Patent Grant
11780243
The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2021-083738, filed May 18, 2021, 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 general, a liquid ejecting apparatus such as an ink jet printer is provided with a liquid ejecting head ejecting a liquid such as ink as droplets. The liquid ejecting head may be provided with a heater heating a liquid as in, for example, the ink jet head described in JP-A-2010-143109.
JP-A-2010-143109 does not disclose the distribution of the heat generation amount per unit time of the heater. Here, it is desired to efficiently heat a liquid with a heater and without waste.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid ejecting head includes: a plurality of head chips having a plurality of liquid ejecting nozzles; a holder holding the plurality of head chips; and a planar heater disposed on the holder and heating the holder, in which the heater includes an outer peripheral region along an outer edge of the holder and a middle region positioned inside the outer peripheral region in a plan view, and a heat generation amount per unit time of the outer peripheral region is larger than a heat generation amount per unit time of the middle region.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid ejecting head includes: the liquid ejecting head of the above aspect; and a control portion controlling drive of the heater.
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the dimensions and scale of each portion are appropriately different from the actual ones and some parts are schematically illustrated for easy understanding. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these forms unless it is stated in the following description that the present disclosure is particularly limited.
In the following description, mutually intersecting X, Y, and Z axes are appropriately used for convenience. In addition, in the following description, one direction along the X axis is an X1 direction and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is an X2 direction. Likewise, Y1 and Y2 directions are opposite to each other along the Y axis. In addition, Z1 and Z2 directions are opposite to each other along the Z axis. In addition, viewing in the Z axis direction may be simply referred to as “plan view”. The Y1 or Y2 direction is an example of “first direction”. The X1 or X2 direction is an example of “second direction”.
Here, typically, the Z axis is a vertical axis and the Z2 direction corresponds to the downward direction in the vertical direction. However, the Z axis may not be vertical. Although the X, Y, and Z axes are typically orthogonal to each other, the axes are not limited thereto and may intersect at an angle of, for example, 80° or more and 100° or less.
As illustrated in
The liquid storage portion 10 is an ink storage container. Examples of a specific aspect of the liquid storage portion 10 include a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the liquid ejecting apparatus 100, a bag-shaped ink pack formed of a flexible film, and a container such as an ink-replenishable ink tank.
The liquid storage portion 10 has a plurality of containers (not illustrated) where different types of inks are stored. The inks stored in the containers are not particularly limited, examples thereof include cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, clear ink, white ink, and a treatment liquid, and combinations of two or more of these are used. The composition of the ink is not particularly limited, and the ink may be, for example, a water-based ink in which a coloring material such as a dye and a pigment is dissolved in a water-based solvent, a solvent-based ink in which a coloring material is dissolved in an organic solvent, or an ultraviolet-curable ink.
Exemplified in the present embodiment is a configuration in which four different types of inks are used. The inks have different colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
The control unit 20 controls the operation of each element of the liquid ejecting apparatus 100. For example, the control unit 20 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. The control unit 20 outputs a drive signal D and a control signal S toward the liquid ejecting head 50. The drive signal D includes a drive pulse driving the drive element of the liquid ejecting head 50. The control signal S specifies whether or not to supply the drive signal D to the drive element. In addition, the control unit 20 is an example of “control portion” and controls the drive of a heater 56, which will be described later.
The transport mechanism 30 transports the medium M in a transport direction DM, which is the Y1 direction, under the control of the control unit 20. The moving mechanism 40 reciprocates the liquid ejecting head 50 in the X1 and X2 directions under the control of the control unit 20. In the example illustrated in
The liquid ejecting head 50 has a plurality of head chips 54. Under the control of the control unit 20, the liquid ejecting head 50 ejects the ink supplied from the liquid storage portion 10 from each of a plurality of nozzles of the head chips 54 toward the medium M in the Z2 direction. This ejection is performed in parallel with the transport of the medium M by the transport mechanism 30 and the reciprocating movement of the liquid ejecting head 50 by the moving mechanism 40. As a result, a predetermined ink-based image is formed on the surface of the medium M.
The liquid storage portion 10 may be coupled to the liquid ejecting head 50 via a circulation mechanism. The circulation mechanism supplies ink to the liquid ejecting head 50 and collects the ink discharged from the liquid ejecting head 50 for resupply to the liquid ejecting head 50. As a result of the operation of the circulation mechanism, an increase in ink viscosity can be suppressed and air bubble retention in ink can be reduced.
Here, the support body 41 is provided with an opening 41a and a plurality of screw holes 41b. In the present embodiment, the support body 41 has a substantially box shape having a plate-shaped bottom portion and the opening 41a and the screw holes 41b are provided in, for example, the bottom portion. The liquid ejecting head 50 is fixed to the support body 41 by screwing using the screw holes 41b with the liquid ejecting head 50 inserted in the opening 41a. As described above, the liquid ejecting head 50 is attached with respect to the support body 41.
In the example illustrated in
As illustrated in
The cover 58, the substrate unit 52, the flow path structure 51, the heat transfer member 57, the heater 56, the holder 53, the four head chips 54_1 to 54_4, and the fixing plate 55 are disposed in this order so as to be arranged toward the Z2 direction. Here, the four pressing members 59_1 to 59_4 and the two heat dissipation members 60_1 and 60_2 are disposed on the surface of the holder 53 facing the Z1 direction. Hereinafter, each portion of the liquid ejecting head 50 will be described in sequence.
Provided in the flow path structure 51 is a flow path for supplying the ink stored in the liquid storage portion 10 to the four head chips 54. The flow path structure 51 has a flow path member 51a and eight coupling pipes 51b.
The flow path member 51a is provided with four supply flow paths (not illustrated) provided for each of the four types of inks and four discharge flow paths (not illustrated) provided for each of the four types of inks. Each of the four supply flow paths has one introduction port where ink is supplied and two discharge ports where ink is discharged. Each of the four discharge flow paths has two introduction ports where ink is supplied and one discharge port where ink is discharged. Each of the introduction ports of the supply flow paths and the discharge ports of the discharge flow paths is provided on the surface of the flow path member 51a that faces the Z1 direction. On the other hand, each of the discharge ports of the supply flow paths and the introduction ports of the discharge flow paths is provided on the surface of the flow path member 51a that faces the Z2 direction.
In addition, the flow path member 51a is provided with a plurality of wiring holes 51c. A wiring substrate 54i (described later) of the head chip 54 is passed through each of the wiring holes 51c toward the substrate unit 52. As for the side surface of the flow path member 51a, notched parts are provided at two points in the circumferential direction. Disposed in the space resulting from the part is, for example, a component such as wiring (not illustrated) coupling the heater 56 and the substrate unit 52. In addition, the flow path member 51a is provided with a hole (not illustrated) and fixing with respect to the holder 53 is performed by screwing using the hole.
The flow path member 51a is configured by a laminate (not illustrated) in which a plurality of substrates are laminated in the direction along the Z axis. The respective substrates are appropriately provided with grooves and holes for the supply and discharge flow paths described above. The substrates are mutually joined by means of, for example, an adhesive, brazing, welding, or screwing. If necessary, a sheet-shaped seal member made of a rubber material or the like may be appropriately disposed between the substrates. In addition, the number, thickness, and so on of the substrates that constitute the flow path member 51a are determined in accordance with an aspect such as the shapes of the supply and discharge flow paths and are any not particularly limited.
It is preferable that a material that is satisfactory in terms of thermal conductivity is used as the constituent material of each of the substrates, and preferable examples thereof include a metal material (e.g. stainless steel, titanium, and magnesium alloy) and a ceramics material (e.g. silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, sapphire, alumina, silicon nitride, cermet, and yttria) having a thermal conductivity of 10.0 W/m·K or more at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius). By configuring the flow path member 51a using such a metal or ceramics material, the ink in the flow path member 51a can be efficiently heated by the heat from the heater 56.
Each of the eight coupling pipes 51b is a pipe body protruding from the surface of the flow path member 51a that faces the Z1 direction. The eight coupling pipes 51b correspond to the four supply flow paths and the four discharge flow paths described above and are coupled to the introduction ports of the supply flow paths or the discharge ports of the discharge flow paths that correspond. Although the constituent material of each coupling pipe 51b is not particularly limited, it is preferable to use a metal material (e.g. stainless steel, titanium, and magnesium alloy) or a ceramics material (e.g. silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, sapphire, alumina, silicon nitride, cermet, and yttria).
Of the eight coupling pipes 51b, the four that correspond to the four supply flow paths described above are coupled to the liquid storage portion 10 so as to receive the supply of different types of inks. Of the eight coupling pipes 51b, the four that correspond to the four discharge flow paths are used by being coupled to, for example, a discharge container for discharging ink on a predetermined occasion such as when the liquid ejecting head 50 is initially filled with ink or a sub-tank disposed between the liquid storage portion 10 and the liquid ejecting head 50 and capable of holding a liquid. On normal occasions such as printing, the four coupling pipes 51b that correspond to the four discharge flow paths are blocked by a sealing body such as a cap. When the liquid storage portion 10 is coupled to the liquid ejecting head 50 via the circulation mechanism, the four coupling pipes 51b that correspond to the four discharge flow paths are normally coupled to the ink collection flow path of the circulation mechanism.
The substrate unit 52 is an assembly having a mounting component for electrically coupling the liquid ejecting head 50 to the control unit 20. The substrate unit 52 has a circuit substrate 52a, a connector 52b, and a support plate 52c.
The circuit substrate 52a is a printed wiring substrate such as a rigid wiring substrate having wiring for electrically coupling each head chip 54 and the connector 52b. The circuit substrate 52a is disposed on the flow path structure 51 via the support plate 52c, and the connector 52b is installed on the surface of the circuit substrate 52a that faces the Z1 direction.
The connector 52b is a coupling component for electrically coupling the liquid ejecting head 50 and the control unit 20. The support plate 52c is a plate-shaped member for attaching the circuit substrate 52a with respect to the flow path structure 51. The circuit substrate 52a is mounted on one surface of the support plate 52c, and the circuit substrate 52a is fixed by screwing or the like with respect to the support plate 52c. The other surface of the support plate 52c is in contact with the flow path structure 51. The support plate 52c is fixed to the flow path structure 51 by screwing or the like in that state.
Here, the support plate 52c has not only a function of supporting the circuit substrate 52a as described above but also a function of ensuring electrical insulation between the circuit substrate 52a and the flow path structure 51 and providing heat insulation between the heater 56 and the circuit substrate 52a. From the viewpoint of suitably exhibiting these functions, it is preferable that the constituent material of the support plate 52c is a material excellent in terms of electrical and heat insulation. Specifically, it is preferable that the material is, for example, a resin material such as modified polyphenylene ether resin (e.g. Zylon), polyphenylene sulfide resin, and polypropylene resin. Zylon is a registered trademark. In addition, the constituent material of the support plate 52c may include a fiber base material (e.g. glass fiber), a filler (e.g. alumina particles), or the like in addition to the resin material.
The holder 53 is a structure accommodating and supporting the four head chips 54. It is preferable that a material that is satisfactory in terms of thermal conductivity is used as the constituent material of the holder 53, and preferable examples thereof include a metal material (e.g. stainless steel, titanium, and magnesium alloy) and a ceramics material (e.g. silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, sapphire, alumina, silicon nitride, cermet, and yttria) having a thermal conductivity of 10.0 W/m·K or more at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius). By configuring the holder 53 using such a metal or ceramics material, the heat from the heater 56 can be efficiently transferred to each head chip 54 via the holder 53.
The holder 53 has a substantially tray shape. In addition, the holder 53 has a rectangular shape or a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. Here, “substantially rectangular” is a concept including a shape that can be regarded as a substantially rectangular shape and a shape that is similar to a rectangle. The shape that can be regarded as a substantially rectangular shape can be obtained by, for example, performing chamfering such as C chamfering and R chamfering on the four corners of a rectangle. The shape similar to a rectangle is, for example, an octagon including four sides along the rectangle and four sides shorter than each of the four sides.
The holder 53 has a recess 53a, a plurality of ink holes 53b, a plurality of wiring holes 53c, a plurality of recesses 53d, a plurality of screw holes 53i, and a plurality of screw holes 53k. The recess 53a is open toward the Z1 direction and is a space where the laminate of the flow path member 51a, the heater 56, and the heat transfer member 57 is disposed. Each of the ink holes 53b is a flow path allowing ink to flow between the head chip 54 and the flow path structure 51. The wiring substrate 54i of the head chip 54 is passed through each of the wiring holes 53c toward the substrate unit 52. Each of the recesses 53d is open toward the Z2 direction and is a space where the head chip 54 is disposed. The screw holes 53i are screw holes for screwing the holder 53 with respect to the support body 41. The screw holes 53k are screw holes for screwing the cover 58 with respect to the holder 53. Details of the holder 53 will be described later with reference to
Each of the head chips 54_1 to 54_4 is the head chip 54 illustrated in
Each head chip 54 ejects ink. More specifically, each head chip 54 has a nozzle surface FN. Although not illustrated in
The fixing plate 55 is a plate-shaped member to which the four head chips 54 and the holder 53 are fixed. Specifically, the fixing plate 55 is disposed with the four head chips 54 sandwiched between the fixing plate 55 and the holder 53 and each head chip 54 and the holder 53 are fixed by means of an adhesive or the like.
The fixing plate 55 is provided with a plurality of opening portions 55a exposing the nozzle surface FN of the four head chips 54. In the example illustrated in
The opening portion 55a may be shared by two or more head chips 54. When the opening portions 55a are individually provided for each head chip 54, the area of contact between the fixing plate 55 and each head chip 54 can be increased with ease, and thus heat can be efficiently transferred from the holder 53 to each head chip 54.
The heater 56 is a planar heater disposed between the flow path structure 51 and the holder 53. The heater 56 is, for example, a film heater having a thin film-shaped base material, an insulating film, and a heat-generating resistor sandwiched between the base material and the film. The base material is made of an insulating material and is made of a resin material such as polyimide and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The film is made of a resin material such as polyimide and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The heat-generating resistor is a heating wire patterned on the base material and is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, copper, and a nickel alloy. In addition, the heater 56 may be a planar heater such as a ceramic heater and a silicone rubber heater in which a heat-generating resistor is sandwiched between silicone rubber and silicone rubber containing glass fibers. The heat-generating resistor is heat-generating resistors 56c and 56d, which will be described later.
The heater 56 is provided with a plurality of holes 56a and a plurality of holes 56b. Each of the holes 56a is a hole through which the wiring substrate 54i of the head chip 54 and a flow path pipe 53l formed in the holder 53 are passed. The ink hole 53b formed in the flow path pipe 53l is a part of the flow path that allows ink to flow between the head chip 54 and the flow path structure 51. The flow path pipe 53l protrudes in the Z1 direction from, for example, the upper surface of the holder 53 facing the Z1 direction (first surface F1 to be described later). The tip of the flow path pipe 53l on the Z1 direction side is bonded to the lower surface of the flow path structure 51 facing the Z2 direction. As a result, the ink hole 53b is liquid-tightly sealed in relation to the flow path in the flow path structure 51. Each of the holes 56b is a hole for screwing the heater 56 with respect to the holder 53.
In particular, the heater 56 is divided into a plurality of regions having different heat generation amounts per unit time in a plan view such that the head chips 54_1 to 54_4 are heated uniformly. The configuration of the heater 56 will be described in detail later with reference to
The heat transfer member 57, which has thermal conductivity, is a plate-shaped member disposed between the flow path structure 51 and the heater 56. The heat transfer member 57 has a function of transferring heat in each of the thickness and plane directions. By means of this function, the heat from the heater 56 is efficiently transferred to the flow path structure 51 via the heat transfer member 57. Here, the heating unevenness of the flow path structure 51 attributable to the local heat generation unevenness of the heater 56 is reduced by means of the plane-direction heat transfer of the heat transfer member 57.
The heat transfer member 57 is made of, for example, a metal material or a thermally conductive material such as ceramics from the viewpoint of suitably exhibiting the above function. Examples of the metal material include stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and a magnesium alloy. Examples of the ceramics include silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, sapphire, alumina, silicon nitride, cermet, and yttria. The heat transfer member 57 is preferably a material higher in thermal conductivity than the constituent material of the flow path structure 51 or the holder 53.
The heat transfer member 57 is provided with a plurality of holes 57a, a plurality of wiring holes 57b, and a plurality of holes 57c. The flow path pipe 53l is inserted through each of the holes 57a. The wiring substrate 54i of the head chip 54 is passed through each of the wiring holes 57b toward the substrate unit 52. The holes 57c are holes for screwing the heat transfer member 57 with respect to the holder 53. In the present embodiment, two of the holes 57c are used so that the heater 56 and the heat transfer member 57 are fixed to the holder 53 by being tightened together. The heat transfer member 57 may be provided as needed or may be omitted.
The cover 58 is a box-shaped member accommodating the substrate unit 52. The cover 58 is made of, for example, a resin material such as modified polyphenylene ether resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, and polypropylene resin as in the case of the support plate 52c described above.
The cover 58 is provided with eight through holes 58a and an opening portion 58b. The eight through holes 58a correspond to the eight coupling pipes 51b of the flow path structure 51, and the corresponding coupling pipe 51b is inserted into each through hole 58a. The connector 52b is passed through the opening portion 58b from the inside to the outside of the cover 58.
Each of the heat dissipation members 60_1 and 60_2 is a thermally conductive member for dissipating heat from a drive circuit 54j to the holder 53. In the following description, each of the heat dissipation members 60_1 and 60_2 is referred to as a heat dissipation member 60 when the two heat dissipation members 60_1 and 60_2 are not distinguished.
The heat dissipation member 60 thermally couples the drive circuit 54j to the flow path structure 51 or the holder 53. In this specification, “thermal coupling” means satisfying any of the following Conditions a, b, and c. Condition a: two members being in direct physical contact. Condition b: two members being disposed via a gap of 100 micrometers or less. Condition c: two members being physically coupled at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius) via another member with a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W/m·K or more. A heat transfer grease, an adhesive, or the like may be present between the two members under each condition. In this case, the adhesive preferably contains a thermally conductive filler or the like from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity enhancement.
The heat dissipation member 60 is made of, for example, a metal material or a thermally conductive material such as ceramics (e.g. silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, sapphire, alumina, silicon nitride, cermet, and yttria). Examples of the metal material include gold, silver, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and a magnesium alloy. The heat dissipation member 60 is preferably made of a material higher in thermal conductivity than the flow path structure 51 or the holder 53. By using the heat dissipation member 60 that is high in thermal conductivity, heat dissipation can be efficiently performed on the drive circuit 54j.
In the example illustrated in
Each of the pressing members 59_1 to 59_4 is an elastic member disposed so as to sandwich the drive circuit 54j and the wiring substrate 54i (described later) with the heat dissipation member 60 and pressing the drive circuit 54j and the wiring substrate 54i toward the heat dissipation member 60. In the following description, each of the four pressing members 59_1 to 59_4 is referred to as a pressing member 59 when the four pressing members 59_1 to 59_4 are not distinguished.
With the pressing member 59, which is preferably made of a material excellent in heat insulation, it can be easier to transfer heat from the drive circuit 54j to the heat dissipation member 60 than to the pressing member 59.
When the pressing member 59 is made of a material excellent in heat insulation, the material is preferably an elastic material. Specifically, the material has a thermal conductivity of less than 1.0 W/m·K at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius), examples of which include resin materials such as modified polyphenylene ether resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, and polypropylene resin. By the pressing member 59 being formed of a resin material, the pressing member 59 can be manufactured inexpensively. The pressing member 59 using a resin material as a constituent material can be obtained by, for example, injection molding or the like. The constituent material of the pressing member 59 may contain an inorganic filler such as alumina from the viewpoint of, for example, improving the mechanical strength of the pressing member 59. In addition, from the viewpoint of suitably maintaining a state where the pressing member 59 presses the drive circuit 54j or the like, the softening point of the resin material constituting the pressing member 59 is preferably higher than the upper limit temperature of the heater 56.
The pressing member 59 is disposed in a state of being slightly and elastically deformed in a direction away from the heat dissipation member 60. The pressing member 59 presses the drive circuit 54j toward the heat dissipation member 60 with the elastic force attributable to this elastic deformation. In the example illustrated in
The head chip 54 has a substantially symmetrical configuration in the direction along the X axis. However, the positions of the nozzles N in the first row L1 and the nozzles N in the second row L2 in the direction along the Y axis may be the same as or different from each other. Exemplified in
As illustrated in
The flow path substrate 54a and the pressure chamber substrate 54b are laminated in this order in the Z1 direction and form a flow path for ink supply to the nozzles N. The diaphragm 54e, the piezoelectric elements 54f, the protective plate 54g, the case 54h, the wiring substrate 54i, and the drive circuit 54j are installed in the region that is positioned in the Z1 direction beyond the laminate of the flow path substrate 54a and the pressure chamber substrate 54b. The nozzle plate 54c and the vibration absorber 54d are installed in the region that is positioned in the Z2 direction beyond the laminate. Schematically, each element of the head chip 54 is a plate-shaped member that is elongated in the Y direction. The elements are joined together by means of, for example, an adhesive. Hereinafter, the elements of the head chip 54 will be described in order.
The nozzle plate 54c is a plate-shaped member provided with the respective nozzles N in the first row L1 and the second row L2. Each of the nozzles N is a through hole through which ink is passed. Here, the surface of the nozzle plate 54c that faces the Z2 direction is the nozzle surface FN. The nozzle plate 54c is manufactured by, for example, processing a silicon single crystal substrate by a semiconductor manufacturing technique using a processing technique such as dry etching and wet etching. Alternatively, another known method and another known material may be appropriately used in manufacturing the nozzle plate 54c. The cross-sectional shape of the nozzle is typically circular, the shape is not limited thereto, and the shape may be a non-circular shape such as polygonal and elliptical shapes.
The flow path substrate 54a is provided with a space R1, a plurality of supply flow paths Ra, and a plurality of communication flow paths Na for each of the first row L1 and the second row L2. The space R1 is an elongated opening extending in the direction along the Y axis in a plan view in the direction along the Z axis. Each of the supply flow path Ra and the communication flow path Na is a through hole formed for each nozzle N. Each supply flow path Ra communicates with the space R1.
The pressure chamber substrate 54b is a plate-shaped member provided with a plurality of pressure chambers C called cavities for each of the first row L1 and the second row L2. The pressure chambers C are arranged in the direction along the Y axis. Each pressure chamber C is an elongated space formed for each nozzle N and extending in the direction along the X axis in a plan view. As in the case of the nozzle plate 54c described above, each of the flow path substrate 54a and the pressure chamber substrate 54b is manufactured by, for example, processing a silicon single crystal substrate by a semiconductor manufacturing technique. Alternatively, another known method and another known material may be appropriately used in manufacturing each of the flow path substrate 54a and the pressure chamber substrate 54b. The flow path substrate 54a is preferably made of a material having a thermal conductivity of 10.0 W/m·K or more and may be made of stainless steel in addition to a silicon single crystal substrate.
The pressure chamber C is a space positioned between the flow path substrate 54a and the diaphragm 54e. The pressure chambers C are arranged in the direction along the Y axis for each of the first row L1 and the second row L2. In addition, the pressure chamber C communicates with each of the communication flow path Na and the supply flow path Ra. Accordingly, the pressure chamber C communicates with the nozzle N via the communication flow path Na and communicates with the space R1 via the supply flow path Ra.
The diaphragm 54e is disposed on the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 54b that faces the Z1 direction. The diaphragm 54e is a plate-shaped member that is capable of elastically vibrating. The diaphragm 54e has, for example, a first layer and a second layer, which are laminated in the Z1 direction in this order. The first layer is, for example, an elastic film made of silicon oxide (SiO2). The elastic film is formed by, for example, thermally oxidizing one surface of a silicon single crystal substrate. The second layer is, for example, an insulating film made of zirconium oxide (ZrO2). The insulating film is formed by, for example, forming a zirconium layer by a sputtering method and thermally oxidizing the layer. The diaphragm 54e is not limited to the configuration resulting from the lamination of the first and second layers. For example, the diaphragm 54e may be configured by a single layer or three or more layers.
On the surface of the diaphragm 54e that faces the Z1 direction, the piezoelectric elements 54f mutually corresponding to the nozzles N are disposed as drive elements for each of the first row L1 and the second row L2. Each piezoelectric element 54f is a passive element deformed by drive signal supply. Each piezoelectric element 54f has an elongated shape extending in the direction along the X axis in a plan view. The piezoelectric elements 54f are arranged in the direction along the Y axis so as to correspond to the pressure chambers C. The piezoelectric element 54f overlaps the pressure chamber C in a plan view.
Each piezoelectric element 54f has a first electrode (not illustrated), a piezoelectric layer (not illustrated), and a second electrode (not illustrated), which are laminated in the Z1 direction in this order. One of the first and second electrodes is an individual electrode disposed so as to be mutually separated for each piezoelectric element 54f, and a drive signal is applied to the electrode. The other of the first and second electrodes is a band-shaped common electrode extending in the direction along the Y axis so as to be continuous over the piezoelectric elements 54f, and a predetermined reference potential is supplied to the electrode. Examples of the metal material of the electrodes include metal materials such as platinum (Pt), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), and copper (Cu). One of the materials can be used alone or two or more can be used in combination in the form of an alloy, lamination, or the like. The piezoelectric layer is made of a piezoelectric material such as lead zirconate titanate (Pb (Zr, Ti) O3). The piezoelectric layer forms, for example, a band shape extending in the direction along the Y axis so as to be continuous over the piezoelectric elements 54f. Alternatively, the piezoelectric layer may be integrated over the piezoelectric elements 54f. As for the piezoelectric layer in this case, a through hole penetrating the piezoelectric layer is provided, so as to extend in the direction along the X axis, in the region that corresponds in a plan view to the gap between the pressure chambers C adjacent to each other. When the diaphragm 54e vibrates in conjunction with the above deformation of the piezoelectric element 54f, the pressure in the pressure chamber C fluctuates and ink is ejected from the nozzle N as a result. A heat-generating element heating the ink in the pressure chamber C may replace the piezoelectric element 54f as a drive element.
The protective plate 54g is a plate-shaped member installed on the surface of the diaphragm 54e that faces the Z1 direction, protects the piezoelectric elements 54f, and reinforces the mechanical strength of the diaphragm 54e. Here, the piezoelectric elements 54f are accommodated between the protective plate 54g and the diaphragm 54e. The protective plate 54g is made of, for example, a resin material.
The case 54h is a case for storing ink supplied to the pressure chambers C. The case 54h is made of, for example, a resin material. The case 54h is provided with a space R2 for each of the first row L1 and the second row L2. The space R2 communicates with the space R1 and functions together with the space R1 as a reservoir R storing ink supplied to the pressure chambers C. The case 54h is provided with an introduction port IO for ink supply to each reservoir R. The ink in each reservoir R is supplied to the pressure chamber C via each supply flow path Ra.
The vibration absorber 54d is also called a compliance substrate, is a flexible resin film constituting the wall surface of the reservoir R, and absorbs the pressure fluctuation of the ink in the reservoir R. The vibration absorber 54d may be a metallic and flexible thin plate. The surface of the vibration absorber 54d that faces the Z1 direction is joined to the flow path substrate 54a by means of, for example, an adhesive. A frame body 54k is joined to the surface of the vibration absorber 54d that faces the Z2 direction by means of, for example, an adhesive. The frame body 54k is a frame-shaped member that is along the outer periphery of the vibration absorber 54d and comes into contact with the fixing plate 55. Here, the frame body 54k is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and a magnesium alloy. By configuring the frame body 54k by means of a metal material as described above, the heat from the heater 56 can be suitably transferred to the ink in the head chip 54 via the holder 53 and the fixing plate 55.
In
The wiring substrate 54i, which is mounted on the surface of the diaphragm 54e that faces the Z1 direction, is a mounting component for electrically coupling the control unit 20 and the head chip 54. The wiring substrate 54i is a flexible wiring substrate such as a chip on film (COF), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and a flexible flat cable (FFC). The drive circuit 54j for drive voltage supply to each piezoelectric element 54f is mounted on the wiring substrate 54i of the present embodiment. The drive circuit 54j is a circuit including a switching element performing switching based on the control signal S as to whether or not to supply at least a part of the waveform in the drive signal D as a drive pulse to the drive element.
The bottom portion 5a has a substantially plate shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z axis and constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 53a. Here, the bottom portion 5a is divided into a holding portion 5a1 and a coupling portion 5a2 disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the holding portion 5a1 and thinner than the holding portion 5a1.
The holding portion 5a1 has the four recesses 53d described above and holds the four head chips 54. Here, each head chip 54 is accommodated in the space that is surrounded by the inner wall surface of each recess 53d and the fixing plate 55 described above.
As indicated by the two-dot chain lines in
In addition, as illustrated in
The heat receiving portion 5a11 has a plate shape having the first surface F1 and a second surface F2 extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z axis and constitutes the bottom surfaces of the recess 53d and the recess 53h. The first surface F1, which faces the Z1 direction, is a heat receiving surface receiving the heat from the heater 56. The flow path structure 51 is placed on the first surface F1 via the heater 56 and the heat transfer member 57 described above. Four pressing members 59 and two heat dissipation members 60 are installed on the first surface F1. The second surface F2 faces the Z2 direction and constitutes the bottom surfaces of the recess 53d and the recess 53h.
In the example illustrated in
The holes 53e are used in positioning the head chip 54 with respect to the holder 53, and a protrusion (not illustrated) provided on the head chip 54 is inserted thereinto. The holes 53f are holes for inserting positioning pins used in positioning the flow path structure 51, the heater 56, and the heat transfer member 57. The screw holes 53g are used in screwing the heat transfer member 57. The screw holes 53g are used in screwing the flow path structure 51.
Each of the recesses 53m is a recess for installing the pressing member 59. The base portion 59a of the pressing member 59 is disposed in the recess 53m. In the example illustrated in
Each of the recesses 53o is a recess for installing the heat dissipation member 60. The part 60a of the heat dissipation member 60 is disposed in the recess 53o. In the example illustrated in
The side wall portion 5a12 protrudes in the Z2 direction from the heat receiving portion 5a11 and constitutes the side surfaces of the recess 53d and the recess 53h. The coupling portion 5a2 is coupled to the end of the side wall portion 5a12 in the Z2 direction. Here, when viewed in the direction along the Z axis, the shape of the side wall portion 5a12 is the shape of the heat receiving portion 5a11 from which the shapes of the recesses 53d and the recesses 53h are removed.
The coupling portion 5a2 is disposed so as to surround the holding portion 5a1 when viewed in the direction along the Z axis. The coupling portion 5a2 has a plate shape extending from the side wall portion 5a12 in a direction orthogonal to the Z axis and couples the side wall portion 5a12 and the outer wall portion 5b over the entire circumference. The coupling portion 5a2 may have a shape having a defective part or may be configured by a plurality of parts arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction.
The outer wall portion 5b, which constitutes the side surface of the recess 53a described above, has a frame shape extending in the Z1 direction over the entire circumference from the peripheral edge of the bottom portion 5a.
The flange portion 5c has a plate shape protruding outward in a direction orthogonal to the Z axis from the end of the outer wall portion 5b in the Z1 direction. In this manner, the outer peripheral edge of the coupling portion 5a2 of the bottom portion 5a is coupled via the outer wall portion 5b to the inner peripheral edge of the flange portion 5c. In the example illustrated in
As illustrated in
Likewise, an outer edge OE2 of the heater 56 has a shape corresponding to the disposition of the head chips 54_1, 54_2, 54_3, and 54_4 in a plan view in the direction along the Z axis. In the present embodiment, the outer edge OE2 has substantially the same shape as the outer edge OE1 of the holding portion 5a1 described above. In other words, it can be said that the outer edge OE2 has a shape along the outer edge OE1.
The outer peripheral region RE1 is along an outer edge OE of the holder 53 in a plan view. In the example illustrated in
The outer peripheral region RE1 is provided with the heat-generating resistor 56c. The heat-generating resistor 56c is disposed over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral region RE1. In the example illustrated in
The heat-generating resistor 56c generates heat by being supplied with electric power under the control of the control unit 20 described above. In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 controls the electric power supply to the heat-generating resistor 56c based on the detection result of a temperature sensor 70 in the middle region RE2 such that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 70 reaches a predetermined temperature. The temperature sensor 70 is, for example, a thermistor or a thermocouple. The disposition of the temperature sensor 70 is not limited to the example illustrated in
The middle region RE2 is positioned inside the outer peripheral region RE1 in a plan view. In the example illustrated in
The middle region RE2 is provided with the heat-generating resistor 56d. The heat-generating resistor 56d is disposed over substantially the entire area of the middle region RE2. In the example illustrated in
In the present embodiment, the heat-generating resistor 56d does not generate heat because the heat-generating resistor 56d is not supplied with electric power and is not energized. Accordingly, the heat generation amount per unit area of the middle region RE2 is larger than the heat generation amount per unit area of the outer peripheral region RE1. As a result, the heat generation amount per unit time of the middle region RE2 is larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of the outer peripheral region RE1.
Here, the heat-generating resistor 56d is not electrically coupled to the heat-generating resistor 56c described above. In addition, although the heat-generating resistor 56d does not perform energization-based heat generation, the heat-generating resistor 56d functions as a heat transfer body transferring heat from the outer peripheral region RE1 in the plane direction. The heat-generating resistor 56d also functions as a spacer defining the distance between the holder 53 and the heat transfer member 57. As for the shape of the heat-generating resistor 56d, energization-based heat generation does not have to be taken into account, and thus the only consideration may be the function as the heat transfer body or the spacer described above.
As described above, the holder 53 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As described above, the outer peripheral portion of the holder 53 is more likely to dissipate heat than the middle portion of the holder 53. Accordingly, the heat generation amount per unit time of the outer peripheral region RE1 is larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of the middle region RE2 as described above. Accordingly, the temperature of the holder 53 can be made uniform.
As described above, the liquid ejecting head 50 includes the head chips 54, the holder 53, and the planar heater 56. Each of the head chips 54 has the nozzles N ejecting ink, which is an example of “liquid”. The holder 53 holds the head chips 54. The heater 56 is disposed on the holder 53 and heats the holder 53.
Here, the heater 56 includes the outer peripheral region RE1 along the outer edge of the holder 53 and the middle region RE2 positioned inside the outer peripheral region RE1 in a plan view. The heat generation amount per unit time of the outer peripheral region RE1 is larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of the middle region RE2.
In the liquid ejecting head 50 described above, the heat generation amount per unit time of the outer peripheral region RE1 is larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of the middle region RE2, and thus the amount of heat supplied per unit time to the outer peripheral portion of the holder 53 can be increased as compared with the middle portion. Accordingly, the temperature difference between the outer peripheral portion and the middle portion of the holder 53 can be reduced even if the outer peripheral portion of the holder 53 is more likely to dissipate heat than the middle portion. As a result, the temperature difference between the head chips 54 can be reduced. In this manner, the ink of the liquid ejecting head 50 can be heated by the heater 56 with efficiency and without waste.
On the other hand, if the heat generation amount per unit time of the heater 56 is uniform, the ink at, for example, the part of the liquid ejecting head 50 where heat is easily dissipated is heated insufficiently, which leads to an increase in the possibility of poor ink ejection. In addition, in this case, overheating occurs at the part of the liquid ejecting head 50 where heat is unlikely to be dissipated or the part of the liquid ejecting head 50 that does not have to be heated, which leads to an unnecessary increase in power consumption. Further, temperature unevenness occurs in the liquid ejecting head 50 between the part where heat is easily dissipated and the part where heat is unlikely to be dissipated, and thus ink ejection characteristics also become different and a decline in printing quality arises as a result.
Examples of the part of the liquid ejecting head 50 where heat is unlikely to be dissipated include the middle portion of the liquid ejecting head 50 in a plan view and the cavity portion in the liquid ejecting head 50. Examples of the part of the liquid ejecting head 50 that does not have to be heated include the part where only the discharge flow path exists and the part where the heating target exists only on one surface of the heater 56.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the heat generation amount per unit area of the outer peripheral region RE1 is larger than the heat generation amount per unit area of the middle region RE2. Accordingly, even if the drive of the outer peripheral region RE1 and the drive of the middle region RE2 are controlled by a common control system, the heat generation amount per unit time of the outer peripheral region RE1 can be made larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of the middle region RE2. As described above, in the present embodiment, the heat-generating resistor 56d in the middle region RE2 is not supplied with electric power and thus does not generate heat. Here, the heat-generating resistor 56d functions as a heat transfer body transferring heat from the outer peripheral region RE1 in the plane direction and as a spacer defining the distance between the holder 53 and the heat transfer member 57.
In addition, as described above, the liquid ejecting head 50 includes the piezoelectric element 54f as an example of “drive element” and the drive circuit 54j. The piezoelectric element 54f is an element for ejecting ink from each of the nozzles N. The drive circuit 54j is electrically coupled to the piezoelectric element 54f. The drive circuit 54j is disposed inside the outer peripheral region RE1 in a plan view.
In such a configuration, the drive circuit 54j generates heat and the heat is supplied to the middle portion of the holder 53. Accordingly, if the heat generation amount per unit time of the heater 56 is uniform, the temperature of the middle portion of the holder 53 is likely to become extremely higher than the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the holder 53. Accordingly, in such a configuration, it is particularly useful to make the heat generation amount per unit time of the outer peripheral region RE1 larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of the middle region RE2.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the holder 53 has the recess 53o as an example of “coupling portion”. The recess 53o is thermally coupled to the drive circuit 54j and overlaps the middle region RE2 in a plan view. In such a configuration, the drive circuit 54j generates heat and the heat is supplied to the middle portion of the holder 53. Accordingly, if the heat generation amount per unit time of the heater 56 is uniform, the temperature of the middle portion of the holder 53 is likely to become extremely higher than the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the holder 53. Accordingly, in such a configuration, it is particularly useful to make the heat generation amount per unit time of the outer peripheral region RE1 larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of the middle region RE2.
In addition, as described above, the holder 53 constitutes a part of the outer wall of the liquid ejecting head 50. In such a configuration, the outer peripheral portion of the holder 53 is likely to dissipate heat, and thus it is particularly useful to make the heat generation amount per unit time of the outer peripheral region RE1 larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of the middle region RE2.
As described above, the outer peripheral region RE1 surrounds the nozzles N of the head chips 54 in a plan view. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the temperature difference between the nozzles N of each of the head chips 54.
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Elements in the form exemplified below that are identical in action and function to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment with detailed description thereof omitted as appropriate.
The heat-generating resistors 56e and 56f are identical to the heat-generating resistors 56c and 56d except that the heat-generating resistors 56e and 56f are electrically coupled in series to a power source (not illustrated). Here, the heat-generating resistor 56e is provided in the outer peripheral region RE1 and is electrically coupled to the heat-generating resistor 56f through the boundary portion between the outer peripheral region RE1 and the middle region RE2. The heat-generating resistor 56f is provided in the middle region RE2. In the example illustrated in
The heat-generating resistor 56f is configured such that the heat generation amount per unit area of the middle region RE2 is smaller than the heat generation amount per unit area of the outer peripheral region RE1. In other words, the electric resistance of the heat-generating resistor 56e per unit area in the outer peripheral region RE1 is larger than the electric resistance of the heat-generating resistor 56e per unit area in the middle region RE2. Specifically, in this configuration, the electric resistance of the heat-generating resistor 56e per unit area in the outer peripheral region RE1 is larger than the electric resistance of the heat-generating resistor 56f per unit area in the middle region RE2 by at least one being satisfied among the cross-sectional area of the heat-generating resistor 56e being smaller than the cross-sectional area of the heat-generating resistor 56f, the length of the heat-generating resistor 56e per unit area in the outer peripheral region RE1 being longer than the length of the heat-generating resistor 56f per unit area in the middle region RE2, and the electrical resistivity of the material constituting the heat-generating resistor 56e being higher than the electrical resistivity of the material constituting the heat-generating resistor 56f. As an example, the gap between the folded and adjacent parts of the heat-generating resistor 56e may be made narrower than the gap between the folded and adjacent parts of the heat-generating resistor 56f in order to make the length of the heat-generating resistor 56e per unit area in the outer peripheral region RE1 longer than the length of the heat-generating resistor 56f per unit area in the middle region RE2. As an example, although at least one of the width and the thickness of the heat-generating resistor 56f needs to be larger than that of the heat-generating resistor 56e in order to make the cross-sectional area of the heat-generating resistor 56f larger than the cross-sectional area of the heat-generating resistor 56e, it is preferable from the viewpoint of suitably exhibiting the function of the heat-generating resistor 56f as a spacer that the thickness of the heat-generating resistor 56f is equal to the thickness of the heat-generating resistor 56e and the width of the heat-generating resistor 56f is larger than the width of the heat-generating resistor 56e.
In the second embodiment, the liquid of the liquid ejecting head 50 can be heated by the heater 56A with efficiency and without waste as in the first embodiment described above. The heat-generating resistors 56e and 56f may be electrically coupled in parallel to a power source (not illustrated). The heat-generating resistors 56e and 56f in this case may be opposite in configuration to those electrically coupled in series to a power source (not illustrated) and be configured such that the electric resistance of the heat-generating resistor 56e per unit area in the outer peripheral region RE1 is smaller than the electric resistance of the heat-generating resistor 56e per unit area in the middle region RE2.
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Elements in the form exemplified below that are identical in action and function to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment with detailed description thereof omitted as appropriate.
The heat-generating resistor 56g is identical to the heat-generating resistor 56d except that heat is generated by energization. Here, the heat-generating resistor 56g is provided in the middle region RE2. In the example illustrated in
The heat-generating resistor 56g generates heat by being supplied with electric power under the control of the control unit 20 described above. In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 controls the electric power supply to the heat-generating resistor 56g based on the detection result of a temperature sensor 70b in the middle region RE2 such that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 70b reaches a predetermined temperature. In addition, the control unit 20 controls the electric power supply to the heat-generating resistor 56c based on the detection result of a temperature sensor 70a in the outer peripheral region RE1 such that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 70a reaches a predetermined temperature.
Here, the control unit 20 controls the electric power to the heat-generating resistors 56c and 56g such that the heat generation amount per unit time of the outer peripheral region RE1 becomes larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of the middle region RE2. In the third embodiment, the liquid of the liquid ejecting head 50 can be heated by the heater 56B with efficiency and without waste as in the first embodiment described above.
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Elements in the form exemplified below that are identical in action and function to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment with detailed description thereof omitted as appropriate.
As illustrated in
The first outer peripheral regions RE1a and RE1b are the parts of the outer peripheral region RE1 that are along the two short sides of the outer edge OE2. The second outer peripheral regions RE1c and RE1d are the parts of the outer peripheral region RE1 that are along the two long sides of the outer edge OE2. Here, the heat generation amount per unit time of each of the first outer peripheral regions RE1a and RE1b is larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of each of the second outer peripheral regions RE1c and RE1d. Such a heat generation amount relationship is realized by, for example, adjusting the electric resistance per unit area of the heat-generating resistor as in the second embodiment described above.
In addition, in the heater 56C, the middle region RE2 includes the first middle regions RE2a and RE2b and second middle regions RE2c and RE2d. The second middle region RE2c is between the first middle region RE2a and the outer peripheral region RE1. The second middle region RE2d is between the first middle region RE2b and the outer peripheral region RE1. Here, the heat generation amount per unit time of each of the second middle regions RE2c and RE2d is larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of each of the first middle regions RE2a and RE2b. Such a heat generation amount relationship is realized by, for example, adjusting the electric resistance per unit area of the heat-generating resistor as in the second embodiment described above.
In the fourth embodiment, the liquid of the liquid ejecting head 50 can be heated by the heater 56C with efficiency and without waste as in the first embodiment described above. Here, as described above, the liquid ejecting head 50 includes the flange portion 5c. The flange portion 5c comes into contact with the support body 41 supporting the liquid ejecting head 50 and protrudes in the Y1 and Y2 directions, which are examples of “first direction”, with respect to the heater 56C in a plan view. As described above, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral region RE1 includes the first outer peripheral regions RE1a and RE1b and the second outer peripheral regions RE1c and RE1d. The first outer peripheral regions RE1a and RE1b are positioned in the Y1 direction or the Y2 direction with respect to the middle region RE2 in a plan view. The second outer peripheral regions RE1c and RE1d are positioned in the X1 direction or the X2 direction, which is an example of “second direction orthogonal to the first direction”, with respect to the middle region RE2 in a plan view.
The heat generation amount per unit time of the first outer peripheral regions RE1a and RE1b is larger than the heat generation amount per unit area of the second outer peripheral regions RE1c and RE1d. Accordingly, the amount of heat supplied per unit time to the part of the holder 53 close to the flange portion 5c can be increased as compared with the amount of heat supplied per unit time to the part of the holder 53 far from the flange portion 5c. Accordingly, the holder 53 can be uniformly heated even if the part of the holder 53 close to the flange portion 5c is more likely to dissipate heat than the part of the holder 53 far from the flange portion 5c.
Here, the flange portion 5c is a part of the holder 53 as described above. Accordingly, the part of the holder 53 close to the flange portion 5c is more likely to dissipate heat than the part of the holder 53 far from the flange portion 5c as compared with a configuration in which the flange portion 5c is separate from the holder 53.
In addition, as described above, the middle region RE2 includes the first middle regions RE2a and RE2b disposed between two of the head chips 54 adjacent to each other and the second middle regions RE2c and RE2d different from the first middle regions RE2a and RE2b in a plan view. The heat generation amount per unit time of the second middle regions RE2c and RE2d is larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of the first middle regions RE2a and RE2b. Accordingly, the temperature difference between the head chips 54 can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which the heat generation amount per unit time of the second middle regions RE2c and RE2d is equal to or less than the heat generation amount per unit time of the first middle regions RE2a and RE2b.
The forms exemplified above can be variously modified. Exemplified below are specific aspects of modification applicable to the forms described above. Any two or more aspects selected from the following examples can be appropriately merged to the extent that the aspects are not mutually contradictory.
A space 5d is provided between the holder 53D and the fixing plate 55. The space 5d is configured by air, and thus heat transfer is unlikely to occur. In this regard, the heater 56D is provided with a second region RE2 and a third region RE3, which are smaller than a first region RE1 in heat generation amount per unit time, at positions overlapping the space 5d in a plan view. Here, the third region RE3 is positioned closer to the outer periphery of the holder 53D than the first region RE1. The third region RE3 may be provided at a position closer to the outer periphery of the holder 53D than the first region RE1 as described above, and the first region RE1 may not be the position closest to the outer periphery of the heater 56D.
The heat capacity of the head chip 54E is smaller than the heat capacity of the head chip 54. Accordingly, the head chip 54E is more likely to become warm than the head chip 54. In other words, the head chip 54 is less likely to become warm than the head chip 54E. In this regard, the heater 56E is provided with a fourth region RE4, which is smaller than the first region RE1 in heat generation amount per unit time, at a position overlapping the head chip 54E in a plan view. Here, the heat generation amount per unit time of the fourth region RE4 is larger than the heat generation amount per unit time of each of the second region RE2 and the third region RE3.
In Modification Example 3, the thermal emissivity of the fixing plate 55 is higher than the thermal emissivity of the nozzle plate 54c. Accordingly, the part of the aggregate of the holder 53F and the head chip 54 that overlaps the fixing plate 55 in a plan view is likely to dissipate heat. In this regard, the heater 56F is provided with the first region RE1 and a fifth region RE5, which are larger than the second region RE2 in heat generation amount per unit time, at positions overlapping the fixing plate 55 in a plan view. Here, the fifth region RE5 is positioned inside the second region RE2. The fifth region RE5 may be provided inside the second region RE2 as described above, and the second region RE2 may not be positioned on the innermost side of the heater 56D. In addition, the heat generation amount per unit time of the fifth region RE5 may be equal to or different from the heat generation amount per unit time of the first region RE1.
In the form described above, the plan-view shape of the holding portion 5a1 is non-rectangular in accordance with the disposition of the four head chips 54. The plan-view shape of the holding portion 5a1 is not limited to the above form. For example, the shape may be a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape.
In the form described above, the plan-view shape of the heater 56 is non-rectangular in accordance with the disposition of the four head chips 54. The plan-view shape of the heater 56 is not limited to the above form. For example, the shape may be a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape.
In the form described above, a configuration using one heat transfer member 57 is exemplified. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the heat transfer member 57 may be omitted.
Exemplified in the above form is a configuration in which the liquid ejecting head 50 has four head chips 54. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number may be two, three, or five or more. In the above form, the head chips 54 are staggered along the longitudinal direction of the head chips 54. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The head chips 54 may be staggered along the lateral direction of the head chips 54.
Although the serial liquid ejecting apparatus 100 in which the support body 41 supporting the liquid ejecting head 50 reciprocates is exemplified in the above form, the present disclosure is also applicable to a line-type liquid ejecting apparatus in which the nozzles N are distributed over the entire width of the medium M. In other words, the support body supporting the liquid ejecting head 50 is not limited to a serial carriage and may be a structure supporting the liquid ejecting head 50 in a line-type liquid ejecting apparatus. In this case, a plurality of the liquid ejecting heads 50 are, for example, disposed side by side in the width direction of the medium M and the liquid ejecting heads 50 are collectively supported by one support body.
The liquid ejecting apparatus exemplified in the above form can be adopted in various types of equipment such as a facsimile machine and a copier as well as dedicated printing equipment. However, the use of the liquid ejecting apparatus is not limited to printing. For example, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of a coloring material is used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming a color filter of a display device 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 for forming an electrode and wiring of a wiring substrate. In addition, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of a living body-related organic substance is used as, for example, a biochip manufacturing apparatus.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-083738 | May 2021 | JP | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220126521 | Hashimoto | Apr 2022 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2010-143109 | Jul 2010 | JP |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220371338 A1 | Nov 2022 | US |
