Inkjet Heads

Abstract

An inkjet head includes a flow channel member comprising a first orifice which opens in a first direction, in which ink flows into the first orifice. The flow channel member also includes a second orifice which opens in a second direction opposite to the first direction, in which ink flows out from the second orifice, and an ink flow channel formed therein, in which the ink flow channel extends from the first orifice to the second orifice. Moreover the inkjet head includes a flexible film which is attached to the flow channel member, and the flexible film seals the ink flow channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs satisfied thereby, and the features and technical advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inkjet head, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inkjet head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan, exploded view of a reservoir unit of the inkjet head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flow channel member of the reservoir unit of FIG. 2, as viewed obliquely from the bottom.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the flow channel member of the reservoir unit of FIG. 2, as viewed obliquely from the top.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a head body, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of an area of the head body which is surrounded the dashed line of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A is an exploded, cross-sectional view of an actuator unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a plan view of individual electrodes disposed on a surface of the actuator unit of FIG. 9A.

Claims

1. An inkjet head comprising: a first flow channel member comprising: a first orifice which opens in a first direction, wherein ink flows into the first orifice;a second orifice which opens in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein ink flows out from the second orifice; anda first ink flow channel formed therein, wherein the first ink flow channel extends from the first orifice to the second orifice;a filter which is disposed in the first flow channel member and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction along the first ink flow channel, wherein the filter is configured to filter ink which passes through the first ink flow channel;a first flexible film which is attached to the first flow channel member and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first flexible film seals the first ink flow channel; anda second flow channel member comprising a second ink flow channel which is configured to be in fluid communication with the first ink flow channel via the second orifice.

2. The inkjet head according to claim 1, wherein the first ink flow channel holds the filter.

3. The inkjet head according to claim 1, wherein the first ink flow channel is defined by an end portion of a first ring-shaped projection which extends in the second direction.

4. The inkjet head according to claim 3, wherein the end portion of the first ring-shaped projection is tapered.

5. The inkjet head according to claim 1, wherein the first ink channel member further comprises a third ink flow channel which opens in the first direction along the first ink flow channel, wherein an opening area of the third ink flow channel is less than an opening area of the first ink flow channel, and the inkjet head further comprises a second flexible film which is attached to the first flow channel member and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the second flexible film seals the third ink flow channel.

6. The inkjet head according to claim 5, wherein the third ink flow channel is defined by an end portion of a second ring-shaped projection projecting in the first direction.

7. The inkjet head according to claim 6, wherein the end portion of the second ring-shaped projection is tapered.

8. The inkjet head according to claim 5, wherein a distance from a first position of the second film, in which no pressure is applied to ink in the first ink flow channel, to a second position of the second film, in which a pressure of 200 kPa is applied to ink in the first ink flow channel, is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

9. The inkjet head according to claim 8, farther comprising a substrate, wherein substrate has a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, and the first flow channel member is positioned between the substrate and the second flow channel member.

10. An inkjet head comprising: a flow channel member comprising: a first orifice which opens in a first direction, wherein ink flows into the first orifice;a second orifice which opens in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein ink flows out from the second orifice; andan ink flow channel formed therein, wherein the ink flow channel extends from the first orifice to the second orifice; anda flexible film which is attached to the flow channel member, wherein the flexible film seals the ink flow channel.

11. The inkjet head according to claim 10, farther comprising a filter which is disposed in the flow channel member and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction along the ink flow channel, wherein the filter is configured to filter ink which passes through the ink flow channel.