Electrostatic clutch-operated printing mechanism
US4393769A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1980 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J9/40
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An impact printing mechanism is disclosed having an electrostatic clutch assembly, including a rotatively mounted semiconductive coated drum and a conductive band wrapped around the circumference thereof. The printing mechanism includes a printing hammer and a print spring for actuating the printing hammer. When a print command is issued, a voltage is applied to the band to create a field between the band and the drum coating. An electrostatic force is therefore generated when the drum is rotating slowly or synchronous with the drum step motion. That motion will pull the band and compress the print spring. The potential energy stored in the spring is then ready to fire the hammer. A hammer firing command turns off the voltage pulse and discharges the field, releasing the electrostatic holding force instantaneously and firing the hammer by the compressed spring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.