High frequency printing mechanism
US5164740A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/3306
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides an ink-jet ejection device which is capable of ejection or ink (including hot melt ink) jet frequencies greater than 50,000 Hz. A cantilevered beam of selected shape is mounted at its base to a piezoelectric element which oscillates the base. The beam is shaped so that its moment of inertia is reduced toward its free end. The element is activated by an oscillating electrical signal the frequency of which is equal to or close to a natural frequency of oscillation of the beam. In the preferred embodiment herein a third or higher modal frequency is utilized. Because of the structural configuration of the cantilevered beam and the selected frequency of oscillation thereof, the tip of the beam oscillates over an amplitude which is significantly greater than the oscillation amplitude of the base. The beam is highly damped and made of low density material so that the tip amplitude is extremely responsive to variations in the base amplitude. The tip of the beam is provided with an aperture which is preferably tapered in cross-section. One opening of the tapered aperture is in fluid communication with a reservoir of ink and the other opening of the aperture is…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.