JP3174227B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium using a line type print head.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional ink jet printer is a serial printer that sequentially prints while moving a print head to the left and right on a recording sheet. Also, 1
As a printer using a line head provided with heating elements for the lines, a thermal transfer method using a thermal head and the like are well known.

Such a printer device includes a formatter unit that receives PDL data sent from a host computer and develops it into an image to be actually printed, a mechanical unit of the printer device, and an engine unit that controls the printer unit. It is divided into two parts.

[0004]

Considering the case of an ink jet printer using such a line type head, the problems of data transfer in such a printer are as follows. (1) As described above, in the case of a configuration in which the printer device is separated into the formatter unit and the engine unit, the print data must be transferred to the head while the engine unit performs vertical synchronization and horizontal synchronization. For this reason, the engine unit needs a print buffer memory for receiving and storing print image data from the formatter unit. This print buffer memory also has a function of adjusting the timing of reception of print data from the formatter unit and transmission of print data to the print head, and a control for controlling access to such a memory. Circuits and the like are also required. In addition, for example, in the case of a color printer, the memory must store data for four colors, and in addition to this, an increase in recording density is required, so that an extremely large memory capacity as a print buffer is required. Required. Further, with the increase in printing speed, high-speed access to a memory is required, and the circuit configuration becomes complicated and expensive. (2) When realizing color printing with line heads for a plurality of colors, the print positions of the heads are adjusted so that the dot positions (nozzle positions) printed by the line heads of the respective colors accurately overlap each other. A function (register adjustment function) is required. However, such nozzle position adjustment between heads is of the order of μm, so it is difficult to mechanically adjust the nozzle position. (3) In the case of an inkjet printer, a head cleaning operation (recovery operation) is required at a predetermined timing. In the case of a line printer, the transfer of the print data and the printing operation are shifted by one line. Therefore, if such a recovery operation is performed during printing, printing is performed for all nozzles of one line. Therefore, this must be prevented.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and has as its object to provide a recording apparatus which can eliminate the need for a memory (print buffer) in a recording section (engine).

It is another object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus capable of adjusting a recording (nozzle) position among a plurality of heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus capable of performing a recording head recovery operation even during a recording operation.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a recording apparatus according to the present invention has the following arrangement. That is, the printer includes a formatter for receiving print data from an external device to generate print image data, and a recording unit for receiving print image data from the formatter and recording the print image data on a recording medium, wherein a line provided for each color is provided. A recording device for performing recording using a recording head of a type, provided in the recording means for generating a request signal for requesting the formatter means to transmit print image data for each color on a line-by-line basis. Request signal generating means for each color, and the formatter means receiving the request signal of the first line of one page of each color and outputting an enable signal for instructing the recording means to transfer the data of one page for each color. And an enable signal output means for each color provided in the printer. Transfer clock output means for outputting a clock signal common to each color for requesting transfer of print data to the formatter means, and each color signal from the formatter means to the recording means in synchronization with the clock signal output by the transfer clock output means. A transfer unit that transfers print image data for each color; and a unit that transfers print image data for each color transferred by the transfer unit to a recording head for each color.

[0009]

In the above arrangement, printing is performed between formatter means for receiving print data from an external device to generate print image data and recording means for receiving print image data from the formatter means and recording the print image data on a recording medium. An image data exchange recording apparatus, wherein the recording means generates a request signal for requesting the transmission of print image data to the formatter means for each color on a line-by-line basis, and the formatter means generates a request signal for one page of each color. In response to the request signal for one line, an enable signal for instructing the transfer unit to transfer the data for one page is output for each color, and the print unit transfers the print data to the formatter unit according to the enable signal for each color. A common clock signal is output for each required color, and the formatter Transfers print image data for each color in the recording means in synchronism with the recording means is operative to transfer the print image data for each color which is the transfer to each color recording head.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, an outline of the present embodiments will be briefly described.

<Basic Print Sequence> The print data is transmitted to the print head at the timing of printing one line before, and the engine unit detects this timing with a vertical registration adjustment counter. Then, at the timing one line before the print position, a request trigger signal for print data (a-TRG *: * indicates a row true) is transmitted to the formatter unit. When the formatter detects this signal,
Preparation for print data transmission, vertical synchronization signal (a-ENB *) indicating that data for one page is being transferred
Activate The engine transmits a print data reference clock signal (DATATACK) to the formatter with a delay of a predetermined time from the print data request signal. The formatter unit transmits print data to the engine unit in synchronization with the reference clock signal. The engine unit transmits the received print data to the print head as it is.

In the above operation, except for the reference clock signal transmitted from the engine unit to the formatter unit, it operates independently for each color signal. Therefore, the print data is directly transferred from the formatter unit to the print head, and there is no need to temporarily store the print data in the engine unit.

Thus, the transfer of the print data for one line is completed. When one line of print data is transferred to the head, the engine unit issues a head latch signal (DLA).
T *) is activated and temporarily stored in the head. When the recording paper is conveyed and moved by one line, ink corresponding to the print data of the first line is ejected and printing is performed. During this time, a print data request signal for the second line is output from the engine unit to the formatter unit and
The same printing operation as that of the line is performed.

Thereafter, the printing operation is repeated in the third and fourth lines in the same manner. While the above-described vertical synchronizing signal is active, a print data request signal is sent for each line according to the amount of movement of the recording paper. Send to formatter. Thus, the transfer of the print data for one page is completed.

<Horizontal Registration Adjustment> The engine unit uses a clock for transferring data to the head as a reference clock after the print data request signal becomes active, and sets the number of unused nozzle heaters of the head and the horizontal registration adjustment nozzle. The total number is counted by the reference clock, and after the count is completed, the reference clock (DATATACK) for the print nozzle heater is transferred to the formatter circuit unit. After outputting the print data request signal, the engine counts the reference clock (CK) for the horizontal registration adjustment for each color signal, and after the count is completed, transfers the reference clocks (a-SICK) for all the nozzle heaters to the head. I do. In the formatter section,
Reference clock (DATAC) transferred from the engine unit
K) in synchronization with the print data (a-DA) for each color signal.
TA) to the engine unit. The print data thus transferred to the engine unit is sent to the print head via the engine unit.

Therefore, in the print head of each color, after the reference clock for the horizontal registration adjustment is input, the print data synchronized with the reference clock and the reference clock are input, and thereafter, the clock for the horizontal registration adjustment is input again. Is done. Thus, the horizontal registration can be adjusted.

<Purge Operation During Printing> In the case of a line printer, the data of the next line is sent to the line head while the current line is being printed. Therefore, when cleaning the head, the engine unit stops outputting the print data request signal one line before the head cleaning operation during printing, and outputs the print data request signal after the head cleaning operation is completed. Output.
The data at the time of performing the purge operation during printing is rewritten, and after the purge operation, the print data before the purge operation is stored in the head. As a result, printing can be performed correctly even when the recording paper moves next and a data transfer request signal is output.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a color printer equipped with a full-line recording head according to an ink jet system, which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a circuit of the printer device includes a formatter unit 1 for controlling communication with a host computer (hereinafter, referred to as a host), development into a bitmap RAM, and the like.
10 and an engine unit 150 for controlling a printhead, various controls, a transport motor, and various sensors.

This is because the formatter unit 110 has a circuit configuration corresponding to various applications (for example, a facsimile or a copier in addition to a normal printer) in consideration of a difference in an interface with a host, a difference in an image processing method, and the like. In contrast to the necessity, the engine unit 150 aims to reduce the difference depending on the application and standardize so that any application can cope with it and reduce the cost.

In this embodiment, the division of functions between the formatter unit 110 and the engine unit 150 is determined as follows. (1) Function of the formatter unit-Interface with the host-Analysis of commands (commands) sent from the host-Bitmap RA of recording data based on the above commands
Development of M ・ Control of operation panel ・ Control of control box (described later) ・ Interface with engine unit 150 ・ Option control: control of recording paper supply unit (option IN), control of recording paper discharge unit (option OUT) ( 2) Engine function ・ Interface with formatter unit 110 ・ Control of ink supply system ・ Control of recording paper transport system ・ Control of data transfer to recording head ・ Control of energization of heater to recording head ・ Temperature management ・ Clock function ・ Backup memory Function ・ Recording paper width detection function To realize these functions, the following circuit configuration is required.

In FIG. 1, a formatter section 110 includes a CPU-F 111 for executing a control program, a ROM 112 for storing the control program, a system RAM 113 for executing the program, an IFCNT 114 for communication with the host, and a Bitmap RAM for recording transmitted bitmap data of recorded contents
115, a dedicated circuit GAF 116 for controlling the bitmap RAM 115 and communicating with the engine unit 150, an emulation RO for analyzing recording data from the host
M (E-ROM) 117, character generator (CG-ROM) 118 for converting character code data into bitmap data, memory card 119 used as an external storage device, IO port serving as an interface with the above optional functions 120, an operation panel 1 including a user interface, keys for performing various operations, and an LCD for displaying messages from the apparatus.
21.

Reference numeral 122 denotes a control box which functions as a user interface when performing stand-alone image recording using image data stored in the memory card 119 without connecting the printer to a host. It is. Reference numerals 123 and 124 denote input / output interfaces (option (input) IN and option (output) OUT) of various additional devices which are optionally connected to the printer.
In this embodiment, a recording sheet supply unit described later is connected to the option IN123, and a recording sheet discharge unit described later is connected to the option OUT124.

Next, the engine unit 150 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the engine section 150 comprises an engine circuit 160 mainly for conveying recording paper and an engine circuit 180 mainly for controlling recording head drive.

The engine unit 150 includes a ROM for storing a control program and an R used as a work area for executing the ROM.
A CPU-E161 including a port (PORT) for inputting an AM and a sensor described later and an A / D converter for converting an analog input from the port into digital data, and executing a control program to perform various control processes; CP
RAM 16 used for program execution of U-E 161
2. EEPR for recording unevenness correction data of the printhead
It is composed of an OM 163, a clock clock (RTC) 164, and a dedicated circuit GAE 165 that performs test recording data creation and communication with the formatter unit 110. Reference numeral 171 denotes a sensor for detecting the position of the recording paper, and 172 denotes a transport motor for transporting the recording paper.

The engine circuit 180 includes the recording head 1
Drive control of the print head 90, control of a motor 191 for moving a print head and a cap (not shown) to cap the ink discharge nozzles of the print head 190 when the print operation is not performed, and detection and printing of the position of the cap A dedicated circuit GAE181 for controlling the sensor 192 for detecting the position of the head is included.

FIG. 2 shows the printer 10 described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a zero. FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which a control box 122, a recording paper supply unit 130 that uses roll paper as recording paper, and a recording paper discharge unit 131 that has a cutter for cutting the roll paper after recording are incorporated in the printer apparatus 100. Is shown. The engine circuit 160 is mounted on the device as shown in FIG.
It is divided into 60 and 180 parts.

Reference numeral 190Y denotes a full line recording head (Y head) for performing recording using yellow (Y) ink, and 190M denotes a full line recording head (M) for performing recording using magenta (M) ink. Head), 190
C is a full-line recording head (C head) that performs recording using cyan (C) ink, and 190K is black (K).
Is a full-line recording head (K head) that performs recording using the above ink, and is arranged along the transport direction of the recording paper.

Further, reference numeral 171a denotes a recording paper supply unit 130.
(TOF1) by detecting the leading edge of the recording paper from the black line added at regular intervals to the roll paper supplied from
171b detects the leading edge of the recording paper from the black line of the roll paper after the recording is completed and outputs a signal (TOF).
A sensor 173 for generating 2) is a transport belt, which is rotated by the rotation of the transport motor 172, and the recording paper (recording medium) placed on the belt 173 is transported by the movement of the transport belt 173. .

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a head arrangement in a printing section of the ink jet printer of the present embodiment.

The head 190 of this embodiment includes a K-head (HEAD) for discharging black ink, a C-head for discharging cyan ink, an M-head for discharging magenta ink, and a yellow head. Y- which discharges ink
It is composed of four line heads.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the recording paper is K-
The paper is conveyed from the head (190K) side and sequentially passes under the C-head (190C), the M-head (190M), and the Y-head (190Y). When passing through the lower part of the head, print data corresponding to the head portion of each color is transferred to the head, and a nozzle heater in the head is energized according to the print data, whereby ink is ejected from the corresponding nozzle and printing is performed. Be executed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the line head of the ink jet printer of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, IC1 to IC1 each having 128 nozzles are provided.
11 is provided.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the structure of an IC (head substrate) of the ink jet head of this embodiment.
1 has the same configuration. In the following description, * indicates a low true signal that becomes true when the signal is at a low level.

In FIG. 5, VH denotes a heater (heating element) 5
01, the power supply voltage PGND is GND of the power supply for the heater, 5
02 is a driving transistor of the heater 501. OD
D is a signal for instructing the odd-numbered heater 501 to be energized;
VEN is a signal for instructing the even-numbered heater 501 to be energized. Reference numeral 503 denotes a 3-8 decoder. In this embodiment, 128 heaters 501 are divided into 8 blocks (16 heaters).
Nozzle / block) and a block selection signal (BENB0)
2), a block of the heater 501 for driving heat generation is selected. SUBH is a signal for sub-heat,
PT * is a signal for heating nozzles whose print data is “0”, and MHENB * is a heat pulse signal for energizing for actual printing. PHEAT1 * ~
4 * is a preheat pulse, which is selected by the selection logic 504 according to selection data set in selection data latches 505 and 506, which will be described later, and the heater 501 is preheated by the selected pulse signal.

Reference numeral 508 denotes a shift register, which is print data to be actually printed or a preheat pulse (PH).
EAT1 * to 4 *) are input as serial data (SI) in synchronization with the clock SICK to hold data of 128 bits. The print data held in this manner is the data latch signal DLAT *
And the selected data is latched by the latch signal LATA *.
5, the selected data latch 5 by the latch signal LATB *.
06 is latched. DIA is an input signal to the sensor 509, and DIK is an output signal from the sensor 509.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the heater arrangement of the ink jet head of this embodiment.

The total number of nozzles of the ink jet head of this embodiment is 128 × 11 = 1408 nozzles. However, an unusable area may be generated on the left and right during the manufacturing process of the head. Therefore, assuming that this area is, for example, each of 24 nozzles near the left and right ends, “48” is subtracted from the total number of nozzles. In addition, the total number of usable nozzles is 1360 nozzles.

As described above, in the case of the color printer of this embodiment, there are heads for four colors of K, C, M, and Y, and the nozzle positions (dot positions to be printed) are overlapped between the heads of each color. Need to be adjusted exactly. If this alignment is not accurate, normal color output becomes impossible and high-quality color printing cannot be obtained. Such position adjustment is extremely minute (micron (μm) order) and cannot be performed mechanically. For this reason, a horizontal registration adjustment nozzle for performing alignment with the head of each color is provided,
The print position between the heads of each color is adjusted depending on which part of the adjustment nozzle is used for printing. If the number of nozzles for adjusting the horizontal registration is, for example, 16 nozzles, the number of nozzles that can be finally printed is "1344" nozzles.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a print sequence in the ink jet printer of this embodiment. In the figure, a in the signal name a-xxx is K,
The color signals of C, M, and Y indicate that each color has these signal lines. Hereinafter, description will be made using similar signal names.

The print data is sent to the head as an SI signal in synchronization with a SICK (serial clock) signal and stored in the shift register 508. After being sent for one line, the DLAT * signal is activated.
The data is temporarily stored in the data latch circuits 507 in the ICs 1 to 11. After that, ODD (odd nozzle selection signal), EVE
N (even nozzle selection signal) and BENB0 (block 0
Selection signal), BENB1 (block 1 selection signal), BE
The heater blocks to be heated are sequentially selected by NB2 (block 2 selection signal), and a-PH1 * to 4 * and a-M
Activate H1 * to 11 * and set the heater 5 of each IC.
01 is energized. As a result, ink is ejected from the corresponding nozzle and printing is performed.

The transfer of the print data of the next line is performed when the heater of the current line is energized. Then, the DLAT * signal of the next line is output after the later of the heater energizing time and the data transfer time of the current line has elapsed.
Must be active. If the DLAT * signal of the next line becomes active during the heater energizing time of the current line, the print data after the DLAT * signal becomes active becomes the print data of the next line. I will.

In general, when determining the printing speed, it is determined based on the basic performance of the head. Here, since the heater energization time is longer than the data transfer time, during printing, the DLAT * signal becomes active after normal heater energization ends.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 701 denotes the first,
The 3rd,..., 1393th heater energization timings are shown. In 701, since the data (DATA) is "0", only the heat pulse by the a-PT * signal is applied. 702 indicates the energization timing of the second, eighteenth, thirty-fourth,..., 1394th heaters.
After the pause time of T2, a main heat pulse of width T3 is applied. Further, reference numeral 703 denotes the heat timing for the third, 19th, 35th, ... 1395th heaters. Since the data is "0" as in the case of 701, only the heat pulse by the a-PT * signal is applied. Have been.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, an EEPROM 401 for recording information on nozzles of the head is mounted in the head. The contents stored in the ROM 401 include, for example, pre-pulse data, pre-pulse selection data,
These are temperature adjustment pulse data, head rank data, and other ID data.

[Gate Array (G
AE) 181] FIG. 8 shows the engine circuit 1 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gate array (GAE) 181 of the embodiment;

The GAE 181 includes an engine circuit 180
The functions include the rotation control of the motors 191a to 191c, the control of the encoder 192b operating in synchronization with the recording paper, the head control, the port control, and the like. 810
Denotes a system, 811 denotes a decoder, and 812 to 814 denote motor drivers for rotating corresponding motors. Reference numeral 191a denotes a head motor for moving the head up and down for the recovery operation of the head 190, and 191b denotes a capping motor which moves a capping member for capping the head 190. 191c is a read motor. Reference numeral 192b denotes an encoder that comes into contact with a recording sheet as a recording medium and generates a signal in accordance with the movement thereof. A signal from the encoder 192b is input to an encoder control unit 815, and ENCC
A K signal is created and output to engine circuit 160.
Reference numeral 192a denotes another sensor including a sensor for detecting, for example, the position of the head in the vertical direction, the position of the capping member, and the like.
And output to the actuator 818 and the like. Reference numeral 816 denotes a head control unit that controls data output to the heads of the respective colors, drive control of the heads, and the like.
Hereinafter, the operation of the head control unit 816 will be mainly described.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the head controller 816 of this embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing a printing operation controlled by the head controller 816.

The head control unit 816 includes a horizontal synchronizing circuit 90
0, a vertical synchronization circuit 901, a transfer area circuit 902, a transfer data circuit 903, a heat area circuit 904, a heat signal circuit 905, and a sub-heater control circuit 906. Hereinafter, each part will be described sequentially. (A) Horizontal Synchronization Circuit 900 The horizontal synchronization circuit 900 is a circuit that generates an HSYNC signal that is a reference signal for the ink jet printer of the present embodiment. In this printer, a stepping motor is used as the transport motor 172.
72 drive clocks, the recording paper is 70.5
μm (for one dot: 1/360 inch). The HSYNC signal is based on the PRCK signal, which is the clock signal.
A signal is generated.

However, since the coefficient of friction between the recording paper and the conveyance belt 173 is small and the rotation distance of the conveyance motor 172 may not coincide with the movement distance of the recording paper, the encoder 192b capable of directly detecting the movement amount of the recording paper is used. The encoder control unit 8 is mounted by using a signal from the encoder 192b.
The HSYNC signal can be generated by the clock output signal (ENCCK) output from the H.15 signal.

In this horizontal synchronizing circuit 900, based on the HTEND * signal which is the energization end signal of the nozzle heater,
The aforementioned DLAT * signal is generated. Also, HST
The RG * signal is a trigger signal based on the HSYNC signal, and the PGTRG * signal is a trigger signal for a purge operation described later. (B) Vertical Synchronization Circuit 901 In this vertical synchronization circuit 901, print data request signals HK-TRG * and HC- of each color are based on the HSYNC signal.
TRG *, HM-TRG *, and HY-TRG * signals are generated. This HK-TRG * signal is based on the TOF1 signal detected when the recording paper is conveyed, and the TOF1 sensor 1
The HSYNC signal is used to count and output the line (TKGAP in FIG. 10) from 71a to (distance from K-head 190K-1) lines. For example, the TOF1 sensor 171
If the distance from a to the K-head 190K is 10 mm, the HSYNC signal for 141 clocks is counted and the HK-TRG * signal is output from (10 × 1000 / 70.5-1). That is, the print data is output at the timing of transferring the print data of the K-head 190K. HC-TRG *
The signal is HSY for (distance between K-head 190K and C-head 190C-1) lines (KCGAP in FIG. 10).
The signal is counted and output by the NC signal. Similarly, HM-TR
The G * signal is (C-head 190C and M-head 190M
-1) line (CMGAP in FIG. 10)
The SYNC signal is counted and output, and the HY-TRG * signal is HSYN for (the distance between the M-head 190M and the Y-head 190Y-1) lines (MYGAP in FIG. 10).
It counts with the C signal and outputs it. By these operations, data can be transferred to each color head at a timing one line before the head position.

In the engine circuit 160, the HK-TR
The HK-ENB * signal is returned based on the G * signal. HK
The -ENB * signal counts the number of lines to be printed, and corresponds to a page length. While the HK-ENB * signal is active, the HK-TRG * signal is HSYN
The data is output in synchronization with the C signal, and data is transferred line by line. HC-ENB *, HM-E of other colors
The same applies to the NB * and HY-ENB * signals.

According to such a data transfer method, print data is transmitted from the formatter unit 110 to the engine unit 1 without providing the engine unit 150 with a print buffer.
50, so that the cost of the engine unit 150 can be significantly reduced.

The PRTRG * signal includes the HK-TRG * signal, the HC-TRG * signal, the HM-TRG * signal, and the HY-T
This is a logical sum signal of the RG * signals, which will be described later.

The vertical synchronizing circuit 901 also generates an HTTRG * signal for starting energization of the nozzle heater. This signal is output by delaying the PRTRG * signal by one clock of the HSYNC signal. That is, the HTTRG * signal becomes active at the timing when the recording paper reaches the print position. (C) Vertical Registration Adjustment As described above, in a color printer, the print dot positions of each color must exactly match. This is because colors other than cyan, magenta, and yellow are printed by being superimposed on dots of other colors. For example, blue is printed with cyan and magenta, red with magenta and yellow, and green with yellow and cyan. However, the print dot size is as small as 70.5 μm, and it is impossible to achieve this precision mechanically. Therefore, a function of register adjustment is required. In this printer, the CPU-E sets and determines the value of the counter for generating the above-described print data request signal in the GAE 181. Therefore, even if the mechanical position accuracy is low, the print dot position can be accurately adjusted by changing the value of the counter. (D) Transfer Area Circuit 902 FIG. 11 is an operation sequence diagram of the transfer area circuit 902 and the transfer data circuit 903 of this embodiment.

The transfer area circuit 902 includes the engine circuit 1
HDATA which is a data transfer clock signal for
Generation of the CK signal, generation of the SCAREA signal for generating the output timing of the SICK signal to the head 190,
SDARE for generating effective area timing for each color data
A signal is being generated.

As described above, the ink jet head 190 of this embodiment has nozzle areas that cannot be used for printing. Therefore, in that area, it is necessary to transfer only the SICK signal without placing data on the SI signal (loading "0" data). Also, the engine circuit 160
There is only one HDATAACK signal to be transferred to the GAE181 in order to perform horizontal registration adjustment for each color inside the GAE181.
The K signal is delayed from the SCAREA signal by the registration adjustment area, output for the total number of nozzles, and the HD
From AREA signal (Area 24 that cannot be used for printing)
+ (Horizontal registration adjustment area 16) = A delay of 40 clocks may be output for the number of print dots. (E) Horizontal Registration Adjustment As described above, there is a limit in mechanical position accuracy, so it is necessary to electrically adjust the print position in the horizontal direction. This adjustment method can be achieved by shifting the SCAREA signal for each color and adjusting the output timing of the SICK signal for each color. That is, the CPU-E changes the value of the horizontal registration adjustment register of the GAE 181 from “0” to
By adjusting between "15", the number of clocks between the HDATAK signal and the SICK signal is changed, and the position of the print nozzle in the horizontal direction can be changed. For example, the horizontal registration adjustment value of the black (K) head is set to “8”,
If the horizontal registration adjustment value of the cyan (C) head is set to “15”, the print nozzles of the K-head 190K are vacant by eight horizontal registration adjustment nozzles on the right side, and the print nozzles of the C-head 190C are horizontal on the right side. Printing is performed with 15 nozzles left for registration adjustment. (F) Heat Area Circuit 904 The heat area circuit 904 includes a PHCK signal serving as a reference signal for energizing the nozzle heater in a time sharing manner, and a PHCK signal.
Time-division signals ODD, EVEN, BEN made from signals
K- indicating the timing of signal generation for B0, BENB1, BENB2, and energizing the nozzle heaters of each color in a time-division manner.
FAREA, C-FAREA, M-FAREA, YF
AREA signal is generated. (G) Heat signal circuit 905 The heat signal circuit 905 includes PHEAT1 * to PHEAT4 * and MH1 necessary for performing double pulse printing.
This is a circuit for generating a signal from * to MH11 * and a PT * signal as a heat pulse for temperature control for each color. (H) Sub-heater control circuit 906 The head 190 is provided with a sub-heater for heating and controlling the head separately from the nozzle heater, and is a circuit for controlling the sub-heater. (I) Recovery Operation In the case of an ink jet printer, an operation sequence called a recovery operation is required to prevent clogging of the head. This is an operation for removing factors that cause ink in the nozzles to condense or dust or the like to adhere to the ink discharge port, thereby making ink discharge unstable. Specific operations include pressurizing and circulating the ink in the head, and forcibly ejecting the ink from all the nozzles.

These operations are not related to the original operations of the printer, and need to be performed regardless of the formatter unit 110. Therefore, it must be operated only by the engine unit 150. In addition, the recovery operation is basically performed except during printing. However, if the printing time is long or high-density printing continues, it is necessary to perform the recovery operation even during printing. For this reason, the recovery sequence has two operation timings, namely, a single purge operation timing and a purge operation timing during printing, and it is necessary to control each of them (see FIG. 10). (J) Single Purge Operation The recovery operation of the head is specifically an operation of ejecting ink from all nozzles. Other operations, such as a method of forcibly circulating ink and an operation of wiping the ejection surface of the nozzle, are described here. can not touch. Hereinafter, a single purge operation sequence will be described with reference to FIG. (1) The CPU-E sets “1” in the PURGE register of the GAE 181 and then sets it to “0”. (2) The GAE 181 sets the PGOP signal indicating that the purge is being performed to “1”, and the horizontal synchronizing circuit 900 causes the PGTRG *
Output a signal. (3) The vertical synchronization circuit 901 outputs the HTTRG * signal from the PGTRG * signal. At this time, the PRTRG * signal is not output. This is because there is no request for print data. (4) The transfer data circuit 903 fixes the print data SI signal of each color to “high level” and transfers the SICK signal. (5) Heat area circuit 904 and heat signal circuit 905
In this case, a normal double pulse is generated from the HTTRG * signal, and ink is ejected from the head. When the ejection of the ink has been completed, the HTEND * signal is activated. (6) The horizontal synchronization circuit 900 activates the DLAT * signal based on the HTEND * signal. By this operation, all data in the head is fixed to the ON ("1") state,
Subsequent ejection is all dot ejection. (7) The vertical synchronization circuit 901 counts the DLAT * signal, and discharges all dots the number of times set by the CPU-E in the NPG register of the GAE 181. (8) When the operation is completed, the GAE 181 sets the PGOP signal to "0", and the CPU-E reads this to detect the end of the purge.

By the above operation, the single purge operation is performed. (K) Purge Operation During Printing As described above, the transfer timing of the print data and the nozzle heat timing of the head are shifted by one line. Therefore, if the above-described single purge operation is performed during printing, one line of print data is lost, and one line of all-color solid printing is performed on the recording paper. Therefore, in the purging operation during printing, the data transfer request signal may be interrupted to the formatter unit 110 at a stage one line before purging, and the data transfer request signal may be output at the timing when the purging operation during printing is completed. This separation is performed when the CPU-E is the PURGE of GAE181.
This can be achieved by controlling the timing of setting “1” in the register. (1) The CPU-E detects the timing of performing the purge operation during printing by some means. (2) The CPU-E sets “1” in the PURGE register of the GAE 181. (3) The vertical synchronization circuit 901 of the GAE 181 masks the PRTRG * signal, which is a print data request signal,
Do not output any more. (4) The CPU-E sends a clock to the transport motor 172 to transport the recording paper by one dot. (5) The GAE 181 generates an HSYNC signal.
Since the RTRG * signal is not output, the formatter unit 1
No transfer of data from 10 is performed. On the other hand, HTTR
Since the G * signal is output, m-line data is printed. (6) The CPU-E sets the PURGE register of the GAE 181 to “0”. (7) The vertical synchronization circuit 901 of the GAE 181
The mask is released for the G * signal and output thereafter. (8) The GAE 181 performs the same operation as the single purge. (9) The vertical synchronization circuit of the GAE 181 outputs the PPTRG * signal when the single purge is completed. (10) The data of the (m + 1) th line is transferred by the transfer area circuit 902 and the transfer data circuit 903 of the GAE 181. (11) The horizontal synchronization circuit 900 of the GAE181 is a PPT.
After the SCAREA signal is deactivated by the RG * signal, the DLAT * signal is output. (12) Thereafter, the process returns to the normal printing operation.

With the above operation, the purge operation during printing is performed correctly, and the printing is also performed correctly.

[Explanation of Function of GAE 165 of Engine Circuit 160] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of GAE 165.

The functions of the GAE 165 are as follows: AHS pattern generation control (AHS controller 1205), heat counter control (heat counter 1203), formatter switch (FMT switch (FMTSW) 1204) control unit, stepping motor control (motor driver 120
2) and port control (IO port 1206). The former three functions will be mainly described. (A) AHS (Auto Head S: Auto Head S
hading) Pattern generation control As described above, a page printer is generally configured to be largely divided into two parts, an engine unit 150 and a formatter unit 110. Therefore, at the time of assembling or at the time of occurrence of a defect, it is necessary to have a configuration in which a defective portion can be clearly specified. Therefore, the engine unit 150 alone can perform some kind of printing to detect a defect.

On the other hand, in the case of an ink-jet printer, density unevenness is one of the most important items for determining print quality, and it is necessary to easily measure the density unevenness. Therefore, a test pattern generation circuit for density unevenness detection that can detect density unevenness of a printed image only by the engine unit 150, that is, an AHS pattern generation circuit
It is provided in the AE165. (B) Control of the heat counter 1203 In the case of an ink jet printer, if ink is ejected continuously for a long time, ink droplets adhere to the ink ejection surface,
There is a problem that ejection becomes unstable (hereinafter, referred to as non-slip ejection). As a solution to this problem, there is a method of counting the number of printed recording papers or estimating an ink ejection amount by counting a printing time, but none of them can calculate an accurate ink ejection amount. Therefore, a heat counter circuit 1203 for counting the number of print data for ejecting ink for each head is provided. (C) Formatter / switch control unit 1204 (FMT
Switch Control) As described above, the formatter unit 110
In the printer separated into the engine unit 150 and the engine unit 150, it is necessary to be able to perform the test print by the engine unit 150 alone. For this reason, it is necessary to switch the connection of signal lines between normal printing and test printing. The FMTSW circuit 1204 realizes this function.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the FMT switch circuit 1204.

When the AHSOP signal generated by the AHS vertical synchronization circuit goes high, the FMT switch circuit 1204 outputs a signal K-
TRG *, C-TRG *, M-TRG *, Y-TRG
*, So that each DATACK signal is not output,
During the test print, the data transfer request is not made to the formatter unit 110.

Further, H for transferring data to the GAE 181
K-ENB *, HC-ENB *, HM-ENB *, HY
-ENB *, HK-DATA, HC-DATA, HM-
The DATA and HY-DATA signals are transmitted from the formatter unit 110 as K-ENB *, C-ENB *, M
-ENB *, Y-ENB *, K-DATA, C-DAT
A, M-DATA, Y-DATA signals and SK-ENB *, SC-
ENB *, SM-ENB *, SY-ENB *, SK-D
ATA, SC-DATA, SM-DATA, SY-DA
The logical sum with each signal of TA is output.

By the FMT switch circuit 1204, the print data path for the normal print operation and the test print operation can be electrically switched.

[Explanation of the operation of the formatter unit 110] The operation of the formatter unit 110 is performed by fetching and analyzing print data from the host computer, and analyzing the bitmap RAM
The main functions are expansion of the print image data to the communication unit 115 and communication with the engine unit 150.

There are a lot of technical data on the capture and analysis of print data from the host computer, and the development of the data into the bit map RAM, which are well-known techniques. The description will focus on the dedicated circuit GAF 116 that controls the map RAM.

FIG. 14 shows an internal block diagram of the GAF 116.

The function of the GAF 116 is as follows.
13 (system controller 1403), DRA
M refresh control (refresh circuit 1404),
The main function is engine control (engine control unit 1405). Among them, the engine control unit 1405, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, will be described.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the structure of the engine control unit 1405.

As shown in FIG. 15, the engine control unit 14
05 is composed of three circuit blocks. The first is the timing for generating the data transfer reference timing (T
IMING) Block 1500, the second one is the engine unit 1
ADRS for generating an address for accessing and reading data to be transferred to the bit map RAM 115
Block 1501, third is bitmap RAM 115
DMA block 1502 for interfacing with.

First, the operation of the timing block 1500 will be described.

FIG. 16 shows a timing block circuit 150.
FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the operation sequence.

The timing block 1500 includes a vertical synchronization circuit 1600, a horizontal synchronization circuit 1601, and a DMA request circuit 1602. (A) Vertical synchronization circuit 1600 In the vertical synchronization circuit 1600, the data transfer request signal a-TRG * signal sent from the engine circuit 160
-ENB * signal and Aa-ENB * signal are generated.
The Aa-ENB * signal becomes active (low level) at the fall of the a-TRG * signal, and becomes inactive with the a-END * signal output from the ADRS block 1501. The a-ENB * signal is Aa-ENB *
The signal becomes inactive (high level) in synchronization with the HSYNC signal after the signal becomes inactive. This is Aa
The -ENB * signal is a signal for requesting data for DMA, and operates independently of horizontal synchronization.
This is because the B * signal indicates the print page length and it is necessary to synchronize horizontally. (B) Horizontal synchronization circuit 1601 The horizontal synchronization circuit 1601 controls NBL and NWD to put “0” data in the left and right non-printing areas. Specifically, DATA for the NBL register value
The CK signal is counted, and after the counting is completed, HA which is a DMA request signal to the bit map RAM 115 is output.
ENB * signal is active. The HAENB * signal is active only for 16 clocks (16 bits) of the DATAK signal, and repeats this for the NWD register value. At this time, a HAL indicating that data for four colors has been read from the bitmap RAM 115
The D * signal is also output.

Here, when the value of NBL is "0", that is, when printing is performed from the rightmost nozzle of the head, a
-When the TRG * signal becomes active, DATAK
The data is read from the bitmap RAM 115 regardless of the signal to perform the operation. This is because the timing of fetching data in the engine unit 150 is performed at the rising edge of the DATAK signal, while the data transfer is performed by DA.
It is changed at the falling edge of the TACK signal. Therefore, when the first DATAK signal comes, bit 15 is output.
This is because the data of (b15) must have already been output. (C) DMA request circuit 1602 In the DMA request circuit 1602, the above-described Aa-ENB
The logical product of the * signal and the HAENB * signal is taken, and a print data request signal a-HAS * signal for each color is output.
The IHDEND * signal is a signal indicating that one word (16 bits) of data has been read. As mentioned earlier, the HAENB * signal is only active during 16 DATACK clocks,
The reading of the print data must be completed within this time.

Next, the address (ADRS) block 15
01 will be described.

The ADRS block 1501 is a DMA address generator. Based on the HAENB * signal from the timing block 1500, addresses for four colors are sequentially output. When the DMA transfer for one page has been completed, an a-END * signal is output to the timing block 1500.

Next, the DMA block 1502 will be described.

The DMA block 1502 has a bus arbitration function for controlling access to the bitmap RAM 115,
This circuit implements a RAM control function and a data transfer function of performing parallel-to-serial conversion of data from the bitmap RAM 115 read by the DRAM control unit and transferring the data in synchronization with a DATAKAT signal sent from the engine unit 150.

With the above operation, the print head 190
The print data is transferred to the printer, and a high-quality color image can be printed.

The present invention includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for performing ink ejection, particularly in an ink jet recording system. The printing apparatus of the type that causes a change in the state of the ink has been described.
High definition can be achieved.

The typical configuration and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, liquid (ink)
By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding the film boiling to the electrothermal transducer arranged corresponding to the sheet or the liquid path holding the Since thermal energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer and film boiling occurs on the heat-acting surface of the recording head, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis can be formed. It is valid. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.

As the pulse-shaped driving signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

The configuration of the recording head is not limited to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angle liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications. A configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting surface is arranged in a bent region, is also included in the present invention. In addition, for multiple electrothermal transducers,
JP-A-59-123670 which discloses a configuration in which a common slot is used as a discharge part of an electrothermal transducer, and JP-A-59-123670 which discloses a configuration in which an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy corresponds to a discharge part. A configuration based on 138461 may be adopted.

Further, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, the length is determined by combining a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification. This may be either a configuration satisfying the above requirements or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally.

In addition, the print head is replaceable with a print head of a replaceable chip type, which can be electrically connected to the main body of the apparatus or supplied with ink from the main body of the apparatus, or is integrated with the print head itself. Alternatively, a cartridge type recording head provided with an ink tank may be used.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like provided as components of the recording apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. . If these are specifically mentioned, capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof, and recording Performing a preliminary ejection mode for performing another ejection is also effective for performing stable printing.

Further, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to a recording mode of only a mainstream color such as black, and may be a recording head integrally formed or a combination of a plurality of recording heads. Alternatively, the apparatus may be provided with at least one of full colors by color mixture.

In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid. However, an ink which solidifies at room temperature or lower, or an ink which softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used. In general, in the ink jet system, the temperature of the ink itself is controlled within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. It is sufficient if the ink is in a liquid state.

In addition, in order to positively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy as energy for changing the state of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, the temperature is positively prevented.
Alternatively, in order to prevent evaporation of the ink, an ink which solidifies in a standing state and liquefies by heating may be used. In any case, the application of heat energy causes the ink to be liquefied by the application of the heat energy recording signal and the liquid ink to be ejected, or by the time the ink reaches the recording medium, the solidification of the ink already begun. The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of liquefying for the first time is used. In such a case, as described in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-71260, the ink is held in a liquid state or a solid state in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet. It is good also as a form which opposes an electrothermal transducer. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

[0093] In addition to the above, the recording apparatus according to the present invention may be provided not only as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer but also integrally or separately, a copying apparatus combined with a reader, etc. It may take the form of a facsimile machine having functions.

[Other Embodiments] (1) In this embodiment, an ink jet printer is described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
A thermal transfer printer using a line head or another color printer can also be realized. (2) In the above-described embodiment, a color printer using a print head for four colors has been described. However, a printer having a plurality of line heads can be similarly realized. (3) Further, the constants described in the present embodiment, for example, the number of nozzle heaters, the number of LSIs, and the like are the numbers given as examples, and are not limited thereto.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In a color line printer, the formatter unit and the engine unit are separated from each other, and print data can be transferred directly from the formatter unit and printed without the need for a buffer memory in the engine unit. (2) A print registration function (registration adjustment function) necessary for realizing color printing can be performed. (3) Even if the head recovery operation is performed during printing, there is an effect that printing can be performed correctly.

[0096]

According to the present invention as described above, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The memory for storing the recording data in the recording section can be made unnecessary. (2) The print position between a plurality of print heads can be adjusted. (3) The recovery operation of the recording head can be performed even during the recording operation.

[0097]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a color printer having a full-line recording head according to an ink jet system, which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the printer described in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a head arrangement of a print unit of the inkjet printer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a line head for one color of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a head IC of the line head according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a nozzle heater of the line head according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a basic print sequence in the ink jet printer of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a GAE 181 of the engine circuit 180.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a head control unit 816 of the GAE 181.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing a print operation timing by a head control unit.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the transfer area circuit and the transfer data circuit.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a GAE 16 of the engine circuit 160 according to the present embodiment.
5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of an FMT switch circuit of GAE165.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a GAF 116 of a formatter unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an engine control unit 1405 of the GAF 116.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a timing unit of the engine control unit.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing an operation sequence of the timing section.

[Explanation of symbols]

 110 Formatter Unit 113 System RAM 115 Bitmap RAM 116 GAF 150 Engine Unit 160, 180 Engine Circuit 165, 181 GAE 163 EEPROM 171a, 171b TOF Sensor 172 Transport Motor 190 Inkjet Head

────────────────────────────────────────────────── (5) Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hideaki Kishida 5540-11 Sakate-cho, Mizukaido-shi, Ibaraki Inside Canon Uptex Co., Ltd. (JP, A) JP-A-3-155947 (JP, A) JP-A-5-193153 (JP, A) JP-A-6-217048 (JP, A) JP-A-60-263571 (JP, A) ( 58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/01 B41J 2/175

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A comprising a formatter means for generating a print image data by receiving print data from an external device, and recording means for recording on a recording medium by receiving a print image data from the formatter unit, set for each color
A printing apparatus for performing printing using a line-shaped print head, wherein transmission of print image data is performed in units of one line for each color.
A request signal generating means for each color provided in the recording means for generating a request signal requesting to the formatter means, and receiving the request signal of the first line of one page of each color,
The outputs an enable signal indicating the data transfer of the one page to the recording means for each color, the formatter hand
An enable signal output means for each color provided in a stage; and a clock signal common to each color for requesting transfer of print data from the recording means to the formatter means in response to the enable signal for each color. a transfer clock output means for a transfer means for transferring print image data for each color in the recording means from said formatter means in synchronism with the clock <br/> click signal output by said transfer clock output unit, wherein Means for transferring the print image data for each color transferred by the transfer means to the print head for each color . 2. The request signal generating means , wherein the recording means has a sensor for detecting a recording medium and outputting a detection signal.
2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after detecting the detection signal, the request signal is generated after a time corresponding to a distance between the sensor and the recording head. 3. The print head has adjustment nozzles for adjusting the print position in the horizontal direction on both sides of the print nozzles, and the transfer clock output means is provided near the both ends of the print head. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a clock signal corresponding to a nozzle other than the nozzle and the adjustment nozzle is output. 4. A recording head for each color, comprising :
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is a recording head corresponding to colors of cyan, cyan, and black . 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is an inkjet head. 6. The recording head according to claim 1, wherein the recording head ejects ink by using thermal energy, and includes a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy to be applied to the ink. Item 6. The recording device according to Item 5. 7. The recording head according to claim 1, wherein a state change is caused in the ink by thermal energy applied by the thermal energy converter, and the ink is ejected from an ejection port based on the state change. Claim 6
The recording device according to claim 1. 8. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not to perform a head restoring operation during a recording operation, and when performing the head restoring operation by the discriminating means, the request signal generating means terminates the head restoring operation. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein generation of a request signal is suppressed, and the request signal is output after the head recovery operation is completed.