Relay Substrate Configuration for Line Head Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing printing apparatuses face inefficiencies and increased effort during line head replacements due to the need to detach and reattach FFCs, which can lead to deterioration and reduced precision in liquid ejection.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus configuration that includes a line head, a driving circuit, a control unit, and a relay substrate, where the relay substrate is attached to a frame between the driving circuit and control unit, allowing line head replacement without removing these components, and utilizing high-frequency ejection control signals transferred directly to the line head to prevent noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If FFCs are used to transfer driving signals to the line head, then electrical connection is achieved, but replacement of the line head requires removal and reattachment of FFCs which causes deterioration and increased time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical connection system into two independent parts: a rigid connector board that remains fixed in the apparatus, and a detachable connector attached to the line head. This segmentation allows the line head to be replaced without moving the main connector board, eliminating the time-consuming FFC detachment and reattachment process while preventing deterioration of connection components.
2Reliability
If driving signals are transferred through the relay substrate, then signal routing is achieved, but high-frequency ejection control signals are susceptible to noise interference and signal deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-frequency ejection control signal transmission path from the relay substrate routing system. By providing a direct connection between the control unit and the line head that bypasses the relay substrate, the design eliminates the noise interference and signal deterioration that would occur if these sensitive high-frequency signals passed through the relay substrate's multiple connection points and traces.
3Device complexity
If the relay substrate is integrated with the control unit and driving circuit, then signal routing is simplified, but replacement of the line head requires removal of the control unit and relay substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the apparatus into three independently replaceable modules: the control unit, the relay substrate, and the line head. The control unit and relay substrate are mounted on a fixed connector board that remains in the apparatus, while the line head has its own separate connector. This segmentation enables the line head to be replaced without disturbing the control unit or relay substrate, maintaining simple signal routing while greatly facilitating maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting module having a plurality of liquid ejecting heads; a driving substrate mounted with a driving circuit that generates a driving signal; a control unit that generates an ejection control signal; and a relay substrate. The driving signal is transferred from the driving substrate to the relay substrate via a first wire, and the driving signal is transferred from the relay substrate to the liquid ejecting module via a second wire. The ejection control signal is transferred from the control unit to the liquid ejecting module via a third wire.