JP2021059093A - Printing system, image forming device, program and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable a driving waveform appropriate to a kind of liquid and a temperature around a liquid discharge head to be used.SOLUTION: A printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an information processing device, and an image forming device that forms an image by making a liquid discharge head discharge liquid, on the basis of printing data obtained from the information processing device. The image forming device selects driving waveform data from the printing data, on the basis of a kind of the liquid and a temperature around the liquid discharge head, and drives the liquid discharge head using the driving waveform data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a printing system, an image forming apparatus, a program, and a printing method.

A liquid ejection device such as an inkjet printer that ejects a liquid by a liquid ejection head based on print data and forms an image on a recording medium is known.

Further, a technique is disclosed in which a drive waveform is generated by a client PC (Personal Computer) that supplies print data to a liquid discharge device, and the liquid discharge head is driven using the drive waveform to form an image (for example,). See Patent Document 1).

However, in a liquid discharge device, it is preferable to perform image formation using an appropriate type of liquid according to the image quality required by the device user, and a liquid discharge head using an appropriate drive waveform according to the type of liquid. It is preferable to drive. Further, the appropriate drive waveform may change depending on the type of liquid depending on the temperature around the liquid discharge head.

On the other hand, in the technique of Patent Document 1, an appropriate drive waveform may not be used depending on the type of liquid used for image formation and the temperature of the liquid discharge device.

An object of the present invention is to use an appropriate drive waveform according to the type of liquid and the temperature around the liquid discharge head.

The printing system according to one aspect of the present invention is a printing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that ejects liquid by a liquid ejection head to form an image based on print data acquired from the information processing apparatus. Therefore, the image forming apparatus selects drive waveform data from the print data based on the type of the liquid and the ambient temperature of the liquid discharge head, and uses the drive waveform data to generate the liquid discharge head. A drive unit for driving is provided.

According to the present invention, an appropriate drive waveform can be used according to the type of liquid and the temperature around the liquid discharge head.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure example of the printing system which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the mechanical part of this apparatus. It is a top view explaining the main part of the mechanism part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the ink ejection head of this apparatus. It is a block diagram of the hardware configuration example of the client PC which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the function configuration example of the client PC which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a drive waveform. It is a figure which shows an example of the drive waveform data. It is a figure which shows an example of the mask processing data. It is a figure which shows an example of the table stored in the storage part. It is a figure which shows the layout example of print data. It is a figure which shows an example of the print command in print data. It is a figure which shows an example of a print setting screen. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the printing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components may be designated by the same reference numerals and duplicate description may be omitted.

In the embodiment, in a printing system including an information processing device and an image forming device that discharges liquid by a liquid discharging head to form an image based on print data input from the information processing device, the type of liquid and the liquid The liquid discharge head is driven using the drive waveform data extracted from the print data based on the ambient temperature of the discharge head to form an image. In this way, image formation can be performed using an appropriate drive waveform according to the type of liquid and the ambient temperature of the liquid discharge head.

Here, the drive waveform means a time change of the drive voltage for driving the liquid discharge head. Further, the drive waveform data refers to numerical data of the time and drive voltage constituting the drive waveform. Further, the "appropriate drive waveform" means that the liquid is not discharged from the liquid discharge head when the drive waveform is applied, the liquid is bent and discharged, or the liquid discharge speed deviates from the desired speed. It is a drive waveform that has no defects and can perform good discharge.

In the following, the ink is an example of a liquid, the ink ejection head is an example of a liquid ejection head, and a client PC (Personal Computer) as an example of an information processing device and an image forming apparatus that forms an image by an ink ejection method are provided. An embodiment will be described by taking a printing system as an example.

In addition, image formation and printing in the term of embodiment are synonymous.

<Overall configuration example of printing system 1>
First, the overall configuration of the printing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the printing system 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a client PC 2 and an image forming apparatus 3, which are communicably connected via a network 100 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

The client PC 2 generates print data (print job) to be executed by the image forming apparatus 3, and outputs the print data (printing job) to the image forming apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 3 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by an ink ejection method based on the print data input from the client PC 2.

In the embodiment, an example in which the client PC 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 are connected via the network 100 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The client PC 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 may be directly connected to each other so as to be able to communicate by wire or wirelessly, or a management server for managing printing by the printing system 1 or a DFE (Digital Front End) as an image processing apparatus. Devices such as cloud servers can also be added to the configuration. Further, the printing system 1 may include a plurality of client PCs 2 or a plurality of image forming devices 3.

<Structure example of image forming apparatus 3>
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

First, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 3 includes an apparatus main body 31, a paper feed tray 32, a paper output tray 33, a cartridge loading unit 36, and an operation unit 37. The paper feed tray 32 is provided for loading paper, which is a recording medium mounted on the apparatus main body 31, and the image-formed paper is stocked in the paper output tray 33.

The cartridge loading portion 36 is provided on one end side of the front surface 34 of the apparatus main body 31, is provided so as to protrude forward from the front surface 34 and be lower than the upper surface 35.

Further, an operation unit 37 such as an operation key or a display is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge loading unit 36 protruding from the front surface 34. The cartridge loading unit 36 has a front cover 38 that can be opened and closed for attaching and detaching the ink cartridge 39, which is an ink storage tank (main tank).

In FIG. 2, only 4 ink cartridges 39 (colorants: black, cyan, magenta, yellow) are shown, but in addition to this, 1 to 4 treatment liquid cartridges (colorants requiring a treatment liquid) are shown. Attached (for ink). In some cases, a treatment liquid such as a color having high injection reliability is not required.

Next, the mechanical portion of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of the mechanical portion, and FIG. 4 is a plan explanatory view of a main part of the mechanical portion.

As shown in FIG. 3, as a paper feed unit for feeding the paper 22 loaded on the paper loading unit (pressure plate) 21 of the paper feed tray 32, a half-moon-shaped roller, a paper feed roller 23, and a paper feed unit are used. An urging separation pad 24 is provided on the roller 23 side.

The paper feed roller 23 separates and feeds the paper 22 from the paper loading unit 21 one by one, and the urging separation pad 24 is made of a material having a large friction coefficient and is provided facing the paper feed roller 23.

Further, as a transport unit for transporting the paper 22 fed from the paper feed unit to the lower side of the ink ejection head 14, a transport belt 3111, a counter roller 3121, a transport guide 3131, and a tip pressurizing roller 315 are provided. , Equipped with. Further, a charging roller 316 for charging the surface of the transport belt 3111 is provided.

The counter roller 3121 sandwiches the paper 22 fed from the paper feeding unit via the guide 25 with the transport belt 3111 and transports the paper 22. The transport guide 3131 guides the paper 22 that is sandwiched between the counter roller 3121 and the transport belt 3111 and is fed substantially vertically upward, and is conveyed by the tip pressurizing roller 315 that is urged toward the transport belt 3111 by the pressing member 3141. It is pressed against the belt 3111 and turned approximately 90 °.

At this time, a control circuit (not shown) applies alternating voltages to the charging rollers 316 from the high-voltage power supply so that positive and negative outputs are alternately repeated, that is, a charging voltage pattern in which the conveyor belt 3111 alternates, that is, In the sub-scanning direction, which is the circumferential direction, plus and minus are alternately charged in a strip shape with a predetermined width. When the paper 22 is fed onto the transport belt 3111 charged alternately with plus and minus, the paper 22 is electrostatically attracted to the transport belt 3111, and the paper 22 is moved in the sub-scanning direction by orbiting the transport belt 3111. Be transported.

Therefore, by driving the ink ejection head 14 in response to the image signal while moving the carriage 13, ink droplets are ejected onto the stopped paper 22 and recording for one line is performed. After recording one line, the paper 22 is conveyed in a predetermined amount, and the next line is recorded. After that, when the recording end signal or the signal that the rear end of the paper 22 reaches the recording area is received, the recording operation is ended and the paper 22 is discharged to the paper output tray 33.

Here, the transport belt 3111 is an endless belt, which is hung between the transport roller 317 and the tension roller 318, and is configured to circulate in the belt transport direction as shown in FIG.

The charging roller 316 is arranged so as to come into contact with the surface layer of the transport belt 3111 and rotate in accordance with the rotation of the transport belt 3111, and 2.5 N is applied to both ends of the shaft as a pressing force.

Further, on the back side of the transport belt 3111, a guide member 41 is arranged corresponding to the printing area by the ink ejection head 14. The upper surface of the guide member 41 projects toward the ink ejection head 14 from the tangent line of the two rollers (convey roller 317 and tension roller 318) that support the transport belt 3111. As a result, the transport belt 3111 is pushed up and guided by the upper surface of the guide member 41 in the printing region, so that high-precision flatness is maintained.

Further, a plurality of grooves are formed on the surface side of the guide member 41 in contact with the back surface of the transport belt 3111 in the main scanning direction, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction to reduce the contact area with the transport belt 3111. The transport belt 3111 is configured so that it can smoothly move along the surface of the guide member 41.

Further, as a paper ejection unit for ejecting the paper 22 recorded by the ink ejection head 14, a separation claw 51, a paper ejection roller 52, a paper ejection roller 53, and a paper ejection tray 33 are provided.

The separation claw 51 separates the paper 22 from the transport belt 3111, and the paper is discharged to the paper ejection tray 33 provided below the paper ejection roller 52 by the paper ejection roller 52 and the paper ejection roller 53. The height from between the paper ejection roller 52 and the paper ejection roller 53 to the paper ejection tray 33 is increased to some extent in order to increase the amount that can be stocked in the paper ejection tray 33.

A double-sided paper feed unit 61 is detachably attached to the back surface of the apparatus main body 31. The double-sided paper feed unit 61 takes in the paper 22 returned by the reverse rotation of the transport belt 3111, reverses it, and feeds the paper again between the counter roller 3121 and the transport belt 3111. A manual paper feed unit 62 is provided on the upper surface of the double-sided paper feed unit 61.

As shown in FIG. 4, the carriage 13 is slidably held in the main scanning direction by a guide rod 11 and a stay 12 which are guide members laid horizontally on left and right side plates (not shown), and is shown by a main scanning motor (not shown). Move and scan in the direction indicated by the arrow.

In the carriage 13, a plurality of ink ejection heads 14 for ejecting ink are arranged in a direction in which a plurality of nozzles intersect with the main scanning direction, and the ink droplet ejection direction is directed downward.

Further, a subsystem 71, which is a maintenance / recovery mechanism for maintaining and recovering the state of the nozzle of the ink ejection head 14, is provided in a non-printing area on one side (or both sides) of the carriage 13 in the scanning direction.

The subsystem 71 is provided with cap members 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D for capping the nozzle surfaces of the ink ejection heads 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, a wiper blade 73 for wiping the nozzle surfaces, and the like. There is.

While waiting for printing (recording), the carriage 13 moves to the subsystem 71 side, and the cap members 72A, 72B, 72C, and 72D cap the ink ejection heads 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. As a result, the nozzle can be kept in a wet state, ejection defects due to ink drying are prevented, and a recovery operation of ejecting ink that is not related to image formation is performed before the start of image formation, during image formation, etc., and is stable. Maintains the discharged performance.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the ink ejection head 14. The ink ejection head 14 is the same as the ink ejection head 14a having a nozzle row 14yn composed of a large number of nozzles N for ejecting yellow ink droplets and a nozzle row 14sin composed of a large number of nozzles N for ejecting ink droplets of a treatment liquid. An ink ejection head 14b having a magenta nozzle row 14mn and a treatment liquid nozzle row 14smn, an ink ejection head 14c having a cyan nozzle row 14cn and a treatment liquid nozzle row 14scn, and similarly a black nozzle row 14kn. And 4 heads of the ink ejection head 14d having a nozzle row 14skn of the treatment liquid.

As the inkjet head, a piezoelectric actuator such as a piezoelectric element, a thermal actuator using an electric heat conversion element such as a heat generating resistor to utilize a phase change due to a film boiling of a liquid, and a shape memory alloy actuator using a metal phase change due to a temperature change, An electrostatic actuator or the like that uses an electrostatic force can be used as an energy generating means for ejecting ink, but in the present embodiment, a head that uses a piezoelectric actuator (piezoelectric element) as the energy generating means is mounted. ing.

<Hardware configuration example of client PC2>
Next, the hardware configuration of the client PC 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the client PC 2.

As shown in FIG. 6, the client PC 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503. In addition, HD (Hard Disk) 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, data bus 510, keyboard 511, and so on. , A pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

Of these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire client PC 2. The ROM 502 stores a program used for driving the CPU 501 such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 503 is used as a work area of the CPU 501. The HD504 stores various data such as programs.

The HDD controller 505 controls reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images.

The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external device in this case is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or the like. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using the network 100.

The client PC 2 is connected to the network 100 via the network I / F 509, and is also connected to the image forming apparatus 3 via the network 100. However, the client PC 2 may be connected to the image forming apparatus 3 via the external device connection I / F 508.

The data bus 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG.

Further, the keyboard 511 is a kind of input means including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions and the like. The pointing device 512 is a kind of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 513 as an example of the removable recording medium. In addition, it is not limited to DVD-RW, and may be DVD-R or the like. The media I / F 516 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

<Hardware configuration example of image forming apparatus 3>
Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 3.

As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 304, an external device connection I / F308, a network I / F309, and a bus line. It is equipped with 310. Further, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a paper transport unit 311, a sub-scanning driver 312, a main scanning driver 313, a carriage 13, and an operation unit 37. Further, the carriage 13 includes an ink ejection head 14 and an ink ejection head driver 325.

Of these, the CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 3. The ROM 302 stores a program or the like used to drive the CPU 301 such as an IPL. The RAM 303 is used as a work area of the CPU 301. The NVRAM 304 stores various data such as a program, and holds various data even while the power of the image forming apparatus 3 is cut off. The external device connection I / F306 is connected to the external device by a USB cable or the like, and communicates a control signal and printed data with the external device. The network I / F 309 is an interface for data communication using the network 100.

The image forming apparatus 3 is connected to the network 100 via the network I / F 309, and is also connected to the client PC 2 via the network 100. However, the image forming apparatus 3 may be connected to the client PC 2 via the external device connection I / F 306.

The bus line 310 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301.

The paper transport unit 311 is, for example, a roller and a motor for driving the roller, and transports the printing paper in the sub-scanning direction along the transport path in the image forming apparatus 3. The sub-scanning driver 312 controls the movement of the paper transport unit 311 in the sub-scanning direction. The main scanning driver 313 controls the movement of the carriage 13 in the main scanning direction.

The ink ejection head 14 of the carriage 13 has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink, and is mounted on the carriage 13 so that the ejection surface (nozzle surface) faces the printing paper side. The ink ejection head 14 ejects the liquid to the printing paper intermittently conveyed in the sub-scanning direction while moving in the main scanning direction, thereby ejecting the liquid to a predetermined position on the printing paper to form an image. The ink ejection head driver 325 is a driver for controlling the drive of the ink ejection head 14.

The operation unit 37 is composed of a touch panel, an alarm lamp, or the like that displays the current set value, selection screen, or the like and receives input from the user.

The ink ejection head driver 325 may not be mounted on the carriage 13 but may be configured to be connected to the bus line outside the carriage 13. Further, the main scanning driver 313, the sub scanning driver 312, and the ink ejection head driver 325 may each have a function realized by a command of the CPU 301 according to the program.

Further, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a temperature sensor 314 that detects the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14, and a temperature sensor I / F 315 that is an interface with the temperature sensor 314. The temperature sensor 314 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the ink ejection head 14 in order to detect the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14, but is not limited thereto. If the drive waveform data of the ink ejection head 14 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 314 can be associated with each other, the temperature sensor 314 may be installed at any place in the image forming apparatus 3 or outside the image forming apparatus 3. It may be installed in.

[First Embodiment]
<Example of function configuration of client PC2>
Next, the functional configuration of the client PC 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the client PC 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the client PC 2 includes a print setting screen display unit 200, an ink type acquisition unit 201, a drive waveform acquisition unit 202, a storage unit 203, a print data generation unit 204, and an image data storage unit 205. And an output unit 206.

Of these, the functions of the print setting screen display unit 200 are realized by the display 506 (see FIG. 6) and the like, and the functions of the ink type acquisition unit 201, the drive waveform acquisition unit 202, and the print data generation unit 204 are predetermined by the CPU 501. It is realized by executing a program. Further, the functions of the storage unit 203 and the image data storage unit 205 are realized by the HD504 or the like, and the functions of the output unit 206 are realized by the network I / F509 or the like.

The print setting screen display unit 200 displays the print setting screen, which is a user interface, on the display 506. Then, the ink type acquisition unit 201 acquires the ink type information specified by the user on the print setting screen, and outputs the acquired ink type information to the drive waveform acquisition unit 202. Alternatively, when the print data (print job) or the image data to be formed is associated with the ink type in advance, the ink type acquisition unit 201 acquires the ink type information based on the print data or the image data. You can also do it.

Here, the ink ejection head 14 is driven by a drive waveform, but since the ink has different characteristics such as viscosity and surface tension depending on the material composition, an appropriate drive waveform differs depending on the type of ink. Further, even if the ink type is the same, if the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14 changes, the characteristics such as the viscosity of the ink change, so that the appropriate drive waveform also changes.

Therefore, in the embodiment, an ejection experiment or the like is performed in advance to clarify an appropriate drive waveform for each ink type and acquire the drive waveform data. Further, by performing the ejection experiment while changing the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14 (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as the ambient temperature), appropriate drive waveform data can be acquired even for each ambient temperature. Then, the ink is stored in the storage unit 203 in association with the type of ink and the ambient temperature.

Alternatively, the user of the printing system 1 adjusts the drive waveform data based on the image formation result at the time of actual use of the image forming apparatus 3, thereby acquiring appropriate drive waveform data, and each of the ink type and the ambient temperature. It can also be stored in the storage unit 203 in association with.

Based on the ink type information input from the ink type acquisition unit 201, the drive waveform acquisition unit 202 acquires the drive waveform data associated with the ink type information with reference to the storage unit 203, and obtains the acquired drive waveform data. Output to print data generation unit 204. In this case, a plurality of drive waveform data corresponding to a plurality of ambient temperatures on a one-to-one basis are acquired for one ink type.

The print data generation unit 204 combines the image data to be formed, the drive waveform data input from the drive waveform acquisition unit 202, and the print conditions such as the number of copies and the print color input by the print setting screen to print data. To generate. Then, the generated print data is output to the image forming apparatus 3 via the output unit 206.

The print data generation unit 204 can generate print data in which image data and drive waveform data are combined, for example, by adding drive waveform data as header information.

Here, it is preferable to generate such print data using a language in either PDL (Page Description Language) or PJL (Printer Job Language) format. By generating using the PDL or PJL format, the generated print data can be applied to image forming devices of various vendors.

The image data to be formed is stored in the image data storage unit 205, and the print data generation unit 204 can acquire the image data by referring to the image data storage unit 205. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the print data generation unit 204 may acquire the image data generated by the client PC 2 or may acquire the image data from an external device.

<Example of functional configuration of image forming apparatus 3>
Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a print data input unit 320, a drive waveform data extraction unit 321, a temperature acquisition unit 322, and a drive unit 323.

Of these, the function of the print data input unit 320 is realized by the network I / F 309 (see FIG. 7) or the like, and the function of the drive waveform data extraction unit 321 is realized by the CPU 301 executing a predetermined program or the like. Further, the function of the temperature acquisition unit 322 is realized by the temperature sensor I / F315 or the like, and the function of the drive unit 323 is realized by the ink ejection head driver 325 or the like.

The drive waveform data extraction unit 321 inputs print data from the client PC 2 via the print data input unit 320, and acquires the detection value of the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14 by the temperature sensor 314 via the temperature acquisition unit 322. ..

As described above, the print data includes a plurality of drive waveform data associated with the ambient temperature. Therefore, the drive waveform data extraction unit 321 extracts the drive waveform data corresponding to the ambient temperature from the print data based on the detected value of the ambient temperature.

The drive unit 323 drives the ink ejection head 14 using the extracted drive waveform data, so that the image forming apparatus 3 obtains an appropriate drive waveform corresponding to each of the ink type and the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14. Can be used to eject ink and perform image formation.

<Examples of various data, etc.>
Next, an example of various data and the like used in the client PC 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14.

(Example of drive waveform data)
FIG. 10 shows an example of the drive waveform 1400 of the ink ejection head 14. As shown in FIG. 10, the drive waveform 1400 is composed of a drive voltage for one cycle that changes with time. By applying the drive waveform 1400, the pressure applied to the ink filled in the ink ejection head 14 changes according to the driving voltage, so that the ink is ejected from the ink ejection head 14. Further, by continuously applying the drive waveform 1400 to the ink ejection head 14 at a predetermined cycle, ink is ejected from the ink ejection head 14 at a predetermined cycle.

In the example of FIG. 10, the drive waveform 1400 includes a negative pressure waveform 1411 in which the voltage is lowered with respect to the reference voltage 1410 and a positive pressure waveform 1412 in which the voltage is also raised. Negative pressure is applied to the ink in the ink ejection head 14 by the negative pressure waveform 1411, and the ink is drawn into the ink ejection head 14. In the drawn state, the positive pressure waveform 1412 applies a positive pressure to the ink in the ink ejection head 14, so that the ink is ejected at once toward the outside of the ink ejection head 14 and ejected.

Further, by providing a plurality of negative pressure waveforms 1411 and / or positive pressure waveforms 1412 in the drive waveform 1400, the ink is ejected a plurality of times by applying the drive waveform 1400 once, and the ejected ink droplets are combined to form ink. The size of the drops can be changed. For example, if one positive pressure waveform is included in one cycle of the drive waveform 1400, there are small droplets, if two droplets are included, two droplets are combined, and if three droplets are included, three droplets are present. Combined large droplets and the like can be obtained.

Next, FIG. 11A shows an example of the drive waveform data constituting the drive waveform 1400 shown in FIG. In the drive waveform data 1401 shown in FIG. 11A, the "WAVE" column indicates the name of each waveform included in the drive waveform 1400, the "T (μs)" column indicates the time, and the "Volt (V)" column indicates the time. It shows the drive voltage.

By changing the numerical values of the time and the drive voltage in the drive waveform data 1401, the drive waveform can be adjusted according to the ink type and the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14. When conducting an experiment to clarify an appropriate drive waveform, the ink ejection head 14 is ejected, and while visually recognizing and measuring the state of the ejected ink droplets, the drive waveform is prevented so that ejection failure does not occur. Change the data time and drive voltage values. Thereby, an appropriate drive waveform can be clarified and the drive waveform data can be acquired.

Further, when the user of the printing system 1 adjusts the drive waveform data, the user visually recognizes and measures the image formation result at the time of actual use of the image forming apparatus 3, and determines the time and drive voltage of the drive waveform data. Change the value. Thereby, an appropriate drive waveform can be clarified and the drive waveform data can be acquired.

Further, the size of the ink droplets (droplets) to be ejected can be switched by the image forming apparatus 3 performing a process of masking (invalidating) the data of each waveform included in the drive waveform data.

Specifically, when the positive pressure waveform 1412 is masked, the voltage data corresponding to the positive pressure waveform 1412 in FIG. 11A is invalidated and all become the reference voltage. Then, no pressure is applied to the ink in the ink ejection head 14, and even if the drive waveform 1400 is applied, the ink is not ejected.

For example, when the drive waveform includes three positive pressure waveforms, a large drop can be obtained by discharging with the three positive pressure waveforms unless mask processing is performed. Further, when one of the three positive pressure waveforms is masked, a medium drop is obtained by discharging with the two positive pressure waveforms. Further, when two of the three positive pressure waveforms are masked, droplets are obtained by discharging one positive pressure waveform, and when all three positive pressure waveforms are masked, discharge is not performed.

FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of data for mask processing. “On” indicates an instruction to enable the waveform data, and “Off” indicates an instruction to disable (mask) the waveform data. In addition to the drive waveform data, print data may be generated including data instructing such mask processing. The data instructing this mask processing is an example of "information for specifying the size of the droplets ejected from the liquid ejection head".

(Example of correspondence table between ink type and ambient temperature and drive waveform data)
Next, FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table between the ink type and the ambient temperature and the drive waveform data stored in the storage unit 203.

The vertical axis of the corresponding table 2030 shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the ink type, and the horizontal axis corresponds to the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14. Then, the data file name of the drive waveform data is shown in association with the type of ink and the ambient temperature.

For example, when the ink type is "S1" and the ambient temperature is 23 ° C., the corresponding drive waveform data is "S1_23.rst", and when the ink type is "S4" and the ambient temperature is 25 ° C., the corresponding drive waveform The data will be "S4_25.rst".

Such a correspondence table 2030 is stored in the storage unit 203 of the client PC 2. The drive waveform acquisition unit 202 refers to the corresponding table 2030 based on the ink type information, and acquires the drive waveform data associated with the ink type information.

For example, referring to the example of FIG. 12, when the ink type is "S1", the drive waveform acquisition unit 202 corresponds to "S1_23.rst" corresponding to a plurality of drive waveform data for each ambient temperature of the ink type "S1". , "S1_24.rst", "S1_25.rst", "S1_26.rst" and "S1_27.rst" are acquired as drive waveform data.

The print data generation unit 204 generates print data using the numerical data recorded in all the data files of the drive waveform data acquired by the drive waveform acquisition unit 202.

(Example of print data)
FIG. 13A is an image diagram for explaining an example of the layout of the print data generated by the print data generation unit 204. As shown in FIG. 13A, the print data 2040 includes a header section 2041 and an image data section 2042.

Drive waveform data is recorded in the header section 2041, and printing conditions such as the number of copies to be printed and print colors are also recorded.

The drive waveform data in the data file "S1_23.rst" is recorded in the data unit 2043, and the drive waveform data in the data file "S1_24.rst" is recorded in the data unit 2044. Further, the data unit 2045 records the drive waveform data in the data file "S1_25.rst", the data unit 2046 records the drive waveform data in the data file "S1_26.rst", and the data unit 2047 records the drive waveform data. Is recorded with the drive waveform data in the data file "S1_27.rst".

Further, FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a print command in the print data. The print command is recorded after the area where the drive waveform data is recorded.

By recording the drive waveform data in the print data separately for each ambient temperature in this way, the drive waveform data extraction unit 321 in the image forming apparatus 3 sets the ambient temperature based on the detection value of the ambient temperature by the temperature sensor 314. The corresponding drive waveform data can be extracted from the print data.

(Example of print setting screen)
Next, it is a figure explaining an example of the print setting screen displayed on the display 506 (see FIG. 6) of a client PC2. The print setting screen 140 shown in FIG. 14 is a screen that functions as a user interface for the user of the printing system 1 to set printing conditions and input ink type information.

As shown in FIG. 14, the print setting screen 140 has a custom waveform specification check box 141, an ink name input edit box 142, a number of copies input edit box 143, a print color input edit box 144, and a paper size input edit box. It is configured to include 145 and a print orientation designation radio button 146.

The custom waveform designation check box 141 is a check box for designating whether or not to use a drive waveform (custom waveform) corresponding to the ink type. If checked, the drive waveform data of the custom waveform will be acquired and used.

The ink name input edit box 142 is an edit box for inputting information such as an ink name for identifying an ink type. For example, the above-mentioned ink type identification information such as "S1" and "S2" is input.

The user-desired print copy number information is input to the print copy number input edit box 143, and the user-desired print color information such as monochrome and color is input to the print color input edit box 144. Further, the paper size information desired by the user is input to the paper size input edit box 145. Further, the print orientation designation radio button 146 specifies the print orientation.

Using such a print setting screen 140, the client PC 2 can acquire ink type information and print strip information.

<Operation example of printing system 1>
Next, the operation of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the printing system 1.

First, in step S151, the print setting screen display unit 200 displays the print setting screen, which is a user interface, on the display 506.

Subsequently, in step S152, the ink type acquisition unit 201 accepts the designation of whether or not to use the custom waveform.

When using the custom waveform, in step S153, the ink type acquisition unit 201 acquires the ink type information specified by the user on the print setting screen and outputs the ink type information to the drive waveform acquisition unit 202.

Subsequently, in step S154, the drive waveform acquisition unit 202 acquires the drive waveform data associated with the ink type information by referring to the storage unit 203 based on the ink type information input from the ink type acquisition unit 201. This is output to the print data generation unit 204.

Subsequently, in step S155, the print data generation unit 204 prints the image data to be formed, the drive waveform data input from the drive waveform acquisition unit 202, and the number of copies and print colors input by the print setting screen. Print data is generated by combining with conditions.

Subsequently, in step S156, the output unit 206 outputs the print data generated by the print data generation unit 204 to the image forming apparatus 3.

Subsequently, in step S157, the temperature acquisition unit 322 acquires the detection value of the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14 by the temperature sensor 314 and outputs it to the drive waveform data extraction unit 321.

Subsequently, in step S158, the drive waveform data extraction unit 321 inputs print data from the client PC 2 via the print data input unit 320, and based on the detected value of the ambient temperature, the drive waveform data extraction unit 321 corresponds to the drive from the print data. Extract waveform data.

Subsequently, in step S159, the drive waveform data extraction unit 321 outputs the extracted drive waveform data to the drive unit 323, and the drive unit 323 sets the drive waveform data as the drive waveform.

Subsequently, in step S160, the drive unit 323 drives the ink ejection head 14 according to the set drive waveform to execute image formation.

In this way, the printing system 1 can eject ink using an appropriate drive waveform corresponding to each of the type of ink and the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14, and execute image formation.

<Effect of printing system 1>
As described above, in the embodiment, appropriate drive waveform data of the ink ejection head 14 is acquired in advance for each ink type and each ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14, and these are acquired in advance for the ink type and the ink ejection head 14. It is stored in the storage unit 203 in association with each of the ambient temperatures of the above.

The client PC 2 acquires drive waveform data with reference to the storage unit 203 based on the type of ink used for image formation, and print data generated by combining the drive waveform data and the image data to be formed as an image. Output to the forming device 3.

The image forming apparatus 3 uses the drive waveform data extracted from the print data based on the detected value of the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head, and drives the ink ejection head 14 to form an image. Thereby, the image can be formed by using an appropriate drive waveform according to the ink type and the ambient temperature of the ink ejection head 14.

Further, in the embodiment, the above print data is generated using either PDL or PJL language. By generating using PDL or PJL, the generated print data can be applied to image forming apparatus of various vendors.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the example in which the client PC 2 includes the storage unit 203 is shown, but the storage unit 203 may be configured to be provided by an external device such as a cloud server that is communicably connected to the client PC 2. Further, the image forming apparatus 3 may include the storage unit 203.

Further, the image forming apparatus 3 may have some functions of the client PC 2, and conversely, the client PC 2 may have some functions of the functions of the image forming apparatus 3. Further, the client PC 2 may be integrated with the image forming apparatus.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments specifically disclosed, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of claims. ..

The "liquid" in the embodiment may have a viscosity and surface tension that can be discharged from the head, and is not particularly limited, but has a viscosity of 30 mPa · s or less at room temperature, under normal pressure, or by heating or cooling. It is preferable that More specifically, solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, polymerizable compounds, resins, functionalizing materials such as surfactants, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids and proteins, and calcium. , Solvents, suspensions, emulsions, etc. containing edible materials such as natural dyes, etc. These are, for example, inks for inkjets, surface treatment liquids, constituent elements of electronic elements and light emitting elements, and formation of electronic circuit resist patterns. It can be used for applications such as liquids for three-dimensional modeling.

The "liquid discharge head" is a functional component that discharges and ejects liquid from a nozzle.

Piezoelectric actuators (laminated piezoelectric elements and thin-film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators that use electrothermal conversion elements such as heat-generating resistors, and electrostatic actuators that consist of a vibrating plate and counter electrodes are used as energy sources for discharging liquids. Includes what to do.

The embodiment also includes a program. For example, the program refers to a storage unit that stores each of the liquid type and the ambient temperature of the liquid discharge head in association with the drive waveform data for driving the liquid discharge head, and is based on the liquid type. A computer is made to execute a process of acquiring the drive waveform data and outputting the acquired drive waveform data, image data, and print data generated based on the acquired drive waveform data to an image forming apparatus. With such a program, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned printing system can be obtained.

Each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present specification is a processor programmed to execute each function by software such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array) and conventional circuit modules.

1 Printing system 2 Client PC (an example of information processing device)
3 Image forming device 14 Ink ejection head (example of liquid ejection head)
140 Print setting screen 1400 Drive waveform 1401 Drive waveform data 200 Print setting screen Display unit 201 Ink type acquisition unit 202 Drive waveform acquisition unit 203 Storage unit 204 Print data generation unit 205 Image data storage unit 206 Output unit 314 Temperature sensor 320 Print data input Unit 321 Drive waveform data extraction unit 322 Temperature acquisition unit 323 Drive unit 2030 Corresponding table 2040 Print data

Japanese Patent No. 3721574

Claims (7)

A printing system including an information processing device and an image forming device that discharges liquid by a liquid discharging head to form an image based on print data acquired from the information processing device.
The image forming apparatus
A printing system including a drive unit that selects drive waveform data from the print data based on the type of the liquid and the ambient temperature of the liquid discharge head, and drives the liquid discharge head using the drive waveform data. The information processing device
A drive waveform acquisition unit that acquires the drive waveform data based on the type of the liquid and the ambient temperature of the liquid discharge head.
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs the print data including the drive waveform data acquired by the drive waveform acquisition unit and image data to the image forming apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information processing device has a storage unit that stores the type of the liquid, the ambient temperature of the liquid discharge head, and the drive waveform data in association with each other. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the drive waveform acquisition unit acquires the drive waveform stored in the storage unit with reference to the type of the liquid and the ambient temperature. The print data is
The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is configured in either PDL (Page Description Language) or PJL (Printer Job Language) format. The print data is
The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which includes information for designating a size of droplets ejected from the liquid ejection head. The drive waveform acquisition unit
The drive waveform data associated with the combination of the liquid type and the ambient temperature of the liquid discharge head on a one-to-one basis is acquired.
The output unit
The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the print including the drive waveform data and the image data is output to the image forming apparatus.

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