Abstract: A luminescent panel has a light emitting portion for emitting isotropic light and a non-light emitting portion. A brightness compensating member has an incident portion and a light exit portion. The incident portion includes at least one inclined surface that is inclined relative to the light exit portion. The inclined surface is arranged to correspond to the non-light emitting portion. The inclined surface is configured so that the brightness of a section of the brightness compensating member that corresponds to the light emitting portion is substantially equal to the brightness of a section of the brightness compensating member that corresponds to the non-light emitting portion. Therefore, a substantially uniform brightness is obtained from the light exit portion.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head having a diaphragm that effectively utilizes the force generated by thin-film piezoelectric elements is disclosed. The head (2) has a head substrate (28) in which are formed a plurality of nozzles (39) and a plurality of pressure chambers (29), a multi-layer diaphragm (23-1, 23-2), piezoelectric elements (27), and individual electrodes (26). By making the thickness of the common electrode layer (23-1) of the multi-layer diaphragm be thin but such that problems do not occur during multi-pin driving, optimization of the rigid layer becomes possible, and hence it is possible to use the force generated by the thin-film piezoelectric elements efficiently in ink ejection.

Abstract: In a multi-nozzle ink jet head having a plurality of nozzles, cross talk between adjacent elements is suppressed. The head has the nozzles (12), pressure chambers (15), and bimorph drivers. The bimorph drivers have piezos (19) formed on a diaphragm (18). The diaphragm (18) has linear parts (18-1) that convert the generated force from the piezos (19) into displacement, and non-linear parts (18-2) that are provided between the linear parts (18-1) and diaphragm fixing parts. Due to the non-linear parts (18-2), transmission of strain energy to the fixing parts is suppressed, and hence cross talk is suppressed.

Abstract: In a multi-nozzle ink jet head having a plurality of nozzles, cross talk between adjacent elements is suppressed. The head has the nozzles (12), pressure chambers (15), and bimorph drivers. The bimorph drivers have piezos (19) formed on a diaphragm (18). The diaphragm (18) has linear parts (18-1) that convert the generated force from the piezos (19) into displacement, and non-linear parts (18-2) that are provided between the linear parts (18-1) and diaphragm fixing parts. Due to the non-linear parts (18-2), transmission of strain energy to the fixing parts is suppressed, and hence cross talk is suppressed.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head using piezoelectric elements and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. A head (1) has a nozzle member (10) in which a plurality of nozzles (12) are formed, a pressure chamber wall member (14) in which a plurality of pressure chambers (15) are formed, and piezoelectric type actuators that have a diaphragm (18) and a plurality of piezo elements (19) and apply pressure to each of the plurality of pressure chambers for ejecting ink from the nozzles. A rigid coating member (23, 25) is provided on inner surfaces of the pressure chamber walls or on parts of the diaphragm in contact with the pressure chamber wall member, thus increasing the rigidity of the pressure chamber walls.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head using piezoelectric elements and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. A head (1) has a nozzle member (10) in which a plurality of nozzles (12) are formed, a pressure chamber wall member (14) in which a plurality of pressure chambers (15) are formed, and piezoelectric type actuators that have a diaphragm (18) and a plurality of piezo elements (19) and apply pressure to each of the plurality of pressure chambers for ejecting ink from the nozzles. A rigid coating member (23, 25) is provided on inner surfaces of the pressure chamber walls or on parts of the diaphragm in contact with the pressure chamber wall member, thus increasing the rigidity of the pressure chamber walls.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device has a transparent substrate, an electroluminescent element, a transparent layer, and a brightness-enhancing layer. The transparent substrate has a first surface and a second surface. The electroluminescent element is provided on the first surface of the transparent substrate. Light emitted from exits the transparent substrate through the second surface. The transparent layer having a higher refractive index than the transparent substrate is provided on the second surface of the transparent substrate. The brightness-enhancing layer is provided on the transparent layer for enhancing brightness of light that has a specific wavelength.

Abstract: A bottom emission type electroluminescence device for emitting an increased amount of light rays in a direction that is within a predetermined angle relative to a light incidence surface of a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sandwiched between an electroluminescence element and a transparent layer. The refractive index of the transparent layer is greater than that of the transparent substrate. A plurality of projections and recesses are formed on the upper surface of the transparent layer.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head having a diaphragm that effectively utilizes the force generated by thin-film piezoelectric elements is disclosed. The head (2) has a head substrate (28) in which are formed a plurality of nozzles (39) and a plurality of pressure chambers (29), a multi-layer diaphragm (23-1, 23-2), piezoelectric elements (27), and individual electrodes (26). By making the thickness of the common electrode layer (23-1) of the multi-layer diaphragm be thin but such that problems do not occur during multi-pin driving, optimization of the rigid layer becomes possible, and hence it is possible to use the force generated by the thin-film piezoelectric elements efficiently in ink ejection.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head using piezoelectric elements and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. A head (1) has a nozzle member (10) in which a plurality of nozzles (12) are formed, a pressure chamber wall member (14) in which a plurality of pressure chambers (15) are formed, and piezoelectric type actuators that have a diaphragm (18) and a plurality of piezo elements (19) and apply pressure to each of the plurality of pressure chambers for ejecting ink from the nozzles. A rigid coating member (23, 25) is provided on inner surfaces of the pressure chamber walls or on parts of the diaphragm in contact with the pressure chamber wall member, thus increasing the rigidity of the pressure chamber walls.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head formed by semiconductor processes is disclosed. The multi-nozzle head has a nozzle plate (38) in which are formed a plurality of nozzles (39), an FPC (42) in which are formed a plurality of ink chambers (29), and energy generating layers (23, 26, 27), and wiring patterns (42A, 42B) for the energy generating layers are provided on the FPC (42), thus making connection to external circuitry easy.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head formed through semiconductor processes is disclosed. The multi-nozzle head has a head substrate (28) in which are formed a plurality of nozzles (27) and a plurality of pressure chambers (26), a diaphragm (40) that acts as a common electrode and covers the plurality of pressure chambers (26), piezoelectric body layers (41) that are provided in correspondence with the pressure chambers (26) on the diaphragm (40), and individual electrode layers (42) that are provided on the piezoelectric body layers and have individual electrode parts (42-3) corresponding to the pressure chambers and wiring parts (42-1, 42-2) for the individual electrode parts.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head formed by semiconductor processes is disclosed. The multi-nozzle head has a nozzle plate (38) in which are formed a plurality of nozzles (39), an FPC (42) in which are formed a plurality of ink chambers (29), and energy generating layers (23, 26, 27), and wiring patterns (42A, 42B) for the energy generating layers are provided on the FPC (42), thus making connection to external circuitry easy.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head formed through semiconductor processes. The multi-nozzle head has a head substrate in which are formed a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of pressure chambers, a diaphragm that acts as a common electrode and covers the plurality of pressure chambers, piezoelectric body layers that are provided in correspondence with the pressure chambers on the diaphragm, and individual electrode layers that are provided on the piezoelectric body layers and have individual electrode parts corresponding to the pressure chambers and wiring parts for the individual electrode parts. By interposing a low-dielectric-constant layer or an insulating layer in the region of the wiring parts, or not disposing the common electrode in the region of the wiring parts, the electrical capacitance of the driving parts is reduced, and hence a driving lag is prevented from occurring, and moreover unwanted vibration of the piezoelectric bodies is prevented.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head having a diaphragm that effectively utilizes the force generated by thin-film piezoelectric elements is disclosed. The head (2) has a head substrate (28) in which are formed a plurality of nozzles (39) and a plurality of pressure chambers (29), a multi-layer diaphragm (23-1, 23-2), piezoelectric elements (27), and individual electrodes (26). By making the thickness of the common electrode layer (23-1) of the multi-layer diaphragm be thin but such that problems do not occur during multi-pin driving, optimization of the rigid layer becomes possible, and hence it is possible to use the force generated by the thin-film piezoelectric elements efficiently in ink ejection.

Abstract: The ink replenishment frequency is increased in an inkjet head having nozzles for injecting ink. Independent dampers are provided in ink supply passages to impart an acoustic capacitance to the ink supply passages, and therefore a reciprocal action is generated between the pressure chambers and the ink supply passages, whereby the operation of ink replenishment can be stimulated. Accordingly, the ink replenishment frequency can be increased by a factor of approximately 3, without having to provide functional elements in the ink supply passage.

Abstract: A backlight in a liquid crystal display unit according to the present invention has a transparent substrate and an organic electroluminescent element provided on the transparent substrate. The backlight emits light emitted from the organic electroluminescent element from a light exit surface of the transparent substrate. A plurality of recesses are formed in the light exit surface. A part of the light exit surface between each adjacent pair of the recesses includes a plane that is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the transparent substrate. The backlight permits light emitted from the organic electroluminescent element to be efficiently emitted.

Abstract: A method of producing an ink-jet recording head using ion milling is provided. The method includes the steps of forming a piezoelectric layer subsequent to an electrode layer on a substrate by using a thin-film deposition technology, forming an energy-generating element for generating energy for ink ejection by etching the electrode layer and the piezoelectric layer simultaneously by ion milling, and removing a fence formed by deposits of mixed fine powders including those etched off the electrode layer and the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: An ink jet head using bimorph drivers and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The head has pressure chambers 6 that each communicates with a nozzle 9 and stores ink, and bimorph drivers that each has a piezoelectric body 1 and a vibrating plate 2 and that are for applying pressure to the pressure chambers 6; three peripheral sides of each of the bimorph drivers are fixed, and the other side is not fixed. Since one side of the piezoelectric body of each of the bimorph drivers is made to be free, tensile stress can be released without pressure leakage. As a result, the displacement and pressure required for ejecting ink drops can be obtained even if the width of the piezoelectric bodies is narrow. A high-density multi-nozzle head can thus be realized.

Abstract: A printing apparatus that includes an ink jet head (100) having nozzles for discharging ink supplied thereto from an ink supplying part (50). This printing apparatus includes a head body member (3) having pressure chambers provided individually for the nozzles that are filled with the ink. Further included are pressurization elements provided individually for the pressure chambers for pressurizing the pressure chambers to discharge the ink in the pressure chambers from the nozzles. An ink staying space (130) is provided for temporarily staying the ink from the ink supplying part (50). This ink staying space (130) is formed between the head body member (3) and the ink supplying part (50), and a number of ink supplying paths (129) for communicating the ink staying space (130) and the plurality of pressure chambers is provided.