Inkjet printing methods and inkjet printing equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to an inkjet printing method and an inkjet printing apparatus. The inkjet printing method comprises the following steps: applying a drive signal to the print head via a controller; the print head consists of nozzles; the print head is actuated in response to the drive signal; and applying a first control signal to change the drive waveform of the drive signal to the print head via a controller.

Description

Inkjet printing method and inkjet printing device

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet printing method. More specifically, the present invention relates to an inkjet printing method and an inkjet printing device for performing the same.

[0002] The print head of an inkjet printing device may include a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of piezoelectric elements corresponding to the plurality of nozzles. Here, the piezoelectric element refers to an element that generates pressure and changes shape when voltage is applied.

[0003] When printing data is provided to an inkjet printing device, a voltage corresponding to the printing data can be applied to each piezoelectric element included in the print head. The piezoelectric element to which the voltage is applied can eject ink embedded in the print head through a nozzle by protruding a portion of the element.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printing method with improved efficiency.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printing device that performs the inkjet printing method.

[0006] However, the purpose of the present invention is not limited to the above-described purposes, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-described object of the present invention, an inkjet printing method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step of applying a driving signal to a head including a plurality of nozzles through a control unit, a step of driving the head in response to the driving signal, and a step of applying a first control signal for changing a driving waveform of the driving signal to the head through the control unit.

[0008] In one embodiment, in the step of applying the first control signal to the head through the control unit, a third control signal specifying the driving signal may be applied to the head through the control unit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control unit may include discharge data for each of the plurality of nozzles. In the step of applying the first control signal to the head through the control unit, the driving waveform may be changed using the discharge data.

[0010] In one embodiment, the inkjet printing method may further include a step of applying a second control signal to the head through the control unit that changes the voltage setting of the driving waveform.

[0011] In one embodiment, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit, the third control signal may be applied to the head through the control unit.

[0012] In one embodiment, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit, the time at which the voltage is applied can be changed using the discharge data.

[0013] In one embodiment, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit, the voltage setting of the driving waveform can be changed using the discharge data.

[0014] In one embodiment, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit, n (where n is a natural number) pieces of the ejection data are used, and the voltage of the driving waveform is 2 times the maximum level of the voltage. m (However, m can be changed to a value divided by an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n).

[0015] In one embodiment, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit, n (where n is a natural number) pieces of ejection data are used among the ejection data, the n pieces of ejection data include data units each including m (where m is a natural number that is a divisor of n) pieces of ejection data, and the voltage of the driving waveform is changed using k (where k is a natural number less than m) pieces of ejection data included in each of the data units, and the time can be set using mk pieces of ejection data included in each of the data units.

[0016] In one embodiment, the discharge data may include the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal.

[0017] In one embodiment, in the step of applying the driving signal to the head through the control unit and the step of driving the head, the first control signal and the second control signal may not be applied to the head.

[0018] In one embodiment, in the step of applying the first control signal to the head through the control unit and the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit, the driving signal may not be applied to the head.

[0019] In order to achieve another object of the present invention described above, an inkjet printing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a head including a plurality of nozzles, and a control unit that applies a driving signal or a first control signal that changes a driving waveform of the driving signal to the head.

[0020] In one embodiment, the control unit can simultaneously apply the first control signal and a third control signal specifying the driving signal to the head.

[0021] In one embodiment, the control unit includes discharge data for each of the plurality of nozzles, and can change the driving waveform using the discharge data.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control unit can apply a second control signal that changes a voltage setting of the drive signal, the first control signal, or the drive waveform to the head.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control unit can simultaneously apply the second control signal and the third control signal to the head.

[0024] In one embodiment, the control unit can change the time at which voltage is applied using the discharge data.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control unit can change the voltage setting of the driving waveform using the discharge data.

[0026] In one embodiment, the control unit uses n (where n is a natural number) pieces of discharge data among the discharge data, and sets the voltage of the driving waveform to a maximum level of the voltage of 2. m (However, m can be changed to a value divided by an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n).

[0027] In one embodiment, the control unit may use n (where n is a natural number) pieces of discharge data among the discharge data, and the n pieces of discharge data may include data units each including m (where m is a natural number that is a divisor of n) pieces of discharge data, and may change the voltage of the driving waveform using k (where k is a natural number less than m) pieces of discharge data included in each of the data units, and may set a time using mk pieces of discharge data included in each of the data units.

[0028] In one embodiment, the discharge data may include the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal.

[0029] The inkjet printing method according to embodiments of the present invention may be performed using an inkjet printing device including a control unit that applies ejection data and a control signal to a head. The control signal may include a first control signal that changes a driving waveform of a driving signal, a second control signal that changes a voltage setting of the driving waveform of the driving signal, and a third control signal that specifies the driving signal.

[0030] If a change in the drive waveform is required, the drive waveform can be changed using data from the control unit, eliminating the need for a separate configuration for changing the drive waveform. Furthermore, since printing does not need to be stopped to change the drive waveform, the change in drive waveform can be performed at any time, including at the start of printing, during printing, upon completion of printing, or when changing to a target substrate of a different size. Therefore, the efficiency of printing using an inkjet printing device can be improved.

[0031] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an inkjet printing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing data included in the head and control unit included in the inkjet printing device of FIG. 1.

[0034] Figures 3 and 4 are drawings showing the third control signal included in the data of Figure 2.

[0035] Figures 5 to 10 are drawings showing an inkjet printing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are drawings showing an inkjet printing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical components in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of identical components will be omitted.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an inkjet printing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, an inkjet printing device (10) may include a head (HD) and a control unit (CON). The inkjet printing device (10) may be placed on a stage (ST).

[0040] The stage (ST) may be parallel to a plane defined by a first direction (DR1) and a second direction (DR2) intersecting the first direction (DR1). For example, the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) may be perpendicular to each other.

[0041] The above stage (ST) can support a target substrate (SUB). Ink (IK) can be deposited on the target substrate (SUB) to form a pattern.

[0042] The head (HD) can be spaced from the stage (ST) in a third direction (DR3) intersecting with each of the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). For example, the third direction (DR3) can be perpendicular to each of the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2).

[0043] The head (HD) can eject the ink (IK) onto the target substrate (SUB) placed on the stage (ST). The head (HD) can include a plurality of nozzles (NZ) that eject the ink (IK) in a direction opposite to the third direction (DR3) toward the target substrate (SUB). For example, the nozzles (NZ) can be arranged or positioned along the first direction (DR1).

[0044] The head (HD) can move along the second direction (DR2). The head (HD) can move in the second direction (DR2) and eject the ink (IK) onto the target substrate (SUB). For example, the head (HD) can eject the ink (IK) in a stationary state, then move a predetermined distance in the second direction (DR2) and eject the ink (IK) again in a stationary state. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the head (HD) can move and repeatedly eject the ink (IK).

[0045] The ink (IK) discharged onto the target substrate (SUB) can be cured to form the pattern. The ink (IK) discharged from the head (HD) can form the pattern along the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2).

[0046] The above control unit (CON) can control the operation of the head (HD). The control unit (CON) can apply (or output) a driving signal (DS) to the head (HD). The driving signal (DS) can include information regarding the discharge of the ink (IK). The driving signal (DS) can be a driving waveform. The head (HD) can be driven in response to the driving signal (DS).

[0047] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing data included in the head and control unit included in the inkjet printing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are drawings showing a third control signal included in the data of FIG. 2.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the inkjet printing device (10) may include the head (HD) and the control unit (CON).

[0049] The head (HD) may include a plurality of nozzles (NZ). For example, the head (HD) may include first to i-th (where i is a natural number) nozzles (NZ1, …, NZi). Each of the first to i-th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZi) may eject the ink (IK).

[0050] The above control unit (CON) may include data (DT). The control unit (CON) may apply (or output) the data (DT) to the head (HD). The data (DT) may be expressed as a binary value of "0" or "1." The data (DT) may include discharge data (DD) and a control signal (CS).

[0051] The above discharge data (DD) may be data for controlling the discharge of the ink (IK) of each of the nozzles (NZ). The discharge data (DD) may include first to i-th discharge data (D1, …, Di) for controlling whether the first to i-th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZi) discharge the ink (IK), respectively. The first to i-th discharge data (D1, …, Di) may correspond to the first to i-th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZi), respectively. For example, the i-th discharge data (Di) may control the discharge of the ink (IK) of the i-th nozzle (NZi). The first to i-th discharge data (D1, …, Di) may control the operation of the first to i-th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZi), respectively, along the print direction (PD).

[0052] When the driving signal (DS) is applied to the head (HD) from the control unit (CON), the head (HD) can be driven in response to the driving signal (DS). At this time, the first to i-th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZi) of the head (HD) can eject the ink (IK) in response to the first to i-th ejection data (D1, …, Di), or can not eject the ink (IK).

[0053] The above control signal (CS) may be data that controls the operation of the head (HD). In one embodiment, the control signal (CS) may not be included in the discharge data (DD) and may be data separate from the discharge data (DD). The control signal (CS) may include a first control signal (CS1), a second control signal (CS2), and a third control signal (CS3).

[0054] In one embodiment, the first control signal (CS1) may be a signal that changes the driving waveform of the driving signal (DS). The second control signal (CS2) may be a signal that changes the voltage setting of the driving waveform of the driving signal (DS).

[0055] For example, when the first control signal (CS1) is "1" and the second control signal (CS2) is "0", the driving waveform can be changed. In addition, when the first control signal (CS1) is "0" or "1" and the second control signal (CS2) is "1", the voltage setting of the driving waveform can be changed.

[0056] In one embodiment, when at least one of the first control signal (CS1) and the second control signal (CS2) is "1", the head (HD) may not be driven. That is, when the first control signal (CS1) or the second control signal (CS2) is "1", the ink (IK) may not be ejected. In addition, when each of the first control signal (CS1) and the second control signal (CS2) is "0", the head (HD) may be driven and the ink (IK) may be ejected.

[0057] The third control signal (CS3) may be a signal that specifies the driving signal (DS) whose driving waveform is changed by the first control signal (CS1) or whose voltage setting is changed by the second control signal (CS2). That is, the third control signal (CS3) may be a signal that specifies the number of the driving waveform.

[0058] The third control signal (CS3) may include first to jth (where j is a natural number) number data (CS31, …, CS3j). The driving signal (DS) may be designated according to the binary value of each of the first to jth number data (CS31, …, CS3j). That is, the driving signal (DS) may be designated by a j-bit binary number.

[0059] For example, when the third control signal (CS3) includes the first to sixth number data (CS31, …, CS36), the driving signal (DS) can be designated by a 6-bit binary number. For example, when the third control signal (CS3) is “000100”, the driving waveform of the driving signal (DS) can be driving waveform number 4 (see FIG. 4).

[0060] Figures 5 to 10 are drawings showing an inkjet printing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] For example, the inkjet printing method described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10 can be performed using the inkjet printing device (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0062] For example, FIG. 5 may be a drawing showing a step (S100) of applying the driving signal (DS) to the head (HD) through the control unit (CON), and FIG. 6 may be a drawing showing a step (S200) of applying the first control signal (CS1) to the head (HD) through the control unit (CON). FIGS. 7 and 8 may be drawings showing an example of a step (S300) of applying the second control signal (CS2) to the head (HD) through the control unit (CON), and FIGS. 9 and 10 may be drawings showing another example of a step (S300') of applying the second control signal (CS2) to the head (HD) through the control unit (CON).

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the control unit (CON) can apply the driving signal (DS) to the head (HD) (S100).

[0064] The head (HD) may be driven in response to the driving signal (DS). In one embodiment, while the head (HD) is driven, each of the first control signal (CS1) and the second control signal (CS2) may not be applied to the head (HD). That is, each of the first control signal (CS1) and the second control signal (CS2) may be “0”.

[0065] When the first to i-th discharge data (D1, …, Di) are “1”, the first to i-th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZi) corresponding to the first to i-th discharge data (D1, …, Di) can discharge the ink (IK), respectively. When the first to i-th discharge data (D1, …, Di) are “0”, the first to i-th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZi) corresponding to the first to i-th discharge data (D1, …, Di) can not discharge the ink (IK), respectively.

[0066] For example, when only the third discharge data (D3), the tenth discharge data (D10), and the i-th discharge data (Di) are “1,” each of the third nozzle (NZ3), the tenth nozzle (NZ10), and the i-th nozzle (NZi) can discharge the ink (IK), and the other nozzles may not discharge the ink (IK) (see FIG. 5).

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the control unit (CON) can apply the first control signal (CS1) that changes the driving waveform of the driving signal (DS) to the head (HD) (S200).

[0068] The above control unit (CON) can simultaneously apply the first control signal (CS1) and the third control signal (CS3) to the head (HD). As the first control signal (CS1) is applied to the head (HD), the head (HD) may not be driven.

[0069] In one embodiment, the driving waveform of the driving signal (DS) can be changed using the discharge data (DD). For example, when the first to i-th discharge data (D1, ..., Di) are used and each of the first to i-th discharge data (D1, ..., Di) is defined as about 0.1 μsec, a driving waveform of (0.1*i) μsec can be generated. For example, the driving waveform can be generated in the form of a graph of voltage (V) against time (t).

[0070] Accordingly, the driving waveform of the driving signal (DS) designated by the third control signal (CS3) can be changed to a driving waveform generated using the discharge data (DD).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8, the control unit (CON) can apply the second control signal (CS2) that changes the voltage setting of the driving waveform to the head (HD) (S300).

[0072] The above control unit (CON) can simultaneously apply the second control signal (CS2) and the third control signal (CS3) to the head (HD). As the second control signal (CS2) is applied to the head (HD), the head (HD) may not be driven.

[0073] In one embodiment, the voltage setting of the driving waveform can be changed using the discharge data (DD). At this time, n discharge data (where n is a natural number less than or equal to i) among the discharge data (DD) can be used. For example, the first to nth discharge data (D1, …, Dn) can be used.

[0074] In one embodiment, the voltage (V) of the driving waveform is 2 times the maximum level of the voltage (V). p (However, p can be changed to a value divided by an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n).

[0075] The voltage (V) may be changed according to the binary value of each of the first to n-th discharge data (D1, …, Dn). That is, the voltage (V) may be changed by an n-bit binary number. At this time, only one of the first to n-th discharge data (D1, …, Dn) may be “1”, or all of the first to n-th discharge data (D1, …, Dn) may be “1”.

[0076] In one embodiment, when only one of the first to n-th discharge data (D1, …, Dn) is “1”, the voltage (V) can be changed to the first to n-th voltages (V1, …, Vn) corresponding to the discharge data being “1”. The first to n-th voltages (V1, …, Vn) may have a maximum level of the voltage (V) of 2 1 Inland 2 n Each of the values ​​divided by can correspond to each other. For example, when the n-th discharge data (Dn) is "1", the voltage (V) can be changed to the n-th voltage (Vn), and the n-th voltage (Vn) can be changed to the maximum level of the voltage (V) by 2. n It can be a value divided by .

[0077] In one embodiment, when all of the first to nth discharge data (D1, …, Dn) are “1”, the voltage (V) can be changed to the zero voltage (V0). At this time, the zero voltage (V0) is 2 times the maximum level of the voltage (V). 0 It can be a value divided by .

[0078] For example, when the first to twelfth discharge data (D1, …, D12) are used and the maximum level of the voltage (V) is 20 V, the voltage (V) can be changed by a 12-bit binary number. For example, when the binary number of the first to twelfth discharge data (D1, …, D12) is “010000000000”, since the second discharge data (D2) is “1”, the voltage (V) can be changed to the second voltage (V2). At this time, the second voltage (V2) is 20 V, which is the maximum level of the voltage (V), 2 It can be 5V, which is the value divided by (see Fig. 8).

[0079] Accordingly, the voltage setting of the driving waveform of the driving signal (DS) designated by the third control signal (CS3) can be changed to a voltage designated using the discharge data (DD).

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 10, the control unit (CON) can apply the second control signal (CS2) that changes the voltage setting of the driving waveform to the head (HD) (S300').

[0081] The above control unit (CON) can simultaneously apply the second control signal (CS2) and the third control signal (CS3) to the head (HD). As the second control signal (CS2) is applied to the head (HD), the head (HD) may not be driven.

[0082] The voltage setting of the driving waveform can be changed using the above discharge data (DD). At this time, n discharge data among the above discharge data (DD) can be used.

[0083] In one embodiment, the n pieces of discharge data may include data units (DU). Each of the data units (DU) may include m pieces of discharge data (where m is a natural number that is a divisor of n). For example, a first data unit (DU1) among the data units (DU) may include the first to m-th discharge data (D1, …, Dm), and a second data unit (DU2) among the data units (DU) may include the m+1 to 2m-th discharge data (Dm+1, …, D2m).

[0084] In one embodiment, each of the data units (DU) can change the voltage of the driving waveform and set the time for which the voltage is applied. In another embodiment, each of the data units (DU) can only change the time for which the voltage is applied. By each of the data units (DU) changing the voltage or the time for which the voltage is applied, the voltage setting of the driving waveform can be changed. Accordingly, a relatively complex driving waveform can be generated.

[0085] In one embodiment, the voltage may be changed using k (where k is a natural number less than m) discharge data included in each of the data units (DU). The voltage may be changed according to the binary value of each of the k discharge data. That is, the voltage may be changed by a k-bit binary number. In this case, the level at which the voltage is changed by the k-bit binary number may be preset.

[0086] In another embodiment, the voltage whose time is changed may be specified using k pieces of discharge data included in each of the data units (DU). That is, the voltage may be specified by a k-bit binary number. In this case, the level of the voltage specified by the k-bit binary number may be preset.

[0087] For example, the voltage may be changed or designated as a first unit voltage (VU1) according to the binary value of each of the first to kth discharge data (D1, …, Dk) using the first to kth discharge data (D1, …, Dk). The voltage may be changed or designated as a second unit voltage (VU2) according to the binary value of each of the m+1 to m+k+1th discharge data (Dm+1, …, Dm+k+1) using the m+1 to m+k+1th discharge data (Dm+1, …, Dm+k+1).

[0088] In addition, the time for which the voltage is applied can be set or changed using mk pieces of discharge data included in each of the data units (DU). The time can be set or changed according to the binary value of each of the mk pieces of discharge data. That is, the time can be set or changed by the binary number of the mk bit. For example, the voltage can be applied for a time that is approximately 0.1 μsec multiplied by the binary value of the mk bit.

[0089] For example, using the k+1 to m-th discharge data (Dk+1, …, Dm), the first unit time (TU1) for which the first unit voltage (VU1) is applied can be set or changed according to the binary value of each of the k+1 to m-th discharge data (Dk+1, …, Dm). The first unit voltage (VU1) can be applied during the first unit time (TU1).

[0090] In addition, the second unit time (TU2) during which the second unit voltage (VU2) is applied can be set or changed according to the binary value of each of the m+k+2 to 2m-th discharge data (Dm+k+2, …, D2m) using the m+k+2 to 2m-th discharge data (Dm+k+2, …, D2m). The second unit voltage (VU2) can be applied during the second unit time (TU2).

[0091] For example, the first to one hundredth discharge data (D1, ..., D100) may be used, and each of the data units (DU) may include ten discharge data. That is, ten data units (DU) may be used. For example, each of the data units (DU) may change or designate the voltage using two discharge data, and may set or change the time using eight discharge data. The first data unit (DU1) includes the first to tenth discharge data (D1, ..., D10), and the voltage is changed or designated as the first unit voltage (VU1) using the first and second discharge data (D1, D2), and the first unit time (TU1) may be set or changed using the third to tenth discharge data (D3, ..., D10). The second data unit (DU2) includes the 11th to 20th discharge data (D11, …, D20), and the voltage is changed or designated as the second unit voltage (VU2) using the 11th and 12th discharge data (D11, D12), and the second unit time (TU2) can be set or changed using the 13th to 20th discharge data (D13, …, D20).

[0092] At this time, if the binary number of the two discharge data is "01", the voltage may be changed or designated as a first set voltage, if the binary number of the two discharge data is "10", the voltage may be changed or designated as a second set voltage, and if the binary number of the two discharge data is "11", the voltage may be changed or designated as a third set voltage. The levels of each of the first set voltage, the second set voltage, and the third set voltage may be preset. For example, the first set voltage may be about 5 V, the second set voltage may be about 10 V, and the third set voltage may be about 15 V, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0093] For example, if the binary number of the first and second discharge data (D1, D2) is “01” and the binary number of the third to tenth discharge data (D3, …, D10) is “00010100”, the first unit voltage (VU1) is the first set voltage, so the voltage can be changed or designated as the first set voltage, and the first set voltage can be set or changed to be applied for 2 (=20*0.1) μsec. When the binary number of the 11th and 12th discharge data (D11, D12) is “10” and the binary number of the 13th to 20th discharge data (D13, …, D20) is “00101000”, the second unit voltage (VU2) is the second set voltage, so the voltage can be changed or designated as the second set voltage, and the second set voltage can be set or changed to be applied for 4 (=40*0.1) μsec (see FIG. 10).

[0094] Accordingly, the voltage setting of the driving waveform of the driving signal (DS) designated by the third control signal (CS3) can be repeatedly changed according to the data units (DU) using the discharge data (DD).

[0095] In FIGS. 7 to 10, the first control signal (CS1) is applied to the head (HD) together with the second control signal (CS2), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For another example, while the second control signal (CS2) is applied to the head (HD), the first control signal (CS1) may not be applied to the head (HD).

[0096] In addition, although FIGS. 2, 5, and 10 illustrate that each of the first control signal (CS1) and the second control signal (CS2) includes one piece of data, the present invention is not limited thereto. For another example, each of the first control signal (CS1) and the second control signal (CS2) may include two or more pieces of data, and accordingly, the driving waveform may be an analog waveform.

[0097] The inkjet printing method according to one embodiment of the present invention can be performed using the inkjet printing device (10) including the control unit (CON) that applies the discharge data (DD) and the control signal (CS) to the head (HD). The control signal (CS) can include the first control signal (CS1) that changes the driving waveform of the driving signal (DS), the second control signal (CS2) that changes the voltage setting of the driving waveform of the driving signal (DS), and the third control signal (CS3) that specifies the driving signal (DS).

[0098] When a change in the above driving waveform is required (e.g., a change in the temperature of the head (HD), a change in the temperature of the ink (IK), etc.), the driving waveform can be changed using the data (DT) of the control unit (CON), so that a separate configuration for changing the driving waveform may not be required. In addition, since there is no need to stop printing to change the driving waveform, the change in the driving waveform can be performed regardless of the timing, such as when printing starts, during printing, when printing is completed, or when changing to a target substrate of a different size. Therefore, the efficiency of printing using the inkjet printing device (10) can be improved.

[0099] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are drawings showing an inkjet printing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The inkjet printing device (10') described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 may be substantially the same as or similar to the inkjet printing device (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, except that the discharge data (DD) includes a control signal (CS).

[0101] In addition, the inkjet printing method described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10 can be performed using the inkjet printing device (10') described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12. Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the inkjet printing device (10') may include a head (HD) and a control unit (CON). The control unit (CON) may control the operation of the head (HD).

[0103] The head (HD) may include first to i-th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZi) that eject ink, respectively. The control unit (CON) may include ejection data (DD) output to the head (HD). The ejection data (DD) may include first to i-th ejection data (D1, …, Di) that control whether the first to i-th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZi) eject ink, respectively.

[0104] In one embodiment, the discharge data (DD) may include a control signal (CS). The control signal (CS) may include a first control signal (CS1) for changing a driving waveform of a driving signal, a second control signal (CS2) for changing a voltage setting of the driving waveform, and a third control signal (CS3) for specifying the driving signal. The third control signal (CS3) may include first to jth numbered data (CS31, ..., CS3j).

[0105] Among the ejection data (DD), some data corresponding to the control signal (CS) may not control the ink ejection of the nozzles. For example, the first to third control signals (CS1, CS2, CS3) may correspond to the first to j+2-th ejection data (D1, …, Dj+2), respectively. At this time, the first ejection data (D1) may be used as the first control signal (CS1), the second ejection data (D2) may be used as the second control signal (CS2), and the third to j+2-th ejection data (D3, …, Dj+2) may be used as the third control signal (CS3). Accordingly, the first to j+2-th ejection data (D1, …, Dj+2) may not control the ink ejection of the first to j+2-th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZj+2). That is, since the first to j+2th discharge data (D1, …, Dj+2) are always used as the first to third control signals (CS1, CS2, CS3), each of the first to j+2th nozzles (NZ1, …, NZj+2) may not discharge ink.

[0106] When the first control signal (CS1) is “1” and the second control signal (CS2) is “0”, the driving waveform of the driving signal designated by the third control signal (CS3) can be changed using the j+3 to i-th discharge data (Dj+3, …, Di).

[0107] When the first control signal (CS1) is “0” or “1” and the second control signal (CS2) is “1”, the voltage setting of the driving waveform of the driving signal designated by the third control signal (CS3) can be changed using the j+3 to i-th discharge data (Dj+3, …, Di).

[0108] When each of the first control signal (CS1) and the second control signal (CS2) is “0”, the driving signal can be applied to the head (HD).

[0109] For example, when the third control signal (CS3) includes the first to sixth number data (CS31, …, CS36), the driving signal can be specified by a 6-bit binary number.

[0110] For example, when the third control signal (CS3) is "000011" and the tenth discharge data (D10), the twelfth discharge data (D12) and the i-2th discharge data (Di-2) are each "1", the ink can be discharged from each of the tenth nozzle (NZ10), the twelfth nozzle (NZ12) and the i-2th nozzle (NZi-2) with drive waveform 3. In the next row along the print direction (PD), when the third control signal (CS3) is "000100" and the eleventh discharge data (D11) and the i-1th discharge data (Di-1) are each "1", the ink can be discharged from each of the eleventh nozzle (NZ11) and the i-1th nozzle (NZi-1) with drive waveform 4. In the next row along the print direction (PD), when the third control signal (CS3) is "010000" and the ninth discharge data (D9), the i-3th discharge data (Di-3) and the i-th discharge data (Di) are each "1", the ink can be discharged from each of the ninth nozzle (NZ9), the i-3th nozzle (NZi-3) and the i-th nozzle (NZi) with drive waveform 16 (see FIG. 12).

[0111] The inkjet printing method according to one embodiment of the present invention can be performed using the inkjet printing device (10') including the control unit (CON) that applies the ejection data (DD) including the control signal (CS) to the head (HD). By using some of the ejection data (DD) as the control signal (CS), separate additional data for the control signal (CS) may not be required. That is, since the driving waveform or the voltage setting of the driving waveform can be changed through the existing ejection data (DD), the efficiency of printing using the inkjet printing device (10') can be improved.

[0112] The present invention can be applied to the manufacturing process of display devices and electronic devices including them. For example, the present invention can be applied to the manufacturing process of high-resolution smartphones, mobile phones, smart pads, smart watches, tablet PCs, vehicle navigation systems, televisions, computer monitors, laptops, and the like.

[0113] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

[0114] <Explanation of symbols>

[0115] 10, 10': Inkjet printing device

[0116] HD: Head NZ: Nozzles

[0117] CON: Control unit DS: Drive signal

[0118] DD: discharge data CS1: first control signal

[0119] CS2: Second control signal CS3: Third control signal

[0120] DU: Data Units

Claims

1. A step of applying a driving signal to a head including a plurality of nozzles through a control unit; a step of driving the head in response to the driving signal; and An inkjet printing method comprising a step of applying a first control signal for changing a driving waveform of the driving signal to the head through the control unit.

2. In the first paragraph, in the step of applying the first control signal to the head through the control unit, An inkjet printing method, characterized in that a third control signal specifying the driving signal is applied to the head through the control unit.

3. In the second paragraph, the control unit includes discharge data for each of the plurality of nozzles, An inkjet printing method, characterized in that, in the step of applying the first control signal to the head through the control unit, the driving waveform is changed using the ejection data.

4. An inkjet printing method according to claim 3, further comprising a step of applying a second control signal for changing the voltage setting of the driving waveform to the head through the control unit.

5. In the fourth paragraph, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit, An inkjet printing method, characterized in that the third control signal is applied to the head through the control unit.

6. In the fourth paragraph, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit, An inkjet printing method characterized in that the time at which voltage is applied is changed using the above discharge data.

7. In the fourth paragraph, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit, An inkjet printing method characterized in that the voltage setting of the driving waveform is changed using the above discharge data.

8. In the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit in the 7th paragraph, Among the above discharge data, n (where n is a natural number) discharge data are used. The voltage of the above driving waveform is 2 times the maximum level of the above voltage. m An inkjet printing method characterized in that the value is changed to a value divided by (wherein m is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n).

9. In the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit in the 7th paragraph, Among the above discharge data, n (where n is a natural number) discharge data are used. The above n discharge data include data units each including m (where m is a natural number that is a divisor of n) discharge data. The voltage of the driving waveform is changed using k (where k is a natural number less than m) discharge data included in each of the above data units, An inkjet printing method characterized in that time is set using mk pieces of ejection data included in each of the above data units.

10. An inkjet printing method according to claim 4, characterized in that the discharge data includes the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal.

11. In the fourth paragraph, in the step of applying the driving signal to the head through the control unit and the step of driving the head, An inkjet printing method, characterized in that the first control signal and the second control signal are not applied to the head.

12. In the fourth paragraph, in the step of applying the first control signal to the head through the control unit and in the step of applying the second control signal to the head through the control unit, An inkjet printing method, characterized in that the driving signal is not applied to the head.

13. A head comprising a plurality of nozzles; and An inkjet printing device comprising a control unit that applies a driving signal or a first control signal that changes a driving waveform of the driving signal to the head.

14. An inkjet printing device according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit simultaneously applies a third control signal specifying the first control signal and the driving signal to the head.

15. In the 14th paragraph, the control unit, Contains discharge data for each of the above plurality of nozzles, An inkjet printing device characterized in that the driving waveform is changed using the above discharge data.

16. An inkjet printing device according to claim 15, characterized in that the control unit applies a second control signal that changes the voltage setting of the driving signal, the first control signal, or the driving waveform to the head.

17. An inkjet printing device according to claim 16, characterized in that the control unit simultaneously applies the second control signal and the third control signal to the head.

18. An inkjet printing device according to claim 16, characterized in that the control unit changes the time at which voltage is applied using the discharge data.

19. An inkjet printing device according to claim 16, characterized in that the control unit changes the voltage setting of the driving waveform using the discharge data.

20. In paragraph 19, the control unit, Among the above discharge data, n (where n is a natural number) discharge data are used, The voltage of the above driving waveform is 2 times the maximum level of the above voltage. m An inkjet printing device characterized in that the value is changed by dividing by (wherein m is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n).

21. In paragraph 19, the control unit, Among the above discharge data, n (where n is a natural number) discharge data are used, The above n discharge data include data units each including m (where m is a natural number that is a divisor of n) discharge data. The voltage of the driving waveform is changed by using k (where k is a natural number less than m) discharge data included in each of the above data units, An inkjet printing device characterized in that the time is set using mk pieces of ejection data included in each of the above data units.

22. An inkjet printing device, characterized in that in clause 16, the discharge data includes the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal.

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