JPH08132601A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To eliminate a memory in a recording part by mounting a request signal-generating means, an enable signal-outputting means, a transfer lock- outputting means, a print image data-transferring means from a formatter means, and a means for transferring the above print image data to a recording head. CONSTITUTION: The transmission of print image data for one line is requested from a recording means (engine), and an enable signal is outputted which indicates data transmission for one page to the recording means 160 from a formatter means 110 according to the request. As a result, when a clock signal for requesting print data transmission to the formatter means 110 from the recording means 160, synchronization with this signal is made, the print image data are transmitted to the engine 150 from the formatter means 110, and the transferred data are transferred to the recording head 190 for recording. All other than reference clock signals transferred here come into independent action for each color signal, so temporary recording of the print data in the recording part (engine) is not required.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

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

[0002]

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

Such a printer apparatus includes a formatter section for receiving PDL data sent from a host computer and developing it into an image to be actually printed, a mechanical section of the printer apparatus, and an engine section for controlling the mechanical section. It is divided into two parts.

[0004]

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

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus which does not require a memory (print buffer) in a recording unit (engine).

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

Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus capable of recovering the recording head even during the recording operation.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a recording apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a line type recording head is provided with a formatter means for receiving print data from an external device to generate print image data and a recording means for receiving the print image data from the formatter means and recording it on a recording medium. A recording device for performing recording using a request signal generating means for generating a request signal for requesting transmission of print image data for one line from the recording means, and the formatter means for generating the request signal according to the request signal. An enable signal output means for outputting an enable signal for instructing the recording means to transfer one page of data, and a clock signal for requesting the transfer of the print and data from the recording means to the formatter means in response to the enable signal. Transfer clock output means and output by the transfer clock output means A transfer means for transferring the print image data in the recording means from said formatter means in synchronism with the lock signal, and means for transferring the print image data transferred by said transfer means to the recording head.

[0009]

In the above structure, the recording means requests transmission of print image data for one line, and the formatter means outputs an enable signal for instructing the recording means to transfer data for one page in response to the request signal. . When the recording unit outputs a clock signal requesting the transfer of the print and data to the formatter unit according to the enable signal, the print image data is transferred to the recording unit from the formatter unit in synchronization with the clock signal and is transferred. It operates to transfer the print image data to the recording head and perform recording.

[0010]

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

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

In the above operation, each color signal operates independently except for the reference clock signal transmitted from the engine section to the formatter section. Therefore, the print data is directly transferred from the formatter unit to the print head, and it becomes unnecessary to temporarily store the print data in the engine unit.

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

Similarly, the printing operation is repeated on the third and fourth lines, and while the above-mentioned vertical synchronizing signal is active, the print data request signal is sent line by line according to the amount of movement of the recording paper. Send to the formatter section. In this way, the transfer of print data for one page is completed.

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

Therefore, in the print head of each color, after the reference clock for horizontal registration adjustment is input, the print data synchronized with the reference clock and the reference clock are input, and then the clock for horizontal registration adjustment is input again. To be done. In this way, horizontal registration adjustment becomes possible.

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

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

This is because the formatter unit 110 has a circuit configuration corresponding to various applications (for example, a normal printer and a facsimile or a copying machine) in consideration of a difference in the interface with the host and a difference in the image processing method. This is because the engine section 150 aims at reducing the difference depending on the application and reducing the cost by standardizing it so that any application can be supported.

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

In FIG. 1, a formatter unit 110 includes a CPU-F111 for executing a control program, a ROM 112 for storing the control program, a system RAM 113 required for executing the program, an IFCNT 114 required for communication with the host, and a host. Bitmap RAM for recording the bit map data of the transmitted recording contents
115, a dedicated circuit GAF 116 that controls the bitmap RAM 115 and communicates with the engine unit 150, an emulation RO for analyzing print data from the host
M (E-ROM) 117, character generator (CG-ROM) 118 for converting character code data into bitmap data, memory card 119 used as an external storage device, IO port to interface with the above-mentioned optional function 120, an operation panel 1 including a user interface and keys for performing various operations and an LCD for displaying messages from the device
21.

A control box 122 serves as a user interface for performing various instruction operations when image recording is performed standalone using image data stored in the memory card 119 without connecting the printer device to a host. Is. Further, 123 and 124 are input / output interfaces (option (input) IN, option (output) OUT) of various additional devices which are optionally connected to the printer device.
In this embodiment, the option IN 123 is connected to a recording paper supply unit described later, and the option OUT 124 is connected to a recording paper discharge unit described later.

Next, the engine section 150 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the engine section 150 is composed of an engine circuit 160 whose main purpose is to convey recording paper, and an engine circuit 180 whose main purpose is to control drive of the recording head.

The engine section 150 is a ROM which stores a control program and an R which is used as a work area for executing the ROM.
A CPU-E161 including an AM and a port (PORT) for inputting a sensor to be described later and an A / D converter for converting an analog input from the port into digital data, and executing a control program to perform various control processes. CP
RAM 16 used for program execution of U-E161
2. EEPR for recording unevenness correction data of recording head
An OM 163, a clock (RTC) 164, and a dedicated circuit GAE 165 for creating test record data and communicating with the formatter unit 110 are included. Further, 171 is a sensor that detects the position of the recording sheet, and 172 is a conveyance motor that conveys the recording sheet.

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

FIG. 2 shows the printer device 10 described with reference to FIG.
It is a side sectional view showing a schematic structure of 0. FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which a control box 122, a recording paper supply unit 130 that uses roll paper as recording paper, and a recording paper discharge unit 131 that includes a cutter that cuts the rolled paper after recording are incorporated in the printer device 100. Shows. In addition, the engine circuit 160 is mounted on the device as shown in FIG.
Divided into 60 and 180 parts.

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

Further, 171a is a recording paper supply unit 130.
A signal (TOF1) by detecting the leading edge of the recording paper from the black lines added at regular intervals to the roll paper supplied from
The sensor 171b detects the leading edge of the recording paper from the black line of the roll paper after the recording is finished, and outputs a signal (TOF
A sensor 173 for generating 2) is a conveyor belt, which is rotationally driven by the rotation of the conveyor motor 172, and the movement of the conveyor belt 173 conveys the recording paper (recording medium) placed on the belt 173. .

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

The head 190 of this embodiment is a K-head (HEAD) that ejects black ink, a C-head that ejects cyan ink, an M-head that ejects magenta ink, and a yellow color head. Y- that ejects ink
It is composed of four line heads.

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

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

FIG. 5 is a view showing the structure of the IC (head substrate) of the ink jet head of this embodiment, which is IC1 to IC1.
1 has the same configuration. In the following description, * indicates a row true signal that becomes true when the level is low.

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

Reference numeral 508 denotes a shift register, which is print data to be actually printed or a preheat pulse (PH
Selection data for selecting EAT1 * to 4 *) is input as serial data (SI) in synchronization with the clock SICK, and 128-bit data is held. The print data held in this manner is the data latch signal DLAT *.
Is latched in the data latch 507 by the latch signal LATA * and the selected data is latched by the latch signal LATA *.
5, the selection data latch 5 by the latch signal LATB *
Latched to 06. DIA is an input signal to the sensor 509, and DIK is an output signal from the sensor 509.

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

The total number of nozzles of the ink jet head of this embodiment is 128 × 11 = 1408 nozzles. However, in the manufacturing process of the head, there are cases where unusable regions are generated on the left and right, so assuming that these regions are, for example, 24 nozzles near the left and right ends, respectively, subtract "48" from the total number of nozzles. In addition, the total number of nozzles that can be used is 1360 nozzles.

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

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

The print data is sent to the head as an SI signal in synchronization with the SICK (serial clock) signal, stored in the shift register 508, sent for one line, and then activated by the DLAT * signal.
It is temporarily stored in the data latch circuit 507 in IC1-11. After that, ODD (odd nozzle selection signal), EVE
N (even nozzle selection signal) and BENB0 (block 0
Selection signal), BENB1 (block 1 selection signal), BE
The heater blocks to be heated are sequentially selected by NB2 (block 2 selection signal), and a-PH1 * to 4 * and a-M are selected.
H1 * to 11 * are activated and the heater 5 of each IC
Energize 01. As a result, ink is ejected from the corresponding nozzle and printing is performed.

The print data of the next line is transferred when the heater of the current line is energized. Then, the DLAT * signal of the next line becomes the heater energization time and the data transfer time of the current line, whichever is later,
Must be active. If the DLAT * signal of the next line becomes active during the heater energization time of the current line, the print data after the DLAT * signal becomes active becomes the print data of the next line. I will end up.

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

In FIG. 7, 701 is the first and 17
The energization timings of the thirty-third, thirty-third, ..., 1393th heaters are shown. Since the data (DATA) is "0" in 701, only the heat pulse by the a-PT * signal is applied. Reference numeral 702 indicates the energization timing for the 2nd, 18th, 34th ... 1394th heaters. Since the data is "1" here, the preheat of the width T1 is performed.
After the rest time of T2, the main heat pulse of width T3 is applied. Further, 703 indicates the heat timing to the 3rd, 19th, 35th, ... 1395th heaters, and since the data is "0" similarly to 701, only the heat pulse by the a-PT * signal is applied. Has been done.

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

[Gate array of engine circuit 180 (G
AE) 181] FIG. 8 shows the engine circuit 1 of this embodiment.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the gate array (GAE) 181 of 80.

This GAE 181 is an engine circuit 180.
The functions of the rotation control of the motors 191a to 191c, the control of the encoder 192b which operates in synchronization with the recording paper, the head control described above, the port control, and the like are required. 810
Is a system, 811 is a decoder, and 812 to 814 are motor drivers for rotationally driving the corresponding motors. Reference numeral 191a is a head motor for moving the head up and down for the recovery operation of the head 190, and 191b is a capping motor for moving a capping member for capping the head 190. Reference numeral 191c is a read motor. Reference numeral 192b is an encoder that comes into contact with a recording sheet, which is a recording medium, and generates a signal according to the movement of the recording sheet. The signal from the encoder 192b is input to the encoder control unit 815, and the ENCC
The K signal is created and output to the engine circuit 160.
Reference numeral 192a denotes another sensor, which includes, for example, a sensor for detecting the vertical position of the head, the position of the capping member, etc., and the input signals from these sensors are IO ports 817.
Through the actuator 818 and the like. A head control unit 816 controls data output to the heads of the respective colors and controls the drive of the heads.
The operation of the head controller 816 will be mainly described below.

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

The head controller 816 has a horizontal synchronizing circuit 90.
0, a vertical synchronization circuit 901, a transfer area circuit 902, a transfer data circuit 903, a heat area circuit 904, a heat signal circuit 905, and a sub heater control circuit 906. Hereinafter, each part will be described sequentially. (A) Horizontal Sync Circuit 900 The horizontal sync circuit 900 is a circuit that generates an HSYNC signal that serves as a reference signal for the inkjet printer of this embodiment. In this printer, a stepping motor is used as the carry motor 172.
With one clock of 72 drive clock, recording paper is 70.5
.mu.m (1 dot: 1/360 inch) is conveyed. HSYNC is based on the PRCK signal which is this clock signal.
A signal is generated.

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

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

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

With this data transfer method, the print data is transferred from the formatter unit 110 to the engine unit 1 without providing the engine unit 150 with a print buffer.
Therefore, the cost of the engine unit 150 can be significantly reduced.

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

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

The transfer area circuit 902 is the engine circuit 1
HDATA, which is a data transfer clock signal for 60
Generation of a CK signal and generation of a SCAREA signal for generating the output timing of the SICK signal to the head 190,
SDARE for generating effective area timing of each color data
The A signal is being generated.

As described above, the ink jet head 190 of this embodiment has a nozzle area that cannot be used for printing. Therefore, in that area, it is necessary to transfer only the SICK signal without adding data to the SI signal (adding "0" data). Also, the engine circuit 160
The number of HDATACK signals to be transferred to the GAE181 is one in order to perform horizontal registration adjustment for each color inside the GAE181.
The K signal is delayed from the SCAREA signal by the registration adjustment area and is output for the total number of nozzles, and the HDATACK signal is set to SC.
From AREA signal (area 24 that cannot be used for printing)
+ (Horizontal registration adjustment area 16) = delayed by 40 clocks and output by the number of print dots. (E) Horizontal registration adjustment Since the mechanical position accuracy is limited as described above, it is necessary to electrically adjust the print position also in the horizontal direction. This adjustment method can be achieved by shifting the SCAREA signal for each color and adjusting the output timing of the SICK signal for each color. That is, the CPU-E changes the value of the horizontal registration adjustment register of the GAE 181 from "0" to
By adjusting between “15”, the number of clocks between the HDATACK signal and the SICK signal is changed, and the position of the print nozzle in the horizontal direction can be changed. For example, set the horizontal registration adjustment value of the black (K) head to "8",
If the horizontal registration adjustment value of the cyan (C) head is set to "15", the right side of the print nozzle of the K-head 190K is empty by 8 horizontal registration adjustments, and the right side of the print nozzle of the C-head 190C is horizontal. Registration adjustment 15 nozzles are vacant for printing. (F) Heat Area Circuit 904 The heat area circuit 904 has a PHCK signal, which serves as a reference signal for energizing the nozzle heater in a time division manner, and a PHCK signal.
Time division signals ODD, EVEN, BEN generated from signals
K-indicating the timing of signal generation of B0, BENB1, and BENB2, and the timing of energizing the nozzle heater of each color in time division
FAREA, C-FAREA, M-FAREA, Y-F
Generating AREA signal. (G) Heat signal circuit 905 The heat signal circuit 905 includes PHEAT1 * to PHEAT4 * and MH1 necessary for double pulse printing.
It is a circuit that generates the signals * to MH11 * and the PT * signal that is a heat pulse for temperature control for each color. (H) Sub-heater control circuit 906 The head 190 is provided with a sub-heater for controlling heating of the head in addition to the nozzle heater, and is a circuit for controlling this. (I) Recovery Operation In the case of an inkjet printer, an operation sequence called recovery operation is necessary to prevent clogging of the head. This is an operation for eliminating the factors that make ink ejection unstable, such as the ink in the nozzles condensing or dust or the like sticking to the ink ejection ports. As a specific operation, an operation such as pressurizing and circulating ink in the head or forcibly ejecting ink from all nozzles is performed.

These operations are not related to the original operations of the printer, and it is necessary to operate the formatter unit 110 regardless. Therefore, the engine section 150 alone must be operated. Although the recovery operation is basically performed during printing, if the printing time is long or high-density printing continues, it is necessary to perform the recovery operation even during printing. Therefore, the recovery sequence has two operation timings, that is, a single purge operation timing and a purge operation timing during printing, which need to be controlled (see FIG. 10). (J) Single Purge Operation The recovery operation of the head is specifically an operation of ejecting ink from all nozzles. Other operations, such as a method of forcibly circulating ink and an operation of wiping the ejection surface of the nozzle, are described here. can not touch. Hereinafter, the single purge operation sequence will be described with reference to FIG. (1) The CPU-E sets "1" in the PURGE register of the GAE 181, and then sets it to "0". (2) The GAE 181 sets the PGOP signal indicating that the purge is being executed to “1”, and the horizontal synchronizing circuit 900 causes the PGTRG *
Output a signal. (3) The vertical synchronizing circuit 901 outputs the HTTRG * signal from the PGTRG * signal. At this time, the PRTRG * signal is not output. This is because print data is not requested. (4) The transfer data circuit 903 fixes the print data SI signal of each color to "high level" and transfers the SICK signal. (5) Heat area circuit 904 and heat signal circuit 905
Then, a normal double pulse is generated from the HTTRG * signal and ink is ejected from the head. When this ink ejection is completed, the HTEND * signal is activated. (6) The horizontal synchronizing circuit 900 activates the DLAT * signal in response to the HTEND * signal. By this operation, all the data in the head is fixed to the ON (“1”) state,
Subsequent ejections are all dot ejections. (7) The vertical synchronization circuit 901 counts the DLAT * signal, and all dots are ejected for the number of times set by the CPU-E in the NPG register of the GAE 181. (8) When the operation is completed, the GAE 181 sets the PGOP signal to "0", and the CPU-E reads it to detect the completion of the purge.

The individual purging operation is performed by the above operation. (K) Purge operation during printing As described above, the transfer timing of print data and the nozzle heat timing of the head are shifted by one line. Therefore, if the above single purging operation is performed during printing, one line of print data will be lost, and one line of all-color solid printing will be performed on the recording paper. Therefore, for the purging operation during printing, the data transfer request signal may be interrupted to the formatter unit 110 at the stage one line before the purging, and the data transfer request signal may be output at the timing when the purging operation during printing is completed. This division is based on PURGE of CPU-E of GAE181.
This can be achieved by controlling the timing of setting "1" in the register. (1) The CPU-E detects the timing of performing the purging operation during printing by some means. (2) CPU-E sets "1" in the PURGE register of GAE181. (3) The vertical synchronization circuit 901 of the GAE 181 masks the PRTRG * signal which is the print data request signal,
Do not output after that. (4) The CPU-E sends a clock to the carry motor 172 to carry the recording paper by one dot. (5) GAE181 generates HSYNC signal, but P
Since the RTRG * signal is not output, the formatter unit 1
No data is transferred from 10. On the other hand, HTTR
Since the G * signal is output, the data of the m line is printed. (6) The CPU-E sets the PURGE register of the GAE 181 to "0". (7) The vertical synchronization circuit 901 of the GAE181 is the PRTR
The G * signal is unmasked and then output. (8) The GAE 181 performs the same operation as the single purge. (9) The vertical synchronization circuit of the GAE 181 outputs the PPTRG * signal when the individual purge is completed. (10) The data of the (m + 1) th line is transferred by the transfer area circuit 902 and the transfer data circuit 903 of the GAE 181. (11) The horizontal synchronization circuit 900 of the GAE181 uses the PPT
After the SCAREA signal becomes inactive by the RG * signal, the DLAT * signal is output. (12) After that, the normal print operation is resumed.

By the above operation, the purging operation during printing is correctly performed and the printing is also correctly performed.

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

The functions of the GAE 165 are: AHS pattern generation control (AHS controller 1205), heat counter control (heat counter 1203), formatter switch (FMT switch (FMTSW) 1204) control unit, stepping motor control (motor driver 120).
2), port control (IO port 1206), etc. Of these, the former three functions will be mainly described. (A) AHS (Auto Head Shading: Auto Head S
Hading) Pattern Generation Control As described above, the page printer is generally configured to be largely divided into the engine unit 150 and the formatter unit 110. Therefore, at the time of assembly or when a failure occurs, it is necessary to have a configuration in which the failure point can be clearly specified. Therefore, the engine unit 150 alone can perform some printing to detect a defect.

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

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

The FMT switch circuit 1204 transfers the signal K-, which is transferred to the formatter unit 110, when the AHSOP signal generated by the AHS vertical synchronizing circuit becomes high level.
TRG *, C-TRG *, M-TRG *, Y-TRG
Make sure that the * and DATACK signals are not output,
During the test print, the formatter unit 110 is not requested to transfer data.

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

The FMT switch circuit 1204 can electrically switch the print data path between the normal print operation and the test print operation.

[Explanation of the operation of the formatter unit 110] The operation of the formatter unit 110 is as follows: capture of print data from the host computer, analysis, bit map RAM
The main functions are expansion of print image data to 115 and communication with the engine unit 150.

There are many technical data on the acquisition, analysis, and expansion of the print data from the host computer into the bit map RAM, which are known techniques. The description will focus on the dedicated circuit GAF116 that controls the map RAM.

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

The function of the GAF 116 is the system RAM1.
13 control (system controller 1403), DRA
M refresh control (refresh circuit 1404),
The engine control (engine control unit 1405) is the main function. Among these, the engine control unit 1405, which is a characteristic part of this embodiment, will be described.

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

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

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

FIG. 16 shows the timing block circuit 150.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of 0, and FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing its operation sequence.

The timing block 1500 is composed of a vertical synchronizing circuit 1600, a horizontal synchronizing circuit 1601, and a DMA request circuit 1602. (A) Vertical synchronization circuit 1600 In the vertical synchronization circuit 1600, the data transfer request signal a-TRG * signal sent from the engine circuit 160 to a
-ENB * signal and Aa-ENB * signal are generated.
The Aa-ENB * signal becomes active (low level) at the falling edge of the a-TRG * signal, and becomes inactive at the a-END * signal output from the ADRS block 1501. Also, the a-ENB * signal is Aa-ENB *
The signal becomes inactive (high level) in synchronization with the HSYNC signal after the signal becomes inactive. This is Aa
The -ENB * signal is a signal for requesting data for DMA and operates independently of horizontal synchronization, whereas a-EN
This is because the B * signal indicates the print page length and horizontal synchronization is required. (B) Horizontal synchronization circuit 1601 The horizontal synchronization circuit 1601 controls NBL and NWD to put "0" data on the left and right unprinted areas. Specifically, DATA for the NBL register value
After the CK signal is counted, and after the counting is completed, HA which is a DMA request signal to the bitmap RAM 115.
ENB * signal is activated. The HAENB * signal becomes active only during 16 clocks (16 bits) of the DATACK signal, and this is repeated for the NWD register value. Further, at that time, HAL indicating that the data for four colors is read from the bitmap RAM 115
It also outputs the D * signal.

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

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

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

Next, the DMA block 1502 will be described.

The DMA block 1502 has a bus arbitration function for controlling access to the bitmap RAM 115, D
It is a circuit that realizes a RAM control function and a data transfer function that performs parallel-to-serial conversion of data from the bitmap RAM 115 read by the DRAM control unit and transfers the data in synchronization with the DATACK signal sent from the engine unit 150.

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

The present invention is particularly provided with means for generating thermal energy as energy used for ejecting ink (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) in the ink jet recording system, and by the thermal energy, The printing apparatus of the type that causes a change in the state of ink has been described. According to such a method, the recording density is increased,
High definition can be achieved.

Regarding its typical structure and principle, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4740.
What is done using the basic principles disclosed in 796 is preferred. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type, but especially in the case of the on-demand type, liquid (ink)
By applying at least one drive signal to the electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path in which the liquid crystal is held, which corresponds to the recorded information and causes a rapid temperature rise exceeding film boiling. Since the electrothermal converter is caused to generate heat energy to cause film boiling on the heat-acting surface of the recording head, as a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to the drive signal in a one-to-one relationship can be formed. It is valid. The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection openings by the growth and contraction of the bubbles to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to make this drive signal in a pulse shape, because bubbles can be grown and contracted immediately and appropriately, and thus a liquid (ink) with excellent responsiveness can be achieved.

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

As the constitution of the recording head, in addition to the combination constitution of the ejection port, the liquid passage, and the electrothermal converter (the linear liquid passage or the right-angled liquid passage) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, The present invention also includes configurations using US Pat. No. 4,558,333 and US Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose configurations in which the heat-acting surface is arranged in a bending region. In addition, for multiple electrothermal converters,
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-123670, which discloses a structure in which a common slot is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-63, which discloses a structure in which an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is associated with the discharge portion. A configuration based on Japanese Patent No. 138461 may be used.

Further, as a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium which can be recorded by the recording apparatus, the length can be increased by combining a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification. Either of the structure satisfying the requirement or the structure as one recording head integrally formed may be used.

In addition, by being attached to the apparatus main body, it can be electrically connected to the apparatus main body and can be supplied with ink from the apparatus main body by a replaceable chip type recording head or the recording head itself. Alternatively, a cartridge type recording head provided with an ink tank may be used.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, etc., which are provided as a configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention, because the effect of the present invention can be further stabilized. . Specific examples thereof include capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suctioning means for the recording head, preheating means using an electrothermal converter or another heating element or a combination thereof, and recording. It is also effective to perform a stable recording by performing a preliminary discharge mode in which another discharge is performed.

Further, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but the recording head may be integrally formed or a plurality of combinations may be used. Alternatively, the device may be provided with at least one of full-color mixed colors.

In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid, but an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower, or one that softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used, or In the inkjet method, it is common to control the temperature of the ink itself within a range of 30 ° C to 70 ° C to control the temperature of the ink so that the viscosity of the ink is within a stable ejection range. It is sufficient that the ink is liquid.

In addition, in order to positively prevent the temperature rise due to the thermal energy from being used as the energy for changing the state of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state,
Alternatively, in order to prevent the ink from evaporating, an ink that solidifies in a standing state and liquefies by heating may be used. In any case, by applying heat energy, such as ink that is liquefied by applying heat energy according to the recording signal and liquid ink is ejected, or that begins to solidify when it reaches the recording medium. The present invention can be applied to the case where an ink having a property of being liquefied for the first time is used. In such a case, the ink is retained as a liquid or solid in the recesses or through holes of the porous sheet as described in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-71260. It may be configured to face the electrothermal converter. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, as a form of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to a recording apparatus provided integrally or separately as an image output terminal of information processing equipment such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and further transmission / reception It may take the form of a facsimile machine having a function.

Other Embodiments (1) In this embodiment, an inkjet printer has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
It can also be realized by a thermal transfer printer using a line head or another color printer. (2) In the above-described embodiment, a color printer using print heads for four colors has been described, but a printer having a plurality of line heads can be similarly realized. (3) Further, the constants shown in this embodiment, such as the number of nozzle heaters and the number of LSIs, are examples, and the number is not limited to these.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In the color line printer, the formatter unit and the engine unit are separated, and the engine unit does not require a buffer memory, and the print data can be directly transferred from the formatter unit for printing. (2) The print position adjustment function (registration adjustment function) necessary for realizing color printing can be performed. (3) Even if the head recovery operation is performed during printing, there is an effect that printing can be performed correctly.

[0096]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects. (1) It is possible to eliminate the need for a memory for storing recording data in the recording unit. (2) The recording position between a plurality of recording heads can be adjusted. (3) The recovery operation of the recording head can be performed even during the recording operation.

[0097]

[Brief description of drawings]

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

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

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

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

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a head IC of the line head of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a nozzle heater of the line head of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a basic print sequence in the inkjet printer of this embodiment.

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

9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a head controller 816 of the GAE 181. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing a print operation timing by the head controller.

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

FIG. 12 is a GAE 16 of the engine circuit 160 of this embodiment.
5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

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

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the GAF 116 of the formatter unit of this embodiment.

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

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a timing section of the engine control section.

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

[Explanation of symbols]

 110 Formatter part 113 System RAM 115 Bitmap RAM 116 GAF 150 Engine part 160,180 Engine circuit 165,181 GAE 163 EEPROM 171a, 171b TOF sensor 172 Conveyor motor 190 Inkjet head

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page (72) Inventor Hideaki Kishida 5540-11 Sakate-cho, Mizukaido-shi, Ibaraki Canon Aptex Co., Ltd.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. Formatter means for receiving print data from an external device and generating print image data,
A recording device, comprising: recording means for receiving print image data from the formatter means and recording it on a recording medium, and performing recording using a line type recording head, wherein a print image for one line from the recording means is provided. Request signal generating means for generating a request signal for requesting data transmission; and enable signal output means for outputting an enable signal for instructing the recording means to transfer one page of data from the formatter means in response to the request signal. Transfer clock output means for outputting a clock signal for requesting transfer of print data from the recording means to the formatter means according to the enable signal; and the formatter in synchronization with the clock signal output by the transfer clock output means. The print image data from the means to the recording means. And a transfer unit that transfers the print image data transferred by the transfer unit to the recording head. 2. The recording means has a sensor that detects a recording medium and outputs a detection signal, and after the detection signal is detected, the request is made after a time corresponding to a distance between the sensor and the recording head. 2. A signal is generated.
The recording device according to 1. 3. The recording head is provided with adjusting nozzles for adjusting a horizontal print position on both sides of the printing nozzle, and the transfer clock means is a non-use nozzle provided near both ends of the recording head. And a clock signal corresponding to nozzles other than the adjustment nozzles. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is a color print line head including line heads for a plurality of colors. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is an inkjet head. 6. The recording head is a recording head for ejecting ink by utilizing thermal energy, and is provided with a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy applied to the ink. Item 5. The recording device according to item 5. 7. The recording head is characterized in that the thermal energy applied by the thermal energy converter causes a state change in the ink, and the ink is ejected from an ejection port based on the state change. Claim 6
The recording device according to 1. 8. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not a head recovering operation is performed during a recording operation, and when the discriminating means carries out a head recovering operation, the request signal generating means until the head recovering operation is completed 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein generation of a request signal is suppressed, and the request signal is output after the head recovery operation is completed.