Patent ID: 12233653

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following, the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the embodiments. It should be noted that the following description shows one aspect of the present disclosure, and can be optionally changed within the scope of the present disclosure. The components having the same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same members, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Also, X, Y, and Z in each figure indicate three spatial axes that are orthogonal to each other. In the present specification, the directions along these spatial axes are referred to as an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction. In the description, a direction in which an arrow in each figure is directed is referred to as a positive (+) direction, and an opposite direction of the arrow is referred to as a negative (−) direction. In addition, the three spatial axes that do not limit the positive direction and the negative direction will be described as an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed in the +Z direction.FIG.2is a schematic view of an ink jet type recording apparatus, which is the liquid ejecting apparatus, as viewed in the +X direction.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, an ink jet type recording apparatus I, which is an example of the “liquid ejecting apparatus” according to the present embodiment is a printing apparatus that ejects and impacts ink, which is a type of liquid, on a medium S, such as printing paper, to perform printing of an image or the like (also referred to as a recording operation) by arranging dots formed on the medium S. It should be noted that, any material, such as a resin film or cloth, can be used as the medium S in addition to the printing paper. In addition, the ink jet type recording apparatus I according to the present embodiment is a so-called line-type recording apparatus that performs printing by ejecting and impacting the ink from an ink jet type recording head10to the medium S while transporting the medium S in a state being fixed to the ink jet type recording head10during printing.

The ink jet type recording apparatus I includes a head unit1including the ink jet type recording head10(hereinafter, also simply referred to as a recording head10), which is an example of a “liquid ejecting head”, a supply member2that supplies the ink to the head unit1, a liquid storage section4that stores the ink, an apparatus main body7, and a control unit8.

The head unit1has a plurality of recording heads10capable of ejecting the ink from a nozzle21(seeFIG.7). The plurality of recording heads10are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the +Y direction, which is a transport direction of the medium S, that is, a direction along the X axis in the present embodiment. It should be noted that the details of the head unit1will be described later. In addition, although the head unit1according to the present embodiment has the plurality of recording heads10, the number of the recording heads10constituting the head unit1is not particularly limited, and the head unit1may include one recording head10. The supply member2is fixed to such a head unit1. The ink supplied from the supply member2is supplied to each recording head10constituting the head unit1.

The liquid storage section4stores the ink to be supplied to the recording head10. The ink stored in the liquid storage section4is the ink that contributes to printing, that is, the ink that is ejected as droplets from the nozzle21of the recording head10in order to form an image or the like on the medium S. Examples of the liquid storage section4include a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the ink jet type recording apparatus I, a bag-shaped ink pack made of a flexible film, and a tank that can be refilled with the liquid. In the present embodiment, such a liquid storage section4is fixed to the apparatus main body7. It should be noted that, although not particularly shown, a plurality of types of ink having different colors or types are individually stored in the liquid storage section4. In addition, a sub tank may be provided between the liquid storage section4and the head unit1. When the ink in the sub tank is reduced, the reduced amount of the ink may be replenished from the liquid storage section4to the sub tank.

The ink from the liquid storage section4is supplied to each recording head10of the head unit1via a supply pipe4a, such as a tube. In addition, in the middle of the supply pipe4a, a pump4b, which is a pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes and supplies the ink from the liquid storage section4toward the recording head10, is provided. It should be noted that the pressurizing mechanism is not limited to the pump4b, and may be a pressing mechanism or the like that presses the liquid storage section4from the outside. In addition, the pressurizing mechanism may use a water head differential pressure generated by adjusting a relative position in a vertical direction between the recording head10and the liquid storage section4. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the liquid storage section4is fixed to the apparatus main body7, but for example, a liquid storage section, such as an ink cartridge, may be mounted on the supply member2, that is, on the −Z direction side of the supply member2.

In addition, the ink jet type recording apparatus I may include a transport unit. A first transport unit5as an example of the transport unit is provided on the −Y direction side of the ink jet type recording apparatus I. The first transport unit5includes a first transport roller501and a first driven roller502that is driven by the first transport roller501. The first transport roller501is provided on a back surface side opposite to an impact surface on which the ink of the medium S is impacted, and is driven by a driving force of a first drive motor503. In addition, the first driven roller502is provided on the impact surface side on which the ink of the medium S is impacted, and interposes the medium S with the first transport roller501. Such a first driven roller502presses the medium S toward the first transport roller501side by an urging member, such as a spring (not shown).

In addition, a second transport unit6as an example of the transport unit is disposed in the +Y direction downstream of the transport direction of the medium S with respect to the first transport unit5, and includes a transport belt601, a second drive motor602, a second transport roller603, a second driven roller604, and a tension roller605. The second transport roller603is driven by the driving force of the second drive motor602. The transport belt601is formed by an endless belt, and is hung on outer circumferences of the second transport roller603and the second driven roller604. Such a transport belt601is provided on the back surface side of the medium S. The tension roller605is provided between the second transport roller603and the second driven roller604, abuts on an inner circumferential surface of the transport belt601, and applies tension to the transport belt601by an urging force of the urging member606, such as a spring. As a result, the transport belt601has a flat surface that faces the recording head10between the second transport roller603and the second driven roller604.

The control unit8is a controller according to the present embodiment, and although not particularly shown, for example, includes a control device, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and a storage device, such as a semiconductor memory. In the control unit8, each element of the ink jet type recording apparatus I, that is, the recording head10, the first transport unit5, the second transport unit6, the pump4b, and the like are comprehensively controlled by the control device executing a program stored in the storage device. That is, the control unit8controls the recording operation and the like. In addition, the control unit8controls a pressing mechanism80(seeFIG.14) that forcibly opens a valve unit60, which will be described later in detail, to open a valve unit flow path64.

In such an ink jet type recording apparatus I, printing is performed by ejecting the ink from the recording head10in the +Z direction while transporting the medium S by the first transport unit5and the second transport unit6in the +Y direction with respect to the head unit1, and impacting the ejected ink in the medium S. The transport unit is not limited to the first transport unit5and the second transport unit6described above, and a transport unit including a drum or the like may be used.

The head unit1will be described with reference toFIGS.3to10. It should be noted thatFIG.3is an exploded perspective view of the supply member2and the head unit1.FIG.4is a plan view of the head unit1as viewed in the +Z direction.FIG.5is a perspective view of the recording head10.FIGS.6and7are exploded perspective views of the recording head10.FIG.8is a plan view of the recording head10as viewed in the −Z direction.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX ofFIG.8.FIG.10is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X ofFIG.9.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the head unit1includes the plurality of recording heads10and a support3that supports the plurality of recording heads10.

The support3is formed of a plate-shaped member, and is provided with support holes3afor holding a plurality of recording heads10. In the present embodiment, the support holes3aare provided independently for each recording head10. Of course, the support holes3amay be continuously provided over the plurality of recording heads10.

An ejection surface of the recording head10is held in the support hole3aof the support3in a state of protruding from the +Z direction side of the support3. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the surface of the recording head10facing the medium S is referred to as the ejection surface.

As shown inFIG.4, there are the plurality of recording heads10held by such a support3along the X axis, in the present embodiment, two rows each having three recording heads10arranged side by side are provided along the Y axis. That is, six recording heads10are held on one support3.

Each recording head10is provided with fixing holes11at both end portions in the +X direction and the −X direction. The support3is provided with a screw hole3bfor fixing each recording head10, and a screw12is inserted into the fixing hole11and screwed into the screw hole3b, so that each recording head10is fixed to the support3.

Here, as shown inFIGS.5to10, the recording head10includes a plurality of liquid ejecting sections20having the nozzles21that eject the ink, a holder30that holds the plurality of liquid ejecting sections20, a fixing plate40that fixes the plurality of liquid ejecting sections20, a flow path member50that supplies the ink to the liquid ejecting section20, a valve unit60that supplies the ink to the flow path member50, and a cover70that accommodates the valve unit.

As shown inFIG.8, the nozzles21that eject the ink are arranged side by side along the X axis in the liquid ejecting section20. In addition, the liquid ejecting section20is provided with, along the Y axis, a plurality of rows of the nozzles21arranged side by side along the X axis, and two rows in the present embodiment.

A flow path that communicates with the nozzle21and a pressure generation unit that causes a pressure change in the ink in the flow path are provided in an inside (not shown) of the liquid ejecting section20. As the pressure generation unit, for example, a unit that changes a volume of the flow path by the deformation of a piezoelectric actuator having a piezoelectric material exhibiting an electromechanical conversion function, causing the pressure change in the ink in the flow path, and ejects the ink droplets from the nozzle21can be used. In addition, as other pressure generation unit, a unit in which a heat generation element is disposed in the flow path to eject the ink droplets from the nozzle21by bubbles generated due to the heat of the heat generation element, or a so-called electrostatic actuator that generates an electrostatic force between a vibration plate and an electrode, deforms the vibration plate by the electrostatic force, and ejects the ink droplets from the nozzle21can be used. It should be noted that the surface of the liquid ejecting section20on which the nozzle21is open is a nozzle surface. That is, the ejection surface of the head unit1includes the nozzle surface on which the nozzle21is formed.

In addition, a wiring substrate22coupled to an internal pressure generation unit (not shown) is derived from the surface of the liquid ejecting section20on the −Z direction side. As the wiring substrate22, a flexible sheet-like material, for example, a so-called flexible substrate, such as a COF substrate, can be used. In addition, for example, on the wiring substrate22, a switching element that drives the pressure generation unit may or may not be mounted. That is, the wiring substrate22may be flexible wiring, such as FFC or FPC.

As shown inFIGS.7,8, and9, the holder30holds the plurality of liquid ejecting sections20. Specifically, an accommodation section31is provided on the surface of the holder30in the +Z direction. The accommodation section31has a recessed shape that is open on the surface in the +Z direction, and accommodates a plurality of liquid ejecting sections20fixed by the fixing plate40. In addition, an opening of the accommodation section31is covered with the fixing plate40. That is, the liquid ejecting section20is accommodated inside a space constituted by the accommodation section31and the fixing plate40. The accommodation section31is independently provided for each liquid ejecting section20. Of course, the accommodation section31may be continuously provided over the plurality of liquid ejecting sections20. In addition, the surface of the liquid ejecting section20on the −Z direction side is adhered to a bottom portion of the accommodation section31, that is, the surface of an inner surface of the accommodation section31on the −Z direction side with an adhesive.

In such a holder30, the liquid ejecting sections20are disposed in a staggered manner along the X axis. Here, disposing the liquid ejecting sections20in a staggered manner along the X axis means that the liquid ejecting sections20arranged side by side along the X axis are disposed to be alternately displaced from the Y axis. That is, two rows of the liquid ejecting sections20arranged side by side along the X axis are arranged side by side along the Y axis, and two rows of the liquid ejecting sections20are disposed to deviate by half a pitch along the X axis. By disposing the liquid ejecting sections20in a staggered manner along the X axis in this way, the nozzles21of two liquid ejecting sections20can be partially overlapped along the X axis to form a continuous row of the nozzles21in the direction along the X axis.

In addition, a recess portion33having a recessed shape in which the fixing plate40is fixed is provided on the surface of the holder30on the +Z direction side on which the accommodation section31is provided. The recess portion33has an opening of a size and a shape in which the fixing plate40is fitted and fixed. The fixing plate40is constituted by a plate-shaped member, and is fixed in the recess portion33of the holder30with an adhesive or the like. The fixing plate40is provided with an exposure opening portion41that exposes the nozzle21of each liquid ejecting section20. In the present embodiment, the exposure opening portion41is provided independently for each liquid ejecting section20. It should be noted that a periphery portion of the exposure opening portion41of the fixing plate40is fixed to the nozzle21side of the liquid ejecting section20, that is, the surface on the +Z direction side with an adhesive or the like. The surface of the fixing plate40in the +Z direction constitutes a part of the ejection surface.

In addition, inside the holder30, a flow path for flowing the ink may be provided between the liquid ejecting section20and the flow path member50. Of course, a flow path of the flow path member50and a flow path of the liquid ejecting section20may directly communicate with each other without passing through the holder30.

In addition, the holder30is provided with a wiring insertion hole34into which the wiring substrate22of the liquid ejecting section20is inserted. The wiring insertion hole34is provided to be open on a bottom surface of the accommodation section31, that is, on the surface of the accommodation section31on the −Z direction side, and also to be open on the surface of the holder30on the −Z direction side.

A pair of flange portions35protruding in the +X direction and the −X direction, respectively, are provided on the −Z direction side of the holder30. The fixing hole11into which the screw12described above is inserted is provided to penetrate the flange portion35in the +Z direction.

Here, a shape of the recording head10in a plan view as viewed in the −Z direction will be described with reference toFIG.8. The recording head10includes a first portion P1(portion shown by hatching inFIG.8), a second portion P2, and a third portion P3.

When a rectangle having the minimum area including the recording head10is denoted by R, a long side E1of the rectangle R overlaps with a side along the +X direction of the holder30, and a short side E2of the rectangle R overlaps with a side along the +Y direction of the holder30. A center line parallel to the long side E1of such an imaginary rectangle R is denoted by LC.

The first portion P1is a rectangular portion through which the center line LC passes. The second portion P2is a rectangular portion protruding from the first portion P1in the −X direction. The third portion P3is a rectangular portion protruding from the first portion P1in the +X direction. That is, the second portion P2, the first portion P1, and the third portion P3are arranged in this order along the X axis in the +X direction.

The second portion P2and the third portion P3are positioned in opposite directions along the Y axis with the center line LC interposed therebetween. Moreover, the plurality of recording heads10are arranged along the X axis such that the second portion P2of one recording head10and the third portion P3of the other recording head10face each other in the direction of the Y axis. In this way, by disposing the second portion P2of one recording head10and the third portion P3of the other recording head10to face each other in the direction of the Y axis, the nozzles21of the recording heads10adjacent to each other along the X axis can be partially overlapped along the X axis to form a continuous row of the nozzles21over the X axis. It should be noted that the second portion P2and the third portion P3have a width along the Y axis that does not pass through the center line LC. Therefore, when the plurality of recording heads10are arranged along the X axis, the width in the direction along the Y axis occupied by the plurality of recording heads10is further narrowed, and the size of the head unit1can be reduced in the direction along the Y axis.

As shown inFIGS.5to10, the flow path member50is fixed to the surface of the holder30on the −Z direction side. A flow path for supplying the ink to the liquid ejecting section20is provided inside the flow path member50(not shown), and the ink supplied from the liquid storage section4is supplied to the flow path member50via the valve unit60and is supplied from the flow path member50to each liquid ejecting section20. It should be noted that the flow path provided inside the flow path member50may be branched. In addition, a filter or the like for removing foreign substances, such as air bubbles, contained in the ink may be provided in the middle of the flow path of the flow path member50.

In addition, the valve unit60and the cover70are provided on the surface of the flow path member50in the −Z direction. A plurality of valve units60are provided in accordance with the number of the liquid ejecting sections20. That is, in the present embodiment, since one recording head10is provided with four liquid ejecting sections20, four valve units60are also provided in accordance with the number of the liquid ejecting sections20. It should be noted that the number of the valve units60and the number of the liquid ejecting sections20do not necessarily have to match. Similar to the liquid ejecting section20, four valve units60are provided with two rows each having two valve units60arranged side by side along the X axis on the Y axis. Two rows of the liquid ejecting sections20provided on the Y axis are disposed at positions deviating from each other along the X axis. In the present embodiment, among the four valve units60, in the recording head10, the valve unit60positioned relatively in the −X direction and the −Y direction is referred to as a first valve unit60A, and the valve unit60positioned on the −X direction and the +Y direction side is referred to as a second valve unit60B. In addition, in the recording head10, among the four valve units60, the valve unit60positioned relatively in the +X direction and the −Y direction is referred to as a third valve unit60C, and the valve unit60positioned on the +X direction and the +Y direction side is referred to as a fourth valve unit60D. In the following, the first valve unit60A, the second valve unit60B, the third valve unit60C, and the fourth valve unit60D are referred to as the valve unit60when the distinction is necessary.

Here, the valve unit60will be described with reference toFIGS.11to13. It should be noted thatFIG.11is a side view of the valve unit60as viewed in the −W direction.FIGS.12and13are cross-sectional views taken along the lines XII-XII and XIII-XIII ofFIG.11. In addition,FIG.12shows a valve closed state, andFIG.13shows a valve open state. Further, inFIGS.11to13, L, W, and H represent three spatial axes orthogonal to each other. In the present specification, the directions along these axes are referred to as an L direction, a W direction, and an H direction. In the description, a direction in which an arrow in each figure is directed is referred to as a positive (+) direction, and an opposite direction of the arrow is referred to as a negative (−) direction.

The valve unit60closes an internal valve to prevent the ink from being supplied to the liquid ejecting section side when the pressure on the liquid ejecting section20side is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, and opens the internal valve to supply the ink supplied from the liquid storage section to the liquid ejecting section side when the pressure on the liquid ejecting section side is lower than the predetermined pressure. The valve unit60can also be referred to as a “self-sealing valve” or a “differential pressure valve”. The valve unit60also plays a role of partitioning a negative pressure state in the liquid ejecting section and a positive pressure state on the liquid supply section side such that a pressurizing force does not directly act on the liquid ejecting section in a negative pressure state from the liquid storage section.

As shown inFIGS.11to13, the valve unit60includes a valve unit main body61, a valve body62, and a flexible film63. In addition, the valve unit60has a valve unit flow path64that communicates with the liquid storage section4and the liquid ejecting section20. The valve unit flow path64includes a supply path641coupled to the liquid storage section4, a liquid supply chamber642coupled to the supply path641, a discharge path643coupled to the liquid ejecting section20side, and a pressure chamber644coupled to the discharge path. The liquid supply chamber642and the pressure chamber644are arranged side by side in this order in the +W direction, and the liquid supply chamber642and the pressure chamber644are partitioned by a flow path partition wall65. The flow path partition wall65is formed with a communication hole651that communicates the liquid supply chamber642and the pressure chamber644. That is, the ink from the liquid storage section4is supplied to the liquid supply chamber642via the supply path641. In addition, the ink in the liquid supply chamber642is supplied to the pressure chamber644via the communication hole651. Moreover, the ink in the pressure chamber644is supplied to the liquid ejecting section20via the discharge path643.

The pressure chamber644has a recessed shape that is open on the surface of the valve unit main body61in the +W direction. The pressure chamber644is sealed by the flexible film63fixed to the surface of the valve unit main body61. That is, the flexible film63defines a part of the pressure chamber644. For the flexible film63, a flexible material having resistance to the ink can be used. In addition, as the flexible film63, it is preferable to use a material having a low water permeability or a low gas permeability of liquid oxygen, nitrogen, or the like. Examples of the material of the flexible film63include a configuration in which a nylon film coated with vinylidene chloride (Saran) is adhered and laminated to a high-density polyethylene film or a polypropylene (PP) film. In addition, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or the like may be used as another material of the flexible film63. In addition, as a method of joining the flexible film63to the valve unit main body61, for example, heat welding, vibration welding, adhesion with an adhesive or the like can be used.

An inner surface of the pressure chamber644defined by the flexible film63, that is, the surface on the −W direction side is referred to as an inner surface631, and the surface of the flexible film63opposite to the inner surface631, that is, the surface on the +W direction side is referred to as an outer surface632in contact with the atmosphere. It should be noted that the inner surface631of the flexible film63refers to a portion of the flexible film63that defines the pressure chamber644, that is, a portion that overlaps with an opening of the pressure chamber644in the +W direction. In addition, the outer surface632of the flexible film63means a portion that overlaps with the inner surface631as viewed in the −W direction. That is, the inner surface631and the outer surface632of the flexible film63refer to a so-called diaphragm region that is displaced due to the differential pressure between the inside and the outside of the pressure chamber644. It should be noted that the flexible film63is joined to the valve unit main body61on the outside of the inner surface631. In addition, the flexible film63can be displaced in the −W direction toward the inner surface631from the outer surface632and in the +W direction opposite to the −W direction.

Further, a pressure reception plate66is disposed on the inner surface631of the flexible film63. The pressure reception plate66is made of a material having a Young's modulus higher than the flexible film63, for example, a thin plate, such as SUS, or a resin. In the present embodiment, the pressure reception plate66is constituted by a plate-shaped member having an outer diameter smaller than the inner surface631of the flexible film63, and is joined to the inner surface of the flexible film63, that is, the region that defines the pressure chamber644. Therefore, the pressure reception plate66can be moved in the +W direction and the −W direction in accordance with the bending deformation of the flexible film63. It should be noted that the pressure reception plate66is not particularly limited to this, and one end of the pressure reception plate66may be supported at a joint portion between the valve unit main body61and the flexible film63. That is, the pressure reception plate66may be bent and deformed like a plate spring. When one end of the pressure reception plate66is supported between the valve unit main body61and the flexible film63in this way, the pressure reception plate66and the flexible film63may or may not be joined.

The valve body62has a base end portion621accommodated in the liquid supply chamber642, a shaft portion622protruding from the base end portion621through the communication hole651to the pressure chamber644side, and an elastic member623provided on the +W direction side of the base end portion621. The base end portion621has a substantially disk-shaped shape, and is larger than the outer diameter in a cross section perpendicular to the +W direction of the shaft portion. The base end portion621can also be referred to as a flange portion. The shaft portion622passes through the communication hole651formed in the flow path partition wall65, and a distal end portion thereof is positioned in the pressure chamber644. The distal end portion of the shaft portion622can come into contact with the flexible film63that defines a part of the pressure chamber644via the pressure reception plate66. The ink in the liquid supply chamber642flows into the pressure chamber644through an interval between the shaft portion622and the inner surface of the communication hole651. The elastic member623is provided inside the outer circumferences of the base end portion621and outside the shaft portion622as viewed in the −W direction. A protrusion is formed on the +W direction side of the elastic member623at a portion coming in contact with a valve seat652.

The valve seat652having an annular shape is provided around the communication hole651on the surface of the flow path partition wall65on the liquid supply chamber642side in the −W direction. The valve seat652is a sealing portion that blocks the communication hole651by coming into contact with the elastic member623provided on the valve body62. The valve seat652according to the present embodiment is separate from the flow path partition wall65, and is formed of, for example, a metal, such as SUS or titanium. In addition, the surface of the valve seat652coming into contact with the elastic member623in the −W direction may be subjected to liquid repellent treatment, such as a fluorine coating.

In the liquid supply chamber642, a coil spring67, which is an example of an urging member, is interposed between the base end portion621of the valve body62and the valve unit main body61that defines the inner surface of the liquid supply chamber642in the −W direction. The valve body62is urged by the coil spring67in the +W direction. It should be noted that, as the urging member, for example, a plate spring or a disk spring can be used in addition to the coil spring67. In addition, the pressure chamber644may be provided with the urging member, such as the coil spring, that urges the flexible film63with respect to the valve unit main body61in the +W direction.

An opening/closing operation of the valve unit60configured as described above will be described. In the following description, a state is assumed in which the liquid supply chamber642and the pressure chamber644are filled with the ink by the initial filling of the nozzle21with the ink or the previous ejection of the ink. As shown inFIG.12, the coil spring67urges the valve body62in the +W direction, which is the direction in which the valve body62is always in the valve closed state. In the valve closed state in which the valve body62is positioned in the +W direction, the elastic member623is in a state of coming into contact with the valve seat652to block the communication hole651, that is, the liquid supply chamber642and the pressure chamber644are in a non-communication state. In the present embodiment, a position of the valve body62at which the valve unit flow path64is closed is referred to as a closing position. At the closing position of the valve body62, the distal end of the shaft portion622of the valve body62may or may not come into contact with the pressure reception plate66.

In the non-communication state of the liquid supply chamber642and the pressure chamber644, when the ink is ejected from the liquid ejecting section20, the ink in the pressure chamber644is decreased. As a result, as shown inFIG.13, the inside of the pressure chamber644has a negative pressure due to the differential pressure with the pressure on the outer surface632side of the flexible film63, that is, the atmospheric pressure, and the flexible film63and the pressure reception plate66are displaced to bend in the −W direction on the liquid supply chamber642side. Then, the pressure reception plate66pushes the distal end of the shaft portion622in the −W direction, and the valve body62is pushed down to the liquid supply chamber642side against the urging force of the coil spring67. As a result, the elastic member623is separated from the valve seat652due to the movement of the valve body62in the −W direction, and the valve body62is in the valve open state. Moreover, when the valve body62is in the valve open state, it is a state in which the communication hole651is open, that is, the valve open state in which the liquid supply chamber642and the pressure chamber644communicate with each other. In the present embodiment, the position of the valve body62at which the valve unit flow path64is opened is referred to as an opening position. That is, the valve body62is moved between the closing position and the opening position due to the displacement of the flexible film63. At the opening position of the valve body62, the distal end of the shaft portion622of the valve body62comes into contact with the pressure reception plate66.

When the valve body62is in the valve open state, the ink in the liquid supply chamber642flows into the pressure chamber644via the communication hole651. When the pressure chamber644is sufficiently replenished with the ink, the negative pressure in the pressure chamber644is eliminated, the flexible film63and the pressure reception plate66return to original positions thereof, and the valve body62is in the valve closed state due to the urging force of the coil spring67as shown inFIG.12. By the opening/closing operation of the valve body62in this way, the ink in the pressure chamber644is adjusted such that the pressure is always substantially fixed.

Four such valve units60are disposed in the recording head10. Here, the disposition of the valve unit60disposed in the recording head10with respect to the support3will be mainly described with reference toFIG.10.

The first valve unit60A is disposed such that the +H direction matches the −Z direction, the +W direction matches the +Y direction, and the +L direction matches the +X direction, with respect to the flow path member50. In such a first valve unit60A, the valve unit flow path64of the valve unit60described above is a “first flow path64A” that communicates with the liquid ejecting section20. In addition, the flexible film63of the valve unit60is a “first flexible film63A” in the first valve unit60A. In addition, the pressure reception plate66of the valve unit60is a “first pressure reception plate66A” in the first valve unit60A. In addition, the valve body62of the valve unit60is a “first valve body62A” in the first valve unit60A. Moreover, the inner surface631of the first flexible film63A in the first valve unit60A is a “first inner surface631A”, and the outer surface632of the first flexible film63A is a “first outer surface632A”. The −W direction from the first outer surface632A to the first inner surface631A matches the −Y direction. In the following, the first direction from the first outer surface632A to the first inner surface631A will be described as the −Y direction. In addition, the +W direction, which is the opposite direction to the −W direction, matches the +Y direction. In the following, the second direction will be described as the +Y direction. Further, the third direction orthogonal to the −Y direction, which is the first direction, is the direction along the X axis and the direction along the Z axis, but in the present embodiment, the third direction is the +X direction orthogonal to the +Z direction, which is the ejection direction. In the following, in the present embodiment, the third direction will be described as the +X direction.

In the second valve unit60B, the +H direction matches the −Z direction, the +W direction matches the −Y direction, and the +L direction matches the −X direction, with respect to the flow path member50. That is, the second valve unit60B is disposed such that the valve unit60is rotated 180 degrees with respect to the first valve unit60A about an imaginary axis along the +H direction. In such a second valve unit60B, the valve unit flow path64of the valve unit60described above is a “second flow path64B” that communicates with the liquid ejecting section20. In addition, the flexible film63of the valve unit60is a “second flexible film63B” in the second valve unit60B. In addition, the pressure reception plate66of the valve unit60is a “second pressure reception plate66B” in the second valve unit60B. In addition, the valve body62of the valve unit60is a “second valve body62B” in the second valve unit60B. Moreover, the inner surface631of the second flexible film63B in the second valve unit60B is a “second inner surface631B”, and the outer surface632of the second flexible film63B is a “second outer surface632B”. Such a second valve unit60B is disposed such that the direction from the second outer surface632B to the second inner surface631B is the +Y direction, which is the second direction, and the direction from the second inner surface631B to the second outer surface632B is the −Y direction, which is the first direction.

The third valve unit60C is held by the flow path member50in the same posture as the first valve unit60A. That is, the third valve unit60C is disposed such that the +H direction matches the −Z direction, the +W direction matches the +Y direction, and the +L direction matches the +X direction, with respect to the flow path member50. In such a third valve unit60C, the valve unit flow path64of the valve unit60is a “third flow path64C” that communicates with the liquid ejecting section20. In addition, the flexible film63of the valve unit60is a “third flexible film63C” in the third valve unit60C. In addition, the pressure reception plate66of the valve unit60is a “third pressure reception plate66C” in the third valve unit60C. In addition, the valve body62of the valve unit60is a “third valve body62C” in the third valve unit60C. Moreover, the inner surface631of the third flexible film63C in the third valve unit60C is a “third inner surface631C”, and the outer surface632of the third flexible film63C is a “third outer surface632C”. Such a third valve unit60C is disposed such that the direction from the third outer surface632C to the third inner surface631C is the −Y direction, which is the first direction, and the direction from the third inner surface631C to the third outer surface632C is the +Y direction, which is the second direction.

The fourth valve unit60D is held by the flow path member50in the same posture as the second valve unit60B. That is, in the fourth valve unit60D, the +H direction matches the −Z direction, the +W direction matches the −Y direction, and the +L direction matches the −X direction, with respect to the holder30. In such a fourth valve unit60D, the valve unit flow path64of the valve unit60described above is a “fourth flow path64D” that communicates with the liquid ejecting section20. In addition, the flexible film63of the valve unit60is a “fourth flexible film63D” in the fourth valve unit60D. In addition, the pressure reception plate66of the valve unit60is a “fourth pressure reception plate66D” in the fourth valve unit60D. In addition, the valve body62of the valve unit60is a “fourth valve body62D” in the fourth valve unit60D. Moreover, the inner surface631of the fourth flexible film63D in the fourth valve unit60D is a “fourth inner surface631D”, and the outer surface632of the fourth flexible film63D is a “fourth outer surface632D”. Such a fourth valve unit60D is disposed such that the direction from the fourth outer surface632D to the fourth inner surface631D is the +Y direction, which is the second direction, and the direction from the fourth inner surface631D to the fourth outer surface632D is the −Y direction, which is the first direction.

Here, the first valve unit60A and the second valve unit60B are disposed at the same position in the +Z direction as shown inFIGS.6and9. In addition, the second valve unit60B and the third valve unit60C are disposed at the same position in the +Z direction. Further, the third valve unit60C and the fourth valve unit60D are disposed at the same position in the +Z direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the first valve unit60A, the second valve unit60B, the third valve unit60C, and the fourth valve unit60D are disposed at the same position in the +Z direction. It should be noted that the fact that two members are disposed at the same position in the +Z direction means that the coordinates of the centers of two members along the Z axis are at the same position on the Z axis. By disposing all the valve units60at the same position in the +Z direction in this way, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +Z direction. Of course, any one or a plurality of two or more of the first valve unit60A, the second valve unit60B, the third valve unit60C, and the fourth valve unit60D may be disposed at different positions in the +Z direction with respect to the others.

In addition, as shown inFIG.10, the second valve unit60B is disposed to overlap with a part of the first valve unit60A as viewed in the −Y direction, which is the first direction, to deviate from the first valve unit60A in the +Y direction, which is the second direction, and the +X direction, which is the third direction. That is, as viewed in the −Y direction, an end portion of the second valve unit60B in the −X direction is disposed to overlap with an end portion of the first valve unit60A in the +X direction. In addition, as viewed in the −Y direction, an end portion of the second valve unit60B in the +X direction does not overlap with the first valve unit60A, and an end portion of the first valve unit60A in the −X direction is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the second valve unit60B.

In addition, at least a part of the first outer surface632A of the first valve unit60A does not overlap with the second valve unit60B as viewed in the −Y direction. In the present embodiment, the first outer surface632A and the second valve unit60B partially overlap with each other as viewed in the −Y direction. That is, in the present embodiment, as viewed in the −Y direction, an end portion of the first outer surface632A in the +X direction overlaps with the second valve unit60B, and an end portion thereof in the −X direction does not overlap with the second valve unit60B. Of course, the first outer surface632A and the second valve unit60B may be disposed at positions that do not completely overlap with each other as viewed in the −Y direction. It should be noted that, by disposing the first outer surface632A and the second valve unit60B to partially overlap with each other as viewed in the −Y direction, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +X direction.

Further, at least a part of the second outer surface632B of the second valve unit60B does not overlap with the first valve unit60A as viewed in the +Y direction. In the present embodiment, the second outer surface632B and the first valve unit60A partially overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction. That is, in the present embodiment, as viewed in the +Y direction, an end portion of the second outer surface632B in the −X direction overlaps with the first valve unit60A, and an end portion thereof in the +X direction does not overlap with the second valve unit60B. Of course, the second outer surface632B and the first valve unit60A may be disposed not to completely overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction. It should be noted that, by disposing the second outer surface632B and the first valve unit60A to partially overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +X direction.

In addition, at least a part of the second outer surface632B of the second valve unit60B does not overlap with the third valve unit60C as viewed in the +Y direction. In the present embodiment, the second outer surface632B and the third valve unit60C partially overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction. That is, in the present embodiment, as viewed in the +Y direction, an end portion of the second outer surface632B in the +X direction overlaps with the third valve unit60C, and an end portion thereof in the −X direction does not overlap with the third valve unit60C. Of course, the second outer surface632B and the third valve unit60C may be disposed not to completely overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction. It should be noted that, by disposing the second outer surface632B and the third valve unit60C to partially overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +X direction.

That is, the second outer surface632B of the second flexible film63B of the second valve unit60B overlaps with both the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C as viewed in the +Y direction.

The third valve unit60C is disposed in the +X direction, which is the third direction, with respect to the first valve unit60A. In the present embodiment, the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C are disposed at the same position in the +Y direction and different positions in the +X direction. That is, the first valve unit60A is disposed in the −X direction with respect to the third valve unit60C, and the third valve unit60C is disposed in the +X direction with respect to the first valve unit60A. Of course, the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C may be disposed to deviate from each other in the direction along the Y axis. It should be noted that, by disposing the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C at positions that at least partially overlap with each other as viewed in the +X direction, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +Y direction.

In addition, the third valve unit60C is disposed to overlap with a part of the second valve unit60B as viewed in the +Y direction, which is the second direction. That is, the third valve unit60C is disposed such that a part of the third valve unit60C in the −X direction and a part of the second valve unit60B in the +X direction overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction.

In addition, a part of the third outer surface632C of the third valve unit60C does not overlap with the second valve unit60B as viewed in the −Y direction. In the present embodiment, the third outer surface632C and the second valve unit60B partially overlap with each other as viewed in the −Y direction. That is, in the present embodiment, as viewed in the −Y direction, an end portion of the third outer surface632C in the −X direction overlaps with the second valve unit60B and an end portion thereof in the +X direction does not overlap with the second valve unit60B. Of course, the third outer surface632C and the second valve unit60B may be disposed not to completely overlap with each other as viewed in the −Y direction. It should be noted that, by disposing the third outer surface632C and the second valve unit60B to partially overlap with each other as viewed in the +X direction, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +Y direction.

In addition, the third valve unit60C is disposed to overlap with a part of the fourth valve unit60D as viewed in the +Y direction. That is, the third valve unit60C is disposed such that a part of the third valve unit60C in the +X direction and a part of the fourth valve unit60D in the −X direction overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction.

In addition, at least a part of the third outer surface632C of the third valve unit60C does not overlap with the fourth valve unit60D as viewed in the −Y direction. In the present embodiment, the third outer surface632C and the fourth valve unit60D partially overlap with each other as viewed in the −Y direction. That is, in the present embodiment, as viewed in the −Y direction, an end portion of the third outer surface632C in the +X direction overlaps with the fourth valve unit60D and an end portion thereof in the −X direction does not overlap with the fourth valve unit60D. Of course, the third outer surface632C and the fourth valve unit60D may be disposed not to completely overlap with each other as viewed in the +X direction. It should be noted that, by disposing the third outer surface632C and the fourth valve unit60D to partially overlap with each other as viewed in the −Y direction, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +Y direction.

That is, the third outer surface632C of the third valve unit60C overlaps with the second valve unit60B and the fourth valve unit60D as viewed in the −Y direction.

The fourth valve unit60D is disposed in the +Y direction, which is the third direction, with respect to the second valve unit60B. In the present embodiment, the second valve unit60B and the fourth valve unit60D are disposed at the same position in the +Y direction and different positions in the +X direction. That is, the second valve unit60B is disposed in the −X direction with respect to the fourth valve unit60D, and the fourth valve unit60D is disposed in the +X direction with respect to the second valve unit60B. Of course, the second valve unit60B and the fourth valve unit60D may be disposed to deviate from each other in the direction along the Y axis. It should be noted that, by disposing the second valve unit60B and the fourth valve unit60D at positions that at least partially overlap with each other as viewed in the +X direction, so that the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +Y direction.

In addition, the fourth valve unit60D is disposed to overlap with a part of the third valve unit60C as viewed in the +Y direction, which is the second direction, as described above. That is, the fourth valve unit60D is disposed such that a part of the fourth valve unit60D in the −X direction and a part of the third valve unit60C in the +X direction overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction.

In addition, at least a part of the fourth outer surface632D of the fourth valve unit60D does not overlap with the third valve unit60C as viewed in the +Y direction. In the present embodiment, the fourth outer surface632D and the third valve unit60C partially overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction. That is, in the present embodiment, as viewed in the +Y direction, an end portion of the fourth outer surface632D in the −X direction overlaps with the third valve unit60C, and an end portion thereof in the +X direction does not overlap with the third valve unit60C. Of course, the fourth outer surface632D and the third valve unit60C may be disposed not to completely overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction. It should be noted that, by disposing the fourth outer surface632D and the third valve unit60C to partially overlap with each other as viewed in the +Y direction, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +X direction.

As described above, the four valve units60according to the present embodiment are disposed such that, as viewed in the direction along the Y axis, the first outer surface632A and the second valve unit60B partially overlap with each other, the second outer surface632B, and the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C partially overlap with each other, the third outer surface632C and the second valve unit60B and the fourth valve unit60D partially overlap with each other, and the fourth outer surface632D and the third valve unit60C partially overlap with each other. Therefore, as compared with when the outer surface632of one valve unit60is disposed not to overlap with the other valve unit60as viewed in the direction along the Y axis, the size of the recording head10in the direction along the X axis can be reduced.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, as viewed in the direction along the Z axis, a part of the first valve unit60A, the second valve unit60B, the third valve unit60C, and a part of the fourth valve unit60D overlap with the first portion P1, a part of the first valve unit60A overlaps with the second portion P2, and a part of the fourth valve unit60D overlaps with the third portion P3.

In addition, the four valve units60disposed in this way are covered with the cover70. The cover70is fixed to the surface of the flow path member50in the −Z direction and covers the valve unit60with the flow path member50. Specifically, the cover70is formed with a valve unit accommodation section71that is open in the +Z direction. The valve unit accommodation section71has a recessed shape that is open on the surface in the +Z direction, and an opening of the valve unit accommodation section71in the +Z direction is covered with the flow path member50. The valve unit accommodation section71is provided independently for each valve unit60, and one valve unit60is accommodated in each of the valve unit accommodation sections71. That is, in the present embodiment, a “housing” that accommodates the liquid ejecting section20and the valve unit60is constituted by the fixing plate40, the holder30, the flow path member50, and the cover70. It should be noted that the cover70may be divided into two or more portions. In addition, since the valve unit accommodation section71is independently provided for each valve unit60, on the cover70, the valve unit accommodation section71in which the first valve unit60A is accommodated and the valve unit accommodation section71in which the third valve unit60C is accommodated are partitioned by a first partition wall72A, which is a partition wall. Similarly, the valve unit accommodation section71in which the second valve unit60B is accommodated and the valve unit accommodation section71in which the fourth valve unit60D is accommodated are partitioned by a second partition wall72B which is the partition wall.

The cover70has a first opening portion73formed at a position facing at least a part of the first outer surface632A of the first valve unit60A. The first opening portion73penetrates the cover70along the Y axis to communicate the inside and the outside of the valve unit accommodation section71. That is, a part of the first outer surface632A of the first valve unit60A is exposed to the outside by the first opening portion73provided in the cover70. By exposing the first outer surface632A of the first flexible film63A to the outside of the cover70, that is, the outside of the valve unit accommodation section71by the first opening portion73in this way, the first flexible film63A can be pressed from the outside of the cover70in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. Therefore, even when the differential pressure between the pressure on the first inner surface631A side and the pressure on the first outer surface632A side, that is, the atmospheric pressure of the pressure chamber644of the first valve unit60A is not equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure, the first flexible film63A can be moved to the −Y direction to move the first valve body62A to the −X direction, and the valve open state can be obtained in which the liquid supply chamber642and the pressure chamber644of the first flow path64A communicate with each other. In the present embodiment, an operation of pressing the outer surface632of the flexible film63in the valve unit60by an external force other than the differential pressure between the inner surface631and the outer surface632to move the valve body62and open the valve is referred to as forcible valve opening.

The forcible valve opening is performed, for example, by so-called initial filling in which the recording head10in an empty state in which the ink used for printing is not filled is filled with the ink used for printing, or a cleaning operation of discharging the ink from the nozzle21. By providing the first opening portion73in this way, the first flexible film63A can be operated from the outside of the cover70, so that it is not necessary to provide the mechanism that operates the first flexible film63A inside the cover70, that is, inside the valve unit accommodation section71, and the size of the recording head10can be reduced, the structure thereof can be simplified, and the forcible valve opening can be easily performed.

It should be noted that, it is preferable that the first opening portion73overlap with at least a part of the first valve body62A as viewed in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. In the present embodiment, a part of the first opening portion73on the +X direction side is disposed at a position that overlaps with the −X direction side of the first valve body62A. By providing the first opening portion73to overlap with the first valve body62A as viewed in the −Y direction in this way, when the first flexible film63A is pressed in the −Y direction for the forcible valve opening, the movement of the valve body62in the −Y direction can be stabilized. By the way, when the forcible valve opening is performed, by pressing the first flexible film63A at a position as close as possible to the shaft portion622of the first valve body62A, the force applied to the shaft portion622in the direction inclined with respect to the Y axis can be decreased, so that the valve body62can be stably moved along the Y axis. Therefore, it is further preferable that the first opening portion73be disposed to overlap with the shaft portion622of the first valve body62A as viewed in the −Y direction.

In addition, it is preferable that the first opening portion73overlap with at least a part of the first pressure reception plate66A as viewed in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. It should be noted that, when the first opening portion73is provided at a position that overlaps with the first pressure reception plate66A, the first opening portion73may or may not overlap with at least a part of the first valve body62A as viewed in the −Y direction. By providing the first opening portion73to overlap with the first pressure reception plate66A as viewed in the −Y direction in this way, when the first flexible film63A is pressed in the −Y direction via the first opening portion73, the pressure reception plate66can be pressed, and the movement of the first valve body62A that is moved by the first pressure reception plate66A can be stabilized. Therefore, the forcible valve opening can be stably performed.

In addition, as described above, the first valve unit60A is disposed not to partially overlap with the second valve unit60B as viewed in the −Y direction. Therefore, the first opening portion73can be formed further relatively wide in the −Y direction at a position in the −Y direction of the second valve unit60B.

In addition, it is preferable that a gap t1between a portion facing the first outer surface632A at a position different from the first opening portion73on an inner wall surface71aforming the valve unit accommodation section71of the cover70, and the first outer surface632A be smaller than a dimension W1of the first valve unit60A in the −Y direction. In addition, it is further preferable that the gap t1be smaller than ½ of the dimension W1of the first valve unit60A. Here, the gap t1between the portion facing the first outer surface632A and the first outer surface632A on the inner wall surface71ais the minimum dimension in a state in which the first flexible film63A is most displaced in the +Y direction. In addition, the dimension W1of the first valve unit60A in the −Y direction is the maximum dimension in a state in which the first flexible film63A is most displaced in the +Y direction. By making the gap t1between the first outer surface632A and the inner wall surface71asmaller than the dimension W1of the first valve unit60A in the −Y direction, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +Y direction.

In addition, it is preferable that the gap t1between the portion facing the first outer surface632A at a position different from the first opening portion73on the inner wall surface71aforming the valve unit accommodation section71of the cover70, and the first outer surface632A be smaller than a maximum displacement amount D1(seeFIG.13) of the first flexible film63A in the −Y direction. Here, the maximum displacement amount D1of the first flexible film63A in the −Y direction is the dimension of a portion positioned most in the −Y direction when the first flexible film63A is displaced in the −Y direction, and a portion positioned most in the +Y direction when the first flexible film63A is displaced in the +Y direction. By making the gap t1between the first outer surface632A and the inner wall surface71asmaller than the maximum displacement amount D1of the first flexible film in this way, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +Y direction.

The cover70has a second opening portion74formed at a position facing at least a part of the second outer surface632B of the second valve unit60B. The second opening portion74penetrates the cover70along the Y axis to communicate the inside and the outside of the valve unit accommodation section71. That is, a part of the second outer surface632B of the second valve unit60B is exposed to the outside by the second opening portion74provided in the cover70. By exposing the second outer surface632B of the second flexible film63B to the outside of the cover70by the second opening portion74in this way, the second flexible film63B can be pressed from the outside of the cover70in the +Y direction. Therefore, it is possible to forcibly open the second valve unit60B from the outside of the cover70.

In addition, as described above, at least a part of the second outer surface632B of the second valve unit60B does not overlap with the first valve unit60A as viewed in the +Y direction. In addition, at least a part of the second outer surface632B does not overlap with the third valve unit60C as viewed in the +Y direction. Therefore, the second opening portion74is provided at a position on the second outer surface632B that does not overlap with the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C as viewed in the +Y direction. That is, the second opening portion74is provided between the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C. Specifically, the second opening portion74is provided in the first partition wall72A between the valve unit accommodation section71that accommodates the first valve unit60A and the valve unit accommodation section71that accommodates the third valve unit60C to penetrate in the direction along the Y axis. The second opening portion74is formed to have the same opening area in the direction along the Y axis. In addition, a dimension of the first partition wall72A in the direction along the Y axis, that is, the distance L2along the Y axis of the second opening portion74is larger than a maximum width W1of the valve unit60along the Y axis. The maximum width W1along the Y axis of the valve unit60is the maximum dimension in a state in which the flexible film63is most displaced toward a side opposite to the valve unit main body61.

Here, a distance L1from one end of the first opening portion73to the other end thereof is shorter than a distance L2from one end of the second opening portion74to the other end thereof. That is, L1<L2. It should be noted that the distance L1from one end of the first opening portion73to the other end thereof is the distance from the opening of the first opening portion73in the −Y direction along the Y axis to the opening thereof in the +Y direction. Similarly, the distance L2from one end of the second opening portion74to the other end thereof is the distance from the opening of the second opening portion74in the −Y direction to the opening thereof in the +Y direction along the Y axis.

In addition, it is preferable that an area of the first opening portion73be larger than an area of the second opening portion74. Here, the areas of the first opening portion73and the second opening portion74are the areas of the opening portions on the outer surface of the cover70. The first outer surface632A has a portion that is not covered with the second valve unit60B as viewed in the −Y direction, and the valve unit60is not disposed in the −X direction with respect to the second valve unit60B, so that the first opening portion73can be provided by expanding a width Wa in the −X direction. On the other hand, the second outer surface632B overlaps both the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C as viewed in the +Y direction, and the second opening portion74is provided in the first partition wall72A, so that a width Wb of the second opening portion74along the X axis is relatively small. Therefore, since the width Wa of the first opening portion73in the direction along the X axis can be made larger than the width Wb of the second opening portion74, the area of the first opening portion73can be made larger than the area of the second opening portion74provided in the first partition wall72A.

In addition, it is preferable that the gap t1between a portion facing the first outer surface632A at a position different from the first opening portion73on the inner wall surface71aof the cover70, and the first outer surface632A be narrower than an interval t2between of the first valve unit60A and the second valve unit60B in the −Y direction. That is, it is preferable that t1<t2. The interval t2between the first valve unit60A and the second valve unit60B in the −Y direction is a distance in the −Y direction between a position at which the first flexible film63A is most displaced toward a side opposite to the valve unit main body61of the first valve unit60A, and a position at which the second flexible film63B is most displaced toward a side opposite to the valve unit main body61of the second valve unit60B. By making the gap t1smaller than the interval t2in this way, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the direction along the Y axis.

In addition, similarly to the first opening portion73described above, it is preferable that the second opening portion74overlap with at least a part of the second valve body62B as viewed in the +Y direction. In addition, it is preferable that the second opening portion74overlap with at least a part of the second pressure reception plate66B as viewed in the +Y direction. As described above, by providing the second opening portion74at a position that overlaps with the second valve body62B or a position that overlaps with the second pressure reception plate66B as viewed in the +Y direction, the movement of the second valve body62B can be stabilized when the second flexible film63B is pressed from the outside of the cover70via the second opening portion74. Therefore, the forcible valve opening of the second valve unit60B can be stably performed.

The cover70has a third opening portion75formed at a position facing at least a part of the third outer surface632C of the third valve unit60C. The third opening portion75penetrates the cover70along the Y axis to communicate the inside and the outside of the valve unit accommodation section71. That is, a part of the third outer surface632C of the third valve unit60C is exposed to the outside by the third opening portion75provided in the cover70. By exposing the third outer surface632C of the third flexible film63C to the outside of the cover70by the third opening portion75in this way, the third flexible film63C can be pressed from the outside of the cover70in the −Y direction. Therefore, it is possible to forcibly open the third valve unit60C from the outside of the cover70.

In addition, as described above, at least a part of the third outer surface632C of the third valve unit60C does not overlap with the second valve unit60B as viewed in the −Y direction. In addition, at least a part of the third outer surface632C does not overlap with the fourth valve unit60D as viewed in the −Y direction. Therefore, the third opening portion75is provided at a position on the third outer surface632C that does not overlap with the second valve unit60B and the fourth valve unit60D as viewed in the −Y direction. That is, the third opening portion75is provided between the second valve unit60B and the fourth valve unit60D. Specifically, the third opening portion75is provided in the second partition wall72B between the valve unit accommodation section71that accommodates the second valve unit60B and the valve unit accommodation section71that accommodates the fourth valve unit60D to penetrate in the direction along the Y axis. The third opening portion75is formed to have the same opening area in the direction along the Y axis. In addition, a dimension of the second partition wall72B in the direction along the Y axis, that is, the distance L3along the Y axis of the third opening portion75is larger than the maximum width W1of the valve unit60along the Y axis.

Here, a distance L3from one end of the third opening portion75to the other end thereof is provided with substantially the same dimension as the distance L2from one end of the second opening portion74to the other end thereof. Therefore, the distance L1of the first opening portion73is shorter than the distance L3of the third opening portion75. That is, L1<L3.

In addition, similarly to the first opening portion73described above, it is preferable that the third opening portion75overlap with at least a part of the third valve body62C as viewed in the −Y direction. In addition, it is preferable that the third opening portion75overlap with at least a part of the third pressure reception plate66C as viewed in the −Y direction. As described above, by providing the third opening portion75at a position that overlaps with the third valve body62C or a position that overlaps with the third pressure reception plate66C as viewed in the −Y direction, the movement of the third valve body62C can be stabilized when the third flexible film63C is pressed from the outside of the cover70via the third opening portion75. Therefore, the forcible valve opening of the third valve unit60C can be stably performed.

The cover70has a fourth opening portion76formed at a position facing at least a part of the fourth outer surface632D of the fourth valve unit60D. The fourth opening portion76penetrates the cover70along the X axis to communicate the inside and the outside of the valve unit accommodation section71. That is, a part of the fourth outer surface632D of the fourth valve unit60D is exposed to the outside by the fourth opening portion76provided in the cover70. By exposing the fourth outer surface632D of the fourth flexible film63D to the outside of the cover70, that is, the outside of the valve unit accommodation section71by the fourth opening portion76in this way, the fourth flexible film63D can be pressed from the outside of the cover70in the +Y direction, which is the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to forcibly open the fourth valve unit60D from the outside of the cover70.

In addition, it is preferable that an area of the fourth opening portion76be larger than an area of the third opening portion75. Here, the areas of the fourth opening portion76and the third opening portion75are the areas of the opening portions on the outer surface of the cover70. The fourth outer surface632D has a portion that is not covered with the third valve unit60C as viewed in the +Y direction, and the valve unit60is not disposed in the +X direction with respect to the third valve unit60C, so that the fourth opening portion76can be provided by expanding a width Wd in the +X direction. Therefore, the area of the fourth opening portion76is the same as the area of the first opening portion73. On the other hand, the third outer surface632C overlaps both the second valve unit60B and the fourth valve unit60D as viewed in the −Y direction, and the third opening portion75is provided in the second partition wall72B, so that a width Wc of the third opening portion75along the X axis is relatively small. In the present embodiment, the opening area of the third opening portion75is the same as the area of the second opening portion74. Therefore, the width Wd of the fourth opening portion76in the direction along the X axis can be made larger than the width Wc of the third opening portion75, so that the area of the fourth opening portion76can be made larger than the area of the third opening portion75provided in the second partition wall72B.

In addition, it is preferable that the relationship of t1, W1, t2, and D1between the first valve unit60A and the second valve unit60B described above be the same relationship even when the first valve unit60A and the second valve unit60B are replaced with the fourth valve unit60D and the third valve unit60C. That is, it is preferable that t1, W1, t2, and D1between the fourth valve unit60D and the third valve unit60C satisfy the relationship described above even when the first valve unit60A is replaced with the fourth valve unit60D and the second valve unit60B is replaced with the third valve unit60C.

In addition, similarly to the first opening portion73described above, it is preferable that the fourth opening portion76overlap with at least a part of the fourth valve body62D as viewed in the +Y direction. In addition, it is preferable that the fourth opening portion76overlap with at least a part of the fourth pressure reception plate66D as viewed in the +Y direction. As described above, by providing the fourth opening portion76at a position that overlaps with the fourth valve body62D or a position that overlaps with the fourth pressure reception plate66D as viewed in the +Y direction, the movement of the fourth valve body62D can be stabilized when the fourth flexible film63D is pressed from the outside of the cover70via the fourth opening portion76. Therefore, the forcible valve opening of the fourth valve unit60D can be stably performed.

A relay substrate51is fixed to each of the surfaces of the flow path member50in the +X direction and −X direction. The relay substrate51is formed by a rigid substrate, and is provided independently for each liquid ejecting section20. That is, in the present embodiment, two relay substrates51are fixed side by side along the X axis on the surface of the flow path member50in the +Y direction. In addition, the two relay substrates51are fixed side by side along the X axis on the surface of the flow path member50in the −Y direction. Of course, the two relay substrates51provided on each of the surfaces in the +Y direction and the −Y direction may be used as one common relay substrate51that is continuous along the X axis.

The wiring substrate22of each liquid ejecting section20is electrically coupled to each of such relay substrates51. That is, an end portion of the wiring substrate22on a side opposite to the liquid ejecting section20is derived to the outside from a side surface in the direction along the Y axis, and is electrically coupled to an end portion in the +Z direction of the relay substrate51fixed to the side surface of the flow path member50of the Y axis.

In addition, a convex portion77protruding in the −Z direction is provided on the surface of the cover70in the −Z direction. The convex portion77is continuously provided along the X axis. A coupling substrate78is fixed to each of the surfaces of the convex portion77in the +Y direction and −Y direction. The coupling substrate78is formed by a rigid substrate, and two coupling substrates78are provided, one in each of the +Y direction and the −Y direction of the convex portion77. Each of the coupling substrates78is provided with two connectors78ato which each of two wiring members52is coupled and a connector78bto which a wiring from the outside (not shown) is coupled, and various signals, such as a printing signal, are supplied from the outside via the connector78b. Such a coupling substrate78and a relay substrate51are electrically coupled via the wiring member52. As the wiring member52, a flexible sheet-like member, for example, a so-called flexible wiring, such as a COF substrate, FFC, or FPC, is used. The wiring member52is provided independently for each relay substrate51. That is, the wiring members52are arranged side by side along the X axis on the surface of the cover70in the +Y direction. In addition, the wiring members52are arranged side by side along the X axis on the surface of the cover70in the −Y direction. Here, among the wiring members52, the wiring member52disposed at a position that overlaps with the first valve unit60A as viewed in the +Y direction is referred to as a first wiring member52A. In addition, the wiring member52disposed at a position that overlaps with the second valve unit60B as viewed in the −Y direction is referred to as a second wiring member52B. Similarly, the wiring member52disposed at a position that overlaps with the third valve unit60C as viewed in the +Y direction is referred to as a third wiring member52C, and the wiring member52disposed at a position that overlaps with the fourth valve unit60D as viewed in −Y direction is referred to as a fourth wiring member52D. Moreover, the first wiring member52A is provided on the side opposite to the first outer surface632A of the first valve unit60A in the cover70in the −Y direction. In addition, the second wiring member52B is provided on the side opposite to the second outer surface632B of the second valve unit60B in the cover70in the +Y direction. Similarly, the third wiring member52C is provided on the side opposite to the third outer surface632C of the third valve unit60C in the cover70in the −Y direction, and the fourth wiring member52D is provided on the side opposite to the fourth outer surface632D of the fourth valve unit60D in the cover70in the +Y direction. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the first wiring member52A and the first outer surface632A are disposed at overlapping positions as viewed in the +Y direction. In addition, the second wiring member52B and the second outer surface632B are disposed at overlapping positions as viewed in the −Y direction. In addition, the third wiring member52C and the third outer surface632C are disposed at overlapping positions as viewed in the +Y direction. Further, the fourth wiring member52D and the fourth outer surface632D are disposed at overlapping positions as viewed in the −Y direction. It should be noted that each wiring member52is disposed at a position that does not block the openings of the first opening portion73, the second opening portion74, the third opening portion75, and the fourth opening portion76.

In this way, the wiring member52is provided on the outside of the cover70, that is, on the side surfaces in the +Y direction and the −Y direction, so that each valve unit60is disposed such that the outer surface632of the flexible film63faces the opposite side of the wiring member52in the Y axis. That is, since the first wiring member52A is positioned in the −Y direction with respect to the first valve unit60A, the first valve unit60A is disposed such that the first outer surface632A of the first flexible film63A faces the +Y direction opposite to the first wiring member52A. In other words, the first wiring member52A is provided on a side opposite to the first outer surface632A with respect to the surface of the first valve unit60A opposite to the first outer surface632A. The same applies to the second valve unit60B, the third valve unit60C, and the fourth valve unit60D. In this way, by disposing the valve unit60such that the outer surface632of the flexible film63is on the side opposite to the wiring member52, it is possible to prevent the wiring member52from inhibiting the deformation of the flexible film63. In addition, by providing the wiring member52on the outside of the cover70, even when the outer surface632of the flexible film63of each valve unit60faces the center side of the recording head10in the +Y direction, the flexible film63can be pressed from the outside of the cover70via the first opening portion73, the second opening portion74, the third opening portion75, and the fourth opening portion76to forcibly open the valve unit60.

In addition, a flow path opening portion79for exposing the supply path641of each valve unit60is provided on the surface of the cover70in the −Z direction. An end portion of the valve unit60in which the supply path641is opened is provided in a protrusion portion protruding in the −Z direction, and the protrusion portion in which the supply path641is opened is inserted into the flow path opening portion79of the cover70. As a result, the supply member2can be coupled to the supply path641on the −Z direction side of the recording head10.

Here, an example of the pressing mechanism that forcibly opens the valve unit60will be described with reference toFIG.14. It should be noted thatFIG.14is a cross-sectional view of the recording head10and the pressing mechanism80taken along the line XIV-XIV. In addition,FIG.14shows a state in which the forcible valve opening is performed by the pressing mechanism80.

As shown inFIG.14, the pressing mechanism80is separately provided on the outside of the cover70of the recording head10. In the present embodiment, two pressing mechanisms80are provided, one in each of the +Y direction and the −Y direction of the recording head10. In the following, the pressing mechanism80disposed in the +Y direction of the recording head10will be described.

The pressing mechanism80is constituted by, for example, a push solenoid, and moves a shaft82coupled to a plunger81by on/off control from the control unit8along the Y axis with respect to a frame member83. The frame member83is fixed to, for example, the support3or the apparatus main body7. The shaft82is bifurcated on a distal end side, and two distal ends of the shaft are disposed at positions facing the first outer surface632A exposed to the first opening portion73and the third outer surface632C exposed to the third opening portion75, respectively, on the −Y axis. In the pressing mechanism80, by moving the shaft82in the −Y direction with respect to the frame member83, the distal ends of the shaft82abut on the first outer surface632A and the third outer surface632C exposed to the first opening portion73and the third opening portion75, respectively, and the first flexible film63A and the third flexible film63C are pressed by the shaft82in the −Y direction and displaced. As a result, it is possible to forcibly open the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C at the same time.

It should be noted that, since the pressing mechanism80disposed in the −Y direction is the same as the pressing mechanism80disposed in the +Y direction, the overlapping description will be omitted. It is possible to forcibly open the second valve unit60B and the fourth valve unit60D at the same time by the pressing mechanism80disposed in the −Y direction.

In the present embodiment, since two valve units60can be forcibly opened by one pressing mechanism80, the configuration can be simplified, the cost can be reduced, and the size can be reduced, as compared with the configuration in which the pressing mechanism is provided for each of the valve units60. Of course, the pressing mechanism may be provided for each of the valve units60.

In addition, three recording heads10are arranged side by side along the X axis in one head unit1. Therefore, when the distal end of the shaft82is branched in accordance with the number of the valve units60to be forcibly opened, the valve units60provided in two or more of the plurality of the recording heads10can be forcibly opened at the same time by one pressing mechanism80. That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to forcibly open at maximum six valve units60by one pressing mechanism80.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the second opening portion74and the third opening portion75are provided in the first partition wall72A and the second partition wall72B, and have a shape in which the opening areas in the direction along the Y axis are substantially the same. Therefore, the distal end of the shaft82can be moved toward the second flexible film63B and the third flexible film63C by being guided by the inner wall surfaces of the second opening portion74and the third opening portion75, so that the forcible valve opening by the distal end of the shaft82can be reliably performed.

It should be noted that, in the head unit1according to the present embodiment, two rows each having three recording heads10arranged side by side along the X axis are provided on the Y axis. Therefore, a gap between two recording heads10adjacent to each other in the direction along the Y axis is relatively small. Therefore, when pressing the flexible film63exposed toward the gap between the recording heads10adjacent to each other in the direction along the Y axis, the shaft82of the pressing mechanism80need only be derived in the +X direction or the −X direction of the gap.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the push solenoid is used as the pressing mechanism80, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and an eccentric cam and a drive motor that rotates the eccentric cam may be used, and a hydraulic pump or the like may be used.

In addition, in the present embodiment, one pressing mechanism80forcibly opens two valve units60of one recording head10at the same time, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and one pressing mechanism80may forcibly open four valve units60of one recording head10. For example, the shafts82may be provided at both end portions of the plunger81, one shaft82may forcibly open two valve units60by moving the plunger81in the −Y direction the other shaft82may forcibly open two valve units60by moving the plunger81in the +Y direction. In addition, one pressing mechanism may forcibly open the four valve units60at the same time by combining gears and the like.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the pressing mechanism80is provided, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and an operator may forcibly open the valve by using a finger, a pin, or the like. Since the first opening portion73or the fourth opening portion76has a larger area than the second opening portion74or the third opening portion75, the first opening portion73or the fourth opening portion76can easily pass a finger, and it is easy to directly press the first flexible film63A and the fourth flexible film63D with a finger.

As described above, the recording head10, which is the liquid ejecting head according to the present embodiment, includes the liquid ejecting section20that ejects the ink, which is the liquid, the first valve unit60A that adjusts the pressure of the ink to be supplied to the liquid ejecting section20, and the cover70constituting the housing that accommodates the liquid ejecting section20and the first valve unit60A. In addition, the first valve unit60A has the first flow path64A that communicates with the liquid ejecting section20, and the first flexible film63A that has the first inner surface631A defining a part of the first flow path64A and the first outer surface632A being opposite to the first inner surface631A and being in contact with the atmosphere, and is displaceable in the −Y direction, which is the first direction, from the first outer surface632A toward the first inner surface631A and in the +Y direction, which is the second direction, opposite to the −Y direction. In addition, the first valve unit60A includes the first valve body62A that is moved between the opening position at which the first flow path64A is opened and the closing position at which the first flow path64A is closed, due to the displacement of the first flexible film63A. The cover70has the first opening portion73formed at the position facing at least a part of the first outer surface632A.

In this way, since the first outer surface632A is exposed to the outside by the first opening portion73formed in the cover70, the first flexible film63A can be operated from the outside of the recording head10. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the pressing mechanism or the like that operates the first flexible film63A inside the recording head10, and the size of the recording head10can be reduced and the structure thereof can be simplified. In addition, since the first flexible film63A can be easily operated from the outside of the recording head10via the first opening portion73, it is possible to cause the forcible displacement due to the external force regardless of the differential pressure between the first inner surface631A and the first outer surface632A of the first flexible film63A, and it is possible to move the first valve body62A to the opening position to perform the forcible valve opening.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first opening portion73overlap with at least a part of the first valve body62A as viewed in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. According to this, when the first flexible film63A is pressed in the −Y direction for the forcible valve opening, the movement of the valve body62in the −Y direction can be stabilized. Therefore, it is possible to perform the stable forcible valve opening.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first valve unit60A include the first pressure reception plate66A, which is the pressure reception plate66, that has a higher Young's modulus than the first flexible film63A, is provided on the first inner surface631A of the first flexible film63A, and comes into contact with the distal end of the first valve body62A when the first valve body62A is positioned at the opening position, and the first opening portion73overlap with at least a part of the first pressure reception plate66A as viewed in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. According to this, when the first flexible film63A is pressed in the −Y direction for the forcible valve opening, the first pressure reception plate66A can be pressed, and the movement of the first valve body62A that is moved by the first pressure reception plate66A can be stabilized. Therefore, it is possible to perform the stable forcible valve opening.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the gap t1between the portion facing the first outer surface632A at a position different from the first opening portion73on the inner wall surface71aof the cover70constituting the housing, and the first outer surface632A be smaller than the dimension W1of the first valve unit60A in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. According to this, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the −Y direction. It should be noted that, it is further preferable that the gap t1be smaller than ½ of the dimension W1of the first valve unit60A.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the gap t1between the portion facing the first outer surface632A at a position different from the first opening portion73on the inner wall surface71aof the cover70constituting the housing, and the first outer surface632A be smaller than the maximum displacement amount D1of the first flexible film63A in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. According to this, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the −Y direction.

In addition, the recording head10according to the present embodiment further includes the second valve unit60B that is disposed in the cover70constituting the housing, and adjusts the pressure of the ink, which is the liquid, to be supplied to the liquid ejecting section20. In addition, the second valve unit60B has the second flow path64B that communicates with the liquid ejecting section20, and the second flexible film63B that has the second inner surface631B defining a part of the second flow path64B and the second outer surface632B being opposite to the second inner surface631B and being in contact with the atmosphere, and is displaceable in the +Y direction, which is the second direction, from the second outer surface632B toward the second inner surface631B and in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. In addition, the second valve unit60B includes the second valve body62B that is moved between the opening position at which the second flow path64B is opened and the closing position at which the second flow path64B is closed, due to the displacement of the second flexible film63B. The second valve unit60B is positioned to deviate from the first valve unit60A in the +Y direction, and the +Z direction or the +Y direction, which is the third direction orthogonal to the −Y direction, to overlap with a part of the first valve unit60A as viewed in the −Y direction. In addition, at least a part of the first outer surface632A does not overlap with the second valve unit60B as viewed in the −Y direction. In addition, at least a part of the second outer surface632B does not overlap with the first valve unit60A as viewed in the +Y direction. In addition, it is preferable that the cover70constituting the housing have the second opening portion74formed at a position facing at least a part of the second outer surface632B.

As described above, even when the recording head10is provided with the plurality of valve units60and the outer surfaces632of the plurality of valve units60are disposed to face each other, since at least a part of the outer surface632of the valve unit60is disposed not to overlap with other valve units60, it is possible to perform the forcible valve opening via the first opening portion73and the second opening portion74. It should be noted that the outer surfaces632of the plurality of valve units60may be disposed facing the outside and not to face each other.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the third direction be the +X direction orthogonal to the +Z direction, which is the ejection direction, in which the liquid ejecting section20ejects the ink, which is the liquid. According to this, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the recording head10in the +Z direction and to reduce the size thereof in the +Z direction.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first valve unit60A and the second valve unit60B be disposed at the same position in the +Z direction, which is the ejection direction. According to this, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +Z direction.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the distance L1from the opening at one end of the first opening portion73to the opening at the other end thereof be shorter than the distance L2from the opening at one end of the second opening portion74to the opening at the other end thereof. By forming the cover70in a shape along the disposition of the plurality of valve units60, the distance L1of the first opening portion73can be made shorter than the distance L2of the second opening portion74. Therefore, the size of the cover70can be reduced.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the area of the first opening portion73be larger than the area of the second opening portion74. By making the area of the first opening portion73larger than the area of the second opening portion74, it is easy to press the first flexible film63A via the first opening portion73.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the gap t1between the portion facing the first outer surface632A at a position different from the first opening portion73on the inner wall surface71aof the cover70constituting the housing, and the first outer surface632A be narrower than the interval t2between of the first valve unit60A and the second valve unit60B in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. According to this, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the −Y direction.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first outer surface632A and the second valve unit60B partially overlap with each other as viewed in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. According to this, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +X direction.

In addition, it is preferable that the recording head10according to the present embodiment include the first wiring member52A that is provided on a side opposite to the first outer surface632A with respect to a surface of the first valve unit60A opposite to the first outer surface632A, and is coupled to the liquid ejecting section20, and the second wiring member52B that is provided on a side opposite to the second outer surface632B with respect to a surface of the second valve unit60B opposite to the second outer surface632B, and is coupled to the liquid ejecting section20. In the disposition in which the wiring member52is drawn around the outside of the region in which the valve unit60is provided, it is necessary to make the flexible film63of the valve unit60face to the inside of the recording head10. Even in the configuration in which the flexible film63faces the inside of the recording head10in this way, the valve unit60can be forcibly opened by operating the flexible film63from the outside by the first opening portion73and the second opening portion74.

In addition, the recording head10according to the present embodiment further includes the third valve unit60C that is disposed in the cover70constituting the housing, and adjusts the pressure of the ink, which is the liquid, to be supplied to the liquid ejecting section20. It is preferable that the third valve unit60C be disposed in the +Z direction or the +X direction, which is the third direction, with respect to the first valve unit60A and be disposed to overlap with a part of the second valve unit60B as viewed in the +Y direction, which is the second direction, and the second opening portion74be provided between the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C. Even when the first valve unit60A, the second valve unit60B, and the third valve unit60C are disposed as described above, the second opening portion74can be provided between the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C. Moreover, the second valve unit60B can be forcibly opened by operating the second flexible film63B from the outside of the housing via the second opening portion74.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the cover70constituting the housing have the first partition wall72A, which is the partition wall, that partitions the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C, and the second opening portion74be formed to penetrate the first partition wall72A in the −Y direction, which is the first direction. The shaft82that operates the second flexible film63B can be guided by the inner wall surface of the second opening portion74, and the second valve unit60B can be reliably forcibly opened.

In addition, in the recording head10according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the second flexible film63B overlap with both the first valve unit60A and the third valve unit60C as viewed in the +Y direction, which is the second direction. According to this, the size of the recording head10can be reduced in the +X direction.

In addition, the ink jet type recording apparatus I, which is an example of the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present embodiment, includes the recording head10which is an example of the liquid ejecting head described above, and the liquid storage section4that stores the ink, which is the liquid, to be supplied to the recording head10. As described above, it is not necessary to provide the pressing mechanism or the like that operates the first flexible film63A inside the recording head10, and the size of the recording head10can be reduced and the structure thereof can be simplified. Therefore, the size of the ink jet type recording apparatus I including the recording head10can be reduced and the structure thereof can be simplified.

Other Embodiments

One embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, but the basic configuration of the present disclosure is not limited to the above.

For example, in the first embodiment described above, the configuration has been described in which the relay substrate51and the wiring member52are exposed to the side surfaces of the flow path member50and the cover70, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and wiring covers that cover the relay substrate51and the wiring member52, respectively, may be provided on both sides of the cover70in the +Y direction and the −Y direction. When the wiring cover is provided, the communication holes that communicate with the first opening portion73, the second opening portion74, the third opening portion75, and the fourth opening portion76are provided on the wiring cover, so that the flexible film63of each valve unit60can be exposed to the outside, and the flexible film63can be operated from the outside of the wiring cover and forcibly opened.

In addition, the valve unit60may be provided with a flow path or the like for collecting the ink that has not been ejected from the nozzle21out of the ink supplied to the liquid ejecting section20. That is, the ink may be circulated between the liquid storage section4and the liquid ejecting section20.

In addition, the valve unit60may be provided with a filter that removes foreign substances, such as dust or air bubbles, contained in the ink flowing through the valve unit flow path64.

In addition, in the first embodiment described above, the third direction is the +X direction, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. Since the third direction need only be the direction orthogonal to the −Y direction, which is the first direction, for example, the third direction may be the +Z direction. That is, the second valve unit60B may be disposed at a position deviating from the first valve unit60A in the +Y direction and the +Z direction to partially overlap with the first valve unit60A as viewed in the −Y direction. Even in this case, since the first flexible film63A can be pressed in the −Y direction, which is the first direction, via the first opening portion73, the first valve unit60A can be forcibly opened. It should be noted that the same applies to the third valve unit60C and the fourth valve unit60D.

Further, the present disclosure is intended for a wide range of the liquid ejecting head in general, and can be applied to, for example, a recording head, such as various ink jet type recording heads used in image recording apparatuses, such as printers, a color material ejecting head used in the manufacture of a color filter of a liquid crystal display or the like, an electrode material ejecting head used for electrode formation of an organic EL display, a field emission display (FED), or the like, and a bioorganic matter ejecting head used for biochip manufacture. In addition, although the ink jet type recording apparatus has been described as an example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, the present disclosure can also be used for a liquid ejecting apparatus using the other liquid ejecting head described above.