Recording head and recording apparatus

Abstract

In the head main body, a head control part inputs individual signals to a plurality of recording elements which respectively form dots. The individual signals have non-waveform signals and drive waveform signals. The non-waveform signals are input to the recording elements at the non-driving time, and the potential is held at a standby potential. The drive waveform signals are input to the recording elements at the driving time, and the potential is transitioned from the standby potential to one or more displacement potentials. The standby potential of the non-waveform signal input to at least one of the plurality of recording elements is different from the standby potential of the non-waveform signal input to at least one other of the plurality of recording elements.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording head and a recording apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a recording apparatus, a recording apparatus having a plurality of recording elements that individually form a plurality of dots constituting an image on a recording medium is known. As such a recording apparatus, for example, an inkjet head printer and a thermal head printer can be cited. In the inkjet head printer, an ejection element including a nozzle that ejects ink and an actuator that imparts pressure to the ink in the nozzle is a recording element. In the thermal head, a heating portion that imparts heat to a thermal paper or an ink film is a recording element. The recording element is driven by a drive signal in which a change in an input potential with time forms a waveform.

[0003] In such a printer, a difference in a dot pattern such as a size of a dot occurs among the plurality of recording elements. As a factor that causes such a difference in the dot pattern, for example, in the inkjet printer, a machining error of the nozzle, a difference in pressure among the plurality of nozzles caused by a mutual difference in positions of the plurality of nozzles with respect to a flow path that supplies the ink, and a difference in voltage input to the actuator that imparts pressure to the ink for each nozzle can be cited. Also, such a difference in the dot pattern is exhibited as an unexpected density unevenness (density spot) in an image, for example.

[0004] In Patent Documents 1 and 2 described below, a technology is proposed in which, in order to reduce the density spot, the plurality of recording elements is divided into a plurality of blocks (areas) for each given number, and a drive condition of the recording element is corrected for each block.

[0005] Although not a technology related to reduction of the density spot, in Patent Document 3 described below, a technology for ejecting ink at high speed and stably regardless of a temperature condition is disclosed. In this technology, in a drive signal in which a potential is changed from a reference potential, the reference potential is changed in accordance with a temperature of the ink.

[0006] Although not a technology related to reduction of the density spot, in Patent Documents 4 to 6 described below, a technology related to a method of generating a drive signal is disclosed. In this technology, each recording element is selectively connected with respect to a plurality of terminals held at a plurality of potentials. Thereby, a change in the potential supplied to each recording element forms a waveform. That is, a drive signal input to each recording element is generated.

[0007] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0008] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0009] Patent Document 1: JP Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 04-133741

[0010] Patent Document 2: JP Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2012-187859

[0011] Patent Literature 3: International Publication No. 2018 / 186140

[0012] Patent Literature 4: JP Laid-open Patent Publication No. 9-123442

[0013] Patent Literature 5: JP Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2004-153411

[0014] Patent Literature 6: JP Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-301757 SUMMARY

[0015] A recording head according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of recording elements each forming a dot constituting an image, and a drive control section that respectively inputs an action signal to the plurality of recording elements. The action signal includes a standby signal that is input to the recording element at a non-driving time and whose potential is held at a standby potential, and a drive signal that is input to the recording element at a driving time and whose potential is transitioned from the standby potential to one or more displacement potentials. The standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one of the plurality of recording elements is different from the standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one other of the plurality of recording elements.

[0016] A recording device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of recording elements each forming a dot constituting an image, a control signal output section that generates a control signal based on image data, and a drive control section that respectively inputs an action signal to the plurality of recording elements based on the control signal. The action signal includes a standby signal that is input to the recording element at a non-driving time and whose potential is held at a standby potential, and a drive signal that is input to the recording element at a driving time and whose potential is transitioned from the standby potential to one or more displacement potentials. The standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one of the plurality of recording elements is different from the standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one other of the plurality of recording elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1A is a side view schematically showing a recording device according to a first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 1B is a plan view schematically showing the recording device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2B is another perspective view of the liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A Cross-sectional view at line IIc-IIc.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A Cross-sectional view at line III-III.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a waveform of an individual signal input to the actuator of the liquid ejecting head according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of a portion of .

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram outlining a method for correcting density unevenness.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration related to a control system of the recording device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 Yes Figure 7 A circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a constant voltage power supply.

[0028] Figure 9 Yes Figure 7 A circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the element control circuit shown.

[0029] Figure 10 Yes Figure 9 Schematic diagram of a specific example of the operation of the switching circuit shown.

[0030] Figure 11A Yes Figure 9 Another schematic diagram of a specific example of the operation of the switching circuit shown.

[0031] Figure 11B It means realization Figure 11A A circuit diagram showing an example of the structure of the operation.

[0032] Figure 11C It means realization Figure 11A A circuit diagram of another example of the structure of the operation.

[0033] Figure 11D It means realization Figure 11A A circuit diagram of yet another example of the structure of the operation.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a constant voltage power supply according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 13 is a circuit diagram showing the structure of the correction circuit of the element control circuit according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 14 is a circuit diagram showing the structure of the correction circuit of the element control circuit according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 15A is a block diagram showing an example of use of the correction circuit according to the fourth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 15B is a block diagram showing another example of use of the correction circuit according to the fourth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 16 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the structure of the constant voltage power supply used in the generation of the action signal in which the correction of the standby potential is not performed according to the fourth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 17 is an example of a waveform of the individual signal generated by the constant voltage power supply according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 16

[0041] Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an outline of the structure of the recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the drawings used in the following description are schematic and the dimensional ratios, and the like, on the drawings are not necessarily consistent with reality. In the case of a plurality of drawings that represent the same component, the dimensional ratios, and the like, are not necessarily consistent with each other, either, for the purpose of exaggerating the shape, and the like.

[0043] In the description of the embodiments other than the first embodiment, only the points of difference from the previously described embodiments will be described. Matters not specifically mentioned can be the same as the previously described embodiments, or can be inferred from the previously described embodiments.

[0044] <1st Embodiment>

[0045] (Overall structure of printer)

[0046] Figure 1A is a side view showing an outline of a color inkjet printer 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as a printer) as a recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 1B is a plan view showing an outline of the printer 1. The printer 1 includes a liquid ejection head 2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as a head) as a recording head according to the first embodiment.

[0047] ​The printer 1 relatively moves the print paper P with respect to the head 2 by transporting the print paper P as a recording medium from a paper feed roller 80A to a recovery roller 80B. In addition, the paper feed roller 80A and the recovery roller 80B, and various rollers described later constitute a moving section 85 that relatively moves the print paper P and the head 2. A control device 88 controls the head 2 based on data such as an image, a character, and print data, and causes the head 2 to eject liquid toward the print paper P to cause liquid droplets to land on the print paper P, thereby performing printing or the like on the print paper P.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the head 2 is fixed with respect to the printer 1, and the printer 1 is a so-called line printer. As another embodiment of a recording apparatus, a so-called serial printer can be given. In the serial printer, for example, the head 2 is reciprocated in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the print paper P, for example, a substantially orthogonal direction. In the middle of the reciprocation, the operation of ejecting liquid droplets and the transport of the print paper P are alternately performed.

[0049] In the printer 1, four flat head mounting frames 70 (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as frames) are fixed so as to be substantially parallel to the print paper P. Five holes illustrated are provided in each frame 70, and five heads 2 are mounted to each of the holes. The five heads 2 mounted to one frame 70 constitute one head group 72. The printer 1 has four head groups 72, and a total of 20 heads 2 are mounted.

[0050] The position of the head 2 mounted to the frame 70 from which liquid is ejected faces the print paper P. The distance between the head 2 and the print paper P is set to, for example, about 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0051] The 20 heads 2 can be directly connected to the control device 88, or can be connected to the control device 88 via a distribution section that distributes print data. For example, the control device 88 can send print data to one distribution section, and the distribution section can distribute the print data to the 20 heads 2. Further, for example, the control device 88 can distribute print data to four distribution sections corresponding to the four head groups 72, and each distribution section can distribute print data to the five heads 2 in the corresponding head group 72.

[0052] The head 2 has a long strip shape that is relatively thin in the direction from the front to the depth, Figure 1A the direction of the up and down, Figure 1B In one head group 72, the three heads 2 are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the print paper P, for example, a substantially orthogonal direction, and the other two heads 2 are arranged side by side at positions offset in the transport direction, one each between the three heads 2. If another arrangement is performed, in one head group 72, the heads 2 are arranged in a staggered manner. The heads 2 are arranged such that the ranges that can be printed by the respective heads 2 are connected in the width direction of the print paper P, that is, the direction intersecting the transport direction of the print paper P, or the ranges are repeated at the ends, and printing can be performed without a gap in the width direction of the print paper P.

[0053] The four head groups 72 are arranged along the conveyance direction of the print paper P. A liquid such as ink is supplied to each head 2 from an unillustrated liquid supply tank. The heads 2 belonging to one head group 72 are supplied with the same color ink, and four colors of ink can be printed by the four head groups 72. The colors of ink ejected from the head groups 72 are, for example, magenta (M), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (K). If printing is performed by controlling such ink by the control device 88, a color image can be printed.

[0054] If it is monochrome and the range of printing can be printed by one head 2, the number of heads 2 mounted on the printer 1 can be one. The number of heads 2 included in the head group 72, and / or the number of head groups 72 can be appropriately changed depending on the object of printing and / or the printing conditions. For example, the number of head groups 72 can be increased in order to further perform printing in multiple colors. Further, if a plurality of head groups 72 that print in the same color are arranged, printing is alternately performed in the conveyance direction, even if the same performance head 2 is used, the conveyance speed can be accelerated. Thereby, the printing area per hour can be increased. Further, a plurality of head groups 72 that print in the same color can be prepared and arranged staggered in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction to improve the resolution in the width direction of the print paper P.

[0055] Further, in addition to printing colored ink, a liquid such as a coating agent can be printed by the head 2 as is or patterned in order to perform surface treatment of the print paper P. As the coating agent, for example, in the case of using a recording medium that is difficult to be impregnated with a liquid as the recording medium, a coating agent that forms a liquid receiving layer can be used to make the liquid easily fixed. In addition thereto, as the coating agent, in the case of using a recording medium that is easy to be impregnated with a liquid as the recording medium, a coating agent that forms a liquid penetration suppressing layer can be used to make the impregnation of the liquid not become too large or not too mixed with another liquid that is dropped nearby. The coating agent can be applied as is by the coating machine 76 controlled by the control device 88 in addition to printing by the head 2.

[0056] The printer 1 performs printing on the print paper P as the recording medium. The print paper P becomes a state of being wound around the paper feed roller 80A, and the print paper P fed out from the paper feed roller 80A passes under the heads 2 mounted on the frame 70, and then passes between the two conveyance rollers 82C, and finally is recovered to the recovery roller 80B. When printing is performed, the print paper P is conveyed at a certain speed by rotating the conveyance rollers 82C, and is printed by the heads 2.

[0057] Next, the details of the printer 1 will be described in the order of conveying the print paper P. The print paper P fed out from the paper feed roller 80A passes between the two guide rollers 82A, and then passes under the coating machine 76. The coating machine 76 applies the above-described coating agent to the print paper P.

[0058] The paper P is sandwiched and fed into the head chamber 74 in which the frame 70 with the head 2 is housed. The head chamber 74 is a space that is connected to the outside at a portion such as a portion through which the paper P is fed and discharged, but is substantially isolated from the outside. The head chamber 74 is controlled by the control device 88 and the like as necessary, with respect to a control factor such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure. In the head chamber 74, the influence of external disturbance can be reduced compared to the outside in which the printer 1 is disposed, and thus the variation range of the control factor described above can be narrowed more than the outside.

[0059] Five guide rollers 82B are disposed in the head chamber 74, and the paper P is fed on the guide rollers 82B. The five guide rollers 82B are disposed so as to protrude toward the direction in which the frame 70 is disposed, as viewed from the side. Thus, the paper P fed on the five guide rollers 82B becomes a circular arc shape as viewed from the side, and the paper P is stretched in a planar shape by applying tension to the paper P. One frame 70 is disposed between two of the guide rollers 82B. Each frame 70 is gradually changed in the angle of disposition so as to be parallel to the paper P fed thereunder.

[0060] The paper P fed out of the head chamber 74 passes between two feed rollers 82C, passes through the dryer 78, passes between two guide rollers 82D, and is collected to the collection roller 80B. The feeding speed of the paper P is set to 100 m / min, for example. Each roller can be controlled by the control device 88 or can be manually operated by a person.

[0061] By drying in the dryer 78, the paper P, which is difficult to cause overlapping and winding, is less likely to be bonded to each other or to be smudged with an un-dried liquid at the collection roller 80B. In order to perform printing at high speed, drying also needs to be performed quickly. In order to accelerate drying, drying can be sequentially performed by a plurality of drying methods in the dryer 78, or drying can be performed by combining a plurality of drying methods. As the drying method used at this time, there are, for example, blowing of warm air, irradiation of infrared rays, contact with a heated roller, and the like. In the case of irradiation of infrared rays, infrared rays of a specific frequency range can be irradiated so as to reduce damage to the paper P and to accelerate drying. In the case of contact of the paper P with a heated roller, the time of heat transfer can be extended by feeding the paper P along the cylindrical surface of the roller. The range of feeding along the cylindrical surface of the roller can be ¼ or more of the circumference of the cylindrical surface of the roller, and further can be set to ½ or more of the circumference of the cylindrical surface of the roller. In the case of printing of UV-curable ink and the like, a UV irradiation light source can be disposed instead of the dryer 78, or a UV irradiation light source can be additionally disposed to the dryer 78. The UV irradiation light source can be disposed between each frame 70.

[0062] The printer 1 can have a cleaning section that cleans the head 2. The cleaning section, for example, performs wiping and / or performs cleaning of a capping. The wiping, for example, removes liquid adhering to a face, such as the opposing face 3a (described later), of a liquid ejection site by wiping the face with a soft wiper. The cleaning of the capping, for example, is performed as follows. First, a space is substantially tightly closed by the opposing face 3a and a capping member by capping the capping member so as to cover the liquid ejection site, such as the opposing face 3a. In this state, liquid ejection is repeated to remove liquid having a higher viscosity than a standard state and / or foreign matter and the like that are clogged in the nozzle 5 (described later). By performing the capping, liquid in the cleaning is less likely to be dispersed to the printer 1, and the liquid is less likely to adhere to the paper P, the roller, and the like, which are conveyance mechanisms. Further wiping can be performed on the opposing face 3a after the cleaning is completed. The wiping and / or the cleaning of the capping can be performed manually by a person using a wiper and / or a capping member attached to the printer 1, or can be performed automatically by the control device 88.

[0063] The recording medium can be a cloth or the like in a roll shape in addition to the paper P. Further, the printer 1 can directly convey the conveyance belt instead of directly conveying the paper P, and convey the recording medium by placing the recording medium on the conveyance belt. In this way, a single sheet of paper, a cut cloth, wood, or a tile, or the like can be used as the recording medium. Furthermore, a liquid containing conductive particles can be ejected from the head 2 to print a wiring pattern or the like of an electronic device.

[0064] Further, the printer 1 is provided with a position sensor, a speed sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like, and the control device 88 can control each section of the printer 1 in accordance with the state of each section of the printer 1 obtained from information from each sensor. For example, in a case where the temperature of the head 2, the temperature of the liquid in a liquid supply tank that supplies liquid to the head 2, and / or the pressure of the liquid in the liquid supply tank applied to the head 2 have an influence on the ejection characteristics, such as the ejection amount and / or the ejection speed, of the ejected liquid, or the like, the drive signal that causes the liquid to be ejected can be changed in accordance with this information.

[0065] Hereinafter, the description will be basically made focusing on one head 2. Therefore, for example, in the following description, in a case where all the nozzles are mentioned, unless otherwise specified, all the nozzles in one head 2 are meant. In a case where all the nozzles are mentioned, unless otherwise specified, a specific nozzle is treated as a nozzle different from the nozzle designated by the expression of all the nozzles. For example, in order to make the ejection characteristics of the nozzles located at the end portions of the head 2 close to the ejection characteristics of the nozzles located at the center of the head 2, sometimes, dummy nozzles that do not eject liquid droplets are provided further outward of the nozzles located at the end portions. Such dummy nozzles can not be included in the nozzles in a case where all the nozzles are mentioned. The same applies to structural elements other than the nozzles.

[0066] (Head)

[0067] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the head main body 3 included in the head 2 as viewed from the side opposite to the recording medium (printing paper P). Figure 2B This is a perspective view of the head main body 3 as viewed from the recording medium side. Figure 2C yes Figure 2A Cross-sectional view at line IIc-IIc.

[0068] In these figures, an orthogonal coordinate system including the D1 axis, the D2 axis, and the D3 axis is indicated for convenience. The D1 axis is defined as being parallel to the direction of relative movement of the head body 3 and the recording medium ( Figure 1A The relationship between the positive and negative directions of the D1 axis and the traveling direction of the recording medium relative to the head body 3 is not specifically investigated in the description of this embodiment. The D2 axis is defined as being parallel to the recording medium and orthogonal to the D1 axis. The positive and negative directions of the D2 axis are also not specifically investigated. The D3 axis is defined as being orthogonal to the recording medium. The -D3 side is the direction from the head body 3 to the recording medium. The head body 3 can use any direction as the top or bottom. For convenience, the +D3 side is set to the top, and sometimes terms such as the lower surface are used.

[0069] Each head 2 has a head body 3. The head body 3 is the part that directly bears the responsibility of ejecting the liquid, and has an opposing surface 3a that is opposite to the recording medium. A plurality of nozzles 5 for ejecting the liquid are opened on the opposing surface 3a. In addition to the head body 3, the head 2 may also have, for example, a circuit substrate connected to the head body 3 and / or a housing covering the upper part of the head body 3. In addition, regardless of whether the head 2 has structural elements other than the head body 3, the head body 3 can be regarded as a head involved in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] The multiple nozzles 5 are arranged so that their positions in the direction D2 are different from one another. Therefore, by moving the head 2 and the recording medium relative to each other in the direction D1 by the moving unit 85, ink droplets are ejected from the multiple nozzles 5, thereby forming a desired two-dimensional image. The multiple nozzles 5 can be arranged two-dimensionally, as in the illustrated example, or, unlike the illustrated example, can be arranged one-dimensionally.

[0071] The specific size, number, pitch, arrangement pattern, etc. of the plurality of nozzles 5 can be appropriately set. Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram, so the nozzles 5 are shown larger than the size of the head body 3, and the number of nozzles 5 in one head body 3 is shown smaller. Generally, the nozzles 5 are smaller and more numerous than in the illustrated example. For example, the number of nozzles 5 in one head body 3 can be set to 100 or more and 10,000 or less. Furthermore, for example, one head body 3 can have multiple nozzles 5 at a pitch and in a pattern such that the dot density in the D2 direction is 800 dpi or more and 1,600 dpi or less.

[0072] The structure of the plurality of nozzles 5 and the structural elements provided for each of the plurality of nozzles 5 (for example, the actuator 17 and the element control circuit 51 described later) are basically the same structure as each other. The description of one nozzle 5 or the structural element corresponding to one nozzle 5 can be cited to the other nozzles 5 as long as there is no particular case.

[0073] The head body 3 has the following structural elements: an opposing substrate 7 having an opposing surface 3a; a back surface member 9 fixed to the upper side of the opposing substrate 7; one or more (two in the example shown) flexible substrates 11 electrically connected to the opposing substrate 7; and one or more (two in the example shown) ICs (Integrated Circuits) 13 mounted on each of the flexible substrates 11.

[0074] The opposing substrate 7 directly contributes to the ejection of the liquid droplets. As described later in detail, the opposing substrate 7 has flow paths to the plurality of nozzles 5 and an actuator that imparts pressure to the liquid in the plurality of nozzles 5. The shape, size, and the like of the opposing substrate 7 can be appropriately set. In the example shown, the opposing substrate 7 is a flat plate shape that is roughly rectangular. The thickness (D3 direction) thereof is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0075] The back surface member 9 contributes, for example, to the relay of the opposing substrate 7 and other structural elements. For example, the back surface member 9 contributes to the positioning of the opposing substrate 7 with respect to the frame 70 described above. Specifically, for example, the lower surface of the back surface member 9 and the portion of the upper surface of the opposing substrate 7 on the outer edge side are bonded, and further, the lower portion is inserted into the hole of the frame 70, and the upper flange-like portion is supported to the frame 70. Further, for example, the back surface member 9 relays the ink tank not shown and the opposing substrate 7 with respect to the flow of the ink. Specifically, the back surface member 9 has an opening 9a opened in the upper surface and an opening not shown opened in the surface of the lower surface bonded to the opposing substrate 7. The opening of the upper surface and the opening of the lower surface are connected by the flow path not shown in the back surface member 9. The opening 9a is connected to the ink tank via a pipe or the like not shown.

[0076] The flexible substrate 11 contributes to the electrical connection of the opposing substrate 7 and the control device 88. Specifically, for example, the flexible substrate 11 is inserted through the slit 9b of the back surface member 9. The portion of the flexible substrate 11 extending downward from the slit 9b is disposed in opposition to the upper surface of the opposing substrate 7 and is joined to the upper surface of the opposing substrate 7 by a conductive pad (for example, solder) not shown. The portion of the flexible substrate 11 extending upward from the slit 9b is connected to the cable not shown extending from the control device 88 via the connector mounted to the portion or the connector mounted to the rigid substrate connected to the flexible substrate 11.

[0077] The IC 13 contributes to, for example, driving and control of the actuator of the opposing substrate 7 described later. Specifically, for example, the IC 13 is input with a control signal from the control device 88 via the flexible substrate 11, generates driving power (signal for other viewpoints) based on the input control signal, and inputs the generated driving power to the actuator of the opposing substrate 7 via the flexible substrate 11. The shape, size, number, and position of the IC 13, and the like can be appropriately set.

[0078] (Structure of recording element)

[0079] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view at the III-III line of Figure 2B . That is, Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view that shows a part of the opposing substrate 7 in an enlarged manner. In addition, as understood from the orientation of the D3 axis, Figure 3 is the paper face up of Figure 2B is the paper face down of

[0080] The opposing substrate 7 has a plurality of recording elements 15 (discharge elements) provided per nozzle 5, and in Figure 3 , one recording element 15 is shown. The plurality of recording elements 15 are arranged two-dimensionally (or one-dimensionally) along the opposing face 3a, similarly to the plurality of nozzles 5. The recording element 15 has: the nozzle 5; and an actuator 17 that imparts pressure to the liquid in the nozzle 5. The actuator 17 is a piezoelectric actuator that imparts pressure to the ink by mechanical strain of a piezoelectric body.

[0081] For other viewpoints, the opposing substrate 7 has: a plate-shaped flow path member 19 that forms a flow path through which a liquid (ink) flows; and an actuator substrate 21 that is used to impart pressure to the liquid in the flow path member 19. The plurality of nozzles 5 are formed in the flow path member 19. The plurality of actuators 17 are formed in the actuator substrate 21. That is, the plurality of recording elements 15 are constituted by the flow path member 19 and the actuator substrate 21.

[0082] The flow path member 19 has: a common flow path 23; and a plurality of individual flow paths 25 (one is illustrated in Figure 3 ) that are connected to the common flow path 23 respectively. Each individual flow path 25 has the nozzle 5, and in addition, has a connection flow path 25a, a pressurizing chamber 25b, and a partial flow path 25c (downward inclined path) in order from the common flow path 23 to the nozzle 5. The pressurizing chamber 25b is opened at a face of the flow path member 19 on the side opposite to the opposing face 3a. The partial flow path 25c extends from the pressurizing chamber 25b to the opposing face 3a side. The nozzle 5 is opened at a bottom face of the partial flow path 25c. The specific shape and size of each flow path can be appropriately set.

[0083] The liquid fills the plurality of individual flow paths 25 and the common flow path 23. The liquid is supplied from the plurality of pressurizing chambers 25b to the plurality of partial flow paths 25c and ejected from the plurality of nozzles 5 by imparting pressure to the liquid through volume changes of the plurality of pressurizing chambers 25b. In addition, the liquid is supplied from the common flow path 23 to the plurality of pressurizing chambers 25b through the plurality of connection flow paths 25a.

[0084] The flow path member 19 is constituted, for example, by laminating a plurality of plate members 27A to 27J (hereinafter, A to J are sometimes omitted). The plate members 27 are formed with a plurality of holes (mainly through holes, can be provided as recesses) constituting the plurality of individual flow paths 25 and the common flow path 23. The thickness and the number of laminations of the plurality of plate members 27 can be appropriately set according to the shape and the like of the plurality of individual flow paths 25 and the common flow path 23. The plurality of plate members 27 can be formed of an appropriate material. For example, the plurality of plate members 27 are formed of metal or resin. The thickness of the plate members 27 is, for example, 10 μm or more and 300 μm or less.

[0085] The actuator substrate 21 is a roughly plate-shaped member having a width and a length throughout the plurality of pressurizing chambers 25b. The actuator substrate 21 is constituted by a so-called single piezoelectric type piezoelectric actuator. In addition, the actuator substrate 21 can also be constituted by a double piezoelectric type or other forms of piezoelectric actuators. The single piezoelectric type actuator substrate 21 (actuator 17) has, in order from the flow path member 19 side, a vibration plate 29, a common electrode 31, a piezoelectric body layer 33, and an individual electrode 35.

[0086] The vibration plate 29, the common electrode 31, and the piezoelectric body layer 33, for example, extend throughout the plurality of pressurizing chambers 25b in plan view. That is, these are commonly provided to the plurality of pressurizing chambers 25b. The individual electrode 35 is provided per pressurizing chamber 25b. The individual electrode 35 has a main body portion 35a overlapping the pressurizing chamber 25b and a lead electrode 35b extending from the main body portion 35a. The main body portion 35a, for example, roughly has a shape and a size equivalent to those of the pressurizing chamber 25b.

[0087] The specific material and the thickness of each layer can be appropriately set. For example, the material of the piezoelectric body layer 33 can be ceramic such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate). The material of the vibration plate 29 can be ceramic having piezoelectricity or not having piezoelectricity. The common electrode 31 and the individual electrode 35 can be metal such as Ag or Au. The thickness of the vibration plate 29 and the piezoelectric body layer 33 can be 10 μm or more and 40 μm or less, respectively. The thickness of the common electrode 31 can be 1 μm or more and 3 μm or less. The thickness of the individual electrode 35 can be 0.5 μm or more and 2 μm or less.

[0088] The portion of the piezoelectric layer 33 that is sandwiched by the main portion 35a of the individual electrode 35 and the common electrode 31 is polarized in the thickness direction. Therefore, for example, if an electric field (voltage) is applied to the piezoelectric layer 33 in the polarization direction thereof by the main portion 35a of the individual electrode 35 and the common electrode 31, the piezoelectric layer 33 contracts in the direction along the layer. This contraction is restrained by the diaphragm 29. As a result, the actuator 17 is flexibly deformed so as to protrude toward the side of the pressurizing chamber 25b. If an electric field (voltage) is applied to the piezoelectric layer 33 in the opposite direction to the polarization direction thereof by the main portion 35a of the individual electrode 35 and the common electrode 31, the actuator 17 is flexibly deformed toward the side opposite to the pressurizing chamber 25b. By utilizing such flexible deformation, the volume of the pressurizing chamber 25b is changed as described above, and pressure is imparted to the ink in the pressurizing chamber 25b, so that the ink is ejected from the nozzle 5.

[0089] The common electrode 31 is given a certain electric potential with respect to the passage of time, for example, in printing. This certain electric potential is, for example, a reference potential. On the other hand, the individual electrode 35 is inputted a signal that changes in electric potential with respect to the passage of time, for example. Thus, the strength of the electric field applied to the piezoelectric layer 33 changes. Further, the flexible deformation of the actuator 17 occurs as described above. Furthermore, by individually inputting a plurality of signals to a plurality of individual electrodes 35, the flexible deformations of a plurality of actuators 17 can be individually controlled. Further, the amounts of liquid droplets ejected from a plurality of nozzles 5 can be individually controlled in accordance with the contents of an image intended to be printed.

[0090] The actuator 17 can be desirably connected to an external control portion (for example, the IC 13). For example, the flexible substrate 11 is disposed in opposition to the upper surface of the actuator substrate 21. Then, the end portions of the unillustrated pads and the lead electrodes 35b of the flexible substrate 11 are joined via conductive pads. Thus, the individual electrodes 35 and the IC 13 are connected via unillustrated signal lines possessed by the flexible substrate 11. Further, signals can be inputted from the IC 13 to the individual electrodes 35.

[0091] Furthermore, although not particularly illustrated, the actuator substrate 21 desirably has a via conductor at a position in plan view that penetrates the piezoelectric layer 33, is connected to the common electrode 31, and is exposed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric layer 33. Also, the unillustrated pads of the flexible substrate 11 and the above-mentioned via conductor are joined via conductive pads. Thus, for example, the common electrode 31 is connected to unillustrated reference potential wiring possessed by the flexible substrate 11. Further, a reference potential can be imparted to the common electrode 31.

[0092] (Signals inputted to the individual electrodes)

[0093] As described above, a signal in which the potential waveform is changed is input to the actuator 17 (more specifically, the individual electrode 35). The waveform of the signal can be set to a waveform of various known modes. One example is shown below. In addition, for convenience, in the description of the present embodiment, description is sometimes made on the premise of the waveform of the signal exemplified here.

[0094] Figure 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a waveform of an individual signal Sgl input to each individual electrode 35 when printing an image by the printer 1. In this view, the horizontal axis represents time t, and the vertical axis represents the potential V of the individual signal Sgl.

[0095] The individual signal Sgl is, for example, a signal input to the individual electrode 35 throughout the period of printing one image. The individual signal Sgl has a periodic signal SgT (SgA and SgN) input to the individual electrode 35 every given period Tl. The periodic signal SgT is, for example, a signal corresponding to the formation of one point in the recording medium (print paper P). The period Tl is, for example, the time for the recording medium (print paper P) and the head 2 to move a distance corresponding to one pitch in the above-described direction of the point formed in the recording medium in the direction of relative movement (Dl direction of Fig. 2) of the two.

[0096] The plurality of periodic signals SgT include, for example, a drive periodic signal SgA input to the individual electrode 35 when a point is formed in the recording medium, and a non-drive periodic signal SgN not input to the individual electrode 35 when a point is not formed in the recording medium.

[0097] The drive periodic signal SgA has, for example, one or more drive waveform signals Sga. The drive waveform signal Sga is a signal in which the potential changes with respect to a given standby potential Vw with the passage of time. By inputting the drive waveform signal Sga to the individual electrode 35, the strength of the electric field between the individual electrode 35 and the common electrode 31 changes, and a droplet is ejected from the nozzle 5 as described above.

[0098] On the other hand, the non-drive periodic signal SgN is, for example, a signal in which the potential is maintained at the standby potential Vw (in other words, a certain potential) throughout the period Tl. Therefore, the strength of the electric field between the individual electrode 35 and the common electrode 31 does not change, and a droplet is not ejected from the nozzle 5.

[0099] In addition, the standby potential Vw can be higher than the potential of the common electrode 31, can be the same, or can be lower. Furthermore, the potential of the drive waveform signal Sga can be lowered (the example shown in the figure), and / or raised, with respect to the standby potential Vw. These can be appropriately set depending on the drive mode of the actuator 17.

[0100] The printer 1 (the head 2) can be able to form two or more kinds of drive period signals SgA having mutually different waveforms (strictly speaking, the magnitude of the displacement potential and the temporal arrangement described later), or can be able to form only one kind of drive period signal SgA. In the former case, the printer 1 can form dots of a plurality of kinds having mutually different magnitudes. In other words, the printer 1 can print an image having an intentional gradation such as a gray scale image. In the latter case, the printer 1 forms only dots of one kind having a certain magnitude. In other words, the printer 1 can print an image having no intentional gradation such as a monochrome image.

[0101] In the manner of forming two or more kinds of drive period signals SgA, the manner of making them different can be set to an appropriate manner. From other viewpoints, the manner of changing the drive waveform signal Sga corresponding to the gradation in one drive period signal SgA can be set to an appropriate manner.

[0102] For example, the number of drive waveform signals Sga in one drive period signal SgA can be increased or decreased. In this case, for example, one drive waveform signal Sga corresponds to one droplet. Also, the number of droplets ejected in the period T1 (the number of droplets forming one dot) is increased or decreased by the increase or decrease in the number of drive waveform signals Sga. In addition, the plurality of droplets forming one dot can be combined with each other on the recording medium, or can be separated from each other.

[0103] The amplitude of the drive waveform signal Sga can be increased or decreased instead of or in addition to the increase or decrease in the number of drive waveform signals Sga. The amplitude is, from other viewpoints, a potential farthest from the standby potential Vw of the drive waveform signal Sga, and is, in the example illustrated, the lowest potential. In this case, for example, the size of one droplet is increased or decreased by the increase or decrease in the amplitude.

[0104] Although not particularly illustrated, the specific shape of the drive waveform signal Sga can also be adjusted. For example, the inclination of the falling edge and the rising edge of the potential can also be adjusted. Furthermore, the time of maintaining the potential farthest from the standby potential Vw can also be adjusted.

[0105] The change in the waveform of the drive period signal SgA described above can be achieved, for example, by selecting the drive period signal SgA actually input to the individual electrode 35 from a plurality of drive period signal candidates. The plurality of drive period signal candidates are, as understood from the description described above, for example, different from each other in at least one of the number, the amplitude (potential), and the shape of the drive waveform signal Sga. In addition, in the case where the number of drive waveform signals Sga included in one drive period signal SgA is constant, etc., the selection of the drive period signal SgA from the plurality of drive period signal candidates can be regarded as the selection of the drive waveform signal Sga from the plurality of drive waveform signal candidates.

[0106] The drive cycle signal SgA may or may not include a non-waveform signal Sgn (as shown in the example) whose potential is maintained at the standby potential Vw at the beginning and / or end of the period T1. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the drive cycle signal SgA can include two or more drive waveform signals Sga, the drive cycle signal SgA may include a non-waveform signal Sgn (as shown in the example) between adjacent drive waveform signals Sga. Furthermore, the signal between adjacent drive waveform signals Sga may have a potential different from the standby potential Vw.

[0107] For example, the non-driving period signal SgN may maintain the potential of the standby signal Vw throughout the period T1 as described above. In other words, the entire non-driving period signal SgN may be composed of the non-waveform signal Sgn described above.

[0108] like Figure 4 As shown by the midpoint line, the non-driving periodic signal SgN may include a non-driving waveform signal Sgb whose potential varies from the standby potential Vw. Such a non-driving waveform signal Sgb imparts pressure fluctuations of a size sufficient to prevent droplets from being ejected to the ink in the nozzle 5. This results in, for example, reducing the likelihood of ink solidification in the nozzle 5 and / or replenishing the nozzle 5 with ink equivalent to the amount of evaporation.

[0109] (Overview of drive waveform signal)

[0110] As described above, the standby potential Vw and the potential of the drive waveform signal Sga can be appropriately set according to the driving method of the actuator 17. In addition, the specific shape of the drive waveform signal Sga can also be appropriately set. An example is shown below.

[0111] Here, we will take as an example the case where the actuator 17 is driven by a so-called sucking and hitting method. Furthermore, we will take as an example the case where the polarization direction of the piezoelectric layer 33 is from the individual electrode 35 toward the common electrode 31. In this case, for example, if a higher potential is applied to the individual electrode 35 than to the common electrode 31, the actuator 17 will bend toward the pressurized chamber 25b. For convenience, the description of this embodiment will sometimes be based on the driving method and signal waveforms exemplified herein.

[0112] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 This diagram is an enlarged view of a portion of . This diagram can be regarded as, for example, a diagram showing the entire drive cycle signal SgA (or the entire signal and its surroundings) in a manner in which the number of drive waveform signals Sga within the drive cycle signal SgA does not increase or decrease, or a diagram showing a portion of the drive cycle signal SgA in a manner in which the number of drive waveform signals Sga within the drive cycle signal SgA increases or decreases.

[0113] exist Figure 5In the figure, a plurality of types of non-waveform signal Sgn (from the viewpoint of other, a plurality of types of standby potential Vw: V6_8 and the like) is shown with a solid line and a two-dot chain line. Here, only one non-waveform signal Sgn (standby potential V6_8) shown with a solid line is focused on. The standby potential Vw is higher than the potential of the common electrode 31 (for example, a reference potential).

[0114] In Figure 5 In the figure, the first drive waveform signal Sga1 and the second drive waveform signal Sga2 immediately after it, which are drive waveform signals Sga, are shown. These are signals in which the potential changes (more specifically, becomes lower) from the standby potential Vw and then returns to the standby potential Vw.

[0115] Before the time point tl, the individual signal Sgl is set to the non-waveform signal Sgn. That is, the individual electrode 35 is given the standby potential Vw, which is higher than the potential of the common electrode 31. Thereby, the actuator 17 becomes a shape that is flexed to the pressurizing chamber 25b side.

[0116] At the time point tl, the input of the first drive waveform signal Sga1 is started. Thereby, the potential of the individual electrode 35 continuously becomes lower. Then, at the time point t2, the potential of the individual electrode 35 becomes the lowest. By the lowering of the potential of the individual electrode 35, the actuator 17 starts to return to the original shape (for example, a flat shape), and the volume of the pressurizing chamber 25b increases. Further, a negative pressure is given to the liquid in the pressurizing chamber 25b. In this way, the liquid in the pressurizing chamber 25b starts to vibrate with the natural vibration period. Next, the volume of the pressurizing chamber 25b becomes the largest, and the pressure becomes substantially zero. Further, the volume of the pressurizing chamber 25b starts to decrease, and the pressure continuously becomes higher.

[0117] At the time point t3, the potential of the individual electrode 35 starts to rise. Then, at the time point t4, the input of the first drive waveform signal Sga1 ends, and the input of the non-waveform signal Sgn starts. By the rising of the potential of the individual electrode 35, the actuator 17 again starts to flex to the pressurizing chamber 25b side. The vibration applied first and the vibration applied next overlap, and a larger pressure is applied to the liquid. This pressure propagates in the partial flow path 25c, and the liquid is ejected from the nozzle 5.

[0118] That is, the first drive waveform signal Sga1, which is a low potential with the standby potential Vw as a reference, is supplied to the individual electrode 35 for a certain period, whereby the liquid droplet can be ejected. In the case where the pulse width (t2-t3 or tl-t4) of the first drive waveform signal Sga1 is set to a time that is half of the natural vibration period of the liquid in the pressurizing chamber 25b, that is, an AL (Acoustic Length), the ejection speed and the ejection amount of the liquid become the largest in principle.

[0119] Further, since there are other factors to be considered in addition to the fact that the ejected liquid droplets are converged into one, the actual pulse width can be set to a value of about 0.5AL to 1.5AL. Further, the pulse width can be set to a value deviated from AL in order to reduce the ejection amount.

[0120] The second drive waveform signal Sga2 temporarily makes the pressure chamber 25b negative at the timing at which the liquid droplet is ejected from the nozzle 5. Thereby, the ink ejected from the nozzle 5 is easily broken from the ink in the nozzle 5. Further, the accuracy of the size of the liquid droplet can be improved. Further, the second drive waveform signal Sga2 can be omitted. In the following description, there are cases in which the presence of the second drive waveform signal Sga2 is ignored. Further, in the following description, the description regarding the first drive waveform signal Sga1 can be cited to the second drive waveform signal Sga2 as long as there is no contradiction or the like.

[0121] (Shift potential of drive waveform signal)

[0122] The drive waveform signal Sga (the drive period signal SgA from other viewpoints) can be regarded as a signal whose potential is shifted to one or more shift potentials (V0 to V5) different from (for example, lower than) the standby potential Vw from the standby potential Vw. In one drive waveform signal Sga, the number, the magnitude, and the temporal arrangement of the shift potentials to which the potential is shifted, and the like can be appropriately set. That is, the specific shape of the waveform of the drive waveform signal Sga can be appropriately set.

[0123] Further, the temporal arrangement of the shift potential is, for example, a concept including the number of the shift potentials included in the drive waveform signal Sga, and the start and end (further, the length of time) of each shift potential. The start and end of the shift potential can be based on the time during which the actual potential is maintained at the shift potential, or can be based on the timing of the switch (described later) that shifts the shift potential.

[0124] In the illustrated example, the first drive waveform signal Sga1 sets a plurality of shift potentials as the shift potentials to which the potential is shifted, and has a waveform of a multi-valued digital signal in which the potential steps. That is, the potential of the first drive waveform signal Sga1 is sequentially shifted to a plurality of shift potentials (more specifically, six shift potentials V0 to V5). The drive waveform signal Sga can have a waveform of a 2-valued digital signal by setting only one shift potential as the shift potential to which the potential is shifted, for example, differently from the illustrated example.

[0125] For other viewpoints, in the illustrated example, in the 1st drive waveform signal Sga1, the time during which the potential is maintained at each of the plurality of displacement potentials is set, whereby the 1st drive waveform signal Sga1 has a waveform like a digital signal of a multi-value (or 2-value). The 1st drive waveform signal Sga1 can also have a waveform like a digital signal of a 2-value substantially by making the time during which the potential is maintained at each of the plurality of displacement potentials extremely short at the falling edge and the rising edge, unlike the illustrated example. Further, the 1st drive waveform signal Sga1 can also have a waveform like an analog signal substantially by making the time during which the potential is maintained at each of the plurality of displacement potentials extremely short with respect to all of the displacement potentials.

[0126] In the 1st drive waveform signal Sga1, the number of displacement potentials, the magnitude of each displacement potential, and the potential difference between displacement potentials that are consecutive in time, and the arrangement of each displacement potential in time can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, at least one of these parameters can be different (the illustrated example) or the same at the falling edge and the rising edge in the 1st drive waveform signal Sga1. In addition, in the description of the present embodiment, the potential difference refers to the absolute value (the same applies to the potential difference with respect to other potentials) unless there is a particular case.

[0127] In the illustrated example, in the 1st drive waveform signal Sga1, all of the displacement potentials are located on one side (the side on which the potential is low in the illustrated example) of the direction of the ordinate with respect to the standby potential Vw. Among them, the plurality of displacement potentials can also be located on both sides of the direction of the ordinate with respect to the standby potential Vw.

[0128] In the above description, the mutually different drive waveform signals Sga (for example, a multi-value digital signal and a digital signal of a 2-value) are mentioned. Such mutually different drive waveform signals Sga can exist when different kinds of heads are taken into consideration. Furthermore, the mutually different drive waveform signals Sga described above can also exist when a plurality of kinds of drive waveform signals Sga that are generated in order to achieve gradation in one kind of head are taken into consideration.

[0129] As has been described, the amplitude of the 1st drive waveform signal Sga1 (the potential that is farthest from the standby potential Vw) can be increased or decreased in order to achieve gradation in the dots on the recording medium. At this time, the potential that is farthest from the standby potential Vw (the lowest potential in the illustrated example) can be selected from a plurality of displacement potential candidates (for example, 6 displacement potential candidates V0 to V5) that differ in magnitude (potential) from one another. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the displacement potential candidate V0 is selected as the potential that is farthest from the standby potential Vw. Figure 5

[0130] ​As already described, the shape of the first drive waveform signal Sgal can be adjusted in order to realize the density involved at the point on the recording medium. At this time, the displacement potential at which the potential is temporarily held at the falling edge or the rising edge can be selected from among the plurality of displacement potential candidates V0 to V5. Then, the shape of the first drive waveform signal Sgal can be adjusted by the size of the selected displacement potential candidate and / or the length of time for which the potential is maintained at the selected displacement potential candidate. For example, in the example illustrated, in the falling edge, all of the displacement potential candidates V0 to V5 are selected in order from high to low potential, and in the rising edge, only the displacement potential candidates V4 and V5 are selected.

[0131] In addition, the plurality of displacement potential candidates can be utilized in a combination of the two utilization methods described above. Furthermore, even in a manner in which the density involved at the point on the recording medium is realized only by the increase and decrease of the drive waveform signal Sga included in the one drive period signal SgA, the drive waveform signal Sga can be constituted by one or more displacement potentials whose potential is transitioned by being selected from among the plurality of displacement potential candidates.

[0132] It is generally envisaged that all of the displacement potential candidates are utilized. However, it is also acceptable that there are displacement potential candidates that are not utilized. For example, in a case in which the IC 13 is provided as a common product that can be utilized with different types of heads, the plurality of displacement potential candidates that can be generated by the IC 13 can include candidates that are not utilized.

[0133] The number, the size, and the order of the size of the potential of the displacement potential candidates, and the potential difference of candidates that are adjacent to each other, and the like can be appropriately set. For example, the number of displacement potential candidates can be two, or three or more. In a case in which the number of displacement potential candidates is three or more, the potential difference (two or more) of candidates that are adjacent to each other in the order of the size of the potential can be constant (in the example illustrated), or can not be constant. The deviation in the case in which it is not constant can also be arbitrarily set.

[0134] (Method of correcting density)

[0135] In the printer 1 described above, the ejection characteristics can sometimes be deviated among the plurality of recording elements 15. For example, even if it is intended to form points of the same size on the recording medium, a difference can arise in the size of the points among the plurality of recording elements 15. As a reason for this, for example, the machining error of the nozzle 5, the difference in the position of the individual flow path 25 with respect to the common flow path 23, and the deviation in the potential of the first drive waveform signal Sgal can be cited. Then, such a difference in the manner of the points is, for example, exhibited as an unexpected density (density spot) in the image.

[0136] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram that shows an outline of a method of correcting the density spot described above.

[0137] In Figure 6The upper layer of the diagram shows a situation where unexpected density unevenness occurs. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the same drive waveform signal Sga is input to the actuators 17 associated with the two nozzles 5. This means that the density values ​​in region R1, where dots are formed by one nozzle 5, and region R2, where dots are formed by the other nozzle 5, are equal. However, the density value in region R1 is higher than that in region R2. The density value is, for example, an OD (optical density) value.

[0138] exist Figure 6 The lower portion of the diagram shows how unexpected density unevenness has been corrected. Specifically, the potential of the non-waveform signal Sgn (standby potential Vw) input to the actuator 17 associated with the nozzles 5 experiencing relatively high density values ​​is reduced. This reduces the amplitude of the drive waveform signal Sga input to the actuator 17 associated with the nozzles 5 experiencing relatively high density values. As a result, for example, the size of a single droplet is reduced, minimizing unexpected density unevenness in regions R1 and R2.

[0139] The aforementioned adjustment (or determination from another perspective) of the standby potential Vw is performed, for example, for each recording element 15. In other words, the standby potential Vw varies for each recording element 15. In other words, in this embodiment, the standby potential Vw associated with at least one recording element 15 is different from the standby potential Vw of at least one other recording element 15. In such a case where the standby potential Vw varies for each recording element 15, unexpected density unevenness does not occur, and it does not matter if two or more recording elements 15 have the same standby potential Vw.

[0140] Alternatively, the standby potential Vw can be adjusted for each of the multiple partitions of the facing surface 3a of the head body 3. In this case, each partition can include two or more nozzles. In other words, the standby potential Vw can be set commonly for two or more recording elements 15. In this case, the standby potential Vw associated with at least one recording element 15 is different from the standby potential Vw of at least one other recording element 15.

[0141] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment, the method of adjusting the standby potential Vw for the recording element 15 having a relatively high concentration value so as to reduce the concentration value (in the illustrated example, the standby potential Vw is reduced) is described. However, unlike the illustrated example, the standby potential Vw may be adjusted for the recording element 15 having a relatively low concentration value so as to increase the concentration value (the standby potential Vw may also be increased). In addition, the adjustment to reduce the concentration value and the adjustment to increase the concentration value may be combined. In addition, in the description of this embodiment, for convenience, sometimes, as in Figure 6 In this manner, the description is given assuming that the standby potential Vw is adjusted (more specifically, lowered) for the recording element 15 having a relatively high density value so as to lower the density value.

[0142] (Shading correction standby potential)

[0143] Returning to Figure 5 . In Figure 5 , the standby potential Vw of the plurality of types of non-waveform signals Sgn whose magnitudes are different from each other is shown by a solid line and a plurality of 2-dot chain lines. That is, the values that the standby potential Vw can take when the concentration value is adjusted as described above are shown. The values that the standby potential Vw can take can be appropriately set.

[0144] For example, the values that the standby potential Vw can take can be discrete (the example shown in the drawing), or can be continuous. From another viewpoint, the standby potential Vw can be selected from a plurality of standby potential candidates (the example shown in the drawing), or can be set to an arbitrary value within a given potential range.

[0145] In the manner in which the standby potential Vw is selected from a plurality of standby potential candidates, the number of the plurality of standby potential candidates can be appropriately set, and can be, for example, 2, or 3 or more. In the description of the present embodiment, the manner in which the standby potential candidates are V6_0 to V6_8 (symbolic reference Figure 8 ) is taken as an example. In addition, in Figure 5 , for convenience, only 6 of the 9 standby potential candidates are shown. Furthermore, only the standby potential candidate V6_8, which is the highest potential of the 9 standby potential candidates, and the standby potential candidate V6_0, which is the lowest potential, are labeled with symbols.

[0146] In the case in which the potential intended to drive the waveform signal Sga changes only to one side (in the example shown in the drawing, only to the low potential side) of the high potential side and the low potential side with respect to the standby potential Vw, all of the standby potential candidates can be high (in the example shown in the drawing) or low with respect to all of the displacement potentials. Furthermore, in the case in which the potential intended to drive the waveform signal Sga changes to both sides of the high potential side and the low potential side with respect to the standby potential Vw, all of the standby potential candidates can be collected between specific two displacement potentials that are adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potential.

[0147] The specific magnitudes of the plurality of standby potential candidates can be appropriately set.

[0148] For example, the potential difference (in the example shown in the drawing, the potential difference between V5 and V6_0) between the standby potential candidates that are adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potential and the potential difference (at least one, for example, all) between the two displacement potential candidates that are adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potential can be larger, can be equal, or can be smaller (in the example shown in the drawing). The ratio of the two, the case in which the former is larger with respect to the latter or the case in which the former is smaller, is also arbitrary. For example, the former can be set to be 1 / 4 or more and 1 times or less of the latter.

[0149] Further, for example, the potential difference of the standby potential candidates that are adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potentials (the potential difference of V5 and V6_0 in the illustrated example) can be larger (in the illustrated example), equal, or smaller than the potential difference of the two displacement potential candidates that are adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potentials (at least one, for example, all).

[0150] Further, for example, when focusing on the plurality of displacement potential candidates that are on one of the high potential side and the low potential side (in the illustrated example, the low potential side) with respect to the plurality of standby potential candidates, the potential difference of the standby potential candidate (in the illustrated example, V6_8) that is farthest from the plurality of displacement potentials and the potential difference of the displacement potential candidate (in the illustrated example, V5) that is closest to the plurality of standby potential candidates can be larger, equal (in the illustrated example), or smaller than the potential difference of the two displacement potential candidates that are adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potentials (at least one, for example, all).

[0151] Further, for example, the plurality of standby potential candidates can include a standby potential candidate (in the illustrated example, V6_8) that is the same as the potential difference of the displacement potential candidate that is closest to the plurality of standby potential candidates and the potential difference of the displacement potential candidate that is adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potentials (at least one, for example, all), or can not include the same.

[0152] The potential difference of the plurality of standby potential candidates can be appropriately set.

[0153] For example, in a case where the number of standby potential candidates is three or more, the potential difference (two or more) of the candidates that are adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potentials can or can not be constant (in the illustrated example). The deviation in the case where it is not constant can also be arbitrarily set.

[0154] Further, for example, the potential difference of the standby potential candidates that are adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potentials (at least one, for example, all) can be smaller (in the illustrated example), equal, or larger than the potential difference of the plurality of displacement potential candidates that are adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potentials (at least one, for example, all). The ratio of the two in the case where the former is smaller or larger than the latter is also arbitrary. For example, the former can be 1 / 2 or less, 1 / 5 or less, 1 / 10 or less, or 1 / 20 or less of the latter. Further, the former can be 1 / 1000 or more, 1 / 100 or more, 1 / 50 or more, or 1 / 20 or more of the latter. The upper and lower limits described above can be appropriately combined as long as there is no contradiction.

[0155] The potential difference of the standby potential candidates adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude of the potentials (at least one, for example, all) is of course smaller with respect to the potential difference of the candidate (V6_8) farthest from the candidates (V0) of the displacement potential candidates among the plurality of standby potential candidates and the candidates of the plurality of displacement potential candidates. The ratio of the former with respect to the latter can be appropriately set. For example, the former with respect to the latter can be set to 5% or less, 2% or less, 1% or less, or 0.5% or less.

[0156] The driving waveform signals Sga of which the magnitude of the displacement potential and the temporal arrangement are the same as each other (in substance, the driving waveform signals Sga of which only the standby potential Vw is different from each other) can make the timing (the time point within the period T1) at which the descent from the standby signal Vw to the initial displacement potential (V5 in the illustrated example) the same as each other, or different from each other. In the former case, the timing at which the driving waveform signal Sga reaches the initial displacement potential differs in association with the difference in the standby potential Vw. Further, in the latter case, the timing at which the descent is started can be adjusted by the standby potential Vw so that the difference in the timing at which the driving waveform signal Sga reaches the initial displacement potential as described above can be reduced, or can not be adjusted.

[0157] In Figure 5 , for convenience, a manner in which the timing at which the driving waveform signal Sga reaches the initial displacement potential (V5) is the same as each other regardless of whether the standby potential Vw is different or not (a manner in which the timing at which the descent is started differs depending on the standby potential Vw) is illustrated. In the description of the present embodiment, a manner in which the timing at which the descent is started is the same regardless of whether the standby potential Vw is different or not is taken as an example. Further, as in the present embodiment, in a case where the potential difference of the standby potential candidates is sufficiently small with respect to the amplitude of the driving waveform signal Sga, the difference in the shape of the driving waveform signal Sga in the two manners as described above is a small difference, and the two manners can not necessarily be distinguished.

[0158] Similarly, the driving waveform signals Sga of which the magnitude of the displacement potential at which the potential is transitioned and the temporal arrangement are the same as each other (in substance, the driving waveform signals Sga of which only the standby potential Vw is different from each other) can make the timing at which the ascent from the final displacement potential (V5 in the first driving waveform signal Sga1 of the illustrated example) to the standby signal Vw starts the same as each other (in the illustrated example), or different from each other. In the description of the present embodiment, a manner in which the timing at which the ascent from the final displacement potential to the standby potential Vw starts is the same regardless of whether the standby potential Vw is different or not is taken as an example. Further, as in the present embodiment, in a case where the potential difference of the standby potential candidates is sufficiently small with respect to the amplitude of the driving waveform signal Sga, the difference in the shape of the driving waveform signal Sga in the two manners as described above is a small difference, and the two manners can not necessarily be distinguished.

[0159] (Outline of the structure of the control system)

[0160] Figure 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure involved in the control system of the printer 1.

[0161] The printer 1 has the control device 88 already described, and the head control section 37 mounted on the head 2 (or the head main body 3).

[0162] The control device 88 is not mounted on the head 2, but is provided, for example, in a stationary portion of the printer 1. More specifically, for example, the control device 88 is provided in a control panel disposed in the vicinity of the moving portion 85 and the head 2, and the like. Further, for example, in a small-sized mode of the printer 1, the control device 88 is housed in the housing of the printer 1.

[0163] The head control section 37 includes, for example, the IC 13 already described. Further, the head control section 37 can include, in addition to the IC 13, other circuit substrates (PCB (printed circuit board) on which ICs and the like are mounted) connected to the flexible substrate 11. The head control section 37 and the control device 88 are electrically connected via the flexible substrate 11 and the like as already described.

[0164] Here, the distribution section already described, which exists between the control device 88 and the head control section 37, is not shown. In the case where the distribution section is provided, a part of the structures of the control device 88 and the head control section 37 described later can be provided in the distribution section.

[0165] (Control device)

[0166] The control device 88 has a power supply circuit 39 and various functional sections. As the various functional sections, in addition to the control signal output section 41 shown in the drawing, a control section that controls the speed of the moving portion 85 can be cited.

[0167] The power supply circuit 39, for example, converts the electric power from the power supply outside the printer 1 (for example, alternating-current electric power from a commercial power supply) into a direct-current voltage having a given voltage, and supplies it to the head control section 37. Alternatively, the conversion into a direct-current voltage and the like can be performed in the head 2. The structure of the power supply circuit 39 can be provided as the same as various known structures.

[0168] The various functional units of the control device 88 can include a computer, for example. The computer, which is not specifically shown, has a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), and an external storage device. The CPU constructs the various functional units by executing a program stored in the ROM and / or the external storage device.

[0169] The control signal output unit 41 outputs a control signal Sgcl to the head control unit 37 based on the image data 43 stored in the RAM or the external storage device. In other words, the control signal output unit 41 outputs a signal that varies depending on the content of the predetermined image to be printed. Note that the image here includes the concept of text as well.

[0170] The control signal Sgcl has information on the operation of a plurality of (all) recording elements 15 in a specified period Tl (Tl Figure 4 ), for example. The information on the operation of the recording element 15 includes information on whether to form a dot on the recording medium and information on the size of the specified dot in the case of forming a dot, for example. Note that the information on whether to form a dot and the information on the size of the specified dot can be the same information in terms of the format of the data. For example, information that specifies the size of the dot as other than 0 can be treated as information that specifies the formation of a dot. The control signal Sgcl is output per period Tl, for example.

[0171] The transmission method of the control signal Sgcl can be set to an appropriate method. For example, information on the operation of one recording element 15 can be output in parallel as data of a given number of bits (e.g., 3 bits). Also, data on a plurality of recording elements 15 can be output in series.

[0172] (Head Control Unit)

[0173] The head control unit 37 has structure elements that are commonly provided for a plurality of actuators 17, and structure elements that are provided for each actuator 17. The former is the constant voltage power supply 45, the control signal distribution circuit 47, and the mode signal generation circuit 49, for example. The latter is the plurality of element control circuits 51, for example. However, a plurality of structure elements that are individually provided for a plurality of actuators 17 can be conceptually set as one structure element as a whole. This is the same not only for the plurality of element control circuits 51 but also for structure elements (described later) that constitute the plurality of element control circuits 51.

[0174] The constant voltage power supply 45 generates direct current power (a certain potential for other reasons) that is input to the individual signal Sgl used in the generation of the individual signal Sgl input to the individual electrode 35 from the power supplied by the power supply circuit 39. This certain potential is input to the plurality of element control circuits 51.

[0175] In addition, although not specifically shown, the head control section 37 can have, in addition to the constant voltage power supply 45, a power supply circuit that supplies the various circuits (47, 49, and 51) with power required for driving these circuits.

[0176] The various circuits (47, 49, and 51) that the head control section 37 has include, for example, logic circuits that perform predetermined operations. As elements that constitute the logic circuits, for example, registers, flip-flops, latches, AND circuits, and OR circuits can be cited. Of these, some or all of the various circuits can include computers, as with the control device 88.

[0177] The control signal distribution circuit 47 distributes the control signal Sgcl from the control signal output section 41 to the plurality of element control circuits 51. Specifically, as described above, the control signal Sgcl includes information that specifies the operation of the plurality (all) of the recording elements 15 for each period Tl. For this reason, the control signal distribution circuit 47 divides the input control signal Sgcl into control signals Sgc2 for each recording element 15 and inputs them to the corresponding element control circuits 51.

[0178] Specifically, for example, the control signal distribution circuit 47 serially inputs data related to the plurality of recording elements 15 included in the control signal Sgcl for each period Tl. The control signal distribution circuit 47 converts the input serial data into parallel data (control signals Sgc2) that is the same number as the plurality of recording elements 15 by a shift register and a latch circuit. One control signal Sgc2 includes, for example, data of a given number of bits (for example, 3 bits) that specifies the operation of one recording element 15. The data of the given number of bits is input serially or in parallel to the element control circuits 51.

[0179] The pattern signal generation circuit 49 inputs the pattern signal Sgpl that has information used in the generation of the individual signal Sgl input to the individual electrode 35 to the plurality of element control circuits 51, respectively. The information used in the generation of the individual signal Sgl is, for example, information that specifies the pattern of the variation of the potential of each of the two or more period signals SgT (the non-driving period signal SgN and one or more driving period signals SgA).

[0180] The plurality of element control circuits 51 respectively select information of an arbitrary one of the two or more period signals SgT from the information of the two or more period signals SgT included in the pattern signal Sgpl on the basis of the control signal Sgc2 from the control signal distribution circuit 47. Then, each of the element control circuits 51 generates the period signal SgT using the power (potential) supplied from the constant voltage power supply 45 on the basis of the information of the selected period signal SgT.

[0181] The cycle signal SgT generated in each of the plurality of element control circuits 51 is input to the individual electrode 35 of the corresponding actuator 17. At this time, in the case where the cycle signal SgT is the drive cycle signal SgA, a droplet is ejected from the nozzle 5. Further, in the case where the cycle signal SgT is the non-drive cycle signal SgN, a droplet is not ejected from the nozzle 5.

[0182] The cycle signal SgT is as described with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The standby potential Vw is suitably set for each actuator 17, whereby, for example, mura is reduced. The setting of the standby potential Vw of each actuator 17 is performed by, for example, the element control circuit 51.

[0183] (Constant voltage power supply)

[0184] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the structure of the constant voltage power supply 45 of the head control section 37.

[0185] The constant voltage power supply 45 has, for example, an input terminal 53 to which a potential V6 different from a reference potential is input, a reference potential terminal 55 to which the reference potential is input, and a plurality (15 in the example shown in the drawing) of output terminals 57 that output potentials V0 to V5 and V6_0 to V6_8 different in magnitude from each other.

[0186] The input terminal 53 is given the potential V6 from, for example, the power supply circuit 39 of the control device 88. The potential V6 is a potential having a certain magnitude with respect to the passage of time. The reference potential terminal 55 is given the reference potential from the power supply circuit 39 (or another appropriate reference potential section). That is, the constant voltage power supply 45 applies a direct current voltage of the voltage V6 between the reference potential terminal 55 and the input terminal 53 by the power supply circuit 39. Although not particularly shown, a circuit that converts the power from the power supply circuit 39 into a direct current power of the voltage V6 can also be provided in front of and / or behind the input terminal 53.

[0187] The plurality of output terminals 57 are each connected to the plurality of element control circuits 51, respectively. And, all of the plurality of potentials V0 to V5 and V6_0 to V6_8 are input to each element control circuit 51 in parallel. The plurality of potentials V0 to V5 and V6_0 to V6_8 are potentials having certain magnitudes with respect to the passage of time, and further, correspond to the displacement potential candidates V0 to V5 and the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8 of the individual signal SgI as shown in the drawing. Figure 5 Therefore, each element control circuit 51 can generate the individual signal SgI in which the potential transitions from the standby potential to one or more displacement potentials in order by selectively outputting any one from the plurality of potentials input in parallel to the actuator 17, and supply it to the actuator 17.

[0188] The configuration for converting the input potential V6 into a plurality of potentials V0 to V5 and V6_0 to V6_8 and outputting the same can be various configurations including a well-known configuration. In the illustrated example, a voltage dividing circuit is used. Specifically, the constant voltage power supply 45 has a plurality of (14 in the illustrated example) resistors 59 connected in series between the input terminal 53 and the reference potential terminal 55. The positions between the plurality of output terminals 57 and the plurality of resistors 59, or the positions of the input terminal 53 side or the reference potential terminal 55 side of all the resistors 59 are connected, and the connection positions are different from each other. Also, different potentials generated at the different connection positions by the voltage drops in the respective resistors 59 are given to the plurality of output terminals 57.

[0189] As understood from the already described explanation relating to the displacement potential candidates V0 to V5 and the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8, the number of resistors 59 and the resistance values of the respective resistors 59 can be appropriately set. In the illustrated example, as follows.

[0190] In Figure 8 , the resistance values of the resistors 59 are shown by the ratio with respect to a given resistance value R that becomes a reference. The resistance values of the five resistors 59 located between the six output terminals 57 that hold the potentials V0 to V5 are 20R. The resistance value of the resistor 59 located between the output terminal 57 that holds the potential V5 and the output terminal 57 that holds the potential V6_0 is set to 12R. The resistance values of the eight resistors 59 located between the nine output terminals 57 that hold the potentials V6_0 to V6_8 are set to R. The value of the combined resistance of the resistor 59 with the resistance value of 12R and the eight resistors 59 with the resistance value of R becomes 20R.

[0191] Therefore, for example, in the six displacement potential candidates V0 to V5, the potential difference of the potentials in the order of magnitude of the potentials adjacent to each other is constant. In the nine standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8, the potential difference of the potentials in the order of magnitude of the potentials adjacent to each other is constant. The potential difference of the latter is 1 / 20 of the potential difference of the former. The potential difference between the displacement potential candidate V5, which is the displacement potential candidate closest in the order of magnitude of the potentials to the standby potential candidates, and the standby potential candidate V6_8, which is the standby potential candidate farthest in the order of magnitude of the potentials from the displacement potential candidates, is the same as the potential difference of the potentials in the order of magnitude of the potentials adjacent to each other in the displacement potential candidates V0 to V5.

[0192] In the illustrated example, the standby potential candidate V6_8 is set to be the same as the potential V6 input to the input terminal 53. Where a resistor 59 is provided immediately after the input terminal 53 (closer to the input terminal 53 side than the node of the output terminal 57 that holds the standby potential candidate V6_8), the standby potential candidate V6_8 is made different from the potential V6.

[0193] In the illustrated example, the displacement potential candidate V0 is set to be the same as the reference potential input to the reference potential terminal 55. Among others, a resistor body 59 can be provided immediately before the reference potential terminal 55 (closer to the reference potential terminal 55 than the node of the output terminal 57 that holds the displacement potential candidate V0), so that the displacement potential V0 is different from the reference potential.

[0194] The constant voltage power supply 45 can also have voltage follower circuits. In the illustrated example, a voltage follower circuit is provided at each output terminal 57, in addition to the output terminal 57 of the potential V0 and the potential V6_8. The voltage follower circuit has an operational amplifier 61. The noninverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 61 is given a potential generated by voltage division. The inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 61 is given a potential output by the operational amplifier 61. Through the voltage follower circuit, a desired potential can be stably given to the output terminal 57, for example.

[0195] (Connection of element control circuit and its surrounding circuit)

[0196] Figure 9 is a block diagram that represents structural elements of the element control circuit 51, and the already described structural elements (45, 47, and 49, etc.) connected to the element control circuit 51. Here, only one of a plurality of element control circuits 51 is illustrated.

[0197] As described with reference to Figure 7 , the plurality of element control circuits 51 respectively select information of an arbitrary one of the plurality of types of periodic signals SgT (SgA and SgN) contained in the mode signal Sgp1 from the mode signal generation circuit 49, based on the control signal Sgc2 from the control signal distribution circuit 47. Then, the element control circuit 51 generates the periodic signal SgT using the power (potential) supplied from the constant voltage power supply 45, based on the variation pattern of the potential specified by the information of the selected periodic signal SgT.

[0198] As described with reference to Figure 8 , the constant voltage power supply 45 inputs the plurality of potentials V0 to V5 and V6_0 to V6_8 to the plurality of element control circuits 51 in parallel, respectively. For example, a plurality of (15 in the illustrated example) output terminals 57 of the constant voltage power supply 45 are connected to a plurality of wiring lines 63 extending vertically in the paper. Figure 8 The constant voltage power supply 45 imparts the plurality of potentials to the plurality of element control circuits 51 via the plurality of wiring lines 63. As indicated by the broken lines at the lower ends of the plurality of wiring lines 63, the plurality of wiring lines 63 extend through a plurality (some or all) of the element control circuits 51, and are shared among the plurality of element control circuits 51.

[0199] The control signal distribution circuit 47 inputs a control signal Sgc2 containing information specifying the operation of each recording element 15 for each period Tl to the corresponding element control circuit 51. In Figure 9 In the figure, the control signal Sgc2 input to one element control circuit 51 is illustrated. This signal is a signal whose content of information held in accordance with the content of the image data 43 (in accordance with the necessity of formation of a dot and the diameter of a dot) is changed, and is individually generated and input to the plurality of element control circuits 51.

[0200] The pattern signal generation circuit 49 inputs a pattern signal Sgpl containing information specifying the variation pattern of the potential in each of the plurality of kinds of period signals SgT to the plurality of element control circuits 51, respectively. In Figure 9 In the figure, the pattern signal Sgpl input to one element control circuit 51 is illustrated. As the lines indicating the branch of the line of the pattern signal Sgpl (Sgp2) are broken, the pattern signal Sgpl is commonly input to the plurality of element control circuits 51, for example.

[0201] The pattern signal Sgpl contains, for example, a number of kinds of pattern signals Sgp2 equal to the number of kinds (two or more) of the period signals SgT. The plurality of kinds (eight kinds in the illustrated example) of pattern signals Sgp2 are output from the pattern signal generation circuit 49 in parallel with each other for each period Tl, for example. One of the plurality of kinds of pattern signals Sgp2 corresponds to the non-driving period signal SgN. The remaining seven kinds of pattern signals Sgp2 correspond to seven kinds of driving period signals SgA, for example, which differ from each other in the variation pattern of the potential.

[0202] The information specifying the variation pattern of the potential in one kind of period signal SgT is, in other words, information of the time series of the potential within one kind of period signal SgT. The potential contained in the time series is limited to the displacement potential candidates V0 to V5 and the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8, for example. In addition, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, the information of the standby potential Vw in the pattern signal Sgpl is corrected by the element control circuit 51. Therefore, the information of the standby potential in the pattern signal Sgp2 only needs to be able to discriminate that the potential specified by the information is a standby potential, and does not need to distinguish the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8. Therefore, for example, the potential contained in the time series can be limited to only the displacement potential candidates V0 to V5 and the standby potential candidate V6_0.

[0203] The transmission method of the mode signal Sgp2 of one class, and the like, can be appropriately set. For example, the mode signal Sgp2 of one class is formed by serially transmitting a plurality of data that respectively designate any one of the potentials of the potentials of the plurality of classes (here, 15 classes) in time series order. Therefore, the transmission order of the plurality of data becomes information that indicates the arrangement in time of the potentials of the plurality of classes in time series.

[0204] As described above, in the case where the plurality of data within one mode signal Sgp2 is serially transmitted, the period T2 (symbol is Figure 5 ) of transmitting one data can be set to a length that equally subdivides the period T1 by the number of data within one mode signal Sgp2, for example. In this case, the period T2 can be utilized as information that designates the time for which the potential designated by each data should be maintained.

[0205] One data that designates one potential contains information of a given number of bits (for example, 4 bits), for example. The information of the given number of bits is serially or in parallel input from the mode signal generating circuit 49 to each element control circuit 51.

[0206] The structure of the mode signal generating circuit 49 that generates the mode signal Sgp2 (Sgp1) can be set to an appropriate structure. For example, although not particularly illustrated, the mode signal generating circuit 49 can have the following structural elements: the clock that outputs the clock signal every other period T2 described above; a register that has information of the time series of the potentials of the plurality of classes (15 classes) in each of the plurality of classes (8 classes) of the period signal SgT; and a logic circuit that sequentially reads out and outputs the data of the potential held by the register based on the clock signal.

[0207] (Element Control Circuit)

[0208] In the element control circuit 51, the structure that realizes the operation of generating the period signal SgT from the potential of the constant voltage power supply 45 and outputting based on the control signal Sgc2 and the mode signal Sgp2 can be set to an appropriate structure. In the example illustrated, it is as follows.

[0209] The element control circuit 51 has the following structural elements, for example: a mode signal selection circuit 65 that selects any one of the mode signals Sgp2 based on the control signal Sgc2; a correction circuit 67 that corrects the information of the standby potential Vw in the selected mode signal Sgp2; and a switch circuit 69 that switches the connection relationship of the constant voltage power supply 45 and the actuator 17 based on the corrected mode signal Sgm corrected by the correction circuit 67.

[0210] The standby potential Vw of the periodic signal SgT (SgA or SgN) is generated as already described by switching of the connection relationship of the switching circuit 69. This switching is performed by the correction of the standby potential Vw based on the correction mode signal Sgm of the information as described with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The standby potential Vw of the periodic signal SgT is corrected by the correction of the information of the standby potential Vw by each element control circuit 51. That is, the standby potential Vw input to at least one of the plurality of recording elements 15 and the standby potential Vw input to at least one other of the plurality of recording elements 15 can be made different.

[0211] In addition, the correction circuit 67 can have a structural element other than the above. For example, a delay circuit that delays the timing of transmission of the mode signal Sgp2 or a circuit that converts the mode signal Sgp2 of a form shorter than the period T2 (a form in which the time of maintaining the signal corresponding to the information of each potential is shorter than the time of actually maintaining each potential) into the mode signal Sgp2 of a form in which the period T2 is continued can be provided between the mode signal selection circuit 65 and the correction circuit 67.

[0212] (Mode signal selection circuit)

[0213] The mode signal selection circuit 65, for example, selects and outputs one of the mode signals Sgp2 input in parallel based on the control signal Sgc2. The transmission form and the like in the output of the mode signal selection circuit 65 can be appropriately set. As long as the mode signal Sgp2 maintains the content of the information thereof, the transmission form and the like can be different before the input to the mode signal selection circuit 65 and after the output from the mode signal selection circuit 65. In the example illustrated, the mode signal selection circuit 65 outputs the data of 4 bits as the mode signal Sgp2 to the correction circuit 67 in parallel (outputs the data of 1 bit at one wiring). Further, the mode signal selection circuit 65, for example, maintains the period T2 of the input mode signal Sgp2 (and the time of maintaining the signal corresponding to the information of each potential) and outputs the mode signal Sgp2.

[0214] (Correction circuit)

[0215] The correction circuit 67, for example, has the following structural elements: a selector 71 that outputs a selection signal Sgs that specifies the standby potential Vw to be set to the corresponding actuator 17; a decoder 73 that corrects the mode signal Sgp2 based on the selection signal Sgs and generates and outputs a correction mode signal Sgm; and a level converter 75 that increases the signal strength of the correction mode signal Sgm.

[0216] The selector 71 is configured, for example, with a register that holds information on the value of the standby potential Vw to be set for the corresponding actuator 17. This information is, in other words, information that specifies any one of the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8. The register can be volatile, for example, and the above information can be acquired from a not-shown memory that is common to the plurality of element control circuits 51 in the head 2 or the control device 88 each time the printer 1 is operated. The acquisition of the above information from the above memory or control device 88 can be performed at an appropriate timing, such as when a given operation is performed in the printer 1. Alternatively, the register can be non-volatile, and the above information can be held at all times. The content of the above information can be set by the manufacturer of the head 2 (or the printer 1), or can be set by the printer 1 (see Embodiment 5 described later).

[0217] The selector 71 then outputs a selection signal Sgs corresponding to the content of the information held by the register. The transmission method and the like of the selection signal Sgs can be an appropriate method. For example, the selection signal Sgs can be a signal that transmits 4-bit data in series or in parallel. The period of the output of the selection signal Sgs can be the period T2, for example, or a period that is further divided from the period T2. Alternatively, the selection signal Sgs can be a signal that maintains a certain potential continuously (a signal that has no concept of period).

[0218] The decoder 73 decodes, for example, the mode signal Sgp2 and the selection signal Sgs, and outputs a correction mode signal Sgm in an N-ary output form. Here, N is the total number of the displacement potential candidates V0 to V5 and the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8, and is 15 in the illustrated example. Accordingly, the decoder 73 has at least 15 output terminals, and Figure 9 In the figure, 15 wires that extend from these 15 output terminals to the level shifter 75 are depicted.

[0219] More specifically, the displacement potential candidates V0 to V5 and the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8 and the 15 output terminals are in one-to-one correspondence. The decoder 73 serially outputs a plurality of data that respectively specify any one of the displacement potential candidates V0 to V5 and the standby potential candidates Vw by one mode signal Sgp2. The decoder 73 outputs a signal from the output terminal corresponding to the potential specified by the data each time the data is input. No signal is output from the other output terminals. This signal constitutes the correction mode signal Sgm.

[0220] In a case where the potential specified by the data input through the mode signal Sgp2 is the standby potential candidate Vw, the decoder 73 does not output a signal from the output terminal corresponding to the standby potential candidate Vw specified by the mode signal Sgp2, but outputs a signal from the output terminal corresponding to the standby potential candidate Vw (any one of V6_0 to V6_8) specified by the selection signal Sgs input by the selector 71. Thus, the correction mode signal Sgm outputting information of the standby potential in the correction mode signal Sgp2 is output.

[0221] As understood from the above description, the data format and the transmission method and the like of the correction mode signal Sgm can be different from those of the mode signal Sgp2. The signal selectively outputted from the plurality of output terminals of the decoder 73 as a signal constituting the correction mode signal Sgm is, for example, a signal having a certain potential higher or lower than a given potential (for example, a reference potential). The output terminal is held at the given potential when the above signal is not outputted. The potential of the above signal and the given potential are common in the plurality of output terminals. The above signal constituting the correction mode signal Sgm is outputted, for example, throughout the time (the period T2) during which the input of the signal corresponding to the information of each potential in the mode signal Sgp2 is maintained. Further, the entire correction mode signal Sgm is outputted, for example, throughout the period Tl.

[0222] The level shifter 75 has a plurality (15 in the illustrated example) of input terminals connected one-to-one to the plurality (15 in the illustrated example) of output terminals of the decoder 73, and a plurality of output terminals corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of input terminals. Also, the level shifter 75 increases the strength of the signal inputted to the input terminal and outputs to the corresponding output terminal. For example, if the signal from the decoder 73 is a signal of a higher potential than a given potential, the level shifter 75 converts it into a signal of a further higher potential, and if the signal from the decoder 73 is a signal of a lower potential than a given potential, the level shifter 75 converts it into a signal of a further lower potential. As for the strength of the signal, for example, the inputted signal and the outputted signal are the same. The correction mode signal Sgm has a strength sufficient for the control of the switching circuit 69 by increasing the strength of the signal with the level shifter 75. Note that the level shifter 75 can be omitted.

[0223] (Switching Circuit)

[0224] The switch circuit 69 is sequentially inputted with a signal (period T2) which is contained in the correction mode signal Sgm (period T1) and which designates any one of the displacement potential candidates V0 to V5 and the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8, respectively. The switch circuit 69 connects the output terminal 57 of the constant voltage power supply 45, among the plurality of output terminals 57 (wires 63), which holds the potential designated by the inputted signal of period T2, to the actuator 17. Thereby, the period signal SgT (SgA or SgN) having the variation pattern of the potential designated by the correction mode signal Sgm is generated and outputted to the actuator 17.

[0225] The structure of the switch circuit 69 which realizes the above-described operation can be set to an appropriate structure. In the illustrated example, the switch circuit 69 has a plurality of (15) switches 77 which are provided one-to-one with the plurality of (15) output terminals 57 of the constant voltage power supply 45. The plurality of switches 77 are each capable of conducting and cutting off the corresponding output terminal 57 and the actuator 17 (individual electrode 35). Further, the plurality of switches 77 are each connected to the output terminal, among the plurality of (15) output terminals of the correction circuit 67 (level shifter 75), which corresponds to the potential (V0 to V5 and V6_0 to V6_8) held by the corresponding output terminal 57. And, the switch 77 which is inputted with the signal of period T2 contained in the correction mode signal Sgm connects the corresponding output terminal 57 and the actuator 17 throughout the period (period T2) in which the signal is inputted. The switches 77 other than this do not connect the corresponding output terminal 57 and the actuator 17.

[0226] The structure of the switch 77 can also be set to an appropriate structure. In the illustrated example, a field effect transistor is exemplified as the switch 77. The structure of the field effect transistor can be set to an appropriate structure. Further, the switch 77 can also be another transistor.

[0227] (Example of operation of switch circuit)

[0228] Figure 10 is a schematic view which shows a specific example of the operation of the switch circuit 69. Here, a situation is assumed in which the two switches 77 illustrated among the plurality of switches 77 are sequentially turned on (ON). That is, during the operation illustrated, the other switches 77 are turned off.

[0229] In the uppermost layer of Figure 10 , a situation is shown in which the two switches 77 are turned off (OFF). Next, as shown in the layer below, the switch 77 on the upper side of the paper is turned on. Next, as shown in the layer below, the switch 77 on the upper side of the paper is turned off, and further, the two switches 77 are turned off. Thereafter, as shown in the lowermost layer, the switch 77 on the lower side of the paper is turned on.

[0230] Thus, the switching circuit 69 can set a period during which the actuator 17 is not connected to any of the plurality of output terminals 57 (in other words, during which all of the switches 77 are off) when switching the output terminal 57 connected to the actuator 17. Thereby, for example, the probability of a short circuit between the output terminals 57 is reduced. Also, two switches 77 are taken as an example, but the above-described period can be set with respect to switching of all of the switches 77. Furthermore, it is not a problem if the above-described period is not provided, unlike the example illustrated.

[0231] The illustrated operation can be suitably implemented. For example, the pattern signal generation circuit 49 can generate the pattern signal Sgpl so that the time series of the information of the potential has information of turning off the switch 77 between the information of the 1st potential and the information of the 2nd potential that is different from the 1st potential and immediately subsequent in time to the 1st potential. Also, when the data input through the pattern signal Sgpl specifies turning off the switch 77, the correction circuit 67 (the decoder 73) can operate so that no signal is output from the plurality of output terminals connected to the plurality of (15) switches 77 (all of the output terminals are maintained at the potential corresponding to off).

[0232] Figure 11A is another diagram that represents a specific example of the operation of the switching circuit 69. This diagram represents the change in potential over time imparted to the actuator 17 from one switch 77 when the one switch 77 is operated in the order of off, on, and off. The horizontal axis t is time, and the vertical axis V is potential.

[0233] Here, the influence of the other switches 77 is not taken into account. Thus, when the switch 77 is off (before the time point tll, etc.), the potential on the output side (the actuator 17 side) of the switch 77 becomes a virtual given potential (for example, a reference potential). Also, when the switch 77 is on, the potential on the output side of the switch 77 becomes the potential on the input side of the switch 77 (the potential maintained by the corresponding output terminal 57).

[0234] The time point tll is the time point at which the input of the signal included in the correction pattern signal Sgm to the switch 77 is started by the correction circuit 67 (the time point at which it is turned on). As illustrated in this diagram, in the switch 77, after being turned off to on, until the potential on the output side transitions to the potential equivalent to the potential on the input side, a time lag (transition time Tll) occurs. Similarly, after being turned on to off (after the input of the signal included in the correction pattern signal Sgm is stopped), until the potential on the output side transitions to the given potential, a time lag (transition time T12) occurs.

[0235] Transition times T11 and T12 can be set as appropriate. One can be shorter than the other, or they can be equal. In the illustrated example, transition time T11 during on-state is longer than transition time T12 during off-state. The degree of the difference between the two can be set as appropriate. For example, transition time T11 can be set to 1.1 times, 1.3 times, 1.5 times, or 2 times the transition time T12.

[0236] The configuration for adjusting the transition times T11 and T12 can be various configurations including well-known configurations. Figure 11B to 11D An example of a configuration for adjusting the transition times T11 and T12 is shown.

[0237] exist Figure 11B to 11D In the example shown in FIG1 , resistors 79A and 79B connected in parallel to each other and diodes 81A and / or 81B connected in series with the resistors are provided between the level shifter 75 and the switch 77. These may be provided for each switch 77 or may be shared by multiple (partial or all) switches 77.

[0238] exist Figure 11B In the example of , the transition time T11 can be extended by increasing the resistance value of the resistor 79A, and the transition time T12 can be extended by increasing the resistance value of the resistor 79B. Figure 11C In the example of , the transition time T11 can be extended by increasing the resistance values ​​of the resistors 79A and 79B, and the transition time T12 can be extended by increasing the resistance value of the resistor 79B. Figure 11D In the example of FIG, the transition time T11 can be extended by increasing the resistance value of the resistor 79B, and the transition time T12 can be extended by increasing the resistance values ​​of the resistors 79A and 79B.

[0239] In addition, as previously explained Figure 5 The figure also shows the effect of transition times T11 and T12 on the individual signal SgI. Specifically, as the potential of the individual signal SgI sequentially transitions to the standby potential Vw or the shifted potentials V0 to V6, it does not transition directly from one potential to the next, but rather gradually. Furthermore, the period T2 includes this transition time. As a result, the minimum time that the individual signal SgI remains at the standby potential Vw or at any of the shifted potentials V0 to V6 becomes shorter than the period T2.

[0240] As above, the recording head (liquid ejection head 2 or head body 3) has a plurality of recording elements 15 and a drive control section (head control section 37). The plurality of recording elements 15 respectively form dots constituting an image. The head control section 37 respectively inputs an operation signal (for example, an individual signal Sgl) to the plurality of recording elements 15. The operation signal has a standby signal (for example, a non-drive period signal SgN constituted only by a non-waveform signal Sgn or a non-waveform signal Sgn, hereinafter, one of them is sometimes referred to simply) and a drive signal (for example, a drive waveform signal Sga, a non-drive waveform signal Sgb, or a drive period signal SgA, hereinafter, one of them is sometimes referred to simply). The non-waveform signal Sgn is input to the recording element 15 at the time of non-drive, and the potential is held at the standby potential Vw. The drive waveform signal Sga is input to the recording element 15 at the time of drive, and the potential is transitioned from the standby potential Vw to one or more displacement potentials (any one or more of V0 to V6). The standby potential Vw of the non-waveform signal Sgn input to at least one of the plurality of recording elements 15 and the standby potential Vw of the non-waveform signal Sgn input to at least one other of the plurality of recording elements 15 are different.

[0241] Therefore, for example, the amplitude of the drive waveform signal Sga can be adjusted by the standby potential Vw, and this adjustment can be performed individually for the recording elements 15 that are different from each other. Thus, it is possible to reduce the mottle (unexpected mottle) due to the deviation in the manner (for example, the diameter of the dot) in which the dots are formed by the plurality of recording elements 15. In this adjustment method, the displacement potentials V0 to V6 of the drive waveform signal Sga can not be adjusted (but adjustment can be performed). As a result, for example, the displacement potential candidates V0 to V6 can be common to the plurality of recording elements 15. Further, it is possible to simplify the structure of the head control section 37. For example, in the present embodiment, the constant voltage power supply 45 and the pattern signal generation circuit 49 are shared by the plurality of recording elements 15, and the structure of the head control section 37 is simple.

[0242] The drive control section (head control section 37) can individually (one by one) set the standby potential Vw for the plurality of recording elements 15. For example, in the present embodiment, the selector 71 (storage circuit) provided for each recording element 15 holds information of the standby potential Vw, and the standby potential Vw input to each recording element 15 is generated based on this information.

[0243] In this case, for example, the gradation is adjusted for each recording element 15. As a result, compared with a method in which the gradation is adjusted for each block (each block including two or more recording elements 15) that divides the opposing face 3a of the head 2 (the method can also be included in the technology to which the present disclosure pertains, as has been described), the adjustment of the gradation can be performed with high precision. Further, the effect of reducing the gradation mottle is enhanced. Furthermore, in the adjustment of each block, there is a possibility that the concentration difference is amplified in the recording elements 15 located at the boundary between the blocks, but the probability of occurrence of such a bad condition is reduced.

[0244] The drive control section (head control section 37) can selectively repeatedly input either of a standby signal (for example, a non-waveform signal Sgn) and a drive signal (for example, a drive waveform signal Sga) to the plurality of recording elements 15 based on the control signal Sgc2 (Sgcl) corresponding to the image data 43. In each of the plurality of recording elements 15, the plurality of non-waveform signals Sgn that are repeatedly input can have the same standby potential Vw (any one of V6_0 to V6_8) to each other independently of the control signal Sgc2. For example, in the embodiment, the standby potential Vw of the non-waveform signal Sgn input to one recording element 15 is a potential designated by the selector 71, and is constant independently of the content of the information of the control signal Sgc2. Further, in each of the plurality of recording elements 15, the plurality of drive waveform signals Sga that are repeatedly input can differ from each other in at least one of the magnitude and the temporal arrangement of one or more displacement potentials (one or more of V0 to V5) in accordance with the control signal Sgc2. For example, in the embodiment, one kind of the pattern signal Sgp2 is selected from seven kinds of the pattern signal Sgp2 (which is a drive waveform signal Sga for other reasons) by the pattern signal selection circuit 65 in accordance with the content of the information of the control signal Sgc2.

[0245] In this case, for example, since the standby potential Vw is constant in the recording element 15, the effect of simplifying the structure of the head control section 37 is enhanced. Further, since the plurality of drive waveform signals Sga is generated by the difference in at least one of the magnitude and the temporal arrangement of one or more displacement potentials, a variety of gradations (intended gradations) can be realized.

[0246] The drive control section (head control section 37) can select the standby potential Vw corresponding to each of the plurality of recording elements 15 from among a plurality of standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8 that are mutually different in potential. Further, the head control section 37 can select the drive signal (for example, the drive period signal SgA (for other viewpoints, the drive waveform signal Sga)) to be input to each of the plurality of recording elements 15 based on the control signal Sgc2 (or Sgcl) corresponding to the image data 43, from among a plurality of drive signal candidates (for example, candidates determined from the seven pattern signals Sgp2) that are mutually different in at least one of the one or more displacement potentials (one or more of V0 to V5), the magnitude, and the temporal arrangement. The plurality of drive signal candidates can each include one or more displacement potentials selected from among a plurality of displacement potential candidates V0 to V5 that are mutually different in potential. The potential difference (at least one, for example, all) between two standby potential candidates (for example, V6_8 and V6_7) that are consecutive in order of magnitude of potential among the plurality of standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8 can be smaller than the potential difference (at least one, for example, all) between two displacement potential candidates (for example, V5 and V4) that are consecutive in order of magnitude of potential among the plurality of displacement potential candidates V0 to V5.

[0247] In this case, for example, a large change in the manner (for example, the amount of liquid droplets) of the ejected liquid droplets can be achieved by the plurality of displacement potentials that are relatively large in potential difference. That is, a large change in the intended density variation can be made. On the other hand, the manner of the ejected liquid droplets can be finely adjusted by the plurality of standby potentials that are relatively small in potential difference. That is, a relatively small density difference (an unintended density difference) among the plurality of recording elements 15 can be reduced. In this way, both the implementation of the intended density variation and the reduction of the unintended density variation can be taken into account.

[0248] The potential difference (at least one, for example, all) between two standby potential candidates that are consecutive in order of magnitude of potential among the plurality of standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8 can be set to 2% or less with respect to the potential difference between the candidate V6_8 that is farthest from the plurality of displacement potential candidates among the plurality of standby potential candidates and the candidate V0 that is farthest from the plurality of standby potential candidates among the plurality of displacement potential candidates.

[0249] In this case, for example, the above-described effects are enhanced by the potential difference between the standby potential candidates being smaller than the potential difference between the displacement potential candidates. Further, for example, in a general printer 1 that is supposed to express density variation, a potential difference of 2% or less with respect to the potential difference between the standby potential Vw and the displacement potential candidate V0 that is farthest from the standby potential Vw appears on the recording medium as a density variation that is difficult for the human eye to distinguish. Therefore, by adjusting the density variation with this potential difference of 2% or less, the density spot can be reduced to a level at which the human eye cannot distinguish the density spot.

[0250] The drive control section (head control section 37) selects a drive signal (for example, a drive period signal SgA (for other viewpoints, a drive waveform signal Sga)) to be respectively input to the plurality of recording elements 15 from one or more drive potential (one or more of V0 to V5) of at least one mutually different plurality of drive waveform candidates (for example, candidates determined from the 7 pattern signals Sgp2) of the size and the time arrangement. The plurality of drive waveform candidates can be commonly set to the plurality of recording elements 15. For example, in the present embodiment, the plurality of drive waveform candidates are commonly input to the plurality of recording elements 15 by the 7 pattern signals Sgp2 output from the pattern signal generation circuit 49.

[0251] In other words, the size and the time arrangement of each drive potential in the drive period signal SgA (or the drive waveform signal Sga) are determined in accordance with the kind of the actuator 17 operation (for other viewpoints, the kind of the ejected droplet manner (for example, the droplet amount)), and are not dependent on the recording element 15. Therefore, for example, it is good to prepare a potential variation pattern (pattern signal Sgp2) corresponding to the number of the kinds of the actuator 17 operation (including standby). As a result, the number of the pattern signal Sgp2 can be reduced. In addition, differently from the above, a mode in which a drive waveform candidate different from that of the other at least one part of the recording element 15 is set to at least one part of the recording element 15 is also included in the technology to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0252] The recording head (head 2 or head main body 3) can have a pattern signal output circuit (pattern signal generation circuit 49 and a plurality of pattern signal selection circuits 65), a correction circuit (a plurality of correction circuits 67), and an operation signal generation circuit (constant voltage power supply 45 and a plurality of switching circuits 69). The pattern signal output circuit (49 and 65) can output a pattern signal Sgp2 having information of a time series of a predetermined standby potential Vw and one or more drive potentials (any one or more of V0 to V5) that specify a transition of a potential of an operation signal (for example, an individual signal SgI) to be respectively input to the plurality of recording elements 15. The correction circuit 67 can output a correction pattern signal Sgm in which the standby potential Vw in the pattern signal Sgp2 is corrected to a standby potential Vw (any one of V6_0 to V6_8) corresponding to the corresponding recording element 15. The operation signal generation circuit (45 and 69) can generate an individual signal SgI to be input to the corresponding recording element 15 based on the correction pattern signal Sgm.

[0253] In this case, for example, since the pattern signal Sgp2 is not prepared for each mutually different standby potential Vw, the kind of the pattern signal Sgp2 can be reduced. As a result, for example, the circuit structure is simplified.

[0254] The mode signal output circuit can have a generation circuit (mode signal generation circuit 49) and a selection circuit (a plurality of mode signal selection circuits 65). The mode signal generation circuit 49 can generate a plurality of kinds of mode signals Sgp2 that differ from each other in at least one of the configuration of the displacement potential, the magnitude, and the timing. The plurality of mode signal selection circuits 65 can select one of the plurality of kinds of mode signals Sgp2 for each of the plurality of recording elements based on a control signal Sgc1 (Sgc2) based on the image data 43.

[0255] In this case, for example, the mode signal Sgp2 (Sgpl) can not be generated for each recording element 15. Therefore, for example, the effect of simplifying the circuit configuration is enhanced.

[0256] The operation signal generation circuit can have a constant voltage power supply 45 and a plurality of switching circuits 69. The constant voltage power supply 45 can have a plurality of terminals (output terminals 57) held at a plurality of standby potentials V6_0 to V6_8 and a plurality of displacement potentials V0 to V5. The plurality of switching circuits 69 can be provided in correspondence with the plurality of recording elements 15, respectively. The switching circuit 69 can switch the connection of the plurality of output terminals 57 of the constant voltage power supply 45 to the corresponding recording element 15.

[0257] In this case, for example, the operation signal (for example, the individual signal Sgl) that differs in the standby potential can be implemented by a simple circuit. Specifically, as follows. In Patent Literature 3, when the reference potential of a signal (corresponding to the standby potential) is changed, after the amplitude of the waveform of the signal is amplified so as to become a size corresponding to the reference potential after the amplitude of the waveform of the signal is changed, the changed reference potential is added to the signal and output. In comparison with such a method (which can also be included in the technology related to the present disclosure), in the present embodiment, the amplitude corresponding to the amount of change in the reference potential can not be calculated, or the amplitude can not be changed based on the calculation result.

[0258] The plurality of switching circuits 69 can each generate a period in which the recording element 15 is not connected to any of the plurality of output terminals 57 when switching the output terminal 57 to be connected to the corresponding recording element 15 among the plurality of output terminals 57 (refer to Figure 10 ).

[0259] In this case, for example, as already described, the probability of the output terminals 57 being short-circuited to each other is reduced. As a result, for example, the power consumption is reduced. With the reduction in power consumption, for example, the temperature rise of the IC 13 is reduced. As a result, for example, the variation in the ink ejection characteristics due to the temperature change is reduced.

[0260] The plurality of switching circuits 69 can each have a switch 77 provided for each of the plurality of output terminals 57. The switch 77 can be connected to the corresponding output terminal 57 at the input side and to the corresponding recording element 15 at the output side. When the switch 77 is turned on, the time (transition time T11) until the potential at the output side becomes equal to the potential at the input side (the potential of the output terminal 57) from a given potential (e.g., a reference potential) can be longer than the time (transition time T12) until the potential at the output side becomes the given potential from the potential at the input side when the switch 77 is turned off.

[0261] In this case, for example, when the switch 77 is turned on, the time until the potential of the corresponding output terminal 57 is imparted to the output side of the other switch 77 can be relatively lengthened. On the other hand, when the switch 77 is turned off, the time until the potential of the output side of the other switch 77 is imparted to the corresponding output terminal 57 can be relatively shortened. Thus, the likelihood of short-circuiting between the output terminals 57 is reduced. The effects of reducing the likelihood of short-circuiting are as described above. Furthermore, by adjusting the transition times T11 and T12, for example, it is also possible to eliminate the need for the operation of setting a period during which none of the recording elements 15 and the plurality of output terminals 57 are connected (see Figure 10 ) as described above.

[0262] <Second Embodiment>

[0263] Figure 12 is a view that shows the main part of the head according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 8 of the first embodiment.

[0264] The constant voltage power supply 245 according to the second embodiment can change the magnitude of the standby potential Vw for at least one (all in the illustrated example) of the plurality of (nine in the illustrated example) output terminals 57 that hold the standby potentials V6_0 to V6_8. Thus, for example, the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8 that are appropriate for the concentration difference of each recording element 15 (or each block) can be set after the concentration difference of each recording element 15 (or each block) is measured. In other words, the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8 can be set for each head.

[0265] Various structures for changing the magnitude of the standby potential Vw held by the output terminal 57 are used. In the illustrated example, as follows.

[0266] In the path from the input terminal 53 to the reference potential terminal 55, a resistor body 59 of resistance value 20R is provided between the input terminal 53 and the node of the noninverting input of the operational amplifier 61 corresponding to the displacement potential (V5 in the illustrated example) closest to the standby potential. Further, in the first embodiment, the structure (the nodes of the 8 resistor bodies 59 of resistance value R, the one resistor body 59 of resistance value 12R, and the output terminal 57 corresponding to the standby potential) provided between the input terminal 53 and the noninverting input of the operational amplifier 61 corresponding to the displacement potential V5 is provided between the input terminal 53 and the output side of the operational amplifier 61 corresponding to the displacement potential V5. Among these, the resistor body 59 of resistance value 12R in the first embodiment is replaced by a variable resistor body 259.

[0267] In this structure, by changing the resistance value of the variable resistor body 259, it is possible to change all of the standby potentials V6_0 to V6_8 at a rate corresponding to the amount of change in the resistance value of the variable resistor body 259. At this time, the magnitudes of the displacement potentials V0 to V5 do not change.

[0268] Although not particularly illustrated, it is also possible to provide the variable resistor body 259 at any of the positions of the resistor bodies 59 of resistance value R, or to provide two or more variable resistor bodies 259. Further, it is also possible to configure the constant voltage power supply 245 in such a manner that it can be said that the constant voltage power supply is divided into a constant voltage power supply for the standby potential and a constant voltage power supply for the displacement potential, and that the change in the standby potential does not affect the displacement potential.

[0269] <Third Embodiment>

[0270] Figure 13 is a view that shows the main part of the head involved in the third embodiment, and corresponds to a part of Figure 9 of the first embodiment.

[0271] In the correction circuit 367 of the third embodiment, the selection signal Sgs of the selector 371 is input to the level shifter 75 without passing through the decoder 373. Specifically, as follows.

[0272] As in the first embodiment, the correction circuit 367 has the decoder 373 and the level shifter 75. Further, the correction circuit 367 is directly or indirectly connected to the decoder 373 and / or the level shifter 75, and has the selector 371, the OR circuit 83, and the plurality of AND circuits 86.

[0273] The decoder 373 can be substantially the same as the decoder 73 of the first embodiment except that it performs correction of the information of the standby potential Vw based on the selection signal Sgs. The decoder 373 can output a signal from an output terminal corresponding to the input standby potential when data specifying any one of the standby potentials V6_0 to V6_8 is input through the mode signal Sgp2. That is, the decoder 373 can handle the information of the standby potential as well as the information of the displacement potential.

[0274] In addition, the decoder 373 can output a signal only from a predetermined output terminal among the output terminals corresponding to the standby potentials V6_0 to V6_8 regardless of the standby potential specified by the input data. Further, the decoder 373 can have only one output terminal corresponding to the standby potential, unlike the example illustrated, without having a plurality of output terminals corresponding to the standby potentials V6_0 to V6_8.

[0275] The selection signal Sgs output by the selector 371 contains information specifying the standby potential Vw to be set in correspondence with the corresponding actuator 17, as in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the data format and the transmission method of the selection signal Sgs are not limited. In the present embodiment, the selection signal Sgs is output from the selector 371 in an N-ary output form as in the signal output by the decoder 73. Here, N is the total number (9) of the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8.

[0276] Accordingly, the selector 371 has as many output terminals (9) as the number of the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8 in one-to-one correspondence with the standby potential candidates. The selector 371 outputs a signal only from an output terminal corresponding to the standby potential Vw to be set in correspondence with the corresponding actuator 17. The signal can be, for example, a signal of the same kind as the signal output from the decoder 373 (a signal having a certain potential throughout the period T2), or a signal of a different kind. As the signal of the latter kind, for example, a signal having a different potential from the signal output from the decoder 373, and / or a continuously output signal (a signal having no concept of a period) can be cited.

[0277] The input side of the OR circuit 83 is connected to a plurality (9 in the example illustrated) of output terminals among the output terminals of the decoder 373 corresponding to the standby potentials V6_0 to V6_8. Also, the OR circuit 83 outputs a signal, for example, throughout the period during which a signal is input from at least one of the above-mentioned 9 output terminals, and does not output a signal during the period during which no signal is input from all of the above-mentioned 9 output terminals. The potential of the signal output by the OR circuit 83 can be the same as or different from the potential of the signal output by the decoder 373.

[0278] The input sides of the multiple AND circuits 86 are connected one-to-one to the multiple output terminals of the selector 371. Furthermore, the output sides of the multiple AND circuits 86 are connected one-to-one to the multiple input terminals of the level shifter 75. The output terminals of the selector 371 and the input terminals of the level shifter 75 connected to each AND circuit 86 are connected so that the corresponding standby potentials Vw are the same. In other words, the multiple AND circuits 86 are provided one-to-one for the multiple standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8. Furthermore, the output of the OR circuit 83 is connected to the inputs of the multiple AND circuits 86. Each AND circuit 86 outputs a signal during periods when signals are input from both the selector 371 and the OR circuit 83, and does not output a signal during periods when these signals are not input. The potential of the signal output by the AND circuit 86 is, for example, the same as the potential of the signal output by the decoder 373.

[0279] In the above-described configuration, when the data serially input to decoder 373 via mode signal Sgp2 specifies the standby potential Vw, a signal is input from decoder 373 to OR circuit 83, which in turn inputs a signal to all of the multiple AND circuits 86. Then, among the multiple AND circuits 86, the AND circuit 86 that receives the signal from selector 371 inputs a signal to level shifter 75. In other words, similar to the first embodiment, a signal corresponding to the standby potential selected by selector 371 is input to level shifter 75. Subsequent operations, as well as the operation when the data input to decoder 373 specifies the shift potential, are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0280] In this manner, the mode signal Sgp2 may be corrected by the selector 371 and the AND circuit 86 instead of the decoder 373. In this case, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0281] When mode signal Sgp2 is modified by selector 371 and AND circuit 86, OR circuit 83 is not essential. For example, the standby potential Vw specified by mode signal Sgp2 can be set to only one of the standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8, and the output terminal of decoder 373 corresponding to this standby potential is connected to the inputs of all AND circuits 86. The provision of OR circuit 83 allows the generation of a corrected mode signal Sgm that includes information about the standby potential specified by selector 371, even if a signal is output from another output terminal due to a malfunction.

[0282] <Fourth embodiment>

[0283] Figure 14 1 is a diagram showing the main part of the head involved in the fourth embodiment, which is different from the first embodiment. Figure 9 corresponds to a part of .

[0284] The correction circuit 467 according to the present embodiment is configured to selectively execute an operation of outputting the corrected mode signal Sgm in which the standby potential Vw in the mode signal Sgp2 is corrected, and an operation of outputting the non-corrected mode signal Sgp3 in which the standby potential Vw in the mode signal Sgp2 is not corrected. That is, the correction circuit 467 can switch on and off the correction of the standby potential Vw.

[0285] In addition, the non-corrected mode signal Sgp3 has the same information as the mode signal Sgp2, and can be regarded as a mode signal. In this case, the non-corrected mode signal Sgp3 is output in the N-ary (here, 15-ary) form like the corrected mode signal Sgm, and thus a symbol different from the mode signal Sgp2 is labeled for convenience. Figure 14

[0286] Various structures for realizing the above-described operations can be made. In the illustrated example, the following is made.

[0287] Like the third embodiment, the correction circuit 467 has the decoder 373, the level shifter 75, and the selector 471, the OR circuit 83, and the plurality of AND circuits 86 connected thereto directly or indirectly. Further, the correction circuit 467 has the switching circuit 87 between the plurality of AND circuits 86 and the level shifter 75.

[0288] Like the selector 371, the selector 471 outputs the selection signal Sgs corresponding to the standby potential Vw set to the actuator 17 corresponding to the mode to the N-ary (9-ary) output form of the N (9) AND circuits 86. In addition, the selector 471 outputs the switching signal Sgw that specifies on or off of the correction of the standby potential Vw to the switching circuit 87. The switching signal Sgw can transmit a signal (for example, a signal having a high or low potential with respect to a reference potential) at both on and off, or can transmit a signal at only one side.

[0289] The switching circuit 87 has at least the following terminals: a plurality of (9) input terminals connected one-to-one to a plurality of standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8 of the decoder 373; a plurality of (9) input terminals connected one-to-one to the output side of the plurality of AND circuits 86; an input terminal to which the switching signal Sgw is input; and a plurality of (9) output terminals connected one-to-one to a plurality of input terminals corresponding to the plurality of standby potential candidates V6_0 to V6_8 of the level shifter 75.

[0290] ​In the switching circuit 87, the plurality of input terminals connected to the decoder 373 and the plurality of output terminals connected to the level shifter 75 enable terminals corresponding to the same standby potential candidate to be connected to each other one-to-one. Similarly, in the switching circuit 87, the plurality of input terminals connected to the plurality of AND circuits 86 and the plurality of output terminals connected to the level shifter 75 enable terminals corresponding to the same standby potential candidate to be connected to each other one-to-one.

[0291] When the switching signal Sgw specifies ON, the switching circuit 87 connects the plurality of input terminals connected to the plurality of AND circuits 86 and the plurality of output terminals, and disconnects the plurality of input terminals connected to the decoder 373 and the plurality of output terminals. Conversely, when the switching signal Sgw specifies OFF, the switching circuit 87 connects the plurality of input terminals connected to the decoder 373 and the plurality of output terminals, and disconnects the plurality of input terminals connected to the plurality of AND circuits 86 and the plurality of output terminals.

[0292] Therefore, when the switching signal Sgw specifies ON and signals specifying standby potentials are output from the plurality of AND circuits 86 to the switching circuit 87 in the form of output in base 9, signals from the plurality of AND circuits 86 are output to the level shifter 75. That is, as in the first embodiment, signals corresponding to standby potentials selected by the selector 471 are input to the level shifter 75.

[0293] Further, when the switching signal Sgw specifies OFF and signals specifying standby potentials are output from output terminals corresponding to standby potentials of the plurality of decoders 373 to the switching circuit 87 in the form of output in base 9, signals from the decoder 373 are output to the level shifter 75. That is, signals corresponding to standby potentials specified by the mode signal Sgp2 are input to the level shifter 75.

[0294] The operation after the switching signal Sgw is specified ON or OFF, and the operation in the case where data input to the decoder 373 is data specifying a displacement potential are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0295] The signal output from the switching circuit 87 to the level shifter 75 is, for example, the same signal as the signal output from the output terminal corresponding to the displacement potential of the decoder 373 to the level shifter 75. The signal output from the output terminal corresponding to the standby potential of the decoder 373, the output terminal corresponding to the standby potential of the selector 471, and the plurality of AND circuits 86, and the signal output from the output terminal corresponding to the displacement potential of the decoder 373 can be the same or different.

[0296] As for which one of the ON and OFF is designated by the selector 471 through the switching signal Sgw, it can be appropriately set. For example, the selector 471 can have a volatile register, and whenever the printer is operated, information designating which one of the ON and OFF is acquired from a non-illustrated memory shared by the plurality of element control circuits 51 in the head 2, or the control device 88. The acquisition of the above information from the memory or the control device 88 can be set to be performed at an appropriate timing such as when a given operation is performed in the printer. Further, for example, the selector 471 can also have a non-volatile register, and always hold the above information. The content of the above information can be set by the manufacturer of the head (or the printer), or can be set by the printer (refer to Embodiment 5 described later).

[0297] Figure 15A and Figure 15B is a block diagram showing an example of use of the correction circuit 467 according to Embodiment 4.

[0298] In Figure 15A , the printer 401G having the constant-voltage power supply 45, and the printer 401A having a constant-voltage power supply 445 having a different structure from the constant-voltage power supply 45 are shown. Both the printers 401G and 401A have the correction circuit 467 according to Embodiment 4. In the printer 401G, the correction circuit 467 turns on the function of correcting the standby potential Vw. In the printer 401A, the correction circuit 467 turns off the function of correcting the standby potential Vw. As a result, for example, a part or all of the plurality of structural elements other than the constant-voltage power supply among the head control section can be commonized to the printers of mutually different kinds. As a result, the productivity is improved.

[0299] In Figure 15B , the printer 401B having the constant-voltage power supply 45 and the constant-voltage power supply 445 is shown. The printer 401B has a constant-voltage power supply selection section 89 capable of switching the used constant-voltage power supply between the constant-voltage power supplies 45 and 445. When the constant-voltage power supply 45 is selected by the constant-voltage power supply selection section 89, the correction circuit 467 turns on the function of correcting the standby potential Vw. When the constant-voltage power supply 445 is selected by the constant-voltage power supply selection section 89, the correction circuit 467 turns off the function of correcting the standby potential Vw. In this way, two kinds of constant-voltage power supplies can be used in one printer 401B, and printing in different modes can be realized.

[0300] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the constant-voltage power supply 445, and Figure 8 corresponds thereto.

[0301] In the constant-voltage power supply 445, the resistance values of all the resistance bodies 59 are identical to each other in the same configuration as the constant-voltage power supply 45. Therefore, among the plurality of potentials held in the plurality of output terminals 57, the potentials adjacent to each other in the order of magnitude are identical to each other in potential difference.

[0302] Figure 17 is a graph showing an example of a waveform of the individual signal Sgl generated using the constant-voltage power supply 445, and Figure 5 corresponds.

[0303] By turning off the function of correcting the standby potential Vw in the correction circuit 467, the plurality of potentials of the constant-voltage power supply 445 are used to form the waveform of the individual signal Sgl based on the information of the potential included in the mode signal Sgp2. In the illustrated example, the plurality of potentials are utilized as one standby potential V14 and a plurality of displacement potentials V0 to V13.

[0304] As described above, the correction circuit 467 can selectively perform the operation of outputting the corrected mode signal Sgm in which the standby potential Vw in the mode signal Sgp2 is corrected and the operation of outputting the non-corrected mode signal Sgp3 in which the standby potential Vw in the mode signal Sgp2 is not corrected.

[0305] In this case, for example, as described above, the parts other than the constant-voltage power supply among the head control sections can be generalized to improve the productivity, or different printing methods can be performed in one printer.

[0306] <5th Embodiment>

[0307] Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the printer 501 according to the 5th embodiment.

[0308] The printer 501 is configured to be able to set the standby potential Vw set to each actuator 17 by itself. Specifically, as follows.

[0309] The printer 501 has a scanner 91 in addition to the same configuration as the printer 1 of the 1st embodiment (or the printer of the other embodiments). The scanner 91 reads an image printed on a recording medium (for example, a print paper P) by the head 2 and generates image data. A density evaluation section 93 of the control device 88 determines (evaluates) the presence or absence of a density stain and the degree thereof based on the acquired image data. A standby potential setting section 95 of the control device 88 sets the standby potential Vw in each of the plurality of recording elements 15 based on the evaluation result of the density evaluation section 93 so as to reduce the density stain. A standby potential selection section 571 of the head 2 causes the standby potential Vw set by the standby potential setting section 95 to be stored in the plurality of selectors 71 (or the selectors of the other embodiments).

[0310] The density evaluation unit 93, for example, evaluates density differences between recording elements 15 (in other words, evaluates density for each recording element). For example, image data is generated so that, when the dpi of the image data generated by scanning with the scanner 91 is converted to the dpi on the recording medium, the converted dpi is higher than the dpi of the image printed by the printer 501. Based on this high-resolution image data, the density evaluation unit 93 compares the density of the areas where dots are formed by each recording element 15 among the multiple recording elements 15 to evaluate density differences. The standby potential setting unit 95 then sets the standby potential Vw for each recording element 15 (e.g., by selecting from a list of standby potential candidates) based on the density evaluation for each recording element 15.

[0311] The image used in density difference evaluation can be an appropriate image to suit the density difference evaluation. The density evaluation and standby potential setting described above as operations performed by the printer 501 may be performed by a device external to the printer.

[0312] In the first to fifth embodiments described above, printer 1, 401G, 401A, and 401B are each an example of a recording device. The head control unit 37 is an example of a drive control unit. The individual signal SgI or the periodic signal SgT is an example of an action signal, the non-waveform signal Sgn is an example of a standby signal, and the drive waveform signal Sga and the non-drive waveform signal Sgb are each an example of a drive signal. A non-drive periodic signal SgN without a non-drive waveform signal Sgb can also be considered an example of a standby signal. Furthermore, a drive periodic signal SgA whose potential is shifted not only to the shift potential but also to the standby potential can be considered an example of a drive signal. The combination of the mode signal generation circuit 49 and at least one mode signal selection circuit 65 is an example of a mode signal output circuit. The at least one correction circuit 67, 367, and 467 is each an example of a correction circuit. The combination of the constant voltage power supply 45 and at least one switch circuit 69 is an example of an action signal generation circuit. The mode signal generation circuit 49 is an example of a generation circuit. The mode signal selection circuit 65 is an example of a selection circuit.

[0313] The technology involved in the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms.

[0314] The recording device is not limited to an inkjet printer. For example, it can be a thermal printer that applies heat to thermal paper or ink film. In this case, the multiple recording elements are multiple heating units arranged to apply heat to the thermal paper and ink film. The heating unit has, for example: a heating element layer; a common electrode located on the heating element layer; and a separate electrode located on the heating element layer and opposite to the common electrode, and an action signal (standby signal and drive signal) is input to the separate electrode. In addition, the inkjet printer is not limited to a piezoelectric type and can also be a thermal type.

[0315] In the thermal printer, the temperature of the heating section can be raised in advance before the dot is formed by the potential difference between the standby potential and the reference potential, and further, the density becomes high. Therefore, when the density is increased, the standby potential can be set so as to approach the displacement potential (the amplitude of the drive signal becomes small) in contrast to the inkjet printer of the embodiment. In the thermal inkjet printer, as with the inkjet printer of the embodiment, the standby potential can be set so that the amplitude of the drive signal becomes large when the density is increased.

[0316] Further, the recording device is not limited to the recording device that conveys the recording medium. The head can be relatively moved with respect to the vehicle (recording medium) by a robot, and paint can be ejected from the head to the vehicle. Further, the recording device can be a so-called hand-held printer that is held by a hand of a person to be moved with respect to the recording medium. In such a recording device, the signal (periodic signal SgT) can be output per cycle, or the signal can be output per given movement amount.

[0317] The drive control section that inputs the operation signal to the recording element can have at least a part thereof provided outside the head. For example, a constant voltage power source can be provided outside the head (for example, the control device 88), and a mode signal output circuit or the like can be provided to the head.

[0318] As also touched upon in the description of the embodiment, the reduction of the density spot by the adjustment of the standby potential can be performed per block that respectively includes two or more recording elements. The structure of the drive control section (for example, the head control section 37) in this case can be an appropriate structure. For example, the selector (71 or the like) that selects the standby potential can be shared among the plurality of recording elements. Further, the structure itself can be the same as the embodiment, and the standby potential of each recording element can be set based on the density difference per block unit.

[0319] In the present embodiment, since the density spot is reduced by the standby potential, the displacement potential can not be adjusted for the reduction of the density spot. It is also all right to adjust the displacement potential for the reduction of the density spot.

[0320] Symbol Explanation

[0321] 1... printer, 2... head, 3... head main body, 15... recording element, 37... head control section (drive control section), Sgn... non-waveform signal (standby signal), Sga... drive signal (drive waveform signal), Vw and V6_0 to V6_8... standby potential, V0 to V6... displacement potential.

Claims

1. A recording head having: a plurality of recording elements, each forming dots constituting an image; and The drive control unit inputs an operation signal to each of the plurality of recording elements. The action signal includes: a standby signal input to the recording element when not driven, and maintaining the potential at the standby potential; and A driving signal is input to the recording element when driving, the potential transitions from the standby potential to one or more displacement potentials, the standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one of the plurality of recording elements is different from the standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one other of the plurality of recording elements, The drive control unit performs the following processing: selecting the standby potentials corresponding to the plurality of recording elements, respectively, from a plurality of standby potential candidates having different potentials; The drive signals to be input to the plurality of recording elements are selected from a plurality of drive signal candidates that differ from each other in at least one of the one or more displacement potentials, magnitudes, and temporal arrangements based on a control signal corresponding to the image data; The plurality of drive signal candidates each include the one or more displacement potentials selected from a plurality of displacement potential candidates having different potentials from each other. A potential difference between two consecutive standby potential candidates in order of potential magnitude among the plurality of standby potential candidates is smaller than a potential difference between two consecutive shifted potential candidates in order of potential magnitude among the plurality of shifted potential candidates.

2. The recording head according to claim 1, wherein The potential difference between two consecutive standby potential candidates in order of potential size among the multiple standby potential candidates is less than 2% relative to the potential difference between the candidate farthest from the multiple displacement potential candidates among the multiple standby potential candidates and the candidate farthest from the multiple displacement potential candidates among the multiple standby potential candidates.

3. A recording head having: a plurality of recording elements, each forming dots constituting an image; and The drive control unit inputs an operation signal to each of the plurality of recording elements. The action signal includes: A standby signal is input to the recording element when it is not driven, and the potential is maintained at the standby potential; and A driving signal is input to the recording element when driving, the potential of which transitions from the standby potential to one or more displacement potentials, the standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one of the plurality of recording elements is different from the standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one other of the plurality of recording elements, The recording head has: a mode signal output circuit for outputting a mode signal having information specifying a time series of the predetermined standby potential and the one or more displacement potentials at which the potentials of the action signals input to the plurality of recording elements transition; a correction circuit for outputting a correction mode signal for correcting the standby potential in the mode signal to a standby potential corresponding to the corresponding recording element; and The operation signal generating circuit generates the operation signal based on the correction mode signal and inputs the operation signal to the corresponding recording element.

4. The recording head according to claim 1 or 3, wherein The drive control section sets the standby potential individually for the plurality of recording elements.

5. The recording head according to claim 1 or 3, wherein The drive control unit selects the drive signals to be input to the plurality of recording elements, respectively, from a plurality of drive waveform candidates that differ from each other in at least one of the one or more displacement potentials, magnitudes, and temporal arrangements, based on a control signal corresponding to image data. The plurality of drive waveform candidates are set commonly for the plurality of recording elements.

6. The recording head according to claim 3, wherein The mode signal output circuit has: a generating circuit for generating a plurality of types of the pattern signals having mutually different information concerning at least one of the magnitude and temporal arrangement of the one or more displacement potentials; and The selection circuit selects one of the plurality of types of pattern signals for each of the plurality of recording elements according to a control signal based on image data.

7. The recording head according to claim 3, wherein The correction circuit can selectively perform the following actions, namely, an action of outputting the corrected mode signal obtained by correcting the standby potential in the mode signal; and An operation of outputting a non-correction mode signal in which the standby potential in the mode signal is not corrected.

8. The recording head according to claim 3, wherein The action signal generating circuit has: a constant voltage power supply having a plurality of terminals maintained at a plurality of the standby potentials and a plurality of the displacement potentials; and A plurality of switch circuits are provided corresponding to the plurality of recording elements, respectively, and switch connections between the plurality of terminals of the constant voltage power supply and the corresponding recording elements.

9. The recording head according to claim 8, wherein The constant voltage power supply can change the magnitude of the standby potential held at at least one of the plurality of terminals holding the plurality of standby potentials.

10. The recording head according to claim 8, wherein When each of the plurality of switching circuits switches the terminal to be connected to the corresponding recording element among the plurality of terminals, a period is provided in which the recording element is not connected to any of the plurality of terminals.

11. The recording head according to claim 8, wherein The plurality of switch circuits respectively include switches provided for the plurality of terminals, the corresponding terminals being connected to the input side and the corresponding recording elements being connected to the output side. When the switch is on, the time from when the output side potential becomes equal to the input side potential from a predetermined potential is longer than the time from when the switch is off to when the output side potential becomes equal to the input side potential and becomes the predetermined potential.

12. The recording head according to claim 1 or 3, wherein The plurality of recording elements respectively include: a nozzle, which sprays the liquid; and The actuator applies pressure to the liquid in the nozzle.

13. A recording device comprising: A plurality of recording elements, each forming a dot constituting an image; a control signal output unit for generating a control signal based on the image data; a drive control unit that inputs an operation signal to each of the plurality of recording elements based on the control signal; The action signal includes: a standby signal input to the recording element when not driven, and maintaining the potential at the standby potential; and A driving signal is input to the recording element when the recording element is driven, and the potential thereof transitions from the standby potential to one or more displacement potentials. the standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one of the plurality of recording elements is different from the standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one other of the plurality of recording elements, The drive control unit performs the following processing: selecting the standby potentials corresponding to the plurality of recording elements, respectively, from a plurality of standby potential candidates having different potentials; The drive signals to be input to the plurality of recording elements are selected from a plurality of drive signal candidates that differ from each other in at least one of the one or more displacement potentials, magnitudes, and temporal arrangements based on a control signal corresponding to the image data; The plurality of drive signal candidates each include the one or more displacement potentials selected from a plurality of displacement potential candidates having different potentials from each other. A potential difference between two consecutive standby potential candidates in order of potential magnitude among the plurality of standby potential candidates is smaller than a potential difference between two consecutive shifted potential candidates in order of potential magnitude among the plurality of shifted potential candidates.

14. A recording device comprising: A plurality of recording elements, each forming a dot constituting an image; a control signal output unit for generating a control signal based on the image data; a drive control unit that inputs an operation signal to each of the plurality of recording elements based on the control signal; The action signal includes: A standby signal is input to the recording element when it is not driven, and the potential is maintained at the standby potential; and A driving signal is input to the recording element when the recording element is driven, and the potential thereof transitions from the standby potential to one or more displacement potentials. the standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one of the plurality of recording elements is different from the standby potential of the standby signal input to at least one other of the plurality of recording elements, The recording device comprises: a mode signal output circuit for outputting a mode signal having information specifying a time series of the predetermined standby potential and the one or more displacement potentials at which the potentials of the action signals input to the plurality of recording elements transition; a correction circuit for outputting a correction pattern signal for correcting the standby potential in the pattern signal to a standby potential corresponding to the corresponding recording element; and The operation signal generating circuit generates the operation signal based on the correction mode signal and inputs the operation signal to the corresponding recording element.

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