Packing body, method of manufacturing packing body, and method of manufacturing liquid ejecting apparatus

There are included a packing material that has a moisture-proof property and forms a third space, a liquid ejecting head that includes a case member which forms a second space communicating with the third space, and a first moisture absorbing material and a piezoelectric element which are disposed in the second space, and is disposed in the third space, and a second moisture absorbing material that has a higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material and is disposed in the third space.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2018-083716, filed Apr. 25, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a packing body, a method of manufacturing the packing body, and a method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting apparatus using the packing body.

2. Related Art

An ink jet type recording apparatus (liquid ejecting apparatus) has been proposed in which a piezoelectric element generates a pressure fluctuation in a pressure generating chamber filled with a liquid such as ink, and the liquid is ejected by utilizing the pressure fluctuation (for example, JP-A-2002-331663).

For example, in a liquid ejecting head of the liquid ejecting apparatus described in JP-A-2002-331663, the piezoelectric element is sealed in a space to the extent that motion is not hindered by a reservoir forming substrate, and is isolated from an outside air.

Furthermore, a sealing member on which a moisture absorbing material is disposed is detachably fixed to the reservoir forming substrate, and an increase in humidity in a space where the piezoelectric element is accommodated is prevented by the moisture absorbing material.

Since the liquid ejecting head has a complicated liquid flow path through which the liquid flows, there is a possibility that a test solution used when inspecting a performance of the liquid ejecting head remains in the liquid flow path. Furthermore, as the liquid ejecting head is densified, the liquid flow path is fine and complicated, and the test solution is likely to remain in the liquid flow path.

Therefore, in the liquid ejecting apparatus described in JP-A-2002-331663, when the sealing member on which the moisture absorbing material is disposed is fixed to the reservoir forming substrate, there is a problem that the moisture absorbing material absorbs the moisture of the test solution remaining in the liquid flow path, and the performance of the moisture absorbing material (moisture absorbing property) decreases. Furthermore, in addition to the presence or absence of introduction of the test solution, when the sealing member on which the moisture absorbing material is disposed is fixed to the reservoir forming substrate, the moisture absorbing material is exposed to the outside air. Therefore, there is also a problem that the moisture absorbing material absorbs moisture contained in the outside air and the moisture absorbing property of the moisture absorbing material decreases.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a packing body including a packing material that has a moisture-proof property and forms a packing space, a liquid ejecting head that includes a space forming member which forms an accommodating space communicating with the packing space, and a first moisture absorbing material and an electronic component which are disposed in the accommodating space, and is disposed in the packing space, and a second moisture absorbing material that has a higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material and is disposed in the packing space.

In the packing body, the space forming member may include an atmosphere communication port that allows the accommodating space and the packing space to communicate with each other, and the electronic component may be a piezoelectric element.

In the packing body, the first moisture absorbing material may be a physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material.

In the packing body, the second moisture absorbing material may be a chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material.

In the packing body, a maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material may be greater than a maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material.

In the packing body, the liquid ejecting head may be accommodated in a case having moisture permeability.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a packing body including disposing a liquid ejecting head in which a first moisture absorbing material and an electronic component are disposed in an accommodating space formed by a space forming member, and a second moisture absorbing material having a higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material in a packing space formed by a packing material having a moisture-proof property in a state where the accommodating space and the packing space communicate with each other, and sealing the packing material.

In the method of manufacturing the packing body, a maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material may be greater than a maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material.

The method of manufacturing the packing body may further include storing the packing body for a predetermined time after the sealing.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting apparatus using a liquid ejecting head disposed in a packing space formed by a packing body having a moisture-proof property, in which the liquid ejecting head includes a space forming member which forms an accommodating space communicating with the packing space, and a first moisture absorbing material and an electronic component which are disposed in the accommodating space, and the liquid ejecting head and a second moisture absorbing material that has a higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material are disposed in the packing space, the method including taking out the liquid ejecting head from the packing body, and fixing the liquid ejecting head to a carriage provided in the liquid ejecting apparatus.

In the method of manufacturing the liquid ejecting apparatus, a predetermined time for moving moisture from the first moisture absorbing material to the second moisture absorbing material may be provided before the taking out of the liquid ejecting head from the packing body.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Such an embodiment describes one embodiment of the present disclosure, does not limit the present disclosure, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. In addition, in each of the following drawings, the scale of each layer and each part is made different from the actual scale in order to make each layer and each part size recognizable on the drawing.

Outline of Liquid Ejecting Apparatus

FIG. 1is a partial configuration diagram of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to Embodiment 1.FIG. 2is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid ejecting head, and illustrates a cross section taken along line II-II of the liquid ejecting head20illustrated inFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid ejecting portion.

FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view of the liquid ejecting portion70focusing on one predetermined ejecting portion702among a plurality of ejecting portions702provided in a liquid ejecting portion70.

First, with reference toFIG. 1, the outline of the liquid ejecting apparatus10according to the embodiment will be described.

The liquid ejecting apparatus10according to the embodiment is an ink jet type printing apparatus that ejects ink onto a medium11such as printing paper to form a desired image on the medium11.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the liquid ejecting apparatus10according to the present embodiment includes a control device12, a transport mechanism15, a carriage18, and a liquid ejecting head20. A liquid container14for storing ink is mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus10.

The liquid container14is an ink tank type cartridge made of a box-shaped container detachable from the main body of the liquid ejecting apparatus10. The liquid container14is not limited to a box-shaped container, and may be an ink pack type cartridge made of a bag-shaped container. In the liquid container14, ink is stored. The ink may be black ink or color ink. The ink stored in the liquid container14is pressure-fed to the liquid ejecting head20.

The control device12comprehensively controls each component of the liquid ejecting apparatus10. The transport mechanism15transports the medium11in the Y direction under the control of the control device12. The liquid ejecting head20ejects the ink supplied from the liquid container14to the medium11from each of a plurality of nozzles N under the control of the control device12.

In the following description, the direction in which the medium11is transported is defined as the Y direction, the width direction of the medium11intersecting the Y direction is defined as the X direction, and the height direction of the liquid ejecting apparatus10is defined as the Z direction. In addition, a tip end side of an arrow indicating the direction is the (+) direction, and a base end side of the arrow indicating the direction is the (−) direction.

The Z direction is a vertical direction, and the X-Y plane is a horizontal plane.

The liquid ejecting head20is mounted on the carriage18. InFIG. 1, although a case in which one liquid ejecting head20is mounted on the carriage18is exemplified, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and a plurality of liquid ejecting heads20may be mounted on the carriage18.

The control device12reciprocates the carriage18in the X direction. By repeating the operation of transporting the medium11in the Y direction and the operation of ejecting ink onto the medium11while the liquid ejecting head20mounted on the carriage18moves in the X direction, a desired image is formed on the medium11. The liquid ejecting head20is a serial head that ejects ink while being mounted on the carriage18and moving in the X direction, and the liquid ejecting head20may be a line head that is disposed to extend in the X direction (width direction of medium11) in a fixed state.

The liquid ejecting head20has a liquid ejecting portion70. In the liquid ejecting portion70, nozzle rows are arranged. The nozzle row is a group of the plurality of nozzles N linearly arranged along the Y direction. From each nozzle N, ink supplied from the liquid container14is ejected. The nozzles N of each nozzle row are formed on an ejecting surface22(surface facing medium11) of the liquid ejecting head20. The number and arrangement of the liquid ejecting portion70and the nozzle row are not limited to those exemplified. For example, it is possible to arrange the plurality of nozzle rows in a zigzag or staggered shape on the ejecting surface22of the liquid ejecting head20.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the liquid ejecting head20includes a liquid ejecting portion70and a case member30.

The case member30is a member having a space (second space R2) inside. In other words, the case member30is a member that forms the second space R2. The case member30is made of synthetic resin or metal, for example. The case member30may be formed by adhering, welding, or fixing by screws a plurality of members. An opening portion31is formed on the Z (+) direction side of the case member30, and the liquid ejecting portion70is fixed to the case member30so that the ejecting surface22of the liquid ejecting portion70is exposed from the opening portion31. That is, the liquid ejecting portion70is accommodated in the second space R2formed by the case member30so that the ejecting surface22of the liquid ejecting portion70is exposed from the opening portion31.

Furthermore, on the surface on the Z (−) direction side of the case member30, an atmosphere communication port32that communicates the second space R2and the outside (for example, atmosphere, third space R3(refer toFIG. 4), and the like) is provided.

The case member30is an example of the “space forming member”, and the second space R2formed by the case member30is an example of “accommodating space”.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the liquid ejecting portion70is a structure body in which a pressure chamber substrate72, a vibration plate73, a piezoelectric element74, and a support body75are disposed on one side of the flow path substrate71, and a nozzle plate76is disposed on the other side of the flow path substrate71. The flow path substrate71, the pressure chamber substrate72, and the nozzle plate76are formed of, for example, a flat plate material (silicon substrate) of silicon, and the support body75is formed by injection molding of a resin material, for example. The plurality of nozzles N are formed in the nozzle plate76. The surface of the nozzle plate76facing the medium11forms the ejecting surface22of the liquid ejecting head20.

The pressure chamber substrate72and the vibration plate73may be integrally provided as in a case in which a portion of the members forming the pressure chamber substrate72is thinned to function as the vibration plate73.

On the flow path substrate71, an opening portion712, a branch flow path714, and a communication flow path716are formed. The branch flow path714and the communication flow path716are through-holes formed for each nozzle N. The opening portion712is a continuous opening portion over the plurality of nozzles N. A space where an accommodating portion752(recessed portion) formed in the support body75and the opening portion712of the flow path substrate71communicate with each other functions as a common liquid chamber SR (reservoir) that stores ink supplied from the liquid container14via an introduction flow path754of the support body75.

An opening portion722is formed for each nozzle N on the pressure chamber substrate72. The vibration plate73is an elastically deformable flat plate material disposed on the surface of the pressure chamber substrate72opposite to the flow path substrate71. A space interposed between the vibration plate73and the flow path substrate71inside each opening portion722of the pressure chamber substrate72functions as a pressure chamber SC (cavity) filled with ink supplied from the common liquid chamber SR via the branch flow path714. Each of the pressure chambers SC communicates with the nozzle N via the communication flow path716of the flow path substrate71.

On the surface of the vibration plate73opposite to the pressure chamber substrate72, the piezoelectric element74is formed for each nozzle N. Each piezoelectric element74is a driving element in which a piezoelectric body744is interposed between a first electrode742and a second electrode746. A driving signal is supplied to one of the first electrode742and the second electrode746, and a predetermined reference potential is supplied to the other. When the vibration plate73vibrates due to the deformation of the piezoelectric element74by the supply of the drive signal, the pressure in the pressure chamber SC varies, and the ink in the pressure chamber SC is ejected from the nozzle N. Specifically, ink of an ejection amount corresponding to the amplitude of the drive signal is ejected from the nozzle N. One ejecting portion702illustrated inFIG. 3is a portion that includes the piezoelectric element74, the vibration plate73, the pressure chamber SC, and the nozzle N.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, in order to protect the piezoelectric element74and the vibration plate73from moisture, the piezoelectric element74and the vibration plate73are accommodated in a first space R1formed by a sealing body78. In addition, the first space R1is accommodated in the second space R2formed by the case member30. Furthermore, a communication hole784for communicating the first space R1with the second space R2is formed on the Z (−) direction side surface of the sealing body78.

The sealing body78is a plate member having a recessed portion782formed on the surface on the Z (+) direction side, and is joined to the vibration plate73with an adhesive or the like to form the first space R1with the vibration plate73. That is, the first space R1is a space surrounded by the recessed portion782of the sealing body78and the vibration plate73.

Incidentally, when the first space R1accommodating the piezoelectric element74and the vibration plate73is in communication with the atmosphere, moisture is likely to enter the first space R1. When moisture enters the first space R1and the piezoelectric element74is exposed to a high humidity environment for a long period of time, there is a possibility that the first electrode742and the second electrode746of the piezoelectric element74corrode or the strength decreases due to hydrolysis and cracks occur. Furthermore, also in the vibration plate73, when the vibration plate73is exposed to a high humidity environment for a long period of time, there is a possibility that the strength decreases due to hydrolysis and cracks occur.

Furthermore, when the first space R1is made a sealed space that is not communicated with the atmosphere so that moisture does not enter the first space R1, the vibration of the pressure chamber SC due to the driving of the piezoelectric element74propagates to the first space R1, and pressure fluctuation also occurs in the first space R1. Since each of the pressure chambers SC is also affected by the pressure fluctuation in the first space R1, there is a possibility that the ejection characteristics are changed by the pressure variation in the first space R1due to such structural crosstalk. In addition, since the pressure fluctuation in the first space R1also changes depending on the number of the piezoelectric elements74to be driven, a large difference in pressure fluctuation occurs. Therefore, there is a possibility that the ejection characteristics are changed depending on the number of piezoelectric elements74to be driven.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the atmosphere communication port32communicating the second space R2with the atmosphere is formed in the case member30and the communication hole784communicating the first space R1with the second space R2is formed in the sealing body78. In addition, a first moisture absorbing material41is disposed in the second space R2.

With this configuration, even when moisture enters the second space R2from the atmosphere communication port32, moisture is absorbed by the first moisture absorbing material41in the second space R2. Therefore, moisture entering the first space R1through the communication hole784can be reduced, so that the liquid ejecting portion70(piezoelectric element74and vibration plate73) can be protected from moisture. Accordingly, it is possible to protect the piezoelectric element74and the vibration plate73from moisture while suppressing the pressure fluctuation of the first space R1accommodating the piezoelectric element74.

Furthermore, in addition to the liquid ejecting portion70, a circuit substrate34for driving the piezoelectric element74is disposed in the second space R2formed by the case member30. As a result, the circuit substrate34is protected from moisture in addition to the liquid ejecting portion70(piezoelectric element74and vibration plate73).

In the liquid ejecting head20, the first space R1communicates with the second space R2via the communication hole784and is disposed in the second space R2. Therefore, the piezoelectric element74and the vibration plate73disposed in the first space R1can be regarded as disposed in the second space R2, similarly to the circuit substrate34and the first moisture absorbing material41.

That is, the liquid ejecting head20has a configuration in which the first moisture absorbing material41, the piezoelectric element74, and the circuit substrate34are disposed in the second space R2. In this manner, the liquid ejecting head20has the case member30forming the second space R2, the first moisture absorbing material41, the piezoelectric element74, and the circuit substrate34disposed in the second space R2.

The piezoelectric element74and the circuit substrate34are examples of “electronic components”.

Outline of Packing Body

FIG. 4is a schematic cross-sectional view of a packing body according to the embodiment.FIG. 5is a graph illustrating a relationship between a storage time of the packing body and a moisture absorption rate of a first moisture absorbing material.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, the outline of the packing body50according to the embodiment will be described.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the packing body50according to the embodiment includes a packing material51forming a third space R3which is an example of the “packing space”, the liquid ejecting head20, a second moisture absorbing material42.

The packing material51is formed of a vapor-deposited metal film on which a metal such as aluminum is vapor-deposited, and has a moisture-proof property in addition to gas barrier properties. The constituent material of the packing material51may have the moisture-proof property, and in addition to the vapor-deposited metal film, a metal foil laminated film obtained by laminating a metal foil such as an aluminum foil and a substrate film, a film coated with an organic or inorganic barrier coating agent (coated film) or the like can be used. In addition, the packing material may be a sealed container made of metal.

The first moisture absorbing material41disposed in the second space R2of the liquid ejecting head20is a physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material and is formed of a clay semi-mineral (allophane) which is amorphous or formed of hydrated aluminum silicate having a low crystallinity. As an example, the first moisture absorbing material41is a molded product formed by molding a mixture of allophane and a resin (for example, polyethylene).

In the first moisture absorbing material41which is the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material, adsorption of moisture and release of moisture are performed reversibly, and moisture once absorbed can be released. Therefore, even when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases, for example, by releasing moisture from the first moisture absorbing material41by heating or storing in a dry atmosphere for a long time, it is possible to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41.

The second moisture absorbing material42disposed in the third space R3formed by the packing material51is a chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material, and calcium oxide, calcium chloride, hydrated lime, or the like can be used. Specifically, the second moisture absorbing material42is formed of calcium oxide and a film containing calcium oxide and having moisture permeability. Since the second moisture absorbing material42which is the chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material absorbs moisture by a chemical reaction, the second moisture absorbing material42has a higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material41which physically adsorb moisture, especially in a low humidity environment, and is likely to absorb moisture.

For example, under the condition that the weights of the moisture absorbing materials41and42are the same as each other, the amount of moisture absorbed by the second moisture absorbing material42per unit time in a low humidity environment (for example, environment with relative humidity of 10%) is greater than the amount of water absorbed by the first moisture absorbing material41per unit time in a low humidity environment. In such a case, the second moisture absorbing material42has the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material41. That is, the fact that has high moisture absorbing property means to have the property of easily absorbing moisture in a low humidity environment (for example, environment with relative humidity of 10%), and the amount of moisture absorbed per unit weight and unit time increases in a low humidity environment. In this manner, the second moisture absorbing material42is likely to absorb moisture more than the first moisture absorbing material41in a low humidity environment (for example, environment with relative humidity of 10%).

The second moisture absorbing material42may have the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material41, and when the first moisture absorbing material41is the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material formed of allophane, a physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material such as silica gel or zeolite can be used as the second moisture absorbing material42. That is, when the first moisture absorbing material41is the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material formed of allophane, the second moisture absorbing material42may be the chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material such as calcium oxide, calcium chloride, slaked lime or the like, or may be the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material such as silica gel or zeolite.

In the packing body50, the second moisture absorbing material42and the liquid ejecting head20are disposed in the third space R3formed by the packing material51. Since the packing material51has the moisture-proof property, the third space R3formed by the packing material51is unlikely to be affected by external moisture and is a sealed space isolated from outside moisture.

In the packing body50, since the second space R2is disposed in the third space R3and communicates with the third space R3via the atmosphere communication port32, the first moisture absorbing material41and the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34) disposed in the second space R2can be regarded as being disposed in the third space R3similarly to the second moisture absorbing material42.

In this manner, in the packing body50, the first moisture absorbing material41, the second moisture absorbing material42, and the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34) are disposed in the third space R3. In other words, in the packing body50, the first moisture absorbing material41, the second moisture absorbing material42, and the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34) are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture.

The “accommodating space (second space R2) communicating with the “packing space (third space R3)” in the present application means that the third space R3and the second space R2are connected to each other so that water (moisture) can move between the third space R3and the second space R2.

For example, when the atmosphere communication port32is provided in the case member30, since moisture can move between the third space R3and the second space R2via the atmosphere communication port32, the third space R3and the second space R2are communicated with each other. For example, when the case member30is made of a moisture permeable member (for example, resin) and has the moisture permeability, moisture can move between the third space R3and the second space R2via the case member30having the moisture permeability without providing the atmosphere communication port32. Therefore, when the case member30has the moisture permeability, the third space R3and the second space R2are communicated with each other without providing the atmosphere communication port32.

That is, in order to communicate the third space R3and the second space R2, the atmosphere communication port32may be provided, or the case member30may be formed of a moisture permeable member without providing the atmosphere communication port32.

From the viewpoint of stabilizing the ejection performance of the densified liquid ejecting head20, it is preferable to provide the atmosphere communication port32.

FIG. 5is a graph illustrating a temporal change in moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41when the first moisture absorbing material41and the second moisture absorbing material42are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture. The vertical axis inFIG. 5is the moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41, and the horizontal axis inFIG. 5is the time during which the first moisture absorbing material41and the second moisture absorbing material42are stored in the sealed space.

The moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41is expressed by Following Formula (1).
Moisture absorption rate of first moisture absorbing material 41=(W1−W0)/W0  (1)

Here, W1 is a weight of the first moisture absorbing material41when the first moisture absorbing material41and the second moisture absorbing material42are stored in the sealed space for a predetermined storage time. W0 is a weight of the initial first moisture absorbing material41(weight of first moisture absorbing material41when prescribed storage time is zero).

As described in the formula (1), the moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41is calculated by dividing the weight of the first moisture absorbing material41changed when the first moisture absorbing material41and the second moisture absorbing material42are stored in the sealed space for a predetermined storage time by the initial weight of the first moisture absorbing material41.

The maximum moisture absorption rate of allophane which is a constituent material of the first moisture absorbing material41is approximately 22%. InFIG. 5, allophane which has absorbed moisture of approximately 82% of the maximum absorbable moisture, that is, allophane having a moisture absorption rate of 18% by weight is used as the initial first moisture absorbing material41. When the allophane (first moisture absorbing material41) having the moisture absorption rate of 18% by weight and the second moisture absorbing material42are stored for a predetermined storage time in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, the temporal change in the moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41is illustrated inFIG. 5. Furthermore, a solid line inFIG. 5illustrates a temporal change in the moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41when the second moisture absorbing material42is calcium oxide. A broken line inFIG. 5illustrates a temporal change in the moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41when the second moisture absorbing material42is silica gel.

In addition, inFIG. 5, a state where the moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41increases is a state where the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture. InFIG. 5, a state where the moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases is a state where moisture is lost from the first moisture absorbing material41.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases with the elapse of the storage time both in a case in which the second moisture absorbing material42is calcium oxide and a case in which the second moisture absorbing material42is silica gel.

When the first moisture absorbing material41and the second moisture absorbing material42are stored in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, the sealed space is in a low humidity environment. In the low humidity environment, since the second moisture absorbing material42is likely to absorb moisture more than the first moisture absorbing material41, it is considered that moisture moves from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42, moisture is lost from the first moisture absorbing material41, and the moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases. Furthermore, when moisture is lost from the first moisture absorbing material41, the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41is enhanced.

Therefore, when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases, and in a case in which the first moisture absorbing material41and the second moisture absorbing material42having the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material41are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, moisture is moved from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42to release moisture from the first moisture absorbing material41and to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41can be enhanced.

In addition, a chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material formed of calcium oxide, calcium chloride, slaked lime, or the like has the higher moisture absorbing property than that of a physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material formed of silica gel, zeolite, or the like. Therefore, when using the second moisture absorbing material42formed of calcium oxide illustrated by the solid line inFIG. 5, as compared with a case of using the second moisture absorbing material42formed of silica gel illustrated by the broken line inFIG. 5, the moisture absorption rate of the first moisture absorbing material41is significantly decreased, more moisture is released from the first moisture absorbing material41, and the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41is further enhanced.

Therefore, in order to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41, it is preferable that the moisture absorbing property of the second moisture absorbing material42is high, and the second moisture absorbing material42is a chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material formed of calcium oxide, calcium chloride, hydrated lime, and the like.

Therefore, in the packing body50, since the first moisture absorbing material41, the second moisture absorbing material42having the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material41, and the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34) are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases, moisture is moved from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42to release moisture from the first moisture absorbing material41and to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41can be enhanced.

Furthermore, in the packing body50, in order to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41and to enhance the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41, it is preferable that the second moisture absorbing material42is the chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material rather than the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material.

It is a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure to use the physical adsorption type as the first moisture absorbing material41and the chemical reaction type as the second moisture absorbing material42. First, by using the physical adsorption type that does not cause a chemical reaction as the first moisture absorbing material41at a position close to the electronic component in the liquid ejecting head20, there is an advantage that damage or deterioration of the electronic component due to outgas accompanying the chemical reaction does not occur. Next, since the first moisture absorbing material41is close to the ink flow path and is exposed to the atmosphere during an assembly step, a portion of the moisture absorption performance is lost after being assembled in the liquid ejecting head20and undergoing an inspection step. By using the physical adsorption type having a characteristic of releasing moisture under drying conditions as the first moisture absorbing material41, it is possible to recover the moisture absorbing performance by being placed in a dry atmosphere expressed by the second moisture absorbing material42thereafter, and there is an advantage that the loss of moisture absorption performance of the first moisture absorbing material41can be reduced when taken out from the packing. Furthermore, by using the chemical reaction type as the second moisture absorbing material42, since the inside of the packing material51can be kept at a low humidity as compared with the physical adsorption type, the recoverability of the moisture absorption performance of the first moisture absorbing material41is improved. On the other hand, since the second moisture absorbing material42is the chemical reaction type, even when a corrosive reaction gas of an electronic component comes out, when the first moisture absorbing material41is the physical adsorptive type, since the first moisture absorbing material41also has a side surface that adsorbs the reaction gas, it has a special effect that damage and deterioration of electronic component can be prevented.

Furthermore, in the packing body50, when the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material42is smaller than the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material41, the amount of moisture moving from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42decreases and there is a possibility that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41is unlikely to be enhanced.

In the packing body50, when the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material42is greater than the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material41, as compared with a case in which the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material42is smaller than the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material41, the amount of moisture moving from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42increases so that the second moisture absorbing material42is likely to absorb moisture of the first moisture absorbing material41. As a result, when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases, in a case in which the second moisture absorbing material42is likely to absorb moisture of the first moisture absorbing material41, it is possible to reliably recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41and to reliably enhance the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41.

Therefore, it is preferable that the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material42is greater than the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material41.

Furthermore, in the packing body50, since the third space R3where the second moisture absorbing material42is disposed is wider than the second space R2where the first moisture absorbing material41is disposed, as compared with a case in which the third space R3is narrower than the second space R2where the first moisture absorbing material41is disposed, a larger amount of the second moisture absorbing material42is disposed in the third space R3, and the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material42is increased. Therefore, the second moisture absorbing material42can be further likely to absorb moisture of the first moisture absorbing material41.

In addition, it is desirable that the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material42is greater than the amount of test solution remaining in the liquid ejecting head20. In a step of discharging the test solution, the amount of the test solution remaining in the liquid ejecting head20can be easily obtained experimentally from a difference between the weight of the liquid ejecting head20before filling the test solution and the weight of the liquid ejecting head20after filling and discharging the test solution. The amount of the second moisture absorbing material42is set so that the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material42is greater than the remaining amount of the test solution. Therefore, it is possible to reliably recover the moisture absorption performance of the first moisture absorbing material41even when all the test solution evaporates due to long term storage. In addition, the amount of the second moisture absorbing material42is set so that the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material42is greater than the sum of the volumes in the flow path of the liquid ejecting head20. Therefore, it is unnecessary to necessarily perform the discharging operation of the test solution, which is more desirable.

Method of Manufacturing Packing Body

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing the packing body according to the embodiment.FIG. 7is a perspective view of a packing material.

Next, with reference toFIG. 6, a method of manufacturing the packing body50according to the embodiment will be described.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the method of manufacturing the packing body50according to the embodiment includes a step of packing the liquid ejecting head20and the second moisture absorbing material42with the packing material51(Step S1), a step of sealing the packing material51to prepare the packing body50(Step S2), and a step of storing the packing body50for a predetermined time (Step S3).

Step S1is an example of “first step”, Step S2is an example of “second step”, and Step S3is an example of “third step”.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the packing material51is a gusset bag having an opening52provided at one end and a fold53provided on a side surface. The packing material51is formed of a vapor-deposited metal film on which a metal such as aluminum is vapor-deposited, and has the moisture-proof property. A space in the packing material51is the third space R3.

In Step S1, the liquid ejecting head20and the second moisture absorbing material42are carried into the packing material51from the opening52of the packing material51, and the liquid ejecting head20and the second moisture absorbing material42are disposed in the third space R3.

In other words, Step S1is a step of disposing the liquid ejecting head20in which the first moisture absorbing material41and the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34) are disposed in the second space R2formed by a case member30, and the second moisture absorbing material42having the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material41in the third space R3formed by the packing material51having the moisture-proof property in a state where the second space R2and the third space R3are communicated with each other.

In Step S2, the opening52of the packing material51is sealed, for example, by heat sealing to prepare the packing body50illustrated inFIG. 4. Since the packing material51has the moisture-proof property, when the opening52of the packing material51is sealed, the third space R3is unlikely to be affected by external moisture and becomes the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture. Therefore, in the packing body50, the liquid ejecting head20and the second moisture absorbing material42having the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material41are placed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture.

Furthermore, in the liquid ejecting head20, the first moisture absorbing material41and the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34) are disposed in the second space R2communicating with the third space R3via the atmosphere communication port32. Therefore, in the packing body50, the first moisture absorbing material41, the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34), and the second moisture absorbing material42are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture.

In the packing body50prepared in Step S2, the second moisture absorbing material42is disposed so that the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material42is greater than the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material41. As a result, in the next step (Step S3), the second moisture absorbing material42is likely to absorb moisture of the first moisture absorbing material41to reliably recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41, so that the moisture absorption capability of the first moisture absorbing material41can be reliably enhanced.

In Step S3, the packing body50is stored for a predetermined time. In the packing body50, the first moisture absorbing material41, the second moisture absorbing material42having the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material41, and the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34) are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture. Therefore, when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases, moisture is moved from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41can be enhanced.

In this manner, Step S3is a step of storing the packing body50for a predetermined time, and when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases, a step of recovering the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41to enhance the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41.

Method of Manufacturing Liquid Ejecting Apparatus

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the embodiment.

Next, with reference toFIG. 8, the method of manufacturing the liquid ejecting apparatus10according to the embodiment will be described.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the method of manufacturing the liquid ejecting apparatus10according to the embodiment includes a step of preparing the liquid ejecting head20(Step S11), a step of packing the liquid ejecting head20and the second moisture absorbing material42with the packing material51(Step S1), a step of sealing the packing material51to prepare the packing body50(Step S2), a step of storing the packing body50for a predetermined time (Step S3), a step of taking out the liquid ejecting head20from the packing body50(Step S12), and a step of fixing the liquid ejecting head20to the carriage18(Step S13).

Step S1inFIG. 8is the same as Step S1inFIG. 6, and Step S2inFIG. 8is the same as Step S2inFIG. 6, Step S3inFIG. 8is the same as Step S3inFIG. 6, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In Step S11, a vibration plate73formed of a thermal oxide film (silicon oxide) and zirconium oxide is formed on the silicon substrate, and subsequently, the piezoelectric element74including the first electrode742, the piezoelectric body744, and the second electrode746is formed on the vibration plate73. Subsequently, an opening portion722is formed on the silicon substrate by a known technique (for example, anisotropic etching), and the pressure chamber substrate72provided with the piezoelectric element74is prepared. Furthermore, an opening portion712, a branch flow path714, and a communication flow path716are formed on the silicon substrate by a known technique, and the flow path substrate71is prepared. Furthermore, a nozzle plate76is prepared by forming a nozzle N on the silicon substrate by a known technique. Furthermore, by a resin molding, a support body75provided with an accommodating portion752and an introduction flow path754, and a sealing body78provided with a recessed portion782and a communication hole784are prepared. Furthermore, a pressure chamber substrate72on which the nozzle plate76, the flow path substrate71, and the piezoelectric element74are provided, and the support body75are joined to each other with an adhesive to prepare the liquid ejecting portion70illustrated inFIG. 3.

Subsequently, the case member30in which an opening portion31, an atmosphere communication port32, and a second space R2are provided by resin molding, the first moisture absorbing material41, and the circuit substrate34are prepared. The case member30and the liquid ejecting portion70are joined to each other with an adhesive in a state where the first moisture absorbing material41and the circuit substrate34are disposed in the second space R2to prepare the liquid ejecting head20illustrated inFIG. 2.

Furthermore, in Step S11, after preparing the liquid ejecting head20, the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34) of the liquid ejecting head20are driven, the ink is caused to flow in the flow path of the liquid ejecting head20, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle N of the liquid ejecting head20to evaluate the performance of the liquid ejecting head20. Subsequently, a cleaning liquid is caused to flow in the flow path of the liquid ejecting head20, and the flow path of the liquid ejecting head20is cleaned with the cleaning liquid so that ink does not remain in the flow path of the liquid ejecting head20. Subsequently, a gas (for example, nitrogen gas) is allowed to flow in the flow path of the liquid ejecting head20, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the flow path of the liquid ejecting head20.

The ink is a water-based ink containing a solvent (water), coloring material (pigment, dye, and the like) and the like, and the cleaning liquid is a solution containing water as a main component.

In Step S1, the liquid ejecting head20determined as a good product by the performance evaluation in Step S11and the second moisture absorbing material42are disposed in the third space R3formed by the packing material51.

In Step S2, the packing body50in which the first moisture absorbing material41, the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34), and the second moisture absorbing material42are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture is prepared.

In Step S3, the packing body50is stored for a predetermined time. That is, in Step S3, a predetermined time is set for moving the moisture from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42before the step of taking out the liquid ejecting head20from the packing body50(Step S12). As a result, when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases, moisture moves from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42, and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41is recovered, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41is enhanced.

In Step S12, the packing body50is opened, and the liquid ejecting head20is taken out from the packing body50. Since the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41is enhanced in the previous step (Step S3), the moisture (water) entering the first space R1via the communication hole784is absorbed by the first moisture absorbing material41to protect the electronic components (piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34) and the vibration plate73of the liquid ejecting head20from moisture, and the adverse effect (for example, corrosion or strength reduction due to long-term exposure to humid environment) of moisture (water) can be suppressed.

In Step S13, the liquid ejecting head20taken out from the packing body50kept for a predetermined time is fixed to the carriage18, and the liquid ejecting apparatus10illustrated inFIG. 1is manufactured.

For example, when the liquid ejecting apparatus10is carried from the manufacturing factory to the customer in a state where the liquid ejecting head20is mounted, in the step of preparing the liquid ejecting head20or a case of transporting the liquid ejecting apparatus10to the customer, the liquid ejecting apparatus10is delivered to the customer in a state where the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41is decreased. As a result, the liquid ejecting head20is likely to be affected by moisture (water), and there is a possibility that a problem of shortening the life of the liquid ejecting head20may occur.

When the liquid ejecting apparatus10in which the liquid ejecting head20is not mounted and the packing body50in which the liquid ejecting head20is stored are carried from the manufacturing factory to the customer, the liquid ejecting head20is taken out from the packing body50, and the customer fixes the liquid ejecting head20to the carriage18to manufacture the liquid ejecting apparatus10, the liquid ejecting apparatus10is delivered to the customer in a state where the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41is enhanced. Therefore, the liquid ejecting head20is protected from moisture (water), so that the problem of shortening the life of the liquid ejecting head20can be prevented and the reliability of the liquid ejecting head20can be enhanced.

Therefore, when the liquid ejecting apparatus10without the liquid ejecting head20and the packing body50in which the liquid ejecting head20is stored are carried from the manufacturing factory to the customer and the customer performs Step S13at the customer, the reliability of the liquid ejecting apparatus10delivered to the customer can be enhanced.

As a matter of course, at the manufacturing factory, the liquid ejecting head20taken out from the packing body50kept for a predetermined time may be fixed to the carriage18to manufacture the liquid ejecting apparatus10and the completed liquid ejecting apparatus10may be delivered to the customer.

Meanwhile, in the performance evaluation of the liquid ejecting head20in Step S11, gas is caused to flow in the flow path of the liquid ejecting head20, and the cleaning liquid (water) is discharged from the flow path of the liquid ejecting head20. However, since the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70is intricately complicated, it is difficult to completely discharge moisture remaining in the flow path, and a small amount of moisture remains in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70.

Therefore, in the step of preparing the liquid ejecting head20in Step S11, the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70and there is a possibility that the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases.

Furthermore, in the step of preparing the liquid ejecting head20of Step S11, when the case member30and the liquid ejecting portion70are joined to each other with an adhesive in a state where the first moisture absorbing material41and the circuit substrate34are disposed in the second space R2, the first moisture absorbing material41is exposed to the outside air. Therefore, the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture contained in the outside air, and there is a possibility that the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases.

In this manner, in the above-described Step S11, the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70or moisture contained in the outside air, and there is a possibility that the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases.

FIGS. 9 and 10are graphs illustrating a state of weight change of an object to be packed (liquid ejecting portion70, first moisture absorbing material41, and second moisture absorbing material42) in the packing body50when the packing body50is stored in Step S3.

InFIG. 9, when the packing body50is stored under the condition of 40° C. for 6 days, the weight change of the object to be packed (liquid ejecting portion70, first moisture absorbing material41, and second moisture absorbing material42) in the packing body50is illustrated. InFIG. 10, in the context of an acceleration test of moisture evaporation from the liquid ejecting portion70, when the packing body50is stored under the condition of 60° C. for 28 days, the weight change of the object to be packed (liquid ejecting portion70, first moisture absorbing material41, and second moisture absorbing material42) in the packing body50is illustrated.

The arrows inFIGS. 9 and 10illustrate the direction where the weight of the object to be packed (liquid ejecting portion70, first moisture absorbing material41, and second moisture absorbing material42) inside the packing body50changes. Specifically, inFIGS. 9 and 10, when the packing body50is stored in Step S3, the weight of the liquid ejecting portion70changes in a decreasing direction and the weights of the first moisture absorbing material41and the second moisture absorbing material42change in increasing directions as illustrated by arrows in the figures.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, when the packing body50is stored under the condition of 40° C. for 6 days, the weight of the liquid ejecting portion70is decreased by approximately 0.36 g, the weight of the first moisture absorbing material41is increased by 0.12 g, the weight of the second moisture absorbing material42is increased by 0.24 g, and the weight decrease amount of the liquid ejecting portion70and the weight increase amount of the moisture absorbing materials41and42are the same as each other.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, when the packing body50is stored under the condition of 60° C. for 28 days, the weight of the liquid ejecting portion70is decreased by approximately 0.77 g, the weight of the first moisture absorbing material41is increased by 0.06 g, the weight of the second moisture absorbing material42is increased by 0.71 g, and the weight decrease amount of the liquid ejecting portion70and the weight increase amount of the moisture absorbing materials41and42are the same as each other.

In this manner, when the first moisture absorbing material41, the liquid ejecting portion70, and the second moisture absorbing material42are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70is lost from the liquid ejecting portion70and absorbed by either the first moisture absorbing material41or the second moisture absorbing material42. That is, when the packing body50is stored under the condition that moisture remains in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70and is kept at 40° C. for 6 days or at 60° C. for 28 days, moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70moves to either the first moisture absorbing material41or the second moisture absorbing material42.

The first moisture absorbing material41is the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material, and the second moisture absorbing material42is the chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material. Since a surface area of the first moisture absorbing material41is larger than a surface area of the second moisture absorbing material42, in the initial stage where the moisture absorbing materials41and42absorb moisture, the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture earlier than the second moisture absorbing material42. Furthermore, since the first moisture absorbing material41is disposed near the liquid ejecting portion70as compared with the second moisture absorbing material42, moisture evaporated from the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70is likely to be absorbed.

Therefore, although the second moisture absorbing material42has the higher moisture absorbing property (moisture absorbing capacity) than that of the first moisture absorbing material41, the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs a certain amount of moisture (0.12 g of moisture) under the condition of 40° C. for 6 days illustrated inFIG. 9. That is, in the initial stage of Step S3(when storage time is as short as 6 days), the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases.

The second moisture absorbing material42has the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material41and is likely to absorb moisture. Therefore, in the packing body50in which the first moisture absorbing material41, the liquid ejecting portion70, and the second moisture absorbing material42are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, a phenomenon occurs in which moisture moves from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42.

Therefore, due to the phenomenon that moisture moves from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42, it is considered that the weight increase amount (0.06 g) of the first moisture absorbing material41under the condition of 60° C. for 28 days illustrated inFIG. 10is smaller than the weight increase amount (0.12 g) of the first moisture absorbing material41under the condition of 40° C. for 6 days illustrated inFIG. 9. That is, in the packing body50, it is considered that most of the moisture in the liquid ejecting portion70moves to the first moisture absorbing material41, and when the packing body50is stored for a long period of time, moisture moved to the first moisture absorbing material41moves from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42.

Furthermore, in the initial stage of Step S3(for example, when storage time is as short as 6 days), even when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases, in a case in which the storage time in Step S3is lengthened, due to the phenomenon that moisture moves from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42, moisture from the first moisture absorbing material41is released to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41can be enhanced.

In addition, the weight decrease amount (0.36 g) of the liquid ejecting portion70under the condition of 40° C. for 6 days illustrated inFIG. 9is smaller than the weight decrease amount (0.77 g) of the liquid ejecting portion70under the condition of 60° C. for 28 days illustrated inFIG. 10. Therefore, it is considered that moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70is not completely eliminated and remains in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70under the condition of 40° C. for 6 days.

According to the investigation of the inventor, under the condition of 60° C., when the storage time is 28 days or more, the weight decrease amount of the liquid ejecting portion70is substantially constant. Therefore, it is considered that moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70is completely eliminated under the condition of 60° C. for 28 days.

Moisture absorbed by the first moisture absorbing material41includes moisture that is absorbed by exposure to the outside air (moisture contained in outside air) in Step S11in addition to moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70. That is, the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70and moisture contained in the outside air.

When Steps S1to S3are performed, the moisture absorbed by the first moisture absorbing material41(moisture remaining in flow path of liquid ejecting portion70and moisture contained in outside air) is released from the first moisture absorbing material41and moved to the second moisture absorbing material42to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41can be enhanced.

Therefore, in the performance evaluation of the liquid ejecting head20in Step S11and in the step of preparing the liquid ejecting head20in Step S11, even when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70or moisture contained in the outside air, and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41decreases, in a case in which Steps S1to S3are performed, moisture is released from the first moisture absorbing material41to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41can be enhanced.

The “predetermined time” in the present application is a time required to move the moisture from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70or moisture contained in the outside air in Step S3. Therefore, when the packing body50is stored at “Step S3” for “predetermined time” or more, in a case in which the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70and moisture contained in the outside air, the moisture is moved from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42to release moisture from the first moisture absorbing material41and to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material41, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41can be enhanced.

The “predetermined time” in the present application may be changed depending on the state of the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70, the type and amount of the moisture absorbing materials41and42used, the storage temperature, and the like.

In the embodiment, in Step S3, when the first moisture absorbing material41absorbs moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70and moisture contained in the outside air, the storage time required to move the moisture from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42was approximately 1 to 3 months.

In addition, the second moisture absorbing material42plays a role of absorbing moisture remaining in the flow path of the liquid ejecting portion70in addition to a role of releasing the moisture from the first moisture absorbing material41to enhance the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41.

Therefore, it is preferable that the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material42is greater than the amount of the cleaning liquid (water) remaining in the liquid ejecting head20in the performance evaluation of the liquid ejecting head20in Step S11.

FIG. 11is a view corresponding toFIG. 4, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of a packing body according to Embodiment 2.

In the packing body50A according to the present embodiment, the liquid ejecting head20is accommodated in the second case member37. This point is the main difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, with reference toFIG. 11, the outline of the packing body50A according to the present embodiment will be described focusing on the difference from the first embodiment. In addition, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the packing body50A according to the present embodiment includes the packing material51forming the third space R3, the second case member37, the liquid ejecting head20, and the second moisture absorbing material42. On the other hand, the packing body50according to Embodiment 1 includes the packing material51forming the third space R3, the liquid ejecting head20, and the second moisture absorbing material (refer toFIG. 4). That is, the packing body50A according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the second case member37is added to the packing body50according to Embodiment 1.

The second case member37is an example of a “case”.

The second case member37is disposed between the second space R2and the third space R3. The second case member37is made of a moisture permeable material (for example, resin) and has the moisture permeability. Therefore, even when the second case member37is disposed between the second space R2and the third space R3, moisture can move between the third space R3and the second space R2. That is, even when the second case member37is disposed between the second space R2and the third space R3, a packing space (third space R3) and an accommodating space (second space R2) are maintained in a state of being in communication with each other.

In the packing body50A according to the present embodiment, the liquid ejecting head20is accommodated in the second case member37having moisture permeability and is protected by the second case member37.

The second moisture absorbing material42is disposed outside the second case member37and the liquid ejecting head20is disposed inside the second case member37. Therefore, in the second moisture absorbing material42, even when the film having the moisture permeability and containing calcium oxide is damaged and calcium oxide flows out from the film, the liquid ejecting head20is protected by the second case member37. Therefore, calcium oxide flowing out from the film does not contaminate the liquid ejecting head20.

Therefore, it is possible to suppress the problem that the calcium oxide adheres to the liquid ejecting head20and the constituent elements of the liquid ejecting head20(for example, piezoelectric element74and circuit substrate34) are corroded by the flowing out calcium oxide. That is, in addition to the effect obtained in Embodiment 1, it is possible to prevent the problem that the second moisture absorbing material42(calcium oxide) contaminates the liquid ejecting head20and the liquid ejecting head20deteriorates.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed within a scope not contrary to the gist or idea of the disclosure which can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and various modification examples other than the above embodiment are conceivable. Hereinafter, modification examples will be described.

Modification Example 1

In the above-described embodiment, the piezoelectric type liquid ejecting head20using the piezoelectric element74that applies mechanical vibration to the pressure chamber SC is exemplified, and a thermal type liquid ejecting head using a heating element for generating bubbles inside the pressure chamber by heating or a thermal head can be adopted.

For example, when the first moisture absorbing material41is disposed on the thermal type liquid ejecting head, the thermal type liquid ejecting head having the first moisture absorbing material41, and the second moisture absorbing material42are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, and moisture is moved from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42to enhance the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41, by the first moisture absorbing material41having enhanced moisture absorption capability, it is possible to protect the electronic components (for example, circuit substrate and electrode) in the thermal type liquid ejecting head from moisture and to enhance the reliability of the thermal type liquid ejecting head.

For example, when the first moisture absorbing material41is disposed on the thermal head, the thermal head having the first moisture absorbing material41, and the second moisture absorbing material42are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, and moisture is moved from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42to enhance the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41, by the first moisture absorbing material41having enhanced moisture absorption capability, it is possible to protect the electronic components (for example, circuit substrate and electrode) in the thermal head from moisture and to enhance the reliability of the thermal head.

Furthermore, the present application may be applied to an electronic device other than the liquid ejecting head20, the thermal type liquid ejecting head, and the thermal head.

That is, when the first moisture absorbing material41is disposed on the electronic device, the electronic device having the first moisture absorbing material41, and the second moisture absorbing material42are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, and moisture is moved from the first moisture absorbing material41to the second moisture absorbing material42to enhance the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material41, by the first moisture absorbing material41having enhanced moisture absorption capability, the electronic components (for example, circuit substrate and electrode) in the electronic device can be protected from moisture and the reliability of the electronic device can be enhanced.

Modification Example 2

The liquid ejecting apparatus10exemplified in the above-described embodiment can be adopted for various apparatuses such as a facsimile apparatus and a copying machine in addition to the apparatus dedicated for printing. Furthermore, the application of the liquid ejecting apparatus10of the present application is not limited to printing. For example, the liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of a coloring material is used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming a color filter, an organic electro luminescence (EL) display, a field emission display (FED), and the like of a liquid crystal display apparatus. In addition, the liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming a wiring and an electrode of a wiring substrate. In addition, it is also used as a chip manufacturing apparatus for ejecting a solution of bioorganic matter as a type of liquid.

Hereinafter, the contents derived from the above-described embodiment will be described.

The packing body of the present application includes a packing material that has a moisture-proof property and forms a packing space, a liquid ejecting head that includes a space forming member which forms an accommodating space communicating with the packing space, and a first moisture absorbing material and an electronic component which are disposed in the accommodating space, and is disposed in the packing space, and a second moisture absorbing material that has a higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material and is disposed in the packing space.

In the packing body, the liquid ejecting head (first moisture absorbing material and electronic component) and the second moisture absorbing material are disposed in the packing space formed by the packing material having the moisture-proof property. That is, the first moisture absorbing material, the electronic component, and the second moisture absorbing material are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture.

Since the second moisture absorbing material has the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material, when moisture remains in the electronic component, moisture remaining in the electronic component is likely to be absorbed by the second moisture absorbing material than the first moisture absorbing material. Therefore, the phenomenon that the first moisture absorbing material absorbs the moisture remaining in the electronic component and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material is unlikely to occur.

Furthermore, when the first moisture absorbing material absorbs moisture and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material is decreased, in a case in which the first moisture absorbing material and the second moisture absorbing material are sealed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, moisture can be moved from the first moisture absorbing material to the second moisture absorbing material and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material can be recovered.

In the packing body of the present application, the space forming member may include an atmosphere communication port that allows the accommodating space and the packing space to communicate with each other, and the electronic component may be a piezoelectric element.

When the atmosphere communication port communicating the accommodating space and the packing space is provided, moisture (water) is likely to flow between the accommodating space in which the first moisture absorbing material and the electronic component are disposed and the packing space in which the second moisture absorbing material is disposed. As a result, the second moisture absorbing material is likely to absorb moisture remaining in the electronic component and moisture of the first moisture absorbing material.

Furthermore, even when the piezoelectric element is made of a material easily deteriorated by moisture, the piezoelectric element is disposed in a low humidity environment where moisture is low, so that the piezoelectric element can be protected from moisture and deterioration of the piezoelectric element can be prevented.

In the packing body of the present application, the first moisture absorbing material may be a physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material.

In the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material, adsorption of moisture and release of moisture are performed reversibly. For example, in a high humidity environment, the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material absorbs moisture, and in a low humidity environment, the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material releases moisture.

As a result, when the first moisture absorbing material and the second moisture absorbing material are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, and the second moisture absorbing material has the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material, a low humidity environment is created by the second moisture absorbing material, moisture is released from the first moisture absorbing material, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material can be enhanced.

In the packing body of the present application, the second moisture absorbing material may be a chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material.

The chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material has the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material. Therefore, when the second moisture absorbing material is the chemical reaction-type moisture absorbing material, as compared with a case in which the second moisture absorbing material is the physical adsorption-type moisture absorbing material, it is possible to decrease the humidity of the sealed space in which the first moisture absorbing material, the electronic component, and the second moisture absorbing material are disposed. As a result, moisture is likely to be released from the first moisture absorbing material.

In the packing body of the present application, a maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material may be greater than a maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material.

When the first moisture absorbing material and the second moisture absorbing material are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, and the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material is greater than the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material, as compared with a case where the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material is smaller than the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material, the second moisture absorbing material is likely to absorb moisture of the first moisture absorbing material.

In the packing body of the present application, the liquid ejecting head may be accommodated in a case having moisture permeability.

Since the liquid ejecting head is disposed in the case and the second moisture absorbing material is disposed outside the case, the second moisture absorbing material is unlikely to contaminate the liquid ejecting head.

The method of manufacturing a packing body of the present application includes disposing a liquid ejecting head in which a first moisture absorbing material and an electronic component are disposed in an accommodating space formed by a space forming member, and a second moisture absorbing material having the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material in a packing space formed by a packing material having a moisture-proof property in a state where the accommodating space and the packing space communicate with each other, and sealing the packing material.

By the method of manufacturing the packing body of the present application, it is possible to manufacture the packing body in which the first moisture absorbing material, the electronic component, and the second moisture absorbing material are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture. The second moisture absorbing material absorbs moisture remaining in the electronic component and moisture of the first moisture absorbing material, and can enhance the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material.

In the method of manufacturing the packing body of the present application, a maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material may be greater than a maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material.

When the first moisture absorbing material and the second moisture absorbing material are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, and the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material is greater than the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material, as compared with a case where the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the second moisture absorbing material is smaller than the maximum amount of moisture absorption of the first moisture absorbing material, the second moisture absorbing material is likely to absorb moisture of the first moisture absorbing material.

The method of manufacturing the packing body of the present application may further include storing the packing body for a predetermined time after the sealing.

If the packing body in which the first moisture absorbing material, the electronic component, and the second moisture absorbing material are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture is stored for a predetermined time, the second moisture absorbing material reliably absorbs the moisture remaining in the electronic component and the moisture of the first moisture absorbing material, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material can be reliably enhanced.

The method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present application using a liquid ejecting head disposed in a packing space formed by a packing body having a moisture-proof property, in which the liquid ejecting head includes a space forming member which forms an accommodating space communicating with the packing space, and a first moisture absorbing material and an electronic component which are disposed in the accommodating space, and the liquid ejecting head and a second moisture absorbing material that has the higher moisture absorbing property than that of the first moisture absorbing material are disposed in the packing space, the method includes taking out the liquid ejecting head from the packing body, and fixing the liquid ejecting head to a carriage provided in the liquid ejecting apparatus.

In the packing body, the first moisture absorbing material and the second moisture absorbing material are disposed in the sealed space isolated from the outside moisture, and the second moisture absorbing material absorbs moisture remaining in the electronic component and moisture of the first moisture absorbing material, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material is enhanced.

For example, when the test solution used for inspecting the performance of the liquid ejecting head remains in the liquid flow path, the first moisture absorbing material absorbs the moisture of the test solution, and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material is decreased, the second moisture absorbing material absorbs the moisture of the first moisture absorbing material to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material can be enhanced.

For example, when the first moisture absorbing material is exposed to the outside air in the process of manufacturing the liquid ejecting head, the first moisture absorbing material absorbs water (moisture) of the outside air, and the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material is decreased, the second moisture absorbing material absorbs the moisture of the first moisture absorbing material to recover the moisture absorbing property of the first moisture absorbing material, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material can be enhanced.

Therefore, in the liquid ejecting head taken out from the packing body, since the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material is enhanced, as compared with a case where the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material is weak, the first moisture absorbing material stably prevents an increase in the humidity of the space in which the piezoelectric element is accommodated, and the piezoelectric element is unlikely to be deteriorated by moisture. That is, the reliability of the liquid ejecting head can be enhanced. In addition, reliability of the liquid ejecting apparatus in which the liquid ejecting head whose reliability is enhanced is fixed to the carriage is also enhanced.

In the method of manufacturing the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present application, a predetermined time for moving moisture from the first moisture absorbing material to the second moisture absorbing material may be provided before the taking out of the liquid ejecting head from the packing body.

When the packing body is stored for a predetermined time before taking out the liquid ejecting head from the packing body, the second moisture absorbing material reliably absorbs the moisture of the first moisture absorbing material and the piezoelectric element is unlikely to be deteriorated by moisture, so that the moisture absorbing capacity of the first moisture absorbing material can be enhanced.

As a result, in the liquid ejecting head taken out from the packing body, the first moisture absorbing material prevents an increase in the humidity of the space in which the piezoelectric element is accommodated, so that the reliability of the liquid ejecting head can be enhanced.