JP2016055546A - Liquid jet head and liquid jet device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a volume around first and second flexible substrates 3, 4, and simplify connection with an external circuit.SOLUTION: A liquid jet head 1 includes: a head part 2 having first and second channel arrays Ch1, Ch2; a driver IC 5 generating a drive signal; a first flexible substrate 3 which has a first terminal array 6a and a second terminal array 6b, and supplies the drive signal for driving the first channel array Ch1 to the head part 2 by electrically connecting the first terminal array 6a to the head part 2; and a second flexible substrate 4 which has a third terminal array 6c and a fourth terminal array 6d electrically connecting the third terminal array 6c, and supplies the drive signal for driving the second channel array Ch2 to the head part 2 by electrically connecting the third terminal array 6c to the second terminal array 6b of the first flexible substrate 3 and electrically connecting the fourth terminal array 6d to the head part 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting head and a liquid ejecting apparatus that eject and record liquid droplets on a recording medium.

  In recent years, an ink jet type liquid ejecting head has been used in which ink droplets are ejected onto recording paper or the like to record characters and figures, or a liquid material is ejected onto the surface of an element substrate to form a functional thin film. In this method, a liquid such as ink or liquid material is guided from a liquid tank to a channel via a supply pipe, pressure is applied to the liquid filled in the channel, and the liquid is discharged as a droplet from a nozzle communicating with the channel. When ejecting droplets, the liquid ejecting head and the recording medium are moved to record characters and figures, or a functional thin film or a three-dimensional structure having a predetermined shape is formed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet head 100 using a piezoelectric element. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inkjet head 100 (FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1). The inkjet head 100 includes a head chip 101, a nozzle plate 102 fixed to the front surface of the head chip 101, a wiring substrate 103 fixed to the lower surface of the head chip 101, and a flow path substrate fixed to the upper surface of the head chip 101. 104, a surrounding wall portion 105 provided between the wiring substrate 103 and the flow path substrate 104, and a flexible substrate 106 connected to the wiring substrate 103.

JP 2004-209796 A

  In recent years, with an increase in the number of channels and an increase in density, a multilayer ink jet head in which an ink jet head having the same structure is stacked and integrated on the upper part of the flow path substrate or the lower part of the wiring board has been put into practical use. However, if the inkjet heads are stacked and integrated, the flexible substrate and the drive ICs and connectors installed on the flexible substrate are also required for the number of layers, which increases the number of components and requires a large space around the flexible substrate. In addition, the entire inkjet head cannot be configured compactly.

  The liquid ejecting head according to the aspect of the invention includes a head unit having first and second channel rows, a driver IC that generates a drive signal, a first terminal row that is electrically connected to the driver IC, and the driver IC. And a second terminal row electrically connected to the head portion, wherein the first terminal row is electrically connected to the head portion and supplies a drive signal for driving the first channel row to the head portion. A first flexible substrate, a third terminal row, and a fourth terminal row electrically connected to the third terminal row, wherein the third terminal row is the first flexible substrate. The fourth terminal row is electrically connected to the head portion, and the fourth terminal row is electrically connected to the head portion to supply a driving signal for driving the second channel row to the head portion. And a second flexible substrate.

  The first and second channel rows have a plurality of channels arranged in a reference direction, and the length of the first and fourth terminal rows in the reference direction is the same as that of the second and third terminal rows. The length was longer than the length in the reference direction.

  Further, the three or more driver ICs are arranged in a row in the reference direction, and the driver ICs positioned on both ends of the reference direction are electrically connected to the first terminal row, and the center in the reference direction The driver IC located on the side is electrically connected to the second terminal row.

  The plurality of driver ICs are arranged in a row in the reference direction, the driver ICs located on one side of the reference direction are electrically connected to the second terminal row, and on the other side of the reference direction. The driver IC located is electrically connected to the first terminal row.

  Further, the three or more driver ICs are arranged in a row in the reference direction, and the driver ICs located on both ends of the reference direction are electrically connected to the second terminal row, and the center in the reference direction The driver IC located on the side is electrically connected to the first terminal row.

  Further, the three or more driver ICs are arranged in a line in the reference direction, and the driver ICs located on the center side in the reference direction are electrically connected to the first terminal line and the second terminal line, respectively. I decided to connect them.

  In addition, the first flexible board includes an extension part extending from the first flexible board and a connector part located in the extension part.

  Further, a plurality of the extending portions are provided, and the plurality of connector portions are respectively positioned in the plurality of extending portions.

  The first and second channel rows have a plurality of channels arranged in a reference direction, and the extending portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction and bends in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction. It was.

  The first and fourth terminal rows are alternately arranged with signal terminals that are electrically separated from each other and common terminals that are electrically connected to each other, and the second and third terminal rows are arranged with the common terminals. The number of signal terminals is larger than the number of signal terminals.

  The third terminal row and the fourth terminal row include a signal terminal electrically separated from each other and a common terminal electrically connected to each other, and the signal terminal of the third terminal row is the fourth terminal row. And the common terminal of the third terminal row is electrically connected to the plurality of common terminals of the fourth terminal row.

  In the first and second channel rows, a plurality of channels are arranged in a reference direction, and the second flexible substrate is bent in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction.

  According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid ejecting head according to claim 1, a moving mechanism that relatively moves the liquid ejecting head and a recording medium, and a liquid supply pipe that supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting head. And a liquid tank for supplying the liquid to the liquid supply pipe.

  A liquid ejecting head according to the present invention includes a head portion having first and second channel rows, a driver IC that generates a drive signal, a first terminal row that is electrically connected to the driver IC, and the driver IC and the electrical circuit. And a second terminal row connected to the head portion, the first terminal row being electrically connected to the head portion and supplying a drive signal for driving the first channel row to the head portion. And a third terminal row and a fourth terminal row electrically connected to the third terminal row, wherein the third terminal row is electrically connected to the second terminal row of the first flexible substrate. The fourth terminal row includes a second flexible substrate that is electrically connected to the head portion and supplies a drive signal for driving the second channel row to the head portion. As a result, the volume around the flexible substrate can be reduced, and the connection with the external circuit can be simplified.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid ejecting head according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid ejecting head according to the first embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing of the flexible substrate of the liquid jet head which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a flexible substrate of a liquid jet head according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the flexible substrate of the liquid jet head which concerns on 4th embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a liquid jet head according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a flexible substrate of a liquid jet head according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a conventionally well-known inkjet head.

(First embodiment)
1 and 2 are explanatory views of the liquid jet head 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of the liquid ejecting head 1, FIG. 1B is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid ejecting head 1, and FIG. It is a typical side view. FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view of the first flexible substrate 3 used for the liquid ejecting head 1, and FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view of the second flexible substrate 4 used for the liquid ejecting head 1. 2C shows the arrangement of the terminals of the first or fourth terminal row 6a, 6d, and FIG. 2D shows the arrangement of the terminals of the second or third terminal row 6b, 6c.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejecting head 1 includes a head portion 2 having first and second channel rows Ch1, Ch2, a first flexible substrate 3 connected to the head portion 2, and one end E1. And a second flexible substrate 4 connected to the head portion 2 at the other end E2. The first flexible substrate 3 includes a driver IC 5 that generates a drive signal, a first terminal row 6a that is electrically connected to the driver IC 5 via wirings 8a and 8d, and a driver IC 5 that is connected to wirings 8b and 8c. The first terminal row 6a is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal row 13a of the head portion 2 to drive the first channel row Ch1. A drive signal is supplied to the head unit 2. The second flexible substrate 4 has a third terminal row 6c and a fourth terminal row 6d electrically connected to the third terminal row 6c via the wiring 8e. Is electrically connected to the second terminal row 6b of the first flexible substrate 3, and the fourth terminal row 6d is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal row 13b of the head portion 2 to form the second channel. A drive signal for driving the column Ch2 is supplied to the head unit 2. As a result, the volume around the flexible substrate is reduced and the connection with the external circuit is simplified.

  This will be specifically described. The head unit 2 includes a first head unit 2a and a second head unit 2b. The first head portion 2a includes a first actuator substrate 10a and a first cover plate 11a bonded to the surface of the first actuator substrate 10a. The front surface of the first cover plate 11a is flush with the first actuator substrate 10a, and the rear surface of the first actuator substrate 10a is exposed and joined to the first actuator substrate 10a. The first actuator substrate 10a includes a plurality of grooves arranged in the reference direction K, and the first cover plate 11a constitutes the first channel row Ch1 by covering the upper openings of the plurality of grooves.

  The second head portion 2b includes a second cover plate 11b joined to the second actuator substrate 10b and the surface of the second actuator substrate 10b. The second cover plate 11b is joined to the second actuator substrate 10b with the front surface flush with the second actuator substrate 10b and the rear surface of the second actuator substrate 10b exposed. The second actuator substrate 10b includes a plurality of grooves arranged in the reference direction K, and the second cover plate 11b forms a second channel row Ch2 by covering the upper openings of the plurality of grooves. The back surfaces of the first actuator substrate 10a and the second actuator substrate 10b are joined to each other. The nozzle plate 12 is bonded to the flush front end surfaces of the first and second head portions 2a and 2b. A first substrate terminal row 13a for supplying a drive signal to the first channel row Ch1 is provided on the rear surface of the first actuator substrate 10a, and a drive signal is provided for the second channel row Ch2 on the rear surface of the second actuator substrate 10b. Are provided with second board terminal rows 13b. Both the first and second electrode terminal rows 13a and 13b are arranged in the reference direction K.

  Each of the first flexible substrate 3 and the second flexible substrate 4 has a width approximately equal to the width of the head portion 2 in the reference direction K. Each of the first to fourth terminal rows 6 a to 6 d has an elongated shape in the reference direction K. The first flexible board 3 includes a first terminal row 6a at one end Ea on the head portion 2 side, an extension portion 7 at the other end Eb, a driver IC 5 between the first terminal row 6a and the other end Eb, The second terminal row 6b is provided between the terminal row 6a and the driver IC 5. The driver IC 5 includes four driver ICs 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d arranged in a line in the reference direction K. The driver IC 5 includes a driver IC 5a and a driver IC 5d positioned on both ends in the reference direction K, and is electrically connected to the first terminal row 6a via the wiring 8a and the wiring 8d. The IC 5b and the driver IC 5c are electrically connected to the second terminal row 6b via the wiring 8b and the wiring 8c. That is, the second terminal row 6b is positioned at the approximate center in the reference direction K of the first flexible substrate 3, and the wirings 8a and 8d are routed on both sides.

  The extension portion 7 extending from the other end Eb of the first flexible substrate 3 includes a connector portion 9 that is connected to an external circuit and inputs an image signal. The connector unit 9 is electrically connected to each of the driver ICs 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d through wiring (not shown). The connector unit 9 may be composed of a plurality of electrode terminals similarly to the other terminal rows, and the connector 15 may be mounted as in this embodiment. The first and second terminal rows 6 a and 6 b, the driver ICs 5 a to 5 d, and the connector portion 9 are located on the same surface of the first flexible substrate 3.

  The second flexible substrate 4 has a third terminal row 6c electrically connected to the second terminal row 6b at one end E1 on the first flexible substrate 3 side, and a drive signal to the other end E2 on the head portion 2 side. Is provided to the second channel row Ch2 and a wiring 8e that electrically connects the third terminal row 6c and the fourth terminal row 6d. The wiring 8e has a substantially trapezoidal shape with the third terminal row 6c as an upper base and the fourth terminal row 6d as a lower base. The third terminal row 6 c and the fourth terminal row 6 d are located on the same surface of the second flexible substrate 4. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the lengths W1 and W4 of the first and fourth terminal rows 6a and 6d in the reference direction K are the lengths of the second and third terminal rows 6b and 6c in the reference direction K. Longer than W2 and W3.

  The wirings 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 8 d of the first flexible substrate 3 and the wiring 8 e of the second flexible substrate 4 are located on the opposing surfaces of the first and second flexible substrates 3, 4. The opposing surface of the first flexible substrate 3 and the wirings 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d located on this surface are excluding the formation region of the first and second terminal arrays 6a, 6b and the mounting region of the driver IC 5. Covered by a coverlay 14. The opposing surface of the second flexible substrate 4 and the wiring 8e located on this surface are covered by the coverlay 14 except for the formation regions of the third and fourth terminal rows 6c and 6d. Accordingly, the first to fourth terminal rows 6a to 6d are exposed by opening the window of the cover lay 14 and can be electrically connected to other electrodes.

  The first terminal row 6a of the first flexible substrate 3 is connected to the first substrate terminal row 13a of the head portion 2 via an anisotropic conductive material (not shown). The fourth terminal row 6d of the second flexible substrate 4 is connected to the second substrate terminal row 13b of the head portion 2 via an anisotropic conductive material (not shown). The third terminal row 6c of the second flexible substrate 4 is connected to the second terminal row 6b of the first flexible substrate 3 via an anisotropic conductive material (not shown). An anisotropic conductive sheet or anisotropic conductive paste can be used as the anisotropic conductive material. In the present embodiment, when the first terminal row 6a of the first flexible substrate 3 is connected to the first substrate terminal row 13a of the head portion 2, the second terminal row 6b of the first flexible substrate 3 becomes the head portion. 2 in the same direction as the second board terminal row 13b. For this reason, the fourth terminal row 6d and the third terminal row 6c of the second flexible substrate 4 can be easily connected. The second flexible substrate 4 is substantially coincident with the outer periphery of the first flexible substrate 3 in a plan view or is positioned within the outer periphery. Accordingly, the first and second flexible substrates 3 and 4 have the same width as the width of the head portion 2 in the reference direction K, and the volume around the flexible substrate is reduced.

  In the first and second channel rows Ch <b> 1 and Ch <b> 2 of the head unit 2 in the present embodiment, a discharge channel that discharges liquid and a dummy channel that does not discharge liquid are alternately arranged in the reference direction K. The number of ejection channels and dummy channels in the first channel row Ch1 is equal to the number of ejection channels and dummy channels in the second channel row Ch2. In the first and second substrate terminal rows 13a and 13b, a common terminal G electrically connected to the discharge channel and a signal terminal S electrically connected to the dummy channel and electrically separated from each other are in the reference direction K. Are arranged alternately. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2C, in the first and fourth terminal rows 6a and 6d, the common terminals G electrically connected to the signal terminals S and GND for supplying the drive signals are alternately arranged in the reference direction K. Array. On the other hand, the number of common terminals G is smaller than the number of signal terminals S in the second and third terminal rows 6b and 6c. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), the electrode arrangement of the second and third terminal rows 6b and 6c can be constituted by a terminal G at both ends and a signal terminal S between them. Further, both end portions and the central portion may be common terminals G, and the space between them may be constituted by signal terminals S, or common terminals G may be constituted every several to hundreds of signal terminals S.

  That is, the third terminal row 6c and the fourth terminal row 6d include a plurality of signal terminals S and a plurality of common terminals G, and the plurality of signal terminals S of the third terminal row 6c are the same as those of the fourth terminal row 6d. Each of the signal terminals S is electrically connected. On the other hand, the common terminal G of the third terminal row 6c is electrically connected to the plurality of common terminals G of the fourth terminal row 6d. That is, the common terminal G is shared by the third terminal row 6c with respect to the fourth terminal row 6d. For this reason, the lengths W2 and W3 of the second and third terminal rows 6b and 6c can be easily configured to be shorter than the lengths W1 and W4 of the first and fourth terminal rows 6a and 6d. Further, since the number of contacts is reduced, the probability of occurrence of connection failure is reduced. Note that the common terminal G need only have a common potential and is not necessarily connected to GND. However, if the common terminal G is connected to GND, deterioration due to electrolysis or the like of the liquid filling the channel may be reduced. it can.

  As described above, since the driver ICs 5a to 5d are mounted on one surface of the first flexible substrate 3, the number of manufacturing steps is reduced. In addition, since it is possible to connect to an external circuit via one connector portion 9, the configuration is simplified and assembly is facilitated. In addition, since the driver ICs 5a to 5d are collectively installed on the first flexible substrate 3, it is easy to take measures against heat dissipation. For example, the heat sink can be easily installed on the surfaces of the four driver ICs 5a to 5d. Alternatively, the four driver ICs 5a to 5d may be sandwiched between two heat sinks.

  In the present embodiment, the head unit 2 has a configuration in which the back surfaces of the first head unit 2a and the second head unit 2b are joined to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the structure which the 2nd head part 2b joins to the surface of the 1st head part 2a may be sufficient. In this case, the second actuator substrate 10b is joined to the upper part of the first cover plate 11a, and the first actuator substrate 10a and the second actuator substrate 10b face the same upward, and the first substrate terminal row 13a. And the second board terminal row 13b are arranged stepwise. And the 1st terminal row | line | column 6a of the 1st flexible substrate 3 should be installed in the back surface side of the 1st flexible substrate 3, and the surface wiring 8a should just be routed to the back surface through a through hole. In the present invention, the number of driver ICs 5 may be one or more, and is not limited to the four driver ICs 5a to 5d of the present embodiment. Further, the present invention is not limited to arranging the plurality of driver ICs 5 in a line in the reference direction K, and may be arranged in two lines or in another arrangement. In addition, the number of ejection channels and the number of dummy channels in the first channel row Ch1 may not necessarily be equal to the number of ejection channels and the number of dummy channels in the second channel row Ch2.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the flexible substrate of the liquid jet head 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of the first flexible substrate 3, and FIG. 3B is a schematic top view of the second flexible substrate 4. The differences from the first embodiment are the positions of the second and third terminal rows 6b and 6c and the shape of the second flexible substrate 4, and the other points are the same as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. The same portions or portions having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Each of the first flexible substrate 3 and the second flexible substrate 4 has a width approximately equal to the width of the head portion 2 in the reference direction K. In each of the first and second channel rows Ch1 and Ch2, a plurality of channels are arranged in the reference direction K. The first flexible board 3 includes a first terminal row 6a at one end Ea on the head portion 2 side, an extension portion 7 at the other end Eb, a driver IC 5 between the first terminal row 6a and the other end Eb, The terminal row 6a and the driver IC 5 are provided with a second terminal row 6b on one side in the reference direction K. The driver IC 5 includes four driver ICs 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d arranged in a line in the reference direction K. The driver IC 5 includes a driver IC 5a and a driver IC 5b located on one side in the reference direction K, electrically connected to the second terminal row 6b via the wiring 8a and the wiring 8b, and a driver located on the other side in the reference direction K. The IC 5c and the driver IC 5d are electrically connected to the first terminal row 6a via the wiring 8c and the wiring 8d. The connector unit 9 may be composed of a plurality of electrode terminals, or the connector 15 may be mounted.

  The second flexible substrate 4 has one end E1 connected to the first flexible substrate 3 and the other end E2 connected to the head portion 2. The second flexible substrate 4 is located at one end E1 and is electrically connected to the second terminal row 6b. The second flexible substrate 4 is located at the other end E2 and supplies a drive signal to the second channel row Ch2. And a wiring 8e that electrically connects the third terminal row 6c and the fourth terminal row 6d. The wiring 8e has a substantially trapezoidal shape with the third terminal row 6c as an upper base and the fourth terminal row 6d as a lower base. The third terminal row 6 c and the fourth terminal row 6 d are located on the same surface of the second flexible substrate 4. Similarly to the first embodiment, the lengths W1 and W4 of the first and fourth terminal rows 6a and 6d in the reference direction K are the lengths of the second and third terminal rows 6b and 6c in the reference direction K. Longer than W2 and W3.

  The first terminal row 6a of the first flexible substrate 3 is connected to the first substrate terminal row 13a of the head portion 2 via an anisotropic conductive material. The fourth terminal row 6d of the second flexible substrate 4 is connected to the second substrate terminal row 13b of the head portion 2 via an anisotropic conductive material. The third terminal row 6c of the second flexible substrate 4 is connected to the second terminal row 6b of the first flexible substrate 3 via an anisotropic conductive material. An anisotropic conductive sheet or anisotropic conductive paste can be used as the anisotropic conductive material. The second flexible substrate 4 is substantially coincident with or located within the outer periphery of the first flexible substrate 3 in plan view. Accordingly, the first and second flexible substrates 3 and 4 have the same width as the width of the head portion 2 in the reference direction K, and the volume around the flexible substrate is reduced.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the flexible substrate of the liquid jet head 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 4A is a schematic top view of the first flexible substrate 3, and FIG. 4B is a schematic top view of the second flexible substrate 4. The difference from the first embodiment is the installation position and wiring shape of the second terminal row 6b, the shape of the second flexible substrate 4, the installation position and wiring shape of the third terminal row 6c, and other points. Is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The same portions or portions having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Each of the first flexible substrate 3 and the second flexible substrate 4 has a width approximately equal to the width of the head portion 2 in the reference direction K. Both the first and second channel rows Ch1 and Ch2 have a plurality of channels in the reference direction K. The first flexible board 3 includes a first terminal row 6a at one end Ea on the head portion 2 side, an extension portion 7 at the other end Eb, a driver IC 5 between the first terminal row 6a and the other end Eb, The terminal row 6a and the driver IC 5 are provided with a second terminal row 6b1 on one side in the reference direction K and a second terminal row 6b2 on the other side. The driver IC 5 includes four driver ICs 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d arranged in a line in the reference direction K. In the driver IC 5, the driver IC 5a located on one side in the reference direction K is connected to the second terminal row 6b1 via the wiring 8a, and the driver IC 5d located on the other side in the reference direction K is connected to the second terminal via the wiring 8d. The driver IC 5b and the driver IC 5c that are electrically connected to the row 6b2 and located on the center side in the reference direction K are electrically connected to the first terminal row 6a via the wires 8b and 8c. The connector part 9 may be composed of a plurality of electrode terminals, or the connector 15 may be mounted.

  The second flexible substrate 4 has one end E1 connected to the first flexible substrate 3 and the other end E2 connected to the head portion 2. The second flexible substrate 4 is one end E1 on the first flexible substrate 3 side, and a third terminal row 6c1 on one side in the reference direction K, and one end E1 on the first flexible substrate 3 side, and the reference direction K. A third terminal row 6c2 is provided on the other side, and a fourth terminal row 6d is provided on the other end E2 on the head portion 2 side. The second flexible substrate 4 further includes wirings 8e1 and 8e2 that electrically connect the third terminal rows 6c1 and 6c2 and the fourth terminal row 6d. The wirings 8e1 and 8e2 have a concave shape. The third terminal row 6 c and the fourth terminal row 6 d are located on the same surface of the second flexible substrate 4. Here, the length of the second terminal row 6b1 in the reference direction K is W21, the length of the second terminal row 6b2 in the reference direction K is W22, and the length of the third terminal row 6c1 in the reference direction K is W31. The length of the third terminal row 6c2 in the reference direction K is W32. The lengths W1 and W4 in the reference direction K of the first and fourth terminal rows 6a and 6d are the lengths W2 (= W21 + W22) and W3 (= in the reference direction K of the second and third terminal rows 6b and 6c, respectively. Longer than W31 + W32).

  The first terminal row 6a of the first flexible substrate 3 is connected to a first electrode terminal row 13a (not shown) of the head portion 2 via an anisotropic conductive material. The fourth terminal row 6d of the second flexible substrate 4 is connected to a second electrode terminal row 13b (not shown) of the head portion 2 via an anisotropic conductive material. The third terminal rows 6c1 and 6c2 of the second flexible substrate 4 are connected to the second terminal rows 6b1 and 6b2 of the first flexible substrate 3 through anisotropic conductive materials, respectively. An anisotropic conductive sheet or anisotropic conductive paste can be used as the anisotropic conductive material. The second flexible substrate 4 is substantially coincident with or located within the outer periphery of the first flexible substrate 3 in plan view. Accordingly, the first and second flexible substrates 3 and 4 have the same width as the width of the head portion 2 in the reference direction K, and the volume around the flexible substrate is reduced.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a flexible substrate of the liquid jet head 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a schematic top view of the first flexible substrate 3, and FIG. 5B is a schematic top view of the second flexible substrate 4. The difference from the second embodiment is that the number of driver ICs 5 and one driver IC 5 are connected to the first terminal row 6a and the second terminal row 6b, and other points are the same as in the second embodiment. Therefore, explanation is omitted. The same portions or portions having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Each of the first flexible substrate 3 and the second flexible substrate 4 has a width approximately equal to the width of the head portion 2 in the reference direction K. In each of the first and second channel rows Ch1 and Ch2, a plurality of channels are arranged in the reference direction K. The first flexible board 3 includes a first terminal row 6a at one end Ea on the head portion 2 side, an extension portion 7 at the other end Eb, a driver IC 5 between the first terminal row 6a and the other end Eb, The second terminal row 6b is provided on the other side in the reference direction K between the terminal row 6a and the driver IC 5. The driver IC 5 includes three driver ICs 5a, 5b, and 5c arranged in a line in the reference direction K. The driver IC 5a located on one side in the reference direction K is electrically connected to the first terminal row 6a via the wiring 8a, and the driver IC 5c located on the other side in the reference direction K is connected to the second terminal line 6c via the wiring 8c. It is electrically connected to the terminal row 6b. The driver IC 5b located on the center side in the reference direction K is electrically connected to the first terminal row 6a and the second terminal row 6b via the wiring 8b1 and the wiring 8b2.

  The second flexible substrate 4 has a third terminal row 6c located at one end E1 and a fourth terminal row 6d located at the other end E2, and the one end E1 is connected to the first flexible substrate 3. The second terminal row 6b and the third terminal row 6c are electrically connected, and the other end E2 is connected to the head portion 2 to transmit a drive signal to the head portion 2. The second flexible substrate 4 further includes a wiring 8e that electrically connects the third terminal row 6c and the fourth terminal row 6d. The wiring 8e has a substantially trapezoidal shape with the third terminal row 6c as an upper base and the fourth terminal row 6d as a lower base. The third terminal row 6 c and the fourth terminal row 6 d are located on the same surface of the second flexible substrate 4. Here, the lengths W1 and W4 in the reference direction K of the first and fourth terminal rows 6a and 6d are longer than the lengths W2 and W3 in the reference direction K of the second and third terminal rows 6b and 6c.

  The first terminal row 6a of the first flexible substrate 3 is connected to a first substrate terminal row 13a (not shown) of the head portion 2 via an anisotropic conductive material. The fourth terminal row 6d of the second flexible substrate 4 is connected to a second substrate terminal row 13b (not shown) of the head portion 2 via an anisotropic conductive material. The third terminal row 6c of the second flexible substrate 4 is connected to the second terminal row 6b of the first flexible substrate 3 via an anisotropic conductive material. An anisotropic conductive sheet or anisotropic conductive paste can be used as the anisotropic conductive material. The second flexible substrate 4 is substantially coincident with or located within the outer periphery of the first flexible substrate 3 in plan view. Accordingly, the first and second flexible substrates 3 and 4 have the same width as the width of the head portion 2 in the reference direction K, and the volume around the flexible substrate is reduced.

  As described above, since the output of one driver IC 5 can be easily distributed to different channel rows, the number of driver ICs can be set optimally according to the number of channels in each channel row. For example, when each driver IC 5 has an output for 128 channels and the first and second channel rows Ch1 and Ch2 of the head unit 2 have 192 channels, a flexible board for supplying a drive signal is provided for each channel. When separated, a total of four driver ICs 5 are required. However, as in this embodiment, by distributing the output of one driver IC 5b to the first channel row Ch1 and the second channel row Ch2, the first and second channel rows Ch1 and Ch2 having 192 channels are changed. It can be driven by three driver ICs 5.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the liquid jet head 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The same portions or portions having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The liquid jet head 1 includes a head portion 2 having first and second channel rows Ch1 and Ch2 (not shown), a first flexible substrate 3 connected to the head portion 2, and one end E1 on the first flexible substrate 3. And a second flexible substrate 4 connected to the head portion 2 at the other end E2. The first flexible substrate 3 includes a driver IC 5 that generates a drive signal, a first terminal row 6a that is electrically connected to the driver IC 5 via wirings 8a and 8d, and a driver IC 5 that is connected to wirings 8b and 8c. The first terminal row 6a is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal row 13a of the head portion 2 to connect the first channel row Ch1 (not shown). A driving signal to be driven is supplied to the head unit 2. The second flexible substrate 4 has a third terminal row 6c and a fourth terminal row 6d electrically connected to the third terminal row 6c via the wiring 8e. Is electrically connected to the second terminal row 6b of the first flexible substrate 3, and the fourth terminal row 6d is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal row 13b of the head portion 2 and is not shown. A drive signal for driving the channel row Ch2 is supplied to the head unit 2. The second flexible substrate 4 is further bent in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction K.

  Note that the wirings 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 8 d of the first flexible substrate 3 and the wiring 8 e of the second flexible substrate 4 are located on the opposing surfaces of the first and second flexible substrates 3, 4. The opposing surface of the first flexible substrate 3 and the wirings 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d located on this surface are excluding the formation region of the first and second terminal arrays 6a, 6b and the mounting region of the driver IC 5. Covered by a coverlay 14. The opposing surface of the second flexible substrate 4 and the wiring 8e located on this surface are covered by the coverlay 14 except for the formation regions of the third and fourth terminal rows 6c and 6d.

  In this way, by bending the second flexible substrate 4 in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction K, the third terminal row 6c and the second terminal row 6b, or the fourth terminal row 6d and the second terminal row 6b Positioning between the two substrate terminal rows 13b is facilitated. Usually, after the first terminal row 6a of the first flexible substrate 3 is connected to the first substrate terminal row 13a of the head portion 2 by thermocompression bonding, the fourth terminal row 6d of the second flexible substrate 4 and the head are connected. The second board terminal row 13b of the part 2 is connected by thermocompression bonding, and then between the third terminal row 6c of the second flexible board 4 and the second terminal row 6b of the first flexible board 3 Are connected by thermocompression bonding.

  The length of the second flexible substrate 4 in the reference direction K is longer than the length in the direction orthogonal to the reference direction K. Therefore, when the second flexible substrate 4 is connected to the head portion 2 and then to be connected to the first flexible substrate 3, the third terminal row 6c is substantially fixed, and the second terminal row 6b is connected to the second terminal row 6b. Alignment becomes extremely difficult. Therefore, by bending the second flexible substrate 4 in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction K, the third terminal row 6c can be moved easily, and alignment with the second terminal row 6b is facilitated. The same applies to the case where the second flexible substrate 4 is first connected to the first flexible substrate 3 and the fourth terminal row 6d is later connected to the first substrate terminal row 13a.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a flexible substrate of the liquid jet head 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is that the first flexible substrate 3 has a plurality of extending portions that extend from the first flexible substrate 3, and the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. To do. The same portions or portions having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first flexible substrate 3 has two extending portions 7 a and 7 b extending from the other end Eb of the first flexible substrate 3 in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction K. The extending portion 7a is on one side with respect to the reference direction K of the first flexible substrate 3, extends from the other end Eb on the opposite side to the head portion 2 in a direction perpendicular to the reference direction K, and bends to the other side. . The end portion of the extending portion 7a is a connector portion 9a, and the connector 15a is positioned on the connector portion 9a. The extension portion 7b is on the other side with respect to the reference direction K of the first flexible substrate 3, and extends farther than the extension portion 7a in the direction perpendicular to the reference direction K from the other end Eb. Bend to the side. The end portion of the extending portion 7b is a connector portion 9b, and the connector 15b is positioned on the connector portion 9b. The connector portions 9a and 9b, the connectors 15a and 15b, and the driver ICs 5a to 5d are all located on the same surface of the first flexible substrate 3. Therefore, these members can be easily mounted on the surface of the first flexible substrate 3.

  Further, the extended portion 7b is bent 180 degrees forward from the bending line B indicated by a broken line, that is, the distal end side including the bent portion of the extended portion 7, and extends from the distal end portion of the extended portion 7a. The tip of the portion 7b can be made to face. For example, a circuit board (not shown) that supplies image data to the first flexible substrate 3 includes an image data output connector for the first channel column Ch1 and an image data output connector for the second channel column Ch2. In the case where the connector for the channel row Ch1 is installed on the front side of the circuit board and the connector for the second channel row Ch2 is installed on the back side of the circuit board, the first flexible board 3 of this embodiment is suitable. It is. The connector 15a of the extending part 7a and the connector 15b of the extending part 7b can be connected to two image data output connectors so as to sandwich the circuit board.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid ejecting apparatus 30 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The liquid ejecting apparatus 30 includes a moving mechanism 40 that reciprocates the liquid ejecting heads 1 and 1 ′, and a flow path unit that supplies the liquid to the liquid ejecting heads 1 and 1 ′ and discharges the liquid from the liquid ejecting heads 1 and 1 ′. 35, 35 ′, liquid pumps 33, 33 ′ and liquid tanks 34, 34 ′ communicating with the flow path portions 35, 35 ′. Each of the liquid jet heads 1, 1 ′ uses any of the first to sixth embodiments already described.

  The liquid ejecting apparatus 30 includes a pair of conveying units 41 and 42 that convey a recording medium 44 such as paper in the main scanning direction, liquid ejecting heads 1 and 1 ′ that eject liquid onto the recording medium 44, and a liquid ejecting head. 1, 1 ′ carriage unit 43, liquid tanks 34, 34 ′ and liquid pumps 33, 33 ′ that supply the liquid stored in the liquid tanks 34, 34 ′ to the flow path portions 35, 35 ′, the liquid jet head 1, And a moving mechanism 40 that scans 1 ′ in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. A control unit (not shown) controls and drives the liquid ejecting heads 1, 1 ′, the moving mechanism 40, and the conveying units 41 and 42.

  The pair of conveying means 41 and 42 includes a grid roller and a pinch roller that extend in the sub-scanning direction and rotate while contacting the roller surface. The recording medium 44 sandwiched between the rollers is rotated in the main scanning direction by rotating the grid roller and the pinch roller around the axis by a motor (not shown). The moving mechanism 40 couples a pair of guide rails 36 and 37 extending in the sub-scanning direction, a carriage unit 43 slidable along the pair of guide rails 36 and 37, and the carriage unit 43 to move in the sub-scanning direction. An endless belt 38 is provided, and a motor 39 that rotates the endless belt 38 via a pulley (not shown) is provided.

  The carriage unit 43 mounts a plurality of liquid jet heads 1, 1 ′, and ejects, for example, four types of liquid droplets of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The liquid tanks 34 and 34 'store liquids of corresponding colors and supply them to the liquid jet heads 1 and 1' via the liquid pumps 33 and 33 'and the flow path portions 35 and 35'. Each liquid ejecting head 1, 1 ′ ejects droplets of each color according to the drive signal. An arbitrary pattern is recorded on the recording medium 44 by controlling the timing at which liquid is ejected from the liquid ejecting heads 1, 1 ′, the rotation of the motor 39 that drives the carriage unit 43, and the conveyance speed of the recording medium 44. I can.

  In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 40 moves the carriage unit 43 and the recording medium 44 to perform recording, but instead, the carriage unit is fixed and the moving mechanism is the recording medium. May be a liquid ejecting apparatus that moves and records two-dimensionally. That is, the moving mechanism may be any mechanism that relatively moves the liquid ejecting head and the recording medium.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid ejecting head 2, 2a, 2b Head part 3 1st flexible substrate 4 2nd flexible substrate 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d Driver IC
6 terminal row, 6a first terminal row, 6b, 6b1, 6b2 second terminal row, 6c third terminal row, 6d fourth terminal row 7 7a, 7b extending portion 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8e1, 8e2 Wiring 9, 9a, 9b Connector portion 10a First actuator substrate, 10b Second actuator substrate 11a First cover plate, 11b Second cover plate 12 Nozzle plate 13a First substrate terminal Row, 13b Second board terminal row 15, 15a, 15b Connector Ch1 First channel row, Ch2 Second channel row K Reference direction, S signal terminal, G common terminal, B fold line

Claims (13)

A head portion having first and second channel rows;
A driver IC for generating a drive signal; a first terminal row electrically connected to the driver IC; and a second terminal row electrically connected to the driver IC, wherein the first terminal row Is a first flexible substrate that is electrically connected to the head portion and supplies a driving signal for driving the first channel row to the head portion;
A third terminal row and a fourth terminal row electrically connected to the third terminal row, wherein the third terminal row is the second terminal row of the first flexible substrate; A second flexible substrate that is electrically connected and the fourth terminal row is electrically connected to the head portion and supplies a drive signal for driving the second channel row to the head portion. Liquid jet head. A plurality of channels are arranged in the reference direction in the first and second channel rows,
2. The liquid jet head according to claim 1, wherein a length of the first and fourth terminal rows in the reference direction is longer than a length of the second and third terminal rows in the reference direction. Three or more driver ICs are arranged in a row in the reference direction,
The driver ICs located on both ends in the reference direction are electrically connected to the first terminal row, and the driver ICs located on the center side in the reference direction are electrically connected to the second terminal row. The liquid ejecting head according to claim 2. A plurality of the driver ICs arranged in a line in the reference direction;
The driver IC located on one side of the reference direction is electrically connected to the second terminal row, and the driver IC located on the other side of the reference direction is electrically connected to the first terminal row. The liquid ejecting head according to claim 2. Three or more driver ICs are arranged in a row in the reference direction,
The driver ICs located on both ends in the reference direction are electrically connected to the second terminal row, and the driver ICs located on the center side in the reference direction are electrically connected to the first terminal row. The liquid ejecting head according to claim 2. Three or more driver ICs are arranged in a row in the reference direction,
The liquid ejecting head according to claim 2, wherein the driver IC located on the center side in the reference direction is electrically connected to each of the first terminal row and the second terminal row.   The liquid ejection according to claim 1, wherein the first flexible board includes an extension part extending from the first flexible board and a connector part located in the extension part. head.   The liquid ejecting head according to claim 7, comprising a plurality of the extending portions, wherein the plurality of connector portions are respectively positioned in the plurality of extending portions. A plurality of channels are arranged in the reference direction in the first and second channel rows,
The liquid ejecting head according to claim 7, wherein the extending portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction and bends in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction.   In the first and fourth terminal rows, signal terminals that are electrically separated from each other and common terminals that are electrically connected to each other are alternately arranged, and the second and third terminal rows are the number of the common terminals. The liquid ejecting head according to claim 1, wherein the number of the signal terminals is larger than that of the liquid ejecting head.   The third terminal row and the fourth terminal row include a signal terminal electrically separated from each other and a common terminal electrically connected to each other, and the signal terminal of the third terminal row is the fourth terminal. The signal terminal of a row | line | column is electrically connected, The common terminal of a said 3rd terminal row | line | column is electrically connected with the some common terminal of a said 4th terminal row | line | column. Liquid jet head. A plurality of channels are arranged in the reference direction in the first and second channel rows,
The liquid ejecting head according to claim 1, wherein the second flexible substrate is bent in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction. A liquid ejecting head according to claim 1;
A moving mechanism for relatively moving the liquid ejecting head and the recording medium;
A liquid supply pipe for supplying a liquid to the liquid ejecting head;
And a liquid tank that supplies the liquid to the liquid supply pipe.

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