Head Unit Circuit for Individual Print-Head Temperature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses with multiple print heads face challenges in accurately detecting temperature abnormalities in individual print heads due to the increased number of signal lines required for integrating abnormality information, making it difficult to specify the affected print head.
Innovation Solution
A head unit with integrated temperature detection circuits and selection circuits that allow for individual detection and output of temperature abnormality information from each print head, using a single temperature information output terminal to consolidate and identify specific abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature detection is implemented for each print head in a liquid ejection apparatus with multiple print heads, then the ability to detect temperature abnormalities is improved, but the number of signal lines required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature detection functions of multiple print heads into a single integrated detection system. Multiple temperature detection circuits are merged with a common signal line that connects to a single temperature information output terminal, allowing temperature abnormality information from all print heads to be transmitted through one consolidated signal path rather than requiring separate signal lines for each print head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing mechanism where temperature detection circuits from multiple print heads feed into a common signal line that passes through an integrated information output circuit. This intermediary structure allows the system to process and distinguish temperature abnormality information from different print heads while using a single output terminal, thereby reducing the number of required signal lines.
2Device complexity
If abnormality information from multiple print heads is integrated and transmitted using one signal, then the number of signal lines is reduced, but the ability to specify the affected print head is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature abnormality information into distinguishable components while using a single signal line. Each temperature detection circuit is associated with a specific print head, and the integrated information output circuit maintains the association between detection results and their corresponding print heads, enabling the system to identify which specific print head has the temperature abnormality despite using a consolidated signal transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the integrated information output circuit processes temperature abnormality information from multiple print heads and provides selective output through the temperature information output terminal. The system uses selection signals to feedback which specific print head's temperature abnormality information should be transmitted, thereby maintaining print head identification capability while using a single signal line for transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A head unit includes a plurality of temperature detection circuits including a first temperature detection circuit that detects presence or absence of temperature abnormality and a second temperature detection circuit that detects presence or absence of temperature abnormality, an integrated information output circuit outputting a first temperature abnormality information signal, an individual information output circuit outputting a second temperature abnormality information signal, a temperature information output circuit outputting a temperature abnormality information signal, and one temperature information output terminal outputting a temperature information signal.