Inkjet Head Driving Method Prevents Erroneous Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In share mode type inkjet heads, where an actuator is shared between adjacent ink chambers, there is a risk of erroneous ink ejection due to simultaneous actuation of adjacent ink chambers, leading to incorrect ink droplet formation and gradation in multi-drop driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A driving method and device that apply ejection and auxiliary pulse signals at different timings to create a potential difference between electrodes, ensuring that the two pulse signals are not applied simultaneously, thereby preventing actuation of adjacent ink chambers and maintaining accurate ink droplet ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an actuator is shared between adjacent ink chambers to reduce device complexity, then the number of actuators is reduced, but erroneous ink ejection occurs due to simultaneous actuation of adjacent ink chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by outputting the drive pulse signal to the first ink chamber before the second ink chamber. This timing sequence ensures that the shared actuator is actuated in advance for the first chamber, and the second chamber is then actuated subsequently, preventing simultaneous actuation that would cause erroneous ink ejection. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining shared actuator design while ensuring reliable sequential operation.
2Reliability
If auxiliary pulse signals are output to all ink chambers including non-ejecting nozzles, then actuator vibration is controlled, but the ejection pulse signal cannot be output simultaneously to adjacent ink chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by outputting the auxiliary pulse signal to the first ink chamber before the ejection pulse signal to the second ink chamber. This timing arrangement allows the auxiliary pulse to prepare the shared actuator for the upcoming ejection operation in the second chamber, enabling both vibration control and simultaneous ejection capability without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the sequential timing of auxiliary and ejection pulse signals. The auxiliary pulse is output in one timing period, followed by the ejection pulse in a subsequent period, creating a periodic sequence that allows both signal types to be output without simultaneous conflict, thus maintaining both vibration control and ejection functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the ejection pulse signal is output to a nozzle that does not eject ink drops, then the shared actuator is actuated, but ink may be ejected erroneously from adjacent ink chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by outputting the auxiliary pulse signal to the first ink chamber before the ejection pulse signal to the second ink chamber. This preliminary actuation of the first chamber prepares the shared actuator in advance, allowing the second chamber's ejection pulse to be output subsequently without causing erroneous ejection from the first chamber, thus maintaining ease of operation while preventing harmful effects.
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 approach ensures precise control over ink droplet ejection, preventing erroneous ejections and maintaining the intended gradation in multi-drop systems by ensuring that the ejection pulse signal and auxiliary pulse signal are not applied simultaneously, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of inkjet head operation.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element, which deforms in response to a drive signal, is provided in each ink chamber
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a driving device applies an ejection pulse signal that deforms a partition in such a way that an ink drop is ejected from a nozzle and an auxiliary pulse signal that deforms the partition to such an extent that an ink drop is not ejected from the nozzle, as a drive signal for providing a potential difference between electrodes, to an inkjet head at different timings so that the two pulse signals are not applied simultaneously. A constraint on output of the auxiliary pulse signal is significantly relaxed.