TECHNICAL FIELD
The following disclosure relates to the field of image formation, and in particular, to printheads.
BACKGROUND
Image formation is a procedure whereby a digital image is recreated on a medium by propelling droplets of ink or another type of print fluid onto a medium, such as paper, plastic, a substrate for 3D printing, etc. Image formation is commonly employed in apparatuses, such as printers (e.g., inkjet printer), facsimile machines, copying machines, plotting machines, multifunction peripherals, etc. The core of a typical jetting apparatus or image forming apparatus is one or more liquid-droplet ejection heads (referred to generally herein as “printheads”) having nozzles that discharge liquid droplets, a mechanism for moving the printhead and/or the medium in relation to one another, and a controller that controls how liquid is discharged from the individual nozzles of the printhead onto the medium in the form of pixels.
A typical printhead includes a plurality of nozzles aligned in one or more rows along a discharge surface of the printhead. Each nozzle is part of a “jetting channel”, which includes the nozzle, a pressure chamber, and a diaphragm that is driven by an actuator, such as a piezoelectric actuator. A printhead also includes a drive circuit that controls when each individual jetting channel fires based on image data. To jet from a jetting channel, the drive circuit provides a jetting pulse to the actuator, which causes the actuator to deform a wall of the pressure chamber via the diaphragm. The deformation of the pressure chamber creates pressure waves within the pressure chamber that eject a droplet of print fluid (e.g., ink) out of the nozzle.
SUMMARY
Embodiments described herein include a printhead having a single row of nozzles or two rows of nozzles in close proximity, where the nozzles in a row are configured to jet different types of print fluid. In a conventional printhead, each nozzle in a row jets the same type of print fluid, such as the same color of ink. As described herein, nozzles in a single row are able to jet four (or more) different types of print fluid, and nozzles in two rows are able to jet two (or more) different types of print fluid. Being able to jet four or more different types of print fluid in a single row of nozzles, or in two rows of nozzles in close proximity, allows more flexibility in how the printhead is used, such as for printing on cylindrical mediums or other non-planar surfaces.
One embodiment comprises a printhead that includes inlet ports each configured to receive one of four or more types of print fluids, and a plurality of nozzles arranged in one or two nozzle rows. Each of the nozzles is fluidly coupled to one of the inlet ports. In groupings of four or more adjacent nozzles of the plurality, the adjacent nozzles are each configured to jet a different one of the types of print fluids.
In another embodiment, the printhead includes supply manifolds disposed within the printhead. A first one of the supply manifolds is fluidly coupled to a first one of the inlet ports, and to a first subset of the nozzles. A second one of the supply manifolds is fluidly coupled to a second one of the inlet ports, and to a second subset of the nozzles. A third one of the supply manifolds is fluidly coupled to a third one of the inlet ports, and to a third subset of the nozzles. A fourth one of the supply manifolds is fluidly coupled to a fourth one of the inlet ports, and to a fourth subset of the nozzles.
In another embodiment, the printhead includes outlet ports each configured to convey one of the types of print fluids out of the printhead. The first one of the supply manifolds is fluidly coupled to a first one of the outlet ports, the second one of the supply manifolds is fluidly coupled to a second one of the outlet ports, the third one of the supply manifolds is fluidly coupled to a third one of the outlet ports, and the fourth one of the supply manifolds is fluidly coupled to a fourth one of the outlet ports.
In another embodiment, the first one of the supply manifolds and the third one of the supply manifolds are disposed longitudinally along a first side of the printhead, and are vertically aligned with one another. The second one of the supply manifolds and the fourth one of the supply manifolds are disposed longitudinally along a second side of the printhead, and are vertically aligned with one another.
In another embodiment, the nozzles are arranged in two nozzle rows, and the nozzles in a first one of the nozzle rows are offset from the nozzles in a second one of the nozzle rows.
In another embodiment, the nozzles are arranged in two nozzle rows, and the nozzles in a first one of the nozzle rows are aligned with the nozzles in a second one of the nozzle rows.
In another embodiment, the nozzles are arranged in a single nozzle row.
In another embodiment, the types of print fluids comprise different colors of ink, and the adjacent nozzles in the groupings are each configured to jet a different color of ink.
Another embodiment comprises a printhead that includes nozzles arranged in one or two nozzle rows. The printhead also includes a first supply manifold configured to supply a first print fluid to a first subset of the nozzles, a second supply manifold configured to supply a second print fluid to a second subset of the nozzles, a third supply manifold configured to supply a third print fluid to a third subset of the nozzles, and a fourth supply manifold configured to supply a fourth print fluid to a fourth subset of the nozzles. In groupings of four or more adjacent nozzles in the one or two nozzle rows, the groupings are each comprised of a first nozzle from the first subset, a second nozzle from the second subset, a third nozzle from the third subset, and a fourth nozzle from the fourth subset.
In another embodiment, the printhead includes inlet ports. The first supply manifold is fluidly coupled to a first one of the inlet ports to receive the first print fluid. The second supply manifold is fluidly coupled to a second one of the inlet ports to receive the second print fluid. The third supply manifold is fluidly coupled to a third one of the inlet ports to receive the third print fluid. The fourth supply manifold is fluidly coupled to a fourth one of the inlet ports to receive the fourth print fluid.
In another embodiment, the printhead further includes outlet ports. The first supply manifold is fluidly coupled to a first one of the outlet ports to convey the first print fluid out of the first supply manifold. The second supply manifold is fluidly coupled to a second one of the outlet ports to convey the second print fluid out of the second supply manifold. The third supply manifold is fluidly coupled to a third one of the outlet ports to convey the third print fluid out of the third supply manifold. The fourth supply manifold is fluidly coupled to a fourth one of the outlet ports to convey the fourth print fluid out of the fourth supply manifold.
In another embodiment, the first supply manifold and the third supply manifold are disposed longitudinally along a first side of the printhead, and are vertically aligned with one another. The second supply manifold and the fourth supply manifold are disposed longitudinally along a second side of the printhead, and are vertically aligned with one another.
In another embodiment, the nozzles are arranged in two nozzle rows. A first pair of the adjacent nozzles are consecutive along a first one of the nozzle rows. A second pair of the adjacent nozzles are consecutive along a second one of the nozzle rows. The first pair and second pair are adjacent across the nozzle rows.
In another embodiment, the nozzles are arranged in a single nozzle row, and the adjacent nozzles are consecutive along the single nozzle row.
Another embodiment comprises a printhead that includes a housing having inlet ports disposed at a top surface, and a plate stack attached to an interface surface of the housing. The plate stack includes a diaphragm plate that forms diaphragms for jetting channels of the printhead, an upper restrictor plate, a lower restrictor plate, a chamber plate that forms pressure chambers for the jetting channels, and a nozzle plate having nozzles arranged in one or two nozzle rows for the jetting channels. The housing and the plate stack form a first upper supply manifold that is fluidly coupled to a first one of the inlet ports, a second upper supply manifold that is fluidly coupled to a second one of the inlet ports, a first lower supply manifold that is fluidly coupled to a third one of the inlet ports, a second lower supply manifold that is fluidly coupled to a fourth one of the inlet ports. The upper restrictor plate fluidly couples a first subset of the jetting channels to the first upper supply manifold, and fluidly couples a second subset of the jetting channels to the second upper supply manifold. The lower restrictor plate fluidly couples a third subset of the jetting channels to the first lower supply manifold, and fluidly couples a fourth subset of the jetting channels to the second lower supply manifold.
In another embodiment, the first upper supply manifold and the first lower supply manifold are aligned vertically on a first side of the printhead, and the second upper supply manifold and the second lower supply manifold are aligned vertically on a second side of the printhead.
In another embodiment, the housing includes an access hole that extends from the interface surface through to the top surface, and manifold ducts disposed longitudinally on the interface surface on opposite sides of the access hole. A first one of the manifold ducts is fluidly coupled to the first one of the inlet ports, and a second one of the manifold ducts is fluidly coupled to the second one of the inlet ports. The diaphragm plate includes manifold openings disposed longitudinally to coincide with the manifold ducts of the housing to form the first upper supply manifold and the second upper supply manifold. The diaphragm plate further includes port extension openings that coincide with the third one of the inlet ports and the fourth one of the inlet ports.
In another embodiment, the upper restrictor plate includes port extension openings that coincide with the port extension openings of the diaphragm plate, the lower restrictor plate includes port extension openings that coincide with the port extension openings of the upper restrictor plate, and the chamber plate includes manifold openings disposed longitudinally toward opposing sides of the chamber plate to form the first lower supply manifold and the second lower supply manifold.
In another embodiment, the upper restrictor plate includes a first row of openings that alternate between restrictor openings and chamber openings, and a second row of openings that alternate between restrictor openings and chamber openings. The lower restrictor plate includes a first row of openings that alternate between restrictor openings and chamber openings, and a second row of openings that alternate between restrictor openings and chamber openings. The restrictor openings of the lower restrictor plate coincide with chamber openings of the upper restrictor plate, and the chamber openings of the lower restrictor plate coincide with the restrictor openings of the upper restrictor plate. The chamber plate includes chamber openings that each coincide with either a restrictor opening of the lower restrictor plate or a chamber opening of the lower restrictor plate.
In another embodiment, the nozzles of the nozzle plate are arranged in one nozzle row, and the chamber openings in the chamber plate each extend across a longitudinal center line of the chamber plate.
The above summary provides a basic understanding of some aspects of the specification. This summary is not an extensive overview of the specification. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the specification nor delineate any scope particular embodiments of the specification, or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the specification in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Some embodiments of the present disclosure are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference number represents the same element or the same type of element on all drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printhead in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of jetting channels within a printhead in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 3 is another schematic diagram of a jetting channel within a printhead in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a view of a bottom surface of a printhead in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a head member in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a view of a bottom surface of a printhead in another illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a head member in another illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a housing in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a diaphragm plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of an upper restrictor plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a lower restrictor plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a plan view of a chamber plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of a nozzle plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a head member in an illustrative embodiment.
FIGS. 15-18 are cross-sectional views of a head member in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a plan view of a chamber plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a plan view of a nozzle plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a bottom view of a head member in an illustrative embodiment.
FIGS. 22-25 are cross-sectional views of a head member in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a bottom view of a housing in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 27 is a plan view of a diaphragm plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 28 is a plan view of an upper restrictor plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 29 is a plan view of a lower restrictor plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 30 is a plan view of a chamber plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 31 is a plan view of a nozzle plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 32 is a bottom view of a head member in an illustrative embodiment.
FIGS. 33-34 are cross-sectional views of a head member in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 35 is a plan view of a chamber plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 36 is a plan view of a nozzle plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 37 is a bottom view of a head member in an illustrative embodiment.
FIGS. 38-41 are cross-sectional views of a head member in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 42 is another perspective view of a printhead in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of a head member in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 44 is a bottom view of a housing in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 45 is a plan view of a diaphragm plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 46 is a plan view of an upper restrictor plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 47 is a plan view of a lower restrictor plate in an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 48 is a plan view of a chamber plate in an illustrative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The figures and the following description illustrate specific exemplary embodiments. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the embodiments and are included within the scope of the embodiments. Furthermore, any examples described herein are intended to aid in understanding the principles of the embodiments, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. As a result, the inventive concept(s) is not limited to the specific embodiments or examples described below, but by the claims and their equivalents.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of printhead 100 in an illustrative embodiment. Printhead 100 is an apparatus or device configured to jet or eject droplets of print fluids onto a medium, such as paper, plastic, card stock, transparent sheets, a substrate for 3D printing, cloth, and the like. Printhead 100 includes nozzles arranged in one or two rows so that ejection of print fluids from the nozzles causes formation of characters, symbols, images, layers of an object, etc., on the medium as printhead 100 and/or the medium are moved relative to one another. Printhead 100 includes a head member 102 and electronics 104. Head member 102 is an elongated component that forms the jetting channels of printhead 100. A typical jetting channel includes a nozzle, a pressure chamber, and a diaphragm that is driven by an actuator, such as a piezoelectric actuator. Electronics 104 control how the nozzles of printhead 100 jet droplets in response to control signals provided by a controller board. Although not visible in FIG. 1, electronics 104 include a plurality of actuators (e.g., piezoelectric actuators) that contact the diaphragms of the jetting channels. Electronics 104 also include cabling 106, such as a ribbon cable, that connects to a controller board. The controller board is configured to provide control signals to printhead 100 via cabling 106 to control jetting of the individual jetting channels, to control the temperature of printhead 100, etc.
The bottom surface 108 of head member 102 includes the nozzles of the jetting channels, and represents the discharge surface of printhead 100. The top surface 109 of head member 102 represents the input/output (I/O) portion for receiving print fluids into printhead 100 and/or conveying print fluids (e.g., fluids that are not jetted) out of printhead 100. In this embodiment, top surface 109 includes a plurality of inlet ports 111-114 that receive print fluids for jetting. An inlet port 111-114 comprises an opening in head member 102 that acts as an entry point for a print fluid. Inlet ports 111-114 may include a hose coupling, hose barb, etc., for coupling with a supply hose of a reservoir, a cartridge, or the like. Top surface 109 has two ends 116-117 that are separated by electronics 104. In this embodiment, inlet ports 111-112 are disposed toward end 116, and inlet ports 113-114 are disposed toward end 117.
Head member 102 includes a housing 120 and a plate stack 130. Housing 120 is a rigid member made from stainless steel or another type of material. Housing 120 includes an access hole 122 that provides a passageway for electronics 104 to pass through housing 120 so that actuators may interface with diaphragms of the jetting channels. Plate stack 130 attaches to an interface surface (not visible) of housing 120. Plate stack 130 (also referred to as a laminate plate stack) is a series of plates that are fixed or bonded to one another to form a laminated stack. As described in more detail below, plate stack 130 may include the following plates: one or more nozzle plates, one or more chamber plates, one or more restrictor plates, and a diaphragm plate. A nozzle plate includes a plurality of nozzles that are arranged in one or two rows. A chamber plate includes a plurality of openings that form the pressure chambers of the jetting channels. A restrictor plate includes a plurality of restrictors that fluidly connect the pressure chambers of the jetting channels with a supply manifold. A diaphragm plate is a sheet of a semi-flexible material that vibrates in response to actuation by an actuator (e.g., piezoelectric actuator).
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of jetting channels 202 within printhead 100 in an illustrative embodiment. This diagram represents a view along a length of printhead 100. A jetting channel 202 is a structural element within printhead 100 that jets or ejects a print fluid. Each jetting channel 202 includes a diaphragm 210, a pressure chamber 212, and a nozzle 214. An actuator 216 contacts diaphragm 210 to control jetting from a jetting channel 202. Jetting channels 202 may be formed in one or two rows along a length of printhead 100, and each jetting channel 202 may have a similar configuration as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is another schematic diagram of a jetting channel 202 within printhead 100 in an illustrative embodiment. This diagram represents a view across a width of a portion of printhead 100. A supply manifold 318 is configured to supply a print fluid to jetting channel 202 through a restrictor 320. Restrictor 320 fluidly couples pressure chamber 212 to supply manifold 318, and controls the flow of the print fluid into pressure chamber 212. One wall of pressure chamber 212 is formed with diaphragm 210 that physically interfaces with actuator 216. Diaphragm 210 may comprise a sheet of semi-flexible material that vibrates in response to actuation by actuator 216. The print fluid flows through pressure chamber 212 and out of nozzle 214 in the form of a droplet in response to actuation by actuator 216. Actuator 216 is configured to receive a drive waveform, and to actuate or “fire” in response to a jetting pulse on the drive waveform. Firing of actuator 216 in jetting channel 202 creates pressure waves in pressure chamber 212 that cause jetting of a droplet from nozzle 214.
Jetting channel 202 as shown in FIGS. 2-3 is an example to illustrate a basic structure of a jetting channel, such as the diaphragm, pressure chamber, and nozzle. Other types of jetting channels are also considered herein. For example, some jetting channels may have a pressure chamber having a different shape than is illustrated in FIGS. 2-3. Also, the position of supply manifold 318 and/or restrictor 320 may differ in other embodiments.
In FIG. 1, printhead 100 is configured to jet four (or more) different types of print fluids, and may be referred to as a four-color printhead. Types of print fluid may differ based on color or pigment, viscosity, density, polymers, etc. Inlet ports 111-114 are each fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir, container, or other supply of a different type of print fluid. For example, inlet ports 111-114 may be fluidly coupled to cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) reservoirs, respectively. A traditional four-color printhead has four rows of nozzles, and each row of nozzles jets a single color of ink. As will be described in more detail below, printhead 100 has one or two rows of nozzles, and nozzles in a row are configured to jet different types of print fluid.
FIG. 4 is a view of bottom surface 108 of printhead 100 in an illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, nozzles 401-404 of printhead 100 are arranged longitudinally into two nozzle rows, where nozzles 401-404 in adjacent nozzle rows are staggered or offset (although nozzles 401-404 may not be offset in other embodiments). Nozzles 401 are part of a jetting channel that is configured to jet a first type of print fluid (e.g., a first color), which is indicated by diagonal hashing. Nozzles 402 are part of a jetting channel that is configured to jet a second type of print fluid (e.g., a second color), which is indicated by cross hashing. Nozzles 403 are part of a jetting channel that is configured to jet a third type of print fluid (e.g., a third color), which is indicated by horizontal hashing. Nozzles 404 are part of a jetting channel that is configured to jet a fourth type of print fluid (e.g., a fourth color), which is indicated by vertical hashing. Nozzles 401-404 are arranged into groupings 410 of four adjacent nozzles. Adjacent nozzles are nozzles that are next to or neighboring one another. For instance, when nozzles 401-404 are arranged in two nozzle rows as shown in FIG. 4, one pair of adjacent nozzles are consecutive along one of the nozzle rows, and another pair of adjacent nozzles are consecutive along the other nozzle row. The pairs of nozzles are also adjacent across the nozzle rows.
With nozzles 401-404 arranged in this manner, each nozzle 401-404 in a grouping 410 is configured to jet a different type of print fluid, such as a different color of ink. For example, nozzle 401 may be configured to jet cyan (C), nozzle 402 may be configured to jet magenta (M), nozzle 403 may be configured to jet yellow (Y), and nozzle 404 may be configured to jet black (K). Thus, instead of jetting a single color along a nozzle row as with a traditional printhead, nozzles in a nozzle row of printhead 100 are able to jet different colors. For example, the top nozzle row alternates between nozzles 401 that jet a first type of print fluid, and nozzles 403 that jet a third type of print fluid. The bottom nozzle row alternates between nozzles 402 that jet a second type of print fluid, and nozzles 404 that jet a fourth type of print fluid. FIG. 4 is provided as an example, and an actual printhead may include many more nozzles than is illustrated. Also, although two nozzle rows are shown in FIG. 4, printhead 100 may include a single nozzle row in other embodiments.
In order to jet four (or more) different types of print fluids, head member 102 in FIG. 1 includes supply manifolds disposed longitudinally that each supply a print fluid to a subset of the jetting channels/nozzles. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of head member 102 in an illustrative embodiment. The jetting channels 500 of printhead 100 are schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 as nozzles in two nozzle rows. Although the nozzles are shown as staggered in FIG. 5, the nozzles in the two nozzle rows may be aligned in other embodiments. Head member 102 includes supply manifolds 511-514 that are disposed longitudinally. A supply manifold is a groove, duct, conduit, etc., within head member 102 that is configured to convey a print fluid to jetting channels. Supply manifold 511 is fluidly coupled to inlet port 111, and is also fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels 500 indicated by nozzles 401 via fluid path 541. Thus, when a first print fluid (e.g., a first color of ink) is supplied to inlet port 111, supply manifold 511 receives the first print fluid and supplies the first print fluid to the subset of jetting channels for nozzles 401. Supply manifold 512 is fluidly coupled to inlet port 112, and is also fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels 500 indicated by nozzles 402 via fluid path 542. Thus, when a second print fluid (e.g., a second color of ink) is supplied to inlet port 112, supply manifold 512 receives the second print fluid and supplies the second print fluid to the subset of jetting channels for nozzles 402. Supply manifold 513 is fluidly coupled to inlet port 113, and is also fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels 500 indicated by nozzles 403 via fluid path 543. Thus, when a third print fluid (e.g., a third color of ink) is supplied to inlet port 113, supply manifold 513 receives the third print fluid and supplies the third print fluid to the subset of jetting channels for nozzles 403. Supply manifold 514 is fluidly coupled to inlet port 114, and is also fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels 500 indicated by nozzles 404 via fluid path 544. Thus, when a fourth print fluid (e.g., a fourth color of ink) is supplied to inlet port 114, supply manifold 514 receives the fourth print fluid and supplies the fourth print fluid to the subset of jetting channels for nozzles 404.
Fluid paths 541-544 are provided in the form of a restrictor, which is a passageway that fluidly couples a supply manifold to a pressure chamber and prevents a backflow of print fluid. There is a different fluid path 541-544 between the nozzles 401-404 in a row, and supply manifolds 511-514. For example, nozzles 401 in the top row couple with supply manifold 511 via fluid path 541, while nozzles 403 in the same row couple with supply manifold 513 via fluid path 543. Thus, the fluid paths for the nozzles 401 and 403 in the top row alternate between supply manifold 511 and supply manifold 513. Similarly, nozzles 402 in the bottom row couple with supply manifold 512 via fluid path 542, while nozzles 404 in the same row couple with supply manifold 514 via fluid path 544. Thus, the fluid paths for the nozzles 402 and 404 in the bottom row alternate between supply manifold 512 and supply manifold 514. This allows for nozzles in the same row to jet different types of print fluid. In an example of four-color printing, supply manifold 511 may supply cyan ink to nozzles 401, and these nozzles 401 would exclusively jet cyan. Supply manifold 512 may supply a magenta ink to nozzles 402, and these nozzles 402 would exclusively jet magenta. Supply manifold 513 may supply yellow ink to nozzles 403, and these nozzles 403 would exclusively jet yellow. Supply manifold 514 may supply black ink to nozzles 404, and these nozzles 404 would exclusively jet black.
FIG. 6 is a view of bottom surface 108 of printhead 100 in another illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, nozzles 401-404 of printhead 100 are arranged longitudinally into a single nozzle row. Like above, nozzles 401 are part of a jetting channel that is configured to jet a first type of print fluid (e.g., a first color). Nozzles 402 are part of a jetting channel that is configured to jet a second type of print fluid (e.g., a second color). Nozzles 403 are part of a jetting channel that is configured to jet a third type of print fluid (e.g., a third color). Nozzles 404 are part of a jetting channel that is configured to jet a fourth type of print fluid (e.g., a fourth color). Nozzles 401-404 are arranged into groupings 410 of four adjacent nozzles, where the adjacent nozzles are consecutive along the nozzle row.
With nozzles 401-404 arranged in this manner, each nozzle 401-404 in a grouping 410 is configured to jet a different type of print fluid, such as a different color of ink. For example, nozzle 401 may be configured to jet cyan (C), nozzle 402 may be configured to jet magenta (M), nozzle 403 may be configured to jet yellow (Y), and nozzle 404 may be configured to jet black (K). Thus, instead of jetting a single color along a nozzle row as with a traditional printhead, nozzles 401-404 in the nozzle row of printhead 100 jet different colors. FIG. 6 is provided as an example, and an actual printhead may include many more nozzles than is illustrated.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of head member 102 in another illustrative embodiment. The jetting channels of printhead 100 are schematically illustrated in FIG. 7 as nozzles in a single nozzle row. Head member 102 includes supply manifolds 511-514 that are disposed longitudinally. Supply manifold 511 is fluidly coupled to inlet port 111, and is also fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels 500 indicated by nozzles 401 via fluid path 541. Supply manifold 512 is fluidly coupled to inlet port 112, and is also fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels 500 indicated by nozzles 402 via fluid path 542. Supply manifold 513 is fluidly coupled to inlet port 113, and is also fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels 500 indicated by nozzles 403 via fluid path 543. Supply manifold 514 is fluidly coupled to inlet port 114, and is also fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels 500 indicated by nozzles 404 via fluid path 544.
There is a different fluid path 541-544 between the nozzles 401-404 in the single nozzle row, and supply manifolds 511-514. For example, nozzles 401 in the single nozzle row couple with supply manifold 511 via fluid path 541, nozzles 402 in the single nozzle row couple with supply manifold 512 via fluid path 542, nozzles 403 in the single nozzle row couple with supply manifold 513 via fluid path 543, and nozzles 404 in the single nozzle row couple with supply manifold 514 via fluid path 544. Thus, the fluid paths for the nozzles 401-404 in the single nozzle row switch between supply manifolds 511-514. This allows for nozzles in the same row to jet at least four different types of print fluid.
The structure of head member 102 to form the supply manifolds, the fluid paths, the jetting channels, etc., may vary depending on desired implementations. The following embodiments set forth examples of the structure of head member 102. FIGS. 8-18 illustrate the structure of head member 102 in one illustrative embodiment. The structural elements in these figures are not drawn to scale, and are provided as an example. As an overview, head member 102 includes jetting channels for two rows of nozzles. Head member 102 also includes a pair of upper supply manifolds, and a pair of lower supply manifolds that each supply a different type of print fluid to subsets of the jetting channels. An upper supply manifold and a lower supply manifold are disposed longitudinally on one side of head member 102 (i.e., one side of the jetting channels), and the other upper supply manifold and the other lower supply manifold are disposed longitudinally on the other side of head member 102. As described above in FIG. 1, head member 102 includes a housing 120 and a plate stack 130. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of housing 120 in an illustrative embodiment. The bottom surface of housing 120 is referred to as interface surface 800, which is the surface of housing 120 that faces plate stack 130 and interfaces with plate stack 130. Housing 120 includes access hole 122 at or near its center that extends from interface surface 800 through to top surface 109 (see FIG. 1). Access hole 122 provides a passageway for actuators 216, such as a plurality of piezoelectric actuators, to pass through and interface with a diaphragm plate (shown in FIG. 9). In this embodiment, actuators 216 are arranged in two rows that are staggered.
Housing 120 also includes manifold ducts 801-802 disposed longitudinally along a length of housing 120 on interface surface 800. Manifold ducts 801-802 comprise elongated cuts or grooves along interface surface 800 configured to convey a print fluid. Manifold ducts 801-802 are fluidly coupled to inlet ports 111-112, respectively. Inlet ports 113-114 are also visible as extending through housing 120, and will be fluidly coupled to lower supply manifolds as is described in more detail below.
FIGS. 9-13 show one example of plate stack 130 that includes a diaphragm plate, an upper restrictor plate, a lower restrictor plate, a chamber plate, and a nozzle plate. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a diaphragm plate 900 in an illustrative embodiment. Diaphragm plate 900 is a thin sheet of material (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.) that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Diaphragm plate 900 includes diaphragm sections 910 comprising a semi-flexible material that forms diaphragms for the jetting channels. Diaphragm plate 900 further includes manifold openings 901-902, which comprise elongated apertures or holes through diaphragm plate 900 disposed longitudinally along a length of diaphragm plate 900. Manifold openings 901-902 are disposed toward the long sides 941-942 of diaphragm plate 900 on opposing sides of diaphragm sections 910 to coincide with manifold ducts 801-802 of housing 120 and to form the upper supply manifolds (e.g., supply manifolds 511-512) of head member 102. Diaphragm plate 900 also includes port extension openings 923-924 that coincide with inlet ports 113-114, respectively, of housing 120. Port extension openings 923-924 may be disposed toward an end 943 of diaphragm plate 900.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of upper restrictor plate 1000 in an illustrative embodiment. Upper restrictor plate 1000 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Upper restrictor plate 1000 includes restrictor openings 1011-1012. Restrictor openings 1011-1012 comprise elongated apertures or holes through upper restrictor plate 1000 transversely disposed or oriented. Restrictor openings 1011-1012 are configured to fluidly couple pressure chambers of jetting channels (for nozzles 401-402) with manifold openings 901-902, respectively. Restrictor openings 1011-1012 are formed in two rows (i.e., a top row and a bottom row), with restrictor openings 1011 in one row and restrictor openings 1012 in the other row and offset or staggered in relation to one another. Upper restrictor plate 1000 further includes chamber openings 1013-1014 toward a middle region of upper restrictor plate 1000. Chamber openings 1013-1014 comprise apertures or holes through upper restrictor plate 1000 that form pressure chambers for a portion of the jetting channels (i.e., the jetting channels for nozzles 403-404). Chamber openings 1013-1014 do not extend transversely as far as restrictor openings 1011-1012 toward the long sides 1041-1042 of upper restrictor plate 1000, and therefore are not fluidly coupled to manifold openings 901-902. Chamber openings 1013-1014 are formed in two rows, with chamber openings 1013 in one row and chamber openings 1014 in the other row that are offset or staggered in relation to one another. Restrictor openings 1011 alternate with chamber openings 1013 in the top row, and restrictor openings 1012 alternate with chamber openings 1014 in the bottom row. Upper restrictor plate 1000 also includes port extension openings 1023-1024 that coincide with port extension openings 923-924, respectively, of diaphragm plate 900. Port extension openings 1023-1024 may be disposed toward an end 1043 of upper restrictor plate 1000.
FIG. 11 is a plan view of lower restrictor plate 1100 in an illustrative embodiment. Lower restrictor plate 1100 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Lower restrictor plate 1100 includes restrictor openings 1113-1114. Restrictor openings 1113-1114 comprise elongated apertures or holes through lower restrictor plate 1100 transversely disposed or oriented. Restrictor openings 1113-1114 are configured to fluidly couple pressure chambers of jetting channels (for nozzles 403-404) with manifold openings of the chamber plate (see FIG. 12). Restrictor openings 1113-1114 are formed in two rows (i.e., a top row and a bottom row), with restrictor openings 1113 in one row and restrictor openings 1114 in the other row and offset or staggered in relation to one another. Lower restrictor plate 1100 further includes chamber openings 1111-1112 toward a middle region of lower restrictor plate 1100. Chamber openings 1111-1112 comprise apertures or holes through lower restrictor plate 1100 that form pressure chambers for a portion of the jetting channels (i.e., the jetting channels for nozzles 401-402). Chamber openings 1111-1112 do not extend transversely as far as restrictor openings 1113-1114 toward the long sides 1141-1142 of lower restrictor plate 1100, and therefore are not fluidly coupled to the manifold openings of the chamber plate. Chamber openings 1111-1112 are formed in two rows, with chamber openings 1111 in one row and chamber openings 1112 in the other row that are offset or staggered in relation to one another. Restrictor openings 1113 alternate with chamber openings 1111 in the top row, and restrictor openings 1114 alternate with chamber openings 1112 in the bottom row. Lower restrictor plate 1100 also includes port extension openings 1123-1124 that coincide with port extension openings 1023-1024, respectively, of upper restrictor plate 1000. Port extension openings 1123-1124 may be disposed toward an end 1143 of lower restrictor plate 1100.
FIG. 12 is a plan view of chamber plate 1200 in an illustrative embodiment. Chamber plate 1200 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Chamber plate 1200 includes chamber openings 1211-1214 disposed toward a middle region of chamber plate 1200. Chamber openings 1211-1214 comprise apertures or holes through chamber plate 1200 that form pressure chambers for the jetting channels. Chamber openings 1211-1214 are aligned in two longitudinal rows that are staggered. Chamber plate 1200 further includes manifold openings 1203-1204, which comprise elongated apertures or holes through chamber plate 1200 disposed longitudinally along a length of chamber plate 1200. Manifold openings 1203-1204 are disposed toward the long sides 1241-1242 of chamber plate 1200 on opposing sides of chamber openings 1211-1214 to form the lower supply manifolds (e.g., supply manifolds 513-514) of head member 102. Although one chamber plate 1200 is illustrated, there may be multiple chamber plates 1200 used to form the pressure chambers and lower supply manifolds. Looking back to FIG. 11, restrictor openings 1113-1114 are configured to fluidly couple pressure chambers of jetting channels (for nozzles 403-404) with manifold openings 1203-1204, respectively.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of nozzle plate 1300 in an illustrative embodiment. Nozzle plate 1300 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Nozzle plate 1300 includes orifices that form nozzles 401-404 of the jetting channels. As described in FIG. 4, nozzles 401-404 are arranged in two nozzle rows 1301-1302 that are staggered or offset from one another. Nozzles 401 and 403 are in nozzle row 1301, and nozzles 402 and 404 are in nozzle row 1302. Nozzles 401-404 are arranged into groupings 410 of four adjacent nozzles, and each nozzle 401-404 in a grouping 410 is configured to jet a different type of print fluid.
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of head member 102 in an illustrative embodiment. FIGS. 15-18 are cross-sectional views of head member 102 in an illustrative embodiment. The view in FIG. 15 is across cut plane A-A in FIG. 14. From top to bottom in FIG. 15, head member 102 includes housing 120, diaphragm plate 900, upper restrictor plate 1000, lower restrictor plate 1100, chamber plate 1200, and nozzle plate 1300. As is visible in FIG. 15, head member 102 includes a pair of upper supply manifolds 1521-1522 and a pair of lower supply manifolds 1523-1524. Upper supply manifold 1521 is formed with manifold duct 801 and manifold opening 901 (see FIGS. 8-9). Upper supply manifold 1522 is formed with manifold duct 802 and manifold opening 902 (see FIGS. 8-9). Lower supply manifold 1523 is formed with manifold opening 1203, and lower supply manifold 1524 is formed with manifold opening 1204 (see FIG. 12). An upper supply manifold 1521 and a lower supply manifold 1523 are disposed longitudinally on one side of head member 102 (i.e., one side of the jetting channel(s)), and the other upper supply manifold 1522 and the other lower supply manifold 1524 are disposed longitudinally on the other side of head member 102. On each side, an upper supply manifold and a lower supply manifold may be vertically aligned with one another.
Plate stack 130 forms a jetting channel for nozzle 401. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 1510, pressure chamber 1512, and nozzle 401. Pressure chamber 1512 is fluidly coupled to upper supply manifold 1521 via restrictor 1514 (formed with restrictor opening 1011 in FIG. 10). Restrictor 1514 controls the flow of print fluid from upper supply manifold 1521 to pressure chamber 1512. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 401. The jetting channel for nozzle 401 is fluidly coupled to upper supply manifold 1521, and is fluidly isolated from the other supply manifolds 1522-1524 so that it receives one type of print fluid.
The view in FIG. 16 is across cut plane B-B in FIG. 14, showing a jetting channel for nozzle 402. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 1610, pressure chamber 1612, and nozzle 402. Pressure chamber 1612 is fluidly coupled to upper supply manifold 1522 via restrictor 1614 (formed with restrictor opening 1012 in FIG. 10). Restrictor 1614 controls the flow of print fluid from upper supply manifold 1522 to pressure chamber 1612. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 402. The jetting channel for nozzle 402 is fluidly coupled to upper supply manifold 1522, and is fluidly isolated from the other supply manifolds 1521 and 1523-1524 so that it receives one type of print fluid.
The view in FIG. 17 is across cut plane C-C in FIG. 14, showing a jetting channel for nozzle 403. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 1710, pressure chamber 1712, and nozzle 403. Pressure chamber 1712 is fluidly coupled to lower supply manifold 1523 via restrictor 1714 (formed with restrictor opening 1113 in FIG. 11). Restrictor 1714 controls the flow of print fluid from lower supply manifold 1523 to pressure chamber 1712. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 403. The jetting channel for nozzle 403 is fluidly coupled to lower supply manifold 1523, and is fluidly isolated from the other supply manifolds 1521-1522 and 1524 so that it receives one type of print fluid.
The view in FIG. 18 is across cut plane D-D in FIG. 14, showing a jetting channel for nozzle 404. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 1810, pressure chamber 1812, and nozzle 404. Pressure chamber 1812 is fluidly coupled to lower supply manifold 1524 via restrictor 1814 (formed with restrictor opening 1114 in FIG. 11). Restrictor 1814 controls the flow of print fluid from lower supply manifold 1524 to pressure chamber 1812. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 404. The jetting channel for nozzle 404 is fluidly coupled to lower supply manifold 1524, and is fluidly isolated from the other supply manifolds 1521-1523 so that it receives one type of print fluid.
FIGS. 19-20 illustrate the structure of head member 102 in another illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, diaphragm plate 900, upper restrictor plate 1000, and lower restrictor plate 1100 may be similar to the embodiment described above in FIGS. 9-11, but alternative plates are shown for the chamber plate and the nozzle plate. FIG. 19 is a plan view of chamber plate 1900 in an illustrative embodiment. Chamber plate 1900 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Chamber plate 1900 includes chamber openings 1211-1214 disposed toward a middle region of chamber plate 1900. Chamber openings 1211-1214 are aligned in two longitudinal rows that are staggered. However, chamber openings 1211-1214 each extend across a longitudinal center line 1940 of chamber plate 1900. Chamber plate 1900 further includes manifold openings 1203-1204, which comprise elongated apertures or holes through chamber plate 1900 disposed longitudinally along a length of chamber plate 1900. Manifold openings 1203-1204 are disposed toward the long sides 1941-1942 of chamber plate 1900 on opposing sides of chamber openings 1211-1214 to form the lower supply manifolds of head member 102. Although one chamber plate 1900 is illustrated, there may be multiple chamber plates 1900 used to form the pressure chambers and lower supply manifolds.
FIG. 20 is a plan view of nozzle plate 2000 in an illustrative embodiment. Nozzle plate 2000 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Nozzle plate 2000 includes orifices that form nozzles 401-404 of the jetting channels. As described in FIG. 6, nozzles 401-404 are arranged in a single nozzle row 2001. Nozzles 401-404 are arranged into groupings 410 of four adjacent nozzles, where the adjacent nozzles are consecutive along nozzle row 2001. Each nozzle 401-404 in a grouping 410 is configured to jet a different type of print fluid.
FIG. 21 is a bottom view of head member 102 in an illustrative embodiment. FIGS. 22-25 are cross-sectional views of head member 102 in an illustrative embodiment. The view in FIG. 22 is across cut plane A-A in FIG. 21. From top to bottom in FIG. 22, head member 102 includes housing 120, diaphragm plate 900, upper restrictor plate 1000, lower restrictor plate 1100, chamber plate 1900, and nozzle plate 2000. As is visible in FIG. 22, head member 102 includes a pair of upper supply manifolds 1521-1522 and a pair of lower supply manifolds 1523-1524. Plate stack 130 forms a jetting channel for nozzle 401. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 2210, pressure chamber 2212, and nozzle 401. Pressure chamber 2212 is fluidly coupled to upper supply manifold 1521 via restrictor 2214 (formed with restrictor opening 1011 in FIG. 10). Restrictor 2214 controls the flow of print fluid from upper supply manifold 1521 to pressure chamber 2212. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 401.
The view in FIG. 23 is across cut plane B-B in FIG. 21, showing a jetting channel for nozzle 402. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 2310, pressure chamber 2312, and nozzle 402. Pressure chamber 2312 is fluidly coupled to upper supply manifold 1522 via restrictor 2314 (formed with restrictor opening 1012 in FIG. 10). Restrictor 2314 controls the flow of print fluid from upper supply manifold 1522 to pressure chamber 2312. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 402.
The view in FIG. 24 is across cut plane C-C in FIG. 21, showing a jetting channel for nozzle 403. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 2410, pressure chamber 2412, and nozzle 403. Pressure chamber 2412 is fluidly coupled to lower supply manifold 1523 via restrictor 2414 (formed with restrictor opening 1113 in FIG. 11). Restrictor 2414 controls the flow of print fluid from lower supply manifold 1523 to pressure chamber 2412. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 403.
The view in FIG. 25 is across cut plane D-D in FIG. 21, showing a jetting channel for nozzle 404. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 2510, pressure chamber 2512, and nozzle 404. Pressure chamber 2512 is fluidly coupled to lower supply manifold 1524 via restrictor 2514 (formed with restrictor opening 1114 in FIG. 11). Restrictor 2514 controls the flow of print fluid from lower supply manifold 1524 to pressure chamber 2512. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 404.
FIGS. 26-34 illustrate the structure of head member 102 in another illustrative embodiment. Again, the structural elements in these figures are not drawn to scale, and are provided as an example. FIG. 26 is a bottom view of housing 120 in an illustrative embodiment. Interface surface 800 of housing 120 is similar to FIG. 8 with manifold ducts 801-802 disposed longitudinally along a length of housing 120. Manifold ducts 801-802 are fluidly coupled to inlet ports 111-112, respectively. Inlet ports 113-114 are also visible as extending through housing 120, and will be fluidly coupled to lower supply manifolds as is described in more detail below. In this embodiment, actuators 216 are arranged in two rows, and the actuators 216 in each row are aligned.
FIGS. 27-31 show another example of plate stack 130 that includes a diaphragm plate, an upper restrictor plate, a lower restrictor plate, a chamber plate, and a nozzle plate. FIG. 27 is a plan view of a diaphragm plate 2700 in an illustrative embodiment. Diaphragm plate 2700 includes diaphragm sections 910 comprising a semi-flexible material that forms diaphragms for the jetting channels. Diaphragm plate 2700 further includes manifold openings 901-902, which comprise elongated apertures or holes through diaphragm plate 2700 disposed longitudinally along a length of diaphragm plate 2700. Manifold openings 901-902 are disposed toward the long sides 2741-2742 of diaphragm plate 2700 on opposing sides of diaphragm sections 910 to coincide with manifold ducts 801-802 of housing 120 and to form the upper supply manifolds (e.g., supply manifolds 511-512) of head member 102. Diaphragm plate 2700 also includes port extension openings 923-924 that coincide with inlet ports 113-114, respectively, of housing 120.
FIG. 28 is a plan view of upper restrictor plate 2800 in an illustrative embodiment. Upper restrictor plate 2800 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Upper restrictor plate 2800 includes restrictor openings 1011-1012. Restrictor openings 1011-1012 comprise elongated apertures or holes through upper restrictor plate 2800 transversely disposed or oriented. Restrictor openings 1011-1012 are configured to fluidly couple pressure chambers of jetting channels (for nozzles 401-402) with manifold openings 901-902, respectively. Restrictor openings 1011-1012 are formed in two rows (i.e., a top row and a bottom row), with restrictor openings 1011 in one row and restrictor openings 1012 in the other row. Restrictor openings 1011 in one row are aligned with restrictor openings 1012 in the other row. Upper restrictor plate 2800 further includes chamber openings 1013-1014 toward a middle region of upper restrictor plate 2800. Chamber openings 1013-1014 comprise apertures or holes through upper restrictor plate 2800 that form pressure chambers for a portion of the jetting channels (i.e., the jetting channels for nozzles 403-404). Chamber openings 1013-1014 do not extend transversely as far as restrictor openings 1011-1012 toward the long sides 2841-2842 of upper restrictor plate 2800, and therefore are not fluidly coupled to manifold openings 901-902. Chamber openings 1013-1014 are formed in two rows, with chamber openings 1013 in one row and chamber openings 1014 in the other row. Chamber openings 1013 in one row are aligned with chamber openings 1014 in the other row. Restrictor openings 1011 alternate with chamber openings 1013 in the top row, and restrictor openings 1012 alternate with chamber openings 1014 in the bottom row. Upper restrictor plate 2800 also includes port extension openings 1023-1024 that coincide with port extension openings 923-924, respectively, of diaphragm plate 2700.
FIG. 29 is a plan view of lower restrictor plate 2900 in an illustrative embodiment. Lower restrictor plate 2900 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Lower restrictor plate 2900 includes restrictor openings 1113-1114. Restrictor openings 1113-1114 comprise elongated apertures or holes through lower restrictor plate 2900 transversely disposed or oriented. Restrictor openings 1113-1114 are configured to fluidly couple pressure chambers of jetting channels (for nozzles 403-404) with manifold openings of the chamber plate (see FIG. 30). Restrictor openings 1113-1114 are formed in two rows (i.e., a top row and a bottom row), with restrictor openings 1113 in one row and restrictor openings 1114 in the other row. Restrictor openings 1113 in one row are aligned with restrictor openings 1114 in the other row. Lower restrictor plate 2900 further includes chamber openings 1111-1112 toward a middle region of lower restrictor plate 2900. Chamber openings 1111-1112 comprise apertures or holes through lower restrictor plate 2900 that form pressure chambers for a portion of the jetting channels (i.e., the jetting channels for nozzles 401-402). Chamber openings 1111-1112 do not extend transversely as far as restrictor openings 1113-1114 toward the long sides 2941-2942 of lower restrictor plate 2900, and therefore are not fluidly coupled to the manifold openings of the chamber plate. Chamber openings 1111-1112 are formed in two rows, with chamber openings 1111 in one row and chamber openings 1112 in the other row. Chamber openings 1111 in one row are aligned with chamber openings 1112 in the other row. Restrictor openings 1113 alternate with chamber openings 1111 in the top row, and restrictor openings 1114 alternate with chamber openings 1112 in the bottom row. Lower restrictor plate 2900 also includes port extension openings 1123-1124 that coincide with port extension openings 1023-1024, respectively, of upper restrictor plate 2800.
FIG. 30 is a plan view of chamber plate 3000 in an illustrative embodiment. Chamber plate 3000 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Chamber plate 3000 includes chamber openings 1211-1214 disposed toward a middle region of chamber plate 3000. Chamber openings 1211-1214 comprise apertures or holes through chamber plate 3000 that form pressure chambers for the jetting channels. Chamber openings 1211-1214 are formed in two rows, and chamber openings 1211 and 1213 in one row are aligned with chamber openings 1212 and 1214 in the other row. Chamber plate 3000 further includes manifold openings 1203-1204, which comprise elongated apertures or holes through chamber plate 3000 disposed longitudinally along a length of chamber plate 3000. Manifold openings 1203-1204 are disposed toward the long sides 3041-3042 of chamber plate 3000 on opposing sides of chamber openings 1211-1214 to form the lower supply manifolds (e.g., supply manifolds 513-514) of head member 102. Although one chamber plate 3000 is illustrated, there may be multiple chamber plates 3000 used to form the pressure chambers and lower supply manifolds. Looking back to FIG. 29, restrictor openings 1113-1114 are configured to fluidly couple pressure chambers of jetting channels (for nozzles 403-404) with manifold openings 1203-1204, respectively.
FIG. 31 is a plan view of nozzle plate 3100 in an illustrative embodiment. Nozzle plate 3100 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Nozzle plate 3100 includes orifices that form nozzles 401-404 of the jetting channels. In this embodiment, nozzles 401-404 are arranged in two nozzle rows 3101-3102. More particularly, nozzles 401 and 403 are in nozzle row 3101, and nozzles 402 and 404 are in nozzle row 3102. Nozzles 401 and 403 in nozzle row 3101 are aligned with nozzles 402 and 404 in nozzle row 3102. As in the above embodiments, nozzles 401-404 are arranged into groupings 410 of four adjacent nozzles, and each nozzle 401-404 in a grouping 410 is configured to jet a different type of print fluid.
FIG. 32 is a bottom view of head member 102 in an illustrative embodiment. FIGS. 33-34 are cross-sectional views of head member 102 in an illustrative embodiment. The view in FIG. 33 is across cut plane A-A in FIG. 32. From top to bottom in FIG. 33, head member 102 includes housing 120, diaphragm plate 2700, upper restrictor plate 2800, lower restrictor plate 2900, chamber plate 3000, and nozzle plate 3100. This view shows a jetting channel for nozzle 401 and a jetting channel for nozzle 402 that are aligned transversely. The jetting channel for nozzle 401 includes diaphragm 3310, pressure chamber 3312, and nozzle 401. Pressure chamber 3312 is fluidly coupled to upper supply manifold 1521 via restrictor 3314. Restrictor 3314 controls the flow of print fluid from upper supply manifold 1521 to pressure chamber 3312. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 401. The jetting channel for nozzle 402 includes diaphragm 3330, pressure chamber 3332, and nozzle 402. Pressure chamber 3332 is fluidly coupled to upper supply manifold 1522 via restrictor 3334. Restrictor 3334 controls the flow of print fluid from upper supply manifold 1522 to pressure chamber 3332. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 402.
The view in FIG. 34 is across cut plane B-B in FIG. 32. This view shows a jetting channel for nozzle 403 and a jetting channel for nozzle 404 that are aligned transversely. The jetting channel for nozzle 403 includes diaphragm 3410, pressure chamber 3412, and nozzle 403. Pressure chamber 3412 is fluidly coupled to lower supply manifold 1523 via restrictor 3414. Restrictor 3414 controls the flow of print fluid from lower supply manifold 1523 to pressure chamber 3412. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 403. The jetting channel for nozzle 404 includes diaphragm 3430, pressure chamber 3432, and nozzle 404. Pressure chamber 3432 is fluidly coupled to lower supply manifold 1524 via restrictor 3434. Restrictor 3434 controls the flow of print fluid from lower supply manifold 1524 to pressure chamber 3432. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 404.
FIGS. 35-36 illustrate the structure of head member 102 in another illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, diaphragm plate 2700, upper restrictor plate 2800, and lower restrictor plate 2900 may be similar to the embodiment described above in FIGS. 27-29, but alternative plates are shown for the chamber plate and the nozzle plate. FIG. 35 is a plan view of chamber plate 3500 in an illustrative embodiment. Chamber plate 3500 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Chamber plate 3500 includes chamber openings 1211-1214 disposed toward a middle region of chamber plate 3500. Chamber openings 1211-1214 are aligned in two longitudinal rows. A chamber opening 1211 and 1213 in one row is aligned with a chamber opening 1212 and 1214 in the other row. However, chamber openings 1211-1214 each extend across a longitudinal center line 3540 of chamber plate 3500. Chamber plate 3500 further includes manifold openings 1203-1204, which comprise elongated apertures or holes through chamber plate 3500 disposed longitudinally along a length of chamber plate 3500. Manifold openings 1203-1204 are disposed toward the long sides 3541-3542 of chamber plate 3500 on opposing sides of chamber openings 1211-1214 to form the lower supply manifolds of head member 102. Although one chamber plate 3500 is illustrated, there may be multiple chamber plates 3500 used to form the pressure chambers and lower supply manifolds.
FIG. 36 is a plan view of nozzle plate 3600 in an illustrative embodiment. Nozzle plate 3600 is a thin sheet of material that is generally rectangular in shape and is substantially flat or planar. Nozzle plate 3600 includes orifices that form nozzles 401-404 of the jetting channels. As described in FIG. 6, nozzles 401-404 are arranged in a single nozzle row 3601. Nozzles 401-404 are arranged into groupings 410 of four adjacent nozzles, where the adjacent nozzles are consecutive along nozzle row 3601. Each nozzle 401-404 in a grouping 410 is configured to jet a different type of print fluid.
FIG. 37 is a bottom view of head member 102 in an illustrative embodiment. FIGS. 38-41 are cross-sectional views of head member 102 in an illustrative embodiment. The view in FIG. 38 is across cut plane A-A in FIG. 37. From top to bottom in FIG. 38, head member 102 includes housing 120, diaphragm plate 2700, upper restrictor plate 2800, lower restrictor plate 2900, chamber plate 3500, and nozzle plate 3600. Plate stack 130 forms a jetting channel for nozzle 401. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 3810, pressure chamber 3812, and nozzle 401. Pressure chamber 3812 is fluidly coupled to upper supply manifold 1521 via restrictor 3814. Restrictor 3814 controls the flow of print fluid from upper supply manifold 1521 to pressure chamber 3812. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 401.
The view in FIG. 39 is across cut plane B-B in FIG. 37, showing a jetting channel for nozzle 402. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 3910, pressure chamber 3912, and nozzle 402. Pressure chamber 3912 is fluidly coupled to upper supply manifold 1522 via restrictor 3914. Restrictor 3914 controls the flow of print fluid from upper supply manifold 1522 to pressure chamber 3912. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 402.
The view in FIG. 40 is across cut plane C-C in FIG. 37, showing a jetting channel for nozzle 403. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 4010, pressure chamber 4012, and nozzle 403. Pressure chamber 4012 is fluidly coupled to lower supply manifold 1523 via restrictor 4014. Restrictor 4014 controls the flow of print fluid from lower supply manifold 1523 to pressure chamber 4012. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 403.
The view in FIG. 41 is across cut plane D-D in FIG. 37, showing a jetting channel for nozzle 404. The jetting channel includes diaphragm 4110, pressure chamber 4112, and nozzle 404. Pressure chamber 4112 is fluidly coupled to lower supply manifold 1524 via restrictor 4114. Restrictor 4114 controls the flow of print fluid from lower supply manifold 1524 to pressure chamber 4112. Actuation by actuator 216 will cause the print fluid to be ejected out of the jetting channel through nozzle 404.
In further embodiments, printhead 100 may further include outlet ports for each supply manifold. FIG. 42 is another perspective view of printhead 100 in an illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, top surface 109 of head member 102 (i.e., the I/O portion) includes a plurality of outlet ports 4211-4214 in addition to inlet ports 111-114. An outlet port 4211-4214 comprises an opening in head member 102 that acts as an exit point for a print fluid. Outlet ports 4211-4214 may include a hose coupling, hose barb, etc., for coupling with a return hose of a reservoir, a cartridge, or the like. In one embodiment, inlet ports 111-114 may be disposed toward end 116, and outlet ports 4211-4214 may be disposed toward end 117. In other embodiments, inlet ports 111-114 and outlet ports 4211-4214 may be disposed on either end 116-117.
FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of head member 102 in an illustrative embodiment. The jetting channels of printhead 100 are schematically illustrated in FIG. 43 as nozzles in two nozzle rows. Head member 102 includes supply manifolds 511-514 that are disposed longitudinally. Supply manifold 511 extends between inlet port 111 and outlet port 4211, and is fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels indicated by nozzles 401. Thus, a first print fluid (e.g., a first color of ink) is able to flow through supply manifold 511 between inlet port 111 and outlet port 4211. Supply manifold 512 extends between inlet port 112 and outlet port 4212, and is fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels indicated by nozzles 402. Thus, a second print fluid (e.g., a second color of ink) is able to flow through supply manifold 512 between inlet port 112 and outlet port 4212. Supply manifold 513 extends between inlet port 113 and outlet port 4213, and is fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels indicated by nozzles 403. Thus, a third print fluid (e.g., a third color of ink) is able to flow through supply manifold 513 between inlet port 113 and outlet port 4213. Supply manifold 514 extends between inlet port 114 and outlet port 4214, and is fluidly coupled to a subset of the jetting channels indicated by nozzles 404. Thus, a fourth print fluid (e.g., a fourth color of ink) is able to flow through supply manifold 514 between inlet port 114 and outlet port 4214.
FIG. 44 is a bottom view of housing 120 in an illustrative embodiment. Housing 120 includes manifold ducts 801-802 disposed longitudinally along a length of housing 120 on interface surface 800. Manifold duct 801 extends between inlet port 111 and outlet port 4211. Manifold duct 802 extends between inlet port 112 and outlet port 4212. Manifold ducts 801-802 form the upper supply manifolds for printhead 100. Inlet ports 113-114 are also visible as extending through housing 120, as well as outlet ports 4213-4214.
In order to connect the lower supply manifolds to outlet ports 4213-4214, additional port extension openings are formed in the diaphragm plate, the upper restrictor plate, and the lower restrictor plate. FIGS. 45-47 show the additional port extension openings, but similar port extension openings may be formed in any other plates described above.
FIG. 45 is a plan view of a diaphragm plate 4500 in an illustrative embodiment. Diaphragm plate 4500 is similar to diaphragm plate 900 as shown in FIG. 9. Diaphragm plate 4500 includes port extension openings 923-924 that coincide with inlet ports 113-114, respectively, of housing 120. Diaphragm plate 4500 also includes port extension openings 4513-4514 that coincide with outlet ports 4213-4214, respectively, of housing 120.
FIG. 46 is a plan view of an upper restrictor plate 4600 in an illustrative embodiment. Upper restrictor plate 4600 is similar to upper restrictor plate 1000 as shown in FIG. 10. Upper restrictor plate 4600 includes port extension openings 1023-1024 that coincide with port extension openings 923-924, respectively, of diaphragm plate 4500. Upper restrictor plate 4600 also includes port extension openings 4613-4614 that coincide with port extension openings 4513-4514, respectively, of diaphragm plate 4500.
FIG. 47 is a plan view of a lower restrictor plate 4700 in an illustrative embodiment. Lower restrictor plate 4700 is similar to lower restrictor plate 1100 as shown in FIG. 11. Lower restrictor plate 4700 includes port extension openings 1123-1124 that coincide with port extension openings 1023-1024, respectively, of upper restrictor plate 4600. Lower restrictor plate 4700 also includes port extension openings 4713-4714 that coincide with port extension openings 4613-4614, respectively, of upper restrictor plate 4600.
FIG. 48 is a plan view of a chamber plate 4800 in an illustrative embodiment. Chamber plate 4800 is similar to chamber plate 1200 as shown in FIG. 12. Chamber plate 4800 includes manifold openings 1203-1204, which comprise elongated apertures or holes through chamber plate 4800 disposed longitudinally along a length of chamber plate 4800 to form the lower supply manifolds of head member 102. Manifold openings 1203-1204 fluidly couple the port extension openings for inlet ports 113-114 to the port extension openings for outlet ports 4213-4214 so that a print fluid is able to flow through the lower supply manifolds.
Although specific embodiments were described herein, the scope of the invention is not limited to those specific embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and any equivalents thereof.
Patent Grant
10857797
