A continuous stream ink jet print head

Abstract

A continuous stream ink jet print head A continuous stream ink jet print head comprising: a droplet generator (1) for generating a continuous stream of ink droplets; a charging electrode (40) for selectively charging the ink droplets; deflection electrodes (4) for deflecting the charged ink droplets; and a catcher (7) for collecting uncharged ink droplets, wherein the deflection electrodes are contained within a surrounding structure (2) that both (i) provides surfaces (41) which are contoured to the shape of the main bodies of the deflection electrodes such that the main bodies may be mounted against the surfaces to correctly position the deflection electrodes within the print head, and (ii) serves as a manifold for fluid in operation of the print head, wherein the print head includes a cover (10) for the surrounding structure, the cover forming a wall of the space between the deflection electrodes, the wall extending along the stream of ink droplets.

Description

Technical field [0001] The embodiment of the present invention relates to a continuous flow inkjet print head. [0002] More specifically, the present invention designs a continuous flow inkjet print head, which includes: a droplet generator for generating a continuous stream of ink droplets; a charging electrode for selectively charging ink droplets; a deflection electrode, It is used to deflect charged ink droplets; and a collector is used to collect uncharged ink droplets. Background technique [0003] An example of such a print head is disclosed in US 6254216. This print head includes a cleaning system in which charging electrodes and deflection electrodes are housed in a compartment. It has many problems: in order to empty the compartment, multiple outlets are required; this compartment needs to be completely filled; when cleaning, the solvent is introduced through the nozzle, so there is no recoil; electrode correction is still required; when the print head When not in oper...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

It has many problems: multiple outlets are required in order to empty the compartment; the compartment needs to be completely filled; when cleaning, the solvent is introduced through the nozzle so there is no possibility of recoil; electrode alignment is still required; when the printhead When not in operation, compartments are open and allow ingress of contaminants; and droplet generators and nozzles remain wet after cleaning, compromising restarting after prolonged shutdown

[0009] Although existing printheads are encapsulated, they still have openings through which the print droplets pass

When the printer is turned off, this opening can allow dust, fibers, and other contaminants to enter the printhead, which can lead to poor performance and unreliability

Existing printheads do not have open shutters, manual shutters, or shutters that open when the printer is not in operation

Images