CN104718081A

CN104718081A - Droplet deposition apparatus and method for depositing droplets of fluid

Info

Publication number: CN104718081A
Application number: CN201380052468.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 保罗·雷蒙德·德鲁里; 安格斯·康蒂; 阿萨纳西奥斯·卡纳里斯
Original assignee: Xaar Ltd
Current assignee: Seer Technology Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2012-08-10
Filing date: 2013-08-12
Publication date: 2015-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-08-12
Also published as: CN104718081B; CN106696465A; GB2504777A; GB201214348D0; JP2015524361A; CN106696465B; BR112015002961A8; WO2014023981A1; BR112015002961A2; IN2015DN01725A; EP2882594A1

Abstract

A droplet ejection apparatus, such as an inkjet printhead, having improved productivity that includes: an array of elongate fluid chambers (2), with each chamber communicating with a nozzle (6), the array extending in an array direction; a common fluid inlet manifold (4); a common fluid outlet manifold (5); and a fluid supply that generates a through-flow of fluid from the common fluid inlet manifold, through each chamber in the array and into the common fluid outlet manifold; the two walls defining each chamber are formed from piezoelectric material so as to effect droplet ejection from the nozzle; this ejection flow occurs simultaneously with the through flow, which may have a larger value than the maximum ejection flow; each nozzle may be elongate parallel to the length of its chamber and/or may have an outlet with an area conferring advantages in terms of productivity and temperature control.

Description

For droplet deposition apparatus and the method for the drop of deposits fluid

The present invention relates to the droplet deposition apparatus for the drop of deposits fluid and method.The application useful especially in droplet deposition apparatus can be found, droplet deposition apparatus comprises: the array of microscler fluid chamber, common fluid intake manifold and common fluid issuing manifold and enter the device of the flowing of described outlet manifold for generation of entering described inlet manifold, through each room in array, and each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop.

The example of such droplet deposition apparatus is provided by WO 00/38928, from wherein achieving Fig. 1,2,3 and 4.Fig. 1, such as, illustrate " page is wide " printhead 10, have two row nozzles 20,30 (each nozzle has circular profile), two row nozzles 20,30 extend the width of (by arrow 100 indicated direction) a piece of paper and it allows to cross over the whole width ink deposition of the page in one way.The injection of the ink from nozzle is realized by the signal of telecommunication being applied to the drive unit associated with fluid chamber's (fluid chamber is communicated with nozzle), as such as from EP-A-0 277 703, EP-A-0 278 590 and, more particularly, known in WO 98/52763 and WO 99/19147.Manufacture to simplify and improve productive rate, " page is wide " row of nozzle can be made up of multiple module, one of them module illustrates at 40 places, and each module has the fluid chamber and actuating device that are associated and is connected to the drive circuit (integrated circuit (" chip ") 50) be associated by means of such as flexible circuit 60.By the corresponding hole (not shown) in end cap 90, ink is supplied to printhead and supplies ink from printhead.

Fig. 2 is the perspective view from rear portion of the printhead of Fig. 1, and end cap 90 is removed the supporting construction 200 showing printhead, and supporting construction 200 includes the ink flow passage 210,220,230 extending printhead width.Hole (omitting from the view of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) in an end cap 90 wherein, ink enters printhead and ink feed path 220, as in fig. 2 shown in 215.When ink is along flow channels, it is pulled in corresponding ink chamber, and as shown in FIG. 3, Fig. 3 is the sectional view of the bearing of trend printhead taken from perpendicular to nozzle row.From path 220, ink flows in the first and second parallel row (representing at 300 and 310 places respectively) of ink chamber via the hole 320 (being depicted as shade) formed in structure 200.Flowed through the first row and second row of ink chamber, ink leaves the ink flowing added along the first respective ink export path and the second ink export path 210,230 via hole 330 and 340, as represented at 235 places.These ink are joined at common ink export (not shown) place, and common ink export is formed and can be positioned at relative with the end forming the ingate wherein or identical end of printhead in edge cap.

Give the details of the room of specific printhead shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 and the other of nozzle in the diagram, Fig. 4 is the sectional view intercepted along the fluid chamber of module 40.Fluid chamber takes the form of passage 11, passage 11 in the base element 860 of piezoelectric with machined or otherwise formed, to define subsequently by the piezoelectric channel walls that electrode applies, thus to form conduit wall actuator, as such as known from EP-A-0 277 703.Half part of each passage is closed along length 600,610 by the corresponding sections 820,830 of covering parts 620, and covering parts 620 are also formed as having the port 630,640,650 be communicated with fluid manifold 210,220,230 respectively.The interruption at 810 places in electrode allows to operate independently by means of in the conduit wall of the signal of telecommunication applied through electric input part (flexible circuit 60) in any one half part of passage.Be ejected through opening 840,850 from the ink of each passage half part, opening 840,850 is communicated with passage with the surface relative with the surface forming passage wherein of piezoelectricity base element.The nozzle 870,880 sprayed for ink is formed subsequently in the nozzle plate 890 being attached to piezoelectric part.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the fluid of plurality of optional can be deposited by droplet deposition apparatus: the drop of ink can march to, such as, paper or other substrate, such as ceramic tile, to form image, as the situation in ink jet printable application; Alternatively, the drop of fluid may be used for building structure, such as electroactive fluid can be deposited into substrate, such as, to make the prototype of electric equipment become possibility on circuit board, or can deposit in successive layers containing the fluid of polymer or molten polymer to produce the prototype model (in printing at 3D) of object.Textural similar to standard ink jet printhead module can be used in, make some adaptations that can process the particular fluid in considering provide the droplet deposition apparatus being suitable for so optional fluid.

Fig. 5 with Fig. 6 is the decomposition diagram adopting the printhead constructed to the side-emitted formula of the similar double ended of Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, but obtains from WO 01/12442.As can be seen, employ two row of channels relative to each other separated at medium feed direction, the direction that wherein every a line is being transverse to medium feed direction extends pagewidth.

Two row of channels are formed in corresponding bar 110a, 110b of piezoelectric, and corresponding bar 110a, 110b are bonded to the flat surfaces 120 of substrate 86.Electrode is arranged on the wall of passage, makes the signal of telecommunication optionally can be applied to wall.Therefore conduit wall is used as actuator means and drop can be caused to spray.Substrate 86 is formed with strip conductor 192, strip conductor 192 is electrically connected to corresponding conduit wall electrode (such as by soldering joint portion) and extends to the edge of substrate, and the corresponding drive circuit (integrated circuit 84a, 84b) of every a line of passage is being located in this edge.

As seen from Fig. 5 and 6, covering component 130 is bonded to the top of conduit wall, thus produces " activity " passage length closed that can hold the pressure wave allowing drop to spray.The nozzle bore separately with circular profile is formed in covering component 130, and nozzle bore and channel connection become possibility to make the injection of drop.

Substrate 86 is also provided with port 88,90 and 92, and it is communicated to inlet manifold and outlet manifold.As the structure described referring to figs. 1 through Fig. 4, inlet manifold can be arranged between two outlet manifold, wherein therefore inlet manifold is supplied to passage via port 90 ink, and ink is removed to corresponding outlet manifold from two row of channels via port 88 and 92.As shown in Figure 6, strip conductor 192 can turn to around port 88,90 and 92.

Disclosed in WO 00/38928 and WO 01/12442, therefore printhead can think the example of the droplet deposition apparatus of the array comprising microscler fluid chamber, each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop, this equipment has common fluid intake manifold and has common fluid issuing manifold, and enters the device of the fluid flowing of described outlet manifold for generation of entering described inlet manifold, through each room in array.

The present invention relates to the improvement in such droplet deposition apparatus.

In many industrial departments, in droplet deposition process, such as, in print application and industry deposition, improving craft rate of production is crucial driving factors.Usually can by improving frequency that drop sprays from nozzle or the size alternatively by increasing each fluid drop meets for this demand boosted productivity.

Other method for increasing productivity ratio increases nozzle or aperture sum (more nozzle carries more ink), and this can have the printhead of more highdensity nozzle at array direction by producing or guide substrate to realize by the multiple droplet deposition module (such as printhead) of aiming at suitably of use.

According to concrete application, these methods can be combined thus boost productivity further.But, although each in these methods according to circumstances for boosting productivity, can have the compromise of the reality that will consider in each case.For specific method, the existing physics restriction boosted productivity also may be had.

Such as, the minimum dimension that increase aperture density meeting passively activated component or fluid chamber can manufacture according to it limits.In those printheads such as shown in Fig. 1 to 5, the restriction that can be sawn into the density of passage according to it in piezoelectric can be had.In addition, increase aperture density and can affect the size (particularly when the encapsulation of device remains unchanged) of actuation element and therefore actuation element can not so effectively and therefore can damage the performance of device to a certain extent.

As noted above, multiple drop jet module (such as printhead) also may be used for boosting productivity.The droplet deposition apparatus comprising multiple module can reduce the impact of the minimum dimension on constraint actuation element, but considers that it comprises the droplet deposition module of multiple high cost, and the cost of device may be too high.

In addition, in some cases, the droplet deposition module with larger encapsulation is used may to be suitable to boost productivity.This can alleviate some restriction to the size of actuation element significantly; But larger encapsulation may be reduced to cost with definition.According to embody rule, the reduction of such definition may be unacceptable.

The present invention can improve some problem in these problems.In some specific embodiments, it can improve the productivity ratio of droplet deposition apparatus, and additionally or instead can experience different improvement in other embodiments.

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, provide a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising: the array of microscler fluid chamber, each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop, and array extends at array direction; Common fluid intake manifold; Common fluid issuing manifold; And for generation of passing each room in described array from described common fluid intake manifold and entering the through-flow (Q of the fluid of described common fluid issuing manifold _tF) device; Each in wherein said fluid chamber to be communicated with described common fluid intake manifold at a longitudinal end and to be communicated with described common fluid issuing manifold at relative longitudinal end; Wherein each room is associated with at least one piezo-activator and sprays for the drop produced from described aperture, cause from described room and the jet flow of the fluid left from described aperture, described jet flow and describedly through-flowly side by side to occur, described jet flow has maximum Q _e; Each in wherein said aperture is microscler in the direction of the longitudinal axis being parallel to corresponding in described fluid chamber.

The prolongation being parallel to the aperture of the longitudinal axis of corresponding fluid chamber can enable port size increase, and suitably can affect the aperture density at array direction.In addition, or otherwise, increasing port size by the prolongation in the aperture being parallel to longitudinal axis can enable nozzle entrance spaced apart with the wall of fluid chamber.This can enable equipment more easily manufacture because its aperture relative to the more error margin provided in location, room.In addition, between the Formation period in aperture, the damage to wall can be avoided or reduce to spacing, particularly when aperture is formed by ablation.The size of the increase in aperture can allow aperture to spray the fluid drop with the volume of increase, thus improves the productivity ratio of equipment.

This specific orientation in aperture can have additional advantage.Such as, because fluid chamber to be communicated with described common fluid intake manifold at a longitudinal end and be communicated with described common fluid issuing manifold at relative longitudinal end, so can guide through-flow along the longitudinal length of fluid chamber.Therefore, direction that the is through-flow and prolongation in aperture can be aimed at.This can cause near aperture, removing chip efficiently, such as air bubble and dust granules especially between the operating period of equipment.Such removing chip can reduce the incidence of aperture blocking during use, thus improves the reliability of equipment.

In addition, this orientation in aperture can cause sound wave (it can be produced by piezo-activator between the operating period of equipment) near aperture than the time using circular aperture sustainable existence longer.Usually, each place after the actuating of piezo-activator in the longitudinal end of room produces and inwardly advances towards aperture by such sound wave.Because aperture is microscler in the direction of advancing of sound wave thus, so sound wave in aperture place sustainable existence relatively longer time, thus can improve the efficiency of spraying.

Preferably, for each aperture in described aperture, the draw ratio of outlet can be less than the draw ratio of entrance.Applicant has been found that being parallel to longitudinal axis is microscler aperture, although have some advantage as discussed above, and direction accuracy that in some cases may be lower than the aperture experience of circle.But applicant also finds, this problem of direction accuracy can correct by making the outlet in aperture be shaped suitably.Suitably, therefore, the draw ratio of the outlet in each aperture can be less than the draw ratio of entrance.Such layout still can benefit from the advantage of above-described prolongation, because entrance can be microscler at longitudinal direction.Preferably, the outlet in each aperture can have draw ratio between 1.0 to 1.2 and, in some embodiments, the outlet in each aperture can have the draw ratio of about 1.0.This also can be suitable, and each aperture is tapered, makes the area of jet expansion (and draw ratio) be less than the area (and draw ratio) of nozzle entrance.

Suitably, the key dimension of the entrance in each aperture in described aperture can be aimed at the longitudinal axis of fluid chamber.Alternatively, the key dimension of outlet also can be aimed at the longitudinal axis of fluid chamber.

In addition, or otherwise, the outlet in described aperture and entrance can be oval approx and, suitably, the major axis of described ellipse can be aimed at the longitudinal axis of fluid chamber.Preferably, the outlet in each aperture in described aperture can be circular approx.

Preferably, each in described fluid chamber has width w at described array direction, thus defines theoretical circular area A _t=1/4TTW ²the aperture exit of each room has area A _n, wherein 0.48A _t>A _n>0.2A _t.

Have been found that and through-flowly particularly cool actuator for cooling device.In addition, jet flow also may be used for cooling device (particularly near actuator), because heat is passed to fluid and is then removed along with the drop sprayed from equipment.Therefore will expect, along with orifice area increases, by the cooling improved equipment because the size of the drop sprayed by increases and therefore more fluid will be removed from room by injection.But, applicant has been found that, unexpectedly, the aperture with larger area not necessarily provides more high efficiency cooling, and the aperture with the area in this specific scope is equipment than having the equipment having more large-area aperture, and particularly piezo-activator provides more effective cooling.The numerical value of through-flow only appropriateness is used to typically provide this cooling effect.

More preferably, described through-flow value makes Q _tF>0.25Q _e.What be used within the scope of this is through-flow, using the aperture as defined above, can allow equipment, and particularly actuator is cooled to the fluid making to pass through room and is usually heated only 2 degree or less degree.This shows that the temperature difference can improve the serviceable bife of equipment significantly.

In this, should be appreciated that the little rising of fluid temperature (F.T.) can indicate equipment and the significantly rising of the particularly temperature of actuator.Estimation for equipment life can based on Arrhenius relationship, and wherein the chemical erosion of component is the principal element in the fault of equipment.Therefore, should be appreciated that equipment life can be responsive to the even less temperature difference.

It is also understood that the large temperature difference can cause the harmful effect to drop ejection characteristics.Applicant has been found that such characteristic is responsive to the rheology of fluid, and the change in even little temperature can affect rheology significantly.

Again more preferably, described through-flow value makes Q _tF>Q _e.This can cause the remarkable increase of equipment dependability: because than flowing over the many fluids in aperture through aperture, even if in maximum injection period, effectively chip is washed away near nozzle especially so through-flow.

Alternatively, each in described fluid chamber has width w at described array direction, thus defines theoretical circular area A _t=1/4TTW ², the aperture exit of each room has area A _n, and wherein 0.80A _t>A _n>0.20A _tand Q _tF>4Q _e.

Applicant has been found that to be used within the scope of this through-flow, have have high to 0.80A _tthe equipment in aperture of area usually will have and there is the temperature difference having the significantly more unit affinity in the aperture of small size.Particularly, having larger aperture, (those have high to 0.80A _tthe aperture of area) equipment in the temperature difference of experience by usually having comparatively microstome, (those have and are greater than 0.20A _tthe aperture of area) equipment in experience 0.2 degree of the temperature difference.Because 0.2 degree is considered to be in normal deviation range usually, so depend on environment, it can be left in the basket, and the performance of two equipment in life-span and drop characteristics is identical substantially.

Suitably, the described longitudinal axis parallel of described fluid chamber is in passage bearing of trend.Preferably, this passage bearing of trend is perpendicular to described array direction.

According to a second aspect of the invention, provide a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising: the array of microscler fluid chamber, each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop, and array extends at array direction; Common fluid intake manifold; Common fluid issuing manifold; And for generation of passing each room in described array from described common fluid intake manifold and entering the through-flow (Q of the fluid of described common fluid issuing manifold _tF) device; Each in wherein said fluid chamber is communicated with described common fluid intake manifold an end and is communicated with described common fluid issuing manifold in relative end; Wherein each room is associated with at least one piezo-activator and sprays for the drop produced from described aperture, cause from described room and the jet flow of the fluid left from described aperture, described jet flow and describedly through-flowly side by side to occur, described jet flow has maximum Q _e; Each in wherein said fluid chamber has width w at described array direction, thus defines theoretical circular area A _t=1/4TTW ², the aperture exit of each room has area A _n, wherein 0.48A _t>A _n>0.20A _t.

As discussed in detail above, have at scope 0.48A _t>A _n>0.20A _tthe aperture of interior area can be provided in the temperature difference of the fluid of entry manifold and little especially between the fluid at outlet manifold place.This can correspond to equipment, and particularly the cooling especially efficiently of piezo-activator, and there is no need for through-flow large value.Such effect not necessarily depends on the prolongation in above-described aperture.

Preferably, Q _tFvalue be enough to guarantee that the temperature of the fluid being back to described outlet common manifold remains on substantially and enter in 0.2 degree of the fluid of room from common inlet manifold.

According to an other aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising: the array of microscler fluid chamber, each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop, and array extends at array direction; Common fluid intake manifold; Common fluid issuing manifold; And for generation of passing each room in described array from described common fluid intake manifold and entering the through-flow (Q of the fluid of described common fluid issuing manifold _tF) device; Each in wherein said fluid chamber is communicated with described common fluid intake manifold an end and is communicated with described common fluid issuing manifold in relative end; Wherein each room is associated with at least one piezo-activator and sprays for the drop produced from described aperture, cause from described room and the jet flow of the fluid left from described aperture, described jet flow and describedly through-flowly side by side to occur, described jet flow has maximum Q _e; Each in wherein said fluid chamber has width w at described array direction, thus defines theoretical circular area A _t=1/4TTW ², the aperture exit of each room has area A _n, and wherein 0.80A _t>A _n>0.20A _tand Q _tF>4Q _e.

As discussed above, applicant has been found that use is defined in Q _tF>4Q _ethrough-flow in scope, have have high to 0.80A _tthe equipment in aperture of area usually will have and there is the temperature difference having the significantly more unit affinity in the aperture of small size.Particularly, (have high to 0.80A having larger aperture _tthose of area) equipment in the temperature difference of experience having less aperture by usual (having and be greater than 0.20A _tthose of area) equipment in experience 0.2 degree of the temperature difference.Because 0.2 degree is considered to be in normal deviation range usually, so depend on environment, it can be ignored, and the performance of two equipment in life-span and drop characteristics is identical substantially.

According to an other again aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising: the array of microscler fluid chamber, each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop, and array extends at array direction; Common fluid intake manifold; Common fluid issuing manifold; And for generation of passing each room in described array from described common fluid intake manifold and entering the through-flow (Q of the fluid of described common fluid issuing manifold _tF) device; Each in wherein said fluid chamber is communicated with described common fluid intake manifold an end and is communicated with described common fluid issuing manifold in relative end; Wherein each room is associated with at least one piezo-activator and sprays for the drop produced from described aperture, cause from described room and the jet flow of the fluid left from described aperture, described jet flow and describedly through-flowly side by side to occur, described jet flow has maximum Q _e; Wherein said aperture is arranged in the orifice plates with t micron thickness, and tapered the making in each aperture defines taper angle θ; Each in wherein said fluid chamber has the width of w micron at described array direction, thus defines actual circular area A _p=1/4TT (w-e-2ttan θ) ², wherein e takes the value of 10 microns, and the aperture exit of each room has area A _n, wherein 3A _p>A _n>1.25A _p.

This value e can correspond to room and aperture and pass through its technique accuracy formed.

In embodiments, taper angle θ can take the value between 5 to 15 ° and preferably can take the value between 10 to 12 °.Should be appreciated that not should be understood to hint aperture to the reference of taper angle will necessarily have identical taper in all positions.Therefore, suitably, taper angle θ can correspond to the average taper angle for aperture.

According to an other again aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising: the array of microscler fluid chamber, each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop, and array extends at array direction; Common fluid intake manifold; Common fluid issuing manifold; And for generation of passing each room in described array from described common fluid intake manifold and entering the through-flow (Q of the fluid of described common fluid issuing manifold _tF) device; Each in wherein said fluid chamber is communicated with described common fluid intake manifold an end and is communicated with described common fluid issuing manifold in relative end; Wherein each room is associated with at least one piezo-activator and sprays for the drop produced from described aperture, cause from described room and the jet flow of the fluid left from described aperture, described jet flow and describedly through-flowly side by side to occur, described jet flow has maximum Q _e; Wherein said aperture is arranged in the orifice plates with t micron thickness, and tapered the making in each aperture defines taper angle θ; Each in wherein said fluid chamber has the width of w micron at described array direction, thus defines theoretical circular area A _p=1/4TT (w-e-2ttan θ) ², wherein e takes the value between 5 to 10 microns, and the aperture exit of each room has area A _n, wherein 5A _p>A _n>1.25A _p, and Q _tF>4Q _e.

In embodiments, taper angle θ can take the value between 5 to 15 ° and preferably can take the value between 10 to 12 °.

According to another other aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising: the array of microscler fluid chamber, each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop, and array extends at array direction; Common fluid intake manifold; Common fluid issuing manifold; And for generation of passing each room in described array from described common fluid intake manifold and entering the through-flow (Q of the fluid of described common fluid issuing manifold _tF) device; Each in wherein said fluid chamber is communicated with described common fluid intake manifold an end and is communicated with described common fluid issuing manifold in relative end; Wherein each room is associated with at least one piezo-activator and sprays for the drop produced from described aperture, cause from described room and the jet flow of the fluid left from described aperture, described jet flow and describedly through-flowly side by side to occur, described jet flow has maximum Q _e; Wherein the aperture exit of each room has area A _n, wherein 1600 μm ²>A _n>650 μm ².

According to another other aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising: the array of microscler fluid chamber, each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop, and array extends at array direction; Common fluid intake manifold; Common fluid issuing manifold; And for generation of passing each room in described array from described common fluid intake manifold and entering the through-flow (Q of the fluid of described common fluid issuing manifold _tF) device; Each in wherein said fluid chamber is communicated with described common fluid intake manifold an end and is communicated with described common fluid issuing manifold in relative end; Wherein each room is associated with at least one piezo-activator and sprays for the drop produced from described aperture, cause from described room and the jet flow of the fluid left from described aperture, described jet flow and describedly through-flowly side by side to occur, described jet flow has maximum Q _e; Wherein the aperture exit of each room has area A _n, and wherein 2700 μm ²>A _n>650 μm ²and Q _tF>4Q _e.

According to an other again aspect of the present invention, a kind of method of the drop for deposits fluid is provided, comprises the following steps: provide according to equipment in any one of the preceding claims wherein; Operating said equipment thus described through-flow and described jet flow is provided.

Preferably, in each in provided above, each the tapered area making the area of aperture exit be less than aperture entrance in aperture.Alternatively, aperture entrance can entirely be contained in fluid chamber, makes it not overlapping with locular wall.Aperture entrance can be defined in towards in the surface of the fluid chamber of correspondence.This surface can around the top of the fluid chamber of correspondence.Aperture exit can be defined in relative surface, and it can be parallel to the surface that aperture entrance defines wherein.

Preferably, aperture can be arranged in orifice plates.This orifice plates can comprise the apparent surface of two flat.One in these surfaces entrance that described aperture can be provided, and another provides the outlet in described aperture.The surface defining entrance wherein can around the top of the array of fluid chamber.

Preferably, each in described microscler room is defined between two microscler locular walls, and the top of described locular wall jointly provides the surface of flat, and described orifice plates is attached to described surface.Each locular wall can comprise piezoelectric and, alternatively, this piezoelectric can be polarized, makes locular wall will be out of shape in response to actuated signal thus present V-arrangement shape.Particularly, when activated, when watching along the length of room, wall will have V-arrangement shape.This can divide by locular wall is divided into two half-unit along its length, makes one and half parts at a direction polarization and another half part realizes at contrary direction polarization.

Spray to produce drop, two locular walls can all activated simultaneously.Electrode can be formed on two of a locular wall side, and these two sides are towards two rooms of being separated by wall.When locular wall comprises piezoelectric, they can be out of shape in shear mode.Can arrange that the direction polarization of the piezoelectric of electrode and wall is to realize locular wall distortion.

Room can have the width such as between 20 to 150 microns, between 30 to 130 microns, between 40 to 110 microns, between 50 to 90 microns or between 60 to 70 microns.

Equipment can be that activatable with operating speed v liquid droplets, wherein v is between 2 to 20m/s, between 3 to 18m/s, between 4 to 16m/s, or between 5 to 14m/s.

Now with reference to accompanying drawing, embodiment of the present invention are described, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates prior art ink-jet printer;

Fig. 2 is the perspective view from rear portion of the printhead of Fig. 1, and wherein end cap is removed the ink shown through printhead and flows;

Fig. 3 is the sectional view that the direction of the extension perpendicular to nozzle row of the printhead of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 intercepts;

Fig. 4 is the sectional view that the fluid chamber along module of the ink-jet printer of Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 intercepts;

Fig. 5 illustrates the other example of of the printhead of prior art, have employed and constructs to the similar double ended side-emitted formula of Fig. 1 to Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is the decomposition diagram of the printhead of Fig. 5, it illustrates the strip conductor for the signal of telecommunication being applied to actuator component;

Fig. 7 shows the decomposition diagram of printhead according to the first embodiment of the invention, and it has the nozzle extended at room bearing of trend;

Fig. 8 is the perspective view of the length of room along ink jet-print head and shows the size of the size of the fluid chamber relative to printhead of tapered nozzle;

Fig. 9 shows with through-flow different value, printhead with the speed liquid droplets of 6m/s, the result of a series of tests that the printhead with different spray nozzles area is implemented;

Figure 10 shows the result of a series of tests similar to those results shown in Figure 9, but wherein printhead is with the speed liquid droplets of 12m/s.

Figure 11 shows the test result of the directionality accuracy in the direction at the longitudinal axis perpendicular to fluid chamber of a series of printhead, this a series of printhead has the jet expansion having different major diameter ratio, and printhead all has and has the nozzle entrance that draw ratio is 1.8;

The printhead that Figure 12 shows its result same train shown in Figure 11 is being parallel to the test result of directionality accuracy in direction of longitudinal axis of fluid chamber;

Figure 13 depicts the ratio of value shown in Figure 11 and value shown in Figure 12, in contrast to the value of the jet expansion draw ratio of each in the printhead of this series shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 of its result;

Figure 14 is the plane according to a series of other embodiments of the present invention, and wherein the optional nozzle geometric configuration of shown in Figure 7 those utilizes; And

Figure 15 is the plane according to a series of other embodiments more of the present invention, which uses the geometry of the optional room of those printheads shown in Figure 7.

The present invention can implement in ink-jet printer.Fig. 7 thus illustrates the exploded view of the ink jet-print head in ink-jet printer according to the first embodiment of the invention.As seen from figure, ink jet-print head comprises the single array of fluid chamber (2), and each fluid chamber defines between the microscler locular wall (3) of a pair.Each fluid chamber (2) is microscler at passage bearing of trend (C), and locular wall (3) is also microscler in this direction.Array extends at the array direction (D) perpendicular to room bearing of trend (C).As shown in arrow 7 in the figure 7, between the operating period of equipment, the longitudinal end of fluid in room enters each room from common inlet manifold (4), length along room flows over aperture (6) (aperture (6) are set to the middle part relative to its longitudinal end towards room), and leaves room to be back to common outlet manifold (5) at its another longitudinal end.Can also provide one or more fluid conduit systems so that ink is recycled to common inlet manifold (not shown) from common outlet manifold.

Ink-jet printer can have and those the similar architectural features described above with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, such as, in the surface of substrate, arrange two arrays of the port be communicated with common outlet manifold with common inlet manifold respectively.As shown in Fig. 1 to 3, manifold also can be arranged in the housing of single generic cylindrical.

In order to provide the flowing (7) through room (2), ink supply system can be applied to the first constant pressure the ink in common inlet manifold (4), and the ink simultaneously constant the second lower pressure is applied in common outlet manifold (5).By such as from the reservoir relative to aperture offset of vertical that WO 00/38928 is known, or such constant pressure can be provided by corresponding fluid pressurizer simply.Also as known from WO 00/38928, fluid feed system can apply negative pressure (relative to atmospheric pressure) at nozzle (6) place.Person of skill in the art will appreciate that, the difference of this value that may be required between the first pressure and the second pressure is negative.This negative pressure can prevent fluid during non-ejection period from dripping from nozzle (6).

Locular wall (3) can be formed by piezoelectric, and as described referring to figs. 1 through Fig. 6 above, wherein electrode (not shown) is formed in a part for locular wall, makes actuated signal to be applied to locular wall.But person of skill in the art will appreciate that, can utilize optional piezo-activator, wherein room is defined in non-piezoelectric material.Such as, room can use photoetching process to define in non-piezoelectric material, as required, piezo-activator comparatively early or comparatively after stage be arranged on that these are indoor.

Represented by the figure 7, the relative face defining the locular wall (3) of each room is separated by width w, makes room (2) can be described as the width having and equal w.Use circular nozzle (6), as the structure of Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, therefore the theoretic maximum area that nozzle can have while being still retained in indoor will equal value A _t=1/4TTW ².

Be to be understood that, because this width defines the scope of fluid chamber (2), wherein locular wall (3) comprises one or more coating (such as electrode and/or passivation layer), so should outmost Coating measurement width from the outmost coating of a wall to another wall.

But in fact, it may be impossible for reliably forming the nozzle with the circle of this theoretic maximum area, because this will require that nozzle (6) accurately mates width and the shape of room (2) with a hundred per cent accuracy.Therefore may the usual source of foozle must be taken into account thus determine the actual attainable maximum area of nozzle.

First source of such error is the technique being formed nozzle (6) self by it.Usual use optical technology defines shape and the size of nozzle (6); Such as, photoetching can be used to form nozzle plate (8) completely from Other substrate materials, or photoresist can be used as the shape that egative film defines nozzle bore, wherein metallic nozzle plate (8) carries out electroforming around photoresist post, as known from WO 2005/014292.Similarly, can in nozzle plate (8) directly ablation nozzle (6), nozzle plate (8) can by metal, polymer or the two be combined to form.Optical technology is although it is so more accurate, but they will still introduce the uncertainty of large approximate number micron.

The other source of of foozle is the technique by its forming chamber (2).Such as, as described referring to figs. 1 through Fig. 6 above, this can be included in the rectangular middle sawing conduit of piezoelectric, but also can comprise molding and the sintering of piezoelectric, or, when using non-piezoelectric material to define conduit, then can make optically.Not only will have uncertainty in the size and shape of room (2), and also will have uncertainty in the spacing of each room in array.

In addition, the combination of two techniques, particularly, each nozzle, relative to the aligning of the room of its correspondence or alignment, also will introduce uncertainty in manufacture process.

Adopt in combination, these errors can be about 10 microns.Therefore, the edge of nozzle (6) is made may to be necessary usually from the distance at the locular wall (3) of correspondence nominally 5 microns, interval.Under the damage situation that the technique forming nozzle may cause locular wall, this is this kind of situation especially.Such as, when using laser ablation to form nozzle, then may there is wall and burn with the tectal of them.

Although proposed to reduce the technique of the incidence (such as those disclosed in WO 2012/017248) of such damage, these only can protect the interior wall of room, and can not protect the top of locular wall, comprise any coating.As in WO 2012/017248 discuss, to coating, the damage of such as electrode and passivation layer can affect the performance of equipment significantly: can have the activity lower than the room of other in array in the room of making to the damage of electrode layer, or or even completely sluggish; Can cause the chemical erosion to layer below to the damage of passivation layer, this can affect the life-span of equipment.Therefore, even if can utilize protectiveness technique, such as, when those techniques of instructing in WO 2012/017248, it can be still important that nozzle entrance (6b) is separated from locular wall.

Although the large I of nozzle entrance (6b) is relevant with the size of room, have been found that the large I of jet expansion (6a) is relevant to the productivity ratio of equipment.Particularly, for given nozzle entrance (6b), the area of jet expansion (6a) is considered to the limiting factor of the size of the drop that equipment sprays.

But, because have been found that and expect in some cases to form the nozzle (this can cause the stability of the improvement of fluid meniscus at nozzle place) with taper, so the area of jet expansion (6a) can so that relevant to the area of nozzle entrance (6b) and, particularly, it can be less than the area of nozzle entrance (6b).But, even if applicant has determined there is these restrictions also some method applicable, the size of jet expansion (6a) can be optimized in these methods.

Fig. 8 is the perspective view of the length of room (2) along ink jet-print head, shows the size of such conical nozzle (6) of the size relative to fluid chamber (2).As can be seen, the entrance of nozzle is communicated with the fluid chamber with width w.Nozzle reduces gradually towards its outlet, exports and is formed in the relative surface of nozzle plate.

As seen from Fig. 8, the width of nozzle entrance (6b) is taked as w-e, and wherein e is chosen as to increase the numerical value that nozzle entrance (6b) entirely will be positioned at the possibility of the width of room (2) substantially.Therefore numerical value e is chosen to make the various sources of the error in nozzle (6) and room (2) are formed discussed above take into account, and can therefore take suitable numerical value, such as 10 microns, 7 microns or 5 microns.

The width of jet expansion (6a) is then even less, and as the result of the taper of nozzle, it is defined by angle θ.As shown in Figure 8, taper angle θ can define at such some place, at this point, is parallel to array direction and intersects with the circumference of nozzle entrance through the line of central authorities of nozzle entrance (6b).As also in fig. 8 shown in, taper angle can define relative to such direction, and this direction is not only perpendicular to array direction but also perpendicular to room bearing of trend.In common ink jet-print head, the taper angle of nozzle can between 5 to 15 degree, and in some instances can between 10 to 12 degree.

As by Fig. 8 further shown in, the nozzle plate (8) forming nozzle (6) wherein has thickness t.In common ink jet-print head, the thickness of nozzle plate (8) can in the scope of 50 to 150 microns, but it will be understood by those of skill in the art that other numerical value much can be suitable.

As obvious according to the diagram in Fig. 8, the difference of the width between nozzle entrance (6b) and jet expansion (6a) is 2ttan θ, makes nozzle entrance (6b) have the width of (w-e-2ttan θ).Jet expansion (6a) therefore has the area defined by following relation:

A _P＝1/4TT(w-e-2t·tanθ) ²

Therefore, when expecting that nozzle entrance (6b) is included in the width of fluid chamber, the maximum that circular jet expansion (6a) can be taked in practice can be A _p, as defined in this equation.It will be understood by those of skill in the art that when the different part of nozzle has different taper angles, consider this approximation only representing design constraint, the mean value of taper angle can be used in the equation above.

For common droplet deposition apparatus, particularly ink jet-print head, the maximum area for this reality of the nozzle of circle can about 530 square microns.This is the room width w based on 65 microns, considers the coating (therefore the spacing between locular wall self is 75 microns) of 5 microns on each locular wall.

By contrast, in such devices, the theoretic maximum (A of circular nozzle _t=1/4TTW ²) can therefore based on these numerical value, be calculated as about 3320 square microns, it is greater than A significantly significantly _pnumerical value.

Be back to the embodiment of Fig. 7, as noted above, nozzle is microscler at room bearing of trend (C).Therefore, their area relative to theoretical maximum and actual both maximums increases, because these maximums are the nozzles based on circle.As noted above, nozzle, particularly jet expansion (6a), the area of increase can cause the increase of the volume of the drop of each injection, thus improves the productivity ratio of printhead.In addition because nozzle with fluid through room mobile phase with direction be microscler, make it away near nozzle so chip especially effectively can be rinsed through the flowing of room.This can cause the improvement of the reliability of printhead.This improvement of reliability can also by not exceeding actual maximum area A _pnozzle experience, but should be appreciated that such printhead will not necessarily benefit from the improvement of productivity ratio.

In order to obtain appreciable effect in the productivity ratio of printhead, have been found that this is by normally required, the area of each nozzle is increased by 25%.In order to improve the productivity ratio of printhead, 1.25A can be applied to the area of nozzle _plower limit.In above-described ink jet-print head, this lower limit can correspond to about 650 square microns.

In addition because nozzle (6) area increase and therefore more heavy wool ink from room (2) spray, so estimate room will be cooled more effectively.From equipment, and particularly the heat of actuator component (3) will be passed to ink during use, and wherein the injection of this fluid is therefore for removing heat from the room (2) of the vicinity at actuator component (3).Therefore, because the area of nozzle (6) increases, and therefore also increase with the amount of flow of drops through nozzle (6), the speed that heat is passed away from actuator should increase, thus except boosting productivity, also cause the cooling of equipment to improve.

In order to quantize this cooling effect, implement test to a series of printhead, wherein different printheads has the nozzle (6) of particular area separately.The ruuning situation of each printhead in these printheads is tested with the different rates of the flowing through room (2).Figure 9 illustrates these experimental results.

The room (2) of printhead has the identical representative value for room discussed above width, i.e. the room width w of 65 microns.The actual maximum of jet expansion (6a) takes 530 square microns, also as discussed above.

Printhead comprises the array of microscler room (2), as shown in FIG. 7, each room is defined between the locular wall (3) of the microscler piezoelectricity of a pair, wherein provides the flowing from common inlet manifold (4) to the length along each room of common outlet manifold (5) during use.Thisly through-flowly side by side to occur with the injection of drop from nozzle (6), it, although drop is undoubtedly the discontinuous volume of fluid, can be considered to be equivalent to other jet flow.For each printhead, with the various values of the flowing through room (2), measure the ink at inlet manifold (4) place and the temperature difference between the ink at outlet manifold (5) place.

The abscissa of Fig. 9 shows the through-flow speed of printhead.Owing to spraying, the flow rate of printhead is expressed relative to owing to the maximum stream flow through nozzle (6) of spraying.This corresponds to the room of maximum injection frequency printed droplets, and wherein printhead is the speed that each drop gives 6m/s.Therefore value 1 on the horizontal scale corresponds to through each room and arrives the flowing equaling maximum jet flow of outlet manifold.Because jet flow and through-flowly side by side to occur, so will there is the fluid being back to outlet manifold with the equal quantities of spraying from nozzle (6) in maximum injection period.

The coordinate of Fig. 9 illustrates value representative the ink in entry manifold and between the ink at outlet manifold place with the temperature difference of degree Celsius (Δ T).This temperature difference may be used for representing the cooling effect in printhead under discussion.

Therefore each line on the chart of Fig. 9 represents the different printhead with respective exit area of nozzle.Therefore the legend of this figure uses characteristic area ratio (AR) to show these respective nozzle areas for this room, and this area ratio is nozzle area under discussion and actual maximum nozzle area (A _p) ratio.As noted above, actual maximum nozzle area (A _p) value be 530 square microns.

As what can see from form 1 hereafter, as expection, the increase of nozzle area result in the raising of productivity ratio.Form describes the measured value of the droplet size for each area ratio (AR) value.

Form 1

Although this raising of productivity ratio (increase by the volume of drop) is expection, find unexpectedly, larger nozzle area does not remove heat from room most effectively, as seen from Fig. 9.In fact, with the value of through-flow appropriateness, their performance is inferior to significantly has 3A _por the nozzle of more small size.

Also expect, the through-flow amount in room is also by the cooling for improvement of room.Therefore especially surprisingly, the nozzle with larger area has the worse performance in similar through-flow value, because through-flow value is relative to jet flow, and the identical through-flow value of therefore larger nozzle area corresponds to the further more substantial flowing of pressing absolute value and calculating.

But result shows really, be greater than 3A for having _pthe nozzle (6) of area, the validity of cooling significantly reduces.Therefore, result shows to have and is less than 3A _pthe nozzle (6) of area can be efficient especially on cooling device.Therefore, use has at 1.25A _p-3A _pthe equipment of the nozzle (6) of the area in scope can provide the raising of productivity ratio, also allows equipment especially effectively to cool simultaneously.This scope area also can according to the theoretical maximum area A of room _texpress, it calculates (according to formula A based on the room width value of 65 microns _t=1/4TTW ²) be about 3320 square microns.Therefore, the scope of jet expansion (6a) area can be set fourth as 0.48A again _t>A _n>0.20A _t.Alternatively, according to absolute value, this scope can be set fourth as 1600 μm ²>A _n>650 μm ².

Although should be appreciated that test result shown in Figure 9 seems to show at 3A _pflex point, but some uncertainty may be had in this value.Therefore, the favourable upper limit of nozzle area can be taked to be less than 3A _pvalue, such as 2.5,2.6,2.7,2.8 or 2.9A _p, it corresponds respectively to 0.40,0.42,0.43,0.45 and 0.46A _t, or the absolute value of about 1330,1380,1430,1487 and 1540 square microns.Similarly, the favourable upper limit can be taked to be greater than 3A _pvalue, such as 3.1,3.2,3.3,3.4 or 3.5A _p, it corresponds respectively to 0.50,0.51,0.53,0.54 and 0.56A _t, or the absolute value of about 1650,1700,1750,1810 and 1860 square microns.

Similarly, although due to productivity ratio reason, 1.25A _plower limit can be suitable, but lower limit larger in some condition can be suitable, to provide the appreciable raising of productivity ratio.Therefore, 1.30,1.35,1.40,1.45 and 1.50A _plower limit can be gratifying, it corresponds to 0.21,0.22,0.22,0.23 and 0.24A respectively _t, or the absolute value of 690,720,740,770 and 800 square microns.

As can see from Figure 9, when through-flow amount increases, the difference between different printheads reduces.Especially, when through-flow exceed the value of jet flow 4 times time, at 5A _pprinthead is (corresponding to 0.8A _tor about 2655 square microns) in the temperature difference of experience experience in the printhead at other 0.2 degree of the value of the temperature difference.Because it has been generally acknowledged that 0.2 degree is in normal deviation range, so depend on environment, it can be left in the basket, and the performance of two equipment in life-span with drop characteristics is identical substantially.

Figure 10 illustrates the result of other one group of similar test, but wherein printhead is with the speed liquid droplets of 12m/s.Also the same types with the more inefficient cooling of more giant area shown in Figure 9 can be seen in Fig. 10.

It is believed that the cooling provided by the printhead with more giant area worsens is need more high driving voltage to cause for spraying larger drop relatively.Particularly, in order to reach the identical speed of the injection of larger drop, need more substantial energy to overcome the relatively larger inertia of drop.Therefore this more substantial energy can cause in indoor increasing the heating of ink.For through-flow representative value, this heating effect shows as the flowing of the increase from room (2) heat out dominated owing to larger jet flow.

Therefore be appreciated that and use multiple nozzle geometry, and not necessarily use microscler nozzle should anticipate similar effect.

More specifically, although the advantage relevant to the prolongation of nozzle entrance (6b) can be had, above-described effect, contrast with the shape of outlet (6a), mainly relevant to the area of jet expansion (6a).Therefore can be particularly advantageously be to provide such structure, nozzle entrance (6b) is microscler in the direction of longitudinal axis of the fluid chamber being parallel to the correspondence in fluid chamber in the structure shown here, and wherein jet expansion (6a) has the area of in scope discussed above, this area provides benefit providing in the temperature controlled productivity ratio improvement with aspiration level.

Again more specifically, applicant has been found that, can advantageously provide such nozzle, namely wherein entrance (6b) is microscler (particularly, in the direction of longitudinal axis of correspondence being parallel in fluid chamber) and has the draw ratio larger than the draw ratio of jet expansion (6a).Figure 11 to Figure 13 therefore illustrates the result of test using a series of printhead with the number range of the draw ratio of jet expansion to carry out, but all printheads have nozzle entrance, and nozzle entrance has the draw ratio of identical 1.8.Both jet expansion and nozzle entrance are all oval approx in shape.

Each point on chart corresponds to the result (therefore notice, use each numerical value in the draw ratio numerical value 1.0 and 1.4 of jet expansion, test two printheads) from specific printhead.

Figure 11 shows the error of the respective value of the jet expansion draw ratio of the contrast printhead in the drop point site of X-direction (longitudinal axis perpendicular to fluid chamber) of the drop produced by printhead.Particularly, error amount is the 3-σ value with micron measurement amount.As noted above, for all printheads, the draw ratio of nozzle entrance keeps identical, is 1.8.

As we can see from the figure, with the increase of the numerical value of jet expansion draw ratio, there is the visible trend (notice two printheads that have recorded and have jet expansion draw ratio numerical value 1.4, have the drop landing error identical substantially in X-direction) that drop increases in X-direction landing error.Therefore be appreciated that when jet expansion draw ratio reduce and therefore jet expansion becomes more circular time, also reduce in the landing error of X-direction.

Figure 12 shows the error comparing the respective value of the jet expansion draw ratio of printhead in the drop point site (being parallel to the longitudinal axis of fluid chamber) in the Y direction of the drop that printhead produces.Again, error amount is the 3-σ value with micron measurement amount, and the draw ratio of nozzle entrance keeps identical for all printheads, is 1.8.

Compared with trend shown in Figure 11, landing error in the Y direction, for all tested jet expansion draw ratios numerical approximation keep constant.Therefore data imply jet expansion to be fabricated to more circular not have remarkable impact to landing error in the Y direction.

Figure 13 shows the error in X-direction of the numerical value comparing jet expansion draw ratio and the ratio of error in the Y direction.As seen from figure, owing to reducing jet expansion draw ratio numerical value, there is the obviously trend that error ratio value reduces.Therefore be appreciated that when jet expansion is fabricated to more circular, the direction accuracy of equipment improves.

Therefore data shown in Figure 11 to Figure 13 clearly illustrate that, have the accuracy that the draw ratio of the jet expansion nozzle lower than nozzle entrance draw ratio can have the raising of drop location.In addition, if nozzle entrance is microscler in the direction of the longitudinal axis of fluid chamber, so it also can provide manufacturing and the benefit of operating aspect of discussing further above.

Chart also shows, the nozzle with jet expansion (draw ratios corresponding to 1.0) circular approx has the accuracy of high-caliber especially drop location.Therefore, especially it is beneficial that can provide that to have at the longitudinal direction of fluid chamber be microscler nozzle entrance (and particularly oval nozzle entrance, wherein oval major axis is aimed at the longitudinal axis of room) and be the nozzle of jet expansion of circle approx.In addition, jet expansion has the area of in scope discussed above, and this area provides benefit providing in the temperature controlled productivity ratio raising with aspiration level.

It is further noted that the accuracy difference between the jet expansion with draw ratio 1.0 and the jet expansion with draw ratio 1.2 is little.Therefore, for the aperture of the draw ratio had between 1.0 to 1.2, the similar advantage in accuracy can be experienced.

Figure 14 and Figure 15 illustrates to be had for nozzle and also for the other embodiments again of the selectable geometry of room, and it can experience and those the similar raisings in productivity ratio discussed with reference to Fig. 9 and 10, has good thermal control in combination.

Figure 14 (a), such as, circular nozzle is provided, with above-described, embodiment such as with reference to Fig. 7 is compared, and the entrance (20a) of round nozzle has the diameter of the width (w) of the room (11) being greater than them and being communicated with it.Such nozzle can pass through " ex situ method " manufacture technics, and wherein before the edge being attached to locular wall is with surrounded chamber, nozzle is formed in nozzle plate component.By this way, nozzle forming process is not almost had by the risk of damage locular wall.

Although nozzle entrance (20a) has the large width in the room (11) that is communicated with it than nozzle entrance (20a), and therefore have and be greater than above-cited theoretical maximum A _t=1/4TTW ²area, but jet expansion (20b) still has the area of in scope discussed above, this area is provided in provide to have and uses the temperature controlled productivity ratio raising aspect of aspiration level to provide benefit.Such as, jet expansion (20b) can have and is defined in 0.48A _t>A _n>0.20A _tscope in area, or alternatively, in absolute value, 1600 μm ²>A _n>650 μm ².

Figure 14 (b) illustrates the embodiment similar to Figure 14 (a), but to have in the direction identical with fluid chamber be microscler nozzle.This can provide improvement as discussed above in reliability.

Figure 14 (c) shows other embodiments, and wherein the outlet (20b) of nozzle is microscler, and entrance (20a) is circular.As the embodiment of Figure 14 (a), the diameter of entrance (20a) is greater than the width of room (11).

Figure 15 (a) illustrates other embodiments again, and wherein locular wall is tapered along their length, direction alternately change between adjacent locular wall of wherein taper.This causes the room (11) with less constant width, but it is not parallel to each other.More specifically, the length of each room offsets angularly relative to array direction, direction alternately change between adjacent room (11) of wherein angular deflection.

Figure 15 (b) illustrates other embodiments again, wherein, as the embodiment of Figure 14 (a), provides circular nozzle.But room is included in the part of the vicinity of nozzle in this embodiment, this part has the width relatively larger than the remainder of room.Particularly, the part near room of room follows the profile similar to nozzle self, and it can be assisted and guarantee that entrance constrains between locular wall.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that above instruction content can be applied to the droplet deposition apparatus of wide region, instead of specific to printer.Therefore, about disclosing of printer and/or printhead, should be appreciated that except as otherwise noted, be more generally applicable to droplet deposition apparatus.Particularly, disclosing about printhead, should be appreciated that except as otherwise noted, and be applicable to other droplet deposition apparatus, it comprises: the array of microscler fluid chamber, and wherein each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop, and array extends at array direction; Common fluid intake manifold; Common fluid issuing manifold; And for generation of passing each room in described array from described common fluid intake manifold and entering the through-flow device of the fluid of described common fluid issuing manifold.

Claims

1. a liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising:

The array of microscler fluid chamber, each room is communicated with the aperture of spraying for drop, and described array extends at array direction;

Common fluid intake manifold;

Common fluid issuing manifold; And

For generation of passing each room in described array from described common fluid intake manifold and entering the through-flow (Q of the fluid of described common fluid issuing manifold _tF) device;

Each in wherein said fluid chamber to be communicated with described common fluid intake manifold at a longitudinal end and to be communicated with described common fluid issuing manifold at relative longitudinal end;

Wherein each room is associated with at least one piezo-activator and sprays for the drop produced from described aperture, cause from described room and the jet flow of the fluid left from described aperture, described jet flow and describedly through-flowly simultaneously to occur, described jet flow has maximum Q _e;

Each in wherein said aperture is microscler in the direction of the longitudinal axis being parallel to the corresponding fluid chamber in described fluid chamber.

2. equipment according to claim 1, wherein, each place be actuated in the longitudinal end of corresponding room of each piezo-activator in described piezo-activator produces sound wave, and then described sound wave advances towards described aperture.

3., according to equipment according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, for each aperture in described aperture, the draw ratio of described outlet is less than the draw ratio of described entrance.

4. equipment according to claim 3, wherein, the described outlet in each aperture in described aperture is circular approx.

5. equipment according to any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein, each in described fluid chamber has width w at described array direction, thus defines theoretical circular area A _t=1/4 TTW ², for the aperture exit of each room, there is area A _n, wherein 0.48A _t>A _n>0.2A _t.

6. equipment according to claim 5, wherein, Q _tFvalue be enough to guarantee that the temperature of the fluid being back to described outlet common manifold remains on substantially and enter in 2 DEG C of the fluid of described room from described common inlet manifold.

7. according to claim 5 or equipment according to claim 6, wherein, described through-flow amount makes Q _tF>0.25Q _e, and preferably wherein Q _tF>Q _e.

8. equipment according to any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein, each in described fluid chamber has width w at described array direction, thus defines theoretical circular area A _t=1/4 TTW ², for the aperture exit of each room, there is area A _n, and wherein 0.80A _t>A _n>0.20A _tand Q _tF>4Q _e.

9. a liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising:

Common fluid intake manifold;

Common fluid issuing manifold; And

Each in wherein said fluid chamber has width w at described array direction, thus defines theoretical circular area A _t=1/4 TTW ², for the aperture exit of each room, there is area A _n, wherein 0.48A _t>A _n>0.20A _t.

10. a liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising:

Common fluid intake manifold;

Common fluid issuing manifold; And

For generation of passing each room in described array from described common fluid intake manifold and entering the through-flow (Q of the fluid in described common fluid issuing manifold _tF) device;

Wherein said aperture is arranged in the orifice plates with t micron thickness, and each aperture is tapered thus define taper angle θ;

Each in wherein said fluid chamber has the width of w micron at described array direction, thus defines actual circular area A _p=1/4 TT (W-e-2ttan θ) ², wherein e takes the value between 5 to 10 microns, and the aperture exit for each room has area A _n, wherein 3A _p>A _n>1.25A _p.

11. 1 kinds of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising:

Common fluid intake manifold;

Common fluid issuing manifold; And

Each in wherein said fluid chamber is communicated with described common fluid intake manifold an end and is communicated with described common fluid issuing manifold in relative end;

Aperture exit wherein for each room has area A _n, wherein 1600 μm ²>A _n>650 μm ².

12. equipment according to any one of claim 9 to 11, wherein, Q _tFvalue be enough to guarantee that the temperature of the fluid being back to described outlet common manifold remains on substantially and enter in 2 DEG C of the fluid of described room from described common inlet manifold.

13. the equipment according to any one of claim 9 to 12, wherein said through-flow amount makes Q _tF>0.25Q _e, and preferably wherein Q _tF>Q _e.

14. 1 kinds of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising:

Common fluid intake manifold;

Common fluid issuing manifold; And

Each in wherein said fluid chamber has width w at described array direction, thus defines theoretical circular area A _t=1/4 TTW ², for the aperture exit of each room, there is area A _n, and wherein 0.80A _t>A _n>0.20A _tand Q _tF>4Q _e.

15. 1 kinds of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising:

Common fluid intake manifold;

Common fluid issuing manifold; And

Wherein said aperture is arranged in the orifice plates with t micron thickness, and tapered the making in each aperture defines taper angle θ;

Each in wherein said fluid chamber has the width of w micron at described array direction, thus defines theoretical circular area A _p=1/4 TT (W-e-2ttan θ) ², wherein e takes the value between 5 to 10 microns, and the aperture exit for each room has area A _n, wherein 5A _p>A _n>1.25A _p, and Q _tF>4Q _e.

16. 1 kinds of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising:

Common fluid intake manifold;

Common fluid issuing manifold; And

Aperture exit wherein for each room has area A _nand wherein 2700 μm ²>A _n>650 μm ²and Q _tF>4Q _e.

17. according to equipment in any one of the preceding claims wherein, and wherein, described aperture is arranged in orifice plates.

18. equipment according to claim 17, wherein, each in described microscler room defines between two microscler locular walls, and the top of described locular wall provides the surface of general planar jointly, and described orifice plates is attached to described surface.

19. equipment according to any one of claim 1 to 16, wherein, each in described microscler room defines between two microscler locular walls.

20. according to claim 18 or equipment according to claim 19, and wherein, each length along corresponding room in described piezo-activator extends.

21. equipment according to claim 20, wherein, each in described piezo-activator extends to the second end of described room substantially from the first end of described room.

22. according to claim 18 to the equipment according to any one of 21, and wherein, described locular wall comprises piezoelectric, and each in described piezo-activator comprises corresponding one in described locular wall.

23. according to equipment in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, the longitudinal axis parallel of described fluid chamber in passage bearing of trend and preferably wherein said passage bearing of trend perpendicular to described array direction.

24. according to equipment in any one of the preceding claims wherein, and wherein, each in described aperture is tapered, makes the area of described jet expansion be less than the area of described nozzle entrance.

25. 1 kinds, for the method for the drop of deposits fluid, comprise the following steps:

There is provided according to equipment in any one of the preceding claims wherein;

Operating said equipment is to provide described through-flow and described jet flow.