IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
공개
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
US-0841386
(2001-04-24)
|
공개번호 |
US-0028371
(2001-10-11)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Su, Wen-LI
- Benjamin, Trudy L.
- Elgee, Steven B.
- Uhling, Thomas F.
- Axten, Bruce A.
- Lundsten, Kerry J.
- Man, Xiuting C.
- Hahn, Tamara L.
- Dangelo, Michael T.
- Woll, Bryan D.
- Weber, Timothy L.
- Pea
|
대리인 / 주소 |
|
인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
0 인용 특허 :
0 |
초록
▼
A monitoring system monitors a pressure wave developed in the surrounding ambient environment during inkjet droplet formation. The monitoring system uses either acoustic, ultrasonic, or other pressure wave monitoring mechanisms, such as a laser vibrometer, an ultrasonic transducer, or an acceleromet
A monitoring system monitors a pressure wave developed in the surrounding ambient environment during inkjet droplet formation. The monitoring system uses either acoustic, ultrasonic, or other pressure wave monitoring mechanisms, such as a laser vibrometer, an ultrasonic transducer, or an accelerometer sensor, for instance, a microphone to detect droplet formation. One sensor is incorporated in the printhead itself, while others may be located externally. The monitoring system generates information used to determine current levels of printhead performance, to which the printer may respond by adjusting print modes, servicing the printhead, adjusting droplet formation, or by providing an early warning before an inkjet cartridge is completely empty. During printhead manufacturing, an array of such sensors may be used in quality assurance to determine printhead performance. An inkjet printing mechanism is also equipped for using this monitoring system, and a monitoring method is also provided.
대표청구항
▼
1. An ultrasonic monitoring method of operating an inkjet printing mechanism having an inkjet printhead installed therein, with the printhead having plural nozzles, comprising the steps of:applying an enabling signal to a selected nozzle of the inkjet printhead; normally generating a pressure wave i
1. An ultrasonic monitoring method of operating an inkjet printing mechanism having an inkjet printhead installed therein, with the printhead having plural nozzles, comprising the steps of:applying an enabling signal to a selected nozzle of the inkjet printhead; normally generating a pressure wave in response to the applying step; ultrasonically detecting the pressure wave emitted by the selected nozzle during the generating step; and responding to the detecting step. 2. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein:the method further includes the step of selecting a desired query; and the responding step comprises the step of acting in accordance with the desired query. 3. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 2 wherein the acting step is made in accordance with test conditions or parameters corresponding to the desired query. 4. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 2 wherein the acting step comprises the step of adjusting the enabling signal. 5. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 2 wherein the acting step comprises the step of alerting an operator. 6. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 2 wherein:the desired query comprises determining whether the selected nozzle is clogged; and when the detecting step fails to detect a pressure wave generated in response to the applying step, the acting step comprises the step of attempting to clear a clog in the selected nozzle. 7. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 2 wherein:the inkjet printhead is installed in a replaceable inkjet cartridge carrying a supply of ink; the desired query comprises determining whether the cartridge ink supply is at a selected low level; and when the cartridge ink supply is at the selected low level, the acting step comprises the step of alerting an operator. 8. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 2 wherein:the inkjet printhead is installed in a replaceable inkjet cartridge carrying a supply of ink; the desired query comprises determining whether the cartridge ink supply is depleted; and when the cartridge ink supply is depleted, the acting step comprises the step of alerting an operator. 9. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 2 wherein:the inkjet printhead is installed in a replaceable inkjet cartridge carrying a supply of ink; the desired query comprises determining whether the cartridge ink supply is depleted; and when the cartridge ink supply is depleted, the acting step comprises the step of stopping any print job that is in progress. 10. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein the responding step comprises the steps of:determining an amplitude of the detected pressure wave; comparing the determined amplitude to a selected threshold; and when the determined amplitude passes the selected threshold, implementing a selected action. 11. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 10 wherein:the method further includes the step of selecting a desired query; and the action of the implementing step is selected in accordance with the desired query. 12. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein the responding step comprises the step of adjusting a duration of the enabling signal. 13. An ultrasonic m onitoring method according to claim 1 wherein the responding step comprises the step of adjusting of the enabling signal to change the size of ink droplets ejected from the selected nozzle in response to the applying step. 14. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein the responding step comprises the step of adjusting an energy of the enabling signal. 15. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 14 further including the steps of:repeating the detecting and adjusting steps, with subsequent steps adjusting the energy of the enabling signal; reaching a s topping level when the detecting step reaches a threshold where the detecting step either fails to detect or begins to detect a pressure wave generated in response to the applying step, and then stopping the repeating step; and wherein the responding step further comprises the step of adjusting the energy of the enabling signal to a turn-on energy level selected above the stopping level for printing. 16. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein the responding step comprises the step of changing the firing sequence of at least one of the plural nozzles. 17. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein:the applying step comprises the step of applying enabling signal to a selected group of the plural nozzles; and detecting the pressure wave emitted by the selected group of nozzles during the generating step. 18. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein:the inkjet printhead is installed in a replaceable inkjet cartridge seated in a cartridge receiving portion of the inkjet printing mechanism; the applying step comprises the step of applying an enabling signal to at least two selected nozzles; and when the detecting step fails to detect a pressure wave generated in response to the step of applying the enabling signal to at least two selected nozzles, the responding step comprises the step of alerting an operator to re-seat the inkjet cartridge in the cartridge receiving portion. 19. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein:the method further includes the step of positioning the inkjet printhead adjacent a spittoon portion of the inkjet printing mechanism; and the detecting step comprises the step of detecting the pressure wave from a position in the spittoon. 20. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein:the method further includes the step of positioning the inkjet printhead adjacent a stationary portion of the inkjet printing mechanism; and the detecting step comprises the step of detecting the pressure wave from the stationary portion. 21. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein:the inkjet printhead is installed in a moveable carriage portion of the inkjet printing mechanism; wherein the method further includes the step of normally generating a vibration in the carriage in response to the applying step; and the detecting step comprises the step of detecting the pressure wave or the vibration from the carriage portion. 22. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein:an ultrasonic sensor is located at the inkjet printhead; and the detecting step comprises the step of detecting the pressure wave using the ultrasonic sensor. 23. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 22 wherein:the inkjet printhead sensor is an accelerometer constructed integrally with the printhead; and the detecting step comprises detecting the pressure wave using the printhead accelerometer. 24. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein the detecting step comprises the step of detecting the pressure wave using an ultrasonic microphone. 25. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein the detecting step comprises the step of detecting the pressure wave using a laser vibrometer. 26. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 1 wherein the detecting step comprises the step of detecting the pressure wave using an ultrasonic transducer. 27. An ultrasonic monitoring method according to claim 26 wherein the detecting step comprises the step of detecting the pressure wave from a location inside the printhead. 28. A method of monitoring the performance of an inkjet printhead having plural nozzles, comprising the steps of:applying an enabling signal to a selected nozzle of the inkjet printhead; normally generating a pressure wave in response to the applying step; detecting the pressure wave emitted by the selected nozzle during the generating step from plural locations and generating a wave signal from each of the plural locations; and analyzing the wave signal from each of the plural locations to determine performance of the selected nozzle. 29. A method according to claim 28 wherein the detecting step comprises detecting the pressure wave using an array of plural sensors. 30. A method according to claim 28 wherein the detecting step comprises detecting the pressure wave using plural sensors comprising ultrasonic transducers. 31. A method according to claim 28 wherein the detecting step comprises detecting the pressure wave using plural sensors comprising accelerometers. 32. A method according to claim 28 wherein the detecting step comprises detecting the pressure wave using plural sensors comprising acoustic microphones. 33. A method according to claim 28 wherein the detecting step comprises detecting the pressure wave using plural sensors comprising laser vibrometers. 34. A method according to claim 28 wherein the analyzing step comprises the step of determining performance of the selected nozzle for directionality. 35. A method according to claim 28 wherein the analyzing step comprises the step of determining performance of the selected nozzle for nozzle-to-nozzle alignment with respect to at least one other nozzle of the printhead. 36. A method according to claim 28 wherein the analyzing step comprises the step of determining performance of the selected nozzle for nozzle telecentricity. 37. A method according to claim 28 wherein the analyzing step comprises the step of determining performance of the selected nozzle for a direction of ink trajectory. 38. An inkjet printing mechanism, comprising:an inkjet printhead with plural nozzles that each normally, in response to an enabling signal, eject ink therethrough and generate an ultrasonic pressure wave comprising a pressure wave having ultrasonic frequency components; an ultrasonic pressure wave sensor located to detect the ultrasonic pressure waves normally generated by the plural nozzles and in response thereto, the sensor generating a wave signal; and a controller that responds to the wave signal by generating an action signal. 39. An inkjet printing mechanism according to claim 38 wherein the sensor comprises an accelerometer. 40. An inkjet printing mechanism according to claim 38 wherein the sensor comprises an ultrasonic microphone. 41. An inkjet printing mechanism according to claim 38 wherein:the printing mechanism further includes a spittoon portion to receive ink ejected from the plural nozzles during purging; and the sensor is located at the spittoon to detect ink ejected from the plural nozzles during purging. 42. An inkjet printing mechanism according to claim 38 wherein:the printing mechanism further includes a chassis; and the sensor is supported by the chassis. 43. An inkjet printing mechanism according to claim 38 wherein:the printing mechanism further includes a carriage; the inkjet printhead is supported by the carriage; and the sensor is supported by the carriage. 44. An inkjet printing mechanism according to claim 38 wherein the sensor is located at the inkjet printhead. 45. An inkjet printing mechanism according to claim 44 wherein the sensor is integrally formed with the inkjet printhead. 46. An inkjet printing mechanism according to claim 45 wherein the sensor comprises an accelerometer. 47. An inkjet printing mechanism according to claim 38 wherein the controller is also responsive to a desired query signal, and the action signal is also generated in response to the desired query signal. 48. An inkjet printhead for printing in an inkjet printing mechanism that generates plural firing signals, comprising:an ink reservoir holding a supply of ink; an orifice plate defining plural nozzles extending therethrough; an ink ejection mechanism fluidicly coupling the ink reservoir to the orifice plate nozzles and comprising plural ink ejection chambers each responsive to at least one of the plural firing signals to normally eject ink through an associated one of the plural nozzles; and a sensor located adjacent the ink ejection mechanism to detect a pressure wave normally generated in response to at least one of the plural firing signals, and to generate a wave signal in response thereto. 49. An inkjet printhead according to claim 48 wherein the ink ejection mechanism comprises a thermal ink ejection mechanism. 50. An inkjet printhead according to claim 48 wherein the sensor comprises an accelerometer mechanism. 51. An inkjet printhead according to claim 50 wherein the accelerometer mechanism comprises a cantilevered reed member. 52. An inkjet printhead according to claim 51 wherein the printhead defines a resonance chamber, and the reed member of the accelerometer mechanism extends into the resonance chamber. 53. An inkjet printhead according to claim 52 wherein the resonance chamber is enclosed to isolate the reed member from the ink. 54. An inkjet printhead according to claim 52 wherein the reed member is centrally located within the resonance chamber. 55. An inkjet printhead according to claim 50 wherein the accelerometer mechanism comprises plural cantilevered reed members. 56. An inkjet printhead according to claim 55 wherein:the printhead defines a resonance chamber; and the plu ral cantilevered reed members extend into the resonance chamber. 57. An inkjet printhead according to claim 56 wherein the plural cantilevered reed members are dispersed throughout the resonance chamber. 58. An inkjet printhead according to claim 56 wherein the plural cantilevered reed members are clustered in a group in the resonance chamber. 59. An inkjet printhead according to claim 56 wherein the plural cantilevered reed members are clustered in plural groups in the resonance chamber. 60. An inkjet printhead according to claim 50 wherein:the printhead defines an elongated resonance chamber having opposing first and second end regions; and the accelerometer mechanism comprises plural cantilevered reed members extending into the resonance chamber, with at least one reed member located in the first end region, and at least one reed member located in the second end region. 61. An inkjet printhead according to claim 51 wherein the reed member is tuned to a specific frequency. 62. An inkjet printhead according to claim 61 wherein the reed member is tuned to an audible acoustic frequency. 63. An inkjet printhead according to claim 61 wherein:the inkjet printing mechanism that generates plural firing signals at a firing frequency; and the reed member is tuned to a frequency corresponding to the firing frequency or to harmonics of the firing frequency. 64. An inkjet printhead according to claim 61 wherein the reed member is tuned to an ultrasonic frequency. 65. An inkjet printhead according to claim 50 wherein the accelerometer mechanism comprises plural cantilevered reed members, at least two of which are tuned to different frequencies. 66. An inkjet printhead according to claim 52 wherein the ink ejection mechanism includes a substrate layer attached to the orifice plate to define the resonance chamber therebetween. 67. An inkjet printhead according to claim 66 wherein:the ink ejection mechanism includes a barrier layer having opposing first and second sides, with the first side of the barrier layer bonded to the orifice plate so the barrier layer also defines a portion of the resonance chamber; and the reed member is sandwiched between the substrate layer and the second side of the barrier layer. 68. An inkjet printhead according to claim 66 wherein:the substrate layer has a first surface that defines a portion of the resonance chamber; and the ink ejection mechanism includes plural firing resistors supported by the first surface of the substrate layer, with each firing resistor associated with at least one of the plural ink ejection chambers and responsive to at least one of the plural firing signals. 69. An inkjet printhead according to claim 66 wherein the substrate layer has a first surface with a land portion adjacent a concave portion, with the concave portion defining a portion of the resonance chamber, and the land portion cooperating with the orifice plate to define the plural ink ejection chambers. 70. An inkjet printhead according to claim 69 wherein the ink ejection mechanism includes plural firing resistors each supported by the land portion of the substrate layer, with each firing resistor associated with at least one of the plural ink ejection chambers and responsive to at least one of the plural firing signals.
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