Patent ID: 6106091
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method of driving an ink-jet head having an ink chamber enclosed by walls with an ink supply inlet and a nozzle for ejecting ink and a wall of the ink chamber being a diaphragm and attached to a piezoelectric actuator, said method comprising:applying a first driving voltage at a first rate to the piezoelectric actuator to deform proportionately the piezoelectric actuator causing the attached diaphragm to expand out from the ink chamber at a first speed and causing ink to enter the ink chamber;applying a second driving voltage, which is less than the first driving voltage, at a second rate, which is less than the first rate, to the piezoelectric actuator to deform proportionately the piezoelectric actuator causing the attached diaphragm to expand out from the ink chamber at a second speed lesser than the first speed and further causing ink to enter the ink chamber;applying a third driving voltage, which is greater than the second driving voltage, at a third rate, which is greater than the first rate, to the piezoelectric actuator to deform proportionately the piezoelectric actuator causing the attached diaphragm to contract in the direction of the ink chamber and causing ink to be ejected from the ink chamber; andselectively repeating the application of the first, the second and third driving voltages.