Ink-jet printer and drive method of recording head for ink-jet printer
US6095630A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/04593
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink-jet printer and a drive method for driving a recording head of an ink-jet printer are provided for controlling a size and a velocity of an ejected ink droplet. The ink-jet printer includes a droplet outlet orifice through which an ink droplet is ejected, an ink chamber communicating with the outlet orifice, an ink feed duct for feeding ink to the ink chamber, and a piezoelectric element for expanding and contracting the ink chamber in response to an applied voltage. A process for ink ejection includes a first step in which a meniscus in the outlet orifice is retracted towards the ink chamber by expanding the ink chamber, a second step in which the meniscus is moved towards the orifice by filling the chamber with ink, and a third step in which an ink droplet is ejected by contracting the ink chamber. The size and the velocity of the ink droplet ejected in the third step are controlled by controlling a position and a velocity of periodic travel of the meniscus at a start point of the third step.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.