CN106696465B - For the droplet deposition apparatus and method of the drop of deposits fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

This application involves the droplet deposition apparatus and method of the drop for deposits fluid.A kind of equipment for spraying drop with the productivity improved, such as inkjet print head, including：The array (2) of elongated fluid chamber, wherein each room is connected with nozzle (6), array extends in array direction；Common fluid inlet manifold (4)；Common fluid outlet manifold (5)；And fluid supply portion, generate from common fluid inlet manifold pass through array in each room and enter common fluid outlet manifold fluid it is through-flow；Two walls for defining each room are formed to generate the drop injection from nozzle by piezoelectric material；This jet flow occurs simultaneously with through-flow, can have the value bigger than maximum jet flow；Each length of the nozzle in the room for being parallel to it can be elongated and/or can have outlet, and outlet has the advantages that the area in productivity and the imparting of temperature control aspect.

Description

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

It is on 08 12nd, 2013 the applying date that the application, which is, entitled " to be used for application No. is 201380052468.9 The divisional application of the application of the droplet deposition apparatus and method of the drop of deposits fluid ".

Technical field

The present invention relates to the droplet deposition apparatus and method of the drop for deposits fluid.It can be found that it is set in droplet deposition Particularly advantageous application in standby, droplet deposition apparatus include：The array of elongated fluid chamber, common fluid inlet manifold with And common fluid outlet manifold and enter the inlet manifold, across each room in array and described in entering for generating The device of the flowing of outlet manifold, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection.

Background technology

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, it is illustrated that " the page width " print head 10, with two row nozzles 20,30 (each nozzle is with circular profile), the spray of two rows Mouth 20,30 extends the width of a piece of paper (in the direction indicated by arrow 100) and the whole of the page is crossed in its permission in one way A width deposits ink.It is realized by the way that electric signal is applied to driving device associated with fluid chamber's (fluid chamber connects with nozzle) From the injection of the ink of nozzle, such as example from EP-A-0 277 703,278 590 and of EP-A-0, more particularly, WO 98/ It is known in 52763 and WO 99/19147.In order to simplify manufacture and improve yield, " the page width " row of nozzle can be by more A module composition, one of module show at 40, the associated fluid chamber of each module and actuation means and Associated driving circuit (integrated circuit (" chip ") 50) is connected to by means of such as flexible circuit 60.By in end cap 90 Corresponding hole (not shown), ink supply ink supplied to print head and from print head.

Fig. 2 is the perspective view from rear portion of the print head of Fig. 1, and end cap 90 is removed the support knot to show print head Structure 200, support construction 200 include the ink flow passage 210,220,230 of extension printing head width.By one wherein Hole (being omitted from the view of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) in end cap 90, ink enters print head and ink feed path 220, such as in Fig. 2 In shown in 215.It when ink is along flow channels, is pulled into corresponding ink chamber, as shown in FIG. 3, Fig. 3 is It is derived from the sectional view of the extending direction print head perpendicular to nozzle row.From access 220, ink is via forming in structure 200 Hole 320 (being shown as shade) is flowed into the first and second parallel rows (being represented at 300 and 310 respectively) of ink chamber. The first row and the second row of ink chamber are flowed through, ink leaves to add in along respective first ink via hole 330 and 340 The ink of exit passageway and the second ink export access 210,230 flows, and is represented such as at 235.These ink are in common oil Ink outlet (not shown) at merge, common ink export formed in edge cap and can be positioned at print head at it The opposite or identical end in the middle end for forming ingate.

It has been presented in Fig. 4 the room of the specific print head shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 and the other details of nozzle, Fig. 4 It is the sectional view along fluid chamber's interception of module 40.Fluid chamber takes the form of channel 11, and channel 11 is in the base of piezoelectric material To machine or otherwise be formed in portion's component 860, to define the piezoelectric channel walls then coated by electrode, thus with Conduit wall actuator is formed, it is known such as example from EP-A-0 277 703.The half part of each channel is by covering component 620 corresponding segment 820,830 along length 600,610 close, covering component 620 be also formed as have respectively with fluid The port 630,640,650 that manifold 210,220,230 connects.The interruption at 810 in electrode allows by means of defeated by electricity Enter and be operating independently in conduit wall of the electric signal of portion's (flexible circuit 60) application in any one half part of channel.From each The ink of channel half part is ejected through opening 840,850, opening 840,850 channel and piezoelectricity base element with wherein Form the opposite surface connection in the surface of channel.Nozzle 870,880 for ink injection is then being attached to piezoelectric part Nozzle plate 890 in formed.

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：Ink Drop can march to, for example, paper or other substrates, such as ceramic tile, to form image, as in ink jet printable application In situation；Optionally, the drop of fluid can be used for building structure, such as electroactive fluid can be deposited to substrate, such as To make it possible that the prototype of electric equipment or the fluid containing polymer or molten polymer can be even on circuit board It deposits to produce the prototype model of object in subsequent layers (such as in 3D printing).It can use and constructively be printed with standard ink jet inks Similar module, some adaptive changes using the particular fluid made it possible to during processing considers are suitable in this way to provide Optional fluid droplet deposition apparatus.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is the decomposition using the print head of the side-emitted formula construction of the similar double ended to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 Perspective view, however obtained from WO 01/12442.As can be seen, it has used in medium feed direction relative to that This two row of channels separated, wherein extending page width in the direction for being transverse to medium feed direction per a line.

Two row of channels are formed in corresponding 110a, 110b of piezoelectric material, and corresponding 110a, 110b are bonded to The flat surfaces 120 of substrate 86.Electrode is arranged on the wall of channel so that electric signal can selectively apply to wall.Channel Wall accordingly acts as actuator means and drop can be caused to spray.Substrate 86 is formed with strip conductor 192, strip conductor 192 It is electrically connected to corresponding conduit wall electrode (such as by soldering engaging portion) and extends to the edge of substrate, every a line of channel Corresponding driving circuit (integrated circuit 84a, 84b) the edge position.

As can also be covered the top that component of thing 130 is bonded to conduit wall from being seen Figures 5 and 6, can holding so as to generate Receive allow drop spray pressure wave closing " movable " passage length.Respectively the nozzle bore with circular profile is covering It is formed in cover material component 130, nozzle bore is connected with channel so that the injection of drop is possibly realized.

Substrate 86 is additionally provided with port 88,90 and 92, is connected to inlet manifold and outlet manifold.As referring to figs. 1 to The structure of Fig. 4 descriptions, inlet manifold can be arranged between two outlet manifolds, and wherein inlet manifold is therefore via port 90 Ink is supplied to channel, and ink is removed via port 88 and 92 from two row of channels to corresponding outlet manifold.Such as Fig. 6 institutes Show, strip conductor 192 can surround port 88,90 and 92 and turn to.

Print head disclosed in WO 00/38928 and WO 01/12442 can be with therefore, it is considered that be to include elongated fluid The example of the droplet deposition apparatus of the array of room, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, which has common Fluid inlet manifold and enter the inlet manifold, across array with common fluid outlet manifold and for generating In each room and enter the outlet manifold fluid flow device.

Invention content

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, technique productions are improved Rate is crucial driving factors.The frequency that can be usually sprayed for putting forward large-duty this demand by improving drop from nozzle Rate meets alternately through the size for increasing each fluid drop.

Other method for increasing productivity is to increase nozzle or aperture sum (more more oil of nozzle conveying Ink), this can be by producing in print head of the array direction with more highdensity nozzle or by using multiple suitably right Accurate droplet deposition module (such as print head) guides substrate to realize.

According to specific application, these methods can be combined so as to further improve productivity.Although however, these methods In each can according to circumstances be used to improving productivity, but can have the practical folding to be considered in each case In.For specific method, it is also possible to carry large-duty physical limit with existing.

For example, increase aperture density meeting passively activated component or fluid chamber can be according to the minimum dimension limitations of its manufacture. Such as in those print heads shown in Fig. 1 to 5, can have can be sawn into the limit of the density of channel according to it in piezoelectric material System.In addition, increase aperture density can influence the size of actuating element (particularly in the case where the encapsulation of device remains unchanged) And therefore actuating element can performance that is less strong and therefore can damaging device to a certain extent.

As noted above, multiple drop jet modules (such as print head) can be used for improving productivity.Including more The droplet deposition apparatus of a module can reduce to constrain actuating element minimum dimension influence, it is contemplated that it include it is more The droplet deposition module of a high cost, the cost of device may be excessively high.

In addition, in some cases, may be to improve productivity using the droplet deposition module of the encapsulation with bigger Suitably.This can significantly mitigate certain limitations to the size of actuating element；However, the encapsulation of bigger may be with clear Degree is reduced to cost.According to concrete application, the reduction of such clarity may be unacceptable.

The present invention can improve certain problems in these problems.In some specific embodiments, it can improve The productivity of droplet deposition apparatus, and different improvement can additionally or be instead undergone in other embodiments.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the invention, a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus is provided, including：The battle array of elongated fluid chamber Row, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and array extends in array direction；Common fluid inlet manifold；Jointly Fluid outlet manifold；And for generate from the common fluid inlet manifold pass through the array in each room and Into the through-flow (Q of the fluid of the common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；Each in wherein described fluid chamber is one A longitudinal end is connected with the common fluid inlet manifold and is gone out in opposite longitudinal end and the common fluid Mouth manifold connection；Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator to spray for being produced from the drop in the aperture Penetrate, lead to the jet flow from the room and the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow simultaneously Occur, the jet flow has maximum value Q_E；The phase of each in wherein described aperture in the fluid chamber is parallel to The direction of the longitudinal axis of one answered is elongated.

Being parallel to the extension in the aperture of the longitudinal axis of corresponding fluid chamber can enable port size to increase, without Inadequately influence the aperture density in array direction.In addition, or otherwise, by the aperture for being parallel to longitudinal axis Extending can enable nozzle entrance be spaced apart with the wall of fluid chamber to increase port size.This can enable a device to be easier Ground manufactures because its aperture relative to room positioning in terms of more error margins for providing.In addition, the formation in aperture Period, spacing can avoid or reduce the damage to wall, in the case of particularly being formed in aperture by ablation.The increase in aperture Size can allow aperture injection with increased volume fluid drop, so as to improve the productivity of equipment.

This specific orientation in aperture can have other advantage.For example, due to fluid chamber a longitudinal end with The common fluid inlet manifold is connected and is connected in opposite longitudinal end with the common fluid outlet manifold, institute It is through-flow can be guided along the longitudinal length of fluid chamber.Therefore, through-flow and aperture extended direction can be directed at.This can be with Equipment cause during use clast is particularly efficiently removed near aperture, such as air bubble and dust particles.In this way The incidence that aperture during use blocks can be reduced by removing clast, so as to improve the reliability of equipment.

In addition, this orientation in aperture can lead to sound wave, (it being produced during use in equipment by piezoelectric actuator It is raw) near aperture than using circular aperture, persistently there are the longer times.In general, such sound wave will be in piezoelectric actuator Actuating after in the longitudinal end of room each place generation and inwardly advance towards aperture.Because aperture is thus in sound The direction of the traveling of wave is elongated, so sound wave can continue the presence of the relatively longer time at aperture, so as to improve The efficiency of injection.

Preferably for each aperture in the aperture, the draw ratio of outlet can be smaller than the draw ratio of entrance.Shen Ask someone it has been found that be parallel to longitudinal axis as elongated aperture, although have the advantages that it is certain as discussed above, at certain Relatively low direction accuracy may be undergone in the case of a little than circular aperture.However, applicant also found, direction accuracy This problem can be corrected by suitably shaping the outlet in aperture.Suitably, therefore, the length of the outlet in each aperture Draw ratio of the diameter than entrance can be less than.Such arrangement can still benefit from the advantages of above-described extension, because entering Mouth can be elongated in longitudinal direction.Preferably, the outlet in each aperture can have the draw ratio between 1.0 to 1.2 Also, in some embodiments, the outlet in each aperture can have about 1.0 draw ratio.This can also be it is suitable, often A aperture is tapered so that the area (and draw ratio) of jet expansion is less than the area (and draw ratio) of nozzle entrance.

Suitably, the key dimension of the entrance in each aperture in the aperture can be with the longitudinal axis pair of fluid chamber It is accurate.Optionally, the key dimension of outlet can also be aligned with the longitudinal axis of fluid chamber.

In addition, or otherwise, the outlet in the aperture and entrance can be approx ellipses also, suitably, The long axis of the ellipse can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of fluid chamber.Preferably, each aperture in the aperture goes out Mouth can be approx round.

Preferably, each in the fluid chamber has width w in the array direction, so as to define theoretical circular face Product A_T=1/4TTW², the aperture exit of each room is with area A_n, wherein 0.48A_T>A_n>0.2A_T。

It has been found that through-flow cool down actuator for cooling down equipment and being particularly.In addition, jet flow can be used for Cool down equipment (particularly near actuator) because heat transfer to fluid and then slave device with the drop of injection and It is removed.Therefore will be expected, as orifice area increases, the cooling that will improve equipment, because of the size of the drop sprayed It will increase and therefore more fluids will be removed by injection from room.However, it has been discovered by the applicants that unexpectedly, have The aperture for having the area of bigger not necessarily provides the cooling of higher efficiency, and with the hole of the area in the specific range Mouth is more effectively cooled down than being provided with the equipment for possessing greater area of aperture for equipment and particularly piezoelectric actuator. This cooling effect is typically provided using through-flow only appropriate numerical value.

It is highly preferred that the through-flow value is so that Q_TF>0.25Q_E.It is through-flow using in the range, using such as above The aperture defined can allow equipment, and particularly actuator is cooled to so that the fluid for passing through room is generally heated Only 2 degree or less of degree.This shows that the temperature difference can significantly increase the serviceable bife of equipment.

At this point it should be understood that the small raising of fluid temperature (F.T.) can indicate the temperature of equipment and particularly actuator Significantly raising.Arrhenius relationship can be based on for the estimation of equipment life, the chemical erosion of wherein component is equipment Failure in principal element.It will thus be appreciated that equipment life can be sensitive to the even smaller temperature difference.

It is also understood that the big temperature difference can lead to the harmful effect to drop ejection characteristics.It has been discovered by the applicants that this Change in the sensitive or even small temperature of rheology of the characteristic of sample to fluid can significantly affect rheology.

Even more preferably, the through-flow value is so that Q_TF>Q_E.This can lead to dramatically increasing for equipment dependability：Cause To pass through aperture by the fluid more than aperture than flowing, though in maximum injection period, so it is through-flow particularly effectively from Nozzle nearby washes away clast walk.

Optionally, each in the fluid chamber has width w in the array direction, so as to define theoretical circular face Product A_T=1/4TTW², the aperture exit of each room is with area A_n, and wherein 0.80A_T>A_n>0.20A_TAnd Q_TF>4Q_E。

It has been discovered by the applicants that it is through-flow using in the range, have and possess up to 0.80A_TArea aperture Equipment will be usually with the temperature difference similar to the equipment with the aperture for possessing notable more small area.Specifically, with larger (those have up to 0.80A in aperture_TArea aperture) equipment in undergo the temperature difference will be usually with smaller hole mouth (those, which have, is more than 0.20A_TArea aperture) equipment in undergo the 0.2 of the temperature difference degree.Because 0.2 degree is usually recognized To be in normal deviation range, so it can be ignored depending on environment, two equipment are in service life and drop characteristics side The performance in face is generally identical.

Suitably, the longitudinal axis of the fluid chamber is parallel to channel extending direction.Preferably, the channel extension side To perpendicular to the array direction.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus is provided, including：The array of elongated fluid chamber, often A room is connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and array extends in array direction；Common fluid inlet manifold；Common fluid Outlet manifold；And each room in the array is passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold for generation and enter institute State the through-flow (Q of the fluid of common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；Each in wherein described fluid chamber is an end It connects with the common fluid inlet manifold and is connected in opposite end with the common fluid outlet manifold；Wherein Each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, causes from the room simultaneously The jet flow of the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow simultaneously occur, the jet flow With maximum value Q_E；Each in wherein described fluid chamber has width w in the array direction, so as to define theoretical circular Area A_T=1/4TTW², the aperture exit of each room is with area A_n, wherein 0.48A_T>A_n>0.20A_T。

As discussing in detail above, have in range 0.48A_T>A_n>0.20A_TThe aperture of interior area can provide In the fluid of entry manifold and the especially small temperature difference between the fluid at outlet manifold.This can correspond to equipment, And the particularly particularly efficient cooling of piezoelectric actuator, without being used for through-flow big value.Such effect differs Surely the extension in above-described aperture is depended on.

Preferably, Q_TFValue be enough to ensure that be back to it is described outlet common manifold fluid temperature be generally kept in from Common inlet manifold is into 0.2 degree of the fluid entered the room.

An other aspect according to the present invention, provides a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：The battle array of elongated fluid chamber Row, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and array extends in array direction；Common fluid inlet manifold；Jointly Fluid outlet manifold；And for generate from the common fluid inlet manifold pass through the array in each room and Into the through-flow (Q of the fluid of the common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；Each in wherein described fluid chamber is one A end connects with the common fluid inlet manifold and connects in opposite end and the common fluid outlet manifold It is logical；Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, causes certainly The room and the jet flow of the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow simultaneously occur, it is described Jet flow has maximum value Q_E；Each in wherein described fluid chamber has width w in the array direction, so as to define Theoretical circular area A_T=1/4TTW², the aperture exit of each room is with area A_n, and wherein 0.80A_T>A_n>0.20A_TAnd Q_TF>4Q_E。

As discussed above, it has been discovered by the applicants that using Q is defined in_TF>4Q_EIn the range of it is through-flow, have possess up to 0.80A_TArea aperture equipment will usually have to the similar temperature of equipment for possessing the significantly aperture of more small area Difference.Specifically, with larger aperture (with up to 0.80A_TArea those) equipment in the temperature difference that undergoes will be logical Often with smaller aperture (with more than 0.20A_TArea those) equipment in undergo the 0.2 of the temperature difference degree. Because 0.2 degree is typically considered in normal deviation range, depending on environment, it can ignore, and two equipment are in the longevity Performance in terms of life and drop characteristics is generally identical.

An aspect still further according to the present invention, provides a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：Elongated fluid chamber Array, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and array extends in array direction；Common fluid inlet manifold；Altogether Same fluid outlet manifold；And for generate from the common fluid inlet manifold pass through the array in each room simultaneously And enter the through-flow (Q of the fluid of the common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；In wherein described fluid chamber each One end connects with the common fluid inlet manifold and in opposite end and the common fluid outlet manifold Connection；Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, causes From the room and the jet flow of the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow simultaneously occur, institute Jet flow is stated with maximum value Q_E；Wherein described aperture is arranged in the orifice plates with t micron thickness, and each aperture is into cone Shape to define taper angle θ；Each in wherein described fluid chamber has w micron of width in the array direction, thus Define practical circular area A_P=1/4TT (w-e-2ttan θ)², wherein e takes 10 microns of value, the aperture exit of each room With area A_n, wherein 3A_P>A_n>1.25A_P。

Value e can correspond to the technique accuracy that room and aperture are formed by it.

In embodiments, taper angle θ can take value between 5 to 15 ° and can preferably take 10 to Value between 12 °.It should be appreciated that the reference of taper angle is not construed as to imply that aperture will necessarily have at all positions There is identical taper.Therefore, suitably, taper angle θ can correspond to the average taper angle for aperture.

An aspect still further according to the present invention, provides a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：Elongated fluid chamber Array, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and array extends in array direction；Common fluid inlet manifold；Altogether Same fluid outlet manifold；And for generate from the common fluid inlet manifold pass through the array in each room simultaneously And enter the through-flow (Q of the fluid of the common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；In wherein described fluid chamber each One end connects with the common fluid inlet manifold and in opposite end and the common fluid outlet manifold Connection；Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, causes From the room and the jet flow of the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow simultaneously occur, institute Jet flow is stated with maximum value Q_E；Wherein described aperture is arranged in the orifice plates with t micron thickness, and each aperture is into cone Shape to define taper angle θ；Each in wherein described fluid chamber has w micron of width in the array direction, thus Define theoretical circular area A_P=1/4TT (w-e-2ttan θ)², wherein e takes the value between 5 to 10 microns, each room Aperture exit has area A_n, wherein 5A_P>A_n>1.25A_P, and Q_TF>4Q_E。

Value e can correspond to the technique accuracy that room and aperture are formed by it.

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

Another other aspect according to the present invention, provides a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：Elongated fluid chamber Array, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and array extends in array direction；Common fluid inlet manifold；Altogether Same fluid outlet manifold；And for generate from the common fluid inlet manifold pass through the array in each room simultaneously And enter the through-flow (Q of the fluid of the common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；In wherein described fluid chamber each One end connects with the common fluid inlet manifold and in opposite end and the common fluid outlet manifold Connection；Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, causes From the room and the jet flow of the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow simultaneously occur, institute Jet flow is stated with maximum value Q_E；The aperture exit of wherein each room has area A_n, wherein 1600 μm²>A_n>650μm²。

Another other aspect according to the present invention, provides a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：Elongated fluid chamber Array, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and array extends in array direction；Common fluid inlet manifold；Altogether Same fluid outlet manifold；And for generate from the common fluid inlet manifold pass through the array in each room simultaneously And enter the through-flow (Q of the fluid of the common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；In wherein described fluid chamber each One end connects with the common fluid inlet manifold and in opposite end and the common fluid outlet manifold Connection；Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, causes From the room and the jet flow of the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow simultaneously occur, institute Jet flow is stated with maximum value Q_E；The aperture exit of wherein each room has area A_n, and wherein 2700 μm²>A_n>650μm² And Q_TF>4Q_E。

An aspect still further according to the present invention provides a kind of method of the drop for deposits fluid, including with Lower step：Equipment according to any of in terms of foregoing is provided；It is described through-flow and described so as to provide to operate the equipment Jet flow.

Preferably, in terms of each in aspect provided above, each in aperture is tapered so that aperture The area of outlet is less than the area of aperture entrance.Optionally, aperture entrance can be entirely contained in fluid chamber so that it is not It is Chong Die with locular wall.Aperture entrance can be defined in towards in the surface of corresponding fluid chamber.The surface can surround corresponding stream The top of body room.Aperture exit can be defined in opposite surface, can be parallel to the table that aperture entrance defines wherein Face.

Preferably, aperture can be arranged in orifice plates.The orifice plates can include two generally flat opposite tables Face.An entrance that the aperture can be provided in these surfaces, and another provides the outlet in the aperture.Boundary wherein The surface for being incorporated into mouth can be around the top of the array of fluid chamber.

Preferably, each in the elongated room is defined between two elongated locular walls, the top of the locular wall Edge jointly provides generally flat surface, and the orifice plates are attached to the surface.Each locular wall can include piezoelectricity Material also, optionally, which can be polarized so that locular wall will be responsive to actuating signal and deform that V is presented Shape shape.Specifically, when activated, when being watched along the length of room, wall will have V-arrangement shape.This can be by room Wall is divided into two half-unit point along its length, makes that a half part polarizes in one direction and another half part is opposite Direction polarization and realize.

In order to generate drop injection, two locular walls can be activated simultaneously.Electrode can be on two sides of locular wall It is formed, two sides are towards two rooms separated by wall.In the case where locular wall includes piezoelectric material, they can be in shear It is deformed in pattern.The direction polarization of the piezoelectric material of electrode and wall can be arranged to realize that locular wall deforms.

Room can have for example between 20 to 150 microns, between 30 to 130 microns, between 40 to 110 microns, Width between 50 to 90 microns or between 60 to 70 microns.

Equipment can be it is activatable drop is sprayed with operating speed v, wherein v 2 between 20m/s, 3 to 18m/s Between, 4 between 16m/s or 5 between 14m/s.

The application further relates to following items：

(1) a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array is in array side To extension；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

Each room in the array is passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold and enter described common for generation Through-flow (the Q of the fluid of same fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connects simultaneously in a longitudinal end with the common fluid inlet manifold And it is connected in opposite longitudinal end with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, Lead to the jet flow from the room and the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, The jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

The longitudinal axis of the corresponding fluid chamber of each in wherein described aperture in the fluid chamber is parallel to The direction of line is elongated.

(2) equipment according to project (1), wherein, the cause of each piezoelectric actuator in the piezoelectric actuator Generation sound wave at each in the longitudinal end of corresponding room is moved, then the sound wave is advanced towards the aperture.

(3) equipment according to project (1) or project (2), wherein, for each aperture in the aperture, institute The draw ratio for stating outlet is less than the draw ratio of the entrance.

(4) equipment according to project (3), wherein, the outlet in each aperture in the aperture is approximate Ground is round.

(5) equipment according to any one of project (1) to (4), wherein, each in the fluid chamber is described Array direction has width w, so as to define theoretical circular area A_T=1/4TTW², there is area for the aperture exit of each room A_n, wherein 0.48A_T>A_n>0.2A_T。

(6) equipment according to project (5), wherein, Q_TFValue be enough to ensure that and be back to the outlet common manifold The temperature of fluid is generally kept in 2 DEG C of the fluid for entering the room from the common inlet manifold.

(7) equipment according to project (5) or project (6), wherein, the through-flow amount causes Q_TF>0.25Q_E, and Preferably wherein Q_TF>Q_E。

(8) equipment according to any one of project (1) to (4), wherein, each in the fluid chamber is described Array direction has width w, so as to define theoretical circular area A_T=1/4TTW², there is area for the aperture exit of each room A_n, and wherein 0.80A_T>A_n>0.20A_TAnd Q_TF>4Q_E。

(9) a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array is in array side To extension；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

For generating described in each room and the entrance that are passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold in the array Through-flow (the Q of the fluid of common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connects simultaneously in a longitudinal end with the common fluid inlet manifold And it is connected in opposite longitudinal end with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, Lead to the jet flow from the room and the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, The jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber has width w in the array direction, so as to define theoretical circular area A_T=1/4TTW², there is area A for the aperture exit of each room_n, wherein 0.48A_T>A_n>0.20A_T。

(10) a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array is in array direction Extension；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

Each room in the array is passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold and enter described common for generation Through-flow (the Q of fluid in same fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connects simultaneously in a longitudinal end with the common fluid inlet manifold And it is connected in opposite longitudinal end with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, Lead to the jet flow from the room and the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, The jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

Wherein described aperture is arranged in the orifice plates with t micron thickness, each aperture is tapered so as to define cone Spend angle θ；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber has w microns of width in the array direction, so as to define practical circle Shape area A_P=1/4TT (w-e-2ttan θ)², wherein e takes the value between 5 to 10 microns, and the aperture for each room goes out Mouth has area A_n, wherein 3A_P>A_n>1.25A_P。

(11) a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array is in array direction Extension；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

For generating described in each room and the entrance that are passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold in the array Through-flow (the Q of fluid in common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connected an end with the common fluid inlet manifold and Opposite end is connected with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, Lead to the jet flow from the room and the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, The jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

Wherein there is area A for the aperture exit of each room_n, wherein 1600 μm²>A_n>650μm²。

(12) equipment according to any one of project (9) to (11), wherein, Q_TFValue be enough to ensure that be back to it is described The temperature for exporting the fluid of common manifold is generally kept in 2 DEG C of the fluid for entering the room from the common inlet manifold It is interior.

(13) equipment according to any one of project (9) to (12), wherein the through-flow amount causes Q_TF> 0.25Q_E, and preferably wherein Q_TF>Q_E。

(14) a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array is in array direction Extension；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

For generating described in each room and the entrance that are passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold in the array Through-flow (the Q of fluid in common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connected an end with the common fluid inlet manifold and Opposite end is connected with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, Lead to the jet flow from the room and the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, The jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber has width w in the array direction, so as to define theoretical circular area A_T=1/4TTW², there is area A for the aperture exit of each room_n, and wherein 0.80A_T>A_n>0.20A_TAnd Q_TF>4Q_E。

(15) a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array is in array direction Extension；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

For generating described in each room and the entrance that are passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold in the array Through-flow (the Q of fluid in common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connected an end with the common fluid inlet manifold and Opposite end is connected with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, Lead to the jet flow from the room and the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, The jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

Wherein described aperture is arranged in the orifice plates with t micron thickness, each aperture is tapered so that defining cone Spend angle θ；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber has w microns of width in the array direction, so as to define theoretical circle Shape area A_P=1/4TT (w-e-2ttan θ)², wherein e takes the value between 5 to 10 microns, and the aperture for each room goes out Mouth has area A_n, wherein 5A_P>A_n>1.25A_P, and Q_TF>4Q_E。

(16) a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array is in array side To extension；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

For generating described in each room and the entrance that are passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold in the array Through-flow (the Q of fluid in common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connected an end with the common fluid inlet manifold and Opposite end is connected with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, Lead to the jet flow from the room and the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, The jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

Wherein there is area A for the aperture exit of each room_nAnd wherein 2700 μm²>A_n>650μm²And Q_TF>4Q_E。

(17) equipment according to any one of aforementioned project, wherein, the aperture is arranged in orifice plates.

(18) equipment according to project (17), wherein, each in the elongated room is two elongated rooms It is defined between wall, the top edge of the locular wall provides general planar surface jointly, and the orifice plates are attached to the table Face.

(19) equipment according to any one of project (1) to (16), wherein, in the elongated room each It is defined between two elongated locular walls.

(20) equipment according to project (18) or project (19), wherein, each edge in the piezoelectric actuator The length extension of corresponding room.

(21) equipment according to project (20), wherein, each in the piezoelectric actuator is generally from described The first end of room extends to the second end of the room.

(22) equipment according to any one of project (18) to (21), wherein, the locular wall includes piezoelectric material, institute Each stated in piezoelectric actuator includes corresponding one in the locular wall.

(23) equipment according to any one of aforementioned project, wherein, the longitudinal axis of the fluid chamber is parallel to logical Road extending direction and preferably wherein described channel extends perpendicularly to the array direction.

(24) equipment according to any one of aforementioned project, wherein, each in the aperture is tapered so that The area of the jet expansion is less than the area of the nozzle entrance.

(25) a kind of method of drop for deposits fluid, includes the following steps：

Equipment according to any one of aforementioned project is provided；

The equipment is operated in order to provide described through-flow and described jet flow.

Description of the drawings

Embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to the drawings, in the accompanying drawings：

Fig. 1 illustrates prior art ink-jet printers；

Fig. 2 is the perspective view from rear portion of the print head of Fig. 1, and wherein end cap is removed to show the ink by print head Flowing；

Fig. 3 is the sectional view of the direction interception of the extension perpendicular to nozzle row of the print head of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2；

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 an other example of the print head of the prior art, employs similar pair to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 End sides emission-type constructs；

Fig. 6 is the decomposition perspective view of the print head of Fig. 5, and it illustrates electric signal for applying leading to actuator component Electric rail；

Fig. 7 shows the decomposition perspective view of print head according to the first embodiment of the invention, has and extends in room The extended nozzle in direction；

Fig. 8 be the perspective view along the length of the room of inkjet print head and show tapered nozzle relative to beating Print the size of the size of the fluid chamber of head；

Fig. 9 shows that print head sprays drop with the speed of 6m/s, with different spray nozzles area with through-flow different value Print head on a series of result of tests implemented；

Figure 10 shows similar to those results being shown in FIG. 9 a series of tests as a result, still wherein printing Head sprays drop with the speed of 12m/s.

Figure 11 shows that the directionality in the direction of the longitudinal axis perpendicular to fluid chamber of a series of print head is accurate The test result of degree, this series of print head have the jet expansion for possessing different major diameter ratio, and print head all possesses tool There is the nozzle entrance that draw ratio is 1.8；

Figure 12 shows the print head of identical series that its result is shown in FIG. 11 in the longitudinal axis for being parallel to fluid chamber The test result of the directionality accuracy in the direction of line；

Figure 13 depicts the ratio of the value being shown in FIG. 11 and the value being shown in FIG. 12, in contrast to its result in Figure 11 With the value of the jet expansion draw ratio of each in the print head of the series shown in Figure 12；

Figure 14 (A) -14 (C) is the plan view of a series of other embodiments according to the present invention, which use The optional nozzle geometric configuration for those print heads being shown in FIG. 7；And

Figure 15 (A) -15 (B) is the plan view of a series of yet another embodiment according to the present invention, wherein using The geometry of the optional room of those print heads that is shown in FIG. 7.

Specific embodiment

The present invention can be implemented in ink-jet printer.According to the first embodiment of the invention Fig. 7 is thus illustrated The inkjet print head in ink-jet printer exploded view.As can be seen from the figure, inkjet print head includes fluid The single array of room 2, each fluid chamber define between a pair of elongated locular wall 3.Each fluid chamber 2 is in channel extension side It is elongated to C, locular wall 3 is also elongated in the direction.Array is in the array direction D extensions perpendicular to room extending direction C.Such as In the figure 7 shown in arrow 7, in equipment during use, a longitudinal end of the fluid in room enters from common inlet manifold 4 Each room is flowed along the length of room by aperture 6 (aperture 6 is provided towards the middle part relative to its longitudinal end of room), And room is left in its another longitudinal end to be back to common outlet manifold 5.One or more streams can be also provided Ink to be recycled to common inlet manifold (not shown) from common outlet manifold by body canal.

Ink-jet printer can have to those similar structure features for being described above with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, such as The two of the port arrays connected respectively with common inlet manifold and common outlet manifold are set in the surface of substrate.Such as exist Shown in Fig. 1 to 3, manifold can also be arranged in the housing of single generic cylindrical.

In order to provide the flowing 7 by room 2, ink supply system can apply constant first pressure to common Ink in inlet manifold 4, and at the same time constant relatively low second pressure is applied to the oil in common outlet manifold 5 Ink.It can be by known relative to the liquid storage device of aperture offset of vertical or simply by corresponding fluid such as from WO 00/38928 Constant pressure as pressurizer offer.Also as known to from WO 00/38928, fluid feed system can be applied at nozzle 6 Add negative pressure (relative to atmospheric pressure).Those skilled in the art will recognize that this may be required in first pressure and second The difference of value between pressure is negative.This negative pressure can prevent the fluid during non-ejection period from dripping from nozzle (6).

Locular wall 3 can be formed by piezoelectric material, be described as discussed above concerning Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, and wherein electrode (not shown) is in room It is formed in a part for wall so that actuating signal can apply to locular wall.However, those skilled in the art will recognize that, it can To utilize optional piezoelectric actuator, wherein room is defined in non-piezoelectric material.For example, room can use photoetching process non-depressed It is defined in electric material, as needed, stage of the piezoelectric actuator after earlier or relatively is arranged on these interiors.

As represented in the figure 7, the opposite face for defining the locular wall 3 of each room is separated by width w so that room 2 it may be said that It is with the width equal to w.Using circular nozzle 6, such as the construction of Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, nozzle remain in it is indoor same When the theoretic maximum area that can possess will therefore be equal to value A_T=1/4TTW²。

It should be appreciated that because the width defines the range of fluid chamber 2, wherein locular wall 3 include one or more coatings (such as Electrode and/or passivation layer), so should be wide from the outmost Coating measurement of outmost coating to another wall of a wall Degree.

However, in fact, be reliably formed the circular nozzle with this theoretic maximum area may be can not Can, because of this width and shape for nozzle 6 will being required to accurately match with a hundred percent accuracy room 2.It therefore may be required The usual source of foozle is taken into account so that it is determined that the actual achievable maximum area of nozzle.

First source of such error is to form nozzle 6 technique of itself by it.Come boundary usually using optical technology Determine the shapes and sizes of nozzle 6；It is, for example, possible to use photoetching forms complete nozzle plate 8 from Other substrate materials or photoresist can The shape of nozzle bore is defined for use as egative film, wherein metallic nozzle plate 8 carries out electroforming around photoetching rubber column gel column, such as from WO 2005/ It is known in 014292.Likewise it is possible to directly ablation nozzle 6, nozzle plate 8 can be by metal, polymer in nozzle plate 8 Or combination is formed.Although such optical technology is more accurate, they will be still incorporated into about a few micrometers Uncertainty.

One other source of foozle is the technique by its forming chamber 2.For example, as discussed above concerning Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 Description, this can be included in sawing conduit in the strip of piezoelectric material, but can also include the molding and burning of piezoelectric material In the case of tying or, defining conduit using non-piezoelectric material, then optical means can be used.Not only in the size of room 2 and There to be uncertainty in shape, and will also have uncertainty in the spacing of each room in array.

In addition, the combination of two techniques, specifically, each nozzle, also will be to relative to the alignment or alignment of its corresponding room Uncertainty is introduced in manufacturing process.

It uses in combination, these errors can be about 10 microns.Therefore, the edge of nozzle 6 is made to be marked from corresponding locular wall 3 Claim the distance that ground is spaced 5 microns that may usually be necessary.In the case where the technique for forming nozzle may lead to the damage situation of locular wall, This especially such situation.For example, in the case where laser ablation is used to form nozzle, then wall and their covering may occur Layer is burnt.

Although it proposes to reduce such incidence (such as those disclosed in WO 2012/017248) damaged Technique, but these can only protect the interior wall of room, the top edge of protection locular wall is unable to, including any coating. As discussed in WO 2012/017248, the property of equipment can be significantly affected to the damage of coating, such as electrode and passivation layer Energy：To the damage of electrode layer can the room of making there is the activity lower than other rooms in array or even completely sluggish； Chemical erosion to following layer can be led to the damage of passivation layer, this can influence the service life of equipment.Therefore, even if available In the case of protectiveness technique, such as those techniques instructed in WO 2012/017248, nozzle entrance 6b from locular wall every Holding can still be important.

Although the size of nozzle entrance 6b can be related with the size of room, it has however been found that the size of jet expansion 6a can It is related to the productivity of equipment.Specifically, for given nozzle entrance 6b, the area of jet expansion 6a is considered as equipment spray The limiting factor of the size for the drop penetrated.

However, because it has been found that desirably forming the nozzle with taper in some cases, (this can make at nozzle Into the improved stability of fluid meniscus), thus the area of jet expansion 6a can with and then with nozzle entrance 6b area phase It closes also, specifically, the area of nozzle entrance 6b can be less than.However, applicant have determined that even if there is these to limit Applicable certain methods can optimize the size of jet expansion 6a in these methods.

Fig. 8 be along the perspective view of the length of the room 2 of inkjet print head, show relative to the size of fluid chamber 2 this The size of the conical nozzle 6 of sample.As can be seen, the entrance of nozzle is connected with the fluid chamber with width w.Nozzle towards its Outlet is gradually reduced, and is exported and is formed in the opposite surface of nozzle plate.

As can be from seeing Fig. 8, the width of nozzle entrance 6b is taken be selected to generally increase spray for w-e, wherein e Mouth entrance 6b will be entirely within the numerical value of the possibility in the width of room 2.Therefore numerical value e is chosen to discussed above It takes into account, and can therefore take suitable numerical value, such as 10 in the various sources of error in nozzle 6 and room 2 are formed Micron, 7 microns or 5 microns.

The width of jet expansion 6a followed by even smaller, as the taper of nozzle as a result, it is defined by angle, θ. As being shown in FIG. 8, taper angle θ can be defined at such, in the point, be parallel to array direction and passed through nozzle The circumference of the line and nozzle entrance in the center of entrance 6b intersects.As also shown in fig. 8, taper angle can be relative to such side To defining, the direction is not only perpendicular to array direction but also perpendicular to room extending direction.In common inkjet print head, the cone of nozzle Spend angle can 5 to 15 degree between, and in some instances can 10 to 12 degree between.

It is such as further illustrated by Fig. 8, the nozzle plate 8 for forming nozzle 6 wherein has thickness t.In common inkjet printing In head, the thickness of nozzle plate 8 can be in 50 to 150 microns of range, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that many Other numerical value can be suitable.

Diagram such as in Fig. 8 is it will be evident that the difference of the width between nozzle entrance 6b and jet expansion 6a is 2ttan θ so that jet expansion 6a has the width of (w-e-2ttan θ).Therefore jet expansion 6a has what is defined by following relationship Area：

A_P=1/4TT (w-e-2ttan θ)²

Therefore, in the case where it is expected that nozzle entrance 6b is included in the width of fluid chamber, circular jet expansion 6a exists The maximum value that can be taken in practice can be A_P, as defined in the equation.It will be understood by those of skill in the art that In the case that the different parts of nozzle have different taper angles, it is contemplated that this only represents the approximation of design constraint, can be with The average value of taper angle is used in the equation above.

For common droplet deposition apparatus, particularly inkjet print head, for the maximum of the reality of circular nozzle Area can be in 530 square microns or so.This is based on 65 microns of room width w, it is contemplated that 5 microns on each locular wall Coating (therefore the spacing between locular wall itself is 75 microns).

In contrast, in such devices, the theoretic maximum value (A of circular nozzle_T=1/4TTW²) can be because This is based on these numerical value, is calculated as about 3320 square microns, is significantly significantly more than A_PNumerical value.

The embodiment of Fig. 7 is back to, as noted above, nozzle is elongated in room extending direction C.Therefore, they Increase relative to the area of both theoretical maximum and practical maximum value, because these maximum values are based on circular nozzle.Such as It is indicated above, nozzle, particularly jet expansion 6a's, increased area can lead to the increasing of the volume of the drop of each injection Add, so as to improve the productivity of print head.In addition, because nozzle with fluid pass through room mobile phase with direction be elongated , to pass through room flowing can particularly effectively rinse clast away from nozzle near.This can lead to print head The improvement of reliability.This improvement of reliability can also be by without departing from practical maximum area A_PNozzle experience, but should Understand, the improvement that such print head will not necessarily benefit from productivity.

In order to obtain considerable effect in the productivity of print head, it has been found that, this will be generally necessary, The area of each nozzle increases by 25%.In order to improve the productivity of print head, 1.25A can be applied to the area of nozzle_PUnder Limit.In above-described inkjet print head, which can correspond to about 650 square microns.

In addition, because the area of nozzle 6 increases and therefore more ink are sprayed from room 2, it is anticipated that room will more be had The cooling of effect ground.From equipment, and the heat of particularly actuator component 3 will be transmitted to ink during use, wherein this The injection of kind fluid is accordingly used in heat to be removed from the neighbouring room 2 in actuator component 3.Therefore, because the area of nozzle 6 increases Add, and therefore also increased by the amount of flow of nozzle 6 with drops, heat should increase far from the rate that actuator is passed Add, so as to which other than improving productivity, also resulting in the cooling of equipment is improved.

In order to quantify this cooling effect, test is implemented to a series of print head, wherein different print heads is respectively Nozzle 6 with particular area.Each print head in these print heads is tested to pass through the different rates of the flowing of room 2 Operating condition.These experimental results are shown in FIG. 9.

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

Print head includes the array of elongated room 2, and as shown in FIG. 7, each room is defined in a pair of elongated pressure Between the locular wall 3 of electricity, wherein being provided during use from common inlet manifold 4 to common outlet manifold 5 along every The flowing of the length of a room.It is this it is through-flow simultaneously occur from the injection of nozzle 6 with drop, although drop is undoubtedly fluid Discontinuous volume, but can be considered as to be equivalent to other jet flow.For each print head, to pass through the stream of room 2 Dynamic various values measure the ink at inlet manifold 4 and the temperature difference between the ink at outlet manifold 5.

The through-flow rate of print head is shown on the abscissa of Fig. 9.Due to injection, the flow rate of print head is opposite It is expressed in the maximum stream flow across nozzle 6 for being attributed to injection.This corresponds to the room of maximum injection frequency printed droplets, wherein Print head assigns the speed of 6m/s for each drop.Therefore value 1 on the horizontal scale corresponds to across each room and reaches out The flowing for being equal to maximum jet flow of mouth manifold.Because jet flow and it is through-flow simultaneously occur, in maximum injection period Between by the fluid for being back to outlet manifold with the equal quantities with being sprayed from nozzle 6.

The value shown on the coordinate of Fig. 9 is represented in the ink of entry manifold and between the ink at outlet manifold Temperature difference Δ T in degrees celsius.This temperature difference can be used to indicate that the cooling effect in print head under discussion.

Therefore each line on the chart of Fig. 9 represents the different print heads with respective exit area of nozzle.The figure Legend therefore show these respective nozzle areas for the room, the area ratio using characteristic area ratio AR It is nozzle area under discussion and practical maximum nozzle area A_pRatio.It is as noted above, practical maximum nozzle area A_p's Value is 530 square microns.

As can be from being seen table below 1, as expection, the increase of nozzle area results in the raising of productivity. Table illustrates the measured value of the droplet size for each area ratio AR values.

Table 1

Although this raising (passing through the increase of the volume of drop) of productivity is it is contemplated that still unexpectedly sending out Existing, the nozzle area of bigger does not most effectively remove heat from room, as can with it is seen from figure 9 that.In fact, it is fitted with through-flow The value of degree, their performance are significantly inferior to 3A_POr the nozzle of more small area.

It is also contemplated that through-flow amount in room also will be for improving the cooling of room.Therefore especially it was unexpected that with bigger The nozzle of area has the worse performance in similar through-flow value, because relative to jet flow, and therefore through-flow value is The identical through-flow value of the nozzle area of bigger corresponds to the further a greater amount of flowing calculated by absolute value.

However result shows to be more than 3A for having really_PArea nozzle 6, the validity of cooling is greatly lowered. Therefore, the results showed that have and be less than 3A_PArea nozzle 6 cooling equipment on can particularly efficiently.Therefore, using with 1.25A_P-3A_PIn the range of the equipment of nozzle 6 of area can provide the raising of productivity, while also allow equipment especially effective Ground cools down.The range area can also be according to the theoretical maximum area A of room_TExpression, based on 65 microns of room width value meter It calculates (according to formula A_T=1/4TTW²) it is about 3320 square microns.Therefore, the range of jet expansion 6a areas can be set fourth as again 0.48A_T>A_n>0.20A_T.Optionally, according to absolute value, which can be set fourth as 1600 μm²>A_n>650μm²。

It should be appreciated that although the test result being shown in FIG. 9 is seemed to indicate that in 3A_PInflection point, but can in the value There can be certain uncertainties.Therefore, the advantageous upper limit of nozzle area can be taken less than 3A_PValue, such as 2.5,2.6, 2.7th, 2.8 or 2.9A_P, correspond respectively to 0.40,0.42,0.43,0.45 and 0.46A_TOr about 1330,1380,1430, The absolute value of 1487 and 1540 square microns.Similarly, the advantageous upper limit can be taken more than 3A_PValue, such as 3.1,3.2, 3.3rd, 3.4 or 3.5A_P, correspond respectively to 0.50,0.51,0.53,0.54 and 0.56A_TOr about 1650,1700,1750, The absolute value of 1810 and 1860 square microns.

Similarly, although due to productivity, 1.25A_PLower limit can be suitable, but compare in certain conditions Larger lower limit can be suitable, in order to provide the considerable raising of productivity.Therefore, 1.30,1.35,1.40, 1.45 and 1.50A_PLower limit can be it is satisfactory, respectively correspond to 0.21,0.22,0.22,0.23 and 0.24A_T, Or 690,720,740,770 and 800 square micron absolute value.

As can see from Figure 9, when through-flow amount increase, the difference between different print heads reduces.Especially It is, when through-flow value more than 4 times of jet flow, in 5A_PPrint head (corresponds to 0.8A_TOr about 2655 square microns) in undergo The temperature difference in 0.2 degree of the value of the temperature difference undergone in other print heads.Because it has been generally acknowledged that 0.2 degree is normal inclined In poor range, so it can be ignored depending on environment, performance of two equipment in terms of service life and drop characteristics is substantially It is upper identical.

Figure 10 illustrates the similar test of another set as a result, still wherein print head sprays liquid with the speed of 12m/s Drop.The same types of the more inefficient cooling for the bigger nozzle area that can also be seen and be shown in FIG. 9 in Fig. 10.

It is believed that the cooling deterioration provided by the print head with bigger nozzle area is the drop to spray opposite bigger Caused by needing more high driving voltage.Specifically, in order to reach the identical speed of the injection of bigger drop, a greater amount of energy is needed Amount with overcome drop opposite bigger inertia.Therefore this greater amount of energy can cause the heating to ink to increase indoors Add.For through-flow representative value, this heating effect shows as having dominated coming out from room 2 for the jet flow for being attributed to bigger The increased flowing of heat.

It will therefore be appreciated that using a variety of nozzle geometries, and not necessarily phase is contemplated that using elongated nozzle As effect.

Although more specifically, can have the advantages that, above-described effect related to the extension of nozzle entrance 6b, Shape with exporting 6a compares, mainly related to the area of jet expansion 6a.Therefore it can be particularly advantageous and be to provide this The side of the structure of sample, the in this configuration longitudinal axis of a corresponding fluid chamber of the nozzle entrance 6b in fluid chamber is parallel to To being elongated, and wherein jet expansion 6a has the area of one in range discussed above, which is providing Benefit is provided in terms of the temperature controlled productivity improvement with aspiration level.

Again more specifically, it has been discovered by the applicants that can be it is advantageous to provide such nozzle, i.e., wherein entrance 6b be long (specifically, the direction of the corresponding longitudinal axis of one in fluid chamber is parallel to) of shape and with than jet expansion 6a The big draw ratio of draw ratio.Figure 11 to Figure 13 therefore illustrates one of the numberical range using the draw ratio with jet expansion The print head of series carries out test as a result, still all print heads have nozzle entrance, and nozzle entrance has identical 1.8 Draw ratio.Both jet expansion and nozzle entrance are all approx oval in shape.

Results of each pair of point Ying Yu from specific print head on chart (therefore noted that arriving, uses jet expansion Draw ratio numerical value 1.0 and 1.4 in each numerical value, test two print heads).

Figure 11 show the drop generated by print head in the drop point position of X-direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of fluid chamber) The error of the respective value of the jet expansion draw ratio of comparison print head in putting.Specifically, error amount measures in microns 3- σ values.As noted above, for all print heads, the draw ratio of nozzle entrance keeps identical, is 1.8.

As can be seen from, with the increase of the numerical value of jet expansion draw ratio, there is drop in X-direction drop point The increased visible trend of error (notices and has recorded two print heads with jet expansion draw ratio numerical value 1.4 have in X The substantially the same drop landing error in direction).It will therefore be appreciated that when the draw ratio of jet expansion reduces and therefore sprays When mouth outlet becomes more round shape, also reduce in the landing error of X-direction.

Figure 12 shows the drop point site of (longitudinal axis for being parallel to fluid chamber) in the Y direction for the drop that print head generates In the jet expansion draw ratio compared to print head respective value error.Again, error amount measures in microns 3- σ values, and the draw ratio of nozzle entrance keeps identical for all print heads, is 1.8.

Compared with the trend being shown in FIG. 11, landing error in the Y direction, for all tested jet expansions Keep constant to the numerical approximation of draw ratio.Data therefore imply jet expansion is fabricated to it is more rounded off to falling in the Y direction Point tolerance, which does not have, to be significantly affected.

Figure 13 shows the ratio of the error and error in the Y direction in X-direction of the numerical value compared to jet expansion draw ratio Rate.As that, due to reducing jet expansion draw ratio numerical value, can have error ratio value to reduce obviously from being seen figure Trend.It will therefore be appreciated that when jet expansion is fabricated to more rounded off, the direction accuracy of equipment improves.

Therefore the data shown in Figure 11 to Figure 13 clearly illustrate that the draw ratio with jet expansion compares nozzle entrance The low nozzle of draw ratio can have the accuracy of the raising of drop positioning.In addition, if nozzle entrance is in the longitudinal direction of fluid chamber The direction of axis is elongated, then its can also provide further discuss above manufacture and operating aspect benefit.

Chart is also shown that the nozzle with approx circular jet expansion (draw ratio for corresponding to 1.0) with especially The accuracy of high-caliber drop positioning.It therefore, can be with it will be particularly beneficial that it be long to provide with the longitudinal direction in fluid chamber Shape nozzle entrance (and particularly ellipse nozzle entrance, wherein ellipse long axis be aligned with the longitudinal axis of room) and It is the nozzle of approx circular jet expansion.In addition, jet expansion has the area of one in range discussed above, The area provides benefit in terms of the temperature controlled productivity raising with aspiration level is provided.

It is further noted that the essence between the jet expansion with draw ratio 1.0 and the jet expansion with draw ratio 1.2 Exactness difference is small.Therefore, it for having the aperture of the draw ratio between 1.0 to 1.2, can undergo in terms of accuracy It is similar the advantages of.

Figure 14 (A) -14 (C) and Figure 15 (A) -15 (B), which is illustrated, to be had for nozzle and is also used for the selectable of room The yet another embodiment of geometry can be undergone similar in productivity side to those discussed with reference to Fig. 9 and 10 The raising in face, in combination with good thermal control.

Figure 14 (A) for example, providing circular nozzle, with above-described, is compared referring for example to the embodiment of Fig. 7, The entrance 20a of round nozzle, which has, is more than the diameter of the width w of room 11 that they are communicated therewith.Such nozzle can pass through " ex situ method " technique manufactures, wherein before the edge for being attached to locular wall is with surrounded chamber, nozzle is formed in nozzle plate component. In this way, the risk that locular wall will be damaged almost without nozzle forming process.

Although nozzle entrance 20a has the width bigger than the room 11 that nozzle entrance 20a is communicated therewith, and therefore has big In above-cited theoretical maximum A_T=1/4TTW²Area, but jet expansion 20b still have in model discussed above The area of one in enclosing, which provides carries in terms of offer has and uses the temperature controlled productivity raising of aspiration level For benefit.For example, jet expansion 20b, which can have, is defined in 0.48A_T>A_n>0.20A_TIn the range of area or optionally, In terms of absolute value, 1600 μm²>A_n>650μm²。

Figure 14 (B) illustrates the embodiment similar to Figure 14 (A), but it is long to have in the direction identical with fluid chamber The nozzle of shape.This can provide improvement in terms of reliability as discussed above.

Figure 14 (C) shows an other embodiments, and the outlet 20b of wherein nozzle is elongated, and entrance 20a is It is circular.Such as the embodiment of Figure 14 (A), the diameter of entrance 20a is more than the width of room 11.

Figure 15 (A) illustrates a yet another embodiment, and wherein locular wall is tapered along their length, wherein boring The direction of shape alternately changes between adjacent locular wall.This leads to the room 11 with less constant width, but it is not that This is parallel.More specifically, the length of each room is angularly offset from relative to array direction, wherein the direction of angle offset is in phase Alternately change between adjacent room 11.

Figure 15 (B) illustrates a yet another embodiment, wherein, such as the embodiment of Figure 14 (A), provide circle The nozzle of shape.However, room is included in the part near nozzle in this embodiment, which has the rest part than room Relatively big width.Specifically, the part near room of room follows the profile similar to nozzle itself, can assist Ensure that entrance is constrained between locular wall.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that teachings above content can be applied to the droplet deposition apparatus of wide scope, Rather than specific to printer.Accordingly, with respect to the disclosure of printer and/or print head, it should be understood that unless otherwise indicated, more It is generally applicable to droplet deposition apparatus.Specifically, about the disclosure of print head, it should be understood that unless otherwise indicated, be suitable for Other droplet deposition apparatus, including：The array of elongated fluid chamber, wherein each room for the aperture of drop injection with connecting It is logical, and array extends in array direction；Common fluid inlet manifold；Common fluid outlet manifold；And for generating Each room in the array is passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold and enters the common fluid outlet manifold Fluid through-flow device.

Claims (23)

1. a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each elongated fluid chamber connect with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array exists Array direction extends, each aperture has entrance and exit；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

For generate from the common fluid inlet manifold pass through the array in each elongated fluid chamber and into Enter the through-flow (Q of the fluid of the common fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；

Each in wherein described elongated fluid chamber is connected in a longitudinal end with the common fluid inlet manifold And it is connected in opposite longitudinal end with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each elongated fluid chamber is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the liquid in the aperture Drop injection, leads to the jet flow from the elongated fluid chamber and the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with It is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, the jet flow have maximum value Q_E；

Wherein described aperture is arranged in the orifice plates with t micron thickness, each aperture is tapered so as to define taper angle θ, wherein the area of the outlet is less than the area of the entrance；And

Each in wherein described elongated fluid chamber has w microns of width in the array direction, so as to define reality Circular area A_P=1/4 π (w-e-2ttan θ)², wherein e takes the value between 5 and 10 microns, for the institute of each room The outlet for stating aperture has area A_n, wherein 3A_P>A_n>1.25A_P。

2. equipment according to claim 1, wherein, each piezoelectric actuator in the piezoelectric actuator is actuated at Sound wave is generated at each in the longitudinal end of corresponding elongated fluid chamber, the sound wave is then towards the aperture row Into.

3. equipment according to claim 1, wherein, for each aperture in the aperture, the major diameter of the outlet Than the draw ratio for being less than the entrance.

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

5. according to the equipment described in any one of claim 1,2,3 or 4, wherein, Q_TFValue be enough to ensure that be back to it is described common With fluid outlet manifold fluid temperature be generally kept in from the common fluid inlet manifold enter it is described elongated 2 DEG C of fluid of fluid chamber in.

6. according to the equipment described in any one of claim 1,2,3 or 4, wherein the through-flow amount causes Q_TF>0.25Q_E。

7. equipment according to claim 6, wherein the through-flow amount causes Q_TF>Q_E。

8. according to the equipment described in any one of claim 1,2,3 or 4, wherein, each in the elongated fluid chamber It is defined between two elongated locular walls.

9. equipment according to claim 8, wherein, the locular wall includes piezoelectric material, every in the piezoelectric actuator One corresponding one included in the locular wall.

10. equipment according to claim 8, wherein, the top edge of the locular wall provides general planar table jointly Face, the orifice plates are attached to the surface.

11. equipment according to claim 8, wherein, each in the piezoelectric actuator is along corresponding elongated The length extension of fluid chamber.

12. equipment according to claim 10, wherein, each in the piezoelectric actuator is generally from described elongated The first end of fluid chamber extend to the second end of the elongated fluid chamber.

13. according to the equipment described in any one of claim 10-12, wherein, the locular wall includes piezoelectric material, the piezoelectricity Each in actuator includes corresponding one in the locular wall.

14. according to the equipment described in any one of claim 1,2,3,4,9,10,11 or 12, wherein, the elongated fluid The longitudinal axis of room is parallel to channel extending direction.

15. equipment according to claim 14, wherein, the channel extends perpendicularly to the array direction.

16. according to the equipment described in any one of claim 1,2,3,4,9,10,11 or 12, wherein, it is every in the aperture The direction of one longitudinal axis of corresponding one in the elongated fluid chamber is parallel to is elongated.

17. a kind of method of drop for deposits fluid, includes the following steps：

Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims is provided；

The equipment is operated in order to provide described through-flow and described jet flow.

18. according to the method for claim 17, wherein, the through-flow amount causes Q_TF>0.25Q_E。

19. according to the method for claim 17, wherein, the through-flow amount causes Q_TF>Q_E。

20. a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array prolongs in array direction It stretches；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

Each room in the array is passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold and enter described common for generation Fluid outlet manifold fluid through-flow (Q_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connects and with the common fluid inlet manifold opposite an end End connected with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, causes From the room and the jet flow of the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, it is described Jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

Wherein there is area A for the aperture exit of each room_n, wherein 1600 μm²>A_n>650μm²。

21. a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array extends in array direction；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

It passes through each room in the array for generating from the common fluid inlet manifold and enters described common Through-flow (the Q of fluid in fluid outlet manifold_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connects and with the common fluid inlet manifold opposite an end End connected with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, causes From the room and the jet flow of the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, it is described Jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber has width w in the array direction, so as to define theoretical circular area A_T=1/ 4πw², there is area A for the aperture exit of each room_n, and wherein 0.80A_T>A_n>0.20A_TAnd Q_TF>4Q_E。

22. a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array extends in array direction；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

Each room in the array is passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold and enter described common for generation Fluid outlet manifold in fluid through-flow (Q_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connects and with the common fluid inlet manifold opposite an end End connected with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, causes From the room and the jet flow of the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, it is described Jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

Wherein described aperture is arranged in the orifice plates with t micron thickness, each aperture is tapered so that defining taper angle θ；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber has w microns of width in the array direction, so as to define theoretical circular face Product A_P=1/4 π (w-e-2ttan θ)², wherein e takes the value between 5 and 10 microns, for the aperture exit tool of each room There is area A_n, wherein 5A_P>A_n>1.25A_P, and Q_TF>4Q_E。

23. a kind of liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including：

The array of elongated fluid chamber, each room are connected with for the aperture of drop injection, and the array extends in array direction；

Common fluid inlet manifold；

Common fluid outlet manifold；And

Each room in the array is passed through from the common fluid inlet manifold and enter described common for generation Fluid outlet manifold in fluid through-flow (Q_TF) device；

Each in wherein described fluid chamber connects and with the common fluid inlet manifold opposite an end End connected with the common fluid outlet manifold；

Wherein each room is associated at least one piezoelectric actuator for being produced from the injection of the drop in the aperture, causes From the room and the jet flow of the fluid left from the aperture, the jet flow with it is described it is through-flow occur simultaneously, it is described Jet flow has maximum value Q_E；

Wherein there is area A for the aperture exit of each room_nAnd wherein 2700 μm²>A_n>650μm²And Q_TF>4Q_E。