EP0116786A2 - Flüssigkeitsstrahldruckkopf und Erregungsvorrichtung dazu - Google Patents

Flüssigkeitsstrahldruckkopf und Erregungsvorrichtung dazu Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0116786A2
EP0116786A2 EP83307925A EP83307925A EP0116786A2 EP 0116786 A2 EP0116786 A2 EP 0116786A2 EP 83307925 A EP83307925 A EP 83307925A EP 83307925 A EP83307925 A EP 83307925A EP 0116786 A2 EP0116786 A2 EP 0116786A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
stimulator
orifice plate
print head
fluid
acoustic waves
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP83307925A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0116786A3 (en
EP0116786B1 (de
Inventor
Hilarion Braun
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eastman Kodak Co
Original Assignee
Eastman Kodak Co
Mead Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eastman Kodak Co, Mead Corp filed Critical Eastman Kodak Co
Publication of EP0116786A2 publication Critical patent/EP0116786A2/de
Publication of EP0116786A3 publication Critical patent/EP0116786A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0116786B1 publication Critical patent/EP0116786B1/de
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/015—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process
    • B41J2/02—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating a continuous ink jet
    • B41J2/025—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating a continuous ink jet by vibration

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to fluid jet printing and, more particularly, to a fluid jet print head and stimulator which are simple in construction and which provide reliable drop breakup.
  • Jet drop printers are known in which a plurality of streams of drops are produced by a single fluid jet print head.
  • the print head includes' a manifold, defining a fluid receiving reservoir, and an orifice plate, defining a plurality of orifices which communicate with said reservoir.
  • ink As ink is applied under pressure to the fluid receiving reservoir, it flows through the orifices in the orifice plate and emerges from the orifices as continuously flowing fluid filaments.
  • the filaments tend to break up into drops of irregular and unpredictable size and spacing.
  • Such jet drop streams are generally unacceptable for purposes of printing. it is known that to enhance drop formation, mechanical disturbances may be produced in the fluid or the print head structure and coupled to the fluid filaments.
  • An orifice plate means is mounted on the manifold means and defines a plurality of orifices which communicate with the fluid receiving reservoir such that fluid from the reservoir flows through the orifices and emerges therefrom as fluid filaments.
  • a stimulator means is mounted in contact with the orifice plate means for vibrating the orifice plate means to produce a series of bending waves which travel along the orifice plate means and break up the fluid filaments into drops of substantially uniform size and spacing.
  • the stimulator means includes a stimulator member of the length which is substantially equal to nX/2, where n is a positive integer and ⁇ is the wavelength of an acoustic wave traveling along the stimulator member.
  • X is equal to ( Y/ p )1/ 2 /f, where Y is Young's modulus, ⁇ is the density of the stimulator member, and f is the frequency of acoustic waves generated in the member.
  • the member may contact the orifice plate means at one end of the member.
  • the stimulator means further includes piezoelectric crystal means, mounted on the stimulator member, for alternately compressing and extending in a direction parallel to the axis of elongation of the member when driven by an electrical drive signal so as to produce acoustic waves in the member.
  • Mounting means support the stimulator member at a nodal plane therealong.
  • a driver means applies the electrical drive signal to the piezoelectric crystal means at the frequency f.
  • the length of the print head may be such that n is greater than or equal to 2.
  • the stimulator means may contact the orifice plate means inside the manifold means, entering the manifold means through an opening including a seal.
  • the seal contacts the stimulator member at a nodal plane along the stimulator member.
  • the piezoelectrical crystal means may include a pair of piezoelectric crystals mounted on opposite sides of the member, the piezoelectric crystals being of the length which is less than or equal to 1/2 ⁇ .
  • the stimulator member may be of a length equal to 1/2 ⁇ .
  • the stimulator means may further include a pih, mounted on the end of the member, in direct contact with the orifice plate means.
  • the pin has a cross-sectional area, taken in a plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the member, which is substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the member taken in a parallel plane.
  • the stimulator means may further comprise a feedback transducer means which is mounted at the end of the member, opposite the end which contacts the orifice plate means, and which provides an electrical signal proportional in frequency and amplitude to the frequency and amplitude of the acoustic waves passing through the member.
  • the stimulator member may be tapered toward the end thereof which contacts the orifice plate means such that the member contacts the orifice plate means substantially at a point.
  • the stimulator includes an elongated member of a length substantially equal to an integer half wavelength of acoustic waves of a specific frequency in the member, a transducer arrangement for producing acoustic waves in the member in response to an A.C. drive signal, and means for applying the A. C.
  • the transducer means includes a pair of piezoelectric transducers which are bonded to opposite sides of the stimulator member, with the transducers' extending in opposite directions from a nodal plane parallel to the axis of elongation of the member; to provide such a print head and stimulator therefor in which the stimulator member is mounted at a nodal plane therealong, which nodal plane may coincide with the plane from which the piezoelectric transducers extend; to provide such a print head and stimulator therefor in which the stimulator contacts the interior of the print head structure, entering the print head through an opening which is sealed by a seal surrounding the member and contacting the member at a nodal plane; to provide such a print head and stimulator therefor in which a relatively thin pin, having a cross-sectional area substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the stimulator member, extends into the print head and contacts the print head
  • An orifice plate 22 is mounted on the manifold means.
  • the plate is formed of a metal material and is relatively thin so as to be somewhat flexible.
  • Orifice plate 22 is bonded to the manifold element 12, as for example by solder or by an adhesive, such that it closes and defines one wall of the reservoir 16.
  • Orifice plate 22 defines a plurality of orifices 24 which are arranged in at least one row and which communicate with the reservoir 16 such that fluid in the reservoir 16 flows through the orifices 24 and emerges therefrom as fluid filaments.
  • a stimulator means 26 mounted in contact with the orifice plate 22 vibrates the orifice plate to produce a series of bending waves which travel along the orifice plate 22 in a direction generally parallel to the row of orifices.
  • the stimulator means 26 includes a stimulator member 28, configured as a thin metal rod.
  • the type of metal for the stimulator member 28 is selected to be compatible with the fluid supplied to reservoir 16.
  • the stimulator member 28 is of a length L which is substantially equal to nX/2, where n is a positive integer and a is the wavelength of an acoustic wave traveling along the stimulator member 28.
  • the wavelength of such a wave, traveling along a thin rod is substantially equal to (Y/p ) 1 / 2 /f, where Y is Young's modulus, P is the density of the stimulator member material, and f is the frequency of acoustic waves generated in the member.
  • the end 30 of member 28 is tapered so that the member 28 contacts the orifice plate 22 substantially at a point. As is known, such point contact on the center line of the orifice plate 22 insures that bending waves of a first order are generated in the orifice plate 22, and that satisfactory stimulation is obtained.
  • the stimulator means 26 further includes piezoelectric crystal means, comprising piezoelectric crystals 32 and 34, which are mounted on the stimulator member 28.
  • the crystals 32 and 34 each include a thin, electrically conductive layer on their outer surfaces to which conductors 36 and 38 are electrically connected. The inner surfaces of the crystals are in contact with and are grounded by the member 28. Member 28, in turn, may be grounded through orifice plate 22 or through ground conductor 42.
  • the crystals 32 and 34 are configured such that they tend to compress or extend in a direction parallel to the axis of elongation of the member 28 when a fluctuating electrical potential is placed across the crystals. As a consequence, when an A.C.
  • the electrical drive signal is applied to lines 36 and 38 by driver circuit means 40, the crystals 32 and 34 produce acoustic waves in the stimulator member 28.
  • the circuit 40 supplies an electrical drive signal at a frequency f, as specified above in relation to the length of the member 28.
  • the stimulator member is substantially equal in length to one wavelength, that is, n is equal to 2.
  • the member 28 extends into the manifold means through an opening 44 defined by element 10.
  • the member 28 contacts the orifice plate 22 inside the reservoir 16.
  • a seal, such as O-ring 46 surrounds the member 28, contacting the member 28 and element 10.
  • the stimulator means is mounted by tapered pins 48 which engage generally conical detents 50 in the sides of member 28.
  • the pins 48 and detents 50 provide a pivotal mounting which restricts movement of member 28 vertical.
  • the detents 50 are positioned 1/4 X from the upper end of the member 28, as seen in Fig. 2, while the O-ring 46 contacts the member 28 substantially 1/4 X from the lower end of the member 28.
  • pins 48 support the stimulator means in a nodal plane. Since the ring 46 contacts the member 28 1/2 ⁇ below the pins 48, O-ring 46 also contacts the member 28 at a nodal plane.
  • the end of 30 of the member 28 is 1/4 ⁇ below a nodal plane and therefor at an anti-node, producing maximum amplitude mechanical stimulation for generation of the bending waves in the orifice plate 22. It will be understood that it is desirable to limit the length L c of the crystals 32 and 34 to 1/2X or less. If the length of the crystals is greater than this, their vibratory motion will tend to counteract formation of standing waves in the member 28 and the production of nodal planes.
  • member 28 could be substantially longer than illustrated.
  • the length of the member can be increased in multiples of 1/2 wavelength with predictable harmonic progressions.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention in which the elements corresponding to the those in the first embodiment have been designated by the same numerals as those used in Figs. 1-3.
  • the stimulator member 28 of Fig. 4 rectangular in cross-section, is substantially 1/2 wavelength long, that is, L equals 1/2 X .
  • Piezoelectric crystals 32 and 34 are mounted on opposing faces of the member 28.
  • a vibration transmission pin 56 is mounted on one end of the member and is preferably pressed into a hole in the end of the member or is machined on the end of the member.
  • the pin 56 directly transmits the movement of the lower end of the member 28 to the orifice plate 22.
  • the pin 56 has a cross-sectional area, taken in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of the elongation of member 28, which is substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the member.
  • the length of pin 56 is not related to the frequency of operation of the stimulator means, since the pin acts merely as a means of transmitting the vibrations from the anti-node at the end of member 28 to the plate 22.
  • the pin 56 passes through opening 44 and is engaged by a small diameter O-ring 58 which prevents leakage of fluid from reservoir 16.
  • O-ring 58 Preferably, an automatic gain control in the driver circuit allows the stimulation amplitude to be held constant, regardless of the degree of damping provided by O-ring 58.
  • a single piezoelectric transducer 60 is mounted on a side of the member 28 other than the sides upon which the piezoelectric transducers 32 and 34 are mounted.
  • Transducer 60 provides a feedback signal on line 54 which may be used by a driver circuit to control operation of the stimulator.

Landscapes

  • Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)
  • Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)
EP19830307925 1982-12-27 1983-12-22 Flüssigkeitsstrahldruckkopf und Erregungsvorrichtung dazu Expired EP0116786B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US45308282A 1982-12-27 1982-12-27
US453082 1982-12-27

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0116786A2 true EP0116786A2 (de) 1984-08-29
EP0116786A3 EP0116786A3 (en) 1985-12-27
EP0116786B1 EP0116786B1 (de) 1989-04-05

Family

ID=23799140

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19830307925 Expired EP0116786B1 (de) 1982-12-27 1983-12-22 Flüssigkeitsstrahldruckkopf und Erregungsvorrichtung dazu

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0116786B1 (de)
JP (1) JPS59150754A (de)
CA (1) CA1215577A (de)
DE (1) DE3379536D1 (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4646104A (en) * 1982-06-21 1987-02-24 Eastman Kodak Company Fluid jet print head
EP0494378A2 (de) * 1991-01-09 1992-07-15 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Verfahren für eine Flüssigkeitsstrahl-Druckvorrichtung
EP0639458A2 (de) * 1993-08-17 1995-02-22 SCITEX DIGITAL PRINTING, Inc. Montage Anordnung für Resonatoren

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3701476A (en) * 1971-10-14 1972-10-31 Mead Corp Drop generator with rotatable transducer
US3701998A (en) * 1971-10-14 1972-10-31 Mead Corp Twin row drop generator
JPS56101869A (en) * 1980-01-21 1981-08-14 Ricoh Co Ltd Ink jet head

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS522774B2 (de) * 1971-10-06 1977-01-24
BE790064A (fr) * 1971-10-14 1973-02-01 Mead Corp Generateur de gouttes pour dispositif d'enregistrement.
JPS5242335B2 (de) * 1972-06-22 1977-10-24
FR2445229A1 (fr) * 1978-12-29 1980-07-25 Cii Honeywell Bull Generateur de gouttelettes d'encre pour imprimante a jet d'encre
JPS55109671A (en) * 1979-02-19 1980-08-23 Ricoh Co Ltd Driving system of ink jet head
JPS57195664A (en) * 1981-05-27 1982-12-01 Ricoh Co Ltd Ink jet printing device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3701476A (en) * 1971-10-14 1972-10-31 Mead Corp Drop generator with rotatable transducer
US3701998A (en) * 1971-10-14 1972-10-31 Mead Corp Twin row drop generator
JPS56101869A (en) * 1980-01-21 1981-08-14 Ricoh Co Ltd Ink jet head

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENTS ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, vol. 5, no. 174 (M-96) [846], 10th November 1981; & JP - A - 56 101 869 (RICOH K.K.) 14-08-1981 *

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4646104A (en) * 1982-06-21 1987-02-24 Eastman Kodak Company Fluid jet print head
EP0494378A2 (de) * 1991-01-09 1992-07-15 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Verfahren für eine Flüssigkeitsstrahl-Druckvorrichtung
EP0494378A3 (en) * 1991-01-09 1993-03-10 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Process for liquid jet printing device
EP0639458A2 (de) * 1993-08-17 1995-02-22 SCITEX DIGITAL PRINTING, Inc. Montage Anordnung für Resonatoren
EP0639458A3 (de) * 1993-08-17 1995-07-12 Scitex Digital Printing Inc Montage Anordnung für Resonatoren.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS59150754A (ja) 1984-08-29
CA1215577A (en) 1986-12-23
EP0116786A3 (en) 1985-12-27
EP0116786B1 (de) 1989-04-05
DE3379536D1 (en) 1989-05-11

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