CN100548683C - Head substrate, printhead, a box and PRN device - Google Patents

Head substrate, printhead, a box and PRN device Download PDF

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Publication number
CN100548683C
CN100548683C CNB2005800170980A CN200580017098A CN100548683C CN 100548683 C CN100548683 C CN 100548683C CN B2005800170980 A CNB2005800170980 A CN B2005800170980A CN 200580017098 A CN200580017098 A CN 200580017098A CN 100548683 C CN100548683 C CN 100548683C
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China
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circuit
current
voltage
heater
head substrate
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CN1960875A (en
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平山信之
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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Abstract

The present invention relates to a kind of head substrate, printhead, a box and PRN device.An object of the present invention is, flow to the current value of type element, and adjust the energy that is applied to type element in the ink jet-print head, thereby realize the printing of better quality with higher speed by change.In order to achieve this end, arrange current regulating circuit on the head substrate of the ink jet-print head of constant current driven type wherein in the ink jet-print head of this constant current driven type, offers heater with constant electric current.Current value changes according to the signal (data signal etc.) that provides from the printhead outside.Be applied to type element corresponding to the energy of current value from the constant current source of corresponding each group.

Description

Head substrate, printhead, a box and PRN device
Technical field
The present invention relates to head substrate, printhead, a box and PRN device, relate in particular to comprise and be used for by sending the head substrate that scheduled current drives the circuit of type element, this head substrate is used for printing according to ink ejecting method, and relates to printhead, a box and PRN device.
Background technology
Conventional known a kind of ink jet-print head (hereinafter referred to as " printhead "), it sends electric current by the heater in being arranged in nozzle and generates heat energy, thereby discharges China ink.
This printhead is to use the printhead of following method: make near the heater China ink foaming by using the heat energy generated, and with black discharge nozzle so that print.
In order at full speed to print, wish the heater (type element) of drive installation simultaneously in printhead as much as possible, so that discharge China ink in identical timing.Yet, because it is limited to have a power supply capacity of PRN device of printhead, and extend to the voltage drop that the resistance of the wiring route of heater causes from power supply, once the current value that can supply be limited.For this reason, a kind of time-division ground drives a plurality of heaters and discharges the time-division driving method of China ink and generally adopted.For example, a plurality of heaters are divided into a plurality of groups, and so carry out time-division control, feasible two or more heaters that do not drive simultaneously in every group.Can suppress total current like this and flow through heater, and eliminate once supplying with very powerful needs.
Figure 13 is the circuit diagram that the example of the layout that is installed in the heater drive circuit in the conventional ink jet-print head is shown.
By thereby x the heater drive circuit shown in heater configuration Figure 13 is installed in each group in the m group, a feasible heater that drives simultaneously in each group, that is to say that m heater carried out this operation x time altogether, and finishes the driving of a circulation.
As shown in figure 13, be divided into m group 1100-1 to the MOS transistor 1102-11 of 1101-mx to 1102-mx to 1100-m corresponding to corresponding each heater 1101-11, they contain the individual MOS transistor of equal number (x).More specifically, in group 1100-1, power line from power pad 1103 (power supply terminal) is connected to heater 1101-11 to 1101-1x publicly, and MOS transistor 1102-11 is connected in series to respective heater 1101-11 between power pad 1103 and ground connection (GND) pad 1104 to 1101-1x to 1102-1x.
When control signal is provided to MOS transistor 1102-11 to the grid of 1102-1x from control circuit 1105, MOS transistor 1102-11 is switched on to 1102-1x, make electric current to flow through corresponding heater, thereby heater 1101-11 is heated to 1101-1x from power line.
Figure 14 shows and sends the timing diagram of electric current with the timing of the heater in each group that drives heater drive circuit shown in Figure 13.Figure 14 example the group 1100-1 among Figure 13.
In Figure 14, control signal VG1 is to be used to drive belong to first timing signal to x heater 1101-11 to 1101-1x of organizing 1100-1 to VGx.More specifically, control signal VG1 is input to the signal waveform of the MOS transistor 1102-11 of group 1100-1 to the control terminal (grid) of 1102-1x to the VGx representative.Corresponding M OS transistor 1102-1i (i=1 ..., x) be switched on, be used for the control signal of high level, and corresponding MOS transistor is turned off, be used for low level control signal.This also is applied to remaining group 1100-2 to 1100-m.In Figure 14, Ih1 flows through the current value of heater 1101-11 to 1101-1x to the Ihx representative.
By this way, by sending electric current, the heater in each group by sequentially and time-division ground drive.The quantity of driven heater can always be controlled as one or still less in every group by sending electric current, and does not need big electric current is offered heater substrate.
Figure 15 illustrates from the power pad shown in Figure 13 1103 to be connected to the view of group 1100-1 to the layout (actual arrangement) of the power line of 1100-m.
As shown in figure 15, each is connected to the corresponding 1100-1 that respectively organizes to 1100-m since power pad 1103 to power line 1301-1 to 1301-m, and power line 1302-1 is connected to ground connection (GND) pad 1104 to 1302-m.Have at one that (in the printhead of the individual heater (type element) of x * m), the time-division that order drives a type element in each group drives and needs m bar power line and m bar ground wire.
As mentioned above, the maximum quantity by the heater that can drive simultaneously in will each group remains " one ", and the current value that flows through the wiring route that is allocated to each group can always be suppressed to usually and be equal to or less than the electric current that flows through a heater.Even when a plurality of heaters are driven simultaneously, the amount of the voltage drop on the wiring route on the heater substrate also can be retained as constant basically.Simultaneously, even when a plurality of heaters are driven simultaneously, the energy that is applied to corresponding each heater also can almost be retained as constant.
Recently, PRN device needs higher speed and the precision of Geng Gao, and the printhead that is mounted is with more high density the is integrated nozzle of greater number.Consider the raising print speed, require to drive simultaneously heater as much as possible.
By a lot of heaters and drive circuit thereof are formed on the same semiconductor substrate, the head substrate (being called " head substrate " hereinafter) that has prepared heater and drive circuit thereof integrated.In order to reduce production cost, in manufacturing process, the quantity of the heater substrate that is formed by a semiconductor wafer must increase, and need reduce the size of head substrate.
Yet when the quantity of the heater that drives simultaneously increased, as mentioned above, the wiring route quantity that head substrate needs was corresponding to the quantity of the heater that drives simultaneously.When the area of head substrate has in limited time, because wiring route quantity increases, the wiring width of each wiring route reduces, thereby has increased the cloth line resistance.In addition, each wiring width reduces, and the changes in resistance between the wiring route on the head substrate increases.When substrate size reduces right overhead also this problem can take place, and cloth line resistance and changes in resistance increase.Because heater and power line are connected in series to the power supply on the head substrate, as mentioned above, the increase of cloth line resistance and resistance variations has caused being applied to the increase of the voltage change of each heater.
When the energy that is applied to heater was too small, it is unstable that the discharge of China ink becomes; When energy was excessive, the endurance of heater descended.In other words, under the very big situation of the voltage change that is applied to heater, the heater endurance descends or the discharge of China ink becomes unstable.For this reason, print in high quality, wish to be applied to the energy constant of heater.In addition, consider endurance, also wish stably to apply suitable energy.
In the quantity of the heater that is driven simultaneously is one or still less above-mentioned time-division to drive, and voltage drop can be suppressed in head substrate.Yet because the wiring route of head substrate outside is public to a plurality of heaters of a plurality of groups, the amount of the voltage drop on public wiring route depends on the quantity of the heater that drives simultaneously and changes.In order to make the energy that is applied to each heater constant under the variation of said voltage drop in front, regulate the energy that is applied to each heater routinely by the voltage application time.Yet because the number of the heater that drives increases simultaneously, the electric current that flows through public wiring route generates a large amount of voltage drops.As a result, the voltage that is applied to heater reduces.Voltage application time in heater-driven must prolong with compensated voltage drop, and this makes and is difficult to drive at high speed heater.
Consider from above background and the problem that will solve, wish to use a kind of method, wherein offer the constant electric current of each heater, the feasible energy constant that is applied to each heater.
As a kind of method that solves this problem that is caused by the energy variation that is applied to heater, for example, the Japan Patent spy opens a kind of method by the constant current driven type element that proposed for 2001-191531 number.
Figure 16 shows the circuit diagram that the Japan Patent spy opens 2001-191531 number disclosed heater drive circuit.
In this layout, type element (R1 is to Rn) is by a constant current driven, and this constant current source uses constant current source (Tr14 is to Tr (n+13)) and is the switch element (Q1 is to Qn) that corresponding each type element (R1 is to Rn) is arranged.
Summary of the invention
Therefore, the present invention conceives for the shortcoming of tackling routine techniques recited above.
For example, according to a box of the printhead of head substrate of the present invention, integrated this head substrate, integrated this printhead and use the PRN device of this printhead a predetermined constant current can be offered each type element so as high-speed driving it.
According to an aspect of the present invention, preferably provide a kind of head substrate, this head substrate comprises: a plurality of type elements; Constant current source, its generation is used to drive the constant current of described a plurality of type elements; The reference current generative circuit, its logical signal according to the outside input generates the reference current that is used to generate constant current; And drive circuit, it is by the described a plurality of type elements of this constant current driven, and wherein this constant current is to drive described constant current source by the reference current that is generated according to described reference current generative circuit to obtain.
These a plurality of type elements preferably include: a plurality of heaters; And driving element, it is arranged corresponding to corresponding heater, and the driving heater, these a plurality of heaters and driving element are divided into a plurality of groups, and provide the constant current source of constant current to be positioned to corresponding with each group.
The reference current generative circuit preferably includes: the n bit shift register, and it receives and temporary transient storage n position logical signal; Latch cicuit, its latch stores n position logical signal in the n bit shift register; N drive circuit, it generates the electric current of varying level; And output circuit, the electric current that n drive circuit of its output generates and as with reference to electric current, and the n position logical signal that this n drive circuit basis exported from latch cicuit is selectively driven.
In this case, preferably, with the descending that the maximum level from electric current begins, each of the level of the electric current of n drive circuit generation is carried out 1/2 weighting, and can be by 2 as the reference current of electric current sum nIndividual level changes.
The reference current generative circuit can comprise: the n bit shift register, and it receives and temporary transient storage n position logical signal; Latch cicuit, its latch stores n position logical signal in the n bit shift register; Voltage regulator circuit, it is configured to according to the n position logical signal output 2 from this latch cicuit output nThe voltage of individual level; And current/charge-voltage convertor, its conversion is from the voltage of voltage regulator circuit, and the output reference current.
Reference current generative circuit and constant current source preferably form current mirroring circuit.
Reference voltage circuit preferably uses the voltage that obtains by the amplification band gap voltage as reference voltage.
Constant current source preferably comprises the MOS transistor that can be operated in the zone of saturation, and in this zone of saturation, the variation of drain current is less than the variation of drain voltage.
On type element, switch element and constant current source are disposed in successively and route to direction than the low potential lead from high potential.
According to another aspect of the present invention, preferably provide a kind of head substrate, this head substrate comprises: a plurality of heaters; A plurality of type elements, it is positioned to corresponding with corresponding heater, and comprises the driving element that is used to drive respective heater respectively; Control circuit, it is used for driving a plurality of type elements by a plurality of type elements are divided into a plurality of groups, and wherein each group comprises the type element that or quilt still less drive simultaneously; Constant current source, it is positioned to corresponding with each group, and generates the constant current that is used to drive described type element; And the reference current generative circuit, it is according to voltage or electric current from the outside input, and generation will be provided for the reference current of described constant current source, to change the constant current value by described constant current source was generated.
Preferably, described reference current generative circuit comprises a plurality of current mirroring circuits, and these a plurality of current mirroring circuits generate a plurality of reference currents according to voltage or the electric current imported.
Other current mirroring circuit preferably offers a plurality of constant current sources with the reference current that the reference current generative circuit generates.
Constant current from a plurality of constant current sources is provided for the corresponding type element group that is formed by a plurality of heaters and a plurality of driving element.
Preferably, type element, switch element, constant current source are connected in series.
According to another aspect of the present invention, preferably provide a kind of use to have the printhead of the head substrate of above layout.
Printhead preferably includes one by discharging the ink jet-print head that China ink prints.
According to a further aspect of the invention, preferably provide a kind of box, this box is integrated above-mentioned ink jet-print head and China ink jar, this China ink jar contains the China ink that will offer ink jet-print head.
According to a further aspect of the invention, preferably provide a kind of PRN device, it is used for China ink is discharged to print media, is used for printing by an ink jet-print head or a box with above-mentioned layout.
Owing to use the generation of controlling reference current from the logical signal of PRN device main body as the electric current that offers type element, and can use this same logical signal to be used for optionally driving the control signal of the type element of printhead as the PRN device main body, therefore, the present invention has advantage especially.Do not need the interface circuit relevant with Current Control newly is inserted between PRN device main body and the printhead, suppressed the increase of the cost of PRN device main body.
Because control signal that for example provide from PRN device main body outside and that be used to regulate electric current is a logical signal, even the ink-jet printing head substrate of the great changes of the current value when therefore suffering heater-driven/non-driving also can show control signal there is higher noise tolerance, and compares the fault that can reduce in the current regulation control with the Current Control of using analog signal.
Based on reference current, constant current can be offered each type element and drive it.Different with regular situation, constant energy can be applied to type element and regulation voltage application time not, and print and can finish at a high speed.And then, different with regular situation, can realize high-quality printing, and any misprint that does not cause because of voltage drop.
Consider the another one aspect, can generate reference current based on the voltage or the current value of outside input.
By using reference current, constant current can be offered each type element and drive it.Constant energy can be applied to type element and regulation voltage application time not, and prints and can finish at a high speed.
From the description below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, other features and advantages of the present invention will become obviously, and wherein the same reference numerals among all figure is represented identical or similar part.
Description of drawings
The accompanying drawing that is merged in the part of specification and composition specification has been set forth embodiments of the invention, and is used from explanation principle of the present invention with specification one.
Fig. 1 shows the external perspective view as the illustrative arrangement of the balladeur train that centers on ink jet printing device of an exemplary embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows the external perspective view of the detailed arrangement of Inkjet Cartridge IJC;
Fig. 3 shows the perspective view of the part of the three-dimensional structure of discharging black printhead IJHC;
Fig. 4 shows the block diagram of the control layout of the PRN device shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 shows the circuit diagram of the example of the layout that is integrated in the head substrate among the printhead IJH;
Fig. 6 shows and has that (circuit diagram of the layout of the head substrate of individual heater of x * m), these heaters are to be that unit drives by the time-division mode x timing with m the heater that can drive simultaneously basically;
Fig. 7 shows the timing diagram of the time-division driving order of one-period;
Fig. 8 shows the circuit diagram of the layout of the voltage conversion circuit 1108-11 that is used to drive single heater;
Fig. 9 shows the timing diagram of the signal that offers head substrate shown in Fig. 5;
Figure 10 shows the circuit diagram according to the layout of the head substrate of second embodiment;
Figure 11 shows the circuit diagram according to the layout that is integrated in the head substrate among the printhead IJH of the 3rd embodiment;
Figure 12 shows the circuit diagram according to the layout of the head substrate of the 4th embodiment;
Figure 13 shows the circuit diagram of the example of the layout that is installed in the heater drive circuit in the conventional ink jet-print head.
Figure 14 shows and sends the timing diagram of electric current with the timing of the heater in every group of heater drive circuit shown in driving Figure 13;
Figure 15 shows from the power pad shown in Figure 13 1103 to the view of group 1100-1 to the layout of the power line of 1100-m connection; And
Figure 16 shows the circuit diagram according to the heater drive circuit of routine techniques.
The specific embodiment
Set forth preferred implementation of the present invention now with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In this manual, term " printing " does not include only information such as character and the figure that is formed with meaning, also be included in widely and form image, figure, pattern etc. on the print media, perhaps to the processing of medium, no matter whether they are meaningful also no matter whether they be visualized as can be by human visual perception.
And term " print media " not only comprises the sheet of paper that is used for common PRN device, also comprises the material that can accept China ink widely, as cloth, plastic foil, metallic plate, glass, pottery, timber and leather.
And then term " China ink " (back is also referred to as " liquid ") should be explained with being expanded, is similar to foregoing definition to " printing ".That is to say, " China ink " comprises such liquid, when it is applied on the print media, can form image, figure, pattern etc., print media can be handled and China ink (for example, can make the colouring agent that comprises in the China ink that is applied to print media solidify or not dissolve) can be handled.
And then except as otherwise noted, term " nozzle " refers to tap widely, is connected to the set of the element of the fluid passage in this hole and the energy that generation is used for venting.
Head substrate hereinafter (head substrate) not only means the substrate of only being made by silicon semiconductor, but also mean have element, the substrate of wiring route etc.
In addition, term " on substrate " not only is meant " on head substrate ", also refers to " surface of head substrate " or " in the inside of head substrate near the surface ".Term among the present invention " built-in " does not represent that each discrete component is arranged to the individual components on the substrate surface, but represents that each element is by whole formation and manufacturings on head substrate such as semiconductor circuit manufacturing process.
Term " constant current " and " constant current source " mean the predetermined constant electric current that will offer type element (no matter variation of the quantity of the type element that drives etc. simultaneously), and the current source that this electric current is provided.Be expected to be constant current value and comprise that also it is set to the situation of predetermined current value with being changed.
<equipment master unit summary (Fig. 1) 〉
Fig. 1 shows the perspective view as the outward appearance of the ink jet printing device of an exemplary embodiments of the present invention.With reference to figure 1,5004 engagements of the helicla flute of balladeur train HC and driving screw 5005, when drive motors 5013 forwards/reverse were rotated, this driving screw 5005 transmitted gear 5009 by driving force and rotates to 5011.Balladeur train HC has a pin (not shown), and shuttle-scanning on the direction of arrow a in Fig. 1 and b.The Inkjet Cartridge IJC that comprises ink jet-print head IJH (hereinafter referred to as " printhead ") and be used for adorning the China ink jar IT of China ink is installed on the balladeur train HC.
Inkjet Cartridge IJC integrally comprises printhead IJH and China ink jar IT.
Reference numeral 5002 expression sheet material pressing plates, it opens sheet material at cylinder 5000 upper pressure papers, and its scope is that an end of the scanning pattern of balladeur train arrives an other end.Reference numeral 5007 and 5008 expressions are as the photoelectrical coupler of home position detector.Reference numeral 5016 expressions are used for the parts of supporting cover subassembly 5022, and this cover part covers the front surface of printhead IJH; And 5015 expressions are used for by the inner absorption plant of drawing residue of ink of cover part.Absorption plant 5015 restores by the absorption that the opening 5023 of cover part 5015 is carried out printhead.Reference numeral 5017 expression cleaning blades; The parts that 5019 expressions allow this scraping blade to move up in its front and back.These parts are supported on the master unit gripper shoe 5018.
When balladeur train arrives home position side regional, when driving screw 5005 operations, on its corresponding separately position, carry out cover, cleaning and absorb recovery operation.Yet the present invention is not limited to this layout, as long as required operation is to carry out in known timing.
Fig. 2 shows the perspective view of detailed outward appearance of the configuration of Inkjet Cartridge IJC.
As shown in Figure 2, Inkjet Cartridge IJC comprises box IJCK and three kinds of colors of ink of discharge of discharging black ink, i.e. box IJCC of cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) China ink.These two boxes are discrete mutually, and each can be installed on the balladeur train HC with independently dismantling.
Box IJCK comprises China ink jar ITK that holds black ink and the printhead IJHK that prints by the discharge black ink, and they are with integrated textural association.Similarly, box IJCC comprises and holds three kinds of colors of ink, i.e. China ink jar ITC of cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) China ink and the printhead IJHC that prints by the China ink of discharging these colors, and they are with integrated textural association.Note, suppose that the box in the present embodiment is that its China and Mexico are filled in the box in the China ink jar.
Box IJCK and IJCC are not limited to integrated type, and the China ink jar can separate with printhead.
Printhead IJHK and IJHC are generically and collectively referred to as together " printhead IJH ".
And then, can be as seen from Figure 2, the nozzle array of discharging the nozzle array of black ink, the nozzle array of discharging cyan ink, the nozzle array of discharging magenta ink and ejection yellow ink is arranged on the direction of motion of balladeur train, and the array direction of nozzle becomes diagonal with the direction of motion of balladeur train.
Fig. 3 shows the perspective view of the part of the three-dimensional structure of discharging black printhead.
Fig. 3 example reception cyan (C) China ink and discharge two nozzles of ink droplet.The quantity of nozzle is generally much bigger than this, and this structure also is applied to remaining color ink.
Printhead IJHC has one to be provided the black ink passage 2C of cyan (C), the ink passage (not shown) of magenta (M) China ink is provided and yellow (Y) is provided the ink passage (not shown) of China ink.
Especially, black the flowing of cyan (C) that provides from China ink jar ITC has been provided Fig. 3.
As shown in Figure 3, black circulation flow path 301C is that corresponding electrothermal transducer (heater) 401 is provided with.Cyan ink through black circulation flow path 301C is directed to the electrothermal transducer (being heater) 401 that is provided with on the substrate.Then, when electrothermal transducer (heater) 401 activated by the described circuit in back, the China ink on the electrothermal transducer (heater) 401 was heated, the China ink boiling, and the result, ink droplet 900C discharges from hole 302C by the vacuole that rises.
In the layout shown in Fig. 3, black hole 302C, ink passage 2C and black circulation flow path 301C are aligned to straight line.Scheme also can be used so-called " side ejection-type layout " as an alternative, and its mesopore 302 is disposed in the opposite of electrothermal transducer (heater) 401.
It should be noted, in Fig. 3, Reference numeral 1 expression head substrate (hereinafter referred to as " head substrate ") is formed with various pads and various holding wire that various circuit, memory, formation and the balladeur train HC of the described driving electrothermal transducer in electrothermal transducer and back electrically contact on this head substrate.
In addition, electrothermal transducer (heater) and the MOS-FET that drives it are called " type element " together, and a plurality of type elements are called " type element part ".
Notice that although Fig. 3 shows the figure of the three-dimensional structure of printhead IJHC, wherein this printhead IJHC discharges the China ink (cyan ink) of a kind of color in the China ink of multiple color, this structure is identical with the print head structure of all the other colors of ink of discharge.
Below, provide the description of the control configuration of the printing control that is used to carry out aforesaid PRN device.
Fig. 4 shows the block diagram of layout of the control circuit of PRN device.
With reference to the Fig. 4 that shows control circuit, Reference numeral 1700 expressions are used to import the interface of print signal; 1701 expression MPU; 1702 expressions are used to store the ROM of the control program of being carried out by MPU 1701; And 1703 expression be used for the DRAM of store various kinds of data (offering the print signal, print data of printhead etc.).Reference numeral 1704 expressions are used for printhead IJH is carried out the gate array (G.A.) of the supply control of print data.This gate array 1704 is also carried out the data transmission control in the middle of interface 1700, MPU 1701 and RAM 1703.
Reference numeral 1709 expressions are used for carrying the conveying motor (Fig. 1 does not illustrate) of printed sheets P.Reference numeral 1706 expressions are used to drive the motor driver of carrying motor 1709, and Reference numeral 1707 expressions are used to drive the motor driver of balladeur train motor 5013.
This head driver is output signal (analog signal or logical signal) also, and this signal serves as the variable control signal of constant current value that makes the heater that will offer printhead IJH.
Will be described below the operation that above-mentioned control is arranged.When a print signal was imported into interface 1700, this print signal was converted into the print data that is used for the printing between gate array 1704 and MPU 1701.Motor driver 1706 and 1707 is driven, and printhead IJH is driven according to the print data that offers balladeur train HC, thereby prints an image on printing paper P.
The printhead that present embodiment uses has the layout shown in Fig. 2, and they are controlled as make the printing undertaken by printhead IJHK and can not overlap mutually by the printing that printhead IJHC carries out in each scanning of balladeur train.In colour print, printhead IJHK and IJHC in each scanning by driven.For example, when the balladeur train shuttle-scanning, printhead IJHK and IJHC are controlled as and make in forward scan and to drive printhead IJHK and drive printhead IJHC in reverse scan.The driving of printhead control is not limited thereto, and can only print operation in forward scan, and printhead IJHK and IJHC can be driven in two forward scans operations and do not carry printed sheets P.
With explanation about the layout that is integrated in the head substrate among the printhead IJH and several embodiment of operation.
With explanation about the layout that is integrated in the head substrate among the printhead IJH and several embodiment of operation.
<the first embodiment 〉
Fig. 5 shows the circuit diagram of the example of the layout that is integrated in the head substrate among the printhead IJH.
As shown in Figure 5, the circuit of head substrate mainly comprises reference voltage circuit 101, current regulating circuit 102, reference current circuit 103 and constant current source piece 104.
Also as described in the conventional situation, first embodiment will illustrate about having and add up to that (x * m) driving of the printhead of individual heater, these heaters are divided into m group, and each group has x heater.The same reference numerals of describing among Figure 13 as conventional situation is represented identical components, and its description will be omitted.
In Fig. 5, reference voltage circuit 101 generates the reference voltage (Vref) of current regulating circuit 102.Wish that reference voltage source is the voltage source of output burning voltage under the situation of supply voltage and variations in temperature.For example, if this voltage source is to use the reference power source of band gap voltage, then may under the situation of supply voltage and variations in temperature, provide stable voltage.Because this reference power source uses the distinctive voltage of based semiconductor characteristic, so the influence that it is created conditions hardly and changes.
The operation of current regulating circuit 102 will be described below.
Current regulating circuit 102 is exported according to the variable current that reference voltage (Vref) generates corresponding digital input data, and wherein this reference voltage is as the output of reference voltage circuit 101.
In first embodiment, the basic voltage conversion arranges and adopts D-A converting circuit that this D-A converting circuit forms (detailed content is described later on) by the R-2R resistor array of two times value (2R) of resistance value (R) and this resistance.Yet, also can obtain identical effect by the layout of another kind of D-A converting circuit.
Note, consider little circuit scale and pinpoint accuracy and need be according to the circuit arrangement of present embodiment, because it is made up of resistor and switching transistor.
Current regulating circuit 102 comprises two pieces: the string of forming by shift register (S/R) 102a and latch cicuit (Latch) 102b-and change-over circuit; And the variable current circuit of forming by R-2R resistor array and MOS transistor.
This string-and change-over circuit constitute by shift register (S/R) 102a and latch cicuit (Latch) 102b, wherein this shift register and clock signal (CLK) synchronously receive data-signal (DATA) from outside PRN device main body, and this latch cicuit 102b and latch signal (LT) are synchronously from shift register (S/R) 102 received signals of reception serial input signals.The figure place of the signal of handling corresponding to variable current circuit, this string-and change-over circuit comprise n shift register and n latch cicuit.This string-and change-over circuit convert any serial input data to parallel data and export as latch cicuit, and the output of latch cicuit is outputed to variable current circuit.
This variable current circuit constitutes by resistor with as the MOS transistor of switch.In this case, resistance value is (n+1) the individual resistor r of " R " A1To r An+1With earth terminal (GND) as the connection that is one another in series of a terminal.On the contrary, resistance value is resistor r A1To r An+1Two times of the resistance value i.e. resistor r of " 2R " B1To r BnIn a terminal of each resistor be connected to corresponding resistor r A1To r AnOne of node, and another terminal is connected to MOS transistor 102-1a corresponding transistorized source electrode in the 102-na, and MOS transistor 102-1b corresponding transistorized source electrode in the 102-nb.
The drain electrode of MOS transistor 102-1a to 102-na and 102-1b to 102-nb is connected respectively to reference current lead-out terminal (Iref) and reference voltage (Vref).MOS transistor 102-1a, carries out oppositely and the output of preparing the signal from latch cicuit 102b and receive by reverser 102c with the grid of MOS transistor 102-1a to the paired MOS transistor 102-1b of 102-na to 102-nb from latch cicuit 102b receiving digital signals to the grid of 102-na.
MOS transistor 102-1a serves as the switch of close source electrode-drain path to 102-na and 102-1b to 102-nb, and by controlling from the data signal that latchs circuit 102b.
Operational amplifier 102d has and is connected to reference voltage (Vref) and MOS transistor 102-1b to positive input (+) of the drain electrode of 102-nb be connected to reverse input end (-) of MOS transistor 102-1a to the source electrode of the drain terminal of 102-na and output mos transistor 102e.The output of operational amplifier 102d is connected to the grid of output mos transistor 102e.The drain electrode of MOS transistor 102e is as the lead-out terminal of electric current (Iref), and electric current (Iref) outputs to reference current circuit 103.
Reverse input end (-) of operational amplifier 102d receives the source electrode output from output mos transistor 102e output, makes the signal potential of reverse input end (-) equal to be input to the reference voltage of positive input (+) (Vref).Be imported into the grid of output mos transistor 102e from the output of operational amplifier 102d, with the source electrode output of control output mos transistor 102e.As a result, reference voltage (Vref) also is applied to the drain electrode of the MOS transistor 102-1a of reverse input end (-) that is connected to operational amplifier 102d to 102-na.
On the other hand, reference voltage (Vref) is imported into the drain electrode of MOS transistor 102-1b to 102-nb.As shown in Figure 5, MOS transistor 102-1a is paired respectively to 102-nb to 102-na and 102-1b, and each grid to MOS transistor connects via reverser 102c, and is connected respectively to resistor r B1To r BnEach one of them MOS transistor in the MOS transistor is always connected.
Suppose when MOS transistor 102-1a to 102-na and 102-1b to 102-nb when connecting resistance and the resistor r between source electrode and drain electrode B1To r BnResistance value (2R) compare and can ignore, then reference voltage (Vref) always is applied to resistor r on the side via MOS transistor 102-1a to 102-na or 102-1b to 102-nb B1To r BnTerminal.
Flow through resistor r B1To r BnElectric current I 1 to In be I1=Vref/ (2 * R), I2=Vref/ (2 * 2 * R) ..., and In=Vref/ (2 n* R).
MOS transistor 102-1a outputs to current output terminal (Iout) corresponding to the MOS transistor of the connection signal in the digital input signals with the summation of the corresponding electric current in the electric current I 1 to In in 102-na.
Because each is carried out 1/2 weighting electric current I 1 to In, as previously described, can exports from current output terminal (Iout) to the Any Digit signal of 102-na and have 2 according to being input to MOS transistor 102-1a nThe electric current of individual value.In other words, output reference current (Iref) can press 20 in the scope of Vref/R nIndividual ladder (step) changes.
By between the source electrode of MOS transistor 102e and GND, connecting the resistor R off that resistance value is (R1), can apply Vref at resistor R off two ends, thereby always provide electric current Vref/R1.Biasing Vref/R1 can be added to the variable range of electric current, and the variable range of reference current (Iref) can be set to Vref/R1 to Vref/R1+Vref/R.
Can obviously find out from Fig. 5, reference current (Iref) and constant current source 106-1 form current mirroring circuit to 106-m, and constant current source 106-1 to 106-m based on reference current (Iref) output and the proportional constant current Ih1 of reference current (Iref) to Ihm.
As described in Figure 13 of reference regular situation, constant current source piece 104 comprises that (the individual heater 1101-11 of x * m) is to 1101-mx, (x * m) individual switch element (MOS transistor) 1102-11 also comprises corresponding to corresponding each m current source (constant current source) 106-1 that organizes in the present embodiment to 106-m to 1102-mx.These current sources change the current value that will offer heater by changing reference current.Yet,,, all make the value that is set constant no matter how much quantity of the heater that drives is simultaneously in case set this value.Therefore, these current sources are referred to as " constant current source ".
Figure 13 is described as reference, and each switch element 1102-11 according to the picture signal that is used to print, controls to the providing/stop of electric current of each element to 1102-mx by the control signal from the control circuit (not shown).In the present embodiment, each electrothermal transducer (heater) 1101-11 in each group is connected in series to 1102-mx to 1101-mx and each switch element 1102-11, and each these switch element in organizing is connected to constant current source 106-1 corresponding constant current source in the 106-m jointly via common connecting wiring.Electrothermal transducer is connected to power line VH (side of high potential wiring) jointly, and constant current source 106-1 is connected to ground wire (than a side of low potential wiring) jointly to the GND terminal of 106-m.
By control is connected/turn-offed to the switch element in each group, output current Ih1 is offered required heater from the constant current source 106-1 corresponding to corresponding each group to 106-m to Ihm according to a control signal.
In Fig. 5, use MOS transistor as switch element 1102-11 to 1102-mx, and gate terminal is connected to control circuit, as reference Figure 13 described in the regular situation.The drain electrode of MOS transistor and the switching between the source electrode are controlled by a control signal from this circuit.
A kind of layout can obtain following advantage, and wherein in this arrangement, heater that is connected in series and switch element are connected to the power line with high potential, and constant current source is connected to the GND line with low potential.
More specifically, when switch element 1102-ij (i=1 ..., m; J=1 ..., when x) turn-offing (open circuit), supply voltage be not applied to MOS transistor 106-i as constant current source (i=1 ..., drain electrode m).On the other hand, when switch element 1102-ij (i=1 ..., m; J=1 ..., when x) connecting (closure), because current flows through heater 1101-ij (i=1 ..., m; J=1 ..., x) because voltage drop, high voltage be not applied in to as the MOS transistor 106-i of constant current source (i=1 ..., drain electrode m).
For this reason, MOS transistor that can working voltage tolerance relative mistake is as the MOS transistor that is used for constant current source, simultaneously must the high relatively MOS transistor conduct of working voltage tolerance be used for the MOS transistor of switch element.In other words, use and not comprise any simple structure MOS transistor of producing for the manufacturing process of the special process that improves voltage resistance and be used for MOS transistor as constant current source.
The advantage of using such MOS transistor is the characteristic variations that has reduced as between the MOS transistor of constant current source.This feasible variation that reduces output current effectively.
According to a kind of layout of the present invention, constant current source and switch element are made up of discrete transistor.Thereby, the influence of the switching manipulation of constant current has been suppressed effectively.
In addition, arrange that the MOS transistor that is used as constant current source can be the low transistor of withstand voltage as discussed above according to this.Like this, the influence of the variation between the constant current source is minimized.
Note, can preferably use can be operated in the zone of saturation MOS transistor as constant current source 106-1 to 106-m, wherein in the zone of saturation, the variation of drain current is less than the variation of drain voltage.
To describe a kind of layout here,, connection (the closure)/shutoff (open circuit) of the electric current that flows through switch element and heater be controlled wherein according to the picture signal that is used to print.
Fig. 6 shows and has that (circuit diagram of the layout of the head substrate of individual heater of x * m), these heaters are that unit is driven by the time-division mode with m the heater that can drive simultaneously basically regularly at x.
Fig. 6 shows especially by from the output of the register of store M bit data be used for the logical produc that x of driver element simultaneously select signal (" with ") and select any required heater, the object lesson of the layout of the drive circuit of execution matrix driving.Notice that in Fig. 6, the Reference numeral identical with aforesaid Reference numeral represented identical components, and its description will be left in the basket.
In Fig. 6, Reference numeral 1103-11 and 1104-11 represent to be used for logical signal is imported first and second "AND" circuits of actuating logic product respectively, and Reference numeral 1105 expression Y-X decoders, being used to decode from what the PRN device main body provided is used for the Y position control signal that driver element is simultaneously selected, and selects one of X holding wire 1107 of driver element selection simultaneously.Reference numeral 1106 expression Y bit shift register (S/R) and Y position latch cicuits, be used for synchronously importing from the next Y position control signal (DATA) that is used for driver element selection simultaneously of PRN device main body serial transfer, and synchronously latch these signals with latch signal (LT) with clock signal (CLK).Reference numeral 1108-11 represents voltage conversion circuit, is used for logical signal voltage transitions one-tenth is suitable for the voltage of the grid of driven MOS transistor 1102-11.
Notice that the circuit arrangement shown in Fig. 6 comprises and (the individual heater of x * m) and (the individual switch element (MOS transistor) of x * m) corresponding (individual first "AND" circuit of x * m), (individual second "AND" circuit of x * m) and (the individual voltage conversion circuit of x * m).In order to represent any element in the respective element, use following total mark, so that consistent with following circuit arrangement: 1103-ij (i=1 ..., x; J=1 ..., m) expression first "AND" circuit; 1104-ij (i=1 ..., x; J=1 ..., m) expression second "AND" circuit; 1108-ij (i=1 ..., x; J=1 ..., m) expression voltage conversion circuit.
As shown in Figure 6, (the individual heater of x * m), (the individual switch element of x * m), (individual first "AND" circuit of x * m), (individual second "AND" circuit of x * m) and (x * m) individual voltage conversion circuit is divided into m group 1200-1 to 1200-m, and each group comprises x heater, an x switch element, individual first "AND" circuit of x, individual second "AND" circuit of x and x voltage conversion circuit.Every group also comprise an independent constant current source 106-i (i=1 ...., m).
Reference numeral 1201 expression M bit shift register (S/R) and M position latch cicuits, be used for synchronously importing from the next M bit image signal (DATA) that is used to print of PRN device main body serial transfer, and synchronously latch the signal that these serials are imported with latch signal (LT) with the clock signal (CLK) that provides from the PRN device main body.M bar data signal line 1202 stretches out from M bit shift register (S/R) and M position latch cicuit 1201.
Each bar in the X bar driver element selection simultaneously holding wire 1107 all is connected to an input of one of X second "AND" circuit in every group.Other inputs of X second "AND" circuit connect in identical group jointly, and one of M bar data signal line 1202 is connected to this common circuit that connects.
The operation of the circuit shown in Fig. 6 will be described with reference to timing diagram shown in Figure 7.
Fig. 7 shows the timing diagram of the time-division drive sequences of one-period.During this period, (each in the individual heater of x * m) is all at most once selected.The time interval between once the selecting and select next time of same heater is defined as one-period.
According to this time diagram, M bit image data are synchronously arrived M bit shift register (S/R) and M position latch cicuit 1201 by serial transfer as data-signal (DATA) and clock signal (CLK).When latch signal (LT) was positioned at high level " H ", serial input signals was latched, and these signals are output to M bar data signal line 1202 then.In Fig. 7, this signal output to M bar data signal line 1202 regularly is represented as " DATAOUT ".According to M bit image data, the signal level in the M bar data signal line 1202 becomes " H ".
Similarly, the Y position control signal that is used for driver element selection is simultaneously synchronously arrived Y bit shift register (S/R) and M position latch cicuit 1106 by serial transfer as data-signal (DATA) and clock signal (CLK).When latch signal (LT) was in high level " H ", the signal of serial input was latched, and these signals are output to Y-X decoder 1105 then.
In Fig. 7, the timing when Y-X decoder 1105 outputs to decoded signal that X simultaneously driver element is selected holding wire 1107 is corresponding to the enable signal (BE) of the unit that is used to select to drive simultaneously.Select one of X holding wire 1107 of driver element selection simultaneously to be used for driver element selection simultaneously by Y position control signal, the signal level of selected circuit becomes " H " then.
More than the operation DATAOUT that causes selecting corresponding selected circuit simultaneously is " H " and signal level heater for " H ".
When the HE signal becomes " H ", electric current (I) the selected heater of flowing through.Then, heater is driven.
By aforesaid operations is repeated x time, (the individual heater of x * m) with m heater be unit x regularly the place driven by the time-division mode.By this way, select and drive institute's having heaters according to view data.
In other words, (x * m) individual heater is divided into the m group, every group comprises x heater, one-period is divided into x subcycle, make same group of two or more interior heaters not be driven simultaneously, and during a subcycle, drive M heater at most simultaneously, and each of this M heater all belongs to different groups.
As shown in Figure 6, for each group be provided with independent constant current source 106-i (i=1 ..., m).This means that the quantity of the heater that can drive simultaneously in every group is " one ".
Fig. 8 shows the circuit diagram of the layout of the voltage conversion circuit 1108-11 that is used to drive single heater.
In Fig. 8, Reference numeral 1151 expression is used for providing circuit at the power line VH of heater 1101-11 with to the voltage of formation voltage between the power line 1140 of voltage conversion circuit 1108-11.Voltage provide circuit 1151 provide a plurality of voltage conversion circuit 1108-ij (i=1 ..., x; J=1 ..., m) public voltage.Reference numeral 1152,1153 expression resistors; 1154 expression n-MOS transistors; 1155 expressions are connected to the resistor of the source electrode of n-MOS transistor 1154.N-MOS transistor 1154 and resistor 1155 form the buffer of source follower type.
Resistor 152 is created any required electromotive force to the ratio of the part electromotive force of resistor 153 from power line VH, the electromotive force of being created is applied to the buffer of the source follower type of being made up of n-MOS transistor 1154 and resistor 1155, and finally is applied to voltage conversion circuit 1108-11 from the output of source follower circuit.
Thereby, arrange according to this, under the situation that any other power supply is not set, generate the voltage that is suitable for voltage conversion circuit.
Notice that Reference numeral 1134-1139 represents MOS transistor, and Reference numeral 1132 and 1133 expression reversers.
On head substrate shown in Figure 5, electric current also can be provided to three current source piece 104a, 104b and 104c from reference current circuit 103, and wherein these three current source pieces have the layout identical with constant current source piece 104.Current mirror ratio according to the current mirroring circuit that forms in the reference current circuit 103 provides electric current.
If providing from voltage shown in Figure 8 provides the source follower output of circuit 1151 as the power supply that is used for reference current circuit 103, even then Fig. 5,10 with the reference current circuit 103 shown in 11 in the supply voltage situation different with the constant current source piece 104 shown in Fig. 5,10 and 11 under, also unnecessaryly provide extra power supply.
Layout shown in Figure 5 can be provided to electric current four constant current source pieces.Can make these the group in (x * m) individual heater perhaps is used to discharge four nozzle arrays of different colours China ink corresponding to four nozzle arrays that are used to discharge the same color China ink.
The operation of current regulating circuit 102 will be described with reference to the timing diagram of various input signals.
Fig. 9 shows the timing diagram of the various signals that are input to current regulating circuit 102.
Fig. 9 shows the input waveform of clock signal (CLK), data-signal (DATA) and latch signal (LT).This timing diagram represents to be used for the timing of the sequence that the predetermined current value of convection current heater via once sets.
In Fig. 9, n Bits Serial data (D1, D2, D3 ... and Dn) synchronously import by the data-signal (DATA) and the forward position of clock signal (CLK).N bit data signal (DATA) synchronously is input in the shift register with n forward position of clock signal (CLK).When latch signal (LT) became " H ", the input data signal (DATA) that is stored in the n bit data in the shift register was by latch circuit latches, and the n bit data is outputed to the MOS transistor 102-1a of current regulating circuit 102 simultaneously to 102-na.
Control is connected/turn-offed to current regulating circuit 102 to n MOS transistor 102-1a to 102-na according to the n bit data.Be used as reference current (Iref) by adding the electric current that obtains from the weighted current value of exporting by the MOS transistor of n bit data selection.Set a reference current in single sequence, after clock signal (CLK) and data-signal (DATA) input, latch signal (LT) is changed into till " H ".Corresponding to the data of required current value and repeat this sequence, reference current value can be changed into predetermined current value by input.
As mentioned above, reference current (Iref) and constant current source 106-1 form current mirroring circuit to 106-m by reference current circuit 103.Constant current source 106-1 to 106-m based on reference current (Iref) export respectively with the proportional constant current Ih1 of reference current (Iref) to Ihm.
By via come according to the switch element that provides/stop (MOS transistor) from the control signal of PRN device main body and print signal control electric current drive current source piece 104 (the individual heater of x * m), thus print.
According to the first above-mentioned embodiment, the current value I h1 that is provided to heater can be adjusted to predetermined constant current value based on being used as from the information of clock signal (CLK), data-signal (DATA) and the latch signal (LT) of the logical signal of input terminal input to Ihm.
<the second embodiment 〉
Figure 10 shows the circuit diagram according to the layout of the head substrate of second embodiment.In Figure 10, represent identical member and holding wire with identical drawing reference numeral described in Fig. 5 and the regular situation and identical Reference numeral, and will ignore its description.
Head substrate according to second embodiment mainly comprises voltage regulator circuit 201, current/charge-voltage convertor 202, reference current circuit 103 and constant current source piece 104.
From then on the comparison between circuit and the circuit arrangement shown in Figure 5 can obviously be found out, second embodiment has adopted such circuit arrangement, wherein D/A converter is based on the voltage of reference voltage modulation such as band gap voltage, and, comprise that the ladder circuit of above-mentioned (R-2R) resistor array as D/A converter uses constant voltage (Vref) modulation electric flow valuve according to layout shown in Figure 5.
Similar to first embodiment, according to input logic signal (clock signal (CLK), data-signal (DATA), latch signal (LT)), the output voltage values of the voltage regulator circuit 201 that comprises a D-A converting circuit (D/A converter) is controlled.Voltage is applied to resistor 202-2 by the operational amplifier 202-1 of current/charge-voltage convertor 202.
Make that Vdac is the output voltage of voltage regulator circuit 201, and Rref is the resistance value of resistor 202-2, then reference current (Iref) is Iref=Vdac/Rref.
When the output voltage of voltage regulator circuit has 2 according to the logical signal of n bit data nDuring individual level, described in first embodiment, reference current (Iref) also can have 2 nIndividual level.
According to second embodiment, can change electric current by voltage regulator circuit and current/charge-voltage convertor based on input logic signal, and can regulate the electric current that is provided to type element (heater), similar to first embodiment.
<the three embodiment 〉
Figure 11 shows the circuit diagram of the layout of the head substrate 1 that is integrated among the printhead IJH.
In Figure 11, represent identical member with Reference numeral identical described in first and second embodiment, and with the descriptions thereof are omitted.Comprise in the present embodiment VH wiring, electrothermal transducer (heating element) 1101-11 to 1101-mx, switch element 1102-11 to 1102-mx, the circuit arrangement that connects up to 106-m and GND of constant current source 106-1 identical with described in first embodiment.
Head substrate shown in Figure 11 comprise to heater provide the current source piece 104 of electric current ', and generate reference current circuit 103 as the electric current of the reference current of current source piece '.
Reference current circuit 103 ' control terminal 113 be connected to the terminal of reference current (Iref) side in the current mirroring circuit of reference current circuit 103 ' middle formation.From reference current circuit 103 ' current mirroring circuit output electric current as current source piece 104 ' reference current.Reference current circuit 103 ' the control terminal 113 of current mirroring circuit from outside (promptly from the PRN device) received current of printhead IJH.From reference current circuit 103 ' the electric current of current mirroring circuit output depend on from the current value of the outside input of heater and change.
Noticing that according to the 3rd embodiment, electric current offers control terminal 113 from the outside of printhead, but except the situation that electric current provides from the outside of PRN device etc., also can be another circuit input on printhead IJH or the head substrate.In this case, control terminal does not have terminal shape, but only comprises wiring route.
With the constant current source 106-1 ' of m the group that forms corresponding to each free x heater to 106-m ', current source piece 104 ' composition current mirroring circuit, its use from the electric current of reference current circuit 103 ' output as a reference.Electric current I h1 from constant current source 106-1 ' to 106-m ' output depends on from the electric current of reference current circuit 103 ' output to Ihm.
As described in Figure 13 of reference regular situation, m group of current source piece 104 ' comprise, each group is formed by x heater, promptly (the individual heater 1101-11 of x * m) is to 1101-mx, switch element (MOS transistor) 1102-11 that equates to 1101-mx quantity with heater 1101-11 is to 1102-mx, and is that the constant current source 106-1 ' that is provided with of corresponding m group is to 106-m '.Switch element 1102-11 is to 1102-mx providing/stopping according to control signal that provides from the control circuit of PRN device main body and the electric current between the print signal control terminal.
As shown in figure 11, the constant current source 106-1 ' that arranges to 1100-m for m group 1100-1 is connected respectively to the shared splicing ear that each is organized to the lead-out terminal of 106-m ', and in each was organized, x heater and x switch element were connected in series each other.When control sends to the electric current of each heater, by according to the control signal (not shown) to the switch element 1102-i1 of each group to 1102-ix (i=1, ..., m) carry out switch, the electric current I h1 from the constant current source 106-1 ' that arranges for each respective sets to 106-m ' output can be input to required heater to Ihm.
On head substrate shown in Figure 11, electric current also can from reference current circuit 103 ' be provided to have with current source piece 104 ' three current source piece 104a ', 104b ', the 104c ' of the identical layout of layout.Current mirror ratio according to the current mirroring circuit of reference current circuit 103 ' middle formation provides electric current.
Layout shown in Figure 11 can offer electric current four current source pieces.Can make these the group in (x * m) individual heater perhaps is used to discharge four nozzle arrays of different colours China ink to being applied to discharge four nozzle arrays of same color China ink.
According to the 3rd above-mentioned embodiment, can by the electric current that control is input to the control terminal of reference current circuit regulate offer heater current value I h1 to Ihm.
<the four embodiment 〉
Figure 12 shows the circuit diagram according to the layout of the head substrate of the 4th embodiment.In Figure 12, represent identical member with Reference numeral identical described in Fig. 5 and Figure 11 and identical Reference numeral, and will the descriptions thereof are omitted.
Can obviously find out from the comparison between Figure 12 and 11, the 4th embodiment in the circuit of the foregoing description control terminal 113 and reference current circuit 103 ' between inserted voltage regulator circuit 211.
Below with the operation of account for voltage regulating circuit 211.
Be applied to the terminal (+) of the operational amplifier 212 of voltage regulator circuit 211 from the voltage of the outside of printhead IJH input by control terminal 113, and this voltage is applied to resistor (Rref) by operational amplifier 212.Make that Vref is the voltage that is input to control terminal 113, the electric current (Iref) of the resistor of flowing through (Rref) is Iref=Vref/Rref.
This electric current (Iref) is equivalent to the electric current that the outside from printhead IJH described in the above embodiment is imported.Can change the reference current value that is input to reference current circuit by changing Vref.
According to the 4th above-mentioned embodiment, similar to the 3rd embodiment, can regulate the electric current that is provided to heater by controlling the voltage that is input to control terminal from the printhead outside.
Make various obviously extensively different embodiment of the present invention owing to can not departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, should be appreciated that, in being limited to described claims, the invention is not restricted to its specific embodiment.
Prioity claim
The application requires the priority of Japanese patent application No.2004-158030 that applied on May 27th, 2004 and the Japanese patent application No.2004-158031 that applied on May 27th, 2004, and its full text content comprises in this application as a reference.

Claims (13)

1. head substrate comprises:
A plurality of type elements;
Constant current source, its generation is used to drive the constant current of described a plurality of type elements;
The reference current generative circuit, its logical signal according to the outside input generates the reference current that is used to generate constant current; And
Drive circuit, it is by the described a plurality of type elements of this constant current driven, and wherein this constant current is to drive described constant current source according to the reference current that described reference current generative circuit is generated to obtain,
Described reference current generative circuit comprises:
String-and change-over circuit, be used to receive logical signal from the outside input; And
Variable current circuit is used to receive from described string-and the signal of change-over circuit output and generate reference current.
2. head substrate according to claim 1, wherein
Described a plurality of type element comprises:
A plurality of heaters; And
Driving element, it is arranged corresponding to corresponding heater, and the driving heater,
These a plurality of heaters and driving element are divided into a plurality of groups, and
Provide the described constant current source of constant current to be positioned to corresponding with each group.
3. head substrate according to claim 1, wherein
Described reference current generative circuit also comprises:
The n bit shift register, it receives and temporary transient storage n position logical signal;
Latch cicuit, its latch stores n position logical signal in the n bit shift register;
N drive circuit, it generates the electric current of varying level; And
Output circuit, the electric current that n drive circuit of its output generates and conduct with reference to electric current, and
This n drive circuit is selectively driven according to the n position logical signal from latch cicuit output.
4. head substrate according to claim 3, wherein
With the descending that the maximum level from electric current begins, each of the level of the electric current of n drive circuit generation is carried out 1/2 weighting, and
Reference current as the electric current sum can be by 2 nIndividual level changes.
5. head substrate according to claim 1, wherein said reference current generative circuit comprises:
The n bit shift register, it receives and temporary transient storage n position logical signal;
Latch cicuit, its latch stores n position logical signal in the n bit shift register;
Voltage regulator circuit, it is configured to according to the n position logical signal output 2 from this latch cicuit output nThe voltage of individual level; And
Current/charge-voltage convertor, its conversion are from the voltage of voltage regulator circuit, and the output reference current.
6. head substrate according to claim 1, wherein said reference current generative circuit and described constant current source form current mirroring circuit.
7. head substrate according to claim 1, wherein said reference current generative circuit generates reference current based on the logical signal of outside input with from the reference voltage that reference voltage circuit is exported, and
Described reference voltage is by amplifying the voltage that band gap voltage obtains.
8. head substrate according to claim 1, wherein constant current source comprises the MOS transistor that can work in the zone of saturation, in this zone of saturation, the variation of drain current is less than the variation of drain voltage.
9. head substrate according to claim 1 also comprises a plurality of switch elements,
Wherein said a plurality of type element, described a plurality of switch elements and a plurality of described constant current source are disposed in from high potential by above-mentioned order and route on the direction that connects up than low potential.
10. printhead, it uses according to any described head substrate in the claim 1 to 9.
11. printhead according to claim 10, wherein this printhead comprises by discharging the ink jet-print head that China ink prints.
12. one kind of box, this box is integrated ink jet-print head according to claim 11 and China ink jar, this China ink jar comprises the China ink that will be provided for ink jet-print head.
13. a PRN device is used for printing by using ink jet-print head according to claim 11 that China ink is discharged to print media.
CNB2005800170980A 2004-05-27 2005-05-26 Head substrate, printhead, a box and PRN device Expired - Fee Related CN100548683C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP158030/2004 2004-05-27
JP158031/2004 2004-05-27
JP2004158031 2004-05-27

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