Optical character generator for an electrographic printer or copier device

US6097419A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Oce Printing Systems GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Edward Morris · Erding, DE
• Josef Eichstetter · Zorneding, DE
• Martin Faust · Jetzendorf, DE
• Klaus Jorgens · Wuppertal, DE
• Gerhard Klapettek · Gießen, DE
• Alfons Low · Obermeitingen, DE
• Klaus Pachonik · Taufkirchen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 24, 1997
• Grant date: Aug 1, 2000
• Expiry date: Nov 24, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01L2924/3025
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A printer or copier has an optical character generator for reproducing raster image data in grey-scale displays. Integrated light sources in the form of LEDs arranged in arrays are aligned to form a print line. A control IC is provided for each LED array. Groups of the control ICs are formed in which information is shifted for the switch on time of all LEDs of a group starting with the first control IC to the next IC. The ICs are connected together by bonding. A ramp circuit is provided to prevent current surges when the LEDs are switched on. A flat unit that extends along the character generator is used to transmit information and power to the control ICs. Busbars ensure that power is provided to the LEDs.