Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/CN100532105C/en
Timestamp: 2020-04-08 04:04:43
Document Index: 122146553

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No.60', 'Application No.60', 'application No.10', 'application No.10', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'arts 142', 'arts 142', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'art 142']

CN100532105C - Flexible printhead circuit - Google Patents
Flexible printhead circuit Download PDF
CN100532105C
CN100532105C CNB2005800226295A CN200580022629A CN100532105C CN 100532105 C CN100532105 C CN 100532105C CN B2005800226295 A CNB2005800226295 A CN B2005800226295A CN 200580022629 A CN200580022629 A CN 200580022629A CN 100532105 C CN100532105 C CN 100532105C
printhead body
CNB2005800226295A
CN101060984A (en
徐安泰
2004-05-03 Priority to US56792504P priority Critical
2004-05-03 Priority to US60/567,925 priority
2005-04-28 Application filed by 富士胶卷迪马蒂克斯股份有限公司 filed Critical 富士胶卷迪马蒂克斯股份有限公司
2007-10-24 Publication of CN101060984A publication Critical patent/CN101060984A/en
2009-08-26 Publication of CN100532105C publication Critical patent/CN100532105C/en
A flexible circuit for use within a printhead assembly and to connect a printhead body to an external circuit includes a substantially planar portion having one or more layers of conductive material and having a top surface substantially parallel to a top surface of the printhead body. One or more integrated circuits can be mounted onto the planar portion. Multiple leads extend from each integrated circuit, the leads electrically connected to the printhead body. One or more arms are attached to, and substantially perpendicular to, the planar portion, each arm including one or more external connectors configured to connect to the external circuit.
Flexible printhead circuit
The application requires the pending trial U.S. Provisional Application No.60/567 that is entitled as " flexible printhead circuit " of submission on May 3rd, 2004,925 priority.
Below explanation relates to the flexible circuit in a kind of print head assembly.
Ink-jet printer typically comprises the ink paths from ink feed spare to the ink nozzle assembly, and this ink nozzle assembly comprises from wherein spraying the nozzle bore of ink droplet.Can control ink droplet jet by utilizing the ink in the actuator compressing ink paths, described actuator for example is piezoelectric deflector, thermal bubble jet (thermal bubble jet) generator, perhaps electrostatic deflection element.Typical printhead has a row and has the nozzle bore of relative actuators and corresponding array of ink paths, and can independently control the ink droplet that sprays from each nozzle bore.In a kind of so-called " as required i.e. spray " (drop-on-demand) in the printhead, when printhead and print media moved relative to each other, each actuator was actuated and optionally sprays ink droplet in the particular pixels position of image.In high performance priniheads, the typical diameter of nozzle bore is 50 microns or littler (for example 25 microns), and with the pitch of a per inch 100-300 nozzle separately and the ink drop size that provides be about 1 to 70 picoliter (pl) or littler.Drop ejection frequency typically is 10kHz or higher.
Printhead can comprise semiconductor printhead body and piezoelectric actuator, for example the printhead of describing in people's such as Hoisington U.S. Patent No. 5,265,315.Printhead body can be made by silicon, and it limits black chamber by etching.Nozzle bore is limited by the independent nozzle piece that is attached on the silicon main body.Piezoelectric actuator has piezoelectric material layer, and it responds the voltage that is applied and changes shape or bending.The bending compressing of piezoelectric layer is along the ink in the pumping chamber of ink paths location.
Printing precision can be subjected to the influence of many factors, comprises the size of the ink droplet that goes out from the printhead and the nozzle ejection in a plurality of printhead of printer and the uniformity of viscosity.The uniformity of ink drop size and ink droplet viscosity is subjected to the influence of some factors again successively, the uniformity of the compressing pulse that produces such as the pollutant in the dimensional homogeneity of ink paths, acoustic interference effects (acoustic interference effects), the flow path of ink and actuator.Can in flow path of ink, use one or more filter to reduce pollutant and residue in the ink stream.
A kind of flexible circuit that is used for print head assembly has been described.Usually, in one aspect, the invention is characterized in the circuit that printhead body is connected to external circuit.This circuit comprises flat portions basically; One or more integrated circuit; A plurality of lead-in wires and one or more arm.Basically flat portions comprises that one or more conductive material layer and its end face are arranged essentially parallel to the end face of printhead body.Described one or more integrated circuit is installed on the flat portions.Described a plurality of lead-in wire stretches out and is electrically connected with printhead body from each integrated circuit.Described one or more arm substantially perpendicularly is connected to flat, and each arm comprises that one or more is configured to the aerial lug that is connected with external circuit.
Embodiment can comprise one or more following feature.This circuit can further comprise a plurality of holes, and each hole is covered by conductive material and provides and being electrically connected of printhead body.In a plurality of lead-in wires each from integrated circuit stretch out with a plurality of holes one be connected.
Flat comprises at least one copper layer and at least one polyimide layer.Flat further comprises core, and it has first polyimide layer, and its either side is covered by the copper layer; Second polyimide layer, its either side is covered by the copper layer; And the adhesive layer that ground floor is combined with the second layer; And two distal portion that are positioned at the core either side, each distal portion has the polyimide layer that is covered by the copper layer.Described two distal portion are attached on the end face of printhead body and core is raised from the end face of printhead body with respect to described two distal portion.Lead-in wire comprises the copper tracing wire that is attached on the circuit end face, and this end face is formed by polyimides.Each arm comprises the distal portion of the end face that is arranged essentially parallel to flat, and this distal portion comprises the contact that one or more is connected with external circuit.
Basically the flat portions of circuit further comprises the middle part and is positioned at two distal portion of this middle part either side, and wherein two distal portion are connected on the end face of printhead body and raise from the end face of printhead body with respect to described two distal portion at the middle part.This middle part comprises a plurality of layer, and it comprises at least one conductive layer, and distal portion comprises a plurality of layers, and it comprises at least one conductive layer, and is unequal comprising the number of plies in middle part and distal portion.
Usually, in yet another aspect, the invention is characterized in a kind of system that printhead body is connected to external circuit.This system comprises circuit and interpolater.Circuit is configured to be connected with interpolater.Circuit comprises flat portions basically; One or more integrated circuit; A plurality of lead-in wires and one or more arm.Basically flat portions comprises that one or more conductive material layer and its end face are arranged essentially parallel to the end face of printhead body.Described one or more integrated circuit is installed on the flat portions.Described a plurality of lead-in wire stretches out and is electrically connected with printhead body from each integrated circuit.Described one or more arm substantially perpendicularly is connected to flat, and each arm comprises that one or more is configured to the aerial lug that is connected with external circuit.
Interpolater comprises and is configured to the upper surface that is connected with circuit; Be configured to the lower surface that is connected with printhead body; And a plurality of interpolaters hole, each interpolater hole is covered by conductive material and provides and being electrically connected of printhead body.A corresponding electric connection in a plurality of interpolaters hole each and a plurality of lead-in wire.
Embodiments of the invention can comprise one or more following feature.Interpolater comprises heating element heater.Circuit further comprises a plurality of circuit hole, and each circuit hole is covered by conductive material and provides and being electrically connected of interpolater hole accordingly.In a plurality of lead-in wires each from integrated circuit stretch out with a plurality of circuit hole one be connected, each in a plurality of like this lead-in wires just with a plurality of interpolaters hole in a corresponding hole electric connection.Interpolater comprises that one or more is formed on the recess in the upper surface, and this one or more recess arrangement becomes to receive one or more integrated circuit on the par that is installed in circuit.In a plurality of lead-in wires each can be stretched out from integrated circuit, is connected a corresponding electric connection in each in a plurality of like this lead-in wires and a plurality of interpolaters hole with in a plurality of interpolaters hole one.
The flat of circuit comprises at least one copper layer and at least one polyimide layer.Each arm comprises distal portion, and it is arranged essentially parallel to the end face of flat, and this distal portion comprises the contact that one or more is connected with external circuit.The flat of circuit further is included in first polyimide layer that its either side is covered by the copper layer; Second polyimide layer that its either side is covered by the copper layer; And the adhesive layer that ground floor is combined with the second layer.
Usually, in yet another aspect, the invention is characterized in a kind of system that printhead body is connected with external circuit.This system comprises and is configured to the circuit and the interpolater that are connected with interpolater.Circuit comprises flat portions basically, and it comprises that one or more conductive material layer and end face are arranged essentially parallel to the end face of printhead body and are installed in one or more integrated circuit on the bottom surface of flat.Circuit further comprises a plurality of lead-in wires that stretch out from each integrated circuit, and these a plurality of lead-in wires are electrically connected with printhead body by a plurality of interpolaters hole.One or more arm substantially perpendicularly is connected flat, and each arm comprises that one or more is configured to the connector that is connected with external circuit.
Interpolater comprises and is configured to the upper surface that is connected with circuit, and this upper surface comprises one or more recess, and described recess arrangement becomes to receive one or more integrated circuit on the bottom surface of the flat portions basically that is installed in circuit; And be configured to the lower surface that is connected with printhead body.A plurality of interpolaters hole extends through lower surface from upper surface.Each interpolater hole is covered by conductive material and is configured to provide electrical connection between circuit and printhead body.In a plurality of interpolaters hole each all with a plurality of lead-in wires of circuit in a corresponding electric connection.
In one embodiment, interpolater may further include heating element heater.
Thereby can implement the present invention and realize one or more following advantage.For example the lead-in wire of piezoelectric actuator is shorter to actuator from being installed in integrated circuit on the flexible circuit, allows to realize near printhead very at a high speed and intensive holding wire.Short lead-in wire also has lower resistance and inductance, and therefore allow with the higher frequency operation and in arriving at the signal of actuator wave distortion littler.Shorter lead-in wire is the littler noise of radiation also.
Comprise that between flexible circuit and printhead body interpolater can realize one or more following advantage.Before interpolater was connected printhead body, flexible circuit can be connected on the interpolater.This allows the flexible circuit/interpolater assembly that is connected between the connection of flexible circuit and flexible circuit and the interpolater to test before being connected printhead body.If connect existing problems, flexible circuit can be replaced, and printhead body needn't be replaced, perhaps needn't remove flexible circuit from printhead body, this may damage printhead body.The possibility of damaging printhead body in assembling process is reduced because of flexible circuit being connected to interpolater rather than being directly connected on the printhead body.Thereby can polishing, the surface of interpolater that contacts with each other and printhead body provides accurate cooperation.This can reduce or eliminate the pressure that produces along the length of printhead body and change, and this pressure variation meeting produces in the process that circuit is directly connected to printhead body by soldering.Alternatively, interpolater can comprise heating element heater.Flexible circuit can form smooth basically, has therefore also cancelled circuit is carried out the moulding crooked needs that for example form.
With integrated circuit be installed to as with the similar face of the contact-making surface of interpolater on the advantage of flexible circuit embodiment be to have cancelled the hole that lead-in wire is connected to interpolater.
The details of one or more embodiment is set forth in following accompanying drawing and specification.By specification and accompanying drawing and by claim, other feature and advantage will be apparent.
Describe these and other aspects in detail with reference to the following drawings.
Fig. 1 shows flexible circuit;
Fig. 2 A and 2B show printhead body and panel;
Fig. 3 A shows the flexible circuit shown in Fig. 2 B and the decomposition view of assembly;
Fig. 3 B shows and is installed in the flexible circuit on the assembly shown in Fig. 2 B;
Fig. 4 A shows the printhead housing shown in Fig. 3 B and the decomposition view of assembly;
Fig. 4 B shows the bottom view of the printhead housing shown in Fig. 4 A;
Fig. 4 C shows the sectional view of the printhead housing of cutting open along the 4C-4C line shown in Fig. 4 B;
Fig. 4 D and 4E show and are installed on the panel and have held printhead body among Fig. 3 B and the printhead housing of flexible circuit;
Fig. 5 A shows heater assembly;
Fig. 5 B shows the decomposition view of the heater assembly among Fig. 5 A and the print head assembly among Fig. 4 D and the 4E;
Fig. 5 C shows the heater assembly among Fig. 5 A, and it is positioned in the print head assembly among Fig. 4 D and the 4E;
Fig. 6 A shows unit heater;
Fig. 6 B shows the decomposition view of external circuit and unit heater;
Fig. 7 A shows the decomposition view of the print head assembly of filter assemblies and Fig. 5 C;
Fig. 7 B shows the filter assemblies on the print head assembly that is installed among Fig. 5 C;
Fig. 8 A shows the perspective view of a part of the print head assembly of Fig. 3 B;
Fig. 8 B and 8C show the schematic representative of the flexible circuit of Fig. 1, and integrated circuit is not installed on it;
Fig. 9 shows the sectional view that the print head assembly shown in Fig. 8 A is cut open along the 9-9 line;
Figure 10 A shows the amplification sectional view of the part of flexible circuit;
Figure 10 B shows the table of the layer thickness that forms flexible circuit;
Figure 11 A and 11B show the interpolater on the printhead body that is installed on the panel;
Figure 11 C shows the perspective view of the part of the flexible circuit on the print head assembly that is installed in Figure 11 A and 11B;
Figure 11 D shows the sectional view that the print head assembly of Figure 11 C is cut open along the 11D-11D line;
Figure 12 shows the sectional view and the perspective view of the flexible circuit on the interpolater on the printhead body that is installed on the panel.
Similarly Reference numeral is represented similar elements in each figure.
With reference to Fig. 1, show an embodiment who is used to provide the flexible circuit 100 of signal in the printhead to control ink droplet jet.Flexible circuit 100 comprises aerial lug 102, and it is connected flexible circuit 100 with the second circuit (not shown at Fig. 1) that is used for being connected to signal source such as the processor that is positioned at printer.Integrated circuit, wafer or chip 104 are installed on the flexible circuit 100 to receive input signal and the generation output drive signal from aerial lug.Output drive signal is transferred to printhead body, for example, by the corresponding actuator in the selective actuation printhead, optionally sprays ink droplet from specific nozzle, and wherein said actuator comprises the piezoelectric deflector of the ink in the compressing ink paths.Integrated circuit 104 can be connected to a plurality of lead-in wires on the flexible circuit 100.In these lead-in wires some can extend to aerial lug 102, thereby carry input signal.Other lead-in wire can extend to the corresponding conductive hole that is formed in the flexible circuit 100 from integrated circuit, thereby output drive signal is outputed to a kind of device, for example, printhead body, flexible circuit 100 just is mounted thereon.
Before flexible circuit 100 is described in further detail, a kind of example that has wherein adopted the print head assembly of flexible circuit 100 should be described earlier, thereby for illustrating that flexible circuit 100 provides context environmental.Illustrated print head assembly is exemplary and only is used for illustrative purposes.Flexible circuit 100 can be adapted to and be applied in unaccounted herein other print head assemblies.
With reference to Fig. 2 A and 2B, show printhead body 106 and panel 108.Printhead body 106 can be, for example, the MEMS silicon chip, such as U.S. Patent No. 5 people such as Hoisington, 265, printhead described in 315, perhaps as the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/510 that is entitled as " Print Head with ThinMembrane " that submitted on October 10th, 2003, the semiconductor print head unit described in 459.Printhead body 106 can limit the ink nozzle array of black chamber and injection ink droplet by etching, and can comprise the piezoelectric actuator corresponding to each ink nozzle.Each piezoelectric actuator can have piezoelectric material layer, and the voltage that its response is applied changes shape or bending.The ink of the bending of piezoelectric layer compressing in the chamber of ink paths location.The surface of the printhead body 106 of carrying ink nozzle is for example located and is attached on the panel 108 by epoxy resin.Yet panel 108 can comprise opening 110, and it is positioned to expose ink nozzle.
With reference to Fig. 3 A and 3B, in one embodiment, flexible circuit 100 is configured to be engaged in the top of printhead body 106.Flexible circuit 100 for example is connected on the printhead body 106 by the soldering of electric connector.
With reference to Fig. 4 A, printhead housing 112 can be positioned on the panel 108, centers on printhead body 106 and flexible circuit 100 extensions and position thereon.Printhead housing 112 for example utilizes epoxy resin to be attached on the panel 108.With reference to Fig. 4 B, shown in exemplary print head in, printhead housing 112 is molded plastic casings, comprises centre bore 114 receiving and to hold printhead body 106, and comprises the passage 116 that is formed on lower surface 117.Fig. 4 C shows the sectional view that the printhead housing 112 that is installed on the printhead body 106 is cut open along the 4C-4C line among Fig. 4 B.When the lower surface 117 of printhead housing 112 is connected on the panel 108, the end face 107 of the inwall 119 contact printhead body 106 of passage 116.Therefore, passage 116 forms ink paths, and its guiding is included in the ink nozzle in the printhead body 106.The U.S. Patent application No.10/836 that is entitled as " Elongated Filter Assembly " of the Kevin Von Essen that printhead housing 112 was submitted on April 30th, 2004 has further instruction in 456, in it is included in full as a reference.Fig. 4 D and 4E show the printhead housing 112 that is connected on the panel 108, and flexible circuit 100 is contained in the centre bore 114.
With reference to Fig. 5 A-C, show the heater assembly 116 that comprises unit heater 118 and external circuit 120.External circuit 120 is connected and is used for controlling the processor that sprays ink droplet from ink nozzle in the printer.Heater assembly 116 is engaged in the centre bore 114 that forms in the printhead housing 112, and the aerial lug 102 of flexible circuit 100 folded the top of heater assembly 116, thereby contact and electrical connection between flexible circuit 100 and the external circuit 120 is provided, it will be further elucidated hereinbelow.
With reference to Fig. 6 A and 6B, unit heater 118 comprises two vertical panels 122, and it comprises heating element heater 124 and horizontal spacing body 126.Vertical panel 122 and horizontal spacing body 126 can be used material, form such as silicon.External circuit 120 comprises brace 128 and flexible cable 130.Brace 128 comprises that contact 132 is to be electrically connected with the aerial lug 102 of flexible circuit 100.Brace 128 also comprises opening 134, and it provides and being electrically connected from the vertical panel 122 upwardly extending heater connectors 136 of unit heater 118.Unit heater 118 is electrically connected to brace 128, and therefore is connected to flexible cable 130, the temperature that allows unit heater 118 is by being connected to the processor control of external circuit 120.
With reference to Fig. 7 A and 7B, filter assemblies 138, all U.S. Patent application No.10/836 as mentioned above, the filter assemblies of explanation in 456 can be positioned at the top of printhead housing.Filter assemblies 138 comprises one or more filter, and ink must be by them before entering the printhead housing and entering ink nozzle then.Guide 140 is included on the filter assemblies 138, is used for guiding the location of flexible cable 130.
After the example that the printhead that has wherein adopted flexible circuit 100 embodiment has been described, flexible circuit 100 is described in more detail now.Fig. 8 A shows the partial view of the amplification of the flexible circuit 100 that is installed on the printhead body 106, and it is installed on the panel 108.In the present embodiment, flexible circuit 100 forms " gull wings " structure.In other words, flexible circuit 100 comprises smooth basically middle part 142, and it is positioned to be arranged essentially parallel to the end face 107 of printhead body 106.Flexible circuit 100 further comprises distal portion 144, the length of its extend through flexible circuit 100 and also be arranged essentially parallel to the end face 107 of printhead body 106.Middle part 142 and distal portion 144 are by bend 143 combinations, and described bend extends between middle part 142 and distal portion 144 at a certain angle.
Middle part 142 profiles that are elevated with the end face 107 that holds the printhead body 106 that cooperates with flexible circuit 100.Especially, comprise among the embodiment of piezoelectric actuator, between the piezoelectric on the upper surface of flexible circuit 100 and printhead body 106, have the space, thereby provide the space for the piezoelectric bending in printhead body 106.
Integrated circuit 104 is connected on the upper surface at flexible circuit 100 middle parts 142.Show flexible circuit lead-in wire 146 and extend to the respective aperture 148 that is formed on flexible circuit 100 distal portion 144 from each integrated circuit 104.For each ink nozzle that comprises in the printhead body 106 all provides flexible circuit lead-in wire 146.Flexible circuit lead-in wire 146 is from the driver transmission signal of integrated circuit 104 to the excitation ink nozzle.For example, in the present embodiment, the flexible circuit 146 transmission of electric signals excitations piezoelectric actuator that goes between is actuated ink nozzle.
Arbitrary end at flexible circuit 100, arm 150 extends upward along the direction that is substantially perpendicular to panel 108 surfaces, the distal portion of arm 150 is arranged essentially parallel to the surface of panel 108 like this, and wherein printhead body 106 is installed on the described panel 108 and is folding thereon.Aerial lug 102 (shown in broken lines) is included in the downside of the distal portion of arm 150.Shown in Fig. 5 C and 6B of front, aerial lug 102 is configured to cooperate with connector 132 on the brace 128 of circuit 120 externally.In one embodiment, aerial lug 102 is the ball pads (ball pad) that are electrically connected with brace 120 lip-deep traces.In another embodiment, aerial lug is anode or cathodic electricity connector.
Fig. 8 B is the schematically showing of top view of flexible circuit 100, has wherein removed integrated circuit 104 and arm 150 is flattened, thereby is in the plane identical with the balanced surface of flexible circuit 100.In the zone 105 that integrated circuit 104 typically is installed, show contact array.In this embodiment, each zone 105 comprises the contact 101 of 16X6 array.The outermost two row contacts of each array either side are connected with flexible circuit lead-in wire 146.In one embodiment, lead-in wire can be the copper tracing wire that has the flash plating gold, in case oxidation.Each flexible circuit lead-in wire 146 is connected with respective aperture 148 on being formed on flexible circuit 100 distal portion 144.
Integrated circuit 104 has lip-deep integrated circuit (IC) lead-in wire that is formed on contacting with flexible circuit 100.IC goes between, for example, the baii grid array of 16X6, it is configured to corresponding to the 16X6 contact array that is formed on the flexible circuit 100.When integrated circuit 104 was positioned on the flexible circuit 100, baii grid array was aimed at the contact array on the flexible circuit 100.The IC lead-in wire can be welded to the contact 101 in the contact array, thereby integrated circuit 104 is connected to flexible circuit 100, and forms electrical connection between IC lead-in wire and contact 101.
Flexible circuit lead-in wire 146 is connected with contact 101, and contact 101 goes between with IC and is connected.Flexible circuit lead-in wire 146 also is connected with printhead body 106 by conductive hole 148.The end face 107 of printhead body 106 comprises along the earthing contact and the contact-actuating of located lateral in relevant earthing contact inboard of location, printhead body 106 edges.The earthing contact of printhead body 106 is connected (and so ground connection) with shared ground connection 103, described shared grounding forms along the length of the distal portion of flexible circuit 100.Each contact-actuating of printhead body 106 is connected with the conductive hole 148 of flexible circuit 100.Like this, the output drive signal that is produced by integrated circuit 104 is transferred to the contact-actuating of the piezoelectric actuator in the printhead body 106 from integrated circuit 104, applies voltage and therefore optionally drives corresponding ink nozzle to this actuator.
The contacts 101 that are positioned at inboard two row can be used for integrated circuit 104 is connected to the articulamentum of flexible circuit 100.For example, can in flexible circuit 100, form and extend to for example hole of copper layer of articulamentum, and this hole is filled or covered by conductive material.IC lead-in wire contact contact on the integrated circuit 100, formation is electrically connected with articulamentum.Articulamentum extends on the length of flexible circuit 100, comprises arm 150, and is electrically connected to one of them electric connector 102 that is formed on arm 150 distal portion.Like this, the input signal from external circuit 120 is transferred to integrated circuit 104 from external circuit 120.Referring again to Fig. 8 B, arm 150 flatly extends, and exposes the downside of each distal portion.Show the aerial lug 102 of each the distal portion downside that is positioned at arm.
With reference to Fig. 8 C, show the zoomed-in view in a zone 105 of flexible circuit 100.In the present embodiment, at least 64 flexible circuits lead-in wire 146 is connected with each integrated circuit 104, and these integrated circuit 104 drivings are included in 64 interior ink nozzles of printhead body 106.
Fig. 9 shows the sectional view that flexible circuit 100 is cut open along the 9-9 line among Fig. 8 A.Integrated circuit 104 is installed in the top at flexible circuit 100 middle parts 142.Showing flexible circuit lead-in wire 146 extends towards the distal portion 144 of flexible circuit 100 from the below of integrated circuit 104.Flexible circuit lead-in wire 146 extends to the respective aperture 148 that is formed in the flexible circuit 100.Hole 148 is extended the thickness of perforation circuit and is aimed at the contact-actuating 152 on the printhead body 106.For example, contact-actuating 152 can be the trace on printhead body 106 end faces 107.Flexible circuit lead-in wire 146 extends through hole 148.For example, hole 148 can be covered by conductive material such as gold or copper.Arrive contact-actuating 152 by the signal of telecommunication that flexible circuit lead-in wire 146 transmits through conductive material from integrated circuit 104, therefore between integrated circuit 104 and printhead body 106, connect, for example, apply voltage to piezoelectric actuator.
Figure 10 A shows the amplification sectional view of a part of flexible circuit 100.In the illustrated embodiment, the middle part 142 of flexible circuit 100 forms the layer of varying number than distal portion 144.Distal portion 144 is formed by layer 160 and 161, and its middle level 160 can be a conductive layer, and such as the copper layer, layer 161 can be an insulating barrier, such as polyimide layer, for example, can obtain from DuPont High Performance Material ofOhio Middle part 142 comprises the extra play that is respectively copper layer 162, adhesive layer 163, copper layer 164, Kapton layer 165, copper layer 166.In other words, middle part 142 comprises 4 copper layers, and wherein each copper layer is separated by Kapton layer or adhesive layer.Middle part 142 can utilize binding agent 163 in conjunction with forming by covering copper on the either side of two Kapton layers 161,165 then.At the middle part 142 that integrated circuit 104 is connected with flexible circuit 100, extra play provides interconnection (copper layer), for example, integrated circuit 104 is connected with aerial lug 102, and provides support rigidity.
With reference to Figure 10 B, in one embodiment, form flexible circuit 100, the layer of the flexible circuit shown in Figure 10 A can have thickness as shown in the figure.The thickness of the distal portion of two layers is that the interior thickness of 42 microns and 7 layers is 143 microns.Solder mask can be applied on the top and copper layer 166 of copper layer 162 (for example, being connected with printhead body 106), and each solder mask can increase extra 25 microns.Therefore thickness can have 193 microns more than.
In the distal portion 144 of flexible circuit 100, only provide two-layer and provide flexible, make flexible circuit 100 flexible one-tenth desirable shape for gull wings zone (that is, bend 142).Because less layer is arranged at sidepiece 100 places that comprise hole 148, so help in hole 148, aiming at these layers.
For example, in one embodiment, the conductive material (for example, copper) that forms lead-in wire 146 and any other electrical connection can followingly form.For example on film, form the egative film of the circuit layout card that comprises lead-in wire 146 by laser photograph drawing technique (" wiring diagram sheet films ").Light limits (photo-defineable) film and is laid on the copper sheet top, and described copper sheet is bonded to Layer.The wiring diagram sheet films is placed on the top of copper, then exposure.Then solvent is applied on the copper that is covered by light qualification film, solvent falls unexposed copper corrosion.Remove light then and limit film, remaining copper (that is the copper that, is not corroded) reflects the circuit of hope.Can implement identical process subsequently and on this opposite side, form lead-in wire 146 at the opposite side of Kapton in conjunction with second copper.If used Kapton layer, then repeat this process, copper/Kapton layer circuit alignment that must combine and keep simultaneously forming then thereon with copper for each Kapton layer more than one.Need the accurate connection that realizes between each layer of aiming at.Like this, need the layer of aligning few more (perhaps not needing to aim at), then help more making.
Also can form flexible circuit 100 with other materials.For example, metal level can be a gold, and the Kapton layer can be liquid crystal polymer (LCP).Can on distal portion 144 or middle part 142, comprise extra play.
With reference to Figure 11 A, in another embodiment, interpolater 170 can be positioned between printhead body 106 and the flexible circuit 100.Interpolater 170 is connected the upper surface of printhead body 106.Interpolater 170 can be formed by for example silicon.In an illustrated embodiment, interpolater 170 comprises optional integrated heating element heater 172.Heating element heater 172 can and be filled this groove with conductive material such as nickel chromium triangle by etched recesses on silicon interpolater 170 and be formed.Alternately, heating element heater 172 can be formed on the apparent surface of interpolater 170.
With reference to Figure 11 B, show the zoomed-in view that is installed in a part of interpolater on the printhead body 106.Interpolater 170 comprises along the hole 174 of interpolater 170 both sides.For illustrative purposes, only marked some holes 174, yet similarly hole 174 is along whole basically length location of interpolater 170 in every side.Hole 174 is covered such as gold by conductive material.A hole 174 is corresponding to each ink nozzle in the ink nozzle assembly that is included in printhead body 106.Each metallized conductive hole 174 provides and being electrically connected of the contact-actuating of the corresponding actuator of ink nozzle, such as the piezoelectric actuator that is configured to actuate ink nozzle.Interpolater 170 can utilize thin epoxy resin to be connected on the printhead body 106, and like this when exerting pressure and when hot, gold is connected with connector on the printhead body 106 by epoxy resin.Epoxy resin can be non-filling or filling, the epoxy resin of filling such as conductive particle.Epoxy resin can be the epoxy resin of spraying.
If interpolater 170 comprises heating element heater 172, as shown in the figure, then in the thermistor 176 includable plug in devices 170, with the temperature of control heating element heater, and going between 178 can provide from interpolater 170 to flexible circuit 100 connection, to receive the signal of control thermistor 176.
With reference to Figure 11 C, show the zoomed-in view that is installed in a part of flexible circuit 100 on the interpolater 170, described interpolater 170 is installed on the printhead body 106 that is connecting on the panel 108.Each hole 148 that is formed in the flexible circuit 100 is aimed at the respective aperture 174 in being formed on interpolater 170.Therefore, signal can be from integrated circuit 104, and the conductive hole 148 via flexible circuit lead-in wire 146 is transferred in the flexible circuit 100 arrives the conductive hole 174 in the interpolater 170, and finally arrives the ink nozzle driver in the printhead body 106.
With reference to Figure 11 D, show the sectional view that the assembly among Figure 11 C is cut open along the 11D-11D line.Flexible circuit 100 for example utilizes epoxy resin connection, soldering to connect or ACF (anisotropic conducting film) is installed on the interpolater 170.The lip-deep flexible circuits lead-in wire of flexible circuit 100 146 is connected with the conductive hole 148 of the distal portion 144 that is formed on flexible circuit 100.Hole 148 is aimed at the conductive hole 174 in the interpolater 170.Be used to encourage the driver of ink nozzle to aim in hole 174 in the interpolater and the printhead body 106.In an illustrated embodiment, this driver is the piezoelectric actuator that comprises piezoelectric, its voltage of being applied of response and bending, so oppress the ink in the corresponding black chamber and cause ink droplet from ink nozzle, to spray.The downside of interpolater 170, promptly the surface that is connected with printhead body 106 comprises recess 173, for the piezoelectric that comprises on printhead body 106 end faces provides the gap.
In another embodiment, flexible circuit 100 can be smooth basically, and middle part 142 and distal portion 144 can all flush with the end face of interpolater 170 in other words.This has superiority, and forms crooked manufacturing step because this can save in flexible circuit 100.
Comprise that between flexible circuit 100 and printhead body 106 interpolater 170 has many advantages.With interpolater 170 with before printhead body 106 is connected, flexible circuit 100 can be connected with interpolater 170.This allows being connected and can testing between flexible circuit 100 and flexible circuit 100 and the interpolater 170 before flexible circuit 100/ interpolater 170 assemblies are connected to printhead body 106.If the problem of being connected with then can be replaced flexible circuit 100, and needn't be replaced printhead body 106, perhaps attempt to remove flexible circuit 100 and do not damage printhead body 106 from printhead body 106.By being connected flexible circuit 100 on the interpolater 170 rather than directly being connected on the printhead body 106, can reduce to damage in the assembling process possibility of printhead body 106.The surface that interpolater 170 and printhead body 106 contact with each other can be polished so that accurate cooperation to be provided.This can reduce or eliminate, and contingent pressure along printhead body 106 length changes when by soldering circuit directly being connected printhead body 106.Alternatively, as mentioned above, interpolater 170 can comprise heating element heater 172.
With reference to Figure 12, show the cross-sectional perspective view of another embodiment of flexible circuit 180.In the present embodiment, integrated circuit 184 is installed in integrated circuit 180 and the similar face that interpolater 190 is connected.Interpolater 190 comprises recess 192, and it is configured to hold the integrated circuit 184 that hangs from flexible circuit 180.Interpolater 190 can comprise the recess 192 of extend through interpolater 190 length, perhaps a plurality ofly locatees corresponding to the recess 192 of the position that is installed in a plurality of integrated circuits 184 on the circuit.At opposition side, interpolater 190 comprises recess 193, for the piezoelectric that comprises in the printhead body 106 provides the gap.In the present embodiment, be positioned at the similar face that is connected with interpolater 190, therefore do not need the hole, such as the hole 148 in the foregoing flexible circuit 100 from the lead-in wire 182 of integrated circuit 184.But lead-in wire 182 can extend, and directly contacts with the corresponding conductive hole 194 of formation in the interpolater 190, and is similar with the conductive hole 174 described in the interpolater 170 shown in reference Figure 11 A-D.Conductive hole 194 contacts with contact-actuating 196, and described contact is the contact-actuating of actuator such as piezoelectric actuator that is positioned at the corresponding ink nozzle of printhead body 106.
The advantage of the embodiment of flexible circuit 180 as shown in figure 12 is, has eliminated 182 holes that are connected with interpolater 190 that will go between.Flexible circuit 180 can smooth basically formation, as shown in the figure, does not therefore also need flexible circuit 180 mouldingly, for example forms the bending among the embodiment as shown in Figure 1.Flexible circuit 180 can be formed by the polyimide layer that is coated with copper, and is such described with reference to Figure 10.Yet because flexible circuit 180 is smooth basically and do not need the hole, in one embodiment, flexible circuit 180 can all comprise 2 polyimide layers and 4 copper layers, rather than has the thin sidepiece among as shown in figure 10 the embodiment.Can adopt other materials or number target zone, as top with reference to flexible circuit 100 described.
The use of term in specification and the claim, such as " on " and D score, " top " and " end " are only for illustrative purposes, with difference various assemblies and other elements of the flexible printhead circuit of explanation herein.Use " on " and D score, " top " and " end " do not represent the special orientation of flexible printhead circuit.For example, the upper surface of interpolater described herein can be oriented to top, below or the side that is positioned at lower surface, and vice versa, the location of depending on interpolater whether be the level ground up, the level ground down or vertically.
Though some embodiment only have been described above, other embodiment also is possible.Other embodiment is included in the scope of subsidiary claim.
1. one kind is connected to the circuit of external circuit with printhead body, and described circuit comprises:
Basically flat portions, it comprises that one or more conductive material layer and end face are arranged essentially parallel to the end face of printhead body, described flat comprises:
The middle part; With
Be positioned at two distal portion on the either side of middle part;
Wherein, two distal portion are connected with the end face of printhead body and raise from the end face of printhead body with respect to two distal portion at the middle part;
Be installed in one or more integrated circuit on the flat;
From a plurality of lead-in wires that each integrated circuit stretches out, described a plurality of lead-line configuration become to be electrically connected with printhead body; With
One or more arm, it is connected on the flat, and each arm comprises the major part that is substantially perpendicular to this flat and is arranged essentially parallel to the distal portion of the end face of described flat, wherein each distal portion is extended towards the center of described flat, make described distal portion be located substantially on the flat and printhead body on, each distal portion comprises that one or more is configured to the aerial lug that is connected with external circuit.
2. circuit as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:
A plurality of holes, each hole are covered by conductive material and are configured to provide and being electrically connected of printhead body;
Wherein, each in a plurality of lead-in wires is stretched out from integrated circuit, is connected with in a plurality of holes one of them.
3. circuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein, flat comprises at least one copper layer and at least one polyimide layer.
4. circuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the middle part comprises a plurality of layer, and it comprises at least one conductive layer, and distal portion comprises a plurality of layers, and it comprises at least one conductive layer, and is unequal comprising the number of the layer of middle part and distal portion.
5. circuit as claimed in claim 1, described flat further comprises:
The middle part, it comprises first polyimide layer, is coated with the copper layer on its either side; Second polyimide layer is coated with the copper layer on its either side; And with the adhesive layer of ground floor and second layer combination and
Be positioned at two distal portion of middle part either side, each distal portion comprises the polyimide layer that is coated with the copper layer.
6. circuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein lead-in wire comprises the copper tracing wire attached to the circuit end face, this end face is formed by polyimides.
7. one kind is connected to the system of external circuit with printhead body, and described system comprises:
Be configured to the circuit that is connected with interpolater, described circuit comprises:
Basically flat portions, it comprises that one or more conductive material layer and end face are arranged essentially parallel to the end face of printhead body;
One or more arm, it substantially perpendicularly is connected on the flat, and each arm comprises that one or more is configured to the aerial lug that is connected with external circuit;
Interpolater comprises:
Be configured to the upper surface that is connected with circuit;
Be configured to the lower surface that is connected with printhead body;
A plurality of interpolaters hole, each interpolater hole is covered by conductive material, and is configured to provide electrical connection between circuit and printhead body,
Wherein, the corresponding lead-in wire electric connection in each in a plurality of interpolater hole and a plurality of lead-in wire.
8. system as claimed in claim 7, described circuit further comprises:
A plurality of circuit hole, each circuit hole are covered by conductive material and provide and being electrically connected of interpolater hole accordingly; With
Wherein, each in a plurality of lead-in wires is stretched out from integrated circuit, be connected with in a plurality of circuit hole one, each in a plurality of like this lead-in wires all with a plurality of interpolaters hole in a corresponding electric connection.
9. system as claimed in claim 7, one or more integrated circuit is installed in the bottom surface of the flat basically of circuit, and described interpolater further comprises:
Be formed on one or more recess in the upper surface, described one or more recess arrangement becomes to receive one or more integrated circuit on the bottom surface of the flat basically that is installed in circuit; With
Wherein, each in a plurality of lead-in wires is stretched out from integrated circuit, be connected with in a plurality of interpolaters hole one, each in a plurality of like this lead-in wires all with a plurality of interpolaters hole in a corresponding electric connection.
10. system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the flat portions basically of circuit comprises at least one copper layer and at least one polyimide layer.
11. system as claimed in claim 7, wherein each arm comprises the distal portion of the end face that is arranged essentially parallel to flat, and described distal portion comprises the contact that one or more is connected with external circuit.
12. system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the flat basically of circuit further comprises:
First polyimide layer is coated with the copper layer on its either side;
Second polyimide layer covers on its either side by the copper layer; And
Adhesive layer with ground floor and second layer combination.
13. system as claimed in claim 7, described interpolater further comprises heating element heater.
14. system as claimed in claim 7, described flat further comprises:
Be positioned at two distal portion of middle part either side;
Wherein raise from the upper surface of interpolater with respect to two distal portion at two distal portion upper surface and middle part of being connected interpolater.
The middle part comprises and is coated with the copper layer on its either side by first polyimide layer; Second polyimide layer covers on its either side by the copper layer; And with the adhesive layer of ground floor and second layer combination; With
Each distal portion comprises the polyimide layer that is coated with the copper layer.
16. one kind is connected to the system of external circuit with printhead body, described system comprises:
Be installed in one or more integrated circuit on the flat bottom surface;
From a plurality of lead-in wires that each integrated circuit stretches out, described a plurality of lead-line configuration become to be electrically connected with printhead body by a plurality of interpolaters hole; With
Be configured to the upper surface that is connected with circuit, described upper surface comprises one or more recess, and described recess arrangement becomes to receive one or more integrated circuit on the bottom surface of the flat basically that is installed in circuit;
A plurality of interpolaters hole, it penetrates into lower surface from the upper surface extension, and each interpolater hole is covered by conductive material, and is configured to provide electrical connection between circuit and printhead body;
Wherein, the corresponding electric connection in a plurality of lead-in wires of each in a plurality of interpolater hole and circuit.
17. system as claimed in claim 16, described interpolater further comprises heating element heater.
CNB2005800226295A 2004-05-03 2005-04-28 Flexible printhead circuit CN100532105C (en)
US56792504P true 2004-05-03 2004-05-03
US60/567,925 2004-05-03
CN101060984A CN101060984A (en) 2007-10-24
CN100532105C true CN100532105C (en) 2009-08-26
ID=34968314
CNB2005800226295A CN100532105C (en) 2004-05-03 2005-04-28 Flexible printhead circuit
US (2) US7452057B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1750946B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4726245B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20070007384A (en)
CN (1) CN100532105C (en)
AT (1) AT470571T (en)
DE (1) DE602005021779D1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005108092A1 (en)
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2005-04-28 JP JP2007511452A patent/JP4726245B2/en active Active
2005-04-28 DE DE200560021779 patent/DE602005021779D1/en active Active
2005-04-28 US US11/119,308 patent/US7452057B2/en active Active
2005-04-28 EP EP20050744111 patent/EP1750946B1/en active Active
2005-04-28 AT AT05744111T patent/AT470571T/en not_active IP Right Cessation
2005-04-28 KR KR1020067025534A patent/KR20070007384A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
2005-04-28 CN CNB2005800226295A patent/CN100532105C/en active IP Right Grant
2005-04-28 WO PCT/US2005/014955 patent/WO2005108092A1/en active Application Filing
2008-11-14 US US12/271,707 patent/US7997684B2/en active Active
EP1750946B1 (en) 2010-06-09
WO2005108092A1 (en) 2005-11-17
KR20070007384A (en) 2007-01-15
EP1750946A1 (en) 2007-02-14
US7452057B2 (en) 2008-11-18
JP2007536741A (en) 2007-12-13
JP4726245B2 (en) 2011-07-20
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US20090066758A1 (en) 2009-03-12
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