CN1754697A

CN1754697A - Liquid ejection apparatus, drive signal application method, and liquid ejection method

Info

Publication number: CN1754697A
Application number: CN 200510104198
Authority: CN
Inventors: 田村登
Original assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Current assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Priority date: 2004-09-29
Filing date: 2005-09-29
Publication date: 2006-04-05
Also published as: JP2013006424A; JP5212459B2; JP2011063033A; JP2014237321A; JP2013129205A; JP5729412B2; JP5846258B2; JP5333637B2

Abstract

The liquid ejection apparatus includes: (A) a drive signal generation section generating first and second drive signals to be applied to an element that can execute a liquid-ejection operation; (B) a data output section outputting first selection data for setting an application state of the first drive signal to the element, and second selection data for setting an application state of the second drive signal to the element; (C) a data inspection section inspecting the first and second selection data having been output from the data output section, and outputting inspected first selection data and inspected second selection data, wherein if the first and second selection data indicate that the first and second drive signals are to be applied to the element simultaneously, then the data inspection section continues to output the inspected first- and inspected second selection data that had been output up to then; and (D) a switch section including a first switch that controls application of the first drive signal to the element based on the inspected first selection data, and a second switch that controls application of the second drive signal to the element based on the inspected second selection data. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a plurality of switches from entering the ON state simultaneously.

Description

Liquid discharge apparatus, drive signal application method and liquid ejection method

The present invention requires the Japanese patent application No.2004-284789 that submits on September 29th, 2004 and the Japanese patent application No.2004-370760 that submits in the Japanese patent application No.2004-320371 that submits in Japanese patent application No.2004-284790, on November 4th, 2004, the Japanese patent application No.2004-356869 that on December 9th, 2004 submitted, on December 22nd, 2004 and the priority of the Japanese patent application No.2004-381116 that submitted on December 28th, 2004, and it is disclosed in this as a reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, drive signal application method and liquid ejection method.

Background technology

There are various types of liquid discharge apparatus, for example PRN device, colour filter manufacturing equipment and dyeing installation with the element that can carry out ink ejection operation.In recent years, proposed a plurality of driving signals to be applied on the discrete component so that widen amount of liquid that can change ejection thereon or the equipment (for example, referring to JP2000-52570A) that allows to spray the scope of liquid with high-frequency.Utilize such equipment, at a plurality of driving signals each, be provided with and be used for being applied to the switch of controlling on the element driving signal.In addition, this equipment is configured, thereby the required part (that is, driving included a plurality of driving pulses in the signal at each) that each can be driven in the signal optionally is applied on the element.This allows the ejection amount of liquid is carried out various selections.

In order optionally to apply the required part that drives signal, each part at applying is provided with the selection data, and carries out control (for example, referring to JP10-81013A) according to these selection data.In this equipment, will select data to be stored on the register.Register is by disposing such as D-FF (delayed-trigger) circuit.

(1) common, above mentioned register-stored is normally selected data.Yet, for example, because in practice, also there is the possibility that will store abnormal data in noise.For example, under the situation of the register that constitutes by the D-FF circuit, when the input transfering clock, will select data to transfer to adjunct register each time.If noise is transmitted to the signal conductor at transfering clock, then this noise may be identified as transfering clock improperly.When noise is not intended to be identified as transfering clock, these registers will begin to store and the normal different selection data of data of selecting.As a result, exist a plurality of switches to enter the possibility of conducting state simultaneously.When a plurality of switches enter conducting state simultaneously and have the voltage difference that drives between the signal, then exist unexpected electric current will flow through and this equipment is caused the possibility of negative effect.

(2) in addition, utilize aforementioned conventional equipment, when switching between the driving signal on being applied to element, do not carry out special control.Therefore, exist in timing place that these switches are switched, will make a plurality of switches enter the possibility of conducting state simultaneously.When a plurality of switches are in conducting state simultaneously and have voltage difference between the driving signal, between a plurality of drive circuits circulating current may appear.For example, exist electric current from being used for producing a drive circuit that drives signal and flowing out and by being used to produce the example that another drive circuit that drives signal is introduced.This circulating current is such as the unexpected increase that has caused electric current, and this may become noise source.Exist this noise will cause the possibility of negative effect to operation such as equipment.

(3) in addition, utilize above mentioned equipment, generation place from the generation end of a driving pulse to next driving pulse produces the signal with constant voltage.When producing this constant voltage signal, provide the control time section.During this control time section, carry out the switching controls that drives between the signal applying to element and not applying.Yet, utilize this equipment, during this control time section, do not carry out any special control.As a result, exist in timing place that these switches are switched, a plurality of switches may become the possibility of conducting simultaneously.The driving signal that consideration will be applied on the element drives the situation that signal switches to another driving signal from one.In this case, be used to make switch conduction and the logic of ending will with one drive the corresponding logic level of signal and switch to from conducting and end, and will drive the corresponding logic level of signal from by switching to conducting with another.In fact, when attempt carrying out this control, during the transit time of this switching section, this logic is sometimes only simply in conducting with fluctuation between ending.

When making a plurality of switches enter conducting state simultaneously and between the driving signal, having voltage difference, then exist unexpected electric current will flow through and equipment is caused the possibility of negative effect.For example, exist electric current from being used for producing a drive circuit that drives signal and flowing out and by being used to produce the example that another drive circuit that drives signal is introduced.In other words, exist in the situation that occurs circulating current between a plurality of drive circuits.This circulating current is such as the unexpected increase that has caused electric current, and this may become noise source.This noise may cause negative effect to the operation such as equipment.This circulating current also can make the warpage that drives signal, thereby also may cause negative effect to the ejection of ink.

(4) ink-jet printer is known as a class I liquid I discharge apparatus that is used to spray drop.Utilize ink-jet printer, from the head that is arranged on paper and the nozzle the platform (land), spray ink droplet, thereby on paper, form a little.On paper, form countless points, so that on paper, print print image.

It is contemplated that,, will improve the quality of print image by changing the size of the point that on paper, forms.Needless to say, utilizing point such as various sizes such as a little bigger, medium dots and points to form print image will cause than the higher picture quality of point of using unified size.

Yet the point that forms varying dimensions need change the size of the ink droplet that sprays from nozzle.In order to do like this, various types of signals need to be applied to and to be actuated to spray on the element of drop.Traditionally, needed driving signal (for example, referring to JP 9-11457A) with the size number corresponding type number of the ink droplet that will spray.

Yet, increase the type that drives signal and can make the structure of equipment become complicated.

Summary of the invention

Obtained the present invention in order to solve aforesaid problem, therefore, its objective is to prevent that a plurality of switches from entering conducting state simultaneously.

In addition, obtained the present invention, therefore, its objective is to prevent when driving when switching between the signal, preventing that a plurality of switches from entering conducting state simultaneously in order to solve aforesaid problem.

In addition, obtained the present invention in order to solve aforesaid problem, therefore, its objective is prevent be used for applying and do not apply drive the control time section that signal switches during, prevent that a plurality of switches from entering conducting state simultaneously.

In addition, the objective of the invention is only to use the driving signal of several types, the signal of a large amount of types is applied to described element.

The a first aspect of the present invention that realizes above-mentioned purpose is a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprising:

(A) drive the signal generator branch, generation will be applied to first on the element that can carry out the operation that is used to spray liquid and drive signal and second and drive signal;

(B) data output unit, output are used to be provided with first and drive signal and first of the state that applies of described element is selected data and be used to be provided with second to drive signal second of the state that applies of described element is selected data;

(C) data checks part, checking selects data and second to select data from first of data output unit output, and first behind the outgoing inspection selected the second selection data after data and the inspection, wherein, drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element if described first selects data and described second to select the data indication will described first to drive signal and described second, then described data checks partly continue to output to exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after the second selection data; And

(D) switch sections comprises that selecting data to control the described first driving signal according to first after the described inspection selects data to control the second switch that apply of the described second driving signal to described element to first switch that applies of described element and according to second after the described inspection.

The a second aspect of the present invention that realizes above-mentioned purpose is a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprising:

(A) can carry out the element of the operation that is used to spray liquid;

(B) drive the signal generator branch, be used to produce first and drive the signal and the second driving signal;

(C) first switch is used to control first and drives signal applying described element;

(D) second switch is used to control second and drives signal applying described element; And

(E) controller, the driving signal on will being applied to described element drives signal from described first and switches to described second when driving signal, makes described first switch and described second switch all enter cut-off state.

The a third aspect of the present invention that realizes above-mentioned purpose is a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprising:

(A) can carry out the element of the operation that is used to spray liquid;

(B) drive the signal generator branch, be used to produce the first second driving signal that drives signal and have the other unit signal of the operation that has defined described element of a plurality of unit signals with the operation that has defined described element;

(C) first switch is used to control described unit signal applying described element;

(D) second switch is used to control described other unit signal applying described element; And

(E) controller is used for finishing to the time durations of the generation of next described unit signal in the generation since a unit signal, makes described first switch force to enter cut-off state at the fixed time in the section.

The a fourth aspect of the present invention that realizes above-mentioned purpose is a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprising:

(A) record head has a plurality of elements that are provided with accordingly with one of a plurality of nozzles that are used to spray drop;

(B) drive the signal generator branch, produce the first driving signal and the second driving signal different with the first driving signal and that wherein a plurality of waveform portion repeat that wherein a plurality of waveform portion repeat in predetermined period in described predetermined period;

(C) memory, storage are used in the special time period in described predetermined period driving signal and described second from described first and drive signal and select one to drive first of signal and drive signal and select data and be used in the disengaging time section in described predetermined period driving signal and described second from described first to drive signal and select one to drive second of signal and drive signal and select data and be used for selecting the waveform portion of predetermined waveform portion to select data from described a plurality of waveform portion; And

(D) control section is used for described waveform portion is applied on the described element so that drive described element and from the described drop of described nozzle ejection described control section:

In the described special time period of described predetermined period, apply according to described waveform portion selection data, from driving the waveform portion of selecting in a plurality of waveform portion included the selected driving signal of signal selection data based on described first to described element; And

In the described disengaging time section of described predetermined period, apply according to described waveform portion selection data, from driving the waveform portion of selecting in a plurality of waveform portion included the selected driving signal of signal selection data based on described second to described element.

By the following description and drawings, other features of the present invention will become clear.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the figure that describes the configuration of print system;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of computer and printer;

Fig. 3 A shows the figure of the configuration of printer; And Fig. 3 B shows the side view of the configuration of printer;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of describing the structure of record head;

Fig. 5 shows the block diagram of the configuration of drive signal generation circuit;

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of record head controller;

Fig. 7 is the key diagram of control logic;

Fig. 8 is the key diagram of decoder;

Fig. 9 describes first to drive the figure that signal, second drives signal and required control signal;

Figure 10 shows when formation is a little bigger, when forming medium dots and the figure that is applied to the waveform portion on the piezoelectric element when forming point;

Figure 11 is a flow chart of describing printing;

Figure 12 schematically shows the figure that first switch and second switch are in the state of conducting state simultaneously;

Figure 13 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of check circuit;

Figure 14 is the figure that describes the specific example of check circuit;

Figure 15 A is the figure of the customized configuration of data of description determining section; Figure 15 B is the truth table of operation of the NAND gate of data of description determining section; And Figure 15 C is the truth table of operation of another NAND gate of data of description determining section 851;

Figure 16 is the sequential chart of the operation of description and

door

856A and 856B;

Figure 17 is the figure that describes the operation example of printer;

Figure 18 is the figure that describes according to the configuration of optional embodiment;

Figure 19 shows the block diagram of the configuration of record head controller;

Figure 20 is the key diagram of control logic;

Figure 21 is the key diagram of decoder;

Figure 22 describes first to drive the figure that signal, second drives signal and required control signal;

Figure 23 shows when formation is a little bigger, when forming medium dots and the figure that is applied to the waveform portion on the piezoelectric element when forming point;

Figure 24 A schematically shows at switch and regularly locates, the voltage change of switch controlling signal; And Figure 24 B schematically shows the state that has made first switch and second switch be in conducting state simultaneously;

Figure 25 A is the figure that describes the state variation of first switch and second switch; And Figure 25 B is the figure that describes another state variation of first switch and second switch;

Figure 26 shows the figure of the configuration that prevents circuit;

Figure 27 A be describe first switch controlling signal and first with output between the figure of relation; And Figure 27 B be describe the second switch control signal and second with output between the figure of relation;

Figure 28 schematically shows the relation between the resistance change of the timing of the rising edge of commutator pulse and trailing edge and first switch and second switch;

Figure 29 is the figure that describes another embodiment;

Figure 30 is the figure that describes the gate control signal output among another embodiment;

Figure 31 A be describe first switch controlling signal and first with output between the figure of relation; And Figure 31 B is the figure that describes the relation of second switch control signal and second between exporting with door;

Figure 32 A be schematically show at switch regularly locate, the schematic diagram of the voltage change of switch controlling signal; And Figure 32 B schematically shows the state that has made first switch and second switch be in conducting state simultaneously;

Figure 33 shows the figure of the configuration that prevents circuit;

Figure 34 A is the figure that describes the relation of first switch controlling signal and first between exporting with door; And Figure 34 B is the figure that describes the relation of second switch control signal and second between exporting with door;

Figure 35 is the figure that describes according to the main element that prevents circuit of the example of revising;

Figure 36 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of computer and printer;

Figure 37 A shows the configuration according to the printer of embodiment; And Figure 37 B shows the side view of the configuration of printer in this embodiment;

Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of describing the structure of record head;

Figure 39 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of drive signal generation circuit;

Figure 40 is a flow chart of describing print processing;

Figure 41 is the key diagram of two types driving signal COM;

Figure 42 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of record head controller;

Figure 43 is the key diagram of control logic;

Figure 44 is record head control signal and the key diagram of selecting signal;

Figure 45 is the key diagram of decoder;

Figure 46 is input to the pixel data of decoder and from the key diagram of the relation between the switch controlling signal of decoder output;

Figure 47 drives signal, switch controlling signal and is applied to the key diagram that applies the relation between the signal on the piezoelectric element;

Figure 48 schematically describes the figure that makes first switch and second switch be in conducting state simultaneously;

Figure 49 A is the key diagram of normally selecting signal q4 and selecting signal q7; And Figure 49 B is the key diagram of selecting signal q4 unusually and selecting signal q7;

Figure 50 is the key diagram of the control logic of second reference example;

Figure 51 A be when drive waveforms is selected data value for [0], the key diagram of the operation of control logic 84; And Figure 51 B be when drive waveforms is selected data value for [1], the key diagram of the operation of control logic 84;

Figure 52 is the key diagram that applies the relation between the signal on driving signal and the piezoelectric element that is applied to the 4th embodiment;

Figure 53 is the key diagram of the waveform of the various signals among the 4th embodiment;

Figure 54 is the key diagram of the control logic 84 among the 4th embodiment;

Figure 55 A be before input switch signal CSW, the key diagram of the operation of control logic 84; And Figure 55 B be after input switch signal CSW, the key diagram of the operation of control logic 84;

Figure 56 is the key diagram of modified example of the waveform of various signals;

Figure 57 is the key diagram of the setting of the register RG in this modified example.

The specific embodiment

The overview of===the disclosure===

By explanation in this specification and the description in the accompanying drawing, following at least situation will become clear.

Just, can realize a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprise: drive the signal generator branch, generation will be applied to first on the element that can carry out the operation that is used to spray liquid and drive signal and second and drive signal; Data output unit, output are used to be provided with first and drive signal and first of the state that applies of described element is selected data and be used to be provided with second to drive signal second of the state that applies of described element is selected data; The data checks part, checking selects data and second to select data from first of data output unit output, and first behind the outgoing inspection selected the second selection data after data and the inspection, wherein, drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element if first selects data and second to select the data indication to drive signal and second with first, then this data checks partly continue to output to exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after second select data; And switch sections, comprise that selecting data to control the first driving signal according to first after the inspection selects data to control the second switch that apply of the second driving signal to described element to first switch that applies of described element and according to second after checking.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element if select data and second to select the data indication to drive signal and second first from first of data output unit output, then data checks partly continue to output to exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after second select data.Here, exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after second to select data are data of partly being checked by data checks.That is, they are not indicate to drive signal and second with first and drive signal and be applied to selection data on the described element simultaneously.Because by first after checking select data and check after second select data to control first to drive signal and second and drive signal to the applying of described element, can prevent reliably that therefore driving signal and second with first drives signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, data checks part can continue to output to exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after second select data, till can being applied to driving signal on the described element and driving signal and second and drive one of signal and switch to another timing from first.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, in timing place that one of the first driving signal and second driving signal can be switched to another, the second selection data after will selecting data and check according to first after the new inspection be controlled applying of driving signal.Therefore, can carry out smoothly according to the second selection data after selection data of first after the new inspection and the inspection, to driving the control that applies of signal.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, data checks part can continue to output to exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after second select data, till the renewal regularly that the spray volume information of the amount of liquid that will spray indication is upgraded.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, in timing place of upgrading spray volume information, second according to the selection data of first after the new inspection and after checking selects data to carry out driving the control that applies of signal.Therefore, can carry out smoothly according to the second selection data after selection data of first after the new inspection and the inspection, to driving the control that applies of signal.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, data checks partly can comprise: the data determining section is used for determining whether the first selection data and the second selection data exported from data output unit are indicated and the first driving signal and the second driving signal will be applied to described element simultaneously; Determine storage area as a result, be used to store definite result of data determining section; And selection output, if from definite result of data determining section output or will drive signal and second with first in any indication of the definite result who determines to be stored on the storage area as a result and drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element, then select and output to exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after second select data.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, definite result of data determining section is stored on definite storage area as a result, therefore, utilize simple configuration, can be according to determining the stored information of storage area as a result, continue to output to first after the inspection of having exported till this moment select data and check after second select data.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, the data determining sections can define first switch that drives signal regularly and second timing place in forward position that drives the switch commutator pulse regularly of signal, carries out with first and selects definite relevant with the second selection data of data; And select the output can be in timing place on the back edge of commutator pulse, carry out to first after checking select data and check after second selection of selecting data.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, the specified data determining section is carried out the order of determining and selecting the output execution to select reliably.Therefore, can carry out reliably and first selection data of from data output unit, having exported and relevant the determining of the second selection data.

At this liquid discharge apparatus, determine that storage area can reset to the definite result who has stored according to the specific commutator pulse in the switch commutator pulse regularly of the switch timing that has defined the first driving signal and the second driving signal as a result.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, regularly locate determining that storage area resets as a result at first switch that drives the signal and the second driving signal.Therefore, can carry out smoothly according to the second selection data after selection data of first after the new inspection and the inspection, to driving the control that applies of signal.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, data output unit can be exported polytype first selection data and polytype second of classifying according to the spray volume of liquid and select data; And the data determining section can select data and second to select data to determine at first of same type.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, select data and second to select data to determine, therefore, can carry out suitable determining at first of same type.

At this liquid discharge apparatus, select output to comprise: selector switch, if all indicate and the first driving signal and the second driving signal will be applied on the described element simultaneously from definite result of data determining section output or the definite result who on definite storage area as a result, is stored, then select the first selection data and the second selection data from data output unit, exported; And if any at least one indication from definite result of data determining section output or definite result of being stored on determining storage area as a result will drive signal and second with first and drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element, first after then selecting to check select data and check after second select data; And the storage output, being used for driving the switch timing of signal and the switch commutator pulse regularly of the second driving signal according to having defined first, storage and output are by the selected data of selector switch.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, by according to determining that selector switch that the result operates and storage and output assigns to carry out selection and output to data by the storage efferent of the selected data of selector switch.Therefore, utilize this easy configuration, can carry out selection reliably data.

Can also realize a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprise: drive the signal generator branch, generation will be applied to first on the element that can carry out the operation that is used to spray liquid and drive signal and second and drive signal; Data output unit, output are classified according to the spray volume of liquid and are used to be provided with first and drive that signal is selected data to polytype first of the state that applies of described element and classify and be used to be provided with second according to the spray volume of liquid and drive signal polytype second of the state that applies of described element is selected data; (described data checks partly comprises the data determining section to the data checks part, be used for defining first switch that drives signal regularly and the second lead edge timing place that drives the switch commutator pulse regularly of signal, determine that first of the same type exported selects data and second to select data whether to indicate and will drive signal and the second driving signal be applied on the described element simultaneously with first from data output unit; Determine storage area as a result, be used to store definite result of data determining section, and the definite result who has stored is resetted according to the specific commutator pulse in the described commutator pulse; And selection output, (described selection output has selector switch, be used for checking the first selection data and the second selection data exported from data output unit, and first behind the outgoing inspection selected the second selection data after data and the inspection, if from definite result of data determining section output or the definite result who determines to be stored on the storage area as a result all indication to drive signal and second with first and drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element, what then described selector switch was selected to have exported from data output unit first selects data and second to select data; And if any at least one indication from definite result of data determining section output or definite result of being stored on determining storage area as a result will drive signal and second with first and drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element, first after then selecting to check select data and check after second select data; And storage output, be used for driving the switch timing of signal and the switch commutator pulse regularly of the second driving signal according to having defined first, storage and output are by the selected data of selector switch, wherein, if from definite result of data determining section output or will drive signal and second with first in any indication of the definite result who determines to be stored on the storage area as a result and drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element, then described selection output is back along regularly locating commutator pulse, after after the inspection of having exported till selecting and output at this moment first selected data and checked second selected data) wherein, be applied to simultaneously on the described element if first selects data and second to select the data indication the first driving signal and second will be driven signal, then data checks has been exported till partly continuing to output at this moment, the second selection data after data and the inspection are selected in after the inspection first, till will being applied to driving signal on the described element and driving signal and second and drive one of signal and switch to another timing, perhaps till the renewal regularly that the spray volume information of the amount of liquid that will spray indication is upgraded) from first; And switch sections, comprise that selecting data to control the first driving signal according to first after the inspection selects data to control the second switch that apply of the second driving signal to described element to first switch that applies of described element and according to second after checking.

This liquid discharge apparatus has reached above mentioned institute substantially and has produced effect, and therefore, can realize purpose of the present invention most effectively.

In addition, can realize a kind of method that drives signal that applies, comprise: drive signal and produce step, generation will be applied to first on the element that can carry out the operation that is used to spray liquid and drive signal and second and drive signal; Select data output step, output is used to be provided with first and drives signal and first of the state that applies of described element is selected data and be used to be provided with second to drive signal second of the state that applies of described element is selected data; The data checks step, check the first selection data and the second selection data exported, and first behind the outgoing inspection selected the second selection data after data and the inspection, wherein, if that has exported first selects data and second to select data to indicate will to drive signal and second with first to drive signal and not be applied to simultaneously on the described element, then with first select data and second select data be output as first after the inspection select data and check after second select data; And if exported first select data and second to select the data indication to drive signal and second to drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element with first, then continue to output to exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after second select data; And drive signal and apply step, select data to drive signal according to first after checking and be applied on the described element, and select data to drive signal according to second after checking to be applied on the described element the secondth with first.

Can also realize a kind of liquid ejection method, comprise: drive signal and produce step, generation will be applied to first on the element that can carry out the operation that is used to spray liquid and drive signal and second and drive signal; Select data output step, output is used to be provided with first and drives signal and first of the state that applies of described element is selected data and be used to be provided with second to drive signal second of the state that applies of described element is selected data; The data checks step, check the first selection data and the second selection data exported, and first behind the outgoing inspection selected the second selection data after data and the inspection, wherein, if that has exported first selects data and second to select data to indicate will to drive signal and second with first to drive signal and not be applied to simultaneously on the described element, then with first select data and second select data be output as first after the inspection select data and check after second select data; And if exported first select data and second to select the data indication to drive signal and second to drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element with first, then continue to output to exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after second select data; And drive signal and apply step, select data to drive signal according to first after checking and be applied on the described element, and select data to drive signal according to second after checking to be applied on the described element the secondth with first.

Can also realize a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprise: the element that can carry out the operation that is used to spray liquid; Driving signal generator branch is used to produce first and drives the signal and the second driving signal; First switch is used to control first and drives signal applying described element; Second switch is used to control second and drives signal applying described element; And controller, when the driving signal on will being applied to described element switches to the second driving signal from the first driving signal, make first switch and second switch all enter cut-off state.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus,, can make first switch and second switch all enter cut-off state when to will be applied to driving signal on the described element and switch the time.Therefore, can prevent that two switches from entering conducting state simultaneously.Therefore, there is voltage difference, then can prevents the problem that flows through of circulating current even when the driving signal is switched, first, drive between the signal and the second driving signal.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, first switch can be controlled first according to first switch controlling signal and drive signal applying described element; Second switch can be controlled second according to the second switch control signal and drive signal applying described element; And controller can make first switch and second switch all enter cut-off state, and irrelevant with first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus,, can make first switch and second switch all enter cut-off state, even first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal are all indicated conducting state when to will be applied to driving signal on the described element and switch the time.Therefore, can prevent reliably when driving signal and switch, the problem that flows through of circulating current.

At this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can make first switch and second switch all enter cut-off state according to the switch that has defined first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal commutator pulse regularly.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, the timing that makes first switch and second switch enter cut-off state and the timing that first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal are switched can be complementary.Therefore, can prevent reliably when driving signal and switch, the problem that flows through of circulating current.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can be at the lead edge timing place of commutator pulse, forbid first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal, and can locate along timing, enable first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal at the back of commutator pulse.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, according to the lead edge timing of commutator pulse with afterwards along the control of regularly carrying out first switch and second switch.Therefore, can mate reliably regularly at the control of first switch and second switch.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can be forbidden first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal according to commutator pulse, and can enable first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal according to beginning to have passed through when realizing forbidding after the scheduled time.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, first switch and second switch are in the deadline (scheduled time) that ends during can determining, and irrelevant with the duration of time pulse, thereby make the best deadline.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can have the timer that is used to measure this scheduled time.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, measure this scheduled time, thereby can accurately determine deadline by timer.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can comprise: first gate circuit, import first switch controlling signal and gate circuit control signal to it, wherein, if the gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then first gate circuit is exported described first switch controlling signal to first switch; And if the gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then first gate circuit is forbidden first switch controlling signal and is used to make first switch to enter first of cut-off state to the output of first switch and ends control signal; And second gate circuit, to its input second switch control signal and gate circuit control signal, wherein, if the gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then second gate circuit is exported described second switch control signal to second switch; And if the gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then second gate circuit is forbidden the second switch control signal and is used to make second switch to enter first of cut-off state to second switch output and ends control signal; And controller can enter on the time period of cut-off state first switch and second switch, and the gate circuit control signal is set to another predetermined level.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, this configuration is: by the gate circuit control signal first gate circuit and second gate circuit are controlled, thereby be suitable for high speed operation.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, because the variation of resistance value can be switched first switch between conducting state and cut-off state; And because the variation of resistance value can be switched second switch between conducting state and cut-off state.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, when the state to first switch and second switch switches, switching noise will unlikely occur.Therefore, can prevent reliably when when driving signal and switch, the problem that flows through of circulating current.

At this liquid discharge apparatus, preferably, this liquid is the liquid marking ink.

Can also realize a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprise: the element that can carry out the operation that is used to spray the liquid marking ink; Driving signal generator branch is used to produce first and drives the signal and the second driving signal; First switch owing to the variation of resistance value, switches between conducting state and cut-off state, and controls the first driving signal applying described element according to first switch controlling signal; Second switch owing to the variation of resistance value, switches between conducting state and cut-off state, and controls the second driving signal applying described element according to the second switch control signal; And controller (described controller comprises: first gate circuit, import first switch controlling signal and gate circuit control signal to it, wherein, if the gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then first gate circuit is exported described first switch controlling signal to first switch; And if the gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then first gate circuit is forbidden first switch controlling signal and is used to make first switch to enter first of cut-off state to the output of first switch and ends control signal; And second gate circuit, to its input second switch control signal and gate circuit control signal, wherein, if the gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then second gate circuit is exported described second switch control signal to second switch; And if the gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then second gate circuit is forbidden the second switch control signal and is used to make second switch to enter first of cut-off state to second switch output and ends control signal), wherein, when driving signal from first and switch to second when driving signal to being applied to driving signal on the described element, then irrelevant with first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal, at the switch that has defined first switch controlling signal regularly and the lead edge timing place of the commutator pulse of the switch of second switch control signal timing, controller is set to another predetermined level by the gate circuit control signal, forbids first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal so that first switch and second switch all enter cut-off state; And at the timing place, back edge of this commutator pulse, controller is set to predetermined level by the gate circuit control signal and enables first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal; Perhaps, controller also comprises the timer that is used to measure the scheduled time; And when driving signal from first and switch to second when driving signal to being applied to driving signal on the described element, then irrelevant with first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal, controller is set to another predetermined level so that first switch and second switch all enter cut-off state by the gate circuit control signal, forbids first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal according to commutator pulse; And controller is enabled first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal by from making first switch and second switch enter that cut-off state begins to have passed through after the scheduled time, the gate circuit control signal is set to predetermined level.

Can also realize a kind of method that drives signal that applies, comprise: drive signal and produce step, produce the first driving signal and second and drive signal; First drives signal applies step, is used in control first and drives signal first switch that applies of the element of the operation that can carry out ejection liquid is entered conducting state, and drive signal with first and be applied on the described element; Switch is by step, makes first switch and be used to control second to drive signal the second switch that applies of described element is all entered cut-off state; And second drive signal and apply step, makes second switch enter conducting state, and drive signal with second and be applied on the described element.

Can also realize a kind of liquid ejection method, comprise: drive signal and produce step, produce first and drive the signal and the second driving signal; First drives signal applies step, is used in control first and drives signal first switch that applies of the element of the operation that can carry out ejection liquid is entered conducting state, and drive signal with first and be applied on the described element; Switch is by step, makes first switch and be used to control second to drive signal the second switch that applies of described element is all entered cut-off state; And second drive signal and apply step, makes second switch enter conducting state, and drive signal with second and be applied on the described element.

Can realize a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprise: the element that can carry out the operation that is used to spray liquid; Driving signal generator branch, the second driving signal that is used to produce the first driving signal of a plurality of unit signals and has the other unit signal of the operation that has defined element with the operation that has defined element; First switch is used to control unit signal applying described element; Second switch is used to control other unit signal applying described element; And controller, be used for finishing to the time durations of the generation of next unit signal in generation since a unit signal, make first switch force to enter cut-off state at the fixed time in the section.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, controller makes first switch force to enter cut-off state in the generation since a unit signal finishes predetermined amount of time set in the time of the generation of next unit signal.Drive the control of switching between the signal by applying and do not applying first, can prevent that first switch and second switch from entering conducting state simultaneously in execution during this predetermined amount of time.Therefore, can prevent the problem that unexpected electric current flows through.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, first switch can be controlled unit signal applying described element according to switch controlling signal; And controller can be at the fixed time makes first switch enter cut-off state in the section, and irrelevant with switch controlling signal.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, owing to occurred non-required logic level during the section in the transit time of handover operation, controller makes first switch be in cut-off state, even switch controlling signal is indicated conducting state in the section at the fixed time.Therefore, can prevent the problem of a plurality of switches conducting simultaneously, and thereby can prevent the problem that unexpected electric current flows through reliably.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can make first switch enter cut-off state according to the switch that has defined switch controlling signal commutator pulse regularly.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, the timing of timing that makes first switch enter cut-off state and the switching that switch controlling signal occurs can be complementary.Therefore, can prevent the problem that unexpected electric current flows through reliably.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can be in the lead edge timing place of commutator pulse disabled switch control signal, and can enable switch controlling signal at the Hou Yanchu of commutator pulse.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, along timing first switch is controlled according to the lead edge timing and the back of commutator pulse.Therefore, can be reliably with during make time period that first switch is in cut-off state with during the switching of switch controlling signal taken place time period mate.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can be forbidden this switch controlling signal according to commutator pulse, and can be after having realized that forbidding begins to have passed through predetermined amount of time, the disabled switch control signal.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, can determine deadline of first switch and irrelevant, and this makes the best deadline with duration of commutator pulse.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can comprise: the gate circuit circuit, and to its input switch control signal and gate circuit control signal, if the gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then gate circuit is exported described switch controlling signal to first switch; And if the gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then gate circuit is used to make first switch to enter the control signal of ending of cut-off state to the output of first switch; And controller can enter on the time period of cut-off state first switch, and the gate circuit control signal is set to another predetermined level.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, this configuration is: gate circuit is subjected to the control of gate circuit control signal, thereby is suitable for high speed operation.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, can have a plurality of other unit signals by the second driving signal that drives the generation of signal generator branch; And controller can finish in the generation since an other unit signal to the time durations of the generation of next other unit signal, makes second switch force to enter cut-off state in another predetermined amount of time.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, controller makes second switch force to enter cut-off state in another predetermined amount of time that the generation since an other unit signal finishes to be provided with in the time of the generation of next other unit signal.Carry out switching controls by in this another predetermined amount of time, applying and do not apply between the second driving signal, can prevent that first switch and second switch from entering conducting state simultaneously, therefore, can prevent the problem that unexpected electric current flows through.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, second switch can be according to another switch controlling signal, control other unit signal applying described element; And controller can make second switch enter cut-off state in another predetermined amount of time, and irrelevant with another switch controlling signal.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, controller makes second switch be in cut-off state, even owing to occurred non-required logic level during the section in the transit time of handover operation, another switch controlling signal is indicated conducting state during another predetermined amount of time.Therefore, can prevent the problem of a plurality of switches conducting simultaneously, and thereby can prevent the problem that unexpected electric current flows through reliably.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can make second switch enter cut-off state according to the switch that has defined another switch controlling signal another commutator pulse regularly.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, the timing of timing that makes second switch enter cut-off state and the switching that another switch controlling signal occurs can be complementary.Therefore, can prevent the problem that unexpected electric current flows through reliably.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can be forbidden described another switch controlling signal at the lead edge timing place of another commutator pulse, and can enable described another switch controlling signal along the timing place at the back of another commutator pulse.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, control this second switch along timing according to the lead edge timing and the back of another commutator pulse.Therefore, can be reliably with time period of making second switch enter cut-off state with during the switching of another switch controlling signal takes place time period be complementary.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can be forbidden described another switch controlling signal at another commutator pulse, and can enable described another switch controlling signal after realizing that forbidding begins to have passed through another predetermined amount of time.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, can determine deadline of second switch and irrelevant, and this makes the best deadline with duration of another commutator pulse.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, controller can comprise: another gate circuit, import another switch controlling signal and another gate circuit control signal to it, if another gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then another gate circuit is exported another switch controlling signal to second switch; And if another gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then another gate circuit to second switch output be used to make second switch enters cut-off state another by control signal; And controller can enter on the time period of cut-off state second switch, and another gate circuit control signal is set to another predetermined level.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, this configuration is: another gate circuit is subjected to the control of another gate circuit control signal, thereby is suitable for high speed operation.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, preferably, described liquid is the liquid marking ink.

Can also realize a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprise: the element that can carry out the operation that is used to spray the liquid marking ink; Driving signal generator branch, the second driving signal that is used to produce the first driving signal of a plurality of unit signals and has the other unit signal of the operation that has defined element with the operation that has defined element; First switch is used for controlling unit signal applying described element according to switch controlling signal; Second switch is used for controlling other unit signal applying described element according to another switch controlling signal; (described controller comprises gate circuit to controller, and to its input switch control signal and gate control signal, if the gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then gate circuit is exported described switch controlling signal to first switch; And if the gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then gate circuit is used to make first switch to enter the control signal of ending of cut-off state to the output of first switch; Another gate circuit is imported another switch controlling signal and another gate circuit control signal to it, if another gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then another gate circuit is exported another switch controlling signal to second switch; And if another gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then another gate circuit to second switch output be used to make second switch enters cut-off state another by control signal), wherein, finish to the time durations of the generation of next unit signal in generation since a unit signal, controller by operation (promptly, be set to another predetermined level by the gate circuit control signal, in the lead edge timing place of commutator pulse disabled switch control signal; And be set to predetermined level by the gate circuit control signal, and enable switch controlling signal at the back of commutator pulse along place regularly, perhaps, be set to another predetermined level, according to commutator pulse disabled switch control signal by the gate circuit control signal; And by from realize forbidding begin to have passed through predetermined amount of time after, the gate circuit control signal is set to predetermined level, enable switch controlling signal), according to the switch that has defined switch controlling signal commutator pulse regularly, make first switch force to enter cut-off state at the fixed time on the section, and irrelevant with switch controlling signal; And wherein, finish to the time durations of the generation of next other unit signal in generation since an other unit signal, controller by operation (promptly, be set to another predetermined level by another gate circuit control signal, forbid another switch controlling signal at the lead edge timing place of another commutator pulse; And be set to predetermined level by another gate circuit control signal, enable another switch controlling signal at the back of another commutator pulse along the timing place, perhaps, be set to another predetermined level, forbid another switch controlling signal according to another commutator pulse by another gate circuit control signal; And by from realize forbidding begin to have passed through another predetermined amount of time after, another gate circuit control signal is set to predetermined level, enable another switch controlling signal), according to the switch that has defined another switch controlling signal another commutator pulse regularly, on another predetermined amount of time, make second switch force to enter cut-off state, and irrelevant with another switch controlling signal.

Can also realize a kind of method that drives signal that applies, comprise: the driving signal produces step, produces the first second driving signal that drives signal and have the other unit signal of the operation that has defined element of a plurality of unit signals of the operation with the element that has defined the operation that can carry out ejection liquid; And switch finishes to the time durations of the generation of next unit signal in the generation since a unit signal by step, makes first switch force to enter cut-off state at the fixed time in the section.

Can also realize a kind of liquid ejection method, comprise: the driving signal produces step, produces the first second driving signal that drives signal and have the other unit signal of the operation that has defined element of a plurality of unit signals of the operation with the element that has defined the operation that can carry out ejection liquid; And switch finishes to the time durations of the generation of next unit signal in the generation since a unit signal by step, makes first switch force to enter cut-off state at the fixed time in the section.

Can also realize a kind of liquid discharge apparatus, comprise:

(B) drive the signal generator branch, produce the first driving signal and the second driving signal different with the first driving signal and that wherein a plurality of waveform portion repeat that wherein a plurality of waveform portion repeat in predetermined period in predetermined period;

(C) memory, storage are used in the special time period in predetermined period driving signal and second from first and drive signal and select one to drive first of signal and drive signal and select data and be used in the disengaging time section in predetermined period driving signal and second from first to drive signal and select one to drive second of signal and drive signal and select data and be used for selecting the waveform portion of predetermined waveform portion to select data from a plurality of waveform portion; And

(D) control section is used for waveform portion is applied on the described element so that drive described element and spray drop from nozzle, described control section:

In the special time period of predetermined period, apply according to waveform portion selection data, from driving the waveform portion of selecting in a plurality of waveform portion included the selected driving signal of signal selection data based on first to described element; And

In the disengaging time section of predetermined period, apply according to waveform portion selection data, from driving the waveform portion of selecting in a plurality of waveform portion included the selected driving signal of signal selection data based on second to described element.

Utilize this liquid discharge apparatus, can prevent that driving signal with two is applied on the described element simultaneously, and can in predetermined period, switch driving signal.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, preferably, in special time period or disengaging time section, driving corrugated part mark included in the signal first is different with included corrugated part mark in the second driving signal.According to this mode, can in the identical time period, form the drop of different size.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, preferably, in special time period or disengaging time section, drive the time period of included in a signal waveform portion and be different in second time period that drives included in a signal waveform portion first.According to this mode, can in the identical time period, form the drop of different size.

At this liquid discharge apparatus, preferably, control section comprises: first switch is used for controlling first and drives included waveform portion the applying to described element of signal; And second switch, be used for controlling second and drive included waveform portion the applying of signal to described element; And when one of first switch and second switch were in conducting state, control section made another switch be in cut-off state.Also preferably, control section selects the data or the second driving signal to select data to make another switch be in cut-off state according to the first driving signal.According to this mode, can prevent that two switches from entering conducting state simultaneously.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, preferably, this liquid discharge apparatus also comprises: the balladeur train that can move with respect to equipment body and be used for signal is sent to the cable of the set memory of balladeur train/interior from equipment body, and described cable drives signal, second with first and drives signal and be used to be provided with first and drive signal and select data, second to drive signal to select data and waveform portion to select the signalization of data to be sent to memory.This configuration will have following environment: this signalization is easy to be subjected to The noise, and for example, selects to trend towards going wrong in being provided with of data in waveform portion.Yet, owing to prevented that these switches from entering conducting state simultaneously, so this will not become problem.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, preferably, this liquid discharge apparatus also comprises: the balladeur train that can move with respect to equipment body and be used for signal is sent to the cable of the set memory of balladeur train/interior from equipment body, and described cable transmits first and drives signal, second clock signal that drives signal and be used to make storage operation.This configuration will have following environment: this clock signal is easy to be subjected to The noise, and for example, selects to trend towards going wrong in being provided with of data in waveform portion.Yet, owing to prevented that these switches from entering conducting state simultaneously, so this will not become problem.

At this liquid discharge apparatus, preferably, described element is a piezoelectric element.In this configuration, noise trends towards occurring at the place, periphery of the holding wire that is used to drive signal.Yet, owing to prevented that these switches from entering conducting state simultaneously, so this will not become problem.

Can also realize a kind of liquid ejection method, comprise:

(A) produce step, produce the first driving signal and the second driving signal different with the first driving signal and that wherein a plurality of waveform portion repeat that wherein a plurality of waveform portion repeat in predetermined period in predetermined period;

(B) storing step, storage are used in the special time period in predetermined period driving signal and second from first and drive signal and select one to drive first of signal and drive signal and select data and be used in the disengaging time section in predetermined period driving signal and second from first to drive signal and select one to drive second of signal and drive signal and select data and be used for selecting the waveform portion of predetermined waveform portion to select data from a plurality of waveform portion; And

(C) following steps:

In the special time period of predetermined period, apply according to waveform portion selection data, from driving the waveform portion of selecting in a plurality of waveform portion included the selected driving signal of signal selection data based on first to described element;

In the disengaging time section of predetermined period, apply according to waveform portion selection data, from driving the waveform portion of selecting in a plurality of waveform portion included the selected driving signal of signal selection data based on second to described element; And

By waveform portion is applied on the described element, drive described element, so that from nozzle, spray drop.

Utilize this liquid ejection method, can prevent that driving signal with two is applied on the described element simultaneously, and can in predetermined period, switch driving signal.

Can also realize a kind of method that drives signal that applies, comprise:

(C) following steps:

Utilize this to apply the method that drives signal, can prevent that driving signal with two is applied on the described element simultaneously, and can in predetermined period, switch driving signal.

(1) first embodiment

The target that===(1) described===

＜(1) liquid discharge apparatus 〉

Various device all drops in the scope of liquid discharge apparatus, comprises PRN device, colour filter manufacturing equipment, display manufacturing equipment, semiconductor manufacturing facility and DNA chip manufacturing equipment, and all these equipment are comprised it will being difficult in the following description.Therefore, will and comprise that the print system of this printer describes this specification as example with the printer that serves as PRN device.Should be noted that print system is to have the system of print controlling apparatus that PRN device and being used to is controlled the operation of this PRN device at least, and corresponding to the realization of the liquid ejection system with liquid discharge apparatus and ejection control appliance.

The configuration of===(1) print system===

＜(1) overall arrangement 〉

PRN device at first will be described together with print system 100.Here, Fig. 1 shows the figure of the configuration of print system 100.The sample printing system 100 here comprises as the printer 1 of PRN device with as the computer 110 of print controlling apparatus.Particularly, print system 100 comprises printer 1, computer 110, display device 120, input equipment 130 and recording/playback apparatus 140.

This printer 1 print image on such as media such as paper, clothing and films.Should be noted that in the following description the illustrated examples of serving as such medium as the paper S (referring to Fig. 3 A) of representative medium.Computer 110 can link to each other with printer 1 communicatedly.In order to make printer 1 print image, computer 110 is to printer 1 output and the corresponding print data of this image.To be installed on the computer 110 such as computer programs such as application program and printed drivers.Display device 120 has display.For example, display device 120 is the equipment that is used to show the user interface of computer program.For example, input equipment 130 is keyboard 131 and mouse 132.For example, recording/playback apparatus 140 is driving equipment of floppy disk 141 and CD-ROM driving arrangement 142.

===(1) computer===

The configuration of＜(1) computer 110 〉

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of computer 110 and printer 1.At first, will the configuration of computer 110 be described briefly.Computer 110 has above-mentioned recording/playback apparatus 140 and host computer side controller 111.Recording/playback apparatus 140 can link to each other with host computer side controller 111 communicatedly, for example, is attached on the shell of computer 110.Various controls in host computer side controller 111 object computers 110, and can link to each other with input equipment 130 with above mentioned display device 120 communicatedly.Host computer side controller 111 has interface section 112, CPU 113 and memory 114.Interface section 112 is inserted between computer 110 and the printer 1, and between transmits and receive data.CPU 113 is the calculating treatmenting equipments that are used for the integral body control of object computer 110.Memory 114 is used to keep the workspace and is used to store the zone of the computer program that is used by CPU 113, and by constituting such as RAM, EEPROM, ROM or disk unit etc.The example of the computer program of being stored on memory 114 comprises above mentioned application program and printed driver.CPU 113 carries out various controls according to the computer program of being stored on the memory 114.

Print data is that be in can be by the data of the form of printer 1 decipher, and comprises various command data and pixel data SI (referring to Fig. 6 etc.).Order data is the data that order printer 1 is carried out specific operation.Order data comprises that order provides the order data of paper, the order data of indication paper feed amount (carry amount) and the order data that paper is unloaded in order.Pixel data SI is the data relevant with the pixel of wanting print image.Here, pixel is the rectangular square that in fact is arranged on the paper S, and expression wherein will form zone a little.Pixel data SI in print data is the data (for example, grade point) relevant with the point that will form on paper S still.In this embodiment, each data by two bits of pixel data SI constitute.That is, pixel data SI be data value [00] (with do not put corresponding), data value [01] (corresponding), data value [10] (corresponding) or data value [11] (with corresponding a little louder) with the formation of medium dots with point.Therefore, printer 1 can form a little with four grades.

===(1) printer===

The configuration of＜printer 1 〉

Next the configuration of printer 1 will be described.Here, Fig. 3 A shows the figure of configuration of the printer 1 of this embodiment; And Fig. 3 B shows the side view of configuration of the printer 1 of this embodiment.Should be noted that in the following description and also will carry out reference Fig. 2.

As shown in Figure 2, printer 1 has paper feed mechanism 20, balladeur train travel mechanism 30, head unit 40, detector set 50, printer side controller 60 and drive signal generation circuit 70.Should be noted that in this embodiment printer side controller 60 and drive signal generation circuit 70 are arranged among the common control unit plate CTR.In addition, head unit 40 has record head controller HC and record head 41.

In printer 1, printer side controller 60 control control targets, that is, and paper feed mechanism 20, balladeur train travel mechanism 30, head unit 40 (record head controller HC and record head 41) and drive signal generation circuit 70.Therefore, printer side controller 60 is printed on image on the paper S according to the print data that obtains from computer 110.Situation in the detector monitors printer 1 of detector set 50.These detectors are to printer side controller 60 these testing results of output.Printer side controller 60 receives these testing results from detector, and according to these testing results the control target is controlled.

＜(1) paper feed mechanism 20 〉

Paper feed mechanism 20 is corresponding to the feeding medium part that is used for the feeding medium.This paper feed mechanism 20 is fed to printable position with this paper S, and on paper feed direction with predetermined paper feed amount feeding paper S.Paper feed direction is the direction that intersects with balladeur train moving direction described below.Shown in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B, paper feed mechanism 20 has paper pushing roller 21, paper feed motor 22, paper-feed 23, cylinder 24 and unloads paper roller 25.Paper pushing roller 21 is that the paper S that is used for being inserted into paper insertion opening is delivered to the roller of printer 1 automatically, and in this example, has the shape of cross section that is similar to alphabetical D.Paper feed motor 22 is to be used for the motor that paper S carried out feeding in paper feed direction, and controls its operation by printer side controller 60.Paper-feed 23 is to be used for and will to transmit the roller that the paper S that comes is fed into printable area by paper pushing roller 21.The operation of paper-feed 23 is also controlled by paper feed motor 22.Cylinder 24 be during printing from below support the member of paper S.Unloading paper roller 25 is the rollers that when printing has finished paper S carried out feeding.

＜(1) balladeur train travel mechanism 30 〉

Balladeur train travel mechanism 30 is used for moving the balladeur train CR that has added head unit 40 on it along the balladeur train moving direction.The balladeur train moving direction comprises the direction that moves from a side direction opposite side and from the direction of opposite side to a side shifting.Should be noted that the balladeur train moving direction is corresponding to the moving direction of record head 41, and balladeur train travel mechanism 30 is corresponding to the record head movable part along moving direction moving recording head 41 because head unit 40 comprises record head 41.Balladeur train travel mechanism 30 has carriage motor 31, guide shaft 32, timing belt 33, drive pulley 34 and drive pulley 35.Carriage motor 31 is corresponding to the drive source that is used for mobile balladeur train CR.The operation of carriage motor 31 is controlled by printer side controller 60.Drive pulley 34 appends on the rotating shaft of carriage motor 31, and is arranged on the side of balladeur train moving direction.Drive pulley 35 is arranged on another side on the side opposite with drive pulley 34, the balladeur train moving direction.Timing belt 33 links to each other with balladeur train CR, and is engaged between drive pulley 34 and the drive pulley 35.Guide shaft 32 is supported balladeur train CR according to its mode that moves of permission.Add guide shaft 32 along the balladeur train moving direction.Therefore, the operation of carriage motor 31 makes balladeur train CR move with the balladeur train moving direction along guide shaft 32.

＜(1) head unit 40 〉

Head unit 40 is used for the ink-jet to paper S.Head unit 40 is appended on the balladeur train CR.The record head 41 of head unit 40 is arranged on the lower surface of record head casing 42, and the record head controller HC of head unit 40 is arranged in the record head casing 42.Should be noted that after a while and will describe record head controller HC in more detail.

The structure of record head 41 will be described below.Here, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of describing the structure of record head 41.The example record here 41 has channel unit 41A and actuating unit 41B.Channel unit 41A has: the supply opening that the locker room that wherein be provided with the nozzle plate 411 of nozzle Nz, wherein becomes the opening portion of the 412a of ink locker room forms substrate 412 and wherein formed ink feed opening 413a forms substrate 413.Actuating unit 41B has: the balancing gate pit that wherein becomes the opening portion of the 414a of balancing gate pit forms substrate 414, the oscillating plate 415 that has defined the part of the 414a of balancing gate pit, the flange member (lid member) 416 that has formed the opening portion that becomes supply side open communication 416a and the piezoelectric element 417 that forms on the substrate of oscillating plate 415.In record head 41, formed the series of passages that is directed to nozzle Nz from the 412a of ink locker room by the 414a of balancing gate pit.In use, these passages are full of ink, and by making piezoelectric element 417 distortion, can ink-jet from respective nozzles Nz.Therefore, in record head 41, piezoelectric element 417 is corresponding to the element that can carry out the operation that is used for ink-jet.

For this printer 1, as discussed above, four types control all is possible, do not form corresponding to pixel data SI with data value [00], form point corresponding to data value [01], form medium dots corresponding to data value [10], and form a little louder corresponding to data value [11].Therefore, can from nozzle Nz, spray polytype ink of different amounts.For example, can spray three kinds of different ink types from each nozzle Nz, it is to have permission to form the big ink droplet of a little bigger amount, the little ink droplet that has the medium ink droplet of the amount that allows the formation medium dots and have the amount that allows the formation point.

＜(1) detector set 50 〉

Detector set 50 is used for the situation in the monitor printer 1.Shown in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B, detector set 50 comprises line decoder 51, rotary encoder 52, paper detection 53 and paper width detector 54.Line decoder 51 is used for detecting along the balladeur train moving direction position of balladeur train CR (record head 41, nozzle Nz).Rotary encoder 52 is used to detect the rotation amount of paper-feed 23.Paper detection 53 is used to detect the position of the front end of the paper S that is printing.Paper width detector 54 is used to detect the width of the paper S that is printing.

＜(1) printer side controller 60 〉

The control that printer side controller 60 is carried out printer 1.As shown in Figure 2, printer side controller 60 has interface section 61, CPU 62, memory 63 and control module 64.Interface section 61 to transmit and receive data from computer 110 as external equipment.CPU 62 is the calculating treatmenting equipments that are used to carry out the overall control of printer 1.Memory 63 is used to keep the workspace and is used to store the zone of the program of CPU 62, and by constituting such as memory elements such as RAM, EEPROM or ROM.CPU 62 controls the control target according to the computer program that is stored on the memory 63.For example, CPU 62 is by control module 64 control paper feed mechanism 20 and balladeur train travel mechanisms 30.

The record head control signal that CPU 62 also will be used to control the operation of record head 41 outputs to record head controller HC, and will be used to produce the control signal that drives signal COM and output to drive signal generation unit 70.As shown in Figure 6, the record head control signal is that transfering clock CLK, pixel data SI, latch signal LAT, first change the signal CH_A and the second change signal CH_B.Be used to produce the control signal of driving signal COM such as being the DAC value.The DAC value is to be used for indicating driving signal generator from first of drive signal generation circuit 70 and dividing 70A and second to drive the information that signal generator divides the voltage of signals of 70B (referring to Fig. 5) output, and it is upgraded with the update cycle of lacking very much.The DAC value still is used to produce a class that drives signal COM and produces information.

＜(1) drive signal generation circuit 70 〉

Drive signal generation circuit 70 is used to produce the driving signal COM of public use, and corresponding to driving the signal generator branch.Driving signal COM in this embodiment is common to and corresponding all piezoelectric elements 417 of single nozzle row.Here, Fig. 5 shows the block diagram of the configuration of drive signal generation circuit 70.This drive signal generation circuit 70 can be carried and produce polytype driving signal COM.The drive signal generation circuit 70 of this embodiment has and is used to produce first and drives first of signal COM_A and drive signal generator and divide 70A and be used to produce second and drive second of signal COM B and drive signal generator and divide 70B.First drives signal generator divides 70A to have: the first Waveform generating circuit 71A is used for exporting the signal that has with the corresponding voltage of DAC value (generation information); And the first current amplification circuit 72A, be used to amplify the electric current of the signal that is produced by the first Waveform generating circuit 71A.Second drives signal generator divides 70B to have the second Waveform generating circuit 71B and the second current amplification circuit 72B.Should be noted that the first Waveform generating circuit 71A has identical structure with the second Waveform generating circuit 71B, and the first current amplification circuit 72A has identical structure with the second current amplification circuit 72B.

The driving signal COM of＜(1) about being produced 〉

Next the driving signal COM that is produced by drive signal generation circuit 70 will be described.Here the first driving signal COM_A and second that produces as shown in Figure 9 as the drive signal generation circuit shown in the example 70 drives signal COM_B.That is, the first waveform generation part 70A produces first according to a DAC value (this is corresponding to the first generation information) and drives signal COM_A.Similarly, the second waveform generation part 70B produces second according to the 2nd DAC value (this is corresponding to the second generation information) and drives signal COM_B.

First drives signal COM_A has the first waveform portion SS11 that is produced, the second waveform portion SS12 that is produced and the 3rd waveform portion SS13 that is produced in time period T13 in time period T12 during the time period of repetition period T T11.Here, the first waveform portion SS11 has driving pulse PS1.Similarly, the second waveform portion SS12 has driving pulse PS2, and the first waveform portion SS13 has driving pulse PS3.When forming when a little bigger, driving pulse PS1 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.That is, driving pulse PS1 has defined from beginning up to having finished the time period that will form a little bigger ink ejection operation.Driving pulse PS2 is the little vibratory impulse that causes the slight vibration of meniscus (meniscus), and in the time will not forming at any, is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.In the time will forming medium dots, driving pulse PS3 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Driving pulse PS3 defined from beginning up to the time period of finishing the ink ejection operation will form medium dots the time.By driving pulse PS3 being applied on the piezoelectric element 417 the middle-sized ink droplet of ejection from record head 41 (respective nozzles Nz).

Second drives signal COM_B has first waveform portion SS21 that produces and the second waveform portion SS22 that produces in time period T22 in time period T21.Drive among the signal COM_B second, the first waveform portion SS21 has driving pulse PS4, and the second waveform portion SS22 has driving pulse PS5.Here, in the time will forming point, driving pulse PS4 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.By driving pulse PS4 being applied on the piezoelectric element 417 the undersized ink droplet of ejection from record head 41.Therefore, driving pulse PS4 defined from beginning up to the time period of having finished the operation of ink-jet will form point the time.When forming when a little bigger, driving pulse PS5 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.That is, driving pulse PS5 has also defined from beginning up to having finished the time period that will form the operation of ink-jet when a little bigger.In this embodiment, time period T22 has and first identical beginning timing and the length of time period T13 that drives among the signal COM_A.In other words, the length of the time period T21 of the pattern length of the time period T11 of the first driving signal COM_A and time period T12 and the second driving signal COM_B is identical.

These driving pulses PS1 has all defined the operation of piezoelectric element 417 to each of PS5.At driving pulse PS1 in PS5, the first driving pulse PS1 that drives signal COM_A to PS3 corresponding to the unit signal group.The driving pulse PS4 of the second driving signal COM_B and PS5 are corresponding to the group of other unit signal.

In each waveform portion, the first driving signal COM_A and second can be driven signal COM_B and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.That is, first part that drives the signal COM_A or the second driving signal COM_B optionally can be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Can also make up the part that first part and second that drives signal COM_A drives signal COM_B, and it is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.In this example, whether (having occurred the timing of the latch pulse of latch signal LAT on it) regularly located in the beginning in the repetition period, can select the first first waveform portion SS11 or the second first waveform portion SS21 that drives signal COM_B that drives signal COM_A to be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.In addition, change timing place that first of signal CH_A changes pulse, can select whether first second waveform portion that drives signal COM_A to be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 first.

Here, when will forming when a little bigger, drive signal COM_A output driving pulse PS1 from first, and drive signal COM_B output driving pulse PS5 from second, and this has the following advantages.Spray therein during the high density printing of a large amount of inks, the ink-jet number of times is bigger, and drive signal generation circuit has produced a large amount of heats.In addition, when carrying out high density printing, use a little bigger continually.In this embodiment, dividing the 70A and the second driving signal generator to divide between the 70B at the first driving signal generator cuts apart two a little bigger pulses that repeat in the period T, thereby, when carrying out high density printing, can avoid heat to concentrate among driving signal generator/one, thereby allow simple thermal design.

As mentioned above, waveform portion is the single unit (applying unit) that is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.In addition, the first first waveform portion SS11, the second waveform portion SS12 and the 3rd waveform portion SS13 that drives signal COM_A constituted the corrugated part grouping, and the second first waveform portion SS21 and the second waveform portion SS22 that drives signal COM_B constituted another corrugated part grouping.Should be noted that to describe in more detail after a while these waveform portion are applied to control on the piezoelectric element 417.

＜(1) record head controller HC 〉

Next record head controller HC will be described.Here, Fig. 6 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of record head controller HC.Fig. 7 is the key diagram of control logic.Fig. 8 is the key diagram of decoder.

As shown in Figure 6, record head controller HC has: the first shift register 81A, the second shift register 81B, the first latch cicuit 82A, the second latch cicuit 82B, decoder 83, control logic 84, check circuit 85, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.At each piezoelectric element 417 setting each part (that is, the first shift register 81A, the second shift register 81B, the first latch cicuit 82A, the second latch cicuit 82B, decoder 83, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B) except control logic 84 and check circuit 85.First switch 86A that is provided with at identical piezoelectric element 417 and second switch 86B are to corresponding to switch sections.Because each the nozzle Nz at therefrom ink-jet is provided with piezoelectric element 417, therefore each of these parts is set at each nozzle Nz.

Record head controller HC controls ink-jet according to the pixel data SI from printer side controller 60.That is, record head controller HC controls the first switch 86A and second switch 86B according to print data, and the first required part that drives the signal COM_A and the second driving signal COM_B optionally is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.In this embodiment, each pixel data SI is made of two bits.In addition, synchronously pixel data SI is delivered to record head 41 with transfering clock CLK.The higher order bits group of pixel data SI is arranged among the first shift register 81A, and the low step bit group is arranged among the second shift register 81B.The first shift register 81A is electrically connected with the first latch cicuit 82A, and the second shift register 81B is electrically connected with the second latch cicuit 82B.When the latch signal LAT from printer side controller 60 became height (H) level, then the first latch cicuit 82A latched the higher order bits of respective pixel data SI, and the second latch cicuit 82B latchs the low step bit of respective pixel data SI.Each pixel data SI of having been latched by the first latch cicuit 82A and the second latch cicuit 82B (higher order bits and low step bit to) is input to decoder 83.

Decoder 83 is carried out decode operation according to higher order bits and the low step bit of pixel data SI, and output is used to control the switch controlling signal SW (the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B are referring to Fig. 8) of the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.According to the combination of the selection data q0d after the inspection of having checked by check circuit 85, export this switch controlling signal SW to q7d and the pixel data SI that latched by the first latch cicuit 82A and the second latch cicuit 82B.Here, by checking the selection data q0 that is stored in the control logic 84 to q7 by check circuit 85, the selection data q0d after obtaining to check is to q7d.Briefly, check circuit 85 checks that driving first of signal COM_A at first selects data q0 to drive the second selection data q4 of signal COM_B to q7 to q3 with at second.If first to select data q0 to select data q4 to q3 and second be normal to q7, then select data q0 to select data q4 to be output as the second selection data q4d of the first selection data q0d after q3d and the inspection after the inspection to q7d to q7 to q3 and second with first.On the other hand, if it is unusual to q7 that the first selection data q0 selects data q4 to q3 and second, promptly, if its indication will drive signal COM_A and second with first and drive signal COM_B and be applied to simultaneously on the piezoelectric element 417, then continue to output to first after the inspection of output till this moment and select the second selection data q4d of data q0d and after checking to q7d to q3d.Should be noted that and to describe check circuit 85 after a while in detail and select the selection data q0d of data q0 after q7 and the inspection to the relation between the q7d.

Next will be described in the control logic 84 of being stored on the control logic 84 and select data q0 to q7.As shown in Figure 7, control logic 84 has a plurality of register RG, and each all can store the data of a bit.Each register RG is by formations such as D-FF (delayed-trigger) circuit.The selection data that each register RG is storing predetermined.Upgrade continuously selecting data in predetermined timing place.For example, regularly during the output time period regularly of next latch pulse, these data are upgraded in output from a latch pulse.Should be noted that in this embodiment in each repetition period T, it is identical selecting the content of data.Therefore, repeatedly setting has the selection data of identical content.For example, if printing model changes, then select the content of data to change.

In order to simplify description, in Fig. 7, register RG is arranged in the matrix of last four registers of column direction (vertical direction) and last eight registers of line direction (horizontal direction).Four register RG that will belong to same column combine, and begin to give number Q0 to Q7 from the group on the left side.In the register group in the left side that is positioned at line direction (group Q0 is to Q3) be positioned between the register group (organizing Q4) on the right side of line direction register RG is distinguished to Q7.For the register group that is positioned at the left side, will belonging to mutually, four register RG of colleague combine and begin to give successively number G11 to G14 from the group that is positioned at the top.Equally, for the register group that is positioned at the right side, will belong to four registers of going together mutually and combine, and begin to give successively number G21 to G24 from the group that is positioned at the top.

Be used for carrying out above-mentioned grouping according to register RG.At first, belonging to group Q0 on the left side that is positioned on the line direction can store to the register RG of Q3 and drive first of signal COM_A at first and select data q0 to q3.Similarly, belonging on the right side that is positioned on the line direction four group Q4 can store at second to the register RG of Q7 and drive the second selection data q4 of signal COM_B to q7.In addition, the register RG that belongs to same column can store the selection data that are used for the same levels value.In order more specifically this to be described, the register RG that belongs to group Q0 and group Q4 can store respectively and select data q0 and q4, corresponding to the pixel data SI (data value [00]) that does not form.The register RG that belongs to group Q1 and group Q5 can store respectively and select data q1 and q5, corresponding to the pixel data SI (data value [01]) at point.Similarly, the register RG that belongs to group Q2 and group Q6 can store respectively and select data q2 and q6, corresponding to the pixel data SI (data value [10]) at medium dots.And the register RG that belongs to group Q3 and group Q7 can store respectively and select data q3 and q7, corresponding at a little bigger pixel data SI (data value [11]).

In addition, belonging to mutually, colleague's register RG can store same waveform as selection data partly.More specifically, belong to the register RG that organizes G11 and can store selection data at the first waveform portion SS11 that in time period T11, is produced.Equally, belong to the register RG that organizes G12 and can store selection data at the second waveform portion SS12 that in time period T12, is produced.In addition, belong to the register RG that organizes G13 and can store selection data at the 3rd waveform portion SS13 that in time period T13, is produced.Should be noted that not use in this embodiment and belong to the register RG that organizes G14.Under the situation that the first driving signal COM_A is made of four waveform portion, then the register RG of this group G14 has stored the selection data at the 4th waveform portion.On the other hand, belong to the register RG that organizes G21 and stored selection data, stored selection data at the second waveform portion SS22 that in time period T22, is produced and belong to the register RG that organizes G22 at the first waveform portion SS21 that in time period T21, is produced.In this embodiment, use belongs to the register RG that organizes G23 and belongs to the register RG that organizes G24.

As above summary, can think that the register RG of control logic 84 has stored by comprising the partly determined selection data of factor of the type of (for example, the first waveform portion SS11 or the second waveform portion SS22) of respective drive signal COM (first drives signal COM_A, second drives signal COM_B), respective pixel data SI (data value [00] is to data value [11]) and respective waveforms.For example, belong to group Q0 and group G11 register RG (Q0, G11) stored with the pixel data SI (data value [00]) that does not form in the corresponding selection data of the first waveform portion SS11 of the first driving signal COM_A.(Q3 G13) has stored and has driven at first among a little bigger pixel data SI (data value [11]) the corresponding selection data of the 3rd waveform portion SS13 of signal COM_A to belong to the register RG of group Q3 and group G13.Similarly, (Q7 G22) has stored and has driven at second among a little bigger pixel data SI the corresponding selection data of the second waveform portion SS22 of signal COM_B to belong to the register RG of group Q7 and group G22.

Because multiplexer MX0 to MX7, changes the change pulse of signal CH_A and defined timing place of change pulse of the second change signal CH_B at the latch pulse, first by latch signal LAT, sequentially is chosen in the selection data of being stored on the register RG.That is, by the switch timing of the defined timing of these pulses corresponding to Wave data.Here, with latch pulse with change pulse and (do not carry out) being input to producing counter CTA and the CTB that is used in reference to the signal that shows how multiplexer MX0 should select to MX7 unchangeably anti-phase.In addition, multiplexer MX0 is to the output of MX7 according to counter CTA and CTB, just operating along (voltage rises to the edge of high level (H) from low level (L)) of pulse.Therefore, multiplexer MX0 upgrades selecting data at the lead edge timing place of latch pulse and change pulse to MX7.Then, by the selection data that control signal circuit group CTL_A and CTL_B output have been selected to MX7 by multiplexer MX0, select data q0 to select data q4 to q7 to q3 with at second of the second driving signal COM_B as driving first of signal COM_A at first.

Here, first select data q0 to be and the corresponding selection data of grade point that do not have a little.First select data q1 be with at the corresponding selection data of the grade point of point.Equally, first select data q2 be with at the corresponding selection data of the grade point of medium dots, and first select data q3 be with at the corresponding selection data of a little bigger grade point.On the other hand, second selects data q4 to be and the corresponding selection data of grade point that not have a little, and the second selection data q5 be with at the corresponding selection data of the grade point of point.In addition, second select data q6 be with at the corresponding selection data of the grade point of medium dots, and second select data q7 be with at the corresponding selection data of a little bigger grade point.For do not put formation, point, medium dots and a little bigger for, the quantity of ink of ejection is different.Therefore, the information that grade point can be regarded as the quantity of ink that expression will spray.Therefore, can select data q0 to select data q4 to regard the polytype data that have according to the classification of ink spray volume as to q7 with first to q3 and second.

Next decoder 83 will be described.Decoder 83 selects data q0d second to q3d and after checking to select selection data after data q4d selects to check to the q7d from, first after checking corresponding with the pixel data SI that has latched, and it is exported as switch controlling signal SW.Decoder 83 has the first decoded portion 83A of the output first switch controlling signal SW_A and the second decoded portion 83B of output second switch control signal SW_B.

The first decoded portion 83A have four with door 831A to 834A and single or 835A.Each has three input terminals and a lead-out terminal with door 831A to 834A, and first behind the receiving check selected one of selection data after the inspection of data q0d in the q3d, the higher order bits data of pixel data SI and the low step bit data of pixel data SI, as its input.On it receives the mode of the higher order bits data of pixel data SI and low step bit data, exist different with door 831A to 834A.That is, receive at the oppisite phase data of the higher order bits of the first selection data q0d, pixel data SI after the inspection that does not form and the oppisite phase data of low step bit, as its input with door 831A.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [00], then from selecting data q0d consistent with the output of door 831A and at first after the inspection that does not form.Receive at first after the inspection of point with door 832A and to select the oppisite phase data of higher order bits of data q1d, pixel data SI and the data of low step bit, as its input.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [01], then from selecting data q1d consistent with the output of door 832A and at first after the inspection of point.Similarly, receive at first after the inspection of medium dots with door 833A and to select the data of higher order bits of data q2d, pixel data SI and the oppisite phase data of low step bit, as its input.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [10], then from selecting data q2d consistent with the output of door 833A and at first after the inspection of medium dots.Equally, receive at first after a little bigger inspection with door 834A and to select the data of higher order bits of data q3d, pixel data SI and the data of low step bit, as its input.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [11], then from selecting data q3d consistent with the output of door 834A and at first after a little bigger inspection.

Or door 835A has four input terminals and a lead-out terminal.Its four input terminals receive the output to 834A with door 831A respectively.Or door 835A exports the first switch controlling signal SW_A.That is, first behind its outgoing inspection select data q0d in the q3d with latch as the first switch controlling signal SW_A that pixel data SI is corresponding, first after checking selected data.

The second decoded portion 83B also have four with door 831B to 834B and single or 835B.The second decoded portion 83B has the identical configuration with the first decoded portion 83A.That is, receive at the oppisite phase data of the higher order bits of the second selection data q4d, pixel data SI after the inspection that does not form and the oppisite phase data of low step bit, as its input with door 831B.Receive at second after the inspection of point with door 832B and to select the oppisite phase data of higher order bits of data q5d, pixel data SI and the data of low step bit, as its input.Receive at second after the inspection of medium dots with door 833B and to select the data of higher order bits of data q6d, pixel data SI and the oppisite phase data of low step bit, as its input.Receive at second after a little bigger inspection with door 834B and to select the data of higher order bits of data q7d, pixel data SI and the data of low step bit, as its input.Or door 835B receive four with the output of a 831B to 834B.Then, or second behind the door 835B outgoing inspection select data q4d in the q7d with latch as second switch control signal SW_B that pixel data SI is corresponding, second after checking selected data.

To be input to the first switch 86A and second switch 86B from the first switch controlling signal SW_A and the second switch control signal SW_B of decoder 83 outputs.The first switch 86A and second switch 86B switch between conducting state and cut-off state by changing its resistance.For example, under conducting state, its resistance is the order of magnitude of 100 Ω, and under cut-off state, its resistance is the order of magnitude of several megaohms.First of self-driven signal generating circuit 70 drive the input side that signal COM_A is applied to the first switch 86A in the future, and second of self-driven signal generating circuit 70 drive the input side that signal COM_B is applied to second switch 86B in the future.Piezoelectric element 417 is electrically connected with the outlet side of the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.The first switch 86A and second switch 86B drive the switch that signal COM is provided with at each that is produced, and will constitute the first waveform portion SS11 that drives signal COM_A and optionally be applied on the corresponding piezoelectric element 417 to SS13 and the waveform portion SS21 and the SS22 that constitute the second driving signal COM_B.

The first switch controlling signal SW_A controls the operation of the first switch 86A, and the operation of second switch control signal SW_B control second switch 86B.That is, the first switch controlling signal SW_A is corresponding to the switch controlling signal SW at the first switch 86A.Similarly, second switch control signal SW_B is corresponding to another switch controlling signal SW at the first switch 86B.Particularly, if first switch controlling signal SW_A value of fetching data [1], then the first switch 86A becomes conducting, and the first driving signal COM_A is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.If first switch controlling signal SW_A value of fetching data [0], then the first switch 86A becomes and ends, and thereby does not drive signal COM_A with first and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Similarly, if second switch control signal SW_B value of fetching data [1], then second switch 86B becomes conducting, and the second driving signal COM_B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.If second switch control signal SW_B value of fetching data [0], then second switch 86B becomes and ends, and thereby does not drive signal COM_B with second and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.

Should be noted that piezoelectric element 417 works as capacitor.Therefore, drive signal COM if stop to apply, then piezoelectric element 417 keeps this current potential immediately after this stops.As a result, stopping to apply the time durations that drives signal COM, piezoelectric element 417 keep its adjacent stopping to apply drive signal COM before residing deformation state.

＜(1) grade control 〉

Next grade control in the printer 1 will be described.Here, Fig. 9 describes first to drive the figure that signal COM_A, second drives signal COM_B and required control signal.Figure 10 shows when formation is a little bigger, when forming medium dots and the figure that is applied to the waveform portion on the piezoelectric element 417 when forming point.In the control of this grade, as the above mentioned, control the operation of the first switch 86A and the operation of second switch 86B according to the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.

At first will describe and form a little bigger situation (pixel data SI is [11]).In this case, a little bigger pixel data SI of decoder 83 response indication formation, first after selection is checked selected the second selection data q7d after data q3d and the inspection.Then, select data q3d to be output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A first after checking, and second after will checking select data q7d to be output as second switch control signal SW_B.In this embodiment, the first switch controlling signal SW_A is the data [100] according to time series T11, T12 and T13, and second switch control signal SW_B is the data value [01] according to time series T21 and T22.Therefore,, in time period T11, drive signal COM_A and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417, be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 and in time period T22, drive signal COM_B with second with first as shown in the upper level of Figure 10.The result, successively the first driving pulse PS1 and the second driving pulse PS5 that drives the second waveform portion SS22 of signal COM_B that drives the first waveform portion SS11 of signal COM_A is applied on the piezoelectric element 417, caused with a little bigger corresponding quantity of ink from nozzle Nz, to spray.

Next the situation (pixel data SI is [10]) that forms medium dots will be described.In this case, the pixel data SI of decoder 83 response indication formation medium dots, first after selection is checked selected the second selection data q6d after data q2d and the inspection.Then, it is output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.In this embodiment, the first switch controlling signal SW_A becomes data value [001], and second switch control signal SW_B becomes data value [00].Therefore,, in time period T13, drive signal COM_A and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417, be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 and do not drive signal COM_B with second with first as shown in the middle upper level of Figure 10.As a result, the first driving pulse PS3 that drives the 3rd waveform portion SS13 of signal COM_A is applied on the piezoelectric element 417, has caused with the corresponding quantity of ink of medium dots from nozzle Nz, to spray.

Next the situation (pixel data SI is [01]) that forms point will be described.In this case, the pixel data SI of decoder 83 response indication formation points, first after selection is checked selected the second selection data q5d after data q1d and the inspection.And it is output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.In this embodiment, the first switch controlling signal SW_A becomes data value [000], and second switch control signal SW_B becomes data value [10].Therefore,, in time period T21, drive signal COM_B and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417, be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 and do not drive signal COM_A with first with second as shown in the middle next stage of Figure 10.As a result, the second driving pulse PS4 that drives the first waveform portion SS21 of signal COM_B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417, has caused with the corresponding quantity of ink of point from nozzle Nz, to spray.

Should be noted that under situation about not forming (the pixel data SI with data value [00]) decoder 83 response indications are the pixel data SI of formation not, first after selection is checked selected the second selection data q4d after data q0d and the inspection.And it is output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.In this embodiment, the first switch controlling signal SW_A becomes data value [010], and second switch control signal SW_B becomes data value [00].Therefore,, in time period T12, drive signal COM_A and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417, make meniscus because slight vibration takes place driving pulse PS2 with first as shown in the next stage of Figure 10.

＜(1) printing 〉

Utilization has the printer 1 of above-mentioned configuration, and printer side controller 60 is controlled control target (paper feed mechanism 20, balladeur train travel mechanism 30, head unit 40 and drive signal generation circuit 70) according to the computer program of being stored on memory 63.Therefore, this computer program has the program code that allows to carry out this control.By the control target is controlled the operation that realizes print paper S.Here, Figure 11 is a flow chart of describing printing.This sample printing operation comprises: print command reception operation (S10), paper feeding are operated (S20), are put to form and operate (S30), paper feed operation (S40), unload paper definite (S50), unload paper processing (S60) and print definite (S70) that whether finishes.Below these operations will be described briefly.

It is the operation that receives from the print command of computer 110 that print command receives operation (S10).In this operation, printer side controller 60 receives print command by interface section 61.Paper feeding operation (S20) is that the mobile paper S that will print is to be located the operation of locating at top of form (so-called index position).In this operation, printer side controller 60 drives paper feed motor 22, for example, and rotation paper pushing roller 21 and paper-feed 23.It is the operation that is used for forming point on paper S that point forms operation (S30).In this operation, printer side controller 60 drives carriage motor 31, and control signal is outputed to drive signal generation circuit 70 and record head 41.According to this mode, when record head 41 moves, ink-jet from nozzle Nz, thus on paper S, form a little.Paper feed operation (S40) is the operation of mobile paper S on paper feed direction.In this operation, printer side controller 60 drives paper feed motor 22 with rotation paper-feed 23.By this paper feed operation, can form the different position formation point of formed those points in the operation with previous point.Unload paper and determine that (S50) is the operation that determines whether to unload the paper S that is being printed.By printer side controller 60 according to determining such as whether existing print data to carry out this.Unloading paper processing (S60) is the processing of unloading paper S, if the above mentioned definite result of paper that unloads is " unloading paper ", then carries out this processing.In this case, printer side controller 60 makes and unloads paper roller 25 rotations, is discharged to the outside thereby will print the paper of having finished at it.Print and finish to determine (S70) about whether continuing to print determined.Should determine also to carry out by printer side controller 60.

===(1) check circuit===

＜(1) is provided with check circuit 85 reason behind 〉

Purpose described above is in order to describe the configuration of printer 1, and has supposed desirable situation.Yet, when printer 1 is operated in practice, exist corresponding first to select data q0 to select data q4 to the possibility of q7 to general's while designation data value [1] to q3 and second.Particularly, corresponding to first of the pixel data SI that does not form select data q0 and second select data q4 to, corresponding to select at first of the pixel data SI of point data q1 and second select data q5 to, corresponding to select at first of the pixel data SI of medium dots data q2 and second select data q6 to and corresponding to select data q3 and second to select data q7 at first of a little bigger pixel data SI to having the possibility of designation data value [1] simultaneously.

This problem is considered to mainly owing to noise occurs.For example, if noise is consistent with transfering clock CLK, then can will select data q0 to be stored on the register RG different with correct memory RG to q7.In addition, if noise is consistent to q7 with selection data q0, then exists to change and select the possibility of data q0 to the content of q7.In this case, exist corresponding first to select data q0 to select data q4 to the possibility of q7 to while presentation data value [1] to q3 and second.If corresponding first select data q0 to q3 and the second selection data q4 to q7 to while presentation data value [1], then will make the first switch 86A and second switch 86B be in conducting state simultaneously.Here, Figure 12 schematically describes the figure that the wherein first switch 86A and second switch 86B are in the state of conducting state simultaneously.As shown in figure 12, when being in simultaneously under the situation of conducting state at the first switch 86A and second switch 86B, when having difference between first voltage and second that drives signal COM_A drives the voltage of signal COM_B, then this voltage difference can cause that unexpected electric current I flows through.This problem will not only appear at this specific nozzle place, and will appear at other nozzle places (in the worst case, it will appear at all nozzle places) with same pixel data simultaneously.There is possibility unexpected electric current I and that will cause adverse effect (for example surpass and drive the allowable current that signal generator divides 70A and 70B).

Therefore, in this embodiment, check circuit 85 is set so that prevent such adverse effect.Check circuit 85 is corresponding to the data checks part, and links to each other with the control logic 84 of serving as data output unit, and checks that first of from control logic 84 output selects data q0 to select data q4 to q7 to q3 and second.As long as first to select data q0 to select data q4 to q3 and second be normal to q7, then check circuit 85 first selects data q0 to select data q4 to be output as the second selection data q4 of the first selection data q0d after q3d and the inspection after the inspection unchangeably to q7 to q7 to q3 and second these.On the other hand, be applied to simultaneously on the piezoelectric element 417 (promptly if first selects data q0 to select data q4 first voltage and second that drives signal COM_A will be driven signal COM_B to the q7 indication to q3 and second, if it indicates unusual condition), then check circuit 85 continues to output to first after the inspection of having exported till this moment and selects the second selection data q4d of data q0d to q3d and after checking to q7d.Here, first after the inspection of continuation output selects the second selection data q4d of data q0d to q3d and after checking to be checked by check circuit 85 to q7d.Differently, it is not indicate will drive signal COM_A and second with first and drive signal COM_B and be applied to normal selection signal on the piezoelectric element 417 simultaneously.The result, by check circuit 85 is set, if these first selection data q0 selects data q4 to have problems to q7 to q3 and second, then continue first behind the outgoing inspection and select data q0d second and after checking to select data q4d to q7d to q3d, but not the first selection data q0 to q3 and the second selection data q4 to q7.The result is for preventing that reliably the first driving signal COM_A and second is driven signal COM_B to be applied on the described element simultaneously.

The configuration of＜check circuit 85 〉

The configuration of check circuit 85 at first, is described.Here, Figure 13 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of check circuit 85.As shown in figure 13, check circuit 85 have data determining section 851, as a result storage area 852, output 853 and data are selected part 854 as a result.Data determining section 851 is at select data q0 to select data q4 to carry out the part of determining to q7 to q3 and second from first of control logic 84 outputs.That is, it determines first selects data q0 to select data q4 whether to indicate and the first driving signal COM_A and the second driving signal COM_B will be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 simultaneously to q7 to q3 and second.Storage area 852 is corresponding to determining storage area as a result as a result, and definite result of storage data determining section 851.Definite result of the data of output 853 output as a result determining sections 851 and the definite result who on storage area 852 as a result, is stored.Data select part 854 corresponding to selecting output, if and will be simultaneously drive signal COM_A and second with first from any indication of definite result of data determining section 851 output or definite result of on storage area 852 as a result, being stored and drive signal COM_B and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417, first after the inspection of then selecting to have exported till the output heretofore selects the second selection data q4d of data q0d to q3d and after checking to q7d.Below these parts will be described in more detail.

＜(1) data determining section 851 〉

At first will describe data determining section 851 in detail.Here, Figure 14 is the figure that describes the specific example of check circuit 85.Figure 15 A shows the figure of the customized configuration of data determining section 851.Figure 15 B is the truth table of the NAND gate 851a of data of description determining section 851 to the operation of 851d.Figure 15 C is the truth table of operation of the NAND gate 851e of data determining section 851.As shown in these figures, data determining section 851 has five NAND gate 851a to 851e.According to its function, these NAND gates 851a can be divided into two groups to 851e.Particularly, it can be divided into NAND gate 851a another group to one group of 851d and NAND gate 851e.

NAND gate 851a selects data q0 to select data q4 to compare each other to q7 to q3 and second to 851d with corresponding first.That is, NAND gate 851a has two input terminals and a lead-out terminal.NAND gate 851a will select data q4 to compare at the first selection data q0 and second that does not form, if and the first selection data q0 and second selects data q4 to be data value [1], its indication applies and drives signal COM, and then NAND gate 851a output data value [0] is indicated this.In other cases, NAND gate 851a output data value [1].NAND gate 851b is identical to 851d.Promptly, NAND gate 851b will select data q1 and second to select data q5 to compare at first of point, if and first select data q1 and second to select data q5 to be data value [1], its indication applies and drives signal COM, and then NAND gate 851b output data value [0] is indicated this.Similarly, NAND gate 851c will select data q2 and second to select data q6 to compare at first of medium dots, and NAND gate 851d will select data q7 to compare at a little bigger first selection data q3 and second.

NAND gate 851e is used to export the comparative result of NAND gate 851a to 851d.That is, NAND gate 851e has four input terminals and a lead-out terminal, and at its input terminal place, and it receives respectively from NAND gate 851a to the output OA of 851d to OD.Therefore, if the output OA of NAND gate 851a in the output OD of NAND gate 851d in addition one be data value [0], then the output OE of NAND gate 851e is data value [1].That is, will apply the abnormal data that the first driving signal COM_A and second drives signal COM_B simultaneously if exist, then exporting OE is data value [1].If the output OA of NAND gate 851a is data value [1] to the output OD of NAND gate 851d, that is,, it applies the normal data that the first driving signal COM_A and second drives signal COM_B simultaneously if being not indication, and then exporting OE is data value [0].Therefore, can think NAND gate 851e exported indicate whether to exist will cause first drive apply when signal COM_A and second drives signal COM_B to piezoelectric element 417 any first select data q0 to q3 and the second selection data q4 to the right definite result of q7.

＜(1) is storage area 852 as a result 〉

Next storage area 852 as a result will be described.As shown in figure 14, storage area 852 has at first and drives the first memory circuit 852a of signal COM_A and at the second second memory circuit 852b that drives signal COM_B as a result.

The first memory circuit 852a is the circuit of the output of event memory output 853, and each time when input drives first commutator pulse of signal COM_A at first, upgrades the content of its storage.The first memory circuit 852a of this embodiment is made of the D-FF circuit, and its output is input to output 853 as a result.Here, first commutator pulse is to determine that first selects the renewal pulse regularly of data, and changes the change pulse of signal CH_A corresponding to the latch pulse and first of latch signal LAT.More specifically, the first change signal CH_A is anti-phase by anti-phase group 855 the first phase inverter 855a, and latch signal LAT is anti-phase by anti-phase group 55 the 3rd phase inverter 855c.Then, change the logic multiply of signal CH_A by calculating anti-phase latch signal LAT and anti-phase first, and be entered into the clock terminal of the first memory circuit 852a with door 856A.

Here, Figure 16 shows the sequential chart with the operation of door 856A and 856B.That is, its be describe latch signal LAT, first change signal CH_A, second change signal CH_B, by these signals are carried out the anti-phase output that obtains (outputs of the first phase inverter 855a to the, three phase inverter 855c) and and the output of

door

856A and 856B between the sequential chart of relation.As shown in the drawing, when latch signal LAT and first changes signal CH_A and all is in the L level, be in the H level, and in the output latch pulse with change time period of pulse, it is in the L level with the output (result of calculation) of door 856A.Therefore, at latch pulse with change the lead edge timing place of pulse, drop to the L level from the H level with the output of door 856A, and latch pulse and change pulse back along place regularly, it is the H level from the L electrical level rising.Then, owing at the place, just edge of the pulse that is input to its clock terminal the first memory circuit 852a is operated, it is stored from the output of storage area 852 as a result along the timing place at latch pulse and the back of change pulse.

The second memory circuit 852b also is the circuit of the output of event memory output 853.Receive when driving second commutator pulse of signal COM_B at second when it each time, the second memory circuit 852b upgrades the content of its storage.As the first memory circuit 852a, the second memory circuit 852b also is made of the D-FF circuit, and its output is input to output 853 as a result.Here, second commutator pulse is to determine that second selects the renewal pulse regularly of data.More specifically, the second change signal CH_B is anti-phase by anti-phase group 855 the second phase inverter 855b, and latch signal LAT is by anti-phase as following the 3rd phase inverter 855c that mentions.Then, change the logic multiply of signal CH_B by calculating anti-phase latch signal LAT and anti-phase second, and be entered into the clock terminal of the second memory circuit 852b with door 856B.As a result, as shown in figure 16, at latch pulse with change the lead edge timing place of pulse, drop to the L level from the H level with the output of door 856B, and latch pulse and change pulse back along place regularly, it is the H level from the L electrical level rising.Then, owing at the place, just edge of the pulse that is input to its clock terminal the second memory circuit 852b is operated, it is stored from the output of storage area 852 as a result along the timing place at latch pulse and the back of change pulse.

When it receives latch pulse, the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b are resetted each time.In this embodiment, anti-phase latch signal LAT is input to the reseting terminal of the first memory circuit 852a and the reseting terminal of the second memory circuit 852b.Then, owing to the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b are resetted, therefore, it is resetted at the lead edge timing place of latch pulse at the negative edge place of the pulse that is input to its reseting terminal.Therefore, this latch pulse is corresponding to " specific commutator pulse ".Should note, stop resetting at the back of latch pulse along the timing place to the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b, and as the above mentioned, this clock is imported simultaneously with the clock of the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b in fact, but since with the transmission delay of

door

856A and 856B, can carry out reliably and latch, this be because after stopping to reset input clock.

By way of parenthesis, output 853 receives the output of the first memory circuit 852a and the output of the second memory circuit 852b as a result, and receive definite result from data determining section 851, and if any of these inputs be [1], output data value [1] (this will in discussion after a while) then.Therefore, when the definite result from data determining section 851 is data value [1], the first memory circuit 852a stores this data value [1], and along the timing place it is outputed to output 853 as a result at the back of change pulse of the latch pulse or the first change signal CH_A.Similarly, the second memory circuit 852b stores this data value [1], and along the timing place it is outputed to output 853 as a result at the back of change pulse of the latch pulse or the second change signal CH_B.The result, if the output from data determining section 851 becomes data value [1], and the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b also are data value [1], then the follow-up output of output 853 as a result rests on data value [1] and locates, till the resetted first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b, and irrelevant with the output of data determining section 851.In other words, to drive the selection data that signal COM_B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417 simultaneously right if data determining section 851 determine to have existed indication to drive signal COM_A and second with first, then rest on data value [1] and locate, till the resetted first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b from the output of output 853 as a result.

＜(1) is output 853 as a result 〉

Next output 853 as a result will be described.As described in Figure 14, output 853 has nor gate 853a and phase inverter 853b as a result.Nor gate 853a has three input terminals and single lead-out terminal, and receive definite result from data determining section 851, from the output of the first memory circuit 852a and from the output of the second memory circuit 852b.The output of nor gate 853a is input to phase inverter 853b.Therefore, if from definite result of data determining section 851, from the output of the first memory circuit 852a and from the output of the second memory circuit 852b in addition one be data value [1], be data value [1] then from the output of output 853 as a result (that is, from phase inverter 853b output).

＜(1) data are selected part 854 〉

Next data of description is selected part 854.Data select part 854 have binary channels multiplexer 854a, memory circuit 854b and with door 854c.Selection data q0d after checking at each is to q7d, multiplexer 854a is set and memory circuit 854b is right.As a result, data select part 854 have from the piece BK (q0d) of the selection data q0d after checking to eight piece BK at the piece BK (q7d) of the selection data q7d after the inspection.

Multiplexer 854a is corresponding to selector switch.One of input terminal of multiplexer 854a receives corresponding selection data q0 from control logic 84 to q7, and its another input terminal receives the output from memory circuit 854b, that is, the selection data q0d after the corresponding inspection that its reception has been exported is to q7d.If from the data value of output 853 outputs as a result is [0], then the selection data q0 of multiplexer 854a output control logic 84 is to q7, if and be [1] from the data value of 853 outputs of output as a result, promptly, if data value is unusual and indication will drive signal COM_A and second with first and drives signal COM_B and be applied to piezoelectric element 417 simultaneously, then the selection data q0d after the multiplexer 854a output inspection of having exported is to q7d.More specifically, if output 853 output data values [0] as a result, then data q0 is selected in the multiplexer 854a of piece BK (q0d) output.On the other hand, if output 853 is output as data value [1] as a result, the selection data q0d behind its outgoing inspection then.Similarly, any of the selection data q1d after the multiplexer 854a of piece BK (q1d) output selection data q1 or the inspection.Other pieces BK is identical, and the multiplexer 854a of piece BK (q7d) output select data q7 or check after any of selection data q7d.

Memory circuit 854b is corresponding to the storage output.Each constitutes memory circuit 854b among this embodiment by the D-FF circuit.To be input to the input terminal of respective memory circuits 854b from the output of multiplexer 854a.To change the change pulse of signal CH_A or the clock terminal that second commutator pulse that changes the change pulse of signal CH_B is input to memory circuit 854b based on the latch pulse and first of latch signal LAT.That is, the clock terminal of piece BK (q0d) will be input to, and the clock terminal of piece BK (q4d) will be input to from output with door 856B to the memory circuit 854b of piece BK (q7d) from output with door 856A to the memory circuit 854b of piece BK (q3d).Piece BK (q0d) operates at the place, just edge of pulse to the memory circuit 854b of piece BK (q7d), therefore, regularly locates the content of its storage is upgraded on latch pulse and the back edge that changes pulse.

The operation of＜(1) check circuit 85 〉

Next the operation that description is had the check circuit 85 of above-mentioned configuration.Here, Figure 17 shows the figure of the operation example of printer 1.Particularly, it is to be described in the register RG that store the control logic 84 of selecting data value [0] (Q7 G21) has in fact stored the figure of the operation example under the situation of selection data value [1].Should be noted that in this operation example in the repetition period T that begins from timing t 1, selecting data q0 is unusual to q7, and the selection data q0 of last repetition period T and back one repetition period T is normal to q7.That is, it is when will be at the selection data q0 of the repetition period T that begins at timing t 1 place when q7 transfers to control logic 84, because the operation example under the unusual situation has appearred in noise etc.

In this operation example, at first, drive signal generation circuit 70 produces first and drives the signal COM_A and the second driving signal COM_B (drive signal and produce step).Then, at the lead edge timing t1 place of latch pulse LAT1, control logic 84 is exported the selection data (selecting data output step) on the register RG that is stored in the selection data on the register RG that organizes G11 and is stored in group G21.Here, normally, register RG (Q7 G21) should store data value [0], but because noise, it has stored data value [1].Thus, at timing t 1 place, select data q7 to become data value [1].Should be noted that for other and select data q0, the output general data to q6.As a result, select data q7 and selection data q3 all to become data value [1].

Select data q0 to check (data checks step) by check circuit 85 to these to q7.At first will select data q0 to select part 854 to data determining section 851 and data that q7 is input to check circuit 85.Here, as from can understanding ground Figure 15 B and Figure 15 C, the NAND gate 851a of data determining section 851 is data value [1] to the output OA of 851c to OC, but the output OD of NAND gate 851d is data value [0], and this is owing to select data q3 and select data q7 to be data value [1].Together, the output OE of NAND gate 851e also becomes data value [1] therewith.That is, definite result of data determining section 851 is data value [1], and its indication will drive signal COM_B with the first driving signal COM_A and second and be applied to simultaneously on the piezoelectric element 417.

Be output as the fact of data value [1] according to output 853 as a result, data select selection data q0d after the multiplexer 854a of part 854 selects to check to q7d.As a result, the selection data q0d after the inspection of having exported is input to the input terminal that data are selected the memory circuit 854b of part 854 to q7d.Particularly, the selection data q0d after the inspection of input in the time period of last repetition period T T13 and T22 is to q7d.Should be noted that at timing t 1 place, by the forward position of latch pulse to the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b of storage area 852 reset as a result.

Next, back at latch pulse LAT1 along timing t 2 places, operating data is selected the memory circuit 854b of part 854.That is, at timing t 2 places, memory circuit 854b storage and then output be input to selection data q0d after the inspection of its input terminal to q7d.For example, the selection data q0d after the inspection of having exported till the memory circuit 854b of piece BK (q0d) the continuation output heretofore.Equally, the selection data q4d after the inspection of having exported till the memory circuit 854b of piece BK (q4d) the continuation output heretofore.Same operation also is applicable to other pieces BK.

Selection data q0d after decoder 83 is checked according to these exports the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B to q7d.The first switch 86a and second switch 86B are activated by the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B, and control first and drive signal COM_A and second and drive apply (drive signal apply step) of signal COM_B to piezoelectric element 417.Here, till this moment the selection data q0d after the inspection of having exported to q7d by check circuit 85 inspections.That is, it is not indicate will drive signal COM_A and second with first and drive signal COM_B and be applied to normal selection data on the piezoelectric element 417 simultaneously.As a result, can prevent reliably that the first driving signal COM_A and second is driven signal COM_B to be applied on the described element simultaneously.

By way of parenthesis, in this embodiment, have for output first after the inspection of same levels value (ink ejection amount) select data and check after second select the piece of data right, the output of using the anti-phase output of the memory circuit 854b of one of piece BK to shelter the memory circuit 854b of another piece BK.In this embodiment, shelter by carrying out with door 854c.For example, under the situation at the grade point that does not form, the piece BK (q0d) of the selection data q0d behind the outgoing inspection and the piece BK (q4d) of the selection data q4d behind the outgoing inspection correspond to each other.In this embodiment, the output (Q) of the memory circuit 854b of the anti-phase output (QN) of the memory circuit 854b of a piece BK (q0d) and another piece BK (q4d) is input to and a door 854c, and will with the output of door 854c as the selection data q4d output after checking.

Here, if output data value [1] is as the selection data q0d after checking from piece BK (q0d), then the anti-phase output (QN) of memory circuit 854b becomes data value [0].Receive this anti-phase output [0] as its input and output door 854c (that is, data q4d is selected in second after the inspection) data value [0] always, and irrelevant with the value of the memory circuit 854b of piece BK (q4d).That is, be data value [1] if select data q0d from first after the inspection of piece BK (q0d), then select data q4d to force to become data value [0] from second after the inspection of piece BK (q4d).As a result, can prevent that driving signal COM_A and second with first drives signal COM_B and be applied to problem on the piezoelectric element 417 simultaneously.Should be noted that and selecting data q0 to q7 under the undefined situation (for example when the connection power supply time), this function is effective.

At timing t 2 places, the back edge of latch pulse makes as a result that the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b of storage area 852 store the output of output 853 as a result.That is, the first memory circuit 852a and second memory circuit 852b storage are by the data value [1] of output 853 outputs as a result, and its indication is unusual.As the above mentioned, the data that are stored on the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b are outputed to output 853 as a result, therefore, resting on data value [1] from the output of output 853 as a result locates, its indication is unusual, till the resetted first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b, even first select data q0 to select data q4 one to upgrade and regularly locate to turn back to normally in the back to q7 to q3 and second.

Next, output first changes the change pulse CH11 of signal CH_A.Change timing t 3 places in the forward position of pulse CH11 at this, the selection data that control logic 84 outputs are stored on the register RG of group G12.That is, select data q0 to upgrade to q3 to first.Then, first of renewal is selected data q0 be input to data determining section 851 and data selection part 854 to q7 to the second selection data q4 of q3 and not renewal.At this moment, all selection data q0 all are normal to q7.Therefore, the NAND gate 851a of data determining section 851 is data value [1] to the output OA of 851d to OD.As a result, definite result of data determining section 851 does not indicate and the first driving signal COM_A and the second driving signal COM_B will be applied to (that is, it indicates normal condition) on the piezoelectric element 417 simultaneously, and becomes data value [0].Should determine that the result outputed to output 853 as a result.Here, as discussed above, the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b output data value [1], its indication is unusual.Therefore, become data value [1] from the output of output 853 as a result.As a result, the selection data q0d after the multiplexer 854a of data selection part 854 selects to check is to q7d.Therefore, the selection data q0d after the inspection of having exported is input to the input terminal that data are selected the memory circuit 854b of part 854 to q7d.

Next, changing the back along timing t 4 places of pulse CH11, operating data is selected the memory circuit 854b of part 854.That is, at timing t 4 places, memory circuit 854b storage and be input to inspection in its input terminal after selection data q0d to q7d.Selection data q0d after the inspection of having exported till in other words, continuing to output at this moment is to q7d.As discussed above, the selection data q0d after the inspection is checked by check circuit 85 and is normal to q7d.As a result, also at timing t 4 places, can prevent reliably that the first driving signal COM_A and second is driven signal COM_B to be applied on the described element simultaneously.

Next, export the change pulse CH21 that the first change pulse CH12 and second that changes signal CH_A changes signal CH_B simultaneously.It is identical with the operation when output changes pulse CH11 to follow these operations that change pulse CH12 and CH21.Promptly, definite result from data determining section 851 indicates normal condition (data value [0]), and the output of the first memory circuit 852a and second memory circuit 852b indication abnormality (data value [1]), therefore, also indicate abnormality (data value [1]) from the output of output 853 as a result.This has caused the continuation output to q7d to the selection data q0d after the inspection of having exported till this moment.

Next, at the lead edge timing t11 place of latch pulse LAT2, the multiplexer MX0 of control logic 84 goes up the selection data of storage and the selection data of storing to the register RG that MX7 is chosen in group G11 on the register RG of group G21.Therefore, output selects data q0 to q7 from control logic 84.Here the selection data q0 that is exported is normally to select data to q7.This is because upgrading the selection data (more specifically, during being timed to the time period of timing t 11 from the back edge that changes pulse CH22) of being stored on the register RG of control logic 84 during the last repetition period T.Therefore, at timing t 11 places, definite result of output is the data value [0] of indication normal condition from data determining section 851.In addition, at these timing t 11 places, the forward position by latch pulse is to the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b of storage area 852 reset as a result.Therefore, be data value [0] from the output of the first memory circuit 852a with from the output of the second memory circuit 852b, it indicates normal condition.Because definite result of data determining section 851, be input to output 853 as a result each is data value [0] from the output of the first memory circuit 852a and from the output of the second memory circuit 852b, also become data value [0] with the indication normal condition from the output of output 853 as a result.Be output as the fact of data value [0] according to output 853 as a result, data select the multiplexer 854a of part 854 to select data q0 to q7 from control logic 84.That is, these are selected data q0 be input to the input terminal that data store is divided 854 memory circuit 854b to q7.

Next, data select the memory circuit 854b of part 854 to operate back the beginning along timing t 12 places of latch pulse LAT2.That is, at timing t 12 places, the selection data q0 that memory circuit 854b storage is input to its input terminal exports to q7d as the selection data q0d after checking to q7 and with it.For example, the memory circuit 854b output data value [0] of piece BK (q0d), and also output data value [0] of the memory circuit 854b of piece BK (q4d).The memory circuit 854b output data value [1] of piece BK (q3d) and the memory circuit 854b output data value [0] of piece BK (q7d).Here the selection data after Shu Chu the inspection are checked by check circuit 85 and are normal.Therefore, can prevent reliably that the first driving signal COM_A and second is driven signal COM_B to be applied on the described element simultaneously.

Utilize this configuration, in the printer 1 of present embodiment, if second after first after the inspection of having exported till the selection data of being stored on control logic 84 because noise etc. become abnormal data, then continue to output at this moment selected data and checked selected data.According to this mode, can prevent that the first driving signal COM_A and second is driven signal COM_B to be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 simultaneously.In addition, carry out this control with reference to the lead edge timing and the back of latch pulse and commutator pulse along timing.That is, ahead of the curve regularly the place carry out at from the selection data q0 of control logic 84 to the determining of q7, and carry out selection along place regularly in the back according to definite result.According to this mode, owing to used the forward position and the edge, back of individual pulse, control is efficiently.In addition, can determine suitably that control regularly.For example, definite operation of specified data determining section 851 and data are selected the order of the selection operation of part 854 reliably.In addition, compare first select data q0 to q3 and the second selection data q4 to q7 to having identical grade point.This allows to carry out by rights this and determines.

Be noted that this configuration is: at timing t as discussed above 4 places, output to till this moment the selection data q0d after the inspection of having exported, and whether normally have nothing to do with definite result from data determining section 851 to q7d.Its reason is: this timing t 4 is the switch timings that only are provided with at the first driving signal COM_A.That is, will suddenly change the current potential of piezoelectric element 417 according to q7d control being switched, and this has applied excessive burden to piezoelectric element 417 based on the selection data q0d that selects data q0 after the new inspection of q7.

For example, if be provided with at a little bigger pixel data SI, then this time period during timing t 4, it is data value [1] that data q7d is selected in second after this inspection.Therefore, with second drive signal COM_B be applied to the corresponding piezoelectric element 417 of this pixel data SI on.Then, if the selection data after timing t 4 places switch to new inspection with these data, then since first after the new inspection select data q3d be data value [1] (promptly, remain unchanged and become selection data q3d after the inspection from the selection data q3 of control logic 84), then, drive signal COM_A with first and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 from timing t 4.Here, as shown in Figure 9, at timing t 4 places, the second voltage V (t4) that drives signal COM_B is lower than the voltage (medium voltage VC) of the first driving signal COM_A.Therefore, suddenly with piezoelectric element 417 from changing to corresponding current potential with medium voltage VC with the corresponding current potential of voltage V (t4).This has applied excessive burden to piezoelectric element 417.

For this situation, in the present embodiment, if definite result of data determining section 851 be the indication abnormality data value [1], then with this data value storage on the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b.This configuration allows to continue to output to first after the inspection of having exported till this moment and selects data q0d second to q3d and after checking to select data q4d to q7d, even first selects data q0 to locate turn back to normal condition to q7 in one of renewal timing to the q3 and the second selection data q4.

Because timing place at latch pulse resets to the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b, therefore can prevent the unexpected potential change in the piezoelectric element 417 reliably.That is, the timing of latch pulse is the timing of thereon pixel data SI (grade point) being upgraded.Differently, it is that the driving signal COM that can be applied to thereon on the piezoelectric element 417 drives the timing that signal COM_A switches to the second driving signal COM_B (vice versa) from first.Its result is: in timing place of latch pulse, first voltage and second voltage that drives signal COM_B that drives signal COM_A matches each other.As a result, even owing to q7d the driving signal COM that is applied on the piezoelectric element 417 has been switched in the switching of control according to the selection data q0d after the new inspection, the also unexpected variation of impossible appearance potential.As a result, can select data q0d second and after checking to select data q4d to control smoothly according to first after the new inspection and drive applying of signal COM to q7d to q3d.

The optional embodiment of===(1)===

Among the embodiment in front, the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b are resetted in timing place of latch pulse.That is, this configuration is: can carry out the control to q7d based on the selection data q0d after the new inspection.Yet, allow to be not limited to the timing of latch pulse thereon according to the timing that the selection data q0d after the new inspection carries out control to q7d.That is, only needing it is to drive signal COM_A and second from first and drive one of signal COM_B and switch to another timing being applied to driving signal COM on the piezoelectric element 417.Below description is related to the optional embodiment that carries out the different timing of control based on the selection data q0d after the new inspection to q7d.Here, Figure 18 is the figure that describes the configuration of this another embodiment.Should be noted that not illustrated composed component is identical with front embodiment.

As shown in figure 18, in this printer 1, check circuit 85 has reset pulse and produces part 857.Reset pulse produce part 857 have with door 857a, phase inverter 857b and with door 857c.Have two input terminals and a lead-out terminal with door 857a.Changing signal CH_A with first imports one of its input terminal and the second change signal CH_B is input to its another input terminal.Therefore, when first changes signal CH_A and second and change signal CH_B and all be in the H level, be in the signal of H level with door 857a output.In other words, it exports the upward output pulse of time period that the first change pulse and second that changes signal CH_A changes the change pulse of signal CH_B therein simultaneously.According to such as latch pulse and change in the commutator pulse such as pulse, the first change pulse CH12 and the second change pulse CH21 that changes signal CH_B that changes signal CH_A of output simultaneously produce this pulse (referring to Figure 17).Therefore, can think that change pulse CH12 and CH21 are corresponding to " specific commutator pulse ".

To be input to the output of door 857a among the phase inverter 857b.Therefore, phase inverter 857b during export the first change pulse CH12 and second that changes signal CH_A simultaneously and change on time period of change pulse CH21 of signal CH_B, output is in the inversion signal of L level.That is, output the first change pulse CH12 and second that changes signal CH_A change the change pulse CH21 of signal CH_B, ahead of the curve regularly the place from the H level drop to the L level and in the back along signal regularly from the L electrical level rising to the H level.

The output of phase inverter 857b is input to one of input terminal with door 857c.Have two input terminals and a lead-out terminal with door 857c.With by the anti-phase latch signal LAT of the 3rd phase inverter 855c (also being called as anti-phase latch signal afterwards) be input to the door 857c another input terminal.For this anti-phase latch signal, as described in the above embodiment, output drops to the L level and back along being the signal of H level from the L electrical level rising regularly at latch pulse at the lead edge timing place of latch pulse from the H level.Therefore, with the output of door 857c is time period of output latch signal therein to go up and wherein export simultaneously the first change pulse CH12 and second that changes signal CH_A to change the signal (for easy, this also will be called as the timing signal that resets) that is in the L level on time period of change pulse CH21 of signal CH_B.

Then, will be from being input to the reseting terminal of the first memory circuit 852a and the reseting terminal of the second memory circuit 852b along timing signal with the back of door 857c output.Here, the first memory circuit 852a of this embodiment and the second memory circuit 852b reset at [0] level place of the timing signal that resets.Therefore, at the lead edge timing place of latch pulse and the lead edge timing place of change pulse CH12 and change pulse CH21 the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b are resetted.

For example, change signal CH_B, the first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b are resetted in initial timing place of time period T11 and initial timing place of time period T13 (time period T22) for the first change signal CH_A and second shown in Figure 9.Then, in case the resetted first memory circuit 852a and the second memory circuit 852b then carry out the control to q7d based on the selection data q0d after the new inspection.This configuration has realized identical action, and has produced the effect identical with front embodiment.

Other embodiment of===(1)===

The embodiment of front has mainly described the print system 100 that comprises printer 1, but it also comprises and applies disclosing of the method that drives signal COM and liquid ejection system etc.Front embodiment only is used to purpose of the present invention is described, and should not be construed as limitation of the invention.Certainly, under the situation that does not break away from its purport, can carry out changes and improvements to the present invention, and the present invention includes equivalent.Especially, the embodiment that is mentioned below also falls within the scope of the invention.

＜(1) check circuit 85 〉

The check circuit 85 of above embodiment only is an one example.Because check circuit 85 is made of logic circuit, so its circuit configuration can be different, but it still can carry out equivalent operation.As a result, the check circuit 85 of execution equivalent operation falls within the scope of the invention.Can also need not to use logic circuit and use CPU 62 to realize this check circuit 85.

＜(1) drives signal COM 〉

The embodiment of front describes the example of the printer 1 of the driving signal COM (that is, first drives signal COM_A and second drives signal COM_B) that produces two types simultaneously in detail, but it is not the qualification to this configuration.That is, can also adopt the printer 1 of the driving signal COM that can produce three kinds or more kinds of types simultaneously.In addition, it only is example that the above-described first driving signal COM_A and second drives signal COM_B, and it can have optional waveform.

＜(1) is about ink 〉

The embodiment of front is the embodiment of printer 1, therefore the dye ink or the paint ink of ejection liquid form from nozzle Nz.Yet,, be not limited to such ink as long as the ink from nozzle Nz from ejection is a liquid.

Other use example＜(1) 〉

In above embodiment, described printer 1, but this is not determinate.For example, it can also adopt and the identical technology of embodiment at the various types of liquid discharge apparatus that adopt the ink jet type technology, and for example colour filter manufacturing equipment, dyeing installation, finish machining equipment, semiconductor manufacturing facility, surface processing equipment, 3D shape form machine, liquid evaporation equipment, organic EL manufacturing equipment (particularly big molecule EL manufacturing equipment), display manufacturing equipment, film forming device and DNA chip manufacturing equipment.Method and its manufacture method at it also drop in the range of application.

(2) second embodiment

The target that===(2) described===

In a second embodiment＜liquid discharge apparatus the part discussion in fact with first embodiment in＜liquid discharge apparatus the part discussion identical, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

The configuration of===(2) print system===

In a second embodiment＜overall arrangement the part discussion in fact with first embodiment in＜overall arrangement the part discussion identical, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

===(2) computer===

In a second embodiment＜configuration of computer 110 part discussion in fact with first embodiment in＜configuration of computer 110 discussion of part is identical, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

===(2) printer===

In a second embodiment＜configuration of printer 1,＜paper feed mechanism 20,＜balladeur train travel mechanism 30,＜head unit 40,＜detector set 50,＜printer side controller 60,＜drive signal generation circuit 70 with＜printing the discussion of part is identical with the discussion of these parts among first embodiment in fact, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

The driving signal COM of＜(2) about being produced 〉

Next the driving signal COM that is produced by drive signal generation circuit 70 will be described.Here the first driving signal COM_A and second that produces as shown in figure 22 as the drive signal generation circuit shown in the example 70 drives signal COM_B.That is, the first waveform generation part 70A produces first according to a DAC value (this is corresponding to the first generation information) and drives signal COM_A.Similarly, the second waveform generation part 70B produces second according to the 2nd DAC value (this is corresponding to the second generation information) and drives signal COM_B.

First drives signal COM_A has the first waveform portion SS211 that is produced, the second waveform portion SS212 that is produced and the 3rd waveform portion SS213 that is produced in time period T213 in time period T212 during the time period of repetition period T T211.Here, the first waveform portion SS211 has driving pulse PS21.Similarly, the second waveform portion SS212 has driving pulse PS22, and the first waveform portion SS213 has driving pulse PS23.When forming when a little bigger, driving pulse PS21 and driving pulse PS22 are applied on the piezoelectric element 417, and driving pulse PS21 has identical waveform with driving pulse PS22.That is, driving pulse PS21 and driving pulse PS22 corresponding to defined when to form ink ejection operation when a little bigger from the unit signal of beginning up to the time period of finishing.In the time will forming medium dots, driving pulse PS23 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Driving pulse PS23 corresponding to defined ink ejection operation in the time will forming medium dots from the unit signal of beginning up to the time period of finishing.By driving pulse PS23 being applied on the piezoelectric element 417 the middle-sized ink droplet of ejection from record head 41 (respective nozzles Nz).

Second drives signal COM_B has first waveform portion SS221 that produces and the second waveform portion SS222 that produces in time period T222 in time period T221.For the second driving signal COM_B, the first waveform portion SS221 has driving pulse PS24, and the second waveform portion SS222 has driving pulse PS25.Here, in the time will forming point, driving pulse PS24 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.By driving pulse PS24 being applied on the piezoelectric element 417 the undersized ink droplet of ejection from record head 41.Therefore, driving pulse PS24 corresponding to defined ink ejection operation in the time will forming point from the unit signal of beginning up to the time period of finishing.When forming when a little bigger, driving pulse PS25 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.That is, driving pulse PS25 has also defined when the beginning that will form the ink ejection operation when a little bigger and has finished.This drives signal PS25 also corresponding to unit signal.Should be noted that driving signal PS25 has the waveform identical with driving pulse PS23 with driving pulse PS21.

In this embodiment, time period T222 has and first identical beginning timing and the length of time period T213 that drives among the signal COM_A.In other words, the length of the time period T221 of the pattern length of the time period T211 of the first driving signal COM_A and time period T212 and the second driving signal COM_B is identical.

At these driving pulses PS21 in PS25, the first driving pulse PS21 that drives signal COM_A to PS23 corresponding to " unit signal ".The driving pulse PS24 of the second driving signal COM_B and PS25 are corresponding to " other unit signal ".

In each waveform portion, the first driving signal COM_A and second can be driven signal COM_B and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.That is, first part that drives the signal COM_A or the second driving signal COM_B optionally can be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Can also make up the part that first part and second that drives signal COM_A drives signal COM_B, and it is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.

In this example, regularly locate in the beginning of repetition period (timing of the latch pulse of latch signal LAT), the driving signal COM that is applied on the piezoelectric element 417 can be switched to the second driving signal COM_B from the first driving signal COM_A, vice versa.Similarly, can regularly locate at the second waveform portion SS212 of the first driving signal COM_A and the border between the 3rd waveform portion SS213, promptly, regularly locate (timing that first timing and second that changes the change pulse of signal CH_A changes the change pulse of signal CH_B) on the second first waveform portion SS221 and the border between the second waveform portion SS222 that drives signal COM_B, the driving signal COM that is applied on the piezoelectric element 417 is switched.

In addition, in this example, whether (timing of the latch pulse of latch signal LAT) regularly located in the beginning at repetition period T, can select the first first waveform portion SS211 or the second first waveform portion SS221 that drives signal COM_B that drives signal COM_A to be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.In addition, change timing place that first of signal CH_A changes pulse, can select whether the first second waveform portion SS212 that drives signal COM_A to be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 first.

Should be noted that to describe in more detail after a while these waveform portion are applied to control on the piezoelectric element 417.

＜(2) record head controller HC 〉

Next record head controller HC will be described.Here, Figure 19 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of record head controller HC.Figure 20 is the key diagram of control logic 84.Figure 21 is the key diagram of decoder 83.

As shown in figure 19, record head controller HC has: the first shift register 81A, the second shift register 81B, the first latch cicuit 82A, the second latch cicuit 82B, decoder 83, control logic 84, prevent circuit 2085, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.At each piezoelectric element 417, each part except control logic 84 of setting (that is, the first shift register 81A, the second shift register 81B, the first latch cicuit 82A, the second latch cicuit 82B, decoder 83, prevent circuit 2085, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B).Because each the nozzle Nz at therefrom ink-jet is provided with piezoelectric element 417, therefore each of these parts is set at each nozzle Nz.

Record head controller HC controls ink-jet according to the pixel data SI from printer side controller 60.That is, record head controller HC controls the first switch 86A and second switch 86B according to print data, and the first required part that drives the signal COM_A and the second driving signal COM_B optionally is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.In this embodiment, pixel data SI is made of two bits, and synchronously pixel data SI is delivered to record head 41 with clock signal clk.The higher order bits group of pixel data SI is arranged among the first shift register 81A, and the low step bit group is arranged among the second shift register 81B.The first shift register 81A is electrically connected with the first latch cicuit 82A, and the second shift register 81B is electrically connected with the second latch cicuit 82B.When the latch signal LAT from printer side controller 60 became the H level, then the first latch cicuit 82A latched the higher order bits of respective pixel data SI, and the second latch cicuit 82B latchs the low step bit of respective pixel data SI.Each pixel data SI of having been latched by the first latch cicuit 82A and the second latch cicuit 82B (higher order bits and low step bit to) is input to decoder 83.

Decoder 83 is carried out decode operation according to higher order bits and the low step bit of pixel data SI, and output is used to control the switch controlling signal SW (the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B are referring to Figure 21) of the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.According to the combination of selection data of being stored on the control logic 84 and the pixel data SI that latched by the first latch cicuit 82A and the second latch cicuit 82B, export this switch controlling signal SW.

Here, follow the selection data of being stored on description control logic 84 and the control logic 84.As shown in figure 20, control logic has a plurality of register RG of each data that all can store a bit.Each register RG is by formations such as D-FF (delayed-trigger) circuit, and stored the preset selection data.

In order to simplify description, in Figure 20, register RG is arranged in the matrix of last four registers of column direction (vertical direction) and last eight registers of line direction (horizontal direction).Four register RG that will belong to same column combine, and begin to give number Q0 to Q7 from the group on the left side.In the register group in the left side that is positioned at line direction (group Q0 is to Q3) be positioned between the register group (organizing Q4) on the right side of line direction register RG is distinguished to Q7.For the register group that is positioned at the left side, will belonging to mutually, four register RG of colleague combine and begin to give successively number G11 to G14 from the group that is positioned at the top.Carry out identical operations for the register group that is positioned at the right side, wherein, begin to give number G21 to G24 to these groups successively from the group that is positioned at the top.

Be used for carrying out above-mentioned grouping according to register RG.At first, belonging to group Q0 on the left side that is positioned on the line direction can store to the register RG of Q3 and drive first of signal COM_A at first and select data.Similarly, belonging to group Q4 on the right side that is positioned on the line direction can store to the register RG of Q7 and drive second of signal COM_B at second and select data.In addition, the register RG that belongs to same column can store the selection data that are used for the same levels value.In order more specifically this to be described, the register RG that belongs to group Q0 and group Q4 can store corresponding to the selection data (data value [00]) of pixel data SI of formation not.The register RG that belongs to group Q1 and group Q5 can store corresponding to the selection data (data value [01]) at the pixel data SI of point.Similarly, the register RG that belongs to group Q2 and group Q6 can store corresponding to the selection data (data value [10]) at the pixel data SI of medium dots, and the register RG that belongs to group Q3 and group Q7 can store respectively and select data q3 and q7, corresponding to the selection data (data value [11]) at a little bigger pixel data SI.

Belonging to mutually, colleague's register RG can store same waveform as selection data partly.More specifically, belong to the register RG that organizes G11 and can store selection data at the first waveform portion SS211 that in time period T211, is produced.Equally, belong to the register RG that organizes G12 and can store selection data at the second waveform portion SS212 that in time period T212, is produced.Belong to the register RG that organizes G13 and can store selection data at the 3rd waveform portion SS213 that in time period T213, is produced.

Should be noted that not use in this embodiment and belong to the register RG that organizes G14.Be made of four waveform portion if first drives signal COM_A, then the register RG of this group G14 has stored the selection data at the 4th waveform portion.

Belong to the register RG that organizes G21 and stored selection data, stored selection data at the second waveform portion SS222 that in time period T222, is produced and belong to the register RG that organizes G22 at the first waveform portion SS221 that in time period T221, is produced.In this embodiment, use belongs to the register RG that organizes G23 and belongs to the register RG that organizes G24.

As above summary, can think that the register RG of control logic 84 has stored by comprising the partly determined selection data of factor of the type of (for example, the first waveform portion SS211 or the second waveform portion SS222) of respective drive signal (first drives signal COM_A, second drives signal COM_B), respective pixel data SI (data value [00] is to data value [11]) and respective waveforms.For example, belong to group Q0 and group G11 register RG (Q0, G11) stored with the pixel data SI (data value [00]) that does not form in the corresponding selection data of the first waveform portion SS211 of the first driving signal COM_A.(Q3 G13) has stored and has driven at first among a little bigger pixel data SI (data value [11]) the corresponding selection data of the 3rd waveform portion SS213 of signal COM_A to belong to the register RG of group Q3 and group G13.Similarly, (Q7 G22) has stored and has driven at second among a little bigger pixel data SI (data value [11]) the corresponding selection data of the second waveform portion SS222 of signal COM_B to belong to the register RG of group Q7 and group G22.

Because multiplexer MX0 to MX7, changes the change pulse of signal CH_A and defined timing place of change pulse of the second change signal CH_B at the latch pulse, first by latch signal LAT, sequentially is chosen in the selection data of being stored on the register RG.That is, corresponding to the switch of selecting data regularly by the defined timing of these pulses.Then, by exporting the selection data of having selected to MX7, as driving the second selection data q4 of signal COM_B to q7 to q3 with at second at the first first selection data q0 that drives signal COM_A by multiplexer MX0 at the control signal circuit group CTL_A of the first driving signal COM_A with at second CTL_B that drives signal COM_B.

Here, first select data q0 to be and the corresponding selection data of grade point that do not have a little.First select data q1 be with at the corresponding selection data of the grade point of point.Equally, first select data q2 be with at the corresponding selection data of the grade point of medium dots, and first select data q3 be with at the corresponding selection data of a little bigger grade point.On the other hand, second selects data q4 to be and the corresponding selection data of grade point that not have a little, and the second selection data q5 be with at the corresponding selection data of the grade point of point.In addition, second select data q6 be with at the corresponding selection data of the grade point of medium dots, and second select data q7 be with at the corresponding selection data of a little bigger grade point.

Should be noted that the routine data and the clock sclk that utilize Figure 20, shift the value that each register RG is set by serial.By way of parenthesis, when this is provided with when execution, will control first of same levels and select data q0 and second to select data q4 all to be set to data value [1].This is that first drives signal generator divides the 70A and the second driving signal generator to divide 70B with short circuit because if this occurs.

Next decoder 83 will be described.Decoder 83 is selected data q4 to q7 the selection data to be selected to q3 and second, and it is exported as switch controlling signal SW from, the first selection data q0 corresponding with the pixel data SI that has latched.Decoder 83 has the first decoded portion 83A of the output first switch controlling signal SW_A and the second decoded portion 83B of output second switch control signal SW_B.

The first decoded portion 83A have four with door 831A to 834A and single or 835A.Each has three input terminals and a lead-out terminal with door 831A to 834A, and receives the first selection data q0 to the higher order bits data of one of q3, pixel data SI and the low step bit data of pixel data SI, as its input.With door 831A to 834A its receive exist on the higher order bits data of pixel data SI and the mode of low step bit data as its input different.

That is, receive at the oppisite phase data of the higher order bits of the first selection data q0d, the pixel data SI that do not form and the oppisite phase data of low step bit with door 831A.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [00], then from the output of door 831A with consistent at the first selection data q0 that does not form.Receive at first of point with door 832A and to select the oppisite phase data of higher order bits of data q1, pixel data SI and the data of low step bit.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [01], then from consistent with the first selection data q1 at point with the output of door 832A.Similarly, receive at first of medium dots with door 833A and select the data of higher order bits of data q2, pixel data SI and the oppisite phase data of low step bit.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [10], then from consistent with the first selection data q2 at medium dots with the output of door 833A.Equally, receive at a little bigger first with door 834A and select the data of higher order bits of data q3, pixel data SI and the data of low step bit.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [11], then from the output of door 834A with select data q3 consistent at a little bigger first.

Or door 835A has four input terminals and a lead-out terminal.Its four input terminals receive the output to 834A with door 831A respectively.Or door 835A exports the first switch controlling signal SW_A.That is, its output first select data q0 in q3, with latch the corresponding selection data of pixel data SI as the first switch controlling signal SW_A.

The second decoded portion 83B also have four with door 831B to 834B and single or 835B.The second decoded portion 83B has the identical configuration with the first decoded portion 83A.That is, receive at the oppisite phase data of the higher order bits of the second selection data q4, the pixel data SI that do not form and the oppisite phase data of low step bit with door 831B.Receive at second of point with door 832B and to select the oppisite phase data of higher order bits of data q5, pixel data SI and the data of low step bit.Receive at second of medium dots with door 833B and to select the data of higher order bits of data q6, pixel data SI and the oppisite phase data of low step bit.Receive at a little bigger second with door 834B and to select the data of higher order bits of data q7, pixel data SI and the data of low step bit.Or door 835B receive four with the output of a 831B to 834B.Then, or door 835B output second select data q4 in q7, with latch the corresponding selection data of pixel data SI as second switch control signal SW_B.

To be input to the first switch 86A and second switch 86B from the first switch controlling signal SW_A and the second switch control signal SW_B of decoder 83 outputs.The first switch 86A and second switch 86B switch between conducting state and cut-off state owing to its resistance variations.For example, under conducting state, its resistance is the order of magnitude of 100 Ω, and under cut-off state, its resistance is tens megaohms or more.When using the first switch 86A and second switch 86B, when switching between the state of the first switch 86A and second switch 86B, switching noise is difficult to occur.Therefore, can prevent the problem that flows through such as circulating current when when driving signal COM and switch reliably.

First of self-driven signal generating circuit 70 drive the input side that signal COM_A is applied to the first switch 86A in the future, and second of self-driven signal generating circuit 70 drive the input side that signal COM_B is applied to second switch 86B in the future.Piezoelectric element 417 is electrically connected with the outlet side of the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.The first switch 86A and second switch 86B drive the switch that signal COM is provided with at each that is produced, and will constitute the first waveform portion SS211 that drives signal COM_A and optionally be applied on the corresponding piezoelectric element 417 to SS213 and the waveform portion SS221 and the SS222 that constitute the second driving signal COM_B.

The first switch controlling signal SW_A controls the operation of the first switch 86A, and the operation of second switch control signal SW_B control second switch 86B.That is, the first switch controlling signal SW_A is corresponding to the switch controlling signal SW at the first switch 86A.Similarly, second switch control signal SW_B is corresponding to another switch controlling signal SW at the first switch 86B.Particularly, if first switch controlling signal SW_A value of fetching data [1], then the first switch 86A becomes conducting, and the first driving signal COM_A is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.If the first switch controlling signal SW_A is data value [0], then the first switch 86A becomes and ends, and thereby does not drive signal COM_A with first and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Similarly, if second switch control signal SW_B value of fetching data [1], then second switch 86B becomes conducting, and the second driving signal COM_B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.If second switch control signal SW_B value of fetching data [0], then second switch 86B becomes and ends, and thereby does not drive signal COM_B with second and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.

In this embodiment, will prevent that circuit 2085 is arranged between decoder 83 and the first switch 86A and the second switch 86B.Prevent that circuit 2085 is corresponding to being used to prevent that driving signal COM_A and second with first drives signal COM_B and be applied to controller on the single piezoelectric element 417 simultaneously.That is, when the driving signal on will being applied to piezoelectric element 417 switches to another from one of the first driving signal COM_A and second driving signal COM_B, prevent that circuit 2085 from making the first switch 86A and second switch 86B all be in cut-off state.Just, in timing place that the content to the first switch controlling signal SW_A changes, prevent that circuit 2085 pressures from making the first switch 86A be in cut-off state.Similarly, in timing place that the content to second switch control signal SW_B changes, prevent that circuit 2085 pressures from making second switch 86B be in cut-off state.Should be noted that will describe this after a while in more detail prevents circuit 2085.

＜(2) grade control 〉

Next grade control in the printer 1 will be described.Here, Figure 22 describes first to drive the figure that signal COM_A, second drives signal COM_B and required control signal.Figure 23 describes when formation is a little bigger, when forming medium dots and the figure that is applied to the waveform portion on the piezoelectric element 417 when forming point.In the control of this grade, as the above mentioned, control the operation of the first switch 86A and the operation of second switch 86B according to the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.

At first will describe and form a little bigger situation (pixel data SI is [11]).In this case, decoder 83 forms a little bigger pixel data SI according to indication, selects first to select data q3 and second to select data q7.Then, the first selection data q3 is output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A, and selects data q7 to be output as second switch control signal SW_B second.In this embodiment, the first switch controlling signal SW_A is the data [110] according to time series T211, T212 and T213, and second switch control signal SW_B is the data value [01] according to time series T221 and T222.Therefore,, in time period T211 and T212, drive signal COM_A and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417, be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 and in time period T222, drive signal COM_B with second with first as shown in the upper level of Figure 23.That is, in time period T212 and T222, the driving signal COM that is applied on the piezoelectric element 417 is switched.The result, the driving pulse PS22 and the second driving pulse PS25 that drives the second waveform portion SS222 of signal COM_B that successively the first driving pulse PS21, first that drives the first waveform portion SS211 of signal COM_A are driven the second waveform portion SS212 of signal COM_A are applied on the piezoelectric element 417, have caused with a little bigger corresponding quantity of ink to spray from nozzle Nz.

Next the situation (pixel data SI has data value [10]) that forms medium dots will be described.In this case, the pixel data SI of decoder 83 response indications formation medium dots selects first to select data q2 and second to select data q6.Then, it is output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.In this embodiment, the first switch controlling signal SW_A becomes data value [001], and second switch control signal SW_B becomes data value [00].Therefore,, in time period T213, drive signal COM_A and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417, be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 and do not drive signal COM_B with second with first as shown in the middle upper level of Figure 23.As a result, the first driving pulse PS23 that drives the 3rd waveform portion SS213 of signal COM_A is applied on the piezoelectric element 417, has caused with the corresponding quantity of ink of medium dots from nozzle Nz, to spray.

Next the situation (pixel data SI has data value [01]) that forms point will be described.In this case, the pixel data SI of decoder 83 response indications formation point selects first to select data q1 and second to select data q5.And it is output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.In this embodiment, the first switch controlling signal SW_A becomes data value [000], and second switch control signal SW_B becomes data value [10].Therefore,, in time period T221, drive signal COM_B and be applied on the piezoelectric element 417, be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 and do not drive signal COM_A with first with second as shown in the middle next stage of Figure 23.As a result, the second driving pulse PS24 that drives the first waveform portion SS221 of signal COM_B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417, has caused with the corresponding quantity of ink of point from nozzle Nz, to spray.

Should be noted that under situation about not forming (pixel data SI) the pixel data SI that decoder 83 response indications do not form selects first to select data q0 and second to select data q4 with data value [00].And it is output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.In this embodiment, the first switch controlling signal SW_A becomes data value [000], and second switch control signal SW_B becomes data value [00].Therefore, as shown in the next stage of Figure 23, first drives signal COM_A and second drives signal COM_B and all is not applied on the piezoelectric element 417.

The general introduction of (2) second embodiment of======

＜(2) switch controlling signal SW 〉

Purpose described above is in order to describe the configuration of printer 1, and has supposed desirable situation.Therefore, the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B can not indicate conduction level (for example, data value [1]) simultaneously.Yet when printer operation 1 in practice, the possibility of non-required logic will appear in existence, for example, make the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B become conduction level simultaneously.Here, Figure 24 A show at switch regularly locate, the schematic diagram of the voltage change of switch controlling signal SW.Figure 24 B schematically shows wherein the first switch 86A and the second switch 86B figure of the example of conducting simultaneously.

Shown in Figure 24 A, the change pulse that the change pulse and second that changes signal CH_A at the latch pulse of latch signal LAT, first changes signal CH_B (after this, these pulses are referred to as " commutator pulse ") locate, the content (the first switch controlling signal SW_A, second switch control signal SW_B) of switch controlling signal SW is upgraded.In timing place of this renewal, it is uncertain and with the unclear time period of logic level of adopting switch controlling signal SW wherein to occur.Existence is about the various reasons of expecting of non-required logic level occurring, and a reason is the operation of logic level.As the above mentioned, decoder 83 and control logic 84 have following composed component, for example a large amount of doors (with door 831A to 834A, 831B to 834B or

door

835A and 835B), register RG and multiplexer MX0 be to MX7.When these composed components were operated, these composed components had different time delays usually.Therefore, before finally having determined this state, non-required logic level may appear.

Should be noted that when before switching timing and when the content of switch controlling signal SW changes afterwards and when it remains unchanged, all non-required logic level may occur.As the above mentioned, will be stored on the register RG of control logic 84 at the selection data of each waveform portion.Therefore, though switch regularly before with afterwards, the content of switch controlling signal SW is identical, also the selection data of this content based on it are stored on the different register RG.For example, select three data values of data q0 in the time period of repetition period T T211, T212 and T213, to be [0].Yet, with employed data among the time period T211 be stored in register RG (Q0, G11) on, employed data among the time period T212 are stored in register RG (Q0, G12) on, and with employed data among the time period T213 be stored in register RG (Q0, G13) on.Therefore, need multiplexer MX0 in first change pulse place that changes signal CH_A, select the register RG of data q0 to switch, and exist this handover operation will when switching, cause the possibility of non-required logic level therefrom reading.

Timing place that the first driving signal COM_A and second drives the switching between the signal COM_B occurring, existence non-required logic level will occur and it will make the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B all be in the possibility of conduction level.In the example of Figure 22, have following possibility: these switch controlling signals SW_A and SW_B will enter conduction level simultaneously in the time period of the latch pulse that produces latch signal LAT.Also have following possibility: switch controlling signal SW_A and SW_B will produce at the same time and become conduction level simultaneously during the first change pulse and second that changes signal CH_A changes time period of change pulse of signal CH_B.Particularly, have following possibility: switch controlling signal SW_A and SW_B will be in conduction level simultaneously in the time period of the second change pulse that produces the first change signal CH_A (that is, producing the time period of the change pulse of the second change signal CH_B).

When switch controlling signal SW_A and SW_B all were in conduction level,

corresponding switch

86A and 86B became conducting.As illustrating as example in Figure 24 B, under conducting state, the resistance value of

switch

86A and 86B all drops to about 100 Ω.For design reasons, regularly to locate at this switch, the voltage that first voltage and second that drives signal COM_A drives signal COM_B is complementary with the medium voltage VC that serves as reference.Yet, in fact, in printer 1, divide the 70A and the second driving signal generator to divide between the 70B at the first driving signal generator and there are differences, caused that the first medium voltage VC_A and the second medium voltage VC_B that drives signal COM_B that drives signal COM_A differs from one another.In this case, electric current flows to the side with lower medium voltage VC.For example, if the first medium voltage VC_A that drives signal COM_A is lower than the second medium voltage VC_B that drives signal COM_B, then electric current I will flow to first and drive signal generator and divide 70A.This electric current I is non-required electric current not only, and has the possibility that reaches high value, therefore drives signal generator to first and divides 70A to have a negative impact.

＜(2) first switch 86A, second switch 86B 〉

Also have following possibility: when the first switch 86A and second switch 86B switched between conducting state and cut-off state, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B will be in conducting state simultaneously.Here, Figure 25 A shows the figure of the state variation among the first switch 86A and the second switch 86B.Figure 25 B shows the figure of another state variation among the first switch 86A and the second switch 86B.

By changing its resistance, between conducting state and cut-off state, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B are switched, thereby for example, shown in Figure 25 A, its and the corresponding cut-off state of its resistance, unsteady state and conducting state between change.Here, unsteady state is the state that can become conducting state or cut-off state.Therefore, by shown in the chain-dotted line among the figure, the first switch 86A switches to conducting state from cut-off state, and by shown in the solid line among the figure, second switch 86B switches under the situation of cut-off state from conducting state, then have following possibility: on the time period indicated by the OT mark, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B all will be in conducting state.In addition, there are differences if become between the timing that the timing that ends and second switch 86B become conducting at the first switch 86A, then as by shown in the mark OT ', have the following possibility that increases: the first switch 86A and second switch 86B all will be in conducting state.If the first switch 86A and second switch 86B all are in conducting state, then shown in Figure 24 B, between drive circuit, circulating current will occur, and may have a negative impact.

Therefore, in this embodiment, by preventing that circuit 2085 from preventing such adverse effect, this prevents that circuit 2085 from serving as controller, and control is used to control first and drives signal COM_A to the first switch 86A that applies of piezoelectric element 417 and in the operation of the control second driving signal COM_B to the second switch 86B that applies of piezoelectric element 417.Just, when the driving signal COM on will being applied to piezoelectric element 417 switches to another from one of the first driving signal COM_A and second driving signal COM_B, prevent that circuit 2085 from making the first switch 86A and second switch 86B all enter cut-off state.Adopt such configuration can prevent the problem that circulating current flows through when driving signal COM is switched, even between the voltage of the first driving signal COM_A and the second driving signal COM_B, have difference.

===(2) prevent circuit===

＜(2) prevent the configuration of circuit 2085 〉

Next description is prevented the configuration of circuit 2085.Here, Figure 26 shows the figure of the configuration that prevents circuit.Figure 27 A is the figure that describes the relation between the first switch controlling signal SW_A and first and 2852 the output.Figure 27 B is the figure that describes the relation between second switch control signal SW_B and second and 2853 the output.Figure 28 is the figure that schematically shows the relation between the resistance variations of the rising edge of commutator pulse and trailing edge and the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.

Prevent that circuit 2085 has gate circuit control signal output 2851, first and door 2852 and second and 2853.Gate circuit control signal output 2851 changes signal CH_A according to latch signal LAT, first and the second change signal CH_B comes out-gate circuit control signal GS.Here, gate circuit control signal GS is the signal that is used to determine whether the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B are outputed to the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.That is, gate circuit control signal GS is used to determine to enable or forbid the signal of the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.Gate circuit control signal output 2851 has and door 2851a and or door 2851b.Have two input terminals and a lead-out terminal with door 2851a.Change signal CH_A with first and be input to one of its input terminal, be input to its another input terminal and change signal CH_B with second.Or door 2851b also has two input terminals and a lead-out terminal.LAT is input to one of its input terminal with latch signal, and will be input to its another input terminal from the signal with door 2851a.

If latch signal LAT is in H level (when the level of data value for [1]), then the gate circuit control signal GS of output becomes the H level from gate circuit control signal output 2851.When first changed signal CH_A and second and change signal CH_B and all be in the H level, gate circuit control signal GS also became the H level.In all other circumstances, gate circuit control signal GS is in the L level.In other words, exist the driving signal COM that will be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 to drive the time that one of signal COM_B switches to another possibility from the first driving signal COM_A and second, gate circuit control signal GS becomes the H level.

First with the door 2852 first gate circuits corresponding to controller.First 2852 has two input terminals and a lead-out terminal with door.The first switch controlling signal SW_A is input to one of its input terminal, and the gate circuit control signal GS after anti-phase is input to its another input terminal.Second with the door 2853 second gate circuits corresponding to controller.Second 2853 also has two input terminals and a lead-out terminal with door.SW_B is input to one of its input terminal with the second switch control signal, and the gate circuit control signal GS after anti-phase is input to its another input terminal.If gate circuit control signal GS is in L level (this is corresponding to predetermined level), then first export the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B with door 2853 with door 2852 and second.That is, the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B have been enabled.

On the other hand, if gate circuit control signal GS is in H level (this is corresponding to another predetermined level), then first be set to the L level with door 2853 output, and have nothing to do with the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B with door 2852 and second.That is, first exports first with door 2852 ends control signal, so that the first switch 86A enters cut-off state.Similarly, second exports second with door 2853 ends control signal, so that second switch 86B enters cut-off state.As a result, the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B have been forbidden.

When the driving signal COM on will being applied to piezoelectric element 417 switched to another from one of the first driving signal COM_A and second driving signal COM_B, gate circuit control signal GS became the H level.Particularly, in timing place of the rising edge of commutator pulse (latch pulse, change pulse), it changes into the H level from the L level, and in timing place of its trailing edge, changes into the L level from the H level.Therefore, to driving on the time period that signal COM switches, will be arranged on L level place with door 2852 and second with 2853 output from first.To be input to the first switch 86A and will be input to second switch 86B with a signal of 2853 outputs from first with a signal of 2852 outputs by second.As a result, in duration, make the first switch 86A and second switch 86B enter cut-off state simultaneously at the time period that driving signal COM is switched.

Here, be provided with the time period (that is time period ET) that makes the first switch 86A and second switch 86B enter cut-off state simultaneously to such an extent that be longer than the resistance value that the first switch 86A and second switch 86B thereon are conducting and change into thereon that it is the required time of resistance value that ends from the timing t 1 of rising edge to the timing t 2 of the trailing edge of commutator pulse.Therefore, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B are at the moment place that the driving signal COM that will be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 is switched and end.Afterwards, will be set to conducting state to its switch that applies on the side that drives signal COM.According to this mode, by after the cut-off state, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B are switched to conducting state at first, therefore can prevent reliably that these two switches are in the problem of conducting state simultaneously.Therefore, can prevent the circulating current I that the difference owing to medium voltage VC flows through reliably.

In this embodiment, make the first switch 86A and second switch 86B enter the time period of cut-off state during utilizing above mentioned commutator pulse to determine.Particularly, with the lead edge timing of commutator pulse and back along regularly getting the reference that the oppose first switch 86A and second switch 86B control.Therefore, each that makes that the first switch 86A and second switch 86B enter conducting state regularly can be matched each other.As a result, can prevent reliably that the first switch 86A and second switch 86B are in the problem of conducting state simultaneously.

In addition, in this embodiment, prevent circuit 2085 by such as with door and or logic circuit such as door constitute.First is controlled by gate circuit control signal GS with 2853 operation with door 2852 and second.This feature makes its structure become simply, makes it be suitable for high speed processing.

The optional embodiment of===(2)===

The circuit 2085 that prevents that should be noted that second embodiment discussed above determines to utilize the rising edge of commutator pulse and trailing edge to make the first switch 86A and second switch 86B enter the time period of cut-off state.Therefore, make its time period that enters cut-off state for setting, do not have the free degree, therefore, need adopting wherein, latch pulse LAT, the first change signal CH_A and second change the design that signal CH_B has suitable pulse width.If can not consider that commutator pulse is provided with the time period of cut-off state, then can make the best deadline, and this be desirable.The optional embodiment that below description is had such configuration.Here, Figure 29 is the figure that describes this optional embodiment.

This another embodiment is with the different of second embodiment discussed above: with monostable multivibrator 854 be arranged on gate circuit control signal output 2851 and first and the door 2852 between.Monostable multivibrator 854 is exported the signal of H level at the fixed time according to commutator pulse in period duration.That is, monostable multivibrator 854 serves as timer.Can be by changing the electric capacity of the capacitor 855 that links to each other with monostable multivibrator 854, come the signal of conditioning period monostable multivibrator 854 to export the time ET ' (that is will make the first switch 86A and second switch 86B be in the time period of cut-off state) that is in the H level.As a result, in this embodiment, make the first switch 86A and second switch 86B enter time period the best of cut-off state during can making.Can also accurately determine to make it enter the time period of cut-off state.

Other embodiment of===(2)===

＜(2) gate circuit control signal output 〉

In second embodiment and optional embodiment, gate circuit control signal output 2851 have first with door 2852 and second with door 2853, export public door circuit control signal GS.Yet, be not limited to this embodiment.Here, Figure 30 shows the gate circuit control signal output 2851 ' according to another embodiment.Figure 31 A be describe the first switch controlling signal SW_A and first with 2852 output between the figure of relation; Figure 31 B be describe second switch control signal SW_B and second with 2853 output between the figure of relation.

Gate circuit control signal output 2851 ' output needle to first with door 2852 the first gate circuit control signal GS_A and at second with the second gate circuit control signal GS_B of door 2853.That is, gate circuit control signal output 2851 ' have first or the door 2851c and second or the door 2851d.

First or the door 2851c have two input terminals and a lead-out terminal.LAT is input to one of input terminal with latch signal, is input to another input terminal and change signal CH_A with first.Therefore, change the change impulsive synchronization ground of signal CH_A with the latch pulse of latch signal LAT or first, from first or door 2851c the first gate circuit control signal GS_A that exports become the H level.

Second or the door 2851d have two input terminals and a lead-out terminal.LAT is input to one of input terminal with latch signal, is input to another input terminal and change signal CH_B with second.Therefore, change the change impulsive synchronization ground of signal CH_B with the latch pulse of latch signal LAT or second, from second or door 2851d the second gate circuit control signal GS_B that exports become the H level.

This embodiment realizes and previous identical operations of discussing and effect in a second embodiment.

In addition, these embodiment have adopted the configuration that utilizes gate circuit control signal output 2851 and 2851 ' to control the first switch 86A and second switch 86B, but are not limited to these configurations.That is, only need to make the first switch 86A and second switch 86B all to enter cut-off state.

＜(2) driving element 〉

In above embodiment, utilize piezoelectric element 417 to come ink-jet.Yet, be used to realize that the element of ink-jet is not limited to piezoelectric element 417.For example,, the element of other types be can also use, hot producing component or magnetic force control element comprised as long as this element can be carried out the operation of ink-jet.

＜(2) drive signal COM 〉

The embodiment of front provides the example of the printer 1 of the driving signal COM (that is, first drives signal COM_A and second drives signal COM_B) that exports two types, but it is not the qualification to this configuration.That is, can also adopt the printer 1 of the driving signal COM that can produce three kinds or more kinds of types simultaneously.

＜(2) are about ink 〉

The embodiment of front is the embodiment of printer 1, so the dye ink or the paint ink of nozzle Nz ejection liquid form.Yet,, be not limited to such ink as long as the ink from nozzle Nz from ejection is a liquid.

Other use example＜(2) 〉

In above embodiment, described printer 1, but this is not determinate.For example, it can also adopt and the identical technology of embodiment at the various types of liquid discharge apparatus that adopt the ink jet type technology, and for example colour filter manufacturing equipment, dyeing installation, finish machining equipment, semiconductor manufacturing facility, surface processing equipment, 3D shape form machine, liquid evaporation equipment, organic EL manufacturing equipment (particularly big molecule EL manufacturing equipment), display manufacturing equipment, film forming device and DNA chip manufacturing equipment.Method and its manufacture method at it also are in the range of application.

(3) the 3rd embodiment

The target that===(3) described===

＜(3) liquid discharge apparatus 〉

In the 3rd embodiment＜liquid discharge apparatus the part discussion in fact with first embodiment in＜liquid discharge apparatus the part discussion identical, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

The configuration of===(3) print system===

In the 3rd embodiment＜overall arrangement the part discussion in fact with first embodiment in＜overall arrangement the part discussion identical, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

===(3) computer===

In the 3rd embodiment＜configuration of computer 110 part discussion in fact with first embodiment in＜configuration of computer 110 discussion of part is identical, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

===(3) printer===

In the 3rd embodiment＜configuration of printer 1,＜paper feed mechanism 20,＜balladeur train travel mechanism 30,＜head unit 40,＜detector set 50,＜printer side controller 60,＜drive signal generation circuit 70 with＜printing the discussion of part is identical with the discussion of these parts among first embodiment in fact, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

In addition, in the 3rd embodiment＜driving signal generator divides 70 〉,＜driving signal COM about being produced 〉,＜record head controller HC〉and＜grade control〉partly discussion is identical with the discussion of these parts among second embodiment in fact, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

The general introduction of the 3rd embodiment of===(3)===

＜(3) switch controlling signal SW 〉

Purpose described above is in order to describe the configuration of printer 1, and has supposed desirable situation.Therefore, the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B can not indicate conduction level (for example, data value [1]) simultaneously.Yet, when using printer 1 in practice, exist in the transition state of switching during, make the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B become the conduction level possibility simultaneously.Here, Figure 32 A show at switch regularly locate, the schematic diagram of the voltage change of switch controlling signal SW.Figure 32 B schematically shows the wherein figure of the example of the first switch 86A and second switch 86B conducting simultaneously.

Shown in Figure 32 A, the change pulse that the change pulse and second that changes signal CH_A at the latch pulse of latch signal LAT, first changes signal CH_B (after this, these pulses are referred to as " commutator pulse ") locate, the content (the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B) of switch controlling signal SW is upgraded.When upgrading, switching transition period, in switch controlling signal SW non-required logic level may appear.Existence is about the various reasons of expecting of non-required logic level occurring, and a reason is the operation of logic level.As the above mentioned, decoder 83 and control logic 84 have following composed component, for example a large amount of doors (with door 831A to 834A, 831B to 834B or

door

835A and 835B), register RG and multiplexer MX0 be to MX7.When these composed components were operated, under the normal condition, its time delay was different.Therefore, up to the final moment place that determines this state, the possibility of non-required logic level will appear in existence.

When in switch controlling signal SW, non-required logic level occurring, there is the possibility that all becomes conducting with the corresponding switch of this switch controlling signal SW.For example, when non-required logic level occurring among the first switch controlling signal SW_A, the first switch 86A becomes conducting.Equally, when non-required logic level occurring among the second switch control signal SW_B, second switch 86B becomes conducting.Here, if one of these switches have been in conducting state, then when another switch became conducting, the resistance value of

switch

86A and 86B all dropped to about 100 Ω, as illustrating as example among Figure 32 B.Thus, the first driving signal generator divides the 70A and the second driving signal generator to divide 70B to become by the first switch 86A and second switch 86B electrical connection.Also this problem may occur at other nozzle places, and in the worst case, first drives signal generator divides 70A and second to drive signal generator to divide the 70B will be with the resistive short of 100 Ω/nozzle number.

At this moment, have different voltage if the first driving signal COM_A and second drives signal COM_B, then have following possibility: this voltage difference will make unexpected electric current I flow through.For example, under situation, during the timing of on it content of first switch controlling signal SW_A being switched appears at the second first waveform portion SS221 that drives signal COM_B is applied in the time period T221 on the piezoelectric element 417 at the pixel data SI of point.That is, change first of signal CH_A and change the boundary generation of pulse at time period T211 and time period T212 first.As the above mentioned, regularly locate, exist the first switch 86A will enter the possibility of conducting state owing to non-required logic level at this switch.When the first switch 86A becomes conducting, the voltage of the second driving signal COM_B (in this example, the voltage of scope from the minimum voltage to the medium voltage) and first difference that drives between the voltage (medium voltage in this example) of signal COM_A caused that unexpected electric current I (after this being also referred to as circulating current I) flows through.This streaming current I has driving the possibility that signal generator divides 70A and 70B to have a negative impact.In addition, when the conducting simultaneously of two switches, can destroy the waveform of this point, and this may suitably carry out ink-jet.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent this adverse effect, that serves as controller prevents that circuit 2085 controls are used to control first and drive signal COM_A to the first switch 86A that applies of piezoelectric element 417 and in the operation of the control second driving signal COM_B to the second switch 86B that applies of piezoelectric element 417.

(for example driving signal COM from one, first drives signal COM_A) the generation of driving pulse (for example driving pulse PS21) finish during time period that the generation up to next driving pulse (for example driving pulse PS22) begins, prevent that circuit 2085 pressures from making one of these switches (for example first switch 86A) enter cut-off state one predetermined amount of time (produce first for example, and change the time period that first of signal CH_A changes pulse).

(for example driving signal COM from another, second drives signal COM_B) the generation of another driving pulse (for example driving pulse PS24) finish during time period that the generation up to next another driving pulse (for example driving pulse PS25) begins, prevent that circuit 2085 pressures from making another switch (for example second switch 86B) enter cut-off state one another predetermined amount of time (produce second for example, and change the time period that first of signal CH_B changes pulse).

Prevent circuit 2085 by this is set, force during the section at the fixed time a switch is ended, and another switch is ended.As a result, can prevent that two switches are in conducting state simultaneously, and this can prevent the problem that circulating current I flows through.

===(3) prevent circuit===

＜(3) prevent the configuration of circuit 2085 〉

Next description is prevented the configuration of circuit 2085.Here, Figure 33 shows the figure of the configuration that prevents circuit.Figure 34 A is the figure that describes the relation between the first switch controlling signal SW_A and first and 3852 the output.Figure 34 B is the figure that describes the relation between second switch control signal SW_B and second and 3853 the output.

Prevent that circuit 2085 has gate circuit control signal output 3851, first and door 3852 and second and 3853.Gate circuit control signal output 3851 changes signal CH_A according to latch signal LAT, first and the second change signal CH_B comes out-gate circuit control signal GS.Here, gate circuit control signal GS is the signal that is used to determine whether the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B are outputed to the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.That is, gate circuit control signal GS is used to determine to enable or forbid the signal of the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.

Gate circuit control signal output 3851 have first or the door 3851a and second or the door 3851b.

First or door 3851a output needle to the first gate circuit control signal GS_A (this is corresponding to the gate circuit control signal at first switch) of the first switch 86A.First or the door 3851a have two input terminals and a lead-out terminal.LAT is input to one of its input terminal with latch signal, is input to its another input terminal and change signal CH_A with first.If latch signal LAT is in H level (when data value is the level of [1]), then from first or door 3851a the first gate circuit control signal GS_A that exports become the H level.If when the first change signal CH_A all was in the H level, then it became the H level.In all other circumstances, the first gate circuit control signal GS_A is in the L level.That is, shown in Figure 34 A, change at the latch pulse that produces latch signal LAT or first on time period of change pulse of signal CH_A, the first gate circuit control signal GS_A is in H level place.As a result, can also think that the first gate circuit control signal GS_A comprises first commutator pulse (this is corresponding to the commutator pulse at first switch controlling signal) based on these latch pulses and change pulse.

During having defined, first commutator pulse changes time period t 11, t12 and the t13 (referring to Figure 22) to selecting data to change among the signal CH_A first.That is, it is in the H level on these time period t 11, t12 and t13.Here, each all has driving pulse PS to the waveform portion SS211 of the formation first driving signal COM_A to SS213.That is, the first waveform portion SS211 has driving pulse PS21, and the second waveform portion SS212 has driving pulse PS22, and the 3rd waveform portion SS213 has driving pulse PS23.Therefore, can think: finish to the predetermined amount of time of the generation of next driving pulse PS, to have produced first commutator pulse in generation since a driving pulse PS.

Second or door 3851b output needle to the second gate circuit control signal GS_B (this is corresponding to another gate circuit control signal at second switch) of second switch 86B.Second or the door 3851b have two input terminals and a lead-out terminal.LAT is input to one of its input terminal with latch signal, is input to its another input terminal and change signal CH_B with second.If latch signal LAT or second any that changes among the signal CH_B are in the H level, then the second gate circuit control signal GS_B becomes the H level.That is, shown in Figure 34 B, the second gate circuit control signal GS_B has second commutator pulse (this is corresponding to another commutator pulse at the second switch control signal) that changes the change pulse of signal CH_B based on the latch pulse of latch signal and second.

Second commutator pulse during change among the signal CH_B second and to be in the H level on time period t 21 that data change and the t22 (referring to Figure 22) selecting.Therefore, finish to change on another predetermined amount of time of signal CH_B, produced second commutator pulse to second of the generation of next driving pulse PS in generation since a driving pulse PS.

First with door 3852 corresponding to the gate circuit in the controller.First 3852 has two input terminals and a lead-out terminal with door.The first switch controlling signal SW_A is input to one of its input terminal, and the first gate circuit control signal GS_A after anti-phase is input to its another input terminal.If the first gate circuit control signal GS_A is in L level (this is corresponding to predetermined level), then first with the door 3852 output first a switch controlling signal SW_A.That is, enabled the first switch controlling signal SW_A.On the other hand, if the first gate circuit control signal GS_A is in H level (this is corresponding to another predetermined level), promptly during the time period that produces first commutator pulse, then first becomes the L level with the output of door 3852, and irrelevant with the first switch controlling signal SW_A.As a result, from first with door exported 3852 be used to make the first switch 86A enter cut-off state first by control signal (this corresponding at first switch by control signal).

Second with door 3853 corresponding to another gate circuit in the controller.Second 3853 also has two input terminals and a lead-out terminal with door.SW_B is input to one of its input terminal with the second switch control signal, and the second gate circuit control signal GS_B after anti-phase is input to its another input terminal.If the second gate circuit control signal GS_B is in L level (this is corresponding to predetermined level), then second with door 3853 output second switch control signal SW_B.That is, enabled second switch control signal SW_B.On the other hand, if the second gate circuit control signal GS_B is in H level (this is corresponding to another predetermined level), promptly during the time period that produces second commutator pulse, then second becomes the L level with the output of door 3853, and irrelevant with second switch control signal SW_B.As a result, from second with door exported 3853 be used to make second switch 86B enter cut-off state second by control signal (this corresponding at another of second switch by control signal).

Then, force to make the first switch 86A enter cut-off state by control signal by first.That is, make it enter cut-off state, and irrelevant with the content of the first switch controlling signal SW_A.Therefore, become the H level with the first switch controlling signal SW_A, can prevent that also the first switch 86A is owing to this logic level enters conducting state even the appearance of non-required logic level makes.For example, even the first switch controlling signal SW_A becomes conduction level in time period t 12, the first switch 86A also remains on cut-off state.Here, under situation at the pixel data SI of point, second switch 86B is in conducting state during this time period t 12, and make the first switch 86A enter cut-off state because force, can prevent that the first switch 86A and second switch 86B are in conducting state simultaneously, and this can prevent the problem that circulating current I flows through.Can also prevent to drive the distortion of signal.

In this embodiment, by the first gate circuit control signal GS_A control first with the door 3852.The change impulsive synchronization ground that changes signal CH_A with the latch pulse of latch signal LAT and first produces first commutator pulse of the first gate circuit control signal GS_A.When latch pulse occurring and changing pulse, switch the content of the first switch controlling signal SW_A.Therefore, by control via the first gate circuit control signal GS_A first with the door 3852, timing that the first switch 86A is ended and the timing that the first switch controlling signal SW_A is switched can be complementary.Particularly, regularly locate, can forbid the first switch controlling signal SW_A, thereby make the first switch 86A be in cut-off state, and can regularly locate to enable the first switch controlling signal SW_A at the trailing edge of first commutator pulse at the rising edge of first commutator pulse.As a result, can prevent the problem that circulating current I flows through reliably.In addition, can prevent the distortion of waveform.

Second switch 86B also is like this.That is, force to make second switch 86B enter cut-off state by control signal by second, and irrelevant with the content of second switch control signal SW_B.Therefore, become the H level with second switch control signal SW_B, can prevent that also second switch 86B from entering conducting state even noise has made.For example, make second switch 86B enter cut-off state among this time period t 21 and the t22.Here, in this embodiment, time period t 21 is alignd with first time period t 11 that drives signal COM_A.In addition, time period t 22 is alignd with first time period t 13 that drives signal COM_A.

Ideally, in this case, the voltage that first voltage and second that drives signal COM_A is driven signal COM_B aligns with medium voltage as the starting voltage of driving pulse PS.If first medium voltage that drives signal COM_A is identical with second medium voltage that drives signal COM_B, then will there be unexpected electric current I to flow through, even the first switch 86A and second switch 86B are in conducting state simultaneously.Yet, in practice, can occur first and drive signal generator and divide 70A and second to drive signal generator to divide difference between the 70B, and this may cause that first medium voltage and second that drives signal COM_A drives the difference between the medium voltage of signal COM_B.If there are differences between the voltage in these, then this voltage difference makes circulating current I flow through.Yet,,, also can prevent the problem that circulating current I flows through reliably even under these circumstances for present embodiment.

Should note, in this embodiment, make the switch timing of second switch control signal SW_B regularly synchronous, and can realize and identical operations and the effect discussed at the first driving signal COM_A, even two driving signals are not synchronous with the switch of the first switch controlling signal SW_A.

In addition, in this embodiment, prevent circuit 2085 by such as with door and or door wait logic circuit to constitute, and first and 3852 and second and 3853 operation is controlled by gate circuit control signal GS.This has the effect of simplified structure and is suitable for high speed operation.

Should be noted that in this embodiment, gate circuit control signal output 3851 is set, but be not limited to this configuration at each nozzle.For example, single gate circuit control signal output 3851 can also be set, its output (being gate circuit control signal GS) can be by shared with the corresponding circuit of each nozzle.

Other embodiment of===(3)===

The embodiment of front has mainly described the print system 100 that comprises printer 1, but it also comprises and applies disclosing of the method that drives signal COM and liquid ejection system etc.Front embodiment only is used to purpose of the present invention is described, and should not be construed as limitation of the invention.Certainly, under the situation that does not break away from its purport, can carry out changes and improvements to the present invention, and the present invention includes equivalent.In fact, the embodiment that is mentioned below also falls within the scope of the invention.

＜(3) prevent circuit 2085 〉

The circuit 2085 that prevents of the 3rd embodiment discussed above determines to utilize the rising edge of commutator pulse and the time period that trailing edge ends the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.Therefore, make its time period that ends, do not have the free degree,, then can make the best deadline, and this is desirable if can not consider that commutator pulse is provided with the time period of cut-off state for setting.The modified example that below description is had such configuration.Here, Figure 35 is the figure that describes the primary clustering that prevents circuit 2085 ' of this modified example.

This modified example is with the different of the 3rd embodiment discussed above: with

monostable multivibrator

3854A and 3854B be arranged on gate circuit control signal output 3851 and first and door 3852 between.That is, the first monostable multivibrator 3854A exports the signal of H level at the fixed time according to the commutator pulse of first timing signal in period duration.The second monostable multivibrator 3854B exports the signal of H level according to the commutator pulse of second timing signal in the duration of another predetermined amount of time.

Monostable multivibrator

3854A and 3854B serve as timer.That is, the first monostable multivibrator 3854A serves as the first timer at the first switch 86A, and the second monostable multivibrator 3854B serves as the second timer at second switch 86B.For signal by first monostable multivibrator 3854A output, during its time ETA that is in the H level corresponding to during the first switch 86A be in time period of cut-off state.Equally, for signal by second monostable multivibrator 3854B output, during its time ETB that is in the H level corresponding to during second switch 86B be in time period of cut-off state.Can come conditioning period to make the first switch 86A and second switch 86B be in these time periods of cut-off state by changing coupled capacitor 3855A and the electric capacity of 3855B.As a result, in this embodiment, make the first switch 86A and second switch 86B enter time period the best of cut-off state during can making.Can also accurately determine to make it be in the time period of cut-off state.

＜(3) driving element 〉

＜(3) drive signal COM 〉

＜(3) are about ink 〉

Other use example＜(2) 〉

(4) the 4th embodiment

The target that===(4) described===

＜(4) liquid discharge apparatus 〉

In the 4th embodiment＜liquid discharge apparatus the part discussion in fact with first embodiment in＜liquid discharge apparatus the part discussion identical, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

The configuration of===(4) print system===

In the 4th embodiment＜overall arrangement the part discussion in fact with first embodiment in＜overall arrangement the part discussion identical, therefore, no longer repeat at this.

===(4) computer===

The configuration of＜(4) computer 110 〉

Figure 36 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of computer 110 and printer 1.At first, will the configuration of computer 110 be described briefly.Computer 110 has above-mentioned recording/playback apparatus 140 and host computer side controller 111.Recording/playback apparatus 140 can link to each other with host computer side controller 111 communicatedly, for example, is attached on the shell of computer 110.Various controls in host computer side controller 111 object computers 110, and can be communicatedly link to each other with input equipment 130 with above-mentioned display device 120.Host computer side controller 111 has interface section 112, CPU 113 and memory 114.Interface section 112 is inserted between computer 110 and the printer 1, and between transmits and receive data.CPU 113 is the calculating treatmenting equipments that are used for the integral body control of object computer 110.Memory 114 is used to keep the workspace and is used to store the zone of the computer program that is used by CPU 113, and by constituting such as RAM, EEPROM, ROM or disk unit etc.The example of the computer program of being stored on memory 114 comprises above mentioned application program and printed driver.CPU 113 carries out various controls according to the computer program of being stored on the memory 114.

Printed driver makes computer 110 that view data is converted to print data, and these print datas are sent to printer 1.Print data is that be in can be by the data of the form of printer 1 decipher, and has various command data and pixel data SI (referring to Figure 42 etc.).Order data provides the data that make printer 1 carry out the order of specific operation.Order data comprises that order provides the order data of paper, the order data of indication paper feed amount and the order data that paper is unloaded in order.Pixel data SI is the data relevant with the pixel of wanting print image.

Here, pixel is meant the identity element of composing images, and forms image by these pixels being arranged as two-dimensionally row.The pixel data of print data is the data (for example, it be grade point) relevant with the point that will form on paper S.In this embodiment, each data by two bits of pixel data SI constitute.That is, pixel data SI be data value [00] (with do not put corresponding), data value [01] (corresponding), data value [10] (corresponding) or data value [11] (with corresponding a little louder) with the formation of medium dots with point.Therefore, printer 1 can form a little with four grades.The pixel data that should be noted that the view data before being converted to print data is the RGB data or the cmyk data of 256 grades.In addition, the pixel in the print image is the rectangular square that in fact is arranged on the paper S, and expression wherein will form zone a little on paper S.That is, print image is the image that the point by numerous quantity forms.

===(4) printer===

The configuration of＜(4) printer 1 〉

Figure 37 A shows the figure of configuration of the printer 1 of this embodiment.Figure 37 B shows the side view of configuration of the printer 1 of this embodiment.Should be noted that in the following description and also will carry out reference Figure 36.

Printer 1 has paper feed mechanism 20, balladeur train travel mechanism 30, head unit 40, detector set 50 and printer side controller 60.Should be noted that head unit 40 has record head controller HC and record head 41.

＜(4) paper feed mechanism 20 〉

Paper feed mechanism 20 is corresponding to the feeding medium part that is used for the feeding medium.This paper feed mechanism 20 is fed to printable position with this paper S, and on paper feed direction with predetermined paper feed amount feeding paper S.Paper feed direction is the direction that intersects with the balladeur train moving direction.Paper feed mechanism 20 has paper pushing roller 21, paper feed motor 22, paper-feed 23, cylinder 24 and unloads paper roller 25.Paper pushing roller 21 is that the paper S that is used for being inserted into paper insertion opening is sent to the roller of printer 1 automatically, and in this example, has the shape of cross section that is similar to alphabetical D.Paper feed motor 22 is to be used for the motor that paper S carried out feeding in paper feed direction, and controls its operation by printer side controller 60.Paper-feed 23 is to be used for and will to transmit the roller that the paper S that comes is fed into printable area by paper pushing roller 21.The operation of paper-feed 23 is also controlled by paper feed motor 22.Cylinder 24 is members of supporting paper S during printing from behind.Unloading paper roller 25 is the rollers that when printing has finished paper S carried out feeding.

＜(4) balladeur train travel mechanism 30 〉

＜(4) head unit 40 〉

Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of describing the structure of record head 41.The example record here 41 has channel unit 41A and actuating unit 41B.Channel unit 41A has: the supply opening that the locker room that wherein be provided with the nozzle plate 411 of nozzle Nz, wherein becomes the opening portion of the 412a of ink locker room forms substrate 412 and wherein formed ink feed opening 413a forms substrate 413.Actuating unit 41B has: the balancing gate pit that wherein becomes the opening portion of the 414a of balancing gate pit forms substrate 414, the oscillating plate 415 that has defined the part of the 414a of balancing gate pit, the flange member (lid member) 416 that has formed the opening portion that becomes supply side open communication 416a and the piezoelectric element 417 that forms on the surface of oscillating plate 415.In record head 41, formed the series of passages that is directed to nozzle Nz from the 412a of ink locker room by the 414a of balancing gate pit.In use, these passages are full of ink, and by making piezoelectric element 417 distortion, can ink-jet from respective nozzles Nz.Therefore, in record head 41, piezoelectric element 417 is corresponding to the element that can carry out the operation that is used for ink-jet.

From nozzle, can spray polytype ink with different amounts.For example, can spray three kinds of different ink types from each nozzle Nz, they are big ink droplet, the medium ink droplet with the amount that allows the formation medium dots with a little bigger amount of permission formation, the little ink droplet with amount of permission formation point.Therefore, printer 1 can be realized four grades at each pixel on the paper S, and it is not for putting formation, point, medium dots and a little bigger.

＜(4) detector set 50 〉

Detector set 50 is used for the situation in the monitor printer 1.Shown in Figure 37 A and Figure 37 B, detector set 50 comprises line decoder 51, rotary encoder 52, paper detection 53 and optical pickocff 54.Line decoder 51 is used for detecting along the balladeur train moving direction position of balladeur train CR (record head 41, nozzle Nz).Rotary encoder 52 is used to detect the rotation amount of paper-feed 23.Paper detection 53 is used to detect the position of the front end of the paper S that is printing.Optical pickocff 54 is arranged on the balladeur train CR, and can detect whether there is paper S in relative position, for example, can open the width of S by the edge part that detects paper S when the mobile test paper of assigning to.

＜(4) printer side controller 60 〉

The control that printer side controller 60 is carried out printer 1.As shown in Figure 2, printer side controller 60 has interface section 61, CPU 62, memory 63 and control module 64.Interface section 61 to transmit and receive data from computer 110 as external equipment.CPU 62 is the calculating treatmenting equipments that are used to carry out the overall control of printer 1.Memory 63 is used to keep the workspace and is used to store the zone of the program of CPU 62, and by constituting such as memory elements such as RAM, EEPROM or ROM.CPU 62 controls control module 64 according to the computer program that is stored on the memory 63.Control module 64 outputs to the control target with signal so that these control targets are controlled.Therefore, CPU 62 is by control module 64 control paper feed mechanism 20 and balladeur train travel mechanisms 30.Control module 64 has the drive signal generation circuit 70 that is used to produce driving signal COM.The configuration of drive signal generation circuit 70 etc. will be discussed after a while.

Control module 64 is according to the order from CPU 62, and output is used to control the record head control signal of the operation of record head 41, and utilizes drive signal generation circuit 70 to produce to drive signal COM.The record head control signal comprises that transfering clock CLK, pixel data SI, latch signal LAT, first change signal CH_A, second and change signal CH_B and signalization (will describe after a while).

＜(4) drive signal generation circuit 70 〉

Drive signal generation circuit 70 is used for producing driving signal COM, and corresponding to driving the signal generator branch.Driving signal COM in this embodiment is common to and corresponding all piezoelectric elements 417 of single nozzle row.

Figure 39 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of drive signal generation circuit 70.This drive signal generation circuit 70 can be carried and produce polytype driving signal COM.The drive signal generation circuit 70 of this embodiment has and is used to produce first and drives first of signal COM_A and drive signal generator and divide 70A and be used to produce second and drive second of signal COM_B and drive signal generator and divide 70B.First drives signal generator divides 70A to have: the first Waveform generating circuit 71A; And the first current amplification circuit 72A, be used to amplify the electric current of the signal that is produced by the first Waveform generating circuit 71A.Second drives signal generator divides 70B to have the second Waveform generating circuit 71B and the second current amplification circuit 72B.Should be noted that the first Waveform generating circuit 71A has identical structure with the second Waveform generating circuit 71B, and the first current amplification circuit 72A has identical structure with the second current amplification circuit 72B.

To be input to the first driving signal generator as the DAC value of the signal that produces from CPU 62 divides the 70A and the second driving signal generator to divide 70B.Each all has D/A converter the first Waveform generating circuit 71A and the second Waveform generating circuit 71B, and output and the corresponding analog signal of DAC value.That is, the DAC value is that indication will divide 70A and second to drive the information that signal generator divides the driving voltage of signals of exporting the 70B from the first driving signal generator.With very short renewal frequency this DAC value is upgraded, and this DAC value is to be used to produce a class that drives signal COM to produce information.

To describe after a while and utilize the first driving signal COM_A and second of present embodiment to drive the method that signal COM_B sprays ink droplet.

＜(4) print procedure 〉

Figure 40 is a flow chart of describing printing.In printer 1 with above configuration, printer side controller 60 is controlled control target part (paper feed mechanism 20, balladeur train travel mechanism 30, head unit 40 and drive signal generation circuit 70) according to the computer program of being stored on the memory 63, thereby carries out the operation of these parts.Therefore, this computer program has the code of this control target part of control, so that carry out the processing to these parts.

This printing comprises: print command reception operation (S10), paper feeding are operated (S20), are put to form and operate (S30), paper feed operation (S40), unload paper definite (S50), unload paper processing (S60) and print definite (S70) that whether finishes.Below these operations will be described briefly.

It is the operation that receives from the print command of computer 110 that print command receives operation (S10).In this operation, printer side controller 60 receives print command by interface section 61.

Paper feeding operation (S20) is to move paper S as the target that will print to be located the operation of locating at top of form (so-called index position).In this operation, printer side controller 60 drives paper feed motor 22, for example, and rotation paper pushing roller 21 and paper-feed 23.

It is the operation that is used for forming point on paper S that point forms operation (S30).In this operation, printer side controller 60 drives carriage motor 31, and control signal is outputed to drive signal generation circuit 70 and record head 41.As a result, during record head 41 moves, ink-jet from nozzle Nz, thus on paper S, form a little.

Paper feed operation (S40) is the operation of mobile paper S on paper feed direction.In this operation, printer side controller 60 drives paper feed motor 22 with rotation paper-feed 23.Operate by this paper feed, can be at the position formation point different with operate formed those points by some formation before.

Unload paper and determine that (S50) is the operation that determines whether to unload as the paper S of the object that is being printed.By printer side controller 60 according to determining such as whether existing print data to carry out this.

Unloading paper processing (S60) is the processing of unloading paper S, if the above mentioned definite result of paper that unloads is " unloading paper ", then carries out this processing.In this case, printer side controller 60 makes and unloads paper roller 25 rotations, is discharged to the outside thereby will print the paper S that has finished at it.

Print and finish to determine (S70) about whether continuing to print determined.Should determine also to carry out by printer side controller 60.

===(4) be according to first reference example, utilize two kinds of ink ejecting methods that drive signals===

Reference example (first reference example and second reference example) will be described so that more complete understanding to present embodiment is provided.

The driving signal COM of＜(4) about being produced 〉

Figure 41 is the key diagram of two types driving signal COM being produced by drive signal generation circuit 70.Drive signal generation circuit 70 produces first and drives the signal COM_A and the second driving signal COM_B.

First drives signal COM_A has the first waveform portion SS411 that is produced, the second waveform portion SS412 that is produced and the 3rd waveform portion SS413 that is produced in time period T413 in time period T412 during the time period of repetition period T T411.Here, the first waveform portion SS411 has driving pulse PS41.Similarly, the second waveform portion SS412 has driving pulse PS42, and the first waveform portion SS413 has driving pulse PS43.When forming when a little bigger, driving pulse PS41, driving pulse PS42 and driving pulse PS43 are applied on the piezoelectric element 417, and these pulses have identical waveform.Should be noted that and in the time will forming medium dots, also driving pulse PS42 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.

Second drives signal COM_B has first waveform portion SS421 that produces and the second waveform portion SS422 that produces in time period T422 in time period T421.Drive among the signal COM_B second, the first waveform portion SS421 has driving pulse PS44, and the second waveform portion SS422 has driving pulse PS45.Here, in the time will forming point, driving pulse PS44 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.In the time will not forming point, driving pulse PS45 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Should be noted that when being applied to driving pulse PS45 on the piezoelectric element 417, from record head 41, do not spray ink droplet, but in the 412a of ink locker room of record head and the ink slight vibration in the 414a of balancing gate pit, and prevented ink stopped nozzles Nz.

＜(4) record head controller HC 〉

Figure 42 is a block diagram of describing the configuration of record head controller HC.

Record head controller HC has: the first shift register 81A, the second shift register 81B, the first latch cicuit 82A, the second latch cicuit 82B, decoder 83, control logic 84, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.At each piezoelectric element 417 setting each part (that is, the first shift register 81A, the second shift register 81B, the first latch cicuit 82A, the second latch cicuit 82B, decoder 83, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B) except control logic 84.

Record head controller HC controls ink-jet according to the pixel data SI from printer side controller 60.That is, record head controller HC controls the first switch 86A and second switch 86B according to print data, and the first required part that drives the signal COM_A and the second driving signal COM_B optionally is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Here, each pixel data SI is made of two bits, and synchronously is delivered to record head 41 with clock signal clk.The higher order bits group of pixel data SI is arranged among the first shift register 81A, and the low step bit group is arranged among the second shift register 81B.The first shift register 81A is electrically connected with the first latch cicuit 82A, and the second shift register 81B is electrically connected with the second latch cicuit 82B.When the latch signal LAT from printer side controller 60 became the H level, then the first latch cicuit 82A latched the higher order bits of respective pixel data SI, and the second latch cicuit 82B latchs the low step bit of respective pixel data SI.Each pixel data SI of having been latched by the first latch cicuit 82A and the second latch cicuit 82B (higher order bits and low step bit to) is input to decoder 83.Decoder 83 is according to the pixel data SI that has been latched by the first latch cicuit 82A and the second latch cicuit 82B, the selection signal q0 that selection is exported from logic circuit 84 in the q7 selects signal to (for example, select signal q0 and select signal q4), and the selected selection signal of output output is right, as the first switch controlling signal SW_A and second switch control signal SW_B.Drive signal COM_A with first and be input to the first switch 86A, be input to second switch 86B and drive signal COM_B with second.Make these switch conductions and end according to these switch controlling signals, and these are driven included waveform portion optionally is applied on the piezoelectric element 417 among signal COM.

The control logic 84 of＜(4) first reference example 〉

Figure 43 is the key diagram of the control logic 84 of first reference example.Figure 44 is input to record head control signal in the control logic 84 (latch signal LAT, first changes signal CH_A and second and changes signal CH_B) and the key diagram from the selection signal q0 of control logic 84 outputs to q7.

Control logic 84 has a plurality of register RG, and each all can store the data of a bit.Each register RG is by formations such as D-FF (delayed-trigger) circuit.Each register RG comes storing predetermined selection data according to the signalization from printer side controller 60.Upgrade continuously selecting data in predetermined timing place.For example, when printing model changes, the content of selecting data is upgraded.

In order to simplify description, in Figure 43, register RG is arranged in the matrix of last four registers of column direction (vertical direction) and last eight registers of line direction (horizontal direction).Four register RG that will belong to same column combine, and begin to give number Q0 to Q7 from the group on the left side.In the register group in the left side that is positioned at line direction (group Q0 is to Q3) be positioned between the register group (organizing Q4) on the right side of line direction register RG is distinguished to Q7.For the register group that is positioned at the left side, will belonging to mutually, four register RG of colleague combine and begin to give successively number G11 to G14 from the group that is positioned at the top.For the register group that is positioned at the right side also is same, begins to give successively number G21 to G24 from the group that is positioned at the top.

Be used for carrying out above-mentioned grouping according to register RG.At first, belonging to group Q0 on the left side that is positioned on the line direction is used to be provided with to the register RG of Q3 storage and drives first of signal COM_A at first and select the selection data of data q0 to q3.Similarly, belonging to group Q4 on the right side that is positioned on the line direction is used to be provided with to the register RG of Q7 storage and drives second of signal COM_B at second and select the selection data of data q4 to q7.

In addition, the register RG that belongs to same column stores the selection data that are used for the same waveform as part.In order more specifically this to be described, belong to the register RG storage of organizing G11 selection data at the first waveform portion SS411 that in time period T411, is produced.Equally, belong to the register RG storage of organizing G12 selection data at the second waveform portion SS412 that in time period T412, is produced.Similarly, belong to the register RG storage of organizing G13 selection data at the 3rd waveform portion SS413 that in time period T413, is produced.Should be noted that not use in this embodiment and belong to the register RG that organizes G14.Under the situation that the first driving signal COM_A is made of four waveform portion, then the register RG of this group G14 will store the selection data at the 4th waveform portion.On the other hand, belong to the register RG that organizes G21 and stored selection data, stored selection data at the second waveform portion SS422 that in time period T422, is produced and belong to the register RG that organizes G22 at the first waveform portion SS421 that in time period T421, is produced.In this embodiment, use belongs to the register RG that organizes G23 and belongs to the register RG that organizes G24.

Can think that the register RG of control logic 84 has stored by comprising the partly determined selection data of factor of the type of (for example, the first waveform portion SS411 or the second waveform portion SS422) of respective drive signal COM (first drives signal COM_A, second drives signal COM_B), respective pixel data SI (data value [00] is to data value [11]) and respective waveforms.For example, belong to group Q0 and group G11 register RG (Q0, G11) stored with the pixel data SI (data value [00]) that does not form in the corresponding selection data of the first waveform portion SS411 of the first driving signal COM_A.(Q3 G13) has stored and has driven at first among a little bigger pixel data SI (data value [11]) the corresponding selection data of the 3rd waveform portion SS413 of signal COM_A to belong to the register RG of group Q3 and group G13.Similarly, (Q7 G22) has stored and has driven at second among a little bigger pixel data SI the corresponding selection data of the second waveform portion SS422 of signal COM_B to belong to the register RG of group Q7 and group G22.

Because multiplexer MX0 to MX7, changes defined timing place of change pulse that signal CH_A or second changes signal CH_B at the latch pulse, first by latch signal LAT, sequentially is updated in the selection data of being stored on the register RG.Here, the control of dibit is input to multiplexer MX0 to MX3 from the first counter C0, and defined timing place of change pulse that changes signal CH_A at the latch pulse and first by latch signal LAT is being switched to the control input of this dibit.Equally, the control of dibit is input to multiplexer MX4 to MX7 from the second counter C1, and defined timing place of change pulse that changes signal CH_B at the latch pulse and second by latch signal LAT is being switched to the control input of this dibit.Therefore, multiplexer MX0 selects selecting data at the lead edge timing place of latch pulse and change pulse to MX7.Then, the first selection data q0 that will be output as by the selection data that multiplexer MX0 has selected to MX7 at the first driving signal COM_A drives the second selection data q4 of signal COM_B to q7 to q3 with at second.

As shown in figure 43, in this first reference example, selection data value [0] or [1] of a bit is stored on each register RG.Receive as shown in figure 44 latch signal LAT, first when changing signal CH_A and second and changing signal CH_B when being provided with the control logic 84 of selecting data according to this mode, selection signal q0 as shown in figure 44 is to q7 in its output.

For example, the register of concern group Q2.From the input of initial latch signal LAT during first the time period T411 till changing the input of signal CH_A, belong to the register RG (Q2 that organizes G11 with being stored in, G11) the selection data [0] on are corresponding, the signal of L level is output as selects signal q2.In addition, from initial first input that changes signal CH_A during the two the first the time period T412 till changing the input of signal CH_A, belong to the register RG that organizes G12 (Q2, G12) the selection data [1] on are corresponding, the signal of H level is output as selects signal q2 with being stored in.Then, changing the input of signal CH_A during the time period T413 till the input of next latch signal LAT from the two the first, belong to the register RG that organizes G13 (Q2, G13) the selection data [0] on are corresponding, the signal of L level is output as selects signal q2 with being stored in.As a result, select signal q2 during time period T, to change into the signal that 1 (H level) got back to 0 (L level) then from 0 (L level).That is, the selection data of being stored on the register RG of group 2 become the data that are used to be provided with selection signal q2.

＜(4) decoder 83 〉

Figure 45 is the key diagram of decoder 83.Figure 46 is input to the dibit pixel data of decoder 83 and the first switch controlling signal SW_A of output from decoder 83 and the key diagram of the relation between the second switch control signal SW_B.

Decoder 83 from latch pixel data SI corresponding first select signal q0 to q3 and second select signal q4 to the q7 to selecting signal to select, and it is exported as switch controlling signal SW.Decoder 83 has the first decoded portion 83A of the output first switch controlling signal SW_A and the second decoded portion 83B of output second switch control signal SW_B.

The first decoded portion 83A have four with door 831A to 834A and single or 835A.Each has three input terminals and a lead-out terminal with door 831A to 834A, and receives the first selection signal q0 to the higher order bits data of one of q3, pixel data SI and the low step bit data of pixel data SI.Each all differently receives higher order bits data and the low step bit data of pixel data SI to 834A with door 831A.That is, receive at the oppisite phase data of the higher order bits of the first selection signal q0, the pixel data SI that do not form and the oppisite phase data of low step bit with door 831A.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [00], then from the output of door 831A with consistent at the first selection signal q0 that does not form.Equally, receive at first of point with door 832A and select the oppisite phase data of higher order bits of signal q1, pixel data SI and the data of low step bit.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [01], then from consistent with the first selection signal q1 at point with the output of door 832A.Receive at first of medium dots with door 833A and to select the data of higher order bits of signal q2, pixel data SI and the oppisite phase data of low step bit.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [10], then from consistent with the first selection signal q2 at medium dots with the output of door 833A.In addition, receive at a little bigger first with door 834A and select the data of higher order bits of signal q3, pixel data SI and the data of low step bit.Therefore, if pixel data SI is data value [11], then from the output of door 834A with select signal q3 consistent at a little bigger first.

Or door 835A has four input terminals and a lead-out terminal.At its four input terminal places, it receives the output to 834A with door 831A.From or the door 835A export the first switch controlling signal SW_A.That is, it has selected to select signal q0 to q3 with the pixel data SI that has latched corresponding first, and it is exported as the first switch controlling signal SW_A.

The second decoded portion 83B has identical with first decoded portion in fact structure.Select to select signal q4 to q7 with the pixel data SI that has latched corresponding second, and with its from second decoded portion 83B's or a 835B export, as second switch control signal SW_B.

＜(4) grade control 〉

Figure 47 shows first and drives signal COM_A, second and drive signal COM_B, the first switch controlling signal SW_A, second switch control signal SW_B and be applied to the key diagram that applies the relation between the signal on the piezoelectric element 417.

At first will describe and form a little bigger situation (pixel data SI has data [11]).If latched pixel data [11], then select signal q3 to be output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A, and select signal q7 to be output as second switch control signal SW_B second with first.Therefore, the first switch 86A in time period T411, time period T412 and time period T413 for conducting, and second switch 86B on time period T for ending.The result, the driving pulse PS42 and the first driving pulse PS43 that drives the 3rd waveform portion SS413 of signal COM_A that successively the first driving pulse PS41, first that drives the first waveform portion SS411 of signal COM_A are driven the second waveform portion SS412 of signal COM_A are applied on the piezoelectric element 417, have caused that the ink droplet (big ink droplet) with a little bigger corresponding quantity of ink sprays from nozzle Nz.

Next the situation (pixel data SI has data [10]) that forms medium dots will be described.If latched pixel data [10], then select signal q2 to be output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A, and select signal q6 to be output as second switch control signal SW_B second with first.Therefore, the first switch 86A is in conducting state in time period T412, and is in cut-off state on the other times section, and second switch 86B is in cut-off state on time period T.As a result, the first driving pulse PS42 that drives the second waveform portion SS412 of signal COM_A is applied on the piezoelectric element 417, has caused that the ink droplet (medium ink droplet) with the corresponding quantity of ink of medium dots sprays from nozzle Nz.

Next the situation (pixel data SI has data [01]) that forms point will be described.If latched pixel data [01], then select signal q1 to be output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A, and select signal q5 to be output as second switch control signal SW_B second with first.Therefore, the first switch 86A is in cut-off state in time period T, and second switch 86B is in conducting state in time period T421, and is in cut-off state in time period T422.As a result, the second driving pulse PS44 that drives the first waveform portion SS421 of signal COM_B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417, has caused that the ink droplet (little ink droplet) with the corresponding quantity of ink of point sprays from nozzle Nz.

Next the situation (pixel data SI has data [00]) that does not form will be described.If latched pixel data [00], then select signal q0 to be output as the first switch controlling signal SW_A, and select signal q4 to be output as second switch control signal SW_B second with first.Therefore, the first switch 86A is in cut-off state in time period T, and second switch 86B is in cut-off state in time period T421, and is in conducting state in time period T422.As a result, the second driving pulse PS45 that drives the second waveform portion SS422 of signal COM_B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.In this case, although there is not ink droplet to spray from nozzle Nz, the driving of piezoelectric element 417 will cause the slight vibration of ink, and stir the ink in the nozzle.

In first reference example, if there is not point not form, then the selection signal q0 of output selects signal q0 and the combination of selecting signal q4 in q7 from control logic 84, as switch controlling signal.Similarly, if form point, then select the combination of signal q1 and selection signal q5, as switch controlling signal; If the formation medium dots is then selected the combination of signal q2 and selection signal q6, as switch controlling signal; And, then select the combination of signal q3 and selection signal q7, as switch controlling signal if formation is a little bigger.

Should be noted that in this first reference example when forming point, one of the first switch 86A and second switch 86B end on time period T, therefore, only select first to drive one of signal COM_A and second driving signal COM_B.Therefore, in first reference example, when forming point, do not exist to drive waveform portion included among the signal COM_A and second with first and drive included waveform portion among the signal COM_B and in time period T, be applied to example on the identical piezoelectric element 417.In addition, the first switch 86A and second switch 86B will not be in conducting state (if two switches all are in conducting state simultaneously simultaneously, it is then unexpected that electric current I will flow (referring to Figure 48) between first holding wire and second that drives signal COM_A drives the holding wire of signal COM_B, and this may damage this equipment).

===(4) second reference example===

＜(4) are because The noise 〉

In first reference example discussed above, printer side controller 60 output signalizations, thereby among group Q0, group Q1, the group Q6 that only will select data [0] to be arranged on to belong to control logic 84 and the register RG that organizes Q7 (referring to Figure 43).Yet, also have following possibility:, incorrect selection data are set among the register RG of logic circuit 84 even printer side controller 60 is exported signalization according to this mode.

This problem be considered to mainly by since noise cause.To pass through to connect the flexible cable of printer main body and balladeur train CR from the signalization of printer side controller 60 outputs, be input to the record head controller HC that is arranged among the balladeur train CR.This flexible cable not only comprises at the holding wire such as record head control signals such as clock signal and signalizations, and comprises at first and drive the holding wire of signal COM_A and at second holding wire that drives signal COM_B.Because big electric current flows through at the holding wire that drives signal so that driving piezoelectric element 417 then exists in the possibility that will occur electromagnetic noise in the peripheral region.Therefore, there is following possibility: will be subjected to The noise the flexible cable from the clock signal of printer side controller 60 output and signalization, and make incorrect selection data be set among the register RG of control logic 84.

Figure 49 A shows normal selection signal q4 and selects the key diagram of signal q7.Figure 49 B shows unusual selection signal q4 and selects the key diagram of signal q7.When just often, select signal q4 and select signal q7 to incite somebody to action not value 1 (H level) simultaneously.Yet (Q7 in the time of G21), selects signal q4 and selects signal q7 value 1 (H level) simultaneously in time period T421 as the register RG that will select data to be set to belong to the group Q7 of control logic 84 unusually.

According to this mode, when paired selection signal q4 and selection signal q7 while value 1, then when the pixel data that has latched was data [11], the first switch 86A and second switch 86B became conducting simultaneously.When these two switches became conducting simultaneously, unexpected electric current I flowed (referring to Figure 48) driving the holding wire of signal COM_A and drive between the holding wire of signal COM_B at second at first, and this may damage equipment.

In second reference example, this configuration is: prevented the conducting simultaneously of two switches.The different configurations that are control logic 84 of the configuration of second reference example and first reference example, and both every other aspects all are identical.Therefore, the control logic 84 that concentrates on second reference example below is discussed.

The control logic 84 of＜(4) second reference example 〉

Figure 50 is the key diagram of the control logic 84 of second reference example.Figure 51 A shows when driving signal selection data value for [0], the key diagram of the operation of control logic 84.Figure 51 B shows when driving signal selection data value for [1], the key diagram of the operation of control logic 84.

The configuration of the configuration of the control logic 84 of second reference example and the control logic 84 of first reference example different are following aspect.At first, in second reference example, be provided with four adjunct register RG, storage is used to select to drive the data (drive signal and select data) of signal.These four register RG show the register RG of work group G0 in Figure 50.On the other hand, in second reference example, omitted the register RG of group Q4 and group Q7.In addition, in second reference example, such as being used to carry out to multiplexer MX0 to the timing controlled part 842 of the control input of multiplexer MX3 and be used for creating two and selecting the configuration of the output 844 of signals to be different from first reference example according to being stored in four selection data on the register RG.Below the configuration of second reference example will be described in more detail.

Belonging to the register RG (as belonging to the register RG of group Q0 to Q3) that organizes G0 is made of each D-FF (delayed-trigger) circuit that can store the data of a bit.According to the signalization from printer side controller 60 data are set to and belong to the register RG that organizes G0, this also is how data to be set to belong to the register RG of group Q0 to Q3.

Timing controller 842 have multiplexer MX10 to MX13 and counter C10 to C13.Timing controller 842 inputs are to the control of multiplexer MX10 to MX13.Here, will the timing controller 842 that be made of multiplexer MX10 sum counter C10 be described.The first change signal CH_A and second is changed signal CH_B be input to multiplexer MX10.(Q0, the driving signal of being stored on G0) select the control input of data to come the signal of its output is switched to multiplexer MX10 according to the register RG of group G0.To select data value be [0] if drive signal, and then its output first changes signal CH_A, and if drive signal to select data value be [1], then it exports the second change signal CH_B.The signal that to export from multiplexer MX10 is input to the clock terminal of counter C10.Latch pulse by latch signal LAT resets to counter C10, and each time when output changes the change pulse of signal from multiplexer MX10, it causes dibit output.Timing controller 842 outputs to this dibit signal the multiplexer MX0 of output 844.

Output 844 have multiplexer MX0 to MX3 and with door.Output 844 will select signal q0 to output to decoder 83 to q7.Here will describe by multiplexer MX0, with door 844A and the output 844 that constitutes with door 844B.

The register RG that selects data from group Q0 is input to multiplexer MX0.Then, multiplexer MX0 basis is switched the signal of exporting from the dibit information of the counter C10 of timing controller 842.Therefore, multiplexer MX0 selects selecting data at latch pulse and change pulse timing place.

Receive from the signal of multiplexer MX0 output with door 844A with door 844B.(Q0, the driving signal of being stored on G0) is selected the oppisite phase data of data to be received in the register RG of group G0 with door 844A.On the other hand, (Q0, the driving signal of being stored on G0) is selected data to be received in the register RG of group G0 with door 844B.Therefore, be value [0] if drive signal selection data, then the signal from multiplexer MX0 output is selection signal q0, and selects signal q4 to become [0] (L level).On the other hand,, then select signal q0 to become [0] (L level), and be selection signal q4 from the signal of multiplexer MX0 output if drive signal selection data for value [1].

Promptly, select data to be value [0] if drive signal, then output 844 with door 844A output in latch signal LAT and first timing place that changes signal CH_A to its selection signal q0 that switches, and the selection signal q4 that locates with door 844B output value of remaining on [0] (L level).On the other hand, select data to be value [1] if drive signal, the selection signal q0 that locates with door 844A output value of remaining on [0] (L level) of output 844 then, and with door 844B output in timing place of the latch signal LAT and the second change signal CH_B to its selection signal q4 that switches.

Therefore, to select data value be [0] if drive signal, and the selection data that then are set to the register RG of group Q0 become and are used to be provided with the data of selecting signal q0, and if drive signal to select data value be [1], then become the data that are used to be provided with selection signal q4.Here, when pixel data is [00], select signal q0 to become the first switch controlling signal SW_A (being used to select first signal that drives the waveform portion of signal COM_A), and when pixel data is [00], select signal q4 to become second switch control signal SW_B (being used to select second signal that drives the waveform portion of signal COM_B).The result, if driving signal selection data value is [0], the selection data of register RG that then are set to group Q0 become and are used to select first data that drive the waveform portion of signal COM_A, if to select data value be [1] and drive signal, then become the data of the waveform portion that is used to select the second driving signal COM_B.

According to this mode,, enable paired two and select one of signals and forbid another and select signal according to selecting data belonging to the driving signal stored on the register RG that organizes G0.Therefore, even noise has caused belonging to the data of being stored on the register of organizing G0 or belonged to mistake in the data that group Q0 stored to the register of one of Q3, select signals also will can not be value [1] (high level) simultaneously for paired two.Therefore, for second reference example, prevented that first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal from entering conducting state simultaneously.In addition, for second reference example,, therefore memory capacity can have been reduced the selection data volume, thereby reduce the quantity of register RG owing to forbidden one of two paired selection signals.

The 4th embodiment of===(4)===

＜(4) during time period T to driving the switching of signal

In second reference example discussed above, during time period T, do not switch driving signal.For example, forming a little bigger or forming under the situation of medium dots, only first driving pulse that drives signal is applied on the piezoelectric element 417, and second driving pulse that drives signal COM_B is not applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Under the situation that forms point or under situation about not forming, only second driving pulse that drives signal COM_B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417, and first driving pulse that drives signal COM_A is not applied on the piezoelectric element 417.According to this mode, in second reference example, first driving pulse that drives signal COM_A be not applied on the identical piezoelectric element 417 with second driving pulse that drives signal COM_B during the time period T.

In second reference example, because this restriction, the design freedom that drives signal COM is limited.In addition, when such as forming when a little bigger, only drive that included waveform portion is applied on the piezoelectric element 417 among the signal COM_A, thereby the heat that is produced concentrates on first and drives signal generator and divide on the 70A with first.In addition, although to making up the quantity of ink that may obtain being suitable for the specific pixel data with the corresponding quantity of ink of specific driving pulse of the first driving signal COM_A with the second corresponding quantity of ink of specific driving pulse that drives signal COM_B, second reference example will not allow such combination.Therefore, present embodiment has adopted a kind of configuration, by it, has not only prevented to make the conducting simultaneously of first switch controlling signal and second switch control signal, and can switch driving signal during time period T.

Figure 52 is the driving signal of present embodiment and is applied to the key diagram that applies the relation between the signal on the piezoelectric element.Opposite with example discussed above, in this embodiment, during time period T, switch driving signal.For example, forming under a little bigger situation, the waveform portion (the second waveform portion SS442) that first waveform portion (the first waveform portion SS431) and second that drives signal COM_A is driven signal COM B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Under the situation that forms medium dots, second waveform portion (the first waveform portion SS441) and first waveform portion (the second waveform portion SS432) that drives signal COM_A that drives signal COM_B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.According to this mode, in the present embodiment, can be during time period T, the waveform portion of different driving signal is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.

Present embodiment will be described in detail belows.Yet, to compare with second reference example discussed above, its difference only is the configuration of various signals (driving signal COM and switching signal CSW (will discuss after a while) etc.) and control logic 84, other aspects of both configurations are identical.Therefore, driving signal COM and the control logic 84 that concentrates on present embodiment below is discussed.

＜(4) are about the various signals of this embodiment 〉

Figure 53 is the key diagram of waveform of the various signals of present embodiment.Compare with reference example discussed above, increased switching signal CSW.In addition, the waveform that drives signal COM etc. is different.

First of this embodiment drives signal COM_A and be included in the first waveform portion SS431 that is produced during the time period T431 of repetition period T, the second waveform portion SS432 that is produced and the 3rd waveform portion SS433 that is produced in time period T432 in time period T433.Here, the first waveform portion SS431 has driving pulse PS411 and PS412.The second waveform portion SS432 has driving pulse PS413, and the 3rd waveform portion SS433 has driving pulse PS414.When formation is a little bigger, driving pulse PS411 and driving pulse PS412 are applied on the piezoelectric element 417, and driving pulse PS411 has identical waveform with driving pulse PS412.In the time will forming medium dots or point, driving pulse PS413 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.When point will not form, driving pulse PS414 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Yet, when being applied to driving pulse PS414 on the piezoelectric element 417,,, prevented that ink is blocked in the nozzle Nz in the 412a of ink locker room of record head and the ink slight vibration in the 414a of balancing gate pit although from record head 41, do not spray ink droplet.

Second of this embodiment drives signal COM_B and have first waveform portion SS441 that produces and the second waveform portion SS442 that produces in time period T441 in time period T442.Drive among the signal COM_B second, the first waveform portion SS441 has driving pulse PS415, and the second waveform portion SS442 has driving pulse PS416 and driving pulse PS417.Here, in the time will forming medium dots, driving pulse PS415 is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.When forming when a little bigger, driving pulse PS416 and driving pulse PS417 are applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Should be noted that time period T441 is identical with time period T431.

That is, in this embodiment, be included in first simultaneously and drive signal COM_A and second and drive among the signal COM_B when forming the waveform portion that is applied to when a little bigger on the piezoelectric element 417.Similarly, the waveform portion that is applied in the time will forming medium dots on the piezoelectric element 417 is included among the first driving signal COM_A and the second driving signal COM_B simultaneously.

Be similar to reference example discussed above, latch signal LAT, the first change signal CH_A and second changed signal CH_B be input in the control logic 84.Latch signal LAT is the signal of the beginning of indication repetition period T.First to change signal CH_A be during the indication since select first drive signal COM_A waveform portion first select signal q0 to become conducting and the signal of time period of ending to q3.Second to change signal CH_B be during the indication since select second drive signal COM_B waveform portion second select signal q4 to become conducting and the signal of time period of ending to q7.

In this embodiment, switching signal CSW is input in the control logic 84, as record head control signal from the control module 64 of printer side controller 60.Switching signal CSW is the signal that indication is used for timing that the driving signal that is applied on the piezoelectric element 417 is switched.Switching signal CSW has rising edge in timing place of having passed through time period T431.In other words, it has the rising pulse in timing place of having passed through time period T441.

The configuration of the control logic 84 of this embodiment of＜(4) 〉

Figure 54 is the key diagram of the control logic 84 of present embodiment.Figure 55 A be before input switch signal CSW, the key diagram of the operation of control logic 84.Figure 55 B be after input switch signal CSW, the key diagram of the operation of control logic 84.

The configuration of the configuration of the control logic 84 of this embodiment and the control logic 84 of second reference example different are following aspect.At first, in the present embodiment, be provided with eight adjunct register RG, the storing driver signal is selected data (in second reference example, having four).These eight register RG are divided in two groups, and group G1 and group G2 are shown in Figure 54.In addition, this embodiment is with the different of second reference example discussed above: it also is provided with and drives signaling switch part 846.

The register RG (as the register RG that organizes G0 belonging in second reference example) that belongs to group G1 and group G2 is made of each D-FF (delayed-trigger) circuit that can store the data of a bit.According to second reference example in belong to the identical mode of register RG of organizing G0, data are set to the register RG that belongs to group G1 and group G2, that is, according to signalization from printer side controller 60.

Belong to the driving signal stored on the register RG that organizes G1 select the data indication from the time period of input till the input of switching signal CSW of latch signal LAT, respond each pixel data which will select drive signal.Belong to the driving signal stored on the register RG that organizes G2 select the data indication from the time period of input till the end of repetition period T of switching signal CSW, which will select drive signal.

Drive signaling switch part 846 and have counter C20 and multiplexer MX20 to MX23.The driving signal that signaling switch part 846 switches to before input switch signal CSW and should select accordingly with pixel data afterwards will be driven.Latch signal LAT and switching signal CSW are input to counter C20.Latch pulse by latch signal LAT resets to counter C20, and output valve [0], then, when the pulse of input switch signal CSW, its output valve [1].The output of counter C20 is input as the control to MX23 to multiplexer MX20.Multiplexer MX20, switches the signal of its output according to from the signal of counter C20 to MX23.For example, when output valve [0] from counter C20, (Q0, the driving signal of being stored on G1) is selected the corresponding signal of data to the register RG of multiplexer MX20 output and group G1.On the other hand, when output valve [1] from counter C20, (Q0, the driving signal of being stored on G2) is selected the corresponding signal of data to the register RG of multiplexer MX20 output and group G2.According to this mode, multiplexer MX20 to MX23 before input switch signal CSW, the driving signal of being stored on the register RG of output and group G1 is selected the corresponding signal of data, and after input switch signal CSW, the driving signal of being stored on the register RG of output and group G2 is selected the corresponding signal of data.Drive the signal that signaling switch part 846 exports will be from multiplexer MX20 to MX23 and output to timing controller 842 and output 844.

If the signal that is input to timing controller 842 from driving signaling switch part 846 is value [0], then multiplexer MX10 changes signal CH_A to MX13 output first.On the other hand, if the signal that is input to timing controller 842 from driving signaling switch part 846 is value [1], then multiplexer MX10 changes signal CH_B to MX13 output second.Therefore, for example, before input switch signal CSW, counter C10 with the group G1 register RG (Q0, G1) the driving signal of being stored on is selected timing place of the pulse of the corresponding change signals of data (CH_A or CH_B), produces the dibit output to multiplexer MX0.After input switch signal CSW, counter C10 with the group G2 register RG (Q0, G2) the driving signal of being stored on is selected timing place of the pulse of the corresponding change signals of data (CH_A or CH_B), produces the dibit output to multiplexer MX0.

If be value [0] from driving the signal that signaling switch part 846 is input to output 844, then be respectively signal q0 to q3 to the output signal of MX3 from multiplexer MX0, and selection signal q4 each all becomes [0] (L level) to q7.On the other hand,, then be respectively signal q4 to q7 to the output signal of MX3 from multiplexer MX0 if be value [1] from driving the signal that signaling switch part 846 is input to output 844, and selection signal q0 each all becomes [0] (L level) to q3.Should be noted that the multiplexer MX0 that drives signaling switch part 846 to MX3 with change register RG from counter C10 accordingly to the control input of C13, and export the selection data of being stored on the RG.

The operation of the control logic 84 of＜(4) present embodiment 〉

At first, in this embodiment, data have been set among the register RG shown in Figure 54.Here, will utilize Figure 54,55A and 55B to describe the operation of the control logic 84 when signal q2 and q6 are selected in output.

Before the input switch signal CSW

Before input switch signal CSW, owing to the latch pulse of latch signal LAT, the counter C20 that drives signaling switch part 846 is resetted, and output valve [0].Thus, (Q2, the driving signal of being stored on G1) select data to export the signal that is in the H level accordingly to the register RG of multiplexer MX22 and group G1.That is (Q2, the driving signal of being stored on G1) is selected the corresponding signal of data, to drive 846 outputs of signaling switch part and register RG.

To be input to the timing controller 842 from the H level signal that drives 846 outputs of signaling switch part.When it received the H level signal, timing controller 842 produced the dibit output of counter C12 in second timing place that changes signal CH_B.Then, this signal that its values of timing controller 842 input change in timing place of the second change signal CH_B is as the control signal to the multiplexer MX2 of output 844.In this embodiment, when latch signal LAT is input to timing controller 842, the counter C12 of timing controller 842 is resetted, and timing controller 842 is to output 844 output valves [0].

Input is from the signal of timing controller 842 output, as the control to the multiplexer MX2 of output 844.When being worth [0] when being input among the multiplexer MX2, the initial register RG of multiplexer MX2 selection group Q2, and the corresponding H level signal of selection data of being stored on output and this register RG as control.

Also the H level signal that will export from drive signaling switch part 846 is input to output 844.Because this signal that output 844 receives from drive signaling switch part 846 is in the H level, so output 844 selects signal q2 to be set to [0] (L level), and from multiplexer MX2 output H level signal, as selection signal q6.

As a result, at the place that begins of repetition period T, its value of control logic 84 output for the selection signal q2 of [0] (low level), with and be worth and be the selection signal q6 of [1] (high level).Should be noted that in this embodiment, in time period T441, be not provided with second and change signal CH_B.Therefore, in the time period of repetition period T T441, its value of control logic 84 output for the selection signal q2 of [0] (low level), with and be worth and be the selection signal q6 of [1] (high level).Change signal CH_B if in time period T431 (or time period T441), be provided with second, then after importing the second change signal CH_B, will export as selection signal q6 with the corresponding signal of the selection data of being stored on the second register RG that organizes Q2.

Because select signal q6 in time period T441, to be in the H level, therefore in the time will forming medium dots (when pixel data SI is data [10]), second switch 86B becomes conducting in time period T441, and the second waveform portion SS441 that changes signal CH_B is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Should be noted that in this time period T441 select signal q2 not become the H level, therefore in this time period, the first switch 86A is in cut-off state, and this represents not while conducting state of these two switches.Even incorrect data have been set to the register RG of group G1 or the register RG of group Q2, at least one among selection signal q2 and the selection signal q6 will be [0] (L level), thereby these two switches will can not be in conducting state simultaneously.

After the input switch signal CSW

After input switch signal CSW, owing to switching signal CSW, the counter C20 that drives signaling switch part 846 is increased progressively, and output valve [1].Thus, (Q2, the driving signal of being stored on G2) select data to export the signal that is in the L level accordingly to the register RG of multiplexer MX22 and group G2.That is (Q2, the driving signal of being stored on G2) is selected the corresponding signal of data, to drive 846 outputs of signaling switch part and register RG.

When the L level signal is input in the timing controller 842, timing controller 842 produces the dibit output of counter C12 in first timing place that changes signal CH_A.Because in the pulse that begins to locate to exist the first change signal CH_A of time period T432, timing controller 842 will be worth [1] and be input to output 844 during time period T432.In addition, owing to the pulse that begins to locate to exist the first change signal CH_A at time period T433, timing controller 842 will be worth [2] and be input to output 844 during time period T433.

When being worth [1] when being input among the multiplexer MX2 of output 844, the second register RG of multiplexer MX2 selection group Q2, and the corresponding H level signal of selection data of being stored on output and this register RG as control.When being worth [2] when being input among the multiplexer MX2 of output 844, the 3rd register RG of multiplexer MX2 selection group Q2, and the corresponding L level signal of selection data of being stored on output and this register RG as control.That is, the multiplexer MX2 of output 844 exports the H level signal during time period T432, and exports the L level signal during time period T433.

The L level signal that to export from drive signaling switch part 846 is input to output 844.Because this signal that output 844 receives from drive signaling switch part 846 is in the L level, so output 844 outputs are from the signal of multiplexer MX2, and as selecting signal q2, this selection signal q2 is set to [0] (L level).

As a result, during time period T432, its value of control logic 84 output for the selection signal q2 of [1] (high level), with and be worth and be the selection signal q6 of [0] (low level).Because identical, during time period T433, its value of control logic 84 outputs for the selection signal q2 of [0] (low level), with and be worth and be the selection signal q6 of [0] (low level).

Because select signal q2 in time period T432, to be in the H level, therefore in the time will forming medium dots (when pixel data SI is data [10]), the first switch 86A is in conducting state in time period T432, and the first waveform portion SS432 that changes signal CH_A is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Equally, because in this time period T433, select signal q2 to be in the L level, therefore in the time will forming medium dots (when pixel data SI is data [10]), the first switch 86A is in cut-off state in time period T433, and the first waveform portion SS433 that changes signal CH_A is not applied on the piezoelectric element 417.Should be noted that in time period T432 and T433, select signal q6 not become the H level, thereby be at second switch 86B during these time periods of cut-off state, prevented that two switches all are in conducting state.Even incorrect data have been set to the register RG of group G1 or the register RG of group Q2, at least one among selection signal q2 and the selection signal q6 will be [0] (L level), thereby these two switches will can not be in conducting state simultaneously.

Here, be noted that before switching signal CSW, in the first change signal CH_A and the second change signal CH_B, do not have pulse.In addition, after switching signal CSW, only one of the first change signal CH_A and second change signal CH_B have pulse.Yet, be not limited thereto.For example, can also change before switching signal CSW and afterwards, first change signal CH_A and second and change included umber of pulse among the signal CH_B, and can make its pulse timing difference.According to this mode, can suitably improve the various signals among the embodiment.

For example, Figure 56 is the key diagram of the modified example of various signal waveforms.Figure 57 is the key diagram of the setting of the register RG in this modified example.Should be noted that in order to simplify description, change signal CH_B to the first change signal CH_A and second and given the waveform identical with Figure 54.

In this modified example, first changes signal CH_A had pulse before switching signal CSW.Then, after switching signal CSW, in the second change signal CH_B, there is pulse.Change the timing that occurs this pulse among the signal CH_B second and be different from the timing that pulse in the first change signal CH_A, occurs.Even in these cases, also can with embodiment discussed above in identical signal be applied on the piezoelectric element 417.

In this modified example, can select the driving pulse PS411 of waveform portion SS4311 and the driving pulse PS412 of waveform portion SS4312 individually, and it is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.For example, in Figure 57,, driving pulse PS412 can be applied on the piezoelectric element 417 but not apply driving pulse PS411 if the selection data of being stored then respond pixel data [01] from value [0] value of changing into [1] on the second register RG of group Q1.Similarly, in this modified example, can select the driving pulse PS416 of waveform portion SS4421 and the driving pulse PS417 of waveform portion SS4422 individually, and it is applied on the piezoelectric element 417.

Here, should be noted that the selection data that will select initial waveform after input switch signal CSW are stored on the 3rd register RG of group Q0, group Q1 and group Q3, and in group Q2, be stored on the second register RG.Yet, can also change the configuration of control logic 84, thereby will after input switch signal CSW, select the selection data of initial waveform to be stored on the 3rd register RG of all groups.In this case, if imported switching signal CSW when multiplexer MX2 is selecting the first register RG, then multiplexer MX2 selects the 3rd register RG (that is, it has skipped the second register RG).In other words, this configuration can be: when the pulse of input switch signal CSW, always with counter C10 value value of changing into [2] to C13.That is, when input switch signal CSW, because the timing of this pulse, counter C10 can loaded value [2] to C13.Thus, belong to group Q0 and become clear to the effect of the register RG of Q3.

Other embodiment of===(4)===

＜(4) drive signal COM 〉

The embodiment of front provides the example of the printer 1 of the driving signal COM (that is, first drives signal COM_A and second drives signal COM_B) that produces two types simultaneously, but it is not the qualification to this configuration.That is, can also adopt the printer 1 of the driving signal COM that can produce three kinds or more kinds of types simultaneously.In addition, the first driving signal COM_A and second drives signal COM_B and has only constituted an example, and other waveforms also are possible.

＜(4) are about switching signal CSW 〉

Among the embodiment in front, during repetition period T, in switching signal CSW, only there is individual pulse.Yet, be not limited thereto.For example, also two pulses may be had during the repetition period T, in switching signal CSW.In this case, period T is divided into three time periods, therefore, need be stored in the driving signal that to select in each time period and selects data by the pulse of switching signal CSW.Therefore,, then select data q0 to q7, need to be used for the storing driver signal and select the quantity of the register RG of data to increase to 12 registers (in the above-described embodiments, having eight) in order to produce if switching signal CSW comprises two pulses.

＜(4) are about ink 〉

Other use example＜(4) 〉

In above embodiment, described printer 1, but this is not determinate.For example, it can also adopt and the identical technology of embodiment at the various types of liquid discharge apparatus that adopt the ink jet type technology, and for example colour filter manufacturing equipment, dyeing installation, finish machining equipment, semiconductor manufacturing facility, surface processing equipment, 3D shape form machine, liquid evaporation equipment, organic EL manufacturing equipment (particularly big molecule EL manufacturing equipment), display manufacturing equipment, film forming device and DNA chip manufacturing equipment.Thus, the liquid of ejection is not limited to ink.For example, if employing then can also spray treatment fluid at the embodiment of semiconductor manufacturing facility from nozzle.Method and its manufacture method at it also are in the range of application.

===(4) summary===

(4-1) above-mentioned printer (example of " liquid discharge apparatus ") has record head 41, drive signal generation circuit 70 and record head controller HC (referring to Figure 36).Record head 41 comprise a plurality of nozzle Nz of being used to spray drop (example of " drop ") and each all with a plurality of piezoelectric elements (example of " element ") (referring to Figure 38 and Figure 42) of the corresponding setting of nozzle.Drive signal generation circuit 70 produces first and changes the signal CH_A and the second change signal CH_B, and two driving signal COM include a plurality of waveform portion (referring to Figure 52).The record head controller is controlled the conduction and cut-off state of the first switch 86A and second switch 86B, is applied to (referring to Figure 53) on the piezoelectric element 417 so that will drive signal COM.

If the first switch 86A and second switch 86B are in conducting state simultaneously, then exist unexpected electric current I driving the holding wire of signal COM_A and to drive the possibility that flows between the holding wire of signal COM_B at second at first, and this may damage this equipment (referring to Figure 48).In this first reference example, also there is following possibility: when incorrect data is set to register RG, two switch conductings simultaneously.

On the other hand, utilize the configuration of second reference example, prevented the conducting simultaneously of two switches, even incorrect data have been set among the register RG.Utilize the configuration of above-described second reference example, can not during repetition period T, switch driving signal.Therefore, for example, when forming when a little bigger, heat produces only to concentrate on and is used to produce first and drives first of signal COM_A and drive signal generator and divide 70A.In addition, even the quantity of ink that sprays owing to the first specific driving pulse that drives signal COM_A and because the combination of the quantity of ink that the specific driving pulse of the second driving signal COM_B sprays is suitable for the quantity of ink of specific pixel data with generation will not allow second reference example to carry out such combination yet.

Therefore, in the printer of present embodiment, drive signal selection data with having stored and be used for selecting the register RG (example of " memory ") of the selection data of waveform portion to be arranged on control logic 84.The driving signal of being stored on the register RG according to group G1 selects data (example of " first drives signal selects data ") to determine the driving signal that should select in the time period (time period T431 or time period T441) before input switch signal CSW.In addition, the driving signal of being stored on the register RG according to group G2 selects data (example of " second drives signal selects data ") to determine the driving signal that should select in the time period (time period T432 and T433 or T442) after input switch signal CSW.In addition, included waveform portion is applied on the piezoelectric element in the selection data (examples of " waveform portion selection data ") of being stored to the register RG of Q3 according to the group Q0 driving signal that determines whether to select.

Utilize this configuration, can during repetition period T, switch, prevented that also the first switch 86A and second switch 86B are in conducting state simultaneously driving signal.

In the above-described embodiments, when formation is a little bigger and when forming medium dots, be applied to simultaneously on the piezoelectric element 417 with the waveform portion that is included among the second driving signal COM_B being included in first waveform portion that drives among the signal COM_A.Therefore, the first driving signal generator divides the 70A and the second driving signal generator to divide 70B to produce heat in fact equably.

(4-2) in above embodiment (Figure 53) in the time period before input switch signal CSW, comprises two waveform portion in the first driving signal COM_A.Yet, in the identical time period, in the second driving signal COM_B, only comprise a waveform portion.That is, in the identical time period, first drives corrugated part mark included among the signal COM_A and second drives that included corrugated part mark is different among the signal COM_B, and this allows to form the drop of different size in the identical time period.

(4-3) according to (Figure 53) among the above embodiment, in time period before input switch signal CSW, during by first drive waveform portion SS431 included among the signal COM_A drive piezoelectric element 417 time period and during by second time period that drives the included waveform portion SS441 driving piezoelectric element 417 of signal COM_B be different.Equally, in time period after input switch signal CSW, during by first drive waveform portion SS432 included among the signal COM_A or waveform portion SS433 drive piezoelectric element 417 time period and during by second time period that drives the included waveform portion SS442 driving piezoelectric element 417 of signal COM_B be different.According to this mode, can in the identical time period, form drop with different size.

(4-4) in above embodiment, record head controller HC comprises the first switch 86A and second switch 86B.In addition, when one of these switches were in conducting state, record head controller HC made another switch be in cut-off state.By doing like this, can prevent that two switches are in conducting state simultaneously.

(4-5) record head controller HC selects data to control the conduction and cut-off state of these switches according to the driving signal of being stored on the register RG that belongs to group G1 and group G2.For example, (Q2 is in the time of G1), then at time period T431 (or time period T441) when the driving signal that will have value [0] selects data to be set to the register RG of group G1, select signal q6 always to remain on [0] (L level), it makes second switch 86B always be in cut-off state.Equally, (Q2 is in the time of G1), then at time period T431 (or time period T441) when the driving signal that will have value [1] selects data to be set to the register RG of group G1, select signal q2 always to remain on [0] (L level), it makes the first switch 86A always be in cut-off state.

(4-6) in above-described printer, can balladeur train CR be moved with respect to the main body of equipment.On the other hand, need with record head control signal (latch signal LAT, first changes signal CH_A, second and changes signal CH_B, clock signal clk, pixel data SI, signalization) and drive signal (first drives signal COM_A, second drives signal COM_B) be sent to from the printer side controller 60 of equipment body and drive signal generation circuit 70 be arranged on the balladeur train CR/on record head controller HC (referring to Figure 36, Figure 40).Therefore, in above-described printer, transmit these signals by flexible cable (" example of cable).Here, the big electric current that is used to drive piezoelectric element flows through at first and drives the holding wire of signal COM_A and at second holding wire that drives signal COM_B, therefore, exist in the possibility that will occur electromagnetic noise in the peripheral region.When this signalization was subjected to influence of noise, existence will make incorrect data be set to the possibility of the register RG (example of " memory ") of control logic 84.

Yet the configuration of above embodiment can prevent that two switches are in conducting state simultaneously, also thereby with incorrect data is set to register RG even signalization is subjected to The noise.

(4-7) also have following possibility: if the employed clock signal clk that is used to shift is subjected to The noise when data are set to register RG, incorrect data will be set among the register RG of control logic 84.Yet, utilize the configuration of above embodiment, can prevent that two switches from entering conducting state simultaneously.

(4-8) because used piezoelectric element (example of " piezoelectric element "), need high voltage be set for driving signal COM, therefore, in above embodiment, the holding wire that the driving signal is shifted trends towards occurring electromagnetic noise on every side thereon especially.Yet, because the configuration of above embodiment can prevent that two switches from entering conducting state simultaneously.Should be noted that the voltage that is used to drive control logic and printer side controller such as being about 5V, and the voltage that drives signal COM changes and is approximately 40V.

Claims

1, a kind of liquid discharge apparatus comprises:

(B) data output unit, output are used to be provided with described first and drive signal and first of the state that applies of described element is selected data and be used to be provided with described second to drive signal second of the state that applies of described element is selected data;

(C) data checks part, checking selects data and described second to select data from described first of described data output unit output, and first behind the outgoing inspection selected the second selection data after data and the inspection, wherein, drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element if described first selects data and described second to select the data indication will described first to drive signal and described second, then described data checks partly continue to output to exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after the second selection data; And

2, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

Described data checks partly continue to output to exported till this moment, first after the described inspection select second after data and the described inspection to select data, till can being applied to driving signal on the described element and driving signal and described second and drive one of signal and switch to another timing from described first.

3, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

Described data checks partly continue to output to exported till this moment, first after the described inspection select second after data and the described inspection to select data, till the renewal regularly that the spray volume information of the amount of liquid that will spray indication is upgraded.

4, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

Described data checks partly comprises:

Whether the data determining section is used for definite described first selection data and described second selection data of having exported from described data output unit and indicates and described first driving signal and the described second driving signal will be applied to described element simultaneously;

Determine storage area as a result, be used to store definite result of described data determining section; And

Select output, drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element if will described first drive signal and described second from any indication of definite result of described data determining section output or definite result of being stored on described definite storage area as a result, the second selection data after data and described inspection are selected in first after the described inspection of having exported till this moment are selected and outputed to then described selection output.

5, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:

Described data determining section is carried out about described first and is selected determining of data and the described second selection data having defined the lead edge timing place that the described first switch timing and described second that drives signal drives the switch commutator pulse regularly of signal; And

Described selection output is back along regularly locating described commutator pulse, carries out the selection of second after selection data of first after the described inspection and the described inspection being selected data.

6, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:

Described definite storage area as a result resets to the described definite result who has stored according to the specific commutator pulse in the switch commutator pulse regularly of switch timing that has defined the described first driving signal and the described second driving signal.

7, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:

Polytype first selection data and polytype second that described data output unit output is classified according to the spray volume of described liquid are selected data; And

It is described definite that described data determining section selects data and second to select data to carry out about first of same type.

8, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:

Described selection output comprises:

Selector switch, if from definite result of described data determining section output or definite result of on described definite storage area as a result, being stored all indication will described first drive signal and described second and drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element, then described selector switch is selected to select data and the described second selection data from described first of described data output unit output; And if any one indication at least from definite result of described data determining section output or definite result of being stored will described first drives signal and described second and drives signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element, then select the second selection data after data and described inspection are selected in first after the described inspection on described definite storage area as a result; And

The storage output is used for according to having defined the switch commutator pulse regularly that the described first switch timing and described second that drives signal drives signal, and storage and output are by the selected data of described selector switch.

9, a kind of liquid discharge apparatus comprises:

(B) data output unit, output are classified according to the spray volume of described liquid and are used to be provided with described first and drive that signal is selected data to polytype first of the state that applies of described element and classify and be used to be provided with described second according to the spray volume of described liquid and drive signal polytype second of the state that applies of described element is selected data;

(C) data checks part, described data checks partly comprises:

(C1) data determining section, be used for defining described first switch that drives signal regularly and the described second lead edge timing place that drives the switch commutator pulse regularly of signal, determine from described first of described data output unit output select data and described second select data whether indicate will the described first driving signal and the described second driving signal be applied to simultaneously on the described element;

(C2) determine storage area as a result, be used to store definite result of described data determining section, and, the described definite result who has stored is resetted according to the specific commutator pulse in the described commutator pulse; And

(C3) select output, described selection output has:

(C3a) selector switch is checked described first selection data and the described second selection data exported from described data output unit, and the second selection data after selection data of first behind the outgoing inspection and the inspection; And

(C3b) if from definite result of described data determining section output or definite result of on described definite storage area as a result, being stored all indication will described first drive signal and described second and drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element, then described selector switch is selected to select data and the described second selection data from described first of described data output unit output; And if any one indication at least from definite result of described data determining section output or definite result of being stored will described first drives signal and described second and drives signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element, then select the second selection data after data and described inspection are selected in first after the described inspection on described definite storage area as a result; And

(C3c) storage output is used for according to having defined the switch commutator pulse regularly that the described first switch timing and described second that drives signal drives signal, and storage and output are by the selected data of described selector switch;

(C3d) wherein, drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element if will described first drive signal and described second from any indication of definite result of described data determining section output or definite result of being stored on described definite storage area as a result, the second selection data after data and described inspection are selected in first after the described inspection of having exported till this moment are selected and outputed to then described selection output;

(C3e) wherein, be applied to simultaneously on the described element if described first selects data and described second to select the data indication the described first driving signal and described second will be driven signal, then described data checks has been exported till partly continuing to output at this moment, the second selection data after data and the inspection are selected in after the inspection first, till can being applied to driving signal on the described element and driving signal and described second and drive one of signal and switch to another timing, perhaps till the renewal regularly that the spray volume information of the amount of liquid that will spray indication is upgraded from described first; And

10, a kind of method that drives signal that applies comprises:

Drive signal and produce step, generation will be applied to first on the element that can carry out the operation that is used to spray liquid and drive signal and second and drive signal;

Select data output step, output is used to be provided with described first and drives signal and first of the state that applies of described element is selected data and be used to be provided with described second to drive signal second of the state that applies of described element is selected data;

The data checks step:

The described first selection data and described second that inspection has been exported are selected data, and the second selection data after selection data of first behind the outgoing inspection and the inspection, wherein,

If that has exported described first selects data and described second to select data to indicate will described first to drive signal and described second to drive signal not to be applied to simultaneously on the described element, then will described first select data and described second to select data to be output as the second selection data after data and inspection are selected in first after the inspection; And

If that has exported described first selects data and described second to select the data indication will described first to drive signal and described second to drive signal and be applied to simultaneously on the described element, then continue to output to exported till this moment, first after checking select data and check after the second selection data; And

Drive signal and apply step, select data that the described first driving signal is applied on the described element and selects data to drive signal with described second according to second after the described inspection according to first after the described inspection and be applied on the described element.

11, a kind of liquid ejection method comprises:

The data checks step:

12, a kind of liquid discharge apparatus comprises:

(A) can carry out the element of the operation that is used to spray liquid;

(C) first switch is used to control described first and drives signal applying described element;

(D) second switch is used to control described second and drives signal applying described element; And

13, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 12, wherein:

Described first switch can be controlled described first according to first switch controlling signal and drive signal applying described element;

Described second switch can be controlled described second according to the second switch control signal and drive signal applying described element;

And described controller can make described first switch and described second switch all enter cut-off state, and irrelevant with described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal.

14, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 13, wherein:

Described controller makes described first switch and described second switch all enter cut-off state according to the switch that has defined described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal commutator pulse regularly.

15, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 14, wherein:

Described controller is forbidden described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal at the lead edge timing place of described commutator pulse, and

Locate along timing at the back of commutator pulse, enable described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal.

16, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 14, wherein:

Described controller is forbidden described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal according to described commutator pulse, and

After beginning to have passed through the scheduled time when realizing described forbidding, enable described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal.

17, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 16, wherein:

Described controller has timer, is used to measure the described scheduled time.

18, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 13, wherein:

Described controller comprises:

First gate circuit is imported described first switch controlling signal and gate circuit control signal to it, and wherein, if described gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then described first gate circuit is exported described first switch controlling signal to described first switch; And if described gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then described first gate circuit is forbidden described first switch controlling signal and is used to make described first switch to enter first of cut-off state to described first switch output and ends control signal; And

Second gate circuit, import described second switch control signal and described gate circuit control signal to it, wherein, if described gate circuit control signal is in described predetermined level, then described second gate circuit is exported described second switch control signal to described second switch; And if described gate circuit control signal is in described another predetermined level, then described second gate circuit is forbidden described second switch control signal and is used to make described second switch to enter second of cut-off state to described second switch output and ends control signal; And

Wherein said controller enters on the time period of cut-off state described first switch and described second switch, and described gate circuit control signal is set to described another predetermined level.

19, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 12, wherein:

Described first switch switches between conducting state and cut-off state owing to the variation of resistance value; And

Described second switch switches between conducting state and cut-off state owing to the variation of resistance value.

20, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 12, wherein:

Described liquid is to print to use liquid ink.

21, a kind of liquid discharge apparatus comprises:

(A) can carry out the element that is used to spray the operation of printing the usefulness liquid ink;

(C) first switch, because the variation of resistance value, it switches between conducting state and cut-off state, and controls the described first driving signal applying described element according to first switch controlling signal;

(D) second switch, because the variation of resistance value, it switches between conducting state and cut-off state, and controls the described second driving signal applying described element according to the second switch control signal; And

(E) controller, described controller comprises:

(E1) first gate circuit is imported described first switch controlling signal and gate circuit control signal to it, and wherein, if described gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then described first gate circuit is exported described first switch controlling signal to described first switch; And if described gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then described first gate circuit is forbidden described first switch controlling signal and is used to make described first switch to enter first of cut-off state to described first switch output and ends control signal; With

(E2) second gate circuit, import described second switch control signal and described gate circuit control signal to it, wherein, if described gate circuit control signal is in described predetermined level, then described second gate circuit is exported described second switch control signal to described second switch; And if described gate circuit control signal is in described another predetermined level, then described second gate circuit is forbidden described second switch control signal and is used to make described second switch to enter second of cut-off state to described second switch output and ends control signal;

(E3) wherein, then irrelevant when driving signal from described first and switch to described second when driving signal with described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal to being applied to driving signal on the described element,

At the switch that has defined described first switch controlling signal regularly and the lead edge timing place of the commutator pulse of the switch of described second switch control signal timing, described controller is set to described another predetermined level by described gate circuit control signal, forbids described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal so that described first switch and described second switch all enter cut-off state; And

Locate along timing at the back of described commutator pulse, described controller is set to described predetermined level by described gate circuit control signal and enables described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal;

Perhaps

(E4) wherein said controller also comprises the timer that is used to measure the scheduled time; And when driving signal from described first and switch to described second when driving signal being applied to driving signal on the described element, it is then irrelevant with described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal,

Described controller is set to described another predetermined level so that described first switch and described second switch all enter cut-off state by described gate circuit control signal, forbids described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal according to described commutator pulse; And

Described controller is enabled described first switch controlling signal and described second switch control signal by from making described first switch and described second switch enter that cut-off state begins to have passed through after the scheduled time, described gate circuit control signal is set to described predetermined level.

22, a kind of method that drives signal that applies comprises:

Drive signal and produce step, produce first and drive the signal and the second driving signal;

First drives signal applies step, is used in control described first and drives signal first switch that applies of the element of the operation that can carry out ejection liquid is entered conducting state, and the described first driving signal is applied on the described element;

Switch is by step, makes described first switch and be used to control described second to drive signal the second switch that applies of described element is all entered cut-off state; And

Second drives signal applies step, makes described second switch enter conducting state, and the described second driving signal is applied on the described element.

23, a kind of liquid ejection method comprises:

24, a kind of liquid discharge apparatus comprises:

(A) can carry out the element of the operation that is used to spray liquid;

(E) controller is used for finishing to the time durations of the generation of next described unit signal in the generation since a described unit signal, makes described first switch force to enter cut-off state at the fixed time in the section.

25, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 24, wherein:

Described first switch is controlled described unit signal applying described element according to switch controlling signal; And

Described controller makes described first switch enter cut-off state in described predetermined amount of time, and irrelevant with described switch controlling signal.

26, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 25, wherein:

Described controller makes described first switch enter cut-off state according to the switch that has defined described switch controlling signal commutator pulse regularly.

27, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 26, wherein:

Described controller is forbidden described switch controlling signal at the lead edge timing place of described commutator pulse, and

Enable described switch controlling signal at the back of described commutator pulse along the timing place.

28, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 26, wherein:

Described controller is forbidden described switch controlling signal according to described commutator pulse, and

After having realized that described forbidding begins to have passed through described predetermined amount of time, enable described switch controlling signal.

29, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 25, wherein:

Described controller comprises:

Gate circuit is imported described switch controlling signal and gate circuit control signal to it, and wherein, if described gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then described gate circuit is exported described switch controlling signal to described first switch; And if described gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then described gate circuit is used to make described first switch to enter the control signal of ending of cut-off state to described first switch output; And

Described controller can enter on the time period of cut-off state described first switch, and described gate circuit control signal is set to described another predetermined level.

30, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 24, wherein:

The described second driving signal that is produced by described driving signal generator branch has a plurality of described other unit signals; And

Described controller finishes to the time durations of the generation of next described other unit signal in the generation since a described other unit signal, makes described second switch force to enter cut-off state in another predetermined amount of time.

31, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 30, wherein:

Described second switch is controlled described other unit signal applying described element according to another switch controlling signal; And

Described controller makes described second switch enter cut-off state in described another predetermined amount of time, and irrelevant with described another switch controlling signal.

32, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 30, wherein:

Described controller makes described second switch enter cut-off state according to the switch that has defined described another switch controlling signal another commutator pulse regularly.

33, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 32, wherein:

Described controller is forbidden described another switch controlling signal at the lead edge timing place of described another commutator pulse, and

Enable described another switch controlling signal at the back of described another commutator pulse along the timing place.

34, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 32, wherein:

Described controller is forbidden described another switch controlling signal according to described another commutator pulse, and

After realizing that described forbidding begins to have passed through described another predetermined amount of time, enable described another switch controlling signal.

35, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 31, wherein:

Described controller comprises:

Another gate circuit, to its described another switch controlling signal of input and another gate circuit control signal, wherein, if described another gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then described another gate circuit is to described another switch controlling signal of described second switch output; And if described another gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then described another gate circuit to the output of described second switch be used to make described second switch enters cut-off state another by control signal; And

Described controller enters on the time period of cut-off state described second switch, and described another gate circuit control signal is set to described another predetermined level.

36, liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 24, wherein:

Described liquid is to print to use liquid ink.

37, a kind of liquid discharge apparatus comprises:

(C) first switch is used for controlling described unit signal applying described element according to switch controlling signal;

(D) second switch is used for controlling described other unit signal applying described element according to another switch controlling signal;

(E) controller, described controller comprises:

(E1) gate circuit is imported described switch controlling signal and gate circuit control signal to it, and wherein, if described gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then described gate circuit is exported described switch controlling signal to described first switch; And if the gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then described gate circuit is used to make described first switch to enter the control signal of ending of cut-off state to described first switch output;

(E2) another gate circuit, to its described another switch controlling signal of input and another gate circuit control signal, if wherein described another gate circuit control signal is in predetermined level, then described another gate circuit is to described another switch controlling signal of described second switch output; And if described another gate circuit control signal is in another predetermined level, then described another gate circuit to the output of described second switch be used to make described second switch enters cut-off state another by control signal,

(E3) wherein, finish to the time durations of the generation of next described unit signal in generation since a described unit signal, described controller is by following operation, according to the switch that has defined described switch controlling signal commutator pulse regularly, make described first switch force to enter cut-off state at the fixed time on the section, and irrelevant with described switch controlling signal, described being operating as:

(E3a) be set to described another predetermined level by described gate circuit control signal, forbid described switch controlling signal at the lead edge timing place of described commutator pulse; And be set to described predetermined level by described gate circuit control signal, enable described switch controlling signal at the back of described commutator pulse along place regularly,

Perhaps,

(E3b) be set to described another predetermined level by described gate circuit control signal, forbid described switch controlling signal according to described commutator pulse; And by from realize described forbidding begin to have passed through described predetermined amount of time after, described gate circuit control signal is set to described predetermined level, enable described switch controlling signal and

(E4) wherein finish to the time durations of the generation of next described other unit signal in generation since a described other unit signal, described controller is by following operation, according to the switch that has defined described another switch controlling signal another commutator pulse regularly, on another predetermined amount of time, make described second switch force to enter cut-off state, and irrelevant with described another switch controlling signal, described being operating as:

(E4a) be set to described another predetermined level by described another gate circuit control signal, at described another switch controlling signal of the lead edge timing place of described another commutator pulse forbidding; And be set to described predetermined level by described another gate circuit control signal, enable described another switch controlling signal at the back of described another commutator pulse along place regularly,

Perhaps,

(E4a) be set to described another predetermined level by described another gate circuit control signal, according to described another switch controlling signal of described another commutator pulse forbidding; And by from realize described forbidding begin to have passed through described another predetermined amount of time after, described another gate circuit control signal is set to described predetermined level, enables described another switch controlling signal.

38, a kind of method that drives signal that applies comprises:

The driving signal produces step, produces the first second driving signal that drives signal and have the other unit signal of the operation that has defined described element of a plurality of unit signals of the operation with the element that has defined the operation that can carry out ejection liquid; And

Switch finishes to the time durations of the generation of next described unit signal in the generation since a described unit signal by step, makes first switch force to enter cut-off state at the fixed time in the section.

39, a kind of method of liquid ejection comprises:

40, a kind of liquid discharge apparatus comprises:

(A) head has a plurality of elements that each all is provided with accordingly with one of a plurality of nozzles that are used to spray drop;

(B) driving signal generator branch is used to produce the first driving signal and the second driving signal different with the described first driving signal and that wherein a plurality of waveform portion repeat with described predetermined period that wherein a plurality of waveform portion repeat with predetermined period;

41, according to the described liquid discharge apparatus of claim 40, wherein:

In described special time period or described disengaging time section, drive the quantity of described waveform portion included in the signal and be different in described second quantity that drives described waveform portion included in the signal described first.

42, according to the described liquid discharge apparatus of claim 40, wherein:

In described special time period or described disengaging time section, drive the cycle of included in a signal described waveform portion and be different in described second cycle that drives included in a signal described waveform portion described first.

43, according to the described liquid discharge apparatus of claim 40, wherein:

Described control section comprises: first switch is used for controlling described first and drives included described waveform portion the applying to described element of signal; And second switch, be used for controlling described second and drive included described waveform portion the applying of signal to described element; And

When one of described first switch and described second switch were in conducting state, described control section made another switch be in cut-off state.

44, according to the described liquid discharge apparatus of claim 43, wherein:

Described control section drives signal according to described first and selects data or the described second driving signal to select data to make described another switch be in cut-off state.

45, according to the described liquid discharge apparatus of claim 40, wherein:

Described liquid discharge apparatus also comprises: the balladeur train that can move with respect to equipment body and be used for signal is sent to cable at the described memory of described balladeur train/interior setting from described equipment body, and

Described cable drives signal, the described second driving signal with described first and is used to be provided with the described first driving signal selects data, the described second driving signal to select the signalization of data and described waveform portion selection data to be sent to described memory.

46, according to the described liquid discharge apparatus of claim 40, wherein:

Described cable transmits described first and drives signal, described second clock signal that drives signal and be used to make described storage operation.

47, according to the described liquid discharge apparatus of claim 45, wherein:

Described element is a piezoelectric element.

48, a kind of liquid discharge apparatus comprises:

In the described disengaging time section of described predetermined period, apply according to described waveform portion selection data, from driving the waveform portion of selecting in a plurality of waveform portion included the selected driving signal of signal selection data based on described second to described element;

(E) wherein in described special time period or described disengaging time section, drive the quantity of described waveform portion included in the signal and be different in described second quantity that drives described waveform portion included in the signal described first;

(F) wherein in described special time period or described disengaging time section, drive the cycle of included in a signal described waveform portion and be different in described second cycle that drives included in a signal described waveform portion described first;

(G) wherein said control section comprises: first switch is used for controlling described first and drives included described waveform portion the applying to described element of signal; And second switch, be used for controlling described second and drive included described waveform portion the applying of signal to described element; And

When one of described first switch and described second switch were in conducting state, described control section made another switch be in cut-off state;

(H) described control section selects data or the described second driving signal to select data to make described another switch be in cut-off state according to the described first driving signal;

(I) wherein said liquid discharge apparatus also comprises: the balladeur train that can move with respect to equipment body and be used for signal is sent to cable at the described memory of described balladeur train/interior setting from described equipment body, and

(J) wherein said cable transmission: the described first driving signal, the described second driving signal and the signalization that is used to be provided with the described first driving signal selection data, the described second driving signal selection data and described waveform portion selection data of going to described memory; And the clock signal that is used to make described storage operation, and

(K) wherein said element is a piezoelectric element.

49, a kind of method that drives signal that applies comprises:

(A) generation step produces the first driving signal and the second driving signal different with the described first driving signal and that wherein a plurality of waveform portion repeat with described predetermined period that wherein a plurality of waveform portion repeat with predetermined period;

(B) storing step, storage are used in the special time period in described predetermined period driving signal and described second from described first and drive signal and select one to drive first of signal and drive signal and select data, be used in the disengaging time section in described predetermined period driving signal and described second from described first and drive signal and select one to drive second of signal and drive signal and select data and be used for selecting the waveform portion of predetermined waveform portion to select data from described a plurality of waveform portion; And

(C) following steps:

In the described special time period of described predetermined period, apply according to described waveform portion selection data, from driving the waveform portion of selecting in a plurality of waveform portion included the selected driving signal of signal selection data based on described first to an element; And

50, a kind of liquid ejection method comprises:

(C) following steps:

In the described special time period of described predetermined period, apply according to described waveform portion selection data, from driving the waveform portion of selecting in a plurality of waveform portion included the selected driving signal of signal selection data based on described first to described element;

In the described disengaging time section of described predetermined period, apply according to described waveform portion selection data, from driving the waveform portion of selecting in a plurality of waveform portion included the selected driving signal of signal selection data based on described second to described element; And

By described waveform portion is applied on the described element, drive described element, so that from described nozzle, spray drop.