JPH05212869A - Electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus - Google Patents
Electrostatic ink jet recording apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- JPH05212869A JPH05212869A JP1993592A JP1993592A JPH05212869A JP H05212869 A JPH05212869 A JP H05212869A JP 1993592 A JP1993592 A JP 1993592A JP 1993592 A JP1993592 A JP 1993592A JP H05212869 A JPH05212869 A JP H05212869A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- ink
- insulating member
- electrode
- photoconductive insulating
- electrostatic
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
Landscapes
- Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)
- Recording Measured Values (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、静電界を利用してイン
クを飛翔させる静電インクジェット記録装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus that ejects ink by utilizing an electrostatic field.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】インクジェット記録装置には、複数のイ
ンク噴出部を有するインク室に導電性のインクが充填さ
れ、当該インク室内の各インク噴出部内に第１の電極が
設けられるとともにインク室の外部に各インク噴出部の
インク噴出口に対向する第２の電極が設けられ、当該両
電極間に記録信号に対応した高電圧パルスを印加し、両
電極間に生じた静電界によってインク噴出口からインク
を飛翔させるようにした静電インクジェット記録装置が
ある。2. Description of the Related Art In an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink chamber having a plurality of ink ejecting portions is filled with a conductive ink, a first electrode is provided in each ink ejecting portion in the ink chamber, and the outside of the ink chamber is provided. Is provided with a second electrode facing the ink ejection port of each ink ejection unit, a high voltage pulse corresponding to a recording signal is applied between the two electrodes, and the electrostatic field generated between both electrodes causes the second electrode to eject from the ink ejection port. There is an electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus that makes ink fly.
【０００３】この種のインクジェット記録装置では、イ
ンク室の外部に光導電性絶縁部材を設け、この光導電性
絶縁部材に第１の電極を接続するとともに当該光導電性
絶縁部材を介して第１の電極に高圧電源を接続し、光導
電性絶縁部材に記録信号に対応した光信号を照射して第
１の電極と第２の電極との間に記録信号に対応した高電
圧パルスを印加するようにし、両電極間に高電圧パルス
を印加するための電気回路を小型化することが考えられ
ている（特開昭６０−２５０９６２号）。In this type of ink jet recording apparatus, a photoconductive insulating member is provided outside the ink chamber, the first electrode is connected to the photoconductive insulating member, and the first electrode is connected via the photoconductive insulating member. A high voltage power source is connected to the electrode of No. 2, and a photoconductive insulating member is irradiated with an optical signal corresponding to a recording signal to apply a high voltage pulse corresponding to the recording signal between the first electrode and the second electrode. Thus, miniaturization of an electric circuit for applying a high voltage pulse between both electrodes has been considered (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-250962).
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、従来構
造にあっては、光導電性絶縁部材を外部に露出させて光
導電性絶縁部材に光信号を直接照射する構成となってお
り、光導電性絶縁部材の露出によって光導電性絶縁部材
が酸化してその機能が低下したり、光導電性絶縁部材に
他の部材が接触する等して短絡するおそれがあった。However, in the conventional structure, the photoconductive insulating member is exposed to the outside to directly irradiate the photoconductive insulating member with an optical signal. The exposure of the insulating member may oxidize the photoconductive insulating member to reduce its function, or may cause a short circuit due to contact with another member of the photoconductive insulating member.
【０００５】本発明は、光導電性絶縁部材を外部に露出
させることなく光導電性絶縁部材に記録信号に対応した
光信号を照射できる静電インクジェット記録装置を提供
することを目的とする。An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus capable of irradiating a photoconductive insulating member with an optical signal corresponding to a recording signal without exposing the photoconductive insulating member to the outside.
【０００６】[0006]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は、複数のインク
噴出部を有するインク室に導電性のインクが充填され、
当該インク室内の各インク噴出部内に第１の電極が設け
られるとともにインク室の外部に各インク噴出部のイン
ク噴出口に対向する第２の電極が設けられ、当該両電極
間に高電圧パルス印加手段を介して記録信号に対応した
高電圧パルスを印加し、両電極間に生じた静電界によっ
てインク噴出口からインクを飛翔させる静電インクジェ
ット記録装置であって、高電圧パルス印加手段は、イン
ク室の外部に設けられ且つ第１の電極と接続される光導
電性絶縁部材と、光導電性絶縁部材を介して第１の電極
に接続される電源手段と、光導電性絶縁部材に記録信号
に対応した光信号を照射する光照射手段と、を有し、光
導電性絶縁部材が絶縁性の基板に配設され且つ絶縁性の
カバーで被覆され、基板およびカバーのうちの少なくと
も一方が光を透過可能に透明に形成され、当該透明な基
板またはカバーを通して光導電性絶縁部材に光照射手段
から光信号が照射されることを特徴としている。According to the present invention, a conductive ink is filled in an ink chamber having a plurality of ink ejection portions,
A first electrode is provided in each ink ejecting section in the ink chamber, and a second electrode facing the ink ejecting port of each ink ejecting section is provided outside the ink chamber, and a high voltage pulse is applied between both electrodes. A high-voltage pulse applying unit applies a high-voltage pulse corresponding to a recording signal, and ejects ink from an ink ejection port by an electrostatic field generated between both electrodes. A photoconductive insulating member provided outside the chamber and connected to the first electrode, a power supply unit connected to the first electrode via the photoconductive insulating member, and a recording signal to the photoconductive insulating member. And a photoconductive insulating member disposed on the insulating substrate and covered with an insulating cover, at least one of the substrate and the cover being a light source. Transparent Is transparent formed on the ability, the optical signal from the light irradiation means in the photoconductive insulating member through the transparent substrate or cover is characterized by being irradiated.
【０００７】[0007]
【作用】本発明によれば、光導電性絶縁部材が絶縁性の
カバーで被覆されたまま、透明な基板またはカバーを通
して光照射手段から光導電性絶縁部材に記録信号に対応
した光信号が照射される。According to the present invention, while the photoconductive insulating member is covered with the insulating cover, the photoirradiating means irradiates the photoconductive insulating member with the optical signal corresponding to the recording signal through the transparent substrate or the cover. To be done.
【０００８】[0008]
【実施例】以下、本考案が適用された静電インクジェッ
ト記録装置を図面に基づいて説明する。この静電インク
ジェット記録装置では、図１に示されるようにヘッド１
が設けられ、このヘッド１からその前方の記録紙２に向
けてインク滴を飛翔させ、このインク滴で記録紙２に記
録ドットを形成するようになっている。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus, as shown in FIG.
Is provided, and ink droplets are ejected from the head 1 toward the recording paper 2 in front of the head 1 to form recording dots on the recording paper 2.
【０００９】ヘッド１は絶縁性を有するガラス製であっ
て、その構造は枠状の基体３の上下両端面にそれぞれ平
板状の上板４および下板５を接合固着した構成となって
おり、内部に基体３と上板４と下板５とで囲まれるイン
ク室６が形成され、このインク室６に導電性を有するイ
ンク（図示省略）が充填されている。下板５は基体３お
よび上板４よりも後方に長く形成され、インク室６の後
方外部に突出されている。インク室６には、後壁に内部
電極２０が取り付けられ、且つ側壁にヘッド側方へ開口
するインク供給口７が形成されているとともに前壁にヘ
ッド前方に開口するインク噴出部８が形成されている。
内部電極２０は直流電源１９の負極に接続されている。
インク供給口７は図示しないインクタンクからインク室
６内へのインクの供給用として用いられるようになって
いる。インク噴出部８は図２に示されるように複数設け
られ、これらは基体３の前部下面に形成された切欠３ａ
と下板５とで形成され、下板５に沿って１列に配列され
ている。なお、導電性を有するインクとしては、例えば
物性値が粘度１２．４ｃＰ、表面張力３３ｄｙｎ／ｃ
ｍ、比抵抗３×１０7 Ω・ｃｍの高抵抗のもの等が適用
可能である。The head 1 is made of insulative glass, and its structure is such that a flat upper plate 4 and a lower plate 5 are joined and fixed to the upper and lower end surfaces of a frame-shaped base body 3, respectively. An ink chamber 6 surrounded by the substrate 3, the upper plate 4, and the lower plate 5 is formed inside, and the ink chamber 6 is filled with conductive ink (not shown). The lower plate 5 is formed to be rearward longer than the base body 3 and the upper plate 4, and protrudes to the rear outside of the ink chamber 6. In the ink chamber 6, an internal electrode 20 is attached to a rear wall, an ink supply port 7 that opens to the side of the head is formed on a side wall, and an ink ejection portion 8 that opens to the front of the head is formed on a front wall. ing.
The internal electrode 20 is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply 19.
The ink supply port 7 is used for supplying ink from an ink tank (not shown) into the ink chamber 6. A plurality of ink ejection portions 8 are provided as shown in FIG.
And the lower plate 5, and are arranged in a row along the lower plate 5. The conductive ink has, for example, a physical property value of viscosity of 12.4 cP and a surface tension of 33 dyn / c.
m, specific resistance of 3 × 10 7 Ω · cm, high resistance, etc. are applicable.
【００１０】このヘッド１は、インク噴出部８からその
前方にかけて発生する静電界によってインク噴出口８ａ
から記録紙２に向けてインク滴を飛翔させるようになっ
ている。すなわち、ヘッド１のインク噴出部８内に第１
の電極としての記録電極９が設けられているとともにヘ
ッド１の前方に直流電源１０の負極に接続され且つ記録
紙２の背後に位置してインク噴出部８のインク噴出口８
ａと対向する第２の電極としての背面電極１１が設けら
れ、この記録電極９と背面電極１１との間に記録信号に
対応した高電圧パルスを印加し、両電極間に発生する静
電界によってインク噴出口８ａから記録紙２に向けてイ
ンク滴を飛翔させるようになっている。なお、背面電極
１１と記録電極９との間の距離ｄ１は例えば０．６mm程
度に設定される。The head 1 has an ink ejection port 8a formed by an electrostatic field generated from the ink ejection portion 8 to the front thereof.
The ink droplets are made to fly toward the recording paper 2. That is, the first ink is ejected into the ink ejection portion 8 of the head 1.
A recording electrode 9 as an electrode for the ink, and is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply 10 in front of the head 1 and located behind the recording paper 2;
A rear electrode 11 as a second electrode facing a is provided, and a high voltage pulse corresponding to a recording signal is applied between the recording electrode 9 and the rear electrode 11 to generate an electrostatic field between both electrodes. Ink droplets are ejected from the ink ejection port 8a toward the recording paper 2. The distance d1 between the back electrode 11 and the recording electrode 9 is set to about 0.6 mm, for example.
【００１１】記録電極９はインク噴出部８の数に対応し
て複数設けられ、これらは下板５の表面上に配設されて
いる。各記録電極９はインク噴出部８の内部からその後
方に延出され、その後端はインク室８の後方外部に至
り、インク室８の後方外部で共通電極１２に光導電性絶
縁部材としての光導電膜１３を介して接続されている。
各記録電極９の外周には、前端部を除く部分に絶縁膜２
１が被覆形成され、この絶縁膜２１によって各記録電極
９間で放電することがないようになっている。絶縁膜２
１は例えば酸化ケイ素等で形成される。なお、各記録電
極９は低温スパッタにより下板５の表面上に金属クロム
や金等で導電膜を形成し、この導電膜をパターン状にエ
ッチングすることにより、下板５の表面上に容易に配設
できる。A plurality of recording electrodes 9 are provided in correspondence with the number of ink ejecting portions 8, and these are arranged on the surface of the lower plate 5. Each recording electrode 9 extends from the inside of the ink ejecting portion 8 to the rear of the ink ejecting portion 8, the rear end of the recording electrode 9 reaches the outside of the ink chamber 8, and the common electrode 12 is exposed to light outside as a photoconductive insulating member outside the ink chamber 8. It is connected through the conductive film 13.
The insulating film 2 is formed on the outer periphery of each recording electrode 9 except the front end.
The insulating film 21 prevents the electric discharge between the recording electrodes 9 from occurring. Insulating film 2
1 is formed of, for example, silicon oxide. It should be noted that each recording electrode 9 is easily formed on the surface of the lower plate 5 by forming a conductive film of metal chromium, gold or the like on the surface of the lower plate 5 by low temperature sputtering and etching the conductive film in a pattern. Can be installed.
【００１２】共通電極１２は下板５の表面上に記録電極
９の後端との間に距離ｄ２隔てて配設され、光導電膜１
３が導通状態となったときに記録電極９と導通されるよ
うになっている。この共通電極１２は電源手段としての
直流電源１４の正極に接続されている。なお、共通電極
１２は記録電極９と同様にして低温スパッタにより下板
５の表面上に金属クロムや金等で導電膜を形成し、この
導電膜をパターン状にエッチングすることにより下板５
の表面上に容易に配設できる。The common electrode 12 is disposed on the surface of the lower plate 5 at a distance d2 from the rear end of the recording electrode 9, and the photoconductive film 1 is formed.
It is adapted to be electrically connected to the recording electrode 9 when 3 becomes conductive. The common electrode 12 is connected to the positive electrode of a DC power supply 14 as a power supply means. As with the recording electrode 9, the common electrode 12 is formed by forming a conductive film of metal chromium or gold on the surface of the lower plate 5 by low temperature sputtering, and etching the conductive film in a pattern to form the lower plate 5.
It can be easily placed on the surface of.
【００１３】光導電膜１３は共通電極１２と共に下板５
の表面上に配設されているとともに絶縁性を有する樹脂
製のカバー１５で外部に露出しないように被覆されてい
る。カバー１５は図示しない固定手段を介して下板５に
取り付けられている。The photoconductive film 13 is formed on the lower plate 5 together with the common electrode 12.
Is covered with a resin cover 15 having an insulating property so as not to be exposed to the outside. The cover 15 is attached to the lower plate 5 via fixing means (not shown).
【００１４】この光導電膜１３には、光照射手段として
の光照射装置１６から記録信号に対応した光信号が照射
され、この光信号を受光したときに導通するようになっ
ている。光照射装置１６には、図３に示されるように半
導体レーザ１６ａが設けられ、この半導体レーザ１６ａ
の光が光導電膜１３に照射されるようになっている。す
なわち、光導電膜１３は半導体レーザ１６ａの光を受光
したときに導通するようになっている。この種の光導電
膜１３としては、半導体レーザ１６ａの波長スペクトラ
ムに分光感度を合致させたアモルファスシリコン等が適
用可能であり、例えば窒素をドーピングした水素化アモ
ルファスシリコンであって、暗導電率σd ＝１０-9（Ω
・ｃｍ）-1、光導電率σp ＝１０-6（Ω・ｃｍ）-1のも
のが適用可能である。なお、水素化アモルファスシリコ
ンは、シラン（ＳｉＨ4 ）ガスのグロー放電分解法によ
りシリコンを固相膜として析出させることにより形成さ
れ、ホウ素、または窒素などの不純物をドーピングする
ことにより導電率を変化させることが可能であり、目的
に応じて所要の暗導電率と光導電率を得ることができ
る。また、水素化アモルファスシリコンは、分光感度の
ピーク波長が６００ｎｍ〜７００ｎｍの近傍にあり、長
波長光にも十分な光感度を有しており、赤色発光ダイオ
ード（発光波長６５０〜７００ｎｍ）や赤外光の半導体
レーザ（発光波長７５０〜７８０ｎｍ）等を用いること
も可能である。The photoconductive film 13 is irradiated with a light signal corresponding to a recording signal from a light irradiation device 16 as a light irradiation means, and is made conductive when the light signal is received. The light irradiation device 16 is provided with a semiconductor laser 16a as shown in FIG.
Light is applied to the photoconductive film 13. That is, the photoconductive film 13 is made conductive when it receives the light of the semiconductor laser 16a. As the photoconductive film 13 of this type, amorphous silicon or the like having spectral sensitivity matched to the wavelength spectrum of the semiconductor laser 16a can be applied. For example, nitrogen-doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon having a dark conductivity σd = 10 -9 (Ω
-Cm) -1 and photoconductivity σp = 10 -6 (Ω · cm) -1 are applicable. Hydrogenated amorphous silicon is formed by depositing silicon as a solid-phase film by glow discharge decomposition method of silane (SiH 4 ) gas, and conductivity is changed by doping impurities such as boron or nitrogen. It is possible to obtain the required dark conductivity and photoconductivity according to the purpose. Further, hydrogenated amorphous silicon has a spectral sensitivity peak wavelength in the vicinity of 600 nm to 700 nm and has sufficient photosensitivity to long-wavelength light, and thus has a red light-emitting diode (emission wavelength of 650 to 700 nm) and infrared light. It is also possible to use an optical semiconductor laser (emission wavelength 750 to 780 nm) or the like.
【００１５】半導体レーザ１６ａは図示しない制御回路
によって記録信号に対応して発振制御されるようになっ
ている。この半導体レーザ１６ａは図３に示されるよう
に回転多面鏡１６ｂに光を照射し、その反射光が光導電
膜１３に照射されるようになっている。回転多面鏡１６
ｂは図示しない駆動手段によって回転駆動され、半導体
レーザ１６ａの光を記録信号に対応して走査するように
なっており、これによって光導電膜１３に記録信号に対
応した光信号が照射されるようになっている。すなわ
ち、半導体レーザ１６ａの発振制御と光走査によって光
導電膜１３に記録信号に対応した光信号が照射されるよ
うになっている。The semiconductor laser 16a is controlled to oscillate in response to a recording signal by a control circuit (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, the semiconductor laser 16a irradiates the rotating polygon mirror 16b with light, and the reflected light irradiates the photoconductive film 13. Rotating polygon mirror 16
b is rotationally driven by a driving means (not shown) so as to scan the light of the semiconductor laser 16a in accordance with the recording signal, so that the photoconductive film 13 is irradiated with the optical signal corresponding to the recording signal. It has become. That is, the photoconductive film 13 is irradiated with an optical signal corresponding to a recording signal by oscillation control of the semiconductor laser 16a and optical scanning.
【００１６】回転多面鏡１６ｂは下板５の下方に配設さ
れており、光導電膜１３には下板５の下方より記録信号
に対応した光信号が照射されるようになっている。すな
わち、下板５が光を透過可能に透明に形成され、この透
明な下板５を通して光導電膜１３に記録信号に対応した
光信号が照射されるようになっている。なお、下板５の
下面には、遮光フィルタ１８が接着され、この遮光フィ
ルタ１８によって記録信号に対応した光信号以外の光が
カットされるようになっている。The rotary polygon mirror 16b is arranged below the lower plate 5, and the photoconductive film 13 is irradiated with an optical signal corresponding to a recording signal from below the lower plate 5. That is, the lower plate 5 is formed transparent so that light can be transmitted, and the photoconductive film 13 is irradiated with an optical signal corresponding to a recording signal through the transparent lower plate 5. A light blocking filter 18 is attached to the lower surface of the lower plate 5 so that light other than the optical signal corresponding to the recording signal is cut by the light blocking filter 18.
【００１７】次に作用を図４の等価回路図に基づいて説
明する。図４中、記号Ｒｉはインクの抵抗値であり、記
号Ｒｓは光導電膜１３の抵抗値であり、記号＋Ｅ１は直
流電源１４によって共通電極１２に印加される電位であ
り、記号−Ｅ２は直流電源１９によって内部電極２０に
印加される電位であり、記号−Ｅ３は直流電源１０によ
って背面電極１１に印加される電位である。Next, the operation will be described with reference to the equivalent circuit diagram of FIG. In FIG. 4, the symbol Ri is the resistance value of the ink, the symbol Rs is the resistance value of the photoconductive film 13, the symbol + E1 is the potential applied to the common electrode 12 by the DC power supply 14, and the symbol −E2 is the DC. The potential applied to the internal electrode 20 by the power source 19 and the symbol −E3 is the potential applied to the back electrode 11 by the DC power source 10.
【００１８】半導体レーザ１６ａの光が回転多面鏡１６
ｂに照射され、光導電膜１３に記録信号に対応した光信
号が照射されたときには、光導電膜１３の抵抗値Ｒｓが
明抵抗Ｒｐとなって光導電膜１３が導通状態となり、光
導電膜１３を介して共通電極１２から記録電極９に＋Ｅ
１ボルトの電圧が印加される。この結果、記録電極９と
背面電極１１との間にＥ１−（−Ｅ２）−（−Ｅ３）ボ
ルトの電位差が生じて記録電極９と背面電極１１との間
に静電界が生じ、この静電界でインク滴がインク噴出部
８のインク噴出口８ａから電気力線に沿って背面電極１
１に向かって飛翔し、これによって記録紙２にインクが
付着する。この際、内部電極２０の働きによって非選択
の記録電極９への高電圧の印加が防止され、クロストロ
ークを生ずることはない。The light from the semiconductor laser 16a is rotated by the rotary polygon mirror 16.
When b is irradiated and the photoconductive film 13 is irradiated with an optical signal corresponding to the recording signal, the resistance value Rs of the photoconductive film 13 becomes the bright resistance Rp to bring the photoconductive film 13 into a conductive state and the photoconductive film 13 is brought into conduction. + E from common electrode 12 to recording electrode 9 via 13
A voltage of 1 volt is applied. As a result, a potential difference of E1-(-E2)-(-E3) volt is generated between the recording electrode 9 and the back electrode 11, and an electrostatic field is generated between the recording electrode 9 and the back electrode 11. The ink droplets from the ink ejection port 8a of the ink ejection portion 8 along the lines of electric force
The ink jets toward the recording sheet 1 and the ink adheres to the recording sheet 2. At this time, the function of the internal electrode 20 prevents the application of the high voltage to the non-selected recording electrode 9, and the black stroke does not occur.
【００１９】半導体レーザ１６ａの光が回転多面鏡１６
ｂに照射されず、光導電膜１３に記録信号に対応した光
信号が照射されないときには、光導電膜１３の抵抗値Ｒ
ｓが暗抵抗Ｒｄとなって光導電膜１３が絶縁状態とな
り、共通電極１２から記録電極９に＋Ｅ１ボルトの電圧
が印加されない。このため、記録電極９と背面電極１１
との間の電位差が−Ｅ２−（−Ｅ３）ボルトとなり、こ
の結果、両電極間の電位差が光導電膜１３の抵抗値Ｒｓ
が明抵抗Ｒｐとなったときと比較して小さくなり、イン
ク滴がインク噴出部８のインク噴出口８ａから飛翔しな
い。インクが飛翔するしきい値は、記録電極９と背面電
極１１との間の距離ｄ１、インクの表面張力や粘度、電
気抵抗Ｒｉ等によって定められる。なお、光導電膜１３
の抵抗値Ｒｓはその暗抵抗値Ｒｄを１０13Ω以上とし、
明抵抗値Ｒｐを１０10Ω以下に設定することが望まし
い。The light from the semiconductor laser 16a is rotated by the rotary polygon mirror 16.
b is not irradiated and the photoconductive film 13 is not irradiated with the optical signal corresponding to the recording signal, the resistance value R of the photoconductive film 13 is R.
Since s becomes the dark resistance Rd and the photoconductive film 13 is in an insulating state, the voltage of + E1 volt is not applied from the common electrode 12 to the recording electrode 9. Therefore, the recording electrode 9 and the back electrode 11
Is -E2-(-E3) volts, and as a result, the potential difference between both electrodes is the resistance value Rs of the photoconductive film 13.
Becomes smaller than that when the light resistance becomes Rp, and the ink droplet does not fly from the ink ejection port 8a of the ink ejection portion 8. The threshold value at which the ink flies is determined by the distance d1 between the recording electrode 9 and the back electrode 11, the surface tension and viscosity of the ink, the electric resistance Ri, and the like. The photoconductive film 13
The resistance value Rs of the dark resistance value Rd is 10 13 Ω or more,
It is desirable to set the bright resistance value Rp to 10 10 Ω or less.
【００２０】ここで、半導体レーザ１６ａの光が回転多
面鏡１６ｂに照射されたときには、光導電膜１３が樹脂
製のカバー１５で被覆されたまま、下板５の下方より透
明な下板５を通して光導電膜１３に記録信号に対応した
光信号が照射される。Here, when the light from the semiconductor laser 16a is applied to the rotary polygon mirror 16b, the photoconductive film 13 remains covered with the resin cover 15, and the transparent lower plate 5 is passed from below the lower plate 5. The photoconductive film 13 is irradiated with an optical signal corresponding to the recording signal.
【００２１】したがって、光導電膜１３を外部に露出さ
せることなく光導電膜１３に記録信号に対応した光信号
を照射でき、これによって光導電膜１３の露出による短
絡や光導電膜１３の酸化が防止されて信頼性が向上され
る。Therefore, it is possible to irradiate the photoconductive film 13 with an optical signal corresponding to the recording signal without exposing the photoconductive film 13 to the outside, thereby causing a short circuit due to the exposure of the photoconductive film 13 or oxidation of the photoconductive film 13. Prevented and reliability is improved.
【００２２】なお、上記実施例では、下板５の下方より
下板５を通して光導電膜１３に記録信号に対応した光信
号を照射するようにしたが、カバー１５を酸化ケイ素膜
で形成する等して光を透過可能に透明に形成し、カバー
１５の上方よりカバー１５を通して光導電膜１３に記録
信号に対応した光信号を照射するようにしてもよい。こ
の場合には、下板７は光を透過可能に透明に形成する必
要がない。In the above embodiment, the photoconductive film 13 is irradiated with the optical signal corresponding to the recording signal from below the lower plate 5 through the lower plate 5, but the cover 15 is formed of a silicon oxide film. Then, the light may be transparently formed so that light can be transmitted, and the photoconductive film 13 can be irradiated with the optical signal corresponding to the recording signal from above the cover 15 through the cover 15. In this case, the lower plate 7 does not need to be transparent so that light can be transmitted.
【００２３】また、上記実施例では、インク噴出部８を
１列に設けるようにしたが、インク噴出部８を２列に並
設し、光導電膜１３をインク噴出部８の列毎に独立して
設けるようにしてもよい。すなわち、図５に示されるよ
うにインク噴出部８を２列に並設し、上板４を下板５と
同様に枠板３よりも後方に長く形成してその後端をイン
ク室６の後方外部に突出させるとともに上板４を下板５
と同様に光を透過可能に透明に形成し、上板４にも下板
５と同様にして記録電極９、光導電膜１３および共通電
極１２を下板５側のそれらと対向するように設け、これ
らと下板５側の記録電極９、光導電膜１３および共通電
極１２との間に各光導電膜１３および各共通電極１２を
被覆する絶縁性のカバー１５を設け、且つ上板６の上方
にも下板５の下方と同様にして光照射装置１６を設け、
上板６側の光導電膜１３にも上板６の上方から上板６を
通して記録信号に対応した光信号を照射するようにして
もよい。この場合、インク噴出部８を千鳥状に配列すれ
ば、高解像度の画像が得られ、またインク室６をインク
噴出部８の列毎に二分し、各室に異なる色のインクを充
填するようにすれば、インク噴出部８の列毎に異なる色
のインクを飛翔させることができる。Further, in the above embodiment, the ink ejecting portions 8 are arranged in one row, but the ink ejecting portions 8 are arranged in two rows and the photoconductive film 13 is independent for each row of the ink ejecting portions 8. You may provide it. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the ink ejecting portions 8 are arranged in two rows side by side, the upper plate 4 is formed to be rearward longer than the frame plate 3 like the lower plate 5, and the rear end is rearward of the ink chamber 6. The upper plate 4 and the lower plate 5 are projected to the outside.
In the same manner as the lower plate 5, a recording electrode 9, a photoconductive film 13 and a common electrode 12 are provided on the upper plate 4 so as to be opposed to those on the lower plate 5 side. An insulating cover 15 for covering each photoconductive film 13 and each common electrode 12 is provided between these and the recording electrode 9, photoconductive film 13 and common electrode 12 on the lower plate 5, and A light irradiation device 16 is provided on the upper side in the same manner as on the lower side of the lower plate 5,
The photoconductive film 13 on the upper plate 6 side may also be irradiated with an optical signal corresponding to a recording signal from above the upper plate 6 through the upper plate 6. In this case, if the ink ejection portions 8 are arranged in a staggered pattern, a high-resolution image can be obtained, and the ink chambers 6 are divided into two rows for each ink ejection portion 8 so that each chamber is filled with different color ink. By doing so, it is possible to eject ink of different colors for each row of the ink ejection portions 8.
【００２４】また、上記実施例では、半導体レーザ１６
ａを発振制御して光導電膜１３に記録信号に対応した光
信号を照射するようにしたが、記録信号に対応して開閉
する液晶シャッターや記録信号に対応して複屈折あるい
は散乱させるＰＬＺＴ等の変調器を用いるようにすれ
ば、紫外線ランプや発光ダイオードやエレクトロルミネ
ッセンス等の連続発振によっても光導電膜１３に記録信
号に対応した光信号を照射できる。In the above embodiment, the semiconductor laser 16 is used.
Although a is controlled to oscillate to irradiate the optical conductive film 13 with an optical signal corresponding to the recording signal, a liquid crystal shutter that opens and closes in response to the recording signal, a PLZT that causes birefringence or scattering in response to the recording signal, If the modulator is used, it is possible to irradiate the photoconductive film 13 with an optical signal corresponding to the recording signal by continuous oscillation such as an ultraviolet lamp, a light emitting diode, or electroluminescence.
【００２５】また、上記実施例では、内部電極２０に電
圧を印加するようにしたが、内部電極２０が記録電極９
よりも低い電位となる構成であればよく、内部電極２０
を接地するようにしてもよい。Further, in the above embodiment, the voltage is applied to the internal electrode 20, but the internal electrode 20 is used as the recording electrode 9.
It is sufficient that the internal electrode 20 has a lower potential than the internal electrode 20.
May be grounded.
【００２６】[0026]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明に係る静電
インクジェット記録装置によれば、光導電性絶縁部材を
基板に配設し且つカバーで被覆し、基板またはカバーの
うちの少なくとも一方を光を透過可能に透明に形成し、
当該透明な部材を通して光照射手段から光導電性絶縁部
材に光信号を照射するようにしたので、光導電性絶縁部
材を外部に露出させることなく光導電性絶縁部材に記録
信号に対応した光信号を照射でき、これによって光導電
性絶縁部材の露出による短絡や光導電性絶縁部材の酸化
を防止でき、信頼性が向上されるという優れた効果を有
する。As described above, according to the electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the photoconductive insulating member is disposed on the substrate and covered with the cover, and at least one of the substrate and the cover is covered. Formed transparent so that light can be transmitted,
Since the light signal is emitted from the light irradiating means to the photoconductive insulating member through the transparent member, the photoconductive insulating member can receive the optical signal corresponding to the recording signal without exposing the photoconductive insulating member to the outside. It is possible to prevent the short circuit due to the exposure of the photoconductive insulating member and the oxidation of the photoconductive insulating member, which has an excellent effect that the reliability is improved.
【図１】本発明が適用された静電インクジェット記録装
置の縦断面図である。FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of an electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
【図２】図１のＡ−Ａ線断面図である。FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.
【図３】図１の要部正面図である。FIG. 3 is a front view of a main part of FIG.
【図４】記録電極と背面電極間の等価回路図である。FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram between a recording electrode and a back electrode.
【図５】他の実施例を図１に対応して示した縦断面図で
ある。5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another embodiment corresponding to FIG. 1. FIG.
５ 下板（基板） ６ インク室 ８ インク噴出部 ８ａ インク噴出口 ９ 記録電極（第１の電極） １１ 背面電極（第２の電極） １３ 光導電膜（光導電性絶縁部材） １４ 直流電源（電源手段） １５ カバー １６ 光照射装置（光照射手段） 5 Lower plate (substrate) 6 Ink chamber 8 Ink ejection portion 8a Ink ejection port 9 Recording electrode (first electrode) 11 Back electrode (second electrode) 13 Photoconductive film (photoconductive insulating member) 14 DC power supply ( Power supply means) 15 Cover 16 Light irradiation device (light irradiation means)
Claims (5)
導電性のインクが充填され、当該インク室内の各インク
噴出部内に第１の電極が設けられるとともに上記インク
室の外部に上記各インク噴出部のインク噴出口に対向す
る第２の電極が設けられ、当該両電極間に高電圧パルス
印加手段を介して記録信号に対応した高電圧パルスを印
加し、上記両電極間に生じた静電界によって上記インク
噴出口からインクを飛翔させる静電インクジェット記録
装置であって、 上記高電圧パルス印加手段は、上記インク室の外部に設
けられ且つ上記第１の電極と接続される光導電性絶縁部
材と、上記光導電性絶縁部材を介して上記第１の電極に
接続される電源手段と、上記光導電性絶縁部材に上記記
録信号に対応した光信号を照射する光照射手段と、を有
し、 上記光導電性絶縁部材が絶縁性の基板に配設され且つ絶
縁性のカバーで被覆され、 上記基板および上記カバーのうちの少なくとも一方が光
を透過可能に透明に形成され、当該透明な上記基板また
は上記カバーを通して上記光導電性絶縁部材に上記光照
射手段から上記光信号が照射されることを特徴とする静
電インクジェット記録装置。1. An ink chamber having a plurality of ink ejecting portions is filled with conductive ink, a first electrode is provided in each ink ejecting portion in the ink chamber, and each ink ejecting portion is provided outside the ink chamber. A second electrode facing the ink ejection port of the portion is provided, and a high voltage pulse corresponding to a recording signal is applied between the two electrodes via a high voltage pulse applying means to generate an electrostatic field between the two electrodes. An electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus for ejecting ink from the ink ejection port by means of the photoconductive insulating member, wherein the high voltage pulse applying means is provided outside the ink chamber and is connected to the first electrode. A power supply unit connected to the first electrode via the photoconductive insulating member, and a light irradiation unit for irradiating the photoconductive insulating member with an optical signal corresponding to the recording signal. The photoconductive insulating member is disposed on an insulative substrate and covered with an insulative cover, and at least one of the substrate and the cover is transparently formed to transmit light, and the transparent substrate is Alternatively, an electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus characterized in that the photoconductive insulating member is irradiated with the optical signal from the light irradiation means through the cover.
ク室を形成する部材で構成されていることを特徴とする
静電インクジェット記録装置。2. The electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is composed of a member that forms the ink chamber.
ク噴出部は１列に設けられていることを特徴とする静電
インクジェット記録装置。3. The electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the ink ejecting portions is provided in one line.
ク噴出部は２列に並設され、上記光導電性絶縁部材は上
記インク噴出部の各列毎に独立して設けられていること
を特徴とする静電インクジェット記録装置。4. The ink jetting portion according to claim 1, wherein the ink jetting portions are arranged in two rows in parallel, and the photoconductive insulating member is provided independently for each row of the ink jetting portion. Characteristic electrostatic inkjet recording device.
記光導電性絶縁部材は、発光ダイオード、半導体レーザ
ーまたはエレクトロルミネッセンス等の光照射手段の波
長スペクトラムに分光感度を合致させたアモルファスシ
リコンで形成されていることを特徴とする静電インクジ
ェット記録装置。5. The photoconductive insulating member according to claim 1, wherein the photoconductive insulating member is formed of amorphous silicon whose spectral sensitivity matches the wavelength spectrum of a light irradiation means such as a light emitting diode, a semiconductor laser, or electroluminescence. An electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus characterized by being provided.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP1993592A JPH05212869A (en) | 1992-02-05 | 1992-02-05 | Electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP1993592A JPH05212869A (en) | 1992-02-05 | 1992-02-05 | Electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH05212869A true JPH05212869A (en) | 1993-08-24 |
Family
ID=12013073
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP1993592A Pending JPH05212869A (en) | 1992-02-05 | 1992-02-05 | Electrostatic ink jet recording apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH05212869A (en) |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0750989A2 (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1997-01-02 | Nec Corporation | Electrostatic ink-jet recording head having stacked electrode structure |
| EP0803358A2 (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1997-10-29 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Recording apparatus as well as recording unit and recording head for using same apparatus |
| EP1369239A1 (en) * | 2002-06-07 | 2003-12-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Photosensor activation of an ejection element of a fluid ejection device |
| EP1369240A2 (en) * | 2002-06-07 | 2003-12-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Fluid ejection and scanning system with photosensor activation of ejection elements |
| US6747684B2 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2004-06-08 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Laser triggered inkjet firing |
| US7083250B2 (en) | 2002-06-07 | 2006-08-01 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Fluid ejection and scanning assembly with photosensor activation of ejection elements |
| US7104623B2 (en) | 2002-06-07 | 2006-09-12 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Fluid ejection system with photosensor activation of ejection element |
| JP2013193390A (en) * | 2012-03-22 | 2013-09-30 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Droplet discharge device |
-
1992
- 1992-02-05 JP JP1993592A patent/JPH05212869A/en active Pending
Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0750989A2 (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1997-01-02 | Nec Corporation | Electrostatic ink-jet recording head having stacked electrode structure |
| EP0750989A3 (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1997-02-26 | Nec Corp | Electrostatic ink-jet recording head having stacked electrode structure |
| US5969732A (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1999-10-19 | Nec Corporation | Electrostatic ink-jet recording device with control electrodes for selectively preventing ejection of toner |
| EP0803358A2 (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1997-10-29 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Recording apparatus as well as recording unit and recording head for using same apparatus |
| EP0803358A3 (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1999-03-03 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Recording apparatus as well as recording unit and recording head for using same apparatus |
| US6747684B2 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2004-06-08 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Laser triggered inkjet firing |
| EP1369240A2 (en) * | 2002-06-07 | 2003-12-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Fluid ejection and scanning system with photosensor activation of ejection elements |
| US6705701B2 (en) | 2002-06-07 | 2004-03-16 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Fluid ejection and scanning system with photosensor activation of ejection elements |
| EP1369239A1 (en) * | 2002-06-07 | 2003-12-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Photosensor activation of an ejection element of a fluid ejection device |
| EP1369240A3 (en) * | 2002-06-07 | 2004-06-09 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Fluid ejection and scanning system with photosensor activation of ejection elements |
| US6799819B2 (en) | 2002-06-07 | 2004-10-05 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Photosensor activation of an ejection element of a fluid ejection device |
| US7083250B2 (en) | 2002-06-07 | 2006-08-01 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Fluid ejection and scanning assembly with photosensor activation of ejection elements |
| US7104623B2 (en) | 2002-06-07 | 2006-09-12 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Fluid ejection system with photosensor activation of ejection element |
| JP2013193390A (en) * | 2012-03-22 | 2013-09-30 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Droplet discharge device |
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