Drive circuit, liquid injection head, and liquid injection recording device

Abstract

To provide a drive circuit and the like which can suppress a cost.SOLUTION: A drive circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure outputs a drive signal applied to a liquid jet head, and comprises: a waveform storage part which stores a plurality of pieces of waveform setting information; a waveform selection part which selects one of the plurality of pieces of waveform setting information stored in the waveform storage part and outputs it as selected waveform setting information; and a signal generation part which generates a drive signal for jetting liquid on the basis of the selected waveform setting information output from the waveform selection part and image data input from the outside of the liquid jet head. The waveform selection part selects the selected waveform setting information from the plurality of pieces of waveform setting information by using one of a first setting signal that is set in advance and a second setting signal defined in an additional data signal included in the image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drive circuit, a liquid ejection head, and a liquid ejection recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Liquid ejection recording apparatuses provided with liquid ejection heads are used in various fields, and various types of liquid ejection heads have been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a liquid ejection head, generally, it is required to reduce costs. It is desirable to provide a drive circuit, a liquid ejection head, and a liquid ejection recording apparatus capable of reducing costs. [[ID=3,6]]

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A drive circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a circuit that outputs a drive signal to be applied to a liquid ejection head, and includes a waveform storage unit that stores a plurality of waveform setting information, a waveform selection unit that selects one of the plurality of waveform setting information stored in the waveform storage unit and outputs it as selected waveform setting information, and a signal generation unit that generates a drive signal for ejecting liquid based on the selected waveform setting information output from the waveform selection unit and image data input from outside the liquid ejection head. The waveform selection unit selects the selected waveform setting information from among the plurality of waveform setting information using one of a preset first setting signal and a second setting signal defined by an additional data signal included in the image data. Used as a selection control signal to define which setting signal to use, between the first setting signal and the second setting signal. The selected waveform setting information is selected from among the plurality of waveform setting information using one of the setting signals.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure First The liquid injection head comprises a drive circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and an injection unit having a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid based on a drive signal output from the drive circuit. A second liquid spray head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a drive circuit and a spray unit having a plurality of nozzles that sprays liquid based on a drive signal output from the drive circuit. The drive circuit includes a waveform storage unit that stores a plurality of waveform setting information, a waveform selection unit that selects one of the plurality of waveform setting information stored in the waveform storage unit and outputs it as selected waveform setting information, and a signal generation unit that generates a drive signal for spraying liquid based on the selected waveform setting information output from the waveform selection unit and image data input from outside the second liquid spray head. The waveform selection unit selects selected waveform setting information from the plurality of waveform setting information using one of a preset first setting signal and a second setting signal defined by an additional data signal included in the image data. The second liquid spray head is further provided with a head setting storage unit that stores a head setting signal including the first setting signal.

[0007] A liquid jet recording device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is related to the above embodiment of the present disclosure. The first or second It is equipped with a liquid spray head. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] A drive circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, The first and second Liquid spray head , and A liquid injection recording device can help reduce costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a liquid injection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the liquid injection head configuration. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a liquid injection head. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the liquid injection device. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of the nozzle plate shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drive circuit. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the waveform storage unit. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the waveform selection circuit. [Figure 9] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the drive switch circuit. [Figure 10] It is a timing diagram showing an example of a drive signal with multiple types of waveform settings. [Figure 11] It is a timing diagram showing another example of a drive signal with multiple types of waveform settings. [Figure 12] It is a timing diagram showing another example of a drive signal with multiple types of waveform settings. [Figure 13] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a liquid ejection device according to a modification example. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order. 1. Embodiment (Example of selecting waveform setting information using one of two types of setting signals) 2. Modification example (Example in which a head setting storage unit is further provided) 3. Other modification examples

[0011] [1. Embodiment] [Schematic Configuration of Printer 5] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration example of a printer 5 as a liquid ejection recording device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a block diagram. FIG. 2 schematically shows a schematic configuration example of an inkjet head 1 as the liquid ejection head shown in FIG. 1 in a perspective view. FIG. 3 schematically shows a configuration example of the inkjet head 1 shown in FIG. 2 in a cross-sectional view (Y-Z cross-sectional view). In each drawing used in the description of this specification, the scale of each member is appropriately changed in order to make each member recognizable in size.

[0012] The printer 5 is an inkjet printer that performs recording (printing) of images, characters, etc. on a recording medium (for example, the recording paper P shown in FIG. 1) using ink 9 described later. As shown in FIG. 1, this printer 5 includes an inkjet head 1, a print control unit 2, and an ink tank 3.

[0013] Furthermore, the inkjet head 1 corresponds to one specific example of the "liquid jet head" in this disclosure, and the printer 5 corresponds to one specific example of the "liquid jet recording device" in this disclosure. In addition, the ink 9 corresponds to one specific example of the "liquid" in this disclosure.

[0014] (A. Printing Control Unit 2) The print control unit 2 supplies various types of information (data) to the inkjet head 1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the print control unit 2 supplies print control signals Sc to the components within the inkjet head 1 (such as the drive device 4, which will be described later).

[0015] This print control signal Sc includes, for example, image data Dp, ejection timing signal St, head setting signal Ss, and power supply voltage Vp (drive power supply) for operating the inkjet head 1, as described later. Furthermore, this print control unit 2 corresponds to one specific example of "outside the liquid ejection head" in this disclosure.

[0016] (B. Ink Tank 3) The ink tank 3 is a tank that houses the ink 9. As shown in Figure 1, the ink 9 in this ink tank 3 is supplied to the inkjet head 1 (the ejection unit 11, which will be described later) via the ink supply pipe 30. This ink supply pipe 30 is made of, for example, a flexible hose.

[0017] (C. Inkjet head 1) As shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 1, the inkjet head 1 is a head that records images, characters, etc., by ejecting droplet-shaped ink 9 onto the recording paper P from a plurality of nozzle holes Hn, which will be described later. This inkjet head 1 includes, for example, one ejection unit 11, one I / F (interface) board 12, four flexible boards 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, two cooling units 141, 142, two ink inlet units 151, 152, and two ink introduction units 161, 162.

[0018] (C-1.I / F board 12) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the I / F board 12 is a board that acts as a relay between the outside of the inkjet head 1 (print control unit 2) and each of the flexible boards 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. This I / F board 12 is equipped with two connectors 10, four connectors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, and a circuit layout area 121.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, connector 10 is the part (connector part) that receives the aforementioned printing control signal Sc supplied from the printing control unit 2 to the inkjet head 1 (each of the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, which will be described later).

[0020] Connectors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are the parts (connector parts) that electrically connect the I / F board 12 to the flexible boards 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, respectively.

[0021] The circuit layout area 121 is an area on the I / F board 12 where various circuits are arranged. Note that other areas on the I / F board 12 may also be provided with such circuit layout areas.

[0022] (C-2. Injection part 11) As shown in Figure 1, the injection unit 11 has a plurality of nozzle holes Hn, and is the part that ejects ink 9 from these nozzle holes Hn. In the example in Figure 3, ink 9 (for example, the first ink 91 described later) supplied via the ink inlet 151 and the ink introduction 161 is ejected from injection unit 11a within the injection unit 11. Similarly, ink 9 (for example, the second ink 92 described later) supplied via the ink inlet 152 and the ink introduction 162 is ejected from injection unit 11b within the injection unit 11. Such ejection of ink 9 is performed according to the drive signal Sd (drive voltage Vd) supplied from the drive device 4 described later on each flexible substrate 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d (see Figure 1).

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, such an injection unit 11 is configured to include an actuator plate 111 and a nozzle plate 112.

[0024] (Nozzle plate 112) The nozzle plate 112 is a plate made of a film material such as polyimide or a metal material, and as shown in Figure 1, it has the above-mentioned plurality of nozzle holes Hn. These nozzle holes Hn are formed in a row at predetermined intervals and are, for example, circular in shape.

[0025] Specifically, in the example of the injection unit 11 shown in Figure 2, although the details will be described later (Figure 5), the nozzle holes Hn within the nozzle plate 112 are arranged along the column direction (X-axis direction), forming multiple nozzle rows (four nozzle rows, described later). Furthermore, these multiple nozzle rows are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the column direction (Y-axis direction).

[0026] (Actuator plate 111) The actuator plate 111 is a plate made of a piezoelectric material such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate). This actuator plate 111 is provided with a plurality of channels (pressure chambers). These channels are for applying pressure to the ink 9 and are arranged in a line parallel to each other at predetermined intervals. Each channel is defined by a drive wall (not shown) made of piezoelectric material, and in cross-sectional view it is a concave groove.

[0027] Such channels contain ejection channels Ce (see Figure 4, described later) for ejecting ink 9 and dummy channels (non-ejection channels) that do not eject ink 9. In other words, the ejection channels Ce are filled with ink 9, while the dummy channels are not. The filling of each ejection channel Ce with ink 9 is carried out, for example, through a common channel that communicates with all such ejection channels Ce. Furthermore, each ejection channel Ce communicates individually with a nozzle hole Hn in the nozzle plate 112, while each dummy channel does not communicate with a nozzle hole Hn. These ejection channels Ce and dummy channels are arranged alternately along the column direction (X-axis direction) as described above.

[0028] Furthermore, drive electrodes are provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the drive wall described above. These drive electrodes include a common electrode (shared electrode) provided on the inner surface facing the discharge channel Ce, and an active electrode (individual electrode) provided on the inner surface facing the dummy channel. These drive electrodes are electrically connected to the drive device 4, which will be described later, via the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. As a result, the drive voltage Vd (drive signal Sd) described above is applied from the drive device 4 to each drive electrode via the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d (see Figure 1).

[0029] (C-3. ​​Flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are substrates that electrically connect the I / F substrate 12 and the injection unit 11. Each of these flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d individually controls the ink ejection operation of each of the four rows of nozzles on the nozzle plate 112. Furthermore, as indicated by the symbols P1a, P1b, P1c, and P1d in Figure 3, each flexible substrate 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d is bent near the point where it connects to the injection unit 11 (near the crimping electrode 45). The crimping electrode 45 and the injection unit 11 are electrically connected to each other by, for example, thermocompression bonding using an ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film).

[0030] Each of these flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d has a drive device 4 (drive circuits 4a to 4d) individually mounted on it (see Figure 3). Specifically, drive circuit 4a is located on flexible substrate 13a, drive circuit 4b on flexible substrate 13b, drive circuit 4c on flexible substrate 13c, and drive circuit 4d on flexible substrate 13d. Each of these drive devices 4 (drive circuits 4a to 4d) is a device (circuit) that outputs a drive signal Sd (drive voltage Vd) for ejecting ink 9 from the nozzle holes Hn in the corresponding nozzle row of the ejection unit 11. Therefore, such a drive signal Sd is output to the ejection unit 11 from each of the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. Each of these drive devices 4 is configured, for example, by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0031] Furthermore, each of these drive devices 4 is cooled by the cooling units 141 and 142 described above. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the cooling unit 141 is fixedly positioned between the drive devices 4 on the flexible substrates 13a and 13b, and each drive device 4 is cooled by pressing the cooling unit 141 against them. Similarly, the cooling unit 142 is fixedly positioned between the drive devices 4 on the flexible substrates 13c and 13d, and each drive device 4 is cooled by pressing the cooling unit 142 against them. Note that these cooling units 141 and 142 can be configured using various types of cooling mechanisms.

[0032] [Detailed configuration of Printer 5] Next, we will explain a detailed configuration example of printer 5 with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a detailed configuration example of printer 5 in block diagram form. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the nozzle plate planar configuration example (XY planar configuration example) shown in Figure 4.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the aforementioned print control unit 2 includes a head setting unit 20, an image data transfer unit 21, and a drive power supply output unit 22.

[0035] The head setting unit 20 outputs a head setting signal Ss to the aforementioned drive circuits 4a to 4d on each flexible substrate 13a to 13d via a control switching unit 122 (see Figure 4) provided on the I / F board 12, for performing various settings on the inkjet head 1 (such as drive waveform settings and operation settings). The image data transfer unit 21 transfers the aforementioned image data Dp and ejection timing signal St to the respective drive circuits 4a to 4d on each flexible substrate 13a to 13d via the I / F board 12. The drive power supply output unit 22 outputs the aforementioned power supply voltage Vp (drive power supply) to the respective drive circuits 4a to 4d on each flexible substrate 13a to 13d via the I / F board 12.

[0036] The image data Dp, ejection timing signal St, head setting signal Ss, and power supply voltage Vp are each included in the aforementioned print control signal Sc (see Figure 4), and are transmitted from the print control unit 2 to the I / F board 12 using a predetermined high-speed differential transmission. This high-speed differential transmission is configured using, for example, LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling). However, this high-speed differential transmission may also be configured using, for example, CML (Current Mode Logic) or ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic).

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the control switching unit 122 described above performs a predetermined control switching operation when transmitting the head setting signal Ss transmitted from the head setting unit 20 to each drive circuit 4a to 4d in the multiple flexible substrates 13a to 13d. Specifically, the control switching unit 122 transmits the head setting signal Ss in parallel to each drive circuit 4a to 4d on the multiple flexible substrates 13a to 13d. In this case, the head setting signal Ss is transmitted using, for example, low-speed I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 5, the multiple nozzle holes Hn within the nozzle plate 112 are distinguished (grouped) into four nozzle rows Ana, Anb, Anc, and And, which are arranged along the column direction (X-axis direction). Two nozzle rows Ana and Anb are located within the aforementioned injection section 11a, and two nozzle rows Anc and And are located within the aforementioned injection section 11b. Furthermore, these nozzle rows Ana, Anb, Anc, and And are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the column direction (Y-axis direction).

[0039] More specifically, as shown in Figure 5, within nozzle row Ana, multiple nozzle holes Hn, namely Hn1, Hn5, ..., Hn(4n+1) (n: an integer greater than or equal to 0), are arranged in a staggered pattern, alternating along the Y-axis. Similarly, within nozzle row Anb, multiple nozzle holes Hn, namely Hn3, Hn7, ..., Hn(4n+3), are arranged in a staggered pattern, alternating along the Y-axis. Within nozzle row Anc, multiple nozzle holes Hn, namely Hn2, Hn6, ..., Hn(4n+2), are arranged in a staggered pattern, alternating along the Y-axis. Within nozzle row And, multiple nozzle holes Hn, namely Hn4, Hn8, ..., Hn(4n+4), are arranged in a staggered pattern, alternating along the Y-axis.

[0040] Each of these multiple nozzle holes Hn corresponds to a specific example of a "nozzle" in this disclosure. Furthermore, the nozzle arrays Ana, Anb, Anc, and And described above each correspond to a specific example of a "nozzle group" in this disclosure.

[0041] Here, the drive circuits 4a to 4d shown in Figure 4 each output the aforementioned drive signal Sd in units of nozzle rows Ana to And. Specifically, drive circuit 4a outputs a drive signal Sda, which is the drive signal Sd corresponding to nozzle row Ana (nozzle holes Hn1, Hn5, ..., Hn(4n+1) shown in Figure 5). Similarly, drive circuit 4b outputs a drive signal Sdb, which is the drive signal Sd corresponding to nozzle row Anb (nozzle holes Hn3, Hn7, ..., Hn(4n+3) shown in Figure 5). Drive circuit 4c outputs a drive signal Sdc, which is the drive signal Sd corresponding to nozzle row Anc (nozzle holes Hn2, Hn6, ..., Hn(4n+2) shown in Figure 5). Drive circuit 4d outputs a drive signal Sdd, which is the drive signal Sd corresponding to nozzle row And (nozzle holes Hn4, Hn8, ..., Hn(4n+4) shown in Figure 5). Note that, for convenience, the nozzle holes Hn within each nozzle row Ana~And shown in Figure 4 are schematically represented in a single row within the nozzle plate 112 in Figure 4.

[0042] [Detailed configuration of drive circuits 4a to 4d] Next, we will explain the detailed configuration examples of each of the drive circuits 4a to 4d described above, referring to Figures 6 to 9. Note that Figures 6 to 9 show a representative detailed configuration example of drive circuit 4a, but the detailed configuration examples of drive circuits 4b to 4d are basically the same.

[0043] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the drive circuit 4a shown in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the waveform storage unit 40, which will be described later, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the waveform selection circuit 43, which will be described later, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the drive switch circuit 44, which will be shown in Figure 6.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the drive circuit 4a includes a waveform storage unit 40, a shift register unit 410, a latch circuit unit 420, a waveform selection circuit unit 430, and a drive switch circuit unit 440.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the shift register section 410 is a circuit that sequentially transfers and holds image data Dp for each of the multiple nozzle holes Hn, corresponding to the drive signal Sd for each of the multiple nozzle holes Hn, from the preceding stage to the succeeding stage. This shift register section 410 has the same number of flip-flop (FF) circuits 41 as the number of corresponding nozzle holes Hn (n in this example), and each FF circuit 41 is capable of holding, for example, 4 bits of image data Dp.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the latch circuit section 420 is a circuit that holds image data Dp for each of the multiple nozzle holes Hn output from each FF circuit 41 in the shift register section 410, in synchronization with the discharge timing signal St mentioned above. This latch circuit section 420 has the same number of latch circuits 42 as the number of corresponding nozzle holes Hn (n in this example), and each latch circuit 42 is capable of holding, for example, 4 bits of image data Dp.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, the waveform selection circuit section 430 is a circuit that generates a switch control signal Ssc, described later, based on image data Dp for each of the multiple nozzle holes Hn output from each latch circuit 42 in the latch circuit section 420, the aforementioned discharge timing signal St and head setting signal Ss, and waveform data Dw output from the waveform storage section 40, described later. This waveform selection circuit section 430 has the same number of waveform selection circuits 43 as the number of corresponding multiple nozzle holes Hn (n in this example), and each waveform selection circuit 43 generates a switch control signal Ssc for each of the multiple nozzle holes Hn.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the drive switch circuit section 440 is a circuit that generates drive signals Sd(Sda) for each of the multiple nozzle holes Hn based on the switch control signals Ssc for each of the multiple nozzle holes Hn output from each waveform selection circuit 43 in the waveform selection circuit section 430. This drive switch circuit section 440 has the same number of drive switch circuits 44 as the number of corresponding nozzle holes Hn (n in this example). Each drive switch circuit 44 then converts the signal level (voltage value) based on the switch control signal Ssc and the power supply voltage Vp mentioned above, thereby generating drive signals Sda(Sda(1) to Sda(n)) having a drive voltage Vd corresponding to each of the n nozzle holes Hn (see Figure 6).

[0049] (Waveform storage unit 40) The waveform storage unit 40 stores multiple waveform data Dw, which will be described below. As shown in Figure 6, the discharge timing signal St and the head setting signal Ss are input to the waveform storage unit 40, and the waveform data Dw is output from the waveform storage unit 40 to the waveform selection circuit unit 430 (each waveform selection circuit 43).

[0050] This waveform storage unit 40 includes, for example, a waveform generation sequencer 400 and a plurality (four in this example) of waveform storage units M0 to M3, as shown in Figure 7.

[0051] Each of the waveform memory units M0 to M3 individually stores multiple (16 in this example) waveform data W0 to W15. In other words, the entire waveform storage unit 40 stores (16 x 4) = 64 waveform data. Each of these waveform data W0 to W15 corresponds to waveform setting information (waveform data) for one drive waveform. Each of these waveform data W0 to W15 can be written to and read from by the head setting signal Ss, and is stored in each of the waveform memory units M0 to M3 using I2C communication from the head setting unit 20 as described above.

[0052] When the discharge timing signal St is input, the waveform generation sequencer 400 reads the waveform data W0 to W15 stored in each waveform storage unit M0 to M3 and outputs them to the outside of the waveform storage unit 40 as waveform data Dw (Dw0 to Dw3). Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the waveform generation sequencer 400 outputs the waveform data W0 to W15 stored in the waveform storage unit M0 as waveform data Dw0, and the waveform data W0 to W15 stored in the waveform storage unit M1 as waveform data Dw1. Similarly, the waveform generation sequencer 400 outputs the waveform data W0 to W15 stored in the waveform storage unit M2 as waveform data Dw2, and the waveform data W0 to W15 stored in the waveform storage unit M3 as waveform data Dw3.

[0053] As will be explained in more detail later (Figures 10-12), these multiple waveform data W0-W15 (multiple waveform data Dw) include various types of waveform data depending on the application. In other words, they include various types of waveform data for, for example, individually ejecting multiple types of ink 9 (ink types), varying the ejection timing of the ink 9, or varying the droplet volume (droplet volume range) of the ink 9.

[0054] (Waveform selection circuit 43) Each waveform selection circuit 43 shown in Figure 6 has, for example, three selectors (selection circuits) 431 to 433 and a switch control signal generation unit 434, as shown in Figure 8.

[0055] The selector 431 is a circuit that selects one of the four types of waveform data Dw0 to Dw3 output from the waveform storage unit 40 and outputs it as the selected waveform data Dws. In other words, the selector 431 selectively outputs 16 waveform data (waveform data W0 to W15 included in the selected waveform data Dws) out of the 64 waveform data (= 16 x 4) included in the four types of waveform data Dw0 to Dw3.

[0056] In this process, as shown in Figure 8, selector 431 selects the selected waveform data Dws using a selection signal output from selector 432 (one of the waveform setting signal Sw and the additional data setting signal Spa). The waveform setting signal Sw[1:0] is a 2-bit setting signal defined by the head setting signal Ss (a different signal from the additional data setting signal Spa), and is a pre-set signal. On the other hand, the additional data setting signal Spa, as shown in Figure 8, is a setting signal defined by the 2-bit additional image data Dp[5:4], which is data added to the original image data Dp (4-bit image data Dp[3:0]). In other words, the additional data setting signal Spa is defined by the additional image data Dp[5:4], which is included in the image data Dp[5:0] and is different from the original image data Dp[3:0].

[0057] Selector 432 is a circuit that selectively outputs one of the two setting signals described above (waveform setting signal Sw and additional data setting signal Spa) to selector 431 using a selection control signal Swc. In other words, this selection control signal Swc is a control signal that specifies which of these setting signals, the waveform setting signal Sw and the additional data setting signal Spa, will be used (by selector 431). Note that this selection control signal Swc may be, for example, a signal included in the head setting signal Ss, or it may be a signal that can be set from outside the inkjet head 1 using the pins (terminals) in each drive circuit 4a to 4d.

[0058] Selector 433 is a circuit that selectively outputs one waveform data from among the 16 waveform data W0 to W15 contained in the selected waveform data Dws as the selected waveform data Dws', based on the selected waveform data Dws output from selector 431 and the original 4-bit image data Dp[3:0] described above. In other words, selector 433 uses the 4-bit image data Dp[3:0] to (2 4 The user is prompted to select one of the 16 waveform data sets (W0 to W15).

[0059] The switch control signal generation unit 434 generates a switch control signal Ssc, which is used when generating the drive signal Sd, based on the selected waveform data Dws' (the single waveform data ultimately selected from the 64 waveform data mentioned above) output from the selector 433. The switch control signal Ssc generated in this way is output to the drive switch circuit 44, which will be described below.

[0060] (Drive switch circuit 44) Each of the drive switch circuits 44 shown in Figure 6 has a drive switch section 441 containing multiple (four in this example) drive switches SW1 to SW4, as shown in Figure 9, and an output terminal 442. In addition, each of the drive switch circuits 4a to 4d is supplied with multiple (four in this example) power supply voltages Vp1 to Vp4 as power supply voltages Vp (drive power supply) supplied from outside.

[0061] In the drive switch unit 441, as shown in Figure 9, drive switch SW1 is located on the wiring between the power supply voltage Vp1 and the output terminal 442, and drive switch SW2 is located on the wiring between the power supply voltage Vp2 and the output terminal 442. Similarly, drive switch SW3 is located on the wiring between the power supply voltage Vp3 and the output terminal 442, and drive switch SW4 is located on the wiring between the power supply voltage Vp4 and the output terminal 442. Furthermore, the on or off state of each drive switch SW1 to SW4 is set based on the switch control signal Ssc supplied from the switch control signal generation unit 434.

[0062] Specifically, for example, when drive switch SW1 is set to the ON state and drive switches SW2 to SW4 are each set to the OFF state, the power supply voltage Vp1 is supplied to output terminal 442 via drive switch SW1. In this way, each drive switch SW1 to SW4 performs an ON / OFF operation based on the switch control signal Ssc, and a selected voltage from the power supply voltages Vp1 to Vp4 is supplied to output terminal 442, thereby generating a drive signal Sd (drive signal Sda in the example of Figure 9). In other words, each drive switch circuit 44 outputs a drive signal Sd (Sda to Sdd) corresponding to each nozzle hole Hn individually.

[0063] Here, the selectors 431 and 432 within each waveform selection circuit 43 correspond to a specific example of the "waveform selection unit" in this disclosure. Furthermore, the selector 433 and switch control signal generation unit 434 within each waveform selection circuit 43, and each drive switch circuit 44, correspond to a specific example of the "signal generation unit" in this disclosure. The waveform data Dw1 to Dw4 each correspond to a specific example of the "waveform setting information" in this disclosure, and the selected waveform data Dws corresponds to a specific example of the "selected waveform setting information" in this disclosure. Furthermore, the waveform setting signal Sw (Sw[1:0]) corresponds to a specific example of the "first setting signal" in this disclosure, and the additional data setting signal Spa corresponds to a specific example of the "second setting signal" in this disclosure. Furthermore, the additional image data Dp (Dp[5:4]) corresponds to a specific example of the "additional data signal" in this disclosure.

[0064] [Action and function / effect] (A. Basic operation of Printer 5) In this printer 5, the recording operation (printing operation) of images, characters, etc., onto the recording medium (recording paper P, etc.) is performed using the ink ejection operation of ink 9 by the inkjet head 1 as described below. Specifically, in the inkjet head 1 of this embodiment, the ink ejection operation of ink 9 using shear mode is performed as follows.

[0065] First, each drive device 4 (drive circuits 4a to 4d) on the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d applies a drive voltage Vd (drive signal Sd) to the aforementioned drive electrodes (common electrode and active electrode) in the actuator plate 111 in the injection section 11. Specifically, each drive device 4 applies a drive voltage Vd to each drive electrode located on a pair of drive walls that define the aforementioned discharge channel Ce. As a result, each of these pairs of drive walls deforms to protrude toward the dummy channel adjacent to its discharge channel Ce.

[0066] At this time, the drive wall bends in a V-shape around its midpoint in the depth direction. This bending deformation of the drive wall causes the ejection channel Ce to deform as if it were expanding. In this way, the volume of the ejection channel Ce increases due to the bending deformation caused by the piezoelectric thickness sliding effect of the pair of drive walls. As a result of this increase in the volume of the ejection channel Ce, the ink 9 is guided into the ejection channel Ce.

[0067] Next, the ink 9, which has been guided into the ejection channel Ce in this manner, propagates as a pressure wave inside the ejection channel Ce. At the moment when this pressure wave reaches the nozzle hole Hn of the nozzle plate 112 (or near that moment), the drive voltage Vd applied to the drive electrode becomes 0 V. As a result, the drive wall recovers from the bent deformation state described above, and the volume of the ejection channel Ce, which had increased, returns to its original size.

[0068] In this way, as the volume of the ejection channel Ce returns to its original state, the pressure inside the ejection channel Ce increases, and the ink 9 inside the ejection channel Ce is pressurized. As a result, droplet-shaped ink 9 is ejected to the outside (towards the recording paper P) through the nozzle hole Hn (see Figure 1). In this way, the ink jetting operation (ejection operation) of the ink 9 in the inkjet head 1 is performed, and as a result, the recording operation of images, characters, etc. is performed on the recording paper P.

[0069] (B. Regarding waveform settings for the drive waveform) Incidentally, in recent years, the waveform settings (drive waveform settings) for drive signals applied to inkjet heads have become increasingly complex. Complex waveform settings are used to achieve various effects, such as reducing drive noise generated during ejection, improving print quality by correcting variations in ejection performance, and suppressing crosstalk caused by the simultaneous ejection of a large number of droplets. For example, when suppressing crosstalk, for the ejection timing of liquid ejected from multiple nozzle holes, a drive waveform corresponding to the original ejection timing and a drive waveform corresponding to a delayed ejection timing are set separately. Then, for example, ejection drive is performed at the original ejection timing for a given nozzle row, and ejection drive is performed at the delayed ejection timing for other nozzle rows. In order to perform such ejection drive, for example, it is necessary to set multiple waveform settings in the drive circuit for the same print data (image data), and to set which waveform setting is used to eject the liquid in another way.

[0070] While it is relatively easy to assign multiple waveform settings to print data, selecting one of these settings is not always straightforward. Specifically, it is relatively easy if the rules for selecting the waveform settings are simple and unchanging. However, if, for example, the selection rules need to be changed with each ejection, then the print data and any associated additional print data must be supplied to the inkjet head. For example, if 4-bit print data is used and there are four different waveform settings for one print data, then 2 additional bits of print data are required, resulting in an effective print data of 6 bits.

[0071] This increase in the amount of information in print data poses an obstacle to high-speed ejection by the inkjet head. While modern inkjet heads sometimes employ high-speed differential transmission to achieve faster printing speeds, transmitting high-speed print data from the upstream of the inkjet head to the drive circuit requires long transmission paths, such as cables. When using high-speed differential transmission, long transmission paths can cause unstable signal transmission due to power loss, which becomes particularly pronounced at higher signal transmission frequencies. As mentioned above, an increase in the amount of information in print data necessitates a higher signal transmission frequency, sacrificing stable operation of the inkjet head during high-speed differential transmission. Therefore, to prevent this phenomenon, features such as jitter cleaning and pre-emphasis functions must be implemented in the upstream circuitry of the inkjet head, and features such as equalization functions must be implemented in the inkjet head itself, leading to increased costs.

[0072] On the other hand, to transmit print data without increasing the frequency, one method is to separate the transmission path for the additional print data and the original print data. However, as the number of transmission paths increases, problems due to skew between transmission paths arise, so in any case, an increase in the amount of information in the print data is undesirable.

[0073] However, to achieve highly flexible print control, it is necessary to increase the amount of information in the print data. On the other hand, for example, when changing the ejection timing at each nozzle, if the waveform settings to be applied to each nozzle are predetermined, there is no need to transmit additional print data.

[0074] Given this background, there is demand for both printers that offer a high degree of freedom in selecting the drive waveform but require expensive circuitry, and printers that offer less freedom in selecting the drive waveform but have lower circuitry costs. Therefore, from the perspective of inkjet head manufacturers, it is desirable to be able to change the degree of freedom in selecting the drive waveform while keeping costs (development and manufacturing costs) down using the same drive circuitry.

[0075] (C. Waveform settings in this embodiment) Therefore, in the inkjet head 1 of this embodiment, in each drive circuit 4a to 4d, a selected waveform data Dws is selected from among multiple waveform data Dw using one of two setting signals: a preset waveform setting signal Sw (Sw[1:0]) and an additional data setting signal Spa defined by an additional data signal (additional image data Dp (Dp[5:4])). Then, a drive signal Sd is generated based on the selected waveform data Dws.

[0076] Figures 10 to 12 show examples of drive signals Sd with waveform settings (multiple types of waveform settings) using such waveform data Dw, represented as timing diagrams. In Figures 10 to 12, the vertical axis represents the drive voltage Vd, and the horizontal axis represents time t. The drive signals Sd shown in Figures 10 to 12 are all examples of so-called 3-drop waveforms, but are not limited to this example and may be other drop waveforms (1-drop waveforms, 2-drop waveforms, waveforms with 4 or more drops, etc.).

[0077] First, Figure 10 shows an example of the waveform of a drive signal Sd whose waveform setting is performed using multiple types (two types in this example) of waveform data Dw for individually ejecting multiple types of ink (in this example, the two types of ink mentioned above, the first ink 91 and the second ink 92). Specifically, Figure 10(A) shows an example of the waveform of the drive signal Sd whose waveform setting is performed for the first ink 91, and Figure 10(B) shows an example of the waveform of the drive signal Sd whose waveform setting is performed for the second ink 92.

[0078] Generally, when the ink types are different, the so-called AP (on-pulse peak: half the natural vibration period of the ink within the ejection channel Ce, which is the pulse width of the pulse signal that provides the best ejection performance) is also different from one another. Therefore, the example waveform of the drive signal Sd for the first ink 91 shown in Figure 10(A) and the example waveform of the drive signal Sd for the second ink 92 shown in Figure 10(B) have different pulse widths at the high (H) level voltage VH, the low (L) level voltage VL, and the negative voltage VM, respectively.

[0079] Furthermore, Figure 11 shows examples of waveforms for the drive signal Sd, which are set using multiple types (two types in this example) of waveform data Dw to eject ink 9 in different droplet sizes (droplet volume ranges). Specifically, Figure 11(A) shows an example of the waveform for the drive signal Sd set for large droplets, and Figure 11(B) shows an example of the waveform for the drive signal Sd set for small droplets.

[0080] Unlike the waveform example of the drive signal Sd for large droplets shown in Figure 11(A), which is shown in Figure 11(B), the waveform example of the drive signal Sd for small droplets includes a negative voltage VM pulse. This negative voltage VM pulse is used to increase the amount of ink 9 ejected.

[0081] Furthermore, Figure 12 shows an example of the waveform of the drive signal Sd, which has been set using multiple types (two types in this example) of waveform data Dw to eject the ink 9 at different timings (ejection timings). Specifically, Figure 12(A) shows an example of the waveform of the drive signal Sd with waveform settings for normal ejection timing, and Figure 12(B) shows an example of the waveform of the drive signal Sd with waveform settings for delayed timing.

[0082] In the example waveform of the drive signal Sd for delayed timing shown in Figure 12(B), the discharge timing is slightly shifted (delayed) compared to the example waveform of the drive signal Sd for normal timing shown in Figure 12(A). This reduces the energy of the pressure wave generated simultaneously, making it possible to suppress so-called crosstalk. Furthermore, this shift in discharge timing can reduce the instantaneous drive current (peak value of drive current), which in turn reduces the peak value of electrical noise generated during operation and helps prevent malfunctions in surrounding circuits.

[0083] Now, let's consider the case where the various waveform settings of the drive signals Sd shown in Figures 10 to 12 are combined and applied to the four nozzle rows Ana to And mentioned above. As an example, it would look like this:

[0084] First, the two ink types described above, the first ink 91 and the second ink 92, will be ejected individually by the aforementioned ejection units 11a and 11b. In other words, two types of waveform settings are required for the ink types: one for the first ink 91 (Figure 10(A)) and one for the second ink 92 (Figure 10(B)). In addition, a total of four types of waveform settings are required for the drive waveform: a non-ejection waveform and three types of ejection waveforms (the three types described above: 1-drop waveform, 2-drop waveform, and 3-drop waveform). Furthermore, two types of waveform settings will be used for the ejection timing: the normal ejection timing (Figure 12(A)) and the delayed ejection timing (Figure 12(B)). In this case, a total of 16 types of waveform settings are required: (ink types: 2 types) × (drive waveforms: 4 types) × (ejection timings: 2 types).

[0085] Then, these 16 types of waveform settings are assigned to the waveform data W0 to W15 in the four waveform storage units M0 to M3 of the waveform storage unit 40, as follows, for example.

[0086] • Waveform memory unit M0: (For the first ink 91 / for normal ejection timing) → For nozzle row Ana • Waveform memory unit M1: (For the first ink 91 / for delayed ejection timing) → For nozzle row Anb • Waveform memory unit M2: (For second ink 92 / for normal ejection timing) → For nozzle row Anc • Waveform memory unit M3: (for second ink 92 / for delayed ejection timing) → for nozzle row AND

[0087] Here, for example, the drive circuit 4a that generates the drive signal Sda corresponding to nozzle row Ana is set to the waveform setting signal Sw[1:0] = "00b" (b: meaning binary representation). Similarly, for example, the drive circuit 4b that generates the drive signal Sdb corresponding to nozzle row Anb is set to the waveform setting signal Sw[1:0] = "01b", the drive circuit 4c that generates the drive signal Sdc corresponding to nozzle row Anc is set to the waveform setting signal Sw[1:0] = "10b", and the drive circuit 4d that generates the drive signal Sdd corresponding to nozzle row And is set to the waveform setting signal Sw[1:0] = "11b".

[0088] Each of these 2-bit waveform setting signals Sw is written collectively to each drive circuit 4a to 4d via the control switching unit 122 using the head setting signal Ss. Then, the waveform storage units 40 (waveform memory units M0 to M3) within each drive circuit 4a to 4d store the 16 types of waveform settings described above.

[0089] By using such a waveform setting signal Sw[1:0], the image data transfer unit 21 within the print control unit 2 can process the image to be printed using only a 2-bit signal, eliminating the need to be aware of the different drive waveforms. Therefore, the usability of the inkjet head 1 is improved.

[0090] On the other hand, when combining the two types of waveform settings shown in Figures 11(A) and 11(B) (waveform settings for large droplets / small droplets) with other types of waveform settings, the droplet volume range will be changed according to the printed image. Therefore, in this case, it is more effective to use the additional data setting signal Spa (additional image data Dp[5:4]) mentioned above as the setting signal, rather than the waveform setting signal Sw[1:0] mentioned above.

[0091] Specifically, in printed images, if there is a mixture of areas where small droplets are preferable for high-resolution image processing and areas where large droplets are preferable for solid image processing, using the additional data setting signal Spa is more efficient because it provides greater flexibility. However, there are cases where, for example, a section of the printed area containing a solid image can also be handled by the waveform setting signal Sw. Therefore, as mentioned above, it is desirable to be able to change which of these setting signals, the waveform setting signal Sw or the additional data setting signal Spa, is used at any time (using the selection control signal Swc).

[0092] In the example above, for example, the bit widths of the waveform setting signal Sw and the additional data setting signal Spa may be different from each other. In that case, the signal with the smaller bit width needs to have its upper bits set to a predetermined value (for example, "0"). Specifically, for example, if the bit width of the waveform setting signal Sw is 4 bits and the bit width of the additional data setting signal Spa is 2 bits, the following occurs. That is, for the values ​​"00b / 01b / 10b / 11b" in the additional data setting signal Spa, "00b" is added to the upper two bits, resulting in "0000b / 0001b / 0010b / 0011b", so that the output signal is always 4 bits. This processing can be performed, for example, by selector 432.

[0093] (D. Action / Effect) In this way, in the inkjet head 1 of this embodiment, each drive circuit 4a to 4d uses one of the setting signals, either a preset waveform setting signal Sw or an additional data setting signal Spa defined by the aforementioned additional data signal, to select a waveform data Dws from among a plurality of waveform data Dws. Then, a drive signal Sd is generated based on the selected waveform data Dws.

[0094] This eliminates the need to prepare multiple types of drive circuits 4a to 4d (drive devices 4) for each inkjet head 1 with different specifications. Specifically, for example, by generating a drive signal Sd using an additional data setting signal Spa, it becomes possible to adapt drive circuits 4a to 4d to various specifications of inkjet head 1, such as an inkjet head 1 that can handle a wide volume range (droplet volume), or by generating a drive signal Sd using a pre-set waveform setting signal Sw, it becomes possible to adapt drive circuits 4a to 4d to an inkjet head 1 that can simultaneously eject multiple types of ink 9. Therefore, for example, it becomes unnecessary to design drive circuits 4a to 4d for each individual inkjet head 1, or to design and manufacture each substrate (I / F substrate 12 or flexible substrate 13a to 13d). As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the cost of the inkjet head 1 (development cost and manufacturing cost).

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the waveform setting signal Sw described above is defined by a different signal (head setting signal Ss) from the additional data setting signal Spa described above, for example, the content of the selected waveform data Dws can be changed from outside the inkjet head 1 using the head setting signal Ss, depending on the user's usage. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the selected waveform data Dws is selected using the selection control signal Swc, it becomes possible to change which of the waveform setting signal Sw and the additional data setting signal Spa is used at any time, for example, depending on the user's usage. As a result, it becomes possible to improve user convenience.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, image data Dp is transmitted from outside the inkjet head 1 using differential transmission (high-speed differential transmission), which increases the transmission speed of image data Dp to the inkjet head 1. This increases the ejection speed of ink 9, enabling high-speed printing. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the productivity of the inkjet head 1.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple nozzle holes Hn are distinguished into multiple nozzle groups (multiple nozzle rows Ana to And), and a drive signal Sd (Sda to Sdd) is output for each of these nozzle rows Ana to And. This results in the following: For example, it is possible to easily improve the nozzle density in the inkjet head 1 while suppressing crosstalk and variations in ejection performance between nozzle rows Ana to And using multiple waveform data Dw, thereby improving the ejection performance of the inkjet head 1. In addition, when generating the drive signal Sd using such multiple waveform data Dw, control by image data Dp is unnecessary, for example, thus reducing the amount of information processing required for image processing outside the inkjet head 1 (the print control unit 2, which is an upstream circuit). As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the printer 5 equipped with the inkjet head 1.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if multiple types of waveform data Dw corresponding to the individual ejection of multiple types of ink 9 (for example, the first ink 91 and the second ink 92 described above) are included in multiple waveform data Dw, the following occurs. That is, when the individual ejection of such multiple types of ink 9 is performed, it becomes unnecessary to individually change the waveform data Dw, and the appropriate waveform data Dw can be easily used. In addition, it becomes easy to prevent mistakes in the waveform data Dw corresponding to each type of ink 9, and even if a mistake occurs, the error can be easily corrected. These factors make it possible to improve user convenience.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, if multiple types of waveform data Dw corresponding to different ejection timings (the timing of ink ejection 9) are included in multiple waveform data Dw, the following occurs. That is, when ejecting at such different ejection timings, the waveform data Dw can be changed without using image data Dp, for example. This makes it possible to suppress the increase in the amount of information in image data Dp, while, for example, suppressing crosstalk and reducing the peak value of the drive current. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the ejection performance and ejection operation stability of the inkjet head 1.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if multiple types of waveform data Dw corresponding to dispensing at different droplet volumes (droplet volume ranges) are included in multiple waveform data Dw, the following occurs. That is, when dispensing at such different droplet volumes, it is possible to easily switch to the appropriate waveform data Dw. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

[0102] <2. Variant> Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described. In the following, components identical to those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0103] [composition] Figure 13 shows a detailed configuration example of the modified printer 5A in block diagram form. This modified printer 5A is the same as the printer 5 of the embodiment (see Figure 4), but with an inkjet head 1A instead of inkjet head 1, and the other configurations are basically the same.

[0104] Furthermore, this inkjet head 1A corresponds to one specific example of the "liquid jet head" in this disclosure. Also, the printer 5A corresponds to one specific example of the "liquid jet recording device" in this disclosure.

[0105] As shown in Figure 13, this modified inkjet head 1A is the same as the inkjet head 1 shown in Figure 4, but with an I / F board 12A instead of I / F board 12, and the other configurations are basically the same. Furthermore, this I / F board 12A is the same as the I / F board 12, but with an additional head setting storage section 123, which will be described below, and the other configurations are basically the same.

[0106] The head setting storage unit 123 is the part that stores the head setting signal Ss, which includes the waveform setting signal Sw mentioned above. The head setting storage unit 123 then distributes the stored head setting signal Ss to each drive circuit 4a to 4d via the control switching unit 122, for example, when the inkjet head 1 is started up.

[0107] Alternatively, for example, the head setting storage unit 123 may generate the aforementioned waveform data Dw (W0 to W15) by calculation and then expand the generated waveform data Dw to the waveform storage units 40 in each of the drive circuits 4a to 4d.

[0108] The head setting storage unit 123 is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0109] [Effects / Effects] In this modified example, the same effects can be obtained through essentially the same operation as in the embodiment. In other words, in this modified example, as in the embodiment, the cost of the inkjet head 1A can be reduced.

[0110] Furthermore, in this modified version in particular, a head setting storage unit 123 is provided to store the head setting signal Ss. This allows the selected waveform data Dws to be automatically set, for example, when the inkjet head 1A is started or at any arbitrary timing. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

[0111] Furthermore, if, for example, the head setting storage unit 123 generates waveform data Dw by calculation and expands it to the waveform storage unit 40, as described above, the following results will be achieved. In other words, for example, crosstalk suppression and reduction of the peak value of the drive current can be easily realized, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0112] <3. Other variations> Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments and modifications, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0113] For example, in the above embodiments, specific examples of the configuration (shape, arrangement, number, etc.) of each component in the printers 5, 5A and inkjet heads 1, 1A were given and explained, but the configuration is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and other shapes, arrangements, numbers, etc., are also possible. Specifically, in the above embodiments, an example was given in which four types of waveforms (non-eject waveform: 1 type, eject waveform: 3 types) are set in each waveform storage unit M0 to M3, but the configuration is not limited to this example, and for example, up to 15 types of eject waveforms may be stored. Also, in the above embodiments, it is possible to store 16 types of waveform data in each waveform storage unit M0 to M3, but the configuration is not limited to this example, and for example, it may be possible to store multiple types of waveform data, such as less than 16 types or more than 16 types. Note that if more than 16 types are used, the bit width of the image data Dp will increase accordingly. Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe a case where four waveform storage units M0 to M3 are provided within each waveform storage unit 40, the invention is not limited to this example, and for example, multiple waveform storage units other than four may be provided within each waveform storage unit 40. Note that, for example, if five or more waveform storage units are provided within each waveform storage unit 40, the bit widths of the waveform setting signal Sw and the additional data setting signal Spa will increase accordingly.

[0114] Furthermore, while specific configuration examples of the I / F board (intermediate board), flexible board (drive board), and drive device (drive circuit) were described in the above embodiments, these configuration examples are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. For example, while the above embodiments described an example in which the drive board is a flexible board, the drive board may be a non-flexible board.

[0115] Furthermore, while the methods for selecting waveform setting information (waveform data) were specifically described in the above embodiments, the methods are not limited to those described above, and other methods may be used to select the waveform setting information. Also, while the nozzle row Ana~And was given as an example of a "nozzle group" in this disclosure in the above embodiments, the methods are not limited to this example, and multiple nozzle groups may be set using other grouping methods. Specifically, for example, multiple nozzles arranged within a single nozzle row may belong to different nozzle groups (for example, dividing the nozzle groups into odd-numbered nozzles and even-numbered nozzles counting from the end of the nozzle row). In other words, for example, the nozzle groups do not have to be clustered in one place on the nozzle plate surface.

[0116] Furthermore, the numerical examples of the various parameters described in the above embodiments are not limited to those described in the embodiments, and other numerical values ​​may be used.

[0117] Furthermore, various types of inkjet head structures can be applied. For example, a so-called side-chute type inkjet head may be used, which ejects ink 9 from the center of the extending direction of each ejection channel Ce in the actuator plate 111. Alternatively, a so-called edge-chute type inkjet head may be used, which ejects ink 9 along the extending direction of each ejection channel Ce. Moreover, the printer system is not limited to the systems described in the above embodiments, and various systems such as MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) can be applied.

[0118] Furthermore, this disclosure can be applied to either a circulating inkjet head, which circulates the ink 9 between the ink tank and the inkjet head, or a non-circulating inkjet head, which does not circulate the ink 9.

[0119] Furthermore, the series of processes described in the above embodiments may be performed by hardware (circuits) or by software (programs). If performed by software, the software consists of a group of programs that cause the computer to execute each function. Each program may, for example, be pre-installed in the computer or installed on the computer from a network or recording medium.

[0120] Furthermore, while the above embodiments described a printer 5 (inkjet printer) as a specific example of the "liquid jet recording device" in this disclosure, the invention is not limited to this example, and the disclosure can be applied to other devices besides inkjet printers. In other words, the "liquid jet head" (inkjet head) of this disclosure may be applied to other devices besides inkjet printers. Specifically, for example, the "liquid jet head" of this disclosure may be applied to devices such as facsimile machines and on-demand printing machines.

[0121] In addition, the various examples described so far may be applied in any combination.

[0122] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also occur.

[0123] Furthermore, this disclosure can also take the following form. (1) A circuit that outputs a drive signal to be applied to a liquid injection head, A waveform storage unit that stores multiple waveform setting information, A waveform selection unit selects one of the plurality of waveform setting information stored in the waveform storage unit and outputs it as selected waveform setting information, A signal generation unit generates the drive signal for spraying liquid based on the selected waveform setting information output from the waveform selection unit and image data input from outside the liquid spray head. Equipped with, The waveform selection unit is Using one of the following setting signals: a first setting signal that is set in advance, and a second setting signal that is defined by an additional data signal included in the image data, Select the selected waveform setting information from among the plurality of waveform setting information. Drive circuit. (2) The first setting signal is defined by a head setting signal, which is a signal different from the additional data signal. The drive circuit described in (1) above. (3) The waveform selection unit is Using a selection control signal that specifies which of the first setting signal and the second setting signal to use, Select the aforementioned waveform setting information. The drive circuit described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The image data is transmitted from outside the liquid injection head using differential transmission. The drive circuit described in any of (1) to (3) above. (5) A drive circuit as described in any of (1) to (4) above, A spray unit having multiple nozzles that sprays the liquid based on the drive signal output from the drive circuit, A liquid spray head equipped with a liquid spray head. (6) The aforementioned multiple nozzles are distinguished into multiple nozzle groups, The drive circuit outputs the drive signal for each nozzle group. The liquid spray head described in (5) above. (7) The plurality of waveform setting information includes a plurality of first waveform setting information for dispensing a plurality of liquids individually. The liquid spray head described in (5) or (6) above. (8) The aforementioned plurality of waveform setting information includes a plurality of types of second waveform setting information for discharging the liquid at different timings. A liquid spray head as described in any of (5) to (7) above. (9) The aforementioned plurality of waveform setting information includes a plurality of types of third waveform setting information for dispensing the liquid in droplet amounts that differ from each other. A liquid spray head as described in any of (5) to (8) above. (10) The system further includes a head setting storage unit that stores the head setting signal including the first setting signal. A liquid spray head as described in any of (5) through (9) above. (11) The head setting storage unit is, The waveform setting information is generated by calculation, The generated waveform setting information is then expanded into the waveform storage unit. The liquid spray head described in (10) above. (12) Equipped with a liquid spray head as described in any of (5) to (11) above Liquid injection recording device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1,1A…Inkjet head, 10…Connector, 11,11a,11b…Ejection unit, 111…Actuator plate, 112…Nozzle plate, 12,12A…I / F board, 120a,120b,120c,120d…Connector, 121…Circuit layout area, 122…Control switching unit, 123…Head setting storage unit, 13a,13b,13c,13d,13A…Flexible board, 141,142…Cooling unit, 151,152…Ink inlet unit 161,162...Ink introduction unit, 2...Print control unit, 20...Head setting unit, 21...Image data transfer unit, 22...Drive power output unit, 3...Ink tank, 30...Ink supply pipe, 4...Drive device, 4a,4b,4c,4d...Drive circuit, 40...Waveform storage unit, 400...Waveform generation sequencer, 410...Shift register unit, 420...Latch circuit unit, 430...Waveform selection circuit unit, 440...Drive switch circuit unit, 41...FF circuit, 42...Latch circuit, 43...Waveform Selection circuit, 431-433…Selector, 434…Switch control signal generation unit, 44…Drive switch circuit, 441…Drive switch unit, 442…Output terminal, 45…Crimping electrode, 5,5A…Printer, 9…Ink, 91…First ink, 92…Second ink, P…Recording paper, Ce…Ejection channel, Hn…Nozzle hole, Ana, Anb, Anc, And…Nozzle row, Sc…Print control signal, Dp…Image data, Spa…Additional data setting signal, St…Ejection timing Ss...head setting signal, Sw...waveform setting signal, Swc...selection control signal, Ssc...switch control signal, Sd, Sda, Sdb, Sdc, Sdd...drive signals, Vd...drive voltage, Vp, Vp1~Vp4...power supply voltage, M0~M3...waveform memory unit, W0~W15, Dw, Dw0~Dw3...waveform data, Dws, Dws'...selected waveform data, SW1~SW4...drive switch, VH...H level voltage, VL...L level voltage, VM...negative voltage, t...time.

Claims

1. A circuit that outputs a drive signal to be applied to a liquid injection head, A waveform storage unit that stores multiple waveform setting information, A waveform selection unit selects one of the plurality of waveform setting information stored in the waveform storage unit and outputs it as selected waveform setting information, A signal generation unit generates the drive signal for spraying liquid based on the selected waveform setting information output from the waveform selection unit and image data input from outside the liquid spray head. Equipped with, The waveform selection unit is A selection control signal is used to determine which of the preset first setting signal and the second setting signal defined by the additional data signal included in the image data is to be used, and using one of the first setting signal and the second setting signal, Select the selected waveform setting information from among the plurality of waveform setting information. Drive circuit.

2. The first setting signal is defined by a head setting signal, which is a signal different from the additional data signal. The drive circuit according to claim 1.

3. The image data is transmitted from outside the liquid injection head using differential transmission. The drive circuit according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A drive circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A spray unit having multiple nozzles that sprays the liquid based on the drive signal output from the drive circuit, A liquid spray head equipped with a liquid spray head.

5. The system further includes a head setting storage unit that stores the head setting signal including the first setting signal. The liquid spray head according to claim 4.

6. A liquid spray head for spraying liquid, The drive circuit and A spray unit having multiple nozzles that sprays the liquid based on a drive signal output from the drive circuit, Equipped with, The aforementioned drive circuit is A waveform storage unit that stores multiple waveform setting information, A waveform selection unit selects one of the plurality of waveform setting information stored in the waveform storage unit and outputs it as selected waveform setting information, A signal generation unit generates the drive signal for spraying the liquid based on the selected waveform setting information output from the waveform selection unit and image data input from outside the liquid spray head. It has, The waveform selection unit is Using one of the following setting signals: a first setting signal that is set in advance, and a second setting signal that is defined by an additional data signal included in the image data, Select the selected waveform setting information from among the plurality of waveform setting information, The liquid injection head is further provided with a head setting storage unit for storing a head setting signal including the first setting signal. Liquid spray head.

7. The head setting storage unit is, The waveform setting information is generated by calculation, The generated waveform setting information is then expanded into the waveform storage unit. The liquid spray head according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned multiple nozzles are distinguished into multiple nozzle groups, The drive circuit outputs the drive signal for each nozzle group. A liquid spray head according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. The plurality of waveform setting information includes a plurality of first waveform setting information for dispensing a plurality of liquids individually. A liquid spray head according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. The aforementioned plurality of waveform setting information includes a plurality of types of second waveform setting information for discharging the liquid at different timings. A liquid spray head according to any one of claims 4 to 9.

11. The aforementioned plurality of waveform setting information includes a plurality of types of third waveform setting information for dispensing the liquid in droplet amounts that differ from each other. A liquid spray head according to any one of claims 4 to 10.

12. The liquid injection head is provided according to any one of claims 4 to 11. Liquid injection recording device.

Images