Abstract: A filter device for filtering ink for delivery to at least one drop forming unit of a print-head in a printing apparatus includes: an inlet for admission of ink to the filter device; a first filter member adjacent the inlet for filtering the ink as the ink enters the filter device; a collection chamber arranged below the first filter member for collecting the ink after the ink passes through the first filter member; and an outlet for delivering the ink from the collection chamber to a reservoir for supplying the at least one drop forming unit. The collection chamber includes at least one flow directing member defining at least one predetermined flow path, especially at least one circuitous or indirect flow path, for the ink through and/or around the collection chamber to the outlet.

Abstract: In an inkjet print head for generating a droplet of ink, the inkjet print head comprises an ink supply substrate, a droplet forming unit arranged on the ink supply substrate and an intermediate element arranged between the ink supply substrate and the droplet forming unit. The intermediate element has a first element surface on which the droplet forming unit is arranged and the intermediate element has a second element surface opposite to the first element surface. The intermediate element is supported on the ink supply substrate at the second element surface. The intermediate element is provided with a number of support protrusions at the second element surface. Due to the support protrusions, differences in coefficient of thermal expansion of the droplet forming unit and the ink supply substrate may reduce an effect of a resulting deformation of the droplet forming unit on an image quality.

Abstract: In an inkjet print head for generating a droplet of ink, the inkjet print head comprises an ink supply substrate; a droplet forming unit arranged on the ink supply substrate, the droplet forming unit having an ink inlet surface, in which ink inlet surface an ink inlet port for receiving ink from the ink supply substrate is arranged; a manifold chamber formed over the ink inlet surface of the droplet forming unit; and a filter arranged between the ink supply substrate and the manifold chamber, the filter having a first filter surface at an upstream side and having a second filter surface at a downstream side, the second filter surface being opposite to the first filter surface and filter holes extending from the first filter surface to the second filter surface. The filter is arranged in an area surrounding the manifold chamber for increasing the filter area without significantly increasing a cross-sectional size of the inkjet print head.

Abstract: A print head unit comprises a print head for ejecting droplets of a marking material; an electronic print head controller; and a coupling assembly for mechanically coupling the print head and the print head controller; wherein the coupling assembly provides a first coupling state and a second coupling state, wherein in the first coupling state, the print head and the print head controller are fixed relative to each other; in the second coupling state, the print head and the print head controller are enabled to move relative to each other within a limited range. The print head unit can be easily handled in the first coupling state, while in the second coupling state the print head may be mounted in a moving carriage without the print head controller affecting the position and rotation of the print head.

Abstract: An ink jet print head with an integrated ink handling unit includes a heater and a filter for the ink. The ink handling unit has an inlet port for liquid ink and a circulation system connected to the inlet port and adapted to pass the liquid ink through the heater and to the filter. The circulation system includes a single, non-branched duct that passes continuously from the inlet port to the filter, and the duct of the circulation system passes in meander fashion through a heated block of the heater.