Piezo Element Voltage Stabilization in Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piezo elements in printing apparatuses experience voltage drops during periods without ink ejection, leading to sharp voltage changes when drive signals are reapplied, which can result in improper operation.
Innovation Solution
A printing method that generates drive signals using either a first or second original drive signal to control the voltage of piezo elements, and charges the elements to a reference voltage during periods without signal selection, preventing voltage drops and sudden changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive signals are applied to piezo elements only when dots are to be formed, then ink ejection control is precise, but voltage drops occur during idle periods causing sharp voltage changes and improper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by charging the piezo elements to a reference voltage during idle periods before actual ink ejection is needed. This preventive charging maintains the voltage at an appropriate level, avoiding sharp voltage changes when drive signals are subsequently applied, thus ensuring reliable operation while preserving precise ink ejection control
2Reliability
If drive signals are continuously applied to maintain piezo element voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by charging the piezo elements to reference voltage only during predetermined idle periods when no ink ejection is scheduled. This selective periodic charging maintains voltage stability during idle times while avoiding continuous energy consumption, as charging occurs only when necessary to prevent voltage drops
Solution Approach 2:
By performing preliminary charging during idle periods before actual printing operations, the system maintains piezo element voltage stability without requiring continuous energy input. The charging is done in advance when energy consumption would have minimal impact on overall system efficiency
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 method effectively suppresses voltage drops in piezo elements, ensuring stable operation and preventing unnecessary ink ejection by maintaining the voltage at a reference level during idle periods.
Implementation Method 1
Some types of printing apparatuses for printing images on media are provided with piezo elements for ejecting ink by being charged and discharged based on a plurality of drive signals
Implementation Method 2
charging the piezo element so that the voltage of the piezo element attains either the first reference voltage or the second reference voltage during a predetermined period during which neither the first original drive signal nor the second original drive signal is selected
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method that can suppress drops in voltage due to discharging of piezo elements is achieved. A printing method includes: generating a drive signal for driving a piezo element by selecting, based on print data, either a first original drive signal having a unit signal for defining the start to the end of an operation of causing the piezo element to eject ink by changing a voltage of the piezo element using a first reference voltage as a reference, or a second original drive signal having a unit signal for defining the start to the end of an operation of causing the piezo element to eject ink by changing the voltage of the piezo element using a second reference voltage as a reference; ejecting ink using the piezo element by applying the generated drive signal thereto to charge/discharge the piezo element; and charging the piezo element so that the voltage thereof attains either the first or second reference voltage during a predetermined period during which neither the first nor the second original drive signal is selected.