Ejection Selection Signal Circuit for Inkjet Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed, high-quality printing in inkjet devices faces challenges due to increased density of ejecting sections, leading to data transfer timing shifts and erroneous ejections as the length of signal paths increases, causing noise interference and malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

The liquid ejecting device configures the ejection selection signal to include bit data groups that ensure consistent order and reduced path length, using sequential clock signal input to waveform selection signal generation circuits, and separates low-voltage and high-voltage signal lines to minimize noise and timing shifts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the density of ejecting sections is increased to achieve high-speed, high-quality printing, then printing speed and quality are improved, but the length of signal paths increases causing data transfer timing shifts and erroneous ejections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoiddata transfer timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control data is divided into multiple transmission groups (first group containing first ejecting section data, second group containing second ejecting section data). This segmentation allows shorter signal paths for each group, reducing timing shifts while maintaining control over increased numbers of ejecting sections for high-speed printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of data organization by separating control data into multiple transmission groups along the transmission timing dimension. This allows parallel or sequential transmission of different data groups through optimized paths, resolving the timing accuracy issue while supporting higher ejecting section density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the length of signal paths is increased to connect more ejecting sections, then more sections can be controlled, but noise interference and timing shifts increase causing malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of controllable ejecting sectionsVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Control data for multiple ejecting sections is segmented into multiple transmission groups, each transmitted through optimized shorter paths. This reduces signal path length and associated noise interference while maintaining the ability to control a large number of ejecting sections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control data transmission system uses an intermediary grouping structure that organizes data into manageable transmission groups. This intermediary organization reduces the direct path length between control signals and ejecting sections, minimizing noise interference and timing shifts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration reduces the likelihood of erroneous ejections, enhances printing quality, and allows for high-speed printing by maintaining data transfer timing stability and reducing noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

The piezoelectric element is provided to the head unit corresponding to each of a plurality of ejecting sections, and driven according to a drive signal so that a predetermined amount of ink (liquid) is ejected from each nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3383660B1Liquid ejecting device and ejection selection signal generation circuit

Publication Date: 2022.01.19 SEIKO EPSON CORP

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Figure 3~4A

AI summary

A liquid ejecting device includes: an ejecting section group that includes a plurality of ejecting sections that can eject a liquid droplet having different sizes upon application of a drive signal, the plurality of ejecting sections including a first ejecting section and a second ejecting section; and an ejection selection section that selects an ejecting section to which the drive signal is applied from the ejecting section group in response to an ejection selection signal, the ejection selection signal including: a first ejecting section bit data group consisting of a plurality of pieces of first ejecting section control bit data including first ejecting section first control bit data and first ejecting section second control bit data that control the size of the liquid droplet to be ejected from the first ejecting section; and a second ejecting section bit data group consisting of a plurality of pieces of second ejecting section control bit data including second ejecting section first control bit data and second ejecting section second control bit data that control the size of the liquid droplet to be ejected from the second ejecting section, and the second ejecting section bit data group following the first ejecting section bit data group.