Ink jet recording apparatus utilizing means for supplying a plurality of

Abstract

An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head having a liquid path and a discharge part for discharging ink therethrough, an electromechanical conversion element and a control device. The electromechanical conversion element is correspondingly provided on the liquid path for effecting ink discharge. The control device controls the element by performing a first step of applying a pre-electrical signal to the element, a second step performed after the first step, of applying a main electrical signal, and a third step of applying a subsequent electrical signal to the element before the voltage of the main electrical signal reaches zero. The pre-electrical signal is applied to the element in a direction opposite that which will discharge ink. The second step applies the main electrical signal to the element in the direction of ink discharge for discharging ink in accordance with a recording signal. The third step, performed after ink is discharged by the second step, applies a sub-electrical signal to the element in the direction of ink discharge to prevent meniscus retraction. The sub-electrical signal smoothly changes and quickly attenuates vibration of meniscus caused by drive of the element by the main electrical signal.