Printing apparatus, printing method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a printer, a printing method, and a computer program capable of suppressing deterioration of a signal.SOLUTION: The printing apparatus includes a first generation unit that generates a first amplitude modulation wave based on a nozzle that discharges a liquid by an energy application element, a first drive waveform for driving the energy application element, and a first carrier wave for carrying the first drive waveform; a second generation unit that generates a second amplitude modulation wave based on a second drive waveform different from the first drive waveform and a second carrier wave for carrying the second drive waveform; a multiplexing unit that multiplexes a plurality of amplitude modulation waves including the first amplitude modulation wave generated by the first generation unit and the second amplitude modulation wave generated by the second generation unit to generate a multiplexed amplitude modulation wave; and a reproduction unit that reproduces any drive waveform from a plurality of drive waveforms including the first drive waveform and the second drive waveform based on the multiplexed amplitude modulation wave generated by the multiplexing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a computer program that performs printing by ejecting liquid from nozzles. [Background technology]

[0002] A printing device has been proposed that performs D / A conversion on multiple digital signals that represent multiple drive waveforms for driving nozzles, generates a time-division multiplexed signal from the analog signal, samples the time-division multiplexed signal, and generates a drive waveform corresponding to each nozzle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-155438 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the analog signal after D / A conversion is transmitted via a wired connection, it takes a certain amount of time for the transmitted signal to reach the target voltage, which means there is a risk of signal degradation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a printing device, a printing method, and a computer program that can suppress signal degradation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A printing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a nozzle that ejects liquid using an energy imparting element; a first generation unit that generates a first amplitude-modulated wave based on a first drive waveform for driving the energy imparting element and a first carrier wave for carrying the first drive waveform; a second generation unit that generates a second amplitude-modulated wave based on a second drive waveform that is different from the first drive waveform and for driving the energy imparting element and a second carrier wave for carrying the second drive waveform; a multiplexing unit that multiplexes a plurality of amplitude-modulated waves, including the first amplitude-modulated wave generated by the first generation unit and the second amplitude-modulated wave generated by the second generation unit, to generate a multiplexed amplitude-modulated wave; and a reproduction unit that reproduces one of the drive waveforms from a plurality of drive waveforms, including the first drive waveform and the second drive waveform, based on the multiplexed amplitude-modulated wave generated by the multiplexing unit.

[0007] A printing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a printing method that performs printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle by driving an energy imparting element, the printing method comprising: generating a first amplitude modulated wave based on a first drive waveform for driving the energy imparting element and a first carrier wave for carrying the first drive waveform; generating a second amplitude modulated wave based on a second drive waveform for driving the energy imparting element, which is different from the first drive waveform, and a second carrier wave for carrying the second drive waveform; multiplexing a plurality of amplitude modulated waves including the first amplitude modulated wave and the second amplitude modulated wave to generate a multiplexed amplitude modulated wave; and reproducing one of the drive waveforms from a plurality of drive waveforms including the first drive waveform and the second drive waveform based on the multiplexed amplitude modulated wave.

[0008] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a computer program executed by a printing device that ejects liquid from a nozzle by driving an energy imparting element, and causes the printing device to execute processes of: generating a first amplitude-modulated wave based on a first drive waveform for driving the energy imparting element and a first carrier wave for carrying the first drive waveform; generating a second amplitude-modulated wave based on a second drive waveform that is different from the first drive waveform and for driving the energy imparting element and a second carrier wave for carrying the second drive waveform; multiplexing a plurality of amplitude-modulated waves including the first amplitude-modulated wave and the second amplitude-modulated wave to generate a multiplexed amplitude-modulated wave; and reproducing one of the drive waveforms from a plurality of drive waveforms including the first drive waveform and the second drive waveform based on the multiplexed amplitude-modulated wave. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In a printing device, a printing method, and a computer program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple drive waveforms are transmitted using a carrier wave, i.e., wirelessly, and multiplexed by amplitude modulation. Wireless transmission can reduce signal degradation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a printing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified, partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the inkjet head. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a transmitter. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of a first drive waveform, a second drive waveform, and a third drive waveform. [Figure 5] 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a first carrier wave, a second carrier wave, and a third carrier wave. FIG. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of a first amplitude-modulated wave, a second amplitude-modulated wave, and a third amplitude-modulated wave. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a multiple amplitude modulated wave. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a receiver, a control device, a switch device, and an actuator. [Figure 9] 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating envelope detection of the first to third amplitude-modulated waves by the first to third detection circuits. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a receiver, a control device, a switch device, and an actuator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between a time division multiplexed signal and a synchronization signal. [Figure 12] 10 is a schematic diagram of a drive waveform input to an actuator by opening and closing an n-th switch. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a printing device according to a first modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a printing device according to a second modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing a printing device according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Embodiment 1) The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings showing a printing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a simplified view of the printing device. In the following description, the front, back, left, and right directions shown in FIG. 1 will be used. The front and back directions correspond to the transport direction, and the left and right directions correspond to the scanning direction. The front side of FIG. 1 corresponds to the top, and the back side corresponds to the bottom, and the terms up and down will also be used.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the printing device 1 includes a platen 2, an ink ejection device 3, and transport rollers 4 and 5. A recording medium, i.e., a recording sheet 200, is placed on the upper surface of the platen 2. The ink ejection device 3 ejects ink onto the recording sheet 200 placed on the platen 2 to record an image. The ink ejection device 3 includes a carriage 6, a sub-tank 7, four inkjet heads 8, a circulation pump 10, and the like.

[0013] Two guide rails 11 and 12 extending laterally are provided above the platen 2 to guide the carriage 6. The guide rails 11 and 12 are cylindrical. A cylindrical transmitter 45 (see FIG. 3) is coaxially provided inside the guide rail 11. A receiver 30 is provided on the carriage 6. An endless belt 13 extending laterally is connected to the carriage 6. The endless belt 13 is driven by a carriage drive motor 14. Driven by the endless belt 13, the carriage 6 is guided by the guide rails 11 and 12 and reciprocates in a scanning direction (a predetermined direction) in an area facing the platen 2. More specifically, the carriage 6, while supporting four inkjet heads 8, performs a first movement in which the heads are moved from one position to another from left to right in the scanning direction, and a second movement in which the heads are moved from another position to one position from right to left in the scanning direction. Furthermore, the receiver 30 receives a signal from the transmitter 45 while making the first and second movements.

[0014] A cap 20 and a flushing receiver 21 are provided between the guide rails 11 and 12. The cap 20 and the flushing receiver 21 are arranged below the ink ejection device 3. The cap 20 is arranged at the right end of the guide rails 11 and 12, and the flushing receiver 21 is arranged at the left end of the guide rails 11 and 12. The cap 20 and the flushing receiver 21 may be arranged left and right reversely.

[0015] The sub-tank 7 and four inkjet heads 8 are mounted on a carriage 6 and move back and forth in the scanning direction together with the carriage 6. The sub-tank 7 is connected to a cartridge holder 15 via a tube 17. Ink cartridges 16 of one or more colors (four colors in this embodiment) are attached to the cartridge holder 15. The four colors include, for example, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta.

[0016] Four ink chambers (not shown) are formed inside the subtank 7. The four ink chambers store four colors of ink supplied from the four ink cartridges 16, respectively.

[0017] The four inkjet heads 8 are aligned in the scanning direction below the subtank 7. A plurality of nozzles 80 (see FIG. 2) are formed on the underside of each inkjet head 8. Each inkjet head 8 corresponds to one color of ink and is connected to one ink chamber. That is, the four inkjet heads 8 correspond to four colors of ink, respectively, and are connected to four ink chambers, respectively.

[0018] The inkjet head 8 is provided with an ink supply port and an ink discharge port. The ink supply port and the ink discharge port are connected to the ink chamber via a tube or the like. A circulation pump is installed between the ink supply port and the ink chamber.

[0019] Ink sent from the ink chamber by the circulation pump flows into the inkjet head 8 through the ink supply port and is ejected from the nozzles 80. Ink that is not ejected from the nozzles 80 returns to the ink chamber through the ink outlet port. The ink circulates between the ink chamber and the inkjet head 8. The four inkjet heads 8 eject the four colors of ink supplied from the subtanks 7 onto the recording paper 200 while moving together with the carriage 6 in the scanning direction.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the transport roller 4 is disposed upstream (rearward) of the platen 2 in the transport direction. The transport roller 5 is disposed downstream (frontward) of the platen 2 in the transport direction. The two transport rollers 4 and 5 are driven synchronously by a motor (not shown). The two transport rollers 4 and 5 transport the recording paper 200 placed on the platen 2 in a transport direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. The printing device 1 includes a control device 50. The control device 50 includes a control unit such as a CPU or a logic circuit (e.g., FPGA), a main memory unit, and an auxiliary memory unit. The main memory unit includes, for example, RAM. The auxiliary memory unit includes a rewritable storage device such as an EEPROM, a flash ROM, or a hard disk. The auxiliary memory unit stores a control program. The controller 50a reads the control program from the auxiliary memory unit into the main memory unit and executes it. The control unit stores data generated by the execution of the control program in the auxiliary memory unit. The control program may be stored in a storage medium 59, such as an optical disk, flash memory, or hard disk, and may be downloaded from the storage medium 59 to the auxiliary storage unit. Alternatively, the control program may be downloaded from an external server via a network to the auxiliary storage unit. Processing by the control program, such as printing processing, multiplexing processing, transmission processing, and reception processing, which will be described later, may be performed by a server or terminal connected to the printing device 1 via a network, or may be performed by distributed processing between a server and a device other than the server (e.g., a terminal). The control unit receives a print job from the external device 100 and stores it in the auxiliary storage unit. Based on the print job, the control unit controls the driving of the ink ejection device 3, the transport rollers 4, etc., and executes the print processing.

[0021] 2 is a simplified, partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the inkjet head 8. The inkjet head 8 includes a plurality of pressure chambers 81. The plurality of pressure chambers 81 form a plurality of pressure chamber rows. A vibration plate 82 is formed above the pressure chambers 81. A layered piezoelectric body 83 is formed above the vibration plate 82. A first common electrode 84 is formed above each pressure chamber 81, between the piezoelectric body 83 and the vibration plate 82.

[0022] A second common electrode 86 is provided inside the piezoelectric body 83. The second common electrode 86 is arranged above each pressure chamber 81 and above the first common electrode 84. The second common electrode 86 is arranged in a position that does not face the first common electrode 84. An individual electrode 85 is formed above each pressure chamber 81 on the upper surface of the piezoelectric body 83. The individual electrode 85 faces the first common electrode 84 and the second common electrode 86 above and below, with the piezoelectric body 83 sandwiched between them. The vibration plate 82, the piezoelectric body 83, the first common electrode 84, the individual electrode 85 and the second common electrode 86 constitute an actuator 88.

[0023] A nozzle plate 87 is provided below each pressure chamber 81. A plurality of nozzles 80 are formed in the nozzle plate 87, penetrating vertically. Each nozzle 80 is disposed below each pressure chamber 81. The plurality of nozzles 80 form a plurality of nozzle rows extending along the rows of pressure chambers.

[0024] The first common electrode 84 is connected to a COM terminal, which in this embodiment is ground, and the second common electrode 86 is connected to a VCOM terminal. The VCOM voltage is higher than the COM voltage. When a high or low voltage is applied to the individual electrode 85, the piezoelectric body 83 deforms and the diaphragm 82 vibrates. The vibration of the diaphragm 82 causes ink to be ejected from the pressure chamber 81 via the nozzle 80.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the transmitter 40, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating examples of the first drive waveform, the second drive waveform, and the third drive waveform, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating examples of the first carrier wave, the second carrier wave, and the third carrier wave, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating examples of the first amplitude modulated wave, the second amplitude modulated wave, and the third amplitude modulated wave, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a multiplexed amplitude modulated wave. The printing device 1 is equipped with a transmitter 40. The transmitter 40 includes a first drive waveform generation circuit 41a, a first carrier wave generation circuit 41b, a first amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 41c, a second drive waveform generation circuit 42a, a second carrier wave generation circuit 42b, a second amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 42c, a third drive waveform generation circuit 43a, a third carrier wave generation circuit 43b, a third amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 43c, a multiplexing circuit 44, and a transmission unit 45.

[0026] The first drive waveform generation circuit 41a generates a first drive waveform A (see FIG. 4) and outputs it to the first amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 41c. The first carrier wave generation circuit 41b generates a first carrier wave (see FIG. 5) and outputs it to the first amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 41c. The first amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 41c generates a first amplitude modulated wave (see FIG. 6) by modulating the amplitude of the first carrier wave with a first drive waveform (modulation wave) and outputs it to the multiplexing circuit 44.

[0027] The second drive waveform generation circuit 42a generates a second drive waveform B (see FIG. 4) and outputs it to the second amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 42c. The second carrier wave generation circuit 42b generates a second carrier wave (see FIG. 5) and outputs it to the second amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 42c. The second amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 42c generates a second amplitude modulated wave (see FIG. 6) by modulating the amplitude of the second carrier wave with the second drive waveform (modulation wave) and outputs it to the multiplexing circuit 44.

[0028] The third drive waveform generation circuit 43a generates a third drive waveform C (see FIG. 4) and outputs it to the third amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 43c. The third carrier wave generation circuit 43b generates a third carrier wave (see FIG. 5) and outputs it to the third amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 43c. The third amplitude modulated wave generation circuit 43c generates a third amplitude modulated wave (see FIG. 6) by modulating the amplitude of the third carrier wave with the third drive waveform (modulation wave) and outputs it to the multiplexing circuit 44.

[0029] The multiplexing circuit 44 multiplexes the first to third amplitude-modulated waves, i.e., the multiple amplitude-modulated waves, to generate a multiple amplitude-modulated wave (see FIG. 7). The multiplexing circuit 44 outputs the multiple amplitude-modulated wave to the transmitting unit 45. The transmitting unit 45 includes a leaky coaxial cable. The leaky coaxial cable is coaxially arranged inside the cylindrical guide rail 11 (see FIG. 1). The transmitting unit 45 transmits the multiple amplitude-modulated wave.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the first drive waveform A to the third drive waveform C are analog signals. The first drive waveform A to the third drive waveform C are waveforms that deform the piezoelectric element 83, vibrating the vibration plate 82, and eject ink in the pressure chamber 81 through the nozzle 80 after passing through the descender due to the vibration of the vibration plate 82. For example, the first drive waveform A is a waveform for ejecting large droplets, the second drive waveform B is a waveform for ejecting medium droplets, and the third drive waveform C is a waveform for ejecting large droplets, but the ejection timing is different from that of the first drive waveform. As shown in FIG. 5, the first to third carrier waves are analog signals. The frequencies of the first to third carrier waves are different from each other.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the receiver 30, the control device 50, the switch device 51(n), and the actuator 88, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating envelope detection of the first to third amplitude-modulated waves by the first to third detection circuits 31b to 33b. The receiver 30 includes a first tuning circuit 31a, a first detection circuit 31b, a second tuning circuit 32a, a second detection circuit 32b, a third tuning circuit 33a, a third detection circuit 33b, and a receiving unit 34. The printing device 1 includes a plurality of switch devices 51(n) (n=1, 2, . . .). One switch device 51(n) includes a first switch 52a, a second switch 52b, and a third switch 52c. The inkjet head 8 includes a plurality of actuators 88. Each switch device 51(n) corresponds to a respective actuator 88.

[0032] As described above, the transmitter 45 transmits a multiple-amplitude modulated wave. The receiver 34 receives the multiple-amplitude modulated wave. The receiver 34 outputs the multiple-amplitude modulated wave to the first tuning circuit 31a, the second tuning circuit 32a, and the third tuning circuit 33a. The first tuning circuit 31a is set to the same frequency as the first carrier wave. The second tuning circuit 32a is set to the same frequency as the second carrier wave. The third tuning circuit 33a is set to the same frequency as the third carrier wave.

[0033] The first tuning circuit 31a selects a waveform having the same frequency as the first carrier wave from the multiplexed amplitude modulated wave, i.e., the first amplitude modulated wave (see the upper diagram in FIG. 9). Specifically, the first tuning circuit 31a passes a waveform having a frequency other than the same as the first carrier wave through the first tuning circuit 31a and outputs a waveform having the same frequency as the first carrier wave. In other words, the first tuning circuit 31a outputs the first amplitude modulated wave to the first detection circuit 31b. The second tuning circuit 32a selects a waveform having the same frequency as the second carrier wave from the multiplexed amplitude modulated wave, i.e., the second amplitude modulated wave (see the middle diagram in FIG. 9). Specifically, the second tuning circuit 32a passes a waveform having a frequency other than the same as the second carrier wave through the second tuning circuit 32a and outputs a waveform having the same frequency as the second carrier wave. In other words, the second tuning circuit 32a outputs the second amplitude modulated wave to the second detection circuit 32b. The third tuning circuit 33a selects a waveform having the same frequency as the third carrier wave from the multiplexed amplitude modulated wave, i.e., a third amplitude modulated wave (see the bottom diagram of Figure 9). Specifically, the third tuning circuit 33a passes a waveform other than the same frequency as the third carrier wave through the third tuning circuit 33a and outputs a waveform having the same frequency as the third carrier wave. In other words, the third tuning circuit 33a outputs the third amplitude modulated wave to the third detection circuit 33b.

[0034] The first detection circuit 31b performs envelope detection on the first amplitude-modulated wave. That is, the first detection circuit 31b demodulates the first drive waveform A1 from the first amplitude-modulated wave by rectifying the first amplitude-modulated wave (see the dashed line in the upper diagram of FIG. 9). In other words, the first detection circuit 31b reproduces the first drive waveform from the first amplitude-modulated wave. The second detection circuit 32b performs envelope detection on the second amplitude-modulated wave. That is, the second detection circuit 32b demodulates the second drive waveform B1 from the second amplitude-modulated wave by rectifying the second amplitude-modulated wave (see the dashed line in the middle diagram of FIG. 9). In other words, the second detection circuit 32b reproduces the second drive waveform from the second amplitude-modulated wave. The third detection circuit 33b performs envelope detection on the third amplitude-modulated wave. That is, the third detection circuit 33b demodulates the third amplitude-modulated wave to generate the third drive waveform C1 from the third amplitude-modulated wave by rectifying the third amplitude-modulated wave (see the dashed line in the lower diagram of FIG. 9). In other words, the third detection circuit 33b reproduces the third drive waveform from the third amplitude-modulated wave. The receiver 30, the control device 50, and the switch device 51(n) form a reproduction unit. That is, the receiver 30, the control device 50, and the switch device 51(n) reproduce one of the first drive waveform A1, the second drive waveform B1, and the third drive waveform C1 based on the multi-amplitude-modulated wave received by the receiving unit 34.

[0035] The first drive waveform A1 reproduced by the first detection circuit 31b is output to the first switch 52a of each switch device 51(n). The second drive waveform B1 reproduced by the second detection circuit 32b is output to the second switch 52b of each switch device 51(n). The third drive waveform C1 reproduced by the third detection circuit 33b is output to the third switch 52c of each switch device 51(n). In other words, three drive waveforms, the first drive waveform A1, the second drive waveform B1, and the third drive waveform C1, are input to one switch device 51(n).

[0036] The control device 50 outputs a signal to each switch device 51(n) to select the first drive waveform, a signal to select the second drive waveform, or a signal to select the third drive waveform. When each switch device 51(n) receives a signal to select the first drive waveform, it closes the first switch 52a and inputs the first drive waveform A1 to the corresponding actuator 88. The actuator 88 is driven by the first drive waveform A1. When each switch device 51(n) receives a signal to select the second drive waveform, it closes the second switch 52b and inputs the second drive waveform B1 to the corresponding actuator 88. The actuator 88 is driven by the second drive waveform B1. When each switch device 51(n) receives a signal to select the third drive waveform, it closes the third switch 52c and inputs the third drive waveform C1 to the corresponding actuator 88. The actuator 88 is driven by the third drive waveform C1.

[0037] The control device 50 determines, based on the print job, which signal to output to each switch device 51(n): a signal to select the first drive waveform, a signal to select the second drive waveform, or a signal to select the third drive waveform, and outputs the determined signal to each switch device 51(n).

[0038] In the printing device according to the embodiment, multiple drive waveforms are transmitted using a carrier wave, i.e., wirelessly, and multiplexed by amplitude modulation. Wireless transmission can suppress signal degradation.

[0039] (Embodiment 2) The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings showing a printing device 1 according to a second embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the printing device 1 includes a transmitter 40, similar to that in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3). The configuration of the transmitter 40 is the same as that in the first embodiment, except that the phase of the first carrier wave generated by the first carrier wave generation circuit 41b, the phase of the second carrier wave generated by the second carrier wave generation circuit 42b, and the phase of the third carrier wave generated by the third carrier wave generation circuit 43b are different from one another.

[0040] 10 is a block diagram showing the receiver 30, the control device 50, the switch device 54, and the actuator 88. The receiver 30 includes a receiving section 34, a first harmonic generating circuit 35a, a second harmonic generating circuit 35b, a third harmonic generating circuit 35c, an integrator 36, a low-pass filter (LPF) 37, and a selector switch 38. The receiver 30, the control device 50, and the switch device 54 form a regenerator. The integrator 36, the low-pass filter 37, and the selector switch 38 form a synchronous detection circuit.

[0041] The first harmonic wave generating circuit 35a generates a first harmonic wave. The frequency and phase of the first harmonic wave are the same as those of the first carrier wave. The second harmonic wave generating circuit 35b generates a second harmonic wave. The frequency and phase of the second harmonic wave are the same as those of the second carrier wave. The third harmonic wave generating circuit 35c generates a third harmonic wave. The frequency and phase of the third harmonic wave are the same as those of the third carrier wave. The first to third harmonic waves are synchronized with the first to third amplitude modulated waves.

[0042] The selector switch 38 has three input terminals 38a, 38b, and 38c and one output terminal 38d. The first harmonic generating circuit 35a is connected to the input terminal 38a. The second harmonic generating circuit 35b is connected to the input terminal 38b. The third harmonic generating circuit 35c is connected to the input terminal 38c. The selector switch 38 connects the output terminal 38d to the input terminal 38a. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the selector switch 38 connects the output terminal 38d to the input terminal 38b. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the selector switch 38 connects the output terminal 38d to the input terminal 38c. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the selector switch 38 again connects the output terminal 38d to the input terminal 38a. In this way, the selector switch 38 sequentially switches the input terminal to which it is connected at predetermined time intervals.

[0043] The receiving unit 34 outputs the received multiplexed amplitude modulated wave to the integrator 36. The first harmonic wave, the second harmonic wave, and the third harmonic wave are output from the output terminal 38d to the integrator 36 at predetermined time intervals. The first harmonic wave, the second harmonic wave, and the third harmonic wave are input to the integrator 36 in sequence at predetermined time intervals. The integrator 36 then integrates the input first harmonic wave, the input second harmonic wave, and the input third harmonic wave with the multiplexed amplitude modulated wave in sequence. The integrator 36 then reproduces a portion of the first drive waveform, a portion of the second drive waveform, and a portion of the third drive waveform. That is, the integrator 36 references the first harmonic wave, the second harmonic wave, and the third harmonic wave, which are synchronized with the first amplitude modulated wave, the third amplitude modulated wave, and performs synchronous detection on the multiplexed amplitude modulated wave. The integrator 36 outputs the reproduced portion of the first drive waveform, the reproduced portion of the second drive waveform, and the reproduced portion of the third drive waveform to the low-pass filter 37 in sequence. The low-pass filter 37 removes high-frequency components from the portion Pa of the reproduced first drive waveform, the portion Pb of the reproduced second drive waveform, and the portion Pc of the reproduced third drive waveform.

[0044] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the time-division multiplexed signal and synchronization signals S2a, S2b, and S2c. As shown in FIG. 11, low-pass filter 37 outputs a time-division multiplexed signal made up of portion Pa of the reproduced first drive waveform, portion Pb of the reproduced second drive waveform, and portion Pc of the reproduced third drive waveform. Portion Pa of the first drive waveform is continuous with portion Pb of the second drive waveform, portion Pb of the second drive waveform is continuous with portion Pc of the third drive waveform, and portion Pc of the third drive waveform is continuous with portion Pa of the first drive waveform.

[0045] The switch device 54 includes a plurality of n-th switches 54(n) (n=1, 2, . . .). The n-th switch 54(n) is configured, for example, by an analog switch IC. One end of each of the plurality of n-th switches 54(n) is connected to the low-pass filter 37 via a common bus. The other end of each of the n-th switches 54(n) is connected to each individual electrode 85 corresponding to the plurality of nozzles 80. In other words, one n-th switch 54(n) is provided for one actuator 88.

[0046] The control device 50 outputs to the switch device 54 a switch control signal S1 that controls the opening and closing of a plurality of n-th switches 54(n), a synchronization signal S2a corresponding to a first drive waveform, a synchronization signal S2b corresponding to a second drive waveform, and a synchronization signal S2c corresponding to a third drive waveform. The three synchronization signals S2a, S2b, and S2c are also simply referred to as synchronization signals S2 (see FIG. 3). The switch control signal S1 includes first selection information that indicates the selection of one of the plurality of n-th switches 54(n), and second selection information that indicates the selection of one of the three synchronization signals S2a, S2b, and S2c. The first selection information and the second selection information are linked.

[0047] The synchronization signals S2a, S2b, and S2c are pulse waves. There is a time interval Δt between the rising edge of the pulse of synchronization signal S2a and the rising edge of the pulse of synchronization signal S2b. There is also a time interval Δt between the rising edge of the pulse of synchronization signal S2b and the rising edge of the pulse of synchronization signal S2c, and there is also a time interval Δt between the rising edge of the pulse of synchronization signal S2c and the rising edge of the pulse of synchronization signal S2a.

[0048] The portion Pa of the first drive waveform, the portion Pb of the second drive waveform, and the portion Pc of the third drive waveform are arranged in order with a time interval Δt between them. When the actuator 88 accesses the time division multiplexed signal at the rising edge of the pulse of the synchronization signal S2a, it can acquire the portion Pa of the first drive waveform. When the actuator 88 accesses the time division multiplexed signal at the rising edge of the pulse of the synchronization signal S2b, it can acquire the portion Pb of the second drive waveform. When the actuator 88 accesses the time division multiplexed signal at the rising edge of the pulse of the synchronization signal S2c, it can acquire the portion Pc of the third drive waveform.

[0049] The switch device 54 opens and closes the selected nth switch 54(n) at the opening and closing timing indicated by the selected synchronization signals S2a to S2c. In other words, the switch device 54 opens and closes the nth switch 54(n) at a predetermined sampling frequency. In other words, one nth switch 54(n) receives one type of time division multiplexed signal as input and separates one of the first drive waveform, second drive waveform, and third drive waveform. In other words, the reproduction unit references the first to third harmonic waves in sequence at predetermined time intervals to generate a time division multiplexed signal in which the first to third drive waveforms are multiplexed, and reproduces one of the drive waveforms from the time division multiplexed signal.

[0050] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a drive waveform input to the actuator 88 by opening and closing the nth switch 54(n). When the synchronization signal S2a is selected, the switch device 54 closes the nth switch 54(n) when the pulse of the synchronization signal S2a is in a high-level section, and opens the nth switch 54(n) when the pulse of the synchronization signal S2a is in a low-level section. When the nth switch 54(n) is closed, the charge applied to the individual electrode 85 is retained, and as shown in FIG. 12, the first drive waveform A2 is input to the actuator 88. In other words, the first drive waveform A2 is separated from the time-division multiplexed signal at a predetermined sampling frequency, and the actuator 88 is driven by the first drive waveform A2. When the actuator 88 is driven, ink is ejected from the nozzle 80. Note that three or more portions Pa of the first drive waveform are required to represent the concave and convex portions Pa of the first drive waveform.

[0051] When synchronization signal S2b is selected, the switch device 54 closes the nth switch 54(n) when the pulse of synchronization signal S2b is in a high-level section, and opens the nth switch 54(n) when the pulse of synchronization signal S2b is in a low-level section. When the nth switch 54(n) is closed, the charge applied to the individual electrode 85 is maintained, and as shown in FIG. 12, the second drive waveform B2 is input to the actuator 88. In other words, the second drive waveform B2 is separated from the time-division multiplexed signal at a predetermined sampling frequency, and the actuator 88 is driven by the second drive waveform B2. Driving the actuator 88 causes ink to be ejected from the nozzle 80. Note that three or more portions Pb of the second drive waveform are required to represent the concave and convex portions Pb of the second drive waveform.

[0052] When synchronization signal S2c is selected, the switch device 54 closes the nth switch 54(n) when the synchronization signal S2c pulse is in a high-level section, and opens the nth switch 54(n) when the synchronization signal S2c pulse is in a low-level section. When the nth switch 54(n) is closed, the charge applied to the individual electrode 85 is maintained, and as shown in FIG. 12, the third drive waveform C2 is input to the actuator 88. In other words, the third drive waveform C2 is separated from the time-division multiplexed signal at a predetermined sampling frequency, and the actuator 88 is driven by the third drive waveform C2. Driving the actuator 88 causes ink to be ejected from the nozzle 80. Note that three or more portions Pc of the third drive waveform signal are required to represent the concave and convex portions Pc of the third drive waveform signal.

[0053] (Change example 1) FIG. 13 is a plan view that schematically shows a printing device 1 according to a first modified example. As shown in FIG. 13, the transmitter 40 is disposed at the right end of the printing device 1. The transmitter 40 is disposed to the right of the receiver 30. The transmitting unit 45 of the transmitter 40 is, for example, an antenna, and is different from a leaky coaxial cable. The receiver 30 and the transmitter 40 are aligned in a predetermined direction (left-right direction or scanning direction) in which the carriage 6 moves.

[0054] (Change example 2) FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing a printing device 1 according to a second modified example. The control device 50 is disposed in the front left corner of the printing device 1. The control device 50 is disposed in front of the carriage 6. As shown in FIG. 14, the transmitter 40 is disposed in the control device 50. The transmitting unit 45 of the transmitter 40 is, for example, an antenna, and is different from a leaky coaxial cable. The receiver 30 and the transmitter 40 are aligned in a direction (front-rear direction or conveying direction) that intersects with the predetermined direction in which the carriage 6 moves.

[0055] (Change example 3) FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a schematic view of a printing device 1 according to a third modified example. The control device 50 is disposed at the front end of the printing device 1, in the center in the left-right direction. The control device 50 is disposed forward of the carriage 6. As shown in FIG. 15, the transmitter 40 is disposed in the control device 50. The transmitting unit 45 of the transmitter 40 is, for example, an antenna, and is different from a leaky coaxial cable. The receiver 30 and the transmitter 40 are aligned in a direction (front-rear direction or conveying direction) that intersects with the predetermined direction in which the carriage 6 moves.

[0056] A configuration may also be possible in which multiple printing devices 1 are controlled by one control device 50. For example, one external control device 50 transmits a multiple amplitude modulated wave to multiple printing devices 1 excluding the control device 50. In this case, one control device 50 includes a transmitter 40, and each printing device 1 includes a receiver 30.

[0057] It should be noted that a computer program (program product) can be deployed to be executed on a single computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0058] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the scope equivalent to the claims. The features described in each embodiment can be mutually combined. Furthermore, independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be mutually combined in any and all combinations, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, although the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), this is not limiting. A multiple claim (multi-multi claim) that references at least one other multiple claim may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 Printing device 30 receivers 31a~33a 1st tuning circuit ~ 3rd tuning circuit 31b to 33b First detection circuit to third detection circuit 34 Receiving unit 40 Transmitter 41a to 43a: First drive waveform generating circuit to third drive waveform generating circuit 41b to 43b: First carrier wave generating circuit to third carrier wave generating circuit 41c to 43c First amplitude modulation wave generating circuit to third amplitude modulation wave generating circuit 44 Multiplexing circuit 45 Transmitter 50 Control device 51(n) Switching devices 54 Switching Device 80 nozzles

Claims

1. a nozzle that ejects a liquid using an energy imparting element; a first generator configured to generate a first amplitude-modulated wave based on a first drive waveform for driving the energy imparting element and a first carrier wave for carrying the first drive waveform; a second generating unit that generates a second amplitude-modulated wave based on a second driving waveform different from the first driving waveform for driving the energy deposition element and a second carrier wave for carrying the second driving waveform; a multiplexing unit that multiplexes a plurality of amplitude-modulated waves including the first amplitude-modulated wave generated by the first generating unit and the second amplitude-modulated wave generated by the second generating unit to generate a multiplexed amplitude-modulated wave; a reproducing unit that reproduces one of a plurality of driving waveforms including the first driving waveform and the second driving waveform based on the multiplexed amplitude modulated wave generated by the multiplexing unit; A printing device comprising:

2. the reproduction unit includes a tuning circuit and a detection circuit, the tuning circuit outputs one of the first amplitude-modulated wave and the second amplitude-modulated wave included in the multiple amplitude-modulated wave; The detection circuit performs envelope detection on either the first amplitude modulated wave or the second amplitude modulated wave output from the tuning circuit. The printing device of claim 1 .

3. The reproducing unit performs synchronous detection on the multiple amplitude modulated waves by referring to each harmonic wave synchronized with the plurality of amplitude modulated waves. The printing device of claim 1 .

4. The playback unit generating a time division multiplexed signal in which the plurality of drive waveforms are multiplexed from each of the harmonic waves and the multi-amplitude modulated wave; Regenerating any one of the driving waveforms from the time division multiplexed signal The printing device according to claim 3 .

5. the reproduction unit includes a synchronous detection circuit, The synchronous detection circuit a switch for switching one of the harmonic waves synchronized with the plurality of amplitude-modulated waves to the other of the harmonic waves; an integrator that integrates the harmonic wave switched by the switch and the multiple amplitude modulated wave; a low-pass filter to which the output waveform from the integrator is input; and The switch switches the harmonic wave at predetermined intervals.

5. The printing device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. a carriage that supports the head in which the nozzles are formed and moves in a predetermined direction; a guide unit that guides the carriage and includes a leaky coaxial cable that transmits the multiplexed amplitude modulated wave generated by the multiplexing unit; a receiving unit that moves together with the carriage and receives the multi-amplitude modulated wave transmitted from the leaky coaxial cable; Equipped with The reproducing unit reproduces any one of the driving waveforms based on the multiple amplitude modulated wave received by the receiving unit.

5. The printing device according to claim 1.

7. a carriage that supports the head in which the nozzles are formed and moves in a predetermined direction; a transmitter that transmits the multiplexed amplitude modulated wave generated by the multiplexer; a receiving unit that receives the multiple amplitude modulated wave transmitted from the transmitting unit; Equipped with The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are aligned in the predetermined direction.

5. The printing device according to claim 1.

8. a carriage that supports the head in which the nozzles are formed and moves in a predetermined direction; a transmitter that transmits the multiplexed amplitude modulated wave generated by the multiplexer; a receiving unit that receives the multiple amplitude modulated wave transmitted from the transmitting unit; Equipped with The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are aligned in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction.

5. The printing device according to claim 1.

9. A printing method for performing printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle by driving an energy applying element, comprising: generating a first amplitude-modulated wave based on a first drive waveform for driving the energy delivery element and a first carrier wave for carrying the first drive waveform; generating a second amplitude-modulated wave based on a second drive waveform different from the first drive waveform for driving the energy delivery element and a second carrier wave for carrying the second drive waveform; multiplexing a plurality of amplitude-modulated waves including the first amplitude-modulated wave and the second amplitude-modulated wave to generate a multiplexed amplitude-modulated wave; Regenerating one of the drive waveforms from a plurality of drive waveforms including the first drive waveform and the second drive waveform based on the multi-amplitude modulated wave. Printing method.

10. A computer program executed in a printing device that ejects liquid from a nozzle by driving an energy applying element, The printing device generating a first amplitude-modulated wave based on a first drive waveform for driving the energy delivery element and a first carrier wave for carrying the first drive waveform; generating a second amplitude-modulated wave based on a second drive waveform different from the first drive waveform for driving the energy delivery element and a second carrier wave for carrying the second drive waveform; multiplexing a plurality of amplitude-modulated waves including the first amplitude-modulated wave and the second amplitude-modulated wave to generate a multiplexed amplitude-modulated wave; Regenerating one of the drive waveforms from a plurality of drive waveforms including the first drive waveform and the second drive waveform based on the multi-amplitude modulated wave. A computer program that executes a process.

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