Abstract: A liquid jetting apparatus includes: a head unit including a first driving element, a second driving element, a first contact portion connected to the first driving element, and a second contact portion connected to the second driving element; and a wiring member including a flexible substrate, a first driving IC provided on the flexible substrate, a second driving IC provided on the flexible substrate, a first wire formed in the flexible substrate and connecting the first driving IC and the first contact portion, and a second wire formed in the flexible substrate and connecting the second driving IC and the second contact portion. A conductive part different from the first wire and the second wire is disposed in an area of the flexible substrate between the first driving IC and the second driving IC.

Abstract: Selecting nozzles can include selecting nozzles of a plurality of nozzles to print a portion of a print job based on content of the print job and assigning firing reservations to the selected nozzles, where a total number of the firing reservations assigned to the selected nozzles is comparatively less than a total number of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: Examples associated with drop velocity aberrancy detection are disclosed. One example includes firing ink through nozzles of a print-head past sensors to identify drop velocities of the nozzles. A target drop velocity is selected based on the drop velocities of the nozzles. An aberrant nozzles is detected when a nozzle has a drop velocity that deviates from the target drop velocity by a selected threshold. The aberrant nozzle is deactivated, and a good nozzle that will travel over locations traversed by the aberrant nozzle is configured to print portions of a job that would have been printed by the aberrant nozzle.

Abstract: In example implementations, an apparatus with an interposer is provided. The apparatus may include an epoxy molded compound (EMC). A print head die and a drive integrated circuit (IC) may be embedded in the EMC. An interposer may also be embedded in the EMC. The print head die, the drive IC and the interposer may be wire bonded within the EMC.

Abstract: An ink let recording method using an apparatus including plural aqueous inks, a recording head having a heat-generating portion to eject the inks, and ink storage portions therefor which are housings bonded to the recording head, the method including ejecting the inks from the recording head to record an image on a recording medium. The recording head has plural ejection orifice arrays corresponding to the inks and including a first and a second ejection orifice array at both sides and a third ejection orifice array at the other positions. A protective layer containing tantalum or tantalum oxide is formed on the heat-generating portion to contact with the inks. Dynamic surface tension and lightness of the ink corresponding to the third ejection orifice array are respectively smaller than maximum dynamic surface tension and larger than minimum lightness of the inks corresponding to the first and second ejection orifice arrays.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes a piezoelectric element having a first electrode on a vibration plate, a piezoelectric layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode on the piezoelectric material layer. The piezoelectric layer has functional portions sandwiched between the first and second electrodes; the second electrode configures a common electrode provided continuously across a plurality of the functional portions; the piezoelectric layer extends to an outer side of an end of the first electrode; the vibration plate has a first region opposing the first electrode, a second region opposing an area of the piezoelectric layer extending further toward an outer side than the first electrode, and a third region further toward the outer side than the piezoelectric layer; the second region has a thickness substantially equal to or greater than the thickness of the first region; and the third region is thinner than the first region.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes a first substrate provided with a plurality of first electrode terminals and a second substrate composed of a crystalline substrate and provided with a plurality of second electrode terminals respectively corresponding to the first electrode terminals. The first electrode terminals and the second electrode terminals are electrically bonded one-to-one. Protrusions are formed at positions corresponding to the first electrode terminals on a mounting face of the second substrate opposing the first substrate. The second electrode terminals include the protrusions and conductive material covering the protrusions.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a medium transport mechanism that transports a recording medium in a transport direction, a print head that ejects a liquid onto the recording medium, a printing section that performs printing by ejecting a liquid from the print head onto the recording medium based on print data, and a controller that controls a suspension and a resumption of a printing operation at a dividing position that has been designated in the print data.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a charging device for an inkjet printing system includes providing a charging device body having at least one conductive trace passing through the interior of the charging device body connecting between a charging face of the charging device body and an interconnection region remote from the charging face. A portion of the at least one conductive trace is exposed on the charging face. A vapor deposition process is used to deposit a conductive base layer through a shadow mask onto the charging face, wherein the deposited conductive base layer contacts the exposed portion of at least one conductive trace. One or more conductive metallic layers are plated onto the deposited conductive base layer to form a charging electrode.

Abstract: There is provided an inkjet printing apparatus that can execute a recovery process appropriate for a print head according to a use condition of the inkjet printing apparatus. Therefore a recovery operation is performed based upon both an elapsed time in a non-use state where the printing is not performed and an elapsed time from the previous recovery process.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes an ink ejection surface and a cleaning liquid nozzle. The ink ejection surface has an ink ejection port through which ink is ejected. The cleaning liquid nozzle has a cleaning liquid supply port through which cleaning liquid for cleaning the ink ejection surface is supplied. In the cleaning liquid nozzle, a concave meniscus is formed on a surface of the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: In some examples, a print cartridge includes a monolithic molding, and a printhead die embedded into a molding. The printhead die has a front surface exposed outside the molding to dispense fluid drops through nozzles and an opposing back surface covered by the molding except at a channel in the molding through which fluid is to pass directly to the back surface. The printhead die also has a nozzle health sensor molded into the molding to detect defective nozzles in the printhead die.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes a nozzle, an individual liquid chamber, and a circulation channel. The nozzle discharges liquid. The individual liquid chamber is communicated with the nozzle. The circulation channel is communicated with the individual liquid chamber. A first direction in which liquid flows in the individual liquid chamber crosses a second direction in which liquid flows in the circulation channel. A liquid-inflow-side opening of the nozzle faces an area in which a flow of liquid changes from the first direction to the second direction.

Abstract: A fluidic dispensing device includes a housing having a chamber that defines an interior space, and has an inlet port and an outlet port. A flow control portion has a flow separator feature. The flow separator feature is positioned adjacent the inlet port. A stir bar is located in the chamber, has a rotational axis, and has a plurality of paddles, with each paddle having a free end tip. The stir bar has a stir bar radius from the rotational axis to the free end tip. A guide portion confines the stir bar in a predetermined portion of the interior space of the chamber. A ratio of the stir bar radius and a clearance distance between the free end tip and the flow control portion is 5:2 to 5:0.025.

Abstract: There is provided an ink cartridge capable of accomplishing satisfactory electrical connection relative to a printer main assembly. An ink cartridge detachably mountable to a cartridge mounting portion provided with an ink receiving tube and a plurality of electrical connecting portions, the ink cartridge including a tube inserting portion into which the receiving tube is insertable, a substrate provided on a front side in a position above the tube inserting portion, a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connectable with the plurality of electrical connecting portions, the electrical contacts being arranged on the substrate in a direction crossing with a direction from a bottom surface toward an upper surface.

Abstract: An image-recording apparatus includes a cartridge including a first storage chamber, a tank including a second storage chamber, a recording portion, a detected portion, a detector, and a wall portion. Liquid supplied from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber through an inlet port is supplied from the second storage chamber to the recording portion through an outlet port. The wall portion partitions an internal space of the second storage chamber into a first region including the liquid inlet port and a second region including the detected portion. The wall portion extends upward than the liquid inlet port and the detected portion and downward than the liquid inlet port and the detected portion. Communication between the first region and the second region is allowed through upper and lower communication portions. The upper communication portion is positioned upward than the liquid inlet port and the detected portion.

Abstract: A pressure controlling apparatus includes a seat having a communication hole through which a first space and a second space, in which a liquid flows, are in communication with each other, a pressure receiving plate configured to move with a change in pressure in the second space, a valve member configured to open and close the communication hole in conjunction with the movement of the pressure receiving plate, and a biasing member disposed between the pressure receiving plate and the seat and configured to bias the pressure receiving plate. The biasing member includes a first portion in contact with the pressure receiving plate and a second portion positioned closer than the first portion to the seat. The first portion has a larger diameter than the second portion.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting section that includes a nozzle that ejects a liquid; a supplying path that is capable of supplying the liquid accommodated in a liquid accommodating section to the liquid ejecting section; a pressure adjusting valve that is disposed in the supplying path, and includes a pressure chamber which is capable of storing the liquid, the pressure chamber being is provided with an outlet that draws out the stored liquid to the liquid ejecting section, and when a pressure in the internal portion of the pressure chamber decrease, the pressure adjusting valve being opened to adjust a pressure of the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting section; a discharging path that connects to a communicating port which communicates with the pressure chamber in a separate position different from a position of the outlet; and a switching valve that is provided in the discharging path.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first tank that stores liquid to be supplied to a liquid ejecting head, a second tank that receives liquid that has not been ejected by the liquid ejecting head, a circulation path that circulates liquid. The second tank separately has a first opening that communicates with a second pressure adjusting unit that can depressurize the second tank and a second opening that communicates with a second atmosphere opening valve that switches the second tank between a sealed state and an atmosphere opening state. The second opening is arranged at a position lower than the first opening in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a fluid slot, a first fluid ejection chamber communicated with the fluid slot and including a first drop ejecting element, a second fluid ejection chamber including a second drop ejecting element, and a fluid circulation path including a first portion communicated with the fluid slot and the second fluid ejection chamber, and a second portion communicated with the first fluid ejection chamber and the second fluid ejection chamber, with the fluid circulation path including a fluid circulating element within the first portion.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus is configured to record an image which includes multi-pass recording of completing a line image by performing a recording pass a plurality of number of times. The recording processing is configured to be executed in: a first recording mode in which the multi-pass recording of completing the line image is executed by performing the recording pass a first number of times, the recording pass being performed only when moving a carriage toward one side in a scanning direction; and a second recording mode in which the multi-pass recording of completing the line image is executed by performing the recording pass a second number of times larger than the first number of times, the recording pass being performed when moving the carriage toward the one side in the scanning direction and another side in the scanning direction.

Abstract: A method for compensating for failed printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine uses a computer to provide an increased ink drop volume of adjacent nozzles. All existing printing nozzles are measured regarding print failure and deviation of a printed dot beyond a specific threshold, so that the printing nozzles are marked either as functioning, failed, or printing a dot deviating in a direction transverse to the printing direction, and the results are saved on the computer. The computer hides all functioning printing nozzles and marks all remaining isolated printing nozzles as failed nozzles. The computer groups adjacent remaining printing nozzles by marking nozzles printing a dot deviating in a direction transverse to the printing direction as functioning printing nozzles contributing to the compensation or as failed printing nozzles in accordance with a rule, and the computer compensates for all printing nozzles having been marked as failed.

Abstract: In a printer having first and second clamps, the deformation of a recording medium due to the web tensile force produced in the printer can be determined using the first and the second clamps. The deformation can be determined in advance of a printing process and/or during the printing operation. A print image can be adapted based on the determined deformation to compensate for the deformation of the recording medium.

Abstract: The invention was made in order to provide a multi-color printing method of a plastic film wherein multi-color print can be made fast without requiring complex operations, while functions of the anchor-coating layer and the shielding are ensured sufficiently, and provides a method of multi-color printing on a plastic film, which comprises an anchor-coating process wherein an anchoring agent is applied to the plastic film by a gravure roll to form an anchor-coating layer which acts as receptive layer to multi-color inks, a multi-color printing process wherein multi-color print is provided on said anchor-coating layer by continuous ink jet printers, a shielding layer-coating process wherein a titanium white ink is applied to said multi-color print by a gravure roll to form a shielding layer, and drying processes being provided after said anchor-coating process, multi-color printing process and shielding layer-coating process, respectively, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a tray unit, a recording unit disposed above the tray unit, an outer guide defining a curved path extending from the tray unit to the recording unit, a sheet feeder configured to feed a sheet from the tray unit to the curved path, and a return guide disposed between the recording unit and the tray unit. The return guide pivots about a shaft and guides the sheet having an image recorded thereon back to the curved path. The tray unit includes at least one supporting portion. The return guide includes at least one supported portion. The at least one supporting portion of the tray unit engages the at least one supported portion of the return guide such that the return guide takes a guiding position in which the return guide defines a return path extending to the curved path.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a base unit that can move in a moving direction and a medium support unit that supports a medium on which printing will be performed and moves in the moving direction along with the base unit by being attached to the base unit. When a position of the medium support unit with respect to the base unit during printing is defined as a base position, the medium support unit is slidable with respect to the base unit from the base position in the moving direction. By employing such a configuration, it is possible to suppress deterioration of work efficiency when setting a medium.

Abstract: A receipt printer according to an embodiment includes a sheet roller that transports a sheet from a sheet roll to a receipt issuing port. A printing device prints receipt data on the sheet. A cutter configured performs full cutting so that the sheet is separated from the sheet roll and partial cutting so that the sheet remains partially connected to the sheet roll. A processor controls the cutter to perform the partial cutting after the printing device prints the receipt data on the sheet, and also controls the cutter to perform the full cutting when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the partial cutting is performed.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a first motor, a feeding roller, a second motor, a first driven mechanism, a recorder, and a controller. The feeding roller is configured to rotate by receiving driving force from the first motor. The first driven mechanism is configured to be driven by receiving driving force from the second motor. The controller is configured to: perform a preparing operation in response to receiving first information that instructs starting image recording by the recorder; perform a driving operation of driving the second motor to drive the first driven mechanism, in response to completing the preparing operation and not receiving second information including a recording condition and printing data; and in response to receiving the second information, stop the second motor and drive the first motor to perform a feeding operation by the feeding roller.

Abstract: Provided are an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of coping with a medium exceeding a transport limit of a pair of rollers in image formation in which the medium is transported with the medium interposed between the pair of rollers. In a case where a medium exceeding a transport limit of first transport means to which medium transport using a first roller and a second roller is applied is used, second transport means is used to assist in the medium transport performed by the first transport means. The driving of second driving means for driving the second transport means is controlled using a driving signal applied to the driving control of the first driving means for driving the first transport means. Medium transport in which synchronization is taken between the first transport means and the second transport means is realized.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has a carriage in which a head unit including a recording head is disposed. By turning the head unit within the carriage about a pivot that extends in a direction intersecting a head surface, the angle of the recording head is adjusted while maintaining good contact between a data storage unit included in an ink cartridge and a contact terminal included in the carriage.

Abstract: A processing system having at least one digital printing docking point for connecting at least one digital printing unit and at least one post-processing station, which are connected by a coupling station so that at least one input of the at least one post-processing station is connected to at least one digital printing docking point, and having a first control unit for controlling the coupling station and a second control unit for controlling the at least one post-processing station. The first control unit is supplied with information concerning the product output of the at least one digital printing unit and at least one processing attribute of the product output, and directly or indirectly transfers same to the second control unit with a dynamic data feed, and the at least one post-processing station is controlled by the second control unit with this information.

Abstract: A mechanism that makes it possible to output a saddle-stitched brochure in a correct page order when a post-processing apparatus that executes a saddle-stitching process by switching back a sheet is caused to execute the saddle-stitching process. Sheets discharged from a printing apparatus are switched back by reverse rotation of a conveying roller pair, and are conveyed into a conveying path for a saddle-stitch bookbinding process. The sheets are accumulated in an accumulation tray for the saddle-stitch bookbinding process. When the saddle-stitch bookbinding process is caused to be executed on the accumulated sheets by the post-processing apparatus, the order of image formation is decided such that the order of pages of images printed on the saddle-stitched sheets becomes correct. The images are printed on the sheets in the decided order of image formation.

Abstract: There is described a security element or document comprising a substrate (20) and at least a first dynamic-effect feature (100; 120; 121; 122; 123; 130; 135; 140; 150; 171; 181; 191; 200) provided on the substrate which includes a dynamic-effect component that is responsive to illumination stimulus of a selected excitation wavelength or wavelength band to produce an optical spectral response, which optical spectral response changes dynamically over an observable period of time between multiple color appearances (C, F, M; C1, M1) upon and while being subjected to the illumination stimulus.

Abstract: Methods manufacture an optically variable security element by breaking down a first motif into first motif elements, assigning the first motif elements first directional degrees of reflection that encode the first motif, wherein a relief layer having a multiplicity of single visual elements having a respective single element surface is produced and divided into reflection areas, wherein first reflection areas of different single element surfaces are assigned to the first motif, and the first reflection areas associated with the first motif are provided with the first directional degrees of reflection.

Abstract: A security device includes a plurality of diffractive surface elements arranged on a carrier element. A surface covered by the diffractive surface elements on the carrier element can occupy at least a partial region of the carrier element. Each individual diffractive surface element can have a three-dimensional surface structure. A portion of the plurality of the diffractive surface elements can form a first surface element group including the portion of the plurality of diffractive surface elements, and an orientation of the diffractive surface elements in the first surface element group can be matched to each other wherein together they make a single first image point of an associated first symbol to be represented visible to an observer under particular observation conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved security document having a “see-through” security feature that protects a window of the security document in which personalization information may be displayed, such as an image of the authorized document holder. The “see-through” security feature is provided by front and back side images, such as text (e.g. micro-text or encoded indicia), graphics or other image type, that may be laser marked onto the document substrate from a front side thereof through the window to a back side of the window. At least a part of the front image and at least a part of the back image are in front-to-back registration in window, the registration of the images being subject to verification by suitable inspection of the window.

Abstract: A security element (1) for security papers, documents of value or the like, having a substrate (3) the upper face (6) of which is height-modulated, and has a multilayer structure (7) which acts as a color filter. The structure is formed on the height-modulated upper face (6) and is likewise height-modulated as a result, and includes a first layer (8), a second layer (9) of dielectric material formed thereon and a third layer (10) formed on the second layer (9), wherein the first and third layer (8,10) are each formed from a dielectric material having a higher refractive index than that of the second layer (9), or in each case from a metal or semi-metal material.

Abstract: A writing implement holder comprises an elongated hollow housing. An electric motor is fixed at one end of the housing and having an output shaft thereof aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing. A source of electric power is coupled to the motor. A gripping member is mounted within a hollow interior of the housing and has one end thereof securely attached to the output shaft of the motor. The gripping member is configured to receive a portion of the writing implement for a rotation with the output shaft of the motor, when the writing implement is inserted through an open end of the housing. Manually operable ON/OFF switch can be also provided. The housing can be provided by a pair of complimentary members.

Abstract: A gear assembly that includes a cutting gear having an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein a plurality of gear teeth is formed on the outer edge thereof; and an internal gear having an outer edge and an inner edge. The internal gear further includes a plurality of gear teeth formed on the inner edge thereof, wherein the gear teeth formed on the inner edge of the internal gear are adapted to engage the gear teeth formed on the outer edge of the cutting gear; a plurality of troughs, wherein each trough in the plurality of troughs is formed between two of the gear teeth formed on the inner edge of the internal gear; and a plurality of debris discharge channels, wherein each debris discharge channel is formed at the bottommost portion of each trough and extends away from the trough toward the outer edge of the internal gear.

Abstract: Disclosed are a drive wheel bearing and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle bearing apparatus includes a method for manufacturing a hub ring. The hub ring includes a seal facing surface, a flange portion, and a shaft body portion. The flange portion includes a thin portion, a thick portion, bolt holes, a thin portion outer surface, a thick portion outer surface, and bolts. The flange portion protrudes outward from the shaft body portion. The thick portion is formed on an outer side with respect to the bolt holes in the flange portion, and the thin portion is formed on an inner side with respect to the thick portion in the flange portion. In the method for manufacturing the hub ring, machining is performed on the thick portion outer surface by using the seal facing surface subjected to grinding, as a reference surface, after the bolts are fitted into the flange portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved device for simultaneously replacing a plurality of lug nuts through the use of computer technology, modularity, energy-efficiency, safety features and ease of use. Computer technology monitors and controls the torque on each lug nut. This invention also displays the loosening or tightening status of each lug nut on a small LCD screen. The present invention achieves modularity through a series of interchangeable gear train assemblies, contained in separate unitary housings, which correspond to respective vehicular wheel depth and wheel lug patterns. Also, magnetic concentric sockets are used to capture and hold lug nuts as they are removed from the vehicle's wheel and to remove and replace theft protection devices such as rim or wheel locks. This invention provides ease of use with user-friendly controls and a light-weight unitary housing that eliminates the need of assistance from another person.

Abstract: A vehicle spindle and a method of attaching the spindle to a portion of an axle half shaft housing. The spindle has an inner surface, an outer surface, one or more bearing journals on the outer surface of the spindle and a radially protruding portion circumferentially extending from at least a portion of the outer surface of an axially inboard end portion of the spindle. Prior to attaching the spindle to the axle half shaft housing, the one or more bearing journals are ground, a clocking angle for the radially protruding portion of the spindle is determined and the spindle is aligned to the determined clocking angle. Once the spindle is aligned to the determined clocking angle, the axially inboard end portion of the spindle is attached to an axially outboard end portion of the axle half shaft housing using one or more welds.

Abstract: A tire tread formed at least in part from a rubber composition that is based upon a cross-linkable rubber composition that may include between 50 phr and 90 phr of a first highly unsaturated elastomer being middle chain functionalized with an aminoalkoxysilane group and having a Tg of between ?108° C. and ?45° C. and between 10 phr and 50 phr of a second highly unsaturated elastomer being end-chain functionalized with a silanol group and having a Tg of between ?108° C. and ?10° C. The rubber composition may further include between 50 phr and 150 phr of a silica filler and a plasticizing system comprising between 5 phr and 120 phr of a plasticizing resin having a Tg of at least 25° C. and between 0 phr and 60 phr of a plasticizing liquid.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire for a passenger vehicle according to the present invention has an appropriate relationship between a tire cross-sectional width SW and a tire outer diameter OD. Also, a method of using the pneumatic radial tire for a passenger vehicle according to the present invention is to use the above radial tire with at least specified internal pressure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to adequately control relationship between a cross sectional width SW and an outer diameter OD of a pneumatic radial tire for a passenger vehicle. The tire is further characterized in that, provided that each half portion in the tire width direction of a ground contact surface of the tire is divided in the tire width direction into three equal portions including a tire-width-direction center portion, a tire-width-direction intermediate portion and a tire-width-direction outer portion from the tire-width-direction center side, rigidity in the tire circumferential direction of the belt reinforcing layer in a region in the tire width direction thereof corresponding to the tire-width-direction outer side portion is lower than rigidity in the tire circumferential direction of the belt reinforcing layer in a region in the tire width direction thereof corresponding to the tire-width-direction center portion.

Abstract: Pneumatic tire 1 for an agricultural machine, having an axis of revolution XX and comprising a tread 7, a sole 11 situated opposite the tread 7, and two sidewalls 13, 15 connecting the tread 7 to the sole 11. The tread 7, the sole 11 and the two sidewalls 13, 15 together form a casing 17 defining a chamber 19 inside the pneumatic tire 1. At least one of the sidewalls 13, 15 comprises, in this order and in succession in a direction oriented radially from the axis of revolution XX to the outside, a proximal portion 131, an intermediate portion 133 and a distal portion 135. In the unloaded state, the intermediate portion 133 projects into the chamber 19 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of revolution XX.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a mounting plate for attachment to a rotatable axle, a plurality of friction plates engaging a corresponding number of notches of the mounting plate, a first annular flange fixed to first end portions of the friction plates, a second annular flange fixed to second end portions of the friction plates, and a plurality of tension claws fixed to the annular flanges adjacent the friction plates.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a main groove (3) provided to a tread part (2). A groove bottom (12) includes a protrusion portion (13) that is convex outward in a tire radial direction. The protrusion portion (13) continues along the main groove (3). The width (W3) of the protrusion portion (13) in a direction perpendicular to a groove center line (G1) of the main groove (3) is 50% to 100% of the groove width (W1) of the main groove (3). The protrusion portion (13) juts outward in the tire radial direction from an imaginary groove bottom (12A) that connects an inner end (10i) of a first groove wall (10) and an inner end (11i) of a second groove wall (11) in a straight line, and the cross-sectional area of the protrusion portion (13) is 3% to 15% of the transverse cross-sectional area of the main groove (3).

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire including a tread that defines a groove formed between each pair of lands. The groove includes a curved inclined part and a bottom groove part that is located adjacent thereto in a groove width direction. The curved inclined part includes a concave inclined surface that is inclined from a surface of the lands toward a groove depth side. The bottom groove part is located adjacent to the curved inclined part via a stepped portion, and has a bottom surface located on a side deeper than a groove deep end edge of the curved inclined part.