Nozzle arrangement including an actuator
View Patent ↗A nozzle arrangement 1 for use in an ink jet print head, the nozzle arrangement 1 comprising a substrate, a nozzle chamber 2 positioned at least partially on the substrate, a channel 3 , in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber 2 , through the substrate, and, an actuator 6 including an actuator arm 8 and a paddle 7 , the paddle 7 positioned within the nozzle chamber 2 and at least partially overlying the channel 3.
1. A nozzle arrangement for use in an ink jet print head, the nozzle arrangement comprising:
a substrate;
a nozzle chamber positioned at least partially on the substrate;
a channel, in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber, through the substrate; and,
a thermal actuator including an actuator arm and a paddle, the paddle positioned within the nozzle chamber and at least partially overlying the channel.
2. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the channel is an ink supply channel.
3. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the nozzle chamber is provided with a nozzle rim.
4. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the paddle is of circular form.
5. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the actuator arm is pivotal about a post positioned on the substrate.
6. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the actuator arm is formed between a first layer of material and a second layer of material.
7. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first layer of material and the second layer of material are formed of conductive material.
8. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the first layer of material and the second layer of material are formed of titanium nitride.
9. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the second layer of material forms part of a conductive circuit.
10. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claims 5 and 6 , wherein the second layer of material has a thinned portion near the post.
11. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , including an ink spreading prevention rim placed adjacent the nozzle chamber.
12. The nozzle arrangement as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the ink spreading prevention rim includes a pit, the pit forming an annulus about the nozzle chamber.