Inkjet Control Device Connection State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with poor electrical connections between the control device and the inkjet unit, leading to various problems during the printing process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control device with an operating voltage output circuit, control signal output circuits, and a first connector connected to a wire harness. It also includes an inkjet unit with receiving circuits, termination resistors, piezoelectric elements, and nozzles, connected to a second connector via the wire harness. A test voltage output circuit, test resistors, and a divided voltage detection circuit are used to determine the electrical connection state between the connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wire harness is used to connect the control device and inkjet unit, then electrical connection is established, but poor electrical connection may occur leading to printing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a connection state detection function that tests the electrical connection between the control device and inkjet unit before printing operations. The control device detects resistance values of the wire harness connectors and determines whether connections are normal or abnormal, preventing printing errors caused by poor connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the control device continuously monitors the electrical connection state of the wire harness and provides feedback information about connection quality. This allows the system to identify and respond to connection issues, improving overall reliability.
2Measurement precision
If connection state detection is implemented, then electrical connection quality can be determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection state detection function with the existing control device, integrating detection circuits and processing capabilities into the already-present control architecture. This approach enables connection monitoring without requiring a completely separate detection system, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 allows for effective detection of normal or abnormal electrical connection states, ensuring reliable ink ejection control and preventing printing errors.
Implementation Method 1
The inkjet unit includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements each of which is supplied with a drive signal, and a plurality of nozzles that eject ink pressurized by the plurality of piezoelectric elements
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of termination resistors are respectively connected to the plurality of second signal lines; The plurality of test resistors are supplied with the test voltage from the test voltage output circuit, and together with the plurality of termination resistors, constitute a plurality of voltage dividing circuits
Data Source
AI summary
Termination resistors are connected to second signal lines, respectively. A plurality of piezoelectric elements are respectively supplied with a plurality of drive signals corresponding to a plurality of control signals received by a plurality of receiving circuits. In a control device, a test voltage is supplied to a plurality of test resistors from a test voltage output circuit, and the plurality of test resistors, together with the termination resistors, respectively constitute a plurality of voltage dividing circuits. A divided voltage detection circuit detects an output voltage of each voltage dividing circuit. A control circuit controls an operating voltage output circuit, a plurality of control signal output circuits, and a test voltage output circuit so as to be in a test state, and determines whether an electrical connection state is normal or abnormal depending on a detection result of the divided voltage detection circuit in the test state.