JP2016134453A - Flexible wiring member, liquid discharge head, liquid discharge unit, device for discharging liquid, and production method of liquid discharge head - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem that a connection site is peeled by twisting of a flexible wiring member.SOLUTION: A flexible wiring member 100 joins and connects a first wiring member 101 and a second wiring member 102. The second wiring member 102 is formed so that a width W2 in the transverse direction, at a connection part 103 with the first wiring member 101, is wider than a width W1 in the transverse direction of the first wiring member 101, wide parts 125 for disposing a cover film 123 are provided on the opposite sides of the first wiring member 101 in the connected state, and a thickness t1 of the cover film 123 in the wide parts 125 is thicker than a thickness t2 of an electrode pattern 122.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a flexible wiring member, a liquid discharge head, a liquid discharge unit, an apparatus for discharging liquid, and a method for producing a liquid discharge head.

  As a flexible wiring member, one in which electrode patterns of two wiring members are joined and connected is known.

  For example, a wide FFC (flexible flat cable) and an FPC (flexible printed circuit board) are connected by soldering, and an insulating film is pasted across an FFC base film and an FPC cover film ( Patent Document 1).

  In addition, the width of one connection portion of the flexible wiring board having the same width is made narrower than the width of the other connection portion, and a reinforcing film is pasted so as to cover the three sides of the flexible wiring board having a narrow width. Yes (Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 5196303 JP 2004-266238 A

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the insulating film is applied across the base member of the wide wiring member and the cover member of the narrow wiring member, the wiring member is twisted. Therefore, there is a problem that the electrode joint portion is easily peeled off.

  Further, even in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2, simply bonding a reinforcing film so as to cover the three sides of the flexible wiring board having a narrow width causes the electrode joint portion to peel off due to twisting of the flexible wiring board. There is a problem that it is easy.

  This invention is made | formed in view of said subject, and it aims at reducing peeling of the connection site | part by the twist of a wiring member.

In order to solve the above problems, a flexible wiring member according to claim 1 of the present invention is
A flexible wiring member obtained by joining and connecting electrode patterns of two wiring members,
The wiring member has a base member, a plurality of electrode patterns arranged on the base member, and a cover member that covers the electrode pattern,
Either one of the wiring members has a width in the electrode pattern arrangement direction wider than that of the other wiring member in the electrode pattern arrangement direction at least in the connection portion connected to the other wiring member, and the other wiring member is connected to the other wiring member. A wide portion where the cover member is disposed on both sides of the wiring member;
The thickness of the cover member at least in the wide portion is configured to be thicker than the thickness of the electrode pattern.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the separation of the connection site due to the twisting of the wiring member.

It is sectional explanatory drawing of the longitudinal direction (direction which follows an electrode pattern) of the flexible wiring member which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional explanatory drawing of the short direction (direction along the arrangement direction of an electrode pattern) of a flexible wiring member similarly. It is a perspective explanatory view similarly. It is a perspective explanatory view of the state before joining two wiring members similarly. It is a section explanatory view of a state before joining two wiring members similarly. It is sectional explanatory drawing of the longitudinal direction of the flexible wiring member with which it uses for description of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional explanatory drawing of the short direction of a flexible wiring member similarly. It is a perspective explanatory view of the state before joining two wiring members similarly. It is a section explanatory view of a state before joining two wiring members similarly. It is a section explanatory view of the longitudinal direction of the flexible wiring member of a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional explanatory drawing of the short direction of a flexible wiring member similarly. It is a perspective explanatory view similarly. It is an isometric view explanatory drawing of the flexible wiring member of a comparative example. It is a cross-sectional explanatory drawing of the short direction of a flexible wiring member similarly. It is a perspective explanatory view of the flexible wiring member of a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view of the flexible wiring member of a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view of the flexible wiring member of a 6th embodiment of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional explanatory drawing of the short direction of a flexible wiring member similarly. It is sectional explanatory drawing of the transversal direction of the flexible wiring member of 7th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a liquid discharge head according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along a direction (liquid chamber longitudinal direction) that is also orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. It is principal part expanded sectional explanatory drawing of FIG. It is a principal part sectional view similarly along a nozzle arrangement direction (liquid chamber short direction). It is principal part cross-sectional explanatory drawing of the other example of the liquid discharge head concerning this invention. It is side explanatory drawing of the mechanism part of an example of the apparatus which discharges the liquid which concerns on this invention provided with the liquid discharge unit which concerns on this invention. It is principal part plane explanatory drawing of the mechanism part.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A flexible wiring member according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view in the longitudinal direction (direction along the electrode pattern) of the flexible wiring member corresponding to the line BB in FIG. 2 for explaining the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is also taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram of the flexible wiring member corresponding to the cross section along the line and including the S1-S1 line in FIG. 3 in the short direction (direction along the arrangement direction of the electrode patterns). FIG. 3 is also a perspective explanatory view. 4 is a perspective explanatory view of a state before joining two wiring members, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional explanatory view similar to FIG. 2 of the state before joining two wiring members.

  The flexible wiring member 100 joins the electrode pattern 112 of the first wiring member 101 and the electrode pattern 122 of the second wiring member 102 at the connection portion 103 to connect the two first wiring members 101 and the second wiring member 102. It is a thing.

  In the first wiring member 101, a plurality of electrode patterns (wiring patterns) 112 are arranged on a base film 111 that is a base member, and a cover film 113 that is a cover member that covers each electrode pattern 112 is provided.

  Hereinafter, the arrangement direction of the plurality of electrode patterns 112 is referred to as a short direction, and the direction along the electrode patterns 112 is referred to as a long direction.

  The base film 111 is a flexible electrically insulating film, and is formed of, for example, PET, more preferably polyimide.

  In the electrode pattern 112, the conductor is exposed in the region of the connection portion 103 joined and connected to the electrode pattern 122 of the second wiring member 102 (this is referred to as an “exposed portion”). Ni / Au plating or the like is applied to the surface of the exposed portion of the electrode pattern 112.

  The cover film 113 is an insulating film member, and the electrode pattern 112 is exposed at the connection portion 103 by covering the electrode pattern 112 in a region excluding the connection portion 103.

  In the second wiring member 102, a plurality of electrode patterns (wiring patterns) 122 are arranged on a base film 121 that is a base member, and a cover film 123 that is a cover member that covers the electrode pattern 122 is provided.

  The base film 121 is a flexible electrically insulating film, and is formed of, for example, PET, more preferably polyimide.

  The electrode pattern 122 has a conductor exposed at the connection portion 103 connected to the electrode pattern 112 of the first wiring member 101 (this portion is referred to as an “exposed portion”). Ni / Au plating or the like is applied to the surface of the exposed portion of the electrode pattern 122.

  The cover film 123 is an insulating film member, and is not provided on the electrode pattern 122 at the connection portion 103, and the electrode pattern 122 is exposed at the connection portion 103.

  In the present embodiment, the second wiring member 102 is one wiring member, and the first wiring member 101 is the other wiring member.

  The base member 121 of the second wiring member 102 is formed such that the width W2 in the short direction is wider than the width W1 in the short direction of the first wiring member 101 in the connection portion 103 connected to the first wiring member 101. The wide portions 125 located on both sides of the first wiring member 101 in the connected state are formed.

  The cover film 123 is also formed on the wide portion 125, and a part 123 a of the cover film 123 is provided as a member having a thickness t 1 that is thicker than the thickness t 2 of the electrode pattern 122. Note that a member having a thickness t1 larger than the thickness t2 of the electrode pattern 122 may be provided in the wide portion 125 separately from the cover film 123.

  Since the cover film 123 is provided up to the wide portion 125, the cover film 123 is provided with a notch 124 for forming an exposed portion for joining the electrode pattern 122 and the electrode pattern 112 of the first wiring member 101. .

  In addition, although the thickness t1 of the cover film 123 which is a cover member is formed thicker than the thickness t2 of the electrode pattern 122, the thickness of the cover film 123 is a structure in which the thickness is partially increased in the region portion of the wide portion 125. It can also be.

  Since it comprised in this way, the thick wide part 125 of the thickness of the 2nd wiring member 102 raises the intensity | strength of the flexible wiring member 100, the tolerance with respect to the twist of the flexible wiring member 100 improves, and peeling of the connection site | part by a twist is reduced. it can.

  Moreover, as will be described later, a step difference when a reinforcing film as a reinforcing member is attached between the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102 can be reduced, and the reinforcing film is hardly peeled off. At this time, since the workability of attaching the reinforcing film is good and the attaching area is increased, the joint portion is hardly peeled even against a strong force in the peeling direction.

  Here, an example of a method of joining the first wiring member and the second wiring member in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  Solder 200 is provided in advance on the exposed portion of the electrode pattern 122 of the second wiring member 102. Then, in the state where the second wiring member 102 is reversed in the direction of arrow C from the state shown in FIG. 4, the exposed portion of the electrode pattern 122 of the second wiring member 102 is placed on the stage 202 as shown in FIG. .

  Thereafter, the exposed portion of the electrode pattern 112 of the first wiring member 101 is overlaid on the exposed portion of the electrode pattern 122 of the second wiring member 102.

  In this state, the heat chip 201 of the welder is pressed against the first wiring member 101 to heat the overlapped portion, and the solder 200 is melted and soldered.

  Soldering is preferably performed by heating the mating conductor because the mating conductor where the melted solder wets and spreads can be satisfactorily bonded. Therefore, the solder 200 is applied to the surface of the exposed portion of the electrode pattern 122 on the second wiring member 102 side by solder plating, paste solder printing, reflow, or the like. However, solder can also be applied to the surface of the electrode pattern 112 of the first wiring member 101.

  Note that the electrode pattern 112 and the electrode pattern 122 may be joined by metal diffusion bonding, bonding with an anisotropic conductive material, or bonding with a conductive paste instead of solder bonding. Thereby, the curvature in the junction part of an electrode pattern can be reduced, and the twist of the wiring member in a connection part can be reduced.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view in the longitudinal direction of the flexible wiring member for explaining the embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional explanatory view in the short direction of the flexible wiring member. FIG. 8 is a perspective explanatory view of the state before joining the two wiring members, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the state before joining the two wiring members.

  In the present embodiment, the reinforcing member 105 is provided on the back surface (the surface opposite to the electrode pattern 112) of the base film 111 of the first wiring member 101 in the first embodiment. The material of the reinforcing member 105 is, for example, PET, preferably polyimide. Further, the reinforcing member 105 may be provided in the region of the connection portion 103.

  Thereby, the curvature and bending of the 1st wiring member 101 become difficult, and peeling by twist can be reduced more.

  In the present embodiment, the electrode pattern 122 of the second wiring member 102 on the side where the reinforcing member 105 is not provided is wider than the width w11 of the electrode pattern 112 of the first wiring member 101 on the side where the reinforcing member 105 is provided. The width w22 is wide.

  Thereby, a good fillet can be formed and good soldering joining can be performed.

  Here, an example of a method of joining the first wiring member and the second wiring member in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Solder 200 is provided in advance on the exposed portion of the electrode pattern 112 of the first wiring member 101. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the first wiring member 101 places the exposed portion of the electrode pattern 112 of the first wiring member 101 on the stage 202.

  Then, the second wiring member 102 is reversed from the state shown in FIG. 8 in the direction of arrow C, and is overlapped with the exposed portion of the electrode pattern 112 of the first wiring member 101 as shown in FIG.

  In this state, a heat chip 201 of a welder is pressed against the second wiring member 102 to heat the overlapped portion, and the solder 200 is melted to perform soldering.

  Thus, since it heats from the 2nd wiring member 102 side and does not heat through the reinforcement member 105, efficient heating can be performed.

  Instead of the first wiring member 101 or together with the first wiring member 101, the second wiring member 102 may be provided with a reinforcing member 105.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 is a cross-sectional explanatory view in the longitudinal direction of the flexible wiring member of the embodiment, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional explanatory view in the short direction of the flexible wiring member, and FIG. 12 is a perspective explanatory view. 10 is a cross section corresponding to the EE line in FIG. 11, and FIG. 11 is a cross section corresponding to the plane including the DD line in FIG. 10 and the S2-S2 line in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, a reinforcing film 106 as a reinforcing member is attached to the joint portion 103 between the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102.

  The reinforcing film 106 is pasted across the cover film 123 including the base film 111 of the first wiring member 101 and the wide portion 125 of the second wiring member 102. The reinforcing film 106 has a convex shape in plan view.

  The joint 103 between the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102 is sandwiched between the reinforcing film and the second wiring member 102, and the reinforcing film covers the second wiring member 102 around the joint 103. Affixed to the film 123.

  With this configuration, even when a twisting force is applied to the first wiring member 101, it is possible to reduce peeling of the first wiring member 101 from the second wiring member 102 at the joint portion 103.

  Thereby, peeling of the connection site | part by the twist of a flexible wiring member can be reduced more reliably.

  Further, since the reinforcing film 106 has a convex shape in plan view, the first wiring member and the second wiring member are fitted and reinforced not only in the lateral direction but also in the longitudinal direction.

  As a result, a bonding structure in which the reinforcing film 106 is attached to a large area and the bonding portion does not peel off even with a strong force in the peeling direction can be obtained. Furthermore, since the end portion of the electrode pattern is covered with the reinforcing film 106, a bonding structure with high bonding reliability can be obtained.

  Further, since the cover film 123 of the second wiring member 102 is thicker than the electrode pattern 122, there is a step formed on the attachment surface (the cover film 123 and the base film 111 of the first wiring member 101) of the reinforcing film 106. Get smaller. Thereby, since the stress which arises in the reinforcement film 106 by sticking across a level | step difference becomes small, the reinforcement film 106 becomes difficult to peel from a sticking surface.

  In the present embodiment, the height position of the cover film 123 is the connection state between the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102, and the electrode pattern 112 of the base film 111 of the first wiring member 101 is formed. Although it is substantially the same height as the surface, it is not limited to this.

  For example, in order to make the level difference formed on the attachment surface of the reinforcing film 106 smaller, the thickness of the cover film 123 is set so that the height position is the attachment surface (electrode) of the reinforcement film in the base film 111 of the first wiring member. The surface may be the same height as the surface on which the pattern 112 is formed.

  The region reinforced by the reinforcing film 106 includes the exposed portions of the electrode patterns 112 and 122 exposed from one end in the longitudinal direction of the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102, and the electrode patterns 112 and 122. The surface including the exposed end surface of the solder joint adjacent to the exposed portion and the surface opposite to the other end of the connecting portion between the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102, the other end It is preferable to cover the region facing the part.

  By setting it as such an area | region, since the location where the stress of a junction part applies can be reinforced, it will become difficult to produce peeling and a disconnection in the junction part of an electrode pattern.

  Here, a comparative example will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a perspective explanatory view of the flexible wiring member of the comparative example, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the flexible wiring member in the short direction.

  In this comparative example, it is affixed between the cover film 113 of the first wiring member 101 and the base film 121 of the second wiring member 102.

  In the configuration of this comparative example, the joint portion of the first wiring member 101 with the second wiring member 102 is not sandwiched between the reinforcing film 106 and the second wiring member 102, so the first wiring member Even if a twisting force is applied to 101, the reinforcing film 106 cannot prevent peeling due to twisting.

  As described above, in the comparative example, since the reinforcing film 106 does not have a suppressing action against the twisting of the first wiring member 101, the peeling at the joint portion with the second wiring member 102 when the first wiring member 101 is twisted. Is likely to occur.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory perspective view of the flexible wiring member of the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, an alignment hole 107 including a through hole is formed in the reinforcing film 106, and an alignment hole 108 including a through hole is formed in the cover film 123 of the second wiring member 102.

  Thereby, the reinforcement film 106 can be correctly affixed on a predetermined position.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective explanatory view of the flexible wiring member of the embodiment.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, it is difficult to form a shape that completely covers the entire terminals of the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102 in consideration of component tolerances and pasting accuracy of the reinforcing film 106. Thus, some of the electrode patterns 112 and 122 may be exposed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the outermost layer of the reinforcing film 106, that is, the charging layer 106a for adsorbing the liquid mist is coated on the side of the reinforcing film 106 opposite to the wiring members 101 and 102 side.

  Thereby, the mist which flies in the vicinity is compulsorily absorbed, and mist adhesion to the electrode pattern which has been exposed can be reduced.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is a perspective explanatory view of the flexible wiring member of the embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the flexible wiring member in the short direction.

  In the present embodiment, the third embodiment is applied to the second embodiment. The fourth and fifth embodiments can also be applied together.

  That is, the reinforcing member 105 is provided on the base film 111 side of the first wiring member 101, and the reinforcing film 106 is straddled across the cover film 123 including the reinforcing member 105 of the first wiring member 101 and the wide portion 125 of the second wiring member 102. Is pasted.

  Thereby, peeling by twisting can be prevented more reliably.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional explanatory view in the short direction of the flexible wiring member of the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, in the third embodiment, the spacer member 116 is interposed between the portion 123 a of the wide portion 125 of the cover film 123 and the reinforcing film 106.

  Thereby, the reinforcement film 106 can be stuck on a plane.

  Next, an example of the liquid discharge head according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid discharge head, FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view along the direction (liquid chamber longitudinal direction) orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction, and FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part along the nozzle arrangement direction (liquid chamber short direction).

  The liquid discharge head includes a nozzle plate 1, a flow path plate 2, a vibration plate 3, a piezoelectric element 11 that is a pressure generating unit, a holding substrate 50, and a frame member 70 that also serves as a common liquid chamber member. Yes.

  Here, a portion constituted by the flow path plate 2, the vibration plate 3, and the piezoelectric element 11 is referred to as an “actuator substrate 20” as an actuator member. However, this does not mean that an independent member is formed as the actuator substrate 20 and is joined to the nozzle plate 1, the holding substrate 50, and the frame member 70.

  A plurality of nozzles 4 for discharging droplets are formed on the nozzle plate 1. Here, it is set as the structure which has arrange | positioned two nozzle rows which arranged the nozzle 4. FIG.

  The flow path plate 2, together with the nozzle plate 1 and the vibration plate 3, form an individual liquid chamber 6 that communicates with the nozzle 4, a fluid resistance portion 7 that communicates with the individual liquid chamber 6, and a liquid introduction portion (passage) 8 that communicates with the fluid resistance portion 7. doing.

  The liquid introduction portion 8 communicates with the common liquid chamber 10 formed by the frame member 70 through a passage (supply port) 9 of the diaphragm 3 and a flow path 10A that is a part of the common liquid chamber of the holding substrate 50. . The liquid is supplied to the common liquid chamber 10 of the frame member 70 from the outside through the supply port portion 72.

  The vibration plate 3 forms a deformable vibration region 30 that forms a part of the wall surface of the individual liquid chamber 6. A piezoelectric element 11 is provided integrally with the vibration region 30 on the surface of the vibration plate 3 opposite to the individual liquid chamber 6 in the vibration region 30, and a piezoelectric actuator is configured by the vibration region 30 and the piezoelectric element 11. Yes.

  The piezoelectric element 11 is configured by sequentially laminating a lower electrode 13, a piezoelectric layer (piezoelectric body) 12, and an upper electrode 14 from the vibration region 30 side. An insulating film 21 is formed on the piezoelectric element 11.

  The lower electrode 13 serving as a common electrode of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 11 is connected to the common electrode power supply wiring pattern 42 via the common electrode wiring 15.

  Further, the upper electrode 14 serving as an individual electrode of the piezoelectric element 11 is connected to a drive IC (driver IC) 500 via an individual electrode wiring 16.

  The driver IC 500 is mounted on the actuator substrate 20 by flip chip bonding so as to cover a region between the rows of piezoelectric element rows.

  As shown in FIG. 1, wiring is drawn out from the I / O (input / output terminal), power supply terminal, and drive waveform (drive signal) input terminal of the driver IC 500 mounted on the actuator substrate 20 to the connection terminal row 18. It is.

  Then, wiring electrodes (electrode patterns) provided on the flexible wiring member 100 according to the present invention are electrically connected to the connection terminals of the connection terminal array 18 by ACF connection, solder connection, wire bonding, or the like. The other end side of the flexible wiring member 100 is connected to a relay substrate provided on a carriage on which the liquid discharge head is mounted, or connected to a control unit arranged on the apparatus main body side. The relay board is connected to a control unit arranged on the apparatus main body side.

  Here, the flexible wiring member 100 is a member in which the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102 described above are connected and a reinforcing film 106 is attached to the connection portion 103.

  Note that the first wiring member 101 of the flexible wiring member 100 is included in the frame member 70 and is drawn out of the head from the lead-out port 71. And the 2nd wiring member 102 is connected to the 1st wiring member 101 pulled out from the drawer opening 71, and the flexible wiring member 100 is comprised.

  That is, when producing a liquid ejection head in which the flexible wiring member 100 in which the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102 are connected is produced, a step of connecting the first wiring member 101 to a constituent member of the liquid ejection head; A step of connecting the second wiring member 102 longer than the first wiring member 101 to the one wiring member 101 to obtain the flexible wiring member 100 is performed.

  A connection portion between the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102 of the flexible wiring member 100 is disposed inside the carriage when the liquid discharge head is mounted on the carriage.

  Each connection terminal of the connection terminal row 18 is arranged in a planar manner at the end of the actuator substrate 20.

  A holding substrate 50 is provided on the actuator substrate 20 to form a recess 51 that accommodates the piezoelectric element 11.

  The holding substrate 50 also forms a flow path 10 </ b> A that is a part of the common liquid chamber 10. The holding substrate 50 is bonded to the diaphragm 3 side of the actuator substrate 20 with an adhesive.

  In the liquid discharge head configured as described above, by applying a voltage between the upper electrode 14 and the lower electrode 13 of the piezoelectric element 11 from the driver IC 500, the piezoelectric layer 12 expands in the electrode stacking direction, that is, the electric field direction, Shrink in a direction parallel to the vibration region 30.

  At this time, since the lower electrode 13 side is constrained by the vibration region 30, a tensile stress is generated on the lower electrode 13 side of the vibration region 30, and the vibration region 30 bends toward the individual liquid chamber 6 side and applies the internal liquid. By pressurizing, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 4.

  Next, another example of the liquid discharge head according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part along a direction (liquid chamber longitudinal direction) orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head.

  Here, the first wiring member 101 of the flexible wiring member 100 and the wiring pattern 502 connected to the driver IC 500 formed on the actuator substrate 20 are connected by the bonding wire 502 and sealed with the sealant 80.

  Next, an example of an apparatus for ejecting a liquid according to the present invention that includes the liquid ejection unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 25 is an explanatory side view of the mechanism portion of the apparatus, and FIG. 26 is an explanatory plan view of an essential part of the mechanism portion.

  The apparatus for discharging the liquid is a serial type image forming apparatus. A carriage 433 is held so as to be reciprocally movable in the main scanning direction (arrow direction) by main and sub guide rods 431 and 432 which are guide members horizontally mounted on the left and right side plates 421A and 421B.

  In the carriage 433, two liquid discharge units 430 (430A, 430A, 430A, 430A, 430A) according to the present invention are integrated with a liquid discharge head 434 according to the present invention and a head tank (also referred to as a sub tank) 435 that supplies liquid to the liquid discharge head 434. 430B). The liquid discharge head 434 is mounted with a nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction and the liquid discharging direction facing downward.

  Here, the liquid discharge head 434 has two nozzle rows. Then, one nozzle row of the liquid discharge head 434 of one liquid discharge unit 430A discharges black (K) liquid, and the other nozzle row discharges cyan (C) liquid.

  In addition, one nozzle row of the liquid discharge head 434 of the other liquid discharge unit 430B discharges magenta (M) liquid, and the other nozzle row discharges yellow (Y) liquid.

  Note that, here, two liquid discharge heads are used to discharge four colors of liquid, but four nozzle rows are arranged in one liquid discharge head, and four liquids are discharged from one liquid discharge head. Each color can also be ejected.

  In addition, “integration” in the liquid discharge units 430A and 430B means that the liquid discharge head 434 and the head tank 435 are fixed directly or via a filter member or the like by a fastening member or an adhesive, or It means that they are connected to each other by tubes.

  A main tank 410 (410k, 410c, 401m, 410y), which is a liquid cartridge of each color, is detachably attached to the cartridge holder 404 on the apparatus main body side. Then, the liquids of the respective colors are fed from the main tanks 410 of the respective colors to the head tanks 435 of the respective liquid discharge units 430A and 430B through the supply tubes 436 of the respective colors by the liquid feeding unit 424 including a liquid feeding pump.

  Further, the flexible wiring member 100 connected to the liquid ejection head 434 is drawn out from the back side of the carriage 433 and is wound around. At this time, the connection portion 103 between the first wiring member 101 and the second wiring member 102 of the flexible wiring member 100 is disposed in the carriage 433.

  On the other hand, as a paper feeding unit for feeding the paper 442 stacked on the paper stacking unit (pressure plate) 441 of the paper feed tray 402, a half-moon roller (feeding) that separates and feeds the paper 442 from the paper stacking unit 441 one by one. Paper separation roller 443 and a separation pad 444 facing the paper feeding roller 443.

  Further, a guide 445 for conveying and guiding the fed paper 442, a counter roller 446, a conveyance guide member 447, and a pressing member 448 having a tip pressure roller 449 are provided. Further, a transport belt 451 is provided as a transport unit that sucks the transported paper 442 and transports the transported paper 442 at a position facing the liquid discharge head 434 of the liquid discharge unit 430.

  Here, the conveyance belt 451 is an endless belt, and is configured to be wound around the conveyance roller 452 and the tension roller 453 so as to circulate in the belt conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction). Here, an electrostatic conveyance belt charged by a charging roller 456 that is a charging unit is used as the conveyance belt 451. However, the conveyance belt 451 may be a conveyance belt that is attracted by air suction. Moreover, as a conveyance means, you may convey by two rollers, without using a conveyance belt.

  A separation claw 461 for separating the paper 442 from the conveyance belt 451, a paper discharge roller 462, and a paper discharge roller 463 are provided on the downstream side of the tension roller 453 around which the conveyance belt 451 is wound. A paper discharge tray 403 is provided below.

  A double-sided unit 471 is detachably attached to the back surface of the apparatus main body. The duplex unit 471 takes in and reverses the sheet 442 returned by the reverse rotation of the transport belt 451 and feeds it again between the counter roller 446 and the transport belt 451. The upper surface of the duplex unit 471 is a manual feed tray 472.

  Further, a maintenance / recovery mechanism 481 for maintaining and recovering the state of the nozzles of the liquid discharge heads 434 of the liquid discharge units 430A and 430B is disposed in the non-print region on one side in the scanning direction of the carriage 433.

  The maintenance / recovery mechanism 481 includes caps 482a and 482b for capping the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head 434. The maintenance / recovery mechanism 481 includes a blade member 483 for wiping the nozzle surface. In addition, the maintenance / recovery mechanism 481 includes an empty discharge receptacle 484 for receiving a liquid when performing an empty discharge for discharging a liquid that does not contribute to image formation in order to discharge the thickened liquid.

  In the non-printing area on the other side in the scanning direction of the carriage 433, an empty discharge receiver 488 that receives liquid when empty discharge is performed during image formation or the like is disposed. The idle discharge receptacle 488 includes an opening 489 along the nozzle row direction of the liquid discharge head 434.

  In this image forming apparatus, the paper 442 is separated and fed one by one from the paper feed tray 402, and the paper 442 fed substantially vertically upward is guided by the guide 445, and between the transport belt 451 and the counter roller 446. It is sandwiched and conveyed. Further, the leading edge of the sheet 442 is guided by the conveying guide 437 and pressed against the conveying belt 451 by the leading end pressing roller 449, and the conveying direction is changed by approximately 90 °.

  When the paper 442 is fed onto the charged transport belt 451, the paper 442 is attracted to the transport belt 451, and the paper 442 is transported in the sub-scanning direction by the circular movement of the transport belt 451.

  Therefore, by driving the liquid discharge heads 434 of the liquid discharge units 430A and 430B according to the image signal while moving the carriage 433, liquid is discharged onto the stopped paper 442 to record an image for one line. . Then, after the sheet 442 is conveyed by a predetermined amount, image formation of the next row is performed. Upon receiving a recording end signal or a signal that the trailing edge of the paper 442 has reached the recording area, the recording operation is finished and the paper 442 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 403.

  As described above, since the image forming apparatus includes the liquid discharge head or the liquid discharge head unit according to the present invention, a high-quality image can be stably formed.

  In the present application, the “apparatus for ejecting liquid” is an apparatus capable of ejecting a liquid to an object to which the liquid can adhere.

  This “device for discharging liquid” is not only a portion for discharging liquid, but also means for feeding, transporting, and discharging a member to which the liquid adheres, and other pre-processing devices and post-processing devices. Devices and the like can be included.

  In addition, the “device for ejecting liquid” includes devices called conventional recording devices, printing devices, image forming devices, droplet ejecting devices, liquid ejecting devices, processing liquid coating devices, three-dimensional modeling devices themselves. It is.

  Further, the “apparatus for ejecting liquid” is not limited to the one in which a significant image such as a character or a figure is visualized by the ejected and adhered liquid. For example, what forms a pattern etc. which does not have a meaning in itself, and what forms a three-dimensional image are also included.

  In addition, the above-mentioned “thing to which the liquid adheres” means that the liquid can adhere even temporarily. In place of the term “member to which the liquid adheres”, when an alternative term such as paper, medium, recording medium, recording medium, recording paper, recording paper, powder layer (powder layer) is used, the alternative Unless otherwise specified, the term is intended to include a member to which all liquids adhere.

  Further, the material of the “member to which the liquid adheres” may be any material as long as the liquid such as paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics can be adhered even temporarily.

  In addition, “liquid” includes ink, processing liquid, DNA sample, resist, pattern material, binder, and the like.

  Further, the “device for ejecting liquid” includes both a serial type device that moves the liquid ejection head and a line type device that does not move the liquid ejection head, unless otherwise specified.

  In addition, the “liquid discharge unit” means a unit in which liquid discharge portions are integrated. For example, the “liquid discharge unit” includes a head tank, a carriage, a supply mechanism, a maintenance mechanism, and a main scanning movement mechanism arbitrarily combined with a liquid discharge head.

  For example, the “liquid discharge unit” includes the liquid discharge head and the head tank described in the above embodiment integrated, the liquid discharge head and the carriage integrated, and the liquid discharge head, the head tank, and the carriage integrated. Things are included.

  In addition, a liquid filter unit in which a filter unit (a filter member and a distribution channel described above are added) is added to these liquid discharge units.

  Also included are those in which the liquid ejection head and the maintenance mechanism are integrated, those in which the liquid ejection head, the maintenance mechanism, and the main scanning movement mechanism are integrated, and those in which the liquid ejection head, the main scanning movement mechanism, and the supply mechanism are integrated. It is.

  The main scanning movement mechanism is configured by combining a carriage, a guide member for guiding the carriage, or a driving source and a carriage movement mechanism. The supply mechanism includes a loading unit on which a main tank is mounted, a tube, a head tank, and the like. The maintenance mechanism is a combination of at least two of a cap, a wiper member, a suction means such as a suction pump leading to the cap, and an idle discharge receiver.

  Furthermore, the “liquid discharge unit” includes a unit constituted by a part excluding a mechanism for transporting a liquid adhering unit from the mechanism unit described in the embodiment.

  The “liquid discharge head” is not limited to the pressure generating means to be used. For example, in addition to the piezoelectric actuator as described in the above embodiment (a multilayer piezoelectric element may be used), a thermal actuator using an electrothermal conversion element such as a heating resistor, a diaphragm and a counter electrode are included. An electrostatic actuator or the like may be used.

  In addition, the terms “image formation”, “recording”, “printing”, “printing”, “printing”, “modeling” and the like in the terms of the present application are all synonymous.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Nozzle plate 2 Flow path plate 3 Vibration plate 4 Nozzle 6 Individual liquid chamber 10 Common liquid chamber 11 Piezoelectric element 50 Holding substrate 70 Frame member 100 Flexible wiring member 101 First wiring member 102 Second wiring member 103 Connection portion 105 Reinforcing member 106 Reinforcing film (reinforcing member)
111, 121 Base film 112, 122 Electrode pattern 113, 123 Cover film 116 Spacer member 123a Thicker member than electrode pattern thickness 125 Wide portion 430 Liquid ejection unit 434 Liquid ejection head

Claims (15)

A flexible wiring member obtained by joining and connecting electrode patterns of two wiring members,
The wiring member has a base member, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the base member,
The width of the electrode pattern arrangement direction is wider than the width of the other wiring member in the electrode pattern arrangement direction at least in the connection portion connected to the other wiring member. A wide portion located on both sides of the other wiring member in the
The flexible wiring member according to claim 1, wherein a member thicker than the electrode pattern is provided in the wide portion. The wiring member has a cover member that covers the plurality of electrode patterns,
The flexible wiring member according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is also formed in the wide portion, and the cover member of the wide portion constitutes a member thicker than the thickness of the electrode pattern. At least one of the two wiring members is provided with a reinforcing member on a surface of the connection portion opposite to the side on which the electrode pattern is disposed in the connection portion. Item 3. The flexible wiring member according to Item 1 or 2. The flexible wiring member according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcing member is provided on the other wiring member. The width of the electrode pattern of the wiring member on the side where the reinforcing member is not provided is wider than the width of the electrode pattern of the wiring member on the side where the reinforcing member is provided. Or the flexible wiring member of 4. The electrode pattern of the two wiring members is connected by at least one of solder bonding, metal diffusion bonding, anisotropic conductive material, and conductive paste. The flexible wiring member as described. A flexible wiring member obtained by joining and connecting electrode patterns of two wiring members,
The wiring member has a base member, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the base member,
Either one of the wiring members has a width in the electrode pattern arrangement direction wider than that of the other wiring member in the electrode pattern arrangement direction at least in the connection portion connected to the other wiring member, and the other wiring member is connected to the other wiring member. A wide portion where the cover member is disposed on both sides of the wiring member;
A flexible wiring member, wherein a reinforcing member is provided across at least the cover member of the wide portion of the one wiring member and the base member of the other wiring member. The flexible wiring member according to claim 7, wherein a spacer member is interposed between the cover member and the reinforcing member in the wide portion. The flexible wiring member according to claim 7, wherein the reinforcing member has a convex shape in a plan view. The flexible wiring member according to claim 7, wherein an alignment hole is provided in the wide portion of the one wiring member and the reinforcing member. The flexible wiring member according to claim 7, wherein a charging layer is provided on a side of the reinforcing member opposite to the wiring member side. A liquid discharge head comprising the flexible wiring member according to claim 1.   A liquid discharge unit comprising the flexible wiring member according to claim 1 or the liquid discharge head according to claim 12.   An apparatus for ejecting liquid, comprising the flexible wiring member according to claim 1, the liquid ejection head according to claim 12, or the liquid ejection unit according to claim 13. . A method for producing a liquid discharge head in which a flexible wiring member in which at least a first wiring member and a second wiring member are connected is connected,
Connecting the first wiring member to the liquid ejection head;
Connecting the second wiring member longer than the first wiring member to the first wiring member to form the flexible wiring member.

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