Liquid Ejecting Head Connector Alignment and Temperature Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In circulation-type liquid ejecting devices, poor connections between multi-terminal, narrow-pitch flexible boards can lead to short-circuits and improper voltage application, causing the liquid ejecting head and device to malfunction or become electrically broken due to improper fitting of connectors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a liquid ejecting head with a wiring connector having terminals spaced along a direction, where first and second temperature sensors are connected to terminals at opposite ends, and a drive circuit connected between them, using a flexible printed circuit (FPC) with regulating projections to ensure proper alignment and connection, and a control method that monitors resistance values to detect connection abnormalities before applying power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a multi-terminal narrow-pitch flexible board is used to connect the liquid ejecting head to the control board, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to improper fitting and terminal misalignment causing short-circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with regulating projections that preliminarily align the flexible board's terminals with the connector's terminals before final connection. This preliminary alignment action prevents misalignment and short-circuits that would otherwise occur during insertion, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating projections act as an intermediary mechanism between the flexible board and the connector. These projections engage with corresponding structures on the flexible board to guide and constrain the connection position, ensuring proper alignment without requiring high precision manual installation
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are connected to terminals at opposite ends of the wiring connector, then measurement precision is improved for detecting connector misalignment, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing components and circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensors serve a dual function: they monitor the temperature of the liquid ejecting head for normal operation and simultaneously detect connector misalignment by measuring temperature differences at opposite ends. This self-service approach allows the same components to perform multiple functions, improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensors are designed to perform multiple functions: primary temperature monitoring of the ejection system and secondary detection of connector alignment status. By making the sensing system universal, the patent avoids adding dedicated alignment sensors, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving precise alignment detection
3Ease of operation
If the flexible board is fitted obliquely without alignment regulation, then ease of operation is improved during installation, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to terminal position shifts and short-circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating projections serve as an intermediary alignment mechanism that mediates between the flexible board and connector during installation. These projections physically guide the flexible board into the correct position, ensuring terminal alignment precision while still allowing easy installation without requiring complex alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating projections perform preliminary alignment action during the installation process itself, guiding the flexible board terminals into correct positions before final connection is made. This preliminary alignment ensures manufacturing precision is maintained during installation without compromising ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes an actuator communicating with a nozzle, configured to eject liquid from the nozzle, a drive circuit configured to drive the actuator, a wiring connector having a plurality of terminals spaced from each other along a first direction, a first temperature sensor connected to a first terminal in the plurality of terminals, the first terminal being on a first end side of the wiring connector in the first direction, and a second temperature sensor connected to a second terminal of the plurality of terminals, the second terminal being on a second end side of the wiring connector, the second end side being opposite to the first end side in the first direction. The drive circuit is connected to a third terminal line of the plurality of terminals, the third terminal being between the first end side and the second end side in the first direction.