Method for manufacturing a thermal print head, a thermal printer, and a heat sink

Abstract

A thermal print head has: a head substrate on which a plurality of heat emission parts are formed; a heat dissipation plate that is thermally connected to the head substrate, recessed sections being formed on a back surface, among the surfaces provided to the heat dissipation plate, facing the surface to which the head substrate is connected; metal members positioned inside the recessed sections; and an adhesive positioned between the bottom surface of the recessed sections and the metal members. Each recessed section, viewed from the direction perpendicular to the back surface, has a region in which the metal members are positioned, and a groove region in which the metal members are not positioned. A portion of the adhesive is positioned in the groove region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a thermal print head, a thermal printer, and a heat sink.

Background Art

[0002] A thermal print head is a device that reacts and records a heat-reactive material such as thermal paper or a thermal transfer ribbon by Joule heat generated by passing an electric current through a resistor on a substrate. A thermal printer includes the above-described thermal print head.

[0003] The thermal print head includes a heat sink that dissipates heat from the substrate. The heat sink is also used as a pedestal when the thermal print head is mounted on the printer body. Conventionally, the heat sink was screwed to the printer body.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] When the thermal print head is fixed to the printer body by the magnetic force of a magnet instead of screwing, a recess is formed in the surface (back surface) of the heat sink that contacts the printer body, and a metal plate is attached in the recess. By bringing the heat sink close to a magnet provided on the printer body, the metal plate exhibits magnetism, and the thermal print head is fixed to the printer body.

[0005] The bottom surface of the recess of the heat sink and the metal plate are adhered by an adhesive. If the amount of the adhesive is large, the excess adhesive leaks out onto the back surface of the heat sink, which takes time to wipe off. On the other hand, if the amount of the adhesive is small, there is a problem that sufficient adhesive strength cannot be obtained and the metal plate falls off from the heat sink.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal print head and a thermal printer that suppress leakage of the adhesive onto the back surface of the heat sink and detachment of the metal member. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing a heat sink that can simplify the manufacturing process.

[0007] To solve the above problems, a thermal print head according to the present disclosure includes a head substrate on which a plurality of heat generating portions are formed, and a heat sink thermally connected to the head substrate. Among the surfaces of the heat sink, a recess is formed in the back surface facing the surface to which the head substrate is connected. The heat sink has a metal member disposed inside the recess, and an adhesive disposed between the bottom surface of the recess and the metal member. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface of the heat sink, the recess has a region where the metal member is disposed and a groove region where the metal member is not disposed. A part of the adhesive is disposed in the groove region.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermal print head and a thermal printer that suppress leakage of the adhesive onto the back surface of the heat sink and detachment of the metal member. According to the present disclosure, the manufacturing process of the heat sink can be simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 2D

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 11C

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

[0010] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted.

[0011] (First Embodiment) <Thermal Print Head> Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the configuration of the thermal print head according to the first embodiment will be described. The thermal print head includes a head substrate 2a on which a plurality of heating resistor parts (heating parts) 5 arranged in the main scanning direction (one direction: X direction) are formed, and a heat sink 1 thermally connected to the head substrate 2a.

[0012] On the head substrate 2a, various metal electrodes including a common electrode electrically connected to the heating resistor part 5, an individual electrode electrically connected to the common electrode via the heating resistor part 5, a high-potential electrode, and a ground electrode are arranged, but the illustration is omitted. Also, a drive IC 6 is arranged on the head substrate 2a. The drive IC 6 is electrically connected to the individual electrode and controls the energization operation of the heating resistor part 5. The drive IC 6 is covered with a resin protective film.

[0013] The heat sink 1 is made of, for example, aluminum and dissipates the heat generated on the head substrate 2a to the outside of the thermal print head. The head substrate 2a and the connection substrate 2b are connected to the heat sink 1, and connector terminals (3a, 3b) are connected to the connection substrate 2b. The drive IC 6 is electrically connected to the connector terminals (3a, 3b) via the wiring on the connection substrate 2b. The drive IC 6 drives the heating resistor part 5 to selectively generate heat based on the control signal input from the connector terminals (3a, 3b).

[0014] A resin protective cover 4 is arranged above the head substrate 2a and the connection substrate 2b (in the Z direction of FIG. 1C). The connection substrate 2b and the protective cover 4 are fixed to the heat sink 1 by three male screws (7a to 7c).

[0015] Thermal printers according to multiple embodiments include a thermal print head shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and a printer main body to which the thermal print head is attached. In multiple embodiments, instead of the conventional screwing method, a magnet fixing method is used in which the thermal print head is fixed to the printer main body by the magnetic force of a magnet. By using the magnet fixing method, alignment of the thermal print head with respect to the printer main body becomes unnecessary. A recess is formed on the surface (rear surface) of the heat sink 1 that contacts the printer main body, and a metal member is attached in the recess. By bringing the heat sink 1 close to a magnet provided on the printer main body, the metal member exhibits magnetism, and the thermal print head is fixed to the printer main body.

[0016] <Heat sink> With reference to FIGS. 2A to 2D, the heat sink 1 and the metal member and adhesive provided in the thermal print head according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, and 2D, among the surfaces of the heat sink 1, recesses (11a to 11d) are formed on the rear surface (BS) that faces the surface (MS) to which the head substrate 2a shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C is connected. The thermal print head according to the first embodiment further has metal members (12a to 12d) disposed inside the recesses (11a to 11d).

[0018] The metal members (12a to 12d) are made of a ferromagnetic material that exhibits magnetism strong enough to fix the entire thermal print head to the printer main body when approaching a magnet attached to the attachment surface of the printer main body. The material of the metal members (12a to 12d) is, for example, a cold-rolled steel sheet (Steel Plate Cold Commercial: SPCC). In order to suppress the generation of rust, the surfaces of the metal members (12a to 12d) may be zinc-plated.

[0019] In the first embodiment, four recesses (11a to 11d) and four metal members (12a to 12d) are exemplified, but the number of recesses and metal members is not limited to this, and may be 1, 2, 3, or 5 or more. When the number of recesses and metal members is plural, the recesses (11a to 11d) and the metal members (12a to 12d) are arranged in the main scanning direction (X direction). However, the positions of the recesses (11a to 11d) and the metal members (12a to 12d) in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) are not limited. That is, they may or may not coincide.

[0020] FIG. 2D shows an example in which the shapes of the four recesses (11a to 11d) and the metal members (12a to 12d) coincide when viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. However, as will be described later, within the same heat sink 1, the inner peripheral shapes of the recesses may be different from each other. Similarly, the outer peripheral shapes of the metal members may be different from each other.

[0021] Note that the three male screws (7a to 7c) in FIG. 1A are screwed into the female screws (8a to 8c) formed in the heat sink 1.

[0022] <Recesses and metal members> Referring to FIG. 3, the structures of the recess 11a and the metal member 12a along the cross-sectional plane A-A' of FIG. 2D will be described. Hereinafter, in the description of the first embodiment, the recess 11a and the metal member 12a are taken as examples, but the other recesses (11b to 11d) and the other metal members (12b to 12d) also have the same structure as the recess 11a and the metal member 12a.

[0023] The thermal print head according to the first embodiment further includes an adhesive 13 disposed between the bottom surface of the recess 11a and the metal member 12a. The adhesive 13 is used to attach the metal member 12a inside the recess 11a. The inside of the recess 11a has a region where the metal member 12a is disposed and two groove regions (14a, 14b) where the metal member 12a is not disposed. The two groove regions (14a, 14b) are disposed at positions sandwiching the metal member 12a in the cross-sectional plane A-A'.

[0024] A part of the adhesive 13 is disposed in the groove regions (14a, 14b). Specifically, a part of the adhesive 13 is disposed on the bottom surfaces of the groove regions (14a, 14b). When attaching the metal member 12a to the concave portion 11a, the adhesive 13 that has protruded from the gap between the metal member 12a and the bottom surface of the concave portion 11a into the groove regions (14a, 14b) corresponds to a part of the adhesive 13 disposed in the groove regions (14a, 14b).

[0025] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the concave portion 11a and the metal member 12a as viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the concave portion 11a as viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has a region where the metal member 12a is disposed and groove regions (14a, 14b) where the metal member 12a is not disposed. A part of the protruding adhesive 13 is disposed on the bottom surfaces of the groove regions (14a, 14b). Therefore, a part of the adhesive 13 disposed on the bottom surfaces of the groove regions (14a, 14b) can be visually recognized from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. Thus, since a part of the adhesive 13 that has protruded into the groove regions (14a, 14b) can be visually recognized from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink, it is possible to suppress insufficient adhesive strength of the metal member 12a and detachment of the metal member 12a from the heat sink 1 due to too little amount of the adhesive 13. On the other hand, even when the amount of the adhesive 13 is too large, as shown in FIG. 3, the excess adhesive 13 is stored in the groove regions (14a, 14b) and is less likely to leak out onto the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. For this reason, the work of wiping off the excess adhesive 13 becomes unnecessary. That is, various problems caused by variations in the amount of the adhesive 13 can be suppressed.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4, the inner circumference of the recess 11a as viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) has a plurality of positioning portions (15a, 15b) that contact the outer circumference of the metal member 12a. That is, a part of the inner circumference shape of the recess 11a coincides with the outer circumference shape of the metal member 12a within the range allowed by the machining accuracy of the inner circumference of the recess 11a and the outer circumference of the metal member 12a. By providing a plurality of positioning portions (15a, 15b) that contact the outer circumference of the metal member 12a on a part of the inner circumference of the recess 11a, the in-plane position of the metal member 12a with respect to the recess 11a can be determined.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, the inner circumference of the recess 11a as viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) further has separation portions (14a, 14b) that are separated from the outer circumference of the metal member 12a. Since the inner circumference of the recess 11a has the positioning portions (15a, 15b) and the separation portions (14a, 14b), while positioning the metal member 12a, it is not necessary to perform a wiping operation on the excess adhesive 13, and the detachment of the metal member 12a can also be suppressed.

[0028] Note that the separation portions (14a, 14b) correspond to the groove regions (14a, 14b) shown in Fig. 3. Since the protruding excess adhesive 13 is stored in the groove regions (14a, 14b), leakage onto the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 is suppressed. On the other hand, by visually checking the presence or absence of the excess adhesive 13 protruding into the separation portions (14a, 14b) from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS), insufficient adhesion strength and detachment of the metal member can be suppressed.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the two groove regions (14a, 14b) are arranged at positions sandwiching the metal member 12a. By visually checking the adhesive protruding into the two groove regions (14a, 14b) sandwiching the metal member 12a, it can be confirmed that the adhesion strength between the metal member 12a and the bottom surface of the recess 11a is sufficiently high.

[0030] (Second Embodiment) The following describes another embodiment in which the shapes of the concave portions and the metal members are different. Note that the overall configuration of the thermal print head according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the thermal print head of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and FIGS. 2A to 2C, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the thermal print head according to the second embodiment includes one or more concave portions 21 and a metal member 22 disposed inside the concave portion 21, instead of the concave portions (11a to 11d) and the metal members (12a to 12d) shown in FIGS. 2D and 4.

[0032] When viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1, the outer periphery of the metal member 22 has a perfect circular shape. In contrast, the inner periphery of the concave portion 21 has a perfect circular shape having a diameter longer than the outer periphery of the metal member 22, and has three protruding positioning portions 23 at intervals of about 120 degrees with respect to the center of the perfect circle. The tips of the three positioning portions 23 are in contact with the outer periphery of the metal member 22, respectively.

[0033] The inner periphery of the concave portion 21 excluding the positioning portion 23 forms a separation portion 24. The cross-sectional shapes of the concave portion 21 and the metal member 22 shown in FIG. 5 are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 3. That is, the concave portion 21 has a region where the metal member 22 is disposed and a groove region 24 where the metal member 22 is not disposed. An adhesive 13 is disposed between the bottom surface of the concave portion 21 and the metal member 22. A part of the adhesive 13 is disposed in the groove region 24.

[0034] Note that the inner periphery of the concave portion 21 and the outer periphery of the metal member 22 are not limited to a perfect circular shape, and may be an ellipse. The number of the protruding positioning portions 23 is not limited to three, and may be four or more. Further, the number of the protruding positioning portions 23 may be one or two. However, in this case, in order to position the metal member 22, it is desirable that the outer periphery of the metal member 22 is in contact with a part of the inner periphery of the concave portion 21 that does not protrude.

[0035] The rest is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. Even for the concave portion 21 and the metal member 22 according to the second embodiment described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0036] (Third Embodiment) A third embodiment in which the planar shapes of the concave portion and the metal member are different will be described. Note that the overall configuration of the thermal print head according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and FIGS. 2A to 2C, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, the thermal print head according to the third embodiment includes one or more concave portions 31 and a metal member 32 disposed inside the concave portion 31, instead of the concave portions (11a to 11d) and the metal members (12a to 12d) shown in FIGS. 2D and 4.

[0038] When viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1, the outer periphery of the metal member 32 has a rectangular shape. On the other hand, the inner periphery of the concave portion 31 has a rectangular shape having four sides longer than the metal member 32, and has six protruding positioning portions 33. The tips of the six positioning portions 33 are in contact with the outer periphery of the metal member 32, respectively. Specifically, two of the positioning portions 33 are in contact with each of the two long sides of the outer periphery of the metal member 32, and one positioning portion 33 is in contact with each of the two short sides.

[0039] The inner periphery of the concave portion 31 excluding the positioning portion 33 forms a separation portion 34. The cross-sectional shapes of the concave portion 31 and the metal member 32 shown in FIG. 6 are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 3. That is, the concave portion 21 has a region where the metal member 32 is disposed and a groove region 34 where the metal member 32 is not disposed. An adhesive 13 is disposed between the bottom surface of the concave portion 31 and the metal member 32. A part of the adhesive 13 is disposed in the groove region 34.

[0040] Note that the inner periphery of the concave portion 31 and the outer periphery of the metal member 32 are not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be a square shape. The number of the protruding positioning portions 33 is not limited to six. The metal member 32To position, a recess that is not protruding 31 A part of the inner circumference of 32 The outer circumference of may be in contact with the metal member

[0041] The rest is the same as in the first embodiment and the description thereof is omitted. Even with the recess 31 and the metal member 32 according to the third embodiment described above, the same operational effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0042] (Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment in which the planar shapes of the recess and the metal member are different will be described. The overall configuration of the thermal print head according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and FIGS. 2A to 2C, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the thermal print head according to the fourth embodiment includes one or two or more recesses 41 and a metal member 42 disposed inside the recess 41, instead of the recesses (11a to 11d) and the metal members (12a to 12d) shown in FIGS. 2D and 4.

[0044] The outer circumference of the metal member 42 as viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has a perfect circular shape. On the other hand, the inner circumference of the recess 41 has a perfect circular shape having a diameter substantially equal to the outer circumference of the metal member 42. Note that "substantially equal" means that a dimensional difference that allows the metal member 42 to be disposed inside the recess 41 is allowed. The inner circumference of the recess 41 is in contact with the outer circumference of the metal member 42, and there is no portion corresponding to the groove regions (14a, 14b) in FIG. 4 between the inner circumference of the recess 41 and the outer circumference of the metal member 42. Instead, the metal member 42 has two through holes (44a, 44b). When the metal member 42 is attached in the recess 41, the two through holes (44a, 44b) form groove regions (44a, 44b) where the metal member 42 is not disposed, and a part of the adhesive 13 is disposed in the groove regions (44a, 44b). In other words, the groove regions (44a, 44b) are surrounded by the metal member 42. Excess adhesive can protrude into the through holes (groove regions).

[0045] Note that the inner circumference of the recess 41 and the outer circumference of the metal member 42 are not limited to a perfect circle shape, and may be an ellipse or a rectangular shape. Similarly, the through holes (44a, 44b) are not limited to a perfect circle shape, and may be an ellipse or a rectangular shape. The number of the through holes (44a, 44b) is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

[0046] Other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described. Even for the recess 41 and the metal member 42 according to the fourth embodiment described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0047] (Fifth Embodiment) A fifth embodiment in which the planar shapes of the recess and the metal member are different will be described. Note that the overall configuration of the thermal print head according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and FIGS. 2A to 2C, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, the thermal print head according to the fifth embodiment includes one or two or more recesses 51 and a metal member 52 disposed inside the recess 51, instead of the recesses (11a to 11d) and the metal members (12a to 12d) shown in FIGS. 2D and 4.

[0049] The outer circumference of the metal member 52 as viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has a perfect circle shape. In contrast, the inner circumference of the recess 51 has an elliptical shape having a major axis longer than the diameter of the perfect circle of the metal member 22 and a minor axis substantially equal to the diameter of the perfect circle of the metal member 22.

[0050] The recess 51 as viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has a region where the metal member 52 is disposed and groove regions (54a, 54b) where the metal member 52 is not disposed. A part of the protruding adhesive 13 is disposed on the bottom surface of the groove regions (54a, 54b). The two groove regions (54a, 54b) are disposed at positions sandwiching the metal member 52.

[0051] When viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS), the inner circumference of the recess 51 has a plurality of positioning portions (55a, 55b) in contact with the outer circumference of the metal member 52 and spaced portions (54a, 54b) spaced apart from the outer circumference of the metal member 52. Two groove regions (54a, 54b) are arranged at positions sandwiching the metal member 52.

[0052] Other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment and the description thereof is omitted. Even for the recess 51 and the metal member 52 according to the fifth embodiment described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0053] (Sixth Embodiment) A sixth embodiment in which the planar shapes of the recess and the metal member are different will be described. Note that the overall configuration of the thermal print head according to the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and FIGS. 2A to 2C, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 9, the thermal print head according to the sixth embodiment includes one or more recesses 61 and a metal member 62 disposed inside the recess 61, instead of the recesses (11a to 11d) and the metal members (12a to 12d) shown in FIGS. 2D and 4.

[0055] When viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1, the recess 61 has a region where the metal member 62 is disposed and groove regions (64a to 64d) where the metal member 62 is not disposed. A part of the protruding adhesive 13 is disposed on the bottom surface of the groove regions (64a to 64d).

[0056] When viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat radiating plate 1, the outer periphery of the metal member 62 has a perfect circular shape. On the other hand, the inner periphery of the recess 61 has four positioning portions (63a to 63d) in contact with the outer periphery of the metal member 62 and a separation portion 64 separated from the outer periphery of the metal member 62. A part of the inner periphery shape of the recess 61 coincides with the outer periphery shape of the metal member 62 within the range allowed by the processing accuracy of the inner periphery of the recess 61 and the outer periphery of the metal member 62. Two groove regions (64a, 64c) are arranged at positions sandwiching the metal member 62. Similarly, two groove regions (64b, 64d) are arranged at positions sandwiching the metal member 62.

[0057] Others are the same as those in the first embodiment and the description thereof is omitted. Even for the recess 61 and the metal member 62 according to the sixth embodiment described above, the same operational effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0058] (Seventh Embodiment) A seventh embodiment in which the cross-sectional shape of the recess is different will be described. Note that the overall configuration of the thermal print head according to the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and FIGS. 2A to 2C, and the description thereof is omitted. Also, regardless of the planar shape of the recess and the metal member, the planar shapes described in the first to sixth embodiments or modified examples thereof can be combined and implemented.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 10, the cross-sectional structure of the recess 11a according to the seventh embodiment is different from the cross-sectional structure of the recess 11a shown in FIG. 3. Depressions (16a to 16c) are formed in a part of the bottom surface of the recess 11a. The width of the depressions (16a to 16c) is narrower than that of the recess 11a, and a plurality of depressions (16a to 16c) are formed in one recess 11a. A part of the adhesive 13 protruding from the gap between the bottom surface of the recess 11a and the metal member 12a is arranged not only in the groove regions (14a, 14b) but also in the depressions (16a to 16c). Thereby, the volume capable of accommodating the protruding adhesive 13 increases, so that a greater variation in the amount of the adhesive 13 can be tolerated.

[0060] Further, the depressions (16a, 16c) overlap the groove regions (14a, 14b) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. The depressions (16a, 16c) formed directly below the groove regions (14a, 14b) can be seen through in the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. Therefore, the excess adhesive 13 disposed in the depressions (16a, 16c) can be visually recognized.

[0061] (Eighth Embodiment) An eighth embodiment in which the planar shapes of the concave portion and the metal member are different will be described. Note that the overall configuration of the thermal print head according to the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] FIG. 11A is a side view showing a side surface of the heat sink 1 in the main scanning direction (X direction) according to the eighth and ninth embodiments. FIG. 11B is a bottom view showing the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 according to the eighth embodiment. The thermal print head according to the eighth embodiment includes one concave portion 71 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B and one metal member 72 disposed inside the concave portion 71, instead of the four concave portions (11a to 11d) and the four metal members (12a to 12d) shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D. Note that FIG. 11A shows only the heat sink 1, and the metal member 72 and the adhesive 13 are omitted.

[0063] The concave portion 71 extends along the main scanning direction (X direction) between both ends (T1, T2) of the heat sink 1 in the main scanning direction (X direction) in which the plurality of heat generating portions 5 are arranged. In other words, the concave portion 71 includes a pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) parallel to the main scanning direction (X direction) in which the plurality of heat generating resistance portions 5 are arranged. The pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) are formed from the first end portion T1 in the X direction to the second end portion T2 in the X direction of the heat sink 1. Therefore, a part of the inner periphery of the concave portion 71 is located at the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2, and the remaining part of the inner periphery of the concave portion 71 forms the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) of the concave portion 71. In other words, the inner periphery of the concave portion 71 has a rectangular shape formed by the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2 in the X direction of the heat sink 1 and the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) of the concave portion 71.

[0064] FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the recess 71 and the metal member 72 along the cutting plane B-B' of FIG. 11B. As shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, the recess 71 viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has a region where the metal member 72 is disposed and groove regions (74a, 74b) where the metal member 72 is not disposed. The metal member 72 is disposed at the central portion in the X direction of the recess 71, and the groove regions (74a, 74b) are regions including the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2 of the heat sink 1, respectively. An adhesive 13 is disposed between the bottom surface of the recess 71 and the metal member 72. Further, a part of the adhesive 13 protruding in the X direction from the region where the metal member 72 is disposed is disposed on the bottom surface of the groove regions (74a, 74b). Therefore, a part of the adhesive 13 disposed on the bottom surface of the groove regions (74a, 74b) can be visually recognized from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. Only the groove region 74a is shown in FIG. 11C, and the illustration of the groove region 74b is omitted, but the groove region 74b has a structure symmetric to the groove region 74a with respect to the YZ plane.

[0065] The central portions of the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) form two positioning portions in contact with the long sides of the metal member 72. That is, the distance between the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) and the length of the metal member 72 in the Y-axis direction coincide within the range allowed by the machining accuracy of the recess 71 and the metal member 72. Thereby, the in-plane position of the metal member 72 with respect to the recess 71 can be determined.

[0066] The inner periphery of the recess 71 viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS), specifically, both end portions and both side surfaces (S1, S2) of the side surfaces (S1, S2) form separation portions (74a, 74b) separated from the outer periphery of the metal member 72. Since the inner periphery of the recess 71 has the positioning portions and the separation portions (74a, 74b), while positioning the metal member 72, it is not necessary to perform a wiping operation for excess adhesive 13, and the detachment of the metal member 72 can also be suppressed.

[0067] The groove regions (74a, 74b) are open at the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2. For this reason, it is desirable that the amount of the adhesive 13 that protrudes is suppressed to an amount that does not reach the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2. Alternatively, it is desirable that the width of the groove regions (74a, 74b) in the X direction is such that the protruding adhesive 13 does not reach the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2. Thereby, the protrusion of the adhesive 13 from the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2 is suppressed, and the wiping operation of the adhesive 13 becomes unnecessary.

[0068] As described above, the recess 71 includes a pair of side surfaces parallel to the main scanning direction (X direction) in which the plurality of heat generating resistance portions 5 are arranged, and the pair of side surfaces are formed from the first end portion in the X direction to the second end portion in the X direction of the heat dissipation plate 1. In other words, in any cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the X direction, the heat dissipation plate 1 has the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 11A. Thereby, when manufacturing the heat dissipation plate 1 by extruding the heated material from the opening of the die having the same shape as FIG. 11A, the recess 71 can be formed at the same time. It is not necessary to form the recess in another process such as a cutting process after first manufacturing the heat dissipation plate 1 without the recess. Therefore, since the recess 71 can be formed at the same time by extrusion molding in the X direction, the manufacturing process of the heat dissipation plate 1 is simplified. The rest is the same as that of the first embodiment and the description thereof is omitted. Even the recess 71 and the metal member 72 according to the eighth embodiment described above can obtain the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0069] (Ninth Embodiment) A ninth embodiment in which the planar shapes of the recess and the metal member are different will be described. Note that the overall configuration of the thermal print head according to the ninth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] FIG. 12A is a bottom view showing the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 according to the ninth embodiment. The thermal print head according to the ninth embodiment includes, instead of the four recesses (11a to 11d) and the four metal members (12a to 12d) shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, one recess 71 shown in FIG. 12A and four metal members (82a, 82b, 82c, 82d) disposed inside the recess 71. The recess 71 in the ninth embodiment is the same as the recess 71 described in the eighth embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0071] In the ninth embodiment, the four metal members (82a to 82d) are arranged separately from each other inside the recess 71. The metal member 82a closest to the first end portion T1 is arranged at a distance from the first end portion T1. The metal member 82d closest to the second end portion T2 is arranged at a distance from the second end portion T2. Therefore, when viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1, the recess 71 is divided into a region where the four metal members (82a to 82d) are arranged and five groove regions (84a, 84b, 84c, 84d, 84e). A part of the adhesive 13 protruding from the bottom surfaces of the metal members (82a to 82d) is arranged in the five groove regions (84a to 84e). Note that the number of the metal members ( 82a~82d ) is not limited to four, and may be two, three, or five or more.

[0072] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the recess 71 and the metal member 82a along the C-C' cross-section of FIG. 12A. In FIG. 12B, only the metal member 82a and the groove regions (84a, 84b) around the metal member 82a are shown, and the illustration of the other metal members (82b to 82e) and the groove regions (84b to 84e) around them is omitted. However, the other metal members (82b to 82e) and the groove regions (84b to 84e) also have the same structure as the metal member 82a and the groove regions (84a, 84b). An adhesive 13 is disposed between the bottom surface of the recess 71 and the metal members (82a to 82d). Further, a part of the adhesive 13 that protrudes in the X direction from the region where the metal member 72 is disposed is disposed on the bottom surfaces of the groove regions (84a to 84e). Therefore, a part of the adhesive 13 disposed on the bottom surfaces of the groove regions (84a to 84e) can be visually recognized from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1.

[0073] A part of the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) forms a positioning portion in contact with the long sides of the respective metal members (82a to 82d). That is, the distance between the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) and the length of the metal members (82a to 82d) in the Y-axis direction coincide within the range allowed by the machining accuracy of the recess 71 and the metal members (82a to 82d). Thereby, the in-plane position of the metal members (82a to 82d) with respect to the recess 71 can be determined.

[0074] When viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS), the inner circumference of the recess 71, specifically, the portions of the side surfaces (S1, S2) that are not in contact with the metal members (82a to 82d) and both side surfaces (S1, S2) further have separation portions (84a to 84e) separated from the outer circumference of the metal member 72. Since the inner circumference of the recess 71 has the positioning portion and the separation portions (84a to 84e), while positioning the metal members (82a to 82d), it is not necessary to perform a wiping operation for the excess adhesive 13, and the detachment of the metal members (82a to 82d) can also be suppressed.

[0075] The groove regions (84a, 84d) are open at the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2. Therefore, it is desirable that the amount of the adhesive 13 that protrudes is suppressed to an amount that does not reach the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2. Alternatively, it is desirable that the width of the groove regions (84a, 84d) in the X direction is such that the protruding adhesive 13 does not reach the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2. Thereby, the protrusion of the adhesive 13 from the first end portion T1 and the second end portion T2 is suppressed, and the wiping operation of the adhesive 13 becomes unnecessary.

[0076] Inside the recess 71, a plurality of metal members (82a to 82d) are arranged apart from each other. Thereby, compared with the case of one metal member 72, the number of groove regions (84a to 84e) formed in the recess 71 increases. Therefore, the drop-off of each of the metal members (82a to 82d) can be suppressed. As a result, the drop-off of the thermal print head from the thermal printer main body can be further suppressed. Other than that, it is the same as the first embodiment and the description is omitted. Even in the recess 71 and the metal members (82a to 82d) according to the ninth embodiment described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0077] The plurality of embodiments described above can be implemented not only individually but also in combination of two or more embodiments. For example, a plurality of recesses and metal members having different planar shapes shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 may be formed on the back surface (BS) of one heat sink 1. Further, through holes (44a, 44b) of FIG. 7 may be formed in the metal members shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9.

[0078] Note that the above-described embodiments are examples of the embodiments for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various changes can be made according to the design and the like as long as they do not depart from the technical idea of the present invention in other forms.

[0079] In the eighth and ninth embodiments, the side surfaces (S1, S2) of the recess 71 and the metal members (72, 82aNo groove region is formed between ~82d). The metal members (72, 82a to 82d) according to one modification of the eighth and ninth embodiments may have one or more through holes penetrating the metal members (72, 82a to 82d) in the Z direction, similar to the through holes (44a, 44b) shown in FIG. 7. The through holes form a new groove region where the metal member 72 is not disposed, and excess adhesive can protrude into the through holes (groove regions).

[0080] The metal members (72, 82a to 82d) according to another modification of the eighth and ninth embodiments may be provided with protruding positioning portions protruding toward the side surfaces (S1, S2) of the recess 71 at a part of the outer periphery of the metal members (72, 82a to 82d). The tip of the positioning portion is in contact with the side surfaces (S1, S2) of the recess 71 within the range allowed by the machining accuracy of the recess 71 and the metal members (72, 82a to 82d). In this case, by setting the length of the metal members (72, 82a to 82d) in the Y-axis direction excluding the positioning portions to be shorter than the distance between the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) of the recess 71, protruding positioning portions can be provided at a part of the outer periphery of the metal member 72. Thereby, a new groove region can also be provided between the side surfaces (S1, S2) of the recess 71 and the metal member 72. Excess adhesive can protrude into the new groove region.

[0081] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-141644 (filing date: August 25, 2020) are incorporated herein and protected from mistranslation and omission of description.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0082] 5 Heating resistance part (heating part) 2a Head substrate 1 Heat sink BS Back surface 11a to 11d, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71 Recess 13 Adhesive 12a to 12d, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82a to 82d Metal member 14a, 14b, 24, 34, 44a, 44b, 54a, 54b, 64a to 64d, 74a, 74b, 84a to 84e groove regions (separation parts, through holes) 15a, 15b, 23, 33, 55a, 55b, 63a to 63d positioning parts 16a to 16c depressions

Claims

1. A head substrate formed with a plurality of heat generating portions, A heat sink thermally connected to the head substrate, wherein a recess is formed in the back surface of the heat sink that faces the surface to which the head substrate is connected among the surfaces provided on the heat sink, A metal member disposed inside the recess, An adhesive disposed between the bottom surface of the recess and the metal member, and having, When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface, the recess has, A region where the metal member is disposed, A groove region where the metal member is not disposed, and having, A part of the adhesive is disposed in the groove region, The groove region is surrounded by the metal member A thermal print head.

2. The inner circumference of the recess when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface has a plurality of positioning portions that contact the outer circumference of the metal member. The thermal print head according to claim 1.

3. The inner circumference of the recess when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface further has a separation portion that is separated from the outer circumference of the metal member. The thermal print head according to claim 2.

4. The recess has at least two groove regions disposed at positions sandwiching the metal member. The thermal print head according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A head substrate formed with a plurality of heat generating portions, A heat sink thermally connected to the head substrate, wherein a recess is formed in the back surface of the heat sink that faces the surface to which the head substrate is connected among the surfaces provided on the heat sink, A metal member disposed inside the recess, An adhesive disposed between the bottom surface of the recess and the metal member, and having, When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface, the recess has, A region where the metal member is disposed, A groove region where the metal member is not disposed, and having, A part of the adhesive is disposed in the groove region, A thermal print head in which a depression is formed in a part of the bottom surface of the recess.

6. The depression overlaps the groove region when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface. The thermal print head according to claim 5.

7. The metal member is a ferromagnetic material. The thermal print head according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The material of the metal member is a cold rolled steel sheet. The thermal print head according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Zinc plating is applied to the surface of the metal member. The thermal print head according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A head substrate on which a plurality of heat generating portions are formed, a heat sink thermally connected to the head substrate, wherein among the surfaces of the heat sink, a recess is formed in the back surface facing the surface to which the head substrate is connected; the heat sink, a metal member disposed inside the recess, an adhesive disposed between the bottom surface of the recess and the metal member, and having when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface, the recess has a region where the metal member is disposed, and a groove region where the metal member is not disposed, a part of the adhesive is disposed in the groove region, and the recess extends along the main scanning direction between both ends of the heat sink in the main scanning direction in which the plurality of heat generating portions are arranged; a thermal print head.

11. A head substrate on which a plurality of heat generating portions are formed, a heat sink thermally connected to the head substrate, wherein among the surfaces of the heat sink, a recess is formed in the back surface facing the surface to which the head substrate is connected; the heat sink, a metal member disposed inside the recess, an adhesive disposed between the bottom surface of the recess and the metal member, and having when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface, the recess has a region where the metal member is disposed, and a groove region where the metal member is not disposed, a part of the adhesive is disposed in the groove region, the recess has a pair of side surfaces parallel to the main scanning direction in which the plurality of heat generating portions are arranged, and the pair of side surfaces are formed from a first end portion in the main scanning direction of the heat sink to a second end portion in the main scanning direction, a thermal print head.

12. The thermal print head according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a plurality of the metal members are disposed inside the recess at intervals from each other.

13. A thermal printer including the thermal print head according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The thermal printer according to claim 13, further including a printer main body in which the thermal print head is fixed using the magnetic force of a magnet.

15. A method for manufacturing a heat sink according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the recess is formed by extrusion molding in the main scanning direction.

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