Reinforcing features in flex circuit to provide improved performance in a thermal inkjet printhead
US6378984B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/14387
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This disclosure describes an improved print cartridge that reduces dimple in the nozzle member and the attendant nozzle trajectory errors. In a preferred embodiment, a nozzle member has a plurality of ink orifices formed therein by suitable processing techniques. A substrate containing a plurality of heating elements and associated ink ejection chambers is affixed to the nozzle member via suitable processing with a suitable adhesive. The heating elements are mounted on a back surface of the nozzle member, each heating element being located proximate to an associated ink ejection chamber and ink orifice, with the back surface of the nozzle member extending over two or more outer edges of the substrate. The nozzle member includes reinforcing features. These features increase the structural integrity of flex circuit in the vicinity of the orifices. The reinforcing features can be of any suitable shape for aiding in stiffening and reducing the long axis curvature of the flex material in the vicinity of the orifices during preprocessing of the flexible circuit. One advantage is that dimple in the nozzle member and the attendant nozzle trajectory errors are reduced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.