Deflecting electrode assembly for multi-nozzle ink jets

摘要

A deflecting electrode assembly for deflecting parallel trains of ink droplets in a multi-nozzle ink jet printer has upper and lower deflecting electrodes oriented parallel to the direction of travel of the trains of ink droplets. The electrodes are equal in width, and the distances between each side edge of the lower deflecting electrode and the outermost train of ink droplets closest thereto are equal. These distances are at least 41/2 times the distance between the adjacent trains of ink droplets. In addition, the upper and lower deflecting electrodes are separated by a distance between 1 and 2 mm. Such a deflecting electrode assembly creates an electrostatic shield effect which reduces the electrostatic mutual action of the ink droplets, thereby resulting in an improved print position on a recording sheet.