Liquid Ejection Head Back-Surface Electrical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording devices face reliability issues due to ink adhesion and mist entering the electric connection portions between the sealing member and the element substrate, affecting the printing quality and longevity of the device, especially during cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection head design featuring a hole portion drilled from the back surface of the element substrate to house the terminal and electric connection member, with a sealing member covering the connection area and a fixing member positioned to prevent ink adhesion and enhance reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electric connection portions are formed on the same surface as ejection ports, then device complexity is reduced, but ink adhesion to electric connection portions degrades reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the electric connection portions from the front surface (same plane as ejection ports) to the back surface of the element substrate, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to separate functional zones. This spatial reconfiguration prevents ink adhesion to electrical components while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The element substrate is divided into distinct functional regions: the front surface for ejection ports and the back surface for electric connection portions. This segmentation isolates the electrical connection areas from ink exposure, preventing contamination while maintaining structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If cleaning operation is performed with blade member, then printing quality is maintained, but blade member abutting sealing members affects cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The electric connection portions are extracted from the front surface and relocated to the back surface of the element substrate. This removal from the ink-exposed area eliminates the interference between cleaning operations and electrical components, allowing the blade member to clean ejection ports without abutting sealing members.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing member covers electric connection portions, then ink adhesion is prevented, but ink mist and liquid can still enter connection portions
Solution Approach 1:
The electric connection portions are positioned on the back surface of the element substrate, creating a physical barrier through the substrate thickness. This dimensional separation prevents ink mist and liquid from reaching the connection portions, supplementing the sealing member's protection against direct ink adhesion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents ink from reaching the electric connection portions, ensuring reliable operation and improved printing quality by reducing the risk of ink adhesion and enhancing the durability of the electric connections.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing member covering the connection portion between the terminal and the electric connection member
Implementation Method 2
the fixing member being provided at a position corresponding to the hole portion
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head including an element substrate including an ejection port, an energy generating element generating energy to eject a liquid from the ejection port, and a terminal electrically connected to the energy generating element, and an electric connection member connected to the terminal and that supplies electric power to the energy generating element. The element substrate includes a hole portion drilled from a surface of the element substrate opposite a surface of the element substrate in which the ejection port is provided to the terminal. A sealing member is provided inside the hole portion, the sealing member covering a connection portion. The liquid ejection head further includes a fixing member in contact with the surface of the element substrate in which the ejection port is formed, the fixing member being provided at a position corresponding to the hole portion.