Liquid drop emitter with reduced surface temperature actuator
US7011394B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/1648
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for a liquid drop emitter, especially for use in an ink jet printhead, is disclosed. A chamber filled with a liquid, a nozzle and a thermo-mechanical actuator, extending into the chamber from at least one wall of the chamber is disclosed. A movable element of the thermo-mechanical actuator is configured with a bending portion which bends when heated. The bending portion comprises a first layer having first and second sides, constructed of a first material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, a second layer, attached to the second side of the first layer, and a third layer, attached to the first side of the first layer, constructed of a third material having a low thermal conductivity and a low Young's modulus. Apparatus is adapted to apply heat pulses to the bending portion resulting in rapid deflection of the movable element, ejection of a liquid drop, without degradation or vaporization of the liquid. The third material may be an organic polymer having a Young's modulus less than 10 GPa and thermal conductivity less than 1 W/(m ° K), for example PTFE, teflon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.