IP Library Granted Patent US 7,990,407
Granted Patent B2
US 7,990,407 · App. 12/379,656 · Granted Aug 2, 2011

Drive circuit, light print head, and image forming apparatus

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,990,407
App. No.
12/379,656
Granted
Aug 2, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

A drive circuit is provided for supplying a drive current to drive a plurality of driven elements each having two main electrodes. The drive circuit includes a switch circuit for receiving a drive signal; and a constant voltage circuit connected to the switch circuit for adjusting the drive current at a constant level.

Claims (11)

1. A drive circuit for supplying a drive current to drive a plurality of driven elements each having two main electrodes, comprising:

a switch circuit for receiving a drive signal; and

a constant current circuit connected to the switch circuit for adjusting the drive current at a constant level, said constant current circuit including a constant current diode and a Schottky barrier diode connected to the constant current diode in parallel.

2. The drive circuit according to claim 1 , wherein said constant current circuit is connected to an output terminal of the switch circuit.

3. The drive circuit according to claim 1 , wherein said constant current circuit is configured to adjust the drive current for driving the driven elements formed of light emitting thyristors having three terminals.

4. A print head comprising,

a drive circuit for supplying a drive current to drive a plurality of driven elements each, having two main electrodes, said drive circuit including a switch circuit for receiving a drive signal; and a constant current circuit connected to the switch circuit for adjusting the drive current at a constant level, said constant current circuit including a constant current diode and a Schottky barrier diode connected to the constant current diode in parallel.

5. The print head according to claim 4 , wherein said constant current circuit is connected to an output terminal of the switch circuit.

6. An image forming apparatus comprising,

a print head including a drive circuit for supplying a drive current to drive a plurality of driven elements each having two main electrodes, said drive circuit including a switch circuit for receiving a drive signal; and a constant current circuit connected to the switch circuit for adjusting the drive current at a constant level, said constant current circuit including a constant current diode and a Schottky barrier diode connected to the constant current diode in parallel.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein said constant current circuit is connected to an output terminal of the switch circuit.

Assignments (2)
MERGER Recorded Mar 14, 2022
From: OKI DATA CORPORATION
To: OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 059365/0145 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 26, 2009
From: NAGUMO, AKIRA
To: OKI DATA CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 022382/0204 →