Molded body for fluid ejection device assembly

Abstract

A fluid ejection device assembly (100) may include a molded body (110) including multiple reservoirs (116a, 116b, 116c) to store print fluid, each reservoir connected to a fluid ejection die (131a, 131b, 131c) through a fluidic path, where the fluidic path is formed by an output (119a, 119b, 119c) of the molded body and an input of a fluidic structure (120) supporting the fluidic ejection dies. The outputs of the molded body may be connected to the corresponding inputs of the fluidic structure by fluidic joints. The molded body may include a support (112) to support a flexible circuit (140) attached to the molded body.

Description

MOLDED BODY FOR FLUID EJECTION DEVICE ASSEMBLYBACKGROUND

[0001] Inkjet printing involves depositing ink onto a surface, such as sheet of paper. Print fluid can be stored in a print fluid reservoir until it is used for printing. Print dies may dispense the print fluid for printing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example fluid ejection device assembly.

[0003] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fluid ejection device assembly of FIG. 1.

[0004] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of the molded body of FIG. 1.

[0005] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the molded body of FIG. 1.

[0006] FIG. 5 illustrates a fluidic structure assembly including the fluidic structure, flexible circuit, and fluid ejection device of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example molded body of a fluid ejection device assembly.

[0008] FIG. 7 illustrates an example fluidic structure assembly corresponding to the molded body of FIG. 6.

[0009] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example fluid ejection device assembly having a single fluid ejection die.

[0010] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the molded body of FIG. 8.

[0011] FIG. 10 illustrates a fluidic structure assembly including the fluidic structure, flexible circuit, and fluid ejection device of FIG. 8.

[0012] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the fluid ejection device assembly of FIG. 8.

[0013] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of the fluid ejection device assembly of FIG. 11 along line A.

[0014] FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up of a portion of FIG. 12.

[0015] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of the fluid ejection device assembly of FIG. 11 along line B.

[0016] FIG. 15 illustrates a close-up of a portion of FIG. 14.

[0017] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an example molded body.

[0018] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example molded body including a support to support a flexible circuit.

[0019] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a fluidic structure.

[0020] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an example fluid ejection device assembly.

[0021] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an example fluid ejection device assembly including a support to support a flexible circuit.

[0022] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several examples in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative examples described inthe detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.

[0024] This disclosure relates to fluid ejection device assemblies. A fluid ejection device assembly may include a fluid ejection device for dispensing print fluid and a reservoir for storing the print fluid. The print fluid may include any 2D or 3D print agent including ink for printing on a medium such as paper (2D) or (e.g., powdered) build material (3D). The print fluid may include dispensable fluid to be dispensed at relatively high precision (as to volume and / or location) for fields of implementation other that 2D or 3D imaging, including but not limited to forensic, laboratory or pharmaceutical applications.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example fluid ejection device assembly 100. The fluid ejection device assembly 100 includes a molded body 110. The molded body 110 may include reservoir chambers for storing print fluid. Separate reservoir chambers of the molded body 110 may store different types of print fluid. In an example, the molded body 110 includes three separate reservoir chambers for storing cyan, yellow, and magenta print fluid, respectively. The fluid ejection device assembly 100 may include a fluidic structure 120. The fluidic structure may be attached to the molded body 110. The fluidic structure 120 may be in a recess 109 of the molded body 110. The fluidic structure 120 may be attached to the molded body 110 to create a fluidic path from the reservoir chambers of the molded body 110 to a fluid ejection device 130.

[0026] The fluidic structure 120 may support the fluid ejection device 130. The fluid ejection device may include a first fluid ejection die 13 la, a second fluid ejection die 131b, and a thirdfluid ejection die 131c, referred to collectively as fluid ejection dies 131. Each of the fluid ejection dies 131 may include a nozzle array for ejecting the print fluid. The fluid ejection dies 131 may receive the print fluid from the reservoir chambers of the molded body 110. Each fluid ejection die may output a different type of print fluid. In an example, the first fluid ejection die 13 la outputs cyan print fluid, the second fluid ejection die 131b outputs magenta print fluid, and the third fluid ejection die 131c outputs yellow print fluid. The print component assembly 100 may include an encapsulant 134 on the fluidic structure 120. The encapsulant 134 may cover wires 132 connecting the print component 130 to an interconnect circuit 140. The encapsulant 134 may be supported by the fluidic structure 120.

[0027] The fluid ejection device assembly 100 includes a flexible circuit 140. The flexible circuit 140 may include circuitry to connect to a printer, to control the fluid ejection dies 131. The flexible circuit 140 may be attached to the molded body 110. The circuitry of the flexible circuit 140 may include contact pads for receiving signals to control the fluid ejection dies 131.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fluid ejection device assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The fluid ejection device assembly 100 may include a flexible circuit adhesive 121. The flexible circuit adhesive 121 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The flexible circuit adhesive 121 may be used to attach the flexible circuit 140 to the fluidic structure 120 to form a fluidic structure assembly. The fluidic structure assembly may include the fluidic structure 120, the fluid ejection device 130, the flexible circuit 140, wires 132between the device 130 and circuit 140, and the encapsulation 134. The fluidic structure assembly of the fluidic structure 120 and the flexible circuit 140 may be attached to the molded body 110 by placing the fluidic structure 120 in the recess 109 of the molded body 110 and bending the flexible circuit 140 to attach the flexible circuit 140 to the molded body 110 using a molded bodyflexible circuit adhesive 141.

[0029] The fluidic structure 120 may be attached to the molded body 110 using a first joint adhesive 117a and second joint adhesive 117b, referred to collectively herein as joint adhesives 117. The first joint adhesive 117a may be the same as the second joint adhesive 117b. The first joint adhesive 117a may surround a first output of the molded body 110 and a second output of the molded body 110. The second joint adhesive 117b may surround a third output of the molded body 110. The first joint adhesive 117a may be located at a first fluidic joint between the first output of the molded body 110 and a first input of the fluidic structure 120 and a second fluidic joint between the second output of the molded body 110 and a second input of the fluidic structure 120. The second joint adhesive 117b may be located at a third fluidic joint between the third output of the molded body 110 and a third input of the fluidic structure 120. The joint adhesives 117 may form fluid-tight fluidic paths between the molded body and the fluidic structure 120.

[0030] The fluidic structure 120 may be attached to the molded body 110 using at least one structural adhesive 115. The at least one structural adhesive 115 may be located on a shelf 1114 in the recess 109 of the molded body 110. An edge of the fluidic structure 120 may contact the at least one structural adhesive on the shelf 114 of the recess 109 such that the fluidic structure 120 is secured within the recess. The flexible circuit 140 may be sandwiched between the fluidic structure 120 and the shelf 114. A front edge of the shelf 114 facing a front face of the molded body 110 to which the flexible circuit 140 is attached may be parallel to the front face to facilitate bending of the flexible circuit 140 to attach the flexible circuit 140 to the front face. The front edge of the shelf 114 being parallel to the front face may facilitate bending the flexible circuit 140 along a line parallel to the front face such that the flexible circuit 140 lines up with the molded body-flexible circuit adhesive 141.

[0031] The molded body 110 may include a support 112 to support the flexible circuit 140.The flexible circuit 140 may be sandwiched between the support 112 and the fluidic structure120. A front edge of the support 112 facing the front face of the molded body 110 may be parallel to the front face to facilitate bending of the flexible circuit 140 to attach the flexible circuit 140 to the front face. The front edge of the support 112 being parallel to the front face may facilitate bending the flexible circuit 140 along a line parallel to the front face such that the flexible circuit 140 lines up with the molded body-flexible circuit adhesive 141. The front edge of the support 112 may be in a line with the front edge of the shelf 114 to facilitate bending the flexible circuit 140 to attach to the molded body 110. The support 112 may be a first support for the flexible circuit 140 and the shelf 114 may be a second support for the flexible circuit 140.

[0032] The fluidic ejection device assembly 100 may include a support adhesive 113 to attach the flexible circuit 140 to the support 112. The fluidic ejection device assembly 100 may include at least one UV adhesive 111 to hold the fluidic structure 120 in place at least during manufacturing. In an example, the UV adhesive 111 is applied to the molded body 110, the fluidic structure 120 is placed on the molded body and the fluidic structure contacts the UV adhesive 111. The UV adhesive 111 is cured to hold the fluidic structure 120 in place, and hot air is flowed through the recess 109 to cure the joint adhesives 117, the at least one structural adhesive 115, and the support adhesive 113.

[0033] The fluidic ejection device assembly 100 may include a fluid ejection device adhesive 133 to attach the fluidic ejection device 130 to the fluidic structure 120. The fluid ejection device 130 may be attached to the fluidic structure 120 before the fluidic structure 120 is attached to the molded body. The wires 132 connecting the print component 130 to the interconnect circuit 140 may be covered by the encapsulant 134.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of the molded body 110 of FIG. 1. The molded body 110 may include a first reservoir chamber 116a, a second reservoir chamber 116b, and a third reservoir chamber 116c. Each of the first reservoir chamber 116a, the second reservoirchamber 116b, and the third reservoir chamber 116c may store a different type of print fluid. In an example, the first reservoir chamber 116a stores cyan print fluid, the second reservoir chamber 116b stores magenta print fluid, and the third reservoir chamber 116c stores yellow print fluid. The first reservoir chamber 116a is fluidly connected to a first output 119a. The second reservoir chamber 116b is fluidly connected to a second output 119b (not shown). The third reservoir chamber 116c is fluidly connected to a third output 119c.

[0035] The first reservoir chamber 116a may be fluidly connected to at least one sump 118. The at least one sump 118 may be located below the first reservoir chamber 116a in an installed configuration. The at least one sump 118 may also be termed at least one reservoir pocket. The at least one sump 118 may include two sumps. In an example, the at least one sump 118 includes two sumps on opposite sides of the molded body 110 such that the recess 109 is between the two sumps. The at least one sump 118 may include a single sump. In an example, the at least one sump 118 includes a cylindrical sump.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the molded body of FIG. 1. The first output 119a may be surrounded by the first joint adhesive 117a. The second output 119b may be surrounded by the first joint adhesive 117b. The third output 119c may be surrounded by the second joint adhesive 117b. The first output 119a, the second output 119b, and the third output 119c may be separate outputs of the molded body corresponding to separate reservoir chambers of the molded body. The third output 119c may not share a common wall with the first output 119a and the second output 119b to prevent leaks between the third output 119c and the first and second outputs 119a, 119b. The first joint adhesive 117a may be separate from the second joint adhesive 117b.

[0037] The first output 119a, the second output 119b, and the third output 119c may be located in the recess 109. The first output 119a, the second output 119b, and the third output 119c may have rounded edges to improve a flow of hot air through the recess 109. The flowof hot air may cure the joint adhesives 117, the at least one structural adhesive 115, and the support adhesive 113. The support 112 may be curved to facilitate the flow of hot air. In an example, the support 112 is pillar-shaped. In an example, the support 112 is cylindrical. The molded body 110 may include a gap between the support 112 and the shelf 114 to facilitate the flow of hot air. The flow of hot air may be through the recess 109 in either direction. The outputs 119 and the support may include rounded edges to facilitate the flow of hot air in either direction.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a fluidic structure assembly including the fluidic structure 120 and flexible circuit 140 of FIG. 1. The fluidic structure assembly also includes the fluid ejection device 130, wires 132, and encapsulant 134 of FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 5. The fluidic structure 120 may include a first input 129a, a second input 129b, and a third input 129c. The first input 129a may correspond to the first output 119a of the molded body. The first input 129a and the first output 119a may form a fluidic path from the first reservoir chamber 119a to the first die 131a of the fluid ejection device 130. The second input 129b may correspond to the second output 119b of the molded body. The second input 129b and the second output 119b may form a fluidic path from the second reservoir chamber 119b to the second die 131b of the fluid ejection device 130. The third input 129c may correspond to the third output 119c of the molded body. The third input 129c and the third output 119c may form a fluidic path from the third reservoir chamber 119c to the third die 131c of the fluid ejection device 130.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example molded body 610 of a fluid ejection device assembly. The molded body 610 may be similar to the molded body 110 of FIG. 4, but the outputs 619 of the molded body 610 are entirely separate. The molded body 610 may include a first output 619a, a second output 619b, and a third output 619c, referred to collectively as outputs 619. The first output 619a may be surrounded by a first joint adhesive 617a. The second output 619b may be surrounded by a second joint adhesive 617b. The thirdoutput 619c may be surrounded by a third joint adhesive 617c. The first, second, and third joint adhesives 617a, 617b, and 617c, referred to collectively as the joint adhesives 617, may include a same adhesive. The outputs 619 may be separate from each other and not share any common wall. The joint adhesives 617 may be separate from each other and not contact each other. The molded body 610 may be larger than the molded body 110 of FIG. 4, allowing for the outputs 619 to be separate from each other.

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an example fluidic structure assembly corresponding to the molded body of FIG. 6. The fluidic structure assembly includes a fluidic structure 620 and a flexible circuit 640. The fluidic structure assembly also includes a fluid ejection device, wires connecting the fluid ejection device and the flexible circuit 740, and an encapsulant covering the wires, not shown in FIG. 7. The fluidic structure 620 may be similar to the fluidic structure 120 of FIG. 5, but the inputs 629 are spaced farther apart. The fluidic structure 620 may include a first input 629a, a second input 629b, and a third input 629c, referred to collectively as the inputs 629. The inputs 629 may correspond to the outputs 619 to form fluidic paths, as discussed herein.

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example fluid ejection device assembly 800 having a single fluid ejection die 831. The fluid ejection die 831 is part of a fluid ejection device 831 of the fluid ejection device assembly. The fluid ejection device assembly 800 is similar to the fluid ejection device assembly 100 of FIG. 1, except that the fluid ejection device 830 only includes one fluid ejection die 831. The fluid ejection device assembly 800 includes a flexible circuit 840 attached to a molded body 810. The fluid ejection device is part of and / or supported by a fluidic structure 820 attached to the molded body.

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the molded body 810 of FIG. 8. The molded body may include an output 819. The output 810 may be located in a recess 809 of the molded body 810. The output 810 may include rounded edges to facilitate airflow through the recess809. The output 810 may be fluidly connected to a reservoir of the molded body 810. The reservoir may store print fluid. In an example, the reservoir stores black print fluid. The output810 may be surrounded by a joint adhesive 817. The joint adhesive 817 may be used to attach the fluidic structure 820 to the molded body. At least one structural adhesive 815 may be used to attach the fluidic structure 820 to the molded body 810. At least one UV-cured adhesive811 may be used to hold the fluidic structure 820 in place in the recess 809 while the at least one structural adhesive and joint adhesive 817 cure.

[0043] The molded body 810 may include a support 812. The molded body 810 may include a shelf 814. The flexible circuit 840 may be sandwiched between the support 812 and the fluidic structure 820 and between the shelf 814 and the fluidic structure 820. The support 812 and the shelf 814 may include front edges parallel to a front face of the molded body 810 to facilitate bending of the flexible circuit 840 down to attach to the front face of the molded body 810. The front edge of the support 812 may be in line with the front edge of the shelf 814. The support 812 may be in the recess 809 of the molded body 810. The shelf 814 may be formed in a side of the recess 809. The support 812 and shelf 814 may include rounded edges to facilitate airflow in the recess 809.

[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates a fluidic structure assembly including the fluidic structure 820 and the flexible circuit 840 of FIG. 8. The fluidic structure also includes the fluid ejection device 830, wires connecting the fluid ejection device 830 to the flexible circuit 840, and an encapsulant covering the wires, not shown in FIG. 8. The fluidic structure 820 may include an input 829. The input 829 may correspond to the output 819 of the molded body 810 to form a fluidic path from the reservoir of the molded body 810 to the fluid ejection die 831 of the fluid ejection device. In an example, print fluid flows from the reservoir of the molded body 110 through the output 819, through a joint of the output 819 and the input 829, and through the input 829 to the fluid ejection die 831.

[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the fluid ejection device assembly 800 of FIG. 8.

[0046] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of the fluid ejection device assembly 800 of FIG. 11 along line A. The molded body 810 includes a reservoir chamber 816 and sumps 808 fluidly connected to the reservoir chamber 816. The sumps 808 are located on lateral sides of the recess 809 and the fluidic structure 820. The sumps 808 may be termed reservoir pockets.

[0047] FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up of a portion 801 of FIG. 12. The at least one structural adhesive 815 may be between the fluidic structure 820 and the molded body 810 and may attach the fluidic structure 820 to the molded body 810. The joint adhesive 817 may attach the fluidic structure 820 to the molded body 810 with a leak-tight joint.

[0048] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of the fluid ejection device assembly of FIG. 11 along line B. The sumps 808 may extend along the recess 809 along a length of the reservoir chamber 816.

[0049] FIG. 15 illustrates a close-up of a cross-section of the fluid ejection device assembly 800 along line B. The flexible circuit 840 is sandwiched between the support 812 and the flexible circuit 840. A support adhesive 813 may be between the support 812 and the flexible circuit 840 to attach the flexible circuit 840 to the support 812. The flexible circuit 840 may be sandwiched between a portion of the shelf 814 and the fluidic structure 820. The at least one structural adhesive 815 may be between the shelf 814 and the fluidic structure 820 to attach the flexible circuit 840 to the shelf 814. The at least one structural adhesive 815 may attach the fluidic structure 820 to the molded body 810. In an example, the flexible circuit directly contacts the at least one structural adhesive 815 on a first portion of the shelf 814 and the fluidic structure 820 directly contacts the at least one structural adhesive 815 on a second portion of the shelf 814.

[0050] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an example molded body 1600. The molded body 1600 may include a first reservoir 1616a to store first print fluid. The molded body 1600 may include a first output 1619a to form a first fluidic path downstream of the first reservoir 1619a. The first fluidic path may deliver the first print fluid from the first reservoir to a first nozzle array. The first nozzle array may be included in a first fluid ejection die. A first surrounding border 1617a may surround the first output 1619a and the first fluidic path. The first surrounding border 1617a may be a wall of the first fluidic path.

[0051] The molded body 1600 may include a second reservoir 1616b to store second print fluid. The molded body 1600 may include a second output 1619b to form a second fluidic path downstream of the second reservoir 1619b. The second fluidic path may deliver the second print fluid from the second reservoir to a second nozzle array. The second nozzle array may be included in a second fluid ejection die. A second surrounding border 1617b may surround the second output 1619b and the second fluidic path. The second surrounding border 1617b may be a wall of the second fluidic path.

[0052] The first surrounding border 1617a and the second surrounding border 1617b may be separate. The first surrounding border 1617a may not contact the second surrounding border 1617b along an entirety of a length of the first surrounding border 1617a. The first surrounding border 1619a may be a first fluidic joint to adhere the molded body to a fluidic structure. The second surrounding border 1619b may be a second fluidic joint to adhere the molded body to the fluidic structure. The fluidic structure may include and / or support the fluid ejection device having the first and second nozzle arrays.

[0053] The molded body 1600 may include a first reservoir pocket and a second reservoir pocket, where the molded body includes a recess between the first reservoir pocket and the second reservoir pocket, where the first output 1619a and the second output 1619b areprovided in the recess. The first surrounding border 1617a and the second surrounding border 1617b may include one or more rounded portions.

[0054] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example molded body including a support 1712 to support a flexible circuit 1740. The molded body may include a reservoir 1716 to store print fluid, an output 1719 to form a fluidic path downstream of the reservoir, the fluidic path to deliver the print fluid from the reservoir 1716 to a nozzle array 1731, and a support 1712 protruding from an external wall of the body, near a bottom of the reservoir 1716 to support a flexible circuit 1740 attached to the molded body and connected to a fluid ejection device 1730 of the fluid ejection device assembly.

[0055] The molded body may include a first reservoir pocket, and a second reservoir pocket, where the pockets are internally open to the reservoir, and the molded body includes a recess between the first pocket and the second pocket, where the support 1712 is provided in or near the recess to support the flexible circuit 1740 in the recess. The support 1712 may be pillarshaped. The support 1712 may include an edge parallel to a face of the molded body to which the flexible circuit 1740 is attached, where the flexible circuit bends over the edge to attach to the face of the molded body. The molded body may include a second support configured to support a fluidic structure assembly, the fluidic structure assembly may include the fluid ejection device 1730, the flexible circuit 1740, wires connecting the fluid ejection device 1730 and the flexible circuit 1740, and an encapsulant covering the wires, where the flexible circuit 1740 contacts the second support in an installed state.

[0056] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a fluidic structure 1820. The fluidic structure 1820 may include a first fluidic path 1832a to deliver a first print fluid from a first reservoir chamber to a first nozzle array 1831a. The fluidic structure may include a first input 1829a of the first fluidic path. The fluidic structure 1820 may include a second fluidic path 1832b to deliver a second print fluid from a second reservoir chamber to a second nozzle array 1831b. Thefluidic structure may include a second input 1829b of the second fluidic path 1832b. The first fluidic path 1832a and the second fluidic path 1832b are physically discrete fluidic paths.

[0057] A first surrounding border surrounding the first input 1829a may be detached from a second surrounding border surrounding the second input 1829b. A first external wall of the first surrounding border may not contact a second external wall of the second surrounding border. The fluidic structure 1820 may include a headland opposite from the first input 1829a and the second input 1829b, and a fluid ejection device attached to the headland. The fluidic structure 1820 may include a flexible circuit connected to the fluid ejection device, where the fluid ejection device includes the first nozzle array 1831a and the second nozzle array 183 lb. The first and second surrounding borders may include one or more rounded portions.

[0058] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an example fluid ejection device assembly. The fluid ejection device assembly 1900 may be for a replaceable fluid ejection cartridge. The fluid ejection device assembly 1900 may include a molded body 1910 including a reservoir 1916 and an open fluid output 1919 terminating at a fluidic output joint 1951, and a molded fluidic structure 1920, separate from the molded body 1910, to support a fluid ejection device 1930. The open fluid output 1919 may deliver fluid from the reservoir 1916 to the fluid ejection device 1930. The fluidic structure 1920 may include an open fluidic input 1929 terminating at a fluidic input joint 1952 corresponding to the fluidic output joint 1951, such that the fluid output 1919 and fluid input 1929 form a fluidic path from the reservoir 1916 to the fluid ejection device 1930.

[0059] The fluid ejection device assembly 1900 may include a support protruding from the molded body 1910 to support a flexible circuit attached to the molded body 1910 and the fluid ejection device 1930. The molded body 1910 may include multiple reservoir chambers to hold different fluid types, and a corresponding output and fluidic joint for each of the multiple reservoir chambers, where the fluidic structure 1920 includes multiple corresponding inputsand fluidic joints to form fluidic paths to different longitudinal nozzle arrays for the different fluid types. The fluidic input joint 1952 and the fluidic output joint 1951 may be provided between pockets of the reservoir located below the main reservoir chambers. Adhesive may be provided between the fluidic input joint 1952 and fluidic output joint 1951 to form the fluidic paths in a leak tight fashion. The fluid ejection device assembly 1900 may include the fluid ejection device 1930 attached to a headland of the fluidic structure 1920. The fluid ejection device assembly 1900 may include a flexible circuit attached to and extending along the molded body 1910 and the fluidic structure 1920, and electrically connected to the fluid ejection device 1930.

[0060] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an example fluid ejection device assembly 2000 including a support 2012 to support a flexible circuit 2040. The fluid ejection device assembly 2000 may include a molded body 2010, a fluid ejection device 2030, the flexible circuit 2040 attached to the molded body 2010 and connected to the fluid ejection device 2030, and the support 2012 protruding from the molded body 2010 to support the flexible circuit 2040.

[0061] The molded body 2010 may include a first pocket, and a second pocket, where the molded body 2010 includes a recess between the first pocket and the second pocket, and where the support 2012 is provided in the recess. The support 2012 may include an edge parallel to a face of the molded body 2010 to which the flexible circuit 2040 is attached, where the flexible circuit 2040 bends over the edge to attach to the face of the molded body 2010.

[0062] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined toachieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and / or physically interacting components and / or wirelessly interactable and / or wirelessly interacting components and / or logically interacting and / or logically interactable components.

[0063] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. For example, recitations of plural elements can be understood to include of the element discussed.

[0064] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particularclaim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." Further, unless otherwise noted, the use of the words “approximate,” “about,” “around,” “substantially,” etc., mean plus or minus ten percent.

[0065] The foregoing description of illustrative examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

[0066] This disclosure addresses several components associated with fluid ejection devices and / or print cartridges. The components be the molded body, the fluidic structure, the flexible circuit, the fluid ejection device, etc. These components can be assembled to form a replaceable cartridge and / or fluid ejection device, or can be provided separately. Separate components can be used to assemble, build, repair or change the cartridge and / or fluid ejection device.

[0067] An aspect of this disclosures includes a molded body for a fluid ejection device assembly, the molded body comprising: a first reservoir to store first print fluid; a first output to form a first fluidic path downstream of the first reservoir, the first fluidic path to deliver the first print fluid from the first reservoir to a first nozzle array; a second reservoir to store second print fluid; and a second output to form a second fluidic path downstream of the second reservoir, the second fluidic path to deliver the second print fluid from the second reservoir to a second nozzle array, wherein a first surrounding border surrounding the first fluidic path is separate from a second surrounding border surrounding the second fluidic path.

[0068] Another aspect of this disclosure concerns a molded body for a fluid ejection device assembly, the molded body comprising: a reservoir to store print fluid; an output to form a fluidic path downstream of the reservoir, the fluidic path to deliver the print fluid from the reservoir to a nozzle array; and, a support protruding from an external wall of the body, near a bottom of the reservoir to support a flexible (or other thin) circuit attached to the molded body and connected to a fluid ejection device of the fluid ejection device assembly.

[0069] Yet another aspect of this discosure concerns a fluidic structure for a fluid ejection device, the fluidic structure comprising: a first fluidic path to deliver a first print fluid from a first reservoir chamber to a first nozzle array; a first input of the first fluidic path, a second fluidic path to deliver a second print fluid from a second reservoir chamber to a second nozzle array; and, a second input of the second fluidic path, wherein the first and second fluidic paths are physically discrete fluidic paths. The fluidic structure may be attached to the molded body. The inputs can be attached to the outputs of the molded body.

[0070] Another aspect of this disclosure concerns a fluid ejection device assembly for a replaceable fluid ejection cartridge comprising: a molded body comprising a reservoir and an open fluid output terminating at a fluidic output joint; and a molded fluidic structure, separate from the molded body, to support a fluid ejection device and deliver fluid from the reservoir to the fluid ejection device, wherein the fluidic structure comprises an open fluidic input terminating at a fluidic input joint corresponding to the fluidic output joint, such that the fluid output and fluid input form a fluidic path from the reservoir to the fluid ejection device.

[0071] Again another aspect of this disclosure concerns a fluid ejection device assembly comprising: a molded body; a fluid ejection device; a flexible (or other thin) circuit attached to the molded body and connected to the fluid ejection device; and a support protruding from the molded body to support the flexible (or thin) circuit.

[0072] Any of these aspects may be provided with any, or any combination, of the following features. For example, a first wall of the first surrounding border does not contact a second wall of the second surrounding border. The first and second surrounding borders may be fluidic joints to adhere the molded body to a fluidic structure, wherein the fluidic structure may support, or may be adapted to support, a fluid ejection device that includes the nozzle arrays. The molded body may comprise a first reservoir pocket and a second reservoir pocket, wherein the molded body may include a recess between the first reservoir pocket and thesecond reservoir pocket, wherein the first and second outputs may be provided in the recess. The first and second surrounding borders may include one or more rounded portions. The molded body may comprise a first reservoir pocket; and a second reservoir pocket, wherein the pockets may be internally open to the reservoir, and the molded body may include a recess between the first pocket and the second pocket, wherein the support may be provided in or near the recess to support the flexible circuit in the recess. The support can be pillar-shaped. The support may include an edge parallel to a face of the molded body to which the flexible circuit is attached, wherein the flexible circuit may bend over the edge to attach to the face of the molded body. A second support may be configured to support a fluidic structure assembly, the fluidic structure assembly including the fluid ejection device, the flexible circuit, wires connecting the fluid ejection device and the flexible circuit, and an encapsulant covering the wires, wherein the flexible circuit contacts the second support in an installed state. A first surrounding border surrounding the first input may be at least partially detached from a second surrounding border surrounding the second input. For example, a first external wall of the first surrounding border does not contact a second external wall of the second surrounding border. The fluidic structure may include a headland opposite from the inputs. A fluid ejection device may be attached to that headland. The first and second surrounding borders may include one or more rounded portions. A fluidic structure assembly may include the fluidic structure, a flexible circuit, a fluid ejection device, wires connecting the fluid ejection device and the flexible circuit, and an encapsulant covering the wires. The fluid ejection device may include the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array. A support may protrude from the molded body to support a flexible circuit connected to the molded body and the fluid ejection device. The molded body may comprise multiple reservoir chambers to hold different fluid types; and a corresponding output and fluidic joint for each of the multiple reservoir chambers, wherein the fluidic structure may comprise multiple corresponding inputsand fluidic joints to form fluidic paths to different longitudinal nozzle arrays for the different fluid types. The fluidic input joint and the fluidic output joint may be provided between pockets of the reservoir located below the main reservoir chambers. Adhesive may be provided between the first and second fluidic joints to form the fluidic paths, for example in a leak tight fashion. The molded body may comprises: a first pocket; and a second pocket, wherein the molded body may include a recess between the first pocket and the second pocket, and wherein a support is provided in the recess. The support may include an edge approximately parallel to a face of the molded body to which the flexible circuit is attached, and wherein the flexible circuit may bend over the edge to attach to the face of the molded body.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A molded body for a fluid ejection device assembly, the molded body comprising: a first reservoir to store first print fluid; a first output to form a first fluidic path downstream of the first reservoir, the first fluidic path to deliver the first print fluid from the first reservoir to a first nozzle array; a second reservoir to store second print fluid; and a second output to form a second fluidic path downstream of the second reservoir, the second fluidic path to deliver the second print fluid from the second reservoir to a second nozzle array, wherein a first surrounding border surrounding the first fluidic path is separate from a second surrounding border surrounding the second fluidic path.

2. The molded body of claim 1, wherein a first wall of the first surrounding border does not contact a second wall of the second surrounding border.

3. The molded body of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second surrounding borders are fluidic joints to adhere the molded body to a fluidic structure, wherein the fluidic structure is to support, or supports, a fluidic ejection device including the nozzle arrays.

4. The molded body of any preceding claim, further comprising a first reservoir pocket and a second reservoir pocket, wherein the molded body includes a recess between the first reservoir pocket and the second reservoir pocket, wherein the first and second outputs are provided in the recess.

5. The molded body of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second surrounding borders include one or more rounded portions.

6. A molded body for a fluid ejection device assembly, the molded body comprising: a reservoir to store print fluid; an output to form a fluidic path downstream of the reservoir, the fluidic pathto deliver the print fluid from the reservoir to a nozzle array; and a support protruding from an external wall of the body, near a bottom of the reservoir to support a flexible circuit attached to the molded body and connected to a fluid ejection device of the fluid ejection device assembly.

7. The molded body of claim 6, further comprising: a first reservoir pocket; and a second reservoir pocket, wherein the pockets are internally open to the reservoir, and the molded body includes a recess between the first pocket and the second pocket, wherein the support is provided in or near the recess to support the flexible circuit in the recess.

8. The molded body of claim 6 or 7, wherein the support is pillar-shaped.

9. The molded body of any of claims 6-8, wherein the support includes an edge parallel to a face of the molded body to which the flexible circuit is attached, wherein the flexible circuit bends over the edge to attach to the face of the molded body.

10. The molded body of any of claims 6-9, further comprising a second support configured to support a fluidic structure assembly, the fluidic structure assembly including the fluid ejection device and the flexible circuit, wherein the flexible circuit contacts the second support in an installed state.

11. A fluidic structure for a fluid ejection device, the fluidic structure comprising: a first fluidic path to deliver a first print fluid from a first reservoir chamber to a first nozzle array; a first input of the first fluidic path, a second fluidic path to deliver a second print fluid from a second reservoir chamber to a second nozzle array; and a second input of the second fluidic path, wherein the first and second fluidic paths are physically discrete fluidic paths.

12. The fluidic structure of claim 11, wherein a first surrounding border surrounding the first input is detached from a second surrounding border surrounding the secondinput.

13. The fluidic structure of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein a first external wall of the first surrounding border does not contact a second external wall of the second surrounding border.

14. The fluidic structure of any of claims 11-13, further comprising a headland opposite from the inputs, and a fluid ejection device attached to the headland.

15. The fluidic structure of any of claims 11-14, wherein the first and second surrounding borders include one or more rounded portions.

16. The fluidic structure assembly comprising the fluidic structure of any of claims I lls, the assembly comprising a flexible circuit connected to a fluid ejection device, wherein the fluid ejection device includes the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array.

17. A fluid ejection device assembly for a replaceable fluid ejection cartridge comprising: a molded body comprising a reservoir and an open fluid output terminating at a fluidic output joint; and a molded fluidic structure, separate from the molded body, to support a fluid ejection device and deliver fluid from the reservoir to the fluid ejection device, wherein the fluidic structure comprises an open fluidic input terminating at a fluidic input joint corresponding to the fluidic output joint, such that the fluid output and fluid input form a fluidic path from the reservoir to the fluid ejection device.

18. The fluid ejection device assembly of claim 17, further comprising a support protruding from the molded body to support a flexible circuit connected to the molded body and the fluid ejection device.

19. The fluid ejection device assembly of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the molded body comprises: multiple reservoir chambers to hold different fluid types; and a corresponding output and fluidic joint for each of the multiple reservoir chambers, wherein the fluidic structure comprises multiple corresponding inputs and fluidic joints to form fluidic paths to different longitudinal nozzle arrays for the different fluid types.

20. The fluid ejection device assembly of any of claims 17-19 wherein the fluidic input joint and the fluidic output joint are provided between pockets of the reservoir located below the main reservoir chambers.

21. The fluid ejection device assembly of any of claims 17-20, wherein adhesive is provided between the first and second fluidic joints to form the fluidic paths in a leak tight fashion.

22. The fluid ejection device assembly of any of claims 17-21, further comprising the fluid ejection device attached to a headland of the fluidic structure.

23. The fluid ejection device assembly of claim 22, further comprising a flexible circuit attached to and extending along the molded body and the fluidic structure, and electrically connected to the fluid ejection device.

24. A fluid ejection device assembly comprising: a molded body; a fluid ejection device; a flexible circuit attached to the molded body and connected to the fluid ejection device; and a support protruding from the molded body to support the flexible circuit.

25. The fluid ejection device assembly of claim 24, wherein the molded bodycomprises: a first pocket; and a second pocket, wherein the molded body includes a recess between the first pocket and the second pocket, and wherein the support is provided in the recess.

26. The fluid ejection device assembly of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the support includes an edge parallel to a face of the molded body to which the flexible circuit is attached, and wherein the flexible circuit bends over the edge to attach to the face of the molded body.

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