CN104512110B - Printing equipment and the method for detecting of ejection exception - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kind of printing equipment.A kind of printing equipment (10), prints with ink-jetting style, and includes: ink gun (12), has the nozzle of ejection ink droplet；Describe line reading part (14), read by utilizing a nozzle (102) in the state of medium (50) the upper line described medium (50) ejection ink droplet from nozzle (102)；And ejection abnormity detecting portion (24), the ejection deviateed the state of the ink droplet sprayed from nozzle (102) from normal condition is detected extremely, and ejection abnormity detecting portion (24) is based on describing the state of line that line reading part (14) is read, and the nozzle (102) depicting described line is determine whether the state that ejection is abnormal.It is abnormal that the printing equipment of the present invention can detect, with simple and suitable method, the ejection produced at ink gun.

Description

Printing equipment and the method for detecting of ejection exception

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of printing equipment and the method for detecting of ejection exception.

Background technology

In the past, it is widely used and carries out, in ink-jet (ink jet) mode, ink-jet printer (the ink jet that prints printer).Ink-jet printer is by spraying ink droplet from the nozzle (nozzle) of ink gun (ink jet head) And print.

Here, ink-jet printer exists following situation: because the state of ink droplet sprayed from nozzle is from base The ejection of quasi-state deviation is abnormal, and the quality of printing is produced impact.More particularly, there are as follows Situation: produce such as from the size (size) (capacity, ink volume (ink volume)) of the ink droplet of nozzle ejection The ejection of deviation is abnormal.And, in the case of producing this ejection extremely, it is considered to have at record image Produce the unequal situation etc. of concentration.Therefore, abnormal for this ejection, research was just like lower section in the past Method etc.: carry out the printing of concentration measure of spread test figure (test chart), control based on print result The ejection (referring for example to patent document 1) of drops out from nozzles.

It addition, there is also following situation in ink-jet printer: produce the landing positions skew of such as ink droplet Ejection abnormal.In the case of producing this ejection extremely, because ink cannot be formed in correct position Point (ink dot), so also there being the worry that the quality of printing reduces.

[background technology document]

[patent document]

[patent document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open 2013-22881 publication

Summary of the invention

[inventing problem to be solved]

Ejection for the dimensional discrepancy of ink droplet is abnormal, and the composition at such as patent document 1 carries out dense like that In the case of the degree measure of spread printing with test figure, disclosed that of such as Fig. 7 of patent document 1 etc. Sample, it is considered to carry out the printing of the different multiple patterns of grey decision-making (pattern).In this case, pass through Utilize densimeter etc. to measure the concentration as the pattern printed by test figure, and measure concentration distribution.And, Based on this measurement result, during printing later, carry out the control of drops out from nozzles ejection.

But, in cases in which the method is applied, because the required densimeter of confirmation etc. of test figure, institute Become big with the time of exact p-value figure.In particular, for example it is adjusted when waiting wanting after ink-jet printer shipment Carry out in the case of the confirmation of test figure, it is contemplated that for preparing the time of densimeter etc. or asking of expense Topic becomes big.

It addition, at the ink gun of ink-jet printer, be usually formed multiple nozzle.Therefore, wanting really In the case of the ejection characteristic of all nozzles recognizing ink gun, testing figure as above if used, The amount of test figure of printing can become huge, there is also for time of exact p-value figure or expense etc. significantly Situation about increasing.Therefore, the most just expect to detect with simpler and suitable method, process this spray Go out exception.

It addition, the ejection of the landing positions skew of ink droplet is abnormal e.g. the most attached at the ink etc. of foreign matter or solidification Produce in the case of near the nozzle of ink gun.Therefore, in the case of producing this ejection extremely, Have by carrying out nozzle cleaning (the cleaning) (wiping (Wiping) of the nozzle face of wiping ink gun or take out Inhale) etc. safeguard that (maintenance) removes foreign matter etc., and the situation of the state of nozzle can be recovered. Therefore, abnormal for this ejection, it is also desirable to carry out detecting, processing with simple and suitable method.

As it has been described above, just expected to detect, with simple and suitable method, the ejection produced at ink gun in the past Abnormal.Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide and can solve printing equipment and the ejection of described problem Abnormal method for detecting.

[solving the means of problem]

Inventor herein is studied by effort, and contemplates following method as more simply confirming spray The method of the ejection characteristic of each nozzle of ink head: utilize each nozzle to describe line, and read the state of described line. Additionally, the reading of the state as line, more specifically consider have mensuration live width or the position of read line.

And, by making great efforts research further, and it is found for example that by measuring live width, can be the most true Recognize the size (capacity, ink volume) of the ink droplet sprayed from each nozzle, thus suitably detect ink droplet The ejection of dimensional discrepancy is abnormal.And, confirm by adjusting from each nozzle based on described confirmation result The size of the ink droplet of ejection, and can suitably control the ink droplet ejection from each nozzle.It moreover has been found that example As by the position of read line, the ejection to the landing positions skew of ink droplet can also suitably be detected extremely Go out.In order to solve described problem, the present invention has following composition.

(constituting 1) a kind of printing equipment, prints with ink-jetting style, and includes: ink gun, have The nozzle of ejection ink droplet；Describe line reading part, read by sharp to medium ejection ink droplet from described nozzle State with the nozzle line to describe on medium from nozzle；And ejection abnormity detecting portion, to from The ejection that the state of the ink droplet of nozzle ejection deviates from normal condition is detected extremely, and ejection is detectd extremely The state of the line that survey portion is read based on description line reading part, and the nozzle judgement to depicting described line is The no state abnormal for ejection.

If constituted by this way, such as in the case of any one nozzle becomes the state that ejection is abnormal, All can suitably detect ejection abnormal.And, thus can suitably prevent such as because ejection is abnormal Impact and cause printing quality reduce situation etc..

(constituting 2) described printing equipment also includes: drive signal output unit, output to make nozzle spray ink droplet Driving signal；And signal correction portion, the driving signal driving signal output unit to be exported is repaiied Just；And the live width describing the line reading part line to being depicted on medium is measured, described ejection is abnormal to be detectd The situation that survey portion deviates from reference range set in advance in the live width determined by describing line reading part Under, the nozzle depicting described line is judged to the state that ejection is abnormal, drives signal output unit to export institute State driving signal, described driving signal make according to parameter set in advance i.e. signal setup parameter voltage or Waveform at least any one is changed, judge that in ejection abnormity detecting portion any one nozzle is abnormal as ejection In the case of state, for the driving signal of supply to described nozzle, signal correction portion is by based on description Line reading part institute setting-out line width changes signal setup parameter, and to driving signal to be modified.Drive The waveform of signal also comprises the sequential (timing) between pulse (pulse) waveform such as applied.

In the case of constituting by this way, such as can live width of based on the line being depicted on medium Measurement result, and suitably confirm the size etc. of the ink droplet such as sprayed from the nozzle depicting described line. And, thus can suitably confirm the ejection characteristic of the most described nozzle, thus produce such as ink droplet The ejection of dimensional discrepancy abnormal in the case of, can suitably detect this ejection abnormal.And, logical Cross measurement result based on live width and change signal setup parameter, can suitably revise driving signal to become The size of the ink droplet more such as sprayed from described nozzle.And then, drive signal by revising, can be for The caused changes such as the deviation of the modifying factor ejection characteristics such as the size of the ink droplet such as sprayed from described nozzle Amount, and it is modified to the size being suitably close to originally should spray.Therefore, if constituted by this way, Can suitably revise the ejection characteristic of the nozzle of such as ink gun.And, thus can suitably carry out The control of drops out from nozzles ejection.

It addition, in described composition, describe line reading part and to the mensuration of live width and such as utilize densimeter etc. Confirm that the situation etc. of the print result of the test figure comprising the different multiple patterns of grey decision-making is compared, permissible More simply carry out.More specifically, such as constitute 2 constitute like that in the case of, comprise with use The situation of the test figure of multiple patterns that grey decision-making is different is compared, and can suitably reduce required number to be printed. And, thus can suitably suppress to confirm the time needed for print result or expense.Additionally, described In the case of, as describing line reading part, it is possible to use be such as mounted in the sensor (sensor) of printing equipment Deng.Therefore, if constituted by this way, with the print result utilizing densimeter etc. to carry out exact p-value figure Situation etc. compare, can more simply and suitably revise the ejection characteristic of each nozzle of ink gun.And, Thus can more simply and suitably carry out the control of such as drops out from nozzles ejection.

Here, signal correction portion is such as so that the capacity of the ink droplet sprayed from each nozzle is closer to design load Mode correction drive signal.When the design load of the capacity of ink droplet refers to such as design and printing device etc. set The central value (standard value) of the capacity of fixed ink droplet.The design load of the capacity of ink droplet can also be to there is not spray The size of the ink droplet that originally should spray in the case of the impact of the deviation going out characteristic.It addition, driving signal is Refer to such as control to make the signal of the element of the nozzle ejection ink droplet of ink gun.The element making ink droplet spray refers to Such as spray the piezoelectric element in the case of ink droplet or with heat (thermal) in piezoelectricity (piezo) mode Mode sprays the heating element heater etc. in the case of ink droplet.Those elements are such as according to the voltage driving signal Change and make ink droplet spray from nozzle.

It addition, driving signal can also be such as to make according to parameter set in advance i.e. signal setup parameter Voltage or at least any one signal being changed of waveform.In said case, signal correction portion passes through base Change multi-signal setup parameter in describing line reading part institute setting-out line width, and revise driving signal.

It addition, utilize the description of the line that ink gun carries out, utilize the survey describing the live width that line reading part is carried out The a series of actions such as the correction driving signal determined and utilize signal correction portion to carry out are such as to adjust The action carried out during the ejection characteristic of nozzle.Described adjustment can also be such as in common printing action Gap etc., the action carried out according to situation of the instruction receiving user (user) etc..It addition, drive The correction of dynamic signal refers to the new value that should use when such as signal setup parameter being set the printing after adjusting.

It addition, drive the correction of signal such as to carry out in units of a nozzle.If by this way Constitute, such as, individually and more suitably for each nozzle correction can drive signal.It addition, drive letter Number correction also such as to be able to comprise respectively the nozzle sets (group) of multiple nozzle be unit, for often Group and carry out.If constituted by this way, such as, can more simply revise driving signal.

(constituting 3) described printing equipment also includes dimension information storage part, and described dimension information storage part is pre- First storage drop size information, described drop size information is by according to driving signal to spray from nozzle The size of ink droplet is set up corresponding with signal setup parameter, and signal correction portion is surveyed based on describing line reading part Fixed live width and the drop size information being stored in dimension information storage part, and change supply to describing Go out the signal setup parameter driving signal of the nozzle of the line of described live width, thus to driving signal to repair Just.If constituted by this way, such as, can more suitably be driven the correction of signal.

Here, drop size information can also be size and the letter of the ink droplet that such as should be sprayed by calibrating nozzle Number setup parameter sets up corresponding information.The size of the ink droplet that calibrating nozzle should spray refers to such as ink droplet The design load of capacity.It addition, drop size information can also be by the size of ink droplet and signal setup parameter Directly set up corresponding information.Additionally, drop size information can also be via can be with the size of ink droplet Or other parameters that the foundation of signal setup parameter is corresponding, by the size of ink droplet with signal setup parameter indirectly Set up corresponding information.More specifically, drop size information can also be such as live width to be set with signal Determine parameter and set up corresponding information.In said case, live width is as setting up with the size of ink droplet Other corresponding parameters and use.

(constituting 4) ink gun has the multiple nozzles to the arrangement of the nozzle rows direction of regulation, and ink gun utilizes I.e. select nozzle from a part of nozzle gone out selected by multiple nozzles, medium is described to nozzle rows side The straight line extended to orthogonal direction, selecting nozzle is with on nozzle rows direction, at least in described selection Nozzle clips the mode of more than one non-selection nozzle each other and is chosen, and describes line reading part pair The live width of the described straight line that selection nozzle is depicted is measured, and signal correction portion reads based on describing line Institute of portion setting-out line width, and the driving signal of the nozzle of supply to the straight line depicting described live width is carried out Revise.

In the case of the live width measuring a plurality of straight line that multiple nozzles are described, if straight line is the most intensive, Exist and be difficult to suitably measure the situation of live width.In contrast, in the case of constituting in this way, When describing the straight line measuring object becoming live width, ink gun utilizes and selects nozzle to describe to separate gap row The a plurality of straight line of row.Therefore, if constituted by this way, such as, can more suitably measure each nozzle The live width of the straight line described.And, thus can more suitably carry out the driving letter corresponding with each nozzle Number correction.

Additionally, in described composition, printing equipment such as selects nozzle to make description straight by change successively Staggering in the position of line, thus utilizes all nozzles to describe straight line.And, depict based on each nozzle The live width of straight line, and revise the driving signal corresponding with described nozzle.If constituted by this way, The correction of signal such as can be suitably driven for all nozzles in ink gun.Additionally, it is possible to With after revising driving signal, again describe mensuration straight line, and again carry out the reading of the line depicted. Thus, the effect revised such as can suitably be confirmed.Additionally, it is preferred that in revised state necessarily Error range outer in the case of, be again driven the correction of signal.By repeating those actions, And can suitably improve the precision of correction.

Additionally, it is alternatively that the system of selection of nozzle, it is considered to have following method etc.: first select spray Odd number (or even number) nozzle on mouth column direction, utilizes the nozzle selected to depict straight line After, then select even number (or odd number) nozzle, and utilize the nozzle selected to describe straight line. It addition, be also contemplated for following method etc.: select successively in nozzle rows all (N is more than 1 every N number of Integer) nozzle, and utilize selection nozzle describe straight line successively.

(constituting 5) is describing the line reading part institute setting-out line width feelings less than or equal to lower limit set in advance Under condition, the nozzle depicting the line of described live width is judged to bad nozzle by signal correction portion.

If constituted by this way, such as have by change signal setup parameter and cannot fully revise In the case of the nozzle of ejection characteristic etc., can suitably detect this nozzle.And, the most permissible Suitably bad nozzle is carried out the process etc. different from common correction.

Further, it is contemplated that in the case of signal correction portion judges that any one nozzle is as bad nozzle, to described Nozzle carries out nozzles correction (recovery) such as the suction of the nozzle recovery process such as such as wiping or nozzle etc. Reason etc..And, as the process of nozzle correction, it is also considered that such as replace bad nozzle to use other just Often nozzle carries out printing etc..And then, it is also considered that such as show or alert (carry by mistake (error) Show change ink gun alarm (alarm) etc.) etc. notify that user exists bad nozzle etc..It addition, Such as can also carry out mistake display in the case of the maintenance rear nozzle carrying out stipulated number recovers not yet Or warning etc..Consequently, it is possible to such as can suitably bad nozzle be processed.

(constituting 6) ink gun, while moving to main scanning direction set in advance, carries out spraying ink droplet Main scanning action, describe line reading part and read the line that is depicted on medium orthogonal with main scanning direction Position on sub scanning direction, the position of the line that line reading part reads is being described in described ejection abnormity detecting portion In the case of deviateing reference position set in advance, the nozzle depicting described line is judged to, and ejection is abnormal State.

Such as, the ejection offset on sub scanning direction at the landing positions producing ink droplet (is flown curved extremely Bent etc.) in the case of, because the landing positions of the ink droplet on sub scanning direction offsets, and it is depicted on medium The position of straight line also offset.Therefore, if constituted in this way, such as can be based on being depicted in Jie The position of the straight line in matter, and what the landing positions suitably detecting ink droplet offset on sub scanning direction Ejection is abnormal.It addition, abnormal by suitably detecting ejection, such as can promptly carry out ink gun Maintenance etc., make the nozzle of ink gun suitably revert to normal condition.And, thus can be suitably Prevent such as abnormal because of ejection impact from causing the situation etc. of the quality reduction of printing.

Additionally, about the position on the position reading sub scanning direction of the line being depicted on medium can also be Such as read to a plurality of straight line of sub scanning direction arrangement each relative to the relative position of other straight lines.? In the case of described, more specifically, it is considered to such as by detection to a plurality of straight line of sub scanning direction arrangement Interval (spacing (pitch)) and read the position of each bar line.It addition, as detecting that ejection is abnormal In the case of the maintenance of ink gun that carries out, it is considered to carry out the such as nozzle face of wiping ink gun wiping or The suction etc. of nozzle.It addition, such as signal can driven to make nozzle revert to normal shape by revising In the case of state, it is also considered that be driven the correction of signal.

(constituting 7) ink gun, while moving to main scanning direction set in advance, carries out spraying ink droplet Main scanning action, describe line reading part be one-dimensional image sensor (image sensor), shoot to The region of the linearity of the sub scanning direction extension that main scanning direction is orthogonal.If constituted by this way, Such as can suitably read the state of the line being depicted on medium.

(constituting 8) describes line reading part is 2 D image sensor, the plane region on shooting medium. If constituted by this way, such as, can suitably read the state of the line being depicted on medium.

(constituting 9) is a kind of sprays abnormal method for detecting, the ink to the nozzle ejection being had from ink gun The ejection that the state dripped deviates from normal condition is detected extremely, makes drops out from nozzles spray, and reads logical Cross the state of the line utilizing a nozzle to describe on medium medium ejection ink droplet from described nozzle, and State based on the line read, and the nozzle depicting described line is judged the ink droplet from nozzle ejection Whether state is the abnormal state that sprays from normal condition deviation, thus detects ejection is abnormal. If constituted by this way, such as, can obtain and constitute 1 identical effect.

[effect of invention]

According to the present invention, such as can be different in the ejection of ink gun generation with simple and suitable method detecting Often.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b) is the composition of the printing equipment 10 representing one embodiment of the present invention The figure of an example.Fig. 1 (a) represents an example of the composition of the major part of printing equipment 10.Fig. 1 (b) Represent the ink gun 12 in printing equipment 10 and describe constitute in more detail the one of line reading part 14 Example.

Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2 (b) is the figure illustrating the example revising the action driving signal.Figure 2 (a) is the voltage signal and waveform representing and driving signal and is made ink gun by according to driving signal The curve map (graph) of one example of the relation of the live width of the straight line that the ink droplet of nozzle ejection is described.Fig. 2 B () is the flow chart (flow chart) representing the example revising the action driving signal.

Fig. 3 (a) and Fig. 3 (b) is the action representing and describing straight line and an example of the action measuring live width Figure.Fig. 3 (a) represents an example of the action describing straight line.Fig. 3 (b) represents that mensuration utilizes ink gun One example of the action of the live width of the straight line that each nozzle 102 of 12 is depicted.

Fig. 4 (a) and Fig. 4 (b) is the method for the ejection exception of the landing positions skew representing detecting ink droplet The figure of an example.Fig. 4 (a) represents the situation of the straight line utilizing description line reading part 14 reading to depict One example.Fig. 4 (b) represents an example of the reading result describing line reading part 14.

Fig. 5 is the example representing the action using the printing equipment 10 in the case of 2 D image sensor Figure.

Fig. 6 (a) and Fig. 6 (b) is that an example of the action to the live width measuring straight line 402 illustrates Figure.Fig. 6 (a) represents the straight line 402 and the one of datum line 404 described when landing positions judges Example.Fig. 6 (b) represents an example of the reading result of landing positions reading part 14.

Fig. 7 (a) and Fig. 7 (b) is to the action judging ink droplet landing positions on sub scanning direction The figure that one example illustrates.Fig. 7 (a) represent the straight line 402 described when landing positions judges and One example of datum line 404.Fig. 7 (b) represents an example of the reading result of landing positions reading part 14.

Fig. 8 (a) and Fig. 8 (b) is to the action judging ink droplet landing positions on main scanning direction The figure that one example illustrates.Fig. 8 (a) represent the straight line 402 described when landing positions judges and One example of datum line 404.Fig. 8 (b) represents an example of the reading result of landing positions reading part 14.

[explanation of symbol]

10: printing equipment

12: ink gun

14: describe line reading part

16: platform

18: drive signal output unit

20: signal correction portion

22: dimension information storage part

24: ejection abnormity detecting portion

50: medium

102: nozzle

104a, 104b: sensor portion

150: the visual field

202,204: line

302: point

402: straight line

404: datum line

Dm: assigned position

X: sub scanning direction

X0: gauged distance

Xn: distance

Y: main scanning direction

Detailed description of the invention

Hereinafter, referring to the drawings while embodiments of the present invention are illustrated.Fig. 1 (a) and figure 1 (b) represents an example of the composition of the printing equipment 10 of one embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 1 (a) represents One example of the composition of the major part of printing equipment 10.In this example, printing equipment 10 is with ink-jet side The ink-jet printer that medium (media) 50 is printed by formula, possesses ink gun 12, describes line reading Portion 14, platform (table) 16, driving signal output unit 18, ejection abnormity detecting portion 24, signal correction Portion 20 and dimension information storage part 22.It addition, in addition to the aspect of following description, printing equipment 10 can be same with known ink-jet printer or as printing equipment.Such as, printing equipment 10 Can also have same with known ink-jet printer or as constitute as print needed for various structures Become.

Ink gun 12 is directed towards medium 50 and sprays the print head of ink droplet.In this example, ink gun 12 has To multiple nozzles of the nozzle rows direction of regulation arrangement, according to defeated from driving signal accordingly with each nozzle Go out the driving signal that portion 18 receives, and spray ink droplet from each nozzle.Signal is driven to refer to such as control to make The signal of the element of the nozzle ejection ink droplet of ink gun 12.Described element is such as with each nozzle accordingly The piezoelectric element arranged or heating element heater etc., make drops out from nozzles according to the variation of voltage driving signal Ejection.

Describing line reading part 14 is sensor, reads by spraying medium 50 from the nozzle of ink gun 12 Ink droplet and the state of line described on medium 50.As describing line reading part 14, such as can be preferred Use one-dimensional image sensor.One-dimensional image sensor refer to such as to shoot to sub scanning direction extend straight The sensor (linear image sensor (linear image sensor)) in the region of wire.One-dimensional image passes Sensor can be the line sensor (line in the region of the width reading such as 1 inch～2 inches (inch) left and right sensor).Describe line reading part 14 and can also have the structure such as arranging multiple one-dimensional image sensors Become.It addition, in the variation of the composition of printing equipment 10, as describing line reading part 14, also examine Consider the 2 D image sensor using the plane region on such as shooting medium 50.

It addition, in this example, describe line reading part 14 and measure the live width work of the line being depicted on medium 50 State for line.And, more specifically, when being driven the driving signal of adjustment of signal and adjusting, Describe the mensuration that line reading part 14 carries out the live width of the straight line utilizing each nozzle of ink gun 12 to depict. Platform 16 is to maintain the holding component of medium 50, with ink gun 12 to keeping medium 50 to ground.

Driving signal output unit 18 is the signal output unit to ink gun 12 output drive signal.And, In this example, signal output unit 18 is driven to be supplied respectively to the multiple nozzles in ink gun 12 according to each The ejection characteristic of nozzle and the driving signal revised.

Ejection abnormity detecting portion 24 is that the state of the ink droplet detecting the nozzle ejection from ink gun 12 is from benchmark The detecting part of the ejection exception of state deviation.In this example, ejection abnormity detecting portion 24 reads based on describing line Take the state of the line that portion 14 is read, and judge that whether the nozzle depicting described line is as spraying abnormal shape State.And, more specifically, the linewidth bias such as determined at description line reading part 14 presets Reference range in the case of, ejection abnormity detecting portion 24 judges the nozzle depicting described line as spray different Normal state.

Signal correction portion 20 is to repairing that the driving signal driving signal output unit 18 to be exported is modified Positive portion.In this example, when driving signal to adjust, ejection abnormity detecting portion 24 judges that any one nozzle is as spray In the case of going out abnormal state, for the driving signal of supply to described nozzle, signal correction portion 20 base In as describing the live width of measurement result of line reading part 14 and being stored in dimension information storage part 22 Drop size information, and change signal setup parameter, thus revise and drive signal.And thus, letter Number correction portion 20 is such as to make the capacity of the ink droplet sprayed from each nozzle repair in the way of design load Just driving signal.Dimension information storage part 22 is the storage part prestoring drop size information.

Here, signal setup parameter refers to such as specify the parameter of the action driving signal.And, at this In example, signal setup parameter is at least any one the parameter specified and drive the voltage of signal or waveform.? In the case of described, drive voltage in signal or waveform at least any one is become according to signal setup parameter More.It addition, drive signal output unit 18 output voltage or waveform at least any one sets ginseng according to signal The driving signal counted and be changed.Driving the voltage of signal or the change of waveform can be such as to drive signal A part of voltage or the change of waveform.It addition, drop size information refer to such as will according to drive signal And set up corresponding information from the size of the ink droplet of nozzle ejection with signal setup parameter.Drop size is believed Breath can be such as with signal setup parameter, live width to be set up corresponding information etc..Additionally, about driving letter Number the action of correction, illustrate more fully below.

It addition, as the most also have been described above, in this example, printing equipment 10 is except having institute State beyond major part, also have such as same with known ink-jet printer or as composition.Such as, Printing equipment 10 is also equipped with the drive division etc. making ink gun 12 carry out main scanning action or subscan action. Main scanning action refers to make ink gun 12 main scanning side set in advance in printing equipment 10 when printing Action to (Y-direction in figure) movement.When main scanning action, ink gun 12 is to Y side To movement, spray ink droplet according to driving signal.It addition, subscan action is to instigate ink gun 12 Relative relative to medium 50 to the sub scanning direction (X-direction) orthogonal with main scanning direction (Y-direction) The action of movement.Printing equipment 10 is by carrying out subscan action in the gap of main scanning action, and carries out Feeding action relative to ink gun 12 fed medium 50.And, printing equipment 10 is by those actions And each position on medium 50 is printed.

It addition, printing equipment 10 such as can also possess multiple ink gun 12.Such as, at printing equipment In the case of 10 for carrying out the composition that colour (color) prints, printing equipment 10 can also possess respectively Each color ink of ejection yellow-magenta-cyan-black (Yellow-Magenta-Cyan-Key, YMCK) Multiple ink guns 12 of water.In said case, drive signal output unit 18 to each ink gun 12 Nozzle supply drives signal.And, the driving to each ink gun 12 supply is revised in signal correction portion 20 Signal.

It follows that to the ink gun 12 in this example and describe line reading part 14 constitute in more detail into Row explanation.Fig. 1 (b) represents the ink gun 12 in printing equipment 10 and describes line reading part 14 The more detailed example constituted.In this example, multiple nozzles 102 of ink gun 12 are with X-direction for spray Mouth column direction and arrange.

It addition, describe line reading part 14 to be separately positioned on the both sides in the Y-direction of ink gun 12.Respectively retouch Line drawing reading part 14 is configured to together with such as ink gun 12 move, such as in main scanning action etc. Time ink gun 12 in the case of Y-direction moves, each line reading part 14 of describing is together with ink gun 12 Move to Y-direction.

It addition, in this example, ink gun 12 such as in the outlet of main scanning action and return on two directions on road, Ink droplet is sprayed to medium 50.Therefore, the description line reading part 14 of the both sides of ink gun 12 it is separately positioned on According to the moving direction of the ink gun 12 during main scanning action, a description line reading part is made to be arranged in movement side To front side, make another describe line reading part be arranged in rear side.Therefore, if structure by this way Become, such as in the situation of mensuration of live width of the straight line carrying out utilizing ink gun 12 to be depicted on medium 50 Under, it is possible to use on the moving direction of ink gun 12, it is arranged in the description line of the rear side of ink gun 12 Reading part 14, suitably measures the live width of the straight line depicted in the main scanning action describing line.And, The most such as efficiently and can suitably carry out the mensuration of live width.

It addition, in this example, each is described line reading part 14 and has multiple sensor portion 104a, sensor Portion 104b.Wherein, sensor portion 104a is that the odd numbers of nozzles 102 measured in nozzle rows is depicted The sensor (the most one-dimensional image sensor) of the live width of straight line.It addition, sensor portion 104b is to measure Sensor (the most one-dimensional image of the live width of the straight line that the even numbers of nozzles 102 in nozzle rows is depicted Sensor).About the action utilizing sensor portion 104a, sensor portion 104b to measure live width, below In be described in detail.It addition, as sensor portion 104a, sensor portion 104b, it may be preferred to utilize Such as by the composition of optical sensor (photosensor) Yu combination of light sources.As described light source, Ke Yiyou Choosing uses such as light emitting diode (Light Emitting Diode, LED) or laser diode (Laser Diode, LD) etc..

It follows that illustrate in more detail revising the action driving signal.Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2 (b) It it is the figure that the example revising the action driving signal is illustrated.Fig. 2 (a) represents driving signal Voltage signal and waveform and described by the ink droplet making the nozzle of ink gun spray according to driving signal The curve map of one example of the relation of the live width of straight line.In the graph, line 202 represents driving signal The relation of voltage and live width.It addition, line 204 represents the relation of pulse width and the live width driving signal.

Additionally, for convenience of description, described curve map respectively with arbitrary unit represent voltage, pulse width, And live width.It addition, for the ease of diagram, stagger table by line 202 and the line 204 position on the longitudinal axis Show.Thus, line 202 and line 204 represent such as relative to on the transverse axis of curve map, be expressed as Dm Voltage corresponding to assigned position or pulse width, in the feelings making the value of described voltage or pulse width increase and decrease Under condition, live width moves to the which direction being increased or decreased.

It addition, in this example, signal is driven for example, to comprise the signal of multiple pulse.In said case, The voltage driving signal refers to such as become the variation in voltage that makes drops out from nozzles spray driving in signal The voltage of pulse.In said case, the voltage of pulse can be voltage variety exhausted of such as pulse To value.And, pulse width refers to the width of the most described pulse.Additionally, make drops out from nozzles spray Variation in voltage refer to such as to allow the voltage making the element of nozzle ejection ink droplet carry out extruding the action of ink droplet become Dynamic.It addition, according to the action making drops out from nozzles spray and the relation driving signal, make drops out from nozzles The variation in voltage of ejection can also be such as to allow described element carry out in nozzle before the action of extrusion ink droplet Suck the variation in voltage etc. of the action of ink droplet.

It addition, in the graph, live width refers to such as by being constituted to the continuously arranged ink dot of Y-direction The live width of straight line.In this example, described straight line e.g. by ink gun 12 (with reference to Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b)) main scanning time, a nozzle is repeated to supply identical driving signal and is depicted in medium On.

Here, in the case of using driving signal as above, from the size of the ink droplet of nozzle ejection The voltage become and drive signal and the corresponding size of pulse width.Such as, relative to the horizontal stroke at curve map The assigned position of Dm it is expressed as on axle, in the case of the voltage or pulse width making driving signal increases, Becoming large-sized of the ink dot of ejection.And, correspondingly, the live width of the straight line described also becomes big. It addition, in the case of the voltage or pulse width making driving signal reduces, the size of the ink dot of ejection becomes Little.And, correspondingly, the live width of the straight line described also diminishes.Therefore, if for printing Ink gun 12 used in device 10 (with reference to Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b)), measured in advance land exist The size of the ink droplet on medium or the live width of straight line described etc. and and drive voltage or the waveform of signal The relation of signal setup parameter of at least any one correspondence, just can be at the ink sprayed from any one nozzle The size dripped become prescribed limit outer in the case of etc., the described relation gone out based on measured in advance, according to institute State the characteristic of nozzle to revise driving signal.

More specifically, in this example, dimension information storage part 22 (with reference to Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b)) Store the described relation gone out based on measured in advance and the size of ink droplet is set up corresponding with signal setup parameter Drop size information.Drop size information can be such as will never to there is the impact of ejection characteristic deviation The size of the ink droplet that normal nozzles should spray sets up corresponding information with signal setup parameter.Normal nozzles Refer to the normal nozzle spraying characteristic such as having in design.It addition, drop size information can be example The size of the ink droplet as sprayed by calibrating nozzle sets up corresponding information with signal setup parameter.

It addition, drop size information can be the information that all nozzles in ink gun 12 are general.It addition, In drop size information, the size of ink droplet is set up corresponding referring to signal setup parameter such as will be by ink The live width dripping the straight line described is set up corresponding with signal setup parameter.More specifically, in this example, Dimension information storage part 22 store such as by the live width of straight line described by the ink droplet sprayed from nozzle and Signal setup parameter sets up corresponding drop size information.It addition, when driving signal to adjust, signal is repaiied Positive portion 20 (with reference to Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b)) is based on the drop being stored in dimension information storage part 22 Dimension information and revise driving signal.

Fig. 2 (b) is the flow chart representing the example revising the action driving signal.It addition, it is following described The action that bright a series of actions is e.g. carried out when driving signal to adjust.And, described adjustment is such as It is the gap etc. in common printing action, carries out according to situation of the instruction receiving user etc. Action.During it addition, drive the correction of signal to refer to such as signal setup parameter be set the printing after adjusting The new value that should use.

When driving signal to adjust, it is each that the printing equipment 10 of this example selects in ink gun 12 the most successively Nozzle, and utilize the nozzle (selection nozzle) selected to describe straight line (step (step) S102). Ink gun 12 is such as according to using driving signal to the signal setup parameter of each nozzle setting at that time, and sharp Straight line is described with each nozzle.

Here, in described step S102, the selection nozzle in ink gun 12 is to select as follows Go out: on nozzle rows direction, at least clip more than one non-selection each other at described selection nozzle Nozzle.Ink gun 12 by carrying out main scanning action, and utilize selection nozzle describe on medium to spray The straight line of the Y-direction extension that mouth column direction is orthogonal.And, after utilizing selection nozzle to describe straight line, print Brush device 10 reselects other nozzles, utilizes ensuing selection nozzle to describe straight line.Then, depend on The secondary selection repeating this nozzle and the description of straight line, thus printing equipment 10 utilizes all nozzles at medium Upper description straight line.

In addition, it is alternatively that the system of selection of nozzle, it is considered to have following method etc.: first select spray Odd number (or even number) nozzle on mouth column direction, after utilizing the nozzle selected to describe straight line, Then select even number (or odd number) nozzle, and utilize the nozzle selected to describe straight line.Separately Outward, it is also considered that have a following method etc.: select successively in nozzle rows all every N number of (N be more than 1 whole Number) nozzle, and utilize selection nozzle describe straight line successively.

It follows that printing equipment 10 is by describing line reading part 14 (with reference to Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b)), And measure the live width (step S104) utilizing the straight line selecting nozzle to be depicted on medium selected successively. Then, by signal correction portion 20 (with reference to Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b)) based on describing line reading part 14 Institute's setting-out line width and change signal setup parameter, thus revise supply to the straight line depicting described live width The driving signal (step S106) of nozzle.

Here, in step s 106, voltage or the waveform (such as pulse width) of signal will such as be driven As signal setup parameter.And, it is rule in the most tested live width made of any one nozzle In the case of the most extraneous, signal correction portion 20 is based on the drop being stored in dimension information storage part 22 Dimension information, and obtain and make described live width return to signal setup parameter required in prescribed limit.Described In the case of, more specifically, signal correction portion 20 is such as according to the feelings of institute's setting-out line width Yu normal nozzles The difference of the live width under condition, and calculate required variable quantity ± Δ V or the pulse width of the voltage driving signal Variable quantity ± Δ P.Then, set new signal setup parameter based on result of calculation, thus revise driving Signal.

Additionally, the live width that all nozzles in ink gun 12 determine by describing line reading part 14 In the case of in prescribed limit, in step s 106, signal correction portion 20 does not carry out signal setup parameter Change etc., and terminate to drive the action of correction of signal.On the other hand, preferably at any one nozzle quilt The live width determined becomes outside prescribed limit, and in the case of having carried out the change of signal setup parameter, makes The action that step S102 is later is again repeated with revised driving signal.If structure by this way Become, can more suitably be driven the correction of signal.

Alternatively, it is also possible to be to utilize description 14 setting-out line width of line reading part less than or equal to presetting Lower limit in the case of, in step s 106, signal correction portion 20 judge corresponding with described live width Nozzle is bad nozzle.If constituted by this way, such as, there iing the change by signal setup parameter And in the case of cannot fully revising the nozzle etc. of ejection characteristic, it is also possible to suitably detect this nozzle. And, thus suitably bad nozzle can be carried out the process etc. different from common correction.

Further, it is contemplated that in the case of signal correction portion 20 judges that any one nozzle is as bad nozzle, to institute State nozzle to carry out the nozzle correction such as suction etc. of such as wiping or nozzle and process (maintenance) etc..It addition, also Consider such as to be shown by mistake or warning etc. notifies that user exists bad nozzle.It addition, the most also Mistake display or warning can be carried out in the case of the maintenance rear nozzle carrying out stipulated number recovers not yet Deng.Consequently, it is possible to such as can suitably bad nozzle be processed.

As it has been described above, in the case of constituting as this example, such as can be based on being depicted on medium The measurement result of the live width of line, and suitably confirm the chi of the ink droplet sprayed from the nozzle depicting described line Very little etc..Thus, the ejection characteristic of described nozzle such as can suitably be confirmed.It addition, such as arbitrary In the case of individual nozzle becomes the state that ejection is abnormal, can suitably detect ejection abnormal.And, Change signal setup parameter by measurement result based on live width, can suitably revise driving signal with The size of the ink droplet that change such as sprays from this nozzle.And then, drive signal by revising, can be for The caused changes such as the deviation of the modifying factor ejection characteristics such as the size of the ink droplet such as sprayed from described nozzle Amount, and suitably it is modified to the size that originally should spray.Therefore, according to this example, such as can be suitably Revise the ejection characteristic of each nozzle of ink gun 12.And, the most such as can suitably carry out ink droplet from The control of nozzle ejection, such that it is able to suitably prevent from causing the quality of printing because of the impact of ejection exception The situation etc. reduced.

Additionally, hereinbefore, about the correction of driving signal, to such as entering in units of a nozzle The example of the situation of row is illustrated.If constituted by this way, such as can individually and suitableeer Local for each nozzle correction driving signal.It addition, drive the correction of signal also such as to be able to wrap respectively Nozzle sets containing multiple nozzles is unit, is modified for often group.If constituted by this way, Such as can more simply revise driving signal.

It follows that select nozzle to describe the action of the action of straight line and the live width of mensuration straight line more to utilizing Specifically illustrate.Fig. 3 (a) and Fig. 3 (b) represents the action of description straight line and measures live width One example of action.Fig. 3 (a) represents an example of the action describing straight line.

As use Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2 (b) etc. illustrated, when driving signal adjustment, ink-jet 12 utilize and select one from the nozzle rows arranging multiple nozzles 102 with X-direction for nozzle rows direction The selection nozzle of part, describes the straight line extended to Y-direction.And, change selects nozzle successively, All nozzles 102 are thus utilized to describe straight line successively.

Such as, in the case of Fig. 3 (a) Suo Shi, ink gun 12 is first with the feelings from the left-hand digit of figure The odd numbers of nozzles 102 in nozzle rows under condition, as selecting nozzle, utilizes and selects nozzle to carry out straight line Description.And, after the description of the straight line utilizing odd numbers of nozzles 102 to carry out terminates, with nozzle Even numbers of nozzles 102 in row, as selecting nozzle, utilizes the description selecting nozzle to carry out straight line.As Fruit is constituted by this way, it is possible to use all nozzles 102 in ink gun 12 suitably describe straight line.

Additionally, in this example, utilize nozzle 102 to describe straight line and refer to arrange by ink as shown in the figure Drip the ink dot formed and formed.Therefore, in this example, the straight line utilizing nozzle 102 to be formed refers to A row of ink dot arrangement as shown in the figure.It addition, for convenience of description, figure is emphasized earth's surface The point showing the point utilizing a part of nozzle to be formed and utilize other nozzles to be formed size by contrast Different.

It addition, in described action, select the change of nozzle such as can carry out utilizing ink gun 12 The midway of main scanning action is carried out.In said case, ink gun 12 such as in a main scanning action, Carry out the description of straight line initially with odd numbers of nozzles, carry out straight line followed by even numbers of nozzles Describe.If constituted by this way, all nozzles 102 can be efficiently utilized to carry out straight line Describe.It addition, such as in the case of printing equipment 10 possesses multiple ink gun 12, utilize each to spray The description of the straight line that each nozzle 102 of ink 12 is carried out such as can also be entered in a main scanning action OK.Alternatively, it is also possible to make each ink gun 12 carry out main scanning action respectively, and utilize each ink gun Each nozzle 102 of 12 describes straight line.

It addition, the order selecting nozzle 102 can also be different from described.Such as can also first select Select even numbers of nozzles 102, then select odd numbers of nozzles 102.Alternatively, it is also possible to select spray successively Mouth row in all every the nozzle of N number of (N is the integer of more than 1).

Here, in Fig. 3 (a), represent and the 5th nozzle 102 and the 6th nozzle 102 from left to right in figure Corresponding drive signal demand to be modified in the case of example.Such as according at odd numbers of nozzles 102 Drawing line result in become the straight line row of arrangement (some) of Article 3 from left to right and understand, from left to right The capacity of the ink droplet of the 5th nozzle 102 ejection tails off.It addition, according in even numbers of nozzles 102 The straight line becoming Article 3 from left to right in drawing line result understands, from left to right the ink of the 6th nozzle 102 ejection The capacity dripped becomes many.

The action of the live width of the straight line that each nozzle 102 of Fig. 3 (b) expression mensuration ink gun 12 is depicted An example.As use illustrated by Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b) etc., in this example, by having Sensor portion 104a, the description line reading part 14 (with reference to Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b)) of sensor portion 104b And measure the live width of the straight line that each nozzle 102 is depicted.And, in said case, pass through sensor Portion 104a and measure the live width of the straight line that the odd numbers of nozzles 102 in nozzle rows is depicted, by sensing Device portion 104b and measure the live width of the straight line that the even numbers of nozzles 102 in nozzle rows is depicted.

It addition, in this example, sensor portion 104a, sensor portion 104b are such as by becoming on detecting medium For the width in region more than finite concentration, and measure the live width of the straight line that each nozzle 102 is depicted. If constituted by this way, such as, can suitably confirm the live width of straight line on medium.Additionally, it is sharp With describing the mensuration of the live width that line reading part 14 is carried out in addition to described, it is also considered that by such as known each Kind of method and carry out.

Here, in Fig. 3 (b), represent the mensuration knot of the live width corresponding with the situation shown in Fig. 3 (a) Really.In figure, each crest (peak) represents the feelings of the change of the concentration with each line correspondences on medium One example of condition.And, the figure of the upside of Fig. 3 (b) be represent depict with odd numbers of nozzles each directly One example of the situation of the change of the concentration that line is corresponding.The figure of the downside of Fig. 3 (b) is to represent and even number One example of the situation of the change of the concentration of each line correspondences that nozzle is depicted.

3rd crest from left to right of the figure according to upside, the 5th nozzle from left to right in such as nozzle rows In the case of the capacity of 102 ink droplets sprayed like that is less, institute's setting-out line width also diminishes.It addition, root Understand according to the 3rd crest from left to right of the figure of downside, the 6th nozzle 102 from left to right in such as nozzle rows that In the case of the capacity of ink droplet of sample ejection is more, institute's setting-out line width also becomes big.

It follows that the most in this example, can suitably detect from each nozzle by measuring live width The capacity of the ink droplet of 102 ejections.Therefore, according to this example, such as, come by the measurement result according to live width Revise and drive signal, and the appearance of the ink droplet that each nozzle 102 that can suitably adjust ink gun 12 is sprayed Amount.And, the most such as can simply and suitably carry out the control of drops out from nozzles 102 ejection.Cause This, according to this example, can more suitably prevent such as abnormal because of ejection impact from causing the quality of printing The situation etc. reduced.

And then, in this example, as described above when describing the straight line measuring object becoming live width, Ink gun 12 utilizes the nozzle that selects selected successively to describe to separate a plurality of straight line of gap arrangement.Therefore, According to this example, can more suitably measure the live width of the straight line that each nozzle 102 is described.And, thus Can more suitably carry out the correction that drive signal corresponding with each nozzle 102.

Additionally, hereinbefore, about the detecting that ejection is abnormal, determine based on description line reading part 14 The live width composition of detecting ejection abnormal be illustrated.But, according to using Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 The composition of b printing equipment 10 that () etc. are illustrated, except such as about the ejection of size (capacity) of ink droplet Beyond exception, it is also possible to the ejection of the landing positions skew detecting such as ink droplet is abnormal (flight bending etc.) Deng.Therefore, below to so that the ejection of landing positions skew of detecting ink droplet abnormal in the case of composition Illustrate.

Fig. 4 (a) and Fig. 4 (b) is the method for the ejection exception of the landing positions skew representing detecting ink droplet The figure of an example.Fig. 4 (a) represents the situation of the straight line utilizing description line reading part 14 reading to depict One example.Fig. 4 (b) represents an example of the reading result describing line reading part 14.Additionally, it is following described The detecting that bright ejection is abnormal such as can use and use the composition illustrated by Fig. 1 (a)～Fig. 3 (b) The printing equipment 10 of same or same composition and carry out.It addition, in Fig. 4 (a), for the ease of figure Show, the description line reading part 14 of the state reading straight line 402 in the composition of an expression printing equipment 10 (one-dimensional image sensor etc.).

It addition, in the composition using Fig. 4 (a) and Fig. 4 (b) to illustrate, printing equipment 10 removes Such as based on straight line live width is detected beyond the ejection extremely of the size about ink droplet, and then detecting ink droplet The ejection that offsets on sub scanning direction of landing positions abnormal.In said case, detecting is about ink droplet The abnormal action of the ejection of size or revise according to detecting result and drive the action of signal such as can By with use Fig. 1 (a)～Fig. 3 (b) illustrated by situation same or as in the way of carry out.

More specifically, such as in the same manner as using the action illustrated by Fig. 3 (a) and Fig. 3 (b), print Brush device 10 utilizes ink gun 12 (with reference to Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b)), first with the in nozzle rows Odd numbers of nozzles, as selecting nozzle, utilizes the description selecting nozzle to carry out straight line 402.And, in profit After the description of the straight line 402 carried out with odd numbers of nozzles terminates, with the even numbers of nozzles in nozzle rows As selecting nozzle, utilize the description selecting nozzle to carry out straight line 402.Thus, printing equipment 10 utilizes All nozzles in ink gun 12 describe straight line 402 on medium 50.

It addition, printing equipment 10 utilizes description line reading part 14 to read the straight line being depicted on medium 50 The state of 402.More specifically, describe line reading part 14 and such as carry out mensuration and the subscan side of live width The reading reading the state as straight line 402 of position upwards.Such as shown in Fig. 4 (b), those shapes The reading of state can be come by the width or position that become the region of more than finite concentration on detecting medium 50 Carry out.In said case, the mensuration of the live width of straight line 402 such as can by with use Fig. 3 (b) Method that illustrated method is same or same and carry out.

It addition, the reading of the position of straight line 402 such as can be many by reading to sub scanning direction arrangement Bar straight line 402 is respective to be carried out relative to the relative position of other straight lines.Read relative to other straight lines Relative position refer to such as by detection to the interval (spacing) of a plurality of straight line of sub scanning direction arrangement And read the position of each bar line.In said case, such as shown in Fig. 4 (b), about on medium 50 Become the region of more than finite concentration, using the crest location of concentration as the center of straight line, calculate Distance between the respective center of straight line 402 arranged adjacently on sub scanning direction.Thus, may be used With read each bar straight line 402 such as relative to the relative position of adjacent straight line 402.

It addition, in said case, the position deviation of the straight line 402 that line reading part 14 is read is being described In the case of reference position set in advance, ejection abnormity detecting portion 24 (with reference to Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b)) Judge the nozzle depicting described straight line 402 state as ejection exception.More specifically, sentence described In Ding, such as, measure between nth bar straight line 402 (n is the integer of more than 1) and adjacent straight line 402 Distance Xn.Then, based on distance Xn determined, calculate and gauged distance X0 set in advance The absolute value of difference (X0-Xn).And, in the case of described absolute value is more than the threshold value of regulation, It is judged to the state that ejection is abnormal.

In the case of constituting by this way, the such as ejection of the size that any one nozzle produces ink droplet is different Chang Shi, as the straight line 402 of label symbol A in Fig. 4 (a), live width can be described with utilizing normal nozzles The straight line 402 gone out is different.And, result is to measure as the part of label symbol A in Fig. 4 (b) Go out the live width different from other straight lines.Therefore, by measuring live width, and ink droplet can suitably be detected The ejection of size abnormal.

It addition, produce, at such as any one nozzle, the ejection exception that landing positions offsets on sub scanning direction In the case of, the position of the straight line 402 described as the straight line 402 of label symbol B in Fig. 4 (a) Put and offset on sub scanning direction.And, result is as the part of label symbol B in Fig. 4 (b) And the interval (spacing) of adjacent straight line 402 also produces change, and deviates reference range.Therefore, logical Cross the reading straight line 402 position on sub scanning direction, to the landing positions of ink droplet on sub scanning direction The ejection of skew can also suitably detect extremely.

It addition, abnormal by suitably detecting ejection, such as can suitably be driven repairing of signal Just or the maintenance etc. of ink gun 12.Such as, in the case of detecting the ejection of size of ink droplet extremely, By revising driving signal as used illustrated by Fig. 1 (a)～Fig. 3 (b), can be for from described The caused variable quantities such as the deviation of the modifying factor ejection characteristics such as the size of the ink droplet of nozzle ejection, and be allowed to It is suitably close to the size that originally should spray.It addition, such as sweep in pair at the landing positions detecting ink droplet In the case of the ejection that the side of retouching offsets up is abnormal, by carrying out the maintenance etc. of ink gun 12, and can make Nozzle suitably reverts to normal condition.As described maintenance, it is considered to have and such as carry out wiping ink gun 12 The wiping of nozzle face or the process etc. of suction etc. of nozzle.It addition, such as can by drive signal Correction and in the case of making nozzle revert to normal condition, it is also considered that be driven the correction of signal.Cause This, if constituted by this way, can more suitably prevent such as abnormal because of ejection impact from causing The situation etc. that the quality of printing reduces.

It follows that the another variation of the composition of printing equipment 10 is illustrated.Hereinbefore, use Fig. 1 (a)～Fig. 4 (a) and Fig. 4 (b) is to using one-dimensional image sensor as describing line reading part Preferably constitute in the case of 14 and be illustrated.But, as describing line reading part 14, except one-dimensional shadow As beyond sensor, it is possible to use such as 2 D image sensor etc..

Fig. 5～Fig. 8 (b) is to using 2 D image sensor as describing in the case of line reading part 14 The composition of printing equipment 10 and the figure that illustrates of action.Additionally, except aspect described below with Outward, composition and the action of the printing equipment 10 in described variation (hereinafter referred to as this variation) is and makes With the same or same structure of the composition of the printing equipment 10 illustrated by Fig. 1 (a)～Fig. 4 (b) and action Become and action.

Fig. 5 represents an example of the action of the printing equipment 10 in the case of use 2 D image sensor.? In this variation, as 2 D image sensor, it is possible to use such as charge-coupled image sensor (Charge Coupled Device, CCD) the known imaging apparatus such as camera (camera).If by this way Constitute, it is possible to suitably detect the skew of such as landing positions with sufficient precision or be depicted on medium The live width etc. of line.Additionally, 2 D image sensor is such as disposed in the fixing of the regulation in printing equipment 10 Position.It addition, 2 D image sensor can also be arranged to may move relative to medium 50.

It addition, when adjusting the adjustment of ejection characteristic of nozzle (when hereinafter referred to as ejection characteristic adjusts), this The printing equipment 10 of variation utilizes ink gun to describe straight line 402 and datum line 404.Datum line 404 It it is the figure (hereinafter referred to as datum mark calculating pattern) of the benchmark of the position becoming straight line 402.In this deformation In example, ink gun describes the datum line 404 extended to sub scanning direction.And, about datum line 404 Live width, the sequential in the most every main scanning action makes live width different.Sequential in main scanning action is Refer to that such as expression is the sequential of which time main scanning action in repeatedly main scanning action or sweeps once main Retouch change in action and select the sequential etc. of nozzle.

If constituted by this way, such as, can suitably identify that the straight line 402 being depicted on medium is The straight line which sequential in main scanning action is depicted (is e.g. retouched in which time main scanning action The straight line etc. drawn).Additionally, calculate pattern as datum mark, it is possible to use different from datum line 404 Figure.Such as, pattern is calculated as datum mark, it is also considered that use wire etc..It addition, the most also may be used To use the straight line different from straight line 402 line kind.

It addition, in this variation, describe line reading part 14 and can also such as repeatedly lead at ink gun After scanning motion, the straight line 402 that shooting is depicted on medium.In said case, such as without leading Description line reading part 14 is made to move during scanning motion, therefore without being such as used for making description line reading part 14 The drive division etc. of movement.And, thus can simplify the composition of printing equipment 10 further.

Here, in Figure 5, about the combination of a plurality of straight line 402 with datum line 404, expression is depicted Example in the case of different three groups in position.It addition, in Figure 5, the visual field 150 is to utilize to describe line One example in the visual field that reading part 14 once can shoot.Describe line reading part 14 such as by making position stagger Repeatedly shoot, shoot straight line 402 and the datum line 404 being depicted in each position.And, by This mensuration of live width carrying out each bar straight line 402 or the reading etc. of position.

It addition, the live width of straight line 402 measure or read position action such as can with use Fig. 1 A the same or same mode of situation illustrated by ()～Fig. 4 (b) is carried out.Thus, such as there iing live width Abnormal straight line 402 (straight line 402 of label symbol A in such as Fig. 4 (b)) or deviation normal condition Straight line 402 (the such as straight line 402 of label symbol B, symbol C) in the case of, can suitably detect Measure this exception.

It follows that in this variation, the action to the state reading straight line 402 is said in more detail Bright.Fig. 6 (a) and Fig. 6 (b) is that an example of the action to the live width measuring straight line 402 illustrates Figure.Fig. 6 (a) represents the straight line 402 and an example of datum line 404 described when spraying characteristic and adjusting. Fig. 6 (b) represents an example of the reading result describing line reading part 14.

As shown in Fig. 6 (a), in this variation, in the case of the live width measuring straight line 402, profit A plurality of straight line 402 and datum line 404 is described with ink gun.Then, utilize as bidimensional image sensing The description line reading part 14 of device, shooting comprises in the visual field 150 of a plurality of straight line 402 and datum line 404 Image.Then, based on captured image, as shown in Fig. 6 (b), carry out the mensuration of live width or sentence Fixed etc..Described action such as can with use Fig. 1 (a)～Fig. 4 (b) illustrated by printing equipment 10 Same mode is carried out.More specifically, the printing equipment 10 of such as this variation also with use Fig. 3 (a) The action illustrated with Fig. 3 (b) and Fig. 4 (a) and Fig. 4 (b) etc. similarly, is read and is become on medium The position in region more than finite concentration, and detect the width in the region becoming more than finite concentration on medium, Thus carry out the mensuration of live width.And, utilize ejection abnormity detecting portion, measurement result based on live width and Judge that the tested live width made of each bar straight line 402 is whether in reference range set in advance.

Such as, in the case of in any one nozzle, the size of ink droplet diminishes, such as mark symbol in Fig. 6 (a) The live width of the straight line 402 that the straight line 402 of number A is described like that diminishes.And, result is such as Fig. 6 (b) As shown on medium, become more than finite concentration the width in region also narrow.Therefore, if with this Kind of mode is constituted, such as can measurement result based on live width, and suitably judge from depicting each bar straight The size of the ink droplet of the nozzle ejection of line 402.

Additionally, in the case of the size of ink droplet deviates prescribed limit, such as take into account horizontal-drive signal Revise or nozzle cleaning (wiping of the nozzle face of wiping ink gun or suction etc.) etc. is safeguarded.It addition, Carry out in the case of the state safeguarding rear nozzle of stipulated number recovers not yet, it is also considered that carry out mistake display Or warning etc. the alarm etc. of ink gun (prompting change).

It follows that an example of the action judging ink droplet landing positions on sub scanning direction is illustrated. Fig. 7 (a) and Fig. 7 (b) is the example to the action judging ink droplet landing positions on sub scanning direction The figure illustrated.Fig. 7 (a) represents the straight line 402 and datum line described when spraying characteristic and adjusting One example of 404.Fig. 7 (b) represents an example of the reading result describing line reading part 14.

As shown in Fig. 7 (a), in this variation, judge ink droplet on sub scanning direction dropping place Also utilize ink gun to describe a plurality of straight line 402 and datum line 404 in the case of putting.And, utilize and make For the description line reading part 14 of 2 D image sensor, shooting comprises a plurality of straight line 402 and datum line 404 The visual field 150 in image.Then, based on captured image, carry out as shown in Fig. 7 (b) The judgement etc. of ink droplet landing positions on sub scanning direction.Described action such as can with use Fig. 1 A the same mode of printing equipment 10 illustrated by ()～Fig. 4 (b) is carried out.

More specifically, the printing equipment 10 of such as this variation also with use Fig. 4 (a) and Fig. 4 (b) Action illustrated by Deng similarly, for becoming the region of more than finite concentration on medium, reads concentration Crest location is as the position of straight line 402.And, utilize ejection abnormity detecting portion, read based on describing line Take the position of the straight line 402 read in portion 14, and judge pair for the nozzle depicting described straight line 402 Whether the landing positions on scanning direction deviates normal position.In described judgement, spray abnormity detecting portion Such as in the same manner as illustrated with using Fig. 4 (b) etc. action, read based on describing line reading part 14 The position of straight line 402, and calculate straight line respectively for a plurality of straight line 402 arranged to sub scanning direction Interval (spacing) on sub scanning direction between 402 and adjacent straight line 402.Then, based on being calculated The interval gone out, and judge the landing positions on sub scanning direction for the nozzle depicting each bar straight line 402 Whether deviate normal position.

Such as, in any one nozzle, the landing positions of ink droplet is in the case of sub scanning direction offsets, as In Fig. 7 (a), the interval of the such and adjacent straight line 402 of straight line 402 of label symbol B produces skew. And, result is the position in the region becoming more than finite concentration as shown in Fig. 7 (b) on medium Also skew is produced.Therefore, if constituted by this way, such as, can suitably detect landing positions Skew on sub scanning direction.

Additionally, such as in the case of the landing positions deviation normal position of ink droplet, it is considered to carry out nozzle clear Clean grade is safeguarded.It addition, in the case of the state safeguarding rear nozzle carrying out stipulated number is recovered not yet, It is also contemplated for carrying out mistake display or warning etc..It addition, the sentencing of the landing positions that ink droplet is on sub scanning direction Usual practice is as can also be carried out with the mensuration of the live width of straight line 402 simultaneously.

It addition, in this variation, about the judgement of the landing positions of ink droplet, except on sub scanning direction Beyond the judgement of landing positions, also on main scanning direction, landing positions is judged.Therefore, below One example of the action judging ink droplet landing positions on main scanning direction is illustrated.

Fig. 8 (a) and Fig. 8 (b) is to the action judging ink droplet landing positions on main scanning direction The figure that one example illustrates.Fig. 8 (a) represents the straight line 402 and base described when spraying characteristic and adjusting One example of directrix 404.Fig. 8 (b) represents an example of the reading result describing line reading part 14.

As shown in Fig. 8 (a), in this variation, judge ink droplet on main scanning direction dropping place Also utilize ink gun to describe a plurality of straight line 402 and datum line 404 in the case of putting.And, utilize and make For the description line reading part 14 of 2 D image sensor, shooting comprises a plurality of straight line 402 and datum line 404 The visual field 150 in image.Then, based on captured image, carry out as shown in Fig. 8 (b) The judgement etc. of ink droplet landing positions on main scanning direction.

It addition, the judgement of the landing positions that ink droplet is on main scanning direction is e.g. by detection printing straight line The position of 402 skew on main scanning direction and carry out.More specifically, in this variation, In the case of judging ink droplet landing positions on main scanning direction, describe line reading part 14 and detect on medium Become the region of more than finite concentration.Therefore, the straight line 402 to main scanning direction extension is being depicted In the case of, as shown in Fig. 8 (b), the concentration obtained close to peak value about each bar straight line 402 is the most suitable Signal in the length of straight line 402.

And, in said case, such as by reaching for the signal detection corresponding with each bar straight line 402 To the difference (delay etc. of crest location) of position of the concentration of peak value, and each bar straight line 402 can be detected With or without the skew on main scanning direction.And, thus can be for the spray depicting each bar straight line 402 Mouth judges whether the landing positions on main scanning direction deviates normal position.

Such as, in the case of in any one nozzle, the landing positions of ink droplet offsets on main scanning direction, What as the straight line 402 of label symbol C in Fig. 8 (a), the position of straight line produced on main scanning direction is inclined Move.And, result is that the crest location of the signal of measurement result also produces phase as shown in Fig. 8 (b) Skew when the delay of the crest location being expressed as Yn in figure.Therefore, if constituted by this way, Such as can suitably detect landing positions skew on main scanning direction.

Additionally, such as in the case of the landing positions deviation normal position of ink droplet, it is considered to carry out nozzle clear Clean grade is safeguarded.It addition, in the case of the state safeguarding rear nozzle carrying out stipulated number is recovered not yet, It is also contemplated for carrying out mistake display or warning etc..The judgement of ink droplet landing positions on main scanning direction is such as Can also with the mensuration of the live width of straight line 402 or ink droplet the judgement of the landing positions on sub scanning direction with Shi Jinhang.It addition, judge the action as above of ink droplet landing positions on main scanning direction such as Can also similarly carry out in using the printing equipment 10 illustrated by Fig. 1 (a)～Fig. 4 (b).

Above, use embodiment to describe the present invention, but the technical scope of the present invention does not limit Due to the scope that described embodiment is recorded.It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that can be to described Embodiment numerous variations or improvement in addition.The most this embodiment being changed or improveing can also It is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[industrial utilizability]

The present invention can be preferably by such as printing equipment.

Claims (9)

1. a printing equipment, prints with ink-jetting style, it is characterised in that including:

Ink gun, has the nozzle of ejection ink droplet；

Describe line reading part, read by medium ejection ink droplet being utilized a described spray from described nozzle The state of the line that mouth is described on media described；

Ejection abnormity detecting portion, the spray that the state of the ink droplet sprayed from described nozzle is deviateed from normal condition Go out abnormal detecting, and

The state of the described line that described ejection abnormity detecting portion reads based on described description line reading part, and right The described nozzle depicting described line determines whether the state that described ejection is abnormal；

Signal output unit, output is driven to make the driving signal of described nozzle ejection ink droplet；And

Signal correction portion, is modified the described driving signal of described driving signal output unit output；And

The live width of the described description line reading part line to describing on media described is measured,

The described live width that described ejection abnormity detecting portion determines at described description line reading part is from presetting Reference range deviation in the case of, the described nozzle depicting described line is judged to, and described ejection is abnormal State,

Described driving signal output unit exports described driving signal, and described driving signal is according to set in advance Parameter i.e. signal setup parameter and make voltage or waveform at least any one is changed,

Any one described nozzle feelings as the state of described ejection exception are judged in described ejection abnormity detecting portion Under condition, for the described driving signal of supply to described nozzle, described signal correction portion is by based on described The described live width that description line reading part is measured is to change described signal setup parameter, and drives letter to described Number it is modified,

Described ink gun has the multiple nozzles to the arrangement of the nozzle rows direction of regulation,

Described ink gun utilizes and i.e. selects nozzle from a part of nozzle gone out selected by multiple described nozzles, The straight line extended to the direction orthogonal with described nozzle rows direction is described on described medium,

Described selection nozzle is with on described nozzle rows direction, at least at described selection nozzle each other Clip the mode of more than one non-selection nozzle and be chosen,

The live width of the described straight line that described selection nozzle is depicted is measured by described description line reading part, And

The described live width that described signal correction portion is measured based on described description line reading part, and to supply extremely The driving signal of the described nozzle depicting the straight line of described live width is modified.

Printing equipment the most according to claim 1, it is characterised in that

Also include that dimension information storage part, described dimension information storage part prestore drop size information, Described drop size information be by the size of ink droplet that sprays from described nozzle according to described driving signal with Described signal setup parameter sets up correspondence, and

Described live width that described signal correction portion is measured based on described description line reading part and be stored in institute State the described drop size information of dimension information storage part, and change supply to the line depicting described live width The described signal setup parameter of described driving signal of described nozzle, thus described driving signal is carried out Revise.

Printing equipment the most according to claim 1, it is characterised in that: at described description line reading part The described live width measured is less than or equal in the case of lower limit set in advance, and described signal correction portion will The nozzle of the line depicting described live width is judged to bad nozzle.

4. according to the printing equipment described in claim 1 or claim 2, it is characterised in that:

Described ink gun, while moving to main scanning direction set in advance, carries out spraying the master of ink droplet Scanning motion,

Described description line reading part reads the line described on media described orthogonal with described main scanning direction Sub scanning direction on position, and

Described ejection abnormity detecting portion is pre-in the position deviation of the described line that described description line reading part is read In the case of the reference position first set, the described nozzle depicting described line is judged to that described ejection is different Normal state.

5. according to the printing equipment described in claim 1 or claim 2, it is characterised in that:

Described ink gun, while moving to main scanning direction set in advance, carries out spraying the master of ink droplet Scanning motion, and

Described description line reading part is one-dimensional image sensor, and shooting is to orthogonal with described main scanning direction The region of the linearity that sub scanning direction extends.

6. according to the printing equipment described in claim 1 or claim 2, it is characterised in that retouch described in: Line drawing reading part is 2 D image sensor, shoots the plane region on described medium.

7. according to the printing equipment described in claim 1 or claim 2, it is characterised in that: described After the description selecting nozzle to carry out straight line terminates, described non-selection nozzle proceeds the description of straight line.

8. spray an abnormal method for detecting, the state to the ink droplet of the nozzle ejection having from ink gun Extremely detect from the ejection of normal condition deviation, it is characterised in that:

Ink droplet is made to spray from described nozzle,

Read by medium ejection ink droplet being utilized a described nozzle on media described from described nozzle The state of the line described,

State based on the described line read, and the described nozzle depicting described line is judged from described Whether the state of the ink droplet of nozzle ejection is the state spraying exception from normal condition deviation, thus to institute State ejection extremely to detect, wherein

Output makes the driving signal of described nozzle ejection ink droplet,

The described driving signal of output is modified,

The live width of the line described on media described is measured,

In the described live width determined in the case of reference range set in advance deviates, will depict The described nozzle of described line is judged to the state that described ejection is abnormal,

Exporting described driving signal, described driving signal sets ginseng according to the i.e. signal of parameter set in advance Number and make voltage or waveform at least any one is changed,

In the case of judging the state that any one described nozzle is abnormal as described ejection, for supply extremely The described driving signal of described nozzle, sets by changing described signal based on the described live width measured Determine parameter, and described driving signal is modified, wherein

Described ink gun has the multiple nozzles to the arrangement of the nozzle rows direction of regulation,

Described ink gun utilizes and i.e. selects nozzle from a part of nozzle gone out selected by multiple described nozzles, Describe the straight line extended to the direction orthogonal with described nozzle rows direction on media described,

Described selection nozzle is with on described nozzle rows direction, at least described selection nozzle each other it Between clip the mode of more than one non-selection nozzle and be chosen,

The live width of the described straight line that described selection nozzle is depicted is measured, and

Based on the described live width measured, and the described spray to supply to the straight line depicting described live width The driving signal of mouth is modified.

Spray abnormal method for detecting the most according to claim 8, it is characterised in that: described utilizing After the description of the straight line that selection nozzle is carried out terminates, described non-selection nozzle is utilized to proceed retouching of straight line Paint.