Piezoelectric Inkjet Nozzle Detection via Counter-Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet type recording apparatuses, detection accuracy of ejection abnormality is compromised due to pressure loss and reduced amplitude of residual vibration caused by bending of partition walls between high-density pressure chambers, leading to insufficient detection signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that simultaneously drive the piezoelectric elements corresponding to the nozzle to be inspected and its adjacent nozzle, using a driving waveform to generate a fluctuation in pressure, while switching between connection and disconnection states to prevent partition wall bending and maintain sufficient pressure, thereby enhancing detection accuracy by obtaining a counter electromotive force signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a piezoelectric element corresponding to a nozzle to be inspected is driven independently, then ejection abnormality inspection can be performed, but the partition wall bends toward the adjacent pressure chamber causing pressure loss and reduced detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by driving the adjacent nozzle's piezoelectric element simultaneously with the inspection nozzle's piezoelectric element. This creates a counteracting pressure effect that prevents the partition wall from bending toward the adjacent pressure chamber, thereby eliminating the pressure loss that would otherwise occur during independent inspection driving.
2Productivity
If nozzles are disposed in high density, then productivity is improved, but the partition wall becomes very thin causing bending and reduced detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
By simultaneously driving the adjacent nozzle's piezoelectric element, the invention creates a counteracting pressure effect that compensates for the structural weakness of thin partition walls in high-density nozzle configurations, preventing wall bending and maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-driving the adjacent nozzle's piezoelectric element before or simultaneously with the inspection nozzle's piezoelectric element. This preliminary action creates the necessary counterpressure to prevent partition wall bending before the inspection measurement is taken, ensuring accurate detection despite the thin partition wall structure.
3Reliability
If the partition wall bends due to pressure fluctuation, then the amplitude of residual vibration is reduced, but the detection signal amplitude becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The simultaneous driving of the adjacent nozzle's piezoelectric element creates a counteracting pressure effect that prevents partition wall bending. This maintains the structural integrity of the pressure chamber, preserving the amplitude of residual vibration and ensuring sufficient detection signal amplitude for reliable ejection abnormality inspection.
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 improves detection accuracy by maintaining a sufficient amplitude of detection signals and preventing pressure loss, allowing for reliable ejection abnormality inspection without crosstalk between adjacent nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element for deforming the operation unit (vibration plate) and ejecting the liquid from the nozzle in association with the driving of the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
inspects ejection abnormality on the basis of a counter electromotive force of the first piezoelectric element based on the vibration of the operation unit
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first piezoelectric element, a first nozzle that ejects a liquid in association with the driving of the first piezoelectric element, a second piezoelectric element, a second nozzle that ejects a liquid in association with the driving of the second piezoelectric element, a driving signal generation unit that generates a driving signal for driving a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a residual vibration detection unit that detects residual vibration generated by the driving of the piezoelectric element. The first nozzle is adjacent to the second nozzle.