Nozzle for ejecting ink
View Patent ↗The present invention relates to a nozzle for ejecting ink. The nozzle includes an ink chamber in which the ink can be provided and a plurality of elements located adjacent the ink chamber. An actuator is provided for moving the elements into the chamber in a first direction so that ink can be ejected from the ink chamber in a second and opposite direction.
1. A nozzle for ejecting ink, the nozzle including:
an ink chamber in which the ink can be provided;
a plurality of radially positioned actuators located adjacent the ink chamber; and
an internal serpentine core in each actuator for moving the actuator into the chamber in a first direction upon heating of the serpentine cores so that ink can be ejected from the ink chamber in a second and opposite direction.
2. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ink chamber is tapered in shape.
3. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1 , further including a fixed ring around which the actuators radially extend outwardly and through which the ink can be ejected.
4. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the actuators each include a generally tapered portion and the tapered portions collectively form an annulus.
5. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each actuator is bendable.
6. A nozzle as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the actuator includes a plurality of heaters for each bending a respective element.
7. A nozzle as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the actuator includes plurality of wires arranged in a serpentine manner for each being coupled to a respective heater.
8. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each actuator is cantilevered.