Patent Application
20240278567
The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2023-024069, filed Feb. 20, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejecting head and a liquid ejecting apparatus.
In the related art, a liquid ejecting apparatus typified by an ink jet type printer generally includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid such as an ink as a droplet.
For example, a liquid ejecting head disclosed in JP-A-2015-39804 includes a head chip that ejects an ink from a nozzle, and a flow path structure that holds the head chip and supplies an ink to the head chip. Here, the head chip is provided with an inlet, and the head chip is fixed to a flow path member by an adhesive provided around the inlet, whereby the inlet is liquid-tightly coupled to an outlet of a flow path of the flow path structure.
In the liquid ejecting head, for example, when the head chip fails, there is a demand to regenerate the liquid ejecting head by replacing only the head chip. In addition, when a portion of the liquid ejecting head other than the head chip fails, there is a demand to reuse the head chip by removing the non-failed head chip from the flow path structure and mounting it on another liquid ejecting head.
However, in the liquid ejecting head disclosed in JP-A-2015-39804, the inlet of the head chip and the outlet of the flow path structure are coupled to each other via the adhesive, so that it is difficult to separate the head chip and the flow path structure. Under such circumstances, it is desired to realize a liquid ejecting head capable of regenerating the liquid ejecting head by replacing the head chip or capable of reusing the head chip as a portion of another liquid ejecting head, while preventing misalignment of the head chip.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid ejecting head including: a plurality of head chips each having a nozzle plate provided with a plurality of nozzles that eject a liquid in a first direction; a fixed plate having a flat plate portion that is provided with a plurality of exposure opening portions for exposing, to an outside, at least a portion of each of a plurality of the nozzle plates and to which the plurality of head chips are fixed; and a holder having a flow path forming portion provided with a plurality of first coupling flow paths that are open in the first direction and a wall portion protruding from the flow path forming portion in the first direction and fixed to the flat plate portion, in which the plurality of head chips are accommodated in an accommodation space defined by the flat plate portion, the flow path forming portion, and the wall portion, at least one head chip among the plurality of head chips has a flow path pipe in which a second coupling flow path is provided and which protrudes in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and in a state where the flow path pipe is inserted into any one first coupling flow path among the plurality of first coupling flow paths, the one first coupling flow path communicates with the second coupling flow path in a liquid-tight manner via an elastic sealing member disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the one first coupling flow path and an outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe when viewed in the first direction.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid ejecting head including: a plurality of head chips each having a nozzle plate provided with a plurality of nozzles that eject a liquid in a first direction; a fixed plate having a flat plate portion that is provided with a plurality of exposure opening portions for exposing, to an outside, at least a portion of each of a plurality of the nozzle plates and to which the plurality of head chips are fixed; and a holder having a flow path forming portion provided with a plurality of first coupling flow paths that are open in the first direction and a wall portion protruding from the flow path forming portion in the first direction and fixed to the flat plate portion, in which the plurality of head chips are accommodated in an accommodation space defined by the flat plate portion, the flow path forming portion, and the wall portion, at least one head chip among the plurality of head chips has a second coupling flow path communicating with at least a portion of the plurality of nozzles, the flow path forming portion has a flow path pipe in which any one first coupling flow path among the plurality of first coupling flow paths is provided and which protrudes in the first direction, and in a state where the flow path pipe is inserted into the second coupling flow path, the one first coupling flow path communicates with the second coupling flow path in a liquid-tight manner via an elastic sealing member disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the second coupling flow path and an outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe when viewed in the first direction.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid ejecting apparatus including: the liquid ejecting head according to any one of the above-described aspects; and a controller controlling an operation of the liquid ejecting head.
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, dimensions and scales of each portion are appropriately different from actual ones, and some portions are schematically illustrated to facilitate understanding. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the forms unless the present disclosure is particularly limited in the following description.
The following description will be performed by using an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis that intersect each other as appropriate. In addition, one direction along the X axis is referred to as an X1 direction, and a direction opposite to the X1 direction is referred to as an X2 direction. Similarly, directions opposite to each other along the Y axis are referred to as a Y1 direction and a Y2 direction. In addition, directions opposite to each other along the Z axis are referred to as a Z1 direction and a Z2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of a “first direction”, and the Z1 direction is an example of a “second direction”. In the following, viewing in the direction along the Z axis is referred to as “plan view”.
Here, typically, the Z axis is a vertical axis, and the Z2 direction corresponds to a downward direction in a vertical direction. Note that the Z axis does not have to be the vertical axis. In addition, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are typically orthogonal to each other. However, without being limited to this, all of these need only intersect each other at an angle within a range of, for example, 80° or more and 100° or less.
As illustrated in
The liquid container 10 is a container that stores an ink. Specific examples of the liquid container 10 include a cartridge that is attachable to and detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus 100, a bag-like ink pack formed of a flexible film, and an ink tank that can be refilled with an ink. A type of the ink stored in the liquid container 10 is not particularly limited, and is set in any desired way.
The control unit 20 controls an operation of each element of the liquid ejecting apparatus 100. The control unit 20 includes, for example, a process circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a storage circuit such as a semiconductor memory, and controls an operation of each element of the liquid ejecting apparatus 100.
The transport mechanism 30 transports the medium M in a direction DM under the control of the control unit 20. The direction DM of the present embodiment is the X1 direction. In the example illustrated in
Under the control of the control unit 20, the liquid ejecting head 50 ejects the ink supplied from the liquid container 10 onto the medium M in the Z2 direction from each of a plurality of nozzles N. The liquid ejecting head 50 is a line head that has a plurality of head chips 51 disposed such that the plurality of nozzles are distributed over the entire range of the medium M in the direction along the Y axis, and that is elongated in the direction in which the Y axis extends. When the ejection of the ink from the liquid ejecting head 50 is performed in parallel with the transport of the medium M by the transport mechanism 30, an image is formed at a surface of the medium M by means of the ink.
The number and the disposition of the head chips 51 included in the liquid ejecting head 50 are not limited to the example illustrated in
As illustrated in
The flow path substrate 51a and the pressure chamber substrate 51b are stacked in this order in the Z1 direction, and form a flow path for supplying the ink to the plurality of nozzles N. The vibration plate 51e, the plurality of drive elements 51f, the protective plate 51g, the case 51h, and the wiring substrate 51i are installed in a region located in the Z1 direction with respect to a stacked body formed of the flow path substrate 51a and the pressure chamber substrate 51b. On the other hand, the nozzle plate 51c and the vibration absorbing body 51d are installed in a region located in the Z2 direction with respect to the stacked body. Each element of the head chip 51 is schematically a plate-shaped member elongated in the Y direction, and the elements are joined to each other by, for example, using an adhesive. Hereinafter, each element of the head chip 51 will be described in order.
The nozzle plate 51c is a plate-shaped member provided with the plurality of nozzles N of each of the nozzle row La and the nozzle row Lb. Each of the plurality of nozzles N is a through-hole through which an ink passes. A surface of the nozzle plate 51c facing the Z2 direction constitutes a portion of an ejection surface FN.
A space R1, a plurality of individual flow paths Ra, and a plurality of communication flow paths Na are provided in the flow path substrate 51a for each of the nozzle row La and the nozzle row Lb. The space R1 is an elongated opening extending in the direction along the Y axis in plan view in the direction along the Z axis. Each of the individual flow paths Ra and the communication flow paths Na is a through-hole formed for each nozzle N. Each individual flow path Ra communicates with the space R1. In the present specification, the term “communication” includes not only an aspect in which two target spaces are directly coupled to form one space but also an aspect in which two target spaces are coupled via another space to form one space.
The pressure chamber substrate 51b is a plate-shaped member provided with a plurality of pressure chambers C for each of the nozzle row La and the nozzle row Lb. The plurality of pressure chambers C are arranged in the direction along the Y axis. Each of the pressure chambers C is formed for each nozzle N, and is an elongated space extending in the direction along the X axis in plan view.
The pressure chamber C is a space located between the flow path substrate 51a and the vibration plate 51e. The plurality of pressure chambers C are arranged in the direction along the Y axis for each of the nozzle row La and the nozzle row Lb. In addition, the pressure chamber C communicates with each of the communication flow path Na and the individual flow path Ra. Therefore, the pressure chamber C communicates with the nozzle N via the communication flow path Na, and communicates with the space R1 via the individual flow path Ra.
The vibration plate 51e is disposed on a surface of the pressure chamber substrate 51b facing the Z1 direction. The vibration plate 51e is a plate-shaped member that can elastically vibrate. For example, the vibration plate 51e has an elastic film made of silicon oxide (SiO2) and an insulating film made of zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and these films are stacked in this order in the Z1 direction. The vibration plate 51e is not limited to the above-described configuration in which the elastic film and the insulating film are stacked, and may be, for example, configured of a single layer or three or more layers.
The plurality of drive elements 51f mutually corresponding to the nozzles N are disposed on a surface of the vibration plate 51e facing the Z1 direction for each of the nozzle row La and the nozzle row Lb. Each of the drive elements 51f is a passive element that deforms when supplied with a drive signal. Each drive element 51f has an elongated shape extending in the direction along the X axis in plan view. The plurality of drive elements 51f are arranged in the direction along the Y axis to correspond to the plurality of pressure chambers C. The drive element 51f overlaps the pressure chamber C in plan view.
Each drive element 51f is a piezoelectric element, and although not illustrated, the drive element 51f has a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode, which are stacked in this order in the Z1 direction. One of the first electrode and the second electrode is an individual electrode disposed to be separated from another electrode of the same type for each drive element 51f, and a drive signal Com is supplied to the one electrode. The other of the first electrode and the second electrode is a band-shaped common electrode extending in the direction along the Y axis to be continuous over the plurality of drive elements 51f, and for example, a constant potential is supplied to the other electrode. The piezoelectric layer is made of a piezoelectric material such as lead zirconate titanate (Pb(Zr, Ti)O3), and for example, has a band shape extending in the direction along the Y axis to be continuous over the plurality of drive elements 51f. Note that the piezoelectric layer may be integrated over the plurality of drive elements 51f. In this case, the piezoelectric layer is provided with a through-hole penetrating the piezoelectric layer to extend in the direction along the X axis in a region corresponding to, in plan view, a gap between the pressure chambers C adjacent to each other. When the vibration plate 51e vibrates in conjunction with deformation of the drive element 51f due to the supply of the drive signal Com to the individual electrode, the pressure inside the pressure chambers C fluctuates to eject the ink from the nozzle N. The drive element 51f is not limited to a piezoelectric element, and may be a heat generating element that ejects the ink from the nozzle N using a bubble generated by generating heat in the ink in the pressure chamber C.
The protective plate 51g is a plate-shaped member installed on the surface of the vibration plate 51e facing the Z1 direction, protects the plurality of drive elements 51f, and reinforces mechanical strength of the vibration plate 51e. Here, the plurality of drive elements 51f are accommodated between the protective plate 51g and the vibration plate 51e.
The case 51h is a member for storing the ink to be supplied to the plurality of pressure chambers C. For example, the case 51h is made of a resin material. The case 51h is provided with a space R2 for each of the nozzle row La and the nozzle row Lb. The space R2 is a space communicating with the above-described space R1, and functions as a reservoir R that stores the ink to be supplied to the plurality of pressure chambers C together with the space R1. The case 51h is provided with an inlet IH for supplying the ink to each reservoir R. The inlet IH is an example of a “second coupling flow path”, is open in the Z1 direction, and is coupled to a branch flow path Pa2 described below, which is an example of a “first coupling flow path”. The ink in each reservoir R is supplied to the pressure chamber C via each individual flow path Ra.
In the present embodiment, two inlets IH are provided for one reservoir R. One inlet IH of the two inlets IH is coupled to an end of the reservoir R in the Y1 direction, and the other inlet IH is coupled to an end of the reservoir R in the Y2 direction. As described above, one head chip 51 is provided with four inlets IH. The number of the inlets IH provided in one head chip 51 is not limited to four, and may be, for example, one or three or more for one reservoir R. In addition, the disposition of the inlet IH is not limited to the disposition in which the inlet IH is coupled to the end of the reservoir R in the Y1 direction or in the Y2 direction, and may be, for example, the disposition in which the inlet IH is coupled to the center of the reservoir R in the Y axis direction.
One inlet IH communicates with at least a portion of the plurality of nozzles N formed at the nozzle plate 51c. The nozzle plate 51c of the present embodiment has two nozzle rows La and Lb. Therefore, one inlet IH communicates with a portion of the plurality of nozzles N formed at the nozzle plate 51c, in other words, the plurality of nozzles N constituting the nozzle row La or the plurality of nozzles N constituting the nozzle row Lb. When the number of the nozzle rows formed at the nozzle plate 51c is one, the inlet IH may communicate with all the nozzles N formed at the nozzle plate 51c.
As will be described in detail below with reference to
The vibration absorbing body 51d is also called a compliance substrate, is a flexible resin film forming a wall surface of the reservoir R, and absorbs the pressure fluctuation in the ink in the reservoir R. The vibration absorbing body 51d may be a flexible thin plate made of metal. A surface of the vibration absorbing body 51d facing the Z1 direction is joined to the flow path substrate 51a by using an adhesive or the like. On the other hand, a frame body 56 is joined to a surface of the vibration absorbing body 51d facing the Z2 direction by using an adhesive or the like. The frame body 56 is a frame-shaped member along an outer periphery of the vibration absorbing body 51d, and is made of, for example, a metal material. As shown by a two-dot chain line in the drawing, a fixed plate 53, which will be described below, is joined to a surface of the frame body 56 facing the Z1 direction by using an adhesive or the like.
The wiring substrate 51i is mounted on the surface of the vibration plate 51e facing the Z1 direction, and is a mounting component for electrically coupling the head chip 51, a drive circuit 51j, and the control unit 20. The wiring substrate 51i is, for example, a flexible wiring substrate such as a chip on film (COF), a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a flexible flat cable (FFC). The drive circuit 51j is mounted on the wiring substrate 51i of the present embodiment. The drive circuit 51j is a circuit including a switching element for switching, based on a control signal SI, whether or not to supply at least a portion of a waveform included in the drive signal Com to the drive element 51f as a drive pulse.
In the above-described head chip 51, the drive element 51f is driven by the drive signal Com, so that the pressure inside the pressure chamber C fluctuates, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle N in accordance with the fluctuation.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The flow path structure 52 is a structure in which is provided a flow path Pa for supplying the ink from the liquid container 10 to the head chips 51-1 to 51-7. The flow path structure 52 is made of, for example, a resin material or a metal material.
As illustrated in
The common flow path Pa1 is a flow path that is commonly provided in the plurality of head chips 51. In the present embodiment, the common flow path Pa1 is configured of a flow path commonly provided in the head chips 51-1, 51-3, 51-5, and 51-7 and a flow path commonly provided in the head chips 51-2, 51-4, and 51-6. Each of these flow paths extends in the direction along the Y axis, and both ends of each flow path communicate with the opening HL facing the Z1 direction. The ink from the liquid container 10 is introduced into the opening HL.
The plurality of branch flow paths Pa2 are respectively provided for the inlets IH of each of the head chips 51-1 to 51-7 and communicate with the common flow path Pa1. The flow path pipe 51k of the head chip 51 is inserted into each of the plurality of branch flow paths Pa2 of the present embodiment. Thereby, each of the plurality of branch flow paths Pa2 communicates with the corresponding inlet IH. Here, a sealing member 61, which will be described below, is interposed between an outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k and an inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2, and each of the plurality of branch flow paths Pa2 is liquid-tightly coupled to the corresponding inlet IH. In
The flow path structure 52 has a plurality of recesses 52a that accommodate the plurality of head chips 51. Each of the plurality of recesses 52a is a depression provided on a surface of the flow path structure 52 facing the Z2 direction. The head chip 51 accommodated in such a recess 52a overlaps the flow path structure 52 in the direction along the Z axis. The plurality of recesses 52a may be respectively provided for the head chips 51 or may be respectively provided for groups of two or more head chips 51. Therefore, the number of the recesses 52a does not need to be equal to the number of the head chips 51, the number is not limited to the plural, and may be the singular.
Here, the flow path structure 52 has a flow path forming portion 52b, a wall portion 52c, and a plurality of pipe portions 52d. The flow path Pa is provided in the flow path forming portion 52b. The wall portion 52c protrudes from the flow path forming portion 52b in the Z2 direction so as to form the plurality of recesses 52a using a surface of the flow path forming portion 52b facing the Z2 direction as a bottom surface. Each of the plurality of pipe portions 52d protrudes from the flow path forming portion 52b in the Z1 direction, and each pipe portion 52d is provided with the opening HL and is coupled with a pipe body (not illustrated) for transporting the ink from the liquid container 10.
The fixed plate 53 is a plate-shaped member for fixing the plurality of head chips 51 to the flow path structure 52. The fixed plate 53 has a plate-shaped flat plate portion 53b, and the flat plate portion 53b is provided with a plurality of exposure opening portions 53a for exposing the nozzle plate 51c of each head chip 51 to an outside of the liquid ejecting head 50. As illustrated in
A surface of the fixed plate 53 facing the Z2 direction constitutes a portion of the ejection surface FN together with a portion, which is exposed from the exposure opening portion 53a, on a surface of each head chip 51 facing the Z2 direction.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Each of the plurality of flow path pipes 51k is a pipe body protruding in the Z1 direction, and the inlet IH is provided inside each of the flow path pipes 51k. The corresponding inlet IH is open to a tip surface of the flow path pipe 51k.
In the example illustrated in
The flow path pipe 51k is not limited to the shape having a constant width, and may have a plurality of portions having different widths or may have curved or bent portions, as long as the flow path pipe 51k can be inserted into the branch flow path Pa2.
In the example illustrated in
Each of the shapes of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k when viewed in the direction along the Z axis is not limited to a circular shape, and may be, for example, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape such as a quadrangular shape or a hexagonal shape.
On the other hand, each of the plurality of branch flow paths Pa2 is open to the surface of the flow path forming portion 52b facing the Z2 direction.
In the example illustrated in
Here, a portion of the branch flow path Pa2 in the Z2 direction from the stepped surface 52e extends in the direction along the Z axis with a constant width W2. Thereby, even when a positional relationship between the head chip 51 and the flow path structure 52 in the direction along the Z axis changes slightly in combination with the flow path pipe 51k with a constant width as described above, the fluctuation in a distance between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k and the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 can be reduced. As a result, even when the positional relationship between the head chip 51 and the flow path structure 52 in the direction along the Z axis changes slightly, the fluctuation in the liquid tightness due to the sealing member 61 can be reduced. Here, a gap is formed between a tip of the flow path pipe 51k and the stepped surface 52e. Thereby, a slight change in the positional relationship between the head chip 51 and the flow path structure 52 in the direction along the Z axis is allowed.
The inclined surface 52f and the stepped surface 52e may be provided as necessary and may be omitted. In addition, the branch flow path Pa2 is not limited to the above-described shape, and may have, for example, a curved or bent portion.
The width W2 of the branch flow path Pa2 is larger than the width W1 of the flow path pipe 51k. The width W1 is a width of the flow path pipe 51k in any one direction perpendicular to the Z axis. In addition, the width W2 is a width of the opening of the branch flow path Pa2 in the one direction. A difference between the width W1 and the width W2 is determined depending on the shape, size, or constituent material of the sealing member 61, is not particularly limited, and is set in any desired way.
In the example illustrated in
The shape of the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 when viewed in the direction along the Z axis is not limited to a circular shape, and may be, for example, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape such as a quadrangular shape or a hexagonal shape. In addition, when viewed in the direction along the Z axis, the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 may be different from the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k.
The flow path pipe 51k is inserted into the branch flow path Pa2 described above. Here, in order to make liquid-tight communication between the branch flow path Pa2 and the inlet IH, when the head chip 51 and the flow path structure 52 are liquid-tightly coupled to each other by using an adhesive, it is difficult to separate the head chip 51 and the flow path structure 52. As a result, it is difficult to regenerate the liquid ejecting head 50 by replacing the head chip 51 or to reuse the head chip 51 as a portion of another liquid ejecting head 50.
Under such circumstances, in order to make liquid-tight communication between the branch flow path Pa2 and the inlet IH, it is also conceivable that an elastic sealing member may be disposed in an elastically deformed state between the head chip 51 and the flow path structure 52 so as to be interposed in the Z1 direction or the Z2 direction in which the head chip 51 and the flow path structure 52 overlap, without using an adhesive. For example, it is conceivable to dispose an elastic sealing member between the above-described stepped surface 52e and the tip surface of the flow path pipe 51k.
However, in this case, since the sealing member is in an elastically deformed state by being compressed in the direction along the Z axis, a direction of reaction force due to the elastic deformation is the direction along the Z axis. When such reaction force acts on the head chip 51, the fixed plate 53 is deformed in the direction along the Z axis. Such deformation of the fixed plate 53 causes a decrease in the alignment accuracy of the head chip 51 fixed on the fixed plate 53 as described above.
Here, since the flat plate portion 53b of the fixed plate 53 has a relatively thin plate shape, the axial rigidity of the flat plate portion 53b in the direction perpendicular to the direction along the Z axis is greater than the shear rigidity of the flat plate portion 53b in the direction along the Z axis. Therefore, the flat plate portion 53b is easily deformed by the reaction force in the direction along the Z axis as described above, but it can be said that the flat plate portion 53b is difficult to deform in the direction perpendicular to the Z axis.
Therefore, the sealing member 61 is not interposed between the flow path structure 52 and the flow path pipe 51k in the direction along the Z axis, but is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k and the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 when viewed in the direction along the Z axis. Here, each of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface is a surface along the Z axis. Therefore, even when the sealing member 61 is elastically deformed in a state where the sealing member 61 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k and the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2, the direction of the reaction force due to the elastic deformation is mainly the direction perpendicular to the Z axis. Accordingly, by disposing the sealing member 61 between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k and the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2, it is possible to reduce the deformation of the fixed plate 53 due to the reaction force as described above.
The sealing member 61 is an annular elastic member disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k and the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2. The term “elastic” refers to a property of being elastically deformable. The sealing member 61 is made of, for example, an elastic material such as an elastomer. Examples of the elastomer include a thermosetting elastomer and a thermoplastic elastomer. Examples of the thermosetting elastomer include vulcanized rubber and a thermosetting resin-based elastomer such as silicone rubber or fluororubber. The sealing member 61 is disposed in an elastically deformed state by being interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k and the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2. Thereby, the flow path pipe 51k and the flow path structure 52 are liquid-tightly coupled to each other via the sealing member 61.
In the example illustrated in
In addition, as illustrated in
An inner diameter of the sealing member 61 in a natural state in which the flow path pipe 51k is removed from the flow path structure 52 is smaller than the width W2 of the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k. Thereby, the flow path pipe 51k and the flow path structure 52 can be liquid-tightly coupled to each other by the elastic deformation of the sealing member 61. The inner diameter is set such that a load applied to the sealing member 61 in a circumferential direction of the flow path pipe 51k due to this elastic deformation is smaller than fixing force of the fixed plate 53 to the head chip 51 in the direction perpendicular to the Z axis. As a result, the head chip 51 is prevented from coming off from the fixed plate 53 due to the reaction force due to the elastic deformation of the sealing member 61.
As described above, the above-described liquid ejecting head 50 includes the plurality of head chips 51, the fixed plate 53, and the flow path structure 52 which is an example of a “holder”. Each of the plurality of head chips 51 has the nozzle plate 51c. The nozzle plate 51c is provided with the plurality of nozzles N that eject an ink, which is an example of a “liquid”, in the Z2 direction, which is an example of a “first direction”. The fixed plate 53 has the flat plate portion 53b. The flat plate portion 53b is provided with the plurality of exposure opening portions 53a for exposing, to the outside, at least a portion of each of the plurality of nozzle plates 51c, and has the plurality of head chips 51 fixed thereto. The flow path structure 52 has the flow path forming portion 52b and the wall portion 52c. The flow path forming portion 52b is provided with the “plurality of branch flow paths Pa2”, which is an example of the “plurality of first coupling flow paths” that is open in the Z2 direction. The wall portion 52c protrudes from the flow path forming portion 52b in the Z2 direction and is fixed to the flat plate portion 53b.
Here, the plurality of head chips 51 are accommodated in the accommodation space S defined by the flat plate portion 53b, the flow path forming portion 52b, and the wall portion 52c. The head chip 51 has the flow path pipe 51k protruding in the Z1 direction, which is an example of the “second direction” opposite to the Z2 direction. Inside the flow path pipe 51k, the inlet IH, which is an example of the “second coupling flow path”, is provided. In a state where the flow path pipe 51k is inserted into the branch flow path Pa2, the branch flow path Pa2 communicates with the inlet IH in a liquid-tight manner via the elastic sealing member 61 disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k when viewed in the Z1 direction.
In the liquid ejecting head 50 described above, since the branch flow path Pa2 communicates with the inlet IH in a liquid-tight manner via the elastic sealing member 61, there is no need to adhere the head chip 51 and the flow path structure 52 to each other in order to couple these flow paths. Therefore, the head chip 51 can be detachably attached to the flow path structure 52. Accordingly, the head chip 51 can be suitably replaced.
Moreover, since the elastic sealing member 61 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k when viewed in the Z2 direction, it is possible to reduce the reaction force due to the elastic deformation during sealing of the sealing member 61, which is applied to the fixed plate 53 in the Z2 direction via the head chip 51, compared to an aspect in which the sealing member interposed between the head chip 51 and the flow path structure 52 in the Z2 direction is used. Therefore, the deformation of the fixed plate 53 can be reduced.
Here, when the flow path pipe 51k is inserted into the branch flow path Pa2 after the fixed plate 53 and the head chip 51 are adhered to each other, the reaction force due to the elastic deformation during sealing of the sealing member 61 may be applied to the fixed plate 53 in the direction intersecting the Z2 direction via the head chip 51. However, since the axial rigidity of the fixed plate 53 is higher than the shear rigidity, even when such reaction force is applied to the fixed plate 53, the fixed plate 53 is difficult to deform. As described above, the head chip 51 can be replaced while reducing the deformation of the fixed plate 53.
In the present embodiment, as described above, the sealing member 61 is disposed at a position in the Z1 direction from the center position P3 between the opening of the branch flow path Pa2 and the tip of the flow path pipe 51k. Therefore, a portion of a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k that communicates with the flow path can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the retention of bubbles and the sedimentation of components of the liquid in the flow path.
In addition, as described above, the sealing member 61 is not interposed between the flow path structure 52 and the flow path pipe 51k in the Z2 direction. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the reaction force due to the elastic deformation during sealing of the sealing member 61, which is applied to the fixed plate 53 in the Z2 direction via the head chip 51.
Furthermore, as described above, the load applied to the sealing member 61 in the circumferential direction of the flow path pipe 51k is smaller than the fixing force of the fixed plate 53 to the head chip 51 in the direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction. Accordingly, the head chip 51 is prevented from being separated from the fixed plate 53.
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment exemplified below, elements whose actions and functions are similar to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
The head chip 51A has the same configuration as the head chip 51 of the first embodiment except that the head chip 51A has a flow path pipe 51m instead of the flow path pipe 51k. The flow path pipe 51m has the same configuration as the flow path pipe 51k of the first embodiment except that the flow path pipe 51m has a tapered surface 51m1.
The tapered surface 51m1 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51m to reduce a cross-sectional area of the flow path pipe 51m perpendicular to the Z2 direction toward a tip. An inclination angle θ2 of the tapered surface 51m1 with respect to the Z axis is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of facilitating the insertion and removal of the flow path pipe 51m with respect to the branch flow path Pa2, the inclination angle θ2 is, for example, in a range of 8° or more and 50° or less, and preferably in a range of 20° or more and 45° or less. A shape of the tapered surface 51m1 is not limited to the illustrated example, and may be, for example, a curved shape when viewed in a cross section including the central axis of the flow path pipe 51m.
The flow path structure 52A has the same configuration as the flow path structure 52 of the first embodiment except that the inclined surface 52f and the stepped surface 52e are omitted. The flow path structure 52A may have the inclined surface 52f and the stepped surface 52e, as with the flow path structure 52 of the first embodiment.
The flow path pipe 51m is inserted into the branch flow path Pa2 of the flow path structure 52A described above. Here, the sealing member 61 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51m and the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 when viewed in the direction along the Z axis. Thereby, the branch flow path Pa2 communicates with the inlet IH in a liquid-tight manner.
Here, as in the first embodiment, the sealing member 61 is formed at the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 to be integrated with the branch flow path Pa2, and is disposed on an extension line LE of the tapered surface 51m1 when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the direction along the Z axis.
According to the above second embodiment as well, the liquid ejecting head 50A can be regenerated or the head chip 51A can be reused while preventing the misalignment of the head chip 51A. In the present embodiment, as described above, the sealing member 61 is formed at the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 to be integrated with the branch flow path Pa2. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51m has the tapered surface 51m1 to reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow path pipe 51m perpendicular to the Z2 direction toward the tip. Therefore, the insertability of the flow path pipe 51m into the branch flow path Pa2 can be improved compared to the aspect in which the flow path pipe 51k with a constant width is used as in the first embodiment. In addition, since the sealing member 61 is formed at the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 to be integrated with the branch flow path Pa2, the sealing member 61 can be stably disposed at a desired position in the branch flow path Pa2.
As described above, the sealing member 61 of the present embodiment is disposed on the extension line of the tapered surface 51m1 when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the Z2 direction. Therefore, a portion of a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51m that communicates with the flow path can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the retention of bubbles and the sedimentation of components of the liquid in the flow path.
When the flow path pipe 51m has the tapered surface 51m1 as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that elastic force of the sealing member 61 is prevented from acting on the tapered surface 51m1 by preventing the sealing member 61 from contacting the tapered surface 51m1.
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment exemplified below, elements whose actions and functions are similar to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
The flow path structure 52B has the same configuration as the flow path structure 52 of the first embodiment except that the flow path structure 52B has an inclined surface 52g and a stepped surface 52h instead of the inclined surface 52f and the stepped surface 52e.
The inclined surface 52g and the stepped surface 52h are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2. The inclined surface 52g is formed to reduce a cross-sectional area (that is, a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the Z axis) of the branch flow path Pa2 as it is directed in the Z1 direction. In addition, the stepped surface 52h is a surface perpendicular to the Z axis, and extends outward in a radial direction of the branch flow path Pa2 from an end of the inclined surface 52g in the Z1 direction. Here, the inclined surface 52g has a shape along the tapered surface 51m1 of the flow path pipe 51m, and the tapered surface 51m1 faces the inclined surface 52g. By providing such an inclined surface 52g, it is possible to reduce a gap between the tapered surface 51m1 and the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2.
The flow path pipe 51m is inserted into the branch flow path Pa2 of the flow path structure 52B described above. Here, the sealing member 61 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51m and the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 when viewed in the direction along the Z axis. Thereby, the branch flow path Pa2 communicates with the inlet IH in a liquid-tight manner. Here, as in the second embodiment, the sealing member 61 is disposed on an extension line LE of the tapered surface 51m1 when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the direction along the Z axis.
According to the above third embodiment as well, the liquid ejecting head 50B can be regenerated or the head chip 51A can be reused while preventing the misalignment of the head chip 51A. In the present embodiment, as described above, the flow path structure 52B has the inclined surface 52g facing the tapered surface 51m1 and formed along the tapered surface 51m1 in the branch flow path Pa2. Therefore, a portion of a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51m that communicates with the flow path can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the retention of bubbles and the sedimentation of components of the liquid in the flow path.
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment exemplified below, elements whose actions and functions are similar to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
The flow path structure 52C has the same configuration as the flow path structure 52B of the third embodiment except that the flow path structure 52C has an inclined surface 52i instead of the stepped surface 52h.
The inclined surface 52i is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2, and is formed to reduce a cross-sectional area (that is, a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the Z axis) of the branch flow path Pa2 as it is directed in the Z1 direction from the end of the inclined surface 52g in the Z1 direction. By providing such an inclined surface 52i, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss between the branch flow path Pa2 and the inlet IH.
The flow path pipe 51m is inserted into the branch flow path Pa2 of the flow path structure 52C described above. Here, the sealing member 61 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51m and the inner peripheral surface of the branch flow path Pa2 when viewed in the direction along the Z axis. Thereby, the branch flow path Pa2 communicates with the inlet IH in a liquid-tight manner. Here, as in the second embodiment, the sealing member 61 is disposed on an extension line LE of the tapered surface 51m1 when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the direction along the Z axis.
According to the above fourth embodiment as well, the liquid ejecting head 50C can be regenerated or the head chip 51A can be reused while preventing the misalignment of the head chip 51A.
It is preferable that the inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ2 are substantially the same. The term “substantially the same” as used herein means that a difference between the inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ2 is 10 degrees or less.
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment exemplified below, elements whose actions and functions are similar to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
As illustrated in
Here, the head chip 51D has the same configuration as the head chip 51 of the first embodiment except that the flow path pipe 51k is omitted and an inclined surface 51r and a stepped surface 51s are added. The flow path structure 52D has the same configuration as the flow path structure 52 of the first embodiment except that the inclined surface 52f and the stepped surface 52e are omitted and a flow path pipe 52j is added.
As illustrated in
Each of a plurality of the flow path pipes 52j is a pipe body protruding in the Z2 direction, and the branch flow path Pa2 is provided inside each of the flow path pipes 52j. The corresponding branch flow path Pa2 is open to a tip surface of the flow path pipe 52j.
In the example illustrated in
The flow path pipe 52j is not limited to the shape having a constant width, and may have a plurality of portions having different widths or may have curved or bent portions, as long as the flow path pipe 52j can be inserted into the inlet IH.
In the example illustrated in
Each of the shapes of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j when viewed in the direction along the Z axis is not limited to a circular shape, and may be, for example, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape such as a quadrangular shape or a hexagonal shape.
On the other hand, each of a plurality of the inlets IH of the head chip 51D is open to a surface of the head chip 51D facing the Z1 direction.
In the example illustrated in
Here, a portion of the inlet IH in the Z1 direction from the stepped surface 51s extends in the direction along the Z axis with a constant width W4. Thereby, even when a positional relationship between the head chip 51D and the flow path structure 52D in the direction along the Z axis changes slightly in combination with the flow path pipe 52j with a constant width as described above, the fluctuation in a distance between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j and the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH can be reduced. As a result, even when the positional relationship between the head chip 51D and the flow path structure 52D in the direction along the Z axis changes slightly, the fluctuation in the liquid tightness due to the sealing member 62 can be reduced. Here, a gap is formed between a tip of the flow path pipe 52j and the stepped surface 51s. Thereby, a slight change in the positional relationship between the head chip 51D and the flow path structure 52D in the direction along the Z axis is allowed.
The inclined surface 51r and the stepped surface 51s may be provided as necessary and may be omitted. In addition, the inlet IH is not limited to the above-described shape, and may have, for example, a curved or bent portion.
The width W4 of the inlet IH is larger than the width W3 of the flow path pipe 52j. The width W3 is a width of the flow path pipe 52j in any one direction perpendicular to the Z axis. In addition, the width W4 is a width of the opening of the inlet IH in the one direction. A difference between the width W3 and the width W4 is determined depending on the shape, size, or constituent material of the sealing member 62, is not particularly limited, and is set in any desired way.
In the example illustrated in
The shape of the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH when viewed in the direction along the Z axis is not limited to a circular shape, and may be, for example, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape such as a quadrangular shape or a hexagonal shape. In addition, when viewed in the direction along the Z axis, the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH may be different from the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j.
The flow path pipe 52j is inserted into the above inlet IH. Here, the sealing member 62 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j and the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH when viewed in the direction along the Z axis. The sealing member 62 is not interposed between the head chip 51D and the flow path pipe 52j in the direction along the Z axis.
The sealing member 62 is an annular elastic member disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j and the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH. The sealing member 62 is made of the same elastic material as the sealing member 61 of the first embodiment. The sealing member 62 is disposed in an elastically deformed state by being interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j and the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH. Thereby, the flow path pipe 52j and the head chip 51D are liquid-tightly coupled to each other via the sealing member 62.
In the example illustrated in
In addition, as illustrated in
An inner diameter of the sealing member 62 in a natural state in which the flow path pipe 52j is removed from the head chip 51D is smaller than the width W3 of the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j. Thereby, the flow path pipe 52j and the head chip 51D can be liquid-tightly coupled to each other by the elastic deformation of the sealing member 62. The inner diameter is set such that a load applied to the sealing member 62 in a circumferential direction of the flow path pipe 52j due to this elastic deformation is smaller than fixing force of the fixed plate 53 to the head chip 51D in the direction perpendicular to the Z axis. As a result, the head chip 51D is prevented from coming off from the fixed plate 53 due to the reaction force due to the elastic deformation of the sealing member 62.
As described above, the above-described liquid ejecting head 50D includes the plurality of head chips 51D, the fixed plate 53, and the flow path structure 52D which is an example of a “holder”. Each of the plurality of head chips 51D has the nozzle plate 51c. The nozzle plate 51c is provided with the plurality of nozzles N that eject an ink, which is an example of a “liquid”, in the Z2 direction, which is an example of a “first direction”. The fixed plate 53 has the flat plate portion 53b. The flat plate portion 53b is provided with the plurality of exposure opening portions 53a for exposing, to the outside, at least a portion of each of the plurality of nozzle plates 51c, and has the plurality of head chips 51D fixed thereto. The flow path structure 52D has the flow path forming portion 52b and the wall portion 52c. The flow path forming portion 52b is provided with the “plurality of branch flow paths Pa2”, which is an example of the “plurality of first coupling flow paths” that is open in the Z2 direction. The wall portion 52c protrudes from the flow path forming portion 52b in the Z2 direction and is fixed to the flat plate portion 53b.
Here, the plurality of head chips 51D are accommodated in the accommodation space S defined by the flat plate portion 53b, the flow path forming portion 52b, and the wall portion 52c. The head chip 51D has the inlet IH, which is an example of the “second coupling flow path” communicating with at least a portion of the plurality of nozzles N. The flow path forming portion 52b has the flow path pipe 52j protruding in the Z2 direction. The branch flow path Pa2 is provided inside the flow path pipe 52j. In a state where the flow path pipe 52j is inserted into the inlet IH, the branch flow path Pa2 communicates with the inlet IH in a liquid-tight manner via the elastic sealing member 62 disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j when viewed in the Z1 direction.
In the liquid ejecting head 50D described above, since the branch flow path Pa2 communicates with the inlet IH in a liquid-tight manner via the elastic sealing member 62, there is no need to adhere the head chip 51D and the flow path structure 52D to each other in order to couple these flow paths. Therefore, the head chip 51D can be detachably attached to the flow path structure 52D. Accordingly, the head chip 51D can be suitably replaced.
Moreover, since the elastic sealing member 62 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j when viewed in the Z2 direction, it is possible to reduce the reaction force due to the elastic deformation during sealing of the sealing member 62, which is applied to the fixed plate 53 in the Z2 direction via the head chip 51D, compared to an aspect in which the sealing member interposed between the head chip 51D and the flow path structure 52D in the Z2 direction is used. Therefore, the deformation of the fixed plate 53 can be reduced.
Here, when the flow path pipe 52j is inserted into the inlet IH after the fixed plate 53 and the head chip 51D are adhered to each other, the reaction force due to the elastic deformation during sealing of the sealing member 62 may be applied to the fixed plate 53 in the direction intersecting the Z2 direction via the head chip 51D. However, since the axial rigidity of the fixed plate 53 is higher than the shear rigidity, even when such reaction force is applied to the fixed plate 53, the fixed plate 53 is difficult to deform. As described above, the head chip 51D can be replaced while reducing the deformation of the fixed plate 53.
In the present embodiment, as described above, the sealing member 62 is disposed at a position in the Z1 direction from the center position P6 between the opening of the inlet IH and the tip of the flow path pipe 52j. Therefore, a portion of a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j that communicates with the flow path can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the retention of bubbles and the sedimentation of components of the liquid in the flow path.
In addition, as described above, the sealing member 62 is not interposed between the head chip 51D and the flow path pipe 52j in the Z2 direction. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the reaction force due to the elastic deformation during sealing of the sealing member 62, which is applied to the fixed plate 53 in the Z2 direction via the head chip 51D.
Furthermore, as described above, the load applied to the sealing member 62 in the circumferential direction of the flow path pipe 52j is smaller than the fixing force of the fixed plate 53 to the head chip 51D in the direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction. Accordingly, the head chip 51D is prevented from being separated from the fixed plate 53.
Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment exemplified below, elements whose actions and functions are similar to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
The flow path structure 52E has the same configuration as the flow path structure 52D of the fifth embodiment except that the flow path structure 52E has a flow path pipe 52k instead of the flow path pipe 52j. The flow path pipe 52k has the same configuration as the flow path pipe 52j of the fifth embodiment except that the flow path pipe 52k has a tapered surface 52k1.
The tapered surface 52k1 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52k to reduce a cross-sectional area of the flow path pipe 52k perpendicular to the Z2 direction toward a tip. An inclination angle θ4 of the tapered surface 52k1 with respect to the Z axis is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of facilitating the insertion and removal of the flow path pipe 52k with respect to the inlet IH, the inclination angle θ4 is, for example, in a range of 8° or more and 50° or less, and preferably in a range of 20° or more and 45° or less. A shape of the tapered surface 52k1 is not limited to the illustrated example, and may be, for example, a curved shape when viewed in a cross section including the central axis of the flow path pipe 52k.
The head chip 51E has the same configuration as the head chip 51D of the fifth embodiment except that the inclined surface 51r and the stepped surface 51s are omitted. The head chip 51E may have the inclined surface 51r and the stepped surface 51s, as with the head chip 51D of the fifth embodiment.
The flow path pipe 52k is inserted into the inlet IH of the head chip 51E. Here, the sealing member 62 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52k and the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH when viewed in the direction along the Z axis. Thereby, the branch flow path Pa2 communicates with the inlet IH in a liquid-tight manner.
Here, as in the fifth embodiment, the sealing member 62 is formed at the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH to be integrated with the inlet IH, and is disposed on an extension line LE of the tapered surface 52k1 when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the direction along the Z axis.
According to the above sixth embodiment as well, the liquid ejecting head 50E can be regenerated or the head chip 51E can be reused while preventing the misalignment of the head chip 51E. In the present embodiment, as described above, the sealing member 62 is formed at the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH to be integrated with the inlet IH. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52k has the tapered surface 52k1 to reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow path pipe 52k perpendicular to the Z2 direction toward the tip. Therefore, the insertability of the flow path pipe 52k into the inlet IH can be improved compared to the aspect in which the flow path pipe 52j with a constant width is used as in the fifth embodiment. In addition, since the sealing member 62 is formed at the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH to be integrated with the inlet IH, the sealing member 62 can be stably disposed at a desired position in the inlet IH.
As described above, the sealing member 62 of the present embodiment is disposed on the extension line of the tapered surface 52k1 when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the Z2 direction. Therefore, a portion of a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52k that communicates with the flow path can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the retention of bubbles and the sedimentation of components of the liquid in the flow path.
When the flow path pipe 52k has the tapered surface 52k1 as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that elastic force of the sealing member 62 is prevented from acting on the tapered surface 52k1 by preventing the sealing member 62 from contacting the tapered surface 52k1.
Hereinafter, a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment exemplified below, elements whose actions and functions are similar to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
The head chip 51F has the same configuration as the head chip 51D of the fifth embodiment except that the head chip 51F has an inclined surface 51n and a stepped surface 51p instead of the inclined surface 51r and the stepped surface 51s.
The inclined surface 51n and the stepped surface 51p are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH. The inclined surface 51n is formed to reduce a cross-sectional area (that is, a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the Z axis) of the inlet IH as it is directed in the Z2 direction. In addition, the stepped surface 51p is a surface perpendicular to the Z axis, and extends outward in a radial direction of the inlet IH from an end of the inclined surface 51n in the Z2 direction. Here, the inclined surface 51n has a shape along the tapered surface 52k1 of the flow path pipe 51k, and the tapered surface 52k1 faces the inclined surface 51n. By providing such an inclined surface 51n, it is possible to reduce a gap between the tapered surface 52k1 and the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH.
The flow path pipe 52k is inserted into the inlet IH of the head chip 51F. Here, the sealing member 62 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52k and the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH when viewed in the direction along the Z axis. Thereby, the branch flow path Pa2 communicates with the inlet IH in a liquid-tight manner. Here, as in the sixth embodiment, the sealing member 62 is disposed on an extension line LE of the tapered surface 52k1 when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the direction along the Z axis.
According to the above seventh embodiment as well, the liquid ejecting head 50F can be regenerated or the head chip 51F can be reused while preventing the misalignment of the head chip 51F. In the present embodiment, as described above, the flow path structure 52E has the inclined surface 51n facing the tapered surface 52k1 and formed along the tapered surface 52k1 in the inlet IH. Therefore, a portion of a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52k that communicates with the flow path can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the retention of bubbles and the sedimentation of components of the liquid in the flow path.
Hereinafter, an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment exemplified below, elements whose actions and functions are similar to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
The head chip 51G has the same configuration as the head chip 51F of the seventh embodiment except that the head chip 51G has an inclined surface 51q instead of the stepped surface 51p.
The inclined surface 51q is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH, and is formed to reduce a cross-sectional area (that is, a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the Z axis) of the inlet IH as it is directed in the Z2 direction from the end of the inclined surface 51n in the Z2 direction. By providing such an inclined surface 51q, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss between the branch flow path Pa2 and the inlet IH.
The flow path pipe 52k is inserted into the inlet IH of the head chip 51G. Here, the sealing member 62 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52k and the inner peripheral surface of the inlet IH when viewed in the direction along the Z axis. Thereby, the branch flow path Pa2 communicates with the inlet IH in a liquid-tight manner. Here, as in the sixth embodiment, the sealing member 62 is disposed on an extension line LE of the tapered surface 52k1 when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the direction along the Z axis.
According to the above eighth embodiment as well, the liquid ejecting head 50G can be regenerated or the head chip 51G can be reused while preventing the misalignment of the head chip 51G.
An inclination angle θ3 of the inclined surface 51n with respect to a central axis of the inlet IH is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suitably obtaining the reduction of the pressure loss and the reduction of the retention, the inclination angle θ3 is, for example, in a range of 8° or more and 50° or less, and preferably in a range of 20° or more and 45° or less. It is preferable that the inclination angle θ3 and the inclination angle θ4 are substantially the same. The term “substantially the same” as used herein means that a difference between the inclination angle θ3 and the inclination angle θ4 is 10 degrees or less.
The forms exemplified above can be modified in various ways. Specific modified aspects that may be applied to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Any two or more aspects selected from the following examples can be combined as appropriate as long as there is no contradiction.
A groove 51k1 extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k of Modification Example 1. An inner peripheral portion of the sealing member 61 is accommodated in the groove 51k1. Here, the sealing member 61 may be simply fitted into the groove 51k1, or may be integrally formed with the flow path pipe 51k by insert molding or the like.
According to Modification Example 1 as well, the liquid ejecting head 50 can be regenerated or the head chip 51 can be reused while preventing the misalignment of the head chip 51. In Modification Example 1, as described above, when the sealing member 61 is integrally formed with the flow path pipe 51k, it is possible to prevent fluctuation in the position of the sealing member 61 with respect to the flow path pipe 51k in the Z2 direction. In addition, when the head chip 51 is replaced, the sealing member 61 can also be replaced together. As a result, it is possible to improve the sealing reliability of the liquid ejecting head 50H after the replacement.
In addition, in Modification Example 1, as described above, the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 51k has the annular groove 51k1 for accommodating the sealing member 61 over the entire circumference. Therefore, even when the sealing member 61 is not integrally formed with the flow path pipe 51k, it is possible to prevent fluctuation in the position of the sealing member 61 with respect to the flow path pipe 51k in the Z2 direction. In addition, by simply fitting the sealing member 61 into the groove 51k1, only the sealing member 61 can be replaced.
A groove 52j1 extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j of Modification Example 2. An inner peripheral portion of the sealing member 62 is accommodated in the groove 52j1. Here, the sealing member 62 may be simply fitted into the groove 52j1, or may be integrally formed with the flow path pipe 52j by insert molding or the like.
According to Modification Example 2 as well, the liquid ejecting head 50I can be regenerated or the head chip 51D can be reused while preventing the misalignment of the head chip 51D. In Modification Example 2, as described above, when the sealing member 62 is integrally formed with the flow path pipe 52j, it is possible to prevent fluctuation in the position of the sealing member 62 with respect to the flow path pipe 52j in the Z2 direction.
In addition, in Modification Example 2, as described above, the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 52j has the annular groove 52j1 for accommodating the sealing member 62 over the entire circumference. Therefore, even when the sealing member 62 is not integrally formed with the flow path pipe 52j, it is possible to prevent fluctuation in the position of the sealing member 62 with respect to the flow path pipe 52j in the Z2 direction. In addition, by simply fitting the sealing member 62 into the groove 52j1, only the sealing member 62 can be replaced.
In the above-described embodiments, the branch flow path Pa2, which is a flow path for supplying the ink from the flow path forming portion 52b of the flow path structure 52 to the head chip 51, is an example of the “first coupling flow path”, but a flow path for recovering the ink from the head chip 51 to the flow path forming portion 52b of the flow path structure 52 may be an example of the “first coupling flow path”. Similarly, in the above-described embodiments, the inlet IH, which is a flow path for introducing the ink from the flow path forming portion 52b of the flow path structure 52 into the head chip 51, is an example of the “second coupling flow path”, but the outlet, which is a flow path for causing the ink to flow out from the head chip 51 to the flow path forming portion 52b of the flow path structure 52, may be an example of the “first coupling flow path”.
In the above-described embodiments, an aspect in which the liquid ejecting head is a line type is exemplified, but the present disclosure is not limited to this aspect, and the liquid ejecting head may be a serial type in which the liquid ejecting head reciprocates in a width direction of the medium M.
The liquid ejecting apparatus exemplified in the above-described embodiments can be adopted in various types of apparatuses such as a facsimile apparatus and a copy machine, in addition to an apparatus dedicated to printing. However, the application of the liquid ejecting apparatus is not limited to the printing. For example, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of a coloring material is used as a manufacturing apparatus that forms a color filter of a display apparatus such as a liquid crystal display panel. In addition, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing apparatus that forms wirings or electrodes on a wiring substrate. In addition, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of an organic substance related to a living body is used, for example, as a manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a biochip.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-024069 | Feb 2023 | JP | national |
