Abstract: The present invention pertains to a packaging method and the structure of an inkjet cartridge print head chip. The main technique disclosed herein is to package a chip substrate that can resist the corrosion of the ink at the ink cartridge outlet. A preferred embodiment is to package the chip substrate at the ink outlet at the same time when the inkjet cartridge is formed through plastic molding. Another preferred embodiment is to package the chip substrate at the ink cartridge outlet using ultrasonic or heat welding and then glue the print head on the chip substrate. These means can solve the problem of ink leakage in conventional ink cartridge because of the corrosion of ink to the glue between the print head chip and the ink cartridge.

Abstract: A function test device for optical print head heaters in thermal bubble printers, which includes: a test end power supply to provide the power needed for the test device; a linear optical coupling device serially connected between a pulse power supply for driving a print head circuit and the print head heater to detect variation of a triggering current; and an amplification circuit to amplify an output signal of the linear optical coupling device and send the signal to a microprocessor.

Abstract: A method and a structure for measuring the temperature of heating elements of an ink-jet printhead are provided, wherein an extra metal layer or semiconductor layer is formed on the ink-jet chip having driving elements to precisely measure the temperature of each individual heating element. The structure includes: an ink-jet device including a heating element for heating liquid ink; a transistor driver for driving a transistor to control heating of the heating element; and a temperature-sensing layer located between the ink-jet device and the transistor driver and under the heating element, the temperature-sensing layer having two terminals, one connecting to the transistor and the other connecting to an electrode terminal connected to a printer, wherein the ink-jet device connects to the transistor driver through the temperature-sensing layer.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead chip structure and a method of estimating the working life through the detection of any defect on the chip structure. The method includes laying a metallic layer such as a tantalum layer over the chip and then shaping the metallic layer into a protective layer circuit. A portion of the metal protective layer covers the heating elements embedded in the chip. In printing, the heating elements heat up the ink to produce jets of ink. However, a portion of the heat is transferred to the metal protective layer thereby raising its temperature. Heat on the metal protective layer combined with any strayed residual ink bubbles that impinge upon the surface of the metal protective layer causes the metal to age. Since resistance of the metal protective layer will increase proportionally to the amount of aging, a measurement of the resistance is capable of estimating how much longer a given chip is suitable for use.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printhead chip comprising the steps of first forming a resistive layer and a conductive layer over a substrate, wherein the resistive layer and the conductive layer act as a heater and a conductive line respectively. Thereafter, at least one insulating layer is deposited over the conductive layer and the resistive layer. Next, at least one metallic layer is deposited over the insulating layer without performing any intermediate photolithographic or etching operations, and then the metallic layer is patterned to form a contact opening. The contact opening passes through the metallic layer and the insulating layer while exposing a portion of the conductive layer. Subsequently, a metal plug is formed in the contact opening so that the metallic layer and the conductive layer are connected, thereby forming an electric circuit. Finally, a thick film is formed over the metallic layer acting as an ink channel for the printhead.

Abstract: A pressure control device for regulating the ink pressure of a multi-reservoir ink cartridge. The pressure regulator employs an external spring or springs plate assembly mounted between two neighboring ink reservoirs. The external surfaces of the spring or assembly are attached to the respective side face of the reservoirs. Each ink reservoir has at least a side face formed from a flexible non-elastic material. When all of the ink reservoirs are full, the spring or assembly is in a relaxed state. By withdrawing a small quantity of ink from each ink reservoir, atmospheric pressure exerts forces on the ink reservoirs leading to a small contraction. The resulting distortion of the spring or assembly produces a force that resists further contraction of the reservoirs. Since the pressures inside the reservoirs are smaller than external atmospheric pressure, a back-pressure that prevents any leakage of ink from the reservoirs is created.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printhead chip comprising the steps of first forming a resistive layer and a conductive layer over a substrate, wherein the resistive layer and the conductive layer act as a heater and a conductive line respectively. Thereafter, at least one insulating layer is deposited over the conductive layer and the resistive layer. Next, at least one metallic layer is deposited over the insulating layer without performing any intermediate photolithographic or etching operations, and then the metallic layer is patterned to form a contact opening. The contact opening passes through the metallic layer and the insulating layer while exposing a portion of the conductive layer. Subsequently, a metal plug is formed in the contact opening so that the metallic layer and the conductive layer are connected, thereby forming an electric circuit. Finally, a thick film is formed over the metallic layer acting as an ink channel for the printhead.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a high-density ink-jet print head that utilizes a common high-density nozzle plate as a base for aligning a multiple of ink-jet printing modules. The high-density nozzle plate has wide body, high-density, high-resolution nozzles. The nozzle plate is fabricated using conventional electrochemical machining or laser machining techniques. The nozzle plate is able to provide not only a base for aligning each ink-jet printing module, but also the alignment necessary for the whole group of the ink-jet printing modules so that all modules are aligned properly. Therefore, the alignment operation can be carried out without the need for sophisticated alignment equipment and the alignment accuracy is high.

Abstract: A magnetoelectric apparatus for measuring the droplet frequency response at a printhead by applying a method comprising a metallic detecting plate and a magnetic ring, and a method using the foregoing apparatus to determine the maximum droplet frequency response of the printhead. When an ink drop jetted from the nozzle makes contact with the detecting plate, which is perpendicular to the nozzle plate of the printhead, a current flows through the detecting plate immediately, and is detected as a portion of an expected signal. As soon as the ink drop leaves the nozzle completely, the foregoing current no longer exists. However, the magnetic ring generates an induced current that flows in the same direction as that of the foregoing current to complement the absence thereof, wherein the induced current is also detected as another portion of the expected signal. The expected signal is then processed by a signal-processing routine for determining the maximum droplet frequency response of the inkjet printhead.

Abstract: A structure of ink slots on an ink-jet printhead chip. The structure includes a plurality of firing chambers and a plurality of ink reservoirs. Each of the firing chambers has a heater and is enclosed by a plurality of walls, so each of the firing chambers is isolated. The ink reservoirs are respectively connected to the firing chambers by ink slots and each of the ink reservoirs is also isolated. Additionally, distances of the ink slots are equal.

Abstract: The ink cartridge is provided with a pressure controller to regulate the inner pressure therein by atmospheric pressure while the ink stored in the ink cartridge is gradually drained off. The ink is stored in a container with negative pressure therein, and at least one through hole formed on the container is used to connect to the atmosphere, and at least one recess is formed on the inner wall of the through hole. The pressure controller has a plug movably disposed on the through hole and the recesses. The recesses are used as a channel to allow the entrance of the atmospheric air, and the plug can be automatically moved so as to enlarge the clearance between the plug and the through hole while the ink stored in the ink cartridge is gradually drained off. The inputted air can effectively reduce the negative pressure in the container, and therefore the printing process of the ink cartridge can be proceeding steadily.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a printhead chip. A silicon substrate having a first surface and a second surface is provided. A plurality of grooves is formed in the first surface by an etching process. A plurality of ink slots are formed in each of the grooves. Overflow grooves are formed in the first surface beside the grooves. A plurality of firing chambers is formed on the second surface. Each of the firing chambers is respectively connected to each of the ink slots.