Inkjet Head Rear-Terminal Reinforcement Against Cleaning Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet heads with electrical connection portions on the rear surface of the element substrate are prone to cracking or chipping due to stress during cleaning operations, compromising the reliability of the electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connection portion is positioned on the rear surface of the element substrate, covered by a resin, and reinforced with a support member to enhance structural integrity, using a second resin to cover the thinner region where terminals are located, ensuring the connection is protected and reinforced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrical connection portion is provided on the rear surface side of the element substrate, then the cleaning operation can be performed without the sealing member interfering, but the element substrate may be cracked or chipped due to the thinner thickness in the hole portion
Solution Approach 1:
A reinforcement member is embedded in the rear surface of the element substrate at the hole portion before the cleaning operation. This preliminary structural reinforcement prevents cracking or chipping during subsequent cleaning operations where the blade member applies force to the discharge port side of the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement member acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the stress applied during cleaning operations. By placing this reinforcement in advance at the vulnerable thin portion, the substrate is protected from damage when force is applied during the cleaning process.
2Reliability
If the electrical connection portion is sealed with a protruding sealing member on the discharge port side, then the electrical connection is protected from ink adhesion, but the blade member abuts against the sealing member during cleaning, affecting cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection portion is extracted from the discharge port side surface and relocated to the rear surface of the element substrate. This extraction eliminates the conflict between the sealing member and blade member during cleaning operations, allowing the blade to clean the discharge ports without abutting against any sealing structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the thickness of the element substrate in the hole portion is reduced to accommodate the electrical connection, then the electrical connection can be made, but the substrate becomes more susceptible to cracking or chipping
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is embedded in the element substrate during the manufacturing process, before the product is put into service. This preliminary reinforcement allows the substrate to maintain its thin profile for electrical connection purposes while being pre-strengthened to resist cracking or chipping during subsequent cleaning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharging head includes a discharge port, an electric wiring substrate, a first resin, a support member, and an element substrate having first and second surfaces, an energy generating element, and a terminal. The discharge port is provided on the first surface, and the terminal is provided on the second surface. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second surface, the element substrate includes a first region in which the discharge port is provided and a second region provided along one side of the element substrate and having a thickness thinner than that of the first region. The terminal is provided in the second region. The first resin covers a connection portion between the terminal and an electric wiring substrate. A second resin is disposed to be in contact with the first resin and the support member in a region overlapping the second region.