Control device, liquid ejection head, liquid ejection recording apparatus, and control program

Abstract

To provide a control device or the like which can improve reliability.SOLUTION: A control device is applied to a liquid jet head having a jetting part for jetting a liquid, and includes a determination part which determines whether or not a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from an external of the liquid jet head should be output from a drive device for generating the drive signal on the basis of the waveform setting information to the jetting part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a liquid ejection head, a liquid ejection recording apparatus, and a control program.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a liquid ejection head, generally, improvement in reliability is required. It is desirable to provide a control device, a liquid ejection head, a liquid ejection recording apparatus, and a control program capable of improving reliability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure The first A control device is a control device applied to a liquid ejection head having an ejection unit that ejects a liquid, and includes a determination unit that determines whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid ejection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the ejection unit. The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along the time axis, and as the plurality of power supply potential values, a reference potential value, a positive potential value, and an intermediate potential value between the reference potential value and the positive potential value are each included. When the waveform setting information includes a first abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting that does not pass through the intermediate potential value during the transition between the reference potential value and the positive potential value, the determination unit determines that the drive signal should not be output. A second control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a control device applied to a liquid ejection head having an ejection unit that ejects liquid, and includes a determination unit that determines whether or not to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid ejection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the ejection unit. The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along the time axis, and as the plurality of power supply potential values, a reference potential value, a positive potential value, and a negative potential value are each included. When the waveform setting information includes a second abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting that does not pass through the reference potential value during the transition between the negative potential value and the positive potential value, the determination unit determines that the drive signal should not be output. A third control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a control device applied to a liquid ejection head having an ejection unit that ejects a liquid, and determines whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid ejection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the ejection unit. The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along a time axis, and includes a plurality of types of power supply potential values in which at least some of the plurality of power supply potential values correspond to supply values from different power supply lines. When the waveform setting information includes a third abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting in which the same type of power supply potential value among the plurality of types of power supply potential values is set to be used a predetermined number of times or more within a unit period, the determination unit determines that the drive signal should not be output.

[0006] The liquid ejection head according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the one according to an embodiment of the present disclosure above-mentioned. First to third Control device any one of and the ejection unit, and one or a plurality of the drive devices that eject the liquid by applying the drive signal to the ejection unit.

[0007] The liquid ejection recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the liquid ejection head according to an embodiment of the present disclosure above-mentioned.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure First The control program is a control program applied to a liquid ejection head having an ejection unit that ejects liquid, and causes a computer to determine whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid ejection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the ejection unit. The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along a time axis, and as the plurality of power supply potential values, a reference potential value, a positive potential value, and an intermediate potential value between the reference potential value and the positive potential value are included. When the waveform setting information includes a first abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting that does not pass through the intermediate potential value during the transition between the reference potential value and the positive potential value, it is determined that the drive signal should not be output. To cause the computer to execute. A second control program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a control program applied to a liquid ejection head having an ejection unit that ejects a liquid, and causes a computer to determine whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid ejection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the ejection unit. The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along a time axis, and as the plurality of power supply potential values, a reference potential value, a positive potential value, and a negative potential value are respectively included. When a second abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting that does not pass through the reference potential value during a transition between the negative potential value and the positive potential value is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, the computer is made to determine that the drive signal should not be output. A third control program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a control program applied to a liquid ejection head having an ejection unit that ejects a liquid, and causes a computer to determine whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid ejection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the ejection unit. The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along a time axis, and includes a plurality of types of power supply potential values in which at least some of the plurality of power supply potential values correspond to supply values from different power supply lines. When a third abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting in which the same type of power supply potential value among the plurality of types of power supply potential values is set to be used a predetermined number of times or more within a unit period is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, the computer is made to determine that the drive signal should not be output.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure First to third The control device, the liquid ejection head, and the liquid ejection recording apparatus and first to third According to the control program, it is possible to improve reliability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15A

Figure 15B

Figure 15C

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Figure 17

Figure 18

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order. 1. Embodiment (Example of determination based on whether or not a predetermined abnormal waveform is set) 2. Modification Modifications 1 to 3 (Examples of determination based on the values of the drive voltage, drive device temperature, and drive current) Modification 4 (Example when a waveform storage unit for storing waveform setting information is further provided) Modification 5 (Example when a waveform correction unit for correcting waveform setting information is further provided) Modification 6 (Example when only one drive substrate is provided in the liquid ejection head) 3. Other modifications

[0012] <1. Embodiment> [Schematic configuration of printer 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a printer 5 as a liquid ejection recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of an inkjet head 1 as the liquid ejection head shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view (Y-Z cross-sectional view) showing a configuration example of the inkjet head 1 shown in FIG. 2. In each drawing used in the description of this specification, the scale of each member is appropriately changed in order to make each member recognizable.

[0013] The printer 5 is an inkjet printer that performs recording (printing) of an image, characters, etc. on a recording medium (for example, the recording paper P shown in FIG. 1) using ink 9 described later. As shown in FIG. 1, this printer 5 includes an inkjet head 1, a print control unit 2, and an ink tank 3.

[0014] Note that the inkjet head 1 corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection head" in the present disclosure, and the printer 5 corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection recording apparatus" in the present disclosure. Also, the ink 9 corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid" in the present disclosure.

[0015] (A. Printing control unit 2) The printing control unit 2 supplies various kinds of information (data) to the inkjet head 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the printing control unit 2 supplies a printing control signal Sc to the inside of the inkjet head 1 (such as a drive device 41 described later). Note that the printing control signal Sc includes, for example, image data, a discharge timing signal, and a power supply voltage for operating the inkjet head 1. Further, the printing control unit 2 corresponds to a specific example of "outside the liquid ejection head" in the present disclosure.

[0016] (B. Ink tank 3) The ink tank 3 is a tank that houses ink 9 inside. The ink 9 in the ink tank 3 is supplied to the inside of the inkjet head 1 (a jetting unit 11 described later) via an ink supply pipe 30 as shown in FIG. 1. Note that such an ink supply pipe 30 is constituted by, for example, a flexible hose having flexibility.

[0017] (C. Inkjet head 1) As shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 1, the inkjet head 1 is a head that jets (discharges) droplet-like ink 9 onto a recording paper P from a plurality of nozzle holes Hn described later to perform recording of an image, characters, etc. The inkjet head 1 includes, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one jetting unit 11, one I / F (interface) substrate 12, four flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, and two cooling units 141, 142.

[0018] (C-1. I / F substrate 12) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the I / F substrate 12 includes two connectors 10, four connectors 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, and a circuit arrangement region Ac.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the connector 10 is a portion (connector portion) that inputs the above-described printing control signal Sc supplied from the printing control unit 2 toward the inkjet head 1 (flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d described later).

[0020] The connectors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are each a portion (connector portion) that electrically connects between the I / F substrate 12 and the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, respectively.

[0021] The circuit arrangement region Ac is a region on the I / F substrate 12 where various circuits are arranged. Note that such circuit arrangement regions may also be provided in other regions on the I / F substrate 12.

[0022] (C-2. Injection unit 11) As shown in Fig. 1, the injection unit 11 has a plurality of nozzle holes Hn and is a portion that injects the ink 9 from these nozzle holes Hn. Such injection of the ink 9 is performed according to a drive signal Sd (drive voltage Vd) supplied from a drive device 41 described later on each of the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d (see Fig. 1).

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

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

[0025] Specifically, in the example of the injection unit 11 shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of nozzle holes Hn in the nozzle plate 112 are constituted by a plurality of nozzle rows (four nozzle rows) respectively arranged along the column direction (X-axis direction). Further, these four nozzle rows are arranged side by side along the direction orthogonal to the column direction (Y-axis direction).

[0026] (Actuator plate 111) The actuator plate 111 is a plate made of a piezoelectric material such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate). A plurality of channels (pressure chambers) are provided in the actuator plate 111. These channels are portions for applying pressure to the ink 9 and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval so as to be parallel to each other. Each channel is defined by a drive wall (not shown) made of a piezoelectric body and has a concave groove portion in a cross-sectional view.

[0027] In such channels, there are a discharge channel for discharging the ink 9 and a dummy channel (non-discharge channel) for not discharging the ink 9. In other words, while the discharge channel is filled with the ink 9, the dummy channel is not filled with the ink 9. The filling of the ink 9 into each discharge channel is performed, for example, through a flow path (common flow path) that communicates with each of such discharge channels in common. Further, each discharge channel communicates individually with the nozzle hole Hn in the nozzle plate 112, while each dummy channel does not communicate with the nozzle hole Hn. These discharge channels and dummy channels are arranged alternately along the column direction (X-axis direction) described above.

[0028] Further, drive electrodes are provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the drive walls described above. On this drive electrode, there exist a common electrode provided on the inner surface facing the discharge channel and an active electrode (individual electrode) provided on the inner surface facing the dummy channel. Between these drive electrodes and a drive device 41 described later, they are electrically connected via flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d. As a result, via the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, the drive voltage Vd (drive signal Sd) described above is applied to each drive electrode from the drive device 41 (see FIG. 1).

[0029] (C-3. Flexible Substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are substrates that electrically connect between the I / F substrate 12 and the ejection unit 11. Each of these flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d is configured to individually control the ejection operation of the ink 9 for each of the four nozzle rows in the nozzle plate 112 described above. Also, for example, as indicated by reference numerals P1a, P1b, P1c, P1d in FIG. 3, near the location where each flexible substrate 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d is connected to the ejection unit 11 (near the pressure bonding electrode 433), each flexible substrate 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d is configured to be bent. Note that between the pressure bonding electrode 433 and the ejection unit 11, electrical connection is made to each other by thermocompression bonding using, for example, an ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film).

[0030] On each of such flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, one or a plurality of drive devices 41 are individually mounted (see FIG. 3). Each of these drive devices 41 is a device that outputs a drive signal Sd (drive voltage Vd) for ejecting ink 9 from a nozzle hole Hn in a corresponding nozzle row in the ejection unit 11. Note that this drive signal Sd has a predetermined drive waveform, which will be described in detail later. Therefore, such a drive signal Sd is output from each of the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d to the ejection unit 11. Note that each of such drive devices 41 is constituted by, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like.

[0031] Also, each of these drive devices 41 is cooled by the above-described cooling units 141, 142. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a cooling unit 141 is fixedly disposed between the drive devices 41 on the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, and each of these drive devices 41 is cooled by pressing the cooling unit 141 against each of them. Similarly, a cooling unit 142 is fixedly disposed between the drive devices 41 on the flexible substrates 13c, 13d, and each of these drive devices 41 is cooled by pressing the cooling unit 142 against each of them. Note that each of such cooling units 141, 142 can be configured using various cooling mechanisms.

[0032] [Detailed Configuration of Inkjet Head 1] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 4 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 3, a detailed configuration example of the inkjet head 1 will be described.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a detailed configuration example of the inkjet head 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 in a block diagram. As shown in FIG. 4, the inkjet head 1 includes the above-described I / F substrate 12, flexible substrates 13a to 13d, and ejection unit 11. Further, the I / F substrate 12 has a control device 120 including a determination unit 121 and a control switching unit 122, and the flexible substrates 13a to 13d each have a plurality of drive devices 41. Note that the plurality of drive devices 41 in each of the flexible substrates 13a to 13d are, for example, connected in series (cascaded) with each other.

[0034] (Determination unit 121) The determination unit 121 determines whether or not to output a drive signal Sd based on the waveform setting information Iw supplied from the outside (print control unit 2) of the inkjet head 1 to the ejection unit 11 from each of the above-described drive devices 41. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the determination unit 121 determines whether or not the waveform setting information Iw includes a predetermined abnormal waveform setting described later. Then, when the determination unit 121 determines that such an abnormal waveform setting is included in the waveform setting information Iw, it determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output from each drive device 41.

[0035] When the determination unit 121 determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output from each drive device 41 as described above, it performs the following operations. That is, in this case, the determination unit 121 outputs a discharge stop signal Sst for stopping the ejection of the ink 9 from the ejection unit 11 to each drive device 41 (see FIG. 8), although details will be described later. Further, in this case, the determination unit 121 outputs error information Ie to the outside (print control unit 2) of the inkjet head 1 to perform an error notification (see FIG. 8), although details will be described later.

[0036] Note that the details of the above-described waveform setting information Iw will be described later (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Also, the details of the above-described determination operation by the determination unit 121 will be described later (see FIGS. 9 to 11).

[0037] (Control switching unit 122) As shown in FIG. 4, the control switching unit 122 is disposed between the determination unit 121 and the plurality of flexible substrates 13a to 13d. When transmitting the waveform setting information Iw and the like transmitted from the determination unit 121 to each drive device 41 in the plurality of flexible substrates 13a to 13d, the control switching unit 122 performs a predetermined control switching operation. Specifically, the control switching unit 122 performs a control switching operation between the following transmission control operation and cutoff control operation.

[0038] During the transmission control operation, the waveform setting information Iw is transmitted in parallel to the drive devices 41 in at least one of the plurality of flexible substrates 13a to 13d. On the other hand, during the cutoff control operation, the transmission of the waveform setting information Iw is cutoff for each drive device 41 in all the flexible substrates 13a to 13d.

[0039] [Configuration of waveform setting information] Subsequently, in addition to FIG. 4, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a configuration example (data configuration example) of the above-described waveform setting information Iw will be described.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the waveform setting information Iw and the like (an example of normal waveform setting) in a timing diagram. Specifically, in FIG. 5(B), a data configuration example of the waveform setting information Iw is shown, and in FIG. 5(A), a waveform example of the drive signal Sd set using the waveform setting information Iw is shown. Note that the horizontal axis in FIG. 5 indicates time t. FIG. 6 schematically shows a detailed configuration example of the power supply potential value V2, which will be described later, shown in FIG. 5(B).

[0041] The waveform setting information Iw includes a plurality of types of power supply potential values V2 set along the time axis and information indicating VPH as an intermediate potential value (intermediate potential value information V3). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(B), this waveform setting information Iw has, for each period of each power supply potential value V2 and each intermediate potential value information V3, ASW_SEL as power supply selection information, VSEL as power supply potential value information, and LENGTH as power supply potential period information, respectively.

[0042] Specifically, in the example of FIG. 5(B), first, ASW_SEL, VSEL, and LENGTH are set for each period of timings t10~t11, t11~t12, t12~t13, t13~t14, t14~t15, t15~t16, t16~t17, t17~t18, t18~t19, respectively. Also, in the example of FIG. 5(B), within the period of timing t11~t12 (period of timing t11~t21), within the period of timing t12~t13 (period of timing t12~t22), within the period of timing t13~t14 (period of timing t13~t23), within the period of timing t14~t15 (period of timing t14~t24), within the period of timing t15~t16 (period of timing t15~t25), and within the period of timing t16~t17 (period of timing t16~t26), the above-mentioned intermediate potential value information V3 is additionally set between the power supply potential values V2 along the time axis, respectively.

[0043] The above-mentioned ASW_SEL is information for selecting one type of power supply potential value V2 from among a plurality of types of power supply potential values V2. Specifically, in the examples shown in FIGS. 5(B) and 6, ASW_SEL is represented by a hexadecimal value (2 bits), and the correspondence with six types of power supply potential values V2 is as follows. That is, for example, corresponding to each of GND (ground potential value as a predetermined reference potential value), VP (predetermined positive potential value), and VM (predetermined negative potential value) shown in FIG. 6, (GND1 / GND2), (VP1 / VP2), and VM1 are individually set (see FIG. 6). Also, in the example of FIG. 6, as described below, when ASW_SEL = 0x20, the above-mentioned VPH (= VC) as the intermediate potential value is set. · ASW_SEL = 0x01 → V2 = GND1 (first ground potential value) · ASW_SEL = 0x02 → V2 = GND2 (second ground potential value) · ASW_SEL = 0x04 → V2 = VP1 (first positive potential value) · ASW_SEL = 0x08 → V2 = VP2 (second positive potential value) · ASW_SEL = 0x10 → V2 = VM1 (first negative potential value) · ASW_SEL = 0x20 → V2 = VPH (= VC) (intermediate potential value)

[0044] The above-mentioned VSEL is such that one type of power supply potential value V2 selected by ASW_SEL is set along the time axis (see FIG. 5(B)).

[0045] The above-mentioned LENGTH indicates the period for each kind of power supply potential value V2 in the VSEL. In the example shown in FIG. 5(B), it is indicated by the number of internal clocks (2 bits of the hexadecimal value) used in the drive device 41. Specifically, for example, when the internal clock period = 50 [ns], if LENGTH = 0x10, the period is 50 [ns] × 16 = 800 [ns]; if LENGTH = 0x1E, the period is 50 [ns] × 30 = 1.5 [μs]; if LENGTH = 0x3C, the period is 50 [ns] × 60 = 3.0 [μs].

[0046] Here, VPH as the above-mentioned intermediate potential value (VSEL = VPH) is a potential value located between the ground potential value (GND1 / GND2) as the reference potential value and the positive potential value (VP1 / VP2) among the power supply potential values V2 set in the drive waveform of the drive signal Sd. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 5(B), such VPH is set to VPH = positive potential value (VP1 / VP2) × 0.5. However, the value of VPH is not limited to this example (positive potential value × 0.5), and any potential value located between the reference potential value (ground potential value GND) and the positive potential value VP may be used.

[0047] Also, such VPH is set only for a short period at the rising or falling stage of the stepped drive waveform (such as the rising or falling of the waveform in the drive signal Sd) as shown in FIG. 5(A). Specifically, although the details will be described later, it is desirable to set it to pass through VPH at such a rising or falling stage (during the transition between the above-mentioned reference potential value and positive potential value). Thereby, it is possible to reduce the power consumption (drive current for the ejection unit 11 which is a load capacitance) when setting such a stepped drive waveform.

[0048] Here, in the example shown in FIG. 6, at least some of the plurality of power supply potential values V2 (the ground potential value GND, the positive potential value VP, and the negative potential value VM described above) include a plurality of types (two types in this example) of power supply potential values V2 corresponding to supply values from different power supply lines. That is, as described above, two types of ground potential values (GND1 / GND2) and two types of positive potential values (VP1 / VP2) are respectively included. And in the example shown in FIG. 5(B), these plurality of types (two types) of power supply potential values V2 are respectively set so as to be switched in a predetermined order within a predetermined unit period ΔT (in this example, the two types of power supply potential values V2 are switched alternately).

[0049] Although the details will be described later, this is to apparently increase the allowable current consumption value per unit period ΔT in each of the above-described power supply lines. Specifically, for example, when two power supply lines of the same potential with an allowable current consumption value of 300 [mA] per one are provided, if these two power supply lines are alternately selected to set the drive waveform, the overall allowable current consumption value can be regarded as 600 [mA] at maximum. Also, even if they are not alternately selected in this way, for example, if the usage frequency (setting frequency) of these two power supply lines is the same within the unit period ΔT, the allowable current consumption can be apparently increased in the same way.

[0050] In this way, it can be said that it is desirable that the same type of power supply potential value V2 be set to be used less than a predetermined number of times (for example, two or three times) within the unit period ΔT. This is because, although the details will be described later, it prevents damage to the inkjet head 1 and the like caused by exceeding the allowable current consumption value per unit period ΔT in the power supply line.

[0051] Here, the flexible substrates 13a to 13d described above respectively correspond to a specific example of the "drive substrate" in the present disclosure. Also, the VSEL described above corresponds to a specific example of the "power supply potential value information" in the present disclosure, and the ground potential values GND (GND1, GND2) described above respectively correspond to a specific example of the "reference potential value" in the present disclosure. Also, the positive potential values VP (VP1, VP2) described above respectively correspond to a specific example of the "positive potential value" in the present disclosure, and the negative potential values VM (VM1) described above respectively correspond to a specific example of the "negative potential value" in the present disclosure. Also, the VPH described above corresponds to a specific example of the "intermediate potential value" in the present disclosure.

[0052] [Operation and Action / Effect] (A. Basic Operation of Printer 5) In this printer 5, a recording operation (printing operation) of an image, characters, etc. on a recording medium (recording paper P, etc.) is performed using an ink ejection operation of the inkjet head 1 as follows. Specifically, in the inkjet head 1 of the present embodiment, an ink ejection operation using a shear mode is performed as follows.

[0053] First, the drive devices 41 on each of the flexible substrates 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d apply a drive voltage Vd (drive signal Sd) to the above-described drive electrodes (common electrode and active electrode) in the actuator plate 111 in the ejection unit 11. Specifically, each drive device 41 applies a drive voltage Vd to each drive electrode disposed on a pair of drive walls that define the above-described discharge channel. As a result, each of these pair of drive walls deforms so as to protrude toward the dummy channel side adjacent to its discharge channel.

[0054] At this time, the drive wall will bend and deform in a V shape with the intermediate position in the depth direction of the drive wall as the center. Then, due to such bending deformation of the drive wall, the discharge channel deforms as if it swells. In this way, the volume of the discharge channel increases due to the bending deformation caused by the piezoelectric thickness shear effect in the pair of drive walls. And when the volume of the discharge channel increases, the ink 9 is induced into the discharge channel.

[0055] Next, the ink 9 induced into the discharge channel in this way becomes a pressure wave and propagates inside the discharge channel. And at the timing when this pressure wave reaches the nozzle hole Hn of the nozzle plate 112 (or the timing in the vicinity thereof), the drive voltage Vd applied to the drive electrode becomes 0 (zero) V. As a result, the drive wall returns from the above-described bent deformation state, and the volume of the discharge channel that once increased returns to its original state again.

[0056] In this way, in the process of the volume of the discharge channel returning to its original state, the pressure inside the discharge channel increases, and the ink 9 in the discharge channel is pressurized. As a result, the ink 9 in droplet form is discharged to the outside (toward the recording paper P) through the nozzle hole Hn (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4). In this way, the ejection operation (discharge operation) of the ink 9 in the inkjet head 1 is performed, and as a result, the recording operation of an image, characters, etc. on the recording paper P is performed.

[0057] (B. Detailed Operations and Actions / Effects) Subsequently, the detailed operations, actions, and effects of the inkjet head 1 of the present embodiment will be described while comparing with the conventional method.

[0058] (B-1. Conventional Method) First, in recent years, in the drive signal for driving the ejection unit in the inkjet head, the drive waveform has become more complex. Such a complex waveform is used, for example, aiming at various effects such as reducing drive noise generated during ejection, correcting variations in ejection performance, and improving print quality. Specifically, for example, in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, in order to suppress variations in the ejection volume of each nozzle, voltage correction is performed on the common drive waveform for driving each nozzle.

[0059] However, while such a method is effective for driving the inkjet head, on the other hand, the setting of the drive waveform itself will become even more complex. Also, such a complex drive waveform can exhibit the intended effects if it is set accurately. However, if it is set incorrectly, not only will the intended effects not be obtained, but there is also a risk of leading to malfunction, failure, damage, etc. of the inkjet head.

[0060] Also, for example, a method can be cited in which a drive waveform reading function is provided in the inkjet head, and by comparing the drive waveform actually set in the inkjet head with the drive waveform that should originally be set, an error in the drive waveform setting is detected and corrected. However, in this method, only the comparison between the transmission data and the reception data regarding the waveform setting is performed, and if the transmission data itself is incorrect, the method will be ineffective.

[0061] It can be said that in this way, there is a risk that the reliability of the inkjet head will decrease with the conventional method.

[0062] (B-2. Determination operation, etc.) Therefore, the inkjet head 1 of the present embodiment performs various operations (determination operations by the determination unit 121, etc.) as follows.

[0063] Specifically, first, as described above, the determination unit 121 determines whether or not to output a drive signal Sd based on the waveform setting information Iw supplied from the outside of the inkjet head 1 (print control unit 2) to each drive device 41 to the ejection unit 11.

[0064] Then, according to the determination result, for example, the operations shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are performed. These FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively show operation examples in the inkjet head 1 (each operation example according to the determination result in the determination unit 121) represented by block diagrams.

[0065] First, when the determination unit 121 determines that the drive signal Sd should be output, for example, the operation shown in FIG. 7 is performed. That is, in this case, first, using the transmission control operation by the control switching unit 122 described above, the waveform setting information Iw is transmitted in parallel to the drive devices 41 in at least one of the plurality of flexible substrates 13a to 13d from the determination unit 121 via the control switching unit 122. Then, based on the waveform setting information Iw transmitted in this way, the drive signal Sd is output from each drive device 41 to the ejection unit 11, and the ejection operation of the ink 9 described above from the ejection unit 11 is performed.

[0066] On the other hand, when the determination unit 121 determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output, for example, the operation shown in FIG. 8 is performed. That is, in this case, first, a discharge stop signal Sst is transmitted in parallel from the determination unit 121 to the drive devices 41 in at least one of the plurality of flexible substrates 13a to 13d. Then, based on the discharge stop signal Sst transmitted in this way, the output of the drive signal Sd from each drive device 41 to the ejection unit 11 is stopped (see the "× (cross)" mark shown in FIG. 8), and the ejection operation of the ink 9 from the ejection unit 11 is stopped. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the determination unit 121 outputs error information Ie to the outside of the inkjet head 1 (print control unit 2) to perform an error notification. Note that, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the case where the discharge stop signal Sst is transmitted to each drive device 41 without passing through the control switching unit 122 is shown, but this is not limited to this example. That is, for example, in the same manner as in the case of the waveform setting information Iw shown in FIG. 7, the discharge stop signal Sst may be transmitted to each drive device 41 via the control switching unit 122. Also, regarding the output operations of such a discharge stop signal Sst and error information Ie when it is determined that the drive signal Sd should not be output, the same applies to each of the following modification examples (modification examples 1 to 6).

[0067] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the waveform setting information Iw includes a predetermined abnormal waveform setting, the determination unit 121 determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output from the drive device 41.

[0068] Here, FIGS. 9 to 11 each show an example of these first to third abnormal waveform settings in a timing chart. Note that the examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 each correspond to a case where some of the settings in the configuration example (example of normal waveform setting) of the waveform setting information Iw shown in FIG. 5 described above are changed.

[0069] First, in the example of the first abnormal waveform setting shown in FIG. 9, in the transition (rising or falling transition) between the ground potential value (GND1 / GND2) as the reference potential value described above and the positive potential value (VP1 / VP2), the waveform setting is such that it does not pass through the intermediate potential value (VPH) described above. Specifically, in this example of the first abnormal waveform setting, unlike the case of the normal waveform setting shown in FIG. 5, when making a rising transition from the ground potential value (GND1 / GND2) to the positive potential value (VP1 / VP2), it directly transitions to the positive potential value (VP1 / VP2) without passing through the intermediate potential value (VPH). Similarly, when making a falling transition from the positive potential value (VP1 / VP2) to the ground potential value (GND1 / GND2), unlike the case of the normal waveform setting shown in FIG. 5, it directly transitions to the ground potential value (GND1 / GND2) without passing through the intermediate potential value (VPH).

[0070] Then, when such a first abnormal waveform setting is included in the aforementioned VSEL (power supply potential value information) in the waveform setting information Iw, the determination unit 121 determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output.

[0071] Also, in the example of the second abnormal waveform setting shown in FIG. 10, in the transition (rising or falling transition) between the negative potential value (VM1 / VM2 (= VC)) described above and the positive potential value (VP1 / VP2), the waveform setting is such that it does not pass through the ground potential value (GND1 / GND2) as the reference potential value. Specifically, in this example of the second abnormal waveform setting, unlike the case of the normal waveform setting shown in FIG. 5, when making a rising transition from the negative potential value (VM1 / VM2) to the positive potential value (VP1 / VP2), it directly transitions to the positive potential value (VP1 / VP2) without passing through the ground potential value (GND1 / GND2). Similarly, when making a falling transition from the positive potential value (VP1 / VP2) to the negative potential value (VM1 / VM2), unlike the case of the normal waveform setting shown in FIG. 5, it directly transitions to the negative potential value (VM1 / VM2) without passing through the ground potential value (GND1 / GND2).

[0072] Then, when such a second abnormal waveform setting is included in VSEL (power supply potential value information) in the waveform setting information Iw, the determination unit 121 determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output.

[0073] Also, in the example of the third abnormal waveform setting shown in FIG. 11, the same type of power supply potential value V2 is set so as to be used a predetermined number of times (for example, 2 or 3 times) or more within the unit period ΔT. Specifically, in this example of the third abnormal waveform setting, unlike the case of the normal waveform setting shown in FIG. 5, the same type of power supply potential value V2 (= GND1) is set so as to be used 3 times (continuously) within the unit period ΔT (see reference numeral P21 in FIG. 11). Also, in this example of the third abnormal waveform setting, unlike the case of the normal waveform setting shown in FIG. 5, the same type of power supply potential value V2 (= VP1) is set so as to be used 2 times (continuously) within the unit period ΔT (see reference numeral P22 in FIG. 11).

[0074] Then, when such a third abnormal waveform setting is included in VSEL (power supply potential value information) in the waveform setting information Iw, the determination unit 121 determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output.

[0075] Note that, as the above-described predetermined abnormal waveform settings, in addition to such first to third abnormal waveform settings, for example, the following waveform settings can be cited.

[0076] That is, first, for example, there is a case where the length of the setting period of the aforementioned intermediate potential value (VPH) (refer to the period ΔtPH shown in FIG. 5(A)) becomes longer than the length of the setting period of the original (VP1 / VP2) or (GND1 / GND2) before the additional setting of this VPH (refer to the period ΔtP shown in FIG. 5(B)) (ΔtPH≧ΔtP). This is because when (ΔtPH≧ΔtP), when the setting period of VPH is added, the periods of (VP1 / VP2) and (GND1 / GND2) will disappear, resulting in an inappropriate drive waveform. In addition, when the value of LENGTH in this period ΔtPH is, for example, 0x03 or less, or 0x09 or more, it may be determined as an abnormal waveform setting.

[0077] Also, for example, when a power supply potential value V2 other than GND (GND1 / GND2) is set at the beginning and end along the time axis in the waveform setting, it may be determined as an abnormal waveform setting. This is to prevent the selection of an unintended drive power supply. Specifically, for example, when V2 = VP1 at the end of the first waveform and V2 = VM at the start of the second waveform, when these two waveforms are continuously output, a voltage change from VP1 to VM will occur, resulting in an increase in power consumption.

[0078] (B-3. Function and Effect) In this way, in the present embodiment, in the determination unit 121, a determination is made as to whether or not the drive signal Sd based on the waveform setting information Iw should be output from the drive device 41 to the ejection unit 11, so the following occurs. That is, for example, even when an incorrect setting (such as the setting of the waveform setting information Iw) is made by the user of the inkjet head 1, a determination is made as to whether or not the drive signal Sd should be output to the ejection unit 11 (executing the ejection of the ink 9 from the ejection unit 11). As a result, various countermeasures can be taken against malfunctions and damages of the inkjet head 1. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the reliability of the inkjet head 1.

[0079] Specifically, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the drive signal Sd should not be output, a discharge stop signal Sst is output to the drive device 41, and error information Ie is output to the outside of the inkjet head 1 (print control unit 2) to perform an error notification. Thus, the following occurs. That is, by stopping the ejection of the ink 9 from the ejection unit 11, it is possible to actually prevent malfunction or damage of the inkjet head 1, and it is possible to further improve the reliability of the inkjet head 1. In addition, the above-described error notification can be grasped by the user or the like, and it is also possible to improve convenience.

[0080] Also, in the present embodiment, when the waveform setting information Iw includes a predetermined abnormal waveform setting, a determination is made that the drive signal Sd should not be output. Thus, the following occurs. That is, various countermeasures can be taken against malfunction or damage of the inkjet head 1 caused by the drive signal Sd generated using such an abnormal waveform setting. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reliability of the inkjet head 1 caused by such a drive signal Sd and to improve the reliability.

[0081] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as the above-described predetermined abnormal waveform setting, when the first abnormal waveform setting (see FIG. 9) described above is included in VSEL (power supply potential value information) in the waveform setting information Iw, a determination is made that the drive signal Sd should not be output. Thus, the following occurs. That is, for example, when setting a stepped drive waveform (drive waveform at the time of transition between the ground potential value (GND) as the reference potential value described above and the positive potential value (VP)), countermeasures can be taken against an increase in power consumption caused by an increase in the drive current at the power supply of the positive potential value, and power saving can be achieved. As a result, it is possible to improve the reliability of the inkjet head 1.

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, as the above-described predetermined abnormal waveform setting, when the second abnormal waveform setting (see FIG. 10) described above is included in VSEL in the waveform setting information Iw, a determination is made that the drive signal Sd should not be output, and thus the following occurs. That is, for example, when setting a stepped drive waveform (the drive waveform at the transition between the negative potential value (VM) and the positive potential value (VP) described above), various countermeasures can be taken against the damage of the inkjet head 1 due to the generation of wasted drive current in the power supply of the negative potential value, such as heat generation in the drive device 41. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reliability of the inkjet head 1 caused by such damage to the inkjet head 1 and to improve the reliability.

[0083] Also, in the present embodiment, as the above-described predetermined abnormal waveform setting, when the third abnormal waveform setting (see FIG. 11) described above is included in VSEL in the waveform setting information Iw, a determination is made that the drive signal Sd should not be output, and thus the following occurs. That is, as described above, various countermeasures can be taken against the damage of the inkjet head 1 caused by exceeding the allowable current consumption value per unit period ΔT in the power supply line when the same type of power supply potential value is set to be used a predetermined number of times or more within the unit period ΔT. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reliability of the inkjet head 1 caused by such damage to the inkjet head 1 and to improve the reliability.

[0084] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the waveform setting information Iw is transmitted in parallel to each drive device 41 in the plurality of flexible substrates 13a to 13d via the control switching unit 122 (see FIG. 7), the following occurs. That is, for example, the time (setting time) required for setting the drive waveform can be shortened to about 1 / 4 at most as compared with the case where the waveform setting information Iw is transmitted to the drive devices 41 in the flexible substrates 13a to 13d in order.

[0085] <2. Modification Example> Next, modifications (Modifications 1 to 6) of the above-described embodiment will be described. In the following description, components identical to those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0086] [Modifications 1 to 3] FIGS. 12 to 14 are block diagrams showing configuration examples of liquid ejection heads (inkjet heads 1A to 1C) according to Modifications 1 to 3, respectively. FIGS. 15A to 15C schematically show examples of the correspondence relationships according to Modifications 1 to 3, respectively. Specifically, FIG. 15A shows an example of the correspondence relationship (correspondence relationship between the range of the drive voltage Vd and the operation) according to Modification 1. FIG. 15B shows an example of the correspondence relationship (correspondence relationship between the range of the device temperature Td, which will be described later, and the operation) according to Modification 2. FIG. 15C shows an example of the correspondence relationship (correspondence relationship between the range of the drive current Id, which will be described later, and the operation) according to Modification 3.

[0087] (Configuration of Modification 1) First, the inkjet head 1A of Modification 1 shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the inkjet head 1 (see FIG. 4) of the embodiment, in which an I / F board 12A is provided instead of the I / F board 12. Further, this I / F board 12A corresponds to the I / F board 12 in which a control device 120A including a determination unit 121A described below is provided instead of the control device 120 including the determination unit 121.

[0088] Note that the inkjet head 1A corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection head" in the present disclosure. Further, a printer including this inkjet head 1A corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection recording apparatus" in the present disclosure.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 12, the determination unit 121A described above acquires information on the drive voltage Vd included in the print control signal Sc. Then, the determination unit 121A determines whether or not this drive voltage Vd is within a predetermined voltage range ΔVd (see FIG. 15A). Note that this voltage range ΔVd is a voltage range that satisfies the threshold voltage (lower limit value) Vdth1 ≦ Vd ≦ the threshold voltage (upper limit value) Vdth2, as shown in FIG. 15A, for example.

[0090] Here, when the drive voltage Vd is within the voltage range ΔVd (Vdth1 ≦ Vd ≦ Vdth2), the determination unit 121A determines that the drive signal Sd should be output. On the other hand, when the drive voltage Vd is outside the voltage range ΔVd (Vdth1 > Vd or Vd > Vdth2), the determination unit 121A determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output.

[0091] Note that as a detailed example of the voltage range ΔVd for the drive voltage Vd described above, for example, the following can be mentioned. 20V ≦ (VP1 - VM) ≦ 50V 10 ≦ VP1 ≦ 26V -26V ≦ VM ≦ -10V

[0092] (Configuration of Modification 2) Further, the inkjet head 1B of Modification 2 shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to the inkjet head 1 (see FIG. 4) of the embodiment in which an I / F board 12B is provided instead of the I / F board 12. Also, this I / F board 12B corresponds to the I / F board 12 in which a control device 120B including a determination unit 121B described below is provided instead of the control device 120 including the determination unit 121.

[0093] Note that the inkjet head 1B corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection head" in the present disclosure. Also, a printer including this inkjet head 1B corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection recording apparatus" in the present disclosure.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 13, the above-described determination unit 121B acquires information on the device temperature Td of each of the drive devices 41 in the plurality of flexible substrates 13a to 13d. Then, the determination unit 121B determines whether or not this device temperature Td is within a predetermined temperature range ΔTd (see FIG. 15B). Note that this temperature range ΔTd is a temperature range that satisfies the threshold temperature (lower limit value) Tdth1 ≦ Td ≦ the threshold temperature (upper limit value) Tdth2, as shown in FIG. 15B, for example.

[0095] Here, when the device temperature Td is within the temperature range ΔTd (Tdth1 ≦ Td ≦ Tdth2), the determination unit 121B determines that the drive signal Sd should be output. On the other hand, when the device temperature Td is outside the temperature range ΔTd (Tdth1 > Td or Td > Tdth2), the determination unit 121B determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output.

[0096] Incidentally, as a cause for the device temperature Td of the drive device 41 itself to rise, for example, it is assumed that the above-described cooling unit 141 (such as a metal plate) for cooling the drive device 41 peels off due to vibration or the like, and the cooling performance is not obtained. Also, for example, when the user uses the device without following the recommended operating conditions for ensuring the performance of the inkjet head 1B, the temperature rise of the drive device 41 may exceed the cooling performance of the cooling unit 141, which can also be a cause.

[0097] (Configuration of Modification 3) Further, the inkjet head 1C of Modification 3 shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to the inkjet head 1 (see FIG. 4) of the embodiment in which an I / F substrate 12C is provided instead of the I / F substrate 12. Also, this I / F substrate 12C corresponds to the I / F substrate 12 in which a control device 120C including a determination unit 121C described below is provided instead of the control device 120 including the determination unit 121, and a current detection unit 123 described below is further provided.

[0098] Incidentally, the inkjet head 1C corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection head" in the present disclosure. Further, the printer equipped with this inkjet head 1C corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection recording apparatus" in the present disclosure.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 14, the above-described current detection unit 123 acquires information on the drive current Id that is generated when the ejection unit 11 is driven to eject based on the drive signal Sd in each drive device 41 within the plurality of flexible substrates 13a to 13d. Specifically, first, the drive power supply included in the print control signal Sc is also supplied to this current detection unit 123, and for example, a current detection resistor is provided in the current detection unit 123, so that an inspection power supply is supplied to each drive device 41 via this current detection resistor. Then, when the ejection unit 11 is driven to eject by each drive device 41, the above-described drive current Id flows through the current detection resistor, and the voltage drop generated in this current detection resistor is detected by an analog-to-digital converter and transmitted as a current measurement value.

[0100] Further, the above-described determination unit 121C determines whether or not this drive current Id is within the range of a predetermined current range ΔId (see FIG. 15C). Note that this current range ΔId is a current range that satisfies the threshold current (lower limit value) Idth1 ≦ Id ≦ threshold current (upper limit value) Idth2, as shown in FIG. 15C, for example.

[0101] Here, when this drive current Id is within the current range ΔId (Idth1 ≦ Id ≦ Idth2), the determination unit 121C determines that the drive signal Sd should be output. On the other hand, when this drive current Id is outside the current range ΔId (Idth1 > Id or Id > Idth2), the determination unit 121C determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output. Incidentally, for example, when a disconnection occurs inside the drive device 41 or the like, (Id < Idth1) occurs.

[0102] Incidentally, such detection (measurement) of the drive current Id and the above-described determination operation may be performed, for example, for each nozzle hole Hn in the nozzle plate 112, or may be performed simultaneously for a plurality of nozzle holes Hn as a unit.

[0103] (Operations and effects of Modification Examples 1 to 3) With each of the above-described configurations, in Modification Examples 1 to 3, for example, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0104] First, in Modification Example 1, when the drive voltage Vd in the drive signal Sd is a value outside a predetermined voltage range (outside the voltage range ΔVd described above), a determination is made that the drive signal Sd should not be output, so the following occurs. That is, various countermeasures can be taken against malfunctions or damage of the inkjet head 1A caused by a drive signal Sd (abnormal setting of the drive voltage Vd) in which the drive voltage Vd is a value outside the voltage range ΔVd. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reliability of the inkjet head 1A caused by such an abnormality of the drive voltage Vd and to improve the reliability.

[0105] Also, in Modification Example 2, when the device temperature Td in the drive device 41 is a value outside a predetermined temperature range (outside the temperature range ΔTd described above), a determination is made that the drive signal Sd should not be output, so the following occurs. That is, various countermeasures can be taken against malfunctions or damage of the inkjet head 1B caused by a situation where the device temperature Td is a value outside the temperature range ΔTd (abnormal state of the device temperature Td). As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reliability of the inkjet head 1B caused by such an abnormal state of the device temperature Td (such as a defect in the cooling system in the drive device 41) and to improve the reliability.

[0106] Furthermore, in Modification 3, when the drive current Id generated during ejection drive is outside a predetermined current range (outside the range of the aforementioned current range ΔId), it is determined that the drive signal Sd should not be output, and thus the following occurs. That is, various countermeasures can be taken against malfunctions or damages of the inkjet head 1C caused by the situation where the drive current Id is outside the range of the current range ΔId (abnormal state of the drive current Id). As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reliability of the inkjet head 1C and improve the reliability due to such an abnormal state of the drive current Id (such as the occurrence of a short circuit in the ejection unit 11 or the disconnection of the electrical wiring in the ejection unit 11).

[0107] [Modification 4] (Configuration) FIG. 16 shows a configuration example of a liquid ejection head (inkjet head 1D) according to Modification 4 in a block diagram. The inkjet head 1D of this Modification 4 corresponds to the inkjet head 1 (see FIG. 4) in the embodiment, but with an I / F board 12D provided in place of the I / F board 12.

[0108] Note that the inkjet head 1D corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection head" in the present disclosure. Also, a printer equipped with this inkjet head 1D corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection recording apparatus" in the present disclosure.

[0109] The above-mentioned I / F board 12D corresponds to the I / F board 12, but with a control device 120D including a determination unit 121D and a waveform storage unit 124 to be described below provided in place of the control device 120 including the determination unit 121.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 16, the waveform storage unit 124 stores the waveform setting information Iw supplied from the outside (print control unit 2) of the inkjet head 1D. Such a waveform storage unit 124 is configured using various memories such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0111] Further, when the determination unit 121D reads the waveform setting information Iw stored in such a waveform storage unit 124, for example, it determines whether or not to output the drive signal Sd by using various methods described in the embodiments and Modifications 1 to 3.

[0112] (Operation and Effect) In this way, in Modification 4, the waveform setting information Iw supplied from the outside (print control unit 2) of the inkjet head 1D is stored in the waveform storage unit 124, and when the determination unit 121D reads the waveform setting information Iw stored therein, a determination is made as to whether or not to output the drive signal Sd. Therefore, the following is obtained.

[0113] That is, for the user of the inkjet head 1D, by simply storing the waveform setting information Iw in the waveform storage unit 124 in advance, for example, at the time of starting up the inkjet head 1D, the above-described determination can be automatically performed, and the waiting time during the determination can be made unconscious to the user. Further, with such a configuration, for example, it is also possible to modify the waveform setting included in the waveform setting information Iw and then store it (overwrite and save) in the waveform storage unit 124. From these facts, in this Modification 4, it is possible to further improve the reliability of the inkjet head 1D while improving the convenience.

[0114] Note that, for example, in the waveform storage unit 124, other setting information different from the above-described waveform setting information Iw may be stored. Specifically, for example, the setting for measuring the drive current Id described in Modification 3 may be stored in the waveform storage unit 124. In such a case, the setting is written at the time of shipment of the inkjet head 1D, and when the user uses it, the setting for measuring the drive current Id is automatically performed, so that it is possible to prevent errors in the setting by the user. Further, in the waveform storage unit 124, for example, information on the usage history such as the startup time and the number of discharges of the inkjet head 1D may also be stored. In such a case, for example, it becomes possible for the user to grasp a clue for the replacement timing of the inkjet head 1D.

[0115] [Modification 5] (Configuration) FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a liquid ejection head (inkjet head 1E) according to Modification 5. The inkjet head 1E of this Modification 5 corresponds to the inkjet head 1 (see FIG. 4) of the embodiment in which an I / F board 12E is provided instead of the I / F board 12.

[0116] Note that the inkjet head 1E corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection head" in the present disclosure. Further, a printer including this inkjet head 1E corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection recording apparatus" in the present disclosure.

[0117] The above-described I / F board 12E corresponds to the I / F board 12 in which a control device 120E including a determination unit 121E and a waveform correction unit 125 described below is provided instead of the control device 120 including the determination unit 121.

[0118] When the determination unit 121E determines that the drive signal Sd should not be output, for example, using various methods described in the embodiments and modification examples 1 to 3, the waveform correction unit 125 corrects the waveform setting information Iw so as to determine that the drive signal Sd should be output. That is, for example, if the waveform setting information Iw includes the above-described predetermined abnormal waveform setting (see, for example, FIGS. 9 to 11) and it is determined that the drive signal Sd should not be output, the waveform correction unit 125 corrects the waveform setting information Iw by changing such an abnormal waveform setting to a normal waveform setting (see FIG. 5). Alternatively, for example, when the above-described drive voltage Vd, device temperature Td, drive current Id, etc. are outside the above-described predetermined range and it is determined that the drive signal Sd should not be output, the waveform correction unit 125 corrects the waveform setting information Iw so that these values are within the predetermined range.

[0119] Specifically, for example, when the drive current Id or the device temperature Td exceeds the above-described upper limit value, the waveform correction unit 125 corrects the waveform setting information Iw so that the peak value of the drive voltage Vd decreases. Alternatively, the waveform correction unit 125 corrects the waveform setting information Iw so that the drive voltage Vd is within the voltage range ΔVd according to the control of the determination unit 121E. Further, a drive waveform with the highest current consumption may be detected in advance, and when the drive current Id or the device temperature Td exceeds the above-described upper limit value, the previously detected drive waveform may be erased to correct the waveform setting information Iw.

[0120] (Operation and Effect) In this way, in modification example 5, when it is determined that the drive signal Sd should not be output, the waveform correction unit 125 corrects the waveform setting information Iw so as to determine that the drive signal Sd should be output. Therefore, the following occurs. That is, by correcting the waveform setting information Iw in this way, since it is corrected so as to be determined that the drive signal Sd should be output, malfunction, breakage, etc. of the inkjet head 1E can be actually prevented, and the reliability of the inkjet head 1E can be further improved.

[0121] [Modification Example 6] [Configuration] FIG. 18 shows a configuration example of a liquid ejection head (inkjet head 1F) according to Modification Example 6 in a block diagram. The inkjet head 1F of this Modification Example 6 corresponds to the inkjet head 1 (see FIG. 4) in the embodiment, in which an I / F substrate 12F is provided instead of the I / F substrate 12, and a single flexible substrate 13 is provided instead of the plurality of flexible substrates 13a to 13d.

[0122] Note that the inkjet head 1F corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection head" in the present disclosure. Further, a printer including this inkjet head 1F corresponds to a specific example of the "liquid ejection recording apparatus" in the present disclosure. Also, the above-described flexible substrate 13 corresponds to a specific example of the "drive substrate" in the present disclosure.

[0123] The above-described flexible substrate 13 has the same configuration as each of the flexible substrates 13a to 13d described in the embodiment.

[0124] In the above-described I / F substrate 12F, in the I / F substrate 12, any one of the control devices 120, 120A to 120E described so far (see FIG. 18) is provided instead of the control device 120. Note that each of these control devices 120, 120A to 120E includes at least any one of the determination units 121, 121A to 121E as described so far (see FIG. 18).

[0125] Further, unlike the I / F substrates 12A to 12E described so far, this I / F substrate 12F has a configuration in which the control switching unit 122 is not provided (omitted) in accordance with the configuration in which the single flexible substrate 13 described above is provided. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, in the inkjet head 1F of this Modification 6, the print control signal Sc and the waveform setting information Iw are directly supplied to the respective drive devices 41 in the flexible substrate 13 (without passing through the control switching unit 122).

[0126] (Operation and Effect) Even in Modification 6 having such a configuration, basically, the same effects can be obtained by the same operation as in the embodiments and Modifications 1 to 5 described so far.

[0127] <3. Other Modifications> The present disclosure has been described by giving some embodiments and modifications above, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and the like, and various modifications are possible.

[0128] For example, in the above embodiments and the like, configuration examples (shape, arrangement, number, etc.) of each member in the printer and the inkjet head have been specifically described, but the present disclosure is not limited to those described in the above embodiments and the like, and other shapes, arrangements, numbers, etc. may be used.

[0129] Specifically, for example, in the above embodiments and the like, configuration examples of the I / F substrate, the flexible substrate (drive substrate), the drive device, the control device, etc. have been specifically described, but these configuration examples are not limited to those described in the above embodiments and the like. For example, in the above embodiments and the like, the case where the "drive substrate" in the present disclosure is a flexible substrate has been described as an example, but for example, the "drive substrate" in the present disclosure may be a non-flexible substrate.

[0130] Furthermore, the numerical examples of the various parameters described in the above embodiments and the like are not limited to the numerical examples described in the embodiments and the like, and other numerical values may be used. Also, the example of the data configuration of the waveform setting information described in the above embodiments and the like is not limited to the example described in the above embodiments and the like, and other data configurations may be used.

[0131] In addition, regarding the determination operation, the correction operation of the waveform setting information, the ejection stop operation, the notification operation of error information, etc. described in the above embodiments and the like, they are not limited to the operation examples described in the above embodiments and the like, and other operation examples may be used.

[0132] Specifically, in the determination unit, other determination functions (error detection functions) may be added. That is, for example, inside the drive device 41, it may be detected whether an incorrect setting has been made by the user, and if such an incorrect setting is detected, the ejection operation of the ink 9 may be forcibly stopped. For example, although an operation setting is made at the setting pin of the drive device 41, if due to a mounting defect or an impact during use, the setting pin is not set correctly, even if the correct setting is set in the drive device as an inkjet head, it may not be desirable to drive it as it is. In such a case, the drive device 41 itself may detect that the setting made in the drive device and the drive waveform setting suitable for that setting are inconsistent, and may forcibly stop the ejection operation of the ink 9.

[0133] Also, as the structure of the inkjet head, each type can be applied. That is, for example, a so-called side shoot type inkjet head that discharges the ink 9 from the central portion in the extending direction of each discharge channel in the actuator plate 111 may be used. Alternatively, for example, a so-called edge shoot type inkjet head that discharges the ink 9 along the extending direction of each discharge channel may be used. Furthermore, as the printer method, it is not limited to the method described in the above embodiments and the like. For example, various methods such as the MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) method can be applied.

[0134] Furthermore, for example, the present disclosure can be applied to either a circulating type inkjet head that circulates and uses the ink 9 between the ink tank and the inkjet head, or a non-circulating type inkjet head that uses the ink 9 without circulation.

[0135] Also, the series of processes described in the above embodiments and the like may be performed by hardware (circuit) or may be performed by software (program). When performed by software, the software is composed of a group of programs for causing a computer to execute each function. Each program may be, for example, pre-installed in the above computer and used, or may be installed from a network or a recording medium into the above computer and used. As the recording medium (non-transitory computer-readable recording medium) on which such each program is recorded, for example, various media such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disk)-ROM, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, and a hard disk can be mentioned.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and the like, as a specific example of the "liquid jet recording apparatus" in the present disclosure, a printer (inkjet printer) has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the present disclosure can also be applied to other apparatuses other than inkjet printers. In other words, the "liquid jet head" (inkjet head) of the present disclosure may be applied to other apparatuses other than inkjet printers. Specifically, for example, the "liquid jet head" of the present disclosure may be applied to apparatuses such as facsimiles and on-demand printers.

[0137] In addition, the various examples described so far may be applied in any combination.

[0138] Note that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and there may be other effects.

[0139] Also, the present disclosure can also take the following configurations. (1) A control device applied to a liquid jet head having an injection unit for injecting a liquid, A determination unit that determines whether or not to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid jet head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the injection unit. Control device. (2) The determination unit, When the predetermined abnormal waveform setting is included in the waveform setting information, Determine that the drive signal should not be output The control device according to (1) above. (3) The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along the time axis, and As the plurality of power supply potential values, a reference potential value, a positive potential value, and an intermediate potential value between the reference potential value and the positive potential value are each included. The determination unit When a first abnormal waveform setting as the predetermined abnormal waveform setting, which does not pass through the intermediate potential value during the transition between the reference potential value and the positive potential value, is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, makes a determination that the drive signal should not be output. The control device according to (2) above. (4) The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along the time axis, and as the plurality of power supply potential values, a reference potential value, a positive potential value, and a negative potential value are respectively included, The determination unit When a second abnormal waveform setting as the predetermined abnormal waveform setting, which does not pass through the reference potential value during the transition between the negative potential value and the positive potential value, is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, makes a determination that the drive signal should not be output. The control device according to (2) or (3) above. (5) The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along the time axis, and includes a plurality of types of power supply potential values in which at least some of the plurality of power supply potential values correspond to supply values from different power supply lines, The determination unit When a third abnormal waveform setting as the predetermined abnormal waveform setting, in which the same type of power supply potential values among the plurality of types of power supply potential values are set to be used a predetermined number of times or more within a unit period, is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, makes a determination that the drive signal should not be output. The control device according to any one of (2) to (4) above. (6) The determination unit When the drive voltage in the drive signal is a value outside a predetermined voltage range, it is determined that the drive signal should not be output. The control device according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) The determination unit When the device temperature in the drive device is a value outside a predetermined temperature range, it is determined that the drive signal should not be output. The control device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The determination unit When the drive current generated when driving the ejection unit based on the drive signal is a value outside a predetermined current range, it is determined that the drive signal should not be output. The control device according to any one of (1) to (7) above. (9) It further includes a waveform storage unit that stores the waveform setting information supplied from the outside of the liquid ejection head, The determination unit When reading the waveform setting information stored in the waveform storage unit, it determines whether the drive signal should be output. The control device according to any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) The determination unit When it is determined that the drive signal should not be output, it outputs a discharge stop signal for stopping the ejection of the liquid from the ejection unit to the drive device, and it gives an error notification to the outside of the liquid ejection head. The control device according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (11) When it is determined by the determination unit that the drive signal should not be output, it further includes a waveform correction unit that corrects the waveform setting information so that it is determined that the drive signal should be output. The control device according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The control device according to any one of (1) to (11) above, the injection unit, one or more of the drive devices that inject the liquid by applying the drive signal to the injection unit A liquid injection head comprising: (13) Comprising the liquid injection head according to (12) above A liquid injection recording apparatus. (14) A control program applied to a liquid injection head having an injection unit for injecting a liquid, determining whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid injection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the injection unit; Causing a computer to execute A control program. (15) A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which a control program applied to a liquid injection head having an injection unit for injecting a liquid is recorded, determining whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid injection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the injection unit; A recording medium on which a control program for causing a computer to execute is recorded, A recording medium.

Description of Signs

[0140] 1, 1A~1F... Inkjet head, 10... Connector, 11... Injection part, 111... Actuator plate, 112... Nozzle plate, 12, 12A~12F... I / F board, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d... Connector, 120, 120A~120E... Control device, 121, 121A~121E... Judgment part, 122... Control switching part, 123... Current detection part, 124... Waveform storage part, 125... Waveform correction part, 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d... Flexible board, 141, 142... Cooling unit, 2... Printing control part, 3... Ink tank, 30... Ink supply pipe, 41... Driving device, 433... Crimping electrode, 5... Printer, 9... Ink, P... Recording paper, Hn... Nozzle hole, Sc... Printing control signal, Sst... Discharge stop signal, Sd... Driving signal, Vd... Driving voltage, Td... Device temperature, Id... Driving current, ΔVd... Voltage range, ΔTd... Temperature range, ΔId... Current range, Vdth1, Vdth2... Threshold voltage, Tdth1, Tdth2... Threshold temperature, Idth1, Idth2... Threshold current, Ac... Circuit arrangement area, Iw... Waveform setting information, Ie... Error information, V2... Power potential value, V3... Intermediate potential value information, t... Time, t10~t19, t21~t26... Timing, ΔT... Unit period, ΔtP, ΔtPH... Period.

Claims

1. A control device applied to a liquid injection head having an injection unit for injecting a liquid, comprising a determination unit that determines whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid injection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the injection unit, wherein the waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along a time axis, and the plurality of power supply potential values include a reference potential value, a positive potential value, and an intermediate potential value between the reference potential value and the positive potential value, respectively, and the determination unit, when a first abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting that does not pass through the intermediate potential value during a transition between the reference potential value and the positive potential value is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, determines that the drive signal should not be output Control device.

2. A control device applied to a liquid injection head having an injection unit for injecting a liquid, comprising a determination unit that determines whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid injection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the injection unit, wherein the waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along a time axis, and the plurality of power supply potential values include a reference potential value, a positive potential value, and a negative potential value, respectively, and the determination unit, when a second abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting that does not pass through the reference potential value during a transition between the negative potential value and the positive potential value is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, determines that the drive signal should not be output Control device.

3. A control device applied to a liquid injection head having an injection unit for injecting a liquid, comprising a determination unit that determines whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid injection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the injection unit, wherein the waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along a time axis, Among the plurality of power supply potential values, at least some of the power supply potential values include a plurality of types of power supply potential values corresponding to supply values from different power supply lines, The determination unit When a third abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting, in which the same type of power supply potential value among the plurality of types of power supply potential values is set to be used a predetermined number of times or more within a unit period, is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, Determines that the drive signal should not be output Control device.

4. The determination unit When the drive voltage in the drive signal is a value outside a predetermined voltage range, Determines that the drive signal should not be output The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The determination unit When the device temperature in the drive device is a value outside a predetermined temperature range, Determines that the drive signal should not be output The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The determination unit When the drive current generated when driving the ejection unit based on the drive signal is a value outside a predetermined current range, Determines that the drive signal should not be output The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Further includes a waveform storage unit that stores the waveform setting information supplied from the outside of the liquid ejection head, The determination unit When reading the waveform setting information stored in the waveform storage unit, Determines whether the drive signal should be output The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The determination unit When it is determined that the drive signal should not be output, Outputs a discharge stop signal for stopping the ejection of the liquid from the ejection unit to the drive device, and Sends an error notification to the outside of the liquid ejection head The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Further includes a waveform correction unit that corrects the waveform setting information so that the drive signal is determined to be output when it is determined by the determination unit that the drive signal should not be output The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The ejection unit, One or more of the drive devices that inject the liquid by applying the drive signal to the injection unit, and A liquid injection head provided with the same. **Claim 11** A liquid injection recording apparatus comprising the liquid injection head according to claim 10. **Claim 12** A control program applied to a liquid injection head having an injection unit for injecting a liquid, Determining whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid injection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the injection unit, Causing a computer to The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along the time axis, and As the plurality of power supply potential values, a reference potential value, a positive potential value, and an intermediate potential value between the reference potential value and the positive potential value are respectively included, When a first abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting that does not pass through the intermediate potential value during the transition between the reference potential value and the positive potential value is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, Determining that the drive signal should not be output, Causing the computer to execute A control program. **Claim 13** A control program applied to a liquid injection head having an injection unit for injecting a liquid, Determining whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid injection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the injection unit, Causing a computer to The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along the time axis, and As the plurality of power supply potential values, a reference potential value, a positive potential value, and a negative potential value are respectively included, When a second abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting that does not pass through the reference potential value during the transition between the negative potential value and the positive potential value is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, Determining that the drive signal should not be output, Causing the computer to execute A control program. **Claim 14** A control program applied to a liquid injection head having an injection unit for injecting a liquid, ​ Determine whether to output a drive signal based on waveform setting information supplied from outside the liquid ejection head from a drive device that generates the drive signal based on the waveform setting information to the ejection unit. Cause a computer to execute The waveform setting information includes power supply potential value information in which a selected power supply potential value among a plurality of power supply potential values is set along the time axis, and at least some of the plurality of power supply potential values include a plurality of types of power supply potential values corresponding to supply values from different power supply lines, when third abnormal waveform setting as a predetermined abnormal waveform setting in which the same type of power supply potential value among the plurality of types of power supply potential values is set to be used a predetermined number of times or more within a unit period is included in the power supply potential value information in the waveform setting information, determine that the drive signal should not be output. Cause the computer to execute Control program.

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