JPH10230595A - Recording head, recorder, recording method, recording controlling method, and recording head cartridge using the head - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correct a recorded dot positional deviation relative to a moving direction of a recording head by holding image data of a plurality of columns corresponding to a plurality of recording elements regarding recording, selecting and recording the image data corresponding to the column to be recorded from the held data. SOLUTION: Positional deviation correction data of a main scanning direction of a recording head calculated from a test pattern previously stored in an EEPROM is held in N-bit latches 115 to 116 prior to recording. Image data are input to an N-bit shift register 704 according to a clock CLK, and sequentially shift transferred to N-bit latches 114 to 111 according to a latch clock CLK4 to CLK1. One is selected from the image data output from N-bit latched circuits 111 to 114 at each nozzle unit according to an output from N-bit latched circuits 115, 116 by an image selector 11 for selecting the image data corresponding to the column to be recorded, and output to an AND circuit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording head, a recording apparatus, a recording method, a recording control method, and a recording head cartridge using the recording head. The present invention relates to a recording method, a recording control method, and a recording head cartridge using the recording head.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Ink-jet recording is characterized by the fact that noise during the recording is extremely small to a negligible level, that high-speed recording is possible, and that so-called plain paper is used without requiring any special processing. Recently, much interest has been attracted because of its advantages such as the ability to fix recorded images.

Among them, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-518
No. 37, German publication (DOLS) 2843064
The recording method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. H06-27139 has a different feature from other ink jet recording methods in that thermal energy is applied to a liquid such as ink to obtain a driving force for discharging a droplet. ing.

That is, according to the recording method disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, the liquid which has been subjected to the action of thermal energy undergoes a state change accompanied by a sharp increase in volume, and the action based on the state change causes the recording head to operate. The liquid is ejected from the orifice at the tip to form flying droplets, and the droplets adhere to the recording medium to perform recording.

[0005] In particular, according to the recording method disclosed in DOLS No. 2843064, not only is it very effectively applied to so-called drop-on-demand recording, but it has a recording width corresponding to the entire width of a recording medium. Since a full-line type recording head having a high-density orifice can be easily realized, there is an advantage that a high-resolution and high-quality image can be obtained at a high speed.

A recording head of a recording apparatus to which such a recording method is applied is provided with an orifice provided for discharging a liquid and a thermal energy for discharging a liquid droplet which communicates with the orifice. And a substrate provided with an electrothermal converter (heat generating element) for generating thermal energy.

In recent years, not only are a plurality of heating elements formed on such a substrate, but also a plurality of drivers for driving the respective heating elements, and image data input in series from a printing apparatus are transferred in parallel to the respective drivers. A logic circuit such as a shift register for temporarily storing image data of the same number of bits as the number of heating elements and a latch circuit for temporarily latching data output from the shift register is provided on the same substrate. It can be implemented in.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a logic circuit of a conventional print head having N heating elements (print elements).

In FIG. 15, reference numeral 700 denotes a substrate, 701 denotes a heating element, 702 denotes a power transistor, 703 denotes an N-bit latch circuit, and 704 denotes an N-bit shift register. Reference numeral 715 denotes the resistance value of the heating element 701 or the substrate 700
And a heater for keeping the substrate 700 warm. A plurality of these sensors and heaters may be mounted, or the sensors and heaters may be integrally formed. Reference numerals 705 to 714 and 716 denote input / output pads. In these input / output pads, 70
Reference numeral 5 denotes a clock input pad for inputting a clock (CLK) for operating the shift register 604, reference numeral 706 denotes an image data input pad for inputting image data (DATA) serially, and reference numeral 707 denotes a latch circuit 703 for holding image data. Latch input pad for inputting the latch clock (LTCLK) of the power transistor 708.
02 is a drive signal input pad for inputting a heat pulse (HEAT) for externally controlling the drive time by energizing the heating element 701 when the heating element 701 is turned on. Reference numeral 709 denotes a drive power supply for a logic circuit (VDD = 3 to 8 V, generally Is a drive power input pad for inputting 5 V), 710 is a GND terminal (VSS), 711
Is a heating element power input pad for inputting a power supply (VH) for driving the heating element 701; 712, a reset input pad for inputting a reset signal (RST) for initializing the latch 703 and the shift register 704; HGND terminal.

Reference numerals 714- (1) to 714- (2) denote output pads for monitor signals and input pads for control signals (SENS1 and SENS2) for driving the sensor and the heater. Further, 716- (1) to 716 (n) are N
Block selection signal (BL) for selecting blocks when time-division driving is performed by dividing the heating elements into n blocks.
K1, BLK2,..., BLKn). Reference numeral 717 denotes an output from the latch circuit 703, a heat signal (HEAT), and block selection signals (BLK1, BLK2,..., BLKn).
AND circuit for calculating the logical product of

The driving sequence of the recording head having the above configuration is as follows. Here, the image data (D
ATA) is binary data of one bit per pixel.

First, when image data (DATA) is serially output from a main body of a printing apparatus equipped with a print head in synchronization with a clock (CLK), the data is taken into a shift register 704. Next, the captured image data (DATA) is temporarily stored in the latch circuit 703, and is turned on according to the value of the image data (“0” or “1”).
The / OFF output is output from the latch circuit 703.

In such a state, the heat pulse (HEA
T) and the block selection signal, the latch circuit 7
03, the power transistor corresponding to the heating element whose block is selected by the block selection signal is supplied with the input heat pulse (HEA).
The drive is performed only during the time when T) is ON, whereby a current flows through the corresponding heating element to execute a recording operation.

As described above, the block selection signal (BLK)
, BLK2,..., BLKn), the number of simultaneously driven heating elements 701 is reduced by time-division driving for each block, so that it is not necessary to supply an excessive power supply to the recording head, and a large current The generation of noise due to the injection is prevented.

The recording head having the above structure is mounted on a carriage of a recording apparatus, and moves with the reciprocating movement of the carriage (the moving direction is called a main scanning direction).
Ink is ejected on recording paper according to the recording data. Each time the carriage reciprocates, the recording paper is conveyed by the recording width of the recording head (the conveying direction is referred to as a sub-scanning direction). By repeating such an operation for one recording sheet, an image is recorded on the recording sheet.

FIG. 16 is a signal time chart when the recording head executes recording for one recording cycle. here,
One recording cycle refers to one recording operation of the recording width performed by the recording head at the same position in the main scanning direction. For example, if the value of the print data corresponding to the print width is "1" in one print cycle, all the heating elements of the print head are driven.

According to FIG. 16, prior to the recording operation, a reset signal (RST) is input, and after the latch 703 and the shift register 704 are initialized, the clock (CL)
K), image data (DATA) is input. On the other hand, the image data (D
ATA) is latched in the latch 703 by the latch clock (LTCLK).

Each bit of the image data (DATA) latched by the latch 703 is stored in the corresponding AND circuit 71.
7 is input to one terminal. Here, the heat pulse (HE
AT) is input at a predetermined cycle, and on the other hand, when the block selection signal is input to the AND circuit 717 in order of BLK1, BLK2, BLK3,..., BLKn, the logical product of the AND circuit results in "1" The heater current flows through the heat generating element 701 corresponding to the power transistor 702 to which the power transistor 702 is input.

[0019]

As a trend in recent years, the number of nozzles provided in one recording head has been increasing, and recording heads having a recording width of 100 mm or more have been developed. In the case of such a recording head having a long recording width,
Due to the linearity of the members constituting the recording head, variations in nozzles, etc., the position at which the ink droplets are ejected from the orifice and fly to reach a recording medium such as recording paper is shifted from an ideal position, From the viewpoint of recording quality, the probability that one pixel or more is considered to be allowable for the “shift” has increased. Since a recording head in which a displacement of 1 pixel or more occurs cannot be shipped as a product, this leads to a decrease in yield and directly affects the production cost of the recording head.

With respect to such "displacement", for the "displacement" in the nozzle row direction of the recording head (usually in the sub-scanning direction), a number of nozzles corresponding to the recording width or more are previously mounted on the recording head. It is conceivable that a sufficient measure can be taken by shifting the nozzles to be used in accordance with the "deviation" that occurs.

However, the "shift" in the direction perpendicular to the nozzle row (usually the direction of movement of the recording head (main scanning direction)).
For example, in color printing proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-231756, in which a plurality of printing heads are arranged in the main scanning direction and printing is performed, the relative position of each printing head is corrected in pixel units. There is no effective method for correcting a "deviation" of one pixel or more (one column in the main scanning direction) or more for each nozzle only with a correction method for each head. In particular, in the case of a print head having a long print width, the "deviation" in nozzle units becomes large.
This causes a decrease in yield.

FIG. 17 shows an ideal discharge point when a recording head having ten ink discharge nozzles (nozzles 1 to 10) discharges ink while moving in the main scanning direction to print a character pattern "1A". FIG. 7 is a diagram comparing the actual discharge point with the actual discharge point. In FIG. 17, ○ indicates an ideal discharge point, and ● indicates an actual discharge point.

As shown in FIG. 17, the character patterns indicated by a set of ● are shifted by one pixel or more in the main scanning direction everywhere. Therefore, the recording quality of the character pattern “1A” is so low that the character pattern “1A” cannot be decoded. Has deteriorated. In order to correct such “shift” close to one column or “shift” exceeding one column, it is conceivable to correct image data on the printing apparatus side and transfer the corrected image data to the print head. However, in such a method, the circuit configuration on the recording apparatus side is complicated, and the memory required for the correction requires a larger capacity, which leads to an increase in the cost of the entire apparatus and an effective correction method. I can not say.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned prior art, and has a simple configuration, a recording head capable of correcting a deviation of a recording dot position in a moving direction of the recording head, a recording control method using the recording head, and recording therefor. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus using a head and a recording head cartridge thereof.

[0025]

To achieve the above object, a recording head according to the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, a recording head that performs scanning relative to a recording medium and performs recording on a plurality of columns, and corresponds to a plurality of printing elements for performing printing and a plurality of printing elements related to printing. Storage means for holding a plurality of image data of the column, a selection circuit for selecting image data corresponding to the column to be recorded from the image data corresponding to the plurality of columns held in the storage means, Driving means for driving the plurality of recording elements based on the selected image data.

The recording apparatus according to the present invention is a recording apparatus for performing recording on a plurality of columns by scanning relative to a recording medium, comprising a plurality of recording elements for performing recording, and a recording apparatus. Storage means for holding a plurality of image data of the column corresponding to the plurality of printing elements according to the above, corresponding to the column to be recorded from the image data corresponding to the plurality of columns held in the storage means A recording head having a selection circuit for selecting image data, a driving unit for driving the plurality of recording elements based on the image data selected by the selection circuit, and a supply for supplying an image signal to the recording head Means.

Further, the recording method according to the present invention, in which a recording head having a plurality of recording elements is relatively scanned on a recording medium and recording is performed on a plurality of columns, corresponds to a plurality of recording elements related to recording. A supplying step of supplying the data of the set columns, a holding step of holding a plurality of image data of the columns in a storage medium, and recording from the image data corresponding to the plurality of columns held in the storage medium. A selecting step of selecting image data corresponding to a power column; and a driving step of driving the plurality of printing elements based on the image data selected in the selecting step.

Further, N heating elements arranged in a line,
N driving circuits for driving the heating elements, an N-bit shift register for temporarily storing N-bit image data, and correction data prepared in advance for correcting the misalignment of the N heating elements. N first N-bit latch circuits for storing, 2n second N-bit latch circuits for holding 2n × N bits of image data stored in the N-bit shift register; Based on the correction data stored in the bit latch circuit, one of the image data held in the 2n second N-bit latch circuits is selected for each of the N heating elements, and the N number of driving elements are selected. And a control circuit for controlling the circuit to perform a recording operation by driving the circuit.

Further, an EEPRO for storing correction data
M may be included.

In addition, n includes “2”. In this case, the control circuit converts the correction data represented by 2 bits for each of the N heating elements stored in the two first N-bit latch circuits. And a selector for selecting one of the image data held in the four second N-bit latch circuits corresponding to each of the N heating elements.

Here, the recording head may be an ink jet recording head that performs recording by discharging ink, or a recording head that discharges ink by using thermal energy. A heat energy converter for generating the heat energy may be provided.

Further, 2n second N-bit latch circuits may be connected in series, and each time a latch clock is input, N-bit image data may be transferred to an adjacent circuit. .

The correction data is generated by mounting a recording head on an external device, recording a predetermined pattern on a trial basis, and performing image processing on the recording pattern.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for performing recording using the recording head having the above-described configuration, comprising: a scanning unit for reciprocating the recording head in a first direction; Transport means for transporting the recording medium in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction in the arrangement direction; and, prior to a recording operation, the correction data is stored in the n first N-bit latches. Correction data setting means for outputting the data to be held by a circuit, transfer means for transferring image data to the recording head in N-bit units, and transmitting a latch clock for each transfer unit by the transfer means,
And a hold control unit for controlling the image data sequentially transferred to the second N-bit latch circuits to be held in N-bit units.

Here, the correction data is data for instructing to shift the printing position in the first direction in units of heating elements of the print head, and the unit of the shift is determined by the printing resolution in the first direction. This is the size of one recording dot.

The recording apparatus may further include an EEPROM for storing correction data.

Further, test operation control means for controlling a recording head to record a predetermined pattern on the recording medium, reading means for reading the recording medium from the recording medium on which the predetermined pattern is recorded, and data read from the recording medium May be provided with image processing means for performing image processing on the image, and generating means for generating correction data based on the result of the image processing.

Here, the reading means includes a light emitting means such as an LED which irradiates the recording medium with light, and a light receiving means such as a CCD which receives the reflected light and converts it into an electric signal.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording control method for controlling a recording operation by using the recording head having the above-described configuration, wherein the correction data is converted into the n first data before the recording operation. A correction data setting step of outputting data to be held by an N-bit latch circuit, a transfer step of transferring image data to the recording head in N-bit units, and transmitting a latch clock for each transfer unit in the transfer step;
A hold control step of controlling image data sequentially transferred to the 2n second N-bit latch circuits to be held in N-bit units; and a correction control stored in the n first N-bit latch circuits. Based on the data, one of the image data held in the 2n second N-bit latch circuits is selected for each of the N heating elements, and the N driving circuits are driven to perform a recording operation. And a recording control step of controlling the recording to be performed.

With the above-described configuration, the present invention allows a predetermined pattern to be preliminarily recorded on a test basis and generates correction data in consideration of the recording characteristics of a recording head generated by performing image processing on the recording pattern. The data is stored in an EEPROM or the like, and the correction data is output so as to be held in n first N-bit latch circuits prior to the recording operation, and then the image data is transferred to the recording head in N-bit units. , A latch clock is transmitted for each transfer unit, and 2
controlling the image data sequentially transferred to the n second N-bit latch circuits to be held in N-bit units;
Selecting one of the image data held in the 2n second N-bit latch circuits for each of the N heating elements based on the correction data stored in the first N-bit latch circuits; Control is performed to drive the N drive circuits to perform the recording operation.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, N printing elements arranged in a line, a holding circuit for holding the image data of the plurality of rows of the N printing elements, and the N heating elements are provided. A memory circuit that stores correction data for a shift of a recording dot to be recorded, and the plurality of pixels held by the hold circuit for each of the N recording elements based on the correction data stored in the memory circuit. And a control circuit for controlling one of the image data for the columns to drive the N printing elements to perform a printing operation.

The recording head may be an ink-jet recording head having an EEPROM as a memory circuit and discharging ink to perform recording, or a recording head discharging ink using thermal energy. There may be provided a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy to be applied to the ink.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printhead cartridge having the above-described printhead and an ink container holding ink to be supplied to the printhead.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus using the recording head having the above configuration.

[0045]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Schematic Description of Apparatus Main Body> FIG. 1 shows an ink jet printer IJ which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.
It is an external appearance perspective view showing the outline of composition of RA. In FIG. 1, a carriage HC that engages with a spiral groove 5004 of a lead screw 5005 that rotates via driving force transmission gears 5009 to 5011 in conjunction with forward and reverse rotation of a drive motor 5013 has pins (not shown). Guide rail 50
The recording head mounted thereon and the recording medium such as the recording paper P are relatively moved by reciprocatingly moving in the directions of arrows a and b supported by 03. The print head IJ is provided on the carriage HC.
An integrated ink-jet cartridge IJC incorporating H and an ink tank IT is mounted. A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the recording paper P against the platen 5000 in the moving direction of the carriage HC. 500
Reference numeral 7,5008 denotes a photo coupler, which is a lever 5 of the carriage.
006 is a home position detector for confirming the existence in this area and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member for supporting a cap member 5022 for capping the front surface of the recording head IJH.
Reference numeral 5 denotes a suction device that suctions the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. 50
Reference numeral 17 denotes a cleaning blade. Reference numeral 5019 denotes a member that allows the blade to move in the front-rear direction. These members are supported by a main body support plate 5018. It goes without saying that the blade is not limited to this form and a known cleaning blade can be applied to this example. Reference numeral 5021 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery of suction. The lever 5021 moves with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage, and the driving force from the driving motor is controlled by a known transmission mechanism such as clutch switching. Is done.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage comes to the area on the home position side. If a desired operation is performed at the timing, any of the embodiments can be applied.

Further, the ink jet printer IJRA having the above-described configuration is provided with an automatic recording paper feeder (not shown).
Is provided to automatically feed the recording paper P.

Further, the ink jet cartridge IJ
As the configuration of C, as described above, besides the integrated cartridge incorporating the recording head IJH and the ink tank IT, an inkjet cartridge having a configuration as shown in FIG. 2 may be used.

That is, in the ink jet cartridge IJC having the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a print head IJH having a plurality of discharge ports 500 and an ink tank IT holding ink to be supplied to the print head IJH are positioned at a boundary K. Are connected in a separable manner. The inkjet cartridge is provided with an electrical contact for receiving an electrical signal from the carriage HC when the inkjet cartridge is mounted on the carriage HC, and the electrical signal drives the recording head IJH. A fibrous or porous ink absorber is provided inside the ink tank IT constituting the ink jet cartridge, and the ink is held by these ink absorbers.

<Description of Control Structure> Next, a control structure for executing the recording control of the above-described apparatus will be described.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the ink jet printer IJRA. In the figure showing a control circuit, 1700 is an interface for inputting a recording signal, 1701 is an MPU, 1702 is an MPU 170
ROM for storing a control program to be executed by PC 1, 170
Reference numeral 3 denotes a DRAM for storing various data (such as the print signal and print data supplied to the print head IJH). Reference numeral 1704 denotes a gate array (GA) for controlling supply of print data to the print head IJH, and includes an interface 1700, an MPU 1701, and a RAM 1703.
It also controls data transfer between them. 1710 is a recording head IJ
A carrier motor for transporting H, and 1709 a transport motor for transporting the recording paper. 1705, a head driver for driving the recording head IJH, 1706, 1707
Are the transport motor 1709 and the carrier motor 171 respectively.
0 is a motor driver for driving 0.

The operation of the above control configuration will be described. When a recording signal enters the interface 1700, the gate array 17
04 and the MPU 1701 converts the recording signal into recording data for printing. Then, the motor driver 17
06 and 1707 are driven, and the head driver 1
Print head IJH according to the print data sent to
Is driven, and recording is performed.

<Internal Structure of Recording Head IJH> FIG. 4 is a partially broken perspective view showing the internal structure of the recording head IJH.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 100 denotes a substrate on which a logic circuit is mounted; 500, a discharge port (orifice) for discharging ink; 501, an ink liquid path; and 502, a plurality of ink liquid paths communicating with each other to temporarily store ink. 503, an ink supply port for supplying ink from an ink tank (not shown); 504, a top plate; 505, a top plate 504;
A flow path wall member forming an ink liquid path 501 together with
Reference numeral 06 denotes a heating element as a printing element, and reference numeral 507 denotes wiring for connecting the logic circuit and the heating element 701.

The logic circuit, the heating element 601, and the wiring 607 are
A top plate 504 and a flow path wall member 505, which are formed on the base 100 using a semiconductor manufacturing process, and have an ink supply port 503 attached thereto, are attached to the recording head IJH. Then, the ink injected from the ink supply port 503 is stored in the internal common ink liquid chamber 502 and supplied to each of the liquid paths 501. In this state, the heating element 701 is driven to discharge the ink from the discharge port 600. You.

<Structure of Logic Circuit of Printhead IJH> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a structure of a logic circuit of the printhead IJH. In FIG. 5, the same components as those of the conventional logic circuit shown in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 101 denotes a latch circuit block having a built-in correction circuit for performing a shift correction of image data in the main scanning direction by these latch circuits, and 102 to 107 include six latch circuits. Latch clocks (LCLK1, LCLK
2, LCLK3, LCLK4, LCLKA, LCLK
A signal input pad 108 for supplying B), an EEPROM 10 for storing correction data for correcting a shift between a column to be recorded and a column to be recorded, which will be described later, 10
9 is a data output pad for reading correction data from the EEPROM 108, and 110 is a data input pad for writing correction data to the EEPROM 108.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the latch circuit block 101 with a built-in selection information holding circuit.

In FIG. 6, reference numerals 111 to 116 denote N-bit latch circuits, and 117 denotes an image data selector (IDSB).
It is. Comparing this configuration with the conventional example, the conventional configuration has a configuration in which one N-bit latch circuit is provided for the N-bit shift register. In this embodiment, however, as a storage unit for holding image data of a plurality of columns, Four N
The configuration includes bit latch circuits 111 to 114. The N-bit latch circuits 111 to 114 take in data according to the latch clocks (LCLK1 to 4), for example, if these signals are “High”, and
ow "holds the data.

The N-bit latch circuits 111 to 114
Are as follows, as shown in FIG.

That is, the N-bit latch circuit 114 inputs image data from the N-bit shift register 704 according to the latch clock (LCLK4), and the N-bit latch circuit 113 receives image data from the N-bit latch circuit 114 according to the latch clock (LCLK3). The N-bit latch circuit 112 receives the latch clock (LCLK2)
The image data is input from the N-bit latch circuit 113 according to the following equation.
2 to input image data. The output of each latch is connected to an image data selector (IDSB) 117.

Further, N-bit latch circuits 115-1
Numeral 16 is for holding data necessary for selecting one of the image data for a plurality of columns connected to the image data selector (IDSB) 117 separately from the N-bit latch circuits 111 to 114 in nozzle units. Used.
That is, in this embodiment, since two columns of selection data are required for each nozzle in order to select one column of data from four columns of data in units of nozzles (heating elements), two N-bit latch circuits are used. Is used. The N-bit latch circuits 115 to 116 have a latch clock (LCL).
KA, LCLKB), and the data from the N-bit register 704 is held. The outputs of the N-bit latch circuits 115 to 116 are
To the image data selector (IDSB) 117 in the same manner as the image data output from the.

Then, an image data selector (ID) for selecting image data corresponding to a column (row) to be recorded.
In step SB) 117, one of the image data output from the N-bit latch circuits 111 to 114 is selected for each nozzle in accordance with the output from the N-bit latch circuits 115 to 116, and is output to the AND circuit 717.

<Process Required for Misalignment Correction> Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, processing required for performing misalignment correction using the recording head having the above configuration will be described. explain.

(1) Generation and Writing of Correction Data First, at the end of the printhead manufacturing process, for example,
Using a recording head correction device as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-35337 (filed on Feb. 23, 1995), a test pattern is recorded on a recording medium by a manufactured recording head, and the recording pattern is recorded. To generate correction data. That is, according to the flowchart in FIG.
At 10, the recording head is mounted on the recording head correction device, and at step S20, for example, a character pattern of "1A" as shown in FIG. 17 is used as a test pattern and recorded on a recording sheet. Subsequently, in step S30, the test pattern is read by a CCD camera or the like, and in step S40, the read information is subjected to image processing. By this image processing, it is checked how many pixels the actual ink discharge point is shifted in the main scanning direction with respect to the ideal discharge point. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, in the case of a print head having ten nozzles, if the shift to the right from the ideal discharge point is “+” and the shift to the left is “−”, Nozzle 1 is "-2", nozzle 2
Are "+1",..., The nozzle 10 is shifted by "0".

In step S50, the "shift" obtained as described above is converted into 2-bit data. Here, −2 → 00 (MSB, LSB), −1 → 01, 0
→ 10, + 1 → 11. The 2-bit data is used as data for correcting deviation in an actual recording operation described later. This data is input to N-bit latches 115 to 116 prior to the actual printing operation, and one of the data for four columns is selected for each nozzle based on this data. In this embodiment, when the value of the data is “−2 (00)”, the N-bit latch 11
The image data held at 1 is selected, and “−1 (0
1) ”, the image data held by the N-bit latch 112 is selected, and when it is“ 0 (10) ”, the image data held by the N-bit latch 113 is selected, and“ 1 (11) ”. ”, The N-bit latch 11
4 is selected.

Finally, in step S60, the obtained correction data is written to the EEPROM 108 of the recording head.

If the recording head is not of a replaceable type but of a type fixed to the recording apparatus, it is not necessary to provide the recording head with an EEPROM, and the obtained correction data is transferred to an EEPROM provided in the recording apparatus. May be stored.

In the above example, the generation and storage of the correction data are performed at the end of the manufacturing process of the recording head, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, FIG.
If the recording apparatus is configured as shown in (1) and a function of generating correction data is incorporated in the main body of the recording apparatus, the user can periodically correct the deviation.

At this time, the recording apparatus executes the processing shown in FIG. For example, the operation panel 17
If the user instructs the generation of the correction data from 11, FIG.
Is executed by the MPU 1701, and the correction data obtained as a result is stored in the EEPROM 1708. However, when performing such processing, a recording sheet is fed to the recording apparatus, and a test pattern is drawn on the recording sheet by the recording head IJH. Then, for example, the test pattern is read by an optical scanner 1712 attached to the side surface of the carriage HC. The optical scanner 1712 includes an LED 1713 for irradiating the recording paper with light, and a CCD 1714 for receiving the reflected light and converting it into an electric signal.
The output from 14 is converted to a digital signal by A / D converter 1715.

(2) Misalignment Correction and Recording Using Correction Data Correction data is generated as described above, and after the data is stored in the recording head IJH or the EEPROM of the recording apparatus, actual recording is performed. . At this time, FIG.
The processing shown in FIG.

That is, in step S100, EEPRO
M (here, the EEPR provided in the printhead IJH)
OM 108). Then, in step S110, the correction data is held in N-bit latches 115 to 116. To do this,
As shown in FIG. 10, first, the LSB side of the 2-bit correction data is transmitted to the N-bit shift register 704 according to the clock (CLK), and the data is transmitted to the N-bit latch 115 by the latch clock (LCLKA). And then the N-bit shift register 7
In accordance with the clock (CLK), first, the MSB side of the 2-bit correction data is transmitted, and the data is held in the N-bit latch 116 by the latch clock (LCLKB). Here, other latch clocks (LCLK1 to 4) are not used.

By the above operation, the states of the N-bit latches 115 to 116 are changed from the initial state (the state where all the latches are "0") shown in FIG. 11A to the state shown in FIG.
To the correction data hold state shown in FIG.

Next, in step S120, the actual image data is clocked into N-bit shift register 704 (C
LK). This image data (DATA)
Is made according to a clock (CLK) as shown in FIG.
4 is set with data as shown in FIG. Further, in step S130, as shown in FIG. 12, the input data is latched in the N-bit latch 114 by the latch clock (LCLK4). As a result, data is set in the N-bit latch 114 as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, following the input of the latch clock (LCLK4), other latch clocks (LCLK3, LCLK2, LCLK) are input.
CLK1) are also sequentially input, and as described above, the data held in the N-bit latch 114 is held in the N-bit latch 113, the N-bit latch 112 held in the N-bit latch 113, and the N-bit latch 112. The shifted data is shifted and transferred to the N-bit latch 111, respectively.

The latch data is output to the image data selector (IDSB) 117. In step S140, according to the correction data held in the N-bit latches 115 to 116, as shown in FIG. Only the latch data for the nozzle having a value of “11” in binary expression is selected and output to the AND circuit 117 as an image data selector. Further, in step S150, as shown in FIG.
17 and the block selection signal (BLK1).
To n) and the heat signal (HEAT),
1 is driven and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles.

Normally, during the operation of steps S130 to S150, the next N bits of image data are input to the N-bit shift register 704 in step S160. However, in FIG. 13, to simplify the description,
It is assumed that there is no input of the next N bits of image data.

Next, in step S170, it is checked whether or not the printing operation for one scan of the print head has been completed. If it is determined that the printing operation for one scan has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1.
The process proceeds to step S70, where the recording sheet is conveyed by the recording width of the recording head IJH, and the process proceeds to step S190. In step S190, it is determined whether or not the recording operation for one page of the recording paper has been completed. If it is determined that the recording operation for one page has been completed, the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S170 and step S190 that the printing operation for one scan and one page has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S170.
Returning to step 130, the recording operation is continued.

Here, the aforementioned N-bit shift register 7
Focusing on the image data inputted to the N. 04 and latched by the N-bit latch 114 by the latch clock (LCLK4), when the process returns to step S130, the next latch clock (here, LTCLK3)
As a result, as shown in FIG.
The data is shifted from the bit latch 114 to the N-bit latch 113. Then, in step S140, FIG.
As shown in (c), only the latch data for the nozzle whose correction data value is “10” in binary expression is selected and output to the AND circuit 117. Further, in step S150, the same ink ejection The recording operation is performed.

Further, the image data is shifted and transferred from the N-bit latch 113 to the N-bit latch 112 by the next latch clock (here, LTCLK2), as shown in FIG.
Then, as shown in FIG. 13D, only the latch data for the nozzle whose correction data value is “01” in binary expression is selected and output to the AND circuit 117. Further, in step S150, Is performed.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a dot pattern constituting the character pattern "1A" recorded by the above operation. In this drawing, the number of nozzles of the recording head IJH is set to ten for simplicity. As is clear from FIG. 14, the ejection position of the ink droplet on the recording paper is corrected by such correction, and the dot pattern formed as a result is, for example, compared with the pattern shown in FIG. , Its recording quality has been improved.

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the shift correction data in the main scanning direction of the print head calculated from the printed test pattern is stored in the EEPROM in advance, and prior to the actual printing operation, the printing is performed prior to the printing. The correction data is held in a latch circuit having a built-in correction circuit in the printhead, and when image data is actually input, the printing operation based on that data is mainly performed for each nozzle of the printhead based on the correction data. Since the control is performed such that the printing is performed by several pixels (several columns) in the scanning direction, the deviation of the printing position in the main scanning direction is corrected for each nozzle, and higher quality printing can be performed.

Further attention is given to the recording control. Compared with the conventional recording control, the latch clock (LC
LK1 to 4), the image data transfer clock (CLK) and the image data (DAT
A), heat signal (HEAT), block selection signal (B
There is an advantage that the timing control for other signals such as LK1-n) does not need to be changed at all.

In the above embodiment, the EEPROM
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that another element (such as an OTPROM) may be used.

In the embodiment described above, the example of the recording head that performs recording according to the ink jet system has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a recording head that performs recording according to a thermal transfer method or a thermal method.

However, the present invention can be applied to an ink jet recording apparatus using a piezoelectric element as a recording element. Among the ink jet recording methods, in particular, thermal energy is generated as energy used for discharging ink. Applying the present invention to a system that includes means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam as a heating element) and causes a change in the state of ink by the thermal energy achieves higher density and higher definition of recording. It is more desirable because it can.

The typical configuration and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, liquid (ink)
By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding the film boiling to an electrothermal transducer arranged corresponding to the sheet or the liquid path in which Since thermal energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer and film boiling occurs on the heat-acting surface of the recording head, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis can be formed. It is valid. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.

As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

The configuration of the recording head is not limited to the combination of a discharge port, a liquid path, and an electrothermal converter (a linear liquid flow path or a right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications. A configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting surface is arranged in a bent region, is also included in the present invention. In addition, for multiple electrothermal transducers,
JP-A-59-123670 which discloses a configuration in which a common slot is used as a discharge part of an electrothermal transducer, and JP-A-59-123670 which discloses a configuration in which an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy corresponds to a discharge part. A configuration based on 138461 may be adopted.

Further, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, the length is determined by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification. This may be either a configuration satisfying the above requirements or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally.

In addition to the cartridge type recording head in which the ink tank is provided integrally with the recording head itself described in the above embodiment, the recording head is electrically connected to the apparatus main body by being mounted on the apparatus main body. A replaceable chip-type recording head, which enables a simple connection and supply of ink from the apparatus main body, may be used.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the print head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like to the configuration of the printing apparatus described above, since the printing operation can be further stabilized. Specific examples thereof include capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof. It is also effective to provide a preliminary ejection mode for performing ejection that is different from printing, in order to perform stable printing.

Further, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but may be a single recording head or a combination of a plurality of recording heads. Alternatively, the apparatus may be provided with at least one of full colors by color mixture.

In the embodiments described above, the description is made on the assumption that the ink is a liquid. However, even if the ink solidifies at room temperature or lower, it is possible to use an ink that softens or liquefies at room temperature. Or, in the ink jet method, generally, the temperature of the ink itself is controlled within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range.
It is sufficient that the ink is in a liquid state when the use recording signal is applied.

In addition, in order to positively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, the temperature is positively prevented.
Alternatively, in order to prevent evaporation of the ink, an ink which solidifies in a standing state and liquefies by heating may be used. In any case, the application of heat energy causes the ink to be liquefied by application of the heat energy according to the recording signal and the liquid ink to be ejected, or to start to solidify when reaching the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of liquefying for the first time is used. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

[0097] In addition to the above, the recording apparatus according to the present invention may be provided not only as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer but also integrally or separately, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and a transmission / reception apparatus. It may take the form of a facsimile machine having functions.

The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and can be applied to a single device (for example, a copier, a facsimile). Device).

[0099]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of columns of image data corresponding to a plurality of printing elements for printing are held, and a column to be printed is selected from the held image data. Since printing is performed by selecting image data corresponding to the above, the driving column and the column on which printing is performed can be changed for each nozzle.

The correction data prepared in advance is stored in, for example, an EEPROM or the like, and the correction data is output so as to be held in n first N-bit latch circuits prior to the recording operation. Next, N
The data is transferred to the recording head in bit units, a latch clock is transmitted in each transfer unit, and control is performed such that the image data sequentially transferred to the 2n second N-bit latch circuits is held in N bit units, Based on the correction data stored in the n first N-bit latch circuits, one of the image data held in the 2n second N-bit latch circuits is selected for each of the N heating elements. , N drive circuits are driven to perform a printing operation. Therefore, when the arrangement of the heating elements of the print head is perpendicular to the scan direction of the print head, the printhead has a print resolution higher than the scan direction. With respect to the recording deviation, there is an effect that the recording deviation can be corrected for each heating element with a simple configuration.

Therefore, when the recording width of the recording head is long, for example, a recording deviation caused by bending of a member constituting the recording head or variation in manufacturing is corrected.
High-quality recording can be performed. Further, such correction greatly contributes to the improvement of the yield of the manufactured recording head itself, which also contributes to the reduction of the manufacturing cost.

[0102]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an outline of a configuration of an ink jet printer IJRA which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an inkjet cartridge IJC having a configuration in which a recording head IJH and an ink tank IT can be separated.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit of the inkjet printer IJRA.

FIG. 4 is a partially broken perspective view showing an internal structure of a print head mounted on the printing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a logic circuit of the printhead IJH.

FIG. 6 is a latch circuit block 10 with a built-in selection information holding circuit.
1 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating and writing correction data.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit of the inkjet printer IJRA having a displacement correction function.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a shift correction and a recording operation using correction data.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart of various signals used to hold correction data in a latch circuit block with a built-in correction circuit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state of data holding of a latch circuit of a latch circuit block with a built-in correction circuit at the time of holding processing of correction data.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart of various signals used for performing a shift correction and a recording operation.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state of image data hold of a latch circuit of a latch circuit block with a built-in correction circuit during a recording operation.

FIG. 14 shows a character pattern “1” recorded with deviation correction.
It is a figure showing a dot pattern which constitutes A ".

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a logic circuit of a conventional print head.

FIG. 16 is a signal time chart when the recording head executes recording for one recording cycle.

FIG. 17 is a diagram comparing an ideal ejection point and an actual ejection point when printing the character pattern “1A”.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Latch Circuit Block with Built-in Correction Circuit 108 EEPROM 111-116 N-bit Latch 117 Image Data Selector IJH Recording Head

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Mochizuki Muga 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Toshimori Miyakoshi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc.

Claims (34)

[Claims] 1. A printing head for performing printing on a plurality of columns by scanning relatively with respect to a printing medium, a plurality of printing elements for performing printing, and a plurality of printing elements related to printing. Storing means for holding a plurality of image data of the column corresponding to the above, and selecting selecting image data corresponding to a column to be recorded from image data corresponding to a plurality of columns held in the storing means A printhead, comprising: a circuit; and driving means for driving the plurality of print elements based on the selected image data. 2. The printhead according to claim 1, wherein said selection circuit is means for selecting image data in which a shift in a printing position due to driving of a printing element has been corrected. 3. The recording head according to claim 1, wherein the recording element is a heating element. 4. The recording head according to claim 1, wherein an ejection port for ejecting ink and a liquid flow path are provided corresponding to the recording element. 5. The printhead according to claim 1, wherein said storage means is means for sequentially shifting and holding data of said column corresponding to a plurality of printing elements related to said printing. 6. A printing apparatus for performing printing on a plurality of columns by scanning relatively to a printing medium, comprising: a plurality of printing elements for performing printing; and a plurality of printing elements for printing. Storage means for holding a plurality of image data of the corresponding columns, and a selection circuit for selecting image data corresponding to a column to be recorded from image data corresponding to the plurality of columns held in the storage means A printhead having driving means for driving the plurality of printing elements based on image data selected by the selection circuit; and supply means for supplying an image signal to the printhead. Recording device. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said selection circuit is means for selecting image data in which a shift of a printing position due to driving of a printing element is corrected. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the recording element is a heating element. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an ejection port for ejecting ink and a liquid flow path are provided corresponding to the recording element. 10. A recording method for performing recording on a plurality of columns by relatively scanning a recording head having a plurality of recording elements on a recording medium, the recording method corresponding to a plurality of recording elements related to recording. A supply step of supplying column data; a holding step of holding a plurality of image data of the column in a storage medium; and recording from image data corresponding to the plurality of columns held in the storage medium. A printing method, comprising: a selection step of selecting image data corresponding to a column; and a driving step of driving the plurality of printing elements based on the image data selected in the selection step. 11. The recording method according to claim 10, wherein said selecting step is a step of selecting image data in which a shift of a printing position due to driving of a printing element is corrected. 12. The recording method according to claim 10, wherein the recording element is a heating element. 13. The recording method according to claim 10, wherein ink is ejected from an ejection port by driving the recording element. . 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein data of said column corresponding to a plurality of printing elements related to said printing stored in said storage medium are sequentially shifted and stored.
Recording method described in 1. 15. N heating elements arranged in a row, N driving circuits for driving the heating elements, an N-bit shift register for temporarily storing N-bit image data, N first N-bit latch circuits for storing correction data prepared in advance for correcting misalignment of the plurality of heating elements, and holding 2n × N bits of image data stored in the N-bit shift register 2n second N-bit latch circuits; and 2n second N-bit latch circuits for each of the N heating elements based on the correction data stored in the first N-bit latch circuit. 1 from the held image data
And a control circuit for controlling one of the N drive circuits to perform a print operation. 16. An EEPROM for storing the correction data.
The recording head according to claim 15, wherein M is included. 17. The recording head according to claim 15, wherein n includes “2”. 18. The control circuit according to claim 18, wherein the two first N
Based on the correction data represented by 2 bits for each of the N heating elements stored in the bit latch circuit, the data is held by the four second N-bit latch circuits corresponding to each of the N heating elements. 18. The recording head according to claim 17, further comprising a selector for selecting one of the image data. 19. The recording head according to claim 15, wherein the recording head is an inkjet recording head that performs recording by discharging ink. 20. The recording head, which ejects ink by using thermal energy, includes a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy to be applied to the ink. Item 16. A recording head according to item 15. 21. The 2n second N-bit latch circuits are connected in series, and transfer N-bit image data to an adjacent circuit every time a latch clock is input. The recording head according to claim 15. 22. The correction data according to claim 15, wherein the correction data is generated by mounting the recording head on an external device, recording a predetermined pattern on a trial basis, and performing image processing on the recording pattern. The recording head as described. 23. A recording apparatus for performing recording using the recording head according to claim 15, wherein: a scanning unit that reciprocates the recording head in a first direction; Transport means for transporting the recording medium in a second direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction in the arrangement direction of the heating elements;
Correction data setting means for outputting data to be held by an N-bit latch circuit; transfer means for transferring image data to the recording head in N-bit units; and transmitting a latch clock for each transfer unit by the transfer means. And a hold control unit for controlling the image data sequentially transferred to the 2n second N-bit latch circuits to be held in N-bit units. 24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the correction data is data for giving an instruction to shift a recording position in the first direction in units of a heating element of the recording head.
The recording device according to claim 1. 25. The recording apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the unit of the shift is a size of one recording dot determined by a recording resolution in the first direction. 26. EEPRO for storing the correction data
The recording apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising M. 27. A test operation control means for controlling the recording head to record a predetermined pattern on a recording medium; a reading means for reading a recording medium from the recording medium on which the predetermined pattern is recorded; 24. The recording apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising: image processing means for performing image processing on the read data; and generating means for generating correction data based on a result of the image processing. 28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the reading unit includes: a light emitting unit that irradiates the recording medium with light; and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the light and converts the reflected light into an electric signal. The recording device according to any one of the preceding claims. 29. A recording control method for controlling a recording operation using the recording head according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein prior to the recording operation, the correction data is converted into the n first data.
A correction data setting step of outputting the data to be held by the N-bit latch circuit, a transfer step of transferring image data to the recording head in N-bit units, and transmitting a latch clock for each transfer unit in the transfer step. A hold control step of controlling the image data sequentially transferred to the 2n second N-bit latch circuits to be held in N-bit units; and a correction control stored in the n first N-bit latch circuits. Based on the data, one of the image data held in the 2n second N-bit latch circuits is selected for each of the N heating elements, and the N driving circuits are driven to perform a recording operation. A recording control step of controlling the recording to be performed. 30. N printing elements arranged in a line, a hold circuit for holding image data of a plurality of rows of the N printing elements, and a shift of printing dots printed by the N printing elements. And a memory circuit for storing correction data for: based on the correction data stored in the memory circuit,
A control circuit for selecting one of the plurality of columns of image data held in the hold circuit for each of the N printing elements, and controlling the N printing elements to perform a printing operation. And a recording head comprising: 31. The recording head according to claim 30, wherein the memory circuit includes an EEPROM. 32. The recording head according to claim 30, wherein the recording head is an ink jet recording head that performs recording by discharging ink. 33. The recording head, which ejects ink using thermal energy, comprises a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy to be applied to the ink. Item 30. The recording head according to Item 30, 34. A recording head cartridge according to claim 1, 15 or 30, further comprising an ink container holding ink to be supplied to said recording head.