Dual element switched digital drive system for an ink jet printhead
US5521618A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 28, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/04588
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A digital driver for an ink jet printhead and an associated method for selectively applying voltage to a piezoelectric sidewall actuator of the ink jet printhead. The digital driver includes positive and negative voltage sources, a first switching element having a first control input, a first voltage supply input connected to the positive voltage source, and a first output, and a second switching element having a second control input, a second voltage supply input connected to the negative voltage source, and a second output connected to the first output to provide a single output connected to the piezoelectric sidewall actuator. By asserting the first control input for a first time period, the first switching element generates a positive voltage pulse at the single output to displace the sidewall actuator from a rest position to a first position. Next, by simultaneously deasserting the first control input and asserting the second control input, the second switching element generates a negative voltage pulse at the single output to displace the sidewall actuator from the first position, past the rest position, to a second position. Next, by deasserting the second control input, the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.