Integral spring drive belt system for inkjet carriages
US6045212A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J19/005
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rising rate integral spring drive belt system for driving a carriage carrying an inkjet printhead is quieter and more economical than earlier systems. An integral spring drive belt of a resilient material is secured to the carriage and driven by a motor to selectively move the carriage across the printzone. The belt is of a resilient elastomeric material. The belt has an integral spring portion with two segmented members defining a void therebetween and a web member coupling together the two segmented members. The remainder of the belt has a constant spring constant, while the spring portion has a higher spring constant which varies with the degree of tension experienced by the belt. The variable spring constant allows the spring portion to more readily respond to and damp periodic belt tension vibrations to provide a quieter, more economical printing mechanism. A method is provided driving an inkjet printhead carriage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.