JP4261745B2 - Liquid discharge recording head cartridge and recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that performs a recording operation by discharging a recording liquid such as ink, and a recording head cartridge applied to the recording apparatus.
[0002]
In addition to a general recording apparatus, the present invention is an apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile having a communication system, a word processor having a recording unit, and an industrial recording apparatus combined with various processing apparatuses. Can be applied.
[0003]
[Prior art]
The ink jet recording apparatus is a so-called non-impact recording type recording apparatus, which is capable of high-speed recording, can be recorded on various recording media, and has little noise during recording. Have. For this reason, the ink jet recording apparatus has been widely adopted as an apparatus that has a recording mechanism such as a printer, a word processor, a facsimile, and a copying machine.
[0004]
As a typical ink discharge method in this ink jet recording apparatus, there is a method using an electrothermal conversion element. In this method, bubbles are generated by the heat generated by the electrothermal transducer, and recording is performed on a recording medium by discharging minute droplets from minute discharge ports using pressure generated when bubbles are generated. In general, it is composed of an ink jet recording head for forming droplets and a supply system for supplying ink to the head.
[0005]
An ink jet recording head using an electrothermal conversion element is provided with an electrothermal conversion element in a recording liquid chamber, and gives thermal energy to the recording liquid by applying an electric pulse as a recording signal to this, and the phase change of the recording liquid at that time The bubble pressure at the time of bubbling (boiling) of the recording liquid is used for discharging the recording droplets.
[0006]
A configuration example around a conventional ink jet recording head is shown in FIGS. FIG. 14 shows a recording head cartridge H3000 having a recording head and an ink holding and supplying system. FIG. 14A is an overall perspective view, and FIG. 14B is a perspective view with the ink tank H3900 removed. Is shown. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the recording head unit 3001 of the recording head cartridge H3000.
[0007]
  This recording head cartridgeH3000Has an ink tank H3900 for storing ink, and a recording head portion H3001 on which a recording head for discharging ink supplied from the ink tank H3900 from nozzles according to recording information is mounted. This is a so-called cartridge system that is detachably mounted on the carriage.
[0008]
In this recording head cartridge H3000, for example, an ink tank H3900 having independent colors for black, light cyan, light magenta, cyan, magenta, and yellow is provided as the ink tank H3900 in order to enable photographic-tone high-quality color recording. It has been. As shown in FIG. 14B, these ink tanks H3900 are mounted so as to be independently detachable from the recording head portion H3001.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 15, the recording head portion H3001 has a tank holder H3500 to which an ink tank can be attached. A seal rubber H3800 for preventing ink from evaporating from the engagement portion and a filter H3700 for preventing dust from entering from the engagement portion of the end of the tank holder H3500 with the ink supply port of the ink tank H3900. It is attached. An ink flow path H3501 extending from the engaging portion to the bottom of the tank holder 3500 is formed. A flow path member H3600 that forms an ink supply path connected to the ink flow path H3501 is attached to the bottom of the ink tank H3900. These tank holder H3500, flow path forming member H3600, filter H3700 and seal rubber H3800 constitute a tank holder portion.
[0010]
Further, the recording head portion H3001 has a first plate H3200 in which an ink supply port H3201 communicating with the ink supply path of the flow path member H3600 is formed, and a recording element substrate H3100 is formed on one surface thereof. Is fixed by bonding.
[0011]
In the recording element substrate H3100, a plurality of recording elements for ejecting ink and electrical wiring made of Al or the like for supplying power to each recording element are formed on one side of the Si substrate by a film forming technique. Further, a plurality of ink flow paths and a plurality of ejection openings corresponding to the recording elements are formed on one side by a photolithography technique. An ink supply port for supplying ink to the ink flow path is opened on the back surface of the recording element substrate H3100 so that the ink supply port communicates with the ink supply port H3201 of the first plate H3200. It is fixed.
[0012]
Further, a second plate H3400 having an opening is bonded and fixed to the first plate H3200, and the electric wiring substrate H3300 is electrically connected to the recording element substrate H3100 on the lower surface of the second plate H3400. It is fixed to be connected to. The electrical wiring board H3300 applies an electrical signal for ejecting ink to the recording element substrate H3100. The electrical wiring board H3300 is located at an end portion of the electrical wiring corresponding to the recording element substrate H3100 and from the main body. It has an external signal input terminal H3301 for receiving an electrical signal, and the external signal input terminal H3301 is positioned and fixed on the back side of the tank holder H3500. These recording element substrate H3100, first plate H3200, electrical wiring substrate H3300, and second plate H3400 constitute a recording element unit portion.
[0013]
The tank holder portion and the recording element unit portion are bonded to each other with an adhesive so that the respective ink supply paths are connected and sealed, and the recording element unit portion is fixed. Are combined so that.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
On the other hand, as a configuration in which two portions corresponding to the recording element unit portion and the tank holder portion are connected and fixed so that the respective ink supply paths communicate with each other, it is described in JP-A-10-119314. As described, a configuration is known in which an elastic member having a hole corresponding to an ink supply path to be connected is sandwiched between two portions and the two members are pressed into contact with each other using, for example, screws. In this configuration, since no adhesive is required, the assembly process of the two parts can be relatively simplified.
[0015]
In the above-described configuration, the connection terminal that connects the recording apparatus main body and the recording head cartridge is integrally incorporated in the recording element unit. On the other hand, the recording head cartridge H3000 shown in FIG. 15 has a large number of nozzles arranged at a high density so that a higher resolution image can be formed, and it is necessary to provide a large number of terminals for receiving electrical signals from the main body. The external signal input terminal H3301 is arranged at a position away from the recording head portion. Furthermore, since a large number of electrical wirings are required, the electrical wiring board H3300 that connects the recording head unit and the external signal input terminal H3301 has a relatively large area. Wiring can be formed with high density, and printed wiring is formed on the TAB tape as a method of bringing a large number of necessary external signal input terminals H3100 to the face side where electrical connection with the recording apparatus main body is performed. Although a method using this is known, even in this case, a certain amount of area is required in order to prevent the wiring resistance from becoming too high. Therefore, in this recording head cartridge H3000, an electric wiring substrate H3300 is provided so as to surround the recording element substrate H3100 of the recording element unit portion, and the electric wiring substrate H3300 is further bent so that the recording apparatus main body and the recording head cartridge are arranged. The connection terminal for connecting to is fixed to the side surface of the tank holder.
[0016]
When the recording element unit portion of the recording head cartridge H3000 and the tank holder portion are to be connected and fixed by pressure contact, stress is applied to the electric wiring substrate H3300 disposed around the recording element substrate H3100 of the recording element unit portion. May cause adverse effects.
[0017]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a tank holder portion and a recording element unit in which an electric wiring board is disposed on the surface opposite to the connection surface to the tank holder portion, by means of relatively simple means, and each ink supply path is connected to each other. An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and reliable ink jet recording head cartridge that is connected and fixed so as to communicate well.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, a liquid discharge recording cartridge according to the present invention includes a first plate having a liquid supply port for supplying a liquid, a discharge port for discharging a liquid, and a liquid at the discharge port. Recording element that generates energy used to discharge liquid from a discharge port and a member that forms a liquid flow path for guiding the liquidAndAnd a recording element substrate attached to the first plate so that the liquid is introduced from the liquid supply port, and a wiring board for applying a signal corresponding to the recorded image to the recording element substrateTheA recording element unit, and a liquid supply unit in which a liquid supply path for guiding the liquid supplied from a tank for storing the liquid to the liquid inlet is formed,The liquid supply recording head cartridge includes a screw supply boss portion provided in the liquid supply unit, and a tip end surface of the screw stop boss portion is located on a surface where the liquid introduction port is opened. The plate has a liquid supply opening at a position corresponding to the position where the liquid supply path is open, and the liquid supply path of the liquid supply unit and the liquid supply port of the first plate are The screw is screwed so that the first plate is brought into contact with the screwing boss portion of the liquid supply unit while being connected with a joint seal member having a hole in the position corresponding to the opening position. The wiring board is fitted into the boss portion, the head of the screw is engaged with the screw fixing portion provided on the first plate, and the first plate and the liquid supply unit are pressed and coupled. Is the liquid supply of the first plate It is attached to the surface opposite to the contact surface with the knit, is bent and fixed to a different side surface, and the screw stopper is provided outside the part where the wiring board is attached. Features.
[0019]
According to this configuration, the liquid supply path between the liquid supply unit and the recording element unit is connected to the liquid supply unit by connecting the liquid supply unit and the recording element unit by pressing the joint seal member therebetween and pressing them together with the screws. Can be connected in good communication so that no leakage occurs. At this time, since no adhesive is used around the connection portion of the liquid supply path, it is not necessary to consider the occurrence of defects due to the use of the adhesive, and the joining process can be made relatively simple.
[0020]
Further, since the screw fixing portion is provided at a position outside the portion where the electric wiring tape is provided, it is possible to perform press-contact fixing so that no stress is applied to the electric wiring tape.
[0021]
  The liquid discharge recording head cartridge of the present invention is held by the carriage of the recording apparatus main body, and the conveyance direction of the recording medium(Y direction)Is moved in the direction perpendicular to (X direction),Discharges liquid in the Z directionIt is used in this way. Therefore, the liquid discharge recording head cartridge of the present invention is preferably mounted with high precision positioning on the carriage in order to perform liquid discharge with high positional accuracy, and is used for positioning when mounted on the carriage. It is desirable to have an abutting portion, a Y-direction abutting portion, and a Z-direction abutting portion.
[0022]
Since the X-direction abutting portion is used when mounted on the carriage, it is usually provided on the liquid supply unit side that contacts the carriage when mounted. Therefore, in this case, an X-direction reference surface is provided on the first plate, and the liquid supply unit and the first plate are coupled in a state where the X-direction reference surface and the X-direction abutting portion are in contact with each other and positioned. Is preferred. That is, by doing in this way, the recording element unit having the recording element substrate provided with the discharge port for discharging the liquid can be accurately positioned with respect to the X direction abutting portion. In particular, by positioning the X-direction reference surface used for positioning the recording element unit with the X-direction abutting portion used for positioning on the carriage, positioning accuracy can be increased. it can.
[0023]
Similarly, for the Y direction, when the Y direction abutting portion is provided in the liquid supply unit, the Y direction reference surface is provided on the first plate, and the liquid supply unit and the first plate are connected to each other in the Y direction reference. It is preferable that the surface and the Y-direction abutting portion are in contact with each other and are coupled in a positioned state.
[0024]
  For the Z direction,Define the dimension from the Z direction abutting part to the upper surface of the screw stop boss part, and make the tolerance for the dimension within a predetermined range.As a result, the positional accuracy of the recording element unit in the Z direction can be increased.
[0025]
  In the liquid discharge recording head cartridge of the present invention, the first plate is connected to the liquid supply unit.ThisIf the contact surface is in contact with the liquid supply unit only by the contact portion with the screw stop boss portion and the contact portion through the joint seal member with the portion where the liquid introduction port is opened, the liquid supply unit The liquid supply path and the liquid supply port of the recording element unit can be effectively contacted with each other through a joint seal member to firmly connect the liquid introduction port and the liquid supply port. .
[0026]
In addition, if the liquid supply ports of the first plate are distributed and opened in a plurality of rows in almost one row, and the screw stoppers are provided at two locations on the center line of the row of liquid supply ports, Pressure can be effectively applied in the vicinity of the center line, and the liquid inlet and the liquid supply port can be firmly connected.
[0027]
In the liquid discharge recording head cartridge of the present invention, the first plate that supports the recording element substrate and is pressed against the liquid supply unit is preferably made of a material that is relatively difficult to deform, and is made of a ceramic material. Is desirable. The ink supply member has a relatively dense and complicated structure, and a resin material is suitable as the material. Further, it is desirable that the joint seal member is made of a material having elasticity with little compression set so that high confidentiality can be maintained when pressed.
[0028]
In addition, if the surface of the screw fixing portion on which the screw head is abutted and the upper surface of the screw head are recessed from the surface of the first plate to which the wiring board is attached, the mist is discharged into this portion by liquid discharge. It is possible to reduce the adhesion of the liquid that has become a shape, and to prevent the adhered liquid from adhering to the recording medium and contaminating the recording medium.
[0029]
Further, if the screwing boss part is provided on the same member as the member constituting the part where the liquid introduction port of the liquid supply unit is opened, the screwing boss part and the part where the liquid introduction port is opened The relative position accuracy of the upper surfaces of the two can be increased, and the first plate and the portion where the liquid supply path is opened can be brought into contact with each other with high accuracy so that an appropriate contact pressure is applied.
[0030]
In addition to bonding the liquid supply unit and the first plate with screws, bonding reliability can be further enhanced by bonding with an adhesive.
[0031]
  According to the present inventionRuThe recording apparatus includes the liquid discharge recording head cartridge as described above..
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of an ink jet recording head cartridge according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0033]
(Example-1)
FIGS. 1 to 10 show preferred recording head cartridges (liquid discharge recording head cartridges) to which the present invention is applied or applied, their recording head parts, ink tank parts for holding ink (liquid), and their relationships. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating. Hereinafter, each component will be described with reference to these drawings.
[0034]
As can be seen from the perspective views of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the recording head portion H1001 of the present invention is one constituent element of the recording head cartridge H1000. The recording head cartridge H1000 includes the recording head portion. H1001 and an ink tank H1900 provided detachably on the H1001. The recording head cartridge H1000 is positioned by positioning means on a carriage (not shown) of the ink jet recording apparatus main body, and is electrically connected and fixedly supported by contact of electrical contacts, and is mounted on the carriage. It is removable.
[0035]
As the ink tank H1900, four ink tanks are provided: an ink tank H1901 for black ink, an ink tank H1902 for cyan ink, an ink tank H1903 for magenta ink, and an ink tank H1904 for yellow ink. These ink tanks H1901, H1902, H1903, and H1904 are detachable independently of the recording head portion H1001, and can be individually replaced. With such a configuration, the ink tank H1900 can be replaced as appropriate, and the ink can be used without waste, so that the running cost of printing in the ink jet recording apparatus can be kept low.
[0036]
Next, the recording head unit H1001 will be described in more detail in order for each component constituting the recording head unit H1001.
[0037]
(1) Recording head section
The recording head mounted on the recording head unit H1001 is a bubble jet type recording head using an electrothermal transducer that generates thermal energy for causing film boiling of ink according to an electrical signal. This is a so-called side shooter type recording head in which the electrothermal transducer and the ink discharge port are arranged to face each other.
[0038]
As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 2, the recording head unit H1001 includes a recording element unit H1002, an ink supply unit (liquid supply unit) H1003, and a tank holder H2000.
[0039]
Further, as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 3, the recording element unit H1002 includes a first recording element substrate H1100, a second recording element substrate H1101, a first plate H1200, and an electrical wiring tape (electrical wiring substrate) H1300. , An electrical contact substrate H2200, and a second plate H1400. The ink supply unit H1003 includes an ink supply member H1500, a flow path forming member H1600, a joint seal member H2300, a filter H1700, and a seal rubber H1800.
[0040]
(1-1) Recording element unit
The first plate H1200 is made of, for example, an alumina (Al2O3) material having a thickness of 0.5 to 10 mm. The material of the first plate H1200 is not limited to alumina, and has a linear expansion coefficient equivalent to that of the recording element substrates H1100 and H1101, and the heat of the material of the recording element substrates H1100 and H1101. It may be made of other materials having a thermal conductivity equal to or greater than the conductivity. Therefore, the material of the first plate H1200 is, for example, silicon (Si), aluminum nitride (AlN), zirconia, silicon nitride (Si)._ThreeN_Four), Silicon carbide (SiC), molybdenum (Mo), or tungsten (W). In the first plate H1200, ink supply ports H1201 are used to supply black ink to the first recording element substrate H1100 and cyan, magenta, and yellow ink are supplied to the second recording element substrate H1101. For that purpose is formed. Further, screw fixing portions H1206 for connection with the ink supply unit H1003 are formed on both sides.
[0041]
FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view illustrating the configuration of the first recording element substrate H1100 for black ink that is frequently used. In the first recording element substrate H1100, for example, an ink supply port H1102 that is a long groove-like through-hole that is an ink flow path is formed on a Si substrate H1110 having a thickness of 0.5 to 1 mm. On both sides of the ink supply port H1102, the electrothermal conversion elements H1103 are arranged and arranged in a row, and an electric power (not shown) made of Al or the like for supplying electric power to the electrothermal conversion elements H1103. Wiring is formed. These electrothermal conversion elements H1103 and electric wiring are formed by a film forming technique. The electrothermal conversion elements H1103 are arranged in a staggered manner in each row, that is, the positions of the ejection ports in each row are slightly shifted so as not to line up in a direction orthogonal to the row direction. Furthermore, electrode portions H1104 for supplying electric power to the electric wiring are formed along the outer sides of the electrothermal transducer H1103, and bumps H1105 made of Au or the like are formed on the electrode portions H1104. Is formed.
[0042]
On the surface of the Si substrate H1110 on which these are formed, there is an ink channel wall H1106 that forms an ink channel corresponding to the electrothermal conversion element H1103 and a top part that covers the top, and a ceiling. A structure made of a resin material, in which a discharge port H1107 is opened, is formed by photolithography. The discharge port 1107 is provided to face the electrothermal conversion element H1103, and forms a discharge port group H1108. In the first recording element H1100, the ink supplied from the ink flow path H1102 is ejected from the ejection port 1107 facing each electrothermal conversion element H1103 by the pressure of the bubbles generated by the heat generated by each electrothermal conversion element H1103. The
[0043]
  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the second recording element substrate H1101 in a partially broken view for explaining the configuration. The second recording element substrate H1101 is for discharging ink of three colors, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and has three ink supply ports H1102 formed in parallel. Electrothermal conversion elements H1103 and ink discharge ports H1107 are arranged in a row in a staggered manner on both sides of each ink supply port H1102. The Si substrate H1110 is further formed with electrical wiring, electrode portions H1104, and the like in the same manner as the first recording element substrate H1100. On the Si substrate H1110, an ink flow path wall H1106 and an ink discharge port are formed of a resin material by photolithography. H1107 is formed. Similarly to the first recording element substrate, a bump H1105 made of Au or the like is formed on the electrode portion H1104 for supplying power to the electric wiring..
  The recording element substrates H1100 and H1101 are connected so that their respective ink supply ports 1102 communicate with the ink supply ports H1201 of the first plate H1200, respectively, and each is accurately connected to the first plate H1200. Adhesive and fixed so as to be positioned. The first adhesive used for the bonding is desirably a low viscosity, low curing temperature, cured in a short time, has a relatively high hardness after curing, and has ink resistance. For example, a thermosetting adhesive mainly composed of an epoxy resin is used as the first adhesive, and the thickness of the adhesive layer at that time is desirably 50 μm or less.
[0044]
The second plate H1400 has a thickness of 0. A single plate member having a thickness of 5 to 1 mm, for example alumina (Al₂O_Three) Or a metal material such as Al or SUS. The first recording element substrate H1100 and the second recording element substrate H1101 that are bonded and fixed to the first plate H1200 have two openings larger than the respective outer dimensions. The second plate 1400 is bonded to the first plate H1200 with a second adhesive. Thereby, when the electric wiring tape H1300 is bonded, the electric wiring tape H1300 can be electrically connected to the first recording element substrate H1100 and the second recording element substrate H1101 in contact with each other on the plane of the bonding surface. .
[0045]
The electrical wiring tape H1300 forms an electrical signal path for applying an electrical signal for ejecting ink to the first recording element substrate H1100 and the second recording element substrate H1101. In the electric wiring tape H1300, two openings corresponding to the respective recording element substrates H1100 and H1101 are formed. Near the edge of the opening, an electrode terminal H1302 connected to the electrode portion H1104 of each of the recording element substrates H1100 and H1101 is formed. At the end of the electrical wiring tape H1300, an electrical terminal connection portion H1303 for electrical connection with an electrical contact substrate H2200 having an external signal input terminal H1301 for receiving an electrical signal is formed. The electrical terminal connection portion H1303 is connected by a continuous copper foil wiring pattern.
[0046]
The electrical wiring tape H1300 is bonded and fixed to the lower surface of the second plate H1400 with a third adhesive on the back surface, and is further bent to one side of the first plate H1200 and bonded and fixed to the side surface of the first plate H1200. Has been. As the third adhesive, for example, a thermosetting adhesive having an epoxy resin as a main component and a thickness of 10 to 100 μm is used.
[0047]
The electrical connection between the electrical wiring tape H1300, the first recording element substrate H1100, and the second recording element substrate H1101 is, for example, the electrode portion H1104 of the recording element substrates H1100 and H1101, and the electrode terminal H1302 of the electrical wiring tape H1300. Is carried out by electrical bonding using a thermal ultrasonic pressure bonding method. The electrical connection portion between the first recording element substrate H1100 and the second recording element substrate H1101 and the electric wiring tape H1300 is sealed with a first sealing agent H1307 and a second sealing agent H1308. This protects the electrical connection from ink corrosion and external impact. The first sealing agent H1307 mainly seals from the back side of the connection portion between the electrode terminal H1302 of the electric wiring tape and the electrode portion H1104 of the recording element substrates H1100 and H1101, and the outer peripheral portion of the recording element substrates H1100 and H1101. The second sealing agent H1308 is used for sealing from the front side of the connection portion.
[0048]
An electrical contact substrate H2200 is electrically connected to the end of the electrical wiring tape H1300 by thermocompression bonding using an anisotropic conductive film or the like. The electrical contact substrate H2200 is formed with a positioning terminal positioning hole H1309 and a fixing terminal coupling hole H1310.
[0049]
(1-2) Ink supply unit
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink supply member H1500 is a component of the ink supply unit H1003 for guiding ink from the ink tank H1900 to the recording element unit H1002. The ink supply member H1500 is formed by, for example, resin molding. As the resin material, it is desirable to use a resin material mixed with 5 to 40% of glass filler in order to improve the shape rigidity.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 6, the ink supply member H1500 and the tank holder H2000 form an accommodating portion that accommodates the ink tank 1900 in a detachable manner. A tank positioning hole H1502 that engages with the tank positioning pin H1908 of the ink tank 1900 is provided at the bottom of the housing portion, and the rear wall engages with the first claw H1909 of the ink tank. One hole H1503 and a second hole H1504 that engages with the second claw H1910 are provided. In addition, a movable lever H1912 formed with a third claw H1911 that engages with the wall of the housing portion is provided at the front portion of the ink tank H1900, and a force is applied to the lever H1012 to be elastically deformed and moved. Thus, the third claw H1911 can be removed to remove the ink tank 1900. Among these configurations, the holes 1503 and 1504 are formed in the ink supply member H1500, that is, the ink supply member H1500 constitutes a part of means for holding the removable ink tank H1900.
[0051]
A joint portion H1520 that is in contact with the ink supply port H1907 portion of the ink tank H1900 is provided at the position of the bottom of the storage portion of the ink tank H1900 of the ink supply member H1500. Here, a filter H1700 for preventing dust from entering from outside is joined by welding, and a seal rubber H1800 is attached to prevent ink from evaporating from the joint portion H1520. In the ink supply member H1500, an ink flow path H1501 extending from the contact surface of the joint portion H1520 with the ink tank H1900 to the lower surface is formed.
[0052]
On the bottom surface of the ink supply member H1500, a flow path forming member H1600 having an ink (liquid) inlet H1602 for supplying ink to the recording element unit H1002 is opened, and an ink flow path H1501 between the ink inlet H1602 and the ink supply member H1500. Are positioned so as to communicate with each other and attached by ultrasonic welding.
[0053]
The ink supply unit H1003 has a structure for mounting the recording head cartridge H1000 on the carriage of the ink jet recording apparatus main body. That is, a mounting guide H1601 for guiding the recording head cartridge H1000 to the mounting position of the carriage by being in contact with the corresponding portion of the carriage is provided on the side of the flow path forming member H1600. Further, on the upper part of the ink supply unit H1003, there is provided an engaging portion H1508 that is in contact with the head set lever on the main body side and for mounting and fixing the recording head cartridge H1000 on the carriage. Further, as an abutting reference for positioning the recording head cartridge H1000 at a predetermined mounting position by abutting against a corresponding portion of the carriage, an abutting portion H1509 in the X direction (recording head moving direction), and a Y direction An abutting portion H1510 in the (recording medium conveyance direction) and an abutting portion H1511 in the Z direction (ink discharge direction) are formed on the bottom surface of the ink supply member.
[0054]
Further, a terminal fixing portion H1512 to which the electrical contact substrate H2200 of the recording element unit H1002 is abutted and fixed on the rear surface of the ink supply unit H1003, a terminal positioning pin 1515 for positioning, and a fixing means for the electrical contact substrate H2200. As a terminal coupling pin H1516. In addition, a plurality of ribs are provided around these to increase the rigidity of the surface having the terminal fixing portion H1512.
[0055]
Further, on the bottom surface of the ink supply unit H1003, a screwing boss H1517 for connection with the recording element unit H1002 is provided. In this embodiment, the screw stop boss H1517 is formed on the bottom surface of the ink supply member H1500.
[0056]
(1-3) Coupling of recording head unit and ink supply unit
Next, the connection between the recording head unit H1002 and the ink supply unit H1003 will be described.
[0057]
The recording element unit H1002 and the ink supply unit H1003 include a joint seal member H2300 provided with holes at positions corresponding to the ink supply port H1201 of the first plate H1200 and the ink introduction port 1602 of the flow path forming member H1600. The screw 2400 is sandwiched between them and pressed and fixed. The joint seal member H2300 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, which has a low compression set, and is pressed between the ink supply port 1201 and the ink introduction port 1602 so that ink leakage does not occur. Can communicate with each other well.
[0058]
At this time, the recording element unit H1002 and the ink supply unit H1003 include two Y-direction reference planes H1205 and one X-direction reference plane H1206 provided on the end surface of the first plate H1200 of the recording element unit H1002. The ink supply member H1500 is positioned and fixed with high accuracy in the X direction and the Y direction by contacting the Y direction abutting portion H1510 and the X direction abutting portion H1509 provided in the ink supply member H1500. As described above, the X-direction butting portion H1509 and the Y-direction butting portion H1510 are also used for positioning the recording head cartridge H1100 on the carriage. For this reason, the position of the recording element unit H1002 is used. Is positioned with high accuracy with respect to the carriage. Further, the contact surface of the screw stop boss H1517 of the ink supply member H1500 with the first plate 1200 is formed with high accuracy by controlling the dimension from the Z direction abutting portion H1511. A part of the back surface of the first plate H1200 on which the recording element substrates H1100 and H1101 are fixed comes into contact with the portion H1517, so that the portion H1517 is positioned and fixed with high precision in the Z direction.
[0059]
Also, as shown in FIG. 9C, the first plate H1200 has a plurality of ink supply ports H1201 arranged substantially in the Y direction, and the screw fixing position H1207 is the X direction of the first plate. These ink supply ports H1201 are positioned on the X-rays passing through substantially the vicinity of the center in the Y direction. As a result, the joint seal member H2300 can be effectively pressed in the vicinity of the ink supply port H1201 and the ink introduction port H1602, and can be brought into good contact with each other.
[0060]
At this time, the screwing portion H1206 of the first plate H2000 is provided outside the region where the second plate H1400 is pasted and the electric wiring tape H1300 is installed, as shown in FIG. When the element unit H1002 is fixed to the ink supply unit H1003 with the screw H2400, the head of the screw 2400 does not overlap the electric wiring tape H1300. For this reason, pressure contact fixation can be performed without applying unnecessary stress to the electrical wiring tape H1300. Further, it is desirable to seal the screw H2400 so that ink does not adhere and enter the inside, and the screw fixing position H1207 includes the head of the screw H2400 and the second plate H1400 so that the sealing can be performed. It is desirable to have a position with a little margin between the surface to be attached.
[0061]
Further, the upper surface of the screw fixing portion H1206 is recessed 0.5 mm to 1 mm from the surface on which the second plate H1400 is pasted, and the head of the screw H2400 is dimensioned so as not to protrude upward from this surface. For this reason, ink mist generated by repeating the recording may be attached, or a part of the ink may be flowed when operating a recovery means such as wiping the ink discharge surface of the recording head with a blade to remove the ink. Thus, it is possible to reduce the amount of extra ink adhering to the first plate H1200 surface outside the electric wiring tape H1300, that is, the screw stopper H1206 and the screw H2400, and the recording medium is soiled by the adhering ink. Can be prevented.
[0062]
The electrical contact substrate H2200 of the recording element unit H1002 is positioned and fixed on the rear surface of the ink supply member H1500. The electrical contact substrate H2200 is positioned by passing terminal positioning pins H1515 provided at two positions on the rear surface of the ink supply unit H1003 through the terminal positioning holes H1309. At this time, the terminal coupling pin H1516 of the ink supply unit H1003 is passed through the terminal coupling hole H1310, and the terminal coupling pin H1516 is fixed by being caulked. The fixing method is not limited to this, and other fixing means may be used for fixing.
[0063]
FIG. 7 shows a state where the ink supply unit H1003 and the recording element unit H1002 are combined as described above. Further, the coupling holes and the coupling portions provided in the ink supply member H1500 and the tank holder H2000 are engaged with each other, whereby the tank holder H2000 is coupled as shown in FIG. 8, and the recording head cartridge H1001 is completed.
[0064]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ink supply unit H1003 and the recording element unit H1002 are joined by being brought into pressure contact with the screw H2400 with the joint seal member H2300 interposed therebetween, thereby being combined. The ink introduction port H1602 of H1003 and the ink supply port H1201 of the recording element unit H1002 can be connected in good communication so as not to cause ink leakage.
[0065]
At this time, since no adhesive is used around the connection portion of the ink supply path between the recording element unit H1002 and the ink supply unit H1003, the adhesive is clogged at the connection portion of the ink supply path, or the adhesive is insufficient or the foam is held. And defects such as ink leakage due to insufficient adhesive force do not occur. For this reason, since it is not necessary to consider the generation | occurrence | production of such a defect regarding an adhesive agent, a coupling | bonding process can be made comparatively simple and can perform cheap and reliable coupling | bonding.
[0066]
Further, when the recording element unit H1002 and the ink supply unit H1003 are coupled, an abutting portion formed by managing a tolerance is provided on the abutting surface of the both, and positioning is performed by abutting the abutting portion. Thus, both can be accurately positioned and combined. The recording head cartridge H1000 is mounted with high precision positioning on the carriage of the main body with reference to the reference surface provided in the ink supply unit H1003. As a result, the recording element substrate provided in the recording element unit H1002 H1100 and H1101 can be accurately positioned and arranged with respect to the carriage, so that high-quality recording can be performed.
[0067]
In addition, since the screw fixing portion H1206 is provided at a position outside the surface on which the electric wiring tape H1300 is provided, the pressure contact fixing can be performed so that no stress is applied to the electric wiring tape H1300.
[0068]
(Example-2)
Next, Example-2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the screw fixing boss H1517 of the screw H2400 for connecting and fixing the recording element unit H1002 and the ink supply unit H1003 provided in the ink supply unit H1003 of the recording head cartridge H1000 of Embodiment-1 is changed. It is an example. FIGS. 11 and 12 show a flow path forming member H1600B, which is a component of the ink supply unit H1003 of the recording head cartridge H1000, in order to show the characteristics of the changing portion. The other parts are the same as those of the embodiment 1, and the description is omitted.
[0069]
In the first embodiment, the screwing boss H1517 is provided on the ink supply member H1500 of the ink supply unit H1003, whereas in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. It is provided on the forming member H1600B.
[0070]
Therefore, when the recording element unit H1002 is screwed and fixed to the ink supply unit H1003, a part of the back surface of the surface of the first plate H1200 of the recording element unit H1002 on which the recording element substrates H1100 and H1101 are attached is ink flow. It abuts against a screw stop boss H1603 provided on the path member H1600, and at the same time indirectly abuts a portion where the ink introduction port H1602 is provided with a joint rubber H2300 interposed therebetween.
[0071]
Since both the portion where the ink introduction port H1602 is provided and the screwing boss H1603 are formed in the flow path forming member H1600B, both of the contact surfaces with the first plate H1200 are between the two. The dimensional accuracy (dimension H) can be made higher than the configuration of the embodiment-1 easily. That is, in the first embodiment, since the ink introduction port H1602 is provided in the flow path forming member H1600 and the screwing boss H1517 is provided in the ink supply member H1500, the flow path forming member H1600 and the ink supply member H1500 The tolerance of dimensional accuracy (dimension H) between the portion provided with the ink inlet H1602 and the screwing boss H1517 is increased by the amount of tolerance when the two are joined by ultrasonic welding or the like.
[0072]
Accordingly, when the ink supply path of the recording element unit H1002 and the ink supply unit H1300 is connected by pressure contact with the joint seal member H2300 interposed therebetween, variation in the pressure contact amount of the joint seal member can be reduced. The sealing performance of the supply path can be further enhanced.
[0073]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the Z direction (liquid ejection direction) of the recording head cartridge H1000 is on the same surface as the contact surface of the screw boss portion H1603 provided on the flow path forming member H1600B with the first plate H1200. By providing the reference surface H1604, the positional accuracy in the Z direction of the recording element substrates H1100 and H1101 with respect to the Z direction reference surface H1604 of the recording head cartridge H1000 can be increased, and high-quality recording can be achieved.
[0074]
(Example-3)
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the recording head cartridge H1000C of this embodiment. In the figure, the same parts as those of the embodiment-1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0075]
In this embodiment, the recording element unit H1002 and the ink supply unit H1003C are fixed not only by the screw H2400 but also by an adhesive.
As shown in FIG. 13, in the ink supply unit H1003C of this embodiment, an adhesive application part H1518 is formed on the ink supply member H1500, and an adhesive application part H1605 is formed on the flow path forming member H1600. Yes. The recording element unit H1002 and the ink supply unit H1003 apply an adhesive such as an RTV silicone adhesive, a room temperature curing epoxy adhesive, or a room temperature curing fluorine adhesive to the adhesive application portions H1518 and H1600. Glued and fixed with screws. In addition, since the adhesive in the present embodiment is not used around the ink supply path, it does not hinder the circulation of the ink supply path.
[0076]
In this configuration, the connection reliability of the ink supply path between the recording element unit H1002 and the ink supply unit H1003 is further increased, and the recording liquid is placed in a minute gap between the first plate H1200 and the flow path forming member H1600. Since it can be prevented from flowing in, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a defect such that the recording liquid accumulated in the minute gap at the time of recording falls on the recording medium and stains the recording medium.
[0077]
In the present embodiment, the ink supply unit H1003 shows a structure that holds a tank, but the present invention is not limited to this form, and the ink supply unit has a structure that has an ink storage section that does not hold a tank. A structure may be used in which liquid is supplied from a tank placed in another place via a tube.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the ink supply unit and the recording element unit are joined to each other by connecting the ink supply unit and the recording element unit with a joint seal member interposed therebetween and press-contacting with a screw. The ink supply paths can be coupled in good communication so that ink leakage does not occur.
[0079]
At this time, since no adhesive is used around the connection portion of the ink supply path between the recording element unit and the ink supply unit, it is not necessary to consider the occurrence of defects due to the use of the adhesive, and the coupling process is relatively Simple and inexpensive, reliable coupling can be achieved.
[0080]
Furthermore, since the screw stopper is provided at a position outside the surface on which the electric wiring tape is provided, the pressure contact fixing can be performed so that no stress is applied to the electric wiring tape.
[0081]
As described above, it is possible to provide an inexpensive and highly reliable ink jet recording head cartridge in which the recording element unit and the ink supply unit are well bonded.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a recording head cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a state where an ink tank is mounted, and FIG. 1B shows a state where the ink tank is removed. .
2 is an exploded perspective view of a recording head portion of the recording head cartridge in FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is an exploded perspective view of the recording head portion of the recording head cartridge of FIG.
4 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a first recording element substrate of the recording head cartridge of FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a second recording element substrate of the recording head cartridge of FIG. 1. FIG.
6 is a side sectional view of the recording head cartridge of FIG. 1. FIG.
7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the ink supply unit and the recording element unit of the recording head cartridge in FIG. 1 are coupled together. FIG.
8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the recording head portion of the recording head cartridge in FIG. 1 is assembled. FIG.
9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first plate, the second plate, the first recording element substrate, and the second recording element substrate of the recording head cartridge in FIG. 1 are coupled to each other, and FIG. Is a bottom plan view, FIG. 9B is a side view, and FIG. 9C is a top plan view.
10 is a bottom plan view of the recording head cartridge of FIG. 1. FIG.
11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a flow path forming member of a recording head cartridge according to Embodiment-2 of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a plan view, and FIG. 11B is a side view.
FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing a flow path forming member of a recording head cartridge according to a modification of Embodiment-2 of the present invention. FIG. 12A is a plan view and FIG. 12B is a side view. .
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a recording head cartridge according to Embodiment-3 of the present invention.
14A and 14B are perspective views of a conventional recording head cartridge, in which FIG. 14A shows a state where an ink tank is mounted, and FIG. 14B shows a state where the ink tank is removed.
15 is an exploded perspective view of a recording head portion of the recording head cartridge of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
H1000, H1000C, H3000 Recording head cartridge
H1001, H3001 Recording head
H1002 Recording element unit
H1003 Ink supply unit
H1100 First recording element substrate
H1101 Second recording element substrate
H1102 Ink supply port
H1103, H1003C Electrothermal conversion element
H1104 electrode section
H1105 Bump
H1106 Ink channel wall
H1107 Discharge port
H1108 Discharge port group
H1110 Si substrate
H1200, H3200 First plate
H1201, H3201 Ink supply port
H1204 X-direction reference plane
H1205 Y-direction reference plane
H1206 Screw stopper
H1207 Screw fixing position
H1300, H3300 Electrical wiring tape
H1301, H3301 External signal input terminal
H1302 Electrode terminal
H1303 Electrode terminal connection
H1307 First sealant
H1308 Second sealant
H1309 Terminal positioning hole
H1310 Terminal coupling hole
H1400, H3400 Second plate
H1500, H3500 Ink supply member
H1501, H3501 Ink flow path
H1502 Tank positioning hole
H1503 1st hole
H1504 2nd hole
H1508 Engagement part
H1509 X direction abutting part
H1510 Y direction abutting part
H1511 Z direction abutting part
H1512 terminal fixing part
H1515 Terminal positioning pin
H1516 Terminal coupling pin
H1517 Screw fixing boss
H1518 Adhesive application part
H1600, H1600B, H1600C, H3600 flow path forming member
H1601 wearing guide
H1602 Ink inlet
H1603 Screw fixing boss
H1604 Z-direction reference plane
H1605 Adhesive application part
H1700, H3700 filter
H1800, H3800 Seal rubber
H1900, H3900 ink tank
H1901 Black ink tank
H1902 cyan ink tank
H1903 Magenta ink tank
H1904 yellow ink tank
H1907 Ink supply port
H1908 Tank positioning pin
H1909 1st nail
H1910 2nd nail
H1911 3rd nail
H1912 Movable lever
H2000 tank holder
H2200 Electrical contact board
H2300 joint seal member
H2400 screw
H3100 Recording element substrate

Claims (13)

A first plate in which a liquid supply port for supplying a liquid is opened;
A discharge port that discharges the liquid; a member that forms a liquid channel that guides the liquid to the discharge port; and a recording element that generates energy used to discharge the liquid from the discharge port. A recording element substrate attached to the first plate so that the liquid is introduced from the liquid supply port;
A recording element unit including a wiring board for providing a signal corresponding to the recorded image to the recording element substrate,
A liquid discharge recording head cartridge having a liquid supply unit which the liquid supply passage leading to the liquid inlet port is formed the liquid supplied from the tank for storing the liquid,
The liquid supply unit is provided with a screw fixing boss portion, and a tip end surface of the screw fixing boss portion is located on a surface where the liquid introduction port opens,
In the first plate, the liquid supply port is opened at a position corresponding to the position of the liquid introduction port,
The liquid introduction port of the liquid supply unit and the liquid supply port of the first plate are connected to each other with a joint seal member having a hole at a position corresponding to the opening position therebetween, and the first plate A screw is fitted into the screw-stop boss so that one plate is in contact with the screw-stop boss of the liquid supply unit, and the screw head is provided on the first plate. The first plate and the liquid supply unit are pressed and coupled to each other,
The wiring board is attached to the surface of the first plate opposite to the contact surface with the liquid supply unit, and is further bent and fixed to a different side surface. A liquid discharge recording head cartridge provided outside a portion to which a wiring board is attached. Is held in the carriage of the recording apparatus main body, is moved in the transport direction of the recording medium direction perpendicular to the (Y-direction) (X direction), a liquid discharge recording head cartridge that discharges the liquid in the Z direction,
The liquid discharge recording head cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising an X-direction abutting portion, a Y-direction abutting portion, and a Z-direction abutting portion, which are used for positioning at the time of attachment to the carriage.   The X-direction abutting portion is provided in the liquid supply unit, the first plate has an X-direction reference plane, and the liquid supply unit and the first plate are the X-direction reference plane and The liquid discharge recording head cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the liquid ejection recording head cartridge is coupled in a state where the X-direction abutting portion is brought into contact with and positioned.   The Y-direction abutting portion is provided in the liquid supply unit, the first plate has a Y-direction reference plane, and the liquid supply unit and the first plate are the Y-direction reference plane and 4. The liquid discharge recording head cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the liquid discharge recording head cartridge is coupled in a state where the Y-direction abutting portion is in contact with and positioned. 5. 5. The liquid ejection according to claim 2, wherein a dimension from the Z direction abutting portion to an upper surface of the screw stop boss portion is defined, and a tolerance with respect to the dimension is within a predetermined range. Recording head cartridge.   The contact surface of the first plate with respect to the liquid supply unit is a contact portion between the contact portion with the screw fixing boss portion and a portion where the liquid introduction port is opened via the joint seal member. The liquid discharge recording head cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the liquid discharge recording head cartridge is in contact with the liquid supply unit. Wherein the liquid supply port of the first plate has an opening distributed alongside more nearly a line, the screwing portion is provided at both ends two positions of the center line of the arrangement row of the liquid supply port The liquid discharge recording head cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The liquid discharge recording head cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first plate is made of a ceramic material.   The liquid discharge recording head cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the ink supply member is made of a resin material. Surface head of the screw of the screwing portion is abutting and the upper surface of the head of the screw, said first plate, said wiring substrate is recessed from the surface mounted, it claims 1-9 The liquid discharge recording head cartridge according to any one of the above. The screwing boss portion, of the liquid supply unit, wherein the liquid inlet is provided on the member and the same member constituting a portion which is open, according to any one of claims 1 10 Liquid discharge recording head cartridge. The liquid supply unit, said first plate to contact with an adhesive coating unit are bonded by an adhesive, a liquid discharge recording head cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Recording apparatus having a liquid discharge recording head cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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