Multiple thin film piezoelectric elements driving single jet ejection system

摘要

A printhead including a plurality of actuators, wherein each actuator of the plurality of actuators includes a plurality of drive electrodes, a plurality of diaphragms, and a single nozzle. Each drive electrode is uniquely paired with one of the diaphragms. In an embodiment, the printhead may be configured so that all drive electrodes for a single actuator always activate simultaneously to eject ink from the single nozzle. In another embodiment, the printhead may be configured so that each drive electrode of the plurality of drive electrodes for a single actuator are individually addressable and may be fired independently of the other drive electrodes of the single actuator.

主权项

1. A printhead comprising a plurality of actuator systems, wherein each actuator system comprises:
a plurality of laterally spaced drive electrodes, wherein each drive electrode is laterally spaced and electrically isolated from an adjacent drive electrode by a gap; a plurality of diaphragms, wherein each drive electrode of the plurality of laterally spaced drive electrodes is uniquely paired with one diaphragm of the plurality of diaphragms; a body chamber partially defined by the plurality of diaphragms and a plurality of nodes within the body chamber that physically contact the plurality of diaphragms, wherein the body chamber is configured to be filled with ink during printing; and an aperture plate comprising a plurality of nozzles, wherein: the plurality of diaphragms and the plurality of laterally spaced drive electrodes are configured to eject ink through only one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles; and the plurality of laterally spaced drive electrodes are laterally spaced in a direction parallel with a major surface of the aperture plate.