CN103180145B

CN103180145B - Liquid dispenser including sloped outlet opening wall

Info

Publication number: CN103180145B
Application number: CN201180051491.7A
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: 2015-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-14
Also published as: EP2632726A1; EP2632726B1; CN103180145A; WO2012058016A1

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

Comprise the liquid distributor of the outlet wall of inclination

Technical field

The present invention relates in general to field of fluid dispensers, and especially, the present invention relates to circulation drop dispenser, and described circulation drop dispenser discharges the liquid of some as required from continuous print liquid stream.

Background technology

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

Trace prints as required only provides ink droplet (being often called as " printed dot ") for effect on the print medium.The selective activation of actuator causes formation and the discharge of the ink droplet impacting print media.The formation of print pattern realizes by controlling the formation of single ink droplet.Typically, the one in two types ground actuator (thermal actuator and piezo-activator) is used in trace printing as required.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 gaseous steam bubble, and described gaseous steam bubble fully improves the internal pressure of ink for being discharged by ink droplet.Use piezo-activator, electric field is applied to piezoelectric, and described piezoelectric has the characteristic of wall by displacement of the fluid chamber causing contiguous shower nozzle, thus produces the pump action causing ink droplet to be discharged.

Continous inkjet prints the fluid supply using pressurization, the fluid supply of described pressurization produces ink droplet stream, some of them are chosen to contact with print media (being often called as " printed dot "), other are chosen to be collected simultaneously, and are recycled or abandon (being often called as " non-print ink droplet ").Such as, 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 print, ink droplet is not diverted and is allowed to impact print media.Alternately, the ink droplet be diverted can be allowed to impact print media, and the ink droplet be not simultaneously diverted is collected into and catches in mechanism.

The print system combining trace printing and continuous printing aspect as required is also known.With when micro-print system compares as required, these systems (being often called as circulation drop dispenser) provide the ink droplet added discharge frequency and do not have the complexity of continuous print system.Therefore, constantly needs and effort are existed for the reliability and performance that increase circulation drop dispenser.

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 surface.A part for described wall defines outlet.Described outlet comprises the downstream edge in the direction flowing through liquid distribution passage relative to liquid flow.Described downstream edge tilts relative to the surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage.Liquid supply provides liquid, and described liquid flows to described fluid return passageway from described liquid service duct through liquid distribution passage.A part for the liquid of the flowing of the outlet through liquid distribution passage optionally turns to by steering component.

Accompanying drawing explanation

With reference to accompanying drawing, this exemplify illustrative embodiment is below described in detail, wherein:

Figure 1A and Figure 1B is the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of the exemplary that foundation the present invention manufactures;

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

Fig. 2 C and Fig. 2 D is the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor shown in Fig. 2 A of the additional exemplary at the liquid distributor according to the present invention's manufacture shown;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 33 A and Figure 33 B is respectively the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary manufactured according to the present invention and schematically schemes;

Figure 34 A and Figure 34 B is respectively the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary manufactured according to the present invention and schematically schemes; And

Figure 35 A and Figure 35 B is respectively the schematic cross section of the liquid distributor of another exemplary manufactured according to the present invention and schematically schemes;

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention will be devoted to especially to describe and formed according to the element of device feature of the present invention, or with the element more directly cooperated according to device of the present invention.Should be appreciated that, those original papers not specifically illustrating or describe can use as various forms known in those skilled in the art.In ensuing description and accompanying drawing, identical Reference numeral specifies identical element by being used in the conceived case.

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

As described herein, exemplary of the present invention provides a kind of liquid distributor (being often called as printhead), this is particularly useful for numerically controlled ink printed device, and in described ink printed device China and Mexico, water droplet is discharged towards print media by from printhead.But occur that many other use the application being similar to the liquid distributor of ink jet-print head, to launch the liquid of non-ink, it needs by meticulous metering and deposition and has high spatial accuracy.Therefore, as described herein, term " liquid " and " ink " use interchangeably, and are referred to as any material can discharged by the liquid distributor of exemplary described below, and are not ink-jet ink.

With reference to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, show the liquid distributor 10 of the exemplary manufactured according to the present invention.Liquid distributor 10 comprises liquid service duct 11, and fluid is communicated with by liquid distribution passage 12 for described service duct 11 and 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 compared with traditional shower nozzle, 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 discharging 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 at least partially defines the outlet 21 of liquid service duct 11, and the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 also at least partially defines the entrance 38 of fluid return passageway 13 simultaneously.

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

Steering component 20 associates with the liquid distribution passage 12 be such as placed on substrate 39 or in substrate 39, steering component 20 is optionally actuatable to be turned to and to flow through outlet 26 by the outlet 26 of a part for liquid 25 towards liquid distribution passage 12, thus is formed and discharge ink droplet 15.Steering component 20 can comprise heater or can absorb heat when it activates and combine.As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, steering component 20 comprises heater, and described heater will flow through the part evaporation of the liquid of liquid distribution passage 12, thus another part of liquid is turned to towards outlet 26.Such heater is commonly referred to as " bubble jet " heater.Alternately, steering mechanism 20 can comprise the heater of such as bilayer or three layers of hot micro-actuator, and it optionally can move into and shift out liquid distribution passage 12 and turn to towards outlet 26 with a part for the liquid by flowing through liquid distribution passage 12 between period of energization.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 partially 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 of liquid feed path 42 and liquid return path 44 or multiple wall.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.

The mode that liquid supply department 24 is communicated with fluid is connected to liquid distributor 10.Liquid 25 is provided to liquid distributor 10 by liquid supply department 24.During operation, liquid 25 is pressurizeed by the adjustment pressure source of supply 16 of such as pump, fluid 25 in a continuous manner from liquid supply department 24 flow (being represented by arrow 27) 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 causing being arranged in liquid distribution passage 12 with towards and be discharged by outlet 26.Typically, the mode regulating pressure source of supply 16 to be communicated with fluid is placed between liquid supply department 24 and liquid service duct 11, and provides higher than atmospheric malleation.

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

Fluid return passageway 13 or liquid return path 44 selectively can comprise the porous member 22 of such as filter, and filtering the particulate matter of the liquid flowing through liquid distributor 10 that it additionally provides contributes to holding with the actuating of steering component 20 and to be turned to towards tap 26 and liquid stream in the fluid return passageway 13 that is associated of the part flowing through the liquid 25 of tap 26 and pressure change.Which reduce liquid overflowing liquid between the period of energization of steering component 20 and distribute the possibility of the outlet 26 of passage 12.When porous member 22 is included in liquid distributor 10 time, the possibility that air is introduced into liquid return path 44 decreases.

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 by metal or polymeric material manufacture, and can be inserted in fluid return passageway 13 or is fixed to one or more wall defining fluid return passageway 13.As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, porous member 22 is placed in fluid return passageway 13, and fluid return passageway 13 is crossing with liquid return path 44 in this region.Therefore, this can be recited as liquid return path 44 and 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 position.

No matter how whether pole 22 is overall is formed or manufactures 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 (such as, when watching from liquid direct of travel, the size in the larger hole in the upstream portion of porous member 22 (alternately, the size in less hole) reduce (alternately, increasing) in the downstream portion office size of porous member 22).Typically, the concrete structure in the hole of porous member 22 depends on the embody rule 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 embody rule 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 the liquid 25 in liquid distribution passage 12, thus the central axis of the perforate of porous member 22 (hole) is generally perpendicular to the liquid stream 27 in liquid distribution passage.Porous member 22 is placed on the position be separated by with the outlet 26 of liquid distribution passage 12 in fluid return passageway 13.Porous member 22 is also placed on the position of the 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, this is because atmospheric pressure and the suction pressure (meniscus pressure) being less than porous member 22 by the difference of the negative pressure regulating vacuum source of supply 17 to provide as above.In addition, fluid return passageway 13 comprises the exhaust outlet 23 fluid return passageway 13 being open into air.Exhaust outlet 23 contributes to holding with the actuating of steering component 20 and to be turned to towards tap 26 and liquid stream in the fluid return passageway 13 that is associated of the part flowing through the liquid 25 of tap 26 and pressure change.Which reduce liquid overflowing liquid between the period of energization of steering component 20 and distribute the possibility of the outlet 26 of passage 12.When liquid overflows outlet 26 really, the liquid that exhaust outlet 23 is also used as any spilling flows back to the scavenge port in the path of fluid return passageway 13.Therefore, term " exhaust outlet " and " scavenge port " exchange use here.

Typically, liquid distributor 10 uses known semiconductor fabrication to form (such as, cmos circuit manufacturing technology, micro electromechanical structure (MEMS) manufacturing technology, or both combinations) by semi-conducting material (such as, 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-as required printhead, liquid distributor of the present invention only produces ink droplet when needed, decrease for the needs of sump pit and the needs to ink droplet deflection structure, some ink droplets produced directly are delivered to sump pit by described ink droplet deflection structure, other ink droplets are directly delivered to printing receiver media simultaneously.Liquid distributor of the present invention uses liquid supply department, and the liquid being such as ink is supplied to printhead by described liquid supply department under stress.The ink pressure of described supply is used as the major impetus of discharging ink droplet, thus most drop momentum is provided by ink supply, instead of the ink droplet at shower nozzle place discharges actuator.

Refer back to Figure 1A and Figure 1B with reference to figure 2A to Fig. 2 D, show another liquid distributor 10 exemplary.In the plane of Fig. 2 A liquid distributor 10, (illustrating in fig. 2b) is watched from the direction perpendicular to liquid stream 27, wall 46 and wall 48 define the width of liquid distribution passage 12, watch (illustrating in fig. 2b) from the direction perpendicular to liquid stream 27, wall 46 and wall 48 define the width of liquid service duct 11 and fluid return passageway 13.In addition, watch (illustrating in fig. 2b) and watch (illustrating in fig. 2b) from the direction perpendicular to liquid stream 27 from the direction along liquid stream 27, outlet 26 also illustrates in fig. 2 relative to the length of liquid distribution passage 12 and width.In Fig. 2 B to Fig. 2 D, steering mechanism 20 is illustrated relative to the position of the outlet 21 of liquid service duct 11 and the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26.In fig. 2b, the upstream edge 50 of steering component 20 is positioned at the outlet 21 of liquid service duct 11 and upstream edge 18 place of outlet 26.The downstream edge 52 of steering component 20 is positioned at the upstream of the entrance 38 from 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 the downstream of liquid distribution passage 12 from 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 the upstream of the entrance 38 from the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 and fluid return passageway 13.In figure 2d, the upstream edge 50 of steering component is arranged in the upstream of liquid service duct 11 from 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 the upstream of the entrance 38 from 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 (such as, orbit angle, volume or speed) of discharging ink droplet 15 relative to the position of outlet 21 and entrance 38

Refer back to Figure 1A and Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 D with reference to figure 3A to Fig. 7 B, 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 defining outlet 26 comprises surface 54.Surface 54 can be inner surface 54A, or outer surface 54B.Flow through the direction viewing of liquid distribution passage 12 from liquid stream 27, the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 is vertical relative to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12.

The downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 can comprise other features.Such as, 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 the core of downstream edge 19 is straight time, the turning 56 of downstream edge 19 can be rounded, causes to provide mechanical stability and to reduce the stress broken in wall 40.However, it should be understood that and the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 is configured to, when being more preferably from it includes radius of curvature during the direction viewing on the surface 54 perpendicular to wall 40, as shown in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 6 A, thus improve the drop discharging performance of liquid distributor 10.Described radius of curvature can be different in different positions along the radian of curve.From this meaning, described radius of curvature can comprise multiple radius of curvature.

Watch from the direction on the surface 54 of the wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12, outlet 26 comprises the center line 58 flowing through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27.Watch from the direction on the surface 54 of the wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12, liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the center line 60 flowing 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 line 58,60.

Should understand and the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 is configured to thus makes that its center line 58 towards outlet 26 is tapered to be still more preferably, to promote the ink droplet discharging performance of liquid distributor 10, as shown in Fig. 4 A and Fig. 7 A.When the direction from the surface 54 perpendicular to wall 40 is watched, the vertex of a cone 62 of taper can comprise radius of curvature and cause to provide mechanical stability and to reduce the stress broken in wall 40.

In some example embodiments, the global shape of outlet 26 is symmetrical relative to the center line 58 of outlet 26.In other exemplary, the global shape of liquid distribution passage 12 is symmetrical relative to the center line 60 of liquid distribution passage 12.However, it should be understood that when the global shape of liquid distribution passage 12 and the global shape of outlet 26 are relative to center line 58,60 symmetry shared, optimum ink droplet discharging performance can be realized.

Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the width 64 flowing through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 perpendicular to liquid stream 27.Outlet 26 also comprises the width 66 flowing 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 relative to steering component 20.In addition, the width of fluid return passageway 13 at upstream edge 18 place of liquid distribution passage 12 wider than liquid distribution passage 12.Fluid return passageway 13 is also wider than the width of liquid service duct 11 in its outlet 21.This feature contributes to the height of the liquid meniscus controlled in outlet 26, thus minimizing even prevents overflow.

But the width 66 of outlet 26 can change.Such as, in the exemplary shown in Fig. 2 A, Fig. 3 A and Fig. 4 A, the width 66 of outlet 26 is along the length stays constant 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 the outlet 26 with the position at contiguous steering component 20 width 66 compared with, be larger at the width 66 of the outlet 26 of the upstream position of the downstream position relative to steering component 20 and the downstream edge relative to outlet 19.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 with reference to described in figure 2A to Fig. 2 D, but 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 on the surface 54 of the wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12, described distance is between being more than or equal to 0.5 times of width 66 of liquid distribution passage 12 and between the scope being less than or equal to 2.5 times of the width 64 of liquid distribution passage 12.In addition, should be understood that the position of described steering component 20 contributes to obtaining optimum ink droplet discharging performance.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 D, and Fig. 3 A to Fig. 7 B, a kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor will be described.There is provided a kind of liquid distributor, it comprises liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises wall.Described wall comprises surface.A part for described wall defines outlet, and described outlet comprises the downstream edge in the direction flowing through liquid distribution passage relative to liquid stream.Described downstream edge is perpendicular to the surface of the described wall of liquid distribution passage.There is provided liquid, described liquid, from liquid service duct, flows through liquid distribution passage, flows to fluid return passageway.Turn to a part for the liquid by flowing the outlet flowing through liquid distribution passage by optionally activating steering component, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from liquid distribution passage.

Described steering component is optionally activated and can comprise by the outlet of liquid distribution passage part heat being applied to the liquid flowing through liquid distribution passage with a part for the liquid by flowing.There is provided and flow through liquid distribution passage to the liquid of fluid return passageway from liquid service duct and can comprise and to the pressure of fluid return passageway, provide liquid enough causing liquid to flow through liquid distribution passage from liquid service duct in a continuous manner.In addition, provide liquid distributor to comprise to provide separately or combination with one another providing package contains any one liquid distributor of 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 defining outlet 26 comprises surface 54.Surface 54 can be inner surface 54A, or outer surface 54B.Flow through the direction viewing of liquid distribution passage 12 from liquid stream 27, the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 tilts (having angle) relative to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12.

The downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 can comprise other characteristics.Such as, 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 the core of downstream edge 19 is straight time, the turning 56 of downstream edge 19 can be rounded, causes to provide mechanical stability and to reduce the stress broken in wall 40.

But, should understand, more preferably the central part of the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 is configured to, when it includes radius of curvature from during the viewing of the direction on the surface 54 perpendicular to wall 40, as shown in figure 9 a, thus promote the ink droplet discharging performance of liquid distributor 10.Described radius of curvature can be different in different positions along the radian of curve.From this meaning, described radius of curvature can comprise multiple radius of curvature.

Should be understood that more preferably, the downstream edge 19 of outlet 26 is configured to thus makes its center line 58 towards outlet 26 tapered, to promote the ink droplet discharging performance of liquid distributor 10, as shown in Fig. 10 A.When the direction from the surface 54 perpendicular to wall 40 is watched, 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 relative to steering component 20.In addition, the width of fluid return passageway 13 at upstream edge 18 place of liquid distribution passage 12 wider than liquid distribution passage 12.Fluid return passageway 13 is also wider than the width of liquid service duct 11 in its outlet 21.This feature contributes to the height of the liquid meniscus controlled in outlet 26, thus reduces or even prevent overflow.

In the exemplary shown in Fig. 8 A, Fig. 9 A and Figure 10 A, when the outlet 26 with the position at contiguous steering component 20 width 66 compared with, be larger at the width 66 of the outlet 26 of the upstream position of the downstream position relative to steering component 20 and the downstream edge relative to outlet 19.Should be understood that this being configured with helps realize optimum ink droplet discharging performance.But the exemplary substituted comprises the downstream edge 19 of the outlet 26 of inclination, and this embodiment can comprise outlet 26 width 66, and its length stays constant along outlet 26 is until meet with the downstream edge 19 of outlet.This alternative exemplary is similar with the embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 2 A, Fig. 3 A and Fig. 4 A, except the surface 54 of described downstream edge 19 relative 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, but 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 on the surface 54 of the wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12, described distance is between being more than or equal to 0.5 times of width 64 of liquid distribution passage 12 and between the scope being less than or equal to 2.5 times of the width 64 of liquid distribution passage 12.In addition, should be understood that the position of described steering component 20 contributes to obtaining optimum ink droplet discharging performance.

Refer back to Figure 1B, Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 D, and Fig. 8 A to Figure 10 B, another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor will be described.There is provided liquid distributor, it comprises liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises wall.Described wall comprises surface.A part for described wall defines outlet, and described outlet comprises the downstream edge in the direction flowing through liquid distribution passage relative to liquid stream.Described downstream edge tilts relative to the surface of the described wall of liquid distribution passage.There is provided liquid, described liquid flows through liquid distribution passage from liquid service duct and flows to fluid return passageway.Turn to a part for the liquid by flowing the outlet flowing through liquid distribution passage by optionally activating steering component, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from liquid distribution passage.

The outlet flowing through liquid distribution passage with a part for the liquid by flowing is optionally activated to described steering component and can comprise part heat being applied to the liquid flowing through liquid distribution passage.There is provided and flow through liquid distribution passage to the liquid of fluid return passageway from liquid service duct and can comprise and to the pressure of fluid return passageway, provide liquid enough causing liquid to flow through liquid distribution passage from liquid service duct in a continuous manner.In addition, provide liquid distributor to comprise to provide separately or combination with one another providing package contains any one liquid distributor of exemplary as above.

Refer back to Figure 1A to Figure 10 B, the exemplary of the liquid distributor 10 manufactured according to the present invention according to another will be discussed.As at Fig. 2 B to Fig. 2 D, Fig. 3 B, Fig. 4 B, Fig. 5 B, Fig. 6 B, shown in Fig. 7 B, Fig. 8 B, Fig. 9 B and Figure 10 B, define outlet 26 wall 40 and comprise surface 54.Surface 54 can be the inner surface 54A of wall 40, or the outer surface 54B of wall 40.Flow through the direction viewing of liquid distribution passage 12 from liquid stream 27, the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26 comprises the radius of curvature when the direction on the surface 54 from the wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12 is watched.Should be understood that and provide the upstream edge 18 with radius of curvature to contribute to reinforced walls 40, thus reduce the possibility that the broken or wall of wall breaks during operation.

The upstream edge 18 of outlet 26 can comprise other characteristics.Such as, as at Fig. 2 B to Fig. 2 D, shown in Fig. 3 B, Fig. 4 B, Fig. 5 B, Fig. 6 B and Fig. 7 B, the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26 can be vertical relative to the surface 54 of the wall 40 of liquid distribution passage 12.Alternately, as shown in Fig. 8 B, Fig. 9 B and Figure 10 B, the upstream edge 18 of outlet 26 can tilt relative 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, shown in Fig. 7 A, Fig. 8 A, Fig. 9 A and Figure 10 a, when from perpendicular to when the direction viewing on the surface 54 from the wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12 time, upstream edge 18 comprises round-shaped.Such as, but when watching from the surface 54 of the wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12, the alternative exemplary of upstream edge 18, the embodiment in figure 3 a can comprise elliptical shape.The turning 57 of upstream edge 18 can be rounded to provide mechanical stability.

Watch from the direction on the surface 54 of the wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12, outlet 26 comprises the center line 58 flowing through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27.In some example embodiments, this embodiment comprises the upstream edge 18 being provided with radius of curvature, and the global shape of outlet 26 is symmetrical relative to the center line 58 of outlet 26.

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

Refer back to Figure 1A to Figure 10 B, will another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor be described.There is provided liquid distributor, it comprises liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises wall.Described wall comprises surface.A part for described wall defines outlet, and described outlet comprises the upstream edge in the direction flowing through liquid distribution passage relative to liquid stream.In time watching from the direction on the surface perpendicular to described wall, described upstream edge comprises radius of curvature.There is provided liquid, described liquid flows to fluid return passageway from liquid service duct by liquid distribution passage.Turn to a part for the liquid by flowing the outlet flowing through liquid distribution passage by optionally activating steering component, and cause drop to be discharged by the outlet from liquid distribution passage.

Optionally activating described steering component turns to the outlet flowing through liquid distribution passage can comprise part heat being applied to the liquid flowing through liquid distribution passage with a part for the liquid by flowing.There is provided and flow through liquid distribution passage to the liquid of fluid return passageway from liquid service duct and can comprise and to the pressure of fluid return passageway, provide liquid enough causing liquid to flow through liquid distribution passage from liquid service duct in a continuous manner.In addition, provide liquid distributor to comprise to provide separately or combination with one another providing package contains any one liquid distributor of exemplary as above.

With reference to figure 11A to Figure 18 A, and refer back to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, show the 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 this feature contributes to receiving fluids stream and pressure change in fluid return passageway 13, which reduce 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 multiple single liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C.Entirety (totally) size that liquid return path 44 is large is still greater than the size of liquid feed path 42, but the size and dimension of single liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C is approximately equal to the size and dimension of liquid feed path 42.Should understand, not only receiving fluids stream and the pressure change in fluid return passageway 13 of this feature, decrease 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 the heat radiation of single liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C from steering component 20.

As mentioned above, a part for 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 the downstream part of wall 40 from outlet 26.Scavenge port 23 is also referred to as exhaust outlet, for having the through hole of suitable shape in wall 40.In the exemplary of the scavenge port 23 described with reference to figure 11A to Figure 18 B, scavenge port 23 comprises the radius of curvature of watching from the direction perpendicular to 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 on the surface 54 of the wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12, outlet 26 comprises the center line 58 flowing through the direction of liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27.The global shape of outlet 26 can be symmetrical relative to the center line 58 of outlet 26.

Watch from the direction on the surface 54 of the wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12, scavenge port 23 also comprises the center line 70 flowing 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 line 58,70.In some exemplary of this aspect of the invention, the global shape of scavenge port 23 is symmetrical relative to the center line 70 of liquid distribution passage 12.However, it should be understood that when the global shape of outlet 26 and the global shape of scavenge port 23 relative to center line 58,70 symmetry shared time, optimum ink droplet discharging performance can be realized.

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

Scavenge port 23 can comprise other characteristics.Such as, as at Figure 11 A, Figure 12 A, shown in Figure 13 A, Figure 14 A, Figure 15 A, Figure 16 A and Figure 18 A, the wall 74 of scavenge port 23 can be vertical relative 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 relative 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, shown in Figure 15 B, 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 example embodiments, such as, as the embodiment as shown in Figure 13 B and Figure 14 B, this radius of curvature is the first curvature radius of the downstream edge 73 with scavenge port 23, the downstream edge 73 of scavenge port 23 includes second curvature radius, and described second curvature radius is different when compared with described first curvature radius.In other exemplary, such as, 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 shown in Figure 12 B, Figure 15 B and Figure 16 B, downstream edge 73 is straight, does not have radius of curvature.The turning 76 of downstream edge 73 can be rounded to provide mechanical stability.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Figure 1B, and Figure 11 A to Figure 18 B, another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor will be described.There is provided liquid distributor, it comprises liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises wall.Described wall comprises surface.A part for described wall defines outlet.Another part of described wall defines the scavenge port of the downstream part from described outlet be located in described wall.Watch from the direction perpendicular to described wall, described scavenge port comprises radius of curvature.There is provided liquid, described liquid flows through liquid distribution passage from liquid service duct and flows to fluid return passageway.Turn to a part for the liquid by flowing the outlet flowing through liquid distribution passage by optionally activating steering component, 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 comprising 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 multiple single liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C.Entirety (totally) size of liquid return path 44 is still greater than the size of liquid feed path 42, but the size and dimension of single liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C is approximately equal to the size and dimension of liquid feed path 42.Should understand, not only receiving fluids stream and the pressure change in fluid return passageway 13 of this feature, decrease 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 the heat radiation of single liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C from steering component 20.In Figure 19 A to Figure 24 B, scavenge port 23 is removed by from each " B " figure, thus single liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C can be seen more clearly.

Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the first wall 40.A part for first wall 40 limits outlet 26.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises second wall 80 relative with the first wall 40.Second wall 80 of liquid distribution passage 12 extends along liquid service duct 11 and along a part for fluid return passageway 13.Liquid service duct 42 extends through the second wall 80 and is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluid.Liquid return path 44A, 44B(and as the 44C as shown in Figure 24 A with 24B) multiplely extend through the second wall 80 and be communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluid.Liquid supply department 24(is shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B) provide liquid, 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 flow to liquid return path 44A, 44B(and as the 44C as shown in Figure 24 A and 24B) multiple.Steering component 20 optionally by the liquid rotating of flowing to the outlet 26 flowing through liquid distribution passage 12.

As shown in Figure 11 A to Figure 24 B, watch from the direction of the first wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12, liquid return path 44A, 44B(and as the 44C as shown in Figure 24 A and 24B) multiple can relative to center line 70(such as shown in Figure 11 B and 18B) alignment, the direction that described center line 70 flows through liquid distribution passage 12 along liquid stream 27 is placed.The area of each single liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C is substantially identical with the area of other single liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C.The area of liquid feed path 42 also with liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C multiple in one (or more) area identical.Therefore, entirety (totally) area of liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C is greater than the area of liquid feed path 42.

At least one in multiple liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C comprises porous member 22.Such as, as shown in Figure 19 A and Figure 19 B, liquid return path 44A, 44B both comprise porous member 22.But as shown in Figure 22 A and Figure 22 B, only liquid return path 44B comprises porous member 22.The feature being included in the multiple holes in porous member 22 can change according to the embody rule of liquid distributor 10.Such as, as shown in Figure 23 A and Figure 23 B, be placed on the hole of the porous member 22 in liquid return path 44A, 44B multiple in each size substantially 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 different hole of multiple hole dimension.Such as, as shown in Figure 20 A and Figure 20 B, the size being placed on the hole of the porous member 22 in liquid return path 44A is different in comparing from the size in the hole of the porous member 22 be placed in liquid return path 44B.In Figure 20 A and Figure 20 B, the size being 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 with the size in the hole being placed on the porous member 22 in liquid return path 44B along liquid stream 27.The change 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, the size being placed on the hole of the porous member 22 in liquid return path 44A changes in porous member 22.In Figure 21 A and Figure 21 B, the size in hole is being placed on the direction monotone variation flowing through liquid distribution passage 12 in the porous member 22 in liquid return path 44A along liquid stream 27.

In two of multiple liquid return path at least each, such as, when at least two in liquid return path 44A, 44B, 44C comprise porous member 22 time, hole can have as in the size of Figure 24 A with the identical hole as shown in Figure 24 B, or has the size in different holes.Alternately, each porous member 22 can comprise liquid stream impedance, and described liquid stream 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, another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor will be described.There is provided liquid distributor, it comprises liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises the first wall.A part for described first wall defines outlet.Described liquid distribution passage comprises second wall relative with described first wall.Second wall of described liquid distribution passage along the part of liquid service duct and a part along fluid return passageway extend.There is provided liquid feed path, described liquid feed path extends through described second wall and is communicated with liquid service duct fluid.There is provided multiple liquid return path, it extends through the second wall and is communicated with fluid return passageway fluid.There is provided liquid, described liquid flows through liquid service duct from liquid feed path, flows through liquid distribution passage, and flows to the multiple of liquid return path by fluid return passageway.Turn to a part for the liquid by flowing the outlet flowing through liquid distribution passage by optionally activating steering component, 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 comprising another aspect of the present invention.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the first wall 40.First wall 40 comprises surperficial 54(inner surface 54A or outer surface 54B).A part for first wall 40 limits outlet 26.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises second wall 80 relative with the first wall 40.Second wall 80 of liquid distribution passage 12 along the part of liquid service duct 11 and a part along fluid return passageway 13 extend.Liquid feed path 42 extends through the second wall 80 and is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluid.Multiple liquid return path 44A, 44B extend through the second wall 80 with 44C and are communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluid.Shown in liquid supply department 24(Figure 1A and Figure 1B) provide liquid, 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 the multiple of liquid return path 44A, 44B and 44C.Steering component 20 optionally by the liquid rotating of flowing to the outlet 26 flowing through liquid distribution passage 12.Watch from the direction on the surface 54 of the first wall 40 perpendicular to liquid distribution passage 12, liquid return path 44A is overlapping with the outlet 26 of liquid distribution passage 12.Liquid return path 44A is positioned at 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 first liquid return path, and liquid distributor 10 comprises the second liquid return path (44B or 44C) be 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, another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor will be described.There is provided liquid distributor, it draws together liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises the first wall.Described first wall comprises surface.A part for described first wall defines outlet.Described liquid distribution passage comprises and is positioned over second wall relative with described first wall.Second wall of described liquid distribution passage along the part of liquid service duct and a part along fluid return passageway extend.There is provided liquid feed path, it extends through described second wall and is communicated with liquid service duct fluid.There is provided liquid return path, it extends through the second wall and is communicated with fluid return passageway fluid.Watch from the surface of the first wall perpendicular to liquid distribution passage, described liquid return path is overlapping with the outlet of liquid distribution passage.There is provided liquid, described liquid flows through liquid service duct from liquid feed path, flows through liquid distribution passage, and flows through fluid return passageway and flow to liquid return path.Flow through optionally to activate steering component and turn to a part for the liquid by flowing the outlet flowing through 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 comprising 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).A part for first wall 40 limits outlet 26.Liquid distribution passage 12 also comprises second wall 80 relative with the first wall 40.Second wall 80 of liquid distribution passage 12 along the part of liquid service duct 11 and a part along fluid return passageway 13 extend.Liquid service duct 42 extends through the second wall 80 and is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluid.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 fluid.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 optionally by the liquid rotating of flowing to the outlet 26 flowing through liquid distribution passage 12.

As shown in Figure 25 A to Figure 26 B, porous member 22, in liquid service duct 11, is placed in the region that liquid service duct 11 and liquid feed path 42 intersect.Therefore, it is possible to be stated as described liquid feed path 42 to comprise porous member 22, or liquid service duct 11 comprises porous member 22.Referring to other when liquid service duct 11 and liquid feed path 42 intersection include in the exemplary of the present invention of porous member 22, also can describe 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.Further, as shown in Figure 25 A to Figure 26 B, porous member 22 is placed in the region that fluid return passageway 13 and liquid return path 44 intersect in fluid return passageway 13.Therefore, it is possible to be stated as described liquid return path 44 to comprise porous member 22, or fluid return passageway 13 comprises porous member 22.Referring to other when fluid return passageway 13 and liquid return path 44 intersection include in the exemplary of the present invention of porous member 22, also can describe 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 when it is compared to each other with different size.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 providing different.In Figure 25 B to Figure 26 B, scavenge port 23 is removed by from each " B " figure, thus single liquid return path 44 and porous member 22 can be seen more clearly.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Figure 1B, and Figure 25 A to Figure 26 B, another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor will be described.There is provided liquid distributor, it comprises liquid service duct, liquid distribution passage, and fluid return passageway.Liquid distribution passage comprises the first wall.A part for described first wall defines outlet.Described liquid distribution passage comprises and is positioned over second wall relative with described first wall.Second wall of described liquid distribution passage along the part of liquid service duct and a part along fluid return passageway extend.There is provided liquid feed path, it extends through described second wall and is communicated with liquid service duct fluid.Described liquid feed path comprises porous member.There is provided liquid return path, it extends through the second wall and is communicated with fluid return passageway fluid.Described liquid return path comprises porous member.There is provided liquid, described liquid flows through liquid service duct from liquid feed path, flows through liquid distribution passage, and flows through fluid return passageway and flow to liquid return path.Turn to a part for the liquid by flowing the outlet flowing through liquid distribution passage by optionally activating steering component, 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 comprising another aspect of the present invention.In Figure 27 A to Figure 32 B, scavenge port 23 is removed by from each " B " figure, thus liquid return path 44 and porous member 22 can be seen more clearly.Liquid distributor 10 comprises substrate 39 and is placed on discharging liquid distribution member 82A, 82B, 82C(on substrate 39 as at Figure 27 B, Figure 28 B, Figure 29 B, Figure 30 B, Figure 31 B, and shown in Figure 32 B).Each Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C comprise the liquid distribution passage 12 be placed on substrate 39.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the outlet 26 being arranged in the wall 40 relative with substrate 39.Steering component 20 is associated with liquid distribution passage 12.Fluid return passageway 13 to be placed on substrate 39 and to be communicated with liquid distribution passage 12 fluid.Liquid service duct 11 to be placed on substrate 39 and to be communicated with liquid distribution passage 12 fluid.Liquid feed path 42 extends through substrate 39 and is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluid.Liquid return path 44 extends through substrate 39 and is communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluid.Liquid return path 44 can be single liquid return path or single liquid return path 44A as above, and 44B, 44C's is multiple.

Liquid supply department 24(is shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B) provide liquid 25, described liquid 25 flows to each fluid return passageway 13 of each Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C by each liquid distribution passage 12 from each liquid service duct 11.Each steering component 20 of each Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C by selective actuating a part for the liquid flowing through the liquid distribution passage 12 be associated to be turned to the outlet 26 flowing through the liquid distribution passage 12 be associated so that the ink droplet 15 of dispense liquid 25.

As mentioned above, each Liquid distribution element 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 fluid, and described liquid return path 44 is communicated with fluid return passageway fluid.But liquid feed path 42 needs not to be one to one to the relation of liquid service duct 11 and liquid return path 44 to the relation of fluid return passageway 13.Therefore, in the alternative exemplary of this aspect of the invention, a liquid feed path 42 can be communicated with more than one liquid service duct 11 fluid.Similarly, in the alternative exemplary of this aspect of the invention, a liquid return path 44 can be communicated with more than one fluid return passageway 13 fluid.

Watch from the direction of surperficial 54A or 54B perpendicular to wall 40, 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 narrows compared with the upstream portion of liquid service duct 11.

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 (or " necked-down ").When liquid advances to liquid distribution passage 12 from liquid feed path 42 time, between the wall 46 of liquid service duct 11 and the wall of being separated by of wall 48 to wall, together become nearer.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 the speed increasing the liquid flowing through liquid distribution passage 12.In addition, in the liquid distributor 10 comprising a discharging liquid distribution member 82, there is limited space adjacent between Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C.The liquid service duct 11 narrowed at outlet 21 place makes the downstream part of liquid distribution passage 12 wider than outlet 21, in order to control the height of the liquid meniscus in outlet 26, thus 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, with shown in Figure 31 B, the upstream portion of first liquid service duct, the liquid service duct 11 of such as Liquid distribution element 82A, can with the upstream portion of second liquid service duct, the liquid service duct 11 of such as Liquid distribution element 82B shares wall 86.As shown in Figure 28 B, the wall 86 shared 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 element 82A) with second liquid service duct (the liquid service duct 11 of Liquid distribution element 82B).As shown in Figure 29 B and Figure 32 B, the wall 86 shared can by column 90(or multiple column 90 in some example embodiments) separately to set up the first opening 88A and the second opening 88B that are separated by column 90 each other.First opening 88A and the second opening 88B provides fluid to be communicated with between first liquid service duct (the liquid service duct 11 of Liquid distribution element 82A) with second liquid service duct (the liquid service duct 11 of Liquid distribution element 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, a part for first liquid backward channel, the fluid return passageway 13 of such as Liquid distribution element 82A, can with a part for second liquid backward channel, the fluid return passageway 13 of such as Liquid distribution element 82B shares wall 92.As shown in Figure 28 B and Figure 30 B, the wall 92 shared 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 element 82A) with second liquid backward channel (fluid return passageway 13 of Liquid distribution element 82B).As shown in Figure 29 B, Figure 31 B and Figure 32 B, the wall 92 shared can by multiple column 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 are 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.First opening 94A and the second opening 94B(and the 3rd opening 94C and the 4th opening 94D) between first liquid backward channel (fluid return passageway 13 of Liquid distribution element 82A) with second liquid backward channel (fluid return passageway 13 of Liquid distribution element 82B), provide fluid to be communicated with.

As shown in Figure 27 A to Figure 32 B, Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B each in, liquid return path 44 comprises first liquid return path 44A and second liquid return path 44B.First liquid return path 44A is communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluid with second liquid return path 44B.The alternative exemplary of this aspect of the invention comprises the single liquid return path of use one or the liquid return path more than two.Liquid return path 44(44A, 44B) comprise porous member 22.In exemplary more of the present invention, to be placed in the wall 40 relative with substrate 39 and the scavenge port 23 being positioned at outlet 26 downstream strides across the multiple of Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, simultaneously in other exemplary of the present invention, scavenge port 23 as above is between the wall 46,48 of single Liquid distribution element 82.

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

By optionally activating to the described steering component of other Liquid distribution elements the outlet turning to the liquid distribution passage flowing through other Liquid distribution elements with a part for the liquid by flowing, and drop is caused to be discharged by the outlet of another the liquid distribution passage from Liquid distribution element.

Optionally activating steering component turns to the outlet flowing through liquid distribution passage can comprise part heat being applied to the liquid flowing through liquid distribution passage with a part for the liquid by flowing.There is provided and flow through liquid service duct from liquid feed path, flow through liquid distribution passage, flow through liquid that fluid return passageway flows to liquid return path can comprise and enough causing liquid to flow through liquid service duct from liquid feed path in a continuous manner, flow through liquid distribution passage, flow through fluid return passageway, under flowing to the pressure of liquid return path, provide liquid.In addition, provide liquid distributor to comprise to provide separately or combination with one another providing package contains any one liquid distributor of 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 comprising another aspect of the present invention.Figure 33 B, Figure 34 B and Figure 35 B provides with having superposed liquid feed path 42 and liquid return path 44(44A, 44B) the figure of the liquid distributor 10 along X-X line of position, to clearly show that their orientation relative to liquid manifold 98.

Liquid distributor 10 comprises and is placed on discharging liquid distribution member 82A, 82B, the 82C on substrate 39 ... 82H(as at Figure 33 B, Figure 34 B, and shown in Figure 35 B).Each Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C ... 82H comprises the liquid distribution passage 12 be placed on substrate 39.Liquid distribution passage 12 comprises the outlet 26 being arranged in the wall 40 relative with substrate 39.Steering component 20 is associated with liquid distribution passage 12.Fluid return passageway 13 to be placed on substrate 39 and to be communicated with liquid distribution passage 12 fluid.Liquid service duct 11 to be placed on substrate 39 and to be communicated with liquid distribution passage 12 fluid.Liquid feed path 42 extends through substrate 39 and is communicated with liquid service duct 11 fluid.Liquid return path 44 extends through substrate 39 and is communicated with fluid return passageway 13 fluid.Liquid return path 44 can be independent liquid return path or single liquid return path 44A as above, 44B, 44C ... 44H's is multiple.

Liquid manifold 98 comprises liquid feed line 100 and liquid return conduit 102.Liquid feed line 100 and each Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C ... each liquid feed path 42 fluid of 82H is communicated with.Liquid return conduit 102 and each Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C ... each liquid return path 44A of 82H, 44B, 44C ... 44H fluid is communicated with.

Liquid supply department 24(illustrates in figs. 1 a and 1b) provide liquid 25, described liquid 25 flows through each Liquid distribution element 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 by selective actuating a part for the liquid 25 flowing through the liquid distribution passage 12 be associated to be turned to the outlet 26 flowing through the liquid distribution passage 12 be 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.Spaced apart first distance 106 of 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.First distance 106 is greater than second distance 108, thus contributes to the connection being convenient to fluid between liquid distributor 10 and fluid supply 24.

The liquid-inlet 116 of liquid feed line 100 and the liquid outlet 118 of liquid return conduit 102 flow through Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C in liquid stream 27 ... align relative to each other in the direction of the liquid distribution passage 12 of in 82H.One at least in liquid feed line 100 and liquid return conduit 102 comprises the part 124 being placed to provide liquid stream 126, and described liquid stream 126 is parallel to and comprises Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C ... the surface 128 of the substrate 39 of 82H.In some example embodiments, described part 124 is Part I 124, and one at least in liquid feed line 100 and liquid return conduit 102 comprises the Part II 130 being placed to provide liquid stream 132, described liquid stream 132 perpendicular to comprising Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C ... the surface 128 of the substrate 39 of 82H.In other exemplary, one only at least in liquid feed line 100 and liquid return conduit 102 comprises the part 130 being placed to provide liquid stream 132, described liquid stream 132 is parallel to and comprises Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C ... the surface 128 of the substrate 39 of 82H.Described substrate 39 comprises discharging liquid distribution member 82A, 82B, a 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 bondd with first substrate 39.

Figure referring now to selected Figure 33 A to Figure 35 B discusses exemplary.As shown in Figure 34 B, liquid feed line 100 and each Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C of liquid manifold 98 ... the liquid feed path 42 of 82H has.In addition, as shown in Figure 34 B, liquid return conduit 102 and each Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C of liquid manifold 98 ... the liquid return path 44A of 82H, 44B, 44C ... 44H has.In other exemplary, the only liquid return conduit 102 of liquid manifold 98 and each Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C ... the liquid return path 44A of 82H, 44B, 44C ... 44H has.

As shown in Figure 33 B, the liquid feed line 100 of liquid manifold 98 comprises multiple cutting part 104, and liquid feed line 100 is divided into multiple sections 136 by described cutting part 104.Each sections 136 and Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C ... 82H flows through corresponding liquid feed path 42 fluid and is communicated with.In this exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed line 100 of liquid manifold 98 comprises section 138, and section 138 has with each sections 136.Watch from the direction along 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 by self segmentation, or can be segmented with in conjunction with liquid feed line 100.As shown in Figure 33 B, the liquid return conduit 102 of liquid manifold 98 comprises multiple cutting part 104, and liquid return conduit 100 is divided into multiple sections 136 by described cutting part 104.Each sections 136 and Liquid distribution element 82A, 82B, 82C ... 82H flows through corresponding liquid return path 44 or path 44A, 44B, 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 has with each sections 136.Watch from the direction along 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 multiple column 142, and described column 142 is placed in liquid feed line 100 to provide extra mechanical support and stability.The liquid return conduit 102 of liquid manifold also comprises multiple column 142, and described column 142 is placed in liquid return conduit 102 also in order to provide extra mechanical support and stability.In other exemplary, liquid return conduit 102 is only had to comprise column.

Refer back to Figure 1A, Figure 1B, and Figure 33 A to Figure 35 B, another kind of method of discharging liquid from liquid distributor will be described.A row is provided to be placed on Liquid distribution element on substrate.Each Liquid distribution element comprises the liquid distribution passage be placed on substrate.Liquid distribution passage comprises the outlet be 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 liquid distribution passage fluid.Liquid service duct is placed on substrate and is communicated with 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 fluid return passageway fluid.There is provided liquid manifold, 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 element.Described liquid return conduit is communicated with the liquid return path fluid of each Liquid distribution element.Liquid flows through from the liquid feed line of liquid manifold the liquid return conduit that each Liquid distribution element flows to liquid manifold.Flow through and the outlet turning to the liquid distribution passage flowing through Liquid distribution element with a part for the liquid by flowing is optionally activated to the steering component of Liquid distribution element, and drop is discharged by the outlet of the liquid distribution passage from Liquid distribution element.

Flow through and the outlet turning to the liquid distribution passage flowing through other Liquid distribution elements with a part for the liquid by flowing is optionally activated to the described steering component of other Liquid distribution elements, and drop is discharged by the outlet of another the liquid distribution passage from Liquid distribution element.

Refer back to Figure 1A to Figure 35 B, wall 46,48 can for pile up and to be formed in the 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 the one of wall 46 type or wall 48 type.

Although various aspects of the present invention are described individually, should be appreciated that, the combination of various aspects is also considered to fall within the scope of the invention.Therefore, other exemplary of the present invention comprises any combination of the 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 containing outlet 26 be displayed on be positioned at described device upside on (such as, as in figure ia shown in).Liquid distributor 10 is not limited to operate with this oriented approach.Liquid distributor 10 can be oriented to and make the wall 40 containing outlet 26 be positioned at the side of corresponding device (such as, flow through the liquid distributor 10 shown in Figure 1A is clockwise or be rotated counterclockwise 90 °), or the wall 40 containing outlet 26 is positioned at below corresponding device go up (such as, flow through and the liquid distributor 10 shown in Figure 1A is rotated 180 °).

List of parts

10 liquid distributors

11 liquid service ducts

12 liquid distribution passage

13 fluid return passageways

15 ink droplets

16 regulate pressure source of supply

17 regulate 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

54A inner surface

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 element

82B Liquid distribution element

82C Liquid distribution element

84 width

86 walls

88 openings

88A opening

88B opening

90 columns

92 walls

94 openings

94A opening

94B opening

94C opening

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 stream

128 surfaces

130 parts

132 liquid stream

134 substrates

136 sections

138 sections

140 sections

142 columns

Claims

1. a liquid distributor, comprising:

Liquid service duct;

Fluid return passageway, described fluid return passageway comprises exhaust outlet;

Liquid distribution passage; Described liquid distribution passage comprises wall, described wall comprises surface, a part for described wall defines outlet, described outlet comprises the downstream edge in the direction flowing through described liquid distribution passage relative to liquid stream, described downstream edge relative to the described wall of described liquid distribution passage described surface and tilt;

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

Steering component, a part for the liquid of described flowing is optionally turned to the described outlet flowing through described liquid distribution passage by described steering component, the liquid wherein provided by described liquid supply department provides under stress, the major impetus that described pressure enough causes described liquid to be used as described liquid to be discharged by outlet.

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

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

4. distributor according to claim 1, watch from the direction on the described surface of the described wall perpendicular to described liquid distribution passage, described outlet comprises the center line in the direction flowing through described liquid distribution passage along described liquid stream, wherein in time watching from the direction on the described surface perpendicular to 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, and wherein in time watching from the direction on the described surface perpendicular to described wall, the vertex of a cone of described taper comprises radius of curvature.

6. distributor according to claim 1, watch from the direction on the described surface of the described wall perpendicular to described liquid distribution passage, described outlet comprises the center line in the direction flowing through described liquid distribution passage along described liquid stream, described outlet has shape, and the described shape of wherein said outlet is symmetrical relative 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 relative to described steering component.

8. distributor according to claim 1, watch from the direction on the described surface of the described wall perpendicular to described liquid distribution passage, described liquid distribution passage comprises the center line in the direction flowing through 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 relative 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, and the width of described liquid distribution passage is larger in the downstream position relative to described steering component.

10. distributor according to claim 1, watch from the direction on the described surface of the described wall perpendicular to described liquid distribution passage, described liquid distribution passage and described outlet share the center line in the direction flowing through 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 relative to described center line symmetry.

11. distributors 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, and the width of described outlet is less than the width of described liquid distribution passage.

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

13. distributors 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 on the described surface of the described wall perpendicular to described liquid distribution passage, described distance is between being more than or equal to 0.5 times of width of described liquid distribution passage and between the scope being less than or equal to 1.5 times of the width of described liquid distribution passage.

Discharge the method for liquid from liquid distributor, comprising for 14. 1 kinds:

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 surface, a part for described wall defines outlet, described outlet comprises the downstream edge in the direction flowing through described liquid distribution passage relative to liquid stream, and described downstream edge tilts relative to the described surface of the described wall of described liquid distribution passage, and described fluid return passageway comprises exhaust outlet;

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

Turn to a part for the liquid by described flowing the described outlet flowing through described liquid distribution passage by optionally activating steering component, and cause drop to be discharged from the described outlet of described liquid distribution passage, the liquid carrying wherein flowing to described fluid return passageway by described liquid distribution passage from described liquid service duct supplies to comprise to provide described liquid under stress, and described pressure enough causes described liquid to be used as the major impetus of drop discharge.

15. methods according to claim 14, wherein flow through the described outlet of described liquid distribution passage with a part for the liquid by described flowing by optionally activating steering component and cause drop to be discharged from the described outlet of described liquid distribution passage, it comprises part heat being applied to the described liquid flowing through described liquid distribution passage.

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

17. methods according to claim 14, wherein in time watching from the direction on the described surface perpendicular to described wall, the described downstream edge of described outlet comprises radius of curvature.

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

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

20. methods according to claim 14, watch from the direction on the described surface of the described wall perpendicular to described liquid distribution passage, described outlet comprises the center line in the direction flowing through described liquid distribution passage along described liquid stream, described outlet has shape, and the described shape of wherein said outlet is symmetrical relative to the described center line of described outlet.

21. methods 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 relative to described steering component.

22. methods 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, and the width of described liquid distribution passage is larger in the downstream position relative to described steering component.

23. methods according to claim 14, watch from the direction on the described surface of the described wall perpendicular to described liquid distribution passage, described liquid distribution passage and described outlet share the center line in the direction flowing through 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 relative to described center line symmetry.

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