Print head with electromagnetic valve assembly
AssigneeVideojet Technologies Inc.
InventorMartin McNestry
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A print head includes an ink cavity, a nozzle in fluid communication with the ink cavity, and at least one valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a stopper positioned adjacent the nozzle and adapted to control flow of ink through the nozzle and an arm supporting the stopper. The arm is configured to pivotally move the stopper with respect to the nozzle to control the flow of ink through the nozzle. An electromagnet is positioned adjacent the arm and configured to move the arm toward the electromagnet to open the nozzle. A biasing member biases the arm away from the electromagnet to close the nozzle.
Claims15
A print head comprising:
- a ink cavity comprising ink;
- a nozzle in fluid communication with the ink cavity;
- and
- at least one valve assembly comprising:
- a stopper positioned adjacent the nozzle and adapted to control flow of ink through the nozzle;
- an arm supporting the stopper, the arm configured to pivotally move the stopper with respect to the nozzle to control the flow of ink through the nozzle;
- an electromagnet positioned adjacent the arm and configured to move the arm toward the electromagnet to open the nozzle;
- and
- a biasing member to bias the arm away from the electromagnet to close the nozzle.
An arm assembly for use with a nozzle of a print head, comprising:
- a first end comprising a seating area for a stopper;
- a second end disposed opposite the first end;
- a generally elongated major portion disposed between the first and the second end and comprising a generally flat surface, wherein the flat surface has a thickness less than 2 mm;
- and
- a retainer comprising a plurality of extending fingers crimped over the seating area of the arm to secure a stopper to the arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.