Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection recording apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a liquid ejecting head or the like capable of improving reliability. A liquid ejecting head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an ejecting section that ejects a liquid; one or more drive circuits that output a drive signal for ejecting the liquid to the ejecting section; a differential input line that is used to transmit data from the outside of the liquid ejecting head toward the drive circuit; a differential output line that is used to transmit data from the drive circuit toward the outside of the liquid ejecting head; a connection section that is provided between the outside of the liquid ejecting head and the drive circuit and individually connects the differential input line and the differential output line; and a detection circuit that detects a connection state in the connection section using a transmission signal in at least one of the differential output line and the differential input line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a liquid jet head and a liquid jet recording device. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid jet recording devices equipped with liquid jet heads are used in a wide variety of fields, and various types of liquid jet heads have been developed as liquid jet heads (for example, see Patent Document 1). Prior technology literature [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-167466. Summary of the Invention [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In such liquid jet heads, improved reliability is generally required. Ideally, a liquid jet head and liquid jet recording device that can improve reliability should be provided. [Solutions for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of the liquid jet head disclosed herein includes: a jetting section that jets liquid; one or more drive circuits that output drive signals to the jetting section for causing liquid jetting; differential input lines for transmitting data from the outside of the liquid jet head toward the drive circuits; differential output lines for transmitting data from the drive circuits toward the outside of the liquid jet head; a connection section disposed between the outside of the liquid jet head and the drive circuits, and individually connecting the differential input lines and the differential output lines; and a detection circuit that uses the transmitted signals in at least one of the differential output lines and differential input lines to detect the connection status in the connection section.

[0006] One embodiment of the liquid jet recording device disclosed herein includes the liquid jet head described in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Invention Effects]

[0007] The liquid jet head and liquid jet recording device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a liquid jet recording apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of a schematic configuration example of a liquid injection head. Figure 3 It is a schematic representation Figure 2A cross-sectional view of an example of the configuration of a liquid injection head. Figure 4A It is a schematic representation Figure 2 , Figure 3 A top view showing a detailed example of the structure of the flexible substrate. Figure 4B It is a schematic representation Figure 2 , Figure 3 A top view showing detailed examples of the construction of other flexible substrates. Figure 5 This indicates that each component is in Figure 4A The diagram shows an example of the configuration in a flexible substrate, etc. Figure 6 It means Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 The diagram shows an example of the pin configuration in the connection terminal section. Figure 7 It means Figure 5 The block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the detection circuit. Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method for detecting the connection status in the liquid jet head involved in Comparative Example 1. Figure 8B This is another schematic diagram used to illustrate the method for detecting the connection status in the liquid injection head involved in Comparative Example 1. Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method for detecting the connection status in the liquid injection head involved in Comparative Example 2. Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method for detecting the connection status in the liquid injection head involved in Comparative Example 3. Figure 10 It is a waveform diagram used to explain the detection operation of the connection state involved in the implementation method. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of various components in a liquid jet head within a flexible substrate or the like, as described in the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the description will proceed in the following order. 1. Implementation Method (Example of using the transmission signal of a differential output line to detect the connection status) 2. Variation (Example of using differential output / differential input line transmission signals to detect connection status) 3. Other variations

[0010] <1. Implementation Method> [Brief Components of Printer 5] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrates a schematic example of the configuration of a printer 5, which is a liquid jet recording apparatus according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 Using a 3D diagram to schematically represent as Figure 1 The schematic configuration example of the inkjet head 1 of the liquid jet head is shown. Figure 3 A schematic representation using a cross-sectional diagram (YZ cross-sectional diagram) Figure 2 The following is an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 1.

[0011] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings used for the description of this specification, the scale of each component has been appropriately changed in order to make each component a recognizable size.

[0012] Printer 5 uses ink 9, described later, to record on the medium (e.g., Figure 1 The recording paper P shown is used by an inkjet printer for recording (printing) images or text, etc. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the printer 5 includes an inkjet head 1, a printing control unit 2, and an ink tank 3.

[0013] Furthermore, inkjet head 1 corresponds to a specific example of a "liquid jet head" in this disclosure, and printer 5 corresponds to a specific example of a "liquid jet recording device" in this disclosure. Additionally, ink 9 corresponds to a specific example of a "liquid" in this disclosure.

[0014] (A. Printing Control Department 2) The printing control unit 2 supplies various information (data) to the inkjet head 1. Specifically, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the printing control unit 2 supplies printing control signals Sc to the inkjet head 1 (such as the drive device 41 described later).

[0015] Furthermore, the printing control signal Sc includes, for example, image data, an ejection timing signal, and a power supply voltage for operating the inkjet head 1. Additionally, this printing control unit 2 corresponds to a specific example of the "exterior of the liquid ejector head" in this disclosure.

[0016] (B. Ink Jar 3) Ink container 3 is the container that internally holds ink 9. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the ink 9 in the ink tank 3 is supplied to the inkjet head 1 (the ejection section 11 described later) via the ink supply tube 30. Furthermore, such an ink supply tube 30 is, for example, made of a flexible hose.

[0017] (C. Inkjet head 1) How to use inkjet head 1 Figure 1The dashed arrows in the diagram illustrate a head that ejects (ejects) droplets of ink 9 from multiple nozzles Hn onto the recording paper P, thereby recording images or text. For example, as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the inkjet head 1 includes an ejection section 11, an I / F (interface) substrate 12, four flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, two cooling units 141, 142, two ink inlets 151, 152, and two ink guides 161, 162.

[0018] (C-1.I / F substrate 12) like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the I / F substrate 12 is a substrate that relays the inkjet head 1's exterior (printing control unit 2) to each of the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. This I / F substrate 12 includes two connectors 10, four connectors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, and a circuit configuration area 121. Furthermore, this I / F substrate 12 corresponds to a specific example of the "relay substrate" in this disclosure.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, connector 10 is the part (connector part) that receives the aforementioned printing control signal Sc supplied from the printing control unit 2 toward the inkjet head 1 (each of the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d described later).

[0020] Connectors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are respectively the parts that electrically connect the I / F substrate 12 to the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d (connector parts).

[0021] The circuit configuration area 121 is an area on the I / F substrate 12 where various circuits are configured. Alternatively, such circuit configuration areas may also be provided in other areas on the I / F substrate 12.

[0022] (C-2. Jet section 11) like Figure 1 As shown, the ejection section 11 is a part having multiple nozzle holes Hn and ejecting ink 9 from these nozzle holes Hn. Additionally, in Figure 3 In the example, ink 9 supplied via ink inlet 151 and ink guide 161 is ejected from ejection section 11a within ejection section 11, and ink 9 supplied via ink inlet 152 and ink guide 162 is ejected from ejection section 11b within ejection section 11. This ink 9 ejection is performed according to the drive signal Sd (drive voltage Vd) supplied from the drive device 41 (described later) on each flexible substrate 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d (see reference). Figure 1).

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, such a jet section 11 is configured to include an actuator plate 111 and a nozzle plate 112.

[0024] (Nozzle plate 112) The nozzle plate 112 is a plate made of film materials such as polyimide or metal materials, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it has the aforementioned plurality of nozzle holes Hn. These nozzle holes Hn are formed side by side at predetermined intervals, for example, in a circular shape.

[0025] Specifically, in Figure 2 In the example of the injection section 11 shown, the plurality of nozzle holes Hn within the nozzle plate 112 are composed of a plurality of nozzle rows (four nozzle rows) arranged along the column direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, these four nozzle rows are arranged side by side with each other along a direction orthogonal to the column direction (Y-axis direction).

[0026] (Actuator board 111) The actuator plate 111 is a plate made of a piezoelectric material such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate). Multiple channels (pressure chambers) are provided in this actuator plate 111. These channels, which are used to apply pressure to the ink 9, are arranged side-by-side in a parallel manner with predetermined intervals. Each channel is divided by a drive wall (not shown) made of a piezoelectric element, which appears as a concave groove in cross-section.

[0027] In such a channel, there are discharge channels for dispensing ink 9 and dummy channels (non-dispensing channels) for not dispensing ink 9. In other words, ink 9 is filled in the discharge channels, while ink 9 is not filled in the dummy channels. Furthermore, ink 9 fills each discharge channel, for example, via a flow path (common flow path) that is commonly connected to each of these discharge channels. In addition, each discharge channel is individually connected to a nozzle orifice Hn in the nozzle plate 112, while each dummy channel is not connected to a nozzle orifice Hn. These discharge channels and dummy channels are arranged alternately side by side along the aforementioned column direction (X-axis direction).

[0028] Furthermore, driving electrodes are respectively provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the aforementioned driving wall. Among these driving electrodes, there is a common electrode (shared electrode) provided on the inner surface facing the ejection channel and active electrodes (individual electrodes) provided on the inner surface facing the dummy channel. These driving electrodes are electrically connected to the driving device 41 described later via flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. Thus, the aforementioned driving voltage Vd (driving signal Sd) is applied to each driving electrode from the driving device 41 via each flexible substrate 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0029] (C-3. ​​Flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are substrates that electrically connect the I / F substrate 12 and the ejection section 11. These flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d individually control the ejection of ink 9 from each of the four rows of nozzles in the aforementioned nozzle plate 112. Furthermore, for example, using... Figure 3 As indicated by the symbols P1a, P1b, P1c, and P1d, each flexible substrate 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d is bent near the location where it connects to the spraying section 11 (near the press-fit electrode 433). Furthermore, the press-fit electrode 433 and the spraying section 11 are electrically connected to each other by means of, for example, thermal bonding using an ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film).

[0030] Furthermore, each of these flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d corresponds to a specific example of the "driving substrate" in this disclosure.

[0031] On such flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, drive devices 41 are individually mounted (see reference). Figure 3 These driving devices 41 are devices that output driving signals Sd (driving voltage Vd) to eject ink 9 from the nozzle holes Hn in the corresponding nozzle rows of the ejection section 11. Therefore, such driving signals Sd are output to the ejection section 11 from each of the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. Furthermore, each of these driving devices 41 is constructed from, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0032] Furthermore, these drive devices 41 are cooled by the aforementioned cooling units 141 and 142. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, cooling units 141 are fixedly arranged between each other on the flexible substrates 13a and 13b, and each drive device 41 is cooled by pushing against the cooling units 141. Similarly, cooling units 142 are fixedly arranged between each other on the flexible substrates 13c and 13d, and each drive device 41 is cooled by pushing against the cooling units 142. Furthermore, various cooling mechanisms can be used to construct such cooling units 141 and 142.

[0033] Furthermore, such a driving device 41 corresponds to a specific example of the "driving circuit" in this disclosure.

[0034] [Detailed structure of flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d] Next, in addition to referencing Figures 1 to 3 In addition, refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 The detailed structural examples of the aforementioned flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d will be described below.

[0035] Figure 4A , Figure 4B A schematic representation using a top view (ZX top view). Figure 2 , Figure 3 Detailed structural examples of the flexible substrates 13a to 13d shown. Specifically, respectively Figure 4A Examples of planar configurations of flexible substrates 13a and 13c are shown (ZX planar configuration examples). Figure 4B Examples of planar configurations of flexible substrates 13b and 13d are shown (ZX planar configuration examples). Additionally, Figure 5 The schematic representation of each component in Figure 4A Examples of configurations in the flexible substrates 13a, 13c, etc. shown.

[0036] First, as in Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown in the diagram, each of these flexible substrates 13a to 13d is provided with the following components: a connection terminal 130, a first input terminal Tin1, a second input terminal Tin2, a first differential transmission line Lt1, a second differential transmission line Lt2, third differential transmission lines Lt31 to Lt34, a plurality of (five in this example) driving devices 41, and the aforementioned press-fit electrode 433.

[0037] As in Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the connection terminal portion 130 is disposed in the end region on the I / F substrate 12 side of each of the flexible substrates 13a to 13d. This connection terminal portion 130 includes metal wiring terminals for electrically connecting each of the flexible substrates 13a to 13d to the I / F substrate 12. Specifically, in this connection terminal portion 130, as shown in... Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, a first differential transmission line Lt1 and a second differential transmission line Lt2, which will be described later, are individually connected. Additionally, as... Figure 5As shown, the connection terminal portion 130 has a connection terminal region Ac including a first input terminal Tin1 and a second input terminal Tin2. The first input terminal Tin1 is disposed at one end of the connection terminal region Ac, and the second input terminal Tin2 is disposed at the other end of the connection terminal region Ac.

[0038] Furthermore, such a connecting terminal portion 130 corresponds to a specific example of the "connecting portion" in this disclosure. Additionally, in Figure 5 In the example, the first input terminal Tin1 (connected to the first differential transmission line Lt1, which is described later as a differential input line) corresponds to a specific example of the "first terminal" in this disclosure. On the other hand, in Figure 5 In the example, the second input terminal Tin2 (connected to the second differential transmission line Lt2, which is a differential output line described later) corresponds to a specific example of the "second terminal" in this disclosure.

[0039] The first input terminal Tin1 and the second input terminal Tin2 are respectively input with transmission data Dt (the aforementioned printing control signal Sc) transmitted from outside the inkjet head 1 (the aforementioned printing control unit 2) (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B Additionally, such as Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 As shown, the transmission data Dt is transmitted from the printing control unit 2 via a differential transmission line (either a first differential transmission line Lt1 or a second differential transmission line Lt2). Furthermore, the transmission data Dt is transmitted to each flexible substrate 13a to 13d via one of the first input terminals Tin1 and Tin2. Specifically, for example, as... Figure 4A , Figure 5 As shown, regarding the flexible substrates 13a and 13c, the transmitted data Dt is transmitted to each flexible substrate 13a and 13c via the first differential transmission line Lt1 and the first input terminal Tin1, respectively. On the other hand, for example, as... Figure 4B As shown, regarding the flexible substrates 13b and 13d, the transmitted data Dt is transmitted to each flexible substrate 13b and 13d via the second differential transmission line Lt2 and the second input terminal Tin2, respectively.

[0040] Here, as described above, one of the first differential transmission lines Lt1 and the second differential transmission line Lt2 is a differential transmission line (differential input line) used to transmit data (transmission data Dt) from the outside of the inkjet head 1 (print control unit 2) to each drive device 41. On the other hand, the other transmission line of the first differential transmission line Lt1 and the second differential transmission line Lt2 is a differential transmission line (differential output line) used to transmit data from each drive device 41 to the outside of the inkjet head 1 (print control unit 2).

[0041] exist Figure 4A , Figure 4B In the example shown, the five driving devices 41 described above are respectively mounted on each of the flexible substrates 13a to 13d (surface S1 side of surface S1 and back surface S2). As such five driving devices 41, in Figure 4A , Figure 4B In the example shown, one first drive device 411, one second drive device 415, and three third drive devices 412 to 414 are respectively provided. Furthermore, these five drive devices 41 are connected in series (cascaded) between the first input terminal Tin1 and the second input terminal Tin2. Specifically, as... Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown, in any of the flexible substrates 13a to 13d, the second driving device 415, the third driving devices 414 to 412, and the first driving device 411 are connected in series from the first input terminal Tin1 side toward the second input terminal Tin2 side. In other words, the second driving device 415 is located at one end of this series configuration of driving devices 41, and the first driving device 411 is located at the other end of the series configuration. Moreover, a plurality of (in this example, three) third driving devices 414 to 412 are located between these second driving devices 415 and the first driving device 411. As described above, these five driving devices 41 generate the aforementioned driving signal Sd based on the transmission data Dt input via one of the input terminals of the first input terminal Tin1 and the second input terminal Tin2. Furthermore, the driving signal Sd generated in this way is supplied to the ejection section 11 side via the aforementioned press-fit electrode 433 on each of the flexible substrates 13a to 13d.

[0042] Furthermore, between the first input terminal Tin1 and the second input terminal Tin2, multiple differential transmission lines are configured for transmitting the transmission data Dt via five drive devices 41 arranged in series. Specifically, as follows... Figure 4A , Figure 4BAs shown, the aforementioned first differential transmission line Lt1 is configured between the first input terminal Tin1 and the second driving device 415, and the aforementioned second differential transmission line Lt2 is configured between the second input terminal Tin2 and the first driving device 411. Furthermore, a third differential transmission line Lt31 is configured between the first driving device 411 and the third driving device 412, and a third differential transmission line Lt32 is configured between the third driving device 412 and the third driving device 413. A third differential transmission line Lt33 is configured between the third driving device 413 and the third driving device 414, and a third differential transmission line Lt34 is configured between the third driving device 414 and the second driving device 415.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) can be used to construct such differential transmission lines (first differential transmission line Lt1, second differential transmission line Lt2, and third differential transmission lines Lt31 to Lt34). However, CML (Current Mode Logic) or ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic) can also be used to construct these differential transmission lines.

[0044] Here, as described above, in flexible substrates 13a, 13c and 13b, 13d, the input terminals (first input terminal Tin1 or second input terminal Tin2) into which the transmission data Dt is input are different from each other (see reference). Figure 4A , Figure 4B Furthermore, in addition, the transmission directions of the input data Dt in flexible substrates 13a, 13c and 13b, 13d are different from each other. That is, in flexible substrates 13a and 13c, the transmission data Dt input from the first input terminal Tin1 is transmitted in the order of the second driving device 415, the third driving devices 414, 413, 412 and the first driving device 411 (see reference). Figure 4A On the other hand, in the flexible substrates 13b and 13d, respectively, the transmission data Dt input from the second input terminal Tin2 is transmitted in the order of the first driving device 411, the third driving devices 412, 413, 414, and the second driving device 415 (see reference). Figure 4B ).

[0045] In this way, the input terminals for transmitting data Dt and the transmission direction of data Dt are different in flexible substrates 13a, 13c, 13b, and 13d. However, in these flexible substrates 13a, 13c, 13b, and 13d, the substrate structure itself becomes identical, and the configuration of each flexible substrate 13a to 13d is common (shared) (see reference). Figure 4A , Figure 4B That is, it is not necessary to prepare multiple flexible substrates (driving substrates) according to the transmission direction of the transmitted data Dt, etc., and only one type of flexible substrate (driving substrate) is provided in the inkjet head 1.

[0046] [Detailed configuration example of the connecting terminal section 130] Next, refer to Figure 6 A detailed example of the configuration of the aforementioned connection terminal 130 will be described. Figure 6 This illustrates an example of the pin configuration in the connection terminal section 130. Specifically, in this... Figure 6 An example is shown regarding the correspondence between the pin numbers, terminal names, input / output directions, and descriptions of each terminal included in the connection terminal section 130. Furthermore, this... Figure 6 The configuration position of the terminal with pin number "1" shown corresponds to that in Figure 4A , Figure 4B The positions are indicated by black dots. Additionally, in this... Figure 6 For convenience, the diagrams for the terminals numbered "8" to "20" are omitted.

[0047] First, in high-speed differential transmission methods such as LVDS, impedance control is essentially achieved by placing a large area of ​​ground (GND) on the layer opposite the layer where the differential transmission lines are located. Therefore, the section containing the differential transmission lines faces constraints such as difficulty in configuring components. Thus, for example, as... Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown, considering the shape of the cascaded, laterally longer drive devices 41 and the constraints of the differential line configuration, the configuration positions of the differential transmission lines (first differential transmission line Lt1 and second differential transmission line Lt2) are set as follows. That is, it is ideal to place these differential transmission lines near both ends of the substrates (each flexible substrate 13a to 13d). Furthermore, regarding the pin configuration in the connection terminal section 130, for example... Figure 6 As shown, the terminals corresponding to the differential signals are also located near both ends.

[0048] Here, in Figure 6In the example, the differential signal (for data, for clock) used by the first input terminal Tin1 and the terminals corresponding to GND for this differential signal are as follows. Furthermore, "p" here refers to the p-side ("+" side) of the differential signal wiring, and "n" refers to the n-side ("-" side) of the differential signal wiring. Additionally, the input / output directions of each differential signal terminal are all referred to as "I / O," meaning they can be used for both input and output.

[0049] • Pin number “1”...“GND” (digital ground) • Pin number “2”...“Tin1_Data_p” (Tin1 / differential signal p / used for data), I / O • Pin number “3”...“Tin1_Data_n” (Tin1 / differential signal n / used for data), I / O • Pin number “4”...“GND” (digital ground) • Pin number “5”…“Tin1_Clk_p” (Tin1 / differential signal p / used for clock), I / O • Pin number “6”…“Tin1_Clk_n” (Tin1 / differential signal n / used for clock), I / O • Pin number “7”...“GND” (digital ground)

[0050] On the other hand, Figure 6 In the example, the differential signal (for data, for clock) used by the second input terminal Tin2 and the terminals corresponding to GND for the differential signal are as follows.

[0051] • Pin number “21”...“GND” (digital ground) • Pin number “22”…“Tin2_Clk_n” (Tin2 / differential signal n / used for clock), I / O • Pin number “23”…“Tin2_Clk_p” (Tin2 / differential signal p / used for clock), I / O • Pin number “24”…“GND” (digital ground) • Pin number “25”…“Tin2_Data_n” (Tin2 / differential signal n / used for data), I / O • Pin number “26”…“Tin2_Data_p” (Tin2 / differential signal p / used for data), I / O • Pin number “27”...“GND” (digital ground)

[0052] Here, when the connection terminal 130 with such pin configuration is inserted into the connector (the aforementioned connectors 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) for electrical connection, for example, misinsertion may sometimes occur as follows.

[0053] Specifically, in such misinsertion, besides incorrect insertion into the connector, there are also states of misinsertion that are difficult to detect, such as a "partial insertion state" or a "tilted insertion state." A "partial insertion state" means that the connecting terminal portion 130 has not reached the connector's contact. On the other hand, a "tilted insertion state" means that, because the connecting terminal portion 130 is not inserted horizontally relative to the connector's contact, although a portion of the terminal is conductive, the remaining portion of the terminal is not conductive.

[0054] Regarding incorrect insertion, it can be easily prevented by incorporating an incorrect insertion prevention mechanism in the connector (e.g., a mechanism where a portion of the connector is pre-designed to resemble a protrusion and a recess, preventing insertion if their shapes do not match). However, it is difficult to prevent the aforementioned partial insertion or tilted insertion states using such a mechanism. In particular, regarding the tilted insertion state, a portion of the terminal is conductive, thus appearing at first glance as if normal operation is occurring, and therefore unnoticed situations may arise.

[0055] Here, as a method to prevent such tilted insertion, one approach is to consider additionally configuring dedicated terminals (detection terminals) for detecting (confirming) the connection status at both ends of the connection terminal portion 130. Specifically, the drive board side of the pin that becomes the detection terminal is connected to ground (GND), and the detection side is pre-pulled up using the power supply voltage. Thus, when properly connected, the detection side is connected to ground, thereby entering an "L" state, and by detecting the voltage on this detection side, it is possible to confirm whether the connection is proper, etc.

[0056] However, for example, such as Figure 6 As shown in the pin configuration, when differential signal terminals are arranged near both ends of the connection terminal section 130, it is not ideal to use the ground (GND) at both ends (pin numbers "1" and "27") as detection terminals from the perspective of impedance control. This is because, even if the detection terminal is connected to ground, it cannot be considered grounded due to the presence of circuitry on the detection side. Therefore, for example, if two detection grounds are further arranged at both ends, two additional pins would be added, which is undesirable from the perspective of miniaturization or wiring reduction in the inkjet head 1.

[0057] [Construction of detection circuit 172] Next, in addition to the aforementioned Figure 5 In addition, refer to Figure 7 An example of the configuration of the detection circuit 172 of this embodiment, which detects the connection status of the connection terminal 130 as described above, will be described.

[0058] First, such as Figure 5 As shown, the detection circuit 172 is disposed on the I / F substrate 12. Furthermore, the detection circuit 172 uses the transmission signal (output transmission signal Sv2) in the second differential transmission line Lt2, which is the aforementioned differential output line, to detect (confirm) the connection status in the connection terminal section 130. Specifically, the detection circuit 172 detects the connection status in the connection terminal section 130 when the I / F substrate 12 and each flexible substrate 13a to 13d (in...) Figure 5 In the example, whether the flexible substrates 13a and 13c are properly connected, etc.

[0059] Furthermore, the detection circuit 172 performs a connection-related determination based on the voltage of the transmitted signal (the voltage V2 of the output transmitted signal Sv2). That is, it uses the voltage V2 on the normally unused differential output line (the second differential transmission line Lt2) to perform the connection-related determination. Moreover, as... Figure 5 As shown, the detection circuit 172 outputs a connection confirmation signal Sj, which indicates the detection result of the connection status in the connection terminal section 130, to the outside of the inkjet head 1 (print control section 2).

[0060] Furthermore, the aforementioned output transmission signal Sv2 corresponds to a specific example of the "(transmission signal in differential output line)" in this disclosure.

[0061] Here, Figure 7 ( Figure 7 (A) to Figure 7 (C) A block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of such a detection circuit 172. Furthermore, in these... Figure 7 (A) to Figure 7 In the example shown in (C), the output transmission signal Sv2 (voltage V2) is input to the detection circuit 172 via the terminals (terminal names: Tin2_Data_n, Tin2_Data_p, Tin2_Clk_n, Tin2_Clk_p) of the aforementioned pin numbers “2”, “3”, “5”, and “6”.

[0062] First of all, Figure 7In the example shown in (A), the detection circuit 172 is configured to include a comparator 172A. This comparator 172A performs a determination related to the connection state in the connection terminal section 130 by comparing the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2 with a predetermined threshold voltage Vth (e.g., a voltage near the common-mode voltage Vc, described later). Specifically, the comparator 172A determines whether the voltage V2 is above the threshold voltage Vth, and outputs this determination result as the aforementioned connection confirmation signal Sj (error output: a signal displaying "H" (High) or "L" (Low)).

[0063] On the other hand, Figure 7 In the example shown in (B), the detection circuit 172 is configured to include an analog-to-digital converter (AD) 172B. This AD converter 172B performs a determination related to the connection state in the connection terminal section 130 by comparing the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2 with a predetermined voltage range (e.g., the voltage range ΔVth near the common-mode voltage Vc, described later). That is, when using the comparator 172A described above, it is only determined whether the voltage V2 is above the threshold voltage Vth, but when using the AD converter 172B, it is possible to determine whether the voltage V2 is within the predetermined voltage range. Therefore, when using the AD converter 172B, a more accurate determination can be made regarding the determination related to the connection state. Furthermore, when using the AD converter 172B, the connection confirmation signal Sj is output as digital data.

[0064] In addition, Figure 7 In the example shown in (C), the detection circuit 172 is configured as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 172C with an AD converter. Similar to the AD converter 172B described above, this CPU 172C with an AD converter performs a determination related to the connection status in the connection terminal section 130 by comparing the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2 with a predetermined voltage range. However, since it is a CPU, the connection confirmation signal Sj, when using the CPU 172C with an AD converter, is output as an error output, just as when using the comparator 172A described above.

[0065] [Actions and their functions / effects] (A. Basic Operations of Printer 5) Regarding the printer 5, it performs a recording operation (printing operation) on the recorded medium (recording paper P, etc.) by using the ink jetting action of the ink 9 performed by the inkjet head 1 as follows. Specifically, regarding the inkjet head 1 of this embodiment, it performs an ink jetting action using the share mode as follows.

[0066] First, the driving devices 41 on each of the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d apply a driving voltage Vd (driving signal Sd) to the aforementioned driving electrodes (common electrode and active electrode) within the actuator plate 111 in the ejection section 11. Specifically, each driving device 41 applies the driving voltage Vd to each driving electrode disposed on a pair of driving walls that divide the aforementioned ejection channel. As a result, the pair of driving walls deform in a manner that protrudes toward the dummy channel side adjacent to the ejection channel.

[0067] At this point, the drive wall bends and deforms in a V-shape around the center position in the depth direction of the drive wall. Furthermore, through this bending deformation of the drive wall, the ejection channel deforms as if bulging. Thus, due to the bending deformation caused by the piezoelectric thickness slip effect at the pair of drive walls, the volume of the ejection channel increases. Moreover, the increased volume of the ejection channel guides the ink 9 into the ejection channel.

[0068] Next, the ink 9, guided into the ejection channel in this manner, becomes a pressure wave and propagates inside the ejection channel. Moreover, at the timing (or near the timing) when this pressure wave reaches the nozzle orifice Hn of the nozzle plate 112, the driving voltage Vd applied to the driving electrode becomes 0 (zero) V. As a result, the driving wall recovers from the aforementioned bent and deformed state, and the temporarily increased volume of the ejection channel returns to its original state.

[0069] In this process, as the volume of the ejection channel returns to its original state, the pressure inside the ejection channel increases, pressurizing the ink 9 within it. As a result, droplets of ink 9 are ejected outwards (towards the recording paper P) through the nozzle orifice Hn (see reference). Figure 1 This process causes the ink 9 in the inkjet head 1 to be ejected (ejected), resulting in the recording of images or text on the recording paper P.

[0070] (B. Connection status detection action) Next, the detection operation of the connection state in the connection terminal 130 of the inkjet head 1 of this embodiment (the detection operation performed by the detection circuit 172) will be described in detail while comparing it with the comparative examples (comparative examples 1 to 3).

[0071] First, regarding the inkjet head, it is very common to use connectors or crimping to electrically connect multiple substrates inside (and outside) the inkjet head. In such connections, it is necessary to verify whether the electrical connection is normal. For example, there are methods to verify whether the receiving side is receiving data normally, or to gradually change the electrical conditions used for normal data reception. As a simple method for detecting (verifying) the connection status between substrates, the methods described in Comparative Examples 1 to 3 below are examples.

[0072] (B-1. Comparative Examples 1 to 3) Figure 8A , Figure 8B The connection status detection methods in the inkjet head 101 involved in Comparative Example 1 are illustrated schematically.

[0073] Regarding the inkjet head 101 of Comparative Example 1, as follows: Figure 8A As shown, a detection circuit 107 is provided on the upstream substrate 102. Furthermore, the input side of this detection circuit 107 (the connection confirmation terminal T102 side) is connected to the power supply voltage Vp via a pull-up resistor R101 of approximately tens of kΩ. On the other hand, the connection confirmation terminal T103 within the connector C103 in the downstream substrate 103 is connected to ground (=0V). Here, as... Figure 8A As shown, when substrates 102 and 103 are not electrically connected to each other via connector C103, no connection is made at connection confirmation terminal T102, and therefore a voltage equal to the power supply voltage Vp is input to detection circuit 107. Therefore, in this state, a voltage of the "H" level is detected in detection circuit 107.

[0074] On the other hand, such as Figure 8B As shown, when substrates 102 and 103 are electrically connected to each other via connector C103, the connection confirmation terminal T102 is connected to ground on substrate 103 via connector C103 (connection confirmation terminal T103). Therefore, a potential equivalent to ground (≈0V) is input to the detection circuit 107, and a voltage at the "L" level is detected in the detection circuit 107. In this way, in the method of Comparative Example 1, the connection status of substrates 102 and 103 can be detected based on whether a voltage at the "L" level is detected in the detection circuit 107.

[0075] However, when the method of Comparative Example 1 is applied to a differential transmission line (in the case of the method of Comparative Example 2 below), the following problems may occur.

[0076] Figure 9A The method for detecting the connection status in the inkjet head 201 involved in Comparative Example 2 is illustrated schematically.

[0077] Regarding the inkjet head 201 of Comparative Example 2, a differential transmission line Lt201 is connected to the output device 204 on the substrate 202. This differential transmission line Lt201 is connected to the substrate 203 side via connector C203. Furthermore, grounding wirings Lg201 and Lg202 for impedance control are respectively provided at both ends of this differential transmission line Lt201. Also, similar to Comparative Example 1, the input side of the detection circuit 207 provided on the substrate 202 is connected to the power supply voltage Vp via pull-up resistor R201.

[0078] However, regarding the inkjet head 201 of Comparative Example 2, for example, a problem will inevitably occur between the output device 204 and the detection circuit 207 on the grounding wiring Lg201, such as... Figure 9A The grounding disconnection is indicated by the symbol P201. Additionally, for example, as... Figure 9A As shown by symbol P202, the grounding wiring Lg201 is connected to the power supply voltage Vp via pull-up resistor R201, therefore the grounding wiring Lg201 cannot be considered a pure grounding wiring. Due to these circumstances, it is possible that the signal transmission quality of the differential transmission line Lt201, which uses the grounding wiring Lg201 for impedance control, may be degraded.

[0079] in addition, Figure 9B The method for detecting the connection status in the inkjet head 301 involved in Comparative Example 3 is illustrated schematically.

[0080] Regarding the inkjet head 301 of Comparative Example 3, firstly, similar to the inkjet head 201 of Comparative Example 2, a differential transmission line Lt301 is connected to the output device 304 on the substrate 302. This differential transmission line Lt301 is connected to the substrate 303 side via connector C303. Furthermore, grounding wires Lg301 and Lg302 for impedance control are respectively arranged at both ends of this differential transmission line Lt301. On the other hand, unlike the inkjet head 201, the input side of the detection circuit 307 provided on the substrate 302 is connected to a dedicated grounding wire Lg303 for connection confirmation, separate from the aforementioned grounding wires Lg301 and Lg302. Moreover, the input side of this detection circuit 307 is further connected to the power supply voltage Vp via a pull-up resistor R301.

[0081] In this Comparative Example 3 method, unlike the method in Comparative Example 2 described above, a dedicated grounding wiring Lg303 for connection verification is provided, thereby preventing quality degradation of signal transmission on the differential transmission line Lt301. However, along with this dedicated grounding wiring Lg303, a dedicated terminal for verification also needs to be connected within the connector C303 (for example, see reference...). Figure 9B(The part indicated by symbol P301 in the text), therefore, in the method of Comparative Example 3, the following problems may arise.

[0082] That is, the space within the inkjet head 301 corresponding to the space required for the aforementioned dedicated terminals cannot be used to configure connection terminals for power or ground wiring required to ensure stable operation or reliability of the inkjet head 301. In other words, the number of such power or ground wiring configurations is reduced, and therefore, in this comparative example 3, it can be said that the reliability of the inkjet head 301 may decrease.

[0083] (B-2. This implementation method) Therefore, regarding the inkjet head 1 of this embodiment, in the aforementioned detection circuit 172, the transmission signal (output transmission signal Sv2) in the second differential transmission line Lt2, which is a differential output line, is used to detect (confirm) the connection status in the connection terminal section 130. Specifically, the detection circuit 172 performs a determination related to the connection status based on the voltage of such transmission signal (the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2).

[0084] Here, Figure 10 This is a waveform diagram used to explain the detection operation of the connection state involved in this embodiment (a diagram showing the waveform of the voltage V2 in the output transmission signal Sv2 described above). Specifically, Figure 10 (A) shows the waveform of voltage V2 (p-side of differential transmission) during the circuit operation state of the circuit used in differential transmission (e.g., the aforementioned LVDS, CML, ECL, etc.). Additionally, Figure 10 (B) shows the waveform of voltage V2 (n-side of differential transmission) under such circuit operation. On the other hand, Figure 10 (C) shows the waveform of voltage V2 (p-side of differential transmission) in the circuit-stopped state of such a circuit. Additionally, Figure 10 (D) shows the waveform of voltage V2 (n-side of differential transmission) in such a circuit-stopped state. Furthermore, Figure 10 The horizontal axis in the figure represents time t.

[0085] First, in typical single-ended transmission logic circuits, such as TTL (Transistor-Transistor-Logic) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) circuits, the voltage of a signal indicating the "H" level (H-level voltage VH) is typically a voltage near the supply voltage Vp. Conversely, the voltage of a signal indicating the "L" level (L-level voltage VL) is typically a voltage near ground (GND: 0V).

[0086] On the other hand, in differential transmission, for example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the H-level voltage VH is lower than the power supply voltage Vp, and the L-level voltage VL is higher than GND (0V). Furthermore, between these H-level voltages VH and L-level voltages VL, as... Figure 10 As shown, a common-mode voltage Vc exists. Furthermore, in differential transmission, signals with voltages higher than this common-mode voltage Vc are determined to be at the "H" level, and signals with voltages lower than the common-mode voltage Vc are determined to be at the "L" level. Specifically, for example, in the case of LVDS, on either the p-side or n-side, the common-mode voltage Vc is approximately 1.2 [V], the H-level voltage VH is approximately 1.375 [V], and the L-level voltage VL is approximately 1.025 [V].

[0087] Here, in Figure 10 (A) Figure 10 In the circuit operation state shown in (B), the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2 becomes a pulse voltage that alternately represents the H-level voltage VH and the L-level voltage VL. Additionally, in Figure 10 (A) shows the p-side and Figure 10 (B) On the n side, the “H” level and “L” level of the output transmission signal Sv2 are always in reverse.

[0088] On the other hand, Figure 10 (C) Figure 10 In the circuit stopped state shown in (D), since no differential transmission signal is input, the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2 becomes as follows. That is, in Figure 10 (C) shows that the p-side always has an L-level voltage VL. Figure 10 (D) The n-side always becomes the H-level voltage VH.

[0089] Thus, in Figure 10 (A) Figure 10 (B) shows the circuit operation state and Figure 10 (C) Figure 10In any of the circuit stop states shown in (D), the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2 is (VL ≤ V2 ≤ VH). Specifically, in the above-mentioned LVDS example, it is (1.025[V] ≤ V2 ≤ 1.375[V]).

[0090] However, when the connection state in the connection terminal portion 130 is abnormal, the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2 becomes less than the L-level voltage VL (V2 < VL) or exceeds the H-level voltage VH (V2 > VH). Specifically, for example, when the electrical connection is cut off, the voltage becomes unstable, so the voltage V2 is normally GND (0V < VL). In addition, for example, due to poor contact with the power supply or the like, the voltage V2 may sometimes be equal to the power supply voltage Vp (> VH).

[0091] For these reasons, when determining whether the connection state in the connection terminal portion 130 is normal, the detection circuit 172 only needs to determine whether the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2 is within the range of (VL ≤ V2 ≤ VH). Specifically, in the above-mentioned LVDS example, the detection circuit 172 only needs to determine whether (1.025[V] ≤ V2 ≤ 1.375[V]) is satisfied.

[0092] More specifically, as Figure 7 shown in (A), when the detection circuit 172 is configured to include a comparator 172A, description will be given using the LVDS example as follows. That is, the comparator 172A determines whether the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2 is equal to or higher than a threshold voltage Vth (for example, Vth = 0.9[V]: refer to Figure 10 ) (V2 ≥ 0.9[V]). That is, when (V2 ≥ 0.9[V]), the comparator 172A determines that the connection state in the connection terminal portion 130 is normal, and when (V2 < 0.9[V]), it determines that the connection state in the connection terminal portion 130 is abnormal. However, in this case, for the case where (V2 > VH (= 1.375[V])) due to the above-mentioned poor contact with the power supply or the like, the connection state will be determined to be abnormal.

[0093] On the other hand, as Figure 7 (B), Figure 7As shown in (C), this problem is also solved when the detection circuit 172 is configured to include an AD converter 172B or a CPU 172C with an AD converter. Specifically, whether the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2 of the AD converter 172B or the CPU 172C with an AD converter is within the voltage range ΔVth (e.g., ΔVth = 0.9 [V] to 1.5 [V]) near the common-mode voltage Vc: see [reference]. Figure 10 The determination is made within a certain range. That is, if the voltage is (0.9 [V] ≤ V2 ≤ 1.5 [V]), the connection state in the connection terminal 130 is determined to be normal; if the voltage is (V2 < 0.9 [V]) or (V2 > 1.5 [V]), the connection state in the connection terminal 130 is determined to be abnormal. Therefore, in this case, even if the voltage is (V2 > VH (= 1.375 [V])) due to poor contact with the power supply, etc., the connection state is also determined to be abnormal, thus enabling a more accurate determination.

[0094] (B-3. Function / Effect) In this way, regarding the inkjet head 1 of this embodiment, the connection status in the connection terminal section 130 is detected by using the transmission signal in the differential transmission line used for data transmission between the outside of the inkjet head 1 (printing control section 2) and the drive device 41, and thus becomes as follows.

[0095] That is, for example, unlike the comparative examples (Comparative Examples 1 and 3) described above, it is not necessary to configure a dedicated terminal for detecting (confirming) the connection status, but the connection status in the connection terminal section 130 can be detected. Therefore, for example, corresponding to the elimination of the aforementioned dedicated terminal, more connection terminals for power supply or grounding wiring required to ensure stable operation or reliability of the inkjet head 1 can be configured within the inkjet head 1. As a result, in this embodiment, the reliability of the inkjet head 1 can be improved.

[0096] Furthermore, specifically in this embodiment, the connection status described above is detected using the transmission signal (output transmission signal Sv2) in the second differential transmission line Lt2, which is a differential output line, thus achieving the following: For example, compared to the case where the connection status is detected using the transmission signal in the first differential transmission line Lt1, which is a differential input line, the connection status can be detected more easily (using a simple method). As a result, the cost of the inkjet head 1 can be reduced.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the determination related to the connection state is performed based on the voltage of the aforementioned transmission signal (the voltage V2 of the output transmission signal Sv2), thus becoming as follows. That is, compared to the case where determination is performed using other methods (e.g., optical methods, etc.), determination can be performed easily (using a simple method). As a result, the cost of the inkjet head 1 can be further reduced.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the common-mode voltage Vc constantly applied to the differential transmission line (the second differential transmission line Lt2, which serves as the differential output line) is used to determine the connection status, thus achieving the following. That is, for example, the determination of the connection status can be performed without using a special sequence arrangement for connection detection. As a result, the cost of the inkjet head 1 can be further reduced.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the AD converter 172B (or CPU 172C with AD converter) included in the detection circuit 172 performs connection state-related determination by comparing the voltage V2 of the aforementioned output transmission signal Sv2 with the voltage range ΔVth near the common-mode voltage Vc (in... Figure 7 (B) Figure 7 In the case shown in (C), it becomes as follows. That is, for example, the case where such a judgment is made by comparing it with a predetermined voltage near the common-mode voltage Vc (the aforementioned threshold voltage Vth). Figure 7 Compared to the case shown in (A), the change in abnormal voltage detection increases, thus reducing false positives for abnormal voltage detection. As a result, the detection accuracy related to connection status can be improved, further enhancing the reliability of inkjet head 1.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection result (connection confirmation signal Sj) of the connection status between each flexible substrate 13a to 13d in the connection terminal section 130 and the I / F substrate 12 is output from the detection circuit 172 disposed on the I / F substrate 12 to the outside of the inkjet head 1 (print control section 2), thus becoming as follows. That is, for example, after the connection operation between the I / F substrate 12 and each flexible substrate 13a to 13d performed by the user, the inkjet head 1 itself can notify the outside of the detection result of the connection status between these substrates. As a result, convenience is improved.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first input terminal Tin1, connected to a first differential transmission line Lt1 as a differential input line, is disposed at one end of the connection terminal region Ac of the connection terminal portion 130. On the other hand, a second input terminal Tin2, connected to a second differential transmission line Lt2 as a differential output line, is disposed at the other end of such a connection terminal region Ac. This facilitates the detection of connection abnormalities (e.g., the aforementioned half-insertion state or tilted insertion state) that may occur when the I / F substrate 12 is connected to each of the flexible substrates 13a to 13d. As a result, the reliability of the inkjet head 1 can be further improved.

[0102] <2. Variations> Next, variations of the above embodiments will be described. Furthermore, hereafter, components that are identical to those in the embodiments will be labeled with the same symbols and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0103] [constitute] Figure 11 The illustration shows an example of the configuration of the components in the liquid jet head (inkjet head 1A) involved in the modified example on the flexible substrate 13A, etc.

[0104] Furthermore, the inkjet head 1A corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid jet head" in this disclosure. Additionally, a printer equipped with the inkjet head 1A corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid jet recording apparatus" in this disclosure.

[0105] First of all, Figure 11 In the modified inkjet head 1A shown, instead of Figure 5 The inkjet head 1 of the embodiment shown has flexible substrate 13A provided in the flexible substrates 13a and 13c, and the other components are basically the same.

[0106] Regarding the flexible substrate 13A, relative to... Figure 5 The flexible substrates 13a and 13c shown also include a detection circuit 171, and the other configurations are basically the same. That is, in this inkjet head 1A, two detection circuits 171 and 172 are provided, one of which is a detection circuit 171 disposed on the flexible substrate 13A and the other of which is a detection circuit 172 disposed on the I / F substrate 12.

[0107] like Figure 11As shown, the detection circuit 171 added in this modified example uses the transmission signal (input transmission signal Sv1) in the first differential transmission line Lt1, which is a differential input line, to detect (confirm) the connection status in the connection terminal 130. Specifically, the detection circuit 171, like the detection circuit 172, detects whether the I / F substrate 12 and the flexible substrate 13A in the connection terminal 130 are properly connected.

[0108] Furthermore, the detection circuit 171 performs a determination related to the connection status based on the voltage of the aforementioned transmission signal (the voltage V1 of the input transmission signal Sv1). Moreover, similarly to the detection circuit 172, the detection circuit 171 outputs a connection confirmation signal Sj, indicating the detection result of the connection status in the connection terminal section 130, to the outside of the inkjet head 1 (print control section 2) (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0109] In this way, for the inkjet head 1A, the connection status in the connection terminal 130 is detected by using the transmission signals (output transmission signal Sv2 and input transmission signal Sv1) in the differential transmission lines of both the differential output line (second differential transmission line Lt2) and the differential input line (first differential transmission line Lt1).

[0110] Here, the aforementioned input transmission signal Sv1 corresponds to a specific example of "(transmission signal in differential input line)" in this disclosure.

[0111] Furthermore, the detailed configuration example of the detection circuit 171 and the detailed example of the detection operation performed using the detection circuit 171 are basically the same as those in the implementation method (the aforementioned detection circuit 172) (see [reference]). Figure 7 (A) to Figure 7 (C) Figure 10 (etc.) Similarly.

[0112] [Function / Effect] In this variation, the same effect can be achieved essentially through the same means as in the embodiment. That is, in this variation, the reliability of the inkjet head 1A can be improved, just as in the embodiment.

[0113] Furthermore, specifically in this modified example, the connection status in the connection terminal 130 is detected using the transmission signals (output transmission signal Sv2 and input transmission signal Sv1) in both the differential output line (second differential transmission line Lt2) and the differential input line (first differential transmission line Lt1). Therefore, as in the embodiment, the accuracy of connection status detection is improved compared to the case where only the transmission signal from one of these differential transmission lines is used. As a result, in this modified example, the reliability of the inkjet head 1A can be further improved compared to the embodiment, etc.

[0114] <3. Other variations> The present disclosure has been described above by listing embodiments and variations, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and various variations are possible.

[0115] For example, in the above embodiments, examples of the configuration (shape, arrangement, number, etc.) of each component in the printer 5 and the inkjet heads 1 and 1A have been specifically listed and described, but it is not limited to the configuration examples described in the above embodiments, and may also have other shapes, arrangements, numbers, etc.

[0116] Specifically, for example, in the above embodiments, the detection operation of the connection state on flexible substrates 13a and 13c was described as an example, but the detection operation of the connection state on flexible substrates 13b and 13d can also be performed in a substantially similar manner. That is, in the above embodiments, an example was described in which the first differential transmission line Lt1 functions as a differential input line (transmitting data Dt from the first input terminal Tin1 side) and the second differential transmission line Lt2 functions as a differential output line, but this example is not limited to. That is, for example, when the second differential transmission line Lt2 functions as a differential input line (transmitting data Dt from the second input terminal Tin2 side) and the first differential transmission line Lt1 functions as a differential output line, the connection state detection operation can also be performed in the same manner as described in the above embodiments.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples of configurations of the flexible substrate (driving substrate), driving device, differential transmission line, and detection circuit have been specifically listed and described, but these configuration examples are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the case where the "driving substrate" in this disclosure is a flexible substrate has been illustrated, but for example, the "driving substrate" in this disclosure may also be a non-flexible substrate.

[0118] Furthermore, the numerical examples of various parameters described in the above embodiments (e.g., numerical examples of threshold voltage Vth or voltage range ΔVth, power supply voltage Vp, common mode voltage Vc, H-level voltage VH, L-level voltage VL, etc.) are not limited to the numerical examples described in the embodiments, etc., and may be other values.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples were described for detecting the connection status in the connection section using the transmission signal in the differential output line or using the transmission signals in both the differential output line and the differential input line, but these examples are not limited to. That is, for example, the connection status can also be detected using only the transmission signal in the differential input line. In other words, the connection status can be detected using the transmission signal in at least one of the differential output line and the differential input line.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples were described where the determination of connection status was based on the voltage of such a transmission signal, but the method is not limited to these examples. That is, for example, the determination of connection status may also be based on parameters other than voltage (e.g., current) in such a transmission signal.

[0121] Furthermore, various types of structures can be applied to the inkjet head. For example, it can be a so-called side-ejection type inkjet head that ejects ink 9 from the center of the extension direction of each ejection channel in the actuator plate 111. Alternatively, it can be a so-called edge-ejection type inkjet head that ejects ink 9 along the extension direction of each ejection channel. Moreover, the printing method is not limited to the methods described in the above embodiments, and various methods such as MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems) methods can be applied.

[0122] Furthermore, this disclosure is applicable to either a circulating inkjet head that uses ink 9 to circulate between the ink tank and the inkjet head, or a non-circulating inkjet head that does not use ink 9 to circulate.

[0123] Furthermore, the series of processes described in the above embodiments can be performed in hardware (circuit) or software (program). In the case of software, the software consists of a group of programs for performing each function via a computer. Each program can be pre-loaded into the computer for use, for example, or installed from a network or recording medium.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a printer 5 (inkjet printer) has been described as a specific example of the "liquid jet recording apparatus" in this disclosure, but it is not limited to this example and can be applied to other devices besides inkjet printers. In other words, the "liquid jet head" (inkjet head) of this disclosure can also be applied to other devices besides inkjet printers. Specifically, for example, the "liquid jet head" of this disclosure can also be applied to devices such as fax machines or on-demand printing presses.

[0125] Furthermore, the various examples described so far can be applied in any combination.

[0126] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative and not limited to any specific effect; other effects may also exist.

[0127] In addition, this disclosure can also take the following form. (1) A liquid injection head, which is a liquid injection head for injecting liquid, comprising: The spray section sprays the aforementioned liquid; One or more drive circuits that output drive signals to the aforementioned injection section for causing the aforementioned liquid to be ejected; Differential input lines are used to transmit data from the outside of the aforementioned liquid injection head toward the aforementioned drive circuit; Differential output lines are used to transmit data from the aforementioned drive circuit toward the outside of the aforementioned liquid injection head; A connecting portion, disposed between the exterior of the aforementioned liquid injection head and the aforementioned drive circuit, individually connects the aforementioned differential input line and the aforementioned differential output line; and The detection circuit uses the transmitted signal from at least one of the aforementioned differential output line and differential input line to detect the connection status of the aforementioned connection section. (2) The liquid injection head described in (1) above, The aforementioned detection circuit uses the transmitted signal in the aforementioned differential output line to detect the aforementioned connection status. (3) The liquid injection head described in (2) above, The aforementioned detection circuit uses the transmitted signals from both the aforementioned differential output line and the aforementioned differential input line to detect the aforementioned connection status. (4) Any of the liquid injection heads described in (1) to (3) above, The aforementioned detection circuit makes a judgment related to the aforementioned connection state based on the voltage of the aforementioned transmitted signal. (5) The liquid injection head described in (4) above, The aforementioned detection circuit makes a judgment related to the aforementioned connection state by comparing the voltage of the aforementioned transmitted signal with the voltage near the common-mode voltage. (6) The liquid injection head described in (5) above, The aforementioned detection circuit includes an AD (analog-to-digital) converter. The aforementioned AD converter makes a judgment related to the aforementioned connection state by comparing the voltage of the aforementioned transmitted signal with a voltage range near the aforementioned common-mode voltage. (7) Any of the liquid injection heads described in (1) to (6) above further comprises: A driving substrate, which is provided with the aforementioned driving circuit and is electrically connected to the aforementioned jetting section; and The relay substrate is electrically connected to the aforementioned drive substrate via the aforementioned connecting portion, and relays the connection between the exterior of the aforementioned liquid injection head and the aforementioned drive substrate. The aforementioned detection circuit, which uses the transmission signal in the aforementioned differential output line to detect the aforementioned connection status, is disposed on the aforementioned relay board. The aforementioned detection circuit, which uses the transmission signal in the aforementioned differential input line to detect the aforementioned connection state, is disposed on the aforementioned drive board. The aforementioned detection circuit outputs a connection confirmation signal, which indicates the detection result of the connection status between the aforementioned drive substrate and the aforementioned relay substrate in the aforementioned connection section, to the outside of the aforementioned liquid injection head. (8) The liquid injection head described in (7) above, The aforementioned connection portion has a connection terminal area, which includes a first terminal connected to the aforementioned differential input line and a second terminal connected to the aforementioned differential output line. The aforementioned first terminal is disposed on one end side of the aforementioned connection terminal area, and, The aforementioned second terminal is located on the other end side of the aforementioned connection terminal area. (9) A liquid jet recording device. The liquid injection head described in any of (1) to (8) above is provided. [Symbol Explanation]

[0128] 1, 1A…Inkjet head, 10…Connector, 11, 11a, 11b…Ejection section, 111…Actuator board, 112…Nozzle board, 12…I / F substrate, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d…Connector, 121…Circuit configuration area, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13A…Flexible substrate, 130…Connection terminal section, 141, 142…Cooling unit, 151, 152…Ink inlet section, 161, 162…Ink introduction section, 171, 172…Detection circuit, 172A…Comparator, 172B…AD converter, 172C…CPU with AD converter, 2…Printing control section, 3…Ink tank, 30…Ink supply tube, 41…Driver, 411…First drive device, 415…Second drive device, 412 to 414…Third drive device 433……Crimping electrode, 5……Printer, 9……Ink, P……Recording paper, Hn……Nozzle orifice, Dt……Transmitting data, Sc……Printing control signal, Sd……Drive signal, Vd……Drive voltage, S1……Surface, S2……Back side, Tin1……First input terminal, Tin2……Second input terminal, Tio1……First input / output section, Tio2……Second input / output section, Lt1……First differential transmission line, Lt2……Second differential transmission line, Lt31 to Lt34……Third differential transmission line, Ac……Connection terminal area, Sv1……Input transmission signal, Sv2……Output transmission signal, V1, V2, V voltage, Vth……Threshold voltage, ΔVth……Voltage range, Sj……Connection confirmation signal, Vp……Power supply voltage, Vc……Common mode voltage, VH……H-level voltage, VL……L-level voltage.

Claims

1. A liquid injection head, which is a liquid injection head for injecting liquid, comprising: The jetting section sprays the liquid. One or more drive circuits that output drive signals to the jetting section for causing the liquid to be jetted; Differential input lines are used to transmit data from the outside of the liquid jet head toward the drive circuit; Differential output lines are used to transmit data from the drive circuit toward the outside of the liquid jet head; A connecting part is disposed between the outside of the liquid injection head and the drive circuit, and individually connects the differential input line and the differential output line; as well as The detection circuit uses the transmitted signals from both the differential output line and the differential input line to detect the connection status of the connection section.

2. The liquid injection head according to claim 1, wherein, It also has: A driving substrate, which is configured with the driving circuit and electrically connected to the jetting section; and A relay substrate, which is electrically connected to the drive substrate via the connecting portion, relays the connection between the exterior of the liquid injection head and the drive substrate. The detection circuit, which uses the transmission signal in the differential output line to detect the connection status, is configured on the relay board. The detection circuit, which uses the transmission signal in the differential input line to detect the connection status, is configured on the driver board. The detection circuit outputs a connection confirmation signal, which indicates the detection result of the connection status between the drive substrate and the relay substrate in the connection section, to the outside of the liquid jet head.

3. A liquid injection head, which is a liquid injection head for injecting liquid, comprising: The jetting section sprays the liquid. One or more drive circuits that output drive signals to the jetting section for causing the liquid to be jetted; Differential input lines are used to transmit data from the outside of the liquid jet head toward the drive circuit; Differential output lines are used to transmit data from the drive circuit toward the outside of the liquid jet head; A connecting part is disposed between the outside of the liquid injection head and the drive circuit, and individually connects the differential input line and the differential output line; A detection circuit uses the transmitted signal from at least one of the differential output line and the differential input line to detect the connection status in the connection section. A driving substrate, which is equipped with the driving circuit and is electrically connected to the jetting section; as well as A relay substrate, which is electrically connected to the drive substrate via the connecting portion, relays the connection between the exterior of the liquid injection head and the drive substrate. The detection circuit, which uses the transmission signal in the differential output line to detect the connection status, is configured on the relay board. The detection circuit, which uses the transmission signal in the differential input line to detect the connection status, is configured on the driver board. The detection circuit outputs a connection confirmation signal, which indicates the detection result of the connection status between the drive substrate and the relay substrate in the connection section, to the outside of the liquid jet head.

4. The liquid injection head according to claim 3, wherein, The connection portion has a connection terminal area, which includes a first terminal connected to the differential input line and a second terminal connected to the differential output line. The first terminal is disposed on one end side of the connection terminal region, and, The second terminal is configured on the other end side of the connection terminal area.

5. The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The detection circuit makes a judgment related to the connection state based on the voltage of the transmitted signal.

6. The liquid injection head according to claim 5, wherein, The detection circuit makes a judgment related to the connection state by comparing the voltage of the transmitted signal with the voltage near the common-mode voltage.

7. The liquid injection head according to claim 6, wherein, The detection circuit includes an AD converter. The AD converter makes a determination related to the connection state by comparing the voltage of the transmitted signal with a voltage range near the common-mode voltage.

8. A liquid jet recording device comprising a liquid jet head according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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