CN103180145A

CN103180145A - Liquid dispenser including sloped outlet opening wall

Info

Publication number: CN103180145A
Application number: CN2011800514917A
Authority: CN
Inventors: Y·谢; J·小耶赫; C·R·埃林格尔; M·J·莱曼; A·G·洛佩兹; Q·杨
Original assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
Current assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
Priority date: 2010-10-26
Filing date: 2011-10-14
Publication date: 2013-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-14
Also published as: EP2632726B1; CN103180145B; WO2012058016A1; EP2632726A1

Abstract

A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid return channel, and a liquid dispensing channel. The liquid dispensing channel includes a wall. The wall includes a surface. A portion of the wall defines an outlet opening. The outlet opening includes a downstream edge relative to a direction of liquid flow through the liquid dispensing channel. The downstream edge is sloped relative to the surface of the wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid supply provides liquid that flows from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A diverter member selectively diverts a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.

Description

The liquid distributor that comprises the outlet wall of inclination

Technical field

The present invention relates in general to the fluid distributor field, and especially, the present invention relates to the drop dispenser that circulates, and described circulation drop dispenser is discharged the liquid of some as required from continuous liquid stream.

Background technology

Traditionally, inkjet printing is by being called as " as required trace " (drop-on-demand) a kind of realization in inkjet printing and two kinds of technology of " continuously " inkjet printing.In two kinds of technology, for example the liquid of ink is fed through the passage that is formed on printhead.Each passage comprises shower nozzle, and droplet is optionally extruded from described shower nozzle, and is deposited on recording surface.

Trace is printed as required only provides ink droplet (often being called as " printed dot ") to be used for acting on print media.The selective activation of actuator causes formation and the discharge of the ink droplet that impacts print media.The formation of print pattern realizes by the formation of controlling single ink droplet.Typically, a kind of being used in trace printing as required in two types of ground actuators (thermal actuator and piezo-activator).Use thermal actuator, heater is placed on the convenient location of contiguous shower nozzle, heating ink.This causes the ink phase transformation of some to become the gaseous steam bubble, and the internal pressure that described gaseous steam bubble has fully promoted ink is used for ink droplet is discharged.Use piezo-activator, electric field is applied to piezoelectric, and described piezoelectric has the wall of the fluid chamber that causes contiguous shower nozzle by the characteristic of displacement, thereby produces the pump action that causes ink droplet to be discharged from.

Continous inkjet is printed the fluid supply that uses pressurization, the fluid supply of described pressurization produces ink droplet stream, some of them are chosen to contact (often being called as " printed dot ") with print media, simultaneously other are chosen being collected, and are recycled or abandon (often being called as " non-print ink droplet ").For example, when not needing to print, ink droplet is diverted to enter into and catches mechanism's (being commonly called grabber, blocker or venting groove), and is recycled or abandons.When needs were printed, ink droplet was not diverted and is allowed to impact print media.Alternately, the ink droplet that is diverted can be allowed to impact print media, and the ink droplet that is not diverted simultaneously is collected into and catches in mechanism.

Combine as required that trace is printed and continuously the print system of printing aspect be also known.With micro-print system as required relatively the time, these systems (often being called as the circulation drop dispenser) provide the ink droplet that has increased to discharge frequency and there is no the complexity of continuous print system.Therefore, there be continuous the needs and effort for the reliability that increases the circulation drop dispenser and performance.

Summary of the invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, liquid distributor comprises liquid service duct, fluid return passageway and liquid distribution passage.Liquid distribution passage comprises wall.Described wall comprises the surface.The part of described wall defines outlet.Described outlet comprises the downstream edge that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage with respect to liquid flow.Described downstream edge is with respect to the surface tilt of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage.The liquid supply provides liquid, and described liquid passes liquid distribution passage from described liquid service duct and flows to described fluid return passageway.The part of flowing liquid that steering component optionally will pass the outlet of liquid distribution passage turns to.

Description of drawings

Be described in detail with reference to the exemplify illustrative embodiment of accompanying drawing to following this, wherein:

Figure 1A and Figure 1B are the schematic cross section according to the liquid distributor of the exemplary of the present invention's manufacturing;

Fig. 2 A and Fig. 2 B are respectively schematic plan view and the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 C and Fig. 2 D are the schematic cross section at the liquid distributor shown in Fig. 2 A of the additional exemplary of the liquid distributor of making according to the present invention that shows;

Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B are respectively schematic plan view and the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B are respectively schematic plan view and the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5 B are respectively schematic plan view and the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6 B are respectively schematic plan view and the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 B are respectively schematic plan view and the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B are respectively schematic plan view and the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B are respectively schematic plan view and the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B are respectively schematic plan view and the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 14 A and Figure 14 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 15 A and Figure 15 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 16 A and Figure 16 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 17 A and Figure 17 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 18 A and Figure 18 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 19 A and Figure 19 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 20 A and Figure 20 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 21 A and Figure 21 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 22 A and Figure 22 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 23 A and Figure 23 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 24 A and Figure 24 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 25 A and Figure 25 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 26 A and Figure 26 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 27 A and Figure 27 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 28 A and Figure 28 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 29 A and Figure 29 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 30 A and Figure 30 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 31 A and Figure 31 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 32 A and Figure 32 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic plan view of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 33 A and Figure 33 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic figure of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

Figure 34 A and Figure 34 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic figure of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention; And

Figure 35 A and Figure 35 B are respectively schematic cross section and the schematic figure of the liquid distributor of another exemplary of making according to the present invention;

The specific embodiment

The present invention will be devoted to describe the element that forms according to device feature of the present invention especially, perhaps with the element that more directly cooperates according to device of the present invention.Should be appreciated that, those original papers that do not specifically illustrate or describe can use and be various forms known in those skilled in the art.In ensuing description and accompanying drawing, identical Reference numeral will be in the situation that possiblely will be used to specify identical element.

For clarity, exemplary of the present invention does not have in proportion but schematically shows.Those skilled in the art can easily determine exemplary of the present invention element concrete size and connect each other.

As described here, exemplary of the present invention provides a kind of liquid distributor (often being called as printhead), this is particularly useful for numerically controlled ink printed device, is discharged towards print media from printhead at described ink printed device China and Mexico water droplet.Yet, the application that many other uses are similar to the liquid distributor of ink jet-print head appears, and to launch the liquid of non-ink, it need to and have high spatial accuracy by meticulous metering and deposition.Therefore, as described here, term " liquid " and " ink " use interchangeably, and are referred to as any material that can be discharged by the liquid distributor of the exemplary that the following describes, and ink-jet ink just.

With reference to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, show the liquid distributor 10 of the exemplary of making according to the present invention.Liquid distributor 10 comprises liquid service duct 11, and fluid is communicated with described service duct 11 by liquid distribution passage 12 with fluid return passageway 13.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises steering component 20.Liquid service duct 11 comprises outlet 21, and fluid return passageway 13 comprises entrance 38.

Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises outlet 26, and outlet 26 is limited by upstream edge 18 and downstream edge 19, and outlet 26 is directly opened in outside air.Outlet 26 is different when comparing from traditional shower nozzle, and this is because the area of outlet 26 does not determine the size of the ink droplet of discharging.Replace, the size (volume) of the ink droplet 15 of discharge is determined in the actuating of steering component 20.Typically, the amount of displacement is proportional by the actuating of steering component 20 for the size of the ink droplet of generation and liquid.The upstream edge 18 of outlet 26 also defines the outlet 21 of liquid service duct 11 at least in part, and the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 also defines the entrance 38 of fluid return passageway 13 at least in part simultaneously.

The liquid of being discharged by liquid distributor 10 of the present invention does not need to advance by traditional shower nozzle, and typically, traditional shower nozzle area is less, and this helps to reduce the possibility that outlet 26 is polluted or blocks by particulate pollutant.During not being discharged from when ink droplet, use larger outlet 26(to compare with the shower nozzle of transmission) also reduced the potential problems that caused by the evaporation in shower nozzle at least in part.Larger outlet 26 has also reduced the possibility that forms at ink droplet discharge process Satellite ink droplet, this be because the ink droplet of making to have a shorter tail long.

Steering component 20 with for example be placed on substrate 39 on or liquid distribution passage 12 in substrate 39 related, steering component 20 is optionally actuatable so that the part of liquid 25 outlet 26 towards liquid distribution passage 12 is turned to and flows through outlet 26, thereby forms and discharge ink droplet 15.Steering component 20 can comprise heater or can absorb heat when it activates and carry out combination.As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, steering component 20 comprises heater, the part evaporation of the liquid that passes liquid distribution passage 12 of flowing of described heater, thus make another part of liquid turn to towards outlet 26.Such heater is commonly referred to as " bubble jet " heater.Alternately, steering mechanism 20 for example can comprise the heater of double-deck or three layers of hot micro-actuator, and its part that optionally can move into and shift out the liquid that liquid distribution passage 12 pass liquid distribution passage 12 flowing between period of energization turns to towards outlet 26.Such actuator is known and at least at one or more following commonly assigned US Patent No. 6,464,341B1, US6,588,884B1, US6,598,960B1, US6,721,020B1, US6,817,702B2, US7,073,890B2, US6,869,169B2, US7, describe in 188,931B2.

As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, liquid service duct 11, liquid distribution passage 12 and fluid return passageway 13 are partly limited by the part of substrate 39.These parts of described substrate 39 can also be called as the wall of wall or one or more liquid service duct 11, liquid distribution passage 12 and fluid return passageway 13.Wall 40 defines outlet 26 and also partly defines liquid service duct 11, liquid distribution passage 12 and fluid return passageway 13.The part of described substrate 39 also defines liquid feed path 42 and liquid return path 44.In addition, these parts of described substrate 39 can be called as a wall or a plurality of wall of liquid feed path 42 and liquid return path 44.As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, liquid feed path 42 and liquid return path 44 are perpendicular to liquid service duct 11, liquid distribution passage 12 and fluid return passageway 13.

Liquid supply department 24 is connected to liquid distributor 10 in the mode that fluid is communicated with.Liquid supply department 24 provides liquid 25 to liquid distributor 10.During operation, liquid 25 is by adjusting pressure source of supply 16 pressurizations of for example pump, fluid 25 in a continuous manner from liquid supply department 24 flow (by arrow 27 expressions) flow through liquid feed path 42, flow through liquid service duct 11, flow through liquid distribution passage 12, flow through fluid return passageway 13, flow through liquid return path 44, and flow back into liquid supply department 24.When needing the ink droplet 15 of liquid 25, the part that steering mechanism 20 activated the liquid 25 that causes being arranged in liquid distribution passage 12 with towards and be discharged from by outlet 26.Typically, regulate pressure source of supply 16 and be placed between liquid supply department 24 and liquid service duct 11 in the mode that fluid is communicated with, and provide higher than atmospheric malleation.

Selectively, for example can be included in the liquid delivery system of liquid distributor 10 for the adjusting vacuum source of supply 17 of pump, flow through liquid distributor 10. typically in order to better control liquid flow, regulate mode that vacuum source of supply 17 is communicated with fluid and be placed between fluid return passageway 13 and liquid supply department 24, and subatmospheric Vacuum Pressure (negative pressure) is provided.

Fluid return passageway 13 or liquid return path 44 can selectively comprise for example porous member 22 of filter, and its particulate matter to the liquid that flows through liquid distributor 10 that additionally provides filters and helps to hold with the actuating of steering component 20 and turned to and flow through liquid stream and pressure variation in the fluid return passageway 13 that the part of the liquid 25 of tap 26 is associated towards tap 26.This has reduced the possibility that the liquid overflowing liquid distributes the outlet 26 of passage 12 between the period of energization of steering component 20.When porous member 22 was included in liquid distributor 10, the possibility that air is introduced into liquid return path 44 had also reduced.

Typically, porous member 22 is integrally formed in fluid return passageway 13 during the process for the manufacture of liquid distributor 10.Alternately, porous member 22 can be by metal or polymeric material manufacturing, and is inserted in fluid return passageway 13 or is fixed to one or more walls that define fluid return passageway 13.As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, porous member 22 is placed in fluid return passageways 13, and fluid return passageway 13 intersects with liquid return path 44 in this zone.Therefore, this can be recited as that liquid return path 44 comprises porous member 22 or fluid return passageway 13 comprises porous member 22.Alternately, as shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, porous member 22 can be placed on the downstream part of liquid return path 44 positions.

No matter how whether pole 22 is whole forms or makes separately, and the hole of porous member 22 can have the size in basically identical hole.Alternately, the size in the hole of porous member 22 can comprise gradient, so that can more effectively hold flow through liquid distributor 10 liquid (for example, when watching from the liquid direct of travel, the size in the larger hole on the upstream portion of porous member 22 (alternately, the size in less hole) reduce (alternately, increasing) in the downstream portion office of porous member 22 size).Typically, the concrete structure in the hole of porous member 22 depends on the concrete application of expection.The exemplary of this respect of the present invention will discuss in more detail below.

Typically, the position of porous member 22 changes according to the concrete application of expection.As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, porous member 22 is placed in the fluid return passageway 13 parallel with the flow direction 27 of liquid 25 in liquid distribution passage 12, thereby the central axis of the perforate of porous member 22 (hole) is substantially perpendicular to the stream of the liquid in liquid distribution passage 27.Porous member 22 is placed on the position that is separated by with the outlet 26 of liquid distribution passage 12 in fluid return passageway 13.Porous member 22 also is placed on the position of downstream edge 19 of the outlet 26 of contiguous liquid distribution passage 12 in fluid return passageway 13.As mentioned above, the possibility that air is introduced in liquid return path 44 is lowered, and this is because atmospheric pressure and the suction pressure (meniscus pressure) of the difference by regulating the negative pressure that vacuum source of supply 17 provides as above less than porous member 22.In addition, fluid return passageway 13 comprises the exhaust outlet 23 that fluid return passageway 13 is open into atmosphere.Exhaust outlet 23 helps to hold with the actuating of steering component 20 and is turned to and flow through liquid stream and pressure variation in the fluid return passageway 13 that the part of the liquid 25 of tap 26 is associated towards tap 26.This has reduced the possibility that the liquid overflowing liquid distributes the outlet 26 of passage 12 between the period of energization of steering component 20.In the situation that liquid overflows outlet 26 really, exhaust outlet 23 also is used as the scavenge port that any liquid that overflows flows back to the path of fluid return passageway 13.Therefore, term " exhaust outlet " and " scavenge port " Alternate here.

Typically, liquid distributor 10 uses known semiconductor fabrication to form (for example, cmos circuit manufacturing technology, micro electromechanical structure (MEMS) manufacturing technology, perhaps both combinations) by semi-conducting material (for example, silicon).Alternately, liquid distributor 10 can be formed by the material of any use manufacturing technology commonly known in the art.

Identical with traditional micro-printhead as required, liquid distributor of the present invention only produces ink droplet when needed, reduced for the needs of sump pit with to the needs of ink droplet deflection structure, described ink droplet deflection structure is directly delivered to sump pit with the ink droplet of some generations, simultaneously other ink droplets is directly delivered to the printing receiver media.Liquid distributor of the present invention uses liquid supply department, and described liquid supply department will for example be supplied to printhead for the liquid of ink under pressure.The ink pressure of described supply is with acting on the major impetus of discharging ink droplet, thereby makes most ink droplet momentum be provided by ink feed section, rather than discharges actuator at the ink droplet at shower nozzle place.

With reference to figure 2A to Fig. 2 D and refer back to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, show another liquid distributor 10 exemplary.In the plane of Fig. 2 A liquid distributor 10, from watching (shown in Fig. 2 B) perpendicular to the direction of liquid stream 27, wall 46 and wall 48 define the width of liquid distribution passage 12, from watching (shown in Fig. 2 B) perpendicular to the direction of liquid stream 27, wall 46 and wall 48 define the width of liquid service duct 11 and fluid return passageway 13.In addition, from watching (shown in Fig. 2 B) along the direction of liquid stream 27 and from watching (shown in Fig. 2 B) perpendicular to the direction of liquid stream 27, outlet 26 with respect to the length of liquid distribution passage 12 and width also shown in Fig. 2 A.In Fig. 2 B to Fig. 2 D, steering mechanism 20 is illustrated with respect to the position of the upstream edge 18 of the outlet 21 of liquid service duct 11 and outlet 26.In Fig. 2 B, the upstream edge 50 of steering component 20 is positioned at the outlet 21 of liquid service duct 11 and upstream edge 18 places of outlet 26.The downstream edge 52 of steering component 20 is positioned at from the upstream of the entrance 38 of the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 and fluid return passageway 13.In Fig. 2 C, the upstream edge 50 of steering component 20 is arranged in liquid distribution passage 12 from the downstream of the upstream edge 18 of the outlet 21 of liquid service duct 11 and outlet 26.The downstream edge 52 of steering component 20 is positioned at from the upstream of the entrance 38 of the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 and fluid return passageway 13.In Fig. 2 D, the upstream edge 50 of steering component is arranged in liquid service duct 11 from the upstream of the upstream edge 18 of the outlet 21 of liquid service duct 11 and outlet 26.The downstream edge 52 of steering component 20 is positioned at from the upstream of the entrance 38 of the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 and fluid return passageway 13.Depend on the application of expection, steering component 20 can be used to control or regulate the feature (for example, track angle, volume or speed) of discharging ink droplet 15 with respect to the position of outlet 21 and entrance 38

With reference to figure 3A to Fig. 7 B and refer back to Figure 1A and Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 D, show another liquid distributor 10 exemplary.As shown in Fig. 2 B to Fig. 2 D, Fig. 3 B, Fig. 4 B, Fig. 5 B, Fig. 6 B and Fig. 7 B, the wall 40 that defines outlet 26 comprises surface 54.Surface 54 can be inner surface 54A, or outer surface 54B.Watch from liquid stream 27 directions that flow through liquid distribution passage 12, the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 is vertical with respect to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12.

The downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 can comprise other characteristics.For example, as shown in Fig. 2 A and Fig. 5 A, when watching from the surface 54 perpendicular to wall 40, the core of the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 is straight.When being straight, the turning 56 of downstream edge 19 can be rounded when the core at edge, downstream 19, causes mechanical stability to be provided and to reduce the stress that breaks in wall 40.However, it should be understood that downstream edge 19 with outlet 26 be configured to when when watching perpendicular to the direction on the surface 54 of wall 40 its to include radius of curvature be more preferably, as shown in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 6 A, thereby improve the drop discharging performance of liquid distributor 10.Described radius of curvature can be different in different positions along the radian of curve.On this meaning, described radius of curvature can comprise a plurality of radius of curvature.

Watch from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, outlet 26 comprises the center line 58 that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27.Watch from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the center line 60 that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27.In exemplary more of the present invention, liquid distribution passage 12 and outlet 26 Sharing Center's

lines

58,60.

Thereby the downstream edge 19 that should understand outlet 26 is configured to make it towards tapered being still more preferably of center line 58 of outlet 26, in order to promote the ink droplet discharging performance of liquid distributor 10, as shown in Fig. 4 A and Fig. 7 A.When watching from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of wall 40, the vertex of a cone 62 of taper can comprise that radius of curvature causes mechanical stability to be provided and to reduce the stress that breaks in wall 40.

In some exemplary, the global shape of outlet 26 is with respect to center line 58 symmetries of outlet 26.In other exemplary, the global shape of liquid distribution passage 12 is with respect to center line 60 symmetries of liquid distribution passage 12.However, it should be understood that and when symmetrical, can realize optimum ink droplet discharging performance with respect to the center line 58 of sharing, 60 when the global shape of the global shape of liquid distribution passage 12 and outlet 26.

Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the width 64 that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 perpendicular to liquid stream 27.Outlet 26 also comprises the width 66 that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 perpendicular to liquid stream 27.The width 66 of outlet 26 is less than the width 64 of liquid distribution passage 12.

In exemplary of the present invention described here, the width 64 of liquid distribution passage 12 is larger in the downstream position with respect to steering component 20.In addition, fluid return passageway 13 is wider than the width of liquid distribution passage 12 at upstream edge 18 places of liquid distribution passage 12.Fluid return passageway 13 also is wider than liquid service duct 11 at the width of its outlet 21.These characteristics help to control the height of the liquid meniscus in outlet 26, even prevent overflow thereby reduce.

Yet the width 66 of outlet 26 can change.For example, at Fig. 2 A, in the exemplary shown in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 4 A, the width 66 of outlet 26 keeps constant along the length of outlet 26 until meet with the downstream edge 19 of outlet.In the exemplary shown in Fig. 5 A, Fig. 6 A and Fig. 7 A, when comparing with the width 66 at the outlet 26 of the position of contiguous steering component 20, with respect to the downstream position of steering component 20 be larger with respect to the width 66 of the outlet 26 of the upstream position of the downstream edge 19 of outlet.Should be understood that this being configured with helps realize optimum ink droplet discharging performance.

Although the position of steering component 20 can change, as above described like that with reference to figure 2A to Fig. 2 D, yet in exemplary more of the present invention, steering component 20 can with downstream edge 19 placement separated by a distance of outlet 26, watch from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, described distance is between more than or equal to 0.5 times of the width 66 of liquid distribution passage 12 and be less than or equal between the scope of 2.5 times of width 64 of liquid distribution passage 12.In addition, should be understood that the position of described steering component 20 helps to obtain the ink droplet discharging performance of optimum.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 D, and Fig. 3 A to Fig. 7 B will describe a kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor.A kind of liquid distributor is provided, and it comprises liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises wall.Described wall comprises the surface.The part of described wall defines outlet, and described outlet comprises the downstream edge that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage with respect to liquid stream.Described downstream edge is perpendicular to the surface of the described wall of liquid distribution passage.Liquid is provided, and described liquid flows through liquid distribution passage from the liquid service duct, flows to fluid return passageway.By steering component optionally being activated a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid is crossed the outlet of liquid distribution passage, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from liquid distribution passage.

Described steering component is optionally activated so that the outlet by liquid distribution passage can comprise a part that heat is applied to the liquid that flows through liquid distribution passage with the part of flowing liquid.Provide and flow through liquid distribution passage to the liquid of fluid return passageway from the liquid service duct and can comprise in a continuous manner and to provide liquid enough causing liquid to flow through liquid distribution passage from the liquid service duct to the pressure of fluid return passageway.In addition, provide liquid distributor to comprise to provide separately or combination with one another provides any liquid distributor that includes exemplary as above.

With reference to figure 8A to Figure 10 B, and refer back to Figure 1B and Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 D, show another liquid distributor 10 exemplary.As shown in Fig. 8 B, Fig. 9 B and Figure 10 B, the wall 40 that defines outlet 26 comprises surface 54.Surface 54 can be inner surface 54A, or outer surface 54B.Watch from liquid stream 27 directions that flow through liquid distribution passage 12, the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 is with respect to surface 54 inclinations (angle is arranged) of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12.

The downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 can comprise other characteristics.For example, as shown in Fig. 8 A, when watching from the surface 54 perpendicular to wall 40, the core of the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 is straight.When being straight, the turning 56 of downstream edge 19 can be rounded when the core at edge, downstream 19, causes mechanical stability to be provided and to reduce the stress that breaks in wall 40.

Yet, should understand, more preferably the central part of the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 is configured to when it includes radius of curvature when watching perpendicular to the direction on the surface 54 of wall 40, as shown in Fig. 9 A, thereby promotes the ink droplet discharging performance of liquid distributor 10.Described radius of curvature can be different in different positions along the radian of curve.On this meaning, described radius of curvature can comprise a plurality of radius of curvature.

lines

58,60.

Should be understood that more preferably, thereby be configured to make its center line 58 towards outlet 26 tapered the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26, in order to promote the ink droplet discharging performance of liquid distributor 10, as shown in Fig. 10 A.When watching from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of wall 40, the vertex of a cone 62 of taper can comprise radius of curvature.

In exemplary of the present invention described here, the width 64 of liquid distribution passage 12 is larger in the downstream position with respect to steering component 20.In addition, fluid return passageway 13 is wider than the width of liquid distribution passage 12 at upstream edge 18 places of liquid distribution passage 12.Fluid return passageway 13 also is wider than liquid service duct 11 at the width of its outlet 21.These characteristics help to control the height of the liquid meniscus in outlet 26, thereby reduce or even prevent overflow.

In the exemplary shown in Fig. 8 A, Fig. 9 A and Figure 10 A, when comparing with the width 66 at the outlet 26 of the position of contiguous steering component 20, with respect to the downstream position of steering component 20 be larger with respect to the width 66 of the outlet 26 of the upstream position of the downstream edge 19 of outlet.Should be understood that this being configured with helps realize optimum ink droplet discharging performance.Yet the exemplary that substitutes comprises the downstream edge 19 of the outlet 26 of inclination, and this embodiment can comprise outlet 26 width 66, and its length along outlet 26 keeps constant until meet with the downstream edge 19 of outlet.This alternative exemplary with above with reference to Fig. 2 A, the embodiment that Fig. 3 A and Fig. 4 A describe is similar, except the surface 54 of described downstream edge 19 with respect to described wall tilts.

Although the position of steering component 20 can change, as mentioned above also with reference to figure 2A to Fig. 2 D, yet in exemplary more of the present invention, steering component 20 can with downstream edge 19 placement separated by a distance of outlet 26, watch from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, described distance is between more than or equal to 0.5 times of the width 64 of liquid distribution passage 12 and be less than or equal between the scope of 2.5 times of width 64 of liquid distribution passage 12.In addition, should be understood that the position of described steering component 20 helps to obtain the ink droplet discharging performance of optimum.

Refer back to Figure 1B, Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 D, and Fig. 8 A to Figure 10 B will describe another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor.Liquid distributor is provided, and it comprises the liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises wall.Described wall comprises the surface.The part of described wall defines outlet, and described outlet comprises the downstream edge that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage with respect to liquid stream.Described downstream edge is with respect to the surface tilt of the described wall of liquid distribution passage.Liquid is provided, and described liquid flows through liquid distribution passage from the liquid service duct and flows to fluid return passageway.By steering component optionally being activated a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid is crossed the outlet of liquid distribution passage, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from liquid distribution passage.

Described steering component is optionally activated the outlet that flows through liquid distribution passage with the part with flowing liquid can comprise a part that heat is applied to the liquid that flows through liquid distribution passage.Provide and flow through liquid distribution passage to the liquid of fluid return passageway from the liquid service duct and can comprise in a continuous manner and to provide liquid enough causing liquid to flow through liquid distribution passage from the liquid service duct to the pressure of fluid return passageway.In addition, provide liquid distributor to comprise to provide separately or combination with one another provides any liquid distributor that includes exemplary as above.

Refer back to Figure 1A to Figure 10 B, will discuss according to another exemplary according to the liquid distributor 10 of the present invention's manufacturing.As at Fig. 2 B to Fig. 2 D, Fig. 3 B, Fig. 4 B, Fig. 5 B, Fig. 6 B, Fig. 7 B shown in Fig. 8 B, Fig. 9 B and Figure 10 B, defines outlet 26 walls 40 and comprises surface 54.Surface 54 can be the inner surface 54A of wall 40, or the outer surface 54B of wall 40.Watch from liquid stream 27 directions that flow through liquid distribution passage 12, the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26 comprises when the radius of curvature when watching perpendicular to the direction on the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12.Should be understood that the upstream edge 18 that provides with radius of curvature helps reinforced walls 40, thereby reduce during operation the possibility that wall fragmentation or wall break.

The upstream edge 18 of outlet 26 can comprise other characteristics.For example, as at Fig. 2 B to Fig. 2 D, Fig. 3 B, Fig. 4 B, Fig. 5 B, shown in Fig. 6 B and Fig. 7 B, the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26 can be vertical with respect to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12.Alternately, as at Fig. 8 B, shown in Fig. 9 B and Figure 10 B, the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26 can tilt with respect to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12.As at Figure 1A, Fig. 2 A, Fig. 4 A, Fig. 5 A, Fig. 6 A, Fig. 7 A, shown in Fig. 8 A, Fig. 9 A and Figure 10 a, when from perpendicular to when from watch time time perpendicular to the direction on the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, upstream edge 18 comprises round-shaped.Yet when when watching perpendicular to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, the alternative exemplary of upstream edge 18 for example, can comprise elliptical shape in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 A.The turning 57 of upstream edge 18 can be rounded so that mechanical stability to be provided.

Watch from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, outlet 26 comprises the center line 58 that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27.In some exemplary, this embodiment comprises the upstream edge 18 that is provided with radius of curvature, and the global shape of outlet 26 is with respect to center line 58 symmetries of outlet 26.

As above described like that with reference to figure 2A to Fig. 2 D, the position of steering component 20 can change.In comprising the exemplary that is provided with the liquid distributor 10 of the upstream edge 18 of radius of curvature, the position of steering component 20 also can change.For example, as shown in fig. 2B, when when watching perpendicular to the direction on the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, the upstream edge 50(leading edge of steering component 20) can align with the center 68 of the radius of curvature of the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26.Alternately, as as shown in Fig. 2 C and Fig. 2 D, when when watching perpendicular to the direction on the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, the upstream edge 50(leading edge of steering component 20) center 68 with the radius of curvature of the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26 can be offset relative to each other.For example, the upstream edge 50 of steering component 20 can be positioned in liquid distribution passage 12 from the downstream part at the center 68 of the radius of curvature of the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26.Alternately, the upstream edge 50 of steering component 20 can be positioned in liquid service duct 11 from the upstream end at the center 68 of the radius of curvature of the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26.

Refer back to Figure 1A to Figure 10 B, will describe another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor.Liquid distributor is provided, and it comprises the liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises wall.Described wall comprises the surface.The part of described wall defines outlet, and described outlet comprises the upstream edge that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage with respect to liquid stream.When watching perpendicular to the direction on the surface of described wall, described upstream edge comprises radius of curvature.Liquid is provided, and described liquid flows to fluid return passageway from the liquid service duct by liquid distribution passage.By steering component optionally being activated a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid is crossed the outlet of liquid distribution passage, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from liquid distribution passage.

The outlet that described steering component is optionally activated a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid is crossed liquid distribution passage can comprise a part that heat is applied to the liquid that flows through liquid distribution passage.Provide and flow through liquid distribution passage to the liquid of fluid return passageway from the liquid service duct and can comprise in a continuous manner and to provide liquid enough causing liquid to flow through liquid distribution passage from the liquid service duct to the pressure of fluid return passageway.In addition, provide liquid distributor to comprise to provide separately or combination with one another provides any liquid distributor that includes exemplary as above.

With reference to figure 11A to Figure 18 A, and refer back to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, show an exemplary that comprises the liquid distributor 10 of another aspect of the present invention.As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 18 B, the size of liquid return path 44 is greater than the size of liquid feed path 42.Should be understood that these characteristics help receiving fluids stream and pressure variation in fluid return passageway 13, it has reduced the possibility of the outlet 26 of overflow liquid distribution passage 12.As shown in Figure 11 A to Figure 18 A, liquid return path 44 comprises a plurality of single

liquid return path

44A, 44B, 44C.Still greater than the size of liquid feed path 42, still single liquid return path 44A, the size and dimension of 44B, 44C are approximately equal to the size and dimension of liquid feed path 42 to the integral body that liquid return path 44 is large (totally) size.Should understand, not only receiving fluids stream and the pressure variation in fluid return passageway 13 of these characteristics, reduced the possibility of the outlet 26 of overflow liquid distribution passage 12, and be convenient to the production of liquid distributor 10 and promote that liquid flows through single liquid return path 44A, the heat radiation of 44B, 44C from steering component 20.

As mentioned above, the part of wall 40 defines outlet 26.Another part of wall 40 defines scavenge port 23, watches from the direction of liquid stream 27, and described scavenge port 23 is arranged in wall 40 from the downstream part of outlet 26.Scavenge port 23 is also referred to as exhaust outlet, for have the through hole of suitable shape in wall 40.In the exemplary of the scavenge port 23 of describing with reference to figure 11A to Figure 18 B, scavenge port 23 comprises the radius of curvature of watching from perpendicular to the direction of wall 40.

Wall 40 comprises surface 54, and it can be the inner surface 54A of wall 40, or the outer surface 54B of wall 40.As mentioned above, watch from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, outlet 26 comprises the center line 58 that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27.The global shape of outlet 26 can be with respect to center line 58 symmetries of outlet 26.

Watch from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, scavenge port 23 also comprises the center line 70 that flows through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27.In exemplary more of the present invention, outlet 26 and scavenge port 23 Sharing Center's lines 58,70.In some exemplary aspect this of the present invention, the global shape of scavenge port 23 is with respect to center line 70 symmetries of liquid distribution passage 12.When However, it should be understood that global shape when the global shape of outlet 26 and scavenge port 23 is with respect to the center line 58 of sharing, 70 symmetry, can realize optimum ink droplet discharging performance.

Scavenge port 23 can comprise that single through hole (perforate) is as shown in Figure 11 A to 17B.Alternately, scavenge port 23 can be included in a plurality of different through hole (perforate) in wall 40, as shown in Figure 18 A and 18B.From watching perpendicular to the direction of wall 40, the whole or part of scavenge port 23 can be for round-shaped, as shown in Figure 11 A to Figure 18 B.From watching perpendicular to the direction of wall 40, the shape of scavenge port 23 can flow 27 at liquid and flow through on the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 and elongate, as shown in Figure 11 A to Figure 18 B.When liquid return path 44 was constructed by this way, the scavenge port 23 of elongation can stride across single liquid return path 44A, 44B, the 44C more than.Watch from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, the width 78 of scavenge port 23 can flow 27 directions that flow through liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid to be changed, as shown in Figure 15 A to Figure 16 B.Alternately, watch from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, the width 78 of scavenge port 23 can flow 27 directions that flow through liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid and keep constant, as at Figure 11 A to Figure 14 B, and Figure 18 A, and shown in Figure 18 B.

Scavenge port 23 can comprise other characteristics.For example, as at Figure 11 A, Figure 12 A, Figure 13 A, Figure 14 A, Figure 15 A, shown in Figure 16 A and Figure 18 A, the wall 74 of scavenge port 23 can be vertical with respect to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12.Alternately, as shown in Figure 17 A, the wall 74 of scavenge port 23 can tilt with respect to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12.As at Figure 11 B, Figure 12 B, Figure 13 B, Figure 14 B, Figure 15 B, shown in Figure 16 B, Figure 17 B and Figure 18 B, the upstream edge 72 of scavenge port 23 can comprise radius of curvature.In some exemplary, for example, as in the embodiment as shown in Figure 13 B and Figure 14 B, this radius of curvature is the first curvature radius with the downstream edge 73 of scavenge port 23, the downstream edge 73 of scavenge port 23 includes second curvature radius, and described second curvature radius is different when comparing from described first curvature radius.In other exemplary, for example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 11 B and Figure 17 B, described second curvature radius is identical with described first curvature radius.Alternately, as at Figure 12 B, shown in Figure 15 B and Figure 16 B, downstream edge 73 is straight, there is no radius of curvature.The turning 76 of downstream edge 73 can be rounded so that mechanical stability to be provided.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Figure 1B, and Figure 11 A to Figure 18 B will describe another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor.Liquid distributor is provided, and it comprises the liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises wall.Described wall comprises the surface.The part of described wall defines outlet.Another part of described wall defines the scavenge port from the downstream part of described outlet that is located in described wall.Watch from the direction perpendicular to described wall, described scavenge port comprises radius of curvature.Liquid is provided, and described liquid flows through liquid distribution passage from the liquid service duct and flows to fluid return passageway.By steering component optionally being activated a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid is crossed the outlet of liquid distribution passage, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from liquid distribution passage.

With reference to figure 19A to Figure 24 B, and refer back to Figure 11 A to Figure 18 B, Figure 1A and Figure 1B show the exemplary of the liquid distributor 10 that comprises another aspect of the present invention.As at Figure 19 A to Figure 24 B, and shown in Figure 11 A to Figure 18 B, liquid return path 44 comprises a plurality of single

liquid return path

44A, 44B, 44C.Still greater than the size of liquid feed path 42, still single liquid return path 44A, the size and dimension of 44B, 44C are approximately equal to the size and dimension of liquid feed path 42 to the integral body of liquid return path 44 (totally) size.Should understand, not only receiving fluids stream and the pressure variation in fluid return passageway 13 of these characteristics, reduced the possibility of the outlet 26 of overflow liquid distribution passage 12, and be convenient to the production of liquid distributor 10 and promote that liquid flows through single liquid return path 44A, the heat radiation of 44B, 44C from steering component 20.In Figure 19 A to Figure 24 B, scavenge port 23 is removed from each " B " figure, thereby makes single

liquid return path

44A, 44B, 44C to be seen more clearly.

Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the first wall 40.The part of the first wall 40 limits outlet 26.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises second wall 80 relative with the first wall 40.The second wall 80 of liquid distribution passage 12 extends along liquid service duct 11 and along the part of fluid return passageway 13.Liquid service duct 42 extends through the second wall 80 and is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluids.

Liquid return path

44A, 44B(and as at the 44C as shown in Figure 24 A and 24B) a plurality ofly extend through the second wall 80 and be communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluids.The 24(of liquid supply department is shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B) liquid is provided, described liquid flows through liquid service duct 11 from liquid feed path 42, flow through liquid distribution passage 12, and flow through that fluid return passageway 13 flows to liquid return

path

44A, 44B(and as at the 44C as shown in Figure 24 A and 24B) a plurality of.Steering component 20 is optionally crossed the flowing liquid diverted flow outlet 26 of liquid distribution passage 12.

As shown in Figure 11 A to Figure 24 B, watch from the direction perpendicular to the first wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12,

liquid return path

44A, 44B(and as at the 44C as shown in Figure 24 A and 24B) a plurality of can be with respect to center line 70(for example as shown in Figure 11 B and 18B) alignment, described center line 70 is placed along the directions that liquid stream 27 flows through liquid distribution passage 12.The area of the area of each single

liquid return path

44A, 44B, 44C and other single

liquid return path

44A, 44B, 44C is basic identical.The area of liquid feed path 42 is also identical with the area of (or more) in

liquid return path

44A, 44B, 44C a plurality of.Therefore, the integral body of

liquid return path

44A, 44B, 44C (totally) area is greater than the area of liquid feed path 42.

At least one in a plurality of

liquid return path

44A, 44B, 44C comprises porous member 22.For example, as shown in Figure 19 A and Figure 19 B, liquid return path 44A, two of 44B comprise porous member 22.Yet as shown in Figure 22 A and Figure 22 B, only liquid return path 44B comprises porous member 22.The feature that is included in a plurality of holes in porous member 22 can change according to the concrete application of liquid distributor 10.For example, as shown in Figure 23 A and Figure 23 B, each the size that is placed in hole a plurality of of the porous member 22 in

liquid return path

44A, 44B is basic identical when comparing each other.In Figure 23 A and Figure 23 B, liquid feed path 42 comprises porous member 22.

Alternately, porous member 22 can comprise the hole that a plurality of hole dimensions are different.For example, as shown in Figure 20 A and Figure 20 B, be placed on the porous member 22 in liquid return path 44A the hole size when from the size comparison in the hole that is placed on the porous member 22 in liquid return path 44B in be different.In Figure 20 A and Figure 20 B, the size in size and the hole that is placed on the porous member 22 in liquid return path 44B that is placed on the hole of the porous member 22 in liquid return path 44A flows through the direction monotone variation of liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27.The variation of the size in hole can appear at the hole of single porous member 22.As shown in Figure 21 A and Figure 21 B, be placed on the size in hole of the porous member 22 in liquid return path 44A in the interior variation of porous member 22.In Figure 21 A and Figure 21 B, flow through the direction monotone variation of liquid distribution passage 12 in the porous member 22 of the size in hole in being placed on liquid return path 44A along liquid stream 27.

In two of a plurality of liquid return paths at least each, for example, when comprising porous member 22 at least two in

liquid return path

44A, 44B, 44C, the hole can have as the size in the identical hole as shown in Figure 24 A and Figure 24 B, perhaps has the size in different holes.Alternately, each porous member 22 can comprise the liquid flow impedance, and described liquid flow impedance is different when comparing from another porous member 22.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Figure 1B, and Figure 11 A to Figure 24 B will describe another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor.Liquid distributor is provided, and it comprises the liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises the first wall.The part of described the first wall defines outlet.Described liquid distribution passage comprises second wall relative with described the first wall.The second wall of described liquid distribution passage extends along the part of liquid service duct and along the part of fluid return passageway.The liquid feed path is provided, and described liquid feed path extends through described the second wall and is communicated with liquid service duct fluid.A plurality of liquid return paths are provided, and it extends through the second wall and is communicated with the fluid return passageway fluid.Liquid is provided, and described liquid flows through the liquid service duct from the liquid feed path, flows through liquid distribution passage, and flows to a plurality of of liquid return path by fluid return passageway.By steering component optionally being activated a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid is crossed the outlet of liquid distribution passage, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from liquid distribution passage.

With reference to figure 24A and Figure 24 B, and refer back to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, show the exemplary of the liquid distributor 10 that comprises another aspect of the present invention.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the first wall 40.The first wall 40 comprises surperficial 54(inner surface 54A or outer surface 54B).The part of the first wall 40 limits outlet 26.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises second wall 80 relative with the first wall 40.The second wall 80 of liquid distribution passage 12 extends along the part of liquid service duct 11 and along the part of fluid return passageway 13.Liquid feed path 42 extends through the second wall 80 and is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluids.A plurality of liquid return path 44A, 44B and 44C extend through the second wall 80 and are communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluids.Shown in the 24(Figure 1A of liquid supply department and Figure 1B) liquid is provided, described liquid flows through liquid service duct 11 from liquid feed path 42, flow through liquid distribution passage 12, and flow through fluid return passageway 13 and flow to a plurality of of liquid return path 44A, 44B and 44C.Steering component 20 is optionally crossed the flowing liquid diverted flow outlet 26 of liquid distribution passage 12.Watch from the direction perpendicular to the surface 54 of the first wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12, the outlet 26 of liquid return path 44A and liquid distribution passage 12 is overlapping.Liquid return path 44A is positioned at the downstream and is separated by with steering component 20.Liquid return path 44A comprises porous member.

In addition, as shown in Figure 24 A and Figure 24 B, liquid return path 44A is the first liquid return path, and liquid distributor 10 comprises the second liquid return path (44B or 44C) that is placed on from first liquid return path 44A downstream position.At least one in liquid return path 44A and second liquid return path (44B or 44C) comprises porous member.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Figure 1B, and Figure 24 A and Figure 24 B will describe another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor.Liquid distributor is provided, and it draws together the liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises the first wall.Described the first wall comprises the surface.The part of described the first wall defines outlet.Described liquid distribution passage comprises and is positioned over second wall relative with described the first wall.The second wall of described liquid distribution passage extends along the part of liquid service duct and along the part of fluid return passageway.The liquid feed path is provided, and it extends through described the second wall and is communicated with liquid service duct fluid.The liquid return path is provided, and it extends through the second wall and is communicated with the fluid return passageway fluid.Watch from the surface perpendicular to the first wall of liquid distribution passage, the outlet of described liquid return path and liquid distribution passage is overlapping.Liquid is provided, and described liquid flows through the liquid service duct from the liquid feed path, flows through liquid distribution passage, and flows through fluid return passageway and flow to the liquid return path.Flow through steering component is optionally activated a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid to be crossed the outlet of liquid distribution passage, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from liquid distribution passage.

With reference to figure 25A to Figure 26 B, and refer back to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, show the exemplary of the liquid distributor 10 that comprises another aspect of the present invention.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the first wall 40.Wall 40 comprises surperficial 54(inner surface 54A or outer surface 54B).The part of the first wall 40 limits outlet 26.Liquid distribution passage 12 also comprises second wall 80 relative with the first wall 40.The second wall 80 of liquid distribution passage 12 extends along the part of liquid service duct 11 and along the part of fluid return passageway 13.Liquid service duct 42 extends through the second wall 80 and is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluids.Liquid feed path 42 comprises porous member 22.Liquid return path 44 extends through the second wall 80 and is communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluids.The liquid return path comprises porous member 22.Liquid supply department 24 provides liquid, and described liquid flows through liquid service duct 11 from liquid feed path 42, flows through liquid distribution passage 12, and flows through fluid return passageway 13 and flow to liquid return path 44.Steering component 20 is optionally crossed the flowing liquid diverted flow outlet 26 of liquid distribution passage 12.

As shown in Figure 25 A to Figure 26 B, porous member 22 is placed in the zone that liquid service duct 11 and liquid feed path 42 intersect in liquid service duct 11.Therefore, can be stated as described liquid feed path 42 and comprise porous member 22, perhaps liquid service duct 11 comprises porous member 22.Referring to other when liquid service duct 11 and liquid feed path 42 intersections include in the exemplary of the present invention of porous member 22, also can narrate in the same way.Alternately, porous member 22 can be placed on the upstream end of its position in liquid feed path 42, as shown in Figure 25 A to Figure 26 B.And as shown in Figure 25 A to Figure 26 B, porous member 22 is placed in fluid return passageway 13 in the zone that fluid return passageway 13 and liquid return path 44 intersect.Therefore, can be stated as described liquid return path 44 and comprise porous member 22, perhaps fluid return passageway 13 comprises porous member 22.Referring to other when fluid return passageway 13 and liquid return path 44 intersections include in the exemplary of the present invention of porous member 22, also can narrate in the same way.Alternately, porous member 22 can be placed on the downstream part of its position in liquid return path 44, as shown in Figure 25 A to Figure 26 B.

As shown in Figure 25 A and Figure 25 B, porous member 22 comprises the hole with same size.Alternately, porous member 22 comprises the hole that has different size when it is compared to each other.As shown in Figure 26 A and Figure 26 B, the size in hole flows through the direction monotone variation of liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27.The hole of porous member 22 can also be shaped as the liquid flow impedance that provides different.In Figure 25 B to Figure 26 B, scavenge port 23 is removed from each " B " figure, thereby makes single liquid return path 44 and porous member 22 to be seen more clearly.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Figure 1B, and Figure 25 A to Figure 26 B will describe another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor.Liquid distributor is provided, and it comprises the liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises the first wall.The part of described the first wall defines outlet.Described liquid distribution passage comprises and is positioned over second wall relative with described the first wall.The second wall of described liquid distribution passage extends along the part of liquid service duct and along the part of fluid return passageway.The liquid feed path is provided, and it extends through described the second wall and is communicated with liquid service duct fluid.Described liquid feed path comprises porous member.The liquid return path is provided, and it extends through the second wall and is communicated with the fluid return passageway fluid.Described liquid return path comprises porous member.Liquid is provided, and described liquid flows through the liquid service duct from the liquid feed path, flows through liquid distribution passage, and flows through fluid return passageway and flow to the liquid return path.By steering component optionally being activated a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid is crossed the outlet of liquid distribution passage, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from liquid distribution passage.

With reference to figure 27A to Figure 32 B, and refer back to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, show the exemplary of the liquid distributor 10 that comprises another aspect of the present invention.In Figure 27 A to Figure 32 B, scavenge port 23 is removed from each " B " figure, thereby makes liquid return path 44 and porous member 22 to be seen more clearly.Liquid distributor 10 comprises substrate 39 and is placed on a discharging liquid distribution member 82A on substrate 39,82B, 82C(as at Figure 27 B, Figure 28 B, and Figure 29 B, Figure 30 B, Figure 31 B, and shown in Figure 32 B).Each liquid distribution member 82A, 82B, 82C comprise the liquid distribution passage 12 that is placed on substrate 39.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the outlet 26 that is arranged in the wall 40 relative with substrate 39.Steering component 20 is associated with liquid distribution passage 12.Fluid return passageway 13 is placed on substrate 39 and with liquid distribution passage 12 fluids and is communicated with.Liquid service duct 11 is placed on substrate 39 and with liquid distribution passage 12 fluids and is communicated with.Liquid feed path 42 extends through substrate 39 and is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluids.Liquid return path 44 extends through substrate 39 and is communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluids.Liquid return path 44 can be single liquid return path or single liquid return path 44A as above, 44B, and 44C's is a plurality of.

The 24(of liquid supply department is shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B) liquid 25 is provided, described liquid 25 flows to each fluid return passageway 13 of each

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C by each liquid distribution passage 12 from each liquid service duct 11.Each steering component 20 quilt of each

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C selectively activate with a part of diverted flow of the liquid that will flow through the liquid distribution passage 12 that is associated and cross the outlet 26 of the liquid distribution passage 12 that is associated so that the ink droplet 15 of dispense liquid 25.

As mentioned above, each

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C comprise liquid feed path 42 and liquid return path 44, and described liquid feed path 42 is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluids, and described liquid return path 44 is communicated with the fluid return passageway fluid.Yet the relation of liquid feed path 42 to the relation of liquid service duct 11 and liquid return path 44 to fluid return passageway 13 needs not to be one to one.Therefore, in the alternative exemplary aspect this of the present invention, a liquid feed path 42 can be communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluids more than.Similarly, in the alternative exemplary aspect this of the present invention, a liquid return path 44 can be communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluids more than.

From watching perpendicular to the surperficial 54A of wall 40 or the direction of 54B, liquid service duct 11 comprises width 84.Width 84 changes along the direction of liquid stream 27.Typically, the downstream part of liquid service duct 11 is compared with the upstream portion of liquid service duct 11 and is narrowed down.

Watch from the direction of liquid stream 27, liquid service duct 11 makes the upstream of the outlet 21 of liquid service duct 11 narrow down (perhaps " being shrunk to the neck shape ").When liquid advanced to liquid distribution passage 12 from liquid feed path 42, the wall 46 of liquid service duct 11 and the wall of being separated by of wall 48 were to together becoming nearer between wall.The cross-sectional area of the outlet 21 of liquid service duct 11 is less than the cross-sectional area of the liquid service duct 11 of contiguous liquid feed path 42.So do to increase the speed of the liquid that flows through liquid distribution passage 12.In addition, in the liquid distributor 10 that comprises a discharging liquid distribution member 82, there is limited space between adjacent

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C.Make the downstream part of liquid distribution passage 12 wider than outlet 21 at the liquid service duct 11 that narrows down of outlet 21 places, in order to being controlled at the height of the liquid meniscus in outlet 26, thereby to reduce or even to prevent overflow.

Referring now to selected Figure 27 A to Figure 32 B, exemplary is discussed.As at Figure 27 B, Figure 30 B, and shown in Figure 31 B, the upstream portion of first liquid service duct, the liquid service duct 11 of liquid distribution member 82A for example, can with the upstream portion of second liquid service duct, for example the liquid service duct 11 of liquid distribution member 82B is shared wall 86.As shown in Figure 28 B, the wall 86 of sharing can comprise at least one opening 88, and described opening 88 provides fluid to be communicated with between first liquid service duct (the liquid service duct 11 of liquid distribution member 82A) and second liquid service duct (the liquid service duct 11 of liquid distribution member 82B).As shown in Figure 29 B and Figure 32 B, the wall 86 of sharing can by column 90(or in some exemplary a plurality of columns 90) separately to set up the first opening 88A and the second opening 88B that is separated by column 90 each other.The first opening 88A and the second opening 88B provide fluid to be communicated with between first liquid service duct (the liquid service duct 11 of liquid distribution member 82A) and second liquid service duct (the liquid service duct 11 of liquid distribution member 82B).As shown in Figure 27 A to Figure 32 B, liquid feed path 42 can selectively comprise porous member 22.

As shown in Figure 27 B, the part of first liquid backward channel, the fluid return passageway 13 of liquid distribution member 82A for example, can with the part of second liquid backward channel, for example the fluid return passageway 13 of liquid distribution member 82B is shared wall 92.As shown in Figure 28 B and Figure 30 B, the wall 92 of sharing can comprise at least one opening 94, and described opening 94 provides fluid to be communicated with between first liquid backward channel (fluid return passageway 13 of liquid distribution member 82A) and second liquid backward channel (fluid return passageway 13 of liquid distribution member 82B).As shown in Figure 29 B, Figure 31 B and Figure 32 B, the wall 92 of sharing can be by a plurality of columns 96 separately to set up the first opening 94A and the second opening 94B and the 3rd opening 94C and the 4th opening 94D that is separated by column 96 each other.In alternative embodiment, single column 96 can be used to set up the first opening 94A and the second opening 94B.The first opening 94A and the second opening 94B(and the 3rd opening 94C and the 4th opening 94D) provide fluid to be communicated with between first liquid backward channel (fluid return passageway 13 of liquid distribution member 82A) and second liquid backward channel (fluid return passageway 13 of liquid distribution member 82B).

As shown in Figure 27 A to Figure 32 B, in each of

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, liquid return path 44 comprises first liquid return path 44A and second liquid return path 44B.First liquid return path 44A and second liquid return path 44B are communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluids.The alternative exemplary of this aspect of the present invention comprises uses a single liquid return path or more than the liquid return path of two.Liquid return path 44(44A, 44B) comprise porous member 22.In exemplary more of the present invention, the scavenge port 23 that is placed in the wall 40 relative with substrate 39 and is positioned at outlet 26 downstreams strides across a plurality of of

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, in other exemplary of the present invention, scavenge port 23 as above is between the

wall

46,48 of single liquid distribution member 82 simultaneously.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Figure 1B, and Figure 27 A to Figure 32 B will describe another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor.Provide a row to be placed on liquid distribution member on substrate.Each liquid distribution member comprises the liquid distribution passage that is placed on substrate.Liquid distribution passage comprises the outlet that is positioned on the wall relative with substrate.Steering component is associated with liquid distribution passage.Fluid return passageway is placed on substrate and with the liquid distribution passage fluid and is communicated with.The liquid service duct is placed on substrate and with the liquid distribution passage fluid and is communicated with.The extension of liquid feed path is flow through substrate and is communicated with liquid service duct fluid.The liquid return path extends through substrate and is communicated with the fluid return passageway fluid.Liquid is provided, and described liquid flows through the liquid service duct from the liquid feed path, flows through liquid distribution passage, flows through fluid return passageway, flows to the liquid return path of a discharging liquid distribution member.Optionally activate a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid to be crossed the outlet of the liquid distribution passage of liquid distribution member by the steering component to the liquid distribution member, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from the liquid distribution passage of of liquid distribution member.

Optionally activate a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid to be crossed the outlet of the liquid distribution passage of other liquid distribution members by the described steering component to other liquid distribution members, and cause drop to be discharged by another the outlet of liquid distribution passage from the liquid distribution member.

The outlet that steering component is optionally activated a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid is crossed liquid distribution passage can comprise a part that heat is applied to the liquid that flows through liquid distribution passage.Provide from the liquid feed path and flow through the liquid service duct, flow through liquid distribution passage, flowing through liquid that fluid return passageway flows to the liquid return path can comprise in a continuous manner and enough causing liquid to flow through the liquid service duct from the liquid feed path, flow through liquid distribution passage, flow through fluid return passageway, flow under the pressure of liquid return path liquid is provided.In addition, provide liquid distributor to comprise to provide separately or combination with one another provides any liquid distributor that includes exemplary as above.

With reference to figure 33A to Figure 35 B, and refer back to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, show the exemplary of the liquid distributor 10 that comprises another aspect of the present invention.Figure 33 B, Figure 34 B and Figure 35 B provide with liquid feed path 42 and liquid return path 44(44A, the 44B of having superposeed) the figure along the liquid distributor 10 of X-X line of position, to clearly show that they are with respect to the orientation of liquid manifold 98.

Liquid distributor 10 comprises and is placed on a discharging

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C on substrate 39 ... 82H(is as at Figure 33 B, Figure 34 B, and shown in Figure 35 B).Each

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C ... 82H comprises the liquid distribution passage 12 that is placed on substrate 39.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the outlet 26 that is arranged in the wall 40 relative with substrate 39.Steering component 20 is associated with liquid distribution passage 12.Fluid return passageway 13 is placed on substrate 39 and with liquid distribution passage 12 fluids and is communicated with.Liquid service duct 11 is placed on substrate 39 and with liquid distribution passage 12 fluids and is communicated with.Liquid feed path 42 extends through substrate 39 and is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluids.Liquid return path 44 extends through substrate 39 and is communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluids.Liquid return path 44 can be independent liquid return path or single liquid return path 44A as above, 44B, and 44C ... 44H's is a plurality of.

Liquid manifold 98 comprises liquid feed line 100 and liquid return conduit 102.Liquid feed line 100 and each

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C ... each liquid feed path 42 fluid of 82H are communicated with.Liquid return conduit 102 and each

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C ... each liquid return path 44A of 82H, 44B, 44C ... the 44H fluid is communicated with.

The 24(of liquid supply department is shown in Figure 1A and 1B) liquid 25 is provided, described liquid 25 flows through each

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C from the liquid feed line 100 of liquid manifold 98 ... 82H also flows to the liquid return conduit 102 of liquid manifold 98.Each steering component 20 is selectively activated a part of diverted flow that flows through the liquid 25 of the liquid distribution passage 12 that is associated flowing and is crossed the outlet 26 of the liquid distribution passage 12 that is associated so that the ink droplet 15 of dispense liquid 25.

Liquid feed line 100 comprises liquid-inlet 116, and liquid return conduit 102 comprises liquid outlet 118 simultaneously.Separated the first distance 106 between the liquid-inlet 116 of liquid feed line 100 and the liquid outlet 118 of liquid return conduit 102.Liquid feed path 42 comprises liquid-inlet 120, and liquid return path 44 comprises liquid outlet 122.The liquid-inlet 120 of liquid feed path 42 and the liquid outlet 122 of liquid return path 44 are separated by second distance 108.The first distance is 106 greater than second distance 108, thereby helps to be convenient to being connected of between liquid distributor 10 and fluid supply 24 fluid.

The liquid-inlet 116 of liquid feed line 100 and the liquid outlet 118 of liquid return conduit 102 flow through liquid distribution member 82A, 82B, 82C at liquid stream 27 ... alignment relative to each other on the direction of the liquid distribution passage 12 of in 82H.At least in liquid feed line 100 and liquid return conduit 102 comprises the part 124 that is placed to provide liquid stream 126, and described liquid stream 126 is parallel to and comprises liquid distribution member 82A, 82B, 82C ... the surface 128 of the substrate 39 of 82H.In some exemplary, described part 124 is first 124, and in liquid feed line 100 and liquid return conduit 102 comprises the second portion 130 that is placed to provide liquid stream 132 at least, described liquid stream 132 is perpendicular to comprising liquid distribution member 82A, 82B, 82C ... the surface 128 of the substrate 39 of 82H.In other exemplary, only in liquid feed line 100 and liquid return conduit 102 comprises the part 130 that is placed to provide liquid stream 132 at least, described liquid stream 132 is parallel to and comprises liquid distribution member 82A, 82B, 82C ... the surface 128 of the substrate 39 of 82H.Described substrate 39 comprises a discharging liquid distribution member 82A, 82B, 82C ... 82H, substrate 39 can be called the first substrate with liquid manifold 98, and described liquid manifold 98 is formed in the second substrate 134 that bonds with first substrate 39.

Figure referring now to selected Figure 33 A to Figure 35 B is discussed exemplary.As shown in Figure 34 B, the liquid feed line 100 of liquid manifold 98 and each

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C ... the liquid feed path 42 of 82H is total.In addition, as shown in Figure 34 B, the liquid return conduit 102 of liquid manifold 98 and each

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C ... the liquid return path 44A of 82H, 44B, 44C ... 44H is total.In other exemplary, only the liquid return conduit 102 of liquid manifold 98 and each

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C ... the liquid return path 44A of 82H, 44B, 44C ... 44H is total.

As shown in Figure 33 B, the liquid feed line 100 of liquid manifold 98 comprises a plurality of cutting parts 104, and described cutting part 104 is divided into a plurality of sections 136 with liquid feed line 100.Each sections 136 and

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C ... 82H flows through corresponding liquid feed path 42 fluids and is communicated with.In this exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed line 100 of liquid manifold 98 comprises section 138, and section 138 is total with each sections 136.From watching along the direction of liquid stream 27, common section 138 is positioned at the upstream end of the section 136 of the section of being divided into.In other exemplary, liquid feed line 100 is segmented and does not comprise common section.

Liquid return conduit 102 also can by self segmentation, perhaps with in conjunction with liquid feed line 100 be segmented.As shown in Figure 33 B, the liquid return conduit 102 of liquid manifold 98 comprises a plurality of cutting parts 104, and described cutting part 104 is divided into a plurality of sections 136 with liquid return conduit 100.Each sections 136 and

liquid distribution member

82A, 82B, 82C ... 82H flows through corresponding liquid return path 44 or

path

44A, 44B, and 44C ... 44H and fluid are communicated with.In this exemplary embodiment, the liquid return conduit 102 of liquid manifold 98 comprises section 140, and section 140 is total with each sections 136.From watching along the direction of liquid stream 27, common section 138 is positioned at the downstream part of the section 136 of the section of being divided into.In other exemplary, the length of liquid return conduit 102 is segmented and does not comprise common section.

As shown in Figure 35 B, the liquid feed line 100 of liquid manifold 98 comprises a plurality of columns 142, and described column 142 is placed in liquid feed line 100 so that extra mechanical support and stability to be provided.The liquid return conduit 102 of liquid manifold also comprises a plurality of columns 142, and described column 142 is placed in liquid return conduit 102 also in order to extra mechanical support and stability to be provided.In other exemplary, only have liquid return conduit 102 to comprise column.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Figure 1B, and Figure 33 A to Figure 35 B will describe another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor.Provide a row to be placed on liquid distribution member on substrate.Each liquid distribution member comprises the liquid distribution passage that is placed on substrate.Liquid distribution passage comprises the outlet that is placed on the wall relative with substrate.Steering component is associated with liquid distribution passage.Fluid return passageway is placed on substrate and is communicated with the liquid distribution passage fluid.The liquid service duct is placed on substrate and is communicated with the liquid distribution passage fluid.The extension of liquid feed path is flow through substrate and is communicated with liquid service duct fluid.The extension of liquid return path is flow through substrate and is communicated with the fluid return passageway fluid.Liquid manifold is provided, and described liquid manifold comprises liquid feed line and liquid return conduit.Described liquid feed line is communicated with each liquid feed path fluid of each liquid distribution member.Described liquid return conduit is communicated with the liquid return path fluid of each liquid distribution member.Liquid flows through from the liquid feed line of liquid manifold the liquid return conduit that each liquid distribution member flows to liquid manifold.The steering component that flows through the liquid distribution member optionally activates a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid to be crossed the outlet of the liquid distribution passage of liquid distribution member, and drop is discharged by the outlet of the liquid distribution passage of from the liquid distribution member.

The described steering component that flows through other liquid distribution members optionally activates a part of diverted flow of flowing liquid to be crossed the outlet of the liquid distribution passage of other liquid distribution members, and drop is discharged by another the outlet of liquid distribution passage from the liquid distribution member.

Refer back to Figure 1A to Figure 35 B,

wall

46,48 can be for piling up and being formed on separating layers of material on substrate 39.Alternately,

wall

46,48 can be formed by the part of substrate 39.Wall 40 can be placed on wall 46 types or wall 48 types a kind of.

Although various aspects of the present invention are described individually, should be appreciated that, the combination of various aspects also is considered to fall within the scope of the invention.Therefore, other exemplary of the present invention comprises any combination of various aspects of the exemplary of the invention described above.In order to keep consistency in the exemplary shown in the present invention, the wall 40 that contains outlet 26 has been displayed on the upside that is positioned at described device (for example, as shown in Figure 1A).Liquid distributor 10 is not limited to this oriented approach operation.Liquid distributor 10 can be oriented to make the wall 40 that contains outlet 26 be positioned at corresponding device the side (for example, flow through the liquid distributor 10 shown in Figure 1A is clockwise or be rotated counterclockwise 90 °), perhaps make the wall 40 that contains outlet 26 be positioned at following upper (for example, flow through with liquid distributor 10 Rotate 180s shown in Figure 1A °) of corresponding device.

List of parts

10 liquid distributors

11 liquid service ducts

12 liquid distribution passage

13 fluid return passageways

15 ink droplets

16 regulate the pressure source of supply

17 regulate the vacuum source of supply

18 upstream edges

19 downstream edges

20 steering components

21 outlets

22 porous members

23 exhaust outlets/scavenge port

24 liquid supply departments

25 liquid

26 outlets

27 direction of liquid flow/arrow

38 entrances

39 substrates

40 walls

42 liquid feed path

44 liquid return paths

44A liquid return path

44B liquid return path

44C liquid return path

46 walls

48 walls

50 upstream edges

52 downstream edges

54 surfaces

The 54A inner surface

The 54B outer surface

56 turnings

58 center lines

60 center lines

62 vertex of a cones

64 width

66 width

68 centers

70 center lines

72 upstream edges

73 downstream edges

74 walls

76 turnings

78 width

80 second walls

82A liquid distribution member

82B liquid distribution member

82C liquid distribution member

84 width

86 walls

88 openings

The 88A opening

The 88B opening

90 columns

92 walls

94 openings

The 94A opening

The 94B opening

The 94C opening

The 94D opening

96 columns

98 liquid manifolds

100 liquid feed lines

102 liquid return conduits

104 cutting parts

106 distances

108 distances

116 liquid-inlets

118 liquid outlets

120 liquid-inlets

122 liquid outlets

124 parts

126 liquid streams

128 surfaces

130 parts

132 liquid streams

134 substrates

136 sections

138 sections

140 sections

142 columns

Claims

1. liquid distributor comprises:

The liquid service duct;

Fluid return passageway;

Liquid distribution passage; Described liquid distribution passage comprises wall, described wall comprises the surface, the part of described wall defines outlet, described outlet comprises the downstream edge that flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage with respect to liquid stream, and described downstream edge is with respect to the described surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage and tilt;

Liquid supply department, described liquid supply department provide liquid, and described liquid flows through liquid distribution passage and flows to described fluid return passageway from described liquid service duct; And

Steering component, described steering component are optionally crossed a part of diverted flow of described flowing liquid the described outlet of described liquid distribution passage.

2. distributor according to claim 1, wherein when when watching perpendicular to the direction on the described surface of described wall, the downstream edge of described outlet comprises radius of curvature.

3. distributor according to claim 2, wherein said radius of curvature comprises a plurality of radius of curvature.

4. distributor according to claim 1, watch from the direction perpendicular to the described surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage, described outlet comprises the center line that flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage along described liquid stream, wherein when when watching perpendicular to the direction on the described surface of described wall, the downstream edge of described outlet is tapered towards the described center line of described outlet.

5. distributor according to claim 4, described taper comprises the vertex of a cone, wherein when when watching perpendicular to the direction on the described surface of described wall, the vertex of a cone of described taper comprises radius of curvature.

6. distributor according to claim 1, watch from the direction perpendicular to the described surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage, described outlet comprises the center line that flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage along described liquid stream, described outlet has shape, and the described shape of wherein said outlet is symmetrical with respect to the described center line of described outlet.

7. distributor according to claim 1, described outlet comprises width, and described width flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage perpendicular to described liquid stream, and the width of described outlet is larger in the downstream position with respect to described steering component.

8. distributor according to claim 1, watch from the direction perpendicular to the described surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage, described liquid distribution passage comprises the center line that flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage along described liquid stream, described liquid distribution passage has shape, and the shape of wherein said liquid distribution passage is symmetrical with respect to the described center line of described liquid distribution passage.

9. distributor according to claim 1, described liquid distribution passage comprises width, described width flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage perpendicular to described liquid stream, the width of described liquid distribution passage is larger in the downstream position with respect to described steering component.

10. distributor according to claim 1, watch from the direction perpendicular to the described surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage, described liquid distribution passage and described outlet are shared the center line that flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage along described liquid stream, described liquid distribution passage has shape, described outlet has shape, and the shape of wherein said liquid distribution passage and the shape of described outlet are symmetrical with respect to described center line.

11. distributor according to claim 1, described liquid distribution passage comprises width, described width flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage perpendicular to described liquid stream, described outlet comprises width, described width flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage perpendicular to described liquid stream, the width of described outlet is less than the width of described liquid distribution passage.

12. distributor according to claim 1, wherein said steering component is placed on the upstream end with respect to the described downstream edge of described outlet.

13. distributor according to claim 1, the described downstream edge placement separated by a distance of wherein said steering component and described outlet, watch from the direction perpendicular to the described surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage, described distance is between more than or equal to 0.5 times of the described width of described liquid distribution passage and be less than or equal between the scope of 1.5 times of described width of described liquid distribution passage.

14. a method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor comprises:

Liquid distributor is provided, described liquid distributor comprises liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage and fluid return passageway, described liquid distribution passage comprises wall, described wall comprises the surface, the part of described wall defines outlet, described outlet comprises the downstream edge that flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage with respect to liquid stream, and described downstream edge is with respect to the described surface tilt of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway;

Liquid is provided, and described liquid flows through described liquid distribution passage from described liquid service duct and flows to described fluid return passageway; And

By steering component optionally being activated a part of diverted flow of described flowing liquid is crossed the described outlet of described liquid distribution passage, and cause drop to be discharged from from the described outlet of described liquid distribution passage.

15. method according to claim 14, wherein cause drop to be discharged from from the described outlet of described liquid distribution passage by steering component optionally being activated the described outlet that flows through described liquid distribution passage with the part with described flowing liquid, it comprises a part that heat is applied to the described liquid that flows through described liquid distribution passage.

16. method according to claim 14, wherein provide from described liquid service duct and flow through described liquid distribution passage and flow to the liquid of described fluid return passageway, it comprises in a continuous manner provides described liquid enough causing described liquid to flow through from described liquid service duct under the pressure that described liquid distribution passage flows to described fluid return passageway.

17. method according to claim 14, wherein when when watching perpendicular to the direction on the described surface of described wall, the described downstream edge of described outlet comprises radius of curvature.

18. method according to claim 14, watch from the direction perpendicular to the described surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage, described outlet comprises the center line that flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage along described liquid stream, wherein when when watching perpendicular to the direction on the described surface of described wall, the described downstream edge of described outlet is tapered towards the described center line of described outlet.

19. method according to claim 18, described taper comprises the vertex of a cone, and wherein when when watching perpendicular to the direction on the described surface of described wall, the vertex of a cone of described taper comprises radius of curvature.

20. method according to claim 14, watch from the direction perpendicular to the described surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage, described outlet comprises the center line that flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage along described liquid stream, described outlet has shape, and the described shape of wherein said outlet is symmetrical with respect to the described center line of described outlet.

21. method according to claim 14, described outlet comprises width, and described width flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage perpendicular to described liquid stream, and the width of described outlet is larger in the downstream position with respect to described steering component.

22. method according to claim 14, described liquid distribution passage comprises width, described width flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage perpendicular to described liquid stream, the width of described liquid distribution passage is larger in the downstream position with respect to described steering component.

23. method according to claim 14, watch from the direction perpendicular to the described surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage, described liquid distribution passage and described outlet are shared the center line that flows through the direction of described liquid distribution passage along described liquid stream, described liquid distribution passage has shape, described outlet has shape, and the shape of wherein said liquid distribution passage and the shape of described outlet are symmetrical with respect to described center line.

24. method according to claim 14, wherein said steering component is placed on the upstream end with respect to the described downstream edge of described outlet.