Head-Integrated Drive Circuit Layout for Stable Line Head Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In line head printing for high-speed printing, the increase in nozzle density for high-definition imaging leads to increased apparatus size due to the long distance between the drive circuit and the head, causing instability from inductance issues in the wiring.
Innovation Solution
A drive circuit unit is integrated with the head unit, where the base board extends in a direction intersecting with the nozzle surface, and multiple drive circuit boards are disposed on this base board, optimizing the layout to reduce the apparatus size and improve ejection stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive circuit is disposed just above the head to reduce inductance influence, then ejection stability is improved, but the apparatus size increases in the direction perpendicular to the head when the number of drive circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the drive circuit from a vertical arrangement (above the head) to a horizontal arrangement (on the rear surface of the head in the sheet width direction). This dimensional change allows multiple drive circuits to be arranged along the width of the head rather than stacking them vertically, reducing the apparatus size in the perpendicular direction while maintaining short wiring distances for ejection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The drive circuit is divided into multiple independent drive circuits, each corresponding to a specific nozzle group. These segmented drive circuits are arranged in parallel along the sheet width direction on the head's rear surface, allowing compact integration without increasing vertical height while maintaining individual control for stable ejection
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of drive circuits increases to support higher nozzle density, then high-definition imaging capability is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drive circuits are arranged horizontally along the sheet width direction on the head's rear surface rather than vertically stacking them. This allows the apparatus to support higher nozzle density and achieve high-definition imaging while maintaining a compact vertical profile
Solution Approach 2:
The drive circuits are integrated directly onto the head structure, merging the drive circuit unit with the head unit. This integration allows multiple drive circuits to be compactly arranged on the head's rear surface, supporting high nozzle density without proportionally increasing overall apparatus size
Data Source
AI summary
A drive circuit unit is provided in a head unit together with a head and is configured to generate a drive signal for driving the head. The drive circuit unit includes a base board that includes a drive-circuit-unit-side connector coupled to a head-side connector; and a plurality of drive circuit boards on each of which a drive circuit configured to generate a drive signal is mounted, wherein the base board is disposed such that the base board extends in a direction intersecting with a nozzle surface of the head, and the plurality of drive circuit boards is disposed on the base board.