JP2016034740A - Liquid jet head and liquid jet device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To uniformize an electrode density in a mounting region in a liquid jet head.SOLUTION: A plurality of drive elements F for jetting ink from a nozzle N are separated between a first element group G1 and a second element group G2 which are opposite to each other with a mounting region Q for mounting a wiring board interposed therebetween. A plurality of first electrodes E1 connected to the first element group G1 and a plurality of second electrodes E2 connected to a second element group G2 are formed in the mounting region Q. The plurality of first electrodes E1 are separated between a first electrode group H1 and a second electrode group H2 including two or more first electrodes E1 arrayed at a pitch PA, and the first electrode group H1 and the second electrode group H2 are mutually separated at a pitch PB (>PA). The plurality of second electrodes E2 are separated between a third electrode group H3 and a fourth electrode group H4 including two or more second electrodes E2 arrayed at the pitch PA, and the third electrode group H3 and the fourth electrode group H4 are mutually separated at the pitch PB. A pitch of an array of the plurality of electrodes E in the mounting region Q is equal to the pitch PA or smaller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for ejecting a liquid such as ink.

  Various techniques for ejecting a liquid such as ink onto a medium such as printing paper have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejecting head that drives each of a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged in a total of two rows of a first row and a second row to eject ink in a pressure chamber from a nozzle. In a region between the first row and the second row (hereinafter referred to as “mounting region”), a plurality of piezoelectric elements for electrically connecting a plurality of piezoelectric elements to the wiring of a flexible wiring board (flexible cable) Electrodes (connection terminals) are formed.

JP2013-103429A

  The plurality of piezoelectric elements can be arranged in various manners according to the position of the nozzle corresponding to each piezoelectric element. On the other hand, each of the plurality of electrodes in the mounting region is formed at a position corresponding to each piezoelectric element. Therefore, for example, assuming a configuration in which the positions of the piezoelectric elements in the arrangement direction are different between the first row and the second row, the first row and the second row of the piezoelectric elements in the mounting region overlap each other. The electrode connected to each piezoelectric element in the first row and the electrode connected to each piezoelectric element in the second row are mixed, and the region on the end side of the mounting region includes the first row and the second row. Only the electrodes connected to each piezoelectric element on one side of the row are present, so that the density of the electrodes is different for each region in the mounting region.

  However, various problems may occur due to the density of the electrodes in the mounting area. For example, in the process of mounting a mounting component such as a wiring board in the mounting area with an adhesive, the degree of adhesive flow varies depending on the density of the electrodes in the mounting area, resulting in problems such as poor adhesion there's a possibility that. Alternatively, for example, when the liquid ejecting head is heated during the manufacturing process, the heat distribution in the mounting area is biased according to the density of the electrodes in the mounting area, and the characteristics of the elements formed thereafter are not uniform. It can also cause sex. In consideration of at least one of the circumstances exemplified above, an object of the present invention is to make the density of the electrodes in the mounting region uniform.

[Aspect 1]
In order to solve the above problems, a liquid ejecting head according to the present invention is a plurality of drive elements that apply pressure to a pressure chamber filled with a liquid and eject the liquid from a nozzle in a first direction. A plurality of first drive elements arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of second drive elements arranged along the first direction on the opposite side of the plurality of first drive elements across the mounting region where the mounting component is placed And a plurality of electrodes formed in the mounting region so as to extend along the second direction intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of first driving elements among the plurality of electrodes The plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to each other includes a first electrode group and a second electrode group including two or more first electrodes arranged at a first pitch along a first direction, and the first electrode The group and the second electrode group are mutually in the first direction at a second pitch that is wider than the first pitch. The plurality of second electrodes that are spaced apart and electrically connected to the plurality of second drive elements among the plurality of electrodes include two or more second electrodes arranged at a first pitch along the first direction. The third electrode group and the fourth electrode group, the third electrode group and the fourth electrode group are spaced apart from each other in the first direction at a second pitch, and the pitch of the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes in the mounting region is 1 pitch or less. In the above aspect, the first electrode group and the second electrode group are separated from each other in the first direction at the second pitch, and the third electrode group and the fourth electrode group are mutually separated in the first direction at the second pitch. In the separated configuration, the pitch of the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes in the mounting region including the region between the first electrode group and the second electrode group and the region between the third electrode group and the fourth electrode group is first. It is restricted to 1 pitch or less. Therefore, for example, compared with the configuration in which the region between the first electrode group and the second electrode group and the region between the third electrode group and the fourth electrode group overlap each other in the first direction. It is possible to reduce the difference in the density of the electrodes in the region.

[Aspect 2]
In a preferred example (aspect 2) of aspect 1, each nozzle corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes and each nozzle corresponding to the plurality of second electrodes are third inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction. The position in the direction is common. In the above aspect, the liquid ejected from the nozzle corresponding to the first electrode corresponds to the second electrode by moving the ejection target on which the liquid should land relative to the liquid ejecting head in the third direction. It is possible to overlap the liquid ejected from the nozzle on the surface of the ejection target.

[Aspect 3]
In a preferred example of aspect 1 (aspect 3), each nozzle corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes and each nozzle corresponding to the plurality of second electrodes are third inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction. The positions in the direction are formed so as to differ by half of the pitch in the third direction of each nozzle corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes. In the above aspect, since the position in the third direction is different between each nozzle corresponding to the first electrode and each nozzle corresponding to the second electrode, it is possible to eject liquid at high density along the third direction. It is.

[Aspect 4]
In a preferred example (Aspect 4) of Aspect 2 or Aspect 3, each nozzle corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes or each nozzle corresponding to the plurality of second electrodes intersects the pitch in the third direction in the third direction. The pitch in the fourth direction is an integer ratio. According to the above aspect, for example, when an image in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix is formed, there is an advantage that the correspondence between each pixel of the image and each nozzle of the liquid ejecting head is simplified.

[Aspect 5]
In a preferred example (aspect 5) according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, the plurality of electrodes includes a plurality of third electrodes arranged at a first pitch between the first electrode group and the second electrode group, A plurality of fourth electrodes arranged at a first pitch between the three electrode group and the fourth electrode group are included. In the above aspect, the plurality of third electrodes are arranged at the first pitch between the first electrode group and the second electrode group, and the plurality of fourth electrodes are disposed between the third electrode group and the fourth electrode group. Arranged at the first pitch. Therefore, the above-described effect that the difference in the density of the electrodes in the mounting area can be reduced is particularly remarkable.

[Aspect 6]
In a preferred example (Aspect 6) of any one of Aspects 1 to 5, the range in which the first electrode exists along the second direction and the range in which the second electrode exists along the second direction are the second Overlapping in direction. In the above aspect, since the range where the first electrode exists along the second direction overlaps with the range where the second electrode exists along the second direction, it is easy to install the mounting component within the overlap range. In a simple process, the first electrode and the second electrode can be connected to the mounting component.

[Aspect 7]
A liquid ejecting apparatus according to a preferred aspect (aspect 7) of the present invention includes the liquid ejecting head according to any one of the aforementioned aspects 1 to 6. A good example of the liquid ejecting head is a printing apparatus that ejects ink, but the use of the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to printing.

1 is a configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of a liquid ejection module. It is a disassembled perspective view of a liquid injection unit. It is explanatory drawing of the arrangement | sequence of a some nozzle. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid ejecting head. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid ejecting head in which the vicinity of a piezoelectric element is enlarged. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid ejecting head focusing on a mounting area. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid jet head according to a proportional relationship. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid jet head according to a second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the arrangement | sequence of the some nozzle which concerns on a modification. It is explanatory drawing of the pitch in the arrangement | sequence of several electrodes.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a partial configuration diagram of an ink jet printing apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The printing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects ink, which is an example of liquid, onto a medium (ejecting target) 12 such as printing paper, and includes a control device 22, a transport mechanism 24, and a liquid ejecting module 26. It has. A liquid container (cartridge) 14 that stores a plurality of colors of ink is attached to the printing apparatus 10. In the first embodiment, a total of four ink colors, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (B), are stored in the liquid container 14.

  The control device 22 comprehensively controls each element of the printing apparatus 10. The transport mechanism 24 transports the medium 12 in the Y direction under the control of the control device 22. The liquid ejecting module 26 ejects ink supplied from the liquid container 14 onto the medium 12 under the control of the control device 22. The liquid ejecting module 26 of the first embodiment is a line head that is long in the X direction that intersects (typically orthogonal) in the Y direction. In parallel with the transport of the medium 12 by the transport mechanism 24, the liquid ejecting module 26 ejects ink onto the medium 12, thereby forming a desired image on the surface of the medium 12. Hereinafter, a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (a plane parallel to the surface of the medium 12) is referred to as a Z direction. The ink ejection direction by the liquid ejection module 26 corresponds to the Z direction.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view of a surface of the liquid ejecting module 26 facing the medium 12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the liquid ejecting module 26 includes a plurality of liquid ejecting units U arranged along the X direction. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of each liquid ejecting unit U. FIG. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the plurality of liquid ejecting units U includes a plurality (six) of liquid ejecting heads 30 arranged along the X direction. A plurality of nozzles (ejection ports) N are formed in each liquid ejection head 30. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the six liquid ejecting heads 30 of the liquid ejecting module 26 are fixed to the surface of a flat fixed plate 32. The fixed plate 32 is formed with an opening 322 that exposes the nozzle N of each liquid jet head 30. The four color inks stored in the liquid container 14 are supplied in parallel to the plurality of liquid ejecting heads 30 of each liquid ejecting module 26 and ejected from the nozzles N of the respective liquid ejecting heads 30.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view focusing on the arrangement of the plurality of nozzles N of the liquid ejecting head 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the plurality of nozzles N of each liquid jet head 30 are divided into a first nozzle row N1 and a second nozzle row N2. Each of the first nozzle row N1 and the second nozzle row N2 is a set of a plurality of nozzles N arranged along the W1 direction (first direction) in the XY plane. The total number of nozzles N is the same in the first nozzle row N1 and the second nozzle row N2. The W1 direction is a direction that intersects the X direction and the Y direction at a non-right angle in the XY plane. Specifically, the W1 direction is inclined at an angle θ with respect to the Y direction. The angle θ is set to 30 ° to 60 ° (preferably 30 ° to 40 ° or 50 ° to 60 °). As described above, in the first embodiment, since the plurality of nozzles N are arranged in the W1 direction inclined with respect to the Y direction in which the medium 12 is conveyed, a configuration in which the plurality of nozzles N are arranged along the X direction In comparison, the substantial dot density (resolution) in the X direction of the medium 12 can be increased.

  The first nozzle row N1 and the second nozzle row N2 are provided with a space between each other along the W2 direction (second direction) intersecting (typically orthogonal) with the W1 direction in the XY plane. The As understood from FIG. 4, the first nozzle row N 1 and the second nozzle row N 2 of each liquid ejecting head 30 are arranged at equal intervals over the plurality of liquid ejecting heads 30. Paying attention to the first nozzle row N1 and the second nozzle row N2 that are adjacent to each other in the W2 direction, the range in the X direction in which the plurality of nozzles N of the first nozzle row N1 are distributed, and the plurality of second nozzle rows N2 The ranges in the X direction where the nozzles N are distributed overlap each other.

  Each nozzle N in the first nozzle row N1 and each nozzle N in the second nozzle row N2 have a common position in the X direction (second direction). That is, each nozzle N of the first nozzle row N1 and each nozzle N of the second nozzle row N2 are located on a straight line parallel to the Y direction. For example, one nozzle N located at the negative end of the first nozzle row N1 in the W1 direction and one nozzle N located at the negative end of the second nozzle row N2 in the W1 direction. The imaginary line L connecting the centers of the two lines extends in a direction parallel to the Y direction and is inclined with respect to the W1 direction by the aforementioned angle θ (30 ° ≦ θ ≦ 60 °). Therefore, it is possible to overlap the ink ejected from the nozzle N of the first nozzle row N1 and the ink ejected from the nozzle N of the second nozzle row N2 at the same position of the medium 12 conveyed in the Y direction. is there.

  The plurality of nozzles N in each of the first nozzle row N1 and the second nozzle row N2 has a pitch of each nozzle N in the X direction (a distance between the centers of the nozzles N adjacent to each other) PX and a Y direction (first The pitches PY of the nozzles N in the four directions are formed to have an integer ratio (for example, PX: PY = 1: 2). According to the above configuration, when an image in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix is printed on the medium 12, the correspondence relationship between each pixel of the image specified by the image data and each nozzle N of the liquid ejecting head 30. Has the advantage of being simplified.

  Each of the first nozzle row N1 and the second nozzle row N2 is used for ejecting ink of two different colors (a total of four colors in the first nozzle row N1 and the second nozzle row N2). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4, yellow (Y) ink is ejected from a predetermined number of nozzles N located on the negative side in the W1 direction in the first nozzle row N1 of each liquid ejecting head 30. The cyan (C) ink is ejected from a predetermined number of nozzles N located on the positive side in the W1 direction in the first nozzle row N1. In addition, magenta (M) ink is ejected from a predetermined number of nozzles N located on the negative side in the W1 direction in the second nozzle row N2 of each liquid ejecting head 30, and in the W1 direction in the second nozzle row N2. Black (B) ink is ejected from a predetermined number of nozzles N located on the positive side. In the above configuration, the nozzles N corresponding to the four different colors are arranged along the Y direction. Therefore, it is possible to overlap four color inks at the same position of the medium 12 transported in the Y direction.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an arbitrary liquid jet head 30, and shows a cross section taken along the line VV of FIG. 4 (a cross section perpendicular to the W1 direction). As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the liquid jet head 30, the pressure chamber substrate 44, the vibration plate 46, the sealing body 52, and the support body 54 are installed on the negative side surface in the Z direction of the flow path substrate 42. In addition, this is a structure (head chip) in which the nozzle plate 62 and the compliance portion 64 are installed on the positive side surface in the Z direction of the flow path substrate 42. Each element of the liquid ejecting head 30 is generally a substantially flat member that is long in the W1 direction, and is fixed to each other by using, for example, an adhesive.

  The plurality of nozzles N described above with reference to FIG. As understood from FIG. 5, each liquid ejecting head 30 has a structure corresponding to each nozzle N of the first nozzle row N1 and a structure corresponding to each nozzle N of the second nozzle row N2 formed in substantially line symmetry. Therefore, hereinafter, the structure of the liquid ejecting head 30 will be described focusing attention on the first nozzle row N1 for the sake of convenience.

  The flow path substrate 42 is a flat plate material that forms a flow path, and an opening 422, a supply flow path 424, and a communication flow path 426 are formed. The supply channel 424 and the communication channel 426 are formed for each nozzle N, and the opening 422 is continuous over a plurality of nozzles N that eject ink of one color. The pressure chamber substrate 44 is a flat plate in which a plurality of openings 422 corresponding to different nozzles N are formed. The flow path substrate 42 and the pressure chamber substrate 44 are formed of, for example, a silicon single crystal substrate.

  The compliance unit 64 in FIG. 5 is an element that suppresses (absorbs) pressure fluctuation in the flow path inside the liquid jet head 30 and includes, for example, a flexible member formed in a sheet shape. Specifically, the compliance section 64 is fixed to the surface of the flow path substrate 42 so that the opening 422 of the flow path substrate 42 and each supply flow path 424 are closed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the support body 54 is fixed to the negative surface of the flow path substrate 42 in the Z direction. An accommodating portion 542 and an introduction channel 544 are formed in the support 54. The accommodating portion 542 is a concave portion (dent) having an outer shape corresponding to the opening 422 of the flow path substrate 42 in a plan view (that is, viewed from the Z direction), and the introduction flow path 544 is a flow path communicating with the accommodating portion 542. It is. As understood from FIG. 5, a space in which the opening 422 of the flow path substrate 42 and the accommodating portion 542 of the support 54 communicate with each other functions as a liquid storage chamber (reservoir) SR. The liquid storage chamber SR is formed independently for each color of ink supplied from the liquid container 14 and stores the ink that has passed through the introduction flow path 544. That is, in one arbitrary liquid ejecting head 30, four liquid storage chambers SR corresponding to different inks are formed. The compliance unit 64 in FIG. 5 constitutes the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber SR and absorbs pressure fluctuations of the ink in the liquid storage chamber SR.

  The pressure chamber substrate 44 is a flat plate in which a plurality of openings 442 corresponding to different nozzles N are formed. A diaphragm 46 is installed on the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 44 opposite to the flow path substrate 42. The diaphragm 46 is a flat plate-like member that can vibrate elastically. For example, the diaphragm 46 is constituted by a laminate of an elastic film formed of an elastic material such as silicon oxide and an insulating film formed of an insulating material such as zirconium oxide. As understood from FIG. 5, the diaphragm 46 and the flow path substrate 42 oppose each other with an interval inside each opening 442 of the pressure chamber substrate 44. A space sandwiched between the flow path substrate 42 and the diaphragm 46 inside each opening 442 functions as a pressure chamber (cavity) SC that applies pressure to the ink. Each pressure chamber SC communicates with the nozzle N via each communication channel 426 of the channel substrate 42.

  A plurality of drive elements F corresponding to different nozzles N (pressure chambers SC) are formed on the surface of the diaphragm 46 opposite to the pressure chamber substrate 44. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (cross section perpendicular to the W1 direction) of the vicinity of any one drive element F. FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of drive elements F includes a first drive electrode 72 formed on the surface of the diaphragm 46, and a piezoelectric body 74 formed on the surface of the first drive electrode 72. The piezoelectric element includes a second drive electrode 76 formed on the surface of the piezoelectric body 74. A region where the first drive electrode 72 and the second drive electrode 76 face each other with the piezoelectric body 74 interposed therebetween functions as the drive element F.

  The piezoelectric body 74 is formed by a process including heat treatment (firing), for example. Specifically, the piezoelectric material applied to the surface of the diaphragm 46 on which the plurality of first drive electrodes 72 are formed is fired by heat treatment in a firing furnace and then shaped for each drive element F (for example, plasma The piezoelectric body 74 is formed by milling using the above. Each first drive electrode 72 is individually formed for each drive element F and is electrically insulated from each other, and each second drive electrode 76 is formed individually for each drive element F and has a constant potential (for example, ground potential). Common reference potential). A configuration in which the second drive electrode 76 is continuous over a plurality of drive elements F can also be employed.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of each element when the liquid ejecting head 30 is viewed from the negative side in the Z direction (the side opposite to the medium 12). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plurality of driving elements F of the liquid jet head 30 are divided into a first element group G1 and a second element group G2. The first element group G1 is a set of a plurality of driving elements F (first driving elements) corresponding to the respective nozzles N of the first nozzle array N1, and the second element group G2 includes the nozzles of the second nozzle array N2. A set of a plurality of drive elements F (second drive elements) corresponding to N. The plurality of drive elements F of the first element group G1 are arranged along the W1 direction, and the plurality of drive elements F of the second element group G2 are arranged along the W1 direction in the same manner. A predetermined number of drive elements F located on the negative side in the W1 direction in the first element group G1 correspond to yellow (that is, by applying pressure to the pressure chamber SC filled with yellow ink, Ink is ejected), and a predetermined number of driving elements F located on the positive side in the W1 direction in the first element group G1 correspond to cyan. On the other hand, a predetermined number of driving elements F located on the negative side in the W1 direction in the second element group G2 correspond to magenta, and a predetermined number of driving elements F located on the positive side in the W1 direction in the second element group G2. Corresponds to black.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the liquid ejecting head 30 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of dummy elements FD that are not actually used for ejecting ink. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, between the plurality of drive elements F corresponding to yellow and the plurality of drive elements F corresponding to cyan in the first element group G1 (that is, in the first nozzle row N1). A plurality of dummy elements FD are formed between the colors), and a plurality of dummy elements FD are formed between the plurality of driving elements F corresponding to magenta and the plurality of driving elements F corresponding to black in the second element group G2. Is done. The drive elements F and the dummy elements FD of the first element group G1 are arranged in the W1 direction at a predetermined pitch PA, and the drive elements F and the dummy elements FD of the second element group G2 are arranged at the same pitch PA. Arrange in the W1 direction. Each dummy element FD is formed by stacking a first drive electrode 72, a piezoelectric body 74, and a second drive electrode 76, like the drive element F actually used for ink ejection.

  A pressure chamber SD corresponding to each dummy element FD is formed on the pressure chamber substrate 44. The pressure chamber SD is a pseudo space that is formed in the same structure (common or similar) as the pressure chamber SC corresponding to the drive element F, but is not actually used for ink ejection. Specifically, ink is supplied from the liquid storage chamber SR to each pressure chamber SD, but the communication channel 426 and the nozzle N are not formed on the downstream side of the pressure chamber SD. Therefore, ink is not ejected even if the pressure in the pressure chamber SD fluctuates. As understood from the above description, each dummy element FD is formed in the same structure (common or similar) as the drive element F actually used for ink ejection, but does not actually contribute to ink ejection. It is a pseudo element.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first element group G1 and the second element group G2 are provided side by side with an interval in the W2 direction. A region (hereinafter referred to as “mounting region”) Q in which mounting components are installed is secured between the first element group G1 and the second element group G2 on the surface of the diaphragm 46. That is, the plurality of driving elements F of the first element group G1 and the plurality of driving elements F of the second element group G2 are located on opposite sides of the mounting region Q that is long in the W1 direction. In the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a flexible wiring substrate 34 (COF: for electrically connecting the liquid ejecting head 30 to an external device (the control device 22 or a power supply circuit). Chip On Film) is mounted on the mounting region Q as a mounting component.

  5 is a structure that protects each driving element F (for example, prevents adhesion of moisture and the like to the driving element F) and reinforces the mechanical strength of the pressure chamber substrate 44 and the diaphragm 46. Yes, and fixed to the surface of the diaphragm 46 with an adhesive, for example. Each drive element F is accommodated in a recess formed on the surface of the sealing body 52 on the diaphragm 46 side. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the sealing body 52 of the first embodiment includes a first wall surface 521 positioned between the mounting region Q and the first element group G1 in a plan view, and a mounting region Q in a plan view. And a second wall surface 522 positioned between the second element group G2. That is, the mounting area Q can also be referred to as an area sandwiched between the first wall surface 521 and the second wall surface 522 in plan view.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, a plurality of electrodes E are formed in the mounting region Q in the surface of the diaphragm 46. Each electrode E is a conductor formed (patterned) in a shape extending in the W2 direction in plan view, and is electrically connected to each wiring of the wiring board 34 and each driving element F on the surface of the diaphragm 46. Used for In the configuration in which the diaphragm 46 is removed in the mounting region Q, a plurality of electrodes E can be formed on the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 44.

  The plurality of electrodes E in the mounting region Q include a plurality of first electrodes E1 and a plurality of second electrodes E2. Each of the plurality of first electrodes E1 extends to the positive side in the W2 direction within the mounting region Q and is electrically connected to each driving element F (first driving element) of the first element group G1. Each of the second electrodes E2 extends to the negative side in the W2 direction within the mounting region Q and is electrically connected to each driving element F (second driving element) of the second element group G2. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, each first electrode E <b> 1 and each second electrode E <b> 2 is configured by stacking connection wirings 82 and connection terminals 84. The connection wiring 82 is a conductor (wiring) connected to the first driving electrode 72 of each driving element F. In the first embodiment, a configuration in which the connection wiring 82 is continuous in the same layer as the first drive electrode 72 is illustrated, but the connection wiring 82 formed in a layer different from the first drive electrode 72 is used as the first electrode E1. It is also possible to connect. On the other hand, the connection terminal 84 is a conductor (crimp terminal) formed on the surface of the end of the connection wiring 82 opposite to the drive element F. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the range in which the first electrode E1 exists along the W2 direction and the range in which the second electrode E2 exists along the W2 direction overlap each other in the W2 direction. That is, both the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 exist within a predetermined range α in the W2 direction in the mounting region Q.

  As described above, the flexible wiring board 34 is mounted in the mounting region Q. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the state where the connection terminals 342 (wiring) formed on the surface of the wiring board 34 are in contact with the electrodes E (connection terminals 84) on the surface of the diaphragm 46, the wiring board 34 is adhesive. It is fixed to the surface of the diaphragm 46 by 36. Specifically, the fluid adhesive 36 is applied in the mounting region Q (range α), and the adhesive 36 is cured in a state where the end of the wiring board 34 is pressed against the surface of the diaphragm 46. The wiring board 34 is mounted on the liquid jet head 30. A drive signal for controlling each drive element F is supplied from each connection terminal 342 of the wiring board 34 to each drive element F of the first element group G1 through the first electrode E1, and at the same time the second electrode E2. Is supplied to each driving element F of the second element group G2.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plurality of first electrodes E1 are divided into a first electrode group H1 and a second electrode group H2. The first electrode group H1 is a set of a plurality of first electrodes E1 connected to each driving element F corresponding to yellow in the first element group G1, and the second electrode group H2 is a group of the first element group G1. A set of a plurality of first electrodes E1 connected to each driving element F corresponding to cyan. The plurality of first electrodes E1 of the first electrode group H1 are arranged at a pitch PA (first pitch) along the W1 direction. Similarly, the plurality of first electrodes E1 of the second electrode group H2 are arranged at a pitch PA along the W1 direction. The first electrode group H1 and the second electrode group H2 are arranged along the W1 direction with a region R1 corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of dummy elements FD of the first element group G1 in the mounting region Q. Specifically, the first electrode group H1 and the second electrode group H2 are separated from each other in the W1 direction at a wider pitch (interval) PB than the pitch PA of the arrangement of the first electrodes E1 in each. That is, one first electrode E1 located at the end on the positive side in the W1 direction of the first electrode group H1, and one first electrode located on the negative side in the W1 direction among the second electrode group H2. The distance between the middle lines with E1 is the pitch PB.

  The plurality of second electrodes E2 are divided into a third electrode group H3 and a fourth electrode group H4. The third electrode group H3 is a set of a plurality of second electrodes E2 connected to each drive element F corresponding to magenta in the second element group G2, and the fourth electrode group H4 is the second element group G2. Of these, a set of a plurality of second electrodes E2 connected to each driving element F corresponding to black. The plurality of second electrodes E2 in each of the third electrode group H3 and the fourth electrode group H4 are arranged at a pitch PA along the W1 direction. The third electrode group H3 and the fourth electrode group H4 are arranged along the W1 direction with a region R2 corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of dummy elements FD of the second element group G2 in the mounting region Q. Specifically, the third electrode group H3 and the fourth electrode group H4 are separated from each other in the W1 direction with a wider pitch PB than the pitch PA of the arrangement of the second electrodes E2 in each.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the mounting region Q, a region R1 between the first electrode group H1 and the second electrode group H2, a region R2 between the third electrode group H3 and the fourth electrode group H4, and Do not overlap with each other along the W1 direction. As described above, the region R1 corresponds to a range in the W1 direction in which the plurality of dummy elements FD of the first element group G1 are distributed in the mounting region Q, and the region R2 is the region of the second element group G2 in the mounting region Q. This corresponds to a range in the W1 direction in which a plurality of dummy elements FD are distributed.

  As understood from FIG. 7, in the mounting region Q, the region on the negative side in the W1 direction as viewed from the region R2 (the region where the first electrode group H1 and the third electrode group H3 overlap each other along the W1 direction) The plurality of first electrodes E1 of the first electrode group H1 and the plurality of second electrodes E2 of the third electrode group H3 are alternately arranged along the W1 direction at a pitch PA / 2 that is half the pitch PA. That is, the second electrode E2 is located between the two first electrodes E1 adjacent to each other in the W1 direction. On the other hand, since the second electrode E2 does not exist in the region R2 of the mounting region Q, the plurality of first electrodes E1 of the first electrode group H1 are arranged in the W1 direction at the pitch PA in the region R2.

  Similarly, in the region of the mounting region Q on the positive side in the W1 direction with respect to the region R1 (the region where the second electrode group H2 and the fourth electrode group H4 overlap each other along the W1 direction), the second electrode The plurality of first electrodes E1 of the group H2 and the plurality of second electrodes E2 of the fourth electrode group H4 are alternately arranged along the W1 direction at a pitch PA / 2 that is half the pitch PA. On the other hand, since the first electrode E1 does not exist in the region R1 of the mounting region Q, the plurality of second electrodes E2 of the fourth electrode group H4 are arranged in the W1 direction at the pitch PA in the region R1.

  As understood from the above description, the pitch P at which the plurality of electrodes E are arranged inside the region R1 and the region R2 is the pitch PA, and the pitch at which the plurality of electrodes E are arranged outside the region R1 and the region R2. P is the pitch PA / 2. That is, the pitch P at which the plurality of electrodes E in the mounting region Q are arranged is restricted to the pitch PA or less (P ≦ PA).

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the region R1 and the region R2 overlap each other along the W1 direction (hereinafter referred to as “proportional”). In the comparison of FIG. 8, the pitch P at which the plurality of electrodes E are arranged outside the region R1 and the region R2 is the pitch PA / 2 as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, in comparison, as understood from FIG. 8, in a region where the region R1 and the region R2 overlap each other along the W1 direction (hereinafter referred to as “gap region”), a plurality of electrodes are formed at a pitch PC exceeding the pitch PA. E is arranged (PC> PA). That is, under the proportionality, the electrode E does not exist in the gap region, and a plurality of electrodes E are densely arranged at the pitch PA / 2 outside the gap region. The difference is remarkable.

  Therefore, when the application amount of the adhesive 36 is selected so that the adhesive 36 is optimally distributed outside the gap region, the adhesive 36 is insufficient inside the gap region, resulting in adhesion of the wiring board 34. It becomes difficult to ensure sufficient strength. On the other hand, when the application amount of the adhesive 36 is selected so that the adhesive 36 is optimally distributed inside the gap region, excess of the adhesive 36 becomes a problem outside the gap region. When the adhesive 36 is excessive, for example, in the process of pressing the wiring board 34 against the diaphragm 46, the excess adhesive 36 overflowing from the space between the electrodes E outside the gap region flows over a wide range. Thus, there is a problem that the position of the wiring board 34 is shifted due to the stress from the adhesive 36 that is blocked by the first wall surface 521 and the second wall surface 522.

  In contrast to the comparative example exemplified above, in the first embodiment, as described above, the pitch P of the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes E in the mounting region Q is limited to the pitch PA or less. That is, in the first embodiment, the difference in density of the electrodes E in the mounting region Q is suppressed as compared with the proportionality. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, there is an advantage that the above-described problems (insufficient adhesion strength and position error of the wiring board 34) due to the difference in density of the electrodes E in the mounting region Q can be solved. . Note that the above-described problem that excessive adhesive 36 presses the wiring board 34 to generate a position error is caused by the surplus of the adhesive 36 reaching the sealing body 52 and the first wall surface 521 and the second wall surface. Occurs as a result of damming at 522. Considering the above circumstances, in the first embodiment, the first wall surface 521 is positioned between the mounting region Q and the first element group G1, and the second wall surface is interposed between the mounting region Q and the second element group G2. It is particularly suitable for a configuration in which a sealing body 52 having a shape where 522 is located is installed.

  In the above description, the problem related to the adhesion of the wiring board 34 is exemplified, but the problem caused by the density of the electrodes E in the mounting region Q is not limited to the above example. For example, in the configuration in which the density of the electrodes E is remarkably different between the inner side and the outer side of the gap region as in the case of comparison, the degree of heat conduction is different between the inner side and the outer side of the gap region. In the step of forming 74, a temperature difference (bias of heat distribution) may occur between the inside and outside of the gap region. In the state where the heat distribution is biased as described above, there is a possibility that a problem such as film formation failure may occur in an element formed in each subsequent process. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, since the density of the electrodes E in the mounting region Q is suppressed, the heat distribution is made uniform in the mounting region Q. Therefore, there is an advantage that problems such as film formation defects caused by uneven heat distribution can be prevented. As can be understood from the above description, the above-described effect of the first embodiment in which the density of the plurality of electrodes E in the mounting region Q is made uniform is sufficiently exhibited even in a configuration that does not assume the bonding of the wiring board 34. Can be done. That is, the configuration in which the wiring board 34 is bonded using the adhesive 36 is not essential in the present invention.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the element which an effect | action and function are the same as that of 1st Embodiment in each form illustrated below, the code | symbol used by description of 1st Embodiment is diverted, and each detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of each element when the liquid jet head 30 of the second embodiment is viewed from the negative side in the Z direction. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the mounting region Q of the liquid jet head 30 of the second embodiment, a plurality of first electrodes E1 and a plurality of second electrodes E2 are formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. A plurality of third electrodes E3 and a plurality of fourth electrodes E4 are formed. Each third electrode E3 and each fourth electrode E4 are formed in the same layer as the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 (lamination of the connection wiring 82 and the connection terminal 84).

  The plurality of third electrodes E3 are formed in the region R1 between the first electrode group H1 and the second electrode group H2 in the mounting region Q, and are arranged along the W1 direction at the pitch PA together with the plurality of first electrodes E1. Is done. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the region R1, a plurality of third electrodes E3 and a plurality of second electrodes E2 of the fourth electrode group H4 are alternately arranged at a pitch PA / 2 along the W1 direction. Each of the plurality of third electrodes E3 of the first embodiment extends to the positive side in the W2 direction within the mounting region Q and is electrically connected to each dummy element FD of the first element group G1.

  The plurality of fourth electrodes E4 are formed in the region R2 between the third electrode group H3 and the fourth electrode group H4 in the mounting region Q, and along the W1 direction at a pitch PA together with the plurality of second electrodes E2. Are arranged. Specifically, in the region R2, a plurality of fourth electrodes E4 and a plurality of first electrodes E1 of the first electrode group H1 are alternately arranged at a pitch PA / 2 along the W1 direction. Each of the fourth electrodes E4 of the first embodiment extends in the negative direction in the W2 direction within the mounting region Q and is electrically connected to each dummy element FD of the second element group G2. That is, the third electrode E3 and the fourth electrode E4 are dummy wirings that do not actually contribute to the operation of the drive element F (ink ejection).

  As understood from the above description, in the first embodiment, the plurality of electrodes E (E1, E2) are arranged at the pitch PA in the region R1 and the region R2 of the mounting region Q, whereas in the second embodiment, A plurality of electrodes E (E1, E2, E3, E4) are arranged at a pitch PA / 2 over the entire mounting region Q including the region R1 and the region R2.

  In the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment is realized. In the second embodiment, a plurality of third electrodes E3 are formed in the region R1 between the first electrode group H1 and the second electrode group H2, and between the third electrode group H3 and the fourth electrode group H4. A plurality of fourth electrodes E4 are formed in the region R2. Therefore, compared with the first embodiment in which the third electrode E3 and the fourth electrode E4 are not formed, the density of the plurality of electrodes E can be made uniform over the entire mounting region Q including the region R1 and the region R2 (the density of the electrodes is small). There is an advantage that the difference can be suppressed). Particularly in the second embodiment, a plurality of second electrodes E2 and a plurality of third electrodes E3 are arranged at a pitch PA / 2 in the region R1, and a plurality of first electrodes E1 and a plurality of fourth electrodes E4 are arranged. Are arranged at a pitch PA / 2 in the region R2, the effect that the density of the plurality of electrodes E can be made uniform over the entire mounting region Q is particularly remarkable.

  By the way, in 2nd Embodiment, the structure which connected the 3rd electrode E3 in area | region R1 and the 4th electrode E4 in area | region R2 to the dummy element FD was illustrated. That is, the electrical configuration up to the wiring board 34 is common between the drive element F and the dummy element FD. FIG. 9 illustrates the configuration in which the ink flow paths corresponding to the respective dummy elements FD are closed (hereinafter referred to as “configuration 1”), but the ink flow paths corresponding to the respective dummy elements FD are connected to the nozzles from the liquid storage chamber SR. If communication is performed up to N, a configuration (hereinafter referred to as “configuration 2”) in which ink is ejected using each dummy element FD as a normal drive element F is realized. The configuration 1 is suitable for the case where a plurality of colors of ink are ejected from each of the first element group G1 and the second element group G2 as illustrated above. This is suitable for ejecting (for example, black) ink. As understood from the above description, the second embodiment has an advantage that the electrical structure from each drive element F to the wiring board 34 can be shared by the configuration 1 and the configuration 2 (and thus the manufacturing cost can be reduced). is there.

  9 illustrates the configuration in which each third electrode E3 and each fourth electrode E4 are connected to the dummy element FD, but the configuration in which each third electrode E3 or each fourth electrode E4 is not connected to the dummy element FD ( For example, a configuration in which the third electrode E3 and the fourth electrode E4 are formed so as to be included in the range α may be employed. However, from the viewpoint of making the density of the electrodes E in the mounting region Q uniform, the range where the third electrode E3 and the fourth electrode E4 exist along the W2 direction is that the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 exist. A configuration overlapping with the existing range in the W2 direction is preferable. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the third electrode E3 and the fourth electrode E4 exist in the range α in the W2 direction in the mounting region Q in addition to the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2.

<Modification>
The form illustrated above can be variously modified. Specific modifications are exemplified below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

(1) In each of the embodiments described above, a drive signal is supplied to the first drive electrode 72 located on the diaphragm 46 side of the drive element F (dummy element FD) and the second drive electrode on the opposite side of the diaphragm 46 is provided. Although the configuration in which 76 is set to a common constant potential is illustrated, a configuration in which each first drive electrode 72 is set to a common constant potential and a drive signal for each drive element F is supplied to each second drive electrode 76 is also employed. Can be done. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the dummy element FD having the same structure as that of the driving element F is illustrated, but the structure of the dummy element FD is not limited to the above examples. For example, it is also possible to form a dummy element FD having a structure in which some of the first drive electrode 72, the piezoelectric body 74, and the second drive electrode 76 are omitted.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the first nozzle row N1 and the second nozzle row N2 are formed in one liquid ejecting head 30 is exemplified. However, the nozzles formed in one liquid ejecting head 30 The number of columns is appropriately changed. For example, a configuration in which a plurality of nozzles N of one liquid ejecting head 30 are arranged in three or more rows may be employed.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the positions in the X direction are common to the nozzles N of the first nozzle array N1 and the nozzles N of the second nozzle array N2 is illustrated. However, the arrangement of the nozzles N is as described above. It is not limited to the illustration. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the positions in the X direction may be different between the nozzles N of the first nozzle array N1 and the nozzles N of the second nozzle array N2. In FIG. 10, the positions of the nozzles N of the first nozzle array N1 and the nozzles N of the second nozzle array N2 in the X direction are the nozzles in the X direction of the first nozzle array N1 (or the second nozzle array N2). A configuration in which the pitch is different by half (PX / 2) of the pitch PX of N is illustrated. 10, the substantial dot density in the X direction of the medium 12 can be increased (doubled) as compared to the configuration in which a plurality of nozzles N are arranged as illustrated in FIG. .

(4) The pitch P of the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes E is defined as the distance between the centers of the electrodes E adjacent to each other. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, when focusing on the adjacent electrodes EA and EB, the distance between the center (center of gravity) eA of the electrode EA and the center eB of the electrode EB corresponds to the pitch P. The center e (eA, eB) of each electrode E is defined as, for example, the intersection of the center line along the direction (longitudinal direction) in which the electrode E extends and the center line in the width direction of the electrode E. The shape and direction are not questioned.

(5) The element (driving element F) that changes the pressure in the pressure chamber SC is not limited to the piezoelectric element exemplified in the above-described embodiments. For example, a vibrating body such as an electrostatic actuator can be used as the drive element F. Further, the drive element F is not limited to an element that imparts mechanical vibration to the pressure chamber SC. For example, a heating element (heater) that changes the pressure by generating bubbles in the pressure chamber SC by heating can be used as the driving element F. As understood from the above examples, the drive element F is included as an element (pressure generating element) for applying pressure to the inside of the pressure chamber SC, and a method for applying pressure (piezo method / thermal method) or a specific method. The configuration is not questioned.

(6) The printing apparatus 10 exemplified in each of the above embodiments can be employed in various apparatuses such as a facsimile apparatus and a copying machine in addition to apparatuses dedicated to printing. However, the use of the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention is not limited to printing. For example, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of a coloring material is used as a manufacturing apparatus that forms a color filter of a liquid crystal display device. Further, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing apparatus that forms wiring and electrodes of a wiring board.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printing apparatus (liquid ejecting apparatus), 12 ... Medium, 14 ... Liquid container, 22 ... Control apparatus, 24 ... Conveyance mechanism, 26 ... Liquid ejecting module, U ... Liquid ejecting unit, 30 ... ... Liquid jet head, 32 ... Fixed plate, 34 ... Wiring board, 42 ... Flow path board, 44 ... Pressure chamber board, 46 ... Vibrating plate, 52 ... Sealing body, 54 ... Supporting body, 62 …… Nozzle plate, 64 …… Compliance part, 72 …… First drive electrode, 74 …… Piezoelectric body, 76 …… Second drive electrode, E (E1, E2, E3, E4) …… Electrode.

Claims (7)

A plurality of driving elements for applying pressure to a pressure chamber filled with liquid and ejecting the liquid from a nozzle, the plurality of first driving elements arranged along a first direction, and a mounting component are installed A plurality of drive elements including a plurality of second drive elements arranged along the first direction on the opposite side of the plurality of first drive elements across the mounting region;
A plurality of electrodes formed in the mounting region so as to extend along a second direction intersecting the first direction;
The plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of first drive elements among the plurality of electrodes include two or more first electrodes arranged at a first pitch along the first direction. A first electrode group and a second electrode group, wherein the first electrode group and the second electrode group are spaced apart from each other in the first direction at a second pitch wider than the first pitch;
Among the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of second driving elements include two or more second electrodes arranged at the first pitch along the first direction. Including a third electrode group and a fourth electrode group, wherein the third electrode group and the fourth electrode group are spaced apart from each other in the first direction at the second pitch,
The pitch of the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes in the mounting area is equal to or less than the first pitch. The nozzles corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes and the nozzles corresponding to the plurality of second electrodes have a common position in the third direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction. Item 2. The liquid jet head according to Item 1. The nozzles corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes and the nozzles corresponding to the plurality of second electrodes have positions in the first direction and a third direction inclined with respect to the second direction. The liquid jet head according to claim 1, wherein the nozzles are formed so as to be different from each other by a half of the pitch in the third direction of each nozzle corresponding to the first electrode. Each nozzle corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes or each nozzle corresponding to the plurality of second electrodes has an integer ratio between the pitch in the third direction and the pitch in the fourth direction intersecting the third direction. The liquid ejecting head according to claim 2, wherein the liquid ejecting head is formed to be. The plurality of electrodes are:
A plurality of third electrodes arranged at the first pitch between the first electrode group and the second electrode group;
The liquid ejecting head according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of fourth electrodes arranged at the first pitch between the third electrode group and the fourth electrode group. The range in which the first electrode exists along the second direction and the range in which the second electrode exists along the second direction overlap with each other in the second direction. The liquid jet head according to any one of 5. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising the liquid ejecting head according to claim 1.

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