Patent ID: 12220917

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It is to be noted, however, that dimensions and scales of components in the drawings are different from the actual ones as needed. The embodiments described below represent specific preferred examples of the present disclosure and are therefore provided with various technically desirable limitations. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments unless the following description expressly states the specific limitations of the present disclosure.

In the following description, three directions intersecting with one another may be explained as x-axis direction, y-axis direction, and z-axis direction, respectively. The x-axis direction includes x1 direction and x2 direction which are mutually opposite directions. The x-axis direction represents an example of a first direction. The y-axis direction includes y1 direction and y2 direction which are mutually opposite directions. The y-axis direction represents an example of a second direction. The z-axis direction includes z1 direction and z2 direction which are mutually opposite directions. The z-axis direction represents an example of a stacking direction. The x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction are orthogonal to one another.

FIG.1is a schematic diagram illustrating a liquid ejecting apparatus1according to Embodiment 1. The liquid ejecting apparatus1is an ink jet type printing apparatus that ejects an ink in the form of droplets, which represents an example of a “liquid”, onto a medium PA. The liquid ejecting apparatus1of the present embodiment is a so-called line type printing apparatus, in which nozzles that eject an ink are distributed across the entire range in a width direction of the medium PA. The medium PA is typically a sheet of printing paper. The medium PA is not limited only to the printing paper, and may be a printing target of a desired material such as a resin film and a cloth.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the liquid ejecting apparatus1includes a liquid container2, a control unit3, a medium transportation mechanism4, a circulation mechanism5, and a head unit20. The head unit20includes liquid ejecting heads10. The liquid ejecting head10represent an example of heads.

The liquid container2stores an ink. Examples of specific aspects of the liquid container2include a cartridge attachable to and detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus1, an ink pack in the form of a bag formed from a flexible film, and an ink-refillable ink tank. An arbitrary type of the ink may be stored in the liquid container2. The liquid container2represents an example of a liquid storage unit. The head unit20includes liquid containers2corresponding to types of the inks. The head unit20may be designed to include a single liquid container2.

The control unit3controls operations of respective elements in the liquid ejecting apparatus1. For example, the control unit3includes a processing circuit such as a CPU and an FPGA, and a storage circuit such as a semiconductor memory. The storage circuit stores various programs and various data. The processing circuit executes the programs and achieves a variety of control by using the data as appropriate. The CPU stands for central processing unit. The FPGA stands for field programmable gate array.

The medium transportation mechanism4is controlled by the control unit3and configured to transport the medium PA in a direction DM of transportation. The medium transportation mechanism4includes an elongate transportation roller extending in the width direction of the medium PA, and a motor that rotates the transportation roller. The medium transportation mechanism4is not limited only to the structure that uses the transportation roller. For example, the medium transportation mechanism4may be designed to use a drum or an endless belt configured to transport the medium PA in a state of being adsorbed onto an outer peripheral surface by use of electrostatic force and the like.

The liquid ejecting head10is controlled by the control unit3in such a way as to eject the ink, which is supplied from each liquid container2through the circulation mechanism5, from respective nozzles onto the medium PA. The liquid ejecting heads10are arranged in a direction intersecting with the direction DM of transportation, thus forming a line head6.

The ink stored in the liquid container2is supplied to each liquid ejecting head10through the circulation mechanism5. The circulation mechanism5supplies the ink to the liquid ejecting head10, and also collects the ink discharged from the liquid ejecting head10. The circulation mechanism5supplies the collected ink to the liquid ejecting head10again. The circulation mechanism5includes a supply flow channel7for supplying the ink to the liquid ejecting head10, a discharge flow channel8for collecting the ink discharged from the liquid ejecting head10, a sub-tank for storing the collected ink, a pump for transferring the ink, and the like. The supply flow channel7and the discharge flow channel8are pipes or tubes, for example. The supply flow channel7and the discharge flow channel8may be structures provided with grooves, recesses, and the like for feeding the liquid.

Next, the head unit20will be described with reference toFIGS.2to8.FIG.2is an exploded perspective view illustrating the head unit20. The head unit20includes the liquid ejecting heads10, a base member22, a common flow channel member30, a circuit board unit40, and a cover21.

The base member22supports the liquid ejecting heads10and the common flow channel member30. The circuit board unit40and the cover21are fixed to the base member22. A major part of the liquid ejecting heads10are housed in the base member22. A portion in the z1 direction of the liquid ejecting heads10inclusive of an ejection surface F1 thereof is located on the outside of the base member22. The ejection surface F1 is illustrated inFIG.3. The ejection surface F1 is exposed to the outside. The common flow channel member30is housed in the base member22.

The base member22includes a frame portion23. The frame portion23is formed into a rectangular shape when viewed in the z-axis direction. The frame portion23includes side walls24to27. The side walls24and25are located away from each other in the y-axis direction. The side wall24represents an example of a first side wall. The side wall25represents an example of a second side wall. A thickness direction of the side walls24and25extends in the y-axis direction. The side wall25is located in the y2 direction relative to the side wall24. The side walls26and27are located away from each other in the x-axis direction. A thickness direction of the side walls26and27extends in the x-axis direction. The side wall27is located in the x2 direction relative to the side wall26.FIG.2omits the illustration of joining portions28and supporting portions29to be described later. The joining portions28and the supporting portions29are illustrated inFIG.4.

The common flow channel member30includes common flow channel substrates31and32, for example. A plate thickness direction of the common flow channel substrates31and32extends in the z-axis direction. The common flow channel substrates31and32are stacked in the z-axis direction. At least grooves or through holes are formed in the common flow channel substrates31and32. The common flow channel substrate32is provided with flow channel pipes35that project in the z2 direction. These grooves and through holes constitute flow channels to feed the ink. The common flow channel member30is located in the z2 direction relative to the liquid ejecting heads10. The common flow channel member30is located between the circuit board unit40and the liquid ejecting heads10in the z-axis direction. The common flow channel substrate31is located closer in the z-axis direction to the liquid ejecting heads10than the common flow channel substrate32is. The common flow channel substrate32is located in the z2 direction relative to the common flow channel substrate31. Although the common flow channel member30of the present embodiment is formed from the two common flow channel substrates31and32, the common flow channel member30may be formed by stacking three or more common flow channel substrates.

Flow channels in the common flow channel member30are coupled to the supply flow channel7and the discharge flow channel8illustrated inFIG.1through the flow channel pipes35. The ink that flows in the supply flow channel7further flows in the flow channels in the common flow channel member30, and is thus supplied to the liquid ejecting heads10. The ink discharged from the liquid ejecting heads10flows in the flow channels in the common flow channel member30, and thus flows into the discharge flow channel8. The ink that flows in the discharge flow channel8is collected by a sub-tank2b. The common flow channel member30provided with common flow channels50will be described later with reference toFIG.5. A coupler portion between a common flow channel50in the common flow channel member30and a flow channel60in the liquid ejecting head10will be described later with reference toFIGS.7and8.

The circuit board unit40includes a relay board41and a control board42. The relay board41is located in the z2 direction relative to the common flow channel member30. The control board42is located in the z2 direction relative to the relay board41. The relay board41and the control board42are located away from each other in the z-axis direction. The relay board41is fixed to an end portion in the z2 direction of the base member22, for example. The relay board41is fastened to the base member22with screws. The control board42is fastened to the base member22with screws. The relay board41is electrically coupled to the control board42through not-illustrated wiring. The relay board41extends across the liquid ejecting heads10in the x-axis direction. The relay board41is disposed in such a way as to overlap the liquid ejecting heads10when viewed in the z-axis direction.

The relay board41is electrically coupled to connectors19of liquid ejecting heads10through flexible wiring boards43. The relay board41is a rigid board, for example. Each flexible wiring board43may be an FFC, for example. The relay board41is provided with connectors44to be coupled to the flexible wiring boards43. The connectors44of the relay board41are disposed on a surface oriented in the z1 direction of the relay board41.

The control board42is provided with one or more IC chips and a heatsink45. The control board42is a rigid board, for example. Each IC chip includes a driving signal generation circuit. The driving signal generation circuit can generate driving signals for driving piezoelectric elements in the liquid ejecting heads10. The IC chip may also include a step-down circuit or a booster circuit, which is capable of generating a reference voltage signal serving as a reference voltage when the ink is ejected from the liquid ejecting heads10. The piezoelectric element represents an example of a driving element. The relay board41and the control board42include the wiring, the connectors, and other electric components. The relay board41is provided with a connector46to be coupled to electric wiring on the outside of the head unit20.

The cover21is fixed to the base member22. The cover21is fastened to the base member22with screws. The cover21is disposed in such a way as to cover the relay board41, the control board42, and the heatsink45. Illustration of part of the cover21is omitted inFIG.2.

The liquid ejecting heads10include liquid ejecting heads10A to10D. The liquid ejecting head10B is located in the x1 direction relative to the liquid ejecting head10A. The liquid ejecting head10C is located in the x1 direction relative to the liquid ejecting head10B. The liquid ejecting head10D is located in the x1 direction relative to the liquid ejecting head10C. Only the locations of the liquid ejecting heads10A to10D are different and these liquid ejecting heads have the same structure. The liquid ejecting heads10A to10D may be collectively referred to as the liquid ejecting heads10when the liquid ejecting heads10A to10D need not be distinguished from one another. Each liquid ejecting head10represents an example of a head. The liquid ejecting head10A represents an example of a first head. The liquid ejecting head10B represents an example of a second head. The liquid ejecting head10C represents an example of a third head.

Flow channel couplers161are provided at a top surface of the liquid ejecting head10A. The top surface of the liquid ejecting head10A is a surface located closer to the common flow channel member30in the z-axis direction. The flow channel couplers161project in the z2 direction. A flow channel to feed the ink is formed inside each flow channel coupler161. The flow channel couplers161include supply flow channel couplers161and discharge flow channel couplers161. The ink that flows in the common flow channel member30is supplied to the liquid ejecting head10A through the supply flow channel couplers161. The ink discharged from the liquid ejecting head10A flows into the common flow channel member30through the discharge flow channel couplers161.

Flow channel couplers162are provided at a top surface of the liquid ejecting head10B. Flow channel couplers163are provided at a top surface of the liquid ejecting head10C. Flow channel couplers164are provided at a top surface of the liquid ejecting head10D. These flow channel couplers162to164have the same structure as the flow channel coupler161and explanations thereof will be omitted. The flow channel coupler161represents an example of a first flow channel coupler. The flow channel coupler162represents an example of a second flow channel coupler.

FIG.3is a bottom view illustrating the ejection surface F1 of the head unit20. Each liquid ejecting head10includes head chips12. The head chips12are illustrated inFIG.9. Each head chip12includes nozzles N that eject the ink. The nozzles N form a line NL of nozzles arranged in v-axis direction. The v-axis direction is inclined at a prescribed angle α relative to the x-axis direction. Each liquid ejecting head10includes a fixation plate11that covers the head chips12. The fixation plate11is provided with openings11a. Each opening11aexposes the nozzles N in the corresponding head chip12. The opening11aextends in the v-axis direction as with the line NL of nozzles. A surface of the fixation plate11oriented in the z1 direction forms the ejection surface F1. A layout of fixation members81to83is illustrated with dashed lines inFIG.3. As described later, the fixation members81to83are fixed to the base member22and are not provided to the ejection surface F1.

Next, the head unit20will be described with reference toFIG.4.FIG.4is a plan view illustrating the head unit20and flexible members70. The flexible members70include flexible members70A to70D. The head unit20includes the joining portions28A to28C. The joining portions28A to28C are joined to the side wall24and to the side wall25. The joining portions28A to28C extend in the v-axis direction between the side wall26and the side wall27. The joining portion28A is disposed corresponding to a gap G1 between the liquid ejecting head10A and the liquid ejecting head10B when viewed in the z-axis direction. Gaps G1 to G3 are illustrated inFIG.3. The gaps G1 and G2 are illustrated inFIG.6. The joining portion28A is located in the z2 direction relative to the gap G1. Likewise, the joining portion28B is disposed corresponding to the gap G2 between the liquid ejecting head10B and the liquid ejecting head10C. The joining portion28B is located in the z2 direction relative to the gap G2. The joining portion28C is disposed corresponding to the gap G3 between the liquid ejecting head10C and the liquid ejecting head10D. The joining portion28C is located in the z2 direction relative to the gap G3. The joining portions28A to28C may be collectively referred to as the joining portions28when the joining portions28A to28C need not be distinguished from one another. The joining portions28are located in the z2 direction relative to the corresponding liquid ejecting heads10. Each joining portion28has a prescribed thickness in the z-axis direction.

The head unit20includes supporting portions29A to29D. The supporting portion29A represents an example of a first supporting portion. The supporting portion29B represents an example of a second supporting portion. The supporting portions29A to29D may be collectively referred to as the supporting portions29when the supporting portions29A to29D need not be distinguished from one another. The supporting portions29A to29D are disposed in the z2 direction relative to the corresponding liquid ejecting heads10and support the flexible members70A to70D, respectively. The supporting portion29A is located in the z2 direction relative to the liquid ejecting head10A, and supports the flexible member70A. The supporting portion29A is located between the liquid ejecting head10A and the flexible member70A in the z-axis direction. The supporting portion29A is joined to the side wall27of the base member22and to the joining portion28A. The supporting portion29A is provided with openings that allow insertion of the flow channel couplers161illustrated inFIG.2. The flow channel couplers161penetrate the supporting portion29A in the z-axis direction and project in the z2 direction from the supporting portion29A.

The supporting portion29B is located in the z2 direction relative to the liquid ejecting head10B, and supports the flexible member70B. The supporting portion29B is located between the liquid ejecting head10B and the flexible member70B in the z-axis direction. The supporting portion29B is joined to the joining portion28A and to the joining portion28B. The supporting portion29B is provided with openings that allow insertion of the flow channel couplers162.

The supporting portion29C is located in the z2 direction relative to the liquid ejecting head10C, and supports the flexible member70C. The supporting portion29C is located between the liquid ejecting head10C and the flexible member70C in the z-axis direction. The supporting portion29C is joined to the joining portion28B and to the joining portion28C. The supporting portion29C is provided with openings that allow insertion of the flow channel couplers163.

The supporting portion29D is located in the z2 direction relative to the liquid ejecting head10D, and supports the flexible member70D. The supporting portion29D is located between the liquid ejecting head10D and the flexible member70D in the z-axis direction. The supporting portion29D is joined to the joining portion28C and to the side wall26. The supporting portion29D is provided with openings that allow insertion of the flow channel couplers164.

Openings for exposing the connectors19of the liquid ejecting heads10are formed between the supporting portions29and the side wall25in the y-axis direction. The connectors19of the liquid ejecting heads10are illustrated inFIG.6. Openings for exposing the connectors19of the liquid ejecting heads10are formed between the supporting portions29and the side wall24in the y-axis direction. Each liquid ejecting head10includes the connectors19that are located away in the y-axis direction. Of the connectors19, the connector19close to the side wall25is disposed in such a way as to overlap the opening between the supporting portion29and the side wall25when viewed in the z-axis direction. Of the connectors19, the connector19close to the side wall24is disposed in such a way as to overlap the opening between the supporting portion29and the side wall24when viewed in the z-axis direction.

The flow channel couplers161to164formed in the liquid ejecting heads10A to10D penetrate the supporting portions29and project in the z2 direction. The flow channel couplers161to164communicate with the common flow channels50in the common flow channel member30.

FIG.5is a plan view illustrating the common flow channel member30and fixation members80.FIG.5is a plan view that sees through the flexible members70and the common flow channels50for convenience sake. The common flow channel member30is formed substantially into a rectangular shape when viewed in the z-axis direction. InFIG.5, the flexible members70are illustrated with dashed lines. The flexible members70are located between the liquid ejecting heads10and the common flow channel member30in the z-axis direction. The flexible members70are located in the z1 direction relative to the common flow channel substrate31.

The common flow channel member30is provided with the common flow channels50. The common flow channels50include a common flow channel50A and a common flow channel50B. The common flow channels50A and50B may be collectively referred to as the common flow channels50when the common flow channels50A and50B need not be distinguished from each other.

FIG.7to be described later in detail illustrates a surface31aof the common flow channel substrate31, which is located on the opposite side of the liquid ejecting heads10in the z-axis direction. Grooves for defining the common flow channels50A and50B are formed in the surface31aof the common flow channel substrate31, and the common flow channels50are defined by covering these grooves with the common flow channel substrate32. Instead, grooves for defining the common flow channels50may be formed in a surface of the common flow channel substrate32opposed to the surface31aof the common flow channel substrate31, and the common flow channels50may be defined by covering these grooves with the common flow channel substrate31. Alternatively, the common flow channels50may be defined by forming the grooves in both of the common flow channel substrate31and the common flow channel substrate32. The common flow channels50A and50B are formed in such a way as to extend in the x-axis direction when viewed in the z-axis direction. The configuration “to extend in the x-axis direction” is not limited only to extension in parallel to the x-axis direction, but also includes an inclination relative to the x-axis direction. The common flow channels50A and50B include structures that form flows in the x-axis direction as a whole. The common flow channels50A and50B include portions that are formed straight and portions that are curved. The common flow channel50A represents an example of a first common flow channel. The common flow channel50B represents an example of a second common flow channel.

The common flow channels50A and50B include flow channels51to54that communicate with flow channels60A to60D in the liquid ejecting heads10. The flow channels60A to60D are illustrated inFIG.7. The flow channels51to54are formed in such a way as to penetrate the common flow channel substrate31in the z-axis direction. The flow channels51are provided at positions corresponding to the flow channel couplers161of the liquid ejecting head10A. The flow channels51communicate with the flow channels60A in the liquid ejecting head10A. The flow channels52are provided at positions corresponding to the flow channel couplers162of the liquid ejecting head10B. The flow channels52communicate with the flow channels60B in the liquid ejecting head10B. The flow channels53are provided at positions corresponding to the flow channel couplers163of the liquid ejecting head10C. The flow channels53communicate with the flow channels60C in the liquid ejecting head10C. The flow channels54are provided at positions corresponding to the flow channel couplers164of the liquid ejecting head10D. The flow channels54communicate with the flow channels60D in the liquid ejecting head10D. Each flow channel60A represents an example of a first flow channel. Each flow channel60B represents an example of a second flow channel. Each flow channel60C represents an example of a third flow channel. The flow channels60A to60D may be collectively referred to as the flow channels60when the flow channels60A to60D need not be distinguished from one another.

FIG.6is a plan view illustrating the base member22, the liquid ejecting heads10, the flexible members70, and the fixation members80. As illustrated inFIGS.4to6, the head unit20includes the flexible members70. As mentioned earlier, the flexible members70include the flexible members70A to70D. The flexible members70are located between the liquid ejecting heads10and the common flow channel member30in the z-axis direction. The flexible members70establish liquid-tight communication between the flow channels60of the liquid ejecting heads10and the common flow channels50of the common flow channel member30. The flexible members70secure sealing between the liquid ejecting heads10and the common flow channel member30. The flexible member70A represents an example of a first flexible member. The flexible member70B represents an example of a second flexible member. The flexible member70C represents an example of a third flexible member.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the flexible member70A is located in the z2 direction relative to the liquid ejecting head10A, and is located between the liquid ejecting head10A and the common flow channel member30in the z-axis direction. The flexible member70B is located in the z2 direction relative to the liquid ejecting head10B, and is located between the liquid ejecting head10B and the common flow channel member30in the z-axis direction. The flexible member70C is located in the z2 direction relative to the liquid ejecting head10C, and is located between the liquid ejecting head10C and the common flow channel member30in the z-axis direction. The flexible member70D illustrated inFIG.4is located between the liquid ejecting head10D and the common flow channel member30, and is located between the liquid ejecting head10D and the common flow channel member30in the z-axis direction.

Next, a sealing portion71of the flexible member70will be described with reference toFIGS.7and8.FIG.7is a sectional view illustrating the common flow channel member30, the flexible member70, and a flow channel coupler160.FIG.8is a sectional view illustrating the sealing portion71of the flexible member70before attachment. The flexible member70includes the sealing portions71and a plate portion72. The sealing portions71are provided at positions corresponding to the flow channel couplers160of the liquid ejecting head10.

The common flow channel substrate31is also provided with flow channel joining portions31cthat project from a surface31boriented in the z1 direction. The flow channel joining portions31care provided at the positions corresponding to the flow channel couplers160of the liquid ejecting head10when viewed in the z-axis direction. The sealing portions71are disposed between the flow channel joining portions31cof the common flow channel substrate31and the flow channel couplers160of the liquid ejecting heads10in the z-axis direction.

Each sealing portion71is formed into a disc shape. A flow channel71ais formed at a central part of the sealing portion71. The flow channel71aestablishes communication between the common flow channel50of the common flow channel member30and the flow channel60of the liquid ejecting head10. The sealing portion71has a prescribed thickness in the z-axis direction. The flexible member70is made of a resin, for example. The flexible member70has elasticity and is compressed in the z-axis direction. The sealing portion71is pinched between the flow channel joining portion31cand the flow channel coupler160, and is compressed in the z-axis direction. Thus, the sealing portion71establishes the liquid-tight communication between the common flow channel50and the flow channel60.

The plate portion72joins the sealing portions71to one another. A thickness direction of the plate portion72coincides with the z-axis direction. The thickness of the sealing portions71is larger than the thickness of the plate portion72, for example. The sealing portions71are located in the z1 direction relative to the plate portion72. The sealing portions71may protrude in the z2 direction from the plate portion72.

Next, the fixation member80will be described. As illustrated inFIGS.3to6, the head unit20includes the fixation members80. The fixation members80include the fixation members81to88. The fixation member81represents an example of a first fixation member. The fixation member82represents an example of a second fixation member. The fixation members80are fixed to the base member22. The fixation members80can fix the flexible members70to the liquid ejecting heads10by fixing the common flow channel member30illustrated inFIG.5to the base member22. The flexible members70located between the liquid ejecting heads10and the common flow channel member30in the z-axis direction are pressed in the z1 direction by the common flow channel member30. Accordingly, the sealing portions71of the flexible members70are compressed in the z-axis direction as illustrated inFIG.7, thereby establishing the liquid-tight communication of the flow channels between the common flow channel member30and the liquid ejecting heads10. The liquid tightness includes a state of maintaining the sealing performances of the flow channels so as to suppress ink leakage.

Each fixation member80is a screw, for example. The base member22being a fixation target of the fixation members80is provided with female screw portions to be engaged with the screws. The fixation members80are not limited only to the screws, but may include other components such as nuts, pins, springs, and clamps.

Positional relations of the fixation members80with the base member22will be described with reference toFIG.4. The fixation member81is fixed to the joining portion28A. The fixation member82is fixed to the joining portion28B. The fixation member83is fixed to the joining portion28C. The fixation members84and85are fixed to the side wall27. The fixation members86and87are fixed to the supporting portion29D. The fixation member88is fixed to the joining portion28A.

The fixation members81to83are disposed at central parts of the joining portions28in the y-axis direction. The fixation members81to83are disposed at the same position in the y-axis direction. The fixation member88is located in the y2 direction relative to the fixation members81to83. The fixation member88is disposed at a position closer to the side wall25than the fixation member81is and closer to the side wall27than the fixation member81is.

The fixation members84and85are disposed at the same position in the x-axis direction. The fixation member84is disposed at a position closer to the side wall25than the fixation member85is. The fixation member84is located in the y2 direction relative to the fixation members81to83in the y-axis direction. The fixation member85is located in the y1 direction relative to the fixation members81to83in the y-axis direction. The fixation member85may be disposed at the same position as the side wall24in the y-axis direction.

The fixation members86and87are located between the side wall24and the side wall25in the y-axis direction. The fixation member86is disposed at a position closer to the side wall25than the fixation member83is in the y-axis direction. The fixation member87is disposed at a position closer to the side wall24than the fixation member83is in the y-axis direction. The fixation members86and87are disposed at positions closer to the side wall26than the fixation member83is in the x-axis direction. The fixation member87is located closer to the side wall27than the fixation member86is in the x-axis direction. The fixation members86and87are located in the x2 direction relative to the side wall26.

Next, positional relations of the fixation members80with the common flow channel member30will be described with reference toFIG.5. The common flow channel member30is formed substantially into a rectangular shape when viewed in the z-axis direction. A longitudinal direction of the common flow channel member30extends in the x-axis direction. The common flow channel member30includes sides301to304that form its outer shape. The sides301and302extend in the x-axis direction. The sides303and304extend in the y-axis direction.

The sides301and302are located away from each other in the y-axis direction. The side302is located in the y2 direction relative to the side301. The sides303and304are located away from each other in the x-axis direction. The side303is located in the x1 direction relative to the side304.

The fixation members81to83are located between the side301and the side302in the y-axis direction. The fixation members81to83may be disposed at intermediate positions between the side301and the side302in the y-axis direction. The fixation members81to83are located between the side303and the side304in the x-axis direction. The fixation member82may be disposed at an intermediate position between the side303and the side304in the x-axis direction.

The fixation member84is located at an end portion in the x2 direction of the side302. The fixation member84is located at an end portion in the y2 direction of the side304. The fixation member85is located at an end portion in the x2 direction of the side301. The fixation member85is located at an end portion in the y1 direction of the side304.

The fixation member86is located on the inner side of an interesting point of the side302and the side303of the common flow channel member30. Specifically, the fixation member86is located in the y1 direction relative to the side302and is located in the x2 direction relative to the side303. The fixation member87is disposed at a position overlapping the side303when viewed in the z-axis direction.

The common flow channel member30is provided with eight common flow channels50in the y-axis direction, for example. Four common flow channels50A are formed close to the side302and four common flow channels50B are formed close to the side301. The fixation members81to83are located between the common flow channels50A and the common flow channels50B in the y-axis direction.

FIG.10is a plan view illustrating bypass portions55A and55B in the common flow channels50and illustrating the fixation member81. As illustrated inFIG.10, a fixation hole91is formed between the common flow channels50A and the common flow channels50B. The fixation hole91penetrates the common flow channel member30in the z-axis direction. The fixation member81is inserted into the fixation hole91and is fixed to the base member22.

Each common flow channel50A includes a bypass portion55A, which is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole91. The bypass portion55A is bent at a position in the y2 direction relative to the fixation hole91. The bypass portion55A may be curved along an arc of the fixation hole91. The bypass portion55A may include portions having different curvatures. The bypass portion55A represents an example of a first bypass portion. InFIG.10, directions of flow of the ink are indicated with arrows. The directions of flow of the ink are not limited only to the directions indicated with the arrows. The directions of flow of the ink may be changed as appropriate. In the common flow channel50A, a length of a straight portion located in the x2 direction relative to the bypass portion55A may be different from a length of a straight portion located in the x1 direction relative to the bypass portion55A.

Each common flow channel50B includes a bypass portion55B, which is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole91. The bypass portion55B is bent at a position in the y1 direction relative to the fixation hole91. The bypass portion55B may be curved along the arc of the fixation hole91. The bypass portion55B may include portions having different curvatures. The bypass portion55B represents an example of a second bypass portion. In the common flow channel50B, a length of a straight portion located in the x1 direction relative to the bypass portion55B may be different from a length of a straight portion located in the x2 direction relative to the bypass portion55B.

Likewise, the common flow channel member30is provided with a fixation hole92that allows insertion of the fixation member82. Each common flow channel50A includes a bypass portions55A, which is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole92. Each common flow channel50B includes a bypass portions55B, which is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole92. The common flow channel member30is provided with a fixation hole93that allows insertion of the fixation member83. Each common flow channel50A includes a bypass portions55A, which is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole93. Each common flow channel50B includes a bypass portions55B, which is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole93. The bypass portions55A and55B corresponding to the fixation member81, the bypass portions55A and55B corresponding to the fixation member82, and the bypass portions55A and55B corresponding to the fixation member83have substantially the same structure. Accordingly, reference signs for the fixation members82and83and for the fixation holes92and93are indicated inFIG.10for convenience sake.

A region R is formed between the common flow channel50A and the common flow channel50B. The fixation hole91is formed in the region R and the fixation member81is disposed therein. The “region R” represents an example of a “region surrounded by the common flow channels50A and50B adjacent to each other and designed to dispose the fixation member81”.

A dimension L1 in the x-axis direction of the region R is larger than a dimension L2 in the y-axis direction of the region R. The dimension L1 is equivalent to a distance in the x-axis direction between an end portion P1 and an end portion P2 of the region R. The end portion P1 is an end portion in the x1 direction of the region R. The end portion P2 is an end portion in the x2 direction of the region R. The common flow channel50A is located away from the common flow channel50B in the y-axis direction between the end portion P1 and the end portion P2. The dimension L2 is equivalent to a distance in the y-axis direction between an end portion P3 and an end portion P4 of the region R. The end portion P3 is an end portion in the y1 direction of the region R. The end portion P4 is an end portion in the y2 direction of the region R. The dimension L1 may be a length equal to or more than twice as large as the dimension L2, or may be a length equal to or more than three times as large as the dimension L2. Nonetheless, the dimension L1 may be equal to or shorter than the dimension L2.

A region in which the fixation member82is disposed can also be formed in the same way as the region R in which the fixation member81is disposed. A region in which the fixation member83is disposed may also be formed in the same way as the region R in which the fixation member81is disposed. The region in which the fixation member83is disposed may be formed continuously to the side303in the x1 direction of the common flow channel substrate31. In other words, a clearance may be formed between the common flow channel50A and the common flow channel50B at a position in the x1 direction from the fixation member83.

Next, positional relations of the fixation members80with the flexible members70will be described with reference toFIGS.4to6. The fixation member81is located between the flexible member70A and the flexible member70B in the x-axis direction. The fixation member81is located in a region where the flexible members70A and70B are disposed in the y-axis direction. The fixation member81is disposed in such a way as to overlap the flexible members70A and70B when viewed in the x-axis direction. In other words, the fixation member81is not disposed on the outside of the flexible members70A and70B when viewed in the x-axis direction.

The fixation member82is located between the flexible member70B and the flexible member70C in the x-axis direction. The fixation member82is located in a region where the flexible members70B and70C are disposed in the y-axis direction. The fixation member82is disposed in such a way as to overlap the flexible members70B and70C when viewed in the x-axis direction. In other words, the fixation member82is not disposed on the outside of the flexible members70B and70C when viewed in the x-axis direction.

The fixation member83is located between the flexible member70C and the flexible member70D in the x-axis direction. The fixation member83is located in a region where the flexible members70C and70D are disposed in the y-axis direction. The fixation member83is disposed in such a way as to overlap the flexible members70C and70D when viewed in the x-axis direction. In other words, the fixation member83is not disposed on the outside of the flexible members70C and70D when viewed in the x-axis direction.

The fixation members84and85are located in the x2 direction relative to the flexible member70A. The fixation member84is located in the y2 direction relative to the flexible member70A. The fixation member85is located in the y1 direction relative to the flexible member70A.

The fixation members86and87are located between the flexible member70D and the side wall27in the x-axis direction. The fixation members86and87are disposed at positions overlapping the flexible member70D when viewed in the x-axis direction. The fixation members86and87are disposed at positions overlapping the flexible member70D when viewed in the y-axis direction.

The fixation member88is located in the y2 direction relative to the flexible member70A in the x-axis direction. The fixation member88is located in a region where the flexible member70A is disposed in when viewed in the y-axis direction.

Next, positional relations of the fixation members81to83with the liquid ejecting heads10will be described with reference toFIGS.3,6, and9.FIG.9is a bottom view illustrating a layout of the fixation member80located between the liquid ejecting heads10. The fixation member81is located at a position overlapping the gap G1 between the liquid ejecting head10A and the liquid ejecting head10B when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation member82is located at a position overlapping the gap G2 between the liquid ejecting head10B and the liquid ejecting head10C. The fixation member83is located at a position overlapping the gap G3 between the liquid ejecting head10C and the liquid ejecting head10D.

Next, positional relations of the fixation members80with regions171to174will be described with reference toFIGS.4and6. The region171represents an example of a first region. The region172represents an example of a second region. The region171is a region that surrounds the flow channel couplers161of the liquid ejecting head10A. All of the flow channel couplers161are disposed in the region171. The region171may be a region to surround all of the flow channel coupler161with the smallest area. The region171is a region that surrounds the flow channel couplers161among the flow channel couplers161, which are located on the outermost ends in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. In other words, the region171can be defined as the smallest convex polygon that encompasses all of the flow channel couplers161. Likewise, the region172is a region that surrounds the flow channel couplers162of the liquid ejecting head10B. All of the flow channel couplers162are disposed in the region172. The region173is a region that surrounds the flow channel couplers163of the liquid ejecting head10C. All of the flow channel couplers163are disposed in the region173. The region174is a region that surrounds the flow channel couplers164of the liquid ejecting head10D. All of the flow channel couplers164are disposed in the region174.

The fixation member81is located between the region171and the region172when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation member82is located between the region172and the region173when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation member83is located between the region173and the region174when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation members81to83are disposed in such a way as to overlap the regions171to173when viewed in the x-axis direction.

The fixation members84and85are located in the x2 direction relative to the region171. The fixation members84and85are located on the outside of the region171when viewed in the x-axis direction.

The fixation members86and87are disposed at positions overlapping the region174when viewed in the x-axis direction. The fixation members86and87are disposed at positions overlapping the region174when viewed in the y-axis direction.

As described above, the head unit20according to the Embodiment 1 includes the liquid ejecting heads10. The liquid ejecting heads10include the liquid ejecting head10A provided with the flow channels60A, and the liquid ejecting head10B located adjacent to the liquid ejecting head10A and provided with the flow channels60B. The head unit20includes the common flow channel member30. The common flow channel member30is stacked on the liquid ejecting heads10. The common flow channel member30is provided with the common flow channels50, which include the common flow channels50A that communicate with the flow channels60A and60B. The head unit20includes the flexible members70. The flexible members70include the flexible member70A disposed between the liquid ejecting head10A and the common flow channel member30, and the flexible member70B disposed between the liquid ejecting head10B and the common flow channel member30. The head unit20includes the fixation members80. The fixation members80fix the common flow channel member30to the liquid ejecting heads10A and10B and to the flexible members70A and70B. The flexible member70A establishes the liquid-tight communication between the flow channel60A and the common flow channel50A by being compressed in the z-axis direction along the stacking direction of the liquid ejecting heads10and the common flow channel member30. The flexible member70B establishes the liquid-tight communication between the flow channel60B and the common flow channel50A by being compressed in the z-axis direction. The fixation members80include the fixation member81disposed between the flexible member70A and the flexible member70B in plan view that is viewed in the z-axis direction.

According to the above-described head unit20, the fixation member81is disposed between the flexible member70A and the flexible member70B when viewed in the z-axis direction. In other words, the fixation member81is disposed in the vicinity of a position where reactive force originates from the flexible members70A and70B.

Accordingly, even when the reactive force originates from the flexible members70A and70B, the flexible members70A and70B are pressed against the liquid ejecting heads10A and10B, thereby reducing a risk of ink leakage in contrast to the configuration in which the fixation member81is not disposed between the flexible members70A and70B.

The liquid ejecting heads10include the liquid ejecting head10C, which is adjacent to the liquid ejecting head10B and is provided with the flow channels60C. The flexible members70include the flexible member70C. The flexible member70C is disposed between the liquid ejecting head10C and the common flow channel member30and is compressed in the z-axis direction. Thus, the flexible member70C establishes the liquid-tight communication between the flow channels60C and the common flow channel50. The fixation members80include the fixation member82. The fixation member82is disposed between the flexible member70B and the flexible member70C in plan view. In the head unit20, the fixation member82is disposed between the flexible member70B and the flexible member70C when viewed in the z-axis direction. Accordingly, even when the reactive force originates from the flexible members70B and70C in the head unit20, a risk of ink leakage can be reduced by pressing the flexible members70B and70C against the liquid ejecting heads10B and10C.

Likewise, the liquid ejecting heads10include the liquid ejecting head10D, which is adjacent to the liquid ejecting head10C and is provided with the flow channels60D. The flexible members70include the flexible member70D. The flexible member70D is disposed between the liquid ejecting head10D and the common flow channel member30and is compressed in the z-axis direction. Thus, the flexible member70D establishes the liquid-tight communication between the flow channels60D and the common flow channel50. The fixation members80include the fixation member83. The fixation member83is disposed between the flexible member70C and the flexible member70D in plan view.

The fixation member81overlaps the gap G1 between the liquid ejecting head10A and the liquid ejecting head10B in plan view. According to the head unit20configured as described above, it is possible to cause fastening force with the fixation member81to evenly act on liquid ejecting heads10A and10B disposed on two sides of the fixation member81. Thus, the flexible members70A and70B can be evenly pressed against the liquid ejecting heads10A and10B. As a consequence, it is possible to reduce a variation in fastening force against the liquid ejecting heads10A and10B.

Likewise, the fixation member82overlaps the gap G2 between the liquid ejecting head10B and the liquid ejecting head10C in plan view.

Similarly, the fixation member83overlaps the gap G3 between the liquid ejecting head10C and the liquid ejecting head10D in plan view.

The liquid ejecting heads10A and10B are arranged in the x-axis direction. The common flow channel50A extends in the x-axis direction. The common flow channel member30includes the fixation hole91that allows insertion of the fixation member81. The common flow channel50A includes the bypass portion55A that is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole91between the flexible member70A and the flexible member70B in plan view. The portion of the common flow channel50A adjacent to the fixation hole91is the bypass portion55A. Provision of the bypass portion55A makes it possible to dispose the fixation member81between the flexible members70A and70B that are adjacent to each other.

Likewise, the liquid ejecting head10B and10C are arranged in the x-axis direction. The common flow channel50A extends in the x-axis direction. The common flow channel member30includes the fixation hole92that allows insertion of the fixation member82. The common flow channel50A includes the bypass portion55A that is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole92between the flexible member70B and the flexible member70C in plan view.

Similarly, the liquid ejecting head10C and10D are arranged in the x-axis direction. The common flow channel50A extends in the x-axis direction. The common flow channel member30includes the fixation hole93that allows insertion of the fixation member83. The common flow channel50A includes the bypass portion55A that is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole93between the flexible member70C and the flexible member70D in plan view.

The common flow channels50include the common flow channel50B that is different from the common flow channel50A and extends in the x-axis direction. The common flow channel50B includes the bypass portion55B that is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole91between the flexible member70A and the flexible member70B in plan view. The fixation hole91is pinched between the bypass portion55A and the bypass portion55B in plan view. The portion of the common flow channel50B adjacent to the fixation hole91is the bypass portion55B. Provision of the bypass portion55A and the bypass portion55B that bypass on mutually opposite sides in the y-axis direction as described above makes it possible to secure the space for disposing the fixation hole91in the common flow channel member30. Thus, the fixation member81can be disposed between the flexible member70A and the flexible member70B. As compared to a degree of bending of a bypass portion in a configuration to provide the bypass portion only on one side of the common flow channel50A or the common flow channel50B, it is possible to reduce the degree of bending of each of the bypass portions55A and55B in the configuration to provide the common flow channels50A and50B with the bypass portions55A and55B, respectively. Accordingly, the flow of the ink inside the common flow channels50A and50B provided with the bypass portions55A and55B is less likely to be blocked, thereby avoiding reduction in performance of discharging bubbles in the ink.

Likewise, the common flow channel50B includes the bypass portion55B that is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole92between the flexible member70B and the flexible member70C in plan view. The fixation hole92is pinched between the bypass portion55A and the bypass portion55B in plan view.

Similarly, the common flow channel50B includes the bypass portion55B that is bent in such a way as to bypass the fixation hole93between the flexible member70C and the flexible member70D in plan view. The fixation hole93is pinched between the bypass portion55A and the bypass portion55B in plan view.

The dimension L1 in the x-axis direction of the region R, in which the fixation members81to83are disposed and which is surrounded by the common flow channels50A and50B adjacent to each other, is larger than the dimension L2 in the y-axis direction thereof. By forming the common flow channels50A and50B in such a way as to surround the region R as described above, it is possible to gently curve the common flow channels50A and50B so as not to block the flow of the ink in the common flow channels50A and50B. As a consequence, the reduction in performance of discharging bubbles in the ink that flows in the common flow channels50A and50B is avoided.

The head unit20includes the base member22that holds the liquid ejecting heads10A and10B. In plan view, an outer shape of the flexible member70A is smaller than an outer shape of the liquid ejecting head10A, and an outer shape of the flexible member70B is smaller than an outer shape of the liquid ejecting head10B. The base member22includes the frame portion23provided with the side wall24and the side wall25that are located away from each other, and the joining portion28A that extends between the flexible member70A and the flexible member70B in such a way as to couple the side wall24to the side wall25. The fixation member81directly fixes the joining portion28A to the common flow channel member30. According to the above-described head unit20, the joining portion28A is provided between the flexible members70A and70B, so that the fixation member81can be attached to this joining portion28A. Accordingly, it is possible to fix the fixation member81between the flexible members70A and70B, thereby fixing the flexible members70A and70B through the common flow channel member30.

Likewise, the head unit20includes the base member22that holds the liquid ejecting heads10B and10C. In plan view, the outer shape of the flexible member70B is smaller than the outer shape of the liquid ejecting head10B, and an outer shape of the flexible member70C is smaller than an outer shape of the liquid ejecting head10C. The base member22includes the frame portion23provided with the side wall24and the side wall25that are located away from each other, and the joining portion28B that extends between the flexible member70B and the flexible member70C in such a way as to couple the side wall24to the side wall25. The fixation member82directly fixes the joining portion28B to the common flow channel member30.

Similarly, the head unit20includes the base member22that holds the liquid ejecting heads10C and10D. In plan view, the outer shape of the flexible member70C is smaller than the outer shape of the liquid ejecting head10C, and an outer shape of the flexible member70D is smaller than an outer shape of the liquid ejecting head10D. The base member22includes the frame portion23provided with the side wall24and the side wall25that are located away from each other, and the joining portion28C that extends between the flexible member70C and the flexible member70D in such a way as to couple the side wall24to the side wall25. The fixation member83directly fixes the joining portion28C to the common flow channel member30.

The base member22includes the supporting portion29A on which the flexible member70A is mounted, and the supporting portion29B on which the flexible member70B is mounted. The above-described head unit20can support the flexible member70A with the supporting portion29A and support the flexible member70B with the supporting portion29B. Since the base member22includes supporting portions29A and29B, the base member22can increase rigidity and suppress deformation of the base member22. As a consequence, it is possible to further reduce the risk of ink leakage by decreasing deformation of the flexible members70A and70B attributed to the deformation of the base member22.

Likewise, the base member22includes the supporting portion29C on which the flexible member70C is mounted, and the supporting portion29D on which the flexible member70D is mounted.

The head unit20is the line head formed by arranging the liquid ejecting heads10in the x-axis direction. The liquid ejecting heads10need to be provided in order to form this head unit20, and the number of the flexible members70is also increased corresponding to the liquid ejecting heads10. When the number of the flexible members70is increased, the reactive force originating from the flexible members70grows larger and the common flow channel member30is more likely to be deformed. However, according to the head unit20of the Embodiment 1, it is possible to suppress release of the sealing by the flexible members70even when the flexible members70are disposed between the liquid ejecting heads10and the common flow channel member30, thereby reducing the risk of ink leakage.

The fixation members80include the fixation members84to87, which are disposed on the outside of the flexible members70in plan view. Each of the fixation members81to83is smaller than each of the fixation members84to87in plan view. Each of the fixation members84to87represents an example of a third fixation member. Note that the outside of the flexible members70means a position not overlapping the flexible members70in plan view, which is also a position located between the flexible members. The “small fixation member” includes a state of a smaller outside diameter of a screw head and a state of a smaller outer diameter of a screw shaft, for example. In the above-described head unit20, the smaller fixation members81to83are disposed between the flexible members70. According to the head unit20, it is possible to reduce the risk of ink leakage by effectively using a space between the flexible members70and fixing the flexible members70by disposing the fixation members81to83therein. Note that the fixation members81to83are not limited only to the smaller members than the fixation members84to87, but may be members of the same size as the fixation members84to87or larger members than the fixation members84to87.

The liquid ejecting head10A includes the flow channel couplers161to be coupled to the common flow channels50. The liquid ejecting head10B includes the flow channel couplers162to be coupled to the common flow channels50. The fixation member81is disposed between the region171that surrounds the flow channel couplers161and the region172that surrounds the flow channel couplers162when viewed in the z-axis direction. According to the above-described head unit20, the fixation member81is disposed between the region171and the region172. In the meantime, the fixation member81is not disposed on the outside of the regions171and172in the y-axis direction. Since the fixation member81is disposed at the position between the regions171and172in the x-axis direction and at the position not deviating from the regions171and172in the y-axis direction, it is possible to cause clamping force of the fixation member81to surely act on the flexible members70A and70B. As a consequence, the sealing performance is improved and the risk of ink leakage is reduced.

The liquid ejecting head10C includes the flow channel couplers163to be coupled to the common flow channels50. The fixation member82is disposed between the region172that surrounds the flow channel couplers162and the region173that surrounds the flow channel couplers163when viewed in the z-axis direction. According to the above-described head unit20, the fixation member82is disposed between the region172and the region173. In the meantime, the fixation member82is not disposed on the outside of the regions172and173in the y-axis direction.

The liquid ejecting head10D includes the flow channel couplers164to be coupled to the common flow channels50. The fixation member83is disposed between the region173that surrounds the flow channel couplers163and the region174that surrounds the flow channel couplers164when viewed in the z-axis direction. According to the above-described head unit20, the fixation member83is disposed between the region173and the region174. In the meantime, the fixation member83is not disposed on the outside of the regions173and174in the y-axis direction.

Next, a head unit20B according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference toFIG.11.FIG.11is a schematic plan view illustrating the head unit20B according to the Embodiment 2. The head unit20B illustrated inFIG.11is different from the head unit20of the Embodiment 1 in that fixation members80B are disposed at different positions. Specifically, the fixation members81B to83B are disposed at different positions in the y-axis direction. In the description of the head unit20B of the Embodiment 2, explanations of the same features as those in the liquid ejecting head10of the Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

The head unit20B includes liquid ejecting heads10E to10H, a base member22B, flexible members70E to70H, and fixation members81B to87B. The liquid ejecting heads10E to10H may be collectively referred to as the liquid ejecting heads10when the liquid ejecting heads10E to10H need not be distinguished from one another. The flexible members70E to70H may be collectively referred to as the flexible members70when the flexible members70E to70H need not be distinguished from one another. The fixation members81B to87B may be collectively referred to as the fixation members80B when the fixation members81B to87B need not be distinguished from one another. The liquid ejecting head10E represents an example of the first head. The liquid ejecting head10F represents an example of the second head. The liquid ejecting head10G represents an example of the third head. The flexible member70E represents an example of the first flexible member. The flexible member70F represents an example of the second flexible member. The flexible member70G represents an example of the third flexible member. The fixation member81B represents an example of the first fixation member. The fixation member82B represents an example of the second fixation member.

The base member22B holds the liquid ejecting heads10arranged in the x-axis direction. The fixation member80B fixes the not-illustrated common flow channel member30to the base member22B. The flexible members70are located between the liquid ejecting heads10and the common flow channel member30in the z-axis direction.

The flexible member70E is disposed at a position overlapping the liquid ejecting head10E when viewed in the z-axis direction. The flexible member70F is disposed at a position overlapping the liquid ejecting head10F when viewed in the z-axis direction. The flexible member70G is disposed at a position overlapping the liquid ejecting head10G when viewed in the z-axis direction. The flexible member70H is disposed at a position overlapping the liquid ejecting head10H when viewed in the z-axis direction.

The fixation member81B is disposed at a position overlapping a gap G4 between the liquid ejecting head10E and the liquid ejecting head10F. The fixation member82B is disposed at a position overlapping a gap G5 between the liquid ejecting head10F and the liquid ejecting head10G. The fixation member83B is disposed at a position overlapping a gap G6 between the liquid ejecting head10G and the liquid ejecting head10H.

The fixation members81B,82B, and83B are disposed at positions overlapping the flexible members70when viewed in the x-axis direction. The fixation member82B is located in the y2 direction relative to the fixation members81B and83B. The fixation members81B and83B are disposed at positions close to the side wall25of the base member22B. The fixation member82B is disposed at a position close to the side wall24.

The fixation member84B is located at a corner position where the side wall24intersects with the side wall27. The fixation member85B is located at a corner position where the side wall25intersects with the side wall27. The fixation member86B is located at a corner position where the side wall24intersects with the side wall26. The fixation member87B is located at a corner position where the side wall25intersects with the side wall26.

The fixation members81B,82B, and83B are located in the y1 direction relative to the fixation members84B and86B and located in the y2 direction relative to the fixation members85B and87B. The fixation members81B,82B, and83B are located in the x1 direction relative to the fixation members84B and85B and located in the x2 direction relative to the fixation members86B and87B.

In the head unit20B according to the Embodiment 2, the liquid ejecting heads10E to10H are arranged in the x-axis direction, and the fixation members81B and83B are disposed at different positions from the fixation member82B in the y-axis direction. The above-described head unit20B according to the Embodiment 2 also exerts the same operation and effects as those of the head unit20according to the aforementioned Embodiment 1. The liquid ejecting apparatus1may be configured to include the head unit20B instead of the head unit20. In the head unit20B, the fixation members81B,82B, and83B are disposed in a region where the flexible members70E to70H are disposed. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress deformation of the flexible members70E to70H, thereby reducing the risk of ink leakage.

FIG.12is a schematic plan view illustrating a head unit20C according to Embodiment 3. The head unit20C illustrated inFIG.12is different from the head unit20B of the Embodiment 2 in that the head unit20C does not include the fixation members84B,85B,86B, and87B.

The above-described head unit20C according to the Embodiment 3 also exerts the same operation and effects as those of the head unit20B according to the aforementioned Embodiment 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus1may be configured to include the head unit20C instead of the head unit20. In the head unit20C, it is possible to cause the fastening force of the fixation member80B to evenly act on the liquid ejecting heads10while reducing the number of the fixation members80B as compared to the head unit20B.

FIG.13is a schematic plan view illustrating a head unit20D according to Embodiment 4. The head unit20D illustrated inFIG.13is different from the head unit20B of the Embodiment 2 in that fixation members81D,82D, and83D are disposed at the same position in the y-axis direction, and that fixation members84D,85D,86D, and87D are smaller than the fixation members81D,82D, and83D. The fixation member81D represents an example of the first fixation member. The fixation member82D represents an example of the second fixation member. Each of the fixation members84D to87D represents an example of the third fixation member.

In the head unit20D, the fixation members80D include the fixation members84D,85D,86D, and87D, which are disposed on the outside of the flexible members70E to70H in plan view. The fixation members84D,85D,86D, and87D are smaller than the fixation members81D,82D, and83D in plan view. The above-described head unit20D according to the Embodiment 4 also exerts the same operation and effects as those of the head unit20B according to the aforementioned Embodiment 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus1may be configured to include the head unit20D instead of the head unit20. In the head unit20D, the size of the frame portion23of a base member22D can be reduced since the fixation members84D,85D,86D, and87D that are disposed on the outside of the flexible members70E to70H are smaller than the fixation members81D,82D, and83D. For example, the lengths in the x-axis direction of the side walls24and25can be reduced. Thus, it is possible to downsize the head unit20D.

FIG.14is a schematic plan view illustrating a head unit20E according to Embodiment 5. The head unit20E illustrated inFIG.14is different from the head unit20of the Embodiment 1 in that the head unit20E is configured to provide each liquid ejecting head10with the flexible members70.

The head unit20E includes the liquid ejecting heads10, the flexible members70, and the fixation members80. The liquid ejecting heads10include the liquid ejecting heads10I to10K. The flexible members70include flexible members70I to70K. The liquid ejecting head10I represents an example of the first head. The liquid ejecting head10J represents an example of the second head. The liquid ejecting head10K represents an example of the third head. The flexible member70I represents an example of the first flexible member. The flexible member70J represents an example of the second flexible member. The flexible member70K represents an example of the third flexible member.

The liquid ejecting head10I is provided with the flexible members70I. The liquid ejecting head10J is provided with the flexible members70J. The liquid ejecting head10K is provided with the flexible members70K.

The fixation member81is located between the liquid ejecting head10I and the liquid ejecting head10J when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation member81is located between the flexible members70in the y-axis direction. The fixation member82is located between the liquid ejecting head10J and the liquid ejecting head10K when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation member82is located between the flexible members70in the y-axis direction. The fixation members81and82are located in a region where the flexible members70are disposed.

As described above, the head unit20E may be configured to provide each liquid ejecting head10with the flexible members70. In the head unit20E, each liquid ejecting head10is provided with four flexible members70.

FIG.15is a schematic plan view illustrating a head unit20F according to Embodiment 6. The head unit20F includes heads210, flexible members270, and fixation members280. The heads210include heads210A to210D. The flexible members270include flexible members270A to270D. The fixation members280include fixation members281to283.

Each of the heads210A to210D is elongate in the y-axis direction. Each of the heads210A to210D includes the nozzles N. The heads210A and210C are located away from each other in the y-axis direction, and are disposed at the same position in the x-axis direction. The heads210B and210D are located away from each other in the y-axis direction, and are disposed at the same position in the x-axis direction. The heads210B and210D are located in the x1 direction relative to the heads210A and210C. Each of the heads210A and210C represents an example of the first head. Each of the heads210B and210D represents an example of the second head. Each of the flexible members270A and270C represents an example of the first flexible member. Each of the flexible members270B and270D represents an example of the second flexible member. Each of the fixation members281to283represents an example of the first fixation member.

An end portion in the y2 direction of the head210A is disposed in such a way as to overlap an end portion in the y1 direction of the head210B when viewed in the x-axis direction. An end portion in the y2 direction of the head210B is disposed in such a way as to overlap an end portion in the y1 direction of the head210C when viewed in the x-axis direction. An end portion in the y2 direction of the head210C is disposed in such a way as to overlap an end portion in the y1 direction of the head210D when viewed in the x-axis direction.

The fixation member281is located between the head210A and the head210B when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation member281is disposed in such a way as to overlap the head210A and the head210B when viewed in the x-axis direction. The fixation member282is located between the head210B and the head210C when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation member282is disposed in such a way as to overlap the head210B and the head210C when viewed in the x-axis direction. The fixation member283is located between the head210C and the head210D when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation member283is disposed in such a way as to overlap the head210C and the head210D when viewed in the x-axis direction.

As described above, the head unit20F may be configured to include the heads210that are disposed in a staggered manner. According to the head unit20F, the fixation members280are disposed between the heads210when viewed in the z-axis direction. Thus, it is possible to keep the flexible members270from floating upward, thereby maintaining the sealing performance and suppressing ink leakage.

FIG.16is a schematic plan view illustrating a head unit20G according to Embodiment 7. The head unit20G includes the liquid ejecting heads10, the flexible members70, and fixation members80G. The liquid ejecting heads10include liquid ejecting heads10L to10O. The flexible members70include flexible members70L to70O. The fixation members80G include fixation members81G to83G. The liquid ejecting head10L represents an example of the first head. The liquid ejecting head10M represents an example of the second head. The liquid ejecting head10N represents an example of the third head. The flexible member70L represents an example of the first flexible member. The flexible member70M represents an example of the second flexible member. The flexible member70N represents an example of the third flexible member. The fixation member81G represents an example of the first fixation member. The fixation member82G represents an example of the second fixation member.

Each of the liquid ejecting heads10L to10O is formed into a trapezoidal shape when viewed in the z-axis direction. The line NL of nozzles in each of the liquid ejecting heads10L to10O extends in the x-axis direction. The liquid ejecting heads10L to10O are arranged in the x-axis direction. The liquid ejecting heads10L and10N are located away from each other in the x-axis direction, and are disposed at the same position in the y-axis direction. The liquid ejecting heads10M and10O are located away from each other in the x-axis direction, and are disposed at the same position in the y-axis direction. The liquid ejecting heads10M and10O are displaced in the y2 direction relative to the liquid ejecting heads10L and10N.

The flexible member70L is disposed in such a way as to overlap the liquid ejecting head10L when viewed in the z-axis direction. The flexible member70M is disposed in such a way as to overlap the liquid ejecting head10M when viewed in the z-axis direction. The flexible member70N is disposed in such a way as to overlap the liquid ejecting head10N when viewed in the z-axis direction. The flexible member70O is disposed in such a way as to overlap the liquid ejecting head10O when viewed in the z-axis direction.

The fixation member81G is located between the liquid ejecting head10L and the liquid ejecting head10M when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation member82G is located between the liquid ejecting head10M and the liquid ejecting head10N when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation member83G is located between the liquid ejecting head10N and the liquid ejecting head10O when viewed in the z-axis direction. The fixation members81G to83G are disposed in such a way as to overlap the flexible members70L to70O when viewed in the x-axis direction.

According to the above-described head unit20G, it is possible to keep the flexible members70from floating upward since the fixation members80G are disposed between the liquid ejecting heads10. This makes it possible to maintain the sealing performance and to suppress ink leakage.

The above-described embodiments merely depict the representative modes of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited only to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and additions are possible within the range not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

Modified Example 1

The head unit20according to the above-described Embodiment 1 shows the example in which the head unit20includes the common flow channel member30as illustrated inFIG.5. However, the common flow channels50formed in the common flow channel member30are not limited thereto. For example, the common flow channels50may be formed straight in the x-axis direction. The common flow channels50need not be provided with the bypass portions55A and55B. For instance, the common flow channels50A and50B may be located away from each other in the y-axis direction. The fixation member80may be disposed in a gap between the common flow channels50A and50B located away from each other in the y-axis direction.

Modified Example 2

In the head unit20according to the above-described Embodiment 1, the number of the common flow channels50disposed in the y1 direction relative to the fixation member80(81,82, or83) is equal to the number of the common flow channels50disposed in the y2 direction relative to the fixation member80(81,82, or83). However, these numbers do not have to be equal.

Modified Example 3

The head unit20according to the above-described Embodiment 1 explains the case of fixing the fixation member80to the base member22that holds the liquid ejecting heads10. However, the configuration of the fixation member80is not limited only to the foregoing. For example, the fixation member80may be directly fixed to the liquid ejecting head10. Alternatively, the fixation member80may be fixed to another component that is attached to the liquid ejecting head10. The fixation member80may be directly fixed to the liquid ejecting head10or indirectly fixed to the liquid ejecting head10.

Modified Example 4

The head unit20according to the Embodiment 1 explains the case where the fixation member80is fixed to the joining portion28of the base member22. Instead, the fixation member80may be fixed a different portion of the base member22. For instance, the base member22may include a protrusion that protrudes into the region where the flexible members70are disposed, and the fixation member80may be fixed to the protrusion.

Modified Example 5

The head unit20of the Embodiment 1 explains the case where the fixation members80are disposed in all of the gaps between the flexible members70. However, the fixation members80do not have to be disposed in all of the gaps between the flexible members70. For example, the fixation member80may be provided corresponding to at least one of the gaps. Meanwhile, the fixation members80may be disposed in some the gaps between the flexible members70.

Modified Example 6

The head unit20of the Embodiment 1 explains the case where the fixation members80are disposed in all of the gaps G1 to G3 between the liquid ejecting heads10. However, the fixation members80do not have to be disposed in all of the gaps G1 to G3. For example, the fixation members80may be disposed in the gaps G1 and G3 without disposing the fixation member80in the gap G2. Meanwhile, two or more fixation members80may be disposed in any of the gaps G1 to G3. For instance, two fixation members80may be disposed in the gap G1.

Modified Example 7

The head unit20of the Embodiment 1 shows the example of the case of disposing the fixation member80at the position overlapping the gap G1 between the liquid ejecting heads10when viewed in the z-axis direction. However, the configuration of the fixation member80is not limited only to the foregoing. The fixation member80may be disposed at a position overlapping any of the liquid ejecting heads10instead of the position overlapping the gap G1.

Modified Example 8

The head unit20of the Embodiment 1 explains the case of providing the fixation member80in such a way as to penetrate the common flow channel member30. Here, the fixation member80may penetrate one of the common flow channel substrates31and32. The fixation member80may fix another member together with the common flow channel member30. For example, the fixation member80may penetrate the relay board41to be stacked on the common flow channel member30. The fixation member80may fix the relay board41and the common flow channel member30to the base member22, and fix the flexible member70by pressing the common flow channel member30against the liquid ejecting head10.

Modified Example 9

The head unit20of the Embodiment 1 shows the example of providing the base member22with the supporting portions29and disposing the flexible members70on the supporting portions29. However, the base member22does not have to be provided with the supporting portions29. For example, the flexible members70may be disposed on the liquid ejecting heads10.

Modified Example 10

In the Embodiment 1, the common flow channel member30is provided with the eight flow channel pipes35in total, namely, the four flow channel pipes35to be coupled to the four supply flow channels7, and the four flow channel pipes35to be coupled to the four discharge flow channels8. However, the number of the flow channel pipes35may be equal to or less the seven or equal to or more than nine. In other words, the number of the common flow channels50may be equal to or less the seven or equal to or more than nine. Instead of the flow channel pipes35, the common flow channel member30may be provided with flow channel holes that allow insertion of the supply flow channels7and the discharge flow channels8being flow channel members on the outside of the head unit20. In addition, all of the flow channel pipes35provided to the common flow channel member30may be coupled to the supply flow channels7. In other words, the ink does not always have to be circulated in the head unit20.

The head unit20according to the above-described embodiments explains the case of being provided with the liquid ejecting heads10. Here, the head unit20only needs to include at least two liquid ejecting heads10. The head unit20may include equal to or more than five liquid ejecting heads10, for example.

The above-described embodiments show the example of the liquid ejecting apparatus1of the line type provided with the line head6. The present disclosure may also be applied to a liquid ejecting apparatus of a serial type which causes a carriage on which the liquid ejecting heads10are mounted to reciprocate in the width direction of the medium PA.

Besides the apparatus dedicated to printing, the liquid ejecting apparatus1shown as the example in the above-described embodiments may also be adopted as various apparatuses including a facsimile apparatus, a copier, and the like. As a matter of fact, the usage of the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present disclosure is not limited only to printing. For example, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of a coloring material is used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming a color filter of a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming wiring and electrodes on a wiring board. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of an organic substance related to a biological object is used as a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a biochip, for instance.