Printhead with columns extending across chamber inlet
View Patent ↗An inkjet printhead for a printer that prints via an array of ink ejection devices. Each ink ejection device has a chamber for holding a quantity of ink. The chamber is partially defined by at least one sidewall and has an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber. The inlet defines a flow path into the chamber and has a series of columns extending across the flow path. The series of chambers form a barrier structure that creates a flow constriction that traps contaminants in the ink flow.
1. A printhead for an inkjet printer, the printhead comprising:
an array of ink ejection devices, each ink ejection device having a chamber for holding a quantity of ink, the chamber being partially defined by at least one sidewall, an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber, an actuator disposed in each of the chambers respectively, a nozzle in fluid communication with each of the chambers respectively, the nozzle is formed in a nozzle plate on the printhead exterior; wherein,
the inlet defines a flow path into the chamber and has a series of columns extending across the flow path.
2. A printhead according to claim 1 wherein the series of columns and the at least one sidewall are integrally formed with the nozzle plate.
3. A printhead according to claim 1 wherein the actuator is configured to displace a surface within the chamber to eject ink from the nozzle.
4. A printhead according to claim 3 wherein the actuator has a heater element for displacing the surface using thermal expansion.
5. A printhead according to claim 3 wherein the surface is positioned in the chamber such that it opposes the nozzle and the flow path from the inlet feeds ink between the nozzle and the surface of the actuator.
6. A printhead according to claim 5 wherein the surface defines a wall of the chamber opposite the nozzle.
7. A printhead according to claim 5 wherein the surface is formed from material including polytetrafluoroethylene.
8. A printhead according to claim 5 wherein during use, the surface reduces the chamber volume to eject ink from the nozzle.
9. A printhead according to claim 8 wherein during use, the surface increases the chamber volume as the actuator returns to its quiescent position after ejecting ink in order to draw refill ink through the barrier structure in the inlet.
10. A printhead according to claim 9 wherein the surface has a quadrilateral geometry and is fixed at two opposing parallel sides such that the surface buckles into the chamber when during actuation, and flattens when returning to its quiescent state.
11. A printhead according to claim 10 wherein the heater element is a conductor with a serpentine geometry extending across most of the surface.
12. A printhead according to claim 11 wherein actuator defines a non-ink contacting side opposite the surface wherein during use, an air space forms on the non-ink contacting side.
13. A printhead according to claim 12 wherein the air space is vented to atmosphere.
14. A printhead according to claim 13 wherein the non-ink contacting side of the surface is hydrophobic for maintaining the air space.
15. A printhead according to claim 14 wherein the series of columns creates a flow restriction for the refill ink flow to damp oscillations in ink in the chamber immediately after refill.
16. A printhead according to claim 1 wherein the series of columns is a grille for filtering contaminants out of the ink flow into the chamber.