JP3353310B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a print head for causing ink to flow out by rotation of a ball caused by sliding contact with a sheet, and prints on the sheet with the print head based on print data output from a host device or the like. And a printing device that performs

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, like a pen plotter,
2. Description of the Related Art A printing apparatus that prints print data output from a host device on paper using a pen, a ballpoint pen, or the like is known.
FIG. 29 shows a main configuration of such a conventional printing apparatus.
In FIG. 1, a print head 1 having a pen structure for printing on a paper P is attached to a support 3 so as to be movable in a direction of arrow Z / Z 'by a solenoid 2, and the support 3 is rotated by a motor (not shown). It is configured to be movable in the direction of the arrow X / X ′ (main scanning direction) by the lead screw 4. A roll-shaped platen 5 is provided in parallel with the lead screw 4, and the platen 5 is rotated by a paper feed roll 6 rotated by a motor (not shown). Are transported appropriately in the direction of arrow Y (sub-scanning direction) while being sandwiched between them. Further, a position detector 7 such as a microswitch is provided at a position where the print head 1 is in contact with the side surface portion 3a of the support base 3 when the print head 1 is at the initial position in the main scanning direction. The position detector 7 is turned on when it comes into contact with the side surface portion 3a of the support base 3, and outputs a detection signal indicating that the print head 1 is at the initial position.

In the above configuration, while the support table 3 moves at a constant speed in the direction of arrow X, the print head 1 is applied to the solenoid 2 in accordance with the application of the drive voltage based on the print data.
Is driven in the direction of arrow Z / Z ', whereby printing is performed by repeating the contact / non-contact of the leading end of the print head 1 with the paper P. The printing process on the paper P is performed for each line, and when the printing for one line is completed, the paper feed roll 6 rotates by a predetermined amount, and accordingly, the paper P is fed by one line in the arrow Y direction. When the printing for one line is completed, the support 3 is moved in the direction of arrow X 'by the reverse rotation of the lead screw 4 until the position detector 7 is turned on, that is, until the print head 1 returns to the initial position, Then, printing of the next line is started.

[0004]

In the conventional printing apparatus, the print head 1 is moved in the direction of arrow Z according to the print data and hits the sheet P, and conversely, the print head 1 is moved in the direction of arrow. By repeating the operation of moving in the Z 'direction and separating from the paper P, printing is performed on the paper P, and the following problems A to D have occurred.

A. Each time the print head 1 is struck on the paper P, a loud impact sound is generated, which is considerably unpleasant for those around the apparatus. B. When printing, the print head 1 needs to be pressed against the paper P to the extent that the ink can sufficiently adhere to the paper P. In non-printing, the print head 1 and the print head 1 must be so pressed that the ink does not adhere to the paper P. Need to be sufficiently spaced.
Therefore, the amount of movement of the print head 1 in the direction of the arrow Z / Z 'by the solenoid 2 is usually as long as 2 mm or more in consideration of the amount of distortion and deformation of the platen 5 and the thickness of the paper P. Set to distance. Therefore, the moving time at that time is several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds, which hinders an increase in printing speed.

In order to cope with this point, it is conceivable to increase the printing speed by arranging a plurality of print heads 1 to increase the number of print heads. It is necessary to provide a large drive source such as a solenoid 2 for the printing, and it is very difficult to multiply the print head 1 mainly due to the problem of the installation space.

C. As shown in B above, since the amount of movement of the print head 1 is large, the energy required for the movement is large, and the power consumption of the entire apparatus is also large. D. In order to move the print head 1, a large driving source such as the solenoid 2 is required, and as a result, the entire apparatus becomes larger and heavier, which leads to a higher price of the apparatus.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an excellent printing apparatus capable of performing high-speed printing without noise, low power consumption and miniaturization in view of the above conventional problems. And

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an ink storage means for storing ink, a rotary ball for controlling the outflow of the ink by rotation by sliding contact with paper, and a rotary ball. A print head comprising: a piezoelectric element for supporting the rotation of the rotating ball in accordance with a control signal of a control means; supporting means for supporting the print head so that the rotating ball comes into contact with the sheet; and printing. Print data storage means for storing data, movement means for relatively moving the print head and the paper, and control signal creation means for creating the control signal based on the print data, the movement means The control means controls the piezoelectric element in accordance with the print data during the movement of the rotating ball to restrict the rotation of the rotating ball.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a main part of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a pen-shaped print head 11 for printing on a sheet P is supported by a support table 12 as a support means so as to contact the sheet P.
A female screw having a shape corresponding to the male screw formed on the peripheral surface of the rod-shaped lead screw 13 is formed on the support base 12, and the lead screw 13 is rotated in the direction of arrow C / C 'by a motor (not shown). , The support base 12 is configured to move in the direction of the arrow X / X ′ (main scanning direction) in response to the driving. A roll-shaped platen 14 is provided in parallel with the lead screw 13, and the platen 14 is configured to be driven and rotated by a paper feed roll 15 rotated by a motor (not shown). The lead screw 13, the platen 14, and the paper feed roll 15 are moving means for relatively moving the print head 11 and the paper P (here, the print head 1 is used).
1 and the sheet P are moved together), and the sheet P is appropriately conveyed in the arrow Y direction (sub-scanning direction) while being sandwiched between the platen 14 and the sheet feed roll 15. Further, when the print head 11 is at the initial position in the main scanning direction,
A position detector 16 such as a microswitch is provided as a position detecting means at a position where the position detector 16 is in contact with the side surface portion 12a. The position detector 16 is provided on the side surface 12 of the support base 12.
When the print head 11 is turned on when it comes into contact with a, a detection signal indicating that the print head 11 is at the initial position is output. The printing operation of the print head 11 and the rotation of the lead screw 13 and the paper feed roll 15 are controlled by a print control circuit 30 (FIG. 4) described later.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the print head 11 in detail. Note that the print head 11 is actually mounted on the support base 12 so that the tip of the print head is directed sideways as shown in FIG. 2, but in FIG. The description will be made in the state of standing in the direction.

In FIG. 1, a print head 11 has a structure in which ink e flows out and is recorded on a sheet P by rotation of a rotary ball 21 positioned at the forefront thereof.
1 and a support member 22, a spring 23, and an ink pipe 24. The rotating ball 21 is a spherical member made of a highly hard metal such as tungsten, which has very little wear. It is supported so as to be enveloped by the element 22a). In addition, one end of the spring 23 contacts the inner wall 22 d of the inverted L-shaped section at the top of the support member 22, and the other end contacts the rotating ball 21. At the time of writing a dotted line, a character or the like, the paper P is pressed against the paper P with a predetermined pressing force. Ink pipe 2
4 is filled with ink e, and ink e reaches the rotating ball 21 via the support member 22.

The tip of the support member 22 is a ring-shaped piezoelectric element 22 made of a crystal such as barium titanate.
a of the piezoelectric element 22a.
b is formed, and an electrode 22c is formed on the outer periphery.
FIG. 3 specifically shows the configuration of the piezoelectric element 22a (the electrodes 22b and 22c) and the rotating ball 21. As shown in the drawing, the electrodes 22b and 22c constitute a so-called horizontal counter electrode with respect to the piezoelectric element 22a, and are connected to signal electrodes S1 and S2 (FIG. 1) extending from a print control circuit 30 described later. When a predetermined voltage is applied between 22b and 22c, the piezoelectric element 22a is displaced in the circumferential direction of the rotating ball 21 so that the rotating ball 21 is braked, and the rotation of the rotating ball 21 is restrained. In this state, rotate the paper
Even if the writing head 11 is moved in the direction of the arrow X while the roller 21 is in sliding contact, the rotating ball 21 does not rotate, so that the ink e in the ink pipe 24 does not flow out, and a non-recording state is established. On the other hand, when the predetermined voltage is not applied between the electrodes 22b and 22c of the piezoelectric element 22a, the rotating ball 21 becomes freely rotatable while being loosely supported by the piezoelectric element 22a, and the ink e in the ink pipe 24 follows the rotation. The outflow allows recording on paper.

As described above, the presence or absence of the outflow of ink can be controlled in accordance with the presence or absence of the application of the voltage to the piezoelectric element 22a. By applying a voltage at a predetermined timing according to data, data can be printed on paper.

[0015] Figure 4, together with a control signal generating means for generating on the basis of a control signal for driving the piezoelectric element 22a to the print data, Ri mower with means controlling the rotation of the lead screw 13 and paper feed roller 15, also the piezoelectric element Control
It is a circuit diagram showing a mower Ru print control circuit 30 in Gosuru control means. Here, as an example, one character is composed of 24 × 24 dots, and 64 characters in a horizontal direction (main scanning direction) per page.
It is assumed that characters (= 24 × 64 dots) and 94 characters (= 24 × 94 dots) are printed in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction).

In FIG. 1, a print control circuit 30 includes a pulse generator 31, counter circuits 32 and 33, a frame memory 34 and one-line data memory 35 as print data storage means, and a drive circuit 36 for driving the piezoelectric element 22a. , Latch circuits 37, 38, 39, motor control circuits 40, 4 for generating control signals for controlling motors for rotating the lead screw 13 and the paper feed roll 15, respectively.
1 and drive circuits 42 and 43 for driving the motor based on the control signal, and further includes a chattering prevention circuit 44, a delay circuit 45, and AND gates 46 and 4,
7, OR gates 48 and 49, and an inverter 50.

The pulse generator 31 is a circuit for outputting a clock signal a having a constant period. The clock signal a is input to a counter circuit 32 and an AND gate 46. The counter circuit 32 is a circuit that counts the clock signal a, and is one more than the number of print dots for one line in the main scanning direction (the direction of the arrow X in FIG. 2), for example, 1536 (= 24 × 64). , A high-level count end signal b is output. The count end signal b is input to the reset input terminal R of the counter circuit 33 and the latch circuit 39, and is input to the reset input terminal R of the latch circuit 37 via the OR gate 48.
Further, it is input to the motor control circuit 41 of the paper feed roll 15 via the OR gate 49. The counter circuit 33
The counter circuit 32 counts the count end signal b output from the counter circuit 32. The number of print dots (that is, the number of print lines) for one column in the sub-scanning direction (the direction of arrow Y in FIG. 2), for example, 2256 (= 24 × 94), a high-level count end signal c is output. This count end signal c is supplied to the reset input terminal R of the latch circuit 38.
Is input to The counter circuit 32 is cleared by an initial signal e described later, and the counter circuit 33 is cleared by a print start signal f described later, and counting is newly started.

The latch circuit 37 includes the lead screw 13
Is a circuit for outputting a signal for setting the rotation direction (the direction of the arrow C / C 'in FIG. 2). When a later-described initial signal e is input to its set input terminal S, a high-level normal rotation signal d Is the rotation direction control terminal F / R of the motor control circuit 40.
And a print start signal output by operating the count end signal b or a print start switch provided on an operation unit (not shown) at the reset input terminal R (or a print start signal output from the host device). When the signal (f) is input, a low-level reverse rotation signal d 'is output to the rotation direction control terminal F / R of the motor control circuit 40. The latch circuit 38 is a circuit for outputting a signal for setting the rotation / non-rotation (on / off) of the lead screw 13. When the print start signal f is input to the set input terminal S, the latch circuit 38 is set to a high level. The rotation signal (ON signal) g is output to the ON / OFF control terminal ON / OF of the motor control circuit 40. On the other hand, when the count end signal c is input to the reset input terminal R, the low-level non-rotation signal (OFF) Signal g) to an on / off control terminal ON / OF of the motor control circuit 40.

The motor control circuit 40 operates in accordance with the above-mentioned forward and reverse rotation signals d and d 'and the rotation and non-rotation signals g and g'.
This is a circuit for outputting a signal for controlling the rotation direction and rotation / non-rotation of the rotation motor of the lead screw 13. Based on this control signal, the drive circuit 42 drives the motor to rotate the lead screw 13. Further, the motor control circuit 41 outputs a sheet feed signal h, which is a signal output from an operation unit (not shown) or a host device, and instructs the sheet P to be conveyed to a printable position when starting printing, or When the count end signal b is inputted via the OR gate 49, use according to the input signal
This is a circuit that outputs a signal for controlling the rotation / non-rotation of the rotation motor of the paper feed roll 15. Based on this control signal, the drive circuit 43 drives the motor to rotate the paper feed roll 15. The paper feed signal h is a signal for transporting the paper P to a printable position as described above, and is output continuously for a predetermined time, so that the paper feed signal h is input to the motor control circuit 41. At this time, a signal for rotating the paper feed roll 15 continuously and at high speed is output. On the other hand, the count termination signal b is, for example, one pulse signal, one dot to the count end signal b is a sheet P sub scanning direction when the input to the motor control circuit 41 (arrow Y direction in FIG. 2) A signal to move by the minute is output. The chattering prevention circuit 44 is a circuit that, when chattering occurs in the detection output of the position detector 16, removes the chattering component and outputs only an appropriate ON signal as the initial signal e. The initial signal e is shown in FIG.
Is a high level signal output when the position detector 16 is turned on by the side surface portion 12a of the support base 12 when the print head 11 shown in FIG. As described above, the delay circuit 45 and the inverter 50 are input to the set input terminal S of the latch circuit 37 and the clear input terminal CL of the counter circuit 32.
Is also entered. When the position detector 16 is turned on and the initial signal e
Is output through the inverter 50 to the AND gate 47, the output of the AND gate 47 is at the low level. On the other hand, print head 1
1 starts moving in the direction of the arrow X, and at the same time, the position detector 1
6 is turned off and the output of the initial signal e is stopped, at which point the output of the inverter 50 switches to the high level, and the output of the delay circuit 45 remains at the high level until the predetermined delay time t elapses. Therefore, AND gate 47
, A high-level signal is output as the print head movement start signal i for a period corresponding to the delay time t. The print head movement start signal i is input to the set input terminal S of the latch circuit 39, whereby the latch circuit 39 outputs a high-level data readable signal j to the AND gate 46. When the count end signal b is output from the counter circuit 32, the latch circuit 39 is reset, so that the output of the data readable signal j is stopped.

The frame memory 34 stores dot pattern data for one page of paper output from a host device or the like, and is output to the one-line data memory 35 for each one-line print data. The data once stored in the one-line data memory 35 is a clock signal a input as a data transmission signal to the one-line data memory 35 via the AND gate 46 while the latch circuit 39 outputs the data readable signal j. The data for each dot is sequentially read out in synchronization with. The read dot data is input to the drive circuit 36, and if the data indicates a print dot, the low level signal is amplified. A high-level signal is output as a drive signal (control signal) m. The drive signal m is applied to the electrodes 22b and 22c of the piezoelectric element 22a in the print head 11.
(FIG. 1).

In the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, a control operation for printing print data on paper P will be described in order. First, when the print start signal f is output, the print start signal f is input to the clear input terminal CL of the counter circuit 33, the reset input terminal R of the latch circuit 37, and the set input terminal S of the latch circuit 38, as described above. You. As a result, the count data of the counter circuit 33 is cleared, the count of the count end signal b is newly started, and the latch circuit 3
7 and 38 output a reverse rotation signal d 'and a rotation signal g to the motor control circuit 40, respectively. Therefore, the print head 11
Is not in the initial position, the lead screw 13 shown in FIG.
And the print head 11 is returned in the direction of arrow X '.

Thereafter, when the print head 11 returns to the initial position, the position detector 16 is turned on by the side surface 12a of the support base 12, and an initial signal e is output.
Is input to the set input terminal S of the latch circuit 37, so that the motor control circuit 40 receives the forward rotation signal d instead of the reverse rotation signal d '. As a result, the lead screw 13 is rotated in the direction of arrow C, and accordingly, the support base 12 and the print head 11 start moving in the direction of arrow X. Also, the counter circuit 32 is provided by the initial signal e.
Is cleared, and then the support table 1
The position detector 16 is turned off when the print head 11 and the print head 11 start moving in the direction of the arrow X, and the output of the initial signal e is stopped. Therefore, the counter circuit 32 newly starts counting the clock signal a.

On the other hand, when the print head 11 is returned to the initial position in the direction of arrow X 'as described above and subsequently starts moving in the direction of arrow X, the position detector 16 is turned on once and then turned off. Therefore, the print head movement start signal i is output from the AND circuit 47 for a period equal to the delay time t of the delay circuit 45 from the time when the print head 11 is turned off (that is, the time when the print head 11 starts moving in the arrow X direction). Is output from the latch circuit 39, thereby reading the print data from the one-line data memory 35. Note that the delay time t
Is set to a time shorter than the cycle of the clock signal a. By the data reading, a drive signal (control signal) m is output from the drive circuit 36 to the piezoelectric element 22a in the print head 11.

When the drive signal m is applied to the piezoelectric element 22a in this manner, the piezoelectric element 22a is not displaced when the drive signal m is at a low level corresponding to the print dot. The supporting force is a relatively weak supporting force such that the rotating ball 21 can rotate, and in this state, the rotating ball 21 can rotate freely. On the other hand, when the drive signal m is switched to the high level corresponding to the non-printing dot, the piezoelectric element 22a is displaced in the circumferential direction of the rotating ball 21.
The supporting force of the rotating ball 21 by a is switched to a strong supporting force that restricts the rotation of the rotating ball 21. Therefore,
When the print head 11 moves at a constant speed in the direction of arrow X while the rotating ball 21 is always in contact with the paper P, when the drive signal m is at a low level, the rotating ball 2
When the drive signal m is at a high level, the rotation of the rotating ball 21 is restricted and the application of ink onto the paper P is stopped.
In this manner, printing corresponding to the low level and the high level of the drive signal m according to the print data is performed.

As described above, printing for one line (1536
When the printing of dots is completed, the counter circuit 3
2 means that the clock signal a has been counted 1536 times, and the count end signal b is output at the time when the clock signal a has been counted one more time. Then, the reset of the latch circuit 39 stops the output of the data readable signal j, and
The drive signal m is fixed at the high level, and the latch circuit 37 is reset to output the reverse rotation signal d 'to the motor control circuit 40. Therefore, the lead screw 13 is rotated in the direction of arrow C', and The table 12 and the print head 11 are returned in the direction of the arrow X 'in a non-printing state (the rotating ball 21 is fixed). At this time, since the count end signal b is also input to the motor control circuit 41, the paper feed roll 15 is rotated, and the paper P is fed by one line in the arrow Y direction.

Thereafter, the print head 11 returns to the initial position, and another line is printed in the same manner as described above. By repeating printing for each line in this manner, printing is performed on the paper P in accordance with the print data, for example, as shown in FIG. Each time printing of each line is completed, the count end signal b of the counter circuit 32 is output.
Are counted by another counter circuit 33, and when the printing of the last line (2256th line) of one page is completed and the count end signal b is output, the counter circuit 33 Ends the 2256 count, and the count end signal c is output. Then
Since the latch circuit 38 is reset and the non-rotation signal g 'is output to the motor control circuit 40, the rotation of the lead screw 13 is stopped, and the printing operation ends.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
The tip of the print head 11 (the rotating ball 21) is always
Since the printing can be performed while the printing head is kept in contact with the print head, a loud impact noise is not generated by hitting the print head on the paper unlike the related art, and an extremely quiet printing apparatus can be realized. In addition, since printing is not disturbed by hitting, dots (lines) having the same printing width can always be formed, and thus uniform printing quality can be obtained.

Further, as described above, conventionally, it was necessary to move the entire print head by 2 mm or more in the direction of arrow Z / Z ', and the movement required a long time of several msec to several tens msec. In the present embodiment, the piezoelectric element 22a may be displaced by only a very small amount while the print head 11 is kept in contact with the paper P, and the response speed is very fast, for example, about several tens of nanoseconds. Becomes possible.

Further, as described above, since the amount of displacement of the piezoelectric element 22a is extremely small, the energy required for the displacement is extremely small, so that the power consumption of the entire apparatus can be greatly reduced.

In addition, only a minute voltage needs to be applied to displace the piezoelectric element 22a, and a large driving source such as a solenoid is not required unlike the prior art. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the apparatus.

In the first embodiment, the rotating ball 2
The piezoelectric element 22a for rotating / non-rotating 1 is provided with horizontal opposing electrodes, but instead of this, electrodes 22b 'and 22c' are provided above and below the piezoelectric element 22a as shown in FIG. Is also good. In this case, the crystal structure of the piezoelectric element 22a also uses a material having a structure corresponding to the vertical counter electrode.

FIG. 6 is a sectional perspective view showing in detail the structure of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a print head 60 is provided instead of the print head 11 in the first embodiment.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 6 also shows the print head 60 in the upright state as in FIG.

The print head 60 causes the ink e to flow out by the rotation of the rotary ball 21 positioned at the forefront thereof, and
The structure recorded above. The rotating ball 21 is the first ball.
As in the case of the embodiment, it is a spherical member made of a highly hard metal such as tungsten with extremely little wear, and is rotatably supported so as to be enveloped by a shell 61 as a support means. Inside the shell 61, there is formed a pipe portion 61a for guiding the ink stored in the ink pipe 62 to the rotating ball 21, and a pin 6 is provided inside the pipe portion 61a and the ink pipe 62.
3 is inserted, and the upper end of the pin 63 is
, And the lower end reaches the upper part of the rotating ball 21.

The arm 64 is a member for pushing down the pin 63, and has a so-called cantilever structure in which a part of the right end of the arm 64 is formed integrally with the arm frame 65. Above the arm 64, a part of the left end is an arm frame 65
Another arm 66 having a cantilever structure integrally formed with the arm 64 is provided, and a protruding portion 66 a protruding downward is in contact with an upper surface 64 a of the arm 64. Above the arm 66, there is provided a push block 67 which comes into contact with the upper surface 66b of the arm 66. When the push block 67 is pushed down, the arm 66 is displaced downward with the part 66c integrally formed with the arm frame 65 as a fulcrum. Accordingly, the arm 64 is integrally formed with the arm frame 65.
In this configuration, it is displaced downward with 4b as a fulcrum. A laminated piezoelectric actuator 68 as a piezoelectric element is adhered to the upper surface of the push block 67, and the upper surface of the piezoelectric actuator 68 is fixed to a push plate 69. The pin 63 , the arms 64, 66, and the push block 67 act as a transmitting means for transmitting the displacement amount of the piezoelectric actuator 68 to the rotating ball 21, and the piezoelectric actuator 68 and the push plate 6
9 is housed in the arm frame 65. Note that the outer shape of the push block 67 is the arm frame 65.
Since the push block 67 is formed slightly smaller than the inner shape of the arm frame 65, the push block 67 can move up and down in the arm frame 65.

FIG. 7 shows the transmission means ( pin 63 , arms 64 , 6) according to the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator 68.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a displacement state of a push block 67). In the figure, what is drawn with a dotted line is a state in which no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 68, the piezoelectric actuator 68 is not displaced downward (arrow direction) in this state, the arms 66, 64 also It is not displaced downward, so that an appropriate gap is generated between the pin 63 and the rotating ball 21. Therefore, in this state, the rotating ball 21 can freely rotate, and the ink in the ink pipe 62 flows out according to the rotation, so that recording on paper can be performed.

On the other hand, in FIG. 7, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 68 from the state indicated by the dotted line, its shape is displaced (extended) in the direction of the arrow, whereby the push block 67, the arms 66, 64 and the pin 63 is displaced to the state shown by the solid line. That is, the push block 67 is also displaced downward by the amount of displacement of the piezoelectric actuator 68, whereby the upper surface of the arm 66 is pushed, and the arm 66 is displaced downward with the integrally formed portion 66c as a fulcrum. When pushed, the arm 64 is displaced downward about the integrally formed portion 64b, whereby the upper end of the pin 63 is pushed and the pin 63 is also displaced downward. Here, with respect to the position of the integral forming portion 66c which is a fulcrum when the arm 66 is displaced, the distance from the position a where the push block 67 presses the arm 66 to the position where the arm 66 presses the arm 64 is longer than the distance a from the position a. Since b is several times longer, the displacement of the push block 67 is enlarged and transmitted to the arm 64. Similarly, with respect to the position of the integrally formed portion 64b serving as a fulcrum when the arm 64 is displaced, the arm 6
Since the distance b 'to the position at which the arm 64 presses the pin 63 is several times longer than the distance a' to the position at which the arm 6 presses the arm 64, the displacement transmitted from the arm 66 is further increased. The signal is transmitted to the pin 63. That is, the two arms 66 and 64 also act as displacement increasing means for increasing the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator 68 and transmitting the displacement to the pin.
As a result, the pin 63 moves downward by the enlarged displacement amount, the rotating ball 21 is pushed down by the lower end of the pin 63, and the rotating ball 21 is sandwiched between the pin 63 and the shell 61. Accordingly, the rotating ball 21 is in a braked state, and the rotation is restricted. In this state, the print head is slid while the rotating ball 21 is slid on the paper.
Even if the disk 60 is moved, the rotating ball 21 does not rotate, so that the ink does not flow out and a non-recording state is set.

As described above, the presence / absence of the outflow of ink can be controlled in accordance with the presence / absence of the application of the voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 68. By applying a voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 68 at a predetermined timing in accordance with the print data while moving in the main scanning direction while sliding, the data can be printed on the paper. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

As means for transmitting the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator 68 to the pin 63, various means other than those using the arms 64 and 66 as described above can be adopted.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing in detail the structure of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the print head 1 according to the first embodiment.
A print head 70 is provided in place of 1 and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 8 also shows a state in which the print head 70 is set up vertically in the same manner as in FIG.

The print head 70 has a structure in which ink is caused to flow out by the rotation of the rotating ball 21 positioned at the forefront thereof and is recorded on the paper P. The rotating ball 21 is a spherical member made of a high-hardness metal such as tungsten, which has very little wear, as described above, and its side peripheral surface is wrapped by the tip of a shell 72 as a holding means. It is pinched. The shell 72 has a hollow structure capable of accommodating an ink pipe 73 serving as an ink accommodating means therein, and has a structure in which a cylinder is vertically divided into two parts except for a hinge part 72a located at an upper portion in the vertical direction. The lower ends 72b 'and 72c' of the two shell pieces 72b and 72c obtained by the two divisions form a holding portion for holding the rotating ball 21. Ink pipe 7
3 is filled with ink, the tip of which is in contact with the upper surface of the rotating ball 21 and also serves as a receiving seat for pressing the rotating ball 21 onto the paper P.

The positions of the lower ends 72b ', 72c' of the two shell pieces 72b, 72c sandwiched by the rotating ball 21 are opposite to the hinge 72a.
Between the upper ends 72b ", 72c" of the shell pieces 72b, 72c, a laminated piezoelectric actuator 74 as a piezoelectric element is provided.
Is attached. By applying a predetermined voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 74, the shell pieces 72 b, 72
and c is displaced so as to extend in the direction of increasing the distance between the upper end portions 72b "and 72c" (directions of arrows A and A '). Although this displacement is small, since the hinge 72a of the shell 72 is provided at a position closer to the piezoelectric actuator 74 than the rotating ball 21, the above displacement is enlarged by the leverage with the hinge 72a as a fulcrum. And transmitted to the rotating ball 21. As described above, the shell 72 is connected to the piezoelectric actuator 7.
4 also serves as a mechanism for expanding the displacement. This displacement enlarging mechanism will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 9, the dotted line shows a state in which no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 74. In this state, the piezoelectric actuator 74 does not extend. ', 7
There is an appropriate gap between the gap 2c '. Therefore, in this state, the rotating ball 21 can freely rotate, and the ink in the ink pipe 73 flows out according to the rotation, so that the recording on the paper can be performed.

On the other hand, the solid line in FIG. 9 shows a state where a predetermined voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 74.
Due to the displacement in the direction A ', the gap between the upper ends 72b ", 72c" of the shell pieces 72b, 72c is expanded. Then, the shell pieces 72b, 7 holding the rotating ball 21 are held.
The displacement is enlarged and transmitted to the lower ends 72b ', 72c' of 2c, the interval between the lower ends 72b ', 72c' is greatly reduced, and a strong clamping force is applied to the rotating ball 21. Accordingly, the rotating ball 21 is braked by the lower ends 72b ', 72c' of the shell pieces 72b, 72c, and the rotation is restricted. In this state, even if the print head 70 moves while the rotating ball 21 is in contact with the paper, the rotating ball 21 does not rotate, so that the ink does not flow out and a non-recording state occurs.

As described above, the presence or absence of the outflow of ink can be controlled in accordance with the presence or absence of the application of the voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 74. By applying a voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 74 at a predetermined timing in accordance with the print data while moving in the main scanning direction while sliding, the data can be printed on the paper. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

As means for holding the rotating ball 21 and transmitting the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator 74 to the rotating ball 21, various means other than those using the shell 72 having the above-described structure are employed. It is possible.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing in detail the structure of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a print head 80 is provided instead of the print head 11 in the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. FIG.
1, the print head 80 is shown in a state where the print head 80 is set up in the vertical direction as in FIG.

The print head 80 has a structure in which the ink flows out and is recorded on the paper P by the rotation of the rotary ball 21 positioned at the forefront thereof. The rotating ball 21 is a spherical member made of a highly hard metal such as tungsten, which has very little wear, as described above, and is held so as to be enveloped by the tip of a shell 81 serving as holding means. The shell 81 has a hollow structure capable of accommodating the ink pipe 82 therein, and has a structure in which the lower end is vertically divided into two parts. The two lower ends 81a, 81b is a pair of holding portions for holding the rotating ball 21. Ink pipe 82
Is filled with ink, the lower end of which is a rotating ball 2
1 and also serves as a receiving seat for pressing the rotating ball 21 onto the sheet P.

Further, as shown in detail in FIG. 11, flat piezoelectric actuators 83a and 83b are attached to the outer surfaces of the pair of lower ends 81a and 81b, respectively. The piezoelectric actuators 83a and 83b apply a predetermined voltage to the piezoelectric actuators 83a and 83b, so that the surface directions (arrows B and
(B 'direction and arrows C and C' directions). FIG. 11A shows piezoelectric actuators 83a and 83b.
Shows a state in which no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 83. In this state, the piezoelectric actuators 83a and 83b are not extended,
There is an appropriate gap between the rotating ball 21 and the lower ends 81a and 81b. Therefore, in this state, the rotating ball 21 can freely rotate, and the ink in the ink pipe 82 flows out according to the rotation, thereby enabling recording on the paper.

On the other hand, FIG. 11B shows a state where a predetermined voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuators 83a and 83b. In this state, the piezoelectric actuators 83a and 83b move in the directions of arrows B and B 'and arrows C and C', respectively. Accordingly, the lower ends 81a and 81b are displaced so as to warp inward and come into close contact with the rotating ball 21. Accordingly, the rotating ball 21 is in a state of being braked by the lower ends 81a and 81b, and the rotation is restricted. In this state, even if the print head 80 is moved while the rotating ball 21 is slid on the paper, the rotating ball 21 does not rotate, so that no ink flows out, and a non-recording state is achieved.

As described above, the piezoelectric actuators 83a, 83
Since the presence or absence of the outflow of ink can be controlled in accordance with the presence or absence of the voltage application to 3b, a circuit similar to the print control circuit 30 shown in FIG. Piezoelectric actuator 83 while moving
By applying a voltage to a and 83b at a predetermined timing according to the print data, the data can be printed on the paper. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the fourth embodiment, the shell 81 has a structure in which the distal end is divided into two parts. However, a structure in which the shell 81 is divided into three parts (or more) may be used. In this case, all of the three (or more) lower ends of the above-mentioned divided ball 21
And a piezoelectric actuator may be attached to each of these lower ends.

Next, FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in detail. In this embodiment, a print head 90 is provided instead of the print head 11 in the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a view in which the print head 90 is cut vertically by 1/4 so that the internal structure of the print head 90 can be easily understood.

The print head 90 has a structure in which the ink flows out and is recorded on the paper P by the rotation of the rotary ball 21 positioned at the forefront thereof. The rotating ball 21 is a spherical member made of a high-hardness metal such as tungsten, which has very little wear, as described above.
A receiving seat 91 as a first holding portion joined to the lower end of the ink pipe 97 and formed in a pipe shape so that the ink passes therethrough; and a longitudinal direction of the receiving seat 91 while surrounding the outer periphery of the receiving seat 91. It is sandwiched from above and below by a ball retainer 92 as a second sandwiching portion slidable along (in the direction of arrow D). Above the ball retainer 92, there is provided a hollow spring retainer 93 integrated with the ball retainer 92 and slidable in the direction of arrow D together with the ball retainer 92. A push plate 94 fixed to the ink nip 97 is provided inside the spring retainer 93, and the push plate 94 and the upper end 93a of the spring retainer 93 are provided.
Between them, the spring retainer 93 is urged in a direction away from the push plate 94 (that is, the ball retainer 92).
A spring 95 as a biasing means is disposed around the ink pipe 97.
Further, a hollow cylindrical laminated piezoelectric actuator 96 laminated in the direction of arrow D is attached inside the ball retainer 92, and the upper end thereof is pressed against the lower end of the push plate 94 by the urging force of the spring 95. .

In the above configuration, the piezoelectric actuator 9
When no voltage is applied to 6, the ball retainer 92 is pushed up toward the receiving seat 91 by the urging force of the spring 95. Accordingly, the rotating ball 21 is clamped by the receiving seat 91 and the ball retainer 92 to be in a braked state, and the rotation is restricted. In this state, even if the print head 90 is moved while the rotating ball 21 is slid on the paper, the rotating ball 21 does not rotate.

On the other hand, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 96, the piezoelectric actuator 96 pushes the push plate 94 while extending in the direction of arrow D, so that the ball presser 92 moves from the receiving seat 91 against the urging force of the spring 95. The ball is displaced away from the ball, and an appropriate gap is generated between the ball retainer 92 and the rotating ball 21. Therefore, in this state, the holding state of the rotating ball 21 by the urging force of the spring 95 is released, the free rotation of the rotating ball 21 is allowed, and the ink in the ink pipe 97 flows out according to the rotation. Recording on the top becomes possible.

As described above, it is possible to control whether or not ink flows out depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 96. Therefore, a circuit similar to the print control circuit 30 shown in FIG. 4 (however, in the case of this embodiment, Unlike the previous embodiments, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 96, recording becomes possible. Therefore, the control signal of the piezoelectric actuator 96 is the high level and the low level of the drive signal m output from the print control circuit 30. Use the inverted one.
As a means for achieving this, it is only necessary to slightly change the circuit configuration, for example, to arrange an inverter at the output end of the one-line data memory 35. ), The data is printed on the paper by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 96 at a predetermined timing in accordance with the print data while moving the print head 90 in the main scanning direction while sliding on the paper. It becomes possible. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

The structures such as the receiving seat 91, the ball presser 92, and the spring presser 93 shown in FIG. 12 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these structures. Next, FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a print head 100 and a print control circuit 110 (FIG. 16) are provided instead of the print head 11 and the print control circuit 30, respectively. Same as the example.

As shown in detail in FIG. 14, the print head 100 has a plurality (n) of print heads which can be individually and individually print-controlled.
, Printing sections 100 ₁ , 100 ₂ , 100 ₃ ,..., 10
0 _n are arranged in a single row along a direction (sub-scanning direction) orthogonal to the main scanning direction (the direction of arrow X in FIG. 13). The interval is set to the interval between adjacent print dots in the direction (that is, the interval between adjacent print lines). Each printing unit is provided with a rotating ball 101 ₁ , 101 located at the forefront thereof.
_2, ..., a structure for recording on the paper P by discharging the ink e by rotation of 101 _n. Therefore, the print head 100 simultaneously prints n lines equal to the number n of the printing units constituting the print head 100.

The number of print heads 100 is one for each printing unit.
N rotating balls 101 provided in total₁, 101
_Two, ..., 101_nIn addition to the one integrated in all printing units
The piezoelectric element 102 provided as a
Separate for each character section), and
Including an ink chamber 103 serving as a stored ink storage means.
Has been established. Rotating ball 101₁~ 101_nIs
Tongue with very little wear, like the rotating ball 21
It is a spherical member made of high-hardness metal such as stainless steel.
Each of the side peripheral surfaces is wrapped by the piezoelectric element 102.
Supported to be rare. And the rotating ball 10
1₁~ 101_nThe inner peripheral surface of the piezoelectric element 102 in contact with
Each electrode 104₁~ 104_nIs formed, and the piezoelectric element
The outer peripheral surfaces of the upper and lower ends of the
Pole 104₀And electrode 104_{n + 1}Are formed. Sand
FIG. 15 shows a region I surrounded by a dotted line as an example.
As shown, the electrode 104₀And electrode 104₁By these
A pair perpendicular to the portion 102a of the piezoelectric element 102
A counter electrode, and an electrode 104₁And electrode 104_TwoHako
A portion 102b of the piezoelectric element 102 sandwiched between them
On the other hand, a vertical counter electrode is formed. Piezoelectric element 102
Is composed of a crystal such as barium titanate.
For example, the above electrode 104₀, 104₁Between the electrode 104₁,
104_TwoWhen a predetermined voltage is applied between the piezoelectric elements 1
02 is a rotating ball 101₁of
Displaced in the circumferential direction and rotated according to the same principle as in the first embodiment.
Ball 101₁Constrain rotation of. Note that other rotating boards
Le 101_Two~ 101_nAlso, the piezoelectric element that holds these
A predetermined voltage is applied between each part of the element 102 and the corresponding electrode.
Is applied, the rotation can be restricted in the same manner as above.
it can. The electrode 104 ₀~ 104_{n + 1}Each
The signal line (not shown) is connected, and the following print control
A control signal is supplied from the circuit 110 to each corresponding electrode.
You.

FIG. 16 shows control signal generating means for generating a control signal for driving a portion corresponding to each of the rotating balls 1011 to 101n in the piezoelectric element 102 based on print data. It is also a means for controlling the rotation of the paper feed roll 15.
Ri, also is a circuit diagram showing a mower Ru print control circuit 110 by the control means for controlling a piezoelectric element. Here, as an example, one character is composed of 24 × 24 dots, and 64 characters (= 24 × 64 dots) in the horizontal direction (main scanning direction) and 94 characters in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction) per page. (= 24 × 94 dots), and n = 24 printing units 1
The print head 100 is composed of 001 to 10024, and prints 24 lines (one character) simultaneously.

In FIG. 16, the print control circuit 110
Pulse generator 111, counter circuits 112, 113, 1
14. Frame memory 11 as print data storage means
5, the n-line data memory 116, the piezoelectric element 102
Drive circuit 117, latch circuit 118,
19, 120; motor control circuits 121, 122 for generating control signals for controlling motors for rotating the lead screw 13 and the paper feed roll 15, respectively; and a drive circuit 12 for driving the motor based on the control signals.
3 and 124, and further includes a chattering prevention circuit 12
5, delay circuit 126, AND gates 127 and 128, OR gates 129 and 130, and inverters 131 and 1
32.

The pulse generator 111 is a circuit for outputting a clock signal a having a constant period.
Is input to the counter circuits 112 and 114 and the AND gate 127. The counter circuit 112 counts the clock signal a, and counts 1537 which is one more than 1536 (= 24 × 64) which is the number of print dots for one line in the main scanning direction (the direction of arrow X in FIG. 13). Is a circuit for outputting a high-level count end signal b. This count end signal b is input to the reset input terminal R of the counter circuit 113 and the latch circuit 120, and is input to the reset input terminal R of the latch circuit 118 via the OR gate 129. The counter circuit 113 counts the count end signal b output from the counter circuit 112 and prints the number of print dots 2256 (= 24 × 94) for one column in the sub-scanning direction (the direction of arrow Y in FIG. 13). 100 ₁ to 10
This is a circuit that outputs a high-level count end signal c when it counts 94, which is the number of 0 ₂₄ divided by the number 24 (that is, the number of characters for one column in the sub-scanning direction). This count end signal c is supplied to the reset input terminal R of the latch circuit 119.
Is input to The counter circuit 114 outputs the clock signal a
Is a circuit that outputs a high-level count signal d each time it counts, and stops the output of the count signal d after counting 24 corresponding to the number of printing units 100 _{1 to} 100 ₂₄ . The counter circuit 112 is cleared by an initial signal f described later, the counter circuit 113 is cleared by a print start signal g described later, and the counter 114 is cleared by a reverse rotation signal e 'described later, and a new count is started. Is done.

The latch circuit 118 includes the lead screw 1
3 is a circuit for outputting a signal for setting the rotation direction (the direction of arrow C / C 'in FIG. 13), and when a later-described initial signal f is input to its set input terminal S, a high-level forward rotation signal e is output to the rotation direction control terminal F / R of the motor control circuit 121, and is output to the reset input terminal R by operating the count end signal b or a print start switch provided on an operation unit (not shown). When a print start signal g (or a print start signal output from the host device) g is input, a low-level reverse rotation signal e 'is output to the rotation direction control terminal F of the motor control circuit 121.
/ R and output to the inverter 132. Latch circuit 1
19 is the rotation / non-rotation (on /
Off), and outputs a high-level rotation signal (on signal) h when the print start signal g is input to the set input terminal S of the motor control circuit 121. It outputs the non-rotation signal (off signal) h 'of low level to the ON / OFF control terminal of the motor control circuit 121 when the count end signal c is input to the reset input terminal R. / OF.

The motor control circuit 121 controls the rotation direction and the rotation / non-rotation of the rotation motor of the lead screw 13 in accordance with the above-mentioned forward and reverse rotation signals e and e 'and the rotation and non-rotation signals h and h'. The drive circuit 123 drives the motor to rotate the lead screw 13 based on the control signal. Further, the motor control circuit 122 outputs a sheet feed signal i, which is a signal output from an operation unit (not shown), a host device, or the like, at the time of starting printing, and instructs the sheet P to be conveyed to a printable position. When the count signal d is input through the OR gate 130, the circuit outputs a signal for controlling the rotation / non-rotation of the rotation motor of the paper feed roll 15 in accordance with the input signal. The motor is driven to rotate the paper feed roll 15. Note that the paper feed signal i
Is a signal for transporting the sheet P to a printable position as described above. Since the signal is output continuously for a predetermined time, when the sheet feed signal i is input to the motor control circuit 122, the sheet feed roll 15 Is output continuously and at a high speed. On the other hand, since the count signal d is one pulse signal (clock signal), the sheet P when the count signal d is input to the motor control circuit 122 to the sub-scanning direction (arrow Y direction in FIG. 13) 1 A signal for moving by the dot is output.

The chattering preventing circuit 125 is a circuit that removes the chattering component when the chattering occurs in the detection output of the position detector 16 and outputs only an appropriate ON signal as the initial signal f. The initial signal f is shown in FIG.
3 is a high-level signal output when the print head 100 shown in FIG. 3 is at the initial position in the main scanning direction and the position detector 16 is turned on by the side surface 12a of the support base 12,
The initial signal f is input to the set input terminal S of the latch circuit 118 and the clear input terminal CL of the counter circuit 112 as described above, and is also input to the delay circuit 126 and the inverter 131. While the position detector 16 is turned on and the initial signal f is output, a low level signal is input to the AND gate 128 via the inverter 131, so that the output of the AND gate 128 is low. On the other hand, when the print head 100 starts moving in the arrow X direction and the position detector 16 is turned off, and the output of the initial signal f is stopped, the output of the inverter 131 is switched to a high level at that time, and Since the output of the delay circuit 126 remains at a high level until a predetermined delay time t elapses,
The AND gate 128 outputs a high-level signal as a print head movement start signal j for a period corresponding to the delay time t. The print head movement start signal j is input to the set input terminal S of the latch circuit 120, whereby a high-level data read enable signal k is output from the latch circuit 120 to the AND gate 127. When the count end signal b is output from the counter circuit 112, the output of the data readable signal k is stopped by resetting the latch circuit 120.

The frame memory 115 is a memory for storing dot pattern data for one page of paper output from a host device or the like. For each print data of n lines (here, n = 24), an n line data memory 116 is provided. Output to The data once stored in the n-line data memory 116 is transmitted from the latch
Is output, the data of each line becomes 1 in synchronization with the clock signal a input as a data transmission signal to the n-line data memory 116 via the AND gate 127.
The dots are read sequentially in parallel dot by dot. The read dot data for each line is input to the drive circuit 117. If the data indicates a print dot, a low level signal is output.
Is output as a drive signal (control signal) m. The drive signal m is supplied to the electrodes 1040 to 104 in the print head 100.
Of n + 1, the voltage is applied between the electrodes corresponding to the rotating balls 1011 to 101n (for example, the electrode corresponding to the rotating ball 1011 is between the electrodes 1040 and 1041 and between the electrodes 1041 and 1042).

In the printing apparatus of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the control operation when printing print data on the paper P will be described in order. First, when the print start signal g is output, the print start signal g is transmitted to the clear input terminal CL of the counter circuit 113, the reset input terminal R of the latch circuit 118, and the latch circuit 119 as described above.
Is input to the set input terminal S. As a result, the count data of the counter circuit 113 is cleared and the count of the count end signal b is newly started, and the reverse rotation signal e 'and the rotation signal h are output from the latch circuits 118 and 119 to the motor control circuit 121, respectively. You. Therefore,
When the print head 100 is not at the initial position, the lead screw 13 shown in FIG. 13 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C ', whereby the support table 12 and the print head 100 are moved in the direction of the arrow X'.
It is reversed in the direction.

Thereafter, when the print head 100 returns to the initial position, the position detector 16 is turned on by the side surface portion 12a of the support base 12 to output an initial signal f. This initial signal f is supplied to the set input terminal of the latch circuit 118. Since the signal is input to S, the motor control circuit 121 receives the forward rotation signal e instead of the reverse rotation signal e '. As a result, the lead screw 13 is rotated in the direction of arrow C, and accordingly, the support base 12 and the print head 100 start moving in the direction of arrow X. Further, the count data of the counter circuit 112 is cleared by the initial signal f, and thereafter, the support detector 12 and the print head 100 start moving in the direction of the arrow X, thereby turning off the position detector 16 and the initial signal f. Since the output is stopped, the counter circuit 112 newly starts counting the clock signal a.

On the other hand, when the print head 100 is returned to the initial position in the direction of the arrow X 'as described above and subsequently starts moving in the direction of the arrow X, the position detector 16 is turned on once and then turned off. The print head movement start signal j from the AND circuit 128 for a period equal to the delay time t of the delay circuit 126 from the time when the print head 100 is turned off (that is, the time when the print head 100 starts moving in the arrow X direction). Is output from the latch circuit 120 to output a data readable signal k, and the print data is read from the n-line data memory 116. Note that the delay time t is set to a time shorter than the cycle of the clock signal a. By the data reading, a drive signal (control signal) m for each line is output from the drive circuit 117 to each of the corresponding electrodes 104 _{0 to} 104 _{n + 1} in the print head 100.

In this way, each corresponding electrode 104 _0-
When the drive signal m is applied to 104 _{n + 1,} when the drive signal m is at the low level corresponding to the print dot, a part of the piezoelectric element 102 corresponding to the drive signal m is not displaced. The supporting force is a relatively weak supporting force such that the rotating ball can rotate, and in this state, the rotating ball can freely rotate. On the other hand, when the drive signal m is switched to the high level corresponding to the non-printing dot, a part of the piezoelectric element 102 corresponding thereto is displaced in the circumferential direction of the rotating ball, and the supporting force of the piezoelectric element 102 for the rotating ball is reduced. It switches to a strong supporting force that restrains the rotation of the rotating ball. Therefore, if the print head 100 moves at a constant speed in the direction of arrow X while the rotating balls 101 _{1 to} 101 _n are always in contact with the paper P,
For each printing unit, when the drive signal m is at a low level, the rotating ball rotates to apply ink to the paper P, while when the drive signal m is at a high level, the rotation of the rotating ball is restricted and the paper P The application of ink to is stopped. In this way, printing corresponding to the low level and the high level of the drive signal m according to the print data is performed for each printing unit.

When the printing of 24 lines (1536 dots per line) is completely completed as described above, the counter circuit 112 counts 1536 clock signals a, and the count ends when another count is completed. The signal b is output. Then, the output of the data readable signal k is stopped by resetting the latch circuit 120, the drive signal m is fixed at the high level, the latch circuit 118 is reset, and the reverse signal e 'is controlled by the motor control. Since the output is output to the circuit 121, the lead screw 13 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C ', and accordingly, the support table 12 and the print head 100 are reversed in the direction of the arrow X' in the non-printing state (the rotation of the rotating ball is restricted). It will be returned. At this time, the reverse rotation signal e 'is
Is switched to a high level by the counter circuit 114.
, The count of the clock signal a by the counter circuit 114 is started, and the count signal d synchronized with the clock signal a is also input to the motor control circuit 122 for 24 counts. Then, the paper feed roll 15 is rotated, and the paper P is fed in the arrow Y direction by 24 lines (one character).

Thereafter, the print head 100 returns to the initial position, and printing for another 24 lines is performed in the same manner as described above. By repeating the printing for every 24 lines in this manner, printing according to the print data is performed on the paper P, for example, as shown in FIG. Then, every time printing of every 24 lines is completed, the count end signal b of the counter circuit 112 is counted by the other counter circuit 113, so that the printing of the last (94th) 24 lines of one page is completed. And the count end signal b is output,
The counter circuit 113 ends the 94 count with the count end signal b, and the count end signal c is output. Then, the latch circuit 119 is reset, and the non-rotation signal h 'is output to the motor control circuit 121. Thus, the rotation of the lead screw 13 is stopped, and the printing operation ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
Each of the printing units 100 ₁ to 100 constituting the print head 100
_{Since n} does not require a large drive source such as a solenoid,
It is possible to arrange in a row at relatively small intervals,
Therefore, printing for n lines can be performed simultaneously by the plurality of printing units 100 _{1 to} 100 _n , and as a result, the printing speed can be dramatically improved compared to the first embodiment.
The same effects as in the first embodiment can also be obtained in points other than the printing speed.

Next, FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing in detail the configuration of the print head in the printing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the sixth embodiment in that a print head 140 is provided instead of the print head 100, and the other configuration is the same as that of the sixth embodiment.

The print head 140 has a plurality (n) of printing units 140 ₁ , 14 that can be individually and individually controlled for printing.
0 _2, 140 _3, ..., consist configuration integrally arranged in a row along a direction (sub scanning direction) perpendicular to the main scanning direction 140 _n, the arrangement of the printing portions thereof adjacent The interval is set to the interval between adjacent print dots in the sub-scanning direction (that is, the interval between adjacent print lines), and simultaneously prints n lines equal to the number n of print sections. Each printing unit rotates the ball 101 _1, 101 ₂ located at the cutting edge, ..., a structure to be recorded onto 101 _n sheets P to flow out the ink e by rotation of the. The print head 140 includes a total of n rotating balls 101 ₁ , 101 ₂ ,... Provided one for each printing unit.
.., 101 _n , and a total of n pins 141 ₁ , 141 ₂ ,.
And 141 _n, is configured to include a shell 142 as a support means for supporting to wrap freely rotating each rotating ball 101 ₁ to 101 _n is provided as one body with all of the printing unit. Also, each of the pins 141 _{1 to} 141
_n is a rotating ball 101 _{1 to} 101 corresponding to one end thereof.
_n is extended to the vicinity of the peripheral surface of _n , and the other end is extended to a corresponding arm described later.

The plurality of printing units 140 _{1 to} 140 _n have the same configuration, and as an example, the configuration of _one printing unit 140 ₁ is shown in more detail in FIG. 18 (in FIG. The surrounded area J corresponds to the area J surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 17). As shown in the drawing, a printing unit 140 ₁ includes a rotating ball 101 ₁ , a shell 142 as a support unit, an ink pipe 143 as an ink storage unit, a laminated piezoelectric actuator 144 as a piezoelectric element, and a transmission unit. The above-mentioned pin 141 as a means
₁ , arm 145, 146 and push block 14
7 and the like. This configuration is the same as that of the print head 60 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and the individual printing units operate according to the same principle as the print head 60. Therefore, the configuration and operation will be described in detail here. Omitted.

As described above, each of the printing units 140 _{1 to} 140 _n
In each case, the outflow of ink can be controlled in accordance with the presence or absence of voltage application to the piezoelectric actuator similarly to the above-described print head 60, so that the print head 140 is slid onto paper using a circuit similar to the print control circuit 110 in FIG. By applying a voltage to each of the piezoelectric actuators at a predetermined timing in accordance with the print data while moving in the main scanning direction while being in contact with each other, it is possible to simultaneously print data for n lines on the paper. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the sixth embodiment is also applicable.
An effect similar to that of the embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing in detail the configuration of the print head in the printing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment corresponds to the print head 100 according to the sixth embodiment.
Is replaced by a print head 150, and the other configuration is the same as that of the sixth embodiment. Note that the print head 150 is actually mounted on the support base 12 so that the tip of the print head is directed laterally as shown in FIG. 13, but in FIG.
50 is shown in an upright state.

The print head 150 has a plurality of (n) print units 150 ₁ , 15 that can be individually and individually controlled for printing.
0 _2, 150 _3, ..., the main scanning direction 150 _n consists configuration integrally arranged in a row along a direction (sub scanning direction) perpendicular, arrangement of the printed portions thereof adjacent The interval L is set to the interval between adjacent print dots in the sub-scanning direction, and simultaneously prints n lines equal to the number n of print sections.

The plurality of printing units 150 _{1 to} 150 _n all have the same configuration. As an example, the configuration of _one printing unit 150 ₁ is shown in FIG. 20 in detail. As shown in the figure, the printing unit 150 _1, the ink of the ink storage means whose rotational ball 101 ₁ at the forefront, the shell 152 as the clamping means, shared by all of the printing unit 150 ₁ to 150 DEG _n chamber 153, ink pipe 153 that extends toward the ink chamber 153 to rotate the ball 101 ₁
a, Laminated piezoelectric actuator 15 as piezoelectric element
4 and the like. This configuration is the same as that of the print head 70 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 9, and the individual printing units operate according to the same principle as the print head 70. Omitted.

As described above, each of the printing units 150 _{1 to} 150 _n
In each case, the outflow of ink can be controlled in accordance with the presence or absence of voltage application to the piezoelectric actuator as in the case of the print head 70. By applying a voltage to each of the piezoelectric actuators at a predetermined timing in accordance with the print data while moving in the main scanning direction while being in contact with each other, it is possible to simultaneously print data for n lines on the paper. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the sixth embodiment is also applicable.
An effect similar to that of the embodiment can be obtained.

Next, FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing in detail the configuration of the print head in the printing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a print head 160 is provided instead of the print head 100 in the sixth embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the sixth embodiment. Note that FIG. 21 also shows a state in which the print head 160 is set upright in the same manner as in FIG.

The print head 160 has a plurality of (n) print units 160 ₁ , 16, which can be individually and individually print-controlled.
0 _2, 160 _3, ..., consist configuration integrally arranged in a row along a direction (sub scanning direction) perpendicular to the main scanning direction 160 _n, the arrangement of the printing portions thereof adjacent The interval is set to the interval between adjacent printing dots in the sub-scanning direction, and printing is performed simultaneously for n lines equal to the number n of printing sections.

The plurality of printing units 160 _{1 to} 160 _n have the same configuration, and as an example, the configuration of _one printing unit 160 ₁ is shown in FIG. 22 in detail. As shown in the figure, the printing unit 160 _1, the ink of the ink storage means whose rotational ball 101 ₁ at the forefront, the shell 162 as the clamping means, shared by all of the printing unit 160 ₁ to 160 _n chamber 163, ink pipe 163 that extends toward the ink chamber 163 to rotate the ball 101 ₁
a, Flat type piezoelectric actuator 16 as piezoelectric element
4a, 164b and the like. This configuration is the same as that of the print head 80 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and the individual printing units operate according to the same principle as the print head 80. Therefore, a detailed description of the configuration and operation will be given here. Omitted.

As described above, each of the printing units 160 _{1 to} 160 _n
In each case, the outflow of ink can be controlled in accordance with the presence or absence of voltage application to the piezoelectric actuator as in the case of the above-described print head 80. By applying a voltage to each of the piezoelectric actuators at a predetermined timing in accordance with the print data while moving in the main scanning direction while making contact, it is possible to simultaneously print n lines of data on the paper. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the sixth embodiment is also applicable.
An effect similar to that of the embodiment can be obtained.

Next, FIGS. 23 and 24 are a perspective view and a sectional view, respectively, showing the structure of the print head in the printing apparatus of the tenth embodiment of the present invention in detail. In the present embodiment, a print head 170 is provided in place of the print head 100 in the sixth embodiment.
This is the same as the embodiment. 23 and 24,
As in FIG. 19, the print head 170 is shown standing upright.

The print head 170 includes a plurality (n) of print units 170 ₁ , 17 that can be individually controlled for printing.
0 _2, 170 _3, ..., consist configuration integrally arranged in a row along a direction (sub scanning direction) perpendicular to the main scanning direction 170 _n, the arrangement of the printing portions thereof adjacent The interval is set to the interval between adjacent printing dots in the sub-scanning direction, and printing is performed simultaneously for n lines equal to the number n of printing sections.

The plurality of printing units 170 _{1 to} 170 _n have the same configuration, and as an example, the configuration of _one printing unit 170 ₁ is shown in detail in FIG. As shown in the drawing, the printing section 170 ₁ includes a rotating ball 101 ₁ positioned at the forefront thereof, and a receiving seat 171 (first
Holding portion), a ball presser 172 (second holding portion), a spring 173 as an urging means, and a spring presser 17.
4, push plate 175, all printing sections 170 _1-
Ink chamber 1 as ink storage means shared by 170 _n
76, Laminated piezoelectric actuator 1 as piezoelectric element
77 and the like. This configuration is the same as that of the print head 90 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 12, and the individual printing units operate on the same principle as the print head 90. Omitted.

As described above, each of the printing units 170 _{1 to} 170 _n
In each case, the outflow of ink can be controlled in accordance with the presence or absence of voltage application to the piezoelectric actuator as in the case of the print head 90. Therefore, a circuit similar to the print control circuit 110 in FIG. Unlike the previous embodiments, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 177, recording becomes possible. Therefore, the control signal of the piezoelectric actuator 177 inverts the high level and the low level of the drive signal m output from the print control circuit 110. As a means for this, the print head 170 is slid onto the paper using only a slight change in the circuit configuration, for example, by arranging an inverter at the output end of the n-line data memory 116). While contacting and moving in the main scanning direction, a voltage is applied to each piezoelectric actuator at a predetermined timing according to the print data. By, it is possible to print the data of the n lines onto the paper at the same time. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the sixth embodiment can be obtained.

Next, FIG. 26 is a schematic structural view of a printing apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, only the print head 11 is moved without moving the paper P. Since the structure other than the moving mechanism of the print head 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a specific description thereof will be omitted.

In the figure, a print head 11 is fixedly mounted on a support table 12 as in the first embodiment (however, in this embodiment, the tip of the print head 11 faces downward).
The rotation of the lead screw 13 causes the main scanning direction (arrow X)
/ X 'direction). The lead screw 13 has lead screw holding members 1 on both sides.
81a and 181b are rotatably held, and one end thereof is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 182. The motor 182 is connected to the motor control circuit 40 shown in FIG.
Is driven by the drive circuit 42 in accordance with the control signal.

The lead screw holding member 181
a, 181b are lead screws 1 penetrating therethrough and provided in a direction orthogonal to the lead screw 13.
It is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction (the direction of arrow Y / Y ') by rotating 83 and 184 in conjunction. The lead screws 183 and 184 are connected by a belt 185, and one end of one of the lead screws 183 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 186.
6, two lead screws 183, 184
Are interlockingly rotated. The motor 186 is driven by the drive circuit 43 according to a control signal of the motor control circuit 41 shown in FIG.

Although omitted in FIG. 26, similar to the first embodiment, the position detection is performed at a position where the print head 11 is in contact with the side surface of the support base 12 when the print head 11 is at the initial position in the main scanning direction. A vessel 16 is provided. The print control circuit 30 shown in FIG. 4 can be applied to this embodiment almost as it is, only by reconnecting the drive circuit 43 so as to drive the motor 186 as described above.

In this embodiment, every time printing of one line is completed while the print head 11 is moved in the direction of arrow X by the rotation of the motor 182, the print head 11 is moved one line in the direction of arrow Y by the rotation of the motor 186. By moving the sheet P by the distance, printing on the entire sheet P can be performed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, not only the same effects as in the first embodiment are obtained, but also the printing is performed while fixing the paper P,
Higher-precision printing becomes possible, and the printing quality can be further improved.

The eleventh embodiment includes the print head 11 according to the first embodiment.
The same effect can be obtained with any of the print heads of the fifth to fifth embodiments.

Next, FIG. 27 is a schematic structural view of a printing apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the eleventh
Instead of a single print head 11 in the embodiment, a print head 10 including a plurality of print units according to the sixth embodiment.
0, and the other configuration is the same as that of the eleventh embodiment (FIG. 26). This embodiment can be similarly driven by the print control circuit 110 shown in FIG.
In that case, the motor 182 is driven by the drive circuit 123 according to the control signal of the motor control circuit 121, and the motor 186 is driven by the drive circuit 124 according to the control signal of the motor control circuit 122.

In this embodiment, every time printing of n lines is completed while the print head 100 is moved in the direction of the arrow X by the rotation of the motor 182, the print head 100 is rotated in the direction of the arrow Y by the rotation of the motor 186. By moving the sheet P by the distance, printing on the entire sheet P can be performed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, not only the same effects as in the sixth embodiment can be obtained, but also, as in the eleventh embodiment, higher-precision printing can be performed, and the printing quality can be further improved. realizable.

Although the twelfth embodiment has the print head 100 according to the sixth embodiment, the print head 100 according to any of the seventh to tenth embodiments may have the same structure. The same effect can be obtained.

In the embodiment described above, in the case where the print head is constituted by a plurality of printing sections, the plurality of printing sections are arranged in one line and in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction (sub scanning direction). Direction), the present invention can employ various other arrangements.
For example, as shown in FIG.
Arrangement direction when _{1 to} 100 _n are arranged in one row (arrow M
Direction) with respect to the main scanning direction (arrow X direction) at an angle θ (<
90 degrees), or a plurality of printing units 100 _{1 to} 100 100 as shown in FIG.
It is also possible to arrange _n in two rows in a staggered manner. By doing so, the interval between the printing lines can be substantially reduced, so that higher density printing can be realized. In the case of FIG. 7A, the printing density increases as the angle θ decreases, and in the case of FIG. 7B, three or more rows are arranged or the arrangement of a plurality of rows is changed to The printing density can be further increased by arranging at an angle θ as shown in FIG. When the angle θ is provided or arranged in a plurality of rows, it is necessary to control the printing start timing in each printing unit to be different depending on the arrangement position so that the printing start positions are all aligned. However, such control is easy.

In the embodiments described above, the ink is filled in the ink chamber or the ink pipe as the ink storage means provided in the print head. The ink may be stored in the provided container, and the ink may be guided from there to the ink chamber or the ink pipe through some kind of ink guiding means.

Further, in the above embodiments, the paper P and the print head are moved together (first to tenth embodiments).
In the above, the paper P is fixed and only the print head is moved (the eleventh and twelfth embodiments). However, the print head may be fixed and only the paper P may be moved.

[0102]

According to the present invention, since printing can be performed by only slightly displacing the piezoelectric element while constantly sliding the tip (rotating ball) of the print head against the paper, it is possible to strike the print head on the paper. Not only does noise not occur as in the related art, but also uniform printing quality can be obtained. Further, since the time required for displacing the piezoelectric element is extremely short, high-speed printing which has never been achieved becomes possible. Further, in the case where the print head is composed of a plurality of printing units, printing can be performed simultaneously on a plurality of lines, so that printing at a higher speed can be performed.

Further, since the energy required for the displacement of the piezoelectric element is extremely small, the power consumption can be greatly reduced, and a large driving source such as a solenoid for driving the entire print head is not required. In addition, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the entire apparatus and further reduce the cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing in detail a configuration of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an arrangement relationship between a rotating ball, a piezoelectric element, and electrodes thereof in the printing apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a print control circuit in the printing apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modification of the arrangement relationship between the rotating ball, the piezoelectric element, and its electrodes shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a sectional perspective view showing in detail a configuration of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a displacement state of a push block, an arm, and a pin according to displacement of a piezoelectric actuator in the printing apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention in detail.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a displacement state of a shell according to a displacement of a piezoelectric actuator in the printing apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in detail.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a displacement state of a lower end portion of the shell according to a displacement of the piezoelectric actuator in the printing apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating in detail a configuration of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a print head in the printing apparatus of the embodiment in detail.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an arrangement relationship between a rotating ball, a piezoelectric element, and electrodes thereof in the printing apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram of a print control circuit in the printing apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention in detail.

FIG. 18 is a sectional perspective view illustrating the configuration of one printing unit in the printing apparatus of the embodiment in more detail.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating in detail a configuration of a print head in a printing apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of one printing unit in the printing apparatus of the embodiment in more detail.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating in detail a configuration of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of one printing unit in the printing apparatus of the embodiment in more detail, and showing a state of displacement of the lower end of the shell in accordance with the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator.

FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating in detail a configuration of a print head in a printing apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a print head in the printing apparatus of the embodiment in detail.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of one printing unit in the printing apparatus of the embodiment in more detail.

FIG. 26 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram schematically illustrating an arrangement configuration of a plurality of printing units in a printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional printing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Print head 12 Support stand 13 Lead screw 14 Platen 15 Paper feed roll 16 Position detector 21 Rotating ball 22 Support member 22a Piezoelectric element 23 Spring 24 Ink pipe 30 Print control circuit 60 Print head 61 Shell 62 Ink pipe 63 Pin 64, 66 Arm 67 Push Block 68 Piezoelectric Actuator 70 Print Head 72 Shell 73 Ink Pipe 74 Piezoelectric Actuator 80 Print Head 81 Shell 82 Ink Pipe 83a, 83b Piezoelectric Actuator 90 Print Head 91 Receiving Seat 92 Ball Holder 93 Spring Holder 94 Push Plate 95 Spring 96 Piezoelectric Actuator 97 ink pipe 100 print head 100 ₁ to 100 _n printing unit 101 ₁ to 101 _n rotational ball 102 piezoelectric element 103 Ink chamber 110 print controller 140 print head 140 ₁ to 140 _n printing unit 141 ₁ ~141 _n pin 142 shell 143 ink pipe 144 piezoelectric actuator 145 arm 147 push block 150 the print head 150 ₁ to 150 DEG _n printing section 152 shell 153 Ink chamber 154 Piezoelectric actuator 160 Print head 160 _{1 to} 160 _n Printing section 162 Shell 163 Ink chamber 164 a, 164 b Piezo actuator 170 Print head 170 _{1 to} 170 _n Printing section 171 Receiving seat 172 Ball holding 173 Spring 174 Spring holding 175 Push plate 176 Ink chamber 177 Piezoelectric actuator 181a, 181b Lead screw holding member 182 Motor 183, 184 Lead screw 185 Belt 1 6 Motor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 3-130058 (32) Priority date May 31, 1991 (31 May, 1991) (33) Priority claim country Japan (JP) (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 3-227457 (32) Priority date September 6, 1991 (1991.9.6) (33) Priority claim country Japan (JP) (31) Priority claim number (32) Priority date September 6, 1991 (1991.9.6) (33) Priority claiming country Japan (JP) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB) Name) B43K 7/00 B43L 13/00 B41J 1/00-1/60 B41J 27/00-27/22 B41J 29/00-29/70

Claims (13)

(57) [Claims] An ink storing means for storing ink; a rotating ball for controlling the outflow of the ink by rotation by sliding contact with paper; a rotating ball for supporting the rotating ball and rotating the rotating ball in accordance with a control signal of a control means; A print head comprising: a piezoelectric element for restraining the print head; support means for supporting the print head so that the rotating ball contacts the paper; print data storage means for storing print data; and the print head. Moving means for relatively moving the paper, and control signal generating means for generating the control signal based on the print data, wherein the control means according to the print data during movement by the moving means A printing apparatus, wherein the piezoelectric element is controlled to restrict the rotation of the rotating ball. 2. An ink storage means for storing ink, a rotating ball for controlling the outflow of the ink by rotation by sliding contact with paper, a supporting means for supporting the rotating ball, and a piezoelectric element displaced by a control signal. Transmitting means for transmitting the amount of displacement of the piezoelectric element to the rotating ball and for urging the rotating ball against the supporting means to restrain rotation ,
A print head comprising control means for controlling a piezoelectric element; support means for supporting the print head so that the rotating ball comes into contact with the paper; print data storage means for storing print data; Moving means for relatively moving the head and the paper, and control signal generating means for generating the control signal based on the print data, wherein the control is performed in accordance with the print data during movement by the moving means. A printing device for controlling rotation of the rotating ball by controlling the piezoelectric element by means. 3. An ink storage means for storing ink, a rotating ball for controlling the outflow of the ink by rotation by sliding contact with paper, a holding means having a holding portion for holding the rotating ball, and the holding section. A print head comprising: a piezoelectric element which switches the holding force of the holding means to a strong holding force by narrowing the rotation of the rotating ball, and which operates by a control signal of a control means; and Supporting means for supporting the sheet so as to contact the sheet, print data storage means for storing print data, moving means for relatively moving the print head and the sheet, and the control signal based on the print data. and a control signal generating means for generating, said by the control means in accordance with the print data during the movement by the moving means controls the piezoelectric element and the times Printing apparatus characterized by constraining the rotation of the ball. 4. An ink storage means for storing ink, a rotating ball for controlling the outflow of the ink by rotation by sliding contact with a sheet, and a holding means provided at a front end with a holding portion for holding the rotating ball, A control hand provided on the side of the holding portion
A print head comprising a piezoelectric element which is extended by a control signal of a step and displaces the holding portion inward to restrain the rotation of the rotating ball; and causing the rotating head to contact the printing head with the paper. Support means for supporting; print data storage means for storing print data; moving means for relatively moving the print head and the paper; control signal creation means for creating the control signal based on the print data; A printing apparatus, comprising: controlling the piezoelectric element by the control means according to the print data during movement by the movement means, thereby restricting rotation of the rotating ball. 5. An ink storage means for storing ink, a rotating ball for controlling the outflow of the ink by rotation by sliding contact with paper, and a holding means for holding the rotating ball by first and second holding portions. Biasing means for biasing the second holding portion toward the first holding portion to restrain the rotation of the rotating ball; and releasing the biasing force of the biasing means by a control signal of a control means. A print head comprising: a piezoelectric element that performs the printing operation; support means for supporting the print head so that the rotating ball contacts the paper; print data storage means for storing print data; and the print head and the paper And a control signal generating means for generating the control signal based on the print data. The control means according to the print data during movement by the moving means. Printing apparatus characterized by allowing to control more the piezoelectric element the rotation of the rotating ball. An ink storage unit for storing a 6. inks, and rotating the ball to control the outflow of the ink by the rotation by sliding contact with the paper, the rotating ball in accordance with the control signal of the support was controlled manually step the rotating ball A print head including a plurality of printing units each including a piezoelectric element that restricts rotation, a support unit that supports the print head so that the rotating ball comes into contact with the paper, and stores print data. Print data storage means, a movement means for relatively moving the print head and the paper, and a control signal creation means for creating the control signal based on the print data; A printing device, wherein the control means controls the piezoelectric element in accordance with the print data to restrict the rotation of the rotating ball. 7. An ink storing means for storing ink, a rotating ball for controlling the outflow of the ink by rotation by sliding contact with paper, a supporting means for supporting the rotating ball, and a piezoelectric element displaced by a control signal. When the printing unit comprising and a transmitting means for restraining the rotation by transmitting the displacement of the piezoelectric element to the rotating ball urges the rotating ball to the support means and plurality sequences, the piezoelectric Control the element
A print head that have a control means that, support means the indicia shaped heads the rotating ball supports so as to abut on the paper, and the print data storage means for storing print data, and the said print head sheet And a control signal creating unit that creates the control signal based on the print data. The piezoelectric element is controlled by the control unit in accordance with the print data during movement by the moving unit. Controlling the rotation of the rotating ball. 8. An ink storage means for storing ink, a rotating ball for controlling the outflow of the ink by rotation by sliding contact with paper, a holding means having a holding portion for holding the rotating ball, and the holding section. A plurality of printing units each including a piezoelectric element that switches the holding force of the holding means to a strong holding force by restricting the rotation of the rotating ball and operates according to a control signal , and controls the piezoelectric element. You
A print head that have a control means that, support means the indicia shaped heads the rotating ball supports so as to abut on the paper, and the print data storage means for storing print data, and the said print head sheet And a control signal creating unit that creates the control signal based on the print data. The piezoelectric element is controlled by the control unit in accordance with the print data during movement by the moving unit. Controlling the rotation of the rotating ball. 9. An ink storage means for storing ink, a rotating ball for controlling the outflow of the ink by rotation by sliding contact with a sheet, and a holding means provided at a front end with a holding portion for holding the rotating ball, said plurality array print portion formed by comprising a piezoelectric element, a which extends by provided the control signal on the side of the clamping portion by displacing the clamping portion inwardly to restrain the rotation of the rotating ball, said piezoelectric element Control means to control
Relatively the printing head that Yusuke, support means for supporting so as to abut the indicia shaped heads on the rotating ball the paper, and the print data storage means for storing print data, and said and said print head sheet Moving means for moving, and control signal creating means for creating the control signal based on the print data, wherein the control means controls the piezoelectric element according to the print data during movement by the moving means, A printing device characterized by restricting rotation of a rotating ball. 10. An ink storage means for storing ink, a rotating ball for controlling the outflow of the ink by rotation by sliding contact with paper, and a holding means for holding the rotating ball by first and second holding portions. Biasing means for biasing the second holding portion toward the first holding portion to restrain the rotation of the rotating ball; and a piezoelectric element for releasing the biasing force of the biasing means by a control signal. A print head having control means for controlling the piezoelectric element by arranging a plurality of print sections each comprising: and supporting the print head so that the rotating ball contacts the paper. Support means for storing, print data storage means for storing print data, moving means for relatively moving the print head and the paper, and control signal creating means for creating the control signal based on the print data. Having, said A printing apparatus wherein the piezoelectric element is controlled by the control means in accordance with the print data during movement by a movement means, and the rotation of the rotating ball is permitted. 11. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the arrangement direction of the plurality of printing units constituting the print head is inclined at less than 90 degrees with respect to the main scanning direction of printing. 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of printing sections constituting the printing head are arranged in a staggered manner. 13. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a position detecting means for detecting a position of the print head, and setting a printing position on the sheet based on an output of the position detecting means. .