Piezoelectric ink jet module with seal
AssigneeDimatix, Inc., a Delaware corporation
InventorsEdward Moynihan, Paul Hoisington, Yong Zhou, Amy Brady, Robert Palifka
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A piezoelectric ink jet head that includes a polymer film, for example a flex print, located between the piezoelectric element and the reservoirs in the jet body. The film provides an efficient seal for the reservoirs and also positions the electrodes on the side of the piezoelectric element in which motion is effected, which can reduce the magnitude of the drive voltage. This location of the compliant flex print material also can enhance electrical and mechanical isolation between reservoirs, which improves jetting accuracy. The compliance of the polymer also reduces strain on the ink jet head.
Claims20
1-44. (canceled)
A method of making a piezoelectric ink jet module, comprising:
- placing an electrical connection only on one side of a piezoelectric element;
- and
- positioning the piezoelectric element relative to a reservoir to subject fluid within the reservoir to jetting pressure,
- wherein the side of the piezoelectric element having the electrical connection is adjacent the reservoir.
A method of making a piezoelectric ink jet module, comprising:
- positioning a piezoelectric element to subject fluid within a reservoir to jetting pressure, where the piezoelectric ink jet module includes a flow path to the reservoir;
- positioning a first electrically insulating flexible material between the reservoir and the piezoelectric element in a manner that seals the reservoir, where the flexible material carries an electrical contact configured to activate the piezoelectric element;
- and
- positioning a flexible element in a manner to form a flexible wall of the flow path.
A method for use in making a piezoelectric ink jet module, comprising:
- positioning a piezoelectric element to span a reservoir to subject a fluid in the reservoir to jetting pressure;
- and
- positioning an electrically insulating flexible material between the reservoir and the piezoelectric element, where the flexible material carries an electrical contact arranged for activation of the piezoelectric element, the flexible material extending beyond the piezoelectric element to permit electrical connection to the electrical contact.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.