Piezoelectric Inkjet Head Voltage Control During Non-Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid discharging apparatuses face issues with heat generation in the recording head during non-discharge control periods, leading to a decrease in voltage at the piezoelectric element's electrode, which can result in erroneous discharges and control circuit failures due to excessive current flow and temperature increases.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging apparatus with a driving waveform generation circuit and a controller that selectively applies a reference voltage to the piezoelectric element during non-discharge control periods, preventing voltage drops and heat generation by maintaining the electrode voltage and reducing the frequency of gate circuit operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gate circuit operates frequently during non-discharge control periods to maintain voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by operating the gate circuit only at specific intervals during the non-discharge control period rather than continuously. The controller activates the gate circuit to apply reference voltage at predetermined timing points, creating a periodic operation pattern that maintains voltage stability while reducing overall operation frequency and heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by applying the reference voltage through the gate circuit before the voltage drop becomes problematic. The controller predicts when voltage may drop during the non-discharge period and proactively applies reference voltage at appropriate timing, preventing voltage instability without requiring continuous gate circuit operation.
2Temperature
If the gate circuit operation frequency is reduced to decrease heat generation, then heat generation is reduced, but voltage drop occurs at the piezoelectric element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the controller monitor the operation state and voltage levels, then adjust gate circuit activation timing accordingly. The controller determines appropriate timing for applying reference voltage based on the non-discharge control period duration and operational conditions, creating a feedback loop that maintains voltage stability while optimizing heat reduction.
3Productivity
If continuous discharge control is implemented, then productivity is improved, but heat generation causes erroneous discharges and control failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a non-discharge control period within the discharge control cycle. During this periodic interval, the gate circuit is activated to apply reference voltage, creating a rhythm of discharge and non-discharge phases that prevents continuous operation heat buildup while maintaining overall productivity through efficient cycle management.
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 effectively prevents heat generation and voltage drops at the piezoelectric element, reducing the risk of erroneous discharges and control circuit failures, ensuring stable ink discharge and maintaining print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element configured to change a pressure applied to the liquid in the liquid chamber to discharge the liquid from the nozzle hole; a driving waveform generation circuit configured to generate a driving waveform signal during a discharge control period having a predetermined cycle, to apply a driving waveform voltage to the piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharging apparatus includes a nozzle hole configured to discharge liquid; a liquid chamber provided so as to communicate with the nozzle hole; a piezoelectric element configured to change a pressure applied to the liquid in the liquid chamber to discharge the liquid from the nozzle hole; a driving waveform generation circuit configured to generate a driving waveform signal during a discharge control period having a predetermined cycle, to apply a driving waveform voltage to the piezoelectric element; a switch configured to selectively supply, to the piezoelectric element, a waveform included in the driving waveform signal; and a controller configured to perform voltage setting control for applying a predetermined voltage to the piezoelectric element, in a case where a non-discharge control period, having a predetermined cycle, causes the piezoelectric element to change by a voltage greater than or equal to an allowable voltage.