
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As described above, the chamber plate 13 has a plurality of pressure chambers 221 arranged along the first axis direction X, the driver 220 of the drive element 1100 provided in correspondence with each pressure chamber 221, and the plurality of second lead electrodes 276 for supplying a drive pulse COM which is an electric signal to the drive element 1100. As shown in
Here, among the plurality of segment electrodes 240 constituting the drive element 1100, an electrode which is formed so as to overlap the first pressure chamber 221a and not to overlap the second pressure chamber 221b in plan view is referred to as a first segment electrode 240a. Among the plurality of segment electrodes 240, an electrode which is formed so as to overlap the second pressure chamber 221b and not to overlap the first pressure chamber 221a in plan view is referred to as a second segment electrode 240b.
In the embodiment, as illustrated in
The maximum width W276 of the second lead electrode 276 as the lead electrode in the first axis direction X is preferably 50% to 80% of a nozzle pitch PN of the nozzle row. In this way, variations in current flowing in the second lead electrode 276 can be reduced. Further, in this way, the interval between the two adjacent second lead electrodes 276 is easily secured sufficiently, the occurrence of short circuit can be suppressed. In the embodiment, the nozzle pitch PN is a pitch of 150 dpi.
As described above, wiring of the electric signals to the first segment electrode 240a and the second segment electrode 240b can be made common by the second lead electrode 276 located closer to the drive element 1100. By this, in the drive element 1100, variations between a wiring impedance from the nozzle drive circuit 28 to the first segment electrode 240a and a wiring impedance from the nozzle drive circuit 28 to the second segment electrode 240b can be reduced. Accordingly, since the liquid can be supplied more uniformly to the nozzle Nz from the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b, the possibility that the discharge characteristics of the nozzles Nz vary can be reduced.
In the first embodiment, the first segment electrode 240a provided in correspondence with the first pressure chamber 221a communicating with one nozzle Nz and the second segment electrode 240b provided in the second pressure chamber 221b communicating with one nozzle Nz are separate electrodes arranged at intervals in the first axis direction X. However, the formation mode of the first segment electrode 240a and the second segment electrode 240b is not limited to this.
Hereinafter, another formation mode of the first segment electrode 240a and the second segment electrode 240b will be described with reference to
In
As described above, in the first embodiment, as shown in
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In the embodiment, although a mode in which a liquid is supplied from each of the first reservoir 42a and the second reservoir 42b has been described, as in the thirteenth embodiment described later, the same liquid discharging head 26 may be used as a so-called liquid circulation head. In such a case, for example, in a case where the liquid flows from the first pressure chamber 221a to the second pressure chamber 221b through one communication flow path 16 as shown by the direction of the dotted arrow in
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Further, according to the first embodiment, a plurality of sets of the first pressure chamber 221a, the second pressure chamber 221b, one nozzle Nz, and one second lead electrode 276 are provided as many as the number of the nozzles Nz constituting the nozzle row. Further, the plurality of nozzles Nz corresponding to each set are arranged side by side along the first axis direction X as shown in
Further, according to the first embodiment, as shown in
According to the above-described first embodiment, when the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b communicate with one nozzle Nz, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of each pressure chamber 221. That is, larger amount of liquid can be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing the lowering of the discharge efficiency in which the liquid is discharged from the nozzle Nz.
The difference between the flow path plate 150 of the second embodiment and the flow path plate 15 of the first embodiment is the configuration of a first through-hole flow path 1620 of the first flow path plate 15a. Since the other configuration of the flow path plate 150 is the same as the configuration of the flow path plate 15 of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
The first through-hole flow path 1620 penetrates the first flow path plate 15a1 in the third axis direction Z which is the plan view direction. A plurality of the first through-hole flow paths 1620 are provided in correspondence with each pressure chamber 221. That is, each pressure chamber 221 communicates with each corresponding first through-hole flow path 1620. The plurality of first through-hole flow paths 1620 are arranged side by side along the first axis direction X. Among the first through-hole flow paths 1620 adjacent to each other, a flow path facing the first pressure chamber 221a is referred to as the first flow path 162a, and a flow path facing the second pressure chamber 221b is referred to as the second flow path 162b. A flow path partition wall 159 is provided between the first flow path 162a and the second flow path 162b adjacent to each other communicating with one nozzle Nz. The first flow path 162a and the second flow path 162b adjacent to each other in plan view are arranged so as to overlap with one second through-hole flow path 164.
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Moreover, according to the second embodiment, the same effect is achieved in terms of having the same configuration as the first embodiment. For example, when the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b communicate with one nozzle Nz, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of each pressure chamber 221.
The difference between the liquid discharging head 26b of the third embodiment, and the liquid discharging head 26 of the first embodiment and the liquid discharging head 26a of the second embodiment is that the communication flow path 292 that causes the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b which commonly communicate with one nozzle Nz to communicate with the one nozzle Nz is formed on the nozzle plate 20b. The same reference numerals are given to the same components in the liquid discharging head 26b of the third embodiment and the liquid discharging head 26a of the second embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.
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The depth dimension Dpb of the communication flow path 292 is preferably equal to or larger than the depth dimension Dpa of the nozzle Nz. When the depth dimension Dpb of the communication flow path 292 is reduced, the flow path cross-sectional area of the communication flow path 292, that is, the cross-sectional area of the flow path forming the horizontal flow is reduced, and the inertance of the communication flow path 292 is increased. When the inertance of the communication flow path 292 is increased, it may cause a possibility that the liquid in the communication flow path 292 cannot be smoothly circulated. Thus, by making the depth dimension Dpb equal to or larger than the depth dimension Dpa, the increase in the inertance of the communication flow path 292 can be suppressed. By this, the lowering of the discharge efficiency from the nozzle Nz can be suppressed.
The depth dimension Dpb is preferably twice the depth dimension Dpa or less. In this way, it is possible to suppress the increase in manufacturing time when the communication flow path 292 is formed by etching or the like. Further, in this way, since the degree of manufacturing variations of the depth dimension Dpb of the communication flow path 292 can be reduced, the possibility of variations in the discharge amount of the liquid from each nozzle Nz can be reduced.
In the embodiment, the depth dimension Dpa of the nozzle Nz is 25 μm to 40 μm, and the depth dimension Dpb of the communication flow path 292 is 30 μm to 70 μm.
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Further, as in the first embodiment, the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b adjacent to each other are formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to a first virtual line Ln1 in plan view, and the communication flow path 292 is preferably formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to the first virtual line Ln1. In this way, a deviation in magnitude between the pressure wave transmitted from the first pressure chamber 221a to the communication flow path 292 and the pressure wave transmitted from the second pressure chamber 221b to the communication flow path 292 can be suppressed. By this, the occurrence of deviation between the amount of a liquid flowing into the communication flow path 292 from the first pressure chamber 221a and the amount of a liquid flowing into the communication flow path 292 from the second pressure chamber 221b can be suppressed.
One nozzle Nz communicating with the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b is preferably disposed to overlap with the first virtual line Ln1 in plan view. In this way, a deviation in magnitude between the pressure wave transmitted from the first pressure chamber 221a to the nozzle Nz and the pressure wave transmitted from the second pressure chamber 221b to the nozzle Nz can be further suppressed. By this, the occurrence of deviation between the amount of a liquid flowing into the nozzle Nz from the first pressure chamber 221a and the amount of a liquid flowing into the nozzle Nz from the second pressure chamber 221b can be further suppressed. In the embodiment, the center Ce of the nozzle Nz overlaps the first virtual line Ln in plan view.
It is preferable that a flow path from the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b toward one nozzle Nz is formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to the first virtual line Ln1 in plan view. By this, the occurrence of deviation between the amount of a liquid flowing into the communication flow path 292 from the first pressure chamber 221a and the amount of a liquid flowing into the communication flow path 292 from the second pressure chamber 221b can be further suppressed.
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According to the third embodiment, the same effect is achieved in terms of having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. For example, when the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b communicate with one nozzle Nz, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of each pressure chamber 221.
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In the embodiment, the second lead electrode 276 coupling four segment electrodes 240 provided in correspondence with each of four pressure chambers 221A, 221B, 221C, and 221D communicating with one nozzle Nz may be made common to the terminal 123. That is, lead wires electrically coupled to the four segment electrodes 240 may join in the middle to form one lead wire. In this way, since it is possible to suppress the shift in driving timing of the four drivers 220 provided in correspondence with each of the four pressure chambers 221A, 221B, 221C, and 221D, it is possible to suppress the lowering in the discharge efficiency of the nozzle Nz.
According to the fourth embodiment, the same effect is achieved in terms of having the same configuration as those of the first embodiment to the third embodiment. For example, when the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b communicate with one nozzle Nz, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of each pressure chamber 221.
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The chamber plate 13d is one sheet-like member. As shown in
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The flow path plate 15d is provided with, for each nozzle row, a reservoir 42d, a plurality of individual flow paths 19d provided in correspondence with each pressure chamber 221, and the communication flow path 16d provided in correspondence with each set of the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b.
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The individual flow path 19d is provided for each pressure chamber 221. The individual flow path 19d is a through-hole penetrating the flow path plate 15d in the third axis direction Z which is the plan view direction. The individual flow path 19d is rectangular in plan view. In the individual flow path 19d, an upstream end is coupled to the second manifold portion 425, and a downstream end is coupled to the pressure chamber 221.
The communication flow path 16d is a through-hole penetrating the flow path plate 15d in the third axis direction Z. The communication flow path 16d communicates with the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b which commonly communicate with one nozzle Nz. The communication flow path 16d is rectangular in plan view. As shown in
In the same way as the first embodiment, the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b adjacent to each other are formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to a first virtual line Ln1 in plan view, and the communication flow path 16d is preferably formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to the first virtual line Ln1 in plan view. As in the first embodiment, a nozzle Nz communicating with the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b adjacent to each other is preferably disposed to overlap the first virtual line Ln1 in plan view.
According to the fifth embodiment, the same effect is achieved in terms of having the same configuration as those of the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment. For example, when the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b communicate with one nozzle Nz, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of each pressure chamber 221.
In the liquid discharging heads 26 to 26d of the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment, the first coupling flow path 198 is configured to be shorter than the second coupling flow path 199 as shown in
In the sixth embodiment, the first inertance ITN1 is made smaller than the second inertance ITN2 by making the first flow path length shorter than the second flow path length. However, as long as the first inertance INT1 becomes smaller than the second inertance ITN2, another configuration may be adopted. For example, by making the cross-sectional area of at least some of the flow paths among the flow paths from one nozzle Nz to the second pressure chamber 221b smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path from one nozzle Nz to the first pressure chamber 221a, the first inertance INT1 may be smaller than the second inertance ITN2.
In the liquid discharging heads 26 to 26d of the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment, the first coupling flow path 198 is configured to be shorter than the second coupling flow path 199 as shown in
In the seventh embodiment, the flow path widths Wa and Wb are preferably set such that the inertance of the first coupling flow path 198 and the inertance of the second coupling flow path 199 are approximately the same. Further, in place of the flow path widths Wa and Wb of the downstream ends 223a and 223b, the flow path cross-sectional area of the other portion of the first coupling flow path 198 may be made smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of the second coupling flow path 199. That is, the liquid discharging head 26bb may be configured such that at least a part of the first coupling flow path 198 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of the second coupling flow path 199. In this way, it is possible to suppress the large deviation between the inertance of the second coupling flow path 199 and the inertance of the first coupling flow path 198.
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For example, since in the liquid discharging head 26 of the first embodiment shown in
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The nozzle drive circuit 28g may apply the first drive pulse COM1 to the first driver 220a and apply the second drive pulse COM2 to the second driver 220b. In this case, as shown in
Here, the respective components of the drive pulses COM1 and COM2 and the application timing may be appropriately determined according to the product specification and the characteristics of the liquid discharging head 26 to be used. For example, as shown in
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An intermediate coupling flow path 16h for coupling each pressure chamber 221 to a corresponding communication flow path 292h is formed in a flow path plate 15h of a head main body 11h. The intermediate coupling flow path 16h is a hole penetrating the flow path plate 15h in plan view direction. Liquids in the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b communicating with one nozzle Nz are joined together in the communication flow path 292h through the corresponding intermediate coupling flow path 16h.
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Further, the liquid discharging head 26h of the embodiment may adopt disclosure contents of the liquid discharging heads 26 to 26g of the first to eighth embodiments within the applicable range. For example, in plan view, the communication flow path 292h may be formed in a region larger than the coupled nozzle Nz. That is, in plan view, the nozzle Nz is arranged inside the contour of the communication flow path 292h. The depth dimension Dpb of the communication flow path 292h may be equal to or larger than the depth dimension Dpa of the nozzle Nz. The depth dimension Dpb may be twice the depth dimension Dpa or less. In the embodiment, the depth dimension Dpa of the nozzle Nz is 25 μm to 40 μm, and the depth dimension Dpb of the communication flow path 292 is 30 μm to 70 μm.
According to the ninth embodiment, one first pressure chamber 221a and the other second pressure chamber 221b of the two chamber rows communicate with one nozzle Nz through the communication flow path 292h. In this way, as in the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of each pressure chamber 221. Further, according to the ninth embodiment, the same effect is achieved in terms of having the same configuration as those of the first embodiment to the ninth embodiment.
As shown in
According to the tenth embodiment, one first pressure chamber 221a and the other second pressure chamber 221b of the two chamber rows communicate with one nozzle Nz through the communication flow path 292h. In this way, as in the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of each pressure chamber 221. Further, according to the ninth embodiment, the same effect is achieved in terms of having the same configuration as those of the first embodiment to the tenth embodiment.
The first segment electrode 240a is formed so as to overlap the first pressure chamber 221a and not to overlap the second pressure chamber 221b in plan view. The second segment electrode 240b is formed so as to overlap the second pressure chamber 221b and not to overlap the first pressure chamber 221a in plan view. In the embodiment, the first segment electrode 240a and the second segment electrode 240b are arranged at an interval in the second axis direction Y. Further, the first segment electrode 240a and the second segment electrode 240b form a base layer as in the first embodiment shown in
Each of the plurality of second lead electrodes 276 arranged in the first axis direction X is electrically coupled to corresponding terminal 123 such that the selected drive pulse COM is applied to the first segment electrode 240a and the second segment electrode 240b.
In the embodiment, the disclosure contents of the first to tenth embodiments may be adopted within the applicable range. For example, the first segment electrode 240a and the second segment electrode 240b may be formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to the first virtual line Ln1J in plan view. The first virtual line Ln1J is a line parallel to the first axis direction X.
According to the eleventh embodiment, the same effect is achieved in terms of having the same configuration as those of the first embodiment to the tenth embodiment. For example, wiring of the electric signals to the first segment electrode 240a and the second segment electrode 240b can be made common by the second lead electrode 276 located closer to the nozzle drive circuit 28. By this, in the drive element 1100j, variations between a wiring impedance from the nozzle drive circuit 28 to the first segment electrode 240a and a wiring impedance from the nozzle drive circuit 28 to the second segment electrode 240b can be reduced.
In the first to eleventh embodiments, for example, as shown in
A first individual lead electrode 276ka which is the second lead electrode is coupled to the first segment electrode 240a corresponding to the first pressure chamber 221a at the opening 257. The first individual lead electrode 276ka is drawn from the first segment electrode 240a of the first driver 220a. A second individual lead electrode 276kb which is the second lead electrode is coupled to the second segment electrode 240b corresponding to the second pressure chamber 221b at the opening 257. The second individual lead electrode 276kb is drawn from the second segment electrode 240b of the second driver 220b. A set of the first individual lead electrode 276ka and the second individual lead electrode 276kb extends in parallel along the second axis direction Y. A set of the first individual lead electrode 276ka and the second individual lead electrode 276kb is coupled in common to one terminal 123k. In the embodiment, one terminal 123k of the circuit substrate 29 overlaps to be coupled to the first individual lead electrode 276ka and the second individual lead electrode 276kb in plan view.
A maximum width W123 of one terminal 123k in the first axis direction X is preferably 50% to 80% of the nozzle pitch PN of the nozzle row. In this way, variations in current flowing in the one terminal 123k can be reduced. Further, in this way, the interval between the two adjacent terminals 123k can be sufficiently secured, the occurrence of short circuit can be suppressed.
As described above, wiring of the electric signals to the first segment electrode 240a and the second segment electrode 240b can be made common by the terminal 123k located closer to the nozzle drive circuit 28. By this, in the drive element 1100k, variations between a wiring impedance from the nozzle drive circuit 28 to the first segment electrode 240a and a wiring impedance from the nozzle drive circuit 28 to the second segment electrode 240b can be reduced. Accordingly, since the liquid can be supplied more uniformly to the nozzle from the first pressure chamber 221a and the second pressure chamber 221b, the possibility that the discharge characteristics of the nozzles Nz vary can be reduced.
The above-described twelfth embodiment has been described as the other aspect of the drive element 1100 of the first embodiment, but can also be applied as another aspect of the drive element 1100j shown in
In each of the above embodiments, although the first reservoirs 42a and 42da and the second reservoirs 42b and 42db are supply reservoirs that supply a liquid from the liquid container 14 that is a liquid supply source to the communication flow paths 16, 16c, 16d, 16i, 292, and 292h, it is not limited to this.
The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be realized in various aspects within a range not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the disclosure can be realized by the following aspects. The technical features in the embodiment corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate to solve some or all of the problems of the disclosure or to achieve some or all of the effects of the disclosure. Further, if the technical features are not described as essential in the present specification, they may be deleted as appropriate.
(1-1) According to one aspect of the disclosure, a liquid discharging head is provided. The liquid discharging head includes a nozzle plate having a first surface on which a nozzle that discharges a liquid is formed, and a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface, in which a communication flow path communicating with the nozzle is formed, and a chamber plate on which a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with the nozzle is formed, where the chamber plate is disposed on the second surface side of the nozzle plate, and a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber among the plurality of pressure chambers communicate with the nozzle through the one communication flow path.
According to this aspect, when the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber communicate with the nozzle, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of the pressure chamber.
(1-2) In the above aspect, the communication flow path may be formed in a region larger than that of the nozzle in plan view.
According to this aspect, the communication flow path can be formed in a region larger than that of the nozzle in plan view.
(1-3) In the above aspect, the communication flow path may be formed such that at least a part of the communication flow path overlaps the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber in plan view.
According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress increase in size of the liquid discharging head in a horizontal direction.
(1-4) In the above aspect, a depth dimension of the communication flow path may be equal to or more than a depth dimension of a nozzle.
According to this aspect, by making the depth dimension of the communication flow path equal to or greater than the depth dimension of the nozzle, increase in an inertance of the communication flow path can be suppressed.
(1-5) In the above aspect, the depth dimension of the communication flow path may be twice the depth dimension of the nozzle or less.
According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress increase in manufacturing time when the communication flow path is formed by etching or the like. Further, according to this aspect, since a degree of manufacturing variations of a depth dimension of the communication flow path can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the possibility of variations in a discharge amount of a liquid from each nozzle Nz.
(1-6) In the above aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to a first virtual line in plan view, and the communication flow path may be formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to the first virtual line in plan view.
According to this aspect, a deviation in magnitude between a pressure wave transmitted from the first pressure chamber to the communication flow path and a pressure wave transmitted from the second pressure chamber to the communication flow path can be suppressed. By this, an occurrence of a deviation between an amount of a liquid flowing into the communication flow path from the first pressure chamber and an amount of a liquid flowing into the communication flow path from the second pressure chamber can be suppressed.
(1-7) In the above aspect, the nozzle communicating with the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be disposed so as to overlap with the first virtual line in plan view.
According to this aspect, a deviation in magnitude between a pressure wave transmitted from the first pressure chamber to a nozzle and a pressure wave transmitted from the second pressure chamber to a nozzle can be suppressed. By this, an occurrence of a deviation between an amount of a liquid flowing into the nozzle from the first pressure chamber and an amount of a liquid flowing into the nozzle from the second pressure chamber can be further suppressed.
(1-8) In the above aspect, the liquid discharging head may further include an intermediate plate disposed between the nozzle plate and the chamber plate, and the intermediate plate may have a first through-hole and a second through-hole penetrating in a plan view direction, the first pressure chamber may communicate with the communication flow path through the first through-hole, and the second pressure chamber may communicate with the communication flow path through the second through-hole.
According to this aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber can be communicated with the communication flow path through the intermediate plate having the first through-hole and the second through-hole.
(1-9) In the above aspect, the liquid discharging head may further include a first reservoir and a second reservoir that commonly communicate with the plurality of pressure chambers, and the first pressure chamber may be coupled to the first reservoir, and the second pressure chamber may be coupled to the second reservoir.
According to this aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber can be coupled to different reservoirs.
(1-10) In the above aspect, the first reservoir may be a supply reservoir that supplies the liquid to the communication flow path, and the second reservoir may be a recovery reservoir that recovers the liquid from the communication flow path.
According to this aspect, it is possible to cause the first reservoir to function as a supply reservoir that supplies a liquid to the communication flow path, and cause the second reservoir to function as a recovery reservoir that recovers a liquid from the communication flow path.
(1-11) A liquid discharging apparatus including the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect and a mechanism for supplying the liquid to the first reservoir and recovering the liquid from the second reservoir may be provided.
According to this aspect, the liquid can be supplied to the first reservoir and the liquid can be recovered from the second reservoir.
(1-12) A liquid discharging apparatus including the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect and a mechanism for moving a medium that receives liquid discharged from the liquid discharging head relative to the liquid discharging head may be provided.
According to this aspect, the medium can be moved relatively to the liquid discharging head.
(2-1) According to another aspect of the disclosure, a liquid discharging head is provided. The liquid discharging head includes a nozzle that discharges a liquid, a chamber plate in which a plurality of pressure chambers are arranged side by side on a first surface side, and a flow path plate having a second surface bonded to the first surface of the chamber plate and formed with an opening of a communication flow path for causing the pressure chamber to communicate with the nozzle, where a first region of a partition wall between a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber adjacent to each other among the plurality of pressure chambers is constrained by being bonded to the second surface of the flow path plate, and the second region of the partition wall overlaps with the opening of the one communication flow path in plan view.
According to this aspect, when the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber communicate with the nozzle, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of the pressure chamber. Further, according to this aspect, by forming the opening of the communication flow path so as to overlap with the second region of the partition wall, an inertance of the communication flow path can be reduced. That is, by forming the opening of the communication flow path so as to overlap with the second region of the partition wall, a cross-sectional area of the communication flow path can be made larger. By this, since the inertance of the communication flow path can be reduced, a liquid can be smoothly circulated from the pressure chamber to the nozzle through the communication flow path. Accordingly, a discharge efficiency of a liquid from the nozzle can be improved.
(2-2) In the above aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are adjacent to each other along a first axis direction, the partition wall extends along a second axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction, and a length of the second region in the second axis direction may be equal to or smaller than half of a length of the first region in the second axis direction.
Here, when the length of the second region in the second axis direction is longer than half of the length of the first region in the second axis direction, the first region becomes relatively small, and an influence of lowering a discharge efficiency due to increase in a compliance of the pressure chamber may be significant. According to this aspect, by setting the length of the second region in the second axis direction to be equal to or smaller than half of the length of the first region in the second axis direction, the discharge efficiency of a liquid from the nozzle can be improved.
(2-3) In the above aspect, the length of the second region in the second axis direction may be equal to or greater than a width of each of the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber in the first axis direction.
According to this aspect, a discharge efficiency of a liquid from the nozzle can be further improved.
(2-4) In the above aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be adjacent to each other along a first axis direction, the partition wall may extend along a second axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction, and a length of the second region in the second axis direction may be equal to or greater than a width of each of the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber in the first axis direction.
According to this aspect, since it is possible to suppress a reduction in a cross-sectional area of the communication flow path, it is possible to further suppress an increase in an inertance of the communication flow path. Accordingly, a discharge efficiency of discharging a liquid from the nozzle can be prevented from being greatly reduced.
(2-5) In the above aspect, a base material of the flow path plate and a base material of the chamber plate may be the same.
According to this aspect, since a linear expansion coefficient between a chamber plate and a flow path plate can be made substantially the same, an occurrence of warpage or cracks due to heat, peeling, and the like can be suppressed.
(2-6) In the above aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to a first virtual line in plan view, and the communication flow path may be formed substantially in line symmetry with respect to the first virtual line in plan view.
According to this aspect, a deviation in magnitude between a pressure wave transmitted from a first pressure chamber to the communication flow path and a pressure wave transmitted from a second pressure chamber to the communication flow path can be suppressed. By this, an occurrence of a deviation between an amount of a liquid flowing into the communication flow path from the first pressure chamber and an amount of a liquid flowing into the communication flow path from the second pressure chamber can be suppressed.
(2-7) In the above aspect, the nozzle communicating with the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be disposed so as to overlap with the first virtual line in plan view.
According to this aspect, a deviation in magnitude between a pressure wave transmitted from the first pressure chamber to the nozzle and a pressure wave transmitted from the second pressure chamber to the nozzle can be suppressed. By this, an occurrence of a deviation between an amount of a liquid flowing into the nozzle from the first pressure chamber via the communication flow path and an amount of a liquid flowing into the nozzle from the second pressure chamber via the communication flow path can be suppressed.
(2-8) In the above aspect, the liquid discharging head may further include a first reservoir and a second reservoir that commonly communicate with the plurality of pressure chambers, and the first pressure chamber may be coupled to the first reservoir, and the second pressure chamber may be coupled to the second reservoir.
According to this aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber can be coupled to different reservoirs.
(2-9) In the above aspect, the first reservoir may be a supply reservoir that supplies the liquid to the communication flow path, and the second reservoir may be a recovery reservoir that recovers the liquid from the communication flow path.
According to this aspect, it is possible to cause the first reservoir to function as a supply reservoir that supplies a liquid to the communication flow path, and cause the second reservoir to function as a recovery reservoir that recovers a liquid from the communication flow path.
(2-10) In the above aspect, the liquid discharging head may further include a drive element that varies a liquid pressure of the pressure chamber, and a first drive element which is the drive element corresponding to the first pressure chamber and a second drive element which is the drive element corresponding to the second pressure chamber may be driven independently of each other.
According to this aspect, by driving the first drive element and the second drive element independently of each other, generation of a crosstalk occurred between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber through a second region can be reduced.
(2-11) A liquid discharging apparatus including the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect and a mechanism for supplying the liquid to the first reservoir and recovering the liquid from the second reservoir may be provided.
According to this aspect, a liquid can be supplied to the first reservoir and a liquid can be recovered from the second reservoir.
(2-12) A liquid discharging apparatus may include the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect, and a drive circuit that drives the first drive element and the second drive element, and the drive circuit may apply a first drive pulse to the first drive element and may apply a second drive pulse different from the first drive pulse to the second drive element.
According to this aspect, by applying the first drive pulse to the first drive element and applying the second drive pulse to the second drive element, generation of a crosstalk occurred between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber through a second region can be reduced.
(2-13) A liquid discharging apparatus including the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect and a mechanism for moving a medium that receives a liquid discharged from the liquid discharging head relative to the liquid discharging head may be provided.
According to this aspect, the medium can be moved relatively to the liquid discharging head.
(3-1) According to another aspect of the disclosure, a liquid discharging head is provided. The liquid discharging head includes a nozzle that discharges a liquid, a pressure chamber row in which a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with the nozzle are arranged side by side along a first axis direction, and a first reservoir and a second reservoir commonly communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers, where the pressure chamber row includes a first pressure chamber communicating with the first reservoir and a second pressure chamber communicating with the second reservoir, and the liquid discharging head further includes a communication flow path causing the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber to commonly communicate with the one nozzle.
According to this aspect, when the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber communicate with the nozzle, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing an increase in volume of the pressure chamber.
(3-2) In the above aspect, a plurality of sets of the first pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber, the communication flow path, and the one nozzle may be provided, and the plurality of one nozzles corresponding to the sets may be arranged side by side along the first axis direction to form a nozzle row.
According to this aspect, the liquid can be discharged from a plurality of nozzles arranged side by side along the first axis direction.
(3-3) In the above aspect, when the liquid flows from the first pressure chamber to the second pressure chamber through the one communication flow path, directions of the liquid flowing through each communication flow path of each set may be the same.
Here, when the liquid flows from the first pressure chamber to the second pressure chamber through the communication flow path, the direction of the liquid discharged from the nozzle may be shifted with respect to a nozzle opening direction due to a flow near the nozzle. Thus, a degree of variations in the direction of a liquid discharged from each nozzle can be made small by aligning the direction of the flow of each communication flow path.
(3-4) In the above aspect, the first reservoir and the second reservoir may be provided such that at least a part of the first reservoir and the second reservoir overlap each other when viewed in plan in a liquid discharge direction.
According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the liquid discharge head in a horizontal direction.
(3-5) In the above aspect, the liquid discharging head may further include a first coupling flow path coupling the first pressure chamber and the first reservoir, and a second coupling flow path coupling the second pressure chamber and the second reservoir, and a flow path length of the first coupling flow path may be shorter than a flow path length of the second coupling flow path.
According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a liquid discharging head of which the first coupling flow path is shorter than the second coupling flow path.
(3-6) In the above aspect, a flow path length from the one nozzle to the first pressure chamber may be shorter than a flow path length from the one nozzle to the second pressure chamber.
Here, an inertance on the coupling flow path side or the inertance on the nozzle side from the pressure chamber affects a discharge efficiency of a liquid from the pressure chamber to the nozzle. For example, when the inertance on the coupling flow path side becomes relatively large, the efficiency of the flow from the pressurized pressure chamber to the nozzle, that is, the discharge efficiency becomes relatively large. On the other hand, when the inertance on the nozzle side becomes relatively large, the discharge efficiency from the pressurized pressure chamber becomes relatively small. Therefore, the difference in inertance between the first coupling flow path and the second coupling flow path may cause an imbalance of the discharge efficiency from the nozzle between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. In order to compensate for or reduce such imbalance, it is preferable to adjust the inertance by making the flow path length from one nozzle to the first pressure chamber shorter than the flow path length from the one nozzle to the second pressure chamber as in the above-described aspect.
(3-7) In the above aspect, a first inertance between the one nozzle and the first pressure chamber may be smaller than a second inertance between the one nozzle and the second pressure chamber.
Here, the inertance on the coupling flow path side or the inertance on the nozzle side seen from the pressure chamber affects the discharge efficiency of a liquid from the pressure chamber to the nozzle. For example, when the inertance on the coupling flow path side becomes relatively large, the efficiency of the flow from the pressurized pressure chamber to the nozzle, that is, the discharge efficiency becomes relatively large. On the other hand, when the inertance on the nozzle side becomes relatively large, the discharge efficiency from the pressurized pressure chamber becomes relatively small. Therefore, the difference in inertance between the first coupling flow path and the second coupling flow path may cause an imbalance of the discharge efficiency from the nozzle between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. In order to compensate for or reduce such imbalance, it is preferable that a first inertance is smaller than a second inertance as the above-described aspect.
(3-8) In the above aspect, a flow path cross-sectional area of at least a part of the first coupling flow path may be smaller than a flow path cross-sectional area of the second coupling flow path.
According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress a large deviation between an inertance of the second coupling flow path and an inertance of the first coupling flow path.
(3-9) In the above aspect, the first reservoir may be a supply reservoir that supplies the liquid to the communication flow path, and the second reservoir may be a recovery reservoir that recovers the liquid from the communication flow path.
According to this aspect, it is possible to cause the first reservoir to function as a supply reservoir that supplies a liquid to the communication flow path, and cause the second reservoir to function as a recovery reservoir that recovers a liquid from the communication flow path.
(3-10) A liquid discharging apparatus including the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect and a mechanism for supplying the liquid to the first reservoir and recovering the liquid from the second reservoir may be provided.
According to this aspect, a liquid can be supplied to the first reservoir and liquid can be recovered from the second reservoir.
(3-11) A liquid discharging apparatus including the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect, and a mechanism for moving a medium that receives a liquid discharged from the liquid discharging head relative to the liquid discharging head may be provided.
According to this aspect, the medium can be moved relatively to the liquid discharging head.
(4-1) According to another aspect of the disclosure, a liquid discharging head is provided. The liquid discharging head includes a nozzle that discharges a liquid, a chamber plate having a plurality of pressure chambers, drive elements provided in correspondence with each pressure chamber, and a plurality of lead electrodes for supplying electric signals to the drive elements, and a circuit substrate having terminals coupled to the lead electrodes, where the plurality of pressure chambers include a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber, the chamber plate includes a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber commonly communicating with the one nozzle, and a first segment electrode and a second segment electrode constituting the drive element, the first segment electrode being formed so as to overlap the first pressure chamber and not to overlap the second pressure chamber in plan view, and the second segment electrode being formed so as to overlap the second pressure chamber and not to overlap the first pressure chamber in plan view, and the first segment electrode and the second segment electrode are coupled to one common lead electrode.
According to this aspect, when the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber communicate with one nozzle, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of the pressure chamber. Further, according to this aspect, wiring of the electric signals to the first segment electrode and the second segment electrode can be made common by the lead electrode located closer to the drive element. By this, in the drive element, variations between a wiring impedance from the circuit substrate to the first segment electrode and a wiring impedance from the circuit substrate to the second segment electrode can be reduced. Therefore, since the liquid can be supplied to the nozzle more uniformly from the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, the possibility that discharge characteristics of the nozzle vary can be reduced.
(4-2) In the above aspect, the first segment electrode and the second segment electrode may be formed as part of a common electrode layer.
According to this aspect, the first segment electrode and the second segment electrode can be formed using the common electrode layer.
(4-3) In the above aspect, the first segment electrode and the second segment electrode may be substantially in line symmetry with respect to a first virtual line in plan view, and the one lead electrode may be formed so as to straddle the first virtual line in the plan view.
According to this aspect, variations between a wiring impedance from the circuit substrate to the first segment electrode and a wiring impedance from the circuit substrate to the second segment electrode can be reduced.
(4-4) In the above aspect, the terminal and the lead electrode may be coupled at a position overlapping the first virtual line in the plan view.
According to this aspect, variations between a wiring impedance from the circuit substrate to the first segment electrode and a wiring impedance from the circuit substrate to the second segment electrode can be further reduced.
(4-5) In the above aspect, a plurality of sets of the first pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber, the one nozzle, and the one lead electrode may be provided, and a plurality of the one nozzles corresponding to the sets may be arranged side by side along a first axis direction to form a nozzle row.
According to this aspect, a plurality of one nozzles corresponding to each set can be arranged side by side along a first axis direction.
(4-6) In the above aspect, a maximum width of the one lead electrode in the first axis direction may be 50% to 80% of a nozzle pitch of the nozzle row.
According to this aspect, variations in current flowing in one lead electrode can be reduced. Further, according to this aspect, since an interval between two adjacent lead electrodes is easily secured sufficiently, an occurrence of short circuit can be suppressed.
(4-7) In the above aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be arranged side by side along the first axis direction.
According to this aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber arranged side by side along the first axis direction can be formed.
(4-8) In the above aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be arranged side by side along a second axis direction intersecting the first axis direction.
According to this aspect, a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber arranged side by side along the second axis direction can be formed.
(4-9) In the above aspect, the liquid discharging head may further include a first reservoir and a second reservoir that commonly communicate with the plurality of pressure chambers, and the first pressure chamber may be coupled to the first reservoir, and the second pressure chamber may be coupled to the second reservoir.
According to this aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber can be coupled to different reservoirs.
(4-10) In the above aspect, the liquid discharging head may further include a communication flow path causing the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber to communicate with the one nozzle, and the first reservoir may be a supply reservoir that supplies the liquid to the communication flow path and the second reservoir may be a recovery reservoir that recovers the liquid from the communication flow path.
According to this aspect, it is possible to cause the first reservoir to function as a supply reservoir that supplies a liquid to the communication flow path, and cause the second reservoir to function as a recovery reservoir that recovers a liquid from the communication flow path.
(4-11) A liquid discharging apparatus including the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect, and a mechanism for supplying the liquid to the first reservoir and recovering the liquid from the second reservoir may be provided.
According to this aspect, a liquid can be supplied to the first reservoir and liquid can be recovered from the second reservoir.
(4-12) A liquid discharging apparatus including the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect, and a mechanism for moving a medium that receives liquid discharged from the liquid discharging head relative to the liquid discharging head may be provided.
According to this aspect, the medium can be moved relatively to the liquid discharging head.
(5-1) According to another aspect of the disclosure, a liquid discharging head is provided. The liquid discharging head includes a nozzle that discharges a liquid, a chamber plate having a plurality of pressure chambers, drive elements provided in correspondence with each pressure chamber, and a plurality of lead electrodes for supplying electric signals to the drive elements, and a circuit substrate having terminals coupled to the lead electrodes, where the plurality of pressure chambers include a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber communicating with the one nozzle, the plurality of lead electrodes include a first individual lead electrode drawn from a first drive element that is the drive element corresponding to the first pressure chamber, and a second individual lead electrode drawn from a second drive element that is the drive element corresponding to the second pressure chamber, and the one terminal of the circuit substrate is coupled so as to overlap the first individual lead electrode and the second individual lead electrode in plan view.
According to this aspect, when the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber communicate with one nozzle, it is possible to cause larger amount of liquid to be discharged from the nozzle while suppressing increase in volume of the pressure chamber. Further, according to this aspect, wiring of the electric signals to the first segment electrode and the second segment electrode can be made common by the terminal located closer to the drive element. By this, in the drive element, variations between a wiring impedance from the circuit substrate to the first segment electrode and a wiring impedance from the circuit substrate to the second segment electrode can be reduced. Therefore, since the liquid can be supplied to the nozzle more uniformly from the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, the possibility that discharge characteristics of the nozzle vary can be reduced.
(5-2) In the above aspect, a plurality of sets of the first pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber, the one nozzle, and the terminal are provided, and a plurality of the one nozzles corresponding to the sets may be arranged side by side along a first axis direction to form a nozzle row.
According to this aspect, it is possible to configure a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged side by side along the first axis direction.
(5-3) In the above aspect, a maximum width of the terminal in the first axis direction may be 50% to 80% of a nozzle pitch of the nozzle row.
According to this aspect, variations in current flowing in the terminal can be reduced. Further, according to this aspect, since an interval between two adjacent terminals is easily secured sufficiently, the occurrence of short circuit can be suppressed.
(5-4) In the above aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be arranged side by side along the first axis direction.
According to this aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber arranged side by side along the first axis direction can be provided.
(5-5) In the above aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be arranged side by side along a second axis direction intersecting the first axis direction.
According to this aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber arranged side by side along the second axis direction can be provided.
(5-6) In the above aspect, the liquid discharging head may further include a first reservoir and a second reservoir that commonly communicate with the plurality of pressure chambers, and the first pressure chamber may be coupled to the first reservoir, and the second pressure chamber may be coupled to the second reservoir.
According to this aspect, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber can be coupled to different reservoirs.
(5-7) In the above aspect, the liquid discharging head may further include a communication flow path causing the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber to communicate with the one nozzle, and the first reservoir may be a supply reservoir that supplies the liquid to the communication flow path and the second reservoir may be a recovery reservoir that recovers the liquid from the communication flow path.
According to this aspect, it is possible to cause the first reservoir to function as a supply reservoir that supplies a liquid to the communication flow path, and cause the second reservoir to function as a recovery reservoir that recovers a liquid from the communication flow path.
(5-8) A liquid discharging apparatus including the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect and a mechanism for supplying the liquid to the first reservoir and recovering the liquid from the second reservoir may be provided.
According to this aspect, a liquid can be supplied to the first reservoir and a liquid can be recovered from the second reservoir.
(5-9) A liquid discharging apparatus including the liquid discharging head of the above-described aspect, and a mechanism for moving a medium that receives a liquid discharged from the liquid discharging head relative to the liquid discharging head may be provided.
According to this aspect, the medium can be moved relatively to the liquid discharging head.
The disclosure can be realized in various forms other than a liquid discharging head and a liquid discharging apparatus. For example, a manufacturing method of a liquid discharging head and a liquid discharging apparatus, a control method of a liquid discharging apparatus, a program for executing a control method, and the like can be realized.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2019-059862 | Mar 2019 | JP | national |