JP6074940B2 - Liquid ejection apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus that ejects liquid such as ink and a control method thereof.

  As a typical liquid ejecting apparatus, there is an ink jet printer of a type that ejects ink from nozzles using a piezoelectric element. In this type of ink jet printer, an ink chamber is provided in each nozzle, and ink is ejected from the nozzle by driving a piezoelectric element to change the volume of the ink chamber. Hereinafter, such an ink jet printer is referred to as a “piezoelectric ink jet printer”. In a piezoelectric inkjet printer, it is known that the temperature of the head drive circuit rises when ink ejection is continued, and a device for preventing overheating of the head drive circuit has been devised. For example, in the inkjet printer of Patent Document 1, the temperature of the head drive circuit is estimated without using a temperature sensor, and control is performed so that the estimated value does not exceed the limit value, thereby preventing overheating of the head drive circuit. Yes.

JP 2009-056669 A JP 2008-044333 A JP 2003-266700 A

  The ink jet printer of Patent Document 1 is a type of printer in which a head drive circuit is provided at a position (printer body) away from a print head. The inventors of the present application have found that in such a type of printer, the temperature rise of the print head itself may be a problem rather than the temperature rise of the head drive circuit. That is, when printing on a large print paper (for example, A2 size paper or larger), the temperature of the print head gradually increases due to the heat generated by the piezoelectric element, and the print head may be overheated. It was.

  In addition, in an inkjet printer, it has been desired to stabilize the meniscus of the nozzle and suppress the increase in the viscosity of the ink by devising the waveform of the drive signal (for example, Patent Document 2).

  As illustrated in FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1, conventionally, a drive signal including a plurality of drive waveform portions may be used. When one of the plurality of drive waveform portions is selected and applied to the piezoelectric element, the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element continues to some extent thereafter. If the next drive waveform portion is applied to the piezoelectric element while such residual vibration exists, there is a problem that a correct amount of ink cannot be ejected.

  Furthermore, it has been desired to achieve an appropriate ink discharge amount and an appropriate dot formation position in each ink jet printer according to the characteristics. For example, even in the same type of inkjet printer, there has been a demand for a device that realizes an appropriate ink discharge amount and an appropriate dot formation position for each individual printer in accordance with a manufacturing error for each individual printer. Alternatively, even in the same inkjet printer, a device for realizing an appropriate ink discharge amount and an appropriate dot formation position in accordance with various printing modes and printing operations (for example, during forward movement and backward movement) has been desired ( For example, Patent Document 3).

  In addition, in the conventional ink jet printer, improvement in image quality, longer life of parts, power saving, stabilization of circuit operation, and the like have been desired.

  The various problems as described above are not limited to ink jet printers, but are common to liquid ejecting apparatuses having a head that ejects liquid using piezoelectric elements.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following aspects.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid ejection apparatus is provided. This liquid discharge apparatus is a liquid discharge apparatus including a drive signal generation unit that generates a drive signal, and a liquid discharge head that applies the drive signal to a piezoelectric element to discharge liquid droplets from a nozzle. The drive signal includes (i) a first type signal section that does not have a potential change from a predetermined potential, and (ii) a second type that includes a section having a potential change that is not included in the first type signal section. The signal consists of two types of sections, a signal section. The first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section that is the longest in the second type signal section. The drive signal is a periodic signal that is repeated at regular intervals, and the cycle of the drive signal matches the pixel cycle. One cycle of the drive signal includes a plurality of first type signal sections and a plurality of second type signal sections, and each second type signal section has a potential change that is not the same.
In this embodiment, since the first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section, the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element generated in the longest second type signal section is thereafter reduced. Can be sufficiently attenuated in the first type signal section. As a result, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the droplet ejection characteristics due to residual vibration.
In addition, the present invention can be realized as the following forms.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid ejection apparatus is provided. This liquid discharge apparatus is a liquid discharge apparatus including a drive signal generation unit that generates a drive signal, and a liquid discharge head that applies the drive signal to a piezoelectric element to discharge liquid droplets from a nozzle. The drive signal includes (i) a first type signal section that does not have a potential change from a predetermined potential, and (ii) a second type that includes a section having a potential change that is not included in the first type signal section. The signal consists of two types of sections, a signal section. The first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section that is the longest in the second type signal section.
In this embodiment, since the first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section, the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element generated in the longest second type signal section is thereafter reduced. Can be sufficiently attenuated in the first type signal section. As a result, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the droplet ejection characteristics due to residual vibration.

(2) In one form of the present invention, the drive signal is a periodic signal, and one cycle of the drive signal includes a plurality of first type signal sections and a plurality of second type signal sections. It may be a thing.

(3) In an aspect of the present invention, each of the first type signal sections may be longer than the second type signal section before the first type signal section.
In this form, it is possible to sufficiently attenuate the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element generated by the waveform portion in each second type signal section in the subsequent first type signal section.

(4) In one form of the present invention, the length of each of the first type signal sections may be longer as the peak voltage in the second type signal section before the first type signal section is higher.
In general, the higher the peak voltage in the type 2 signal section, the greater the residual vibration. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to sufficiently attenuate the residual vibration in each first type signal section.

(5) In an embodiment of the present invention, the length of each of the first type signal sections may be longer as the ink ejection amount in the second type signal section before the first type signal section is larger. .
Generally, there is a possibility that the residual vibration increases as the ink ejection amount in the second type signal section increases. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to sufficiently attenuate the residual vibration in each first type signal section.

(6) In one aspect of the present invention, the drive signal generation unit (a) generates only one drive signal and supplies it to the liquid ejection head, or (b) generates a plurality of drive signals simultaneously. The first type signal section and the second type signal section may be determined from the whole of the plurality of drive signals.
In this embodiment, the residual vibration can be sufficiently attenuated even when only one drive signal is supplied to the liquid discharge head or when a plurality of drive signals are supplied to the liquid discharge head.

Another embodiment of the present invention can also be realized as an apparatus including one or more elements of two elements of a signal generation unit that generates a drive signal and a head. That is, this apparatus may or may not have a signal generation unit. The device may or may not have a head. The drive signal generated by the signal generator includes (i) a first type signal section that does not have a potential change from a predetermined potential, and (ii) a section that is not included in the first type signal section and has a potential change. The signal may be a signal composed of two types of sections including a second type signal section including, or may include other sections. The second type signal interval before the longest first type signal interval in the first type signal interval is preferably shorter than the longest first type signal interval, but the longest first type signal interval. You may have the above length.
Such an apparatus can be realized as, for example, a liquid discharge apparatus, but can also be realized as an apparatus other than the liquid discharge apparatus. According to such a form, various methods such as prevention of heating of the head, stabilization of the meniscus of the nozzle, suppression of ink thickening, improvement of image quality, longer life of parts, power saving, stabilization of circuit operation, etc. At least one of the problems can be solved. Any or all of the technical features of the above-described embodiments can be applied to this apparatus.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms other than the apparatus. For example, a liquid ejection method and apparatus, a control method and control apparatus thereof, a computer program for realizing the functions of the method or apparatus, a non-transitory storage medium on which the computer program is recorded, etc. It can be realized in the form.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of a control part. The block diagram which shows the structure of a switching control part. The timing chart which shows the waveform of the drive signal of a reference example. Explanatory drawing which shows the example of the relationship between dot size and a selection pulse. The timing chart which shows the waveform of the drive signal of 1st Embodiment. The timing chart which shows the waveform of the drive signal of a 2nd reference example. Explanatory drawing which shows the difference in dot arrangement in 1st Embodiment and a 2nd reference example. The timing chart which shows the waveform of the drive signal of 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the switching control part in 3rd Embodiment. The timing chart which shows the waveform of the several drive signal of 3rd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of a non-multiplex main scanning recording system. Explanatory drawing of a multiple main scanning recording system. Explanatory drawing explaining the use condition of the drive signal pulse at the time of printing by a multiple main scanning recording system in 4th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the printing mode in 4th Embodiment.

Various embodiments will be described in the following order.
First embodiment: an extension of the first type signal section Second embodiment: an example in which the first type signal section includes a dummy pulse Third embodiment: an example of using a multi-drive signal Fourth embodiment: multiplexing Examples of use / modification of drive signals in main scanning recording

First Embodiment: Extension Example of Type 1 Signal Section FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system of this embodiment includes a printer 100 and a host computer 90 that supplies print data PD to the printer 100. The printer 100 is connected to the host computer 90 via the connector 12.

  The printer 100 according to the present embodiment is an ink jet printer that is a kind of liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid droplets. The printer 100 forms ink dots on a print medium by ejecting ink as a liquid, thereby recording characters, figures, images, and the like according to the print data PD.

  The printer 100 includes a carriage 30 (conveying platform) on which the print head 60 is mounted, a main scanning drive mechanism that performs a main scanning operation for reciprocating the carriage 30 along the main scanning direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1), and printing. A sub-scanning drive mechanism that performs a sub-scanning operation for transporting the paper P as a medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction, an operation panel 14 that performs various instructions and setting operations related to printing, and each part of the printer 100 And a control unit 40 for controlling the control. The carriage 30 is connected to the control unit 40 via a flexible cable.

  When printing is performed by the printer 100, the main scanning operation for ejecting ink from the nozzles of the print head 60 while moving the print head 60 in the main scanning direction, and the position of the print head 60 with respect to the print medium are relative to each other in the sub scanning direction. And the sub-scanning operation of moving it repeatedly.

  The main scanning drive mechanism that reciprocates the carriage 30 along the main scanning direction includes a carriage motor 32, a sliding shaft 34 that is laid in parallel to the main scanning direction and slidably holds the carriage 30, and a pulley 38. ,have. The carriage motor 32 and the pulley 38 are disposed near both ends of the sliding shaft 34, and an endless drive belt 36 is stretched between the two. The carriage 30 is connected to the drive belt 36. When the carriage motor 32 rotates, the drive belt 36 rotates, and the carriage 30 moves along the slide shaft 34 in response to this. The carriage 30 is movable in both forward and backward directions. For example, the forward movement is the movement of the carriage 30 in the right direction in FIG. 1, and the backward movement is the movement in the left direction.

  The sub-scanning drive mechanism that transports the paper P in the sub-scanning direction has a paper feed motor 22. The rotation of the paper feed motor 22 is transmitted to the paper transport roller 26, and the paper P is transported along the sub-scanning direction by the rotation of the paper transport roller 26.

  The carriage 30 stores a plurality of inks each having a predetermined color (for example, cyan (C), light cyan (Lc), magenta (M), light magenta (Lm), yellow (Y), and black (K)). Ink cartridge 70 is mounted. The ink stored in the ink cartridge 70 is supplied to the print head 60. The ink cartridge is not necessarily mounted on the carriage, and a mechanism for mounting the ink cartridge may be provided separately, and a mechanism for supplying ink to the print head mounted on the carriage from there may be provided. The print head 60 includes a plurality of nozzles that eject ink and piezoelectric elements that are provided corresponding to the nozzles. In this embodiment, a piezoelectric element (piezo element) that is a capacitive load is used as the nozzle driving element. When a drive signal is applied to the piezoelectric element, the vibration plate of the ink chamber communicating with the nozzle is deformed to cause a pressure change in the ink chamber, and ink is ejected from the nozzle by the pressure change. The ink ejection amount changes according to the waveform parameter such as the peak value of the drive signal applied to the piezoelectric element and the slope of the voltage change of the drive signal. By changing these waveform parameters, the size of the ink dots formed on the print medium can be changed. In this specification, ink dots are also simply referred to as “dots”.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the control unit 40. The control unit 40 includes a first interface 41, a main control unit 42 that executes various processes based on the print data PD input via the first interface 41, and a paper feed that drives the paper feed motor 22. The motor driving unit 43 includes a head driving unit 45 that drives the print head 60, a carriage motor driving unit 46 that drives the carriage motor 32, and a second interface 47. The printer 100 also includes an encoder 33 that outputs a pulsed output signal to the control unit 40 as the carriage 30 moves. The main control unit 42 detects the position of the carriage 30 along the main scanning direction based on the output signal of the encoder 33. In this specification, the head drive unit 45 is also referred to as a “head drive signal generation unit”. The entire control unit 40 including the three drive units 43, 45, and 46 is also referred to as a “drive signal generation unit”.

  The main control unit 42 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, and a ROM 53. Various functions by the main control unit 42 are realized by the CPU 51 executing computer programs stored in the RAM 52 or the ROM 53.

  The main control unit 42 receives the print data PD input from the host computer 90. The main control unit 42 generates various data used to drive the print head 60 by executing various processes on the print data PD, and outputs the various data to the head driving unit 45. Further, the main control unit 42 generates a timing signal PTS that defines the driving timing of the print head 60 based on the output signal of the encoder 33 and supplies the timing signal PTS to the head driving unit 45. The head drive unit 45 includes a reference clock signal SCK, a latch signal LAT, a pulse selection signal PSS, a channel signal CH, and a drive signal COM according to various data and signals given from the main control unit 42. Signals are generated and these control signals are supplied to the print head 60. The main control unit 42 further outputs a signal used for each driving operation to the paper feed motor driving unit 43 and the carriage motor driving unit 46. The paper feed motor drive unit 43 outputs a control signal for driving the paper feed motor 22. The carriage motor drive unit 46 outputs a control signal for driving the carriage motor 32.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the switching control unit 61 provided in the print head 60. The switching control unit 61 is supplied with the various control signals PSS, SCK, LAT, CH, and COM described above from the head driving unit 45. The switching control unit 61 shifts the voltage level of the output signal from the shift register unit 63 that stores the pulse selection signal PSS, the latch unit 64 that temporarily stores the output signal from the shift register unit 63, and the latch unit 64. Then, a level shifter 65 for supplying the selection switch 66 and a selection switch 66 for selectively supplying the drive signal COM to each piezoelectric element 67 are provided. The piezoelectric element 67 functions as a nozzle driving element that discharges ink from individual nozzles. Each of the shift register unit 63, the latch unit 64, the level shifter unit 65, and the selection switch unit 66 includes a circuit element equal to the number of nozzles (that is, the number of piezoelectric elements 67). For example, when the number of nozzles present in the print head 60 is 100, the shift register unit 63 includes 100 shift registers. The same applies to the other circuit units 64, 65, 66. Hereinafter, when individual selection switches included in the selection switch unit 66 are called, they may be referred to as “selection switch 66” with the same reference numeral “66” as the selection switch unit 66.

  The shift register unit 63 receives and stores a pulse selection signal PSS for each nozzle. Thereafter, in accordance with the input pulse of the reference clock signal SCK, the storage position of the pulse selection signal PSS in the shift register unit 63 is sequentially shifted to the subsequent stage. The pulse selection signal PSS is a signal used to determine which of the plurality of pulses included in the drive signal COM is to be applied to each piezoelectric element 67. As will be described in detail later, when a part or all of the ink ejection pulse of the drive signal COM is applied to the piezoelectric element 67 according to the pulse selection signal PSS, any one of a plurality of ink droplets having different ink amounts is selected. Ink droplets can be ejected from the nozzles. The latch unit 64 sequentially latches the output signal of the shift register unit 63 at the pulse generation timing of the latch signal LAT and the channel signal CH. The latch signal LAT is a signal that becomes high level at the start timing of the recording operation of one pixel. The channel signal CH is a signal that becomes a high level at a predetermined timing at which each pulse included in the drive signal COM is switched on / off. The signal latched by the latch unit 64 is converted by the level shifter unit 65 into a voltage level (on level or off level) that turns the selection switch 66 on or off. The output signal of the level shifter unit 65 is supplied to the control terminal of the corresponding selection switch 66 to turn on or off each selection switch 66. The drive signal COM is supplied from the selection switch 66 thus turned on to the piezoelectric element 67 connected to the selection switch 66. On the other hand, the drive signal COM is not supplied from the selection switch 66 in the off state to the piezoelectric element 67 connected to the selection switch 66. Even after the selection switch 66 is turned off, the input voltage of the corresponding piezoelectric element 67 (the voltage at the input terminal) is preferably maintained at the voltage just before that. A symbol HGND in FIG. 3 is a ground end of the piezoelectric element 67. In this specification, the drive signal COM can be used in common for the plurality of piezoelectric elements 67, and is also referred to as a “common drive signal COM”.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the control signals COM, LAT, and CH supplied to the print head 60 in the reference example. The latch signal LAT is a signal that generates one pulse at the start timing t01 of one pixel (print pixel). A period defined by the pulse of the latch signal LAT is referred to as a “pixel period Px”. The drive signal COM includes a plurality of pulses DP1, DP2, VP1, and DP3 in each pixel period Px. In portions other than these pulses DP1, DP2, VP1, and DP3, the drive signal COM is maintained at a preset steady potential Vst. Of the four pulses generated in one pixel period Px, three pulses DP1, DP2, DP3 are a unit of waveform used to drive the piezoelectric element 67 and eject ink from the nozzles. These pulses DP1, DP2, DP3 are also referred to as “ink ejection pulses”. The “waveform part” means a part of the drive signal COM and includes a voltage change. The “pulse” includes at least a section in which the voltage level of the drive signal COM is changing, and includes one continuous waveform portion that may include a section in which the voltage level is maintained at a level different from the steady potential Vst. means. “Pulse” is also referred to as “variable waveform portion” or “variable portion”.

  The pulse VP1 in FIG. 4 is a pulse for giving a slight vibration to the meniscus in the nozzle, although ink is not ejected from the nozzle even when applied to the piezoelectric element 67. Such a fine vibration pulse VP1 is used to improve the state of the meniscus of the nozzle. For example, the fine vibration pulse VP1 can be used for the purpose of improving the characteristics of ink ejection from the nozzles thereafter by giving a fine vibration to the meniscus. Alternatively, the micro-vibration pulse VP1 is used for the purpose of facilitating the flow of ink in the meniscus and the ink chamber by giving the micro-vibration to the meniscus, and preventing the viscosity of the ink from increasing excessively in those places. Is possible. Note that a pulse in which ink is not ejected from the nozzle even when the pulse is applied to the piezoelectric element 67 alone, such as the fine vibration pulse VP1, is also referred to as an “ink non-ejection pulse”.

  Each of the pulses DP1, DP2, VP1, and DP3 included in the drive signal COM changes from a predetermined steady potential Vst so as to show a waveform such as a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially mountain shape, and a substantially valley shape, and finally the steady potential Vst. It consists of one waveform part that goes back to In the period before each pulse and the period after each pulse, the voltage level of the drive signal COM is maintained at the steady potential Vst. Note that in this specification, the phrase “the drive signal COM is maintained at the steady potential Vst” allows slight fluctuations due to noise and errors, but the level of the drive signal COM is substantially equal to the potential Vst ( Means not significantly). The “steady potential Vst” is also referred to as “intermediate potential Vst”.

  Depending on the structure of the ink chamber, for example, the rising portion of each pulse enlarges the volume of the ink chamber communicating with the nozzle, and the falling portion of the pulse reduces the volume of the ink chamber so that ink is discharged from the nozzle. Extrude. Therefore, by applying these ink ejection pulses DP1, DP2, DP3 to the piezoelectric element 67, ink is ejected from the nozzles, and ink dots are formed at pixel positions on the print medium. On the other hand, since the voltage change of the fine vibration pulse VP1 is smaller than that of the ink discharge pulse, even if the fine vibration pulse VP1 is applied to the piezoelectric element 67, ink is not discharged from the nozzle.

  In the drive signal COM, the waveforms of the ink ejection pulses DP1, DP2, DP3 (voltage change slopes and peak values) are different from each other. When the waveform of the ink discharge pulse is different, the ink discharge amount (that is, the size of the ink dot formed on the print medium) is different. Therefore, a desired amount of ink can be ejected from the nozzles by selecting one or more of the ink ejection pulses DP1, DP2 and DP3 and supplying them to the piezoelectric element 67 in each pixel period Px. it can. Whether ink has been ejected from the nozzles can be determined by examining whether ink dots have been formed on the print medium. The “peak value” of a certain waveform portion means both the maximum value and the minimum value of the voltage in the waveform portion. As in the example of the pulses DP1, DP2, DP3, there may be a case where a plurality of peak values exist in one pulse. Of the maximum value and the minimum value of the voltage in a certain waveform portion, the voltage having the largest difference from the steady potential Vst is also referred to as “peak voltage”.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the dot size and the selection pulse. In this example, the relationship between the pixel gradation value of the print data, the value of the pulse selection signal PSS, the dot size, and the selected pulse is shown. The pixel gradation value is represented by a 2-bit binary number, and the value of the pulse selection signal PSS is represented by a 4-bit binary number. Conversion from the pixel gradation value to the pulse selection signal PSS is executed by the main control unit 42 or the head driving unit 45 using a conversion table prepared in advance. Depending on the value of the pulse selection signal PSS, some of the pulses DP1 to DP3 and VP1 of the drive signal COM in FIG. 4 are selected and supplied to the piezoelectric element 67. As a result, four types of dot sizes are distinguished as dot sizes: no dots (no ink dots are formed), small dots, medium dots, and large dots. Three types of dots, small dots, medium dots, and large dots, differ in the amount of ink discharged from the nozzles. For example, the ink discharge amount for small dots is 8 picoliters, 19 picoliters for medium dots, and 24 picoliters for large dots. FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the shape and number of pulses of the drive signal COM can be set so as to form ink dots of various sizes according to the printer model. If two or more ink ejection pulses (for example, pulses DP1 and DP2) are selected within one pixel period Px, larger dots can be formed. In the example of FIG. 5, the fine vibration pulse VP1 is selected and supplied to the piezoelectric element 67 when there is no dot, but instead, when there is no dot, no pulse is selected and the piezoelectric pulse is selected. The element 67 may not be supplied with any pulse.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the latch signal LAT is a signal that becomes high level at the start timing t01 of the one-pixel cycle Px. Whether or not the first pulse DP1 of the drive signal COM is supplied to each piezoelectric element 67 depends on the level (high or low) of the pulse selection signal PSS latched by the latch unit 64 (FIG. 3) at this timing t01. Will be decided accordingly. On the other hand, the channel signal CH is a signal that becomes a high level at each of these timings t02, t03, and t04 in order to indicate timings t02, t03, and t04 that determine whether the second and subsequent pulses DP2, VP1, and DP3 are used. It is. Whether or not the second and subsequent pulses DP2, VP1, and DP3 are supplied to the individual piezoelectric elements 67 depends on the level of the pulse selection signal PSS latched by the latch unit 64 at these timings t02, t03, and t04. It is determined. Note that the end timing t05 of one pixel cycle Px is the start timing t01 of the next pixel cycle Px. The drive signal COM in FIG. 4 includes four pulses DP1, DP2, VP1, and DP3 that can be supplied to the piezoelectric element 67 within one pixel period Px. Therefore, whether or not these four pulses are used. A total of four pulses, that is, one pulse of the latch signal LAT and three pulses of the channel signal CH are used as pulses that define the timing for determining the signal. The pulse selection signal PSS (FIG. 5) is also a 4-bit signal corresponding to this.

  Observing FIG. 4, it is possible to recognize the cycle Pcom of the drive signal COM separately from the pixel cycle Px. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, the period Pcom of the drive signal COM is defined as a time interval having a length equal to the pixel period Px, starting from the time when the voltage level starts to change from the steady potential Vst. Can do. The drive signal COM is a periodic signal in which the same waveform is repeatedly generated every period Pcom. Hereinafter, this period Pcom is also referred to as “drive signal period Pcom”. However, when only the drive signal COM is observed, it is arbitrary in which timing the start point of the drive signal period Pcom is taken. For example, the point in time when the change in the voltage level in any pulse returns to the steady potential Vst can be set as the start point of the drive signal period Pcom. However, in the example of FIG. 4, the time when the voltage level starts to change from the steady potential Vst in the first pulse DP1 is set as the start point of the drive signal period Pcom.

  Incidentally, when the head is driven using the drive signal COM as shown in FIG. 4, the following problem may occur. The first problem is residual vibration of the piezoelectric element. As described in the related art, if the next ink ejection pulse is applied to the piezoelectric element while residual vibration exists in the piezoelectric element, the ink ejection characteristics may be deteriorated. Specifically, there is a possibility that a correct amount of ink cannot be ejected or ink dots cannot be formed at the correct position. In particular, in the section after a large pulse (such as the pulse DP1 in FIG. 4), the problem of residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67 is significant. The second problem is overheating of the print head. 4 shows a temporal change in the head temperature of the print head 60 (FIG. 2). In the example of FIG. 4, since the pixel period Px (and the drive signal period Pcom) is relatively short, the head temperature rapidly increases with the passage of time. Such an increase rate of the head temperature becomes more remarkable as the pixel period Px is shorter, and the maximum value of the head temperature becomes higher as the width of the print medium along the scanning direction (width in the main scanning direction) is larger. For example, when printing on a large-sized print medium of A2 or larger, the head temperature increases excessively, which may cause a decrease in the life of the print head or damage to the print head. Especially in the worst conditions, such as when the environmental temperature of the printer is high and large dots are continuously formed during one main scan, such overheating of the print head becomes a problem. Note that the pixel period Px becomes shorter as the main scanning speed (that is, the carriage speed) of the print head 60 is higher. Therefore, the problem of overheating of the print head becomes more conspicuous as the main scanning speed of the print head 60 is higher. In various embodiments described below, it is possible to solve at least some of these problems. Note that “one main scan” means that the print head is moved relative to the print medium continuously or intermittently along the same one of the forward and backward directions. Means movement. Here, “continuously” means that the movement is performed without interruption, and “intermittently” means that the movement and the stop are alternately performed. Normally, the main scanning movement is performed continuously, but may be performed intermittently. Further, the phrase “moving the print head relative to the print medium” includes not only moving the print head but also moving the print medium.

  FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the waveform of the drive signal of the first embodiment. The waveforms of the three ink ejection pulses DP1, DP2, DP3 and one minute vibration pulse VP1 included in the drive signal COM in FIG. 6 are the same as those in FIG. Also, the correlation between these pulses DP1, DP2, VP1, DP3 and the positions of the timings t11, t12, t13, t14 for them is the same as in FIG. Further, the relationship shown in FIG.

  One of the major differences between FIG. 6 and FIG. 4 is that in FIG. 6, the drive signal period Pcom and the pixel period Px are significantly extended compared to FIG. More specifically, in the drive signal COM of FIG. 6, the sections NP1 to NP4 between individual pulses are longer than those of FIG. These sections NP1 to NP4 are sections having no potential change from the predetermined potential Vst, and can be referred to as “first type signal section NP” or “voltage steady section NP”. On the other hand, the time intervals EP1 to EP4 corresponding to the individual pulses DP1, DP2, VP1, and DP3 can be referred to as “second type signal interval EP” or “voltage fluctuation interval EP”. The second type signal section EP is a section from the start point to the end point of the pulse and does not include a period maintained at the steady potential Vst before and after each pulse.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the first type signal section NP and the second type signal section EP are alternately generated. In general, M (M is an integer of 1 or more) first type signal sections NP and M second type signal sections EP are generated in one drive signal period Pcom. The value of M may be 1 or more, but is preferably 2 or more because more ink ejection pulses can be used. The sum of the lengths of the M first type signal sections NP and the M second type signal sections EP is equal to the drive signal period Pcom.

The definitions of the terms related to the waveform of the drive signal described so far are summarized as follows.
(1) “Waveform”
The “waveform part” means a part of the drive signal COM and including a voltage change.
(2) "Pulse"
The “pulse” does not include a section where the steady potential Vst is maintained, but includes at least a section where the voltage level of the drive signal COM changes, and the voltage level is maintained at a level different from the steady potential Vst. Means one continuous waveform portion that may include a section.
(3) “Ink ejection pulse”
The “ink discharge pulse” is a pulse used for discharging ink from the nozzle.
(4) "Ink ejection failure pulse"
The “ink non-ejection pulse” is a pulse in which ink is not ejected from the nozzle even when the pulse is applied alone to the piezoelectric element.
(5) “Peak value”
The “peak value” of a certain waveform portion means both the maximum value and the minimum value of the voltage in the waveform portion.
(6) “Peak voltage”
The “peak voltage” of a certain waveform portion means a voltage having the largest difference from the steady potential Vst among the maximum value and the minimum value of the voltage in the waveform portion.
(7) “Pixel cycle Px”
“Pixel period Px” means a time interval corresponding to one print pixel.
(8) “Drive signal cycle Pcom”
The “driving signal period Pcom” is the time when the voltage level starts to change from the steady potential Vst or the time when the change in the voltage level ends and returns to the steady potential Vst. Are equal time intervals.
(9) “Type 1 signal section NP”
The “first type signal interval NP” is a time interval in which there is no potential change from a predetermined potential.
(10) “Type 2 signal section EP”
The “second type signal interval EP” is a time interval that is not included in the first type signal interval but includes an interval having a potential change.

  In FIG. 6, the longest section (referred to as “longest second-type signal section”) among the plurality of second-type signal sections EP1 to EP4 is the first second-type signal section EP1. As the setting of the section of the drive signal COM, it is preferable that the first type signal section NP1 after the longest second type signal section EP1 is longer than the longest second type signal section EP1. This is because there is a high possibility that the residual vibration due to the ink ejection pulse in the longest second type signal interval EP1 is larger than that in the other second type signal interval EP. Accordingly, if the subsequent first type signal section NP1 is made longer than the longest second type signal section EP1, the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67 can be sufficiently damped in the first type signal section NP1. . Regarding the second type signal section EP other than the longest second type signal section EP1, the first type signal section NP after the second type signal section EP is shorter than the second type signal section EP. May be. This is because the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67 may not be so large after the second type signal section EP other than the longest second type signal section EP1.

  Further, it is more preferable that the shortest section (referred to as “shortest first-type signal section”) among the plurality of first-type signal sections NP1 to NP4 is made longer than the longest second-type signal section EP1. In the example of FIG. 6, the shortest first type signal section is the third first type signal section NP3. Comparing the longest second type signal section EP1 and the shortest first type signal section NP3, it can be understood that EP1 <NP3 is certainly established. If such a section is set, the individual pulses are separated from each other in time, so that the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element can be sufficiently damped in any first type signal section NP. This point will be described in detail based on the following second reference example.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the waveform of the drive signal of the second reference example. The waveforms of the three ink ejection pulses DP1, DP2, DP3 and one micro-vibration pulse VP1 included in the drive signal COM in FIG. 7 are the same as those in FIGS. Also, the correlation between these pulses DP1, DP2, VP1, DP3 and the positions of timings t21, t22, t23, t24 for them is the same as in FIG. The difference between FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is that in FIG. 7, the interval between the third ink ejection pulse DP3 and the first ink ejection pulse DP1 at the next pixel position is extended from FIG. The interval between the pulses is maintained at the same as in FIG. The lengths of the pixel period Px and the drive signal period Pcom in FIG. 7 are the same as those in FIG.

  In the drive signal COM shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the intervals between the pulses DP1, DP2, VP1, and DP3 are shorter than those of the drive signal COM shown in FIG. Conversely, in the drive signal COM of FIG. 6, the intervals of the pulses DP1, DP2, VP1, and DP3 are longer than those of the drive signal COM of FIGS. When the pulse interval is short, after the piezoelectric element 67 is vibrated by one pulse DP1, the next ink ejection pulse DP2 is applied to the piezoelectric element while the residual vibration is present in the piezoelectric element 67. The residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67 may deteriorate the ink ejection characteristics. From this point of view, the drive signal COM of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is provided with the first type signal sections NP1 to NP4 so that the intervals between the individual pulses DP1, DP2, VP1, and DP3 are sufficiently wide. This is more preferable. Also, by separating the ink ejection pulses DP from each other in time, the positions of the ink dots at the pixel positions on the print medium can be dispersed, and the image quality can be improved in some cases. This will be described with reference to FIG. 8 below.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B show examples of dot arrangement when the drive signal COM of the first embodiment (FIG. 6) and the second reference example (FIG. 7) is used. Here, the square frame indicates the position of the print pixel. In the first embodiment, the positions of large dots, medium dots, and small dots are moderately dispersed in the pixels. On the other hand, in the second reference example, it can be understood that the positions of large dots, medium dots, and small dots are more biased in the pixels. As for the position of the dots, as shown in FIG. 8A, it is recognized that the image quality is better when there is no deviation than in FIG. 8B. Therefore, also from this viewpoint, like the drive signal COM in FIG. 6, the longest interval EP1 of the plurality of second type signal intervals EP1 to EP4 is more than the longest interval EP1 of the plurality of first type signal intervals NP1 to NP4. It is preferable that the shortest section NP3 is longer.

  Considering the various viewpoints as described above, there are several preferable relationships as follows between the first type signal section NP and the second type signal section EP.

(1) Relationship between the first type signal section NP and the second type signal section EP 1:
It is preferable that the first type signal section NP after the longest second type signal section EP is longer than the longest second type signal section EP of the second type signal section EP. In this way, as described above, the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67 can be sufficiently damped. The drive signal COM in FIG. 6 has this relationship.

(2) Relationship 2 between the first type signal section NP and the second type signal section EP 2:
Each of the first type signal section NP is preferably longer than the second type signal section EP before the first type signal section NP. In this way, the residual vibration generated in each second type signal interval EP can be sufficiently damped in the subsequent first type signal interval NP. The drive signal COM in FIG. 6 also has this relationship.

(3) Relationship 3 between the first type signal section NP and the second type signal section EP 3:
Each of the first type signal section NP is preferably set so that the first type signal section NP becomes longer as the previous second type signal section EP is longer. This is because there is a possibility that the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67 is larger as the second type signal section EP is longer. The drive signal COM in FIG. 6 also has this relationship.

(4) Relationship between the first type signal section NP and the second type signal section EP 4:
Each of the first type signal section NP is preferably set such that the first type signal section NP becomes longer as the peak voltage in the previous second type signal section EP is higher. This is because the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67 may be larger as the peak voltage in the second type signal section EP is higher. The drive signal COM in FIG. 6 also has this relationship.

(5) Relationship 5 between the first type signal interval NP and the second type signal interval EP 5:
Each of the first type signal section NP is preferably set so that the first type signal section NP becomes longer as the ink ejection amount in the preceding second type signal section EP is larger. This is because there is a possibility that the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67 is larger as the ink discharge amount in the second type signal section EP is larger. The drive signal COM in FIG. 6 also has this relationship.

(6) Relationship 6 between the first type signal section NP and the second type signal section EP 6:
It is preferable that the shortest shortest first type signal section in the first type signal section NP is longer than the longest second type signal section in the second type signal section. By so doing, the pulses DP are sufficiently separated from each other in time, so that the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67 can be sufficiently damped. The drive signal COM in FIG. 6 also has this relationship.

  As the relationship between the first type signal interval NP and the second type signal interval EP, any of the above relationships 1 to 6 may be adopted. Moreover, FIG. 6 can understand that it is a preferable example which has all these relationships 1-6. Thus, the above relations 1 to 6 can be established without contradicting each other. However, in some cases, the lengths of the sections NP and EP may be set according to only one of the above relationships 1 to 6 or only some of the relationships. Further, the lengths of the sections NP and EP may be set according to a relationship other than these.

  In the lower part of FIG. 6, the temporal change of the head temperature in the first embodiment is illustrated. Since the drive signal COM has a sufficiently long first type signal section NP, the print head 60 is cooled in this section NP and the head temperature does not rise excessively. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the print head 60 from being overheated even when printing on a large print medium (for example, A2 size or larger printing paper). In this sense, it is preferable to set each first type signal section NP longer than the previous second type signal section EP. In this way, the print head can be sufficiently cooled in the first type signal section NP, and the print head 60 can be prevented from being overheated.

  In a print medium (for example, print paper of A3 size or less) whose width in the main scanning direction is not so large, the temperature of the print head 60 does not become so high. Further, depending on the waveform of the drive signal COM, the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67 may not be a big problem. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to use a drive signal having a shorter first type signal section NP than that shown in FIG. 6 or the drive signal shown in FIG. That is, when printing is performed using a print medium whose width in the main scanning direction is a certain value or less, the first type signal interval NP may be set shorter than the second type signal interval EP.

  By the way, as the drive signal COM, it is preferable to use the drive signal COM having the same period Pcom throughout the period of one main scan over the entire main scan width of the print medium. However, in different main scans, the drive signal period Pcom may be set to a different length. For example, the drive signal period Pcom may be set to different lengths in the even-numbered main scan and the odd-numbered main scan. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a drive signal COM having the same period Pcom that is sufficiently long throughout the entire printing process on a single print medium. In this way, even if the head temperature gradually rises during the printing operation, it is possible to prevent the head temperature from rising excessively. Note that if the length of the drive signal period Pcom is changed, the dot formation position also changes, which may cause deterioration in image quality. From this point of view, the length of the drive signal period Pcom is preferably kept constant at least throughout each main scanning period, and more preferably kept constant throughout the entire printing process on one print medium.

  Note that the types and number of pulses included in one pixel period Px of the drive signal COM may be other than the example of FIG. For example, the number of pulses included in one pixel period Px of the drive signal COM may be 1. However, it is preferable that the number of ink ejection pulses included in one pixel period Px of the drive signal COM is 2 or more, because two or more types of dots having different sizes can be formed. The total number of pulses of the timing signals LAT and CH and the generation timing of those pulses are set as appropriate according to the number and position of the pulses of the drive signal COM included in one pixel period Px.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section of the second type signal section EP. Thus, since these sections are set, it is possible to attenuate the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element. Various preferred settings and modes described in the first embodiment can be applied to other embodiments described below.

Second Embodiment: Example in which First-Type Signal Section Contains Dummy Pulse FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the waveform of the drive signal of the second embodiment. The difference between FIG. 9 and FIG. 6 is that the dummy pulse DUM1 is included in the first type signal section NP1 in FIG. 9, and other signal shapes are almost the same as those in FIG. When the dummy pulse DUM1 is applied to the piezoelectric element 67, ink is ejected from the nozzle, but is actually a waveform portion that is not applied to the piezoelectric element 67. The dummy pulse is also called “dummy waveform portion”. As shown in FIG. 9, in the first type signal section NP1, the pulse of the channel signal CH is generated at the timing t32 before the dummy pulse DUM1 is generated. The selection switch is turned off. In order to turn off the selection switches for all the nozzles, it is preferable to add one bit of the value “0” as the second bit of the pulse selection signal PSS (FIG. 5) for all the nozzles. As described above, the dummy pulse DUM1 of the drive signal COM is not actually applied to the piezoelectric element 67, and ink is not ejected in accordance with the dummy pulse DUM1. Therefore, the dummy pulse DUM1 is a kind of ink non-ejection pulse, similar to the fine vibration pulse VP1. 9 is the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 except that a dummy pulse DUM1 is added and a pulse (timing t32) of the channel signal CH for dummy pulses is added. . Note that timings t31 and t33 to t36 in FIG. 9 correspond to timings t11 to t15 in FIG. 6, respectively.

Since the dummy pulse DUM1 is not actually applied to the piezoelectric element 67, there is no possibility of causing a problem of residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 9, the dummy pulse DUM1 is depicted as being included in the first type signal section NP1. Considering such a property of the dummy pulse, the definitions of the first type signal section NP and the second type signal section EP can be rewritten as follows.
(1) “Type 1 signal section NP”
The “first type signal interval NP” is a time interval in which there is no potential change from a predetermined potential. However, when the drive signal includes a dummy pulse that is not actually applied to the piezoelectric element, the first type signal section NP includes a dummy pulse section.
(2) “Type 2 signal section EP”
The “second type signal interval EP” is a time interval that is not included in the first type signal interval but includes an interval having a potential change.

  The dummy pulse DUM1 can be used, for example, to maintain the voltage stability of the head driving unit 45. In a normal use state, the current leakage in the head drive unit 45 is extremely small and can be ignored. However, there is a possibility that current leakage in the head drive unit 45 may increase under severe environmental conditions of high temperature and high humidity. In such a case, if the static state is maintained without operating the circuit elements in the head drive unit 45, the potential of the drive signal COM may gradually decrease from the steady potential Vst. Therefore, by intentionally generating an ink non-ejection pulse such as the dummy pulse DUM1, it is possible to maintain the voltage stability of the head drive unit 45 and prevent a decrease in the potential of the drive signal COM. Even if such a potential drop does not occur in a normal use state, it is preferable to use a dummy pulse even in a normal use state as long as it may occur under severe worst conditions.

  Also in the second embodiment, the first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section of the second type signal section EP. Since these sections are set, the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element can be reduced. Further, since the dummy pulse is generated in the first type signal section NP, the voltage stability of the head driving unit 45 can be maintained.

Third Embodiment: Use Example of Multi-Drive Signal FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the switching control unit 61 in the third embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. The difference between FIG. 10 and FIG. 3 is that, in FIG. 10, two sets of shift register units 63a and 63b, two sets of latch units 64a and 64b, two sets of level shifter units 65a, 65b and two sets of selection switch portions 66a and 66b are provided. Different pulse selection signals PSS1 and PSS2 are supplied to the two sets of shift register units 63a and 63b. However, the same clock signal SCK is supplied to the two sets of shift register units 63a and 63b. The two sets of latch sections 64a and 64b are supplied with the same latch signal LAT and the same channel signal CH. However, different latch signals LAT and different channel signals CH may be supplied to the two sets of latch units 64a and 64b. Two different drive signals COM1 and COM2 are supplied to the two sets of selection switch sections 66a and 66b. The circuit parts 63a, 64a, 65a, 66a with the letter “a” at the end of the reference numerals are used for selecting the pulse of the first drive signal COM1. The circuit parts 63b, 64b, 65b, 66b with the letter “b” at the end of the reference sign are used for selecting the pulse of the second drive signal COM2. The output terminals of the two selection switches 66a and 66b provided for each nozzle are commonly connected to one piezoelectric element 67 of the nozzle. Therefore, one of the two drive signals COM1 and COM2 can be selectively supplied to the piezoelectric element 67 of each nozzle.

  FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing waveforms of two drive signals used in the third embodiment. The first drive signal COM1 includes two ink ejection pulses DP1 and DP3 and one fine vibration pulse VP1. Timings for the pulses DP1, VP1, DP3 of the first drive signal COM1 are pulse timings t41 (= t44), t42, t43 of the channel signal CH. On the other hand, the second drive signal COM2 includes two ink ejection pulses DP2 and DP4 and one minute vibration pulse VP2. The timings for the pulses DP2, VP2, DP4 of the second drive signal COM2 are also pulse timings t41, t42, t43 of the channel signal CH. In this example, it is possible to form many types of ink dots by combining four ink ejection pulses DP1 to DP4 included in the two drive signals COM1 and COM2. For example, by selecting only one of four types of ink ejection pulses DP1 to DP4, four types of ink dots having different ink amounts can be formed. In addition, it is possible to form a larger ink dot by allowing selection of two or more ink ejection pulses in one pixel period Px.

  As shown in the uppermost part of FIG. 11, the drive signal period Pcom includes three first-type signal sections NP1 to NP3 and three second-type signal sections EP1 to EP3, and the first-type signal section NP. And second-type signal sections EP are alternately generated. However, when a plurality of drive signals are generated simultaneously as in this example, the division of the first type signal section NP and the second type signal section EP is determined from the entirety of the plurality of drive signals. Specifically, in FIG. 11, the first type signal interval NP11 to NP13 when only the first drive signal COM1 is considered can be determined as a time interval in which the first drive signal COM1 is maintained at the voltage Vst. . Second type signal sections NP11 to NP13 of the first drive signal COM1 are sections other than the first type signal sections EP11 to EP13. On the other hand, the first type signal interval NP21 to EP23 when only the second drive signal COM2 is considered can be determined as a time interval in which the second drive signal COM2 is maintained at the voltage Vst. Second type signal sections EP21 to EP23 of the second drive signal COM2 are sections other than the first type signal sections NP21 to NP23. The first second type signal interval EP1 in the whole of these two drive signals COM1 and COM2 is the first second type signal interval EP11 of the first drive signal COM1 and the first of the second drive signal COM2. This is a section obtained by taking a logical sum (OR) of the second type signal section EP21. The reason for taking the logical sum in this way is that the two second-type signal sections EP11 and EP21 overlap. The same applies to the other second type signal sections EP2 and EP3. On the other hand, the first type signal interval NP1 of the two drive signals COM1 and COM2 as a whole is the first first type signal interval NP11 of the first drive signal COM1 and the first first type of the second drive signal COM2. The first product type signal section NP21 is obtained by taking the logical product (AND). The same applies to the other first type signal sections NP1 and NP3. The second type signal sections EP1 to EP3 are sections obtained by excluding the first type signal sections NP1 to NP3 from the drive signal period Pcom.

  The head drive unit 45 may generate three or more drive signals simultaneously and supply them to the print head 60. If a plurality of drive signals are used, the number of ink dots having different sizes can be increased. In general, the first type signal interval NP and the second type signal interval EP in the case where a plurality of drive signals are generated at the same time combine all the drive signals to synthesize a virtual one drive signal, It can also be considered that the first type signal interval NP and the second type signal interval EP are determined in a single drive signal.

  In the third embodiment, even when the head drive unit 45 generates a plurality of drive signals and supplies them to the print head at the same time, the longest type 2 signal section, which is the longest of the type 2 signal sections, Since these sections are set so that the first type signal section after the longest second type signal section becomes longer, it is possible to sufficiently attenuate the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element.

Fourth Embodiment: Example of Use of Drive Signal in Multiple Main Scan Recording Method In the fourth embodiment, the drive signal of the above-described embodiment is used in a printing operation called a multiple main scan recording method. Therefore, in the following, the multiple main scanning recording method will be described first, and then the method of using drive signals in the multiple main scanning recording method will be described.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating an example of a normal dot recording method (non-multiplexed main scanning recording method). FIG. 12A shows an example of sub-scan feed when four nozzles are used, and FIG. 12B shows the parameters of the dot recording method. In FIG. 12A, solid circles including numbers indicate the positions of the four nozzles in the sub-scanning direction in each pass. Here, “pass” means one main scan. Numbers 0 to 3 in the circles are nozzle numbers. In this example, the positions of the four nozzles are sent in the sub-scanning direction each time one main scan is completed. In practice, however, feeding in the sub-scanning direction is realized by moving the paper by the paper feed motor 22 (FIG. 2).

  As shown at the left end of FIG. 12A, in this example, the sub-scan feed amount L is a constant value of 4 pixels. Accordingly, each time the sub-scan feed is performed, the position of each nozzle is shifted by 4 pixels in the sub-scanning direction. Each nozzle is allowed to perform dot recording at all pixel positions on each main scanning line during one main scanning. At the right end of FIG. 12A, the number of the nozzle that performs dot recording on each main scanning line is shown. In the main scanning line drawn with a broken line extending in the right direction (main scanning direction) from the circle indicating the position of the nozzle in the sub-scanning direction, dots cannot be recorded in the main scanning line adjacent to the main scanning line. Dot recording is prohibited. On the other hand, a main scanning line drawn with a solid line extending in the main scanning direction can record dots on the main scanning line adjacent to the main scanning line. In this way, the range of main scanning lines in which dot recording can actually be performed on adjacent main scanning lines is hereinafter referred to as an effective recording range (or “effective printing range”). However, by performing sub-scan feed with a smaller feed amount near the upper end and near the lower end of the print medium, dot recording can be performed in a range (non-recordable range) other than the effective recording range shown in FIG. Is possible.

  In the upper part of FIG. 12B, various scanning parameters relating to this dot recording method are shown. The scanning parameters include the nozzle pitch k [pixel], the number of used nozzles N [pieces], the main scanning repetition number s, the effective nozzle number Neff [pieces], and the sub-scan feed amount L [pixels]. ing. In this example, the nozzle pitch k is 3 pixels. The nozzle pitch value k can be set to any integer greater than or equal to 1, but is preferably set to an integer greater than or equal to 2 from the viewpoint of image quality. In the example of FIG. 12, the number N of nozzles used for any one color is four. The number N of used nozzles is the number of nozzles actually used among a plurality of nozzles mounted for discharging each color ink. Actually, several tens of nozzles are usually used for one color, but here, for the sake of simplicity, the number N of nozzles used is four. The main scanning repetition number s means the number of times main scanning for dot formation is executed on each main scanning line. For example, when the main scanning repetition number s is 2, two main scans are executed for dot formation on each main scan line. At this time, normally, at every other pixel position in one main scan. Intermittent dot recording is allowed. In the case of FIG. 12, since the main scanning repetition number s is 1, dot recording is allowed at all pixel positions on each main scanning line in one main scanning. The effective nozzle number Neff is a value obtained by dividing the used nozzle number N by the main scanning repetition number s. This effective nozzle number Neff can be considered to indicate the net number of main scanning lines in which dot recording is completed in one main scanning.

  In the table of FIG. 12B, the sub-scan feed amount L in each pass, the cumulative value ΣL, and the nozzle offset F are shown. Here, the offset F (position shift amount) means that the periodic positions of the nozzles in the first pass 1 (positions every four pixels in FIG. 12) are assumed to be reference positions where the offset is 0, and thereafter This is a value indicating how many pixels the nozzle position in the pass is away from the reference position in the sub-scanning direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, after pass 1, the position of the nozzle moves in the sub-scanning direction by the sub-scan feed amount L (= 4 pixels). On the other hand, the nozzle pitch k is 3 pixels. Therefore, the nozzle offset F in pass 2 is 1 (see FIG. 12A). Similarly, the nozzle position in pass 3 is moved by ΣL = 8 pixels from the initial position, and its offset F is 2. The nozzle position in pass 4 has moved by ΣL = 12 pixels from the initial position, and its offset F is zero. In pass 4 after three sub-scan feeds, the nozzle offset F returns to 0. Therefore, by repeating this cycle with three sub-scans as one cycle, all pixel positions on the main scan line in the effective recording range Dots can be recorded. As can be seen from the example of FIG. 12, when the position of the nozzle is away from the initial position by an integer multiple of the nozzle pitch k, the offset F is zero. In general, the offset F is given by a remainder (ΣL)% k obtained by dividing the cumulative value ΣL of the sub-scan feed amount L by the nozzle pitch k. Here, “%” is an operator indicating that the remainder of division is taken.

  When the main scanning repetition number s is 1, the scanning parameters are set so as to satisfy the following conditions in order to prevent the main scanning lines to be recorded in the effective recording range from being missing or overlapping.

Condition c1: The number of sub-scan feeds in one cycle is equal to the nozzle pitch k.
Condition c2: Nozzle offset F after each sub-scan feed in one cycle is a different value in the range of 0 to (k−1).
Condition c3: The sub-scan average feed amount (ΣL / k) is equal to the number N of used nozzles.

  Each of the above conditions is described in detail in FIG. 6, for example, in JP2002-11859A, and therefore the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating an example of a dot recording method when the main scanning repetition number s is two. When the main scanning repetition number s exceeds 1, s main scannings are executed on the same main scanning line. The dot recording method when the main scanning repetition number s exceeds 1 is referred to as a “multiple main scanning recording method”. A dot recording method in which the main scanning repetition number s is equal to 1 is called a “non-multiplexed main scanning recording method”.

  The scanning parameters of the dot recording method shown in FIG. 13 are obtained by changing the main scanning repetition number s and the sub-scan feed amount L among the scanning parameters shown in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 13A, the sub-scan feed amount L in the dot recording method of FIG. 13 is a constant value of 2 pixels. In FIG. 13A, the positions of the nozzles in even-numbered passes are indicated by diamonds. Normally, as shown at the right end of FIG. 13A, the pixel position recorded in the even-numbered pass is shifted from the pixel position recorded in the odd-numbered pass by one pixel in the main scanning direction. . Accordingly, a plurality of pixel positions on the same main scanning line are intermittently recorded by two different nozzles. For example, the main scanning line at the uppermost end in the effective recording range is one pixel at the nozzle No. 0 at pass 5 after a dot is intermittently recorded at every other pixel position by the nozzle No. 2 at pass 2. Dots are intermittently recorded at every other pixel position. In this multiple main scanning recording method, each nozzle allows dot recording at one pixel position during one main scanning, and then prohibits dot recording at the next (s−1) pixel positions. In addition, the nozzle is driven at intermittent timing.

  At the bottom of the table in FIG. 13B, the value of the offset F of each path in one cycle is shown. One cycle includes six passes, and the offset F in each pass from pass 2 to pass 7 includes a value in the range of 0 to 2 twice. Further, the change in the offset F in the three passes from the pass 2 to the pass 4 is equal to the change in the offset F in the three passes from the pass 5 to the pass 7. As shown at the left end of FIG. 13A, the six passes of one cycle can be divided into two sets of three small cycles. At this time, one cycle is completed by repeating the small cycle s times.

  In general, when the main scanning repetition number s exceeds 1, the above-described first to third conditions c1 to c3 are rewritten as the following conditions c1 'to c3'.

Condition c1 ′: The number of sub-scan feeds in one cycle is equal to a value (k × s) obtained by multiplying the nozzle pitch k and the main scan repetition number s.
Condition c2 ′: Nozzle offset F after each sub-scan feed in one cycle is a value in the range of 0 to (k−1), and each value appears s times.
Condition c3 ′: The sub-scan average feed amount {ΣL / (k × s)} is equal to the effective nozzle number Neff (= N / s).

  The above conditions c1 'to c3' are satisfied even when the main scanning repetition number s is 1. Therefore, it is considered that the conditions c1 'to c3' are generally satisfied regardless of the value of the main scanning repetition number s. That is, if the above three conditions c1 'to c3' are satisfied, dot recording can be executed so that there is no missing or unnecessary overlap in the recorded pixel position in the effective recording range. However, in the case of performing dot recording by the multiple main scanning recording method, a condition is also set in which pixel positions that permit dot recording are shifted in the main scanning direction in s main scannings. 12 and 13, the case where the sub-scan feed amount L is a constant value has been described. However, the above conditions c1 ′ to c3 ′ are not limited to the case where the sub-scan feed amount L is a constant value. The present invention is also applicable when using a combination of a plurality of different values as the sub-scan feed amount.

  The operation of the multiple main scanning recording method as described above does not complete the ink ejection required on each main scanning line in one main scanning on each main scanning line along the main scanning direction. It can be considered that the recording operation is completed by two or more main scans. In the printing operation of FIG. 13, the main scanning operation and the sub scanning operation are repeatedly performed alternately, but it is not necessary to alternately perform the main scanning operation and the sub scanning operation. For example, it is possible to adopt a printing operation in which the main scanning operation is performed twice and then the sub-scanning operation is performed once.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a use state of pulses when printing is performed in the multiple main scanning recording method using the drive signal COM in the fourth embodiment. This drive signal COM is the same as the drive signal COM of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Instead of this, the drive signals of other embodiments may be used.

  The lower part of FIG. 14 shows whether or not the use of the ink ejection pulse of the drive signal COM is permitted in two passes for scanning on the same main scanning line. That is, in the first pass (pass of pass number 1), the ink discharge pulse can be used at even pixel positions, but the ink discharge pulse of the drive signal COM cannot be used at odd pixel positions. In other words, in the first pass, ink ejection is permitted at even pixel positions, but ink ejection is completely prohibited at odd pixel positions. On the other hand, in the second pass, in contrast to the first bus, the ink ejection pulse can be used at the odd pixel positions, but the ink ejection pulse of the drive signal COM is completely disabled at the even pixel positions. One of the pulse selection signals PSS in FIG. 5 is used at the pixel position where the use of the ink ejection pulse is permitted. On the other hand, a value “0010” (or “0000”) indicating no dot is used as the pulse selection signal PSS at the pixel position where the use of the ink ejection pulse is prohibited.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the printing operation of the multiple main scanning recording method, when the ejection of ink on the same main scanning line is completed by a plurality of passes, at most one pixel position in each pass. Further, only the drive signal COM is applied to the piezoelectric element 67 (i.e., at a ratio of one pixel to two pixels). Therefore, if the drive signal COM described in the other embodiments described above is used in the multiple main scanning method, there is an advantage that the temperature rise of the head can be further suppressed.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating print modes that can be set by various print setting parameters in the fourth embodiment. In this example, five parameters of print resolution, main scanning repetition number s, maximum ink amount, reciprocating operation, and carriage speed are used as print setting parameters. Then, eight different printing modes M1 to M8 are set according to the combination of these parameters. The column “printing resolution” indicates [resolution in the main scanning direction] × [resolution in the sub-scanning direction]. The column “maximum ink amount” indicates the largest ink droplet amount that can be ejected per pixel in each print mode. In the “reciprocating operation” column, “Bi-d” indicates bidirectional printing, and “Uni-d” indicates unidirectional printing. Note that bidirectional printing means printing in which ink is ejected in both forward and backward main scans, and unidirectional printing is in one of the main scans selected in advance from forward and backward movements. Only printing that ejects ink is meant.

  The first printing mode M1 is a mode in which the printing resolution is 360 × 360 dpi, the main scanning repetition number s is 1, the maximum ink amount is 24 picoliters, the reciprocating operation is bidirectional, and the carriage speed is high. On the other hand, the eighth printing mode M8 is a mode in which the printing resolution is 1440 × 720 dpi, the main scanning repetition number s is 2, the maximum ink amount is 8 picoliters, the reciprocating operation is unidirectional, and the carriage speed is low. The relationship between the parameters and the print mode can be stored in advance in, for example, the printer driver of the computer 90 or the ROM 53 (FIG. 2) of the main control unit 42.

  The print mode does not have to be determined according to all the parameters shown in FIG. 15, and may be determined according to some of them. For example, the print mode may be determined according to three parameters of the print resolution, the main scanning repetition number, and the reciprocating operation.

  Of the print modes shown in FIG. 15, the first four print modes M1 to M4 have the largest maximum ink amount. In this respect, the head temperature is likely to rise more than the other four print modes M5 to M8. Conceivable. Also, the higher the carriage speed, the more likely the head temperature will rise. Therefore, in the printing modes M1 to M4, it is preferable not to excessively increase the carriage speed so that the head does not overheat. Further, as described in FIG. 6, in order to attenuate the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element 67, the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section of the second type signal section EP. These sections are preferably set so that the later first type signal section becomes longer.

  In the four printing modes M5 to M8 in the lower part of FIG. 15, the head temperature is expected to rise relatively slowly. Accordingly, in these print modes M5 to M8, the ratio of the first type signal section NP in the drive signal period Pcom is made smaller than in the print mode (for example, mode M1) which is the most severe in terms of head temperature rise. Also good. However, also in this case, it is preferable that the first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section in the second type signal section EP. Instead, the lengths of these sections NP and EP are set according to any one of various relationships between the lengths of the first type signal section NP and the second type signal section EP as described in the first embodiment. May be.

  Also in the above-described fourth embodiment, the first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section of the second type signal section EP. Since the printing is performed using the drive signal COM set to, the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element can be sufficiently attenuated. In particular, in the multiple main scanning recording method, during one main scanning operation, ink ejection is allowed at some pixel positions on each scanning line and ink ejection is prohibited at other pixel positions. Can be mitigated.

・ Modification:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

・ Modification 1:
In the various embodiments described above, a form in which only a part of the drive signal is selected and applied to the piezoelectric element has been adopted. Instead, the present invention can be applied to a form in which the entire drive signal is applied to the piezoelectric element. In the above-described embodiment, the drive signal is a periodic signal, but the drive signal may be a non-periodic signal. Also in these cases, the first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section of the second type signal section EP of the drive signal. In addition, it is preferable to set these sections. In this way, it is possible to attenuate the residual vibration of the piezoelectric element.

・ Modification 2:
The present invention can be applied not only to an ink jet printer but also to any liquid ejecting apparatus (also referred to as “liquid ejecting apparatus”) that ejects liquid other than ink. For example, the present invention can be applied to the following various liquid ejection devices.
(1) Image recording device such as a facsimile machine (2) Color material ejection device used for manufacturing a color filter for an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (3) Organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, surface emitting display (Field Emission display (FED) electrode material discharge device used for electrode formation (4) Biochip manufacturing liquid discharge device used for biochip manufacturing (5) Sample discharge device as a precision pipette (6) Lubrication Oil discharge device (7) Resin liquid discharge device (8) Liquid discharge device that discharges lubricating oil pinpoint to precision machines such as watches and cameras (9) Micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements, etc. ) Or the like to discharge a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin liquid onto the substrate (10) Acid or to etch the substrate or the like A liquid ejection apparatus that ejects alkaline of the etching solution (11) a liquid ejecting apparatus comprising a liquid discharge head for discharging droplets of other optional small amount

  The “droplet” refers to the state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus, and includes those that are tailed in the form of particles, tears, or threads. The “liquid” here may be any material that can be discharged by the liquid discharge device. For example, the “liquid” may be a material in a state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a material in a liquid state having high or low viscosity, and sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, Liquid materials such as liquid resins and liquid metals (metal melts) are also included in the “liquid”. Further, “liquid” includes not only a liquid as one state of a substance but also a liquid obtained by dissolving, dispersing or mixing particles of a functional material made of a solid such as a pigment or metal particles in a solvent. Further, representative examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiment. Here, the ink includes various liquid compositions such as general water-based ink and oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink.

・ Modification 3:
In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, embodiments, and modifications, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, embodiments, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or In order to achieve part or all of the above effects, replacement or combination can be performed as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Connector 14 ... Operation panel 22 ... Paper feed motor 26 ... Paper conveyance roller 30 ... Carriage 32 ... Carriage motor 33 ... Encoder 34 ... Sliding shaft 36 ... Drive belt 38 ... Pulley 40 ... Control part (drive signal generation part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41 ... 1st interface 42 ... Main control part 43 ... Paper feed motor drive part 45 ... Head drive part 46 ... Carriage motor drive part 47 ... 2nd interface 51 ... CPU
52 ... RAM
53 ... ROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 60 ... Print head 61 ... Switching control part 63 ... Shift register part 64 ... Latch part 65 ... Level shifter part 66 ... Selection switch part 67 ... Piezoelectric element 70 ... Ink cartridge 90 ... Computer 100 ... Printer

Claims (10)

A drive signal generation unit that generates a drive signal; a liquid discharge head that applies the drive signal to the piezoelectric element and discharges droplets from the nozzle;
A liquid ejection device comprising:
The drive signal is
(I) a first type signal section having no potential change from a predetermined potential;
(Ii) a second type signal interval that is not included in the first type signal interval and includes an interval having a potential change;
A signal composed of two types of sections,
The first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section that is the longest in the second type signal section ,
The drive signal is a periodic signal that is repeated at regular intervals,
The period of the drive signal coincides with the pixel period;
One cycle of the drive signal includes a plurality of the first type signal sections and a plurality of the second type signal sections,
Each of the second type signal sections has a potential change which is not the same . The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 ,
Each of the first type signal sections is longer than the second type signal section before the first type signal section. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The length of each said 1st type signal area is a liquid discharge apparatus, so that the peak voltage in the said 2nd type signal area before this 1st type signal area is high, so that it is long. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The length of each said 1st type signal area is a liquid discharge apparatus, so that there are many ink discharge amounts in the said 2nd type signal area before this 1st type signal area, and it is long. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein:
The drive signal generator is
(A) Only one drive signal is generated and supplied to the liquid ejection head.
Or
(B) A plurality of drive signals are simultaneously generated and supplied to the liquid ejection head, and the first type signal section and the second type signal section are determined from the whole of the plurality of drive signals.
Liquid ejection device. A method of controlling ejection of droplets from the liquid ejection head by supplying a drive signal to the liquid ejection head that ejects droplets from a nozzle using a piezoelectric element,
The drive signal is
(I) a first type signal section having no potential change from a predetermined potential;
(Ii) a second type signal interval that is not included in the first type signal interval and includes an interval having a potential change;
A signal composed of two types of sections,
The first type signal section after the longest second type signal section is longer than the longest second type signal section that is the longest in the second type signal section ,
The drive signal is a periodic signal that is repeated at regular intervals,
The period of the drive signal coincides with the pixel period;
One cycle of the drive signal includes a plurality of the first type signal sections and a plurality of the second type signal sections,
A method wherein each second type signal interval has a non-identical potential change . The method of claim 6 , comprising:
Each of the first type signal intervals is longer than the second type signal interval before the first type signal interval. The method according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein
The length of each of the first type signal section is longer as the peak voltage in the second type signal section before the first type signal section is higher. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , comprising:
The length of each of the first type signal section is longer as the ink ejection amount in the second type signal section before the first type signal section is larger. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 9 , comprising:
(A ) Only one drive signal is generated and supplied to the liquid ejection head.
Or
(B) A plurality of drive signals are simultaneously generated and supplied to the liquid ejection head, and the first type signal section and the second type signal section are determined from the whole of the plurality of drive signals.
Method.

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