JP2016221979A - Liquid discharge device and device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent potting poured between a piezoelectric actuator and an FPC from braking into a joint part between the actuator and the FPC.SOLUTION: An FPC 23 has a plurality of lands 47 which correspond to a plurality of bumps 45 respectively of a piezoelectric actuator 22 and a plurality of pieces of signal wiring 48 connected to the plurality of lands 47 respectively. With the FPC 23 arranged corresponding to one surface of the piezoelectric actuator 22, the plurality of bumps 45 are electrically connected to the plurality of lands 47. Between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22, potting 54 is poured into at least part of a region surrounding positions where the plurality of bumps 45 and the plurality of lands 47 are arranged. In the FPC 23, dummy wiring 55 and 56 which are not electrically connected to the plurality of lands 47 are formed at an area other than an area where the plurality of lands 47 are arranged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a droplet discharge device and device for discharging droplets.

  The ink jet head (droplet discharge device) described in Patent Document 1 is used in an ink jet printer that records characters, images, and the like on recording paper. The inkjet head includes a flow path unit (flow path structure) in which an ink flow path (liquid flow path) including a plurality of nozzles is formed, and discharge energy for discharging liquid droplets from the plurality of nozzles. A piezoelectric actuator (energy applying device) for applying to the ink (liquid) in the inside and a wiring board connected to the piezoelectric actuator are provided. A piezoelectric actuator is bonded onto the flow path unit, and the wiring board is bonded to face the upper surface of the piezoelectric actuator, whereby the inkjet head is assembled. In such a so-called piezo-type inkjet head, ejection energy is imparted to the ink by deformation of the piezoelectric actuator.

JP 2011-121186 A

  By the way, in some cases, it is desirable to inject potting (sealing material) into the joint portion between the energy applying device and the wiring board in order to prevent ink from entering. However, in this case, if the injected potting enters the junction between the energy applying device and the wiring board, the operation of the energy applying device may be adversely affected. When the energy applying device is a piezoelectric actuator as described in Patent Document 1, for example, there is a possibility that the displacement of the electrode of the piezoelectric layer of the piezoelectric actuator is hindered and the ink ejection speed is reduced.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent a sealing material injected between an energy applying device and a wiring board from entering a joint portion between them.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a droplet discharge device including a channel structure in which a liquid channel including a plurality of nozzles is formed, and discharge energy for discharging droplets from the plurality of nozzles in the liquid channel. A liquid droplet ejection device comprising: an energy application device that applies to a liquid; and a wiring board that is connected to the energy application device, wherein the energy application device has a plurality of first contacts on one surface thereof, The wiring board includes a plurality of second contacts respectively corresponding to the plurality of first contacts of the energy applying device, and a plurality of signal wirings respectively connected to the plurality of second contacts. The plurality of first contacts and the plurality of second contacts are electrically connected in a state where the substrate is disposed to face the one surface of the energy applying device, and the wiring substrate and the energy applying device In between A sealing material is injected into a region surrounding the arrangement portions of the plurality of first contacts and the plurality of second contacts, and the wiring board has the plurality of second contacts in a portion excluding the arrangement portions of the plurality of second contacts. A dummy wiring that is not electrically connected to the two contacts is formed.

  In the present invention, dummy wirings that are not electrically connected to the plurality of second contacts are formed on the wiring board at portions other than the arrangement portions of the plurality of second contacts. Therefore, the gap between the wiring board and the energy applying device is reduced by the dummy wiring located on the side of the arrangement portion of the plurality of second contacts from the injected sealing material. It can prevent that the sealing material inject | poured in between enters into the junction part of both.

  A droplet discharge device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the droplet discharge device according to the first aspect, wherein the dummy wiring extends along an arrangement portion of the plurality of second contacts.

  In the present invention, the dummy wiring extends along the arrangement portion of the plurality of second contacts. Accordingly, the injected sealing material can be prevented from entering the plurality of first contacts and the plurality of second contacts by the dummy wiring extending along the arrangement portion of the plurality of second contacts.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, the plurality of second contacts constitutes a contact line arranged in a predetermined direction, and the dummy wiring is connected to the predetermined direction. A first dummy wiring extending along the intersecting direction and a second dummy wiring extending along the predetermined direction are included.

  In the present invention, the dummy wiring includes a first dummy wiring extending along a direction intersecting a predetermined direction in which a plurality of second contacts are arranged, and a second dummy wiring extending along the predetermined direction. Therefore, the injected first sealing material extends in a direction intersecting with a predetermined direction in which the plurality of second contacts are arranged, so that the injected sealing material more reliably enters the plurality of first contacts and the plurality of second contacts. Can be prevented. In addition, the second dummy wiring extending in a predetermined direction in which the plurality of second contacts are arranged can more reliably prevent the injected sealing material from entering the plurality of first contacts and the plurality of second contacts. it can.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the plurality of second contacts constitute a contact line arranged in a predetermined direction, and the dummy wiring is formed on the contact line. On either side of the predetermined direction, a first portion extending along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and a pair of second portions extending along the predetermined direction from the first portion with the contact line interposed therebetween It is characterized by having.

  In the present invention, the dummy wiring extends along a predetermined direction on either side of the contact row in the predetermined direction, extending along the direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and the first portion sandwiching the contact row. A pair of second portions. Accordingly, the first portion extending in the direction intersecting the predetermined direction in which the plurality of second contacts are arranged more reliably prevents the injected sealing material from entering the plurality of first contacts and the plurality of second contacts. can do. In addition, when the dummy wiring is divided, there is a possibility that the sealing material may enter from there, but since the first portion and the second portion are continuous, further preventing the sealing material from entering. Can do.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the liquid droplet ejection apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the dummy wiring includes a plurality of dummy wirings, and the dummy wirings between the plurality of first portions are formed in the plurality of dummy wirings. The width of the area where the dummy wiring is not formed is larger than the width of the area where the dummy wiring between the plurality of second portions is not formed.

  In the present invention, in the plurality of dummy wirings, the width of the region where the dummy wiring between the plurality of first portions is not formed is larger than the width of the region where the dummy wiring between the plurality of second portions is not formed. Accordingly, since a large recess is formed between the plurality of first portions, even when the sealing material exceeds a part of the dummy wiring, the sealing material is accommodated in the midway recess. For this reason, it can prevent more reliably that a sealing material enters into the junction part of a wiring board and an energy provision apparatus. In addition, the plurality of second portions where the width of the region where the dummy wiring is not formed is narrow serves as a resistance, and the injected sealing material is prevented from entering the joint portion between the wiring substrate and the energy applying device.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the plurality of signal lines extend along the predetermined direction, and the dummy lines between the plurality of second portions are formed. The width of the unfinished region is equal to the width of the region where the signal wiring is not formed between the plurality of signal wirings.

  In the present invention, the plurality of signal wires extend along a predetermined direction, and the width of the region where the dummy wires between the plurality of second portions are not formed is the region where the signal wires between the plurality of signal wires are not formed. Equal to the width of. Accordingly, since the signal wiring extending along the predetermined direction and the second portion have the same configuration, it is easy to form the second portion of the signal wiring and the dummy wiring when forming the wiring of the wiring board.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the droplet discharge apparatus of the fifth or sixth aspect, in the plurality of dummy wirings, the width of the first portion is larger than the width of the second portion. It is characterized by.

  In the present invention, in the plurality of dummy wirings, the width of the region where the dummy wiring between the plurality of first portions is not formed is larger than the width of the region where the dummy wiring between the plurality of second portions is not formed. Further, the width of the first portion is larger than the width of the second portion. Accordingly, the first portion having a large width can more reliably prevent the sealing material from entering the joint portion between the wiring board and the energy applying device. In addition, since the concave portion is formed between the first portions, even when the sealing material exceeds a part of the dummy wiring, the sealing material is accommodated in the middle concave portion. For this reason, it can prevent more reliably that a sealing material enters into the junction part of a wiring board and an energy provision apparatus.

  In the present invention, dummy wirings that are not electrically connected to the plurality of second contacts are formed on the wiring board at portions other than the arrangement portions of the plurality of second contacts. Accordingly, the gap between the wiring board and the energy application device is reduced by the dummy wiring positioned on the side where the plurality of second contacts are injected, so that the injection is performed between the wiring board and the energy application device. It is possible to prevent the encapsulating material from entering the joint portion between the two.

1 is a schematic plan view of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of an inkjet head. It is the A section enlarged view of FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. It is a schematic bottom view of FPC. It is the B section enlarged view of FIG. It is a schematic bottom view of FPC which concerns on a modification. It is the C section enlarged view of FIG. It is a schematic bottom view of FPC which concerns on another modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets provided in an inkjet printer that records characters, images, and the like.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the ink jet printer of the present embodiment. When the ink jet printer 1 is installed along the horizontal direction, the front side of the paper surface is upward and the back side of the paper surface is downward. Hereinafter, the ink jet printer 1 in a state of being installed along the horizontal direction will be described. The left-right direction and the front-rear direction are described as illustrated directions, and the left-right direction and the front-rear direction are parallel to the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet printer 1 includes a carriage 2 that can reciprocate in a predetermined scanning direction, here, a left and right direction, an ink jet head 3 (droplet discharge device) mounted on the carriage 2, and a recording paper P. A transport mechanism 4 that transports in the transport direction perpendicular to the predetermined scanning direction along the horizontal direction, that is, forward is provided.

  A platen 6 that supports the recording paper P is installed in the printer housing 5 along the horizontal direction. Two guide rails 7 and 8 extending in parallel with the scanning direction are provided above the platen 6. The carriage 4 is driven by a carriage drive motor (not shown) to move in the scanning direction along the two guide rails 7 and 8 in an area facing the recording paper P on the platen 6.

  The inkjet head 3 is attached to the lower part of the carriage 2 along the horizontal direction with a gap between the inkjet head 3 and the platen 6. The lower surface of the ink jet head 3 is a liquid droplet ejecting surface having a plurality of nozzles 31 shown in FIG. The ink jet head 3 mounted on the carriage 2 is connected to the ink cartridge holder 9 by a tube (not shown). Magenta, cyan, yellow, and black inks respectively stored in the four ink cartridges 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d mounted on the ink cartridge holder 9 are supplied to the inkjet head 3 through tubes. .

  The ink-jet head 3 is movable with the carriage 2 not only in a range facing the recording paper P conveyed on the platen 6 but also to a position deviating left and right outside this range. The position on the right side of the range facing the recording paper P is a standby position where the carriage 2 waits when the inkjet head 3 is not used. When the inkjet head 3 reaches the standby position, the inkjet head 3 faces a maintenance unit (not shown) disposed on the lower side, and maintenance of the inkjet head 3 is performed by the maintenance unit. Details of the inkjet head 3 will be described later.

  The transport mechanism 4 includes two transport rollers 11 and 12 that are disposed in the front-rear direction so as to sandwich the platen 6 and the carriage 2. These transport rollers 11 and 12 are respectively driven by a transport motor (not shown), and transport the recording paper P in the transport direction between the inkjet head 3 and the platen 6.

  The ink jet printer 1 described above discharges ink from the ink jet head 3 while moving the carriage 2 in the scanning direction on the recording paper P on the platen 6, while recording by the two transport rollers 11 and 12. By transporting the paper P in the transport direction, a desired image or character is recorded on the recording paper P.

Hereinafter, the inkjet head 3 will be described. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the inkjet head 3. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the inkjet head 3 includes a flow path unit 21 (flow path structure) in which an ink flow path (liquid flow path) including a plurality of nozzles 31 is formed, and a plurality of nozzles 31. A piezoelectric actuator 22 (energy applying device) that applies discharge energy for discharging droplets to ink (liquid) in the flow path unit 21; a flexible printed wiring board (wiring board) 23 connected to the piezoelectric actuator 22; It is equipped with. Hereinafter, the flexible printed circuit board is referred to as FPC. 2 and 3, the FPC 23 is indicated by a virtual line (dashed line).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the flow path unit 21 includes four plates, a cavity plate 24, a base plate 25, a manifold plate 26, and a nozzle plate 27, each having a hole that forms part of the ink flow path. Have a structure in which the upper and lower layers are stacked one above the other. These four plates 24-27 are joined together by an adhesive. The three plates 24 to 26 excluding the lowermost nozzle plate 27 are each formed of a metal material such as a stainless steel plate or a nickel alloy steel plate. The lowermost nozzle plate 27 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as polyimide.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the flow path unit 21, which is a laminate of four plates 24 to 27, includes an ink supply port 28 connected to the ink cartridges 10 a to 10 d by a tube, and an ink supply, respectively. Each has a manifold 29 that communicates with each of the ports 28 and extends in a predetermined transport direction, here in the front-rear direction, and a large number of individual ink flow paths 32 from the manifold 29 to the nozzles 31 through the pressure chambers 30. Magenta, cyan, yellow, and black inks are supplied to the manifold 29 from the left side via the ink supply port 28.

  In the lowermost nozzle plate 27 of the flow path unit 21, a plurality of nozzles 31 are formed at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction, and four nozzle rows are arranged side by side in the scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction. A plurality of pressure chambers 30 arranged at a predetermined pitch are formed in the cavity plate 24 located in the uppermost layer, and four pressure chamber rows are formed. As shown in FIG. 4, a communication channel 33 that connects the pressure chamber 30 and the nozzle 31 is formed in the two plates 25 and 26 between the cavity plate 24 and the nozzle plate 27. As shown in FIG. 2, an ink supply port 28 is formed at one end in the conveyance direction of the cavity plate 24, here the rear end, which is connected to each of the ink cartridges 10 a to 10 d via a tube. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the manifold plate 26 is formed with a long hole 34 that penetrates the manifold plate 26 in the thickness direction and extends in the transport direction. The long hole 34 is blocked by the upper base plate 25 and the lower nozzle plate 27 from the stacking direction of the plates 24 to 27, that is, the vertical direction, thereby forming the manifold 29.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the manifold 29 extends in the transport direction along the nozzle row, and communicates with the pressure chambers 30 belonging to one pressure chamber row. That is, the manifold 29 supplies ink to one pressure chamber row, that is, one nozzle row.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the base plate 25 positioned between the cavity plate 24 and the manifold plate 26 communicates with the manifold 29 and the pressure chambers 30 belonging to one corresponding pressure chamber row. A flow path 35 is formed.

  By joining the four plates 24 to 27 described above in a stacked state, as shown in FIG. 4, the communication channel 35, the pressure chamber 30, and the communication from the manifold 29 to the channel unit 21 are provided. A large number of individual ink flow paths 32 extending to the nozzles 31 via the flow paths 33 are formed.

  Next, the piezoelectric actuator 22 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the piezoelectric actuator 22 includes a vibration plate 41 bonded to the upper surface of the cavity plate 24 constituting the flow path unit 21, a piezoelectric layer 42 bonded to the upper surface of the vibration plate 41, A common electrode 43 disposed between the vibration plate 41 and the piezoelectric layer 42, a plurality of individual electrodes 44 disposed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric layer 42 so as to face the plurality of pressure chambers 30, and a plurality of individual electrodes 44 And a plurality of bumps 45 (first contact points) provided at one end of each.

  The diaphragm 41 is a substantially rectangular metal plate in plan view, and is made of, for example, an iron-based alloy such as stainless steel, a copper-based alloy, a nickel-based alloy, or a titanium-based alloy. The vibration plate 41 is joined to the upper surface of the flow path unit 21 so as to cover the plurality of pressure chambers 30.

  The upper surface of the vibration plate 41, that is, the surface opposite to the pressure chamber 30, is mainly composed of lead zirconate titanate (PZT), which is a solid solution and ferroelectric material of lead titanate and lead zirconate. A piezoelectric layer 42 made of a piezoelectric material is bonded with an adhesive. The piezoelectric layer 42 is planarly formed across the plurality of pressure chambers 30. The common electrode 43 is disposed between the diaphragm 41 and the piezoelectric layer 42 and is always kept at the ground potential.

  On the upper surface of the piezoelectric layer 42, a plurality of individual electrodes 44 having a substantially elliptical planar shape that is slightly smaller than the pressure chamber 30 are formed. The plurality of individual electrodes 44 are respectively disposed at positions facing the central portion of the corresponding pressure chamber 30. The individual electrode 44 is made of a conductive material such as gold, copper, silver, palladium, platinum, or titanium.

  One end of each of the plurality of individual electrodes 44 positioned on the upper surface of the piezoelectric layer 42, that is, the end opposite to the nozzle 31 in plan view, is led out to a region that does not face the pressure chamber 42. A plurality of bumps 45 are provided. Therefore, the piezoelectric actuator 22 has a plurality of bumps 45 on one surface, here, the upper surface. The bump 45 is made of a conductive adhesive and protrudes upward. The FPC 23 is connected to the plurality of bumps 45. Then, a driving voltage is applied from the driver IC 49 mounted on the FPC 23 to the plurality of individual electrodes 44 through the plurality of bumps 45.

  The operation of the piezoelectric actuator 22 when ejecting ink from the nozzles 31 will be described. When a driving voltage is applied from a driver IC 49 to a certain individual electrode 44, a potential difference is generated between the individual electrode 44 above the piezoelectric layer 42 and the common electrode 43 below the piezoelectric layer 42 held at the ground potential, An electric field in the thickness direction is generated in a portion sandwiched between the individual electrode 44 and the common electrode 43. When the polarization direction of the piezoelectric layer 42 is the same as the direction of the electric field, the piezoelectric layer 42 extends in the thickness direction, which is the polarization direction, and contracts in the plane direction. The portion of the plate 41 facing the pressure chamber 30 is bent so as to be convex toward the pressure chamber 30 side. This is a so-called unimorph deformation. At this time, since the volume of the pressure chamber 30 is reduced, pressure, that is, ejection energy is applied to the ink inside the pressure chamber 30, and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle 31 communicating with the pressure chamber 30.

  Next, the FPC 23 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of the FPC 23. That is, it is a schematic plan view of the FPC 23 viewed from the connection surface side with the piezoelectric actuator 22. 2 to 5, the FPC 23 includes a substrate body 46, a plurality of lands 47 (second contacts), a plurality of signal wirings 48, a driver IC 49, and the like.

  The substrate body 46 is made of a flexible material such as polyimide. The plurality of lands 47 are provided on the connection surface, that is, the lower surface of the substrate body 46 with the piezoelectric actuator 22. The plurality of lands 47 correspond to the plurality of bumps 45 of the piezoelectric actuator 22. The plurality of lands 47 constitute four land rows 53 (contact rows) arranged in a predetermined direction, here, in the transport direction. When the FPC 23 is disposed so as to face one surface of the piezoelectric actuator 22, that is, the upper surface, the plurality of bumps 45 and the plurality of lands 47 are electrically connected. The plurality of signal wirings 48 are provided on the connection surface of the substrate body 46 with the piezoelectric actuator 22, that is, the lower surface. The plurality of signal wires 48 extend along the transport direction (front-rear direction), and one ends thereof are connected to the plurality of lands 47, respectively. The other end of each of the signal wires 48 is connected to the driver IC 49. In FIG. 5, the signal wirings 48 are omitted in the middle between the plurality of lands 47 and the driver ICs 49.

  The driver IC 49 is connected to a plurality of signal wirings 48. The driver IC 49 is connected to the connection terminal 52 through a plurality of signal wirings 51. The connection terminal 52 is connected to a control board (not shown) for controlling the driver IC 49. The driver IC 49 applies a drive voltage to the individual electrode 44 via the signal wiring 48, the land 47, and the bump 45.

  The FPC 23 is provided with an insulating layer 50 (for example, a solder resist) that covers a plurality of signal wirings 48 excluding the plurality of lands 47 on the connection surface, that is, the lower surface of the substrate body 46. In the FPC 23, a plurality of bumps 45 and a plurality of lands 47 are electrically connected in a state where the FPC 23 is disposed to face one surface, that is, the upper surface of the piezoelectric actuator 22. Accordingly, the driver IC 49 and the individual electrode 44 are connected via the signal wiring 48, the land 47, and the bump 45. Further, the piezoelectric actuator 22 is provided with a reinforcing bump 70 indicated by a virtual line (broken line) in FIG. 5 at one end in the transport direction (front-rear direction) of the land row 53, that is, in the vicinity of the rear end. The reinforcing bump 70 is provided to prevent the FPC 23 from being peeled off from the piezoelectric actuator 22, and is not electrically connected to the land 47. In the state in which the inkjet head 3 is attached to the carriage 2, the FPC 23 is folded upward at one end (front) where the driver IC 49 is disposed toward the other end (rear).

  As described above, the piezoelectric actuator 22 is joined to the upper surface of the flow path unit 21. The FPC 23 is bonded to the upper surface of the piezoelectric actuator 22. Ink is ejected from the plurality of nozzles 31 of the flow path unit 21. In order to prevent ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles 31 from entering between the piezoelectric actuator 22 and the FPC 23, a potting 54 is injected into a joint portion between the piezoelectric actuator 22 and the FPC 23. Specifically, a potting 54 is injected along the edge of the piezoelectric actuator 22 between the connection surfaces of the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22. Here, the potting 54 is injected all around along the edge of the piezoelectric actuator 22, but flows inward and is located in a region surrounding the arrangement portions of the plurality of bumps 45 and the corresponding plurality of lands 47. In FIG. 5, the position of the potting 54 is indicated by an imaginary line (dashed line).

  A piezoelectric layer 42 and individual electrodes 44 constituting the piezoelectric actuator 22 are located at a joint portion between the piezoelectric actuator 22 and the FPC 23, that is, inside the potting 54. Therefore, when the potting 54 injected between the piezoelectric actuator 22 and the FPC 23 enters the joint portion between the piezoelectric actuator 22 and the FPC 23, for example, the displacement of the electrode of the piezoelectric layer 42 of the piezoelectric actuator 22 is inhibited, and the ink There is a possibility that the discharge speed is lowered. As described above, when the potting 54 injected between the piezoelectric actuator 22 and the FPC 23 enters the joint portion between the piezoelectric actuator 22 and the FPC 23, the operation of the piezoelectric actuator 22 may be adversely affected. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, dummy wirings 55 and 56 that are not electrically connected to the plurality of lands 47 are formed in the FPC 23 except for the arrangement portion of the plurality of lands 47. Accordingly, the gaps at the joint portion between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22 are reduced by the plurality of bumps 45 and the dummy wirings 55 and 56 located on the inner side of the plurality of bumps 45 than the injected potting 54 (FIG. 4). Reference), the injected potting 54 can be prevented from entering the joint portion between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22. As described above, the plurality of signal wirings 48 are respectively connected to the plurality of lands 47, but the dummy wirings 55 and 56 are dummy wirings that are not electrically connected to the plurality of lands 47. In addition, the arrangement portion of the plurality of lands 47 is a portion where the plurality of lands 47 are arranged, and the plurality of dummy wirings 55 and 56 are formed in a portion excluding the plurality of lands 47. The region where the potting 54 is located has a first region M1 along the scanning direction (left-right direction) intersecting the transport direction (front-rear direction) and a second region M2 along the transport direction (front-rear direction). The potting 54 in the first area M1 flows in the intersecting conveyance direction (front-rear direction) and is located in the illustrated area, and the potting 54 in the second area M2 flows in the intersecting scanning direction (left-right direction) and the illustrated area. Located in.

  A plurality (eight in this case) of dummy wirings 55 located around the land row 53 is on one side (here, the plurality of lands 47 arranged in a predetermined direction (transport direction) in the transport direction (front-rear direction). The first portion 55a extends along the scanning direction (left-right direction) intersecting the transport direction (front-rear direction) in the rear direction. Further, the dummy wiring 55 has a pair of second portions 55b extending from both ends of the first portion 55a along the transport direction (front-rear direction) with the land row 53 interposed therebetween. That is, the dummy wiring 55 has a substantially U-shaped portion. Therefore, the first portion 55a extending in the direction intersecting the conveyance direction (front-rear direction) in which the plurality of lands 47 are arranged prevents the injected potting 54 from entering the plurality of bumps 45 and the plurality of lands 47. Can do. Further, the injected potting 54 can be prevented from entering the plurality of bumps 45 and the plurality of lands 47 by the second portion 55 b extending in the transport direction (front-rear direction) with the land row 53 interposed therebetween. Further, when the dummy wiring is divided, there is a possibility that the potting 54 may enter from there, but since the first portion 55a and the second portion 55b are continuous, it is more sure that the potting 54 enters. Can be prevented. The plurality of dummy wirings 56 other than the eight dummy wirings 55 positioned around the land row 53 do not have a substantially U-shaped portion and extend only along the transport direction (front-rear direction). In FIG. 5, the second portions 55b of the plurality of dummy wirings 55 and the plurality of dummy wirings 56 extend to the driver IC 49 side (front) along the transport direction (front-rear direction). The illustration is omitted.

  Further, in the plurality of dummy wirings 55, the width t1 of the region where the dummy wiring 55 between the plurality of first portions 55a is not formed is the width of the region where the dummy wiring 55 between the plurality of second portions 55b is not formed. Greater than t2. Therefore, since a large concave portion is formed by the dummy wiring 55 between the first portions 55a, even when the potting 54 exceeds a part of the dummy wiring 55, the potting 54 is accommodated in the middle concave portion. For this reason, the potting 54 is more reliably prevented from entering the joint portion between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22. Further, the plurality of second portions 55b having a narrow width t2 in a region where the dummy wiring 55 is not formed serves as a resistance, and the injected potting 54 tries to prevent the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22 from entering the joint portion.

  In the plurality of dummy wirings 55, the width t2 of the region where the dummy wirings 55 between the plurality of second portions 55b are not formed is the width of the region where the signal wirings 48 between the plurality of signal wirings 48 are not formed. equal. Here, the formation of the plurality of signal wires 48 and the plurality of dummy wires 55 and 56 will be briefly described. On the front surface (lower surface) of the substrate body 46, a metal layer that forms the plurality of signal wirings 48 and the plurality of dummy wirings 55 and 56 is formed. A patterned cured resist film is formed on the metal layer. Then, by immersing the substrate body 46 on which the metal layer and the cured resist film are formed in an etching solution, a portion of the metal layer where the cured resist film is not formed is removed, and a plurality of signal wirings 48 and a plurality of dummy wirings 55 are formed. , 56 are formed. The plurality of signal wirings 48 are formed along the transport direction between the land rows 53 in the scanning direction in order to save space. Therefore, as described above, since the signal wiring 48 extending along the transport direction and the second portion 55b have the same configuration, patterning of the resist film, control of the etching solution, and the like are easily performed at the time of wiring formation. Therefore, the signal wiring 48 and the second portion 55b of the dummy wiring 55 are easily formed at the time of wiring formation.

  In the plurality of dummy wirings 55, the width w1 of the first portion 55a is larger than the width of the second portion 55b. Therefore, the first portion 55a having the large width w1 prevents the potting 54 from entering the joint portion between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22 more reliably. In addition, since the concave portion is formed by the dummy wiring 55 between the first portions 55a, even when the potting 54 exceeds a part of the dummy wiring 55, the potting 54 is accommodated in the intermediate concave portion. For this reason, the potting 54 is more reliably prevented from entering the joint portion between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the presence of the dummy wiring 56 makes the insulating layer 50 thicker than the insulating layer 50 in the region where the dummy wiring 56 does not exist. As a result, the gap between the insulating layer 50 and the upper surface of the piezoelectric layer 42 in the region where the dummy wiring 56 is present is reduced, and the potting 54 is more reliably prevented from entering the joint portion between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22.

  Here, the order in which the potting 54 is injected will be described. First, the potting 54 is injected along the scanning direction in a region facing the dummy wiring 55 on the rear side (away from the driver IC 49). Next, the potting 54 is injected along the conveyance direction on the left side. Next, the potting 54 is injected along the transport direction on the right side. Finally, the potting 54 is injected along the scanning direction in the front side (the side closer to the driver IC 49). Depending on the width t1 of the region where the dummy wiring 55 between the dummy wirings 55 is not formed, the potting 54 injected into the region facing the dummy wiring 55 extends in the extending direction of the dummy wiring 55 by the capillary force, that is, the scanning direction. May flow. Since the dummy wiring 55 and the dummy wiring 56 are continuous, when the potting 54 injected into the region facing the dummy wiring 55 flows and reaches the dummy wiring 56, the dummy wiring 56 is further driven by the capillary force of the dummy wiring 56. May flow in the transport direction. The potting 54 that has entered the dummy wiring 56 fills the gap between the insulating layer 50 and the piezoelectric layer 42, and prevents the potting 54 injected later from entering the junction between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22. First, when the potting 54 is injected on the left side or the right side, the potting 54 injected into the region facing the dummy wiring 55 is prevented from entering the joint portion between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22. The potting 54 is injected by discharging the potting 54 while moving the dispenser along the edge of the piezoelectric actuator 22.

  As described above, the plurality of signal wirings 48 are formed along the transport direction (front-rear direction), and dummy wirings are formed in the direction along the transport direction (front-rear direction) in the same manner as the plurality of signal wirings 48. It's easy to do. This is because, since the signal wiring 48 is formed along the transport direction (front-rear direction), the etching solution easily flows in the transport direction (front-rear direction). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the dummy wirings 56 other than the dummy wiring 55 are formed so as to extend along the transport direction (front-rear direction) that is easy to form.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, the form which can apply this invention is not restricted to the above-mentioned embodiment, As suitably illustrated in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention so that it may illustrate below. It is possible to make changes.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic bottom view of the FPC 23 according to a modification. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. In this modification, the driver IC 49 is provided on the surface of the substrate body 46 opposite to the connection surface with the piezoelectric actuator 22, that is, the upper surface. For this reason, the plurality of signal wires 48 on the lower surface of the wiring board 46 are led out to the upper surface of the substrate main body 46 through the through holes 62 penetrating the substrate main body 46 and connected to the driver IC 49 on the upper surface of the substrate main body 46. Has been.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first dummy wiring 57 and the second dummy wiring 58 extend along the implantation region of the potting 54. That is, the first dummy wiring 57 and the second dummy wiring 58 extend along the plurality of lands 47 so as to surround the plurality of lands 47. Specifically, the first dummy wiring 57 extends along the scanning direction (left-right direction) intersecting the transport direction (front-rear direction) in front and rear of the substrate body 46. The second dummy wirings 58 extend along the transport direction (front-rear direction) on the left and right sides of the substrate body 46. Therefore, the injected potting 54 is directed toward the plurality of bumps 45 and the plurality of lands 47 by the first dummy wiring 57 extending in the scanning direction (left-right direction) intersecting the conveyance direction (front-rear direction) in which the plurality of lands 47 are arranged. Intrusion can be prevented. The injected potting 54 can be prevented from entering the plurality of bumps 45 and the plurality of lands 47 by the second dummy wiring 58 extending in the transport direction (front-rear direction) in which the plurality of lands 47 are arranged. A plurality of third dummy wirings 59 extending in the transport direction (front-rear direction) are provided between the land rows 53.

  Further, the width t3 of the region where the first dummy wirings 57 between the plurality of first dummy wirings 57 are not formed is the width t4 of the region where the first dummy wirings 58 between the plurality of second dummy wirings 58 are not formed. Bigger than. Therefore, since a large concave portion is formed by the first dummy wiring 57 between the first dummy wirings 57, even when the potting 54 exceeds a part of the first dummy wirings 57, the potting 54 is accommodated in the middle concave portion. The For this reason, the potting 54 is more reliably prevented from entering the joint portion between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22.

  The width t4 of the region where the dummy wirings 58 between the plurality of second dummy wirings 58 are not formed is equal to the width of the region where the signal wirings 48 between the plurality of signal wirings 48 are not formed. Therefore, since the signal wiring 48 and the second dummy wiring 58 extending along the transport direction have the same configuration, patterning of the resist film, control of the etching solution, and the like are easily performed. Therefore, it is easy to form the signal wiring 48 and the second dummy wiring 58 at the time of wiring formation.

  The width w3 of the first dummy wiring 57 is larger than the width of the second dummy wiring 58 by w4. Therefore, the first dummy wiring 57 having the large width w3 prevents the potting 54 from entering the joint portion between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22 more reliably. In addition, since a concave portion is formed by the first dummy wiring 57 between the first dummy wirings 57, the potting 54 is accommodated in the concave portion even when the potting 54 exceeds a part of the first dummy wirings 57. For this reason, the potting 54 is more reliably prevented from entering the joint portion between the FPC 23 and the piezoelectric actuator 22.

  In an inkjet head, the frequency of use of nozzle rows may be different. As an example, there are two nozzle rows for black ink and one nozzle row for each of the other three color inks (magenta, cyan, yellow). In this case, all of the two nozzle rows for black ink are used in high-resolution monochrome text printing. On the other hand, in color printing, since it is necessary to match the color resolution, only one nozzle row is used among the two black ink nozzle rows. As described above, the frequency of use may be different in the two nozzle arrays for black ink. FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom view of an FPC 23 according to another modification used in such an ink jet head. As described above, since there are two nozzle rows for black ink, there are also two pressure chamber rows for black ink. The individual electrodes 44 corresponding to the pressure chambers 30 for black ink are also arranged in two rows. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, there are also two rows of land rows 53 by a plurality of lands 47 corresponding to the plurality of bumps 45 related to the ejection of black ink. The land row 53 (the outer land row of the two land rows 53 related to the black ink discharge) added to the above-described embodiment is related only to the black ink discharge by text printing, and therefore the other Less frequently used than the land row 53. By moving the land row 53 (nozzle row), which is frequently used, to the center, the movement distance of the carriage 2 during reciprocating scanning in low-resolution printing can be reduced by one land row 53 (nozzle row).

  A plurality (eight in this case) of dummy wirings 60 positioned around the land row 53 is in a direction (left and right) intersecting the transport direction (front-rear direction) on either side (rear here) of the land row 53. A first portion extending along the direction). The dummy wiring 60 has a pair of second portions extending from the first portion 55a along the transport direction (front-rear direction) with the land row 53 interposed therebetween. The other dummy wiring 61 extends only along the transport direction (front-rear direction). The above points are the same as in the above embodiment. The dummy wiring 61 has a common region 61a in which an end portion on the driver IC 49 side is made common. Due to the common region 61a, the heat around the lands 47 is radiated and the temperature around the lands 47 is lowered.

  When an inkjet printer is used by a user, recording with black ink is more frequent than recording with other color inks (cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink). Accordingly, the frequency of use of the plurality of lands 47 related to the black ink ejection is higher than the frequency of use of the plurality of lands 47 related to the color ink ejection. For this reason, the temperature around the land row 53 related to the black ink ejection in both low resolution printing and high resolution printing, which is the most frequently used, is the highest. Therefore, in order to reduce the temperature by heat dissipation, the length L1 of the common region 61a of the dummy wiring 61 around the land row 53 related to the discharge of black ink for both low resolution printing and high resolution printing is the other common. It is longer than the lengths L2 and L3 of the region 61a. Further, when the signal wiring 48 from the driver IC 49 to the land 47 is short, the temperature of the land 47 is high, and when the signal wiring 48 from the driver IC 49 to the land 47 is long, the temperature of the land 47 is low. For this reason, the length L3 of the common region 61a around the land rows 53 at both ends where the signal wiring 48 is longer than the center side is shorter than the lengths L1 and L2 of the other common regions 61a. The length of the common area 61a around the land row 53 located on the center side is L2. The relationship between the lengths L1 to L3 is L1> L2> L3. The temperature of the land 47 is increased because heat from the driver IC 49 is transmitted to the land 47 via the signal wiring 48. Therefore, as the length of the signal wiring 48 is shorter, the amount of heat transmitted to the land 47 increases, and the temperature of the land 47 increases.

  In the above, the modification of the above-described embodiment has been described based on the drawings. Hereinafter, other modifications will be described without using the drawings. In the above-described embodiment, the dummy wiring 55 has the first portion 55a extending along the direction (left-right direction) intersecting the transport direction (front-rear direction) on either side (here, rearward) of the land row 53. Have. Further, the dummy wiring 55 has a pair of second portions 55b extending from both ends of the first portion 55a along the transport direction (front-rear direction) with the land row 53 interposed therebetween. Not limited to this, all the dummy wirings may extend in a direction (left-right direction) intersecting the transport direction (front-rear direction). Further, all the dummy wirings may extend in the transport direction (front-rear direction).

  In the above-described embodiment, in the dummy wiring 55, the second portion 55b extends in the transport direction (front-rear direction) across the land row 53 from both ends of the first portion 55a. Not only this but you may extend in the conveyance direction (front-back direction) from the middle of the 1st part 55a. Further, the second portion 55b may not be a pair but only one of them.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the plurality of dummy wirings 55, the width t1 of the region where the dummy wiring 55 between the plurality of first portions 55a is not formed, and the dummy wiring 55 between the plurality of second portions 55b is formed. It is larger than the width t2 of the non-existing region. Not limited to this, the width t2 may be larger than the width t1. Further, the width t1 and the width t2 may be equal.

  In the above-described embodiment, the width t2 of the region where the dummy wiring 55 between the plurality of second portions 55b is not formed is equal to the width of the region where the signal wiring 48 between the plurality of signal wirings 48 is not formed. The width t <b> 2 is not limited to this, and the width t <b> 2 may not be equal to the width of the region where the signal wiring 48 between the plurality of signal wirings 48 is not formed.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the plurality of dummy wirings 55, the width w1 of the first portion 55a is larger than the width w2 of the second portion 55b. Not limited to this, even if the width w2 is larger than the width w1. Further, the width w1 and the width w2 may be equal.

  In the above-described embodiment, the dummy wirings 55 and 56 are plural, but may not be plural. For example, one dummy wiring having a substantially square shape may be formed so as to surround the four land rows 53.

  In the above-described embodiment, the inkjet head 3 is a piezo-type inkjet head in which ejection energy is imparted to the ink by the piezoelectric actuator 22 as an energy imparting device that imparts ejection energy to the ink, but is not limited thereto. . For example, the energy applying device may be a thermal ink jet head in which ejection energy is applied to ink by heating with a heating device. In the case of a thermal ink jet head, the potting is melted by the heating of the heating device, and the ability to seal between the heating device and the wiring board may be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the FPC 23 is disposed so as to face one surface of the piezoelectric actuator 22, that is, the entire upper surface. Not limited to this, the FPC 23 may be disposed so as to face part of one surface of the piezoelectric actuator 22.

  In the above-described embodiment, the potting 54 overlaps a part of the dummy wiring 56. Not limited to this, the dummy wirings 55 and 56 are formed between the arrangement portion of the plurality of lands 47 and the areas M1 and M2 where the potting 54 is located, and the potting 54 does not overlap the dummy wirings 55 and 56. May be. Further, the dummy wirings 55 and 56 may all overlap with the potting 54. The potting 54 is injected along the edge of the piezoelectric actuator 22 so as to surround the plurality of dummy wirings 54 and 55 so as not to overlap with the plurality of dummy wirings 54 and 55. It overlaps part or all of 55 and 56.

  In the above-described embodiment, the potting 54 is injected all around the region surrounding the arrangement portion of the plurality of bumps 45 and the plurality of lands 47, specifically, along the edge of the piezoelectric actuator 22. Not limited to this, it may be injected partially along the edge of the piezoelectric actuator 22. Further, as long as it is a region surrounding the arrangement portions of the plurality of bumps 45 and the plurality of lands 47, it may not be along the edge of the piezoelectric actuator 22 (for example, inside the edge).

1 Inkjet printer 2 Carriage 3 Inkjet head (droplet ejection device)
21 Channel unit (channel structure)
22 Piezoelectric actuator (energy applicator)
23 FPC (wiring board)
31 Nozzle 44 Individual electrode 45 Bump (first contact)
46 Substrate body 47 Land (second contact)
48 Signal wiring 53 Land row (contact row)
54 Potting (sealing material)
55, 56 Dummy wiring 55a First portion 55b Second portion 57 First dummy wiring 58 Second dummy wiring

Claims (8)

A channel structure in which a liquid channel is formed;
An energy applying device that applies ejection energy for ejecting droplets to the liquid in the liquid channel;
A droplet discharge device comprising: a wiring substrate connected to the energy applying device;
The energy applying device has a plurality of first contacts on one surface thereof,
The wiring board has a plurality of second contacts respectively corresponding to the plurality of first contacts of the energy applying device, and a plurality of signal wirings respectively connected to the plurality of second contacts.
The plurality of first contacts and the plurality of second contacts are electrically connected,
Between the wiring board and the energy application device, a sealing material is injected into at least a part of a region surrounding the arrangement portion of the plurality of first contacts and the plurality of second contacts,
In the wiring board, dummy wiring that is not electrically connected to the plurality of second contacts is formed in a portion excluding the arrangement portion of the plurality of second contacts,
The plurality of first contacts are made of an adhesive,
The plurality of second contacts constitute a contact row arranged in a predetermined direction,
The dummy wiring includes a first portion extending along a first direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and a second portion extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction,
The liquid droplet ejection apparatus, wherein the width of the first portion is larger than the width of the second portion.   The liquid droplet ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second portion extends from the first portion.   The liquid droplet ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy application device includes a piezoelectric actuator formed on the one surface. The dummy wiring is plural,
In the plurality of dummy wirings, the width of the region where the dummy wirings between the plurality of first portions are not formed is larger than the width of the region where the dummy wirings between the plurality of second portions are not formed. The droplet discharge device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of signal lines extend along the predetermined direction,
5. The width of a region where the dummy wirings between the plurality of second portions are not formed is equal to the width of a region where the signal wirings between the plurality of signal wirings are not formed. The liquid droplet ejection apparatus described. The dummy wiring is
6. The droplet discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the droplet discharge device is formed in a portion between the arrangement portion of the plurality of second contacts and the sealing material inside the region. The liquid flow path includes a liquid supply port,
The liquid droplet ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid supply port is provided outside the sealing material with respect to the region. An energy applying device having a plurality of first contacts on one surface thereof;
A wiring board connected to the energy application device,
The wiring board has a plurality of second contacts respectively corresponding to the plurality of first contacts of the energy applying device, and a plurality of signal wirings respectively connected to the plurality of second contacts.
The plurality of first contacts and the plurality of second contacts are electrically connected,
Between the wiring board and the energy application device, a sealing material is injected into at least a part of a region surrounding the arrangement portion of the plurality of first contacts and the plurality of second contacts,
In the wiring board, dummy wiring that is not electrically connected to the plurality of second contacts is formed in a portion excluding the arrangement portion of the plurality of second contacts,
The plurality of first contacts are made of an adhesive,
The plurality of second contacts constitute a contact row arranged in a predetermined direction,
The dummy wiring includes a first portion extending along a first direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and a second portion extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction,
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the width of the first portion is greater than the width of the second portion.

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