Inkjet Head Electrode Connection via Conductive Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ink jet recording heads experience inefficiencies in driving piezoelectric elements due to voltage drops and imperfect connections between lead electrodes and first electrodes, which are located away from the operative portion of the piezoelectric element.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where a lead electrode is connected to a first electrode via a conductive layer in a region where the second electrode is not provided, allowing for a secure and efficient electrical connection close to the piezoelectric element, reducing voltage drops and improving driving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the lead electrode is connected to the first electrode at a position away from the piezoelectric element (conventional configuration), then the manufacturing process is simplified, but voltage drops occur and driving efficiency degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for electrode connection by extending the first electrode in the thickness direction of the flow path plate to form an exposed section. This dimensional extension allows the lead electrode to connect to the first electrode at a position closer to the piezoelectric element's operative portion, thereby reducing voltage drops while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the exposed connection section.
2Reliability
If the first electrode is exposed for lead electrode connection, then electrical connection is enabled, but imperfect connection may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive layer as an intermediary between the lead electrode and the first electrode. This conductive layer is provided in the exposed section of the first electrode and facilitates reliable electrical connection by mediating the contact interface, thereby preventing imperfect connections while adding minimal structural complexity.
3Device complexity
If the second electrode serves as a common electrode for multiple pressure chambers, then device complexity is reduced, but the first electrode must be individually connected to each pressure chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the first electrode into individual electrodes corresponding to each pressure chamber, while keeping the second electrode as a continuous common electrode. The exposed section of each first electrode enables individual lead electrode connections to each segmented electrode, maintaining the simplified common electrode structure while facilitating individual chamber control through separate connections.
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
This configuration enhances the driving efficiency of the piezoelectric element by securing the electrical connection between the lead electrode and the first electrode, minimizing voltage drops and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element composed of a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode is provided on a face of the flow path plate with a vibrating plate disposed therebetween, so that upon driving the piezoelectric element the pressure in the pressure chamber fluctuates, so as to dispense an ink droplet through the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes a plurality of pressure generators each including a first electrode individually provided therefor, the first electrode being located on a face of the flow path plate so as to correspond to one of the pressure chambers, a piezoelectric layer provided on the first electrode, and a second electrode provided on the piezoelectric layer; a lead electrode electrically connected to the first electrode; and a conductive layer provided in a section where the first electrode is partially exposed, the section being located in a region where the second electrode is not provided and the piezoelectric layer is exposed, at least a part of the conductive layer being in contact with the first electrode. The lead electrode is connected to the first electrode via the conductive layer.