Inkjet nozzle device with cantilevered actuating arm

摘要

A nozzle device is provided for an inkjet printer. The nozzle device includes a support structure defining an ink inlet chamber connected to a source of ink. A nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink inlet chamber and a nozzle opening through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. An elongate actuating arm is cantilevered relative to the support structure and terminates in a movable free end within the nozzle chamber. The actuating arm includes an active portion connected electrically to a current source, and which heats and expands upon activation of the current source. The actuating arm further includes a passive portion which is electrically isolated from the current source and is mechanically coupled to the active portion via at least one separating element. Differential expansion between the active and passive portions can cause the actuating arm to bend and the free end of the actuating arm to move within the nozzle chamber to eject ink therein through the nozzle opening.