Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Drive Signal Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing heat dissipation in drive signal output circuits, which limits their ability to improve image quality and processing speed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a cooling unit powered by a power supply that adjusts cooling power based on operational modes, with distinct drive signal frequencies and power levels in first and second modes to effectively manage heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the drive signal output circuit outputs a large current to operate piezoelectric elements for ejecting liquid, then the liquid ejection function is achieved, but heat is generated that requires dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between first and second drive signal output circuits based on operational mode. The control circuit selectively activates appropriate circuits depending on whether high current drive or low current drive is needed, optimizing the balance between power delivery and heat generation for different ejection requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The drive signal output is divided into multiple independent circuits (first drive signal output circuit and second drive signal output circuit). Each circuit is dedicated to specific operational modes, allowing independent optimization of current output and heat dissipation characteristics for different ejection scenarios
2Temperature
If a cooling mechanism is added to the drive signal output circuit, then heat dissipation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically selects which drive signal output circuit to activate based on the operational mode required for liquid ejection. The system self-regulates by choosing between high-current and low-current circuits without requiring external cooling mechanisms, thereby avoiding added complexity while managing thermal issues through operational optimization
3Productivity
If the drive signal frequency is increased to improve image formation speed, then processing speed is improved, but the power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit dynamically switches between different drive signal output circuits based on the required image formation speed. For high-speed operations, the appropriate circuit is selected to provide the necessary drive signal frequency while managing power consumption and heat generation through the pre-configured circuit characteristics
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 solution enables improved heat dissipation, allowing for higher image quality and faster image formation by optimizing power usage and temperature control in the drive signal output circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit that cools the drive signal output unit
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric element or the like is used as a drive element and liquid is ejected onto a medium by driving of the drive element
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejecting unit that ejects liquid when a drive signal is supplied to the ejecting unit, a drive signal output unit that outputs the drive signal, a cooling unit that cools the drive signal output unit, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the cooling unit. The liquid ejecting apparatus has a first mode in which the drive signal output unit outputs a first drive signal of a first frequency, and a second mode in which the drive signal output unit outputs a second drive signal of a second frequency lower than the first frequency. An amount of power supplied by the power supply unit to the cooling unit in the first mode is larger than an amount of power supplied by the power supply unit to the cooling unit in the second mode.