| 摘要 |
A flexible circuit on an ink jet print head cartridge provides electrical connection between a control circuit in an ink jet printer and electrical contacts on a print head integrated circuit. During operation of printer, the contacts and the flexible circuit are exposed to a corrosive ink contained in the cartridge. The flexible circuit includes a first conductor for electrically connecting to a contact on the print head integrated circuit. The first conductor carries a first voltage when the flexible circuit is connected to the control circuit. A second conductor is disposed adjacent the first conductor for electrically connecting to another contact on the print head integrated circuit. When the flexible circuit is connected to the control circuit the second conductor carries a second voltage which is different from the first voltage. Thus, a voltage difference exists between the first conductor and the second conductor. The first conductor includes a first conductive lead and a second conductive lead which is separated from the first conductive lead by a separation distance. The second conductive lead is physically closer to the second conductor than is first conductive lead. The voltage difference between the first and second conductors, and presence of corrosive ink between the first and second conductors, causes an electrical current to flow between them. The electrical current flow causes corrosion of the first conductor. However, the second conductive lead corrodes at a faster rate than does the first conductive lead. Thus, the second conductive lead acts as a sacrificial lead, and reduces the corrosion rate of the first conductive lead. In this manner, the present invention prolongs the useful lifetime of the first conductor and the print head cartridge.
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