JPH1044442A - Liquid jet head, manufacture thereof, liquid jet unit, and recording system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arrange a sealing material accurately at an appropriate position without sacrifice of the characteristics of a liquid jet head by setting the distance between a first fringe region and an electric joint shorter than the distance between a second fringe region and a jet element part. SOLUTION: When the width 25 at the end of an opening located closely to the joint between a jetting part 10 and an outer wiring part 2 is set narrow, the opening is defined by a narrow part 25 and a wide part 24. When the electrical joint 25 between a jetting element part and an outer wiring is sealed with a sealant 31 of about 0.5mm thick using a dispenser, the lead wire is not exposed but can be sealed. When the distance 25 between the jetting element part at the joint and the base film of a TAB is set at 0.2mm, the electrical joint between the jetting element part and the outer wiring can be sealed without exposing the lead wire and without increasing the height of the sealant 31.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid discharge head for discharging a desired liquid by generating bubbles caused by applying thermal energy to the liquid, a method of manufacturing the liquid discharge head, a liquid discharge apparatus, and a liquid discharge head. The present invention relates to a recording system using a liquid ejection device as an output unit.

[0002] The present invention also relates to paper, yarn, fiber, fabric, leather,
Printer, copier, facsimile with communication system, word processor with printer unit, etc. that record on recording media such as metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, etc. This is an invention applicable to an industrial recording system.

In the present invention, "recording" means not only giving an image having a meaning such as a character or a figure to a recording medium, but also giving an image having no meaning such as a pattern. Is also meant.

[0004]

BACKGROUND ART By giving energy such as heat to ink, a state change accompanied by a steep volume change (generation of bubbles) is caused in the ink, and the ink is ejected from an ejection port by an action force based on the state change. An ink jet recording method for forming an image by attaching this to a recording medium, that is, a so-called bubble jet recording method, is conventionally known. This bubble jet recording method includes an output unit of an information processing device,
For example, a printer as an output terminal such as a copying machine, a facsimile, an electronic typewriter, a word processor, a workstation, or a recording method of a handy or portable printer provided in a personal computer, a host computer, an optical disk device, a video device, and the like. I have. In addition, this recording method records characters and graphics on a recording medium by discharging ink as fine droplets from nozzles, and is excellent as a means for outputting high-definition images and high-speed recording. Have the advantages.

Further, a liquid discharge head to which the above-described ink jet recording method is applied is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-59911,
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-59914 or the like, a discharge port for discharging a liquid, a liquid flow path communicating with the discharge port, and a liquid disposed in the liquid flow path are discharged. (A heat-generating element) as an energy generating means.

Therefore, a recording apparatus employing the ink jet recording method (hereinafter, also referred to as an ink jet recording apparatus) is provided with the above-mentioned liquid discharge head as a means for discharging liquid, which is detachably or fixedly mounted. It has the following features. That is, since it is a so-called non-impact type recording apparatus, the noise is lower than that obtained by applying other methods; a color image can be easily recorded by using multi-color inks;
Further, it has features such as easy downsizing of the apparatus body and high density of images. Therefore, in recent years, the ink jet recording method has been used in many office devices such as printers, copiers, and facsimile machines, and is rapidly spreading to industrial systems such as textile printing devices.

Here, a method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head (hereinafter, also referred to as an ink jet recording head) will be briefly described. The ink jet recording head is manufactured by separately manufacturing a flow path portion through which ink flows and a discharge element portion for discharging ink, and then joining these members. Specifically, for example, the following methods (1) and (2) are known.

(1) First Method (Reference: Journal of the Institute of Television Engineers of Japan, vol. 37, No. 2, 1983) A groove is formed in a resin by press using a mold by pressing. On the other hand, an electrode layer, a heating resistance layer, a protective layer, and the like are formed on the silicon substrate at positions corresponding to the grooves of the resin, and the silicon substrate and the resin are joined using an adhesive.

(2) Second method (refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-16)
No. 549) The surface of the silicon substrate A is anisotropically etched with potassium hydroxide to form grooves through which ink flows. Next, an electrode layer, a heating resistance layer, a protective layer, and the like are formed at positions of the silicon substrate B corresponding to the grooves of the silicon substrate A to form a discharge element portion, and the silicon substrates A and B are anodically bonded.

An example of an ink jet recording head manufactured based on the background art will be described below.

A so-called side shooter type ink jet recording head comprises a substrate provided with a heating resistor and a wiring conductor for supplying power to the heating resistor.
It is composed of a top plate (nozzle member) on which ink flow paths and discharge ports are formed.

This side shooter type ink jet recording head is manufactured as follows.

First, a heating resistor provided on a Si substrate and a protective film provided on a wiring conductor for supplying power to the heating resistor are provided, and then a nozzle resist for forming an ink flow path and an ink discharge port is formed. Perform patterning.

Next, after the nozzle mold is applied and cured, S
A hole for supplying ink from the back side of i is made in Si.
The nozzle resist is removed through this hole to complete the ink flow path and the discharge port.

Then, the ejection element portion thus obtained is cut into a required size, and plating or ball bumps are formed on the pads for TAB bonding. Thereafter, the completed recording head is joined to TAB for external power supply. A sealing material is dispensed for electrical insulation of the TAB-bonded leads and improvement of the strength of the TAB-bonded portion (hereinafter, referred to as an external wiring portion). Thereafter, the ink is cured in a furnace at 150 ° C. to complete the ink jet recording head according to the present invention.

In the case where the recording head thus formed is used for color recording, three recording heads are used in one horizontal direction.
Arrange in columns.

By the way, in the side shooter type ink jet recording head, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of portions (electrically connected portions) where the discharge element portion 100 composed of a heating resistor and the like and the external wiring portion 2 are connected. (In other words, the leads 21 are provided at two places) along the length direction of the discharge port array including the discharge ports 10 (FIG. 7A). reference). In addition, an electrical connection portion is a sealing material (hereinafter, also referred to as a sealing material).
22 (see FIG. 7B). By the way, the reason why the electrical connection portion is formed only at the two ends facing each other in one direction of the substrate is that the wiping means (blade, not shown) for wiping the discharge port for recovery of the discharge performance or the like is electrically operated. This is for wiping the discharge port 10 over the sealing material 22 covering the connection part, and the four end sides of the substrate (that is, surrounding the discharge port row) along the length direction and the width direction of the discharge port row. This is because wiping with a blade is difficult if electric connection portions are provided at four locations). Further, the ends other than the electrical connection portion are generally sealed with a sealing material 31 or the like to prevent the ink from sneaking into the back of the substrate of the ink ejection element (see FIG. 7C). ).

By the way, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to facilitate the application of the sealing material 31, the external wiring portion 2 around the ejection element portion (ie, a film supporting the external wiring).
Is formed such that the space between the ejection element portion excluding the electrical connection portion and the film is largely opened. Otherwise,
There is a high possibility that the thread of the dispenser will not be able to enter, resulting in poor threading, or that the needle of the dispenser will hit the end of the ejection element unit and cause a crack in the substrate of the ejection element unit.

[0019]

However, in the ink jet recording head having the above-described structure, the separation distance between the ejection element portion and the film 2 is increased, and as shown in FIGS. 7 (b) and 7 (c). In a sealing step of a portion where the ejection element portion and the external wiring portion are connected, the sealing material 22 may not be appropriately applied, and the lead may be exposed. As a result, the lead is corroded by the ink. When the amount of the sealing material is increased to solve such a problem, a new problem occurs. That is, since the height of the applied sealing material is further increased, the separation distance between the ejection element portion and the recording medium must be increased, and the printing performance deteriorates. Although there is a method of reducing the viscosity of the sealing material, there are problems such as an increase in the area of the TAB and an increase in the size of the cap for recovering the ejection element portion, because the sealing region is widened. In addition, when the viscosity is reduced, the thickness of the sealing material is reduced, and there is a problem that the sealing performance is reduced, the lead is corroded by ink, and the like.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems,
A liquid discharge head in which a sealing material is accurately provided at an appropriate place without impairing the characteristics of the liquid discharge head, a method of manufacturing the same, a liquid discharge device having the liquid discharge head, and an output means The purpose of the present invention is to provide a recording system.

[0021]

Therefore, a liquid discharge head according to the present invention has an energy generating means for discharging a liquid, a plurality of discharge ports positioned in a direction perpendicular to the energy generating means, and an energy generating means. An ejection element portion comprising a wiring means for sending an electric signal to the
A supporting film that supports an external wiring portion for applying an electric signal to the wiring means of the ejection element portion and has an opening in which the ejection portion is arranged, and the wiring means and the external wiring portion are electrically connected. A liquid ejecting head having an electrical connection portion, and a sealing material for sealing the electrical connection portion, wherein the opening of the support film has a first edge region facing the electrical connection portion, And a second edge region that is adjacent to the edge region of the discharge element portion and faces the end portion of the ejection element portion. Further, the separation distance between the first edge region and the electrical connection portion is the second edge region. The distance between the edge region and the end of the ejection element portion is smaller than the separation distance.

Preferably, the opening of the support film has a narrow region close to the electrical connection portion and a wide region along the end of the discharge element portion, and further includes a first edge portion. The area corresponds to the narrow area, while the second edge area corresponds to the wide area.

Preferably, the narrow area is 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm, while the wide area is 0.7 to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.1 mm. 8 to 1.5 mm.

Preferably, a dummy wiring means is newly provided adjacent to the wiring means, so that the distance between the first edge area and the electrical connection part is reduced. Preferably, the energy generating means, which is smaller than the separation distance from the end of the liquid, is an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy that causes a film boiling phenomenon in the liquid.

Next, according to the method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head according to the present invention, an energy generating means for discharging a liquid, a plurality of discharge ports located in a direction perpendicular to the energy generating means, and an electric power supply to the energy generating means. A discharge element portion provided with wiring means for transmitting a signal, and a support for supporting an external wiring portion for applying an electric signal to the wiring means of the discharge element portion, and having an opening in which the discharge portion is arranged A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head, comprising: a film; an electrical connection portion in which a wiring means and an external wiring portion are electrically connected; and a sealing material for sealing the electrical connection portion, wherein the electrical connection portion includes An opposing first edge region, adjacent to the first edge region,
And forming an opening in the support film having a second edge region facing the end of the ejection element portion, and further, a separation distance between the first edge region and the electrical connection portion, Second
By limiting the distance between the edge region and the end of the ejection element portion, the range in which the electrical connection portion is sealed by the sealing material is limited.

Preferably, the opening of the support film has a narrow region close to the electrical connection portion and a wide region along the end of the discharge element portion. The partial region is a narrow region, while the second edge region is a wide region.

Preferably, the narrow area is 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm, while the wide area is 0.7 to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.1 to 2.0 mm. 8 to 1.5 mm.

Preferably, a dummy wiring means is newly provided adjacent to the wiring means, so that the distance between the first edge area and the electrical connection part is reduced. Make it smaller than the distance from the end.

Preferably, the energy generating means is an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy for causing a film boiling phenomenon in the liquid.

Further, the liquid discharge apparatus according to the present invention is a liquid discharge apparatus for discharging liquid onto a recording medium, wherein the liquid discharge head is mounted or fixed detachably and is mounted in the main scanning direction. A carriage that moves along the recording medium, a transport unit that transports the recording medium, and a control unit that controls the driving of the liquid discharge head, the carriage, and the transport unit. The liquid discharge head discharges the liquid. Element comprising: an energy generating means for supplying the energy generating means, a plurality of discharge ports positioned in a direction orthogonal to the energy generating means, and wiring means for sending an electric signal to the energy generating means; and wiring for the discharging element part. A supporting film for supporting an external wiring portion for applying an electric signal to the means and having an opening in which the discharge portion is arranged; and a wiring means and the external wiring portion electrically connected to each other. Has an electrical connection portion that is continued, and a sealing material for sealing the electrical connection portion, and the opening of the support film has a first edge region facing the electrical connections,
A second edge region adjacent to the first edge region and facing an end of the ejection element portion; and further, a separation distance between the first edge region and the electrical connection portion is the same as the first edge region. 2 is smaller than the distance between the edge region and the end of the ejection element portion.

Preferably, the opening of the support film has a narrow region close to the electric connection portion and a wide region along the end of the discharge element portion. The area corresponds to the narrow area, while the second edge area corresponds to the wide area.

Preferably, the narrow area is between 0.05 and 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm, while the wide area is between 0.7 and 2.0 mm, preferably 0.1 mm. 8 to 1.5 mm.

Preferably, a dummy wiring means is newly provided adjacent to the wiring means, so that the distance between the first edge area and the electrical connection part is reduced. Is smaller than the distance from the end of the.

Preferably, the energy generating means is an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy for causing a film boiling phenomenon in the liquid.

Preferably, the recording medium is selected from the group consisting of recording paper, fabric, plastic, metal, wood, and leather.

Preferably, color recording is performed by discharging recording liquids of a plurality of colors from a liquid discharge head and attaching the recording liquids of a plurality of colors to a recording medium.

Further, the recording system according to the present invention includes a control unit for processing input image information, and an output unit for outputting information processed by the control unit, and further includes the output unit. It is characterized in that a new liquid ejection device is used. That is, the above-described liquid discharge apparatus is used as an output means of an information processing apparatus, for example, a printer as an output terminal such as a copying machine, a facsimile, an electronic typewriter, a word processor, a workstation, or a personal computer, a host computer, an optical disk apparatus, a video apparatus, and the like. It is used as a recording method of a provided handy or portable printer.

[0038]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A liquid discharge head according to the present invention comprises an energy generating means for discharging liquid, a plurality of discharge ports located in a direction perpendicular to the energy generating means, and an electric signal to the energy generating means. A discharge element portion provided with a wiring means for sending, a supporting film supporting an external wiring portion for applying an electric signal to the wiring means of the discharge element portion, and having an opening in which the discharge portion is arranged; ,
What is claimed is: 1. A liquid discharge head comprising: an electric connection portion in which a wiring means and an external wiring portion are electrically connected; and a sealing material for sealing the electric connection portion, wherein an opening of the support film is provided in the electric connection portion. And a second edge region adjacent to the first edge region and facing an end of the ejection element portion, further comprising a first edge region. In order to limit the range in which the electric connection portion is sealed by the sealing material, the separation distance between the second connection portion and the electric connection portion is set smaller than the separation distance between the second edge region and the end portion of the ejection element portion. It is characterized by the following. Also,
The opening of the support film has a narrow region close to the electrical connection portion and a wide region along the end of the ejection element portion, and further, the first edge region has a narrow region. , While the second edge region corresponds to the wider region. Also, the narrow area is 0.05-0.5 mm, preferably 0.1-0.8 mm, while the wide area is 0.7-2.0 mm, preferably 0.8-1. 5 mm. This is because by setting the narrow region and the wide region in such a range, the sealing material can be appropriately provided.

Hereinafter, an example of a liquid discharge head according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <Embodiment 1> FIGS. 1A and 1B are views for explaining the structure of a main part of a liquid discharge head according to the present invention and the manufacturing process thereof. FIG.
Plan view when B (inner bonding) is performed, (b)
FIG. 3 is a plan view in which an ILB portion is sealed with a sealing material, and FIG. 3C is a plan view in which an end of the ejection element portion other than the ILB portion is sealed with a sealing material.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a heater board on which a heating resistor (not shown) is formed, and an ink supply port (not shown) is formed. Reference numeral 11 denotes an orifice plate on which a plurality of ink discharge ports 10 are opened. Further, reference numeral 21 denotes an external wiring portion, and 21 denotes a discharge element portion and an external wiring portion (TAB) for supplying power to the heating resistor.
22 is an external wiring part 2 and a lead part 2
1 is a sealing material that seals an electrical connection portion (ILB portion) connected to 1.

Hereinafter, an example of a method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head having such a configuration will be described.

First, a heating resistor layer and an electrode layer are formed on a silicon substrate, and a heating section is formed by photolithography. Next, a protective layer is formed, and a hole is made in a portion to be electrically connected by photolithography. In this embodiment, a metal, such as gold, for electrical connection is formed in order to electrically connect to an external wiring portion by a lead beam. Then, a pad is formed at an electrical connection portion by a read beam using a photolithography technique.
Thus, the heater board 1 is completed. Subsequently, a hole is formed in the substrate by a blast method in order to form an ink supply port. Then, an ink flow path is formed using a dry film by a photolithography method. Further, the orifice plate 11 formed by the electroforming method is bonded on the heater board 1 thus obtained, and the discharge element portion is completed.

The external wiring portion 2 is formed by providing a copper film on a polyimide film (hereinafter, also referred to as a base film), and the lead 21 of the ejection element portion is connected to the copper wiring to form a TAB. By the way, the base film constituting the TAB has an opening at the center where the ejection element portion is placed so as not to contact the ejection element portion. By the way, the shape of the opening has a square shape as shown in FIG. However, in this embodiment, the shape of the opening was modified as shown in FIG. That is, the width 25 of the end of the opening located near the connection between the ejection element portion and the external wiring portion was reduced. Therefore, the opening is a narrow portion (the portion connecting the ejection element portion and the external wiring) 2
5 and wide part (part to seal the end face of the discharge element part)
24. Specifically, in this embodiment, the portion 24 for sealing the end face of the ejection element portion was 1.0 mm, and the electrical connection portion 25 between the ejection element portion and the external wiring was 0.2 mm.

The electrical connection portion 25 between the ejection element portion and the external wiring having such a configuration is sealed with a sealing material using a dispenser. The sealing thickness is 0.5 mm. FIG.
As shown in (b), it has become possible to seal without exposing the lead wire.

Finally, as shown in FIG.
1 seals the end of the ejection element section.

As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) to 1 (c), by setting the distance 25 between the discharge element portion and the base film of the TAB at the portion connecting the discharge element portion and the external wiring to 0.2 mm, The electrical connection between the ejection element portion and the external wiring can be sealed without exposing the lead wire and without increasing the height of the sealing material. Further, the portion 24 for sealing the end face of the ejection element portion is 1.0 mm.
Thus, the needle of the dispenser to be sealed can be inserted into the gap, and the sealing can be performed without any problem.

<Embodiment 2> FIGS. 2A to 2C are plan views for explaining the structure of the main part of a second embodiment of the liquid discharge head according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the ejection element portion and the portion where the ejection element portion
Dummy leads 23 are provided between the base films of B. The distance between the dummy lead and the ejection element portion is 0.1 mm. With this configuration, the distance between the dummy lead and the ejection element portion can be further reduced, so that the sealing material can be accurately sealed.

<Embodiment 3> FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a liquid discharge head having a configuration of a main part in any one of Embodiments 1 and 2;
FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the appearance, and FIG.
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III ′.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 402 denotes a Si element substrate in which a heater and an outlet are formed by a thin film technique as an electrothermal conversion element described later. This element substrate 40
2, a plurality of discharge ports 4 arranged in two rows are provided in a zigzag pattern as shown in FIG. Element substrate 402
Is adhered and fixed to a part of the support member 102 processed into an L-shape. Similarly, a wiring substrate 104 is fixed on the support member 4102, and a wiring portion of the wiring substrate 104 and a wiring portion of the element substrate 402 are electrically connected by bonding. The support member 102 is formed of an aluminum material from the viewpoint of cost, workability, and the like. The mold member 103 has a part of the support member 102 inserted therein to support the support member 102 and a liquid storage part (not shown) via a liquid supply path 107 formed therein.
And a member for supplying a liquid (for example, ink) to a discharge port provided on the above-described element substrate 2. Further, the mold member 103 is mounted for detachably fixing the entire liquid ejection head of the present embodiment to a liquid ejection device described later,
It plays a role as a positioning member.

The inside of the element substrate 2 includes a mold member 10.
The communication path 105 for further supplying the liquid supplied through the third liquid supply path 107 to the discharge port is provided on the element substrate 4.
02 is provided. This communication path 105
It communicates with a liquid flow path communicating with each discharge port, and plays a role as a common liquid chamber.

<Embodiment 4> An example of a liquid ejection apparatus in which a liquid ejection head according to the present invention is detachably mounted will be described below. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view for explaining a schematic configuration of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 200 denotes a carriage for detachably mounting the above-described liquid discharge head. In this example, four types of liquid discharge heads are mounted according to the type of ink color as a liquid, and each head has a yellow ink tank 201Y and a magenta ink tank 2
01M, a cyan ink tank 201C, and a black ink tank 201B are mounted on the carriage 200.

The carriage 200 is mounted on the guide shaft 20.
The guide shaft 2 is supported by an endless belt 204 supported by the motor 2 and driven in a forward or reverse direction by a motor 203.
02 is reciprocable on arrow A in the direction of arrow A. Endless belt 204 is wound between pulleys 205 and 206.

The recording paper P as a recording medium is conveyed intermittently in the direction of arrow B perpendicular to the direction of arrow A. The recording paper P includes a pair of roller units 207 and 208 on the upstream side,
The sheet is nipped by a pair of roller units 209 and 210 on the downstream side, is applied with a constant tension, and is conveyed while ensuring flatness with respect to the head. The application of the driving force to each roller unit is performed by the driving unit 211,
The roller unit may be driven by using the above-described drive motor.

The carriage 200 stops at the home position as needed at the start of printing or during printing. At this position, a cap member 212 for capping the ejection opening surface of each head is provided.
Is connected to suction recovery means (not shown) for forcibly suctioning the discharge port on the discharge port surface to prevent clogging in the discharge port.

<Embodiment 5> FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an entire apparatus for operating a liquid discharge head to which the liquid discharge head according to the present invention is manufactured.

The recording device receives print information from the host computer 300 as a control signal. The print information is temporarily stored in an input interface 301 inside the printing apparatus, and at the same time, is converted into data that can be processed in the printing apparatus, and is input to the CPU 302 also serving as a head drive signal supply unit. The CPU 302 processes data input to the CPU 302 using a peripheral unit such as the RAM 304 based on a control program stored in the ROM 303, and converts the data into print data (image data).

Further, the CPU 302 generates drive data for driving a drive motor for moving the recording paper and the recording head in synchronization with the image data in order to record the image data at an appropriate position on the recording paper. The image data and the motor drive data are transmitted to the head 200 and the drive motor 306 via the head driver 307 and the motor driver 305, respectively, and are driven at controlled timings to form images.

The recording medium which can be applied to the above-described recording apparatus and to which a liquid such as ink is applied includes plastics, cloth, aluminum, etc. used for various types of paper, OHP sheets, compact discs and decorative plates, and the like. Metal materials such as copper and copper, leather materials such as cow skin, pig skin and artificial leather, wood such as wood and plywood, ceramic materials such as bamboo materials and tiles, and three-dimensional structures such as sponges can be targeted.

As the above-mentioned recording apparatus, various kinds of paper and O
A printer device for recording on an HP sheet or the like, a recording device for a plastic for recording on a plastic material such as a compact disc, a recording device for a metal for recording on a metal plate,
A recording device for leather for recording on leather, a recording device for wood for recording on wood, a recording device for ceramics for recording on ceramic materials, a recording device for recording on a three-dimensional network structure such as a sponge, and a cloth Also includes a textile printing device for performing recording on the paper.

As the discharge liquid used in these liquid discharge devices, a liquid suitable for each recording medium and recording conditions may be used.

Embodiment 6 Next, an example of an ink jet recording system in which recording is performed on a recording medium using the liquid discharge head of the present invention as a recording head will be described.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of an ink jet recording system using the above-described liquid discharge head of the present invention. The liquid ejection head according to the present embodiment is a full line type head in which a plurality of ejection ports are arranged at intervals of 360 dpi in a length corresponding to the recordable width of the recording medium 150, and includes yellow (Y), magenta (M). ),
Four heads corresponding to four colors of cyan (C) and black (Bk) are fixedly supported by a holder 202 in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval in the X direction.

A signal is supplied to each of these heads from a head driver 307 constituting drive signal supply means, and each head is driven based on this signal.

Each head has Y, M, C,
Bk four color inks are supplied from ink containers 204a to 204d, respectively. Reference numeral 204e denotes a foaming liquid container in which a foaming liquid is stored, and the foaming liquid is supplied from the container to each head.

Under each head, a head cap 203 having an ink absorbing member such as a sponge is disposed inside.
a to 203d are provided, and the maintenance of the head can be performed by covering the ejection openings of each head during non-printing.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a transport belt which constitutes transport means for transporting various types of non-recording media as described in the above embodiments. The transport belt 206 is drawn around a predetermined path by various rollers, and is driven by a driving roller connected to a motor driver 305.

In the recording system of the ink jet system exemplified in this embodiment, a pre-processing device 251 and a post-processing device 252 for performing various processes on a recording medium before and after recording are respectively provided on the recording medium transport path. Provided upstream and downstream.

The contents of the pre-processing and post-processing differ depending on the type of recording medium on which recording is performed and the type of ink. For example, for recording media such as metal, plastic, and ceramics, As a pretreatment, irradiation of ultraviolet rays and ozone is performed to activate the surface, thereby improving the adhesion of the ink. Further, in a recording medium such as plastic which easily generates static electricity, dust easily adheres to the surface due to the static electricity, and good recording may be hindered by the dust. For this reason, it is preferable to remove dust from the recording medium by removing static electricity from the recording medium using an ionizer device as a pretreatment.
When a cloth is used as a recording medium, an alkaline substance,
A treatment for providing a substance selected from a water-soluble substance, a synthetic polymer, a water-soluble metal salt, urea, and thiourea may be performed as pretreatment. The pre-processing is not limited to these, and may be a process of setting the temperature of the recording medium to a temperature suitable for recording.

On the other hand, the post-processing includes a fixing process for promoting the fixing of the ink to the recording medium to which the ink has been applied by heat treatment, ultraviolet irradiation, or the like, or a cleaning process for applying the pre-treatment and remaining unreacted processing agent. And the like.

In the present embodiment, the description has been made using a full line head as a head. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a mode in which a small head as described above is conveyed in the width direction of a recording medium to perform recording. May be used.

[0072]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A liquid discharge head in which a sealing material is accurately provided at an appropriate place without impairing the characteristics of the liquid discharge head, a method of manufacturing the same, a liquid discharge device having the liquid discharge head, and an output means Recording system can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A and 1B are plan views for explaining a schematic configuration of a main part of a liquid ejection head according to the present invention, wherein FIGS.
And (c) show one step of the method of manufacturing the liquid discharge head.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan views for explaining a schematic configuration of a main part of a liquid discharge head according to the present invention, wherein FIGS.
And (c) show one step of the method of manufacturing the liquid discharge head.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a liquid discharge head based on the present invention, wherein (a) is a perspective view showing an external appearance,
FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along the line III-III ′ of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view for explaining a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device based on the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an entire apparatus for operating ink ejection recording to which the liquid ejection method and the liquid ejection head of the present invention are applied.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration of an ink jet recording system using the liquid ejection head of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are plan views for explaining a schematic configuration of a main part of a liquid discharge head according to the background art. FIGS. It is shown.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Heater board 2 External wiring section 10 Ink ejection port 11 Orifice plate 10 Ink supply port 21 Lead section 22 Sealant 23 Dummy lead 24 Portion for sealing end surface of ejection element section 25 Ejection element section and outside Wiring connection part 31 Sealant

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An ejection device comprising: an energy generation unit for discharging a liquid; a plurality of discharge ports positioned in a direction orthogonal to the energy generation unit; and a wiring unit for sending an electric signal to the energy generation unit. An element portion, a support film that supports an external wiring portion that applies the electric signal to the wiring portion of the ejection element portion, and has an opening in which the ejection portion is arranged; A liquid ejection head having an electric connection part electrically connected to a wiring part and a sealing material for sealing the electric connection part, wherein an opening of the support film faces the electric connection part. A first edge region, and a second edge region adjacent to the first edge region and facing an end of the ejection element portion, further comprising: a first edge portion. The distance between the region and the electrical connection,
A liquid discharge head, wherein a distance between the second edge region and an end of the discharge element portion is smaller than a distance between the second edge region and an end of the discharge element portion. 2. The opening portion of the support film has a narrow region close to the electrical connection portion and a wide region along an end of the discharge element portion, and further includes: 2. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein an edge area of the liquid ejection head coincides with the narrow area, while the second edge area coincides with the wide area. 3. 3. The narrow region is 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm, while the wide region is 0.7 to 2.0 mm,
3. The liquid ejection head according to claim 2, wherein the thickness is preferably 0.8 to 1.5 mm. 4. A new dummy wiring means is provided adjacent to said wiring means, so that a distance between said first edge area and said electrical connection part is reduced by a distance between said second edge area and said electric connection part. 2. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the distance from the end of the discharge element unit is smaller than the distance. 5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the energy generation unit is an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy that causes a film boiling phenomenon in the liquid. head. 6. A discharge comprising: an energy generating means for discharging a liquid; a plurality of discharge ports located in a direction orthogonal to the energy generating means; and wiring means for sending an electric signal to the energy generating means. An element portion, a support film that supports an external wiring portion that applies the electric signal to the wiring portion of the ejection element portion, and has an opening in which the ejection portion is arranged; What is claimed is: 1. A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head, comprising: an electrical connection portion electrically connected to a wiring portion; and a sealing material for sealing the electrical connection portion, wherein a first edge facing the electrical connection portion is provided. Part area, the first
Forming an opening in the support film, the opening having a second edge region adjacent to an edge region of the discharge element portion and facing an end of the ejection element portion, further comprising the first edge portion. Distance between the region and the electrical connection,
A liquid, wherein a range in which the electrical connection portion is sealed by the sealing material is limited by making the distance between the second edge region and an end of the ejection element portion smaller. A method for manufacturing a discharge head. 7. The opening of the support film has a narrow region close to the electric connection portion and a wide region along an end of the discharge element portion, and further includes: 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein one edge region is the narrow region, while the second edge region is the wide region. 8. The narrow area is 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm, while the wide area is 0.7 to 2.0 mm,
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the thickness is preferably 0.8 to 1.5 mm. 9. A dummy wiring means is newly provided adjacent to said wiring means, so that a distance between said first edge area and said electric connection portion is reduced by a distance between said second edge area and said electric connection section. The method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head according to claim 7, wherein the distance from the end of the discharge element portion is smaller than the separation distance. 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 6, wherein the energy generation unit is an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy that causes a film boiling phenomenon in the liquid. Head manufacturing method. 11. A liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting liquid onto a recording medium, comprising: a carriage on which a liquid ejection head is detachably mounted or fixedly mounted, and which moves along a main scanning direction; A transport unit configured to transport a recording medium; and a control unit configured to control driving of the liquid discharge head, the carriage, and the transport unit. The liquid discharge head generates energy for discharging a liquid. Means, a plurality of ejection ports located in a direction orthogonal to the energy generating means, and a wiring element for sending an electric signal to the energy generating means, and a wiring element of the discharging element section. A support film that supports an external wiring portion for applying the electric signal and has an opening in which the discharge portion is arranged; and the wiring means and the external wiring portion. An electrical connection portion that is electrically connected, and a sealing material that seals the electrical connection portion, wherein an opening of the support film has a first edge region facing the electrical connection portion. And a second edge region adjacent to the first edge region and facing an end of the ejection element portion, further comprising: the first edge region, the electrical connection portion, The separation distance of
A liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein a distance between the second edge region and an end of the ejection element portion is smaller than a separation distance. 12. The opening of the support film has a narrow region close to the electrical connection portion and a wide region along an end of the discharge element portion, and further includes: 12. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein an edge area of the second edge area corresponds to the narrow area, while the second edge area corresponds to the wide area. 13. The narrow area is 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm, while the wide area is 0.7 to 2.0 mm,
13. The liquid ejection device according to claim 12, wherein the thickness is preferably 0.8 to 1.5 mm. 14. A dummy wiring means is newly provided adjacent to said wiring means, so that a distance between said first edge area and said electric connection part is reduced by a distance between said second edge area and said electric connection part. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the distance from the end of the ejection element unit is smaller than the distance. 15. The liquid ejection device according to claim 11, wherein the energy generation unit is an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy that causes a film boiling phenomenon in the liquid. apparatus. 16. The liquid according to claim 11, wherein the recording medium is selected from the group consisting of recording paper, fabric, plastic, metal, wood, and leather. Discharge device. 17. A color recording is performed by discharging recording liquids of a plurality of colors from the liquid discharge head and attaching the recording liquids of the plurality of colors to a recording medium.
The liquid ejection device according to any one of the above. 18. A control unit for processing input image information, and an output unit for outputting information processed by the control unit, further comprising the output unit.
18. A recording system using the liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of 1 to 17.