Patent Description:
Inkjet printers and inkjet plotters that utilize inkjet recording methods are known as printing apparatuses. In such inkjet printing apparatuses, a liquid discharge head for discharging liquid is mounted.

In order to bring a driver IC into close contact with a heat dissipation plate, such a liquid discharge head includes a pressing member configured to press the driver IC toward the heat dissipation plate from a back side of the driver IC (see, for example, Patent Document <NUM>). Patent Document <NUM> discloses a liquid droplet ejecting apparatus having head modules that use piezoelectric elements to eject ink droplets, driver ICs that drive the piezoelectric elements, a ventilation unit that delivers dry air to the environs of the piezoelectric elements via a gas delivery passage disposed therein, a branch tube that branches from the gas delivery passage and blows onto the driver ICs some of the air that has been delivered, and a duckbill valve that is disposed in the branch tube.

The present invention provides a liquid discharge head according to claim <NUM> and a recording device according to claim <NUM>, a recording device according to claim <NUM>, and a recording device according to claim <NUM>.

In a case of a typical liquid discharge head, if a pressing member does not have a predetermined shape, a driver IC cannot be sufficiently pressed against a heat dissipation plate. This causes a problem in that it is difficult to bring the driver IC into close contact with the heat dissipation plate.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide a liquid discharge head capable of favorably bringing a driver IC into close contact with a heat dissipation plate, and a recording device.

Embodiments of a liquid discharge head and a recording device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments that will be described below.

Inkjet printers and inkjet plotters that utilize an inkjet recording method are known as printing apparatuses. A liquid discharge head for discharging liquid is mounted in printing apparatuses using such an inkjet method.

A piezoelectric method is another method for discharging liquid from a liquid discharge head. In a liquid discharge head that uses such a piezoelectric method, a part of a wall of an ink channel is bent and displaced by a displacement element to mechanically pressurize and discharge the ink in the ink channel. In addition, in order to drive such a piezoelectric element, the liquid discharge head includes a driver IC.

In addition, in order to bring the driver IC into close contact with the heat dissipation plate, the liquid discharge head includes a pressing member configured to press the driver IC toward the heat dissipation plate from a back side of the driver IC. This makes it possible to favorably dissipate, from the driver IC, heat generated at the time of driving the piezoelectric element.

However, in a case of a typical liquid discharge head, if a pressing member does not have a predetermined shape due to variation at the time of manufacturing or deformation or the like at the time of assembly, the driver IC cannot be sufficiently pressed against the heat dissipation plate. This makes it difficult to bring the driver IC into close contact with the heat dissipation plate. For this reason, there is a possibility that heat generated at the time of driving the piezoelectric element cannot be sufficiently dissipated from the driver IC.

Thus, it has been desired to realize a liquid discharge head and a recording device capable of overcoming the problem described above and bringing the driver IC into close contact with the heat dissipation plate even in a case where the pressing member does not have a predetermined shape.

First, a description will be given on an overview of a printer <NUM> that is one example of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> are explanatory views of the printer <NUM> according to the embodiment.

Specifically, <FIG> is a schematic side view of the printer <NUM> and <FIG> is a schematic plan view of the printer <NUM>. The printer <NUM> according to the embodiment is, for example, a color inkjet printer.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the printer <NUM> includes a paper feed roller <NUM>, guide rollers <NUM>, an applicator <NUM>, a head case <NUM>, a plurality of conveying rollers <NUM>, a plurality of frames <NUM>, a plurality of liquid discharge heads <NUM>, conveying rollers <NUM>, a dryer <NUM>, conveying rollers <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, and a collection roller <NUM>. The conveying rollers <NUM> are examples of a conveyor.

The printer <NUM> includes a controller <NUM> that controls the paper feed roller <NUM>, the guide rollers <NUM>, the applicator <NUM>, the head case <NUM>, the plurality of conveying rollers <NUM>, the plurality of frames <NUM>, the plurality of liquid discharge heads <NUM>, the conveying rollers <NUM>, the dryer <NUM>, the conveying rollers <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, and the collection roller <NUM>.

By landing droplets on the printing sheet P, the printer <NUM> records images and characters on the printing sheet P. The printing sheet P is an example of a recording medium. The printing sheet P is rolled on the paper feed roller <NUM> prior to use. In this state, the printer <NUM> conveys the printing sheet P from the paper feed roller <NUM> to the inside of the head case <NUM> via the guide rollers <NUM> and the applicator <NUM>.

The applicator <NUM> uniformly applies a coating agent over the printing sheet P. With surface treatment thus performed on the printing sheet P, the printing quality of the printer <NUM> can be improved.

The head case <NUM> houses the plurality of conveying rollers <NUM>, the plurality of frames <NUM>, and the plurality of liquid discharge heads <NUM>. The inside of the head case <NUM> is formed with a space separated from the outside except for a part connected to the outside such as parts where the printing sheet P enters and exits.

If necessary, the controller <NUM> controls at least one of controllable factors of the internal space of the head case <NUM>, such as temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. The conveying rollers <NUM> convey the printing sheet P to the vicinity of the liquid discharge heads <NUM>, inside the head case <NUM>.

The frames <NUM> are rectangular flat plates, and are positioned above and close to the printing sheet P conveyed by the conveying rollers <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the frames <NUM> are positioned such that the longitudinal direction of the frames <NUM> is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing sheet P. Furthermore, the plurality of (e.g., four) frames <NUM> are located inside the head case <NUM> along the conveyance direction of the printing sheet P.

Note that, in the following description, a direction in which a printing sheet P is transferred is also referred to as a "sub scanning direction," and a direction orthogonal to this sub scanning direction and parallel to the printing sheet P is also referred to as a "main scanning direction".

Liquid, for example, ink, is supplied to the liquid discharge heads <NUM> from a liquid tank (not illustrated). Each liquid discharge head <NUM> discharges the liquid supplied from the liquid tank.

The controller <NUM> controls the liquid discharge heads <NUM> based on data of an image, characters, and the like to discharge the liquid toward the printing sheet P. The distance between each liquid discharge head <NUM> and the printing sheet P is, for example, approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>.

The liquid discharge heads <NUM> are fixed to the frame <NUM>. For example, the liquid discharge heads <NUM> are fixed to the frame <NUM> at both end portions in the longitudinal direction. The liquid discharge heads <NUM> are positioned such that the longitudinal direction of the liquid discharge heads <NUM> is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing sheet P.

That is, the printer <NUM> according to the embodiment is a so-called line printer in which the liquid discharge heads <NUM> are fixed inside the printer <NUM>. Note that the printer <NUM> according to the embodiment is not limited to a line printer and may also be a so-called serial printer.

A serial printer is a printer employing a method of alternately performing operations of recording while moving the liquid discharge heads <NUM> in a manner such as reciprocation in a direction intersecting (e.g., substantially orthogonal to) the conveyance direction of the printing sheet P, and conveying the printing sheet P.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a plurality of (e.g., five) liquid discharge heads <NUM> are fixed to one frame <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example in which three liquid discharge heads <NUM> are located on the forward side and two liquid discharge heads <NUM> are located on the rear side, in the conveyance direction of the printing sheet P. Further, the liquid discharge heads <NUM> are positioned without their centers overlapping in the conveyance direction of the printing sheet P.

The plurality of liquid discharge heads <NUM> positioned in one frame <NUM> form a head group 8A. Four head groups 8A are positioned along the conveyance direction of the printing sheet P. The liquid discharge heads <NUM> belonging to the same head group 8A are supplied with ink of the same color. As a result, the printer <NUM> can perform printing with four colors of ink using the four head groups 8A.

The colors of the ink discharged from the respective head groups 8A are, for example, magenta (M), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (K). The controller <NUM> can print a color image on the printing sheet P by controlling each of the head groups 8A to discharge the plurality of colors of ink onto the printing sheet P.

Note that a surface treatment may be performed on the printing sheet P, by discharging a coating agent from the liquid discharge heads <NUM> onto the printing sheet P.

Furthermore, the number of the liquid discharge heads <NUM> included in one head group 8A and the number of the head groups 8A provided in the printer <NUM> can be changed as appropriate in accordance with printing targets and printing conditions. For example, if the color to be printed on the printing sheet P is a single color and the range of the printing can be covered by a single liquid discharge head <NUM>, only a single liquid discharge head <NUM> may be provided in the printer <NUM>.

The printing sheet P thus subjected to the printing process inside the head case <NUM> is conveyed by the conveying rollers <NUM> to the outside of the head case <NUM>, and passes through the inside of the dryer <NUM>. The dryer <NUM> dries the printing sheet P after the printing process. The printing sheet P thus dried by the dryer <NUM> is conveyed by the conveying rollers <NUM> and then collected by the collection roller <NUM>.

In the printer <NUM>, by drying the printing sheet P with the dryer <NUM>, it is possible to suppress bonding between the printing sheets P rolled while being overlapped with each other, and rubbing between undried liquid at the collection roller <NUM>.

The sensor <NUM> includes a position sensor, a speed sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like. Based on information from the sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can determine the state of each part of the printer <NUM> and control each part of the printer <NUM>.

In the printer <NUM> described above, the printing sheet P is the printing target (i.e., the recording medium), but the printing target in the printer <NUM> is not limited to the printing sheet P, and a roll type fabric or the like may be the printing target.

Furthermore, instead of directly conveying the printing paper P, the printer <NUM> may have a configuration in which the printing sheet P is put on a conveyor belt and conveyed. By using the conveyor belt, the printer <NUM> can perform printing on a sheet of paper, a cut cloth, wood, a tile, or the like as a printing target.

Furthermore, the printer <NUM> may discharge a liquid containing electrically conductive particles from the liquid discharge heads <NUM>, to print a wiring pattern or the like of an electronic device. Furthermore, the printer <NUM> may discharge liquid containing a predetermined amount of liquid chemical agent or liquid containing the chemical agent from the liquid discharge heads <NUM> onto a reaction vessel or the like to produce chemicals.

The printer <NUM> may also include a cleaner for cleaning the liquid discharge heads <NUM>. The cleaner cleans the liquid discharge heads <NUM> by, for example, a wiping process or a capping process.

The wiping process is, for example, a process of using a flexible wiper to rub a second surface 21b (see <FIG>) of a channel member <NUM> (see <FIG>), which is an example of a surface of a portion from which a liquid is discharged, thereby removing the liquid attached to the second surface 21b.

The capping process is performed as follows, for example. First, a cap is provided so as to cover the second surface 21b of the channel member <NUM> which is an example of the portion from which the liquid is discharged (this action is referred to as capping). This action forms a substantially sealed space between the second surface 21b and the cap.

The discharge of liquid is then repeated in such a sealed space. Consequently, it is possible to remove a liquid having a viscosity higher than that in the normal state, foreign matter, or the like that has clogged a discharge hole <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Next, the configuration of the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment.

The liquid discharge head <NUM> includes a head body <NUM>, a wiring portion <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, and a pair of heat dissipation plates <NUM>. The head body <NUM> includes the channel member <NUM>, a piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> (see <FIG>), and a reservoir <NUM>.

Note that, in the following description, for the purpose of convenience, a direction in which the head body <NUM> is provided in the liquid discharge head <NUM> is referred to as "downward," and a direction in which the housing <NUM> is provided relative to the head body <NUM> is referred to as "upward".

The channel member <NUM> of the head body <NUM> has a substantially flat plate shape, and includes a first surface 21a (see <FIG>), which is one main surface, and the second surface 21b (see <FIG>) located at an opposite side from the first surface 21a. The first surface 21a has an opening 61a (see <FIG>), and a liquid is supplied into the channel member <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> through the opening 61a.

A plurality of the discharge holes <NUM> (see <FIG>) used to discharge a liquid onto the printing sheet P are located at the second surface 21b. Furthermore, a channel through which a liquid flows from the first surface 21a to the second surface 21b is formed inside the channel member <NUM>. Details of the channel member <NUM> will be described later.

The piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> is located on the first surface 21a of the channel member <NUM>. The piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> includes a plurality of displacement elements <NUM> (see <FIG>). In addition, a signal transmission member <NUM> of the wiring portion <NUM> is electrically connected to the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM>. The piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> will be described in detail later.

The reservoir <NUM> is disposed on the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> includes an opening 23a at both end portions thereof in the main scanning direction. The reservoir <NUM> has a channel therein, and is supplied with a liquid from the outside through the opening 23a. The reservoir <NUM> has a function of supplying the liquid to the channel member <NUM> and a function of storing the liquid to be supplied.

The wiring portion <NUM> includes the signal transmission member <NUM>, a wiring board <NUM>, a driver IC <NUM>, a pressing member <NUM>, and an elastic member <NUM>. The signal transmission member <NUM> has a function of transferring a predetermined signal sent from the outside to the head body <NUM>. Note that, as illustrated in <FIG>, the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment includes two signal transmission members <NUM>.

Each of the signal transmission members <NUM> has one end portion electrically connected to the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> of the head body <NUM>. The other end of the signal transmission member <NUM> is drawn upward so as to be inserted into an opening 23b of the reservoir <NUM>, and is electrically connected to the wiring board <NUM>.

This enables the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> of the head body <NUM> and the outside to be electrically connected. The signal transmission member <NUM> consists of, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or the like.

The wiring board <NUM> is located above the head body <NUM>. The wiring board <NUM> has a function of distributing a signal to the driver IC <NUM>.

The driver IC <NUM> is provided at one main surface of the signal transmission member <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, two driver ICs <NUM> are provided on one signal transmission member <NUM>. Note that, in the embodiment, the number of driver ICs <NUM> provided on one signal transmission member <NUM> is not limited to two.

The driver IC <NUM> drives the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> of the head body <NUM> on the basis of a signal transmitted from the controller <NUM> (see <FIG>). With this configuration, the driver IC <NUM> drives the liquid discharge head <NUM>.

The pressing member <NUM> is substantially U-shaped in a cross-sectional view, and is configured to press the driver IC <NUM> on the signal transmission member <NUM> toward the heat dissipation plate <NUM> from the inner side. With this configuration, the embodiment enables heat generated when the driver IC <NUM> drives to be efficiently dissipated to the heat dissipation plate <NUM> on the outer side.

The elastic member <NUM> is positioned so as to be in contact with an outer wall of a pressing portion 34a (see <FIG>) of the pressing member <NUM>. With the elastic member <NUM> being provided, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of the pressing member <NUM> damaging the signal transmission member <NUM> at the time when the pressing member <NUM> presses the driver IC <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> is made of, for example, double-sided foam tape or the like. In addition, for example, by using a non-silicon-based thermal conductive sheet for the elastic member <NUM>, it is possible to improve the heat dissipating property of the driver IC <NUM>. Note that the elastic member <NUM> does not necessarily have to be provided.

The housing <NUM> is disposed on the head body <NUM> so as to cover the wiring portion <NUM>. This enables the wiring portion <NUM> to be sealed with the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is made of, for example, a resin or a metal or the like.

The housing <NUM> has a box shape elongated in the main scanning direction, and includes a first opening 40a and a second opening 40b at side surfaces opposed in the sub scanning direction. The first opening 40a and the second opening 40b are examples of an opening. In addition, the housing <NUM> includes a third opening 40c at a lower surface, and includes a fourth opening 40d at an upper surface.

One of the heat dissipation plates <NUM> is disposed on the first opening 40a so as to close the first opening 40a. The other of the heat dissipation plates <NUM> is disposed on the second opening 40b so as to close the second opening 40b.

The heat dissipation plates <NUM> are provided so as to extend in the main scanning direction, and are made of a metal, an alloy, or the like having a high heat dissipating property. The heat dissipation plates <NUM> are provided so as to be in contact with the driver ICs <NUM>, and have a function of dissipating heat generated by the driver ICs <NUM>.

The pair of heat dissipation plates <NUM> are each fixed to the housing <NUM> with screws <NUM> (see <FIG>). Thus, the housing <NUM> to which the heat dissipation plates <NUM> are fixed has a box shape in which the first opening 40a and the second opening 40b are closed and the third opening 40c and the fourth opening 40d are open.

The third opening 40c is provided so as to be opposed to the reservoir <NUM>. The signal transmission member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> are inserted into the third opening 40c.

The fourth opening 40d is provided in order to insert a connector (not illustrated) provided on the wiring board <NUM>. It is preferable that a portion between the connector and the fourth opening 40d be sealed using resin or the like. This makes it possible to suppress entry of a liquid, dust, or the like into the housing <NUM>.

Furthermore, the housing <NUM> includes thermal insulation portions 40e. The thermal insulation portions 40e are respectively provided so as to be adjacent to the first opening 40a and the second opening 40b, and are provided so as to protrude outward from side surfaces of the housing <NUM> that are opposed to each other in the sub scanning direction.

In addition, the thermal insulation portions 40e are formed so as to extend in the main scanning direction. That is, the thermal insulation portions 40e are located between the heat dissipation plates <NUM> and the head body <NUM>. By providing the housing <NUM> with the thermal insulation portions 40e in this manner, it is possible to suppress transfer of heat generated by the driver ICs <NUM> through the heat dissipation plates <NUM> to the head body <NUM>.

Note that the liquid discharge head <NUM> may further include a member other than the member illustrated in <FIG>.

Next, the configuration of the head body <NUM> according to the embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged plan view of the head body <NUM> according to the embodiment. <FIG> is an enlarged view of a region surrounded by a dot-dash line illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the head body <NUM> includes the channel member <NUM> and the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM>. The channel member <NUM> includes a supply manifold <NUM>, a plurality of pressurizing chambers <NUM>, and a plurality of discharge holes <NUM>.

The plurality of pressurizing chambers <NUM> are connected to the supply manifold <NUM>. The plurality of discharge holes <NUM> are each connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of pressurizing chambers <NUM>.

Each of the pressurizing chambers <NUM> opens to the first surface 21a (see <FIG>) of the channel member <NUM>. Furthermore, the first surface 21a of the channel member <NUM> has an opening 61a that communicates with the supply manifold <NUM>. In addition, a liquid is supplied from the reservoir <NUM> (see <FIG>) through the opening 61a to the inside of the channel member <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the head body <NUM> has four supply manifolds <NUM> located inside the channel member <NUM>. Each of the supply manifolds <NUM> has a long thin shape extending along the longitudinal direction (that is, in the main scanning direction) of the channel member <NUM>. At both ends of the supply manifold <NUM>, the opening 61a of the supply manifold <NUM> is formed on the first surface 21a of the channel member <NUM>.

In the channel member <NUM>, a plurality of pressurizing chambers <NUM> are formed so as to expand two-dimensionally. As illustrated in <FIG>, each of the pressurizing chambers <NUM> is a hollow region having a substantially diamond planar shape with corner portions being rounded. The pressurizing chamber <NUM> opens to the first surface 21a of the channel member <NUM>, and is closed by the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> being bonded to the first surface 21a.

The pressurizing chambers <NUM> form a pressurizing chamber row arrayed in the longitudinal direction. The pressurizing chambers <NUM> in two adjacent pressurizing chamber rows are arranged in a staggered manner between the two pressurizing chamber rows. In addition, one pressurizing chamber group includes four pressurizing chamber rows connected to one supply manifold <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the channel member <NUM> includes four pressurizing chamber groups.

Furthermore, relative arrangements of the pressurizing chambers <NUM> within individual pressurizing chamber groups are configured in the same manner, and the pressurizing chamber groups are arranged in a manner such that they are slightly shifted from each other in the longitudinal direction.

The discharge holes <NUM> are disposed at positions of the channel member <NUM> other than a region that is opposed to the supply manifold <NUM>. That is, the discharge holes <NUM> do not overlap with the supply manifold <NUM> in a transparent view of the channel member <NUM> from the first surface 21a side.

Furthermore, in a plan view, the discharge holes <NUM> are disposed within a region in which the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> is mounted. One group of such discharge holes <NUM> occupies a region having approximately the same size and shape as the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM>.

Then, the displacement element <NUM> (see <FIG>) of a corresponding piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> is caused to be displaced, thereby discharging droplets from the discharge hole <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the channel member <NUM> has a layered structure in which a plurality of plates are layered. These plates include a cavity plate 21A, a base plate 21B, an aperture plate 21C, a supply plate 21D, manifold plates 21E, 21F, and <NUM>, a cover plate <NUM>, and a nozzle plate <NUM> arranged in this order from the upper surface of the channel member <NUM>.

A large number of holes are formed in these plates. The thickness of each of the plates is approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>. With this configuration, the holes can be formed with high accuracy. The individual plates are layered while aligned with respect to each other such that these holes communicate with each other to form a predetermined channel.

In the channel member <NUM>, the supply manifold <NUM> and the discharge hole <NUM> communicate through an individual channel <NUM>. The supply manifold <NUM> is located on the second surface 21b side within the channel member <NUM>, and the discharge hole <NUM> is located at the second surface 21b of the channel member <NUM>.

The individual channel <NUM> includes a pressurizing chamber <NUM> and an individual supply channel <NUM>. The pressurizing chamber <NUM> is located at the first surface 21a of the channel member <NUM>. The individual supply channel <NUM> serves as a channel that connects the supply manifold <NUM> and the pressurizing chamber <NUM>.

In addition, the individual supply channel <NUM> includes a reduction portion <NUM> having a width narrower than other portions. The reduction portion <NUM> has a width narrower than other portions of the individual supply channel <NUM>, and hence, has a high channel resistance. In this manner, when the channel resistance of the reduction portion <NUM> is high, pressure occurring at the pressurizing chamber <NUM> is less likely to escape to the supply manifold <NUM>.

The piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> includes piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B, a common electrode <NUM>, an individual electrode <NUM>, a connecting electrode <NUM>, a dummy connecting electrode <NUM>, and a front surface electrode <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> has the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, the common electrode <NUM>, the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22B, and the individual electrode <NUM> layered in this order.

Both of the piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B each extend over the first surface 21a of the channel member <NUM> so as to extend across the plurality of pressurizing chambers <NUM>. The piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B each have a thickness of approximately <NUM>. For example, the piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B are made of a lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based ceramic material having ferroelectricity.

The common electrode <NUM> is formed over substantially the entire surface in a surface direction of a region between the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A and the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22B. That is, the common electrode <NUM> overlaps with all the pressurizing chambers <NUM> in the region that is opposed to the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM>.

The thickness of the common electrode <NUM> is approximately <NUM>. For example, the common electrode <NUM> is made of a metal material such as a Ag-Pd based material.

The individual electrode <NUM> includes a body electrode 72a and an extraction electrode 72b. The body electrode 72a is located in a region of the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22B that is opposed to the pressurizing chamber <NUM>. The body electrode 72a is slightly smaller than the pressurizing chamber <NUM>, and has a shape substantially similar to that of the pressurizing chamber <NUM>.

The extraction electrode 72b is drawn out from the body electrode 72a to be outside the region that is opposed to the pressurizing chamber <NUM>. The individual electrode <NUM> is made of, for example, a metal material such as a Aubased material.

The connecting electrode <NUM> is located on the extraction electrode 72b, and is formed to have a convex shape with a thickness of approximately <NUM>. The connecting electrode <NUM> is electrically connected to an electrode provided at the signal transmission member <NUM> (see <FIG>). The connecting electrode <NUM> is made of, for example, silver-palladium, including glass frit.

The dummy connecting electrode <NUM> is located on the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22B and is positioned so as not to overlap with various electrodes such as the individual electrode <NUM>. The dummy connecting electrode <NUM> connects the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> and the signal transmission member <NUM>, and increases the connection strength.

Furthermore, the dummy connecting electrode <NUM> makes uniform the distribution of the contact positions between the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM> and the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM>, and stabilizes the electrical connection. The dummy connecting electrode <NUM> is preferably made of a material equivalent to that of the connecting electrode <NUM>, and is preferably formed in a process equivalent to that of the connecting electrode <NUM>.

The front surface electrode <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is formed on the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22B and at a position that does not interfere with the individual electrode <NUM>. The front surface electrode <NUM> is connected to the common electrode <NUM> through a via hole formed in the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22B.

With this configuration, the front surface electrode <NUM> is grounded and maintained at the ground electric potential. The front surface electrode <NUM> is preferably made of a material equivalent to that of the individual electrode <NUM>, and is preferably formed in a process equivalent to that of the individual electrode <NUM>.

A plurality of the individual electrodes <NUM> are individually electrically connected to the controller <NUM> (see <FIG>) via the signal transmission member <NUM> and wiring, in order to individually control the electric potential of each individual electrode <NUM>. By setting the individual electrode <NUM> and the common electrode <NUM> to have different electric potentials, and applying an electric field in the polarization direction of the piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A, the portion of the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A to which the electric field is applied operates as an activation section distorted due to a piezoelectric effect.

In other words, in the piezoelectric actuator substrate <NUM>, portions of the individual electrode <NUM>, the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, and the common electrode <NUM> that are opposed to the pressurizing chamber <NUM> function as the displacement element <NUM>.

In addition, unimorph deformation of the displacement element <NUM> results in the pressurizing chamber <NUM> being pressed and a liquid being discharged from the discharge hole <NUM>.

Next, a drive procedure of the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment will be described. The individual electrode <NUM> is set to be a higher electric potential (hereinafter, also referred to as a high electric potential) than the common electrode <NUM> in advance. Then, each time a discharge request is made, the individual electrode <NUM> is once set to be the same electric potential (hereinafter, referred as a "low electric potential") as the common electrode <NUM>, and then is again set to the high electric potential at a predetermined timing.

With this configuration, at the timing when the individual electrode <NUM> changes to the low electric potential, the piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B return to their original shapes, and the volume of the pressurizing chamber <NUM> increases to be higher than the initial state, that is, higher than the state of the high electric potential.

At this time, negative pressure is applied to the inside of the pressurizing chamber <NUM>. Thus, a liquid in the supply manifold <NUM> is sucked into the interior of the pressurizing chamber <NUM>.

After this, the piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B deform so as to protrude toward the pressurizing chamber <NUM> at the timing when the individual electrode <NUM> is again set to the high electric potential.

In other words, the inside of the pressurizing chamber <NUM> has a positive pressure as a result of a reduction in the volume of the pressurizing chamber <NUM>. Thus, the pressure of the liquid within the pressurizing chamber <NUM> rises, and droplets are discharged from the discharge hole <NUM>.

In other words, in order to discharge droplets from the discharge hole <NUM>, the controller <NUM> supplies a drive signal including pulses based on the high electric potential to the individual electrode <NUM> using the driver IC <NUM>. It is only necessary to set the pulse width to an acoustic length (AL) that is a length of time when a pressure wave propagates from the reduction portion <NUM> to the discharge hole <NUM>.

With this configuration, when the inside of the pressurizing chamber <NUM> changes from the negative pressure state to the positive pressure state, the pressures under both of the states are combined, which makes it possible to discharge the droplets with higher pressure.

In addition, in a case of gray scale printing, the gray scale is expressed based on the number of droplets continuously discharged from the discharge hole <NUM>, that is, the amount (volume) of droplets adjusted based on the number of times the droplets are discharged. Thus, the droplets are discharged a number of times corresponding to the designated gray scale to be expressed, through the discharge hole <NUM> corresponding to the designated dot region.

In general, when the liquid discharge is continuously performed, an interval between the pulses that are supplied to discharge the droplets may be set to the AL. Due to this, a period of a residual pressure wave of pressure generated in discharging the droplets discharged earlier matches a period of a pressure wave of pressure to be generated in discharging droplets to be discharged later.

Thus, the residual pressure wave and the pressure wave are superimposed, whereby the droplets can be discharged with a higher pressure. Note that in this case, the speed of the droplets to be discharged later is increased, and the impact points of the plurality of droplets become close.

Next, details of the pressing member <NUM> according to the embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional schematic view used to explain the structure of the pressing member <NUM> according to the embodiment and the vicinity of the pressing member <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a side surface of the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment. Note that, in <FIG>, the signal transmission member <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are illustrated using a long dashed short-dashed line or a dashed line, for the purpose of facilitating understanding.

As illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, the pressing member <NUM> is formed so as to be substantially U-shaped in a cross-sectional view in which the upper side is open. The pressing member <NUM> includes a pressing portion 34a, a connecting portion 34b, and a protruding portion 34c.

A pair of pressing portions 34a are located substantially parallel to each other, and are formed so as to extend in the main scanning direction. The pressing portions 34a are provided so as to be opposed to the driver ICs <NUM> through the elastic members <NUM> and the signal transmission members <NUM>.

The connecting portion 34b is formed so as to be opposed to the head body <NUM> (see <FIG>) and extend in the main scanning direction. The connecting portion 34b connects the pair of pressing portions 34a. The connecting portion 34b is fixed to the reservoir <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the head body <NUM> using a screw or the like (not illustrated).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the protruding portion 34c is provided so as to protrude toward the outside from each of both end portions of the pressing portion 34a in the main scanning direction. A circular hole 34d is formed in the protruding portion 34c. A screw groove is formed at the inner wall of the circular hole 34d.

The housing <NUM> that houses the pressing member <NUM> includes protruding portions 40f. The protruding portions 40f are provided so as to protrude toward the inner side from a side surface of the housing <NUM> in the main scanning direction. That is, the protruding portions 40f are provided so as to protrude toward the first opening 40a and the second opening 40b.

In addition, the protruding portions 40f are provided at a position corresponding to the protruding portions 34c of the pressing member <NUM>. Furthermore, in each of the protruding portions 40f, a circular hole <NUM> is formed at a position corresponding to the circular hole 34d described above.

In addition, each of the heat dissipation plates <NUM> includes circular holes 50a formed at positions corresponding to the circular holes 34d and the circular holes <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, as illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM>, the signal transmission member <NUM>, and the driver IC <NUM> are disposed so as to be layered in this order and be in contact with the outer wall of the pressing portion 34a of the pressing member <NUM>.

In addition, the housing <NUM> is disposed so that the inner wall of the protruding portion 40f is in contact with the outer wall of the protruding portion 34c of the pressing portion 34a. Note that, at this time, the housing <NUM> is disposed so that the positions of the circular holes <NUM> are aligned with the positions of the circular holes 34d.

Furthermore, the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is disposed so as to close the first opening 40a (or the second opening 40b) of the housing <NUM> and be in contact with the outer wall of the protruding portion 40f. Note that, at this time, the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is disposed so that the positions of the circular holes 50a are aligned with the positions of the circular holes 34d and the circular holes <NUM>.

In addition, the screws <NUM> are inserted from the outside of the heat dissipation plate <NUM> into the circular holes 50a, the circular holes <NUM>, and the circular holes 34d that communicate with each other, and the screws <NUM> are screwed into the circular holes 34d. With this configuration, the protruding portion 40f of the housing <NUM> is sandwiched between the protruding portion 34c of the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>, as illustrated in (b) of <FIG>.

That is, by fastening the screws <NUM>, the pressing member <NUM> is fixed to the heat dissipation plate <NUM> in a state of being spaced apart by a predetermined distance (by the thickness of the protruding portion 40f). Here, in the embodiment, the protruding portion 40f is designed such that the thickness of the protruding portion 40f is greater than the thickness of the driver IC <NUM>, and the thickness of the protruding portion 40f is smaller than the total thickness of the elastic member <NUM>, the signal transmission member <NUM>, and the driver IC <NUM>.

With this configuration, as illustrated in (b) of <FIG>, it is possible to cause the elastic member <NUM> to contract between the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>. In addition, in the embodiment, with the contracting of the elastic member <NUM>, it is possible to favorably bring the driver IC <NUM> into close contact with the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

That is, with the embodiment, by fixing the heat dissipation plate <NUM> to the pressing member <NUM> using the screw <NUM>, it is possible to favorably bring the driver IC <NUM> into close contact with the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

In addition, in the embodiment, by disposing the protruding portion 40f of the housing <NUM> between the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>, it is possible to bring the heat dissipation plate <NUM> into contact with the housing <NUM>. This makes it possible to dissipate heat generated from the driver IC <NUM> not only by using the heat dissipation plate <NUM> but also by using the housing <NUM>. Thus, with the embodiment, it is possible to favorably dissipate heat generated by the driver IC <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the protruding portion 40f of the housing <NUM> is sandwiched between the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>, which makes it possible to also fix the pressing member <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. This makes it possible to improve the force for supporting the pressing member <NUM> within the liquid discharge head <NUM>.

In addition, in the embodiment, the protruding portion 40f of the housing <NUM> is sandwiched between the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>, which enables the protruding portion 40f to function as a spacer. This makes it possible to prevent the driver IC <NUM> from being erroneously broken at the time of fastening the screw <NUM>.

In addition, in the embodiment, it is preferable that the heat dissipation plate <NUM> be fixed to the pressing member <NUM> at a position that is spaced further apart from the head body <NUM> than the driver IC <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. That is, it is preferable that the circular hole 50a, the circular hole 34d, and the circular hole <NUM> be provided at positions higher than the driver IC <NUM> when the head body <NUM> is directed downward, and the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed to the pressing member <NUM> at a position higher than the driver IC <NUM>. This makes it possible to firmly press the driver IC <NUM> against the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

In other words, the driver IC <NUM> is located between the position where the heat dissipation plate <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> are fixed to each other and the position where the pressing member <NUM> and the head body <NUM> are fixed to each other. Thus, when the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed to the pressing member <NUM>, the driver IC <NUM> is firmly pressed against the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, it is preferable that the heat dissipation plate <NUM> be fixed to the pressing member <NUM> at each of both end portions thereof in the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, in a case where a plurality of driver ICs <NUM> are provided for one signal transmission member <NUM>, it is possible to uniformly press the heat dissipation plate <NUM> against the plurality of driver ICs <NUM>.

Thus, with the embodiment, it is possible to favorably bring the plurality of driver ICs <NUM> against the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

Note that the pressing member <NUM> need not include the protruding portion 34c. In this case, it is only necessary that the heat dissipation plate <NUM> be fixed to the pressing portion 34a. In addition, the housing <NUM> need not include the protruding portion 40f, and it does not necessarily have to be located between the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>. Furthermore, the present embodiment gives an example in which the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM> are fixed to each other using the screw <NUM>. However, they may be fixed to each other using an adhesive made, for example, of resin, or by fitting the members together.

Various variations of the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a side view of a liquid discharge head <NUM> according to a first variation of the embodiment.

Note that, in the various variations below, redundant explanations are omitted, with parts that are the same as those in the embodiment described above denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to a first variation, the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed to the pressing member <NUM> at a position closer to the head body <NUM> than the driver IC <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. That is, in the first variation, the circular hole 50a, the circular hole 34d, and the circular hole <NUM> are provided at a position lower than the driver IC <NUM> when the head body <NUM> is directed downward, and the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed to the pressing member <NUM> at a position lower than the driver IC <NUM>.

With this configuration, the pressing member <NUM> can be fixed to or around the connecting portion 34b (see <FIG>) that is a portion of the pressing member <NUM> having a high rigidity. This makes it possible to improve the force for supporting the pressing member <NUM> within the liquid discharge head <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a side surface of a liquid discharge head <NUM> according to a second variation of the embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the second variation, the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed to the pressing member <NUM> at a portion disposed at the same distance from the head body <NUM> as the driver IC <NUM>. That is, in the second variation, the circular hole 50a, the circular hole 34d, and the circular hole <NUM> are provided at the same height as the driver IC <NUM> when the head body <NUM> is directed downward, and the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed to the pressing member <NUM> at the same height as the driver IC <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to dispose the driver IC <NUM> so as to be substantially flush with the pair of screws <NUM> used to fix the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM> to each other. Thus, with a second variation, two screws <NUM> are fastened, which makes it possible to smoothly transfer, to the driver IC <NUM>, the force that causes the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM> to be sandwiched. This makes it possible to further favorably bring the driver IC <NUM> into close contact with the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

Note that the "heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed at the same distance from the head body <NUM> as the driver IC <NUM>" means that the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed at a position extended in the longitudinal direction from the position where the driver IC <NUM> is pressed by the heat dissipation plate <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In other words, in the pressing member <NUM>, the position where the heat dissipation plate <NUM> presses the driver IC <NUM> and the position where the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed are aligned in the longitudinal direction.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a side surface of a housing <NUM> according to a third variation of the embodiment. Note that, in <FIG>, the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is illustrated with a dashed line for the purpose of facilitating understanding.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> according to the third variation includes an engaging tab <NUM> used to lock the heat dissipation plate <NUM>. A pair of the engaging tabs <NUM> are provided, for example, so as to protrude toward the inner side from the upper surface of the housing <NUM>.

In the third variation, by providing the housing <NUM> with the engaging tab <NUM>, it is possible to improve the efficiency with which the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fitted to the first opening 40a (or the second opening 40b) of the housing <NUM>. Note that, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, a pair of engaging tabs <NUM> are provided at the upper surface side of the housing <NUM>; however, the arrangement and number of engaging tabs <NUM> are not limited to this example.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view used to explain a structure around a driver IC <NUM> according to a fourth variation of the embodiment. Note that <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a state (corresponding to (a) of <FIG> in the embodiment) before the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is brought into close contact with the driver IC <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the fourth variation, a heat dissipating resin <NUM> is provided at the front surface of the driver IC <NUM> before the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is brought into close contact with the driver IC <NUM>. With this configuration, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the fourth variation, the heat dissipating resin <NUM> can be provided between the driver IC <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

For example, the heat dissipating resin <NUM> is made of grease containing thermal conductive filler such as aluminum filler, and has high thermal conductivity.

In the fourth variation, the heat dissipating resin <NUM> is provided between the driver IC <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>. This makes it possible to reduce the thermal resistance at the interface between the driver IC <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>, which makes it possible to favorably dissipate heat generated by the driver IC <NUM>.

In addition, in the fourth variation, it is preferable that the heat dissipating resin <NUM> cover the driver IC <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. This enables the heat to be dissipated from the side surface of the driver IC <NUM> to the heat dissipation plate <NUM>, which makes it possible to further favorably dissipate heat generated by the driver IC <NUM>.

In addition, the heat dissipating resin <NUM> may be provided on the screw <NUM> (see <FIG>). That is, after the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM> are fixed using the screw <NUM>, the heat dissipating resin <NUM> may be applied. This makes it possible to strengthen the connection between the pressing member <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>, and also makes it possible to improve the heat dissipating property of the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional schematic view used to explain a structure of a pressing member <NUM> according to a fifth variation of the embodiment and the vicinity of the pressing member <NUM>. The configuration of the pressing member <NUM> differs between the fifth variation illustrated in <FIG> and the embodiment.

Specifically, in the pressing member <NUM> according to the fifth variation, a projecting portion 34e is provided at the connecting portion 34b formed so as to be opposed to the head body <NUM> (see <FIG>) and extend in the main scanning direction.

The projecting portion 34e protrudes from the connecting portion 34b in the same direction (the upward direction in the drawing) as a direction in which the pressing portion 34a extends, and is formed so as to extend in the main scanning direction in a plan view. That is, the pressing member <NUM> according to the fifth variation is substantially W-shaped in which the upper side is open in a cross-sectional view.

With this configuration, it is possible to enhance the force of pressing the driver IC <NUM> disposed on the signal transmission member <NUM> from the inner side toward the heat dissipation plate <NUM>, as compared with a case where the pressing member <NUM> is substantially U-shaped in a cross-sectional view. Thus, with the fifth variation, it is possible to further favorably bring the driver IC <NUM> into close contact with the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

Furthermore, the pressing member <NUM> according to the fifth variation includes a flat portion 34f at a tip portion of the projecting portion 34e, the flat portion having a substantially flat shape. In addition, in the fifth variation, the wiring board <NUM> is fixed to the flat portion 34f.

This configuration eliminates the need to provide another member for fixing the wiring board <NUM> within the liquid discharge head <NUM>. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the liquid discharge head <NUM>, and also makes it possible to firmly fix the wiring board <NUM> within the liquid discharge head <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional schematic view used to explain the structure of a pressing member <NUM> according to a sixth variation of the embodiment and the vicinity of the pressing member <NUM>. The configuration for supporting the wiring board <NUM> differs between the sixth variation illustrated in <FIG> and the fifth variation.

Specifically, in the sixth variation, a wall-shaped support member <NUM> is provided so as to stand on the flat portion 34f of the pressing member <NUM>, and a plurality of wiring boards <NUM> are fixed to main surfaces 52a on both sides of the support member <NUM>. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a plurality of wiring boards <NUM> within the liquid discharge head <NUM>.

In addition, a wiring board <NUM> is provided at a tip portion of the support member <NUM>, and a connector <NUM> is provided on the wiring board <NUM>. Furthermore, the connector <NUM> and the wiring board <NUM> are electrically connected to each other through the wiring board <NUM> or the like.

The connector <NUM> is inserted into a fourth opening 40d formed at the upper surface of the housing <NUM>, and protrudes to the outside from the fourth opening 40d. A portion between the connector <NUM> and the fourth opening 40d is filled with resin or the like (not illustrated).

With the sixth variation that has been described, it is possible to dissipate heat generated by the driver IC <NUM>, to the housing <NUM> through the pressing member <NUM>, the support member <NUM>, the wiring board <NUM>, and the connector <NUM>. Thus, with the sixth variation, it is possible to further favorably dissipate heat generated by the driver IC <NUM>.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope thereof.

For example, the embodiment described above has been described by giving an example in which the driver IC <NUM> is mounted at each of the pair of signal transmission members <NUM> and the pair of heat dissipation plates <NUM> are brought into close contact with the driver ICs <NUM>. However, the number of the signal transmission members <NUM> and the number of the heat dissipation plates <NUM> are not limited to this example.

For example, it may be possible to employ a configuration in which the driver IC <NUM> is mounted on one signal transmission member <NUM>, and one heat dissipation plate <NUM> is brought into close contact with this driver IC <NUM>. Note that, in this case, it is preferable that the pressing member <NUM> be substantially L-shaped in a cross-sectional view.

In this manner, the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment includes the head body <NUM>, the driver IC <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, the heat dissipation plate <NUM>, and the pressing member <NUM>. The head body <NUM> includes the discharge hole <NUM> configured to discharge a liquid. The driver IC <NUM> controls driving of the head body <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is located on the head body <NUM>, and includes an opening (the first opening 40a and the second opening 40b) at a side surface. The heat dissipation plate <NUM> is located at the opening (the first opening 40a, the second opening 40b) of the housing <NUM>, and is configured to dissipate heat generated by the driver IC <NUM>. The pressing member <NUM> presses the driver IC <NUM> against the heat dissipation plate <NUM>. In addition, the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed to the pressing member <NUM>. With this configuration, it is possible to favorably bring the driver IC <NUM> into close contact with the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, the pressing member <NUM> is fixed to the head body <NUM>, and the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed to the pressing member <NUM> at a position that is spaced further apart from the head body <NUM> than the driver IC <NUM>. This makes it possible to firmly press the driver IC <NUM> against the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

In addition, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, the pressing member <NUM> is fixed to the head body <NUM>, and the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed to the pressing member <NUM> at a position closer to the head body <NUM> than the driver IC <NUM>. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the force for supporting the pressing member <NUM> within the liquid discharge head <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, the pressing member <NUM> is fixed to the head body <NUM>, and the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fixed to the pressing member <NUM> at a portion disposed at the same distance from the head body <NUM> as the driver IC <NUM>. With this configuration, it is possible to further favorably bring the driver IC <NUM> into close contact with the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

In addition, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, at least a portion (protruding portion 40f) of the housing <NUM> is sandwiched between the heat dissipation plate <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>. With this configuration, it is possible to favorably dissipate heat generated by the driver IC <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, the housing <NUM> includes the engaging tab <NUM> used to lock the heat dissipation plate <NUM>. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the efficiency with which the heat dissipation plate <NUM> is fitted to the first opening 40a or the second opening 40b of the housing <NUM>.

In addition, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, the heat dissipating resin <NUM> is provided between the driver IC <NUM> and the heat dissipation plate <NUM>. With this configuration, it is possible to favorably dissipate heat generated by the driver IC <NUM>.

In addition, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, the driver IC <NUM> is covered with the heat dissipating resin <NUM>. With this configuration, it is possible to further favorably dissipate heat generated by the driver IC <NUM>.

In addition, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, the pressing member <NUM> includes: the pair of pressing portions 34a configured to press the plurality of driver ICs <NUM> toward the outside; the connecting portion 34b that connects the pair of pressing portions 34a; and the projecting portion 34e provided at the connecting portion 34b and protruding from the connecting portion 34b in the same direction as the direction in which the pair of pressing portions 34a extend. With this configuration, it is possible to further favorably bring the driver IC <NUM> into close contact with the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, the projecting portion 34e includes the flat portion 34f provided at a tip portion of the projecting portion 34e and having a substantially flat shape, and the wiring board <NUM> is fixed to the flat portion 34f. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the liquid discharge head <NUM>, and it is also possible to firmly fix the wiring board <NUM> within the liquid discharge head <NUM>.

In addition, in the liquid discharge head <NUM> according to the embodiment, the projecting portion 34e includes the flat portion 34f provided at a tip portion of the projecting portion 34e and having a substantially flat shape, and a plurality of wiring boards <NUM> are fixed to both main surfaces 52a of the support member <NUM> having a wall shape and provided so as to stand on the flat portion 34f. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a plurality of wiring boards <NUM> within the liquid discharge head <NUM>.

The recording apparatus (printer <NUM>) according to the embodiment includes the liquid discharge head <NUM>, the conveyor (conveying rollers <NUM>) configured to convey the recording medium (printing sheet P) to the liquid discharge head <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> configured to control the liquid discharge head <NUM> as described above. With this configuration, it is possible to realize the printer <NUM> in which the driver IC <NUM> can be favorably brought into close contact with the heat dissipation plate <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A liquid discharge head (<NUM>) comprising:
a head body (<NUM>) comprising a discharge hole (<NUM>) configured to discharge a liquid;
a driver IC (<NUM>) configured to control driving of the head body (<NUM>);
a housing (<NUM>) located on the head body (<NUM>) and comprising an opening (40a, 40b) at a side surface;
a heat dissipation plate (<NUM>) located at the opening (40a, 40b) of the housing (<NUM>) and configured to dissipate heat generated by the driver IC (<NUM>); and
a pressing member (<NUM>) that is formed so as to be substantially U-shaped in a cross-sectional view in which an upper side thereof is open and includes:
a pair of pressing portions (34a) that is configured to:
be located substantially parallel to each other, and is formed to extend in a main scanning direction, and
be opposed to the driver IC (<NUM>); and
a connecting portion (34b) that extends in the main scanning direction to connect the pair of pressing portions (34a),
wherein the pressing member (<NUM>) is configured to press the driver IC (<NUM>) against the heat dissipation plate (<NUM>) by using the pair of pressing portions (34a), and
the heat dissipation plate (<NUM>) is fixed to the pressing member (<NUM>).