TW200940349A - Method of attaching printhead integrated circuits to an ink manifold using adhesive film - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of attaching one or more printhead integrated circuits to an ink supply manifold. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a laminated film having a plurality of ink supply holes defined therein, the laminated film comprising a central polymeric film sandwiched between first and second adhesive layers, wherein a first melt temperature of the first adhesive layer is at least 20 DEG C less than a second melt temperature of the second adhesive layer; (b) aligning the film with the ink supply manifold such that each ink supply hole is aligned with a respective ink outlet defined in a manifold bonding surface of the ink supply manifold; (b) bonding the first adhesive layer to the manifold bonding surface by applying heat and pressure to an opposite side of the film; (c) aligning the printhead integrated circuits with the film such that each ink supply hole is aligned with an ink inlet defined in a printhead bonding surface of each printhead integrated circuit; and (d) bonding the printhead integrated circuits to the second adhesive layer.

Description

'200940349 IX. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a printing machine, and in particular to an ink jet type ep _ [Prior Art] The applicant has developed a wide range of printing machines, the stomach thereof 0 Wide print head, not a traditional reciprocating print head design. The page width design increases the printing speed when the print head is printed and the image is traversed in the future to leave an image line. When the page-wide printhead passes at high speed, it only leaves ink on the media. This type of print head can print at full speed of 60 pages per minute at a speed of 60 pages per minute, which is not possible with conventional inkjet printers. Printing at these speeds quickly consumes ink, and there is a problem with supplying enough ink to the 歹IJ printhead. Not only is the flow rate high, but the ink distribution is more complicated than the Q to feed the ink to the smaller reciprocating printhead' page width printhead and along the page width printhead overall length. The print head integrated circuit is typically attached to the ink manifold by an adhesive film. A film must be provided that optimizes the attachment process to provide a printhead assembly with minimal ink leakage. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention provides a laminate film for attaching one or more printhead integrated circuits to an ink supply manifold having a boundary of -5 - 200940349 a plurality of ink supply holes, the laminated film comprising: a central polymeric film; a first adhesive layer for bonding the first side of the film to the ink supply manifold; and a second adhesive layer for a second side of the film is bonded to the one or more printhead integrated circuits, the central polymeric film is sandwiched between the first and second adhesive layers, Q wherein the first adhesive layer has a first melting temperature It is at least 10 ° C lower than the second melting temperature of the second adhesive layer. Optionally, the first melting temperature is at least 2 (TC) lower than the second melting temperature. Optionally, the central polymeric film is a polyimide film. Optionally, the first and second adhesive layers are Epoxy film. Optionally, the total thickness of the film ranges from 40 to 200 microns. 选择性 Selectively, the thickness of the central polymeric film ranges from 20 to 1 micron. Selectively The thickness of each layer of the second adhesive layer ranges from 10 to 50 microns. Optionally, each ink supply aperture has a length in the range of 5 Å to 500 μm and a width in the range of 50 to 500 μm. In one aspect, the present invention provides a thin film package comprising: a central polymeric film; a first adhesive layer for bonding the first side of the film to the ink for the -6 - .200940349; and a second adhesive layer, For bonding the second side of the film to the one or more printhead integrated circuits, the central polymeric film is sandwiched between the first and second adhesive layers, wherein the first adhesive layer is a melting temperature is the second melting of the second adhesive layer The temperature is at least 10 ° C lower; and the first and second protective liners, each of which is removably attached to each of the 0 adhesive layers. Optionally, each protective liner is a polyester film. In another aspect, the present invention provides a printhead assembly comprising: an ink manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold engagement surface; one or more printhead integrated circuits, each printed The header integrated circuit has a plurality of ink inlets defined in the bonding surface of the printhead: and a laminate film sandwiched between the manifold engagement surface and the one or more print head nip surfaces, the film having a defined a plurality of ink supply holes each aligned with a respective ink outlet and an ink inlet, the laminated film comprising: a central polymeric film; a first adhesive layer bonded to the manifold bonding surface; a second adhesive layer bonded to the one or more print head bonding surfaces, the central polymeric film is sandwiched between the first and second adhesive layers, wherein the first adhesive layer has a first melting temperature ratio Second adhesive layer The second melting temperature is at least 10 ° C lower. . . . 200940349 Optionally, each ink supply aperture is substantially free of any adhesive. Optionally, the first and second adhesive layer layers have along the printhead assembly a uniform thickness of the longitudinal extent. Optionally, the first bonding surface of the first adhesive layer and the second bonding surface of the second adhesive layer are uniformly flat along the length of the printhead assembly. Optionally, the printhead assembly includes a plurality of printhead integrated circuits that are joined end to end along a longitudinal extent of the ink supply manifold. Optionally, the plurality of printhead integrated circuits are defined A printhead having a uniform flat inkjet surface. Optionally, when the printhead assembly is inflated at 10 kPa, the printhead assembly has a leak rate of less than 5 mm3 per minute at 90 °C. The leak rate was measured after the print head assembly was immersed in the ink for one week. Optionally, the plurality of ink inlets are defined by an ink supply channel extending along a longitudinal direction of the printhead bonding surface, wherein the plurality of ink supply apertures are aligned with an ink supply channel, each of the plurality The ink supply holes are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction along the ink supply channel. Optionally, the ink supply manifold is a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) casting. In another aspect, the present invention provides a pagewidth printer comprising a stationary printhead assembly, the stationary printhead assembly comprising: an ink manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold engagement surface; Or more print head integrated circuits, each of the print head integrated circuits -8 - - 200940349 having a plurality of ink inlets defined in the bonding surface of the print head; and a laminated film sandwiched by the manifold Between the surface and the one or more printhead engaging surfaces, the film has a plurality of ink supply apertures defined therein, each ink supply aperture being aligned with a respective ink outlet and an ink inlet, the laminate film comprising: a central polymeric film; a first adhesive layer bonded to the manifold bonding surface; and a second adhesive layer bonded to the one or more printhead bonding surfaces, the central polymeric film being sandwiched between the first and the first Between the two adhesive layers, wherein the first melting temperature of the first adhesive layer is at least 10 ° C lower than the second melting temperature of the second adhesive layer. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of attaching one or more printhead integrated circuits to an ink supply manifold, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a laminated film having a a plurality of ink water supply holes, the laminated film comprising a central polymeric film sandwiched between the first and second adhesive layers, wherein the first adhesive layer has a first melting temperature that is greater than the second adhesive layer The second melting temperature is at least 1 lower (TC; (b) aligning the film to the ink supply manifold such that each ink supply aperture is aligned with a respective ink outlet defined in the manifold engagement surface of the ink supply manifold; b) bonding the first adhesive layer to the manifold bonding surface by applying heat and pressure to the opposite side of the film; (c) aligning the one or more printed head integrated circuits with the film' -9-.200940349 aligning each ink supply aperture with an ink inlet defined in a printhead engagement surface of each of the printhead integrated circuits; and (d) splicing the one or more printhead integrated circuits To the second adhesive layer. Optionally, in step (b) The second adhesive layer is protected by a removable protective liner. Optionally, prior to step (c), the protective liner is removed. 选择性 Optionally, in step (b), the first An adhesive layer reaches its melting temperature, and the second adhesive layer does not reach its melting temperature. Optionally, the first melting temperature is at least 20 ° C lower than the second melting temperature. Optionally, in step (b) The applied heat corresponds to the first melting temperature. Optionally, during at least step (b), substantially no adhesive flows into the ink supply aperture. 〇 selectively 'step (C) includes The step is: optically finding the position of the center of each ink supply hole, wherein the step of finding the position is promoted by the ink supply hole without the adhesive. Optionally, the range of the length of each ink supply hole 50 to 500 microns and a width in the range of 50 to 500 microns. Selectively after step (b), the laminated film maintains its structural integrity such that the second adhesive layer is along its length The range maintains a uniform thickness. After step (b), the laminated film maintains its structural integrity of -10-200940349 such that the second bonding surface defined by the second adhesive layer maintains its uniform flatness along its longitudinal extent Optionally, step (d) comprises heating each of the print head integrated circuits and positioning each of the heated print head integrated circuits on the second joint surface, optionally in step (d) Due to the uniform flatness of the second bonding surface, the adhesive bonding time is less than 2 seconds. φ Optionally, a plurality of print head integrated circuits are respectively aligned and bonded to the second adhesive layer, the plurality of columns The print integrated circuit is positioned such that it is joined end to end along the lengthwise extent of the ink supply manifold. Optionally, a plurality of ink inlets are formed along the print head engagement surface. The longitudinally extending ink supply channel is defined, and wherein the plurality of ink supply apertures are aligned with an ink supply channel, each of the plurality of ink supply apertures being spaced apart along the lengthwise direction of the ink supply channel. Q Optionally, the central polymeric film is a polyimide film. Optionally, the first and second adhesive layers are epoxy films. Optionally, the total thickness of the film ranges from 40 to 200 microns. 选择性 Optionally, the thickness of the central polymeric film ranges from 20 to 100 microns. Optionally, the thickness of each of the first and second adhesive layers ranges from 10 to 50 microns. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a printhead assembly comprising: -11 - 200940349 an ink manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold engagement surface; one or more printhead assemblies a circuit, each of the print head integrated circuits having a plurality of ink inlets defined in the bonding surface of the printhead; and an adhesive film sandwiched between the manifold engagement surface and the one or more print head engagement surfaces, The film has a plurality of ink supply apertures defined therein, each ink supply aperture being aligned with the ink outlet and the ink inlet, wherein the leakage rate of the printhead assembly is when the printhead assembly is inflated at 1 kPa The leak rate was measured after immersing the print head assembly in the ink for one week at 90 ° C for less than 1 mm3 per minute. Optionally, the print head assembly has a leak rate of less than 1 mm 3 ° per minute. Optionally, the print head assembly has a leak rate of less than 0.2 mm 3 per minute. Optionally, each ink supply hole is substantially No adhesive. φ Optionally, each ink supply aperture has a length in the range of 50 to 500 microns and a width in the range of 50 to 500 microns. Optionally, the total thickness of the adhesive film ranges from 40 to 200 microns. Optionally, the ink supply manifold is a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) casting. In another aspect, the present invention provides the printhead assembly including a plurality of print head assemblies that are joined end to end along the length of the ink supply manifold. -12- 200940349 Optionally, a plurality of ink inlets are defined by an ink supply channel extending along a longitudinal direction of the printhead bonding surface 'where a plurality of ink supply apertures are aligned with an ink supply channel' The plurality of ink supply apertures are spaced apart along the lengthwise direction of the ink supply channel. Optionally, each of the print head engaging surfaces has a plurality of ink supply channels defined therein, each ink supply channel defining a plurality of ink inlets. Q. Optionally, the adhesive film is a laminated film comprising: a central polymeric film; a first adhesive layer bonded to the manifold bonding surface; and a second adhesive layer bonded to the one or more printheads The surface, the central polymeric film sheet is sandwiched between the first and second adhesive layers. Optionally, the first melting temperature of the first adhesive layer is at least 10 ° C lower than the second melting temperature of the second adhesive layer. Optionally, the first and second layers of the adhesive layer have a uniform thickness along the length of the printhead assembly. Optionally, the first bonding surface of the first adhesive layer and the second bonding surface of the second adhesive layer are uniformly flat along the length of the printhead assembly. Optionally, the central polymeric film is a polyimide film. Optionally, the first and second adhesive layers are epoxy films. Optionally, the thickness of the central polymeric film ranges from 20 to 100 microns. Optionally, the thickness of each of the first and second adhesive layers ranges from -13 to 200940349 1 〇 to 50 microns. In another aspect, the invention provides the printhead assembly which is a pagewidth printhead assembly. In another aspect, the present invention provides a pagewidth printer comprising a stationary printhead assembly, the stationary printhead assembly comprising: an ink manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold engagement surface; One or more print head integrated circuits, each of the print head integrated circuits having a plurality of ink inlets defined in the print head engagement surface; and an adhesive film sandwiched between the manifold engagement surfaces and the one or more Between the plurality of printhead engaging surfaces, the film has a plurality of ink supply apertures defined therein, each ink supply aperture being aligned with the ink outlet and the ink inlet, wherein the printhead assembly is inflated at 1 kPa The leak rate of the print head assembly is less than 1 〇mm3 per minute. The leak rate is measured after immersing the print head assembly in the ink for one week at 90 °C.实施 [Embodiment] Fig. 1 shows a printer 2 embodying the present invention. The main body 4 of the printer supports the rear media feed tray 14 and the front pivot surface 6. Figure 1 shows the pivoting face 6 closed so that the display screen 8 is in its upright viewing position. The control button 10 is extended from the side of the screen 8 to allow the operator to enter while viewing the screen. To print, a single sheet of paper is drawn from the media stack 12 in the feed tray 14 and fed through the printhead (hidden in the printer). Printed -14- 200940349 Paper 1 6 is conveyed through the print media exit slot 18. Fig. 2 shows that the pivoting face 6 is opened to reveal the inside of the printer 2. The face of the printer is exposed before the printer is opened. The print head cartridge 96 is fixedly positioned by the weir engagement cam 20, which is pushed down to ensure that the ink coupling member (to be explained) is fully engaged, and the print head 1C (described later) ) Position the paper feed path correctly. By the release lever 24, the hand motion cam 20 〇 pivoting surface 6 will not close, so the printer will not operate until the release 24 is pushed down to fully engage the cam. Closing the pivot face 6 causes the machine contact point 22 to engage the 匣 contact point 104. Figure 3 shows that the pivoting face 6 of the printer is open and the printhead 匣9 6 is removed. Since the pivoting face 6 is tilted forward, the user pulls up the tweezer release lever 24 to disengage the cam 20. This causes the handle 26 on the cymbal 96 to be gripped and pulled up. The upstream and downstream ink coupling members 1 1 2 A and 1 1 2 B are separated from the print conduit 142. This will be explained in more detail below. The opposite is true if you want to install the new 匣 ® program. Xinyi did not inject ink when it was shipped and sold. In order for the printer to be ready for printing, the active fluid system (described later) uses a downstream pump to inject the ink and print head into the ink. In Figure 4, the outer casing of the printer 2 has been removed to reveal the portion. The large ink tank 60 has separate reservoirs for all four different types of ink. The ink reservoir 60 itself is a replaceable cartridge that is coupled upstream of the printer that shuts off the valve (see Figure 6). There is also a box 92 for pumping ink from the raft 96 by the pump 62. The printer fluid system will be described in detail with reference to Figure 6. In short, the ink from the slot 60 flows out upstream of the mast and is moved to the inner 66 from the ink fountain 95-200940349 water line 84 to the shut-off valve 66 and up to the printer Catheter 142. As shown in Figure 5, when the crucible 96 is installed, the pump 62 (driven by the motor 196) can draw ink into the LCP casting 64 (see Figures 6 and 17 to 20) to enable capillary action. The print head 1C 68 (again, see Fig. 6 and Figs. 17-20) injects ink. The excess ink drawn by the pump 62 is fed into the casing 92 covered by the ink tank 60. Because of the number of contact points used, the total connection force between the contact point 104 and the printer H-contact 22 is quite large. In the illustrated embodiment, the total contact force is 45 Newtons. This load is sufficient to bend and deform the crucible. In Fig. 30, the internal structure of the frame casting is shown. The support surface 28 shown in Fig. 3 is schematically shown in Fig. 30. The compressive load at the printer contact point on the contact point 104 is indicated by an arrow. The force on the support surface 28 is likewise indicated by an arrow. In order to maintain the structural integrity of the crucible 96, the frame casting 1 has a structural member 30 extending from the plane of the joining force. In order to maintain the connection force acting in the plane of the connection force, the frame also has a contact rib 32 that bears against the support surface 28. This allows the load on the structural member 30 to be fully compressible to maximize the stiffness of the crucible and minimize any bending. Print Engine Pipeline The print engine pipeline has printer processing for printing data that is received from an external source and output to the printhead for printing. The printing engine pipeline is described in detail in USSN 11/0 14769 ( RRC 001 US) filed on Dec. 20, 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. -16- 200940349 Fluid Systems Traditional printers rely on structures and components within the printheads, cartridges, and ink lines to avoid fluid problems. Some common fluid problems are color mixing of unfilled ink or dry nozzles, gas egress bubbles, and cross-contamination. For fluid control, optimizing the design of the printer components to avoid these problems is a passive approach. In general, the active component used to correct these problems is the nozzle actuator itself. However, this is usually insufficient and will waste a lot of ink on the work of correcting these problems. In the page width print head, the problem is exacerbated by the length and complexity of the ink supply tube supplied to the print head 1C. The applicant of the present invention has developed an active fluid system for a printing machine to solve this problem. Some of these problems are described in US Ser. No. 1 1/677,049, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Figure 6 shows a single pump embodiment of an active fluid system wherein the active fluid system is adapted for use with the printhead described in the present specification. The fluid architecture shown in Figure 6 is for a single ink line of only one color. The color printer will have separate ink lines (and separate ink reservoirs 60) for each color. As shown in Figure 6, the architecture has a single pump 62 downstream of the LCP casting 64 and a shut-off valve 66 upstream of the LCP casting. The LCP casting supports the print head IC 6 8 via the adhesive 1C adhesion film 174. The shut-off valve 66 isolates the ink in the ink tank 60 from the print head 1C 68 whenever the printer power is turned off. This allows color mixing at the print head IC 68 between periods -17-200940349 to avoid reaching the ink tank 60. These issues are further detailed in the cross-referenced specification USSN 1 1/677049 (our file SBF006US). The ink reservoir 60 has a venting bubble point pressure regulator 72 for maintaining a relatively constant negative hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzle. The bubble point pressure regulator in the ink reservoir is described in detail in co-pending USSN 11/640,355, filed on Jan. Q, however, the regulator 72 is shown to have a bubble outlet 74 that sinks into the ink in the ink reservoir 60 and is vented to the atmosphere via a sealed conduit 76 that extends to the air inlet 78. When the print head ic 68 consumes ink, the pressure in the ink tank 60 drops until the pressure difference at the bubble outlet 74 draws air into the tank. The air forms bubbles in the ink and rises to the headspace of the trough. This pressure difference is the bubble point pressure and has an absolute relationship with the diameter (or minimum dimension) of the bubble outlet 74 and the Laplace pressure of the ink relief surface at the outlet, which prevents air from entering. The bubble point pressure regulator uses the required bubble point pressure to generate bubbles at the sinking bubble outlet 74 so that the hydrostatic pressure remains substantially constant at the outlet (when the air bulges to form a bubble and rises to the ink) There will be a slight change in the space at the top of the sink). If the hydrostatic pressure at the outlet is at the bubble point, the hydrostatic pressure profile in the ink reservoir is known regardless of how much ink has been consumed by the ink reservoir. When the ink level drops to the outlet, the pressure on the surface of the ink in the ink tank drops toward the bubble point pressure. Of course, once the outlet 74 is exposed, the headspace is vented to the atmosphere and the negative pressure will disappear. If the ink level reaches the bubble exit 74, the ink reservoir should be replenished -18-200940349 to fill or replace (if it is a carcass). The ink tank 60 can be a fixed reservoir capable of replenishing ink, or can be disclosed (disclosed in RRC001US, incorporated herein by reference) to prevent particle contamination, and the outlet 80 of the ink tank 60 has a coarse filter. A fine filter is also used at the print head. It is especially convenient for the user to replace the ink cartridge or print the old filter with a limited life. If you have to use individual consumables, you will have to rely on the hard-working and regular replacement of the user. When the bubble outlet 74 is at the bubble point pressure and is turned off, the hydrostatic pressure at the nozzle is also fixed and small. However, if the shut-off valve 66 has been closed for a period of time, bubbles may form in the LCP casting 64 or in the print head, changing the pressure at the nozzle. Similarly, each time the temperature changes, the expansion or contraction of the bubble changes the force of the ink line 84 downstream of the shut-off valve 66. Similarly, as the dissolved gas runs out of the solution, the pressure in the tank will change during the non-operating period. From the LCP casting 64 to the downstream ink line 86 of the pump 62 is coupled to the electronic controller 90 for the ink sensor 88 of the pump. 8 8 senses the presence or absence of ink in the downstream ink line 86. The sensor 88 can be omitted for the system, and the pump 62 can be set to operate for a different period of time for a different operation. This can adversely affect operating costs because of increased waste. The pump 62 is fed into the tank 92 (when the box 92 is physically positioned in the forward direction to be positioned in the printer to replace it below the print head.) 82 is filtered to replace the filter It is 丨66 is the pressure between the outside of the atmospheric gas 1C 68, the ink can include the sensor on behalf of the ground, for each ink). 1C 68 -19- 200940349. This allows the ink in the downstream ink line 86 to travel during the life of the LCP casting 64, whereby the print head 1C 68 produces a negative pressure at the negative hydrostatic nozzle that pulls the ink relief inwardly and avoids color mixing, the creeping pump 62 needs to be stopped in the open condition 'to allow liquid communication between the ink outlets in the LCP casting pump 92. The pressure difference between the ink lines of different colors will not occur. In addition, paper dust or other particles on the nozzle plate can damage the ink of 0. Driven by a slight pressure differential between each ink line occurs during periods when the printer is not operating. The shut-off valve 66 causes the ink to exit the nozzle of the print head IC 66 to prevent color mixing from extending over 60. Once the ink in the ink tank is contaminated with different colors, it does not have to be replaced. The cover 94 series print head maintenance station is hidden during standby to avoid dehydration of the print head 1C 68 and to block the nozzle from the paper particles. A cover 94 is also provided for cleaning the nozzle plate to remove water and other contaminants. When the ink solvent (usually water) evaporates the viscosity of the ink, dehydration of the print head 1C 68 occurs. If the viscosity is too high, the inkjet actuator will not be able to eject ink drops. If the device is sealed, it may be a problem to re-operate the nozzle after the shutdown or standby period. The various items listed above are common during the life of the printer and can be effectively corrected using the relatively simple fluid shown in Figure 6. It also allows the user to initially inject the ink into the inkjet printer without injecting ink or using a simple fault check to "hang" the pressure. Spray. Of course, the object 64 is mixed with the color of each nozzle during operation, the slot 60 is separated by the ink tank method and the nozzle is hidden, and the dust or the dry ink is removed and the ink is sacrificed if the ink is sacrificed. , the transfer agreement will be listed -20- 200940349

The printer returns to the known print ready state. An example of several of these cases is detailed in USSN 1 1 /677049 (our file SBF006US) referenced above. The print head 匣 print head 匣 96 is shown in Figures 7 to 16A. Figure 7 shows the assembled print head 96. The crucible system is mounted within the crucible frame 1 and the frame cover 102. The window of the rack 100 exposes a contact point 104 that receives information from the print engine controller in the printer. Figures 8 and 9 show the cymbal 96 with the snaps attached over the protective cover 98. The protective cover 98 prevents damage from contact with the electrical contact 104 and the print head 1C 68 (see Figure 10). The user can hold the top of the cassette 96 and remove the protective cover 98 immediately prior to installation in the printer. The first figure shows the bottom side of the print head 匣 96 and the "back" (relative to the paper feed direction). The print head contact 104 is a conductive pad on a flexible printed circuit board, and the flexible printed circuit board 108 is wrapped around a curved wipe surface (discussed below in the description of the LCP Prayer). One of the row wiring junctions 1 1 0 on one side of the print head 1C 68. The other side of the printhead IC 68 is a paper cover 丨06 to prevent direct contact with the media substrate. Figure 11 shows the bottom side and "front" of the print head 96. There are two ink coupling members Η 2A and 11 2B at either end in front of the cymbal. Each of the ink couplings has four helium valves U 4 . When the crucible is mounted in the printer, the ink affinity members 112A and 1⁄2 are joined to the complementary ink supply interface (described in more detail below - 21 - . 200940349). The ink supply interface has a printer conduit 42 that engages and opens the helium valve 114. One of the ink coupling members n2A is the upstream ink coupling member' and the other is the downstream ink coupling member 1 i 2 B. The upstream ink weighing member 1 12A establishes liquid communication between the printing head 1C 68 and the ink tank 6〇 (see FIG. 6) and the downstream ink affinity member 112B is coupled to the housing 92 (see also Figure 6). ). Figure 1 2 shows various views of the print head 匣 96. The plan of the print head 匣 9 6 亦 also indicates the position of the cross-sectional views of Figures 14, 15 and 16. Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the print head cartridge 90. The LCP casting 64 is attached to the bottom side of the crucible frame 100. The flexible PCB 108 is then attached to the bottom side of the LCP casting 64 and wrapped around to expose the printhead contact 104. The inlet manifold and filter 116 are connected to the L C P inlet 1 22 via a resilient connector 120. Likewise, the L C P outlet 1 2 4 is coupled to the outlet manifold 118 via another set of resilient connectors 120. The frame cover 1〇2 is installed into the frame 1〇〇 from the top, and the removable cover 98 is quickly slid on the bottom to protect the contact point 104 and the print head. IC (see Figure 1 1). Inlet and filter manifold Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 12-14 of Figure 12, showing the fluid path to the LCP casting 64 via one of the helium valves 1 14 of the upstream coupling member 1 12A. . The helium valve 114 has an elastomeric sleeve 126 that is biased into sealing engagement with the fixed valve member 128. By compressing the elastomeric sleeve 126, the printer conduit 142 is opened by the helium valve 1 14 (see Figure 16) '-22- 200940349 such that it is opened by the fixed valve member 128 and allows ink along the inlet and filter manifold 1 The top of 1 6 flows upward to the top channel 1 3 8 . The top channel 1 3 8 leads to the upstream filter chamber 132 and one of the walls of the upstream filter chamber 132 is defined by the filter membrane 130. The ink flows through the filter membrane 130 into the downstream filter chamber 134 and out to the LCP inlet 122. From there, the filtered ink flows along the LCP main channel 136 to feed the printhead IC (not shown). The features and advantages of the inlet and filter manifold 116 will now be referenced to Figure 15. And the explanation. The exploded perspective view of Fig. 15 illustrates very clearly the delicate design of the inlet and filter manifolds 116. Some of the features of this design contribute to the fine form. First, the valve system is close to each other. This is not the same as the traditional self-sealing ink valve architecture. Previous designs used elastic members that were biased into sealing engagement with the stationary members. However, the elastic member is a solid shape in which the ink flows around, or else in the form of a diaphragm through which the ink flows. In the 匣 coupling part, the 匣 valve is automatically opened automatically during installation. Ο This can be achieved in an easy and cost-effective manner by means of a coupling, one of which has an elastic member' which is joined to the other valve by a rigid member. If the elastic member is in the form of a diaphragm, it will normally hold itself against the central rigid member under tension. This provides an effective seal and requires a relatively low tolerance. However, it also requires flexible peripheral members to have a wide peripheral installation. The width of the resilient member will be a trade-off between the desired coupling force, the integrity of the seal, and the material properties of the resilient member used. As clearly shown in Fig. 16, the 匣 valve 丨 4 of the present invention uses an elastic sleeve 126' which seals against the fixed valve member ι28-23-.200940349 under residual compression. When the crucible is installed in the printer, the valve 1 14 will open and the end of the conduit 148 of the printer valve 1 42 will further compress the sleeve 126. The collar 146 is opened by the fixed valve member 128 to connect the LCP casting 64 to the printer fluid system via the upstream coupling 112A and the downstream coupling 1 12B (see Figure 6). The side walls of the casing are designed to bulge outwardly as the inward depression can create flow obstructions. As shown in Fig. 16, the sleeve 126 has a weaker portion around its intermediate portion which reinforces and guides the bend. This reduces the force required to join the 匣 to the column φ printer and ensures that the sleeve bends outward. The coupling member is used to disengage the crucible from the printer with "no water droplets". When the cassette is pulled up by the printer, the elastomeric sleeve 1 26 pushes the collar 1 46 to seal against the fixed valve member 1 28 . Once the elastomeric sleeve 1 2 6 seals against the fixed valve member 1 2 8 (and thus the heel side of the seal coupling), the seal collar 1 46 rises with the weir. The collar 146 is thus opened by the end of the conduit 148. When the seal breaks, the ink relief surface will form a gap through the gap between the collar and the end of the conduit 148. The shape of the end of the fixed valve member 128 guides the concavo-convex surface toward the middle of its Φ bottom surface rather than passing through it. At the middle of the circular bottom of the fixed valve member 128, the relief surface is driven to disengage itself from the nearly horizontal bottom surface. In order to achieve the lowest possible energy state, the surface tension drives the relief surface away from the fixed valve member 128. The biasing effect of minimizing the surface area of the relief surface is strong such that little ink, if any, remains on the helium valve 114 after detachment. Before the crucible is processed, any residual ink is not enough to be one of the drops that will drip and cause contamination. When the new cartridge is installed in the printer, air within the conduit 150 will enter the ink fluid 152 and be absorbed by the crucible. In view of this, the inlet manifold and the -24-200940349 filter assembly have high bubble tolerances. Referring to Figure 15, the ink flows through the top of the fixed valve member 128 and into the top channel 138. Since the top channel is the highest point of the inlet manifold 1 16 , the top channel can replenish bubbles. However, it is still possible for the bubble to flow into the filter inlet 158. In this case the 'filter assembly itself is tolerate air bubbles. The bubbles on the upstream side of the filter member 13 3 affect the flow rate'. They effectively reduce the wetted surface area on the dirty side of the filter member 130. © The filter diaphragm has a long rectangular shape so that even a small amount of air bubbles are drawn into the dirty side of the filter, and the wetted surface area is still large enough to filter the ink at the desired flow rate. This is important for the high speed operation provided by the present invention. When bubbles in the upstream filter chamber 132 cannot pass over the filter membrane 130, bubbles emerging from the gas may create bubbles in the downstream filter chamber 134. A filter outlet 156 is positioned at the bottom of the downstream filter chamber 134 and obliquely opposite the inlet 158 in the upstream filter chamber 132 to minimize bubble effects in either chamber at this flow rate. © Filters 130 for each color are juxtaposed vertically adjacent to the stack. The compartment wall 1 62 partially defines an upstream filter chamber 1 32 on one side and a downstream filter chamber 1 34 that defines an adjacent color on the other side. Because the filter chamber is so thin (for delicate design), the filter membrane 13 〇 can be pushed against the opposite wall of the downstream filter chamber 134. This effectively reduces the surface area of the filter membrane 130. It is therefore harmful to maximize the flow rate. To avoid this, the opposing walls of the downstream filter chamber 134 have a series of spaced ribs 160 to maintain the diaphragm 130 separate from the wall. Positioning the filter inlet and outlet diagonally diagonally also helps to clean the air system during initial injection of ink from the system -25- 200940349. In order to reduce the risk of contamination of the print head particles, the filter membrane 130 is welded to the downstream side of the first compartment wall before the next compartment wall 1 62 is welded to the first compartment wall. Thus, any broken plate filter diaphragm 130 in the welding process will be on the "dirty" side of the filter 130.

LCP Casting/Flexible PCB/Printing Head 1C 〇 L c P casting 6 4, flexible P C B 1 0 8 and print head IC 6 8 components are shown in Figures 17 to 33. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the underside of the LCP casting 64 with the flexible PCB and print head 1C 68 attached. The LCP castings 6 4 are fixed to the crucible frame 10 经由 via countersunk holes 166 and 168. Hole 1 6 6 is an anti-circular hole for accepting a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch without bending the LCP. The print head 1C 68 is lined up end-to-end in the longitudinal direction of the LCP casting 64. The flexible PCB 108 is wire bonded to the printhead IC 6 8 at one edge. The flexible P C B 1 0 8 is also secured to the LCP casting 64 at the edge of the print 1 © 1C edge and the 匣 contact 104. The flexible PCB is held at both edges to hold it tightly to the curved support surface 170 (see Figure 19). This ensures that the flexible PCB does not bend to a radius that is tighter than the minimum set of turns, thereby reducing the risk of breakage of the conductive traces through the flexible P C B . Figure 18 is an enlarged view of the insert A in Figure 17, showing the rows of wire bond contacts 164 and the rows of print heads 1C 68 along the sides of the flexible PCB 108. Figure 19 is an exploded perspective of the LCP/flex PCB/print head 1C assembly. -26- 200940349 Figure showing the bottom side of each component. Figure 20 is another exploded perspective view of the top side of each component. The LCP casting 64 has a channel casting 176 sealed to its bottom side. The print head 1C 68 is attached to the bottom side of the channel casting 176 by adhering the 1C adhesion film. The LCP main channel 184 is attached to the top side of the channel casting 176. The LCP channel 184 is open to the ink inlet 122 and the ink outlet 124 in the LCP casting 64. A series of ink supply passages 182 leading to one of the heads 1C 68 are attached to the bottom of the LCP main © 184. The adhesive 1C attachment film 174 has a series of laser drill holes 186 such that the attachment side of each of the print head ICs 6 8 is in fluid communication with the ink supply path 182. The 1C adhering film will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 31 to 33. The LCP casting 64 has a recess 178 for receiving the electronic component 180 in the drive circuitry on the PCB 108. In order to achieve electrical efficiency and operation, the contact point 104 on the PCB 108 should be close to the head 1C 68. However, in order to keep the paper path adjacent to the print head, rather than being curved or angled, the contact point 104 needs to be at 匣96. The conductive path in a flexible PCB is called a stitch. Because of the curved corners of the flexible PCB, the stitches may crack and break the joint. In order to overcome the situation, the stitches can be bifurcated before bending, and then the threads are combined to be one after bending. If one branch of the bifurcation segment is split, the other connections are connected. Unfortunately, splitting the stitches into two, and then connecting them, can cause electromagnetic interference problems and generate noise in the circuit. Widening the stitch is not an effective solution because the wider line is not significant to prevent cracking. Once the stitching has begun to crack, it will spread throughout the width quickly and easily. Compared to the bending of the flexible PCB, the LCP 174 LCP main groove prints the channel hole to supply the flexible side of the best printable side. This trace must be served in the support - the trace pair is quite curved - 27- 200940349 The number of stitches is minimized. To minimize the cracking of the stitches, it is more effective to carefully control the bend radius. The page width printhead presents additional complexity because the large nozzle array must be launched in a relatively short time. Immediately firing many nozzles will expose the system to large current loads. This creates a high level of inductance in the circuit, which in turn causes a voltage dip that is not conducive to operation. To avoid this, the flexible PCB has a series capacitor that discharges when the nozzles are sequentially fired to relieve the load on the remaining electrical circuits. Since it is necessary to keep the paper path through the print head 1C straight, the capacitor is typically attached to the flexible PCB near the contact point on the side of the crucible. Unfortunately, they create additional stitches that expose the curved section of the flexible PCB to the risk of cracking. The solution to this problem is to install capacitor 180 (see Figure 20) next to printhead 1C 68 to reduce the chance of stitch cracking. The paper path is maintained linear by hiding capacitors and other components within the LCP casting 64.相对 The relatively flat surface of the flexible PCB 108 downstream of the printhead 1C 68 and the paper shield 172 mounted on the front of the 匣96 (in relation to the feed direction) minimizes the risk of paper jam. Isolating the contact points from the rest of the flexible PCB minimizes the number of stitches that extend through the curved section. This can be more reliable' because the chance of cracking is reduced. Placing the circuit components alongside the print head 1C means that the need to be widened at a minimum is not conducive to a delicate design. However, the advantages of this architecture outweigh the shortcomings of any slightly wider one. First of all, the contact point will be larger, because there is no trace from the component in the -28-200940349, but the opposite side of the machine will be printed illegally, and the connection with the occupied black touch is greater than the accuracy. There is a standard. Do not make a touch on the circumference of the week to make the touch and the gap between the gram and the energy. This is especially important in situations where the joint contact point relies on the user to accurately insert the defect. Second, the edges of the flexible PCB that are wired to the sides of the printhead 1C are not under residual stress and try to break away from the bend radius. The flexible PCB can be fixed to the support structure at other components of the capacitor, so that the wiring that is bonded to the print head 1C during the manufacturing period is easier to form and less cracked because it is not used for fixed scratching. Sexual PCB. Third, the capacitor is especially closer to the nozzle of the print head 1C, so that the electromagnetic interference generated by the discharge capacitor is minimized. An enlarged view of the bottom surface of the print head of Figure 2 shows a flexible PCB 108 and a 歹丨J print head 1C 68. The wiring bonding contact point 164 of the flexible PCB 108 is arranged in parallel with the contact pads of the printing head 1C 68 on the bottom side of the adhesion 1C adhesion film 174. Fig. 22 shows an enlarged view of the print head 1C 68 and the flexible PCB removed in Fig. 21 to reveal the supply holes 186. The holes are arranged in four lengthwise columns. Each column carries a special color of ink, and each column is aligned to a single channel on the back side of each of the print heads 1C 68. Fig. 23 shows a bottom side view of the LCP channel casting 176 in which the adhesion 1C adhesion film 174 has been removed. This reveals an ink supply path 182 that is connected to the LCP main channel 184 formed in the other side of the channel casting 176 (see Figure 20). It will be appreciated that when the adhesive 1C attachment film 174 is adhered, it partially defines the ink supply path 182. It will be appreciated that the attachment film must be accurately positioned because the respective ink supply passages 1 82 must be aligned with the supply holes 186 for laser drilling through the membrane 174 to -29-200940349. Figure 24 shows a bottom side view of the LCP casting in which the channel casting has been removed. This reveals an array of blind holes 200 that are filled with ink into the ink blind hole 200 containing air to attenuate any pressure pulse waves. This will be discussed in further detail. Print head 1C attached film 〇 Laser ablation film Refer to Figures 31 to 33 for more details on the adhesion of the 1C film. Membrane 174 can be laser drilled and wound onto reel 198 to facilitate printhead 96. For processing and storage, film 174 has two protections, typically PET liners, on either side. One of them is now 188B, which has been attached to the film prior to laser drilling. Another liner 192 is substituted for the active liner 188A after the drilling operation. Portions of the laser-drilled film 174 shown in Fig. 32 have some of the active pads 188B that have been used to expose the supply holes 186. The replacement liner 192 on the thin side is replaced by a pad 1 88 A after the laser is drilled into the supply aperture 186. Figures 33A through 33C show in detail how the film 174 is fired by laser. Fig. 33A shows in detail the laminated structure of the film before laser drilling. The plate 190 is typically a polyimide film and the film sheet 190 required to provide the laminate is sandwiched between a first adhesive layer 194A and a second adhesive layer 194B which is typically an epoxy layer. The first adhesive layer 194A is for bonding to the track casting 176. The second adhesive layer 194B is used to bond to the column ί when the LCP water is used,

Adhesion of the thin liner into the column (using a pad pad for the removal of the film to create a central film strength. Between the LCP groove P head 1C -30- 200940349 68. According to the invention, the first adhesive layer The melting temperature of 194A is at least 1 lower than the melting temperature of the second adhesive layer 194B. As explained in detail below, the difference in melting temperature greatly improves the control of the printing process of the print head IC, thereby improving the use. The effectiveness of the film 174. For film processing and storage, each of the first adhesive layer 194A and the second adhesive layer 194B are covered with respective pads 188A and 188B. The central film plate 190 is generally 20 to 100 microns thick (usually Approximately 50 microns. Each of the first and second adhesive layers 194A and 194B has a thickness of 10 to 50 microns (typically about 25 microns). Referring to Figure 33B, the film defined by liner 188A The side of the laser is drilled. The hole 186 is drilled through the first pad 1 88A, the epoxy layers 1 94A and 1 94B, and the diaphragm 190. The hole 186 terminates somewhere on the pad 188B, so that the pad 188B can Thicker than liner 188A (eg, liner 188A can be 10 to 20 microns Pad 188B can be 30 to 100 microns thick.) ❹ Then remove the small hole pad 1 88A on the laser entry side and replace it with replacement pad 192 to provide the thin film package shown in Figure 33C. The film package is then wound onto a reel 198 (see Figure 31) for handling and storage prior to attachment. When the print head is assembled, the appropriate length is removed by the reel 198, and the liner is removed. And attaching the film 174 to the bottom side of the LCP channel casting 1 76 such that the holes 1 86 are aligned with the correct ink supply path 182 (see Figure 25). Laser drilling is used to define the holes in the polymeric film. The standard method. However, the problem with laser drilling is that it deposits carbon-bearing coal 197 in and around the hole -31 - 200940349 (see Figures 33B and 33C). Ash may be easy to handle because it is usually replaced after laser drilling. However, the deposition of coal ash 97 in and around the actual supply hole 186 is a potential problem when compressing the film into the LCP groove during bonding. When the casting material 1 76 and the printing head 1C 68 are between, the coal ash may be taken The ejected coal ash 1 97 represents that the particles may enter the ink supply system and may be blocked in the print head 1C 68. In addition, the coal ash is very fast and cannot be cleaned by conventional ultrasonic and/or IPA. Technical removal. By the analysis of the membrane 174 of the laser drilled hole, the applicant has observed that: coal ash is generally present on the laser entry side of the membrane 1 74 (ie, the epoxy layer 194A and the membrane sheet). 190), but typically does not exist on the laser exit side of film 174 (i.e., epoxy layer 1 94B). Double Laser Burning Uranium Film The Applicant has surprisingly discovered that the dual laser ablative ink supply port 186 eliminates most of the coal ash deposits 197, including the soot present on the laser entry side of the film. The starting point of the laser-fired uranium film is the film shown in Figure 3 3 A. In a first step, the first aperture 185 is laser drilled from the side of the film defined by the liner 188A. Hole 185 is drilled through liner 188A, epoxy layers 194A and 194B, and central diaphragm 190. Hole 185 terminates somewhere on pad 188B. The first aperture 185 is sized smaller than the desired ink supply aperture 186. Generally speaking, each length and width of the first hole 185 is about 1 μm smaller than the length and width of the desired ink supply hole 186. -32- 200940349 As seen from Figure 3A, the first aperture 185 has coal ash 197 deposited on the first liner 188A, the first epoxy layer 194A, and the central membrane sheet 190. In a second step, the first aperture 1 85 is enlarged by further laser drilling to provide an ink supply aperture 186 having a desired size. This expansion process produces very small coal ash, so that the formed ink supply port 86 has a clean side wall as shown in Fig. 34B. Finally, referring to Figure 34C, the first pad 0 188A is replaced with a replacement pad 192 to provide a film package that is ready to be wound onto the reel 198 and subsequently used to attach the print head 1C 68 to the LCP. Channel casting 176. The second pad 188B can also be replaced at this stage if needed. Comparing the films shown in Figures 33C and 34C, the double laser ablation method provides a film 1 74 with ink supply holes 186 that are much cleaner than pure laser ablation. The film is therefore very suitable for attaching the print head 1C 68 to the LCP channel casting 1 76 without contaminating the ink to unwanted soot deposition. ❹ Print head 1C attachment procedure Referring to Figures 19 and 20, it is clear to us that the print head 1C attachment procedure is an important stage in the manufacture of the print head. In the 1C attachment procedure, the first adhesive surface of the laser drilled film 174 is first bonded to the bottom side of the LCP trench casting 176, and then the print head 1C 68 is bonded to the opposite second adhesive surface of the film 174. Film 174 has epoxy-adhesive layers 194A and 194B on each side that melt and bond under application of heat and pressure. Since the LCP channel casting 176 has very poor thermal conductivity, -33-200940349 must apply heat through each of the bonding processes via the second surface of the film 174 that does not contact the LCP channel casting. For the positioning of each print head 1C 68 and the supply of ink to the print head 1C 68, the control of the bonding process is very important in order to achieve optimum print head performance. A typical sequence of the print head 1C attachment steps using the prior art film 174 (as described in U.S. Publication No. 2007/0206056) is schematically shown in the longitudinal section in Figures 35A through 35D. Referring to Figure 35A, the film 174 is first aligned with the LCP channel casting 176 such that the ink supply aperture 186 is accurately aligned to the ink outlet defined by the manifold engaging surface 175. As described above, the ink outlet is shaped to match the ink supply path 182. The first adhesive layer 1 94A faces the manifold engaging surface 175 while the opposite sides of the film are protected by a protective liner 188B. Referring to Figure 35B, the film 174 is bonded to the manifold engaging surface 175 by applying heat and pressure from the heating block 302. The rubber pad 300 separates the heating block 302 from the film liner 18 8B to prevent any damage to the film 174 during the bonding. During bonding, the first epoxy layer 194A is heated to its melting temperature and bonded to the bonding surface 175 of the LCP trench casting 176. As shown in Fig. 35C, the liner 188B is then peeled off from the film 174 to reveal the second epoxy layer 194B. Next, print head 1C 68 is aligned with film 174, ready for the second joining step. Figure 35C illustrates several problems that exist in the first joining step. Since the epoxy layers 194A and 194B are identical to the prior art film, the two layers melt during the first bonding step. Melting of the second epoxy layer 194B can cause problems for a number of reasons. First, -34-200940349 part of the epoxy adhesive 199 is extruded from the second epoxy layer 194B and wrinkles the laser-drilled ink supply holes 186. This reduces the area of the ink supply apertures 186, which in turn increases the ink flow resistance of the entire printhead assembly. In some cases, the ink supply aperture 186 may be completely blocked during the engagement process, which is highly undesirable. Figure 3B shows an actual photograph of one of the ink supply apertures 186 that is subject to the problem of "extrusion" of the epoxy. The peripheral wall 310 represents the original size of the hole 〇 1 8 6 of the laser drilled hole. The low coloring material 3 1 2 in the peripheral wall 310 is adhesive which has been squeezed into the ink supply aperture 186 during bonding to the LCP channel casting 176. Finally, the central dark area defined by the peripheral wall 314 represents the effective cross-sectional area of the ink supply aperture 186 after bonding. In this example, the original laser drilled ink supply port 186 has a size of 400 microns x 30 microns. These dimensions are reduced to 340 microns x 80 microns after bonding and epoxy "extrusion". Despite the significant problem of increased ink flow resistance, the second bonding step also suffers from contamination of the edge Q of the ink supply aperture 186 because the print head 1C 6 8 must be accurately aligned with the ink supply aperture 186. In automated print head manufacturing, special alignment devices use optical devices to find the center of each ink supply port 186. When the edge of each ink supply port 186 is contaminated by the extruded epoxy, it can be difficult to find the optical position of each center. Therefore, the possibility of misalignment is high. A second problem with the melting of the second epoxy layer 194B is that the film 174 loses part of its overall structural integrity. Thus, the membrane 174 tends to bulge or sag into the ink supply passage 182 defined by the LCP channel casting 176. Figure 35C shows the drooping portion of the film 174 after the first joining step -35- 200940349 1 98. The applicant in this case used the term “coverage” to explain this phenomenon. The "canopy cover" is indeed a problem because the joint surface 195 of the second adhesive layer 194B loses its flatness. Due to the problem of "extrusion" of the epoxy, the variation in the thickness of the second adhesive layer 194B further deteriorates the loss of flatness. The combination of the "tack cover" and the thickness variation of the second adhesive layer 194B reduces the contact area of the joint surface 195 and leads to the problem in the second joining step. 0 In the second bonding step, as shown in Fig. 35D, each of the print heads 1C 68 is heated to about 250 ° C and then accurately positioned on the second adhesive layer 194B. The print head 1C 68 is accurately aligned with the film 174 to ensure that the ink supply channel 2 18 (in fluid communication with the nozzle 69) is disposed on its corresponding ink supply port 186. A longitudinal section of an ink supply channel 2 18 is shown in Figure 35D, although it is contemplated from Figure 25 that each of the print heads 1C 68 may have a plurality of columns of ink supply channels. Because of the "extrusion" of the epoxy, the thickness of the second adhesive layer 194B having an original thickness of about 25 microns may be reduced to 5 to 10 microns in some areas. This significant thickness variation of the second adhesive layer 194B causes the print head 1C to be placed obliquely, with one end of the print head 1C 68 being higher than the other end. This is obviously not good and will affect the print quality. Another problem with the non-flat joint surface 1 95 is that the length of the joint will require a relatively long joint time of about 5 seconds, and each print head 1C 68 needs to be pressed deep into the second adhesive layer 194B. The most significant problem associated with the printhead assembly occurs in the "canopy cover" of the adhesive film 1 74. The problem is that the seal provided by the film may be defective. The applicant of the present invention has developed a leak test to determine the effectiveness of the seal provided by film 1 74 in the print head set -36-200940349. In this test, the print head assembly was initially immersed in ink at 90 °C for one week. After the ink is soaked and rinsed, the color channel of the printhead assembly is inflated at 1 okPa and the air leak rate from the color channel is measured. Air leakage may be caused by air being transferred to other color channels in the printhead (via membrane 174) or by direct air leakage to the atmosphere. In this test, a typical print head Q assembly manufactured using an IC-attached film (described in U.S. Publication No. 2007/020605 6) has a leak rate of about 30 mm 3 or more per minute. In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an improved print head 1C attachment process which minimizes these problems. The improved print head 1C attachment process substantially follows the same steps as described above with respect to Figures 35A through 5D. However, the design of the membrane 174 reduces the problems associated with the first joining step and, as such, reduces subsequent problems associated with the second joining step. In the present invention, the film 174 still contains a central polyimide film panel 190 sandwiched between the first and second adhesive layers 194 A and 194B. (For convenience of explanation, the corresponding portion of the film 174 has the same standard as that described above). However, in contrast to previous film designs, the first and second epoxy layers 194 A and 194B of the present invention are different in the film. In particular, the melting temperature of the epoxy layer 194A is at least 1 lower than the melting temperature of the second epoxy layer 194B (rC. In general, the melting temperature difference is at least 20 ° C or 30 ° C. For example, the first ring The oxygen layer 194A may have a melting temperature ranging from 80 ° C to 130 ° C, and the second epoxy layer 1940 may have a melting temperature ranging from 140 ° C to 180 ° t. Those familiar with the technology are completely It is possible to select an adhesive film conforming to the standard of the present invention (for example, a ring-37-200940349 film). The adhesive film suitable for the laminated film 174 is a Hitachi DF-XL9 epoxy film (having a melting temperature of about 120 ° C) and Hitachi DF. -470 epoxy film (having a melting temperature of about 160 ° C.) With the film of the present invention, the first bonding step (described in Figure 35B) can be controlled such that the first adhesive layer 194A is bonded to the LCP channel During the bonding surface 195 of the casting 176, the second adhesive layer 194B does not melt. Generally, the temperature of the heating block 302 matches the melting temperature of the first adhesive layer 0 194 A. Therefore, the "extrusion" of the first adhesive layer Minimized or eliminated altogether. Also, during the bonding process The "canopy cover" may be minimized or may not occur. Referring to Figure 3A, there is shown a bonded LCP/thin film assembly using film 174 according to the present invention. Unlike the assembly shown in Figure 35C, The film 174 has no "tapping" and the second adhesive layer 194B has a uniform flatness and thickness. Figure 36A is an actual photograph showing the use of the film 174 of the present invention after bonding to the LCP channel casting 176. The ink supply port is one of the holes 186. The ink supply hole 186 is defined as a sufficiently modified ink supply hole 186 as compared with the ink supply hole of Fig. 36B, and has no epoxy "extrusion" phenomenon. The ink flow resistance through the hole of Fig. 36A does not increase, and the optical position of the center of the hole can be found with a minimum error. Furthermore, since the problem associated with the first bonding step is minimized, the second bonding step is associated with The problem is also minimized. As shown in Fig. 37A, the second adhesive layer 194B has a flat joint surface 195 with minimal thickness variation. Therefore, the placement and bonding of the print head 1C is significantly improved. - 2009 40349 is good, resulting in a relatively short bonding time of about 1 second. The flat bonding surface 1 95 shown in Figure 37A also means that the printing head 1C 68 does not need to be deeply pressed into the second adhesive layer 194B to Provide sufficient bonding force and less likely to produce skewed print head 1c 68 after attachment process. Referring to Figure 3 7 B, the improved print head IC attachment process has a print head assembly with excellent sealing Around each of the ink supply holes 186, there is no "canopy cover" and epoxy "extrusion". In comparison with the print head of Fig. 35D, the print head assembly of the 3rd 7B (manufactured by the film 1 74 of the present invention) has an excellent 3000 times in the leak test of the applicant of the present invention. Improve the effect. The print head assembly of Figure 37B is immersed in the ink at 90 ° C for a period of weeks - and then the print head assembly is inflated at 1 kPa, and the measured air leak rate is about 0.1 per minute. Mm3. This leak test exhibits significant advantages of the present invention as compared to, for example, the print head assembly illustrated in U.S. Publication No. 2007/0206056. G. Improved ink supply to the print head 1C end Fig. 25 shows the print head 1C 68 which is overlaid on the ink supply opening 186 via the adhesive 1C attachment film 74. Then the ink is superimposed on the bottom side of the LCP channel casting 176. Supply path 182. Adjacent print heads 1C 68 are positioned end-to-end via the attachment film 1 74 at the bottom of the LCP channel castings 176. At the junction between the adjacent print heads I c 6 8 , one of the print heads 1C 68 has a "droplet triangle" 206 portion of the nozzle in the column, which is laterally offset from the remaining nozzle array 2 The corresponding column of 2 0. This results in the printing of the edge of a print head IC from the adjacent print head Ϊ C -39 - .200940349. By offsetting the water droplets of the nozzles, the triangles 06, regardless of whether the nozzles are on either side of the junction of the same 1C or different 1C, the spacing between adjacent nozzles (in the direction perpendicular to the media feed direction) remains unchanged. This requires precise relative positioning of adjacent printheads 1C 68 and the use of fiducial markers 204 for this purpose. This process takes time, but it avoids leaving a flaw on the printed image. Unfortunately, some of the nozzles Φ at the end of the printhead IC 66 are deficient in ink relative to the integral nozzles in other portions of the array 220. For example, ink can be supplied to the nozzle 222 by two ink supply holes. The ink supply holes 224 are closest. However, if there is a hindrance or a particularly large demand from the nozzle to the left side of the ink supply hole 224, the supply hole 226 is also close to the nozzle 222, resulting in a very small chance that the ink is not injected into the nozzle due to lack of ink. In contrast, if it is not for the "extra" ink supply hole 210 placed at the junction between adjacent print heads 1C 68, the nozzle 214 at the end of the print head 1C 68 will only be associated with the ink supply opening 216. Liquid connection. Having an "〇 extra" ink supply port 2 1 0 means that there is no risk that any nozzle will be so far from the ink supply port that there is a lack of ink. Both ink supply apertures 208 and 210 are fed into the ink by a common ink supply path 212. The ink supply path 212 has a capacity to supply two holes because the ink supply port 20 8 has only the nozzle on the left side thereof, and the ink supply port 2 10 has only the nozzle on the right side thereof. Therefore, the total flow rate through the ink supply path 2 1 2 is approximately equal to the supply path through which only one hole is fed. Fig. 25 focuses on the difference between the number of channels (colors) of the ink supply in the print head 1C 68, the four channels, and the five channels 218. -40-, 200940349 The third and fourth channels 21 8 in the rear side of the print head IC 68 are fed with ink from the same ink supply holes 168. These ink supply holes are somewhat enlarged to span the two channels 218. The reason for this is that the 'print head 1C 68 series is manufactured for a wide range of printers and printhead architectures. These can have 5 color channels · CMYK and IR (infrared) - but other printers (this design) may only be 4-channel printers, others may still be 3 channels (CC, MM and 0 Y) . In view of this, a single color channel can be fed to two of the 1C channels of the print head. The print engine controller (PEC) microprocessor can easily transfer this input to the print data of print head 1C. In addition, supplying the same color provides a certain degree of nozzle backup for the two nozzle columns in 1C, which can be used for dead nozzle compensation. Pressure Pulses When the ink that flows to the print head suddenly stops, an ink pressure spike 〇 is generated. This can happen at the end of the print job or page. The high speed page width printhead of the assignee of this case requires a high flow rate supply of ink during operation. Therefore, the quality of the ink supplied to the nozzle in the ink line is quite large and moves at a small rate. Suddenly ending the print job or just ending at the print page, this requires a fairly fast flow of ink that stops quite quickly. However, a sudden stop of ink momentum causes a shock wave in the ink line. The LCP casting 64 (see Figure 19) is particularly hard and almost non-tacky when the ink line ink is to be stopped. Since the ink line does not have any compatibility, the shock wave will exceed the Laplace pressure -41 - .200940349 (the pressure generated by the surface tension of the ink at the nozzle opening, which is used to maintain the ink in the nozzle chamber) and rush to the print head 1C 6 8 before the surface. If the nozzle is full of ink and the ink may not be ejected, a flaw will appear in the print. When the nozzle emissivity matches the resonance frequency of the ink line, a resonance pulse wave is generated in the ink. Similarly, because of the rigid structure of the ink lines, a large proportion of nozzles for simultaneous emission of one color can generate standing waves or resonant zero waves. This can cause the nozzle to fill up with ink, or if the Laplace pressure is exceeded, because the pressure is suddenly reduced, the nozzle is not filled with ink. To solve this problem, the LCP casting 64 system incorporates a pulse damper to remove pressure spikes from the ink line. The pulse damper can be a closed gas volume that can be compressed by the ink. Alternatively, the pulse damper can be an ink line compatible portion that elastically deflects and absorbs pressure pulses. In order to minimize design complexity and maintain compact form, the present invention uses a compressible gas volume to attenuate pressure pulses. The use of gas pressure to reduce pressure pulse waves can be accomplished with a small gas volume. This maintains a sophisticated design while avoiding any nozzle fill due to transient spikes in ink pressure. As shown in Figs. 24 and 26, the pulse damper is not a single compressed gas volume due to the pulse wave in the ink. The pulse damper is an array of dimples 200 that are distributed along the length of the LCP casting 64. The pressure pulse moving through the extended print head (such as the page wide print head) can be attenuated at any point in the ink fluid row. However, when the pulse wave passes through the nozzle in the printhead integrated circuit, the pulse wave will cause the nozzle to swell with ink, regardless of whether the pulse wave will subsequently disappear -42-.200940349 in the damper. By virtue of the pulse dampers in the ink supply conduit adjacent to the nozzle array, any pressure spikes are attenuated by the position where the ink would otherwise be full. As shown in Fig. 26, the air damper recess 200 is arranged such that each row of cavities is placed directly in the LCP channel casting 176: above the channel 184. Any ink pulse in the middle main channel 184 acts directly on the air in the cavity 200 and quickly disappears: 〇Injecting ink into the print head will be described below with reference to the LCP channel cast shown in Figure 27 Inject the ink into the ink. The LCP trench 176 is implanted with ink by the suction applied to the main channel outlet 232 from the pump (Fig.) of the fluid system. The main channel 184 is filled with ink, and then the ink supply path 182 and the print head 1C are self-injected into the ink main channel 1 84 to be relatively long and thin. In addition, if the air pocket is to be used to weaken the pressure pulse in the ink, it must be maintained. This can be a problem for the ink injection process, which can fill the cavity 200 by capillary action, or because the air trap channel 184 cannot completely inject the ink. To ensure that the LCP trench casting 176 is fully injected, the ink 184 has a crucible 228 at the downstream end prior to the exit 232. The air cavity 200 in the LCP casting 64 does not inject an ink opening, wherein the upstream edge is shaped to guide the ink relief surface toward the wall of the cavity. The middle breaks into one and causes disadvantages into four columns. The pressure inside the LCP main body. Creation 1 7 6 See the sixth casting material by capillary water. The hole 200 needs to be infused with ink to easily borrow the main and main channels. To ensure that it has the upper front -43- 200940349, these patterns are described with reference to Figs. 28A, 28B and 29A to 29C. These figures schematically illustrate the ink injection procedure. Figures 28A and 28B show the problem if there is no flaw in the main channel, and the 29A to 29C diagram shows the function of the 堰228. 28A and 28B are schematic cross-sectional views of one of the main trenches 184 of the LCP trench casting 176 and the array of air recesses 200 in the top of the trench. Ink 23 8 is drawn through inlet 230 and flows Q along the bottom surface of main channel 184. It is important to note that the advancing embossed surface has a steeper contact angle with the main channel 184. This causes the front portion of the ink fluid 238 to have a slightly bubble shape. When the ink reaches the end of the main channel 184, the ink level rises and the bubble-like front contacts the top of the channel before the ink flow stops. As shown in Fig. 28B, the channel 184 is unable to completely inject the ink, and now there is air trapping. This air bag will continue to interfere with the operation of the print head. The ink damping characteristics are changed and air can become an obstacle to the ink. In Figures 29A-29C, channel 184 has 堰 228 at the downstream end. As shown in Fig. 29A, the ink fluid 23 8 is formed in a pool shape after the crucible 228 and rises toward the top of the channel.堰22 8 has a sharp edge 240 at the top to serve as a fixed point for the relief surface. The advancing concavo-convex surface is fixed to the fixed edge 240 such that when the ink level exceeds the top edge, the ink does not easily flow through the 228. As shown in Fig. 29B, the raised surface of the bulge causes the ink to rise until it fills the channel 184 to the top. Since the ink sealing cavity 200 becomes a separate air pocket, the bulging ink concavity surface at the crucible 228 is broken from the sharp top edge 204 and is filled at the end of the channel 184 and the outlet 232 (see -44 - .200940349 Figure 29C). The sharp top edge 240 is precisely positioned such that the ink-concave surface will bulge until the ink fills the top of the channel 184, but does not allow the ink to swell too much to contact the end air cavity 242. If the uneven surface contacts and is fixed inside the end air cavity 242, it may inject ink. Therefore, the height of the raft and its position under the cavity are accurately controlled. The curved downstream surface of 堰228 ensures that there are no more fixed points, and if these are fixed, the ink relief surface may be allowed to bridge the Q gap to the recess 242. Another way the LCP uses to keep the cavity from injecting ink is the shape of the upstream and downstream edges of the cavity opening. As shown in Figures 28A, 28B and 2A to 29C, all upstream edges have curved transition surfaces 234, while the downstream edges are sharp. The ink relief along the top of the channel 184 can be secured to the sharp upstream edge and then moved upwardly into the cavity by capillary action. The transition surface, and particularly the curved transition surface 234 at the upstream edge, removes the strong anchor points provided by the sharp edges. φ Similarly, the applicant's work has found that if the cavity 200 inadvertently fills up some of the ink, the sharp downstream edge 236 will enhance the infusion of ink. If the printer is bumped, vibrated, or tilted, or if the fluid system must flow back for some reason, the cavity 200 may be completely or partially filled with ink. When the ink again flows in its normal direction, the sharp downstream edge 23 6 helps pull the ink relief back to the natural fixed point (i.e., the sharp corner). Thus, the control of the movement of the ink-concave surface through the LCP channel casting 176 is a means for properly injecting the crucible into the ink. The present specification has been described by way of example only. A person skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the broad inventive concept of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments illustrated and described in the drawings are merely illustrative and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example only with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front and side perspective view of a printer embodying the present invention. Q Figure 2 shows the printer of Figure 1, with the front surface in the open position. Figure 3 shows the printer in Figure 2, with the print head removed. Figure 4 shows the printer of Figure 3 with the outer casing removed. Fig. 5 shows the printer of Fig. 3, the outer casing of which is removed and the print head is mounted. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the fluid system of the printer. Figure 7 is a series of top and front perspective views of the print head. φ Fig. 8 is a top view and a front perspective view of the print head in its protective cover 〇 Fig. 9 is a top view and a front perspective view of the print head removed by its protective cover. The first and second pictures of the series of print heads and the front view. Figure 1 1 series of head and back view of the print head. Figure 12 shows a view of all sides of the print head. The exploded perspective view of the print head of the 1st and 3rd series. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the ink coupling of the print head. -46- .200940349 Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the ink inlet and filter assembly. Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the spool valve engaged with the printer valve. Figure 17 is a perspective view of an LCP casting and a flexible PCB. Figure 18 is an enlarged view of the insert A in Figure 17. Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of the LCP/flex PCB/print head 1C assembly. Figure 20 is an exploded view of the LCP/flex PCB/print head 1C assembly. Figure 21 is an enlarged view of the underside of the LCP/Flexible PCB/Printhead 1C assembly. Fig. 22 is an enlarged view showing the removal of the print head 1C and the flexible PCB in Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is an enlarged view showing the removal of the adhering film of the printing head 1C in Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is an enlarged plan view showing the removal of the LCP channel casting in Fig. 23. Fig. 25 shows the print head 1C in which the rear channel and the nozzle are superposed on the ink supply path. Figure 26 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the LCP/flex PCB/print head 1C assembly. Figure 27 is a plan view of an LCP channel casting. Figures 28A and 28B are schematic cross-sectional views of an LCP channel casting in which ink is injected without flaws. Figures 29A, 29B, and 29C show an LCP channel casting injecting ink and a schematic cross-sectional view of -47-.200940349. Figure 30 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the LCP casting showing the position of the contact force and force. Fig. 31 shows a reel of the 1C attached film. Figure 3 2 shows a cross section of the 1C attached film between the pads. A partial cross-sectional view of the 3 3 A to 3 3 C system showing various stages of conventional attached film laser drilling. Q Section 3 4 A to 3 4C is a partial cross-sectional view showing the various stages of double-attached film laser drilling. Figures 35A through 35D are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the schematic print head 1C attachment procedure. Fig. 3A and Fig. 36B are photographs showing ink supply holes of two different adhering films after the first joining step. Figures 7A and 3B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of an exemplary printhead 1C attachment procedure in accordance with the present invention. 〇 [Main component symbol description] 2 : Printer 4 : Main body 6 = Pivoting surface 8 : Screen 1 〇: Control button · 12 : Media stack 14 : Feed tray -48- .200940349 〇: Paper: exit slot = cam : Contact point: Release lever: Handle: Support surface: Ink tank = Pump: LCP Cast: Shut-off valve: Print head 1C: Nozzle: Pressure regulator: Bubble outlet: Sealed conduit: Air inlet: Outlet • 'Coarse Filter: Ink line - Ink line: Sensor: Electronic controller: Box - 49 200940349 94 : Cover 9 6 : Print head 匣 98 : Protective cover 100 : Rack 102 : Rack cover 1 0 4 : contacts 106: the shield member 0108 paper: flexible printed circuit board 110 · wiring junction 1 12A: coupling member 112B ink: ink coupling member 114: cartridge valve 116: and a filter inlet manifold 118 : outlet manifold 120: connector ❿ 122: inlet 124: outlet 126: Flexible tube 128: fixing the valve member 130: diaphragm 132: filter chamber 134: filter chamber 136: LCP master Channel 1 3 8 : Top Channel - 50 200940349 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Ο 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ❹ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Printer catheter collar catheter catheter ink Fluid filter outlet filter inlet spacer rib partition wall wire joint contact point countersunk hole countersunk hole support surface paper shield attachment film manifold joint surface LCP channel casting recess electronic component ink supply passage channel first hole ink supply hole liner 1 200940349 188B: backing 190: diaphragm 192: 194A replacement liner: a first adhesive layer 194B: second adhesive layer 195: engagement surface 196: motor 0197: PFA 198: reel 1 9 9 : Adhesive 2 0 0 : Pit 2 0 4 : Reference mark 206 : Water drop triangle 20 8 : Ink supply hole 2 1 0 : Ink supply hole Q 2 1 2 : Ink supply path 2 1 4 : Nozzle 2 1 6: ink supply hole 218: ink supply channel 220: nozzle array 222: nozzle 224: ink supply hole 226: supply hole 228: weir .200940349: inlet: outlet: curved transition surface: sharp downstream edge: ink Fluid: Edge: Ditch: 矽 Rubber pad: Heating block: Peripheral wall: Low coloring material: Peripheral wall

Claims (1)

.200940349 X. Patent Application Scope 1 - A method of attaching one or more print head integrated circuits to an ink supply manifold, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a laminated film having a a plurality of ink supply holes, the laminated film comprising a central polymeric film sandwiched between the first and second adhesive layers, wherein the first adhesive layer has a first melting temperature that is second to the second adhesive layer Melting temperature is at least low 〇·=〇; 0 (b) aligning the film to the ink supply manifold such that each ink supply aperture is aligned with a respective ink outlet defined in a manifold engagement surface of the ink supply manifold; (b) bonding the first adhesive layer to the manifold bonding surface by applying heat and pressure to the opposite side of the film; (c) aligning the one or more print head integrated circuits to the film Having each ink supply aperture aligned with an ink inlet defined in a print head engagement surface of each of the print head integrated circuits; and ❹ (d) joining the one or more print head integrated circuits to the first Two adhesive layers. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step (b) the second adhesive layer is protected by a removable protective liner. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the protective liner is removed prior to step (c). 4. The method of claim 1, wherein in step (b) the first adhesive layer reaches its melting temperature and the second adhesive layer does not reach its melting temperature. The method of claim 1, wherein the first melting temperature is at least 20 ° C lower than the second melting temperature. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein in step (b), the applied heat corresponds to the first melting temperature. The method of claim 1, wherein during at least step (b), substantially no adhesive flows into the ink supply port. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step (c) comprises the step of optically finding the position of the center of each ink supply hole, wherein the ink supply hole is promoted by no adhesive. The step to find out the location. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein each of the ink supply holes has a length ranging from 50 to 500 μm and a width ranging from 50 to 500 μm. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein after the step (b), the laminated film maintains its structural integrity such that the second adhesive layer maintains a uniform thickness along its length. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein after the step (b), the laminated film maintains its structural integrity such that the second bonding surface defined by the second adhesive layer follows The length of the length maintains its uniform flatness. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step (d) comprises heating each of the print head integrated circuits and positioning each of the heated print head integrated circuits on the second joint surface. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein in step (55), in step (d), the adhesive bonding time is less than 2 seconds due to the uniform flatness of the second joint surface. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of print head integrated circuits are respectively aligned and bonded to the second adhesive layer, the plurality of print head integrated circuits being positioned such that They are joined end to end along the length of the ink supply manifold. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of zero ink inlets are defined by an ink supply channel extending longitudinally along the print head engagement surface and wherein the plurality of ink supply apertures In alignment with an ink supply channel, each of the plurality of ink supply apertures is spaced apart along the lengthwise direction of the ink supply channel. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the central polymeric film is a polyimide film. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second adhesive layers are epoxy films. The method of claim 1, wherein the total thickness of the film ranges from 40 to 200 microns. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the central polymeric film has a thickness in the range of 20 to 1 micron. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the thickness of each of the first and second adhesive layers ranges from 10 to 50 microns. -56-