JP6773042B2 - Fluid injection device, formation method of fluid injection device, and fluid injection system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid injection device, and more particularly to a fluid injection device that minimizes waste liquid.

To give a few examples, for example, in pharmaceutical, chemical, industrial, and medical testing applications, a discrete amount of fluid is applied to the surface. This allows the fluid to be carried from the fluid vessel and applied to the target surface using, for example, a fluid applicator such as a pipette or fluid drip device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid injection device for dripping a predetermined amount of fluid on a target surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid injection device for injecting a predetermined amount of fluid while minimizing the residual liquid of the fluid stored in the fluid injection device so that the waste liquid is minimized. Is to provide.

The fluid injector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a body defining an internal bore and
It includes a fluid container and a fluid injection tip. The fluid container is an internal passage through which a fluid flows, and defines an internal passage that communicates with the internal bore of the main body. The fluid injection tip is coupled to the body and comprises one or more fluid injection actuators. The fluid injection tip has one or more internal fluid paths that communicate with the internal bore of the body to inject the fluid when the one or more fluid injection actuators are activated.

In the embodiment, the internal passage of the fluid container, the internal bore of the main body, and the said so that when the fluid flows into the internal passage of the fluid container, the fluid is gravity-fed toward the fluid injection tip. The one or more internal fluid pathways are virtually unobstructed.

In the embodiment, at least a part of the fluid container protrudes from the main body.

In the embodiment, the one or more fluid injection actuators are heat release actuators.

In the embodiment, the fluid injection chip includes a substrate, a flow feature layer arranged on the substrate, and a nozzle layer arranged on the flow feature layer.

In an embodiment, the fluid vessel comprises a wall and one or more fluid control surfaces arranged along the inner wall of the wall. The plurality of internal fluid paths are arranged in the axial direction so that when the fluid flows into the internal passage of the fluid container, the fluid is gravity-fed toward the fluid injection tip. The one or more fluid control surfaces are arranged along the internal passages of the fluid vessel, and the fluid adheres to the one or more fluid control surfaces.

In embodiments, the one or more fluid control surfaces project from the annular wall of the fluid vessel.

In an embodiment, the one or more fluid control surfaces are recesses in the inner wall of the annular wall of the fluid container.

In an embodiment, the fluid injection device is an adapter connected to the fluid container, defining the internal passage for fluid communication with the internal passage of the fluid container and interlocking with the fluid storage device. Equipped with a matching adapter.

In an embodiment, the adapter includes a needle for penetrating a portion of the fluid storage device.

In embodiments, the needle includes an internal channel for fluid communication with the fluid storage device.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of forming a fluid injection device is disclosed, the method comprising an engaging portion including a fluid container defining an internal flow path and an injection portion. This is a method in which an elongated main body defining an internal bore is provided, a fluid injection tip is attached to the main body, and fluid is communicated between the internal flow path of the fluid injection tip and the internal bore of the main body.

In the embodiment, the internal flow path, the internal fluid path, the internal bore, and the internal flow path of the fluid container are provided with substantially unobstructed flow paths.

In an embodiment, the fluid injection tip comprises one or more fluid injection actuators.

In the embodiment, the fluid injection tip is mounted on the main body so that the internal fluid path of the fluid injection tip is axially aligned with the internal flow path of the fluid container.

In embodiments, the method further extends the internal bore at least partially through the body to define the internal flow path that fluidly communicates with the internal bore of the body. The fluid vessel includes an annular wall and one or more fluid control surfaces arranged along the inner surface of the annular wall.

In an embodiment, the method further connects the adapter to the fluid container, which in turn connects to a fluid storage device.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a fluid injection system is disclosed, which comprises a fluid injection printer and a fluid injection device. The fluid injection printer comprises a housing, one or more electrical contacts that communicate with an external power source, and at least one of an internal power source. The fluid injection device is connected to the main body and is connected to a main body that defines an internal bore, an internal passage through which a fluid flows, and a fluid container that defines an internal passage that communicates with the internal bore of the main body. Alternatively, a fluid injection chip including a plurality of fluid injection actuators, the one or a plurality of internal fluids communicating with the internal bore of the main body in order to inject the fluid when the one or the plurality of fluid injection actuators are activated. It is a fluid injection system including a fluid injection chip having a path and an electric connector that performs telecommunications with the fluid injection printer in order to provide power from the fluid injection printer to the fluid injection chip.

In the embodiment, the internal passage of the fluid container, the internal bore of the main body, and the 1 or 1 so that when the fluid flows into the internal passage of the fluid container, the fluid is gravity-fed toward the fluid injection tip. The multiple internal fluid pathways are virtually unobstructed.

In an embodiment, the fluid vessel comprises a wall and one or more fluid control surfaces arranged along the inner wall of the wall. The plurality of internal fluid paths are arranged in the axial direction so that when the fluid flows into the internal passage of the fluid container, the fluid is gravity-fed toward the fluid injection tip. The one or more fluid control surfaces are arranged along the internal passages of the fluid container, and the fluid adheres to the one or more fluid control surfaces.

In an embodiment, the fluid injection system further comprises an adapter that is coupled to the fluid container and defines an internal passage that communicates with the internal passage of the fluid container.

Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description, accompanying drawings, and additional claims.

The fluid injection device according to the present invention can drip a certain amount of fluid onto the target surface.

Features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention in light of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the fluid injection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the fluid injection device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the fluid injection device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the fluid injection device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view of a fluid injection system including the fluid injection device shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 6B is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6C is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6D is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6E is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a side surface of the fluid injection system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view of the fluid injection device and the adapter of the fluid injection system shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a top view of the fluid injection device and the adapter shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the fluid injection device and the adapter shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid injection device and the adapter shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid injection device shown in FIG. 7 and an adapter connected to the fluid storage device. FIG. 13 is a top view of a fluid injection system including the fluid injection device shown in FIG. 7 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
The heading items used herein are for structural purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the specification or claims. The terms "may" and "can" used throughout this application are used to mean permissible (ie "possible") rather than compulsory (ie "must"). There is. Similarly, the terms "contain" and "contain" mean that something is included, but not limited. For ease of understanding, where possible, similar reference numbers are given to represent similar elements that are common to the figures.

A fluid injection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. This fluid injection device is generally represented by reference numeral 100. The fluid injection device 100 includes a fluid container 110, an electric connector 120, and a main body 102 in which the fluid injection tip 130 is arranged.

The main body 102 may be an elongated member including a user-involved portion 104 and an injection portion 106. The user-involved portion 104 may include surface properties 105 (eg, knobs, protrusions, or protrusions) that provide the user or gripper with an easy-to-understand and easily gripped area for operating the fluid injection device 100.

As detailed herein, the injection portion 106 includes at least a portion of a fluid container 110, a fluid injection tip 130, and an electrical connector 120. The body 102 is made of one or more materials suitable for the applications described herein, such as glass, polymer materials, composite materials, to name a few. In embodiments, the user-involved portion 104 and / or the injection portion 106 may have different configurations.

As shown in the figure, the electrical connector 120 extends along a portion of the body 102 and is electrically connected to the fluid injection tip 130 via one or more bonding pads 122. As detailed herein, the electrical connector 120 is an automatic tape junction (TAB) that includes a conductor (not shown) that is accessible to a portion of the fluid injection system to power the fluid injection chip 130. It may be a circuit. In the embodiment, the electric connector 120 may have a different configuration, for example, the electric connector 120 may be internally provided along at least a part of the main body 102.

As shown in the figure, the fluid container 110 presents an opening 112 that projects from the surface of the body 102 and leads to an internal flow path 114 (FIG. 4) that extends through the fluid container 110. As shown in the figure, the fluid container 110 may have a hollow dome shape. The fluid container 110 may be a separable component connected to the main body 102 by, for example, bonding, welding, or mechanical coupling, to name a few examples. In the embodiment, the fluid container 110 may be formed integrally with the main body 102. Further, in the embodiment, the fluid container 110 may have a configuration different from the above-described configuration. For example, the fluid container 110 is on the same plane as the main body 102 of the fluid injection device 100, or the main body 102. The structure embedded in the fluid container 110 and / or the structure in which the fluid container 110 is not curved may be used.

The fluid injection tip 130 is such that one or more nozzles 172 of the fluid injection chip 130 are exposed towards a target surface, such as a test slide or Petri dish, on which one or more fluids are dropleted. It is arranged on the opposite side of the fluid container 110 along the main body 102 of the fluid injection device 100. As detailed herein, a substantially linear, unobstructed fluid path is defined between the opening 112 of the fluid vessel 110 and the nozzle 172 of the fluid injection tip 130. As shown, the fluid container 110 and the fluid injection tip 130 are arranged along a B-axis extending through the fluid injection device 100. Here, the fluid stored in the fluid container 110 may be gravity-fed to the fluid injection tip 130. In an embodiment, the fluid vessel 110 has a back to counter gravity applied to the fluid stored in the fluid vessel 110, for example, by controlling the flow rate of the fluid passing through the fluid injection device 100. It may be configured to give pressure.

With reference to FIG. 4, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the fluid injection device 100 including the fluid container 110 and the fluid injection tip 130 is shown.

As shown in the figure, the internal flow path 114 may extend downward toward the main body 102, for example, along a vertical distance of about 5 mm. Here, the internal flow path 114 ranges from, for example, the narrowest inner diameter of about 5 mm to 15 mm in the opening 112 to the widest inner diameter of, for example, about 15 mm to 25 mm, where the fluid container 110 contacts the body 102. You may spread it. Further, in the embodiment, the internal flow path 114 may be widened, for example, from an inner diameter of 10 mm in the opening 112 to an inner diameter of, for example, 18 mm in the widest portion of the internal flow path 114.

Here, the fluid container 110 is sized to accommodate a certain amount of fluid. In embodiments, the fluid container 110 may be, for example, sized to accommodate approximately 1.8 cm ³ ~ about 4.1 cm ³ of the volume of the fluid. Further, in the embodiment, the fluid container 110 may be sized to accommodate, for example, about 0.5 g of an aqueous fluid.

As shown in the figure, the main body 102 has an internal bore 108 on which the fluid container 110 is installed so that a fluid path is formed between the internal flow path 114 of the fluid container 110 and the internal bore 108 of the main body 102. Including. The internal bore 108 may have an inner diameter of, for example, about 15 mm to 25 mm, which is similar to the inner diameter of the widest portion of the internal flow path 114. In embodiments, the internal bore 108 may have an inner diameter of a different length.

The fluid injection tip 130 may be mounted on the body 102 by an appropriate method such as bonding, molding, or ultrasonic welding. Here, the fluid injection device 100 may be assembled by installing the main body 102 having the fluid container 110 and attaching the fluid injection tip 130 to a part of the main body 102. As a result, the internal fluid path of the fluid injection tip 130 communicates with the internal bore 108 of the main body 102 and the internal flow path 114 of the fluid container 110 to provide a substantially unobstructed fluid path.

The fluid injection chip 130 may include a substrate 140, a plurality of fluid injection elements 150, a flow feature layer 160 and / or a flow feature layer 160 and / or a nozzle layer 170. In the embodiment, the fluid injection tip 130 may have a different configuration.

The substrate 140 may be formed from, for example, a semiconductor and / or an insulator material such as silicon, silicon dioxide, sapphire, germanium, gallium arsenide, and / or indium phosphide. .. A portion of the substrate 140 may be machined to form one or more flow paths 144 that communicate fluidly with the internal bore 108 of the body 102. As described herein, the machined portion of the fluid injection chip is mechanical, for example, grinding, chemical etching, or patterning of the desired structure using a photoresist, to name a few. Grinding may be included.

One or more injection elements 150 may be arranged on the substrate 140. As detailed herein, when power is supplied to the injection element 150, heat is generated and stored on and / or in the vicinity of the injection element 150 so that the fluid is injected from the injection element 150. , The injection element 150 may include one or more conductor materials and / or resistance materials. Here, the injection element 150 may be configured as a heat injection actuator. In embodiments, the injection element 150 may be formed from one or more layered materials, such as a heater stack that may include resistance elements, dielectrics, protective layers, and the like. The amount of heat generated by the injection element 150 may be directly proportional to the amount of electricity supplied to the injection element 150. In the embodiment, electric power may be supplied to the injection element 150 so that a predetermined temperature profile is generated by the injection element 150. For example, a series of power pulses with constant or variable amplitude and / or duration may be generated to achieve the intended performance. Further, in the embodiment, the injection element 150 may have a different power configuration using, for example, a piezoelectric element. Further, in the embodiment, an injection element having a different configuration, such as an injection element that injects a fluid by transferring kinetic energy such as an electroactive polymer (EAP), may be used together with the fluid injection tip 130. ..

The flow feature layer 160 may be arranged on the substrate 140. The flow feature layer 160 may be adjacent to the substrate 140 in a layered manner or on a plane as a whole. The flow feature layer 160 may be made of, for example, a polymeric material. Further, the flow feature layer 160 may be processed so that one or more flow features 162 are formed along the flow feature layer 160 and / or in the flow feature layer 160. In embodiments, the flow feature 162 may have an arrangement and / or dimension such that the flow feature 162 moves the flow of fluid through the fluid injection tip 130.

The nozzle layer 170 may be arranged on the flow feature layer 160. In the embodiment, the nozzle layer 170 may be arranged in a layered relationship with the flow feature layer 160. Further, in the embodiment, the nozzle layer 170 may be formed of, for example, a polymer material. The nozzle layer 170 may be processed so that the nozzle 172 is arranged along the exposed surface of the nozzle layer 170 as an exit hole for the fluid injected from the fluid injection tip 130. Thereby, the nozzle 172 may have an arrangement and / or a dimension that directs the trajectory of the fluid that excites the fluid injection tip 130. As a result, the fluid injection tip 130 defines the amount of internal liquid for accommodating the fluid. Various features of the fluid injection tip 130 described herein may be machined to achieve the desired internal volume.

Each of the flow path 144, the flow feature 162 and the nozzle 172 is a fluid path shown in the figure so that the fluid can move from the fluid vessel 110, pass through the fluid injection tip 130 and exit through the nozzle 172. Jointly define one or more fluid paths within the fluid injection chip 130, such as F ₁ and fluid path F ₂ . As described herein, fluid pathway F ₁ and fluid pathway F ₂ substantially reduce the possibility of fluid forming, confining, or blocking fluids. There are virtually no obstacles (open). Thus, the internal bore 108 of the channel 144 and the body 102 of the fluid container 110, with the fluid path F ₁ and fluid path F _2, substantially rectilinear unobstructed passage is formed, the fluid flows through the passageway be able to. As a result, substantially all of the fluid stored in the fluid container 110 is ejected through the nozzle 172. Further, by providing the fluid container 110 having a desired internal volume, the fluid injection tip 130 can be provided. As a result, a predetermined discrete amount of fluid is injected onto the target surface by the substantially linear unobstructed passage provided by the internal structure of the fluid injection tip 130, while minimizing waste liquid.

The fluid injection device 100 described in the present specification is suitable for, for example, an application using a relatively small amount of fluid, and accordingly, the fluid injection device 100 may have a compact structure. Here, the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost of the fluid injection device 100 may be reduced so that the fluid injection device 100 can be manufactured as a disposable device such as a one-time device. In order to avoid sample contamination, it may be desirable to use disposable printhead structures in many areas of application, such as medical and clinical testing.

With reference to FIG. 5, the fluid injection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally represented by reference numeral 1000. The fluid injection system 1000 includes a fluid injection printer 200 that receives at least a portion of the fluid injection device 100. In embodiments, the fluid injection printer 200 may receive fluid injection devices with different structures. A test surface T is also shown, which may be, for example, a group of test tubes capable of storing fluid, or an array of recessed containers. In embodiments, the test surface T may be, for example, a test slide or a Petri dish. Further, the test surface T may be arranged on a part of the fluid injection printer 200.

The fluid injection printer 200 includes a housing 202 and at least one carrier 210 for receiving a portion of the fluid injection device 100. Here, the carrier 210 may include an internal recess for receiving a portion of the fluid injection device 100 and / or, to name a few examples, a clip, a fastener, or a knob structure. , A suitable surface may be presented to connect with the fluid injection device 100.

Further, the carrier 210 is conductive for contacting or supplying electric power from an internal power source or an electric power supply network via, for example, an electric connector 120 (FIG. 3) of the fluid injection device 100. It may include a portion (not shown). Here, the carrier 210 provides a physical and electrical interface between the fluid injection device 100 and the fluid injection printer 200.

In embodiments, the carrier 210 may be movable relative to the fluid injection printer 200 along rails on which the carrier 210 can slide directly and / or indirectly. As shown in the figure, the carriers 210 may be slidable along a pair of side rails 212, and each of the side rails 212 may reciprocally move along a pair of longitudinal rails 214. It may be slidable and movable. Here, the carrier 210 may be movable along a two-dimensional plane parallel to the test surface T, for example, an xy grid.

The fluid injection printer 200 may include a controller 204 for achieving various functions powered by electricity, such as ignition of the injection actuator 150 (FIG. 4) of the fluid injection device 100. Thereby, the controller 204 may include one or more processors capable of reading instructions from persistent computer memory, or may be electrically coupled to those processors. The electricity-powered function of the fluid injection printer 200 may be manually activated by the user via the interface 216, which, to name a few examples, is a button, knob, toggle, etc. And / or may be a capacitive touch panel.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the user may insert or attach the fluid injection device 100 into the carrier 210 of the fluid injection printer 200 during use. Then, a certain amount of fluid may be stored in the fluid container 110 of the fluid injection device 100 by using, for example, a pipette or a fluid drip device. In embodiments, a certain amount of fluid may be stored in the fluid container 110 by an automated device, eg, a portion of the fluid injection printer 200. The amount of fluid that can be accommodated in the fluid injection device 100 is determined by the internal volume of the fluid container 110, the volume of the internal bore 108 of the main body 102, and the internal volume of the fluid injection tip 130.

When the fluid is stored in the fluid injection device 100, one or more power pulses are applied to the fluid actuator 150 to cause flash evaporation and droplet injection from nozzle 172.

(Embodiment 2)
An enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the fluid injection device 100 including the fluid container 110 and the fluid injection tip 130 will be described with reference to FIG. 6A.

As shown in the figure, the annular wall 112A includes an outer surface 112a and an inner surface 112b. Thereby, the inner diameter of the fluid container 110 can be measured between two points located oppositely on the inner surface 112b of the annular wall 112A. The inner diameter of the fluid vessel 110 may be extended from the narrowest position of the annular wall 112A, for example, about 5 mm to 10 mm, to the widest position of the bottom of the annular wall 112A, for example, about 15 mm to 25 mm. In embodiments, the fluid vessel 110 may have an inner diameter extending from 10 mm at the top of the annular wall 112A to 18 mm at the bottom. The height of the fluid container 110 can be measured between the highest position and the lowest position in the vertical direction of the annular wall 112A. The fluid container 110 may have a height of, for example, about 3 mm to about 10 mm. In embodiments, the fluid container 110 may have a height of 5 mm. In the embodiment, the fluid container 110 may have dimensions to accommodate approximately 1.8 cm ³ ~ about 4.3 cm ³ of fluid. Further, in the embodiment, the fluid container 110 may have a size for accommodating, for example, 0.5 g of an aqueous fluid. Here, the inner diameter and height of the fluid container 110 can be selected to provide a desired internal volume. In embodiments, the fluid vessel 110 may have different configurations, such as tapered shapes such as ellipses, rectangles, triangles, or cones.

As shown in the figure, the fluid vessel 110 includes a number of fluid control surfaces 116 arranged around the inner surface 112b of the annular wall 112A. The fluid control surface 116 may at least partially project into the internal flow path 114 such that the fluid control surface 116 is arranged along a path that the fluid travels through the fluid injection device 100. As shown in the figure, the fluid control surface 116 may have a rounded rectangular shape in cross section, or may have a different cross-sectional shape as detailed herein. Good. In embodiments, the fluid control surface 116 may be integrally formed with the wall of the fluid container 110, for example, may be formed with the annular wall 112A of the fluid container 110, or may be formed by cutting from the annular wall 112A. May be done. Further, in the embodiment, the fluid control surface 116 may be attached to the inner wall of the fluid container 110 as, for example, an O-ring or a circumferential clip.

The fluid control surface 116 is configured to contact and engage the fluid passing through the internal flow path 114, for example, by adhering the fluid to the fluid control surface 116. As shown in the figure, the fluid passing near the fluid control surface 116 may adhere at the contacts where surface tension is generated across the fluid. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer circumference of the fluid volume of the fluid passing through the fluid injection device 100 may adhere to the fluid control surface 116. As a result, when the volume of the fluid continues to decrease due to the influence of gravity, the outer circumference of the fluid experiences a traction force such that a meniscus M is formed. Although the meniscus M is shown as concave in FIG. 6A, the fluid may have a convex shape, depending on the control surface interface.

Here, the fluid control surface 116 is a capillary tube that at least partially counteracts the weight of the fluid passing through the fluid container 110 so that the speed of the fluid passing through the internal flow path 114, such as the flow rate, slows down. Give the phenomenon to the fluid. As a result, the fluid control surface 116 may apply back pressure to the fluid as a certain degree of control over the fluid injected from the fluid injection device 100. For example, the fluid control surface 116, as detailed herein, allows the fluid through the internal flow path 114 to undergo undesired movements, such as salivation or dripping, prior to planned injection by the fluid tip 130. It may be minimized or suppressed. Such control means by the fluid control surface 116 to the fluid passing through the fluid container 110 contributes to minimizing waste for the fluid used in the fluid injection device 100 (FIG. 1).

Next, a cross section of the present invention according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6B. As shown in the figure, a number of fluid control surfaces 116B are arranged along the inner surface of the annular wall 112B of the fluid container 110B. As shown in the figure, the fluid control surface 116B has, for example, a rounded or dome-shaped, curved cross-sectional shape.

A cross section of the present invention according to another other embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6C. As shown in the figure, a number of fluid control surfaces 116C are arranged along the inner surface of the annular wall 112C of the fluid container 110C. As shown in the figure, the fluid control surface 116C has, for example, a wedge-shaped or triangular-shaped, pointed cross-sectional shape.

Next, a cross section of the present invention according to another other embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6D. As shown in the figure, a number of fluid control surfaces 116D are arranged along the inner surface of the annular wall 112D of the fluid container 110D. As shown in the figure, the fluid control surface 116D has an upward hooked cross-sectional shape.

A cross section of the present invention according to another other embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6E. As shown in the figure, a number of fluid control surfaces 116E are arranged along the inner surface of the annular wall 112E of the fluid container 110E. As shown in the figure, the fluid control surface 116E does not project into the internal flow path 114E of the fluid container 110E, but instead, by cutting or inset molding of the fluid container 110E, the annular wall 112E of the fluid container 110E. It is embedded inside.

The fluid vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention has a different surface structure, such as shape, texture, and / or material composition, such that a desired amount of back pressure is applied to the fluid flowing through the fluid vessel. It will be understood that it may be. In an embodiment, the fluid control surface arranged along the fluid vessel has, for example, a jagged, thorny, hard, ridged, or knurled cross-sectional shape, to name a few. You may. Further, in the embodiment, the fluid control surface arranged along the fluid container may be continuous, or may have one or more cuts. Also, in embodiments, the fluid vessel may be covered or coated with a material that provides the desired flow rate of fluid passing through the vessel, such as a hydrophilic material. In embodiments, the fluid vessel additionally has a fluid control surface, such as a rim, ridge, and / or adhesive seam, formed along where the fluid vessel and the fluid injector body meet. It may be included.

Returning to FIG. 6A and referring to the main body 102 of the fluid injection device 100, the fluid container 110 is raised so that the fluid path is formed between the internal flow path 114 of the fluid container 110 and the internal bore 108 of the main body 102. Includes an internal bore 108 to be provided. As shown in the figure, the internal bore 108 may have a diameter as long as the inner diameter of the widest portion of the fluid container 110, eg, about 15 mm to about 25 mm. In embodiments, the internal bore 108 may have a diameter of a different length.

(Embodiment 3)
The fluid injection system according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. This distribution injection system is generally represented by reference numeral 1000. The fluid injection system 1000 includes a fluid injection device 100 and a fluid storage device 190. As described herein, the fluid injection device 100 is an adapter 180 so that a certain amount of fluid can be delivered from the fluid storage device 190 to the fluid injection device 100 for injection to the target surface. It is configured to be connected to the fluid storage device 190 via.

The fluid injection device 100 includes a fluid container 110, an electric connector 120, and a main body 102 in which the fluid injection tip 130 is arranged.

The main body 102 may be an elongated member including a user-involved portion 104 and an injection portion 106. The user-involved portion 104 may include surface properties 105 (eg, knobs, protrusions, or protrusions) that provide the user or gripper with an easy-to-understand and easily gripped area for operating the fluid injection device 100.

As detailed herein, the injection portion 106 includes at least a portion of a fluid container 110, a fluid injection tip 130, and an electrical connector 120. The body 102 is made of one or more materials suitable for the applications described herein, such as glass, polymer materials, composite materials, to name a few. In the embodiment, the user involvement portion 104 and / or the injection portion 106 may have a different configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, and also 9 and 10, the electrical connector 120 extends along a portion of the body 102 and electrically with the fluid injection tip 130 via one or more bonding pads 122. It is connected. As detailed herein, the electrical connector 120 is an automatic tape junction (TAB) that includes a conductor (not shown) that is accessible to a portion of the fluid injection system to power the fluid injection chip 130. It may be a circuit. In the embodiment, the electric connector 120 may have a different configuration, for example, the electric connector 120 is internally provided along at least a part of the main body 102.

As shown in the figure, the fluid container 110 presents an opening 112 that projects from the surface of the body 102 and leads to an internal flow path 114 (FIG. 11) that extends through the fluid container 110. As shown in the figure, the fluid container 110 may have a hollow dome shape. The fluid container 110 may be a separable component connected to the main body 102 by, for example, bonding, welding, or mechanical coupling, to name a few examples. In the embodiment, the fluid container 110 may be formed integrally with the main body 102. Further, in the embodiment, the fluid container 110 may have a different configuration, for example, the fluid container 110 is on the same plane as the main body 102 of the fluid injection device 100, or is embedded in the main body 102. The structure and / or the structure in which the fluid container 110 is not curved may be used.

With reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10, the adapter 180 has a storage element portion 182 and an injection element portion 184. As detailed herein, the storage element portion 182 is configured to be coupled to the fluid storage device 190. The injection element portion 184 may be configured to be connected to the main body 102 of the fluid injection device 100. Thereby, the injection element portion 184 of the adapter 180 is defined so that the internal chamber 112 is sized to at least partially receive the fluid container 110. The inner chamber 112 may have the same shape as the fluid container 110 or may have a different configuration. As shown in the figure, the injection element portion 184 may include a pair of downward extension arms 194 extending from the injection element portion 184, and the downward extension arm 194 is located between the fluid container 110 and those arms. Receives a part of the main body 102 of the fluid injection device 100. The body 102 may include a pair of recesses 103 for receiving each inwardly convex 196 of the downward extension arm 194 to provide a stable engagement between the adapter 180 and the fluid injection device 100. .. As shown in the figure, the inwardly convex portion 196 may have a tapered shape that facilitates sliding of the main body 102 of the fluid injection device 100 into the recess 103. In the embodiment, the downward extension arm 194 can be removed from the fluid injection device 100, for example, manually or by using a tool for removing the inward convex portion 196 from the concave portion 103. The adapter 180 may be configured in the device. Further, in the embodiment, the adapter 180 engages with a part of the fluid injection device 100, for example, the number of downward extension arms 194 is different, and / or the configuration of the inward convex portion 196 is different. May include different properties for.

For example, the allowable range of the injection element portion 184 of the adapter 180, such as the dimensions of the downward extension arm 194 and the inwardly convex portion 196, and / or the position of the recess 103 of the main body 102 of the fluid injection device 100, is the fluid injection device 100. The adapter 180 may apply a downward pressure to the fluid container 110 at the time of connection with the fluid container 110. As shown in the figure, the adapter 180 is embedded in the injection element portion 184 and is involved in sealing a part of the fluid storage device 190 and the main body 102 of the fluid injection device 100 when the adapter 180 and the fluid injection device 100 are connected. A sealing member 192 that is at least partially exposed to fit may be included. Here, the sealing member 192 may provide a certain degree of fluid sealing, such as prevention or prevention of liquid leakage from the fluid container 110. In embodiments, the adapter 180 may incorporate a fluid sealing element that is different from the sealing member 192.

In order to engage the corresponding notch located along the outer portion of the fluid container 110, in the embodiment, the exact position of the fluid container 110 within the injection element portion 184 of the adapter 180 is determined and the fluid container 110 By confirming the proper connection by the sound and / or vibration of the inward convex portion 189 entering the corresponding notch above, the user can connect the fluid storage device 190 and the fluid injection device 100. The inwardly convex portion 198 of the injection element portion 184 may be urged by a spring. In embodiments, the inwardly convex portion 198 may include a release such that the adapter 180 is separated from the fluid injection device 100. Further, in the embodiment, the fluid container 110 may be connected to the adapter 180 by a different method such as screw coupling. Further, in the embodiment, the injection element portion 184 of the adapter 180 may be adhered to the fluid injection device 100 or another part of the fluid injection device 100. Further, in the embodiment, the adapter 180 may be integrally formed with the fluid injection device 100.

The fluid injection tip 130 is such that one or more nozzles 172 of the fluid injection tip 130 are exposed towards a target surface, such as a test slide or Petri dish, on which one or more fluids are dropleted. It is arranged on the opposite side of the container 110 along the main body 102 of the fluid injection device 100. As detailed herein, a substantially linear, unobstructed fluid path is defined between the opening 112 of the fluid vessel 110 and the nozzle 172 of the fluid injection tip 130. As shown, the adapter 180, the fluid container 110 and the fluid injection chip 130 are arranged along the B axis extending through the fluid injection device 100. Here, the fluid stored in the fluid container 110 may be gravity-fed to the fluid injection tip 130. In an embodiment, the fluid vessel 110 has a back to counter gravity applied to the fluid stored in the fluid vessel 110, for example, by controlling the flow rate of the fluid passing through the fluid injection device 100. It may be configured to give pressure.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the fluid injection device 100 including the adapter 180 connected to the fluid container 110 and the fluid injection tip 130 mounted on the main body 102 is shown.

As shown in the figure, the adapter 180 defines a hollow interior so that an internal passage 185 that communicates with the internal flow path 114 of the fluid container 110 is provided. Thereby, the fluid stored in the adapter 180 may be directed to the fluid container 110 due to, for example, gravity, pressure, and / or capillarity. In embodiments, the adapter 180 may incorporate, for example, a fluid guide such as a funnel (not shown) or a downwardly oriented surface for directing the fluid to the opening 112 of the fluid vessel 110.

As shown, the needle 186 is mounted in the internal passage 185 of the adapter 180 and extends upward through the storage element portion 182 of the adapter 180. As detailed herein, the needle 186 may be configured to engage a portion of the fluid storage device 190. In embodiments, the needle 186 may define an internal passage through which fluid can pass and move.

As detailed herein, for example, a pair around the outside of the adapter 180 to assist in forming a substantially leak-proof seal between the adapter 180 and the fluid storage device 190 during coupling. The sealing member 188 may be arranged. The sealing member 188 may be a pair of polymer O-rings arranged around the outer surface of the adapter 180. In the embodiment, the sealing member 188 may have a different configuration. Further, in the embodiment, the number of sealing members may be different.

The internal flow path 114 may extend downward toward the main body 102, for example, along a vertical distance of about 5 mm. Here, the internal flow path 114 ranges from, for example, the narrowest inner diameter of about 5 mm to 15 mm in the opening 112 to the widest inner diameter of, for example, about 15 mm to 25 mm, where the fluid container 110 contacts the body 102. You may spread it. Further, in the embodiment, the internal flow path 114 may be widened, for example, from an inner diameter of, for example, 10 mm in the opening 112 to an inner diameter of, for example, 18 mm in the widest portion of the internal flow path 114.

Here, the fluid container 110 is sized to accommodate a certain amount of fluid. In embodiments, the fluid container 110 may be, for example, sized to accommodate approximately 1.8 cm ³ ~ about 4.1 cm ³ of the volume of the fluid. Further, in the embodiment, the fluid container 110 may be sized to accommodate, for example, about 0.5 g of an aqueous fluid.

As shown in the figure, the main body 102 has an internal bore 108 on which the fluid container 110 is installed so that a fluid path is formed between the internal flow path 114 of the fluid container 110 and the internal bore 108 of the main body 102. Including. The internal bore 108 may have an inner diameter of, for example, about 15 mm to 25 mm, which is similar to the inner diameter of the widest portion of the internal flow path 114. In embodiments, the internal bore 108 may have an inner diameter of a different length.

The fluid injection tip 130 may be mounted on the body 102 by an appropriate method such as bonding, molding, or ultrasonic welding. Here, the fluid injection device 100 may be assembled by installing the main body 102 having the fluid container 110 and attaching the fluid injection tip 130 to a part of the main body 102. As a result, the internal fluid path of the fluid injection tip 130 communicates with the internal bore 108 of the main body 102 and the internal flow path 114 of the fluid container 110 to provide a substantially unobstructed fluid path.

The fluid injection chip 130 may include a substrate 140, a plurality of fluid injection elements 150, a flow feature layer 160 and / or a flow feature layer 160 and / or a nozzle layer 170. In the embodiment, the fluid injection tip 130 may have a different configuration.

The substrate 140 may be formed of, for example, a semiconductor and / or an insulator material such as silicon, silicon dioxide, sapphire, germanium, gallium arsenide, and / or indium phosphide. .. A portion of the substrate 140 may be machined to form one or more flow paths 144 that communicate fluidly with the internal bore 108 of the body 102. As described herein, the machined portion of the fluid injection chip is mechanical, to name a few, for example, grinding, chemical etching, or patterning of the desired structure using a photoresist. Grinding may be included.

One or more injection elements 150 may be arranged on the substrate 140. As described in detail herein, when power is supplied to the injection element 150, heat is generated and accumulated on and / or in the vicinity of the injection element 150 so that the fluid is injected from the injection element 150. In addition, the injection element 150 may include one or more conductor materials and / or resistance materials. Here, the injection element 150 may be configured as a heat injection actuator. In embodiments, the injection element 150 may be formed from one or more layered materials, such as a heater stack, which may include a resistance element, a dielectric material, a protective layer, and the like. The amount of heat generated by the injection element 150 may be directly proportional to the amount of electricity supplied to the injection element 150. In the embodiment, electric power may be supplied to the injection element 150 so that a predetermined temperature profile is generated by the injection element 150. For example, a series of power pulses with constant or variable amplitude and / or duration may be generated to achieve the intended performance. Further, in the embodiment, the injection element 150 may have a different power configuration using, for example, a piezoelectric element. Further, in the embodiment, an injection element having a different configuration, such as an injection element that injects a fluid by transferring kinetic energy such as an electroactive polymer (EAP), may be used together with the fluid injection tip 130. ..

The flow feature layer 160 may be arranged on the substrate 140. The flow feature layer 160 may be adjacent to the substrate 140 in a layered manner or on a plane as a whole. The flow feature layer 160 may be made of, for example, a polymeric material. Further, the flow feature layer 160 may be processed so that one or more flow features 162 are formed along the flow feature layer 160 and / or in the flow feature layer 160. In embodiments, the flow feature 162 may have an arrangement and / or dimension such that the flow feature 162 directs the flow of fluid through the fluid injection tip 130.

The nozzle layer 170 may be arranged on the flow feature layer 160. In the embodiment, the nozzle layer 170 may be arranged in a layered relationship with the flow feature layer 160. Further, in the embodiment, the nozzle layer 170 may be formed of, for example, a polymer material. The nozzle layer 170 may be processed so that the nozzle 172 is arranged along the exposed surface of the nozzle layer 170 as an exit hole for the fluid injected from the fluid injection tip 130. Thereby, the nozzle 172 may have an arrangement and / or a dimension that directs the trajectory of the fluid that excites the fluid injection tip 130. As a result, the fluid injection tip 130 defines the amount of internal liquid for accommodating the fluid. Various features of the fluid injection tip 130 described herein may be machined to achieve the desired internal volume.

Each of the flow path 144, the flow feature 162 and the nozzle 172 is a fluid path shown in the figure so that the fluid can move from the fluid vessel 110, pass through the fluid injection tip 130 and exit through the nozzle 172. Jointly define one or more fluid paths within the fluid injection chip 130, such as F ₁ and fluid path F ₂ . As described herein, fluid pathway F ₁ and fluid pathway F ₂ substantially reduce the possibility of fluid forming, confining, or blocking fluids. There are virtually no obstacles. Thus, the internal bore 108 of the channel 144 and the body 102 of the fluid container 110, with the fluid path F ₁ and fluid path F _2, substantially rectilinear unobstructed passage is formed, the fluid flows through the passageway be able to. As a result, substantially all of the fluid stored in the fluid container 110 is ejected through the nozzle 172. Further, by providing the fluid container 110 having a desired internal volume, the fluid injection tip 130 can be provided. As a result, a predetermined discrete amount of fluid is injected onto the target surface by the substantially linear unobstructed passage provided by the internal structure of the fluid injection tip 130, while minimizing waste liquid.

Next, FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the adapter 180 and the fluid injection device 100 coupled by the fluid storage device 190.

As shown in the figure, the fluid storage device 190 includes an inner container 230 and a fluid coupling portion 220 extending downward from the inner container 203. The inner container 230 is the internal volume of a fluid storage device 190 that holds a certain amount of fluid and is at least partially enclosed by a fluid holding membrane 232 such as a bag or a sealed film. The fluid retention membrane 232 is provided so that the fluid stored in the fluid retention membrane 232 is, for example, separated from air, other environmental conditions, or contaminants, to name a few. The fluid retention membrane 232 may provide precautions against liquid leakage from the fluid storage device 190 as well as the wall surrounding the inner container 230. In the embodiment, the fluid storage device 190 may be provided so that the fluid retention film 232 and the fluid therein can be removed from the fluid storage device 190. For example, the fluid storage device 190 may be configured as a modular component.

As shown in the figure, the bias member 234 may be placed between two plates 236 extending along the inner surface of the fluid retention film 232. For example, back pressure or the like so that the fluid stored in the fluid retention membrane 232 does not, for example, drool, drip, or leak, flow too fast, or exhibit unexpected characteristics. The bias member 234 may encourage the two plates 236 to, for example, turn outwards so that at least a partial and negative pressure environment of the above occurs within the fluid retention membrane 232. Examples of this type of fluid back pressure mechanism are described in US Patent Application Publication No. It is disclosed in 2013/0342618, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

As shown in the figure, the fluid coupling portion 220 includes an internal chamber 224 that communicates fluid with the inside of the fluid holding membrane 232 by a fluid connection such as a tube or a valve such as a partition wall (not shown), and an adapter 180. Defines an instrument compartment 222 that engages with each other. The seal 226 is arranged along the downward side of the internal chamber 224 and maintains a substantially fluid-sealed barrier between the internal chamber 224 of the fluid coupling portion 220 and the surrounding environment. The seal 226 may be a deformable member such as a polymer member such as an elastomer. Here, the seal 226 may be at least partially reconfigurable, as detailed herein.

As shown in the figure, the appliance storage portion 222 of the fluid coupling portion 220 receives at least a portion of the storage device portion 182 of the adapter 180. Thereby, at least a part of the storage device portion 182 may be arranged in the instrument storage portion 222 between the outer wall of the fluid coupling portion 220 and the outer wall of the inner chamber 224 of the fluid coupling portion 220. In the embodiment, the storage device portion 182 of the adapter 180 and / or the appliance storage portion 222 of the fluid coupling portion 220 has a tapered shape, for example, press fitting, screw coupling such as a luer type fitting, or the like. May engage with each other. The sealing member 188 of the adapter 180 may be additionally placed within the appliance compartment 222 to maintain a substantially fluid-sealing barrier between the fluid coupling portion 220 and the surrounding environment, such as to prevent leakage. Pressively engages the wall of the fluid coupling portion 220 to assist. Further, in the embodiment, the fluid storage device 190 and the adapter 180 are, for example, screw-type fitting, tab and notch (clicking) arrangement, or snap, to give a few examples. They may engage with each other by different types of coupling, such as fitting.

As described above, the needle 186 of the fluid coupling portion 220 so that when the fluid storage device 190 and the adapter 180 are coupled, the substantially fluid sealing barrier provided by the sealing 226 is broken under control. It may extend through the seal 226. In an embodiment, the needle 186 penetrates a portion of the seal 226 and expands so that the fluid from the fluid retention membrane 232 can flow around the needle 186 and flow into the fluid container 110 through the adapter 180. You may let me. Further, in the embodiment, the needle 186 may define this internal passage, whereby the fluid from the fluid holding membrane 232 enters the internal passage of the needle 186 when the needle 186 penetrates the sealing 226. It can flow through the adapter 180 towards the fluid vessel 110.

For example, when the fluid injection device 100 and the fluid storage device 190 are coupled, such as the needle 186 of the adapter 180 withdrawing from the sealing 226 of the fluid coupling portion 220 in the fluid storage device 190, the sealing 226 is penetrated by the needle 186. It may return to its pre-existing state, eg, maintaining a substantially fluid-sealing barrier between the fluid coupling portion 220 and the surrounding environment. Thereby, when the needle 186 is withdrawn, the expansion or puncture of the seal 226 by the needle 186 may be contracted. Here, the seal 226 may have an elastic structure, for example, an elastomer material. Also, in embodiments, the seal 226 may further incorporate one or more unidirectional sealing mechanisms, such as valves.

Thereby, the fluid storage device 190 can be configured for various purposes such as repeated penetration of the seal 226 by the needle 186 and restoration of the seal 226 after withdrawal of the needle 186, and / Alternatively, present a device for opening. Here, the fluid storage device 190 provides reusable components so that it can be used with a plurality of fluid injection devices 100.

As described herein, the fluid injection device 100 is suitable for applications using, for example, a relatively small amount of fluid, and accordingly, the fluid injection device 100 may have a compact structure. Here, the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost of the fluid injection device 100 may be reduced so that the fluid injection device 100 can be manufactured as a disposable device such as a one-time device. In order to avoid sample contamination, it may be desirable to use disposable printhead structures in many areas of application, such as medical and clinical testing.

Next, a fluid injection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This fluid injection system is generally represented by reference numeral 2000. The fluid injection system 2000 includes a fluid injection printer 300 configured to interoperate with the fluid injection system 1000 (FIG. 7). As a result, the printer 300 is configured to receive at least a part of the fluid injection device 100. While it is clearly shown that the printer 300 is coupled to the fluid injection device 100 and the adapter 180, the fluid storage device 190 (FIG. 7) is an adapter on the printer 300 as described herein. It turns out that it will be connected with 180. In the embodiment, the fluid injection printer 300 may receive a fluid injection device having a configuration different from that of the fluid injection device 100. The test surface T is also shown, and may be, for example, a group of test tubes or an array of recessed containers capable of storing fluid. Further, in the embodiment, the test surface T may be, for example, a test slide or a Petri dish. Further, the test surface T may be arranged on a part of the fluid injection printer 200.

The fluid injection printer 300 includes a housing 302 and at least one carrier 310 for receiving at least a portion of the fluid injection device 100. Here, the carrier 310 may include an internal recess for receiving a portion of the fluid injection device 100 and / or, to name a few, for example, a clip, a fastener, or a knob structure. , A suitable surface may be presented to connect with the fluid injection device 100.

The carrier 310 may come into contact with the electric connector 120 (FIG. 10) of the fluid injection device 100, or may contact electric power from an internal power source or a power supply network via, for example, the electric connector 120 of the fluid injection device 100. It may include a conductive portion (not shown) for supplying electric power. Here, the carrier 310 provides a physical and electrical interface between the fluid injection device 100 and the fluid injection printer 200.

In embodiments, the carrier 310 may be movable relative to the fluid injection printer 300 along rails on which the carrier 310 can slide directly and / or indirectly. As shown in the figure, the carrier 310 may be slidable along a pair of side rails 312, and each of the side rails 312 may reciprocally move along a pair of longitudinal rails 314. It may be slidable and movable. Here, the carrier 310 may be movable along a two-dimensional plane parallel to the test surface T, for example, an x-y grid.

The fluid injection printer 300 may include a controller 304 for achieving various functions powered by electricity, such as ignition of the injection actuator 150 (FIG. 11) of the fluid injection device 100. Thereby, the controller 304 may include one or more processors capable of reading instructions from persistent computer memory, or may be electrically coupled to those processors. The electricity-powered function of the fluid injection printer 300 may be manually activated by the user via the interface 316, the interface 316 being, for example, a button, a knob, a toggle, to name a few. And / or may be a capacitive touch panel.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the user may insert or attach the fluid injection device 100 into the carrier 310 of the fluid injection printer 300 during use. Then, a certain amount of fluid may be stored directly in the adapter 180 or the fluid container 110 by using, for example, a pipette or a fluid drip device. In embodiments, a certain amount of fluid may be stored in the fluid container 110 by an automated device, eg, a portion of the fluid injection printer 300. The amount of fluid that can be accommodated in the fluid injection device 100 is determined by the internal volume of the fluid container 110, the volume of the internal bore 108 of the main body 102, and the internal volume of the fluid injection tip 130.

When the fluid is stored in the fluid injection device 100, one or more power pulses are applied to the fluid actuator 150 to cause flash evaporation and droplet injection from nozzle 172.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, various other variations and modifications that do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such variations and modifications within the scope of the present invention shall be included in the appended claims.

100: Fluid injection device 102: Main body 103: Recessed 104: User-involved part 105: Surface characteristics 106: Injection part 108: Internal bores 110, 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E: Fluid container 112: Openings 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D, 112E: Circular wall 112a: Outer surface 112b: Inner surface 114: Internal flow path 116, 116B, 116C, 116D, 116E: Fluid control surface 120: Electrical connector 122: Joint pad 130: Fluid injection chip 140: Substrate 144: Flow path 150: Fluid injection element 160: Flow feature layer 162: Flow feature 170: Nozzle layer 172: Nozzle 180: Adapter 182: Storage element part 184: Injection element part 185: Internal passage 186: Needle 188, 192: Sealed Member 190: Fluid storage device 194: Downward extension arm 196: Inward convex portion 200, 300: Fluid injection printer 202, 302: Housing 204, 304: Control unit 210, 310: Carrier 212, 312: Side rail 214, 314 : Vertical rail 216, 316: Interface 220: Fluid coupling part 222: Instrument storage part 224: Internal chamber 226: Sealed 230: Internal container 232: Fluid holding film 234: Bias member 236: Plate 1000, 2000: Fluid injection system

Claims (18)

The body that defines the internal bore and
A fluid container that is an internal passage through which a fluid flows and defines an internal passage that communicates with the internal bore of the main body.
A fluid injection chip that is connected to the main body and includes one or more fluid injection actuators, and communicates with the internal bore of the main body to inject the fluid when the one or more fluid injection actuators are activated. to a fluid ejection chip having one or more internal fluid path,
The fluid vessel comprises a wall and one or more fluid control surfaces disposed along the inner wall of the wall.
The plurality of internal fluid paths are arranged in the axial direction so that when the fluid flows into the internal passage of the fluid container, the fluid is gravity-fed toward the fluid injection tip.
A fluid injection device in which the one or more fluid control surfaces are arranged along the internal passage of the fluid container, and the fluid adheres to the one or more fluid control surfaces . The internal passage of the fluid container, the internal bore of the main body, and the one or more interiors so that when the fluid flows into the internal passage of the fluid container, it is gravity-fed toward the fluid injection tip. The fluid injection device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid path is substantially free of obstacles. The fluid injection device according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of the fluid container protrudes from the main body. The fluid injection device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more fluid injection actuators are heat release actuators. The fluid injection device according to claim 2, wherein the fluid injection chip includes a substrate, a flow feature layer arranged on the substrate, and a nozzle layer arranged on the flow feature layer. The fluid injection device according to claim 1 , wherein the one or a plurality of fluid control surfaces project from the annular wall of the fluid container. The fluid injection device according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more fluid control surfaces are recesses in the inner wall of the annular wall of the fluid container. The first aspect of claim 1, further comprising an adapter that is connected to the fluid container, defines the internal passage that communicates with the internal passage of the fluid container, and interacts with the fluid storage device. Fluid injection device. The fluid injection device according to claim 8 , wherein the adapter includes a needle for penetrating a part of the fluid storage device. The fluid injection device according to claim 9 , wherein the needle includes an internal channel for fluid communication with the fluid storage device. A method of forming a fluid injection device,
An elongated body that includes an engaging portion that includes a fluid container that defines the internal flow path and an injection portion and that defines the internal bore is provided.
The fluid injection tip is attached to the main body to allow fluid communication between the internal flow path of the fluid injection tip and the internal bore of the main body .
The internal bore is at least partially extended through the body and
The internal flow path of the fluid container that communicates with the internal bore of the main body is defined.
The fluid vessel comprises an annular wall and one or more fluid control surfaces disposed along the inner surface of the annular wall.
A method in which the one or more fluid control surfaces are arranged along the internal flow path of the fluid container, and the fluid adheres to the one or more fluid control surfaces . The internal flow path of the fluid container, before Symbol inner bore, and the internal flow path of the fluid ejection chip The method of claim 11 providing a substantially free flow channel obstructions. 12. The method of claim 12 , wherein the fluid injection tip comprises one or more fluid injection actuators. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the fluid injection tip is mounted on the main body so that the internal fluid path of the fluid injection tip is aligned axially with the internal flow path of the fluid container. The method of claim 11 , further connecting the adapter to the fluid container and connecting the fluid container to a fluid storage device. A fluid injection system including a fluid injection printer and a fluid injection device.
The fluid injection printer
With the housing
It comprises one or more electrical contacts for telecommunications with an external power source and at least one of the internal power sources.
The fluid injection device is
The body that defines the internal bore and
A fluid container that is an internal passage through which a fluid flows and defines an internal passage that communicates with the internal bore of the main body.
A fluid injection chip that is connected to the main body and includes one or more fluid injection actuators, and communicates with the internal bore of the main body to inject the fluid when the one or more fluid injection actuators are activated. With a fluid injection chip having one or more internal fluid paths,
In order to provide electric power from the fluid injection printer to the fluid injection chip, the fluid injection printer is provided with an electric connector for telecommunications .
The fluid vessel comprises a wall and one or more fluid control surfaces disposed along the inner wall of the wall.
The plurality of internal fluid paths are arranged in the axial direction so that when the fluid flows into the internal passage of the fluid container, the fluid is gravity-fed toward the fluid injection tip.
A fluid injection system in which the one or more fluid control surfaces are arranged along the internal passages of the fluid container, and the fluid adheres to the one or more fluid control surfaces . The internal passage of the fluid container, the internal bore of the body, and the one or more internal fluid paths so that when the fluid flows into the internal passage of the fluid container, it is gravity-fed toward the fluid injection tip. The fluid injection system according to claim 16 , wherein the fluid injection system is substantially free of obstacles. The fluid injection system according to claim 16 , further comprising an adapter that is connected to the fluid container and defines an internal passage that communicates with the internal passage of the fluid container.

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