US 4,523,867 A · Bi-directional drive print wire actuator with forward-velocity and reverse-position closed loop feedback control

Abstract

The present invention provides a bi-directional drive printer actuator with position feedback control and methods of operation to optimize the performance of impact type printers. By monitoring the position of the print wire, a forward input power pulse can be varied as to magnitude and duration to maintain a desired predetermined velocity of the print wire up until the time of impact. Further, by monitoring position feedback signals generated as the print wire returns to an at-rest position, a reverse input power pulse and forward input power pulse can be modulated for magnitude and duration to maintain a desired rearward velocity of the print wire, and bring the print wire to an at-rest position with a minimum of rebound off a back stop.

Claims26

Dependent claims

An impact print wire actuator for imprinting upon a target surface comprising:

print wire means movable in forward and reverse directions between an at-rest position spaced from the target surface and an impact position against the target surface,
a source of first and second reference signals,
drive means coupled to said print wire means for effecting movement thereof in said forward and reverse directions, and
control means coupled to said drive means and to said print wire means for continuously varying the forward and reverse driving forces applied to said print wire means as said print wire means moves between the at-rest and impact positions thereof as different first and second functions of the instantaneous position of said print wire means and of said first and second reference signals respectively during said forward and reverse movements.

1 more element

An impact print wire actuator for imprinting on a target surface comprising:

print wire means movable in forward and reverse directions between an at-rest position spaced from the target surface and an impact position against the target surface,
bi-directional drive means coupled to said print wire means for effecting movement thereof, and
control means coupled to said drive means and operable in a forward mode and a reversing mode, said drive means being responsive to operation of said control means in the forward mode for driving said print wire means from said at-rest position toward said impact position in a closed-loop velocity control circuit, said drive means being responsive to operation of said control means in the reversing mode thereof for driving said print wire means from said impact position toward said at-rest position in a closed loop position control circuit.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Bi-directional drive print wire actuator with forward-velocity and reverse-position closed loop feedback control

Life of this patent

Bi-directional drive print wire actuator with forward-velocity and reverse-position closed loop feedback control

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26