JP2017164954A - Drive waveform generation device, head drive device, liquid ejection device, and head driving method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem that vibration suppression after ejection cannot be sufficiently performed when a liquid viscosity is low.SOLUTION: A drive pulse P is configured from an ejection waveform Pa and a vibration suppression waveform Pb, the ejection waveform Pa includes a first contraction waveform element c which contracts an individual liquid chamber 106 and ejects a liquid, and the vibration suppression waveform Pb includes a second contraction waveform element d which further contracts the individual liquid chamber 106 to such an extent that the liquid is not ejected, and suppresses residual vibration after liquid ejection by the ejection waveform Pa. An end point of the first contraction waveform element c of the ejection waveform Pa is the same as a start point of the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb (time point t2), and there is no holding period, in which an electric potential at the end point of the first contraction waveform element c is held, between the end point of the first contraction waveform element c of the ejection waveform Pa and the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a drive waveform generation device, a head drive device, a liquid ejection device, and a head drive method.

  When driving and controlling a liquid discharge head that discharges liquid, there is one that generates and outputs a drive waveform including one or a plurality of drive pulses for discharging liquid within one drive cycle and supplies the drive waveform to the pressure generation means of the liquid discharge head.

  Conventionally, an expansion waveform element that expands the individual liquid chamber of the liquid discharge head, a discharge waveform including a contraction waveform element that contracts the individual liquid chamber expanded by the expansion waveform element and discharges the liquid, and a contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform Using a driving signal (driving pulse) composed of a holding waveform element that holds the potential of the end point of the current and a vibration suppression waveform including a contraction waveform element that further contracts the individual liquid chamber from the end point of the holding waveform element Yes (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In addition, there is also one that uses a waveform that changes the voltage to the end point while changing the slope (time constant) of the contraction waveform element of the ejection waveform over a plurality of stages (Patent Document 3).

JP 2004-090542 A JP2012-192710A JP 2007-030230 A

  However, if the potential of the end point of the contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform is held for a certain period of time with the vibration suppression waveform, then when the individual liquid chamber starts to contract again and attempts to suppress residual vibration in the individual liquid chamber, the unit time The voltage change per hit increases.

  Therefore, there is a problem that sufficient vibration suppression cannot be performed when the pressure change in the individual liquid chamber is abrupt and the liquid viscosity is lowered and easily flows in a high temperature environment or the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to improve the vibration suppression effect.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a drive waveform generation device according to the present invention includes:
Generate and output a drive waveform including a drive signal to be given to the pressure generating means of the liquid discharge head,
The drive signal is at least
An expansion waveform element that expands the individual liquid chamber of the liquid discharge head; and a discharge waveform that includes a contraction waveform element that contracts the individual liquid chamber expanded by the expansion waveform element to discharge the liquid;
A vibration suppression waveform including a contraction waveform element that further contracts the individual liquid chamber contracted by the contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform, and
The end point of the contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform and the start point of the contraction waveform element of the vibration suppression waveform are the same.

  According to the present invention, the vibration suppression effect can be improved.

It is side explanatory drawing which shows an example of the apparatus which discharges the liquid which concerns on this invention. It is principal part top explanatory drawing of a liquid discharge unit. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional explanatory view in the liquid chamber longitudinal direction showing an example of a liquid discharge head. It is sectional explanatory drawing similarly used for description of droplet discharge operation | movement. It is block explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the control part of the apparatus. It is a block explanatory view of an example of a portion concerning head drive control of the control part. It is explanatory drawing of the drive pulse (drive signal) contained in the drive waveform in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the discharge state when discharging a liquid with the drive pulse. It is explanatory drawing explaining a meniscus displacement similarly with a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing of the drive pulse of a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing explaining the waveform length of this embodiment compared with a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing of the drive pulse in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the drive pulse in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the drive pulse in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the drive waveform in 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the drive waveform in 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the drive pulse input into the drive circuit in 7th Embodiment of this invention, and the voltage waveform output.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an example of an apparatus for discharging a liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the apparatus.

  The apparatus for discharging the liquid is an apparatus having a full-line type head, and includes an apparatus main body 1 and an outlet unit 2 that gains drying time.

  In this apparatus, continuous paper is used as the medium 10 to which the liquid adheres. The medium 10 is unwound from the original winding roller 11, conveyed by the conveying rollers 12 to 18, and taken up by the winding roller 21. The apparatus to which the present invention is applied may use a sheet-like medium.

  The medium 10 is conveyed between the conveyance roller 13 and the conveyance roller 14 on the conveyance guide member 19 so as to face the liquid ejection unit 5, and an image is formed by the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 5.

  Here, the liquid discharge unit 5 includes, for example, full-line head units 51D, 51C, 51M, and 51Y for four colors from the upstream side in the medium conveyance direction (hereinafter referred to as “head unit 51” when colors are not distinguished). .) Is arranged. Each head unit 51 ejects liquids of black D, cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y to the medium 10 being conveyed. The type and number of colors are not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the head unit 51 uses a plurality of liquid discharge heads (which are also simply referred to as “heads”) 100 arranged in a staggered pattern on a base member 52 to form a head array. However, it is not limited to this. The head unit 51 includes a liquid discharge head and a head tank that supplies liquid to the liquid discharge head. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid discharge head may be configured alone.

  Next, an example of one liquid discharge head constituting the head unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram in a direction (liquid chamber longitudinal direction) orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the head, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram in the same nozzle arrangement direction (liquid chamber short direction).

  In the liquid discharge head, the nozzle plate 101, the flow path plate 102, and the vibration plate member 103 are joined. And the piezoelectric actuator 111 which displaces the diaphragm member 103, and the frame member 120 as a common flow path member are provided.

  As a result, the liquid supply also serves as an individual liquid chamber (also referred to as a pressure chamber, a pressurizing chamber, etc.) 106 that communicates with a plurality of nozzles 104 that discharge droplets, and a fluid resistance unit that supplies liquid to the individual liquid chamber 106. A passage 107 and a liquid introduction portion 108 that communicates with the liquid supply passage 107 are formed. Adjacent individual liquid chambers 106 are separated by a partition wall 106A in the nozzle arrangement direction.

  Then, the liquid is supplied from the common liquid chamber 110 serving as the common flow path of the frame member 120 to the plurality of individual liquid chambers 106 through the filter section 109 formed in the diaphragm member 103 through the liquid introduction section 108 and the liquid supply path 107. .

  The piezoelectric actuator 111 is disposed on the opposite side of the individual liquid chamber 106 with a deformable vibration region 130 forming a wall surface of the individual liquid chamber 106 of the vibration plate member 103 interposed therebetween.

  The piezoelectric actuator 111 has a plurality of stacked piezoelectric members 112 joined on a base member 113. The piezoelectric member 112 is grooved by half-cut dicing to form a columnar piezoelectric element (piezoelectric column) 112A for giving a driving waveform and a column 112B in a comb-like shape at a predetermined interval.

  The piezoelectric element 112 </ b> A is bonded to the island-shaped convex portion 103 a formed in the vibration region 130 of the diaphragm member 103. Further, the support column 112 </ b> B is joined to the convex portion 103 b of the diaphragm member 103.

  This piezoelectric member 112 is formed by alternately laminating piezoelectric layers and internal electrodes, and each internal electrode is pulled out to the end face to be provided with an external electrode. This piezoelectric member 112 can be used to apply a drive waveform to the external electrode of the piezoelectric element 112A. An FPC 115 as a flexible wiring board having flexibility is connected.

  The frame member 120 is formed with a common liquid chamber 110 to which liquid is supplied from a head tank or a liquid cartridge.

  In the liquid discharge head configured as described above, for example, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 112A is lowered from the intermediate potential, so that the piezoelectric element 112A contracts, and the vibration region 130 of the vibration plate member 103 is lowered, so that the individual liquid chamber 106 As the volume expands, the liquid flows into the individual liquid chamber 106.

  Thereafter, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 112A is increased to extend the piezoelectric element 112A in the stacking direction, and the vibration region 130 of the vibration plate member 103 is deformed toward the nozzle 104 to contract the volume of the individual liquid chamber 106. Thereby, the liquid in the individual liquid chamber 106 is pressurized, and the liquid is ejected (jetted) from the nozzle 104.

  Then, by returning the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 112A to the reference potential, the vibration region 130 of the diaphragm member 103 is restored to the initial position, and the individual liquid chamber 106 expands to generate a negative pressure. The liquid is filled into the individual liquid chamber 106 through the liquid supply path 107. Therefore, after the vibration of the meniscus surface of the nozzle 104 is attenuated and stabilized, the operation for the next discharge is started.

  Next, an outline of the control unit of this apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit includes a main control unit (system controller) 501 configured by a microcomputer including a CPU 511, a ROM 512, a RAM 513, an I / O, and the like that controls the entire apparatus, an image memory, a communication interface, and the like. Yes.

  The main control unit 501 sends print data to the print control unit 502 in order to form an image on a medium based on image data transferred from an external information processing apparatus (host side) and various command information.

  The print control unit 502 transfers the image data received from the main control unit 501 as serial data, and also transfers to the head driver 503 a transfer clock, a latch signal, a control signal, and the like necessary to transfer the image data and confirm the transfer. Output.

  Further, the print control unit 502 includes a drive waveform generation unit configured by a D / A converter, a voltage amplifier, a current amplifier, and the like that perform D / A conversion on the pattern data of the common drive waveform stored in the internal ROM. A drive waveform composed of one or a plurality of drive pulses (drive signals) is output to the head driver 503.

  The head driver 503 selects a driving pulse constituting a driving waveform supplied from the print control unit 502 based on image data corresponding to one head unit 51 input serially, and applies it to the piezoelectric element 112A as a pressure generating unit. In contrast, the liquid is discharged. At this time, by selecting part or all of the pulses constituting the driving waveform or all or part of the waveform elements forming the pulse, for example, large dots, medium drops, small drops, etc. Can be categorized.

  Further, the main control unit 501 drives and controls each of the rollers 510 such as the original winding roller 11, the conveyance rollers 12 to 18, and the winding roller 21 via the motor driver 504.

  The main control unit 501 receives detection signals from a sensor group 506 including various sensors, and performs input / output of various information and exchange of display information with the operation unit 507.

  Next, an example of a portion related to head drive control will be described with reference to a block diagram of FIG.

  The print control unit 502 includes a drive waveform generation unit 701 as a drive waveform generation device according to the present invention. Data transfer that outputs 2-bit image data (gradation signals 0 and 1) corresponding to the print image and a selection signal (droplet control signal) for selecting a clock signal, a latch signal, and a drive pulse constituting a drive waveform Part 702.

  Here, the drive waveform generator 701 generates and outputs a drive waveform PV in which one or a plurality of drive pulses (drive signals) for ejecting liquid are arranged in time series within one printing cycle (one drive cycle). The

  The selection signal is a signal for instructing opening / closing of the analog switch AS, which is the switch means of the head driver 503, for each droplet. The drive pulse (or waveform element) to be selected in accordance with the printing cycle of the drive waveform PV makes a state transition to the H level (ON), and when not selected, the state transitions to the L level (OFF).

  The head driver 503 includes a shift register 711, a latch circuit 712, a decoder 713, a level shifter 714, and an analog switch array 715.

  The shift register 711 inputs the transfer clock (shift clock) and serial image data (gradation data: 2 bits / 1 channel (1 nozzle)) from the data transfer unit 702. The latch circuit 712 includes each register of the shift register 711. The value is latched by the latch signal.

  The decoder 713 decodes the gradation data and the selection signal and outputs the result. The level shifter 714 converts the logic level voltage signal of the decoder 713 to a level at which the analog switch AS of the analog switch array 715 can operate.

  The analog switch AS of the analog switch array 715 is turned on / off (opened / closed) by the output of the decoder 713 given through the level shifter 714.

  The analog switch AS of the analog switch array 715 is connected to the individual electrode of the piezoelectric element 112A, and the drive waveform PV from the drive waveform generation unit 701 is input. Therefore, the analog switch AS is turned on according to the result of decoding the serially transferred image data (gradation data) and the selection signal by the decoder 713. As a result, a drive pulse (or a waveform element) that is a required drive signal constituting the drive waveform PV is passed (selected) and applied to the individual electrode of the piezoelectric element 112A.

  Next, drive pulses (drive signals) included in the drive waveform in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the drive pulse.

  This drive pulse (drive signal) P is composed of an ejection waveform Pa and a vibration suppression waveform Pb. By applying this driving pulse P to the piezoelectric element 112A, the head 100 is driven.

  The discharge waveform Pa includes a holding waveform element m1, a first expansion waveform element (first pulling waveform element) a, a first holding waveform element b, and a first contraction waveform element (first pushing waveform element) c. .

  The first expansion waveform element a falls from the intermediate potential Vm held by the holding waveform element m1 to the potential Vl to expand the individual liquid chamber 106. The first holding waveform element b holds the falling potential Vl generated by the first expansion waveform element a for a predetermined time. The first contraction waveform element c rises to the potential Vm + 1 from the potential Vl held by the first holding waveform element b, contracts the individual liquid chamber 106, and discharges the liquid.

  The vibration suppression waveform Pb includes a second contraction waveform element (second pushing waveform element) d, a second holding waveform element e, a second expansion waveform element (second pulling waveform element) f, and a holding waveform element m2. .

  The second contraction waveform element d falls from the potential Vm + 1 at the end point of the first contraction waveform element c of the discharge waveform Pa to the potential Vh, and further contracts the individual liquid chamber 106 to such an extent that no liquid is discharged. Residual vibration after liquid discharge is suppressed. The second holding waveform element e holds the rising potential Vh generated by the second contraction waveform element d for a certain period of time. The second expansion waveform element f falls from the potential Vh held by the second holding waveform element e to the intermediate potential Vm held by the holding waveform element m2, and expands the individual liquid chamber 106.

  Here, the end point of the first contraction waveform element c of the discharge waveform Pa and the start point of the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb are the same (time point t2), and the first contraction waveform element c of the discharge waveform Pa. There is no holding period for holding the potential of the end point of the first contraction waveform element c between the end point of the first contraction waveform element c and the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb.

  Further, from the end point t1 of the first expansion waveform element a of the discharge waveform Pa to the start point t2 of the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb (end point t2 of the first contraction waveform element c of the discharge waveform Pa). The time (period) is in the range of (1/4) Tc to 7 / 4Tc, where Tc is the natural vibration period of the individual liquid chamber 106.

  Next, the ejection state and meniscus displacement when the liquid is ejected by this drive pulse will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the discharge state, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining meniscus displacement. In FIG. 9, the solid line indicates the meniscus displacement of the present embodiment, and the broken line indicates the meniscus displacement of a comparative example described later.

  FIG. 8A gives a discharge waveform Pa to pressurize the liquid 300 in the individual liquid chamber 106 to discharge the liquid 301a. At this time, the meniscus of the nozzle 104 is displaced as shown by a solid line in the section shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8 (b), the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb is given immediately after discharge, the individual liquid chamber 106 is gradually pressurized, and the ligament is pushed out slowly. The inclination of the second contraction waveform element d is set to an inclination (time constant) at which the individual liquid chamber 106 can be pressurized to the extent that liquid is not discharged. At this time, the meniscus of the nozzle 104 is displaced as shown by a solid line in the section shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8C, the individual liquid chamber 106 contracted by the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb is expanded to gradually bring the meniscus closer to a static state. At this time, the meniscus of the nozzle 104 is displaced as shown by a solid line in the section shown in FIG.

  Here, the driving pulse of the comparative example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of drive pulses of the comparative example.

  The drive pulse of the comparative example holds the potential of the end point of the first contraction waveform element c between the end point of the first contraction waveform element c of the ejection waveform Pa and the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb. Holding waveform element n.

  Next, the meniscus displacement when the drive pulse of this comparative example is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the drive pulse of the comparative example, the inclination of the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb becomes large, and the meniscus displacement becomes larger than that of the present embodiment as shown by a broken line in FIG. Therefore, when the viscosity of the liquid is low, such as in a high temperature environment, vibration suppression may not be sufficiently performed.

  Therefore, in this case, when the inclination of the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb is increased, another problem that the waveform length becomes longer as a whole occurs.

  Next, the waveform length of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11 in contrast to the comparative example.

  When obtaining the same vibration suppressing effect, the drive pulse P of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 11B can have a shorter waveform length than the drive pulse of the comparative example shown in FIG.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the first contraction waveform element c is between the end point of the first contraction waveform element c of the discharge waveform Pa and the start point of the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb. There is no holding waveform element that holds the potential at the end point of, and the end point of the first contraction waveform element c and the start point of the second contraction waveform element d are the same.

  Accordingly, even if the waveform length is not increased, the inclination of the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb can be reduced, and the individual liquid chamber can be gradually contracted to suppress the vibration. Residual vibration can be suppressed, and the vibration suppression effect is improved.

  Next, drive pulses (drive signals) in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the drive pulse.

  In the present embodiment, the second contraction waveform element of the vibration suppression waveform Pb is composed of two waveform elements d1 and d2 having different inclinations. The slope of the waveform element d2 is smaller than that of the waveform element d1. That is, the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb is composed of a plurality of waveform elements whose inclination decreases in time series.

  Thereby, the movement when the individual liquid chamber 106 is contracted to suppress the vibration can be finely adjusted.

  Next, drive pulses (drive signals) in the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the drive pulse.

  In the present embodiment, the first expansion waveform element of the discharge waveform Pa is configured by two waveform elements a1 and a2, and a holding waveform element that holds a potential falling at the waveform element a1 between the waveform elements a1 and a2. j is provided.

  By thus performing the two-stage expansion, it is possible to suppress the bending of the ejected droplets.

  Next, drive pulses (drive signals) in the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the drive pulse.

  In the present embodiment, the first contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform Pa is composed of two waveform elements c1 and c2, and a holding waveform that holds the potential rising at the waveform element c1 between the waveform element c1 and the waveform element c2. Element k is provided.

  By performing the two-stage contraction in this way, the speed of the ejected droplets can be controlled.

  Next, drive waveforms in the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the drive waveform.

  In the present embodiment, the drive waveform PV includes the first pulse P1 and the second pulse P2 in time series.

  The first pulse P1 is a signal including a first expansion waveform element a, a first holding waveform element b, and a first contraction waveform element c, similarly to the ejection waveform Pa. The waveform element and potential of the discharge waveform Pa are different.

  The second pulse P2 is the drive pulse P described in the first embodiment (other embodiments may be used).

  According to this, it is possible to perform vibration suppression after discharging with a plurality of discharge waveforms.

  Next, drive waveforms in the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the drive waveform.

  In the present embodiment, the drive waveform PV includes the first pulse P1 and the second pulse P2 in time series.

  The first pulse P1 is the drive pulse P described in the first embodiment (other embodiments may be used).

  Similar to the ejection waveform Pa, the second pulse P2 is a signal including a first expansion waveform element a, a first holding waveform element b, and a first contraction waveform element c. The waveform element and potential of the discharge waveform Pa are different.

  According to this, after discharging with the discharge waveform, it is possible to stabilize the discharge when discharging with the discharge waveform.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of drive pulses input to the drive circuit and output voltage waveforms in the same embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17A, the end of the first contraction waveform element c is between the first contraction waveform element c of the ejection waveform Pa and the second contraction waveform element d of the vibration suppression waveform Pb. A driving pulse (driving signal) having a holding waveform element n that holds the potential of the point is input to a head driver (driving circuit) 503 as a head driving device according to the present invention.

  At this time, the head driver 503 outputs a voltage waveform V that does not exist in the changing portion corresponding to the hold waveform element n of the drive pulse P, as shown in FIG.

  As described above, since the voltage waveform applied to the pressure generating means does not give a sudden voltage change due to the vibration suppression after the liquid is discharged, the liquid vibration is reliably suppressed even with a low viscosity liquid, as in the first embodiment. This can improve the vibration suppressing effect.

  In the present application, the liquid to be ejected is not particularly limited as long as it has a viscosity and surface tension that can be ejected from the head, and the viscosity becomes 30 mPa · s or less at room temperature, normal pressure, or by heating and cooling. It is preferable. More specifically, solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, functional materials such as polymerizable compounds, resins, and surfactants, and biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids, proteins, and calcium. , Edible materials such as natural pigments, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and the like. These include, for example, inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, components of electronic devices and light emitting devices, and formation of electronic circuit resist patterns. It can be used in applications such as liquids for use, three-dimensional modeling material liquids, and the like.

  As energy generation sources for discharging liquid, piezoelectric actuators (laminated piezoelectric elements and thin film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators using electrothermal transducers such as heating resistors, electrostatic actuators consisting of a diaphragm and counter electrode are used. To be included.

  In addition, the “device for ejecting liquid” includes not only a device capable of ejecting a liquid to an object to which the liquid can adhere, but also a device that ejects the liquid in the air or in the liquid. .

  This “apparatus for discharging liquid” may include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging a liquid to which liquid can adhere, as well as a pre-processing apparatus and a post-processing apparatus.

  For example, as a “liquid ejecting device”, an image forming device that forms an image on paper by ejecting ink, a powder is formed in layers to form a three-dimensional model (three-dimensional model) There is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus (three-dimensional modeling apparatus) that discharges a modeling liquid onto the powder layer.

  Further, the “apparatus for ejecting liquid” is not limited to an apparatus in which significant images such as characters and figures are visualized by the ejected liquid. For example, what forms a pattern etc. which does not have a meaning in itself, and what forms a three-dimensional image are also included.

  The above-mentioned “applicable liquid” means that the liquid can be attached at least temporarily and adheres and adheres, or adheres and penetrates. Specific examples include recording media such as paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, and cloth, electronic parts such as electronic substrates and piezoelectric elements, powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and test cells. Yes, unless specifically limited, includes everything that the liquid adheres to.

  The material of the above-mentioned “material to which liquid can adhere” is not limited as long as liquid such as paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics can be adhered even temporarily.

  In addition, the “device for ejecting liquid” includes a device in which the liquid ejection head and the device to which the liquid can adhere move relatively, but is not limited thereto. Specific examples include a serial type apparatus that moves the liquid discharge head, a line type apparatus that does not move the liquid discharge head, and the like.

  In addition, as the “device for ejecting liquid”, other than the above, a treatment liquid coating apparatus that ejects a treatment liquid onto a sheet in order to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the sheet for the purpose of modifying the surface of the sheet, There is an injection granulation apparatus that granulates raw material fine particles by spraying a composition liquid in which raw materials are dispersed in a solution through a nozzle.

  Note that the terms “image formation”, “recording”, “printing”, “printing”, “printing”, “modeling” and the like in the terms of the present application are all synonymous.

5 Liquid discharge unit 10 Medium 51 Head unit 100 Liquid discharge head (head)
106 Individual liquid chamber 500 Control unit 502 Print control unit 503 Head driver 701 Drive waveform generation unit 702 Data transfer unit

Claims (9)

Generate and output a drive waveform including a drive signal to be given to the pressure generating means of the liquid discharge head,
The drive signal is at least
An expansion waveform element that expands the individual liquid chamber of the liquid discharge head; and a discharge waveform that includes a contraction waveform element that contracts the individual liquid chamber expanded by the expansion waveform element to discharge the liquid;
A vibration suppression waveform including a contraction waveform element that further contracts the individual liquid chamber contracted by the contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform, and
An end point of the contraction waveform element of the ejection waveform and a start point of the contraction waveform element of the vibration suppression waveform are the same. The drive waveform generation device according to claim 1, wherein the contraction waveform element of the vibration suppression waveform is configured by two or more waveform elements whose inclination decreases in time series. The period from the end point of the expansion waveform element of the discharge waveform to the start point of the contraction waveform element of the vibration suppression waveform is (1/4) Tc to 7 when the natural vibration period of the individual liquid chamber is Tc. The drive waveform generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive waveform generation device is within a range of / 4Tc. 4. The drive waveform generation device according to claim 1, wherein the expansion waveform element of the discharge waveform includes a holding waveform element that holds a voltage in the middle. 4. The drive waveform generation device according to claim 1, wherein the contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform includes a holding waveform element that holds a voltage in the middle. The drive waveform generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive waveform includes a drive waveform that does not include the vibration suppression waveform. A drive circuit for inputting a drive signal for discharging the liquid from the liquid discharge head and applying a voltage waveform corresponding to the drive signal to the pressure generating means of the liquid discharge head;
The drive circuit is
An expansion waveform element that expands at least the individual liquid chamber of the liquid discharge head; and a discharge waveform that includes a contraction waveform element that contracts the individual liquid chamber expanded by the expansion waveform element to discharge liquid.
A vibration suppression waveform including a contraction waveform element that contracts the individual liquid chamber contracted by the contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform, and
A holding waveform element that holds a potential at an end point of the contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform between an end point of the contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform and a start point of the contraction waveform element of the vibration suppression waveform; A head driving apparatus that outputs the voltage waveform without a voltage holding period corresponding to the holding waveform element when a driving signal is input.   An apparatus for ejecting liquid, comprising the drive waveform generation apparatus according to claim 1 or the head drive apparatus according to claim 7. A head driving method for generating and outputting a driving signal for discharging a liquid from the liquid discharging head, and supplying the driving signal to a pressure generating unit of the liquid discharging head to discharge the liquid;
The drive signal is at least
An expansion waveform element that expands the individual liquid chamber of the liquid discharge head; and a discharge waveform that includes a contraction waveform element that contracts the individual liquid chamber expanded by the expansion waveform element to discharge the liquid;
A vibration suppression waveform including a contraction waveform element that contracts the individual liquid chamber contracted by the contraction waveform element of the discharge waveform, and
The head driving method, wherein an end point of the contraction waveform element of the ejection waveform and a start point of the contraction waveform element of the vibration suppression waveform are the same.

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