Printing apparatus and printing system

Abstract

A printing device and a printing system that suppress the number of wirings connected to the printing device are provided. The printing device according to the present invention is characterized by including: a first connection portion to which a first cable capable of transmitting information and power is connected; and a printing portion that performs a printing process of forming an image based on information supplied from the first cable on a medium using power supplied from the first cable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a printing device and a printing system BACKGROUND

[0002] A printing device that forms an image with respect to a medium is being widely spread. For example, in Patent Literature 1, a printing device that performs a printing process of forming an image on a medium using electric power supplied from an external power source such as a commercial alternating-current power source is described.

[0003] However, in a case where the printing device receives supply of electric power from the external power source, in the printing device, a plurality of lines such as a line for supplying information from an information processing device such as a host computer to the printing device and a line for supplying electric power from the external power source to the printing device are required to be connected, and thus there is a problem that the number of lines connected with respect to the printing device is large.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-163390 SUMMARY

[0005] To solve the above problem, a printing device according to the present application is characterized by including: a first connection portion to which a first cable capable of transmitting information and electric power is connected; and a printing portion that performs a printing process of forming an image based on information supplied from the first cable on a medium using electric power supplied from the first cable.

[0006] Further, a printing system according to the present application is characterized by including a printing device including: a first connection portion to which a first cable capable of transmitting information and electric power is connected; a second connection portion to which a second cable capable of transmitting information and electric power is connected; and a printing portion that performs a printing process of forming an image based on information supplied from the first cable on a medium using electric power supplied from the first cable, and an external device connected with the printing device via the second cable, in the printing system, the printing device supplies electric power to the external device via the second cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 A block diagram for showing one example of a structure of a printing system Sys according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0008] Figure 2 A block diagram for showing one example of a structure of a printing device 1.

[0009] Figure 3 A block diagram for showing one example of a structure of a power supply unit 5.

[0010] Figure 4 A perspective view showing an example of the schematic internal structure of the printing apparatus 1.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate an example of the structure of the ejector section D[m].

[0012] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of head unit 3.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the signals supplied to the head unit 3.

[0014] Figure 8 An illustrative diagram illustrating an example of a single specified signal Sd[m].

[0015] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the Sys-B printing system according to a variation of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 10 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the printing apparatus 1B involved in Modification 1.

[0017] Figure 11 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the power supply unit 5B involved in Modification 1. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, the methods for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions and scales of the various parts in the drawings differ appropriately from the actual situation. Furthermore, since the embodiments described below are preferred examples of the present invention, various technically preferred limitations have been imposed upon them; however, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these methods unless otherwise specifically limited in the following description.

[0019] A. Implementation Method

[0020] In this embodiment, a printing system Sys of a printing apparatus 1 that forms an image on recording paper PP by ejecting ink will be described.

[0021] 1. Overview of the printing system

[0022] The following is in reference Figure 1 At the same time, an example of the structure of the printing system Sys involved in this embodiment will be described.

[0023] Figure 1Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system Sys.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the printing system Sys includes a printing device 1, a host computer 91, a switch hub 92 that connects the printing device 1 and the host computer 91, a cable LN that connects the host computer 91 and the switch hub 92, and a cable LP that connects the switch hub 92 and the printing device 1. Figure 1

[0025] The cable LP is a wired LAN cable that complies with the standards of IEEE 802.3 relating to Ethernet (registered trademark). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the cable LP is a wired LAN cable that complies with the PoE standards of IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt. Here, LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. That is, the cable LP is an example of a "first cable" that enables both transmission of information and transmission of electric power.

[0026] The switch hub 92 is a switch hub that complies with the PoE standards. Here, PoE is an abbreviation for Power over Ethernet. In the present embodiment, the switch hub 92 supplies electric power to the printing device 1 via the cable LP.

[0027] The cable LN is a wired LAN cable that complies with the standards of Ethernet. In addition, the cable LN can also be a wired LAN cable that complies with the PoE standards.

[0028] The host computer 91 is, for example, a personal computer or a digital camera, and stores image data Img that represents an image that the printing device 1 should form. The host computer 91 performs communication with the printing device 1. Specifically, the host computer 91 transmits various information such as the image data Img to the printing device 1 via the cable LN, the switch hub 92, and the cable LP. In addition, the host computer 91 acquires various information from the printing device 1 via the cable LN, the switch hub 92, and the cable LP.

[0029] In addition, although the host computer 91 and the switch hub 92 are connected by the cable LN, which is a wired LAN cable, in the present embodiment, the present application is not limited to this manner of connection. The host computer 91 and the switch hub 92 can be connected by a wired network other than a LAN, or can be connected by a wireless network. In addition, various network devices such as a switch or a router can be interposed between the host computer 91 and the switch hub 92. ​

[0030] Further, the printing system Sys is provided with one or more external devices 93 and one or more cables LB corresponding to the one or more external devices 93. In the present embodiment, as one example, a case is assumed in which the printing system Sys is provided with three external devices 93 and three cables LB. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as one example, a case is assumed in which the three external devices 93 provided in the printing system Sys are a display 93-1, a scanner 93-2, and a tablet terminal 93-3. Further, in the present embodiment, the cable LB connecting the printing device 1 and the display 93-1 is referred to as cable LB-1, the cable LB connecting the printing device 1 and the scanner 93-2 is referred to as cable LB-2, and the cable LB connecting the printing device 1 and the tablet terminal 93-3 is referred to as cable LB-3.

[0031] In addition, the cable LB is a cable in compliance with the USB standard. Here, USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. That is, the cable LB is one example of a "second cable" that can achieve both transmission of information and supply of electric power. In the present embodiment, the printing device 1 supplies electric power to the external device 93 via the cable LB. The printing device 1 transmits various kinds of information to the external device 93 via the cable LB. The printing device 1 acquires various kinds of information from the external device 93 via the cable LB.

[0032] 2. Outline of printing device

[0033] Hereinafter, one example of the structure of the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5

[0034] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing one example of the structure of the printing device 1.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2 , the printing device 1 is provided with a print processing execution section 10 that executes a print process of forming an image on a recording paper PP based on image data Img supplied from a host computer 91, a power supply unit 5 that supplies electric power to the print processing execution section 10, and a connection unit 8 for connecting a cable LP and a cable LB to the printing device 1. The print processing execution section 10 is provided with a control unit 2 that controls each section of the printing device 1, a head unit 3 provided with a discharge section D that discharges ink on the recording paper PP, a drive unit 4 that generates a drive signal Com for driving the discharge section D, and a conveyance unit 7 that changes the relative position of the recording paper PP with respect to the head unit 3.

[0036] ​In addition, the recording paper PP is an example of a "medium", the print processing execution section 10 is an example of a "printing section", the control unit 2 is an example of a "control section", and the head unit 3 is an example of an "image forming section".

[0037] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the printing device 1 is provided with one or more head units 3 and one or more drive units 4 corresponding to the one or more head units 3. Specifically, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the printing device 1 is provided with four head units 3 and four drive units 4 corresponding to the four head units 3. However, in the following, for the sake of convenience, the description will be made focusing on one of the four head units 3 and one of the four drive units 4 corresponding to the one of the four head units 3, as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 2

[0038] The control unit 2 is configured to include one or more CPUs. However, the control unit 2 can be provided with a programmable logic device such as an FPGA instead of or in addition to the CPU. Here, the CPU refers to an abbreviation of Central Processing Unit, and the FPGA refers to an abbreviation of field-programmable gate array. In addition, the control unit 2 includes a memory. The memory is configured to include one or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, or a PROM.

[0039] Although the details will be described later, the control unit 2 generates a signal for controlling the operation of each section of the printing device 1, such as the print signal SI and the waveform designation signal dCom.

[0040] ​Here, the waveform designation signal dCom refers to a digital signal that specifies the waveform of the drive signal Com. Further, the drive signal Com refers to an analog signal that is used to drive the ejection section D. The drive unit 4 includes a DA conversion circuit, and generates the drive signal Com having the waveform specified by the waveform designation signal dCom. Further, the print signal SI refers to a digital signal that designates the kind of the action of the ejection section D. Specifically, the print signal SI is a signal that designates the kind of the action of the ejection section D by designating whether or not the drive signal Com is supplied to the ejection section D.

[0041] The head unit 3 includes a supply circuit 31 and a recording head 32.

[0042] The recording head 32 includes M ejection sections D. Here, the value M is a natural number that satisfies "M≥1". Further, hereinafter, the m-th ejection section D among the M ejection sections D provided in the recording head 32 will be sometimes referred to as the ejection section D[m]. Here, the variable m is a natural number that satisfies "1≤m≤M". Further, hereinafter, in the case where a structural element or a signal or the like of the printing device 1 corresponds to the ejection section D[m] among the M ejection sections D, a suffix [m] will be sometimes added to a symbol used to represent the structural element or the signal or the like.

[0043] The supply circuit 31 switches whether or not the drive signal Com is supplied to the ejection section D[m] based on the print signal SI. Further, hereinafter, the drive signal Com that is supplied to the ejection section D[m] among the drive signals Com will be sometimes referred to as the supply drive signal Vin[m].

[0044] As described above, in the present embodiment, the printing device 1 performs the printing process. In the case where the printing process is performed, the control unit 2 generates the signals for controlling the head unit 3 such as the print signal SI based on the image data Img. Further, the control unit 2 generates the signals for controlling the drive unit 4 such as the waveform designation signal dCom in the case where the printing process is performed. Further, the control unit 2 generates the control signal CtrH for controlling the conveyance unit 7 in the case where the printing process is performed. Thus, in the printing process, the control unit 2 controls each part of the printing device 1 in such a manner that the conveyance unit 7 is controlled in such a manner that the relative position of the recording paper PP with respect to the head unit 3 is changed, and each part of the printing device 1 is controlled in such a manner that the presence or absence of the ejection of the ink from the ejection section D[m], the ejection amount of the ink, and the ejection timing of the ink are adjusted so as to form the image corresponding to the image data Img on the recording paper PP.

[0045] The connection unit 8 includes an Ethernet connection section 81 that is connected to the cable LP, and a USB connection section 82 that is connected to the cable LB.

[0046] The Ethernet connection section 81 separates the signal supplied from the cable LP into the electric power PW0 and the reception information DPr. Also, the Ethernet connection section 81 supplies the electric power PW0 to the power supply unit 5 and supplies the reception information DPr to the control unit 2. Here, the electric power PW0 is the electric power of the voltage V0 supplied from the cable LP. Here, the voltage V0 is, for example, 30 V. Further, the reception information DPr is the information supplied from the cable LP and, for example, contains the image data Img.

[0047] Further, the Ethernet connection section 81 is supplied with the transmission information DPs from the control unit 2. Then, the Ethernet connection section 81 outputs the transmission information DPs with respect to the cable LP. In addition, the Ethernet connection section 81 is one example of the "first connection section".

[0048] In the present embodiment, the print processing execution section 10 executes the print processing using the information such as the image data Img contained in the reception information DPr supplied from the cable LP. Further, in the present embodiment, the print processing execution section 10 executes the print processing using the electric power PW0 supplied from the cable LP. That is, in the present embodiment, the print processing execution section 10 can execute the print processing in a state where the cable LP is connected to the printing device 1 and in a state where no cable other than the cable LP is connected to the printing device 1.

[0049] The USB connection section 82 supplies the reception information DBr supplied from the cable LB to the control unit 2. Further, the USB connection section 82 outputs the transmission information DBs supplied from the control unit 2 with respect to the cable LB. In addition, although the details will be described later, the electric power PW3 of the voltage V3 is supplied from the power supply unit 5 to the USB connection section 82. The USB connection section 82 supplies the electric power PW3 supplied from the power supply unit 5 to the external device 93 via the cable LB.

[0050] In addition, the USB connection section 82 is one example of the "second connection section".

[0051] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 2 can also control the external device 93 by the transmission information DBs supplied to the external device 93 via the cable LB.

[0052] Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 2 can also supply the reception information DBr acquired from the external device 93 via the cable LB to the host computer 91 via the cable LP.

[0053] The power supply unit 5 supplies power PW0 based on the voltage V0 supplied from the cable LP, thereby supplying power PW1 of voltage V1 to the control unit 2, power PW2 of voltage V2 to the head unit 3, drive unit 4 and transmission unit 7, and power PW3 of voltage V3 to the USB connector 82.

[0054] Figure 3 Here is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of power supply unit 5.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the power supply unit 5 includes: a transformer circuit 51, a charging circuit 52, a battery 53, a transformer circuit 54, and a transformer circuit 55.

[0056] The transformer circuit 51 converts the voltage V0 of the power PW0 supplied from the cable LP via the Ethernet connection 81 into voltage V3, and outputs power PW3 at voltage V3. Here, voltage V3 is, for example, 5V.

[0057] The charging circuit 52 uses the power PW3 of voltage V3 output from the transformer circuit 51 to charge the battery 53. Alternatively, the charging circuit 52 can also use the power PW0 of voltage V0 supplied from the Ethernet connection unit 81 to charge the battery 53.

[0058] The battery 53 uses the power charged into the battery 53 to output a power PW3 with a voltage V3. The power PW3 output from the transformer circuit 51 or the battery 53 is supplied to the external device 93 via the USB connector 82 and the cable LB. The external device 93 is then driven by the power PW3 supplied from the power unit 5 via the cable LB.

[0059] The transformer circuit 54 converts the voltage V3 of the power PW3 supplied from the transformer circuit 51 or the battery 53 into voltage V1, and outputs power PW1 at voltage V1. Here, voltage V1 is, for example, 3.3V. The power PW1 output from the transformer circuit 54 is supplied to the control unit 2.

[0060] The transformer circuit 55 converts the voltage V3 of the power PW3 supplied from the transformer circuit 51 or the battery 53 into voltage V2, and outputs power PW2 at voltage V2. Here, voltage V2 is, for example, 24V. The power PW2 output from the transformer circuit 55 is supplied to the head unit 3, the drive unit 4, and the transport unit 7. That is, the printing processing execution unit 10 uses the power PW1 and power PW2 supplied from the power supply unit 5 to perform the printing process.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 5 equipped with the battery 53 is an example of an "energy storage unit".

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 2 can also adjust the amount of power PW3 supplied from the power supply unit 5 to the external device 93 via the cable LB according to the type of the external device 93. Then, the power supply unit 5 can supply power PW3 of an amount corresponding to the type of the external device 93 to the external device 93 via the cable LB.

[0063] For example, the control unit 2 can also obtain information related to the power required in the external device 93 via cable LB, and generate power information related to the magnitude of the power PW3 based on the obtained information. For example, the power information can also be information representing voltage V3. In this case, the transformer circuit 51 can also output power PW3 at a voltage V3 specified according to the power information.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of the schematic internal structure of the printing apparatus 1.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 1 is a serial printer. Specifically, when the printing apparatus 1 performs the printing process, it ejects ink from the ejection section D[m] while the head unit 3 reciprocates in the Y1 direction (which intersects the X1 direction) and the Y2 direction (which is opposite to the Y1 direction) while feeding the recording paper PP in the X1 direction, thereby forming dots corresponding to the image data Img on the recording paper PP.

[0066] In the following text, the X1 direction and its opposite X2 direction are collectively referred to as the "X-axis direction," the Y1 direction intersecting the X-axis direction and its opposite Y2 direction are collectively referred to as the "Y-axis direction," and the Z1 direction intersecting both the X-axis and Y-axis directions and its opposite Z2 direction are collectively referred to as the "Z-axis direction." In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. The X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction may simply intersect each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the Z1 direction is defined as the direction in which ink is ejected from the ejection section D[m].

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a frame 100 and a carriage 110 that can reciprocate in the Y-axis direction within the frame 100 and is equipped with four head units 3.

[0068] In this embodiment, the following situation is assumed, i.e., Figure 4As shown, the carriage 110 houses four ink cartridges 120 corresponding to the four colors of ink, namely cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that the printing device 1 is provided with four head units 3 corresponding to the four ink cartridges 120. Each of the ejection portions D[m] receives a supply of ink from the ink cartridge 120 corresponding to the head unit 3 in which the ejection portion D[m] is provided. Thus, each of the ejection portions D[m] is able to fill the supplied ink into the inside and eject the filled ink from the nozzle N. Note that the ink cartridge 120 can also be provided outside the carriage 110.

[0069] In addition, as described above, the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a conveyance unit 7. As shown, Figure 4 As shown, the conveyance unit 7 is provided with a carriage conveyance mechanism 71 for reciprocally moving the carriage 110 in the Y-axis direction, a carriage guide shaft 76 for supporting the carriage 110 in a reciprocally movable manner in the Y-axis direction, a medium conveyance mechanism 73 for conveying the recording paper PP, and a platen 75 provided in the Zl direction of the carriage 110. Thus, in a case where a printing process is performed, the conveyance unit 7 reciprocally moves the head unit 3 along with the carriage 110 in the Y-axis direction by the carriage conveyance mechanism 71 along the carriage guide shaft 76, and changes the relative position of the recording paper PP with respect to the head unit 3 by conveying the recording paper PP on the platen 75 in the Xl direction by the medium conveyance mechanism 73, and further enables the ejection of ink with respect to the entire recording paper PP.

[0070] Figure 5 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of the recording head 32, taken in a manner including the ejection portion D[m].

[0071] As shown, Figure 5As shown, the ejection section D[m] has a piezoelectric element PZ[m], a cavity CV in which ink is filled, a nozzle N communicating with the cavity CV, and a vibrating plate 321. The ejection section D[m] is driven by the piezoelectric element PZ[m] being supplied with a drive signal Vin[m], so that the ink in the cavity CV is ejected from the nozzle N. The cavity CV is a space partitioned by a cavity plate 324, a nozzle plate 323 in which the nozzle N is formed, and the vibrating plate 321. The cavity CV communicates with a reservoir 325 via an ink supply port 326. The reservoir 325 communicates with the ink cartridge 120 corresponding to the ejection section D[m] via an ink inlet port 27. The piezoelectric element PZ[m] has an upper electrode Zu[m], a lower electrode Zd[m], and a piezoelectric body Zm[m] provided between the upper electrode Zu[m] and the lower electrode Zd[m]. The lower electrode Zd[m] is electrically connected to a feed line LD set to a potential VBS. Then, when the upper electrode Zu[m] is supplied with the supply drive signal Vin[m] and a voltage is applied between the upper electrode Zu[m] and the lower electrode Zd[m], the piezoelectric element PZ[m] is displaced in the Z1 direction or the Z2 direction according to the applied voltage, as a result of which the piezoelectric element PZ[m] vibrates. The lower electrode Zd[m] is joined to the vibrating plate 321. Therefore, when the piezoelectric element PZ[m] is driven to vibrate by the supply drive signal Vin[m], the vibrating plate 321 also vibrates. Then, the volume of the cavity CV and the pressure in the cavity CV are changed by the vibration of the vibrating plate 321, so that the ink filled in the cavity CV is ejected from the nozzle N.

[0072] 3. Outline of head unit

[0073] Hereinafter, an outline of the head unit 3 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8

[0074] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing one example of the structure of the head unit 3.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6 , the head unit 3 has a supply circuit 31 and a recording head 32. In addition, the head unit 3 has a wiring LC that supplies a drive signal Com from the drive unit 4.

[0076] As shown in Figure 6 , the supply circuit 31 has M switches WS[1] to WS[m] corresponding to the M ejection sections D[1] to D[m], respectively, and a connection state designating circuit 310 that designates the connection state of each switch.

[0077] ​The connection state specifying circuit 310 generates a connection state specifying signal QS[m] to specify the on / off state of switch WS[m] based on at least a portion of the printed signal SI, latch signal LAT, and conversion signal CH supplied from control unit 2.

[0078] The switch WS[m] switches between the conduction and deconduction of the wiring LC and the upper electrode Zu[m] of the piezoelectric element PZ[m] disposed in the ejector section D[m] based on the connection state specification signal QS[m]. In this embodiment, the switch WS[m] is turned on when the connection state specification signal QS[m] is high and turned off when it is low. When the switch WS[m] is on, the drive signal Com supplied to the wiring LC is supplied to the upper electrode Zu[m] of the ejector section D[m] as the supply drive signal Vin[m].

[0079] In this embodiment, when the printing apparatus 1 performs printing processing, one or more unit periods TP are set as the operation period of the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can drive each ejection section D[m] for printing processing within each unit period TP.

[0080] Figure 7 Let be a timing diagram showing the various signals, such as the drive signal Com, supplied to head unit 3 within a unit period TP.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, control unit 2 outputs a latched signal LAT with a pulse PLL. Therefore, control unit 2 defines the unit period TP as the period from the rising edge of the pulse PLL to the rising edge of the next pulse PLL.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 2 outputs a conversion signal CH with a pulse PLC within a unit period TP. The control unit 2 also divides the unit period TP into a drive period TQ1 from the rising edge of the pulse PLC to the rising edge of the pulse PLC, and a drive period TQ2 from the rising edge of the pulse PLC to the rising edge of the pulse PLC.

[0083] like Figure 7As shown, the printing signal SI includes M individually specified signals Sd[1] to Sd[m], each corresponding to one of the M ejector sections D[1] to D[m]. When the printing apparatus 1 performs the printing process, the individually specified signal Sd[m] specifies the driving method of the ejector section D[m] in each unit period TP. The control unit 2 supplies the printing signal SI, including the M individually specified signals Sd[1] to Sd[m], to the connection state specifying circuit 310 in a manner that synchronizes with the clock signal CL before each unit period TP. Then, the connection state specifying circuit 310 generates a connection state specifying signal QS[m] based on the individually specified signal Sd[m] in that unit period TP.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is assumed that, within a unit period TP during which the printing process is performed, the ejector section D[m] can form any of the following points: a large point composed of ink amount ξ1, a medium point composed of ink amount ξ2 less than ink amount ξ1, and a small point composed of ink amount ξ3 less than ink amount ξ2.

[0085] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate a single specified signal Sd[m].

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, within a unit period TP during which the printing process is performed, the signal Sd[m] can be individually specified to obtain any one of the following four values: "1" for specifying the ejector part D[m] as the large dot forming ejector part DP-1, "2" for specifying the ejector part D[m] as the midpoint forming ejector part DP-2, "3" for specifying the ejector part D[m] as the small dot forming ejector part DP-3, and "4" for specifying the ejector part D[m] as the dot-free forming ejector part DP-N. Here, the large dot forming ejector part DP-1 refers to the ejector part D that forms large dots within the unit period TP. Furthermore, the midpoint forming ejector part DP-2 refers to the ejector part D that forms midpoints within the unit period TP. Furthermore, the small dot forming ejector part DP-3 refers to the ejector part D that forms small dots within the unit period TP. Furthermore, the dot-free forming ejector part DP-N refers to the ejector part D that does not form dots within the unit period TP.

[0087] Return to the instructions Figure 7 .

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the drive signal Com has a waveform PA1 set during drive period TQ1 and a waveform PA2 set during drive period TQ2.

[0089] Waveform PA1 is a waveform that recovers to the reference potential Vini after passing through a potential VLA1 (lower than the reference potential Vini) and a potential VHA1 (higher than the reference potential Vini). Waveform PA1 is defined as the ejection of ink equivalent to ink amount φ1 from the ejection section D[m] when a supply drive signal Vin[m] with waveform PA1 is supplied to the ejection section D[m]. Waveform PA2 is a waveform that recovers to the reference potential Vini after passing through a potential VLA2 (lower than the reference potential Vini) and a potential VHA2 (higher than the reference potential Vini). Waveform PA2 is defined as the ejection of ink equivalent to ink amount φ2 from the ejection section D[m] when a supply drive signal Vin[m] with waveform PA2 is supplied to the ejection section D[m].

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the ink quantity ξ1 is equivalent to the sum of ink quantity φ1 and ink quantity φ2, the ink quantity ξ2 is equivalent to ink quantity φ1, and the ink quantity ξ3 is equivalent to ink quantity φ2.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that when the potential of the supply drive signal Vin[m] supplied to the ejection section D[m] is high, the volume of the cavity CV of the ejection section D[m] is smaller compared to when it is low. Therefore, when the ejection section D[m] is driven by the supply drive signal Vin[m] having a waveform PA1, etc., the ink in the ejection section D[m] is ejected from the nozzle N by changing the potential of the supply drive signal Vin[m] from low to high.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, when the individually specified signal Sd[m] indicates that the ejector section D[m] is designated as the value "1" of the large dot formation ejector section DP-1 within the unit period TP, the connection state specifying circuit 310 sets the connection state specifying signal QS[m] to a high level during the driving period TQ1 and driving period TQ2. In this case, the switch WS[m] is turned on during the driving period TQ1 and driving period TQ2. Therefore, the ejector section D[m] is driven by the supply driving signal Vin[m] with waveforms PA1 and PA2 within the unit period TP, thereby ejecting an ink amount ξ1 equivalent to the large dot.

[0093] Further, in a case where the individual designation signal Sd[m] indicates the value "2" that designates the ejection section D[m] as the middle point forming ejection section DP-2 in the unit period TP, the connection state designation circuit 310 sets the connection state designation signal QS[m] to the high level in the drive period TQ1, in which case the switch WS[m] is turned on in the drive period TQ1. Therefore, the ejection section D[m] is driven by the supply drive signal Vin[m] having the waveform PA1 in the unit period TP, so that ink in an amount ξ2 corresponding to the middle point is ejected.

[0094] Further, in a case where the individual designation signal Sd[m] indicates the value "3" that designates the ejection section D[m] as the small point forming ejection section DP-3 in the unit period TP, the connection state designation circuit 310 sets the connection state designation signal QS[m] to the high level in the drive period TQ2. In this case, the switch WS[m] is turned on in the drive period TQ2. Therefore, the ejection section D[m] is driven by the supply drive signal Vin[m] having the waveform PA2 in the unit period TP, so that ink in an amount ξ3 corresponding to the small point is ejected.

[0095] Further, in a case where the individual designation signal Sd[m] indicates the value "4" that designates the ejection section D[m] as the point non-forming ejection section DP-N in the unit period TP, the connection state designation circuit 310 sets the connection state designation signal QS[m] to the low level in the entire unit period TP. In this case, the switch WS[m] is turned off in the entire unit period TP. Therefore, the ejection section D[m] is not driven by the supply drive signal Vin[m] in the unit period TP, so that ink is not ejected.

[0096] 4. Summary of Embodiments

[0097] As described above, the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment is characterized by including: an Ethernet connection section 81 to which a cable LP capable of transmitting information and power is connected; and a print processing execution section 10 that executes a print processing of forming an image based on image data Img supplied from the cable LP on a recording paper PP using power PWO supplied from the cable LP.

[0098] That is, according to the present embodiment, the power supply wiring for supplying power required in execution of the print processing to the printing device 1 and the information supply wiring for supplying information required in execution of the print processing to the printing device 1 are unified as the cable LP. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as compared with a case where both the power supply wiring and the information supply wiring are connected to the printing device 1, it is possible to suppress the number of wirings connected to the printing device 1.

[0099] Further, the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that it can be configured to include the power supply unit 5 that is charged by the electric power PW0 supplied from the cable LP, and the printing process execution unit 10 performs the printing process using the electric power PW1 and the electric power PW2 supplied from the power supply unit 5.

[0100] Thus, according to the present embodiment, even in a state where the cable LP is unplugged from the printing device 1 and the feeding of the electric power via the cable LP is not possible, the printing process can be performed.

[0101] Further, the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that it can be configured to include the power supply unit 5 that is charged by the electric power PW0 supplied from the cable LP, and the USB connection unit 82 to which the cable LB capable of transmitting information and electric power is connected, and the printing process execution unit 10 performs the printing process using the electric power PW1 and the electric power PW2 supplied from the power supply unit 5, and the power supply unit 5 supplies the electric power PW3 to the external device 93 connected via the cable LB.

[0102] Thus, according to the present embodiment, since the transmission of information and the transmission of electric power to the external device 93 are possible via the cable LB, the number of lines connected to the external device 93 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which two lines for supplying electric power and information are connected to the external device 93.

[0103] Further, in the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment, it can be configured such that the printing process execution unit 10 can perform the printing process in a state where no cable other than the cable LP is connected to the printing device 1.

[0104] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the number of lines connected to the printing device 1 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which two lines for supplying electric power and information are connected to the printing device 1.

[0105] Further, the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment can be configured in such a manner that the power supply unit 5 is charged by the electric power PW0 supplied from the cable LP, the USB connection section 82 is connected with the cable LB capable of transmitting information and electric power, the printing process execution section 10 includes the head unit 3 that forms an image based on the image data Img supplied from the cable LP with respect to the recording paper PP, and the control unit 2 controls the head unit 3 based on the image data Img supplied from the cable LP, the power supply unit 5 supplies the electric power PW3 to the external device 93 connected via the cable LB via the cable LB, and the control unit 2 controls the external device 93 via the cable LB.

[0106] According to the present embodiment, since the transmission of information and the transmission of electric power to the external device 93 are performed via the cable LB, the number of lines connected to the external device 93 can be reduced as compared with a case where both a line for supplying electric power and a line for supplying information are connected to the external device 93.

[0107] Further, the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment can be configured in such a manner that the power supply unit 5 is charged by the electric power PW0 supplied from the cable LP, the USB connection section 82 is connected with the cable LB capable of transmitting information and electric power, the printing process execution section 10 includes the head unit 3 that forms an image based on the image data Img supplied from the cable LP with respect to the recording paper PP, and the control unit 2 controls the head unit 3 based on the image data Img supplied from the cable LP, the power supply unit 5 supplies the electric power PW3 to the external device 93 connected via the cable LB via the cable LB, and the control unit 2 controls the external device 93 via the cable LB.

[0108] According to the present embodiment, since the transmission of information and the transmission of electric power to the external device 93 are performed via the cable LB, the number of lines connected to the external device 93 can be reduced as compared with a case where both a line for supplying electric power and a line for supplying information are connected to the external device 93.

[0109] Further, the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment can be configured in such a manner that the power supply unit 5 is charged by the electric power PW0 supplied from the cable LP, the USB connection portion 82 is connected with the cable LB capable of transmitting information and electric power, the printing process execution portion 10 is provided with the head unit 3 that forms an image based on the image data Img supplied from the cable LP with respect to the recording paper PP, and the control unit 2 that controls the head unit 3 based on the image data Img supplied from the cable LP, and the power supply unit 5 supplies the electric power PW3 to the external device 93 connected via the cable LB via the cable LB, and the control unit 2 adjusts the size of the electric power PW3 supplied from the power supply unit 5 to the external device 93 in accordance with the external device 93.

[0110] According to the present embodiment, the power supply unit 5 can supply the appropriate amount of electric power PW3 to the driving of the external device 93 via the cable LB.

[0111] Further, the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment can be configured in such a manner that the power supply unit 5 is charged by the electric power PW0 supplied from the cable LP, the USB connection portion 82 is connected with the cable LB capable of transmitting information and electric power, the printing process execution portion 10 is provided with the head unit 3 that forms an image based on the image data Img supplied from the cable LP with respect to the recording paper PP, and the control unit 2 that controls the head unit 3 based on the image data Img supplied from the cable LP, and the power supply unit 5 supplies the electric power PW3 to the external device 93 connected via the cable LB via the cable LB, and the control unit 2 adjusts the size of the electric power PW3 supplied from the power supply unit 5 to the external device 93 in accordance with the external device 93.

[0112] That is, according to the present embodiment, since the cable LP is the cable that complies with the Ethernet standard and the distance from the electric power supply source to the electric power supply destination is limited to about 100 meters, the distance from the electric power supply source such as the switch hub 92 to the printing device 1 can be separated by about 100 meters. Therefore, compared with the case where the cable LP is the cable that complies with the USB standard and the distance from the electric power supply source to the electric power supply destination is limited to about 5 meters, the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the printing device 1 can be improved.

[0113] B. Modified Examples

[0114] Each of the above-described modes can be modified in various ways. Specific modified examples will be described below. Two or more modes selected arbitrarily from the examples described below can be appropriately combined within a range where they do not contradict each other. In addition, with respect to elements having the same function as the embodiments in the modified examples described below, the same reference numerals will be used and detailed description will be appropriately omitted.

[0115] Modified Example 1

[0116] Although the mode in which the printing system Sys is provided with the external device 93 has been described in the above-described embodiments, the present application is not limited to such a mode. The printing system Sys can also be configured not to be provided with the external device 93.

[0117] Figure 9Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing one example of the structure of the printing system Sys-B to which the present modification is applied.

[0118] As shown in Fig. 2, the printing system Sys-B differs from the printing system Sys to which the embodiment is applied in that the printing system Sys-B is provided with the printing device IB instead of the printing device 1, and is not provided with the external device 93 and the cable LB. Figure 9

[0119] Figure 10 Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing one example of the structure of the printing device IB to which the present modification is applied.

[0120] As shown in Fig. 3, the printing device IB differs from the printing device 1 to which the embodiment is applied in that the printing device IB is provided with the power supply unit 5B instead of the power supply unit 5, and is provided with the connection unit 8B instead of the connection unit 8. Among them, the connection unit 8B differs from the connection unit 8 to which the embodiment is applied in that the connection unit 8B is not provided with the USB connection section 82. In addition, although the printing device IB is provided with the connection unit 8B in the present modification, the printing device IB can not be provided with the connection unit 8B. Figure 10

[0121] Figure 11 Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing one example of the structure of the power supply unit 5B to which the present modification is applied.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 4, the power supply unit 5B is provided with the voltage conversion circuit 56 and the voltage conversion circuit 57. Among them, the voltage conversion circuit 56 converts the voltage V0 of the electric power PW0 supplied from the cable LP via the Ethernet connection section 81 to the voltage VI, and outputs the electric power PW1 of the voltage VI. The electric power PW1 output from the voltage conversion circuit 56 is supplied to the control unit 2. Further, the voltage conversion circuit 57 converts the voltage V0 of the electric power PW0 supplied from the cable LP via the Ethernet connection section 81 to the voltage V2, and outputs the electric power PW2 of the voltage V2. The electric power PW2 output from the voltage conversion circuit 57 is supplied to the head unit 3, the drive unit 4, and the conveyance unit 7. Figure 11 As described above, even in the present modification, it is possible to uniformly make the electric power supply wiring for supplying the electric power required in the execution of the printing process to the printing device IB, and the information supply wiring for supplying the information required in the execution of the printing process to the printing device IB, the cable LP as in the above-described embodiment. Thereby, according to the present modification, it is possible to suppress the number of wirings connected to the printing device IB compared to the case where the electric power supply wiring and the information supply wiring are connected to the printing device IB.

[0123] Modification 2

[0124]

[0125] ​​​Although the case where the printing device 1 is provided with four head units 3 is assumed in the above-described embodiment and Modification 1, the present application is not limited to such a mode. The printing device 1 can be a printing device provided with one or more head units 3 and less than three head units 3, and the printing device 1 can be a printing device provided with five or more head units 3.

[0126] Modification 3

[0127] Although the case where the printing device 1 is a serial printer is exemplified in the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 and 2, the present application is not limited to such a mode. The printing device 1 can be a so-called line printer in which a plurality of nozzles N are arranged to extend wider than the width of the recording paper PP in the head unit 3.

[0128] Modification 4

[0129] Although the case where the printing device 1 is a so-called piezoelectric type inkjet printer in which the pressure inside the cavity CV is varied by vibrating the piezoelectric element PZ[m] to thereby cause the ink inside the cavity CV to be ejected from the nozzle N is exemplified and the printing device 1 is explained in the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3, the present application is not limited to such a mode. For example, as the printing device 1, a so-called thermal type inkjet printer in which the pressure inside the cavity CV is varied by generating a bubble inside the cavity CV by heating a heating element arranged inside the cavity CV to thereby cause the ink inside the cavity CV to be ejected from the nozzle N can be employed.

[0130] Explanation of Symbols

[0131] 1… printing device; 2… control unit; 3… head unit; 4… drive unit; 5… power supply unit; 7… conveyance unit; 8… connection unit; 31… supply circuit; 32… recording head; 51… voltage conversion circuit; 52… charging circuit; 53… storage battery; 54… voltage conversion circuit; 55… voltage conversion circuit; 81… Ethernet connection portion; 82… USB connection portion; 91… host computer; 92… switch hub; 93… external device; D… ejection portion; LB… cable; LN… cable; LP… cable; Sys… printing system.

Claims

1. A printing device characterized by comprising: Possessing: a first connection portion to which a first cable capable of transmitting information and power is connected; a second connection portion to which a second cable capable of transmitting information and power is connected; a printing portion that performs a printing process of forming an image based on information supplied from the first cable on a medium using power supplied from the first cable; a power storage portion that is charged by power supplied from the first cable, the printing portion possesses: an image forming portion that forms an image based on information supplied from the first cable with respect to the medium; a control portion that controls the image forming portion based on information supplied from the first cable, the printing portion performs the printing process using power supplied from the power storage portion, the power storage portion supplies power to an external device connected via the second cable via the second cable, and possesses: a storage battery; a first voltage conversion circuit that converts the voltage of power supplied from the first cable via the first connection portion and supplies it to the external device; a second voltage conversion circuit that converts the voltage of power supplied from the first voltage conversion circuit or the storage battery and supplies it to the control portion; a third voltage conversion circuit that converts the voltage of power supplied from the first voltage conversion circuit or the storage battery and supplies it to the image forming portion, the control portion outputs information acquired from the external device via the second cable to the first cable.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing portion is capable of performing the printing process in a state in which no cable other than the first cable is connected with respect to the printing device.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control portion controls the external device via the second cable.

4. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein Possessing: the control portion adjusts the amount of power supplied from the power storage portion to the external device in accordance with the external device.

5. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first cable is a cable that complies with the standard of Ethernet.

6. A printing system characterized by, Possessing a printing device and an external device, the printing device possesses: a first connection portion to which a first cable capable of transmitting information and power is connected; a second connection portion to which a second cable capable of transmitting information and power is connected; a printing portion that performs a printing process of forming an image based on information supplied from the first cable on a medium using power supplied from the first cable; a power storage portion that is charged by power supplied from the first cable, the external device is connected with the printing device via the second cable, the printing portion possesses: an image forming portion that forms an image based on information supplied from the first cable with respect to the medium; a control portion that controls the image forming portion based on information supplied from the first cable, the printing portion performs the printing process using power supplied from the power storage portion, The power storage section supplies power to an external device connected via the second cable via the second cable, and has: a storage battery; a first voltage conversion circuit that converts the voltage of power supplied from the first cable via the first connection section and supplies it to the external device; a second voltage conversion circuit that converts the voltage of power supplied from the first voltage conversion circuit or the storage battery and supplies it to the control section; a third voltage conversion circuit that converts the voltage of power supplied from the first voltage conversion circuit or the storage battery and supplies it to the image forming section, the control section outputs information acquired from the external device via the second cable to the first cable.

7. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the printing section is capable of executing the printing process in a state in which no cable other than the first cable is connected with respect to the printing device.

8. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the control section controls the external device via the second cable.

9. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the control section adjusts the amount of power supplied from the power storage section to the external device in accordance with the external device.

10. The printing system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first cable is a cable that conforms to the standard of Ethernet.

Images