Ink distribution member for mounting printhead integrated circuit
An elongate ink distribution member for mounting a printhead integrated circuit. The ink distribution member includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply channels and a mounting surface having a plurality of ink supply conduits defined therein. The ink supply conduits are arranged in sets with each set of ink supply conduits being in fluid communication with a respective one of the ink supply channels. The ink supply conduits extend generally transversely from an upstream outer region towards a downstream inner region of the mounting surface.
1. An ink distribution assembly comprising:
(A) an elongate ink distribution member including:
a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply channels; and
a mounting surface having a plurality of ink supply conduits defined therein,
wherein:
the ink supply conduits are arranged in sets, each set of ink supply conduits being in fluid communication with a respective one of the ink supply channels; and
the ink supply conduits extend generally transversely from an upstream outer region towards a downstream inner region of the mounting surface; and
(B) a polymer film bonded to the mounting surface so as to sealingly cover the ink supply conduits,
wherein the polymer film defines a plurality of ink through-holes and wherein a downstream end portion of each ink supply conduit is aligned with a respective ink through-hole.
2. The ink distribution assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ink distribution member is comprised of a micromolded polymer.
3. The ink distribution assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ink distribution member is comprised of a liquid crystal polymer.
4. The ink distribution assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ink distribution member has a set of ink supply holes spaced apart along a central longitudinal axis of the mounting surface, the set of ink supply holes being in fluid communication with a respective one of the ink supply channels.
5. The ink distribution assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ink distribution member compres an upper molding and a lower molding, the upper molding defining the longitudinally extending ink supply channels and the lower molding defining the mounting surface.