CN100431839C

CN100431839C - Apparatus for discharging liquid and method for discharging liquid

Info

Publication number: CN100431839C
Application number: CNB2003801013189A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 桑原宗市; 牛滨五轮男; 冨田学; 池本雄一郎
Original assignee: Sony Corp
Current assignee: Sony Corp
Priority date: 2002-10-18
Filing date: 2003-10-17
Publication date: 2008-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 2023-10-17
Also published as: CN1703319A

Abstract

A liquid ejector in which an appropriate deflection amount can be set when the ejecting direction of ink is deflected and even if the distance from the ink ejecting plane to the ink hitting plane of a print sheet is varied. The liquid ejector comprises a head (11) arranged, side by side, with a plurality of ink ejecting parts each having a nozzle, and a means for deflecting the direction of ink being ejected from the nozzle of each ink ejecting part to the arranging direction of the ink ejecting parts. The liquid ejector is further provided with a means for detecting the distances (L1, L2) between the ink ejecting plane of the head (11) and the ink hitting plane of print sheets (P1, P2), and a means for determining the deflection amount of ink ejection (ejection angles alpha, beta) by the ejecting direction deflecting means based on the detection results of the distance detecting means.

Description

Liquid injection apparatus and liquid jet method

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of liquid injection apparatus and liquid jet method, the distance that these apparatus and method are used between the surface that the liquid according to the liquid ejection surface of shower nozzle and injection drops on is determined the amount of deflection that liquid sprays, and the amount of deflection that sprays according to the liquid of determining makes liquid deflector and injection.

Background technology

Existing liquid injection apparatus is a kind of ink-jet printer, and it has a shower nozzle, is provided with a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle.Heating means are a kind of known ink ejecting methods that are used for ink-jet printer.Heating means utilize heat energy to carry out ink-jet.

Adopt the known structure of ink-jet part to comprise a black liquid box, a thermal resistance and a nozzle that is installed on the black liquid box that is arranged in the black liquid box according to heating means.China ink in black liquid box is by the thermal resistance Fast Heating, forms steam bubble thereby make in the China ink on thermal resistance.The energy that produces when forming steam bubble will eject in the nozzle of China ink (ink droplet) from the ink-jet part.

From the structure of shower nozzle, two kinds of injection methods are arranged: continuation method (serial method) and straight line method (line method).Continuation method prints when shower nozzle moves with the printing paper width and uses.The straight line method is to use along the setting of printing paper width, when form covering the straight line shower nozzle of whole printing paper width at many shower nozzles.

In disclosed existing straight line nozzle structure, many little ozzle discs are arranged end to endly, thereby make the liquid ejecting portion of ozzle disc be arranged in and can cover on the position of whole printing paper width.(for example Japan Patent is open 2002-36522 number).

Disclosed prior art provides a kind of printer head structure, and wherein corresponding nozzle carries out different location with a plurality of heaters in black liquid box, to change the spray angle of ink droplet.This just can guarantee that these various inking positions are difficult for being found significantly.(for example Japan Patent is open 2002-240287 number).

Yet above conventional art has following problems.

When China ink ejected from shower nozzle, the most perfect was that China ink sprays with the direction perpendicular to jeting surface.But, because a variety of causes is not to spray China ink perpendicular to jeting surface.

For example, when the nozzle plate that forms nozzle on it was connected the upper surface of tool at the black liquid box of thermal resistance, the position that need keep correct between black liquid box, thermal resistance and nozzle concerned.When nozzle plate is connecting the center of nozzle center and black liquid box and thermal resistance is aligned, China ink will be sprayed perpendicular to jeting surface.But if nozzle center does not align with the center of black liquid box and thermal resistance, China ink can not be injected perpendicular to jeting surface ground.

Because the thermal coefficient of expansion of black liquid box, thermal resistance and nozzle plate is different, thus may occurrence positions move.

When spraying perpendicular to jeting surface, China ink drops on position accurately.If but China ink then causes moving of inking position not by injected perpendicular to jeting surface.If move the inking position in using the method for attachment process, then between nozzle, produce moving of inking dot spacing.On the other hand, if move the inking position in using the straight line procedure, then the inking position also produces between the shower nozzle of arranging and moves above-mentioned inking dot spacing moves except taking place.

More particularly, if leave mutually between the inking position that provides by adjacent shower nozzle, then do not have China ink and be injected into some zone between the shower nozzle.In addition, the straight line shower nozzle does not move along the width of printing paper.Appearance white stripes that like this will be between shower nozzle, thereby infringement print quality.

On the other hand, if close mutually between the inking position that is provided by adjacent shower nozzle, then the point in the zone of some between shower nozzle is understood overlapping.Thereby the image of printing discontinuously or black excessively striped also can damage print quality.

Therefore, the problems referred to above (for example, Japanese patent application 2002-112947 and Japanese patent application 2002-161928) have been solved by the technology that applicant of the present invention advised.These technology have adopted by the open 2002-240287 number disclosed technology of above-mentioned Japan Patent, and can control the liquid injection direction of (deflection) liquid injection apparatus, and this liquid injection apparatus has a shower nozzle, is arranging a plurality of liquid ejecting portion in the shower nozzle.

Yet, if be under the situation about changing, injection direction being adopted identical deflection angle in the distance (gap) between inking surface variation or ink discharging surface and printing paper that printing paper thickness is, above-mentioned technology can not make China ink drop on the accurate position.

The printing situation that Figure 17 A and 17B carry out on printing paper P1 and P2, the thickness difference of printing paper wherein, the spray deflection angle is α.Figure 17 A represents to print on printing paper P1 and carries out, and when the distance between ink discharging surface (end surfaces of shower nozzle 1) and the printing paper P1 was L1, the ink-jet deflection angle was α

When the shower nozzle 1 with above-mentioned feature uses the printing paper P2 (printing paper P2 than printing paper P1 thicker) different with printing paper P1 thickness, the distance between the inking surface of ink discharging surface and printing paper P2 by L1 to L2 (L2＜L1) variation.If the ink-jet angle is deflected to the angle [alpha] under the final state in the same manner, then the inking position is different with the inking position of generally adopting when using printing paper P1.

In some cases, the apparent height of individual printing paper may be that part changes, and for example, uses folding envelope or label printing paper.In addition, if use when including the printed circuit board (PCB) of circuit pattern, then apparent height alters a great deal.In addition, if the printing paper that uses has curling edge, the apparent height at then this curling edge is different from the height of other parts.

In these cases, even printing paper and other similar material with different surfaces height had correctly been adjusted the ink-jet angle before printing, can not correctly print.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of shower nozzle, be arranged with a plurality of liquid ejecting portion in the shower nozzle, and have the function of the direction of deflection atomizing of liquids.Even the distance between the liquid surface that falls (surface of being sprayed by liquid) of liquid ejection surface and liquid injection target changes, the present invention also can set a suitable amount of deflection.In addition, even change at the apparent height of single liquid injection target, the present invention also can according to circumstances adjust to suitable amount of deflection.

For above-mentioned purpose, according to first aspect present invention, provide a kind of liquid injection apparatus, comprising:

A shower nozzle is being arranged a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle;

The injection direction arrangement for deflecting is used for making the liquid injection direction deflection of spraying from the nozzle of each liquid ejecting portion along the direction that liquid ejecting portion is arranged;

Distance detection device is used to detect the distance between the liquid surface of falling that the liquid ejection surface of shower nozzle and liquid spray target; And

The spray deflection amount is determined device, is used for the result that detects according to distance detection device, and the amount of the liquid spray deflection that provided by the injection direction arrangement for deflecting is provided.

Preferably, the distance between the liquid surface of falling of the described distance detection device thickness that sprays target by the tracer liquid liquid ejection surface that detects described shower nozzle and liquid injection target.

Preferably, described distance detection device comprises a sensor that is used to read the information of relevant light, pressure, skew or other physical quantity; Wherein said sensor detects the distance between the liquid surface of falling that the liquid ejection surface of described shower nozzle and liquid spray target.

Preferably, described distance detection device receives and is used for determining that liquid sprays the information of the characteristic of target, and according to the information that receives, the distance between the liquid surface of falling of the liquid ejection surface that detects described shower nozzle and liquid injection target.

Preferably, described distance detection device receives from the information of characteristic described liquid injection apparatus or the device input that is electrically connected with described liquid injection apparatus and that be used for determining liquid injection target, and according to the information that receives, the distance between the liquid surface of falling of the liquid ejection surface that detects described shower nozzle and liquid injection target.

Preferably, each described liquid ejecting portion comprises that one is used to hold the sap cavity of the liquid that will spray and is positioned at described sap cavity, generation go out the liquid of sap cavity from nozzle ejection the produce power device of energy; The direction that wherein a plurality of described produce power devices are arranged along liquid ejecting portion is arranged in the described sap cavity; And wherein said injection direction arrangement for deflecting causes the energy generation difference between another device at least of at least one device and described a plurality of produce power devices in a plurality of produce power devices in the described at least sap cavity, and the liquid injection direction that sprays from the described nozzle of each described liquid ejecting portion of deflection.

Preferably, each described liquid ejecting portion comprises that one is used to hold the sap cavity of liquid to be sprayed and is positioned at described sap cavity, generation spray the liquid of described sap cavity from described nozzle the produce power device of energy; Wherein said produce power device is arranged on the semiconductor-based basal surface, makes the major part of the energy be used to produce atomizing of liquids be divided into a plurality of parts; And wherein said injection direction arrangement for deflecting causes that the energy between another part at least in described a plurality of parts of at least one part in described a plurality of parts of described produce power device and described produce power device produces difference, and the liquid injection direction that sprays from the described nozzle of each described liquid ejecting portion of deflection.

According to second aspect present invention, a kind of liquid jet method is provided, it utilizes the shower nozzle atomizing of liquids, is arranged with a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle, and this liquid jet method comprises the steps:

When the liquid injection direction that sprays from the nozzle of each described liquid ejecting portion remains when the direction that described liquid ejecting portion is arranged is deflected, the distance between the liquid surface of falling of the liquid ejection surface that detects described shower nozzle and liquid injection target;

Determine the amount of liquid spray deflection according to the result who detects.

According to third aspect present invention, a kind of liquid injection apparatus is provided, it comprises:

The injection direction arrangement for deflecting is used for making along a plurality of directions that liquid ejecting portion is arranged the injection direction deflection of the liquid that sprays from the nozzle of each liquid ejecting portion;

The relative motion device is used to make shower nozzle and liquid to spray relative motion between the target, drops on described liquid by the liquid of the described nozzle ejection of each described liquid ejecting portion and sprays on the target;

Distance detection device, it is arranged on the relative motion device sprays target with respect to the shower nozzle loading liquid a side, it sprays target emitting material ripple to liquid, receive the back wave that produces, the distance between the liquid surface of falling of the liquid ejection surface that detects each liquid ejecting portion according to the back wave that receives and liquid injection target, and when the relative motion device makes shower nozzle and liquid spray the target relative motion, sequentially detect described distance;

Tables of data is used to limit from the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each liquid ejecting portion with respect to the spray deflection amount of this distance with from the liquid target location that falls of the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each liquid ejecting portion; And

The spray deflection amount is determined device, is used for the comparable data table and according to the distance that is detected by distance detection device and the liquid target location that falls of liquid, and the amount corresponding to the liquid spray deflection of each liquid ejecting portion that is provided by the injection direction arrangement for deflecting is provided.

Preferably, described distance detection device is sprayed target transmitted pulse light to liquid, receives the reverberation that produces, and detects described distance according to the catoptrical wavelength that receives.

Preferably, described distance detection device is by spraying target emission ultrasonic wave and measuring the moment of ultrasonic wave emission and time interval of receiving between moment of back wave of generation is detected described distance to liquid.

Preferably, described distance detection device comprises a plurality of distance detection device of arranging along the directions of liquid ejecting portion layout with the distance detection device of ranked first and second distance checkout gear; Also comprise distance adjusting system, if between described first distance detection device of the arranged direction that is arranged in liquid ejecting portion and described second distance checkout gear, there is the no surveyed area of distance, have liquid ejecting portion corresponding to the no surveyed area of distance, and be different from the distance that detects by described second distance checkout gear by the distance that described first distance detection device detects, described distance adjusting system be set at the distance that detects by described first distance detection device corresponding to the relevant distance of the described liquid ejecting portion of the no surveyed area of described distance and by a value between the distance of described second distance checkout gear detection.

Preferably, described distance detection device detects the liquid ejection surface of described each liquid ejecting portion and the reference range between the liquid reference surface of falling on a plurality of positions of the direction of arranging along liquid ejecting portion, also comprise:

The correction value calculation element, when by described checkout gear when the described reference range that detects on a plurality of positions of liquid ejecting portion arranged direction changes, this device is according to the described reference range that is detected on a plurality of positions by described distance detection device, calculates the correction value that is used for determining corresponding with each the described liquid ejecting portion liquid spray deflection amount that is provided by described injection direction arrangement for deflecting; And

The calculated value storage device is used to store the result calculated of being undertaken by described correction value calculation element,

Wherein said spray deflection amount determines that device is with reference to described tables of data, and, determine the amount of corresponding with each the described liquid ejecting portion liquid spray deflection that provides by described injection direction arrangement for deflecting according to the described distance that detects by described distance detection device, the liquid target location and of falling by the correction value of described correction value storage device stores.

Preferably, be provided with holding member in a side that by described relative motion device is described shower nozzle loading liquid injection target, when the liquid surface that falls of liquid injection target was touched, this holding device made the distance that falls between the liquid surface in the jeting surface of described shower nozzle and liquid injection target keep constant; And wherein said distance detection device is installed like this: make the matter wave of emission and the back wave that obtains from the matter wave of emission, spray on the direction of relative movement of target at described shower nozzle and liquid, pass through between described shower nozzle and described holding member.

According to fourth aspect present invention, a kind of liquid injection apparatus is provided, it comprises:

The injection direction arrangement for deflecting, a plurality of direction deflections that are used for making the liquid injection direction that sprays from the nozzle of each liquid ejecting portion to arrange along liquid ejecting portion;

The relative motion device is used to make shower nozzle and liquid to spray relative motion between the target, drops on described liquid by the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each liquid ejecting portion and sprays on the target;

The range information deriving means is used at the relative motion device shower nozzle and liquid being sprayed between the target in the relative motion, obtains the range information of the distance between the liquid surface that falls of the liquid ejection surface of relevant each liquid ejecting portion and liquid injection target;

A tables of data, be used to limit with respect to the liquid ejection surface of each liquid ejecting portion and liquid spray target the distance between the liquid surface of falling, from the spray deflection amount of the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each liquid ejecting portion with from the liquid target location that falls of the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each liquid ejecting portion; And

The spray deflection amount is determined device, be used for the comparable data table and according to the range information that obtains by the range information deriving means and the liquid target location that falls of liquid, the amount corresponding to the liquid spray deflection of each liquid ejecting portion that provides by the injection direction arrangement for deflecting is provided.

According to fifth aspect present invention, a kind of liquid jet method is provided, be used to utilize the shower nozzle atomizing of liquids, be arranged with a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle, so that the direction deflection of arranging along liquid ejecting portion from the injection direction of the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each described liquid ejecting portion, this liquid jet method comprises the steps:

Limit in advance with respect to the liquid ejection surface of each described liquid ejecting portion and liquid spray target the distance between the liquid surface of falling, from the spray deflection amount of the liquid of the described nozzle ejection of each described liquid ejecting portion and from the liquid target location that falls of the liquid of the described nozzle ejection of each described liquid ejecting portion; And

When the injection direction from the liquid of the nozzle ejection of described each liquid ejecting portion remains when the direction that spout part is arranged is deflected, spray target emitting material ripple to liquid, receive the back wave that produces, the liquid ejection surface that detects each described liquid ejecting portion according to the back wave that receives and liquid spray the distance between the liquid surface of falling of target, and according to describedly detect distance, the spray deflection amount of fall liquid target location and qualification in advance determines the spray deflection amount corresponding to the liquid of described each liquid ejecting portion.

According to sixth aspect present invention, a kind of liquid jet method is provided, be used to utilize the shower nozzle atomizing of liquids, be arranged with a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle, so that the direction deflection of arranging along liquid ejecting portion from the injection direction of the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each described liquid ejecting portion, this liquid jet method comprises the steps:

Limit in advance with respect to the liquid ejection surface of each described liquid ejecting portion and liquid spray target the distance between the liquid surface of falling, from the spray deflection amount of the liquid of the described nozzle ejection of each described liquid ejecting portion and from the liquid target location that falls of the liquid of the described nozzle ejection of each described liquid ejecting portion;

The liquid ejection surface and the liquid that obtain relevant each described liquid ejecting portion according to the relative motion of shower nozzle and liquid injection target spray the range information of the distance between the liquid surface that falls of target; And

According to the described range information that obtains, fall the liquid target location and the spray deflection amount that limits is in advance determined spray deflection amount corresponding to the liquid of each described liquid ejecting portion.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a kind of liquid injection apparatus is provided, it comprises a shower nozzle, is arranging a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle; The injection direction arrangement for deflecting, the direction deflection that is used for making the liquid injection direction that sprays from the nozzle of each liquid ejecting portion to arrange along liquid ejecting portion; Distance detection device is used to detect the distance between the liquid surface of falling that the liquid ejection surface of shower nozzle and liquid spray target; And the spray deflection amount determines device, and the result who is used for detecting according to distance detection device is provided by the amount of the liquid spray deflection that provided by the injection direction arrangement for deflecting.

Of the present invention above-mentioned aspect in, the injection direction arrangement for deflecting can make the liquid injection direction deflection of spraying from the nozzle of each liquid ejecting portion.In order to determine the spray deflection amount, the distance between the liquid surface of falling of the liquid ejection surface that distance detection device detects shower nozzle and liquid injection target.According to the result who detects, the spray deflection amount determines that device determines the amount of deflection that liquid sprays.

Therefore, even the present invention changes between the liquid surface in the liquid ejection surface and the falling of target of liquid injection of shower nozzle, also can set a suitable amount of deflection.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of liquid injection apparatus is provided, it comprises a shower nozzle, is arranging a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle; The injection direction arrangement for deflecting, a plurality of direction deflections that are used for making the liquid injection direction that sprays from the nozzle of each liquid ejecting portion to arrange along liquid ejecting portion; The relative motion device is used to make shower nozzle and liquid to spray relative motion between the target, and the liquid that sprays in the injection of each liquid ejecting portion drops on liquid and sprays on the target; Distance detection device, it is arranged on that side of spraying target with respect to the relative motion device loading liquid of shower nozzle, it sprays target emitting material ripple to liquid, receive the back wave that produces, the distance between the liquid surface of falling according to the liquid ejection surface of the back wave tracer liquid spout part that receives and liquid injection target, when the relative motion device makes shower nozzle and liquid spray the target relative motion, sequentially detect distance then; Tables of data, be used to limit liquid from the nozzle of each liquid ejecting portion with respect to this apart from the spray deflection amount of spraying with from the inking target location of the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each liquid ejecting portion; Reach the spray deflection amount and determine device, be used for the comparable data table and, determine to provide the amount of the liquid spray deflection of each liquid ejecting portion of correspondence by the injection direction arrangement for deflecting according to the distance that detects by distance detection device and the inking target location of liquid.

Of the present invention above-mentioned aspect in, the injection direction arrangement for deflecting can make the liquid injection direction deflection of spraying from the nozzle of each liquid ejecting portion.For the amount of deflection that determine to spray, the distance between the liquid surface of falling of the liquid ejection surface that distance detection device detects shower nozzle and liquid injection target.In addition, distance detection device is sprayed target emitting material ripple to liquid, with the detection distance, and sequentially detects distance in shower nozzle and the relative motion of liquid injection target.Distance detection device is by realizing sequence detection spraying under the situation that target do not come in contact with liquid.Therefore, distance detection device can detect frequently.Because this distance is sequentially to detect in shower nozzle and the relative motion of liquid injection target, so distance detection device can immediately detect the change of distance.

Simultaneously, the inking target of the liquid that goes out with respect to distance with from the nozzle ejection of each liquid ejecting portion of tables of data limits the amount of deflection of injection.

The spray deflection amount determines that device is benchmark and the spray deflection amount of determining each liquid ejecting portion according to the distance that detects and inking target location with the tables of data.Therefore, even change in the liquid ejection surface of shower nozzle and the distance that falls between the liquid surface of liquid injection target, the present invention also can set suitable amount of deflection according to the relative motion between shower nozzle and the liquid injection target.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of liquid injection apparatus is provided, it comprises a shower nozzle, is arranging a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle; The injection direction arrangement for deflecting, a plurality of direction deflections that are used for making the liquid injection direction that sprays from the nozzle of each liquid ejecting portion to arrange along liquid ejecting portion; The relative motion device is used to make shower nozzle and liquid to spray relative motion between the target, and the liquid that sprays in the injection of each liquid ejecting portion drops on liquid and sprays on the target; The range information deriving means is used at the relative motion device shower nozzle and liquid being sprayed between the target in the relative motion, obtain relevant liquid ejecting portion and the range information between the liquid surface of falling of liquid ejection surface and liquid injection target.A tables of data, be used for spraying the distance between the liquid surface of falling of target with respect to the liquid ejection surface of liquid ejecting portion and liquid, limit liquid from the nozzle of each liquid ejecting portion with respect to this apart from the spray deflection amount of spraying with from the inking target location of the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each liquid ejecting portion; Reach the spray deflection amount and determine device, be used for the comparable data table and, determine to provide the amount of the liquid spray deflection of corresponding each liquid ejecting portion by the injection direction arrangement for deflecting according to the range information that obtains by the range information deriving means and the liquid target location that falls of liquid.

Of the present invention above-mentioned aspect in, the injection direction arrangement for deflecting can make the liquid injection direction deflection of spraying from each liquid ejecting portion.In order to determine the spray deflection amount, spray relative motion between the target according to shower nozzle and liquid, liquid injection apparatus makes the range information of the distance between the liquid surface of falling of liquid ejection surface that the range information deriving means obtains relevant liquid ejecting portion and liquid injection target.When known to as the liquid that includes the printed circuit board (PCB) of circuit pattern spray target each position apart from the time, the range information deriving means obtains range information.

Simultaneously, tables of data limits the spray deflection amount with respect to the liquid target location that falls of distance and the liquid that sprays from the nozzle of liquid ejecting portion.

The spray deflection amount is determined device comparable data table, and determines the spray deflection amount of each liquid ejecting portion according to the liquid target location that falls of range information that obtains and liquid.For example, spray the distance of each position of target if learnt liquid, therefore, when even the distance between the liquid surface of falling of spraying target at the liquid ejection surface of shower nozzle and liquid changes, according to the relative motion between shower nozzle and the liquid injection target, the present invention can set suitable amount of deflection under the situation of not carrying out distance detection step.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the decomposition diagram of the shower nozzle of the expression ink-jet printer of using liquid injection apparatus of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is plan view and the cutaway view that the thermal resistance layout of ink-jet part at length is shown;

It is deflection how that Fig. 3 illustrates inkjet direction;

Fig. 4 A and 4B are that the China ink of the thermal resistance of two separation of expression produces the curve map that concerns between time difference of steam bubble and the ink-jet angle; Fig. 4 C represents that the China ink of the thermal resistance of relevant two separation produces the measurement data of the time difference of steam bubble;

Fig. 5 is the circuit diagram of expression injection direction arrangement for deflecting;

Fig. 6 A and 6B represent to determine according to the spray deflection amount of the first embodiment of the present invention device is how to determine amount of deflection, the situation when Fig. 6 A relates to distance H=L1, and the situation of Fig. 6 B when relating to distance H=L2;

Fig. 7 is the side view of structure of schematically representing the printer of second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is the plane of the printer among Fig. 7.This plane has been removed a printing paper conveying driving system;

Fig. 9 is the front view of the printer among Fig. 8.This figure sees and looks into printer and obtain from pack into a section face in the straight line shower nozzle part of printing paper;

Figure 10 is a side view of at length representing the position relation between straight line shower nozzle and the sensor;

Figure 11 is the block diagram of expression sensor (distance detection device), tables of data and spray deflection amount counting circuit, and this spray deflection amount counting circuit is as determining device according to the spray deflection amount of second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 represents tables of data;

Figure 13 is the front view of straight line shower nozzle, and this illustrates China ink is that three liquid ejecting portion that how are called " N-1 ", " N " and " N+1 " by name are sprayed;

Figure 14 is the side view of expression when printing paper example of variable in distance during without any bossing of use;

Figure 15 represents the third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 16 is the block diagram of expression fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 A and 17B represent conventional art when ink-jet angular deflection α, are how to print on different printing paper P1 of paper thickness and P2.

The specific embodiment

Referring now to accompanying drawing one embodiment of the present of invention are described.

[first embodiment]

Fig. 1 is the decomposition diagram of the shower nozzle 11 of the expression ink-jet printer (being designated hereinafter simply as " printer ") of using liquid injection apparatus of the present invention.Nozzle plate 17 is fixed on the barrier layer 16.But Fig. 1 illustrates the decomposition view of nozzle plate 17.

In shower nozzle 11, substrate parts 14 comprises the semiconductor-based end 15 and the thermal resistance 13 made with silicon or similar material, and this thermal resistance is corresponding with energy generating apparatus of the present invention and be deposited on the surface at the semiconductor-based end 15.Thermal resistance 13 links to each other with circuit described later by the current-carrying part (not shown) that is formed at semiconductor-based the end 15.

Barrier layer 16 usefulness are for example made at the dry film barrier material of exposure after-hardening.This barrier layer at first is formed on the whole surface of the thermal resistance 13 that is used for the semiconductor-based end 15.Utilize photolithography process to remove unnecessary portions then.

Nozzle plate 17 has a plurality of nozzles 18.The for example Ni-based electrode moulding technology of this nozzle plate utilization is made.It is connected on the barrier layer 16, the position of nozzle 18 is overlapped with the position of thermal resistance 13, promptly nozzle 18 is facing to thermal resistance 13.

A black liquid box 12 (corresponding to fluid chamber of the present invention) surrounds thermal resistance 13 and comprises substrate parts 14, barrier layer 16 and nozzle plate 17.More particularly, substrate parts forms a lower wall of black liquid box 12; Barrier layer 16 forms a sidewall of black liquid box 12; Nozzle plate 17 forms a upper wall of black liquid box 12.China ink liquid box 12 has an opening, and it is arranged in the preceding right side of Fig. 1 and is communicated with black flow passage (not shown).

Shower nozzle 11 generally includes a hundreds of thermal resistance 13 and includes the black liquid box 12 of thermal resistance 13.According to the instruction from the printer control section, shower nozzle 11 is selected suitable thermal resistance, and makes the nozzle 18 in the face of black liquid box 12 spray China ink from the black liquid box 12 of the selected thermal resistance of correspondence.

China ink is provided by the print cartridge (not shown) that links to each other with shower nozzle, to fill black liquid box 12.Pulse current flows through thermal resistance 13 as 1 to 3 microsecond in the short time.Then, thermal resistance 13 promptly is heated.Therefore, produce black steam bubble in the part that contacts with thermal resistance.Then, the China ink of generation bubble expands, and discharges a certain amount of China ink (China ink boiling).As a result, nozzle 18 ejects China ink with ink droplets, and they drop on the printing paper (liquid injection target).Almost the volume with the China ink of discharging and contacting with nozzle 18 is identical to spray black volume.

In this manual, comprise that the part of black liquid box 12, the nozzle 18 that is positioned at the thermal resistance 13 of black liquid box 12 and is positioned at thermal resistance 13 tops are called as " ink-jet part (liquid ejecting portion) ".In shower nozzle 11, be arranged with a plurality of ink-jet parts.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of shower nozzles 11 are along the direction setting of printing paper width, to form the straight line shower nozzle.In this example, a plurality of ozzle discs (shower nozzle 11 that does not have nozzle plate 17) are set at first, then that a nozzle plate 17 (black liquid boxes 12 couplings of all of its location and each ozzle disc) is fixing, to form the straight line shower nozzle.

Fig. 2 is plan view and the cutaway view that the layout of ink-jet thermal resistance 13 partly at length is shown.In the plan view of Fig. 2, the line of nozzle 18 usefulness single-points is represented.

As shown in Figure 2, the thermal resistance 13 of two separation of present embodiment hypothesis is arranged in the single black liquid box 12.The thermal resistance of two separation is arranged on the direction that nozzle 18 is provided with (left and right directions of Fig. 2).

When a thermal resistance 13 vertically was separated into two parts, the thermal resistance width was reduced to half, and length remains unchanged.Therefore, the resistance of final thermal resistance 13 becomes 2 times.When the thermal resistance 13 of two separation was series connection, this just meaned that the thermal resistance 13 with 2 times of resistances connects.Therefore, resistance become 4 times (this value be one between the thermal resistance of not considering to arrange among Fig. 2 13 apart from the time calculate).

In order to make the China ink boiling in the black liquid box 12, must be by certain electric energy being applied to heat hot resistance 13 on the thermal resistance 13.What produce when its objective is the utilization boiling can spray China ink.If resistance is little, then must increase electric current.But when the resistance of thermal resistance 13 raises, utilize less current just can make the China ink boiling.

To be used for the mobile transistor of electric current and other device size then and reduce, to save bigger space.When the thickness of thermal resistance 13 reduces, can increase resistance.But when considering the material selected to thermal resistance 13 and their length (durability), can make the thickness of thermal resistance 13 be reduced to the degree that surpasses certain limit.In these cases, by thermal resistance is separated, and the thickness that does not reduce them increases the resistance of thermal resistance 13.

When the thermal resistance 13 of two separation was positioned at single black liquid box 12, the generation steam bubble time that thermal resistance 13 need be heated to China ink its boiling temperature was set usually like this, is about to the boiling temperature that resistance 13 side by side is heated to China ink.If the generation steam bubble asynchronism(-nization) of two thermal resistances 13, then ink-jet angle out of plumb, thus make inkjet direction deflection.

Fig. 3 illustrates inkjet direction.In Fig. 3, when black i vertically is ejected into the jeting surface of black i (surface of printing paper P), black i sprays with the direction shown in the Z, and does not deflect.But if inkjet direction deflection makes spray angle from vertical direction deflection θ angle (along Z1 or the Z2 direction of Fig. 3), then the displacement of the inking position of black i is as follows:

ΔL＝H×tanθ

Symbol H represents the end of nozzle 18 and the distance between the printing paper P, i.e. the ink discharging surface of hydrojet part and the distance between the inking surface.For common ink-jet printer, this distance H is approximately 1 to 2mm.Therefore, suppose that distance H remains on about 2mm.

Distance H need keep substantially constant.Its reason is that if distance H changes, then the position, whereabouts of black i also changes.In other words, when black i sprayed perpendicular to printing paper P, even the distance H slight change, the position that black i falls did not change yet.On the other hand, if when spraying in a manner described, black i deflects, and then the position of being dropped on of black i changes according to the change of distance H.

Fig. 4 A and 4B are the curve maps that concerns between time difference of generation China ink bubble of thermal resistance 13 of two separation of expression and the ink-jet angle.This graphical representation is calculated Simulation result.In this curve, directions X be nozzle 18 direction (orientation of thermal resistance 13) is set, and the Y direction is perpendicular to directions X (direction that printing paper is carried).Fig. 4 C is the curve of expression measurement data.For the time difference of the China ink bubble of the generation between the thermal resistance 13 of representing two separation, the trunnion axis of curve represent between the thermal resistance 13 of two separation as half of the difference between current of deflection current.The vertical pivot of curve is represented the side-play amount (supposing that jeting surface and the distance between the inking position on the printing paper are approximately equal to 2mm) of inking position.Fig. 4 C expresses the deflection spraying of China ink, and wherein above-mentioned deflection current is superimposed upon in the thermal resistance 13 of two separation, and the principal current of 80mA flows through thermal resistance 13 simultaneously.

If there is the time difference that produces steam bubble between two thermal resistances 13 of the separation in the orientation that is arranged on nozzle 18, then the ink-jet angle is not vertical, shown in Fig. 4 A to 4C.Ink-jet angle θ on the nozzle arrangement direction * (from the amount of vertical direction deflection and consistent with symbol theta Fig. 3) increases along with the increase of the time difference that produces steam bubble.

Present embodiment has utilized above-mentioned feature.Present embodiment provides the thermal resistance 13 of two separation and changes the electric weight of the electric current that flows to thermal resistance 13, thereby improved the time difference of the generation steam bubble between two thermal resistances 13.In this manner, the direction (injection direction arrangement for deflecting) of present embodiment deflection injection.

If because the error of for example making makes the resistance of thermal resistance 13 of two separation unequal, then improved the time difference of the generation steam bubble between two thermal resistances 13.Therefore, ink-jet angle out of plumb, thus make inking location deflection normal condition.But, when the magnitude of current of the thermal resistance 13 that flows to two separation changes,, when two thermal resistances 13 are producing steam bubble and equate on the time, can make that the ink-jet angle is vertical with the time difference of the generation steam bubble of controlling each thermal resistance 13.

For example when inkjet direction during from the original injection direction deflection of the shower nozzle 11 that is used for one or more specific straight line shower nozzles, for injection direction can not vertically be ejected into the lip-deep shower nozzle 11 of the inking of printing paper owing to the error of for example making, can revise.Therefore, China ink can vertically spray.

In addition, have only an of shower nozzle 11 or the inkjet direction of two or more specific ink-jet parts to be deflected.For example, if the inkjet direction of specific ink-jet part is not parallel to the inkjet direction that partly sprays from other ink-jet, the inkjet direction that a deflection should specific ink-jet part then, when final inkjet direction is parallel to partly inkjet direction of other ink-jet till.

And inkjet direction can be by following mode deflection.

For example, when China ink does not deflect ground when injected from ink-jet part N with near the ink-jet of ink-jet part N part (N+1), suppose that the China ink of injection from ink-jet part N and ink-jet part (N+1) arrives inking position n and inking position (n+1) respectively.In this case, China ink is injected without deflection from spout part N, when arriving inking position n till.But also deflection inkjet direction makes the China ink that sprays from spout part N arrive inking position (n+1).

Similarly, China ink is injected without deflection from spout part (N+1), when arriving inking position (n+1) till.But also deflection inkjet direction makes the China ink of ejection from spout part (N+1) arrive inking position n.

If owing to for example block in the ink-jet part (N+1), then under normal circumstances China ink can not arrive inking position (n+1).Then owing to lose a point, the shower nozzle 11 that can assert use is defectiveness.

But in these cases, from ink-jet part N, or can deflect, make it to arrive inking position (n+1) from China ink near injection the ink-jet part (N+2) of the opposite side of ink-jet part (N+1) near ink-jet part (N+1) side.

Describe the injection direction arrangement for deflecting now in detail.Injection direction arrangement for deflecting of the present invention comprises a current mirror circuit (current mirror circuit) (hereinafter referred to as the CM circuit).

Fig. 5 is the circuit diagram of expression injection direction arrangement for deflecting of the present invention.Describe now and be used for illustrating the element that circuit is connected with circuit.

Resistance R h-A shown in Fig. 5 is two above-mentioned thermal resistances that separate 13 with Rh-B.These resistance are connected in series.A resistance power supply Vh is set, voltage is imposed on resistance R h-A and Rh-B.

Circuit shown in Fig. 5 comprises transistor M1 to M21.Transistor M4, M6, M9, M11, M14, M16, M19 and M21 are the PMOS transistors.Other transistor is a nmos pass transistor.In the circuit shown in Fig. 5, transistor M2, M3, M4, M5 and M6 have constituted the CM circuit.Circuit shown in Fig. 5 is four CM circuit altogether.

In circuit, the grid of transistor M6 links to each other with the grid of drain electrode with transistor M4.In addition the drain electrode of transistor M4 and M3 respectively with the drain electrode of transistor M6 and M5 interconnection.This is applicable to other CM circuit.

Be included in the transistor M4 in the CM circuit, M9, the drain electrode of M14 and M19, and transistor M3, M8, the drain electrode of M13 and M18 is connected on the mid point between resistance R h-A and the Rh-B.

Transistor M2, M7, M12 and M17 are used separately as the constant current supply of CM circuit.Their drain electrode is connected to transistor M3, and M8 is on the source electrode of M13 and M18.

The drain electrode of transistor M1 is connected in series on the resistance R h-B.When injection execution input switch A was converted to ON (1), transistor M1 became ON, and like this, electric current just flows to resistance R h-A and Rh-B.

Be connected respectively to transistor M1 with the output of door (AND gates) X1 to X9, M3, M5 etc. are until on the M20.With door X1 to X7 be the dual input type, and with door X8 and X9 be three imported.Be connected on the injection execution input switch A with at least one input of door X1 to X9.

Be used for logic with (XNOR) door X10, X12, the input of X14 and X16 is connected on the yawing moment selector switch C.Another input is connected deflection gauge tap J1, on J2 or the J3, or is connected on the jet angle correction switch S.

Yawing moment selector switch C selects a direction (nozzle arrangement direction), and inkjet direction deflects on this direction.When the yawing moment selector switch became ON (1), the input of logic fellow disciple X10 was set at 1.

Deflection gauge tap J1 to J3 is used for determining the amount of injection direction deflection.For example, if the deflection gauge tap becomes ON (1), then logic fellow disciple X10 input is set at 1.

The output of logic fellow disciple X10 to X16 is connected to and door X2, and X4 is until the input of X8, and by not gate X11, X13 is connected to and door X3 until X17, and X5 is until the input of X9.Be connected on the jet angle correction K switch with the input of door X8 and X9.

Deflection amplitude control end B is used for determining the amplitude of single deflection stride (step).It determines transistor M2, and M7 is until the current value as the constant current supply of CM circuit of M17, and is connected to transistor M2, and M7 is on the grid of M17.Can make deflection amplitude be set to 0 by this end is set to 0V.When this end was set to 0V, the current settings of power supply was 0, so just do not have deflection current to flow, thereby the setting amplitude was 0.When this terminal voltage increased gradually, current value increased gradually, thereby had relatively large deflection current to flow, and had so just improved deflection amplitude.

In other words, by controlling the voltage that will impose on this end, can keep suitable deflection amplitude.

Be connected to the source electrode of the transistor M1 on the resistance R h-B and be used for providing the transistor M2 of constant current, the source electrode of M7 etc. be short-circuit ground (GND) to the CM circuit.

In said structure, be used for the bracketed numeral (connection of * N (N=1,2,4 or 50) expression element in parallel of transistor M1 to M21.For example, symbol " * 1 " (M12 to M21) represents to set up standard element.The standard component that symbol " * 2 " (M7 to M11) expression is provided with is equivalent to the parallel connection of two standard components.The element that symbol " * N " expression is provided with is equivalent to the parallel connection of N standard component.

Be used for transistor M2, M7, the bracketed numeral of M12 and M17 is respectively " * 4 ", " * 2 ", " * 1 " and " * 1 ".Therefore, when applying suitable voltage between these transistorized grids and ground, the transistor drain electric current is in 4: 2: 1: 1 ratio.

The working condition of the circuit shown in Fig. 5 is described now.Comprise transistor M3 but at first notice is only concentrated on, M4 is on the CM circuit of M5 and M6.

Spray execution input switch A and only when ink-jet, become ON (1).

For example, when applying A=1, B=2.5V, C=1, J3=1, logic fellow disciple * 10 outputs are 1 o'clock, this output 1 and value A=1 enters and * 2.Then, be output as 1 with door * 2.Therefore, transistor M3 becomes ON.

Exporting when logic fellow disciple * 10 is 1, and described not gate X11 is output as at 0 o'clock.This output 0 and value A=1 enter and door * 2.Then, be output as 0 with door * 2.Therefore, transistor M5 becomes OFF.

The drain electrode of transistor M4 and M3 interconnects, and the drain electrode of transistor M6 and M5 interconnects.So when in a manner described, transistor M3 is in ON, when M5 became OFF simultaneously, electric current flowed to M3 from transistor M4; But there is not electric current to flow to transistor M5 from transistor M6.The feature of CM circuit is when not having electric current to flow through transistor M6, also not have electric current to flow through M4.In addition, the voltage of 2.5V is applied to the grid of transistor M2.Therefore, in these cases, use according to this voltage, electric current flows to transistor M2 from transistor M3, and does not have electric current from transistor M4, flows out among M5 or the M6.

Under above-mentioned state, the grid of transistor M5 is in OFF.Therefore, there is not current direction transistor M6.Because it is the speculum that is used to flow to the electric current of transistor M6, so also there is not current direction transistor M4.In fact, identical electric current I _hFlow to resistance R h-A and Rh-B.But when the grid of transistor M3 was in ON, the mid point from resistance R h-A and Rh-B to transistor M3 obtained the current value determined by transistor M2.Therefore, the current value of being determined by transistor M2 only is added in the electric current that flows to resistance R h-A.Therefore, I _Rh-A＞I _Rh-B

Top description has been handled under the situation of C=1.Be described in the situation of C=0 now, promptly have only the different situation of the input of yawing moment selector switch C (according to above-mentioned, other switch A, B and J3 are 1)

When C=0 and J3=1, being input as of logic fellow disciple X10 (0,1 (A=1)).Therefore, be output as 0 with door X2.As a result, transistor M3 is in OFF.

When logic fellow disciple X10 was output as 0, not gate X11 was 1.So, be input as (1,1 (A=1)) of door X3.As a result, transistor M5 is in ON.

When transistor M5 is in ON, current direction transistor M6.Then, because the characteristic of CM circuit, electric current also flows to transistor M4.

Then, resistance power supply Vh makes current direction resistance R h-A, transistor M4 and transistor M6.The electric current that flows to resistance R h-A all flows to resistance R h-B (because M3 is in OFF, not being diverted to transistor M3 so flow out the electric current of resistance R h-A).Because transistor M3 is in OFF, all flows to resistance R h-B so flow to the electric current of transistor M4.Flow to the current direction transistor M5 of transistor M6.

As mentioned above, when C=1, the electric current that flows to resistance R h-A is diverted to resistance R h-B and transistor M3.But when C=0, the electric current that flows to resistance R h-A all flows to resistance R h-B with the electric current that flows to transistor M4.Therefore, flow to the electric current of resistance R h-A less than the electric current that flows to resistance R h-B.More than when C=1 two strands of electric currents and when C=0 more than ratio between two strands of electric currents be symmetrical.

In a manner described, when the magnitude of current that flows to resistance R h-A and Rh-B mutually not simultaneously, produce the increase of time difference between the thermal resistance 13 of two separation of steam bubble.This makes that injection direction can deflection.

For the situation of C=1 and C=0, can select to spray the symmetric position in the orientation, to limit the yawing moment of China ink.

Above description only relate to the situation that deflection gauge tap J3 becomes ON/OFF, still,, when deflection gauge tap J2 and J1 become ON/OFF, flow to the mode that the electric current of resistance R h-A and Rh-B can less increment and adjust when except deflection gauge tap J3.

More particularly, deflection gauge tap J3 controllable flow is to the electric current of transistor M4 and M6.Deflection gauge tap J2 can control the electric current that flows to transistor M9 and M11.Deflection gauge tap J1 controllable flow is to the electric current of transistor M14 and M16.

As previously mentioned, drain current can flow to transistor M4 and M6, transistor M9 and M11 and transistor M14 and M16 with 4: 2: 1 ratio.Then, black yawing moment can change more than 8 strides (steps), this stride have 3 bits deflection gauge tap J1 to J3 ((J1, J2, J3)=(0,0,0), (0,0,1), (0,1,0), (0,1,1), (1,0,0) (1,0,1), (1,1,0) and (1,1,1)).

In addition, when being applied to transistor M2, M7, when the grid of M12 and M17 and the voltage between the ground changed, the magnitude of current also changed.Therefore, when flowing to the transistor drain electric current and remain on 4: 2: 1 ratio, can change the amount of deflection of every stride.

In addition, utilize yawing moment selector switch C, can select the symmetric position of nozzle arrangement direction, to limit the yawing moment of China ink.

For the straight line shower nozzle, can adopt staggered (zigzag) to arrange, so that a plurality of shower nozzle 11 is arranged on the direction of printing paper width, and make shower nozzle 11 approach opposed facing position (positions, angle that the adjacent shower nozzle of the position deviation of a shower nozzle is 180 °).In these cases, if transmit universal signals from deflection gauge tap J1 to J3 to two adjacent shower nozzles 11, then the yawing moment of a shower nozzle 11 is opposite with the yawing moment of another shower nozzle 11.Therefore, present embodiment is equipped with yawing moment selector switch C, so that whole yawing moments of shower nozzle 11 change symmetrically.

Therefore, by forming a plurality of shower nozzles 11 under the situation of straight line shower nozzle with the zigzag pattern arrangement, as the shower nozzle that is in the even number position (shower nozzle N, N+2, N+4 or the like) value C is set at 0 o'clock, and is in shower nozzle (shower nozzle N+1, the N+3 of odd positions, N+5 or the like) value C is set at 1 o'clock, and all shower nozzles 11 that constitute the straight line shower nozzle are set at identical yawing moment.

The something in common of jet angle correction switch S and K and deflection gauge tap J1 to J3 is that they all make inkjet direction deflection.But in fact, jet angle correction switch S and K are used to revise the ink-jet angle.

Jet angle correction K switch is used for determining whether the ink-jet angle should be revised.During correction, it revises the ink-jet angle when K=1, and does not revise the ink-jet angle when K=0.

Jet angle correction switch S is used for determining to revise direction with respect to the direction of nozzle arrangement.

For example, if K=0 (the ink-jet angle is not repaired), then with three inputs of door X8 and X9 in one be 0.So, with the output of door X8 and X9 all be 0.So, transistor M18 and M20 become OFF.Therefore, transistor M19 and M21 also become OFF.Like this, the electric current that flows to resistance R h-A and Rh-B remains unchanged.

On the other hand, for example, if S=0 and C=1, in this case, K=1, logic fellow disciple X16 is output as 1.So, (1,1,1) enters and door X8.Thereby it is output as 1.Like this, transistor M18 becomes ON.In addition, be set at 0 with the input of door X9, so transistor M20 becomes OFF by not gate X17.Because transistor M20 is OFF, so there is not electric current to flow through transistor M21.

Because the characteristic of CM circuit does not have electric current to flow through transistor M19 yet.But transistor M18 is ON.So the mid point electric current between resistance R h-A and Rh-B flows out.Therefore, electric current flows to transistor M18.Like this, it is little to flow to the comparable magnitude of current that flows to resistance R h-A of the magnitude of current of resistance R h-B.So just can revise the ink-jet angle and utilize the scheduled volume on the nozzle arrangement direction to shift the inking position.

Above-mentioned present embodiment has carried out the correction of 2 bits, and this correction is provided by jet angle correction switch S and K.Yet,, can carry out meticulousr correction if the quantity of switch increases.

As switch J1 to J3, when S, K were used for the deflection inkjet direction, electric current (deflection current Idef) can be represented by the formula:

(formula 1) Idef=J3 * 4 * Is+J2 * 2 * Is+J1 * Is+S * K * Is

＝(4×J3+2×J2+J1+S×K)×Is

In formula 1, will be worth+1 or-1 give J1, J2 and J3 will be worth+1 or-1 give S.To be worth+1 or 0 give K.

Can find out obviously that from formula 1 setting of deflection current can be by changing J1, the setting of J2 and J3 changes 8 above strides.In addition, can utilize S and K to revise, with J1, the setting of J2 and J3 is irrelevant.

The setting of deflection current can change more than four on the occasion of stride and four above negative value strides.So, the ink-jet yawing moment can with respect to the nozzle arrangement direction setting towards left to or towards right.With reference to Fig. 3, inkjet direction can be with respect to vertical direction (the direction Z1 among Fig. 3) deflection θ angle left, or with respect to vertical direction (the direction Z2 among Fig. 3) deflection θ angle to the right.This is worth θ, and promptly amount of deflection can be set on demand.

To that is to say when distance H changes (when the distance between ink discharging surface and the inking surface changes) now, when the thickness of printing paper changes, will adjust the ink-jet angle and to do explanation.

Printer according to present embodiment comprises distance detection device, the distance between the ink discharging surface of its detection shower nozzle 11 and the inking surface of printing paper.

Distance detection device can directly detect the distance between the inking surface of ink discharging surface and printing paper, or determines distance by the thickness (paper is thick) that detects printing paper.In the present embodiment, distance detection device uses sensor to realize the detection of adjusting the distance.

The optical pickocff, pressure sensor or other sensor that are used to read relevant light, pressure, displacement or other physical quantity can be used as the sensor that distance detects.

For example, if use optical pickocff, it is provided with a photocell and a light receiving element, and they are configurations like this: photocell is launched light to printing paper, and light receiving element receives from the light of printing paper reflection.Measure the distance between the inking surface of ink discharging surface and light-struck printing paper according to the reverberation that receives.

If the working pressure sensor, it presses to the surface (inking surface) of printing paper.Measure final force value and compare with predetermined reference value (force value of benchmark paper thickness).Thickness according to computation paper as a result relatively.Then according to the distance between the inking surface of paper thickness gauge calculation (detection) ink discharging surface of calculating and printing paper.

Printer comprises that also the spray deflection amount determines device.This spray deflection amount determines that device determines the hydrojet amount of deflection, and this amount is provided by the injection direction arrangement for deflecting according to by the above-mentioned testing result that obtains apart from arrangement for deflecting.

In the present embodiment, determine that apart from amount of deflection device will impose on the voltage (for example can use D/A converter to provide digital control) of deflection amplitude control end B according to above testing result control.

As previously mentioned, transistor M2, M7 and M12 be * 4: * 2: * 1 ratio.Therefore, their drain current is 4: 2: 1 a ratio.Utilize deflection amplitude control end B can make the magnitude of current change 8 above strides.Thereby the amount of deflection of ink-jet can be adjusted 8 above strides.Undoubtedly, if transistorized quantity increases, the quantity that the magnitude of current can increase is come change.

Fig. 6 A and 6B express the spray deflection amount and determine how device determines amount of deflection.Suppose that as shown in Figure 6A, jet angle (maximum deflection amount) is set in α, the distance H between the inking surface of ink discharging surface and printing paper P1 equals a reference value L1 simultaneously.As previously mentioned, when deflection gauge tap J1 to J3 was 3 bits, jet angle α changed 8 above strides.

In these cases, if on the thickness printing paper P2 thicker, print, then detect the distance H (H=L2) between ink discharging surface and the printing paper P2 than printing paper P1.Determine jet angle β according to testing result, make China ink drop on the inking position, or drop on the position near this inking position with jet angle α.

In Fig. 6 A, when the distance H between ink discharging surface and the printing paper P1 equaled L1, inking position range (maximum) X1 that jet angle α forms was as follows:

X1＝2×L1×tan(α/2)

Therefore, even the distance H between ink discharging surface and printing paper P2 equals L2, shown in Fig. 6 B, inking scope (maximum) X2 that jet angle β forms should be:

Therefore, should be controlled at the voltage at deflection amplitude control end B place, make jet angle β satisfy following formula.

When controlling in a manner described,,, also can determine best jet angle, and make inkjet direction deflection even be printed on the different various printing paper P of paper thickness when going up even when the varied in thickness of printing paper P, that is to say.

Distance detection device needn't always be used the sensor, for example can adopt some other following method.

First kind of selectable method is, receive for example information of the relevant printing paper (blank sheet of paper, art paper, photographic paper etc.) that uses, it is when printing, transmitted with print data, according to the information that receives, be used for determining the printing paper characteristic, and the distance between the inking surface of the hydrojet surface of detection shower nozzle 11 and printing paper P.For example, the benchmark paper thickness of relevant various types of printing papers can be stored in the memory, determining the thickness of employed paper according to the benchmark paper thickness data of information that receives and storage, and detect distance according to the thickness of determined paper.

Second kind of selectable method is that reception is input in the computer, or is directly inputted to the information in the printer, and according to the information that receives, is used for determining the printing paper characteristic, the distance between the inking surface of detection ink discharging surface and printing paper P.For example, when utilizing operating means, when importing, can receive, determine the thickness of used paper, and detect above-mentioned distance according to the paper thickness of determining with mode same as described above about the printing paper kinds of information as computer keyboard or other input unit.

[second embodiment]

The existing second embodiment of the present invention of describing.

Even when the thickness of printing paper changes, when promptly printing on having the various printing papers of different-thickness, first embodiment also can determine best ink-jet angle and make inkjet direction deflection.

But if when the ink zone thickness on a printing paper is different, first embodiment just can not correctly work.On the other hand, second embodiment thickness of test paper constantly.If the thickness at the paper midway of print procedure changes, then second embodiment determines best ink-jet angle once more.

Fig. 7 is the side view of structure of schematically representing the printer of second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 is the plane of the printer among Fig. 7.This plan view has been removed a horizontal drive system that is used for printing paper P3.Fig. 9 is the front view of printer shown in Fig. 8.This figure watches printer to obtain from the part that printing paper is sent to straight line shower nozzle 10.

As shown in Figs. 7-9, the apparent height or the thickness that are used for the printing paper P3 of second embodiment change.More particularly, part inking surface region has projection Q.

The straight line shower nozzle 10 of printer is arranged in a straight line and obtain by the printing paper width with above-mentioned shower nozzle 11.

Printer uses the relative motion device, so that the relative motion of straight line shower nozzle 10 with printing paper P3 to be provided.More particularly, straight line shower nozzle 10 makes printing paper P3 with respect to 10 motions of straight line shower nozzle for what fix.The structure of transmission drive system corresponding with the relative motion device, that be used for printing paper P3 as shown in Figure 7.Its structure is described below.

Four feeding-in rolls 23 are arranged on the upstream (be positioned at be transmitted printing paper P3 on the part of straight line shower nozzle 10) of straight line shower nozzle.Two feeding-in rolls 23 that are lower than printing paper P3 are driven and rotation by motor or other drive unit (not shown).All the other two feeding-in rolls 23 are positioned at the top (towards location, China ink surface) of printing paper P3.Holding member 22 is installed in above the printing paper P3.Two springs 24 are installed in the downside of holding member 22.Feeding-in roll 23 is installed in the lower end of spring 24 in mode free to rotate.

In this case, because the effect of spring 24, the feeding-in roll 23 that is positioned at printing paper P3 top can move up and down.Therefore, even the projection Q on printing paper P3 when the feeding-in roll 23, also only is to have compressed spring 24.So just applied very constant compression force, the feeding-in roll 23 that is positioned at printing paper P3 top is crushed on the printing paper P3.

Printing paper P3 is clipped between above-mentioned four feeding-in rolls 23, and is transferred towards the direction of straight line shower nozzle 10.

Backing roll 25 is located immediately at straight line shower nozzle 10 belows basically, and near the inking position.Backing roll 25 is from following surface bearing printing paper P3, changes to prevent the distance (gap) between the surface of the ink discharging surface of print procedure cathetus shower nozzle 10 and printing paper P3.

A pair of exit roller 26 is positioned at the downstream of straight line shower nozzle 10.Printing paper P3 is clipped between the exit roller 26 and is transmitted.The exit roller 26 that is positioned at printing paper P3 below is installed in the feeding-in roll 23 identical modes that are positioned at printing paper P3 below, and is driven and rotation by motor or other drive unit (not shown).Be positioned at the exit roller 26 of printing paper P3 top,, be installed in the front end of the spring 24 that links to each other with predetermined parts in the identical mode of feeding-in roll 23 that is positioned at printing paper P3 top.More particularly, the exit roller 26 that is positioned at printing paper P3 is installed in mode free to rotate.

When feeding-in roll 23 and exit roller 26 rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, transmit printing paper P3 with the direction of arrow indication in Fig. 7 or 8, and the nozzle 18 that is included in the liquid ejecting portion of the shower nozzle 11 in the straight line shower nozzle 10 carries out ink-jet in said structure.The ink of described injection drops on the described printing paper then.

And distance detection device corresponding sensor 21 of the present invention is above the printing paper drive access and between straight line shower nozzle 10 and feeding-in roll 23.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of sensors 21 (being provided with 6 sensors in the example shown in Fig. 8 and 9) are set, and they are arranged (along the direction of liquid ejecting portion arrangement) along the length direction of straight line shower nozzle 10.Align with the ink discharging surface of straight line shower nozzle 10 in the detection surface of sensor 21, as shown in Figure 7.

Sensor 21 is to the inking surface-emitting laser (pulsed light) of printing paper P3, reception is from the light of inking surface reflection, and according to the catoptrical wavelength that receives, the distance H between the inking surface of the ink discharging surface of detection of straight lines shower nozzle 10 and printing paper P3, as shown in Figure 7.

As shown in Figure 9, the sensor 21 of present embodiment has the predetermined detection scope of itself, and they are arranged along the arranged direction of liquid ejecting portion.Therefore, the distance H of a plurality of sensors 21 energy measurements under each liquid ejecting portion of straight line shower nozzle 10 that is provided with for straight line shower nozzle 10.

More particularly, the sensor 21 of present embodiment can scan to surpass the 40mm maximum sweep width fast along the direction that liquid ejecting portion is arranged.Sensor 21 is finished a circulation with 30 microseconds, 1000 data points altogether among the width 40mm.Therefore, when pressing shown in Fig. 8 and 9 when 6 sensors 21 are installed, their 6000 data points altogether in width 240mm.

For example, if a straight line shower nozzle 10 has 5120 liquid ejecting portion, then 6 sensors 21 can be measured the distance H under all 5120 liquid ejecting portion basically.

Figure 10 is a side view of at length representing the position relation between straight line shower nozzle 10 and the sensor 21.The straight line shower nozzle 10 of present embodiment is colored straight line shower nozzle, and it is to arrange by the direction that above-mentioned shower nozzle 11 is arranged along liquid ejecting portion to obtain, thereby constitutes colored straight line shower nozzle (four kinds of colors (Y, M, C and K) are arranged in example shown in Figure 10).

In these cases, on the printing paper direction of transfer, the distance (L11 to L14 among Figure 10) between the inking position of the test point of sensor 21 and various colored straight line shower nozzles is different mutually.Therefore, these distance L 11 to L14 are stored in the memory in advance, so that can determine according to the distance L 11 to L14 of storage and the transfer rate of printing paper from the distance H of the liquid ejecting portion of each colored straight line shower nozzle.

Figure 11 is the block diagram of expression sensor 21 of the present invention (distance detection device), tables of data 31 and spray deflection amount counting circuit 32, and this spray deflection amount counting circuit is determined device as the spray deflection amount.

When sensor 21 detected the distance H of each liquid ejecting portion in a manner described, the result of detection was sent to spray deflection amount counting circuit 32.According to the testing result that sensor 21 produces, the spray deflection amount of spray deflection amount counting circuit 32 comparable data tables 31 and definite each liquid ejecting portion.

Tables of data 31 limits the spray deflection amount of the China ink that will spray from liquid ejecting portion, this amount changes with the inking destination locations of the China ink that detects distance H and will spray from liquid ejecting portion.

Figure 12 represents tables of data 31.

At Fig. 3, under the situation of Figure 12, suppose that the ink discharging surface of straight line shower nozzle 10 and the distance between inking surface (upper surface of printing paper P3) are H, and amount of deflection Δ L be China ink by directly from straight line shower nozzle 10 (when China ink by perpendicular to the inking jet surface time) distance between the main inking position (using the solid arrow surface among Figure 12) with in ink-jet deflection time the, main inking position (shown in the dotted arrow Figure 12) when spray the below.

Figure 12 supposes that also jet angle γ is the angle between ink discharging surface and the ink-jet yawing moment.In the example of Figure 12, suppose jet angle γ such as above-mentioned angle.But as shown in Figure 3, the angle between vertical surface and the inking surface (being θ in Fig. 3) can be described as jet angle (in example shown in Figure 12, γ=90 °-θ).

In these cases, when distance H and amount of deflection Δ L give regularly in a manner described, the function that jet angle γ can be used as distance H and amount of deflection Δ L is determined.

Tables of data 31 stores the relation between distance H, amount of deflection Δ L and the jet angle γ in advance.

So, when distance H transmits as the result who is detected by sensor 21, spray deflection amount counting circuit 32 comparable data tables 31, and according to tables of data 31 calculating jet angles.Then, spray deflection amount counting circuit 32 is sent to control circuit 33 with final jet angle data as series data.

According to jet angle data that transmit and the driving signal that is used for ink-jet, control circuit 33 control straight line shower nozzles 10 are promptly controlled from the injection of the China ink of each liquid ejecting portion.

Control circuit 33 also determines to be applied to the voltage on the deflection amplitude control end B of the circuit shown in Fig. 5, so that obtain jet angle according to the jet angle data that transmit from spray deflection amount counting circuit 32.

Above-mentioned control is always carried out when continuous injection.In other words, when transmitting printing paper P3, sensor 21 constantly detects distance H, thereby and the result that will detect be sent to spray deflection amount counting circuit 32.In addition, spray deflection amount counting circuit 32 constantly carries out the calculating to each pixel line, should be to determine which liquid ejecting portion with jet angle γ ink-jet, and in real time result calculated is sent to control circuit 33.In this case, distance (L11 to L14) between the ink jetting position of the test point of sensor 21 and each colored straight line shower nozzle is considered to the distance shown in Figure 10, so that be provided with, make the pixel line correctly corresponding to testing result that produces by sensor 21 and the jet angle γ that tries to achieve as the calculating of testing result.

The ink-jet control of being undertaken by control circuit 33 is described now.Figure 13 is the front view of the liquid ejecting portion of straight line shower nozzle 10.This illustrates China ink is how by being designated as " N-1 ", and three liquid ejecting portion of " N " and " N+1 " eject.

In an example shown in Figure 13, leave projection Q by the inking position that liquid ejecting portion " N-1 " provides.The inking position that is provided by liquid ejecting portion " N " is in the border of projection Q.The inking position that is provided by liquid ejecting portion " N+1 " is on projection Q.

Example shown in Figure 13 is not only perpendicular to printing paper P3 ink-jet, but also the direction that the China ink of injection is dropped on arrange along liquid ejecting portion is from the position of vertical inking position deflection amount Δ L.

In these cases, if the distance between the inking surface of the jeting surface of liquid ejecting portion " N-1 " and printing paper P3 is H1, then sensor detects distance H 1.So spray deflection amount counting circuit 32 uses following formula to calculate and makes the jet angle α of ink-jet from upright position deflection amount Δ L:

α＝tan ^-1(ΔL/H1)

Control circuit 33 determines to impose on the voltage of deflection amplitude control end B in the above-mentioned mode that jet angle α is provided then, and controls from the China ink of liquid ejecting portion " N-1 " from spraying.

For liquid ejecting portion " N ", according to mode same as described above, the jet angle α when calculating the amount of deflection Δ L of deflection left from the upright position.

Jet angle β when on the other hand, utilizing following formula to calculate the amount of deflection Δ L of deflection to the right from the upright position:

β＝tan ^-1(ΔL/H2)

Control circuit 33 determines to impose on the voltage of deflection amplitude control end B in the mode that above-mentioned jet angle β is provided then, and controls from the China ink of liquid ejecting portion " N " from spraying.

When adopting liquid ejecting portion " N ", partly drop under the situation on the projection Q (depending on inkjet direction) at China ink, can use identical jet angle (α or β).This just can make used control scheme simplify.For example, under the situation of liquid ejecting portion " N " ink-jet, if jet angle is set at α, and deflection to the right, final displacement will can not setovered about a point (dot) significantly.So the control scheme can be simplified in a manner described.

For liquefaction spout part " N+1 ", China ink is injected on the projection Q.So jet angle is from α to β, and to make amount of deflection be Δ L.

Figure 14 is expression when the side view of the printing paper that uses example of distance H variation during without any bossing.This figure is corresponding with Fig. 7.

As shown in figure 14, printing paper P4 is transmitted towards straight line shower nozzle 10 directions, and printing paper P4 front end curls.

In printer, the China ink of injection by straight line shower nozzle 10 downside and the space between the upper surface (inking surface) of printing paper P4.Therefore, roller, fixator and other parts that are pressed in printing paper P4 upper surface can not be installed in this space.Generally have only backing roll 25 (or other support unit or like) can support printing paper P4 from straight line shower nozzle 10 belows.

The printing paper that feeding-in roll 23 is installed in straight line shower nozzle 10 loads side.These feeding-in rolls 23 not only are sent to straight line shower nozzle 10 with printing paper P4, but also contact with the inking surface (upper surface among the figure) of printing paper P4, and are constant with the H that keeps at a distance.

In these cases, sensor installation 21 makes emitted laser and laser light reflected by between straight line shower nozzle 10, feeding-in roll 23 and other holding member, and other holding member is arranged on the printing paper direction of transfer (left-hand among the figure or dextrad).

So if the front end of printing paper P4 curls, then distance H changes with curling.

But, before the sensor 21 that present embodiment uses just is positioned at the printing paper P4 of straight line shower nozzle 10 belows, so that detect distance H.So even when printing paper P4 curls, present embodiment also can as far as possible accurately detect the distance H that changes with curling.

[the 3rd embodiment]

Figure 15 represents the third embodiment of the present invention.The 3rd embodiment is the remodeling of second embodiment.The 3rd embodiment is work like this: China ink is dropped on have on the printing paper P3 of projection Q, but the sensor that uses is different from sensor in a second embodiment.

As shown in figure 15, the superfine laser of the 3rd embodiment sensor 21A emission.

As shown in figure 15, each shower nozzle 11 in the straight line shower nozzle 10 all is provided with a sensor 21A.Can guarantee that like this 11 in a shower nozzle detects a locational distance H.

So, between sensor 21A, have the not surveyed area of distance H.

As shown in figure 15, suppose corresponding to N the sensor 21A (N) of N shower nozzle 11 and detect distance H between the inking surface of the jeting surface of N shower nozzle 11 and printing paper P3 as H1.

As shown in figure 15, also suppose corresponding to N+1 the sensor 21A (N+1) of N+1 shower nozzle 11 and detect distance H between the inking surface of the jeting surface of N+1 shower nozzle and printing paper P3 as H2.

In these cases, can determine locational distance in Laser emission.But the locational distance H between the Laser emission position is ignorant.

As shown in figure 15, when the distance H of supposing N shower nozzle 11 is H1, and the distance H of N+1 shower nozzle 11 is H2, then change to the position of H2 from H1 in distance H, i.e. boundary between N shower nozzle 11 rightmost liquid ejecting portion and N+1 shower nozzle 11 leftmost liquid ejecting portion, the jet angle flip-flop.This just means that sizable change has taken place jet angle.The change of this jet angle may be comparatively obvious when the inking position transfer.If as described above, printing paper apparent height flip-flop, then this does not constitute problem.But,, be can the generation problem if apparent height changes gradually.

In order to address the above problem, the 3rd embodiment is provided with distance adjusting system.

If between N and N+1 sensor, there is the non-surveyed area of distance H, then there is liquid ejecting portion corresponding to this non-surveyed area, and different distance H is by detecting near the sensor 21A (N) of non-surveyed area and 21A (N+1) (N and N+1 sensor), and distance adjusting system will be set at corresponding to the distance H of the liquid ejecting portion of non-surveyed area by the distance H 1 of N sensor 21A (N) detection and by (H2＜the H＜H1) of a value between the distance H 2 of N+1 sensor 21A (N+1) detection then.

Particularly in the example of Figure 15, standardized line that connects the detection position of N sensor 21A (N) to the detection position of N+1 sensor 21A (N+1) is with (1) expression.The mode that changes to another liquid ejecting portion from a liquid ejecting portion gradually with distance H is calculated the distance H of each liquid ejecting portion then.Another kind of mode is that distance H is divided into a plurality of strides, sets fixing distance H for several liquid ejecting portion, and calculates distance H, makes distance H from several liquid ejecting portion change to another gradually, with (2) expression.

For example, the spray deflection amount counting circuit 32 according to second embodiment can combine with the function of distance adjusting system.

Such scheme also can be applicable to install the situation of the sensor 21 of second embodiment.In a second embodiment, the 6th sensor 21 can detect with respect to the distance H that relates to all liq spout part.Yet, being less than for example 6 sensors 21 if install, non-surveyed area appears between sensor 21.In this case, distance adjusting system should be set in a manner described,, make the distance H can flip-flop on the direction that liquid ejecting portion is arranged to set the distance H of each liquid ejecting portion.

[application of second embodiment and the 3rd embodiment]

When

sensor

21 or 21A accurately install with respect to straight line shower nozzle 10, can detect distance H exactly.

But when if

sensor

21 or 21A accurately do not install with respect to straight line shower nozzle 10, the distance H that is detected by

sensor

21 or 21A can produce error.Therefore, the ink discharging surface of the liquid ejecting portion in the straight line shower nozzle 10 detection surface best and

sensor

21 or 21A aligns.

For example, by checking whether the jeting surface of verifying the liquid ejecting portion in the straight line shower nozzle 10 correctly is positioned on the direction (flatly being positioned on the inking surface) of liquid ejecting portion arrangement.Test do not have the inspection of position skew after,

sensor

21 or 21A are along the reference range that detects on a plurality of positions of the liquid ejecting portion orientation of straight line shower nozzle 10 between ink discharging surface and the inking reference surface.In this case, when not having printing paper, for example by the said reference distance is detected as the inking datum level in the upper surface of backing roll 25.

If the result who detects shows, the position of said reference distance from a plurality of positions changes to another position, then calculate the correction value (correction value calculation element) of liquid ejecting portion, store result calculated (correction value storage device) then in advance according to the reference range that detects.

Then, spray deflection amount counting circuit 32 is answered comparable data table 31, the distance that obtains detecting, the liquid destination locations and of falling by the correction value of correction value storing device for storing by

sensor

21 or 21A, and determine the liquid spray deflection amount of each liquid ejecting portion, this amount is provided by the injection direction arrangement for deflecting.

When accurately locate with respect to the inking surface of straight line shower nozzle 10 on the detection surface of

sensor

21 or 21A, even straight line shower nozzle 10 is crooked or the printing paper area supported (backing roll 25 of Fig. 7) that is arranged under the ink discharging surface is crooked, also can under the situation of not carrying out above-mentioned correction, accurately put pen to paper.

In these cases, the distance H that detects by different mutually liquid ejecting portion.So, individually determine the ink-jet angle according to the distance H of each liquid ejecting portion.Thereby under the situation that has projection Q on the inking surface of printing paper P3, can obtain identical result.

[the 4th embodiment]

Figure 16 is the block diagram of expression fourth embodiment of the invention.This figure is corresponding with Figure 11 of expression second embodiment.

The 4th embodiment is not provided with distance detection device, as sensor 21, but replaces with the included range information deriving means 34 of the 4th embodiment.

Range information deriving means 34 is according to the transmission of printing paper, obtains the ink discharging surface of relevant straight line shower nozzle 10 and the information of the distance between the inking surface (about the information of distance H, information that can decipherment distance H).

For example indicated that by external host computers that combines with this printer from or paper sheet thickness device transmits described range information.

Identical with the situation of second embodiment, range information deriving means 34 is sent to spray deflection amount counting circuit 32 with the range information that obtains.Identical among the processing of being undertaken by spray deflection amount counting circuit 32 and second embodiment.

As mentioned above, in fact the 4th embodiment does not utilize sensor 21 or similar device to detect distance H, but with as one man set described distance H from printer or from the instruction that the device of printer outside receives.

Present embodiment can be applied to the situation that for example applies protective layer to printed circuit board (PCB).

If the pattern on printed circuit board (PCB) is known, then can be in the distance H on the diverse location of determining printed circuit board (PCB) under the situation that the H that needn't adjust the distance accurately measures.

As mentioned above, if when distance H is known in advance, the range information that then obtains is convertible into data, and range information deriving means 34 is allowed to obtain final range data, and it is sent to spray deflection amount counting circuit 32, then can obtain the identical advantage of situation that detects according to the transmission of printing paper with sensor 21.

The present invention has now been described according to the preferred embodiment.But the present invention is not limited to above preferred embodiment, but can expand in the following various modification.

The thermal resistance 13 of 2 separation is provided (1) in the above-described embodiments.But also can select to provide the thermal resistance 13 of 3 or more separation.Another selection is that the substrate from single non-separation forms thermal resistance, conductor (electrode) for example is connected at thermal resistance crooked basically (as U-shaped roughly) lip-deep turning point place, the main heat energy generating unit lease making of ink-jet is crossed the turning point that is roughly curved surface be divided at least two parts, make at least one major part and at least another major part produce the heat energy of varying level, and control the deflection of inkjet direction according to this difference.

(2) in the example that uses the second and the 3rd embodiment, use laser to detect distance H.But also can select various other matter waves (electromagnetic wave, light wave, ultrasonic wave or the like) to detect distance H.In the second and the 3rd embodiment, use laser or other pulsed light, detect distance H according to the wavelength difference between emission light and the reverberation.If the use ultrasonic wave can detect distance H by the time interval between the moment of measuring the reflection supersonic wave of launching hyperacoustic moment and reception.

Among (3) second embodiment, the ink discharging surface and the Laser emission surface of the liquid ejecting portion in the straight line shower nozzle 10 are in same surface.But also can be chosen between the Laser emission surface of ink discharging surface in the straight line shower nozzle 10 and sensor 21 skew is provided.In this case, the side-play amount that is provided should be stored in the memory, to calculate distance H according to the result of sensor 21 detections and the side-play amount of storage.This also is suitable for the 3rd embodiment.

(4) in a second embodiment, the four corner in the orientation of the liquid ejecting portion of straight line shower nozzle 10 obtains to detect the zone of distance H basically.If but as a rule, do not print on the obvious erratic printing paper having, then also can reduce the quantity of sensor 21, always do not obtaining in the gamut basically so that detect the zone of distance H.

Industrial applicability

When the deflection of liquid injection direction, even spray the liquid table that falls of target in liquid ejection surface and liquid Distance between the face changes, and the present invention also can set suitable deflection amount. Therefore, have even use The liquid of different-thickness sprays target, and the present invention can guarantee that liquid can drop on the suitable position.

In addition, even when the variation of the surface of single liquid injection target, the present invention also can just set thereupon True deflection amount.

Claims

1. liquid injection apparatus comprises:

2. according to the liquid injection apparatus of claim 1, the distance between the liquid surface of falling of the liquid ejection surface that the thickness that wherein said distance detection device is sprayed target by tracer liquid detects described shower nozzle and liquid injection target.

3. according to the liquid injection apparatus of claim 1, wherein said distance detection device comprises a sensor that is used to read the information of relevant light, pressure, skew or other physical quantity; Wherein said sensor detects the distance between the liquid surface of falling that the liquid ejection surface of described shower nozzle and liquid spray target.

4. according to the liquid injection apparatus of claim 1, wherein said distance detection device receives and is used for determining that liquid sprays the information of the characteristic of target, and according to the information that receives, the distance between the liquid surface of falling of the liquid ejection surface that detects described shower nozzle and liquid injection target.

5. according to the liquid injection apparatus of claim 1, wherein said distance detection device receives from the information of characteristic described liquid injection apparatus or the device input that is electrically connected with described liquid injection apparatus and that be used for determining liquid injection target, and according to the information that receives, the distance between the liquid surface of falling of the liquid ejection surface that detects described shower nozzle and liquid injection target.

6. according to the liquid injection apparatus of claim 1, wherein each described liquid ejecting portion comprises that one is used to hold the sap cavity of the liquid that will spray and is positioned at described sap cavity, generation go out the liquid of sap cavity from nozzle ejection the produce power device of energy; The direction that wherein a plurality of described produce power devices are arranged along liquid ejecting portion is arranged in the described sap cavity; And wherein said injection direction arrangement for deflecting causes the energy generation difference between another device at least of at least one device and described a plurality of produce power devices in a plurality of produce power devices in the described at least sap cavity, and the liquid injection direction that sprays from the described nozzle of each described liquid ejecting portion of deflection.

7. according to the liquid injection apparatus of claim 1, wherein each described liquid ejecting portion comprises that one is used to hold the sap cavity of liquid to be sprayed and is positioned at described sap cavity, generation spray the liquid of described sap cavity from described nozzle the produce power device of energy; Wherein said produce power device is arranged on the semiconductor-based basal surface, makes the major part of the energy be used to produce atomizing of liquids be divided into a plurality of parts; And wherein said injection direction arrangement for deflecting causes that the energy between another part at least in described a plurality of parts of at least one part in described a plurality of parts of described produce power device and described produce power device produces difference, and the liquid injection direction that sprays from the described nozzle of each described liquid ejecting portion of deflection.

8. liquid jet method, it utilizes the shower nozzle atomizing of liquids, is arranged with a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle, and this liquid jet method comprises the steps:

9. liquid injection apparatus, it comprises:

10. according to the liquid injection apparatus of claim 9, wherein said distance detection device is sprayed target transmitted pulse light to liquid, receives the reverberation that produces, and detects described distance according to the catoptrical wavelength that receives.

11. according to the liquid injection apparatus of claim 9, wherein said distance detection device is by spraying target emission ultrasonic wave and measuring the moment of ultrasonic wave emission and time interval of receiving between moment of back wave of generation is detected described distance to liquid.

12. according to the liquid injection apparatus of claim 9, wherein said distance detection device comprises a plurality of distance detection device of arranging along the directions of liquid ejecting portion layout with the distance detection device of ranked first and second distance checkout gear; Also comprise distance adjusting system, if between described first distance detection device of the arranged direction that is arranged in liquid ejecting portion and described second distance checkout gear, there is the no surveyed area of distance, have liquid ejecting portion corresponding to the no surveyed area of distance, and be different from the distance that detects by described second distance checkout gear by the distance that described first distance detection device detects, described distance adjusting system be set at the distance that detects by described first distance detection device corresponding to the relevant distance of the described liquid ejecting portion of the no surveyed area of described distance and by a value between the distance of described second distance checkout gear detection.

13. liquid injection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said distance detection device is on a plurality of positions of the direction of arranging along liquid ejecting portion, detect the liquid ejection surface of described each liquid ejecting portion and the reference range between the liquid reference surface of falling, also comprise:

14. liquid injection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein be provided with holding member in a side that by described relative motion device is described shower nozzle loading liquid injection target, when the liquid surface that falls of liquid injection target was touched, this holding device made the distance that falls between the liquid surface in the jeting surface of described shower nozzle and liquid injection target keep constant; And wherein said distance detection device is installed like this: make the matter wave of emission and the back wave that obtains from the matter wave of emission, spray on the direction of relative movement of target at described shower nozzle and liquid, pass through between described shower nozzle and described holding member.

15. a liquid injection apparatus, it comprises:

16. liquid jet method, be used to utilize the shower nozzle atomizing of liquids, be arranged with a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle, so that the direction deflection of arranging along liquid ejecting portion from the injection direction of the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each described liquid ejecting portion, this liquid jet method comprises the steps:

17. liquid jet method, be used to utilize the shower nozzle atomizing of liquids, be arranged with a plurality of liquid ejecting portion that nozzle is housed in the shower nozzle, so that the direction deflection of arranging along liquid ejecting portion from the injection direction of the liquid of the nozzle ejection of each described liquid ejecting portion, this liquid jet method comprises the steps: