JP2004114432A - Liquid injection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink jet recording apparatus of a bidirectional type, widely a liquid injection apparatus which can highly precisely match a color tone of images to be recorded in the middle of moving a forward path and a color tone of images to be recorded in the middle of moving a return path. <P>SOLUTION: A color tone confirmation control part 210 controls a pattern data adjustment part 11, a control body part 11 and a reciprocation mechanism so that at least one forward path injection liquid mixing part 220 of a solid printing form is formed on a medium to which a liquid is injected in accordance with a color tone confirmation command, and also a plurality of return path injection liquid mixing parts 230 of the solid printing form are formed on the medium in a mode whereby the parts 230 are made contrastable to the forward path injection liquid mixing part 220 by changing a relative ratio of the number of jetting times per reference region of the liquid of each color little by little. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid droplet from a nozzle opening, and more particularly, to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid droplet from a nozzle opening in each reciprocating movement.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus (a type of liquid ejecting apparatus) such as an ink jet printer or an ink jet type plotter moves a recording head (a head member) along a main scanning direction and also makes recording paper (a type of a liquid ejecting medium) auxiliary. An image (including characters and the like) is recorded on recording paper by moving the recording head along the scanning direction and ejecting ink droplets from nozzle openings of the recording head in conjunction with the movement. The ejection of the ink droplets is performed, for example, by expanding and contracting a pressure generating chamber communicating with the nozzle opening.
[0003]
The expansion / contraction of the pressure generating chamber is performed, for example, by utilizing the deformation of the piezoelectric vibrator. In such a recording head, the piezoelectric vibrator is deformed in response to the supplied drive pulse, thereby changing the volume of the pressure chamber, and this volume change causes a pressure fluctuation in the ink in the pressure chamber, and the pressure from the nozzle opening is reduced. Ink droplets are ejected.
[0004]
In such a recording apparatus, a drive signal formed by connecting a plurality of pulse waveforms in series is generated. On the other hand, print data including gradation information is transmitted to the recording head. Then, based on the transmitted print data, only a necessary pulse waveform is selected from the drive signal and supplied to the piezoelectric vibrator. Thus, the amount of ink droplets ejected from the nozzle openings is changed according to the gradation information.
[0005]
More specifically, for example, non-printing print data (gradation information 00), small dot print data (gradation information 01), medium dot print data (gradation information 10), and large dot printing In a printer in which four gradations composed of data (gradation information 11) are set, ink droplets having different ink amounts are ejected according to each gradation.
[0006]
In order to realize the recording of four gradations as described above, for example, a drive signal PA as shown in FIG. 16 can be used. As shown in FIG. 16, the drive signal PA is a series connection of a first pulse signal PAPS1 arranged in a period PAT1 and a second pulse signal PAPS2 arranged in a period PAT2, and has a recording period PATA. This is a pulse train waveform signal repeatedly generated.
[0007]
In the drive signal PA, the first pulse signal PAPS1 is a small dot drive pulse for discharging a small ink droplet from the nozzle opening, and the second pulse signal PAPS2 is a medium dot drive pulse for discharging a medium ink droplet from the nozzle opening.
[0008]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, by supplying the first pulse signal PAPS1 and the second pulse signal PAPS2 in combination, it is possible to perform recording corresponding to a large dot.
[0009]
In order to perform recording on the recording paper at a higher speed, ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle openings of the recording head in each of the forward and backward paths of the reciprocating movement of the recording head in the main scanning direction, and images (characters, etc.) are recorded on the recording paper. Is preferably recorded. That is, after printing for one line during the forward movement, the print head moves relative to the printing paper by the line width (including the line width) in the sub-scanning direction, and during the backward movement (in the reverse direction). ) Is preferably recorded for the next one line. As described above, an ink jet recording apparatus capable of recording in each of the reciprocating movements is called a bidirectional type (Bi-D).
[0010]
It has been found that in a bidirectional ink jet recording apparatus, it is preferable to make the waveform of the forward drive signal and the waveform of the return drive signal different in order to improve the recording accuracy. The generation of such a drive signal waveform is described in detail in JP-A-2000-1001.
[0011]
If one example is described with reference to FIG. 18, the outward drive signal PA is a periodic signal of a first pulse train P1 having a first pulse waveform w1 and a second pulse waveform w2 in that order.
[0012]
Here, the first pulse waveform w1 and the second pulse waveform w2 correspond to the first pulse signal PAPS1 and the second pulse signal PAPS2 in FIG. That is, the first pulse waveform w1 (first pulse signal PAPS1) is a pulse waveform for ejecting liquid droplets of relatively small dots, and the second pulse waveform w2 (second pulse signal PAPS2) is relatively low. 7 is a pulse waveform for ejecting a medium dot liquid droplet.
[0013]
Then, 2-bit pulse selection data is generated according to the gradation data of each recording pixel during the outward movement. In this case, the pulse selection data (10) for selecting only the first pulse waveform w1 is generated corresponding to the gradation data of the small dot, and the second pulse waveform is generated corresponding to the gradation data of the medium dot. The pulse selection data (01) that selects only w2 is generated, and the pulse selection data that selects both the first pulse waveform w1 and the second pulse waveform w2 corresponding to the gradation data corresponding to the large dot. (11) is generated.
[0014]
On the other hand, the return path drive signal PB is a periodic signal of the second pulse train P2 having the second pulse waveform w2 and the first pulse waveform w1 in that order. Here, the second pulse waveform w2 and the first pulse waveform w1 are the same as those of the forward drive signal PA, respectively. Then, 2-bit pulse selection data is generated according to the gradation data for each recording pixel during the backward movement. In this case, pulse selection data (01) for selecting only the first pulse waveform w1 is generated corresponding to the gradation data of the small dot, and the second pulse waveform corresponding to the gradation data of the medium dot is generated. The pulse selection data (10) for selecting only w2 is generated, and the pulse selection data for selecting both the first pulse waveform w1 and the second pulse waveform w2 corresponding to the gradation data corresponding to the large dot. (11) is generated.
[0015]
As described above, by setting the order of the pulse waveform of the forward drive signal and the order of the pulse waveform of the return drive signal in reverse order, as shown in FIG. The landing position (in the main scanning direction) can be aligned with the sub-scanning direction.
[0016]
In addition, since the ink droplet ejected during the forward movement has a velocity component in the forward movement direction of the recording head in addition to the initial velocity from the recording head in the recording paper direction, the point at which the ejected ink droplet actually lands on the recording paper is the forward movement. The ink droplets ejected during the return path have the initial velocity of the recording head in the backward direction in addition to the initial velocity from the recording head to the recording paper, so that the ejected ink droplets actually land on the recording paper. The moving point moves in the backward direction. Accordingly, in order to ensure continuity between the recording target (for example, an image) during the forward movement and the recording target during the backward movement, the supply of the drive signal for the backward movement is performed with respect to the supply timing of the drive signal for the forward movement. Adjustments are made to shift the timing uniformly. This shift amount is called a Bi-D adjustment value.
[0017]
The Bi-D adjustment value (timing adjustment value) is determined by printing a vertical ruled line during the forward movement and during the subsequent return movement to verify continuity, or during the forward movement and the subsequent backward movement. This is performed by, for example, printing a patch pattern and verifying the presence or absence of roughness.
[0018]
On the other hand, a recording head for color printing is provided with a plurality of rows of nozzle openings for discharging inks of a plurality of colors, respectively, in parallel. The desired color recording is realized by ejecting the inks of the respective colors as appropriate. The plurality of color inks are, for example, black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink.
[0019]
Generally, in a bidirectional type color ink jet recording apparatus, the Bi-D adjustment values for black ink and the Bi-D adjustment values for other colors are adjusted independently.
[0020]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-278350 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-278352 [Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-62150 [Patent Document 4]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-1001
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to realize higher quality color printing, the above-described bidirectional type color ink jet recording apparatus has the following problems.
[0022]
For example, in a recording head for color printing, a row of nozzle openings that discharge cyan ink (C), a row of nozzle openings that discharge magenta ink (M), and a nozzle opening that discharges yellow ink (Y). It is assumed that columns are provided in parallel in this order, and printing is performed in the order of cyan ink (C), magenta ink (M), and yellow ink (Y) during the outward movement of the print head. In this case, during the backward movement of the recording head, recording is performed in the order of yellow ink (Y), magenta ink (M), and cyan ink (C).
[0023]
Here, considering a gray color formed by three composites of cyan ink (C), magenta ink (M), and yellow ink (Y), the gray color is cyan during the forward movement of the recording head. The ink (C), the magenta ink (M), and the yellow ink (Y) are formed by superimposing the ink in this order, while the yellow ink (Y), the magenta ink (M), and the cyan The ink is formed by overlapping the ink in the order of the ink (C).
[0024]
It is known that even if the same ink combination is used, the color tone may be different if the ink landing order is different as described above. According to the inventor of the present invention, the change (shift) in the color tone caused by the order in which the inks land is most noticeable in the gray color, especially in the halftone.
[0025]
The present inventor has analyzed the relationship between the ink landing order and the color tone as follows.
[0026]
First, in the case of pigment ink, it is considered that the color of the ink that has landed last becomes dominant because the light-shielding properties of the ink are generally high (the color on the back is easily hidden). For example, if the ink that has landed last is yellow ink, the color tone is considered to be higher than yellow.
[0027]
In the case of the dye ink, the problem due to the light-shielding property of the ink is small, but the subsequent ink lands on the preceding ink and may “bleed”, so that the color of the ink that first lands is dominant. It seems to be.
[0028]
For this reason, there is a problem that a color difference occurs in a horizontal stripe shape (a kind of so-called banding) due to a difference in a recording direction at the time of printing within one recording target. There is also a problem that the color tone of a recorded matter obtained by one-way printing and two-way printing is different despite the same image data.
The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and it is possible to highly accurately match the color tone of the recording target recorded during the forward movement with the color tone of the recording target recorded during the backward movement. It is an object of the present invention to provide a two-way type ink jet recording apparatus, which can be widely used, and a liquid ejecting apparatus.
[0029]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a head member having a plurality of nozzle openings divided into a plurality of nozzle opening groups to which liquids of different colors are supplied, and a plurality of nozzle members for ejecting the liquid by changing the pressure of the liquid at each nozzle opening portion. Pressure fluctuation means, a reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the head member so as to pass through a predetermined passage position, and a liquid ejecting medium for holding the liquid ejecting medium so as to face a plurality of nozzle openings of the reciprocating head member. A medium holding unit, a drive signal generating unit for generating a forward drive signal and a return drive signal, and driving each pressure varying unit based on the forward drive signal and the ejection pattern data during the forward movement of the head member. The liquid is ejected from each nozzle opening, and each pressure variation unit is driven based on the return path drive signal and the ejection pattern data during the return path movement of the head member. The control body unit for ejecting liquid from each nozzle opening, and for each nozzle opening group corresponding to a liquid of a different color, the ejection pattern data is set so that the relative ratio of the number of ejections per reference region of the liquid increases or decreases. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a pattern data adjusting unit that generates or corrects the pattern data.
[0030]
According to the present invention, by changing the relative ratio of the number of ejections per reference area for each color of liquid, the color tone of the forward ejection liquid mixing unit formed during the forward movement and the backward movement formed during the backward movement. It is possible to match the color tone of the jet liquid mixing section with high accuracy.
[0031]
Generally, the backward drive signal is different from the forward drive signal. However, a mode in which the forward drive signal and the return drive signal are the same is also possible.
[0032]
Preferably, the apparatus further includes a color tone confirmation control unit that controls the pattern data adjustment unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating movement mechanism in accordance with the color tone confirmation command, and superimposes a plurality of color liquids on a predetermined area during the outward movement of the head member. By ejecting the liquid, the solid-colored outward-flowing liquid mixing section can be formed on the liquid-ejecting medium, and the plurality of colors of liquid are overlapped on a predetermined area during the backward movement of the head member. The liquid ejection medium can form a solid-applied return-path ejection liquid mixing section on the liquid ejection medium, and the color tone confirmation control section controls at least one solid ink on the liquid ejection medium in accordance with the color tone confirmation command. A plurality of liquid-jetted liquid mixing portions are formed on the liquid-ejecting medium such that a forward-flowing liquid mixing portion in the form of a coating is formed, and the relative ratio of the number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference region is gradually changed. As backward jetting fluid mixing portion of the data painted like is formed can be compared manner as the forward ejection liquid mixing section, and controls the pattern data adjustment unit, the main control unit and the reciprocating mechanism.
[0033]
In this case, by comparing the forward ejection liquid mixing section formed on the liquid ejection target medium with the plurality of backward ejection liquid mixing sections, any one of the backward ejection liquids most matching the color tone of the forward ejection liquid mixing section is used. A mixing section can be selected. Then, the relative ratio of the number of ejections of the liquid of each color corresponding to the selected return-path ejection liquid mixing unit per reference region is set as the relative ratio of the number of ejections of the liquid of each color to be adjusted per reference region. Thus, the color tone of the forward jet liquid mixing section formed during the forward movement and the color tone of the backward jet liquid mixing section formed during the backward movement can be matched with high accuracy.
[0034]
Preferably, in accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit is configured such that a plurality of the same solid-painted outward ejection liquid mixing units are formed on the liquid ejection target medium, and that By gradually changing the relative ratio of the number of ejections, a plurality of solid-painted return-path ejection liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid ejection target medium in such a manner that they can be compared with the plurality of forward-path ejection liquid mixing sections, respectively. Thus, the pattern data adjusting unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating mechanism are controlled.
[0035]
In this case, the plurality of same forward ejection liquid mixing sections and the plurality of backward ejection liquid mixing sections formed on the liquid ejection target medium can be compared with each other, so that the color tone of the forward ejection liquid mixing section is most matched. Any one of the backward injection liquid mixing sections can be more easily selected.
[0036]
More preferably, the ejected medium holding unit is capable of moving the liquid ejected medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the reciprocating head member, and the color tone confirmation control unit responds to the color tone confirmation command. The ejected medium holding section is also controlled, and a plurality of the same solid-painted forward-flowing liquid mixing sections are continuously formed in a row and a plurality of solid-painted return paths. The ejected liquid mixing sections are also formed continuously in a row, and the plurality of forward ejected liquid mixing sections in a row and the plurality of forward ejected liquid mixing sections in a row are adjacent to each other. ing.
[0037]
In this case, on the liquid ejection target medium, a plurality of the same forward ejection liquid mixing sections continuously formed in a row and a plurality of backward ejection liquid mixing sections continuously formed in a row are adjacent to each other. Therefore, it is possible to more easily select any one of the backward-path jetting liquid mixing sections that most matches the color tone of the forward-path jetting liquid mixing section.
[0038]
Alternatively, preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a color tone confirmation control unit that controls the pattern data adjustment unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating movement mechanism according to the color tone confirmation command, and during the outward movement of the head member, applies a plurality of color liquids to a predetermined area. The liquid jetting device is capable of forming a solid-applied forward jet liquid mixing section on the liquid jetting medium by jetting the liquids of the plurality of colors in a predetermined manner while the head member moves in both directions of the reciprocating path. The solid color reciprocating path ejecting liquid mixing section can be formed on the liquid ejected medium by ejecting the liquid onto the liquid ejecting medium in a superimposed manner. The liquid coating is performed such that at least one solid-state forward-flowing liquid mixing section is formed in each of the portions and the relative ratio of the number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area is slightly changed. The pattern data adjusting unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating movement mechanism are controlled such that a plurality of solid-filled reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing units are formed on the ejection medium in a manner that can be compared with the forward-path jetting liquid mixing unit. It is supposed to.
[0039]
In this case, by comparing the forward ejection liquid mixing section formed on the liquid ejection target medium with the plurality of reciprocating path ejection liquid mixing sections, any one of the reciprocating paths that most matches the color tone of the forward ejection liquid mixing section. An injection liquid mixing section can be selected. Then, the relative ratio of the number of discharges of the liquid of each color corresponding to the selected reciprocating path jet liquid mixing unit per reference region is set as the relative ratio of the number of discharges of the liquid of each color to be adjusted per reference region. By doing so, the color tone of the forward-path jet liquid mixing unit formed during the forward movement and the color tone of the round-trip jet liquid mixing unit formed during the reciprocal movement can be matched with high accuracy.
[0040]
Preferably, in accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit is configured such that a plurality of the same solid-painted outward ejection liquid mixing units are formed on the liquid ejection target medium, and that By changing the relative ratio of the number of ejections little by little, a plurality of solid-painted reciprocating path jetting liquid mixing sections on the liquid jetting medium can be compared with the plurality of forward jetting liquid mixing sections, respectively. The pattern data adjusting unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating mechanism are controlled so as to be formed.
[0041]
In this case, since the same plurality of forward ejection liquid mixing sections formed on the liquid ejection target medium and the plurality of reciprocating path ejection liquid mixing sections can be compared with each other, the color tone of the forward ejection liquid mixing section is most matched. It is possible to more easily select any one of the reciprocating-path jet liquid mixing sections.
[0042]
More preferably, the ejected medium holding unit is capable of moving the liquid ejected medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the reciprocating head member, and the color tone confirmation control unit responds to the color tone confirmation command. In addition, the ejected medium holding unit is also controlled, and a plurality of the same solid-painted outward-flowing liquid mixing units are continuously formed in a row, and a plurality of solid-painted reciprocating reciprocating units are formed. The road jet liquid mixing section is also formed continuously in a row, and the plurality of forward jet liquid mixing sections in a row and the plurality of reciprocating jet liquid mixing sections in a row are adjacent to each other. It has become.
[0043]
In this case, on the liquid ejecting medium, a plurality of the same forward ejection liquid mixing sections continuously formed in a row and a plurality of reciprocating path ejection liquid mixing sections continuously formed in a row are formed. Since they are adjacent to each other, it is possible to more easily select any one of the reciprocating path jetting liquid mixing sections that most matches the color tone of the outward jetting liquid mixing section.
[0044]
Further, for example, the plurality of nozzle openings are at least three or more, and the plurality of color liquids are a cyan liquid, a magenta liquid, and a yellow liquid. In this case, the forward jet liquid mixing section and the backward jet liquid mixing section have a gray pattern formed of cyan liquid, magenta liquid, and yellow liquid. The gray color pattern is suitable as an object for confirming the color tone because the color tone (hue) shift is remarkable. Particularly preferably, the forward-path ejecting liquid mixing section and the backward-path ejecting liquid mixing section have a halftone gray solid pattern.
[0045]
The reference area is, for example, an area corresponding to a matrix pattern of a fixed size. For example, a matrix having a size of 16 × 16 can be used as the reference area. This is a matrix pattern called “dither”.
[0046]
Alternatively, the reference area may be a variable area depending on the injection pattern data itself. The present inventor has found that a fixed pattern such as “dither” may be inappropriate in a printing process of a natural image or the like. In such a case, it is preferable to use a variable pattern for each part of each image as a reference area in consideration of “error diffusion”.
[0047]
Further, the present invention provides a head member having a plurality of nozzle openings divided into a plurality of nozzle opening groups to which liquids of different colors are supplied, and ejecting the liquid by changing the pressure of the liquid at each nozzle opening portion. A plurality of pressure fluctuation means for causing the head member to reciprocate so as to pass through a predetermined passage position; and a liquid ejecting medium held so as to face the plurality of nozzle openings of the reciprocating head member. An apparatus for controlling a liquid ejecting apparatus including a medium to be ejected holding section,
Drive signal generating means for generating a forward drive signal and a return drive signal,
During the forward movement of the head member, each pressure varying unit is driven based on the forward drive signal and the ejection pattern data to eject liquid from each nozzle opening, and during the backward movement of the head member, the backward drive signal and A control main body unit that drives each pressure fluctuation unit based on the ejection pattern data to eject liquid from each nozzle opening, and for each nozzle opening group corresponding to a liquid of a different color, the number of ejections per reference area of the liquid. A pattern data adjustment unit that generates or corrects the injection pattern data so that the relative ratio increases or decreases;
A control device characterized by comprising:
[0048]
Preferably, according to a color tone confirmation command, further comprising a color tone confirmation control unit that controls the pattern data adjustment unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating mechanism,
During the forward movement of the head member, a plurality of liquids of a plurality of colors are superimposedly ejected onto a predetermined area to form a solid-painted forward ejection liquid mixing section on the liquid ejection medium, and the head During the backward movement of the member, it is possible to form a solid-applied return-path ejection liquid mixing section on the liquid ejection target medium by ejecting the plurality of colors of liquid in a predetermined area in a superposed manner,
In accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit is configured to form at least one solid-applied forward ejection liquid mixing unit on the liquid ejection target medium, and to control the relative number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area. The target ratio is changed little by little, so that a plurality of solid-painted inward ejection liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid ejection medium in a manner that can be compared with the outward ejection liquid mixing section, , A control body and a reciprocating mechanism.
[0049]
Alternatively, preferably, further comprising a color tone confirmation control unit that controls the pattern data adjustment unit, the control body unit, and the reciprocating mechanism according to the color tone confirmation command,
During the forward movement of the head member, a plurality of liquids of a plurality of colors are superimposedly ejected onto a predetermined area to form a solid-painted forward ejection liquid mixing section on the liquid ejection medium, and the head During the bidirectional movement of the member in the reciprocating path, the solid-colored reciprocating path jetting liquid mixing section can be formed on the liquid jetting medium by jetting the plurality of colors of liquid in a predetermined area in a superposed manner. ,
In accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit is configured to form at least one solid-applied forward ejection liquid mixing unit on the liquid ejection target medium, and to control the relative number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area. By gradually changing the target ratio, the pattern data adjustment is performed so that a plurality of solid-filled reciprocating path jetting liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid jetting medium in a manner comparable to the forward jetting liquid mixing section. And a control unit for controlling the reciprocating mechanism.
[0050]
The control device or each element of the control device can be realized by a computer system.
[0051]
Further, a program for causing a computer system to realize each device or each unit and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded are also covered by the present invention.
[0052]
Here, the recording medium includes not only a recording medium such as a floppy disk, but also a network for transmitting various signals.
[0053]
Also, the present invention is a method for adjusting the relative ratio of the number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area in the liquid ejecting apparatus having any of the above features,
Inputting a color tone confirmation command;
By comparing the solid-filled outward jet liquid mixing section obtained by the control of the color tone confirmation control section in accordance with the color tone confirmation command with a plurality of solid-filled backward jet liquid mixing sections or reciprocating jet liquid mixing sections, the forward path Selecting any one of the return-path jetting liquid mixing sections or the reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing sections that best matches the color tone of the jetting liquid mixing section;
The relative ratio of the number of ejections of the liquid of each color corresponding to the selected inward ejection liquid mixing section or the reciprocating path ejection liquid mixing section per reference area is determined by the relative number of ejections of the liquid of each color to be adjusted per reference area. A process of determining the target ratio;
A method comprising:
[0054]
Here, the forward jet liquid mixing unit and the plurality of backward jet liquid mixing units or reciprocating jet liquid mixing units can be visually compared with each other by an operator, or can be compared with a colorimeter.
[0055]
The number of nozzle openings included in one nozzle opening group is arbitrary, and may be one.
[0056]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet recording apparatus (an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus) according to the present embodiment is an ink jet printer 1, which includes a cartridge holder 3 capable of holding a black ink cartridge 2a and a color ink cartridge 2b. A carriage 5 having a recording head 4 (an example of a head member) is provided. The carriage 5 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by a head scanning mechanism (an example of a reciprocating mechanism).
[0058]
The head scanning mechanism includes a guide member 6 provided in the left-right direction of the housing, a pulse motor 7 provided on one side of the housing, a drive pulley 8 connected to a rotation shaft of the pulse motor 7 and driven to rotate, A free-wheel pulley 9 attached to the other side of the housing, a timing belt 10 wound around the drive pulley 8 and the free-wheel pulley 9 and coupled to the carriage 5, and a control unit for controlling rotation of the pulse motor 7 11 (see FIG. 6). Thus, by operating the pulse motor 7, the carriage 5, that is, the recording head 4 can be reciprocated in the main scanning direction, which is the width direction of the recording paper 12.
[0059]
Further, the printer 1 has a paper feeding mechanism (an example of an ejected medium holding unit) that sends out a recording medium (an example of a liquid ejected medium) such as the recording paper 12 in a paper feeding direction (sub-scanning direction). The paper feed mechanism includes a paper feed motor 13, a paper feed roller 14, and the like. The recording medium such as the recording paper 12 is sequentially sent out in conjunction with the recording operation.
[0060]
The head scanning mechanism and the paper feed mechanism according to the present embodiment are configured to be able to cope with a large-size recording paper 12 of about B0 size. Further, the printer 1 of the present embodiment executes a recording operation only when the recording head 4 moves forward, or at the time of forward movement and backward movement (bidirectional recording is possible).
[0061]
The printing operation includes a mode in which printing in each area is completed by one scan of the print head in the forward or backward movement ("fast mode": one-pass printing), and a mode in which each area is printed in a plurality of scans. And a mode in which recording is completed (“fine mode”: multi-pass printing). In each area during bi-directional printing of multi-pass printing, dots recorded on both the reciprocating paths are mixed.
[0062]
A home position and a standby position of the recording head 4 (carriage 5) are set in an end area within the moving range of the carriage 5 and outside the recording area. As shown in FIG. 2, the home position is set at one end (right side in the drawing) of the head movement range in which the recording head 4 can move. The first standby position WP1 is set substantially adjacent to the home position on the recording area side. Further, in addition to the first standby position WP1 substantially adjacent to the home position, a second standby position WP2 is provided at an end opposite to the home position.
[0063]
The home position is a place where the recording head 4 moves and stays when recording is not performed during a power-off or a long time. When the recording head 4 is at the home position, as shown in FIG. 3D, the cap member 15 of the capping mechanism contacts the nozzle plate 16 (see FIG. 4) to seal the nozzle opening 17 (see FIG. 4). Stop. The cap member 15 is a member formed by molding an elastic member such as rubber into a substantially square tray shape having an open upper surface, and a humectant such as felt is attached inside. By sealing the recording head 4 with the cap member 15, the inside of the cap is kept at a high humidity, and the evaporation of the ink solvent from the nozzle openings 17 is reduced.
[0064]
The standby position is a position serving as a starting point when the print head 4 is scanned. That is, the recording head 4 normally stands by at this standby position, is scanned from the standby position to the recording area side during the recording operation, and returns to the standby position when the recording operation is completed.
[0065]
In the case of the printer of the present embodiment that performs bidirectional printing, referring to FIG. 2, the print head 4 is scanned from the state of waiting at the first standby position WP1 toward the second standby position WP2. The recording operation at the time of forward movement is performed. When this recording operation is completed, the apparatus stands by at the second standby position WP2. Next, the recording head 4 scans from the state of waiting at the second standby position WP2 toward the first standby position WP1, and performs a printing operation at the time of returning. When this recording operation is completed, the apparatus stands by at the first standby position WP1. Thereafter, the recording operation at the time of forward movement and the recording operation at the time of backward movement are alternately and repeatedly executed.
[0066]
At the standby position, an ink receiving member for collecting ink discharged from the recording head 4 by a flushing operation (a type of maintenance operation) is provided. In the present embodiment, the cap member 15 also serves as an ink receiving member. That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, the cap member 15 is normally arranged at a position below the standby position of the recording head 4 (a position slightly separated below the nozzle plate 16). Then, with the movement of the recording head 4 to the home position, as shown in FIG. 3D, the recording head 4 moves obliquely upward (the home position side and the nozzle plate 16 side) to seal the nozzle opening 17. .
[0067]
In the case of the printer of the present embodiment that performs bidirectional printing, as shown in FIG. 2, the ink receiving member 18 is also provided at the second standby position WP2. The ink receiving member 18 may be constituted by, for example, a box-shaped flushing box having an open surface facing the recording head 4.
[0068]
Further, in the present embodiment, an acceleration area is set between the standby position and the recording area. The acceleration area is an area for accelerating the scanning speed of the recording head 4 to a predetermined speed.
[0069]
Next, the recording head 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, in the recording head 4, a comb-shaped piezoelectric vibrator 21 (an example of a pressure fluctuation unit) is inserted from one opening into a storage chamber 72 of a box-shaped case 71 made of, for example, plastic. As a result, the comb-shaped tip 21a faces the other opening. A channel unit 74 is joined to the surface (lower surface) of the case 71 on the other opening side, and the comb-like tip portions 21a are respectively fixed to predetermined portions of the channel unit 74.
[0070]
The piezoelectric vibrator 21 is formed by cutting a plate-like vibrator plate in which common internal electrodes 21c and individual internal electrodes 21d are alternately laminated with a piezoelectric body 21b interposed therebetween in a comb-like shape corresponding to the dot formation density. I have. By applying a potential difference between the common internal electrode 21c and the individual internal electrode 21d, each piezoelectric vibrator 21 expands and contracts in the vibrator longitudinal direction orthogonal to the laminating direction.
[0071]
The channel unit 74 is configured by laminating the nozzle plate 16 and the elastic plate 77 on both sides with a channel forming plate 75 interposed therebetween.
[0072]
The flow path forming plate 75 communicates with the plurality of nozzle openings 17 formed in the nozzle plate 16 and a plurality of pressure generating chambers 22 arranged in a row across the pressure generating chamber partition walls, and at least one end of each pressure generating chamber 22. This is a plate member in which a plurality of ink supply units 82 that communicate with each other and an elongated common ink chamber 83 that communicates with all the ink supply units 82 are formed. For example, an elongated common ink chamber 83 is formed by etching a silicon wafer, and the pressure generating chambers 22 are formed along the longitudinal direction of the common ink chamber 83 in accordance with the pitch of the nozzle openings 17. A groove-like ink supply unit 82 may be formed between the ink supply unit 22 and the common ink chamber 83. In this case, the ink supply unit 82 is connected to one end of the pressure generating chamber 22 and the nozzle opening 17 is located near the end opposite to the ink supply unit 82. The common ink chamber 83 is a chamber for supplying the ink stored in the ink cartridge to the pressure generating chamber 22, and an ink supply pipe 84 communicates with substantially the center in the longitudinal direction.
[0073]
The elastic plate 77 is laminated on the surface of the flow path forming plate 75 on the opposite side of the nozzle plate 16, and a double-layer structure in which a polymer film such as PPS is laminated on the lower surface side of the stainless steel plate 87 as the elastic film 88. It is. The stainless steel plate 87 corresponding to the pressure generating chamber 22 is etched to form an island portion 89 for abutting and fixing the piezoelectric vibrator 21.
[0074]
In the recording head 4 having the above configuration, the island portion 89 is pressed toward the nozzle plate 16 by extending the piezoelectric vibrator 21 in the longitudinal direction of the vibrator, and the elastic film 88 around the island portion 89 is deformed. The pressure generating chamber 22 contracts. When the piezoelectric vibrator 21 is contracted in the longitudinal direction from the contracted state of the pressure generating chamber 22, the pressure generating chamber 22 expands due to the elasticity of the elastic film 88. When the pressure generating chamber 22 is once expanded and then contracted, the ink pressure in the pressure generating chamber 22 increases, and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle openings 17.
[0075]
That is, in the recording head 4, the capacity of the corresponding pressure chamber 22 changes as the piezoelectric vibrator 21 is charged and discharged. By utilizing such pressure fluctuations in the pressure chamber 22, it is possible to eject ink droplets from the nozzle openings 17 or to vibrate the meniscus (the free surface of the ink exposed at the nozzle openings 17) finely.
[0076]
It should be noted that a so-called flexural vibration mode piezoelectric vibrator can be used in place of the above-described longitudinal vibration mode piezoelectric vibrator 21. A piezoelectric vibrator in the flexural vibration mode is a piezoelectric vibrator that contracts a pressure chamber by deformation due to charging and expands the pressure chamber by deformation due to discharging.
[0077]
In this case, the recording head 4 is a multicolor recording head capable of recording a plurality of different colors. The multicolor recording head includes a plurality of head units, and the type of ink to be used is set for each head unit.
[0078]
The recording head 4 of the present embodiment includes a black head unit capable of discharging black ink, a cyan head unit capable of discharging cyan ink, a magenta head unit capable of discharging magenta ink, and a yellow head capable of discharging yellow ink. A head unit. Each head unit communicates with each ink storage chamber of the corresponding ink cartridge 2a, 2b. Each of the head units has the configuration described with reference to FIG. 4, and a nozzle row including a plurality of nozzle openings 17 is provided with each ink color (BK, C, M, Y).
[0079]
Note that the characteristics of ink droplet ejection from each nozzle opening 17 in the head member 4 tend to be the same for each nozzle row mainly for manufacturing reasons.
[0080]
Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the inkjet printer 1 includes a printer controller 30 and a print engine 31.
[0081]
The printer controller 30 includes an external interface (external I / F) 32, a RAM 33 for temporarily storing various data, a ROM 34 for storing a control program and the like, a control unit 11 including a CPU and the like, An oscillation circuit 35 for generating a signal; a drive signal generation circuit 36 for generating a drive signal to be supplied to the recording head 4; and dot pattern data (bitmap data) developed based on the drive signal and print data And the like to the print engine 31.
[0082]
The external I / F 32 receives, for example, print data including a character code, a graphic function, and image data from a host computer (not shown). Further, a busy signal (BUSY) and an acknowledge signal (ACK) are output to a host computer or the like via the external I / F 32.
[0083]
The RAM 33 has a reception buffer, an intermediate buffer, an output buffer, and a work memory (not shown). The receiving buffer temporarily stores the print data received via the external I / F 32, the intermediate buffer stores the intermediate code data converted by the control unit 11, and the output buffer stores the dot pattern data. Is stored. Here, the dot pattern data is print data obtained by decoding (translating) intermediate code data (for example, gradation data).
[0084]
The ROM 34 stores font data, graphic functions, look-up tables (LUTs), and the like, in addition to control programs (control routines) for performing various data processing. Further, the ROM 34 also stores setting data for maintenance operation as maintenance information holding means. The ROM 34 (or an EEPROM (not shown)) stores a color adjustment value correction coefficient group and the like, which will be described later, as a color tone confirmation mode data storage unit.
[0085]
The control unit 11 performs various controls according to a control program stored in the ROM 34. For example, the print data in the reception buffer is read, and the print data is converted into intermediate code data, and the intermediate code data is stored in the intermediate buffer. Further, the control unit 11 analyzes the intermediate code data read from the intermediate buffer, and refers to a font table, a graphic function, a look-up table (LUT) that can be corrected by a color adjustment value and the like stored in the ROM 34, and the like. Expand (decode) to dot pattern data. After performing necessary decoration processing, the control unit 11 stores the dot pattern data in the output buffer.
[0086]
In this case, the look-up table (LUT) is a table for converting RGB data (RGB space) into dot pattern data of CMYK (CMYK space).
[0087]
The color adjustment value is, for example, data for compensating for differences in the characteristics of ink droplet ejection for each nozzle row. A technique for modifying a look-up table (LUT) based on the color adjustment value is described in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-278350.
[0088]
If one recordable dot pattern data is obtained by one main scan of the recording head 4, the one line of dot pattern data is sequentially transferred from the output buffer to the recording head 4 through the internal I / F 37. Output to the electric drive system 39, the carriage 5 is scanned, and printing for one line is performed. When one line of dot pattern data is output from the output buffer, the expanded intermediate code data is erased from the intermediate buffer, and expansion processing for the next intermediate code data is performed.
[0089]
Further, the control unit 11 controls a maintenance operation (recovery operation) performed prior to the recording operation by the recording head 4.
[0090]
The print engine 31 includes a paper feed motor 13 as a paper feed mechanism, a pulse motor 7 as a head scanning mechanism, and an electric drive system 39 for the recording head 4.
[0091]
Next, the electric drive system 39 of the recording head 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the electric drive system 39 includes a decoder 50, a shift register circuit 40, a latch circuit 41, a level shifter circuit 42, a switch circuit 43, and a piezoelectric vibrator 21, which are electrically connected in order. The decoder 50, shift register circuit 40, latch circuit 41, level shifter circuit 42, switch circuit 43, and piezoelectric vibrator 21 are provided for each nozzle opening 17 of the recording head 4.
[0092]
In the electric drive system 39, when the pulse selection data (SP data) applied to the switch circuit 43 is “1”, the switch circuit 43 is connected and the pulse waveform in the drive signal is directly applied to the piezoelectric vibrator 21. Each piezoelectric vibrator 21 is deformed according to the pulse waveform in the drive signal. On the other hand, when the pulse selection data applied to the switch circuit 43 is “0”, the switch circuit 43 is disconnected, and the supply of the drive signal to the piezoelectric vibrator 21 is cut off.
[0093]
As described above, a drive signal can be selectively supplied to each piezoelectric vibrator 21 based on the pulse selection data. For this reason, depending on the given pulse selection data, it is possible to eject ink droplets from the nozzle openings 17 or to slightly vibrate the meniscus.
[0094]
Here, details of the drive signal generation circuit 36 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the drive signal generation circuit 36 has a latch signal output unit 101 that outputs a plurality of latch signals in cooperation with the passage timing of each passage position of the recording head 4. The latch signal output unit 101 outputs the position or movement amount of the recording head 4 via the timing correction unit 104 in order to cooperate with the passage timing of each passing position (set for each recording pixel) of the recording head 4. , And is connected to an encoder 102 that generates a timing signal.
[0095]
Further, the drive signal generation circuit 30 includes a channel signal output unit 103 that outputs a channel signal after each latch signal based on the set time difference with respect to the latch signal, after the set time difference.
[0096]
The main body 105 (forward drive signal generation means, return drive signal generation means) is connected to the latch signal output section 101 and the channel signal output section 103.
[0097]
While the recording head 4 is moving in the forward path, the main unit 105 outputs a latch pulse waveform (in this case, the first pulse signal PS1) that appears in synchronization with the output timing of the latch signal and the channel signal output unit 103 outputs the channel signal. A drive signal (A: see FIG. 8) having a channel pulse waveform (in this case, the second pulse signal PS2) appearing in synchronization with the output timing and the order is generated.
[0098]
On the other hand, during the backward movement of the recording head 4, the latch pulse waveform (in this case, the second pulse signal PS 2) appearing in synchronization with the output timing of the latch signal and the output timing of the channel signal by the channel signal output unit 103 are changed. A drive signal (B: see FIG. 9) having the channel pulse waveform (first pulse signal PS1 in this case) that appears together in that order is generated.
[0099]
The timing correction unit 104 compares the output timing of the latch signal and the channel signal sent to the main unit 105 with each ΔT time (ΔT _A time or ΔT _B time) with respect to the timing signal during the forward movement and the backward movement. Time).
[0100]
In the present embodiment, the “shift amount” by the timing correction unit 104 is determined by printing a vertical ruled line during the forward movement and the backward movement to verify continuity, or using a patch pattern during the forward movement and the backward movement. Is printed to verify the presence or absence of roughness, and the like.
[0101]
As described above, the characteristics of the ink droplet ejection from each nozzle opening 17 in the head member 4 may be different for each nozzle row mainly due to manufacturing reasons. In such a case, in order to set the amount of the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle opening to the designed value, the “color adjustment value” is used in the present embodiment.
[0102]
Specifically, a “color adjustment value” is provided for each nozzle row, that is, for each ink color, based on characteristics of ink droplet ejection for each nozzle row measured in advance. For example, when the weight of the ejected ink droplet in the cyan row is 10% larger than the designed value, the color adjustment value of the cyan row is set to a value representing 10%. Conversely, when the weight of the ejected ink droplet in the yellow row is 10% smaller than the designed value, the color adjustment value of the yellow row is set to a value representing -10%.
[0103]
The “color adjustment value” as described above can be stored in a storage device (not shown) mounted on the recording head 4.
[0104]
Then, the control unit 11 reads a “color adjustment value” for each color from a storage device (not shown) of the recording head 4 as a pattern data adjustment unit, and cancels the characteristics of ink droplet ejection for each nozzle row (each color). In order to adjust the relative ratio of the number of ink droplet ejections per reference area for each nozzle row (each color), a look-up table (LUT) is modified.
[0105]
With the look-up table (LUT) corrected in this way, the dot pattern in the CMYK space is consequently increased or decreased so that the relative ratio of the number of ink droplet ejections per reference area for each nozzle row (for each color) increases or decreases. Data is generated.
[0106]
Here, the color adjustment value will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, a color adjustment value (ID) is assigned according to the ink weight ratio of the ink weight of the ejected ink droplet to the design value. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the color adjustment value is set based on the ink weights ejected from the actual nozzle rows (BK row, C row, M row, and Y row) and the allocation table shown in FIG. ing.
[0107]
For example, if the ink weight of one drop is 20 ng, it is as designed, so the standard value “50” is set as the ID. If the ink weight of one drop is 21 ng, the deviation from the design value is 5%, so “55”, which is 5 points higher than the standard value, is set as the ID. Conversely, if the ink amount of one drop is 18 ng, the deviation from the design value is -10%, so "40" which is 10 points lower than the standard value is set as the ID.
[0108]
The set color adjustment ID is stored, for example, in an identification information storage element (not shown) or the like in the recording head 4, and is indicated by an identification information notifying member (not shown) provided in the recording head 4. You may.
[0109]
By using the above color adjustment values, for example, in a case where a setting is made such that a 20 ng ink droplet is ejected 100 times per reference area and a 2000 ng ink droplet is landed, the C column or the Y column having an ink droplet weight of 21 ng is used. When the ink droplet is ejected 95 times into the reference area, the ink amount per reference area becomes 1995 ng, which is almost equal to 2000 ng. Similarly, for M rows having an ink droplet weight of 18 ng, if the ink droplets are ejected 110 times in the reference region, the ink amount per reference region becomes 1980 ng, which is almost equal to 2000 ng.
[0110]
That is, in this case, for the BK row with the color adjustment ID “50”, the weight of the ink droplets is equal to the design value (20 ng), so the number of ejections per reference area is set to the specified number of times “100”. .
[0111]
On the other hand, in the rows C and Y having the color adjustment ID “55”, since the weight of the ink droplet is 5% larger than the specified amount, the number of ejections per reference area is reduced by 5% from the specified number to “95”. Set to times.
[0112]
Similarly, for the M row with the color adjustment ID “40”, the weight of the ink droplet is 10% smaller than the specified amount, so the number of ejections per reference area is increased by 10% from the specified number to “110” times. Is set.
[0113]
In this way, by using the color adjustment value, even if there is a difference in the weight of the ink droplet to be ejected from nozzle to nozzle, it is possible to equalize the amount of ink ejected per reference area, and as a result, to achieve a constant quality of ink. Images can be recorded. That is, even if there is an individual difference in the recording head, an image of constant quality can be recorded.
[0114]
Here, the reference area is, for example, an area corresponding to a fixed 16 × 16 matrix pattern. Such a pattern is called "dither". Alternatively, the reference area is an area that is variable for each part of each image determined depending on image data and the like in consideration of “error diffusion”.
[0115]
By the way, the printer 1 of the present embodiment can adjust the color tone of bidirectional printing by a manufacturer immediately before being shipped as a product or by a user during use after being purchased as a product. Has become. For this reason, the printer according to the present embodiment includes a color tone confirmation input unit 205 to which a color tone confirmation command is input. Further, the printer 1 of the present embodiment has a drive signal generation circuit 36, a control unit 11 (control main unit), a color tone confirmation control unit 210 that controls a head operation mechanism and a paper feed mechanism in accordance with a color tone confirmation command. I have.
[0116]
The color tone confirmation control unit 210 causes the same plurality of solid-painted outward jet liquid mixing units 220 to be formed on the recording paper 12. In the present embodiment, the outward jetting liquid mixing section 220 is a gray halftone solid-colored pattern formed of cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink.
[0117]
On the other hand, the color tone confirmation control unit 210 gradually changes the relative ratio of the number of ejections of the liquid per reference area for each color (each nozzle row) to the recording paper 12 on the recording paper 12. A single solid return-type jet liquid mixing section or reciprocating path jet liquid mixing section 230 (230a to 230h: see FIG. 12) is formed. However, any of the return-path jetting liquid mixing section or the reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing section 230 is a solid pattern of a gray halftone formed by cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink.
[0118]
The color tone confirmation control unit 210 according to the present embodiment corrects the “color adjustment value” for each color read by the control unit 11. Specifically, for example, a "color adjustment value" for each color is multiplied by a color adjustment value correction coefficient group stored in advance in the ROM 34 or the like. FIG. 13 shows an example of a color adjustment value correction coefficient group.
[0119]
The color tone confirmation control unit 210 of the present embodiment is configured to continuously form a plurality of the same outward jet liquid mixing units 220 in a row according to the color tone confirmation command. Are also formed continuously in a row. The return-path jetting liquid mixing section or the reciprocating path jetting liquid mixing section 230 (230a to 230h) is further formed in a row. As shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of in-line returning liquid mixing sections or reciprocating path discharging liquid mixing sections 230 (230a to 230h) are arranged adjacent to each other.
[0120]
In a case where the forward jet liquid mixing section 220 and the backward jet liquid mixing section or the reciprocating jet liquid mixing section 230 are formed as shown in FIG. 12, any one of the backward jet liquid mixing that best matches the color tone of the forward jet liquid mixing section 220. Section or the reciprocating path jet liquid mixing section 230 can be selected very easily.
[0121]
The operation of selecting any one of the backward ejection liquid mixing unit or the reciprocating ejection liquid mixing unit 230 that most matches the color tone of the forward ejection liquid mixing unit 220 may be performed visually by the manufacturer or the user. May be performed using a colorimeter.
[0122]
The correction coefficient of the optimum color adjustment value selected in this way is set in the EEPROM, and is used collectively during the subsequent return printing.
[0123]
Further, when the printer of the present embodiment has the features described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-193337 filed by the present inventor, that is, the color tone confirmation control unit 210 transmits the respective signals by the forward drive signal in accordance with the second color tone confirmation command. The drive timing of the piezoelectric vibrator 21 is set to a constant cycle so that at least one solid-painted outward jet liquid mixing section is formed on the recording paper 12, and each piezoelectric vibrator 21 is driven by a return drive signal. By changing the drive timing little by little from a predetermined cycle, a plurality of solid-painted return-path jet liquid mixing sections or reciprocating-path jet liquid mixing sections are formed on the recording paper 12 in a manner that can be compared with the forward-path jet liquid mixing section. As described above, when it is possible to control the timing correction unit 104, the control unit 11, and the head scanning mechanism, it is necessary to perform the above-described color adjustment value adjustment. It, it is preferred to carry out the control of the color tone confirmation control unit 210 according to the second color tone confirmation command.
[0124]
In this case, the color tone of the forward-path jet liquid mixing section is most matched by comparing the forward-path jet liquid mixing section formed on the recording paper 12 with a plurality of backward-path jet liquid mixing sections or reciprocating-path jet liquid mixing sections. Any one of the return-path ejection liquid mixing section or the reciprocating path ejection liquid mixing section can be selected, and the drive timing (Bi-D adjustment value) corresponding to the selected return-path ejection liquid mixing section or reciprocation path ejection liquid mixing section is selected. It can be set as the drive timing of the pressure fluctuation means by the return path drive signal.
[0125]
When the color tone cannot be matched even by such adjustment of the drive timing, it is preferable to control the color tone confirmation control unit 210 according to the color tone confirmation command.
[0126]
The present inventor has found that in the invention described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-193337, perfect color tone matching may not be obtained in some cases. Even in such a case, perfect color tone matching can be obtained by adjusting the color adjustment value.
[0127]
For example, FIG. 14 shows a plurality of reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing units (driving timings are shifted with respect to a forward-path jetting liquid mixing unit evaluated using a colorimeter in the invention described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-193337. 9) is an example of data of the color tone evaluation of FIG. In FIG. 14, each reciprocating path jet liquid mixing unit is specified by the magnitude of the shifted drive timing (Bi-D adjustment value).
[0128]
In the case of FIG. 14, a value of −79.2 μm is most preferable as the Bi-D adjustment value. However, even in that case, ΔE is about 1, and the difference in color tone cannot be completely eliminated.
[0129]
Here, FIG. 15 shows a table of the raw data in FIG. According to FIG. 15, even if a value of −79.2 μm is adopted as the Bi-D adjustment value, b ^* almost matches Uni-D, but a ^* is +1 with respect to Uni-D. .
[0130]
Therefore, in the case shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, according to the present embodiment, the color adjustment value adjustment is performed so as to suppress the ejection amount of the magenta ink and increase the ejection amount of the cyan ink, thereby reducing a ^* . Correction to the side is effective for realizing high-quality color printing.
[0131]
The formation positions of the forward jet liquid mixing section 220 and the backward jet liquid mixing section or the reciprocating jet liquid mixing section 230 are different from the forward jet liquid mixing section 220 and a plurality of different backward jet liquid mixing sections or reciprocating jet liquids. There is no particular limitation as long as the mixing unit 230 can be compared, preferably easily compared.
[0132]
In the above, the pressure generating element (an example of the pressure varying unit) that changes the volume of the pressure chamber 22 is not limited to the piezoelectric vibrator 21. For example, a magnetostrictive element may be used as a pressure generating element, and the pressure chamber 22 may be expanded and contracted by the magnetostrictive element to cause a pressure fluctuation, or a heating element may be used as a pressure generating element, The pressure chamber 22 may be configured to generate pressure fluctuation by bubbles that expand and contract by heat.
[0133]
As described above, the printer controller 30 can be configured by a computer system. However, a program for causing the computer system to realize the above-described elements and a computer-readable recording medium 201 on which the program is recorded are also protected by the present invention. It is.
[0134]
Further, when each of the above-described elements is realized by a program such as an OS operating on a computer system, a program including various instructions for controlling the program such as the OS and the recording medium 202 storing the program are also included in the present invention. Be protected.
[0135]
Here, the recording media 201 and 202 include not only those that can be recognized as a single unit such as a floppy disk, but also networks that propagate various signals.
[0136]
Although the above description has been made with respect to an ink jet recording apparatus, the present invention is broadly applied to liquid ejecting apparatuses in general. As an example of the liquid, glue, nail polish, or the like may be used in addition to ink.
[0137]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the forward jet liquid mixing section formed on the liquid ejection target medium and the plurality of backward jet liquid mixing sections or the reciprocating jet liquid mixing sections are compared, whereby the forward jet liquid is mixed. It is possible to select any one of the backward jetting liquid mixing unit or the reciprocating jetting liquid mixing unit that most closely matches the color tone of the liquid mixing unit. Then, the relative ratio of the number of ejections of the liquid of each color corresponding to the selected return-path ejection liquid mixing section or the reciprocating path ejection liquid mixing section per reference area is determined by the number of ejections of the liquid of each color to be adjusted per reference area. And the color tone of the forward jet liquid mixing section formed during the forward movement and the color tone of the backward jet liquid mixing section or the reciprocating jet liquid mixing section formed during the backward movement or bidirectional movement. Can be matched with high accuracy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a scanning range of a recording head.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the recording head, in which FIG. 3A illustrates a state in which the recording head is located at a standby position, FIG. () Shows the state when returning to the standby position from the recording area side, and (d) shows the state when the camera is located at the home position.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a recording head.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a nozzle row for each color.
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a recording head.
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a drive signal generation circuit.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outward drive signal.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a return path drive signal.
FIG. 10 is an example of an assignment table of a color adjustment ID with respect to an ink weight ratio.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of a color adjustment ID set based on the weight of ink droplets ejected from each nozzle row.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a formation pattern of a forward jet liquid mixing unit and a backward jet liquid mixing unit.
FIG. 13 is a table showing an example of a color adjustment value correction coefficient group;
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of data of color tones of a plurality of backward-ejection liquid mixing units whose driving timings are shifted, which are evaluated using a colorimeter.
FIG. 15 is a table showing raw data of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional drive signal.
17 is a diagram illustrating a drive pulse generated based on the drive signal of FIG.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where drive signals are different between a forward path and a return path.
FIG. 19 is a view showing a conventional example of a landing position of an ink droplet.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink jet printer 2a Black ink cartridge 2b Color ink cartridge 3 Cartridge holder part 4 Recording head 5 Carriage 6 Guide member 7 Pulse motor 8 Drive pulley 9 Reverse pulley 10 Timing belt 11 Control part 12 Recording paper 13 Paper feed motor 14 Paper feed roller 15 Cap member 16 Nozzle plate 17 Nozzle opening 18 Ink receiving member 21 Piezoelectric vibrator 21a Comb-like tip 22 Pressure generating chamber 30 Printer controller 31 Print engine 32 External interface 33 RAM
34 ROM
35 Oscillation circuit 36 Drive signal generation circuit 37 Internal interface 38 Measurement timer 39 Electric drive system of recording head 40 Shift register circuit 41 Latch circuit 42 Level shifter circuit 43 Switch circuit 50 Decoder 71 Case 72 Storage room 74 Flow path unit 75 Flow path forming plate 77 elastic plate 80 nozzle opening 82 ink supply unit 83 common ink chamber 84 ink supply tube 87 stainless plate 88 elastic film 89 island unit 101 latch signal output unit 102 encoder 103 channel signal output unit 104 timing correction unit 105 main unit 105a column error Correction unit 200 Recording medium 201 Recording medium 205 Color tone confirmation command input unit 210 Color tone confirmation control unit 220 Outgoing jet liquid mixing unit 230 Return jet liquid mixing unit or reciprocating jet liquid mixing unit

Claims (26)

A head member having a plurality of nozzle openings divided into a plurality of nozzle opening groups to which liquids of different colors are supplied,
A plurality of pressure varying means for varying the pressure of the liquid at each nozzle opening to eject the liquid;
A reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the head member so as to pass through a predetermined passage position;
An ejected medium holding unit that holds a liquid ejected medium so as to face the plurality of nozzle openings of the head member that reciprocates;
Drive signal generating means for generating a forward drive signal and a return drive signal,
During the forward movement of the head member, each pressure varying unit is driven based on the forward drive signal and the ejection pattern data to eject liquid from each nozzle opening, and during the backward movement of the head member, the backward drive signal and A control main body unit that drives each pressure fluctuation unit based on the ejection pattern data to eject liquid from each nozzle opening, and for each nozzle opening group corresponding to a liquid of a different color, the number of ejections per reference area of the liquid. A pattern data adjustment unit that generates or corrects the injection pattern data so that the relative ratio increases or decreases;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the return path drive signal is different from the forward path drive signal. 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the return path drive signal is the same as the outward path drive signal. According to the color tone confirmation command, further comprising a color tone confirmation control unit that controls the pattern data adjustment unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating mechanism,
During the forward movement of the head member, a plurality of liquids of a plurality of colors are superimposedly ejected onto a predetermined area to form a solid-painted forward ejection liquid mixing section on the liquid ejection medium, and the head During the backward movement of the member, it is possible to form a solid-applied return-path ejection liquid mixing section on the liquid ejection target medium by ejecting the plurality of colors of liquid in a predetermined area in a superposed manner,
In accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit is configured to form at least one solid-applied forward ejection liquid mixing unit on the liquid ejection target medium, and to control the relative number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area. The target ratio is changed little by little, so that a plurality of solid-painted inward ejection liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid ejection medium in a manner that can be compared with the outward ejection liquid mixing section, 4. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is configured to control a control main body and a reciprocating mechanism. In accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit controls the number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area so that a plurality of the same solid-painted outward-path ejection liquid mixing units are formed on the liquid ejection target medium. Is changed little by little so that a plurality of solid-applied return-path jetting liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid jetting medium in a manner that can be compared with the plurality of forward-path jetting liquid mixing sections, respectively. 5. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus controls a pattern data adjusting unit, a control main unit, and a reciprocating mechanism. The ejected medium holding unit is capable of moving the liquid ejected medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the reciprocating head member,
The color tone confirmation control unit also controls the ejected medium holding unit according to the color tone confirmation command,
A plurality of the same solid-painted forward-flowing liquid mixing sections are formed continuously in a row, and a plurality of solid-filled backward-flowing liquid mixing sections are also formed in a continuous row. 6. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of outgoing jet liquid mixing sections in a row and the plurality of outgoing jet liquid mixing sections in a row are adjacent to each other. . According to the color tone confirmation command, further comprising a color tone confirmation control unit that controls the pattern data adjustment unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating mechanism,
During the forward movement of the head member, a plurality of liquids of a plurality of colors are superimposedly ejected onto a predetermined area to form a solid-painted forward ejection liquid mixing section on the liquid ejection medium, and the head During the bidirectional movement of the member in the reciprocating path, the solid-colored reciprocating path jetting liquid mixing section can be formed on the liquid jetting medium by jetting the plurality of colors of liquid in a predetermined area in a superposed manner. ,
In accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit is configured to form at least one solid-applied forward ejection liquid mixing unit on the liquid ejection target medium, and to control the relative number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area. By gradually changing the target ratio, the pattern data adjustment is performed so that a plurality of solid-filled reciprocating path jetting liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid jetting medium in a manner comparable to the forward jetting liquid mixing section. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is configured to control a unit, a control body unit, and a reciprocating mechanism. In accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit controls the number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area so that a plurality of the same solid-painted outward-path ejection liquid mixing units are formed on the liquid ejection target medium. Are gradually changed so that a plurality of solid-filled reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid jetting medium in such a manner that they can be compared with the plurality of forward-path jetting liquid mixing sections, respectively. 8. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the pattern data adjusting unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating mechanism are controlled as described above. The ejected medium holding unit is capable of moving the liquid ejected medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the reciprocating head member,
The color tone confirmation control unit also controls the ejected medium holding unit according to the color tone confirmation command,
A plurality of the same solid-painted forward-flowing liquid mixing sections are formed continuously in a row, and a plurality of solid-filled reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing sections are also formed in a continuous row. 9. The liquid according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of forward-flowing liquid mixing sections in a row and the plurality of reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing sections in a row are adjacent to each other. Injection device. The plurality of nozzle openings are at least three or more,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of color liquids include a cyan liquid, a magenta liquid, and a yellow liquid. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference area is an area corresponding to a matrix pattern having a fixed size. 11. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference area is a variable area that depends on the ejection pattern data itself. A head member having a plurality of nozzle openings divided into a plurality of nozzle opening groups to which liquids of different colors are supplied,
A plurality of pressure varying means for varying the pressure of the liquid at each nozzle opening to eject the liquid;
A reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the head member so as to pass through a predetermined passage position;
An ejected medium holding unit that holds a liquid ejected medium so as to face the plurality of nozzle openings of the head member that reciprocates;
An apparatus for controlling a liquid ejecting apparatus including:
Drive signal generating means for generating a forward drive signal and a return drive signal,
During the forward movement of the head member, each pressure varying unit is driven based on the forward drive signal and the ejection pattern data to eject liquid from each nozzle opening, and during the backward movement of the head member, the backward drive signal and A control main body unit that drives each pressure fluctuation unit based on the ejection pattern data to eject liquid from each nozzle opening, and for each nozzle opening group corresponding to a liquid of a different color, the number of ejections per reference area of the liquid. A pattern data adjustment unit that generates or corrects the injection pattern data so that the relative ratio increases or decreases;
A control device comprising: 14. The control device according to claim 13, wherein the return path drive signal is different from the outward path drive signal. 14. The control device according to claim 13, wherein the return path drive signal is the same as the outward path drive signal. According to the color tone confirmation command, further comprising a color tone confirmation control unit that controls the pattern data adjustment unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating mechanism,
During the forward movement of the head member, a plurality of liquids of a plurality of colors are superimposedly ejected onto a predetermined area to form a solid-painted forward ejection liquid mixing section on the liquid ejection medium, and the head During the backward movement of the member, it is possible to form a solid-applied return-path ejection liquid mixing section on the liquid ejection target medium by ejecting the plurality of colors of liquid in a predetermined area in a superposed manner,
In accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit is configured to form at least one solid-applied forward ejection liquid mixing unit on the liquid ejection target medium, and to control the relative number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area. The target ratio is changed little by little, so that a plurality of solid-painted inward ejection liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid ejection medium in a manner that can be compared with the outward ejection liquid mixing section, The control device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the control device controls a control main body and a reciprocating mechanism. In accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit controls the number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area so that a plurality of the same solid-painted outward-path ejection liquid mixing units are formed on the liquid ejection target medium. Is changed little by little so that a plurality of solid-applied return-path jetting liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid jetting medium in a manner that can be compared with the plurality of forward-path jetting liquid mixing sections, respectively. 17. The control device according to claim 16, wherein the control device controls a pattern data adjusting unit, a control main unit, and a reciprocating mechanism. The ejected medium holding unit is capable of moving the liquid ejected medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the reciprocating head member,
The color tone confirmation control unit also controls the ejected medium holding unit according to the color tone confirmation command,
A plurality of the same solid-painted forward-flowing liquid mixing sections are formed continuously in a row, and a plurality of solid-filled backward-flowing liquid mixing sections are also formed in a continuous row. 18. The control device according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of forward-flowing liquid mixing sections in a row and the plurality of forward-flowing liquid mixing sections in a row are adjacent to each other. According to the color tone confirmation command, further comprising a color tone confirmation control unit that controls the pattern data adjustment unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating mechanism,
During the forward movement of the head member, a plurality of liquids of a plurality of colors are superimposedly ejected onto a predetermined area to form a solid-painted forward ejection liquid mixing section on the liquid ejection medium, and the head During the bidirectional movement of the member in the reciprocating path, the solid-colored reciprocating path jetting liquid mixing section can be formed on the liquid jetting medium by jetting the plurality of colors of liquid in a predetermined area in a superposed manner. ,
In accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit is configured to form at least one solid-applied forward ejection liquid mixing unit on the liquid ejection target medium, and to control the relative number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area. By gradually changing the target ratio, the pattern data adjustment is performed so that a plurality of solid-filled reciprocating path jetting liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid jetting medium in a manner comparable to the forward jetting liquid mixing section. The control device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the control device controls a unit, a control main unit, and a reciprocating mechanism. In accordance with the color tone confirmation command, the color tone confirmation control unit controls the number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area so that a plurality of the same solid-painted outward-path ejection liquid mixing units are formed on the liquid ejection target medium. Are gradually changed so that a plurality of solid-filled reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing sections are formed on the liquid jetting medium in such a manner that they can be compared with the plurality of forward-path jetting liquid mixing sections, respectively. 20. The control device according to claim 19, wherein the control unit controls the pattern data adjusting unit, the control main unit, and the reciprocating mechanism. The ejected medium holding unit is capable of moving the liquid ejected medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the reciprocating head member,
The color tone confirmation control unit also controls the ejected medium holding unit according to the color tone confirmation command,
A plurality of the same solid-painted forward-flowing liquid mixing sections are formed continuously in a row, and a plurality of solid-filled reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing sections are also formed in a continuous row. 21. The control according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of forward-flowing liquid mixing sections in a row and the plurality of reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing sections in a row are adjacent to each other. apparatus. 22. The control device according to claim 13, wherein the reference area is an area corresponding to a matrix pattern of a fixed size. 22. The control device according to claim 13, wherein the reference area is a variable area that depends on the injection pattern data itself. 13. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the relative proportion of the number of ejections of the liquid of each color per reference area is adjusted.
Inputting a color tone confirmation command;
By comparing the solid-filled outward jet liquid mixing section obtained by the control of the color tone confirmation control section in accordance with the color tone confirmation command with a plurality of solid-filled backward jet liquid mixing sections or reciprocating jet liquid mixing sections, the forward path Selecting any one of the return-path jetting liquid mixing sections or the reciprocating-path jetting liquid mixing sections that best matches the color tone of the jetting liquid mixing section;
The relative ratio of the number of ejections of the liquid of each color corresponding to the selected inward ejection liquid mixing section or the reciprocating path ejection liquid mixing section per reference area is determined by the relative number of ejections of the liquid of each color to be adjusted per reference area. A process of determining the target ratio;
A method comprising: 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the forward jet liquid mixing section and the plurality of backward jet liquid mixing sections or the reciprocating jet liquid mixing sections are visually compared by an operator. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the outgoing jet liquid mixing section and the plurality of backward jet liquid mixing sections or reciprocating jet liquid mixing sections are compared by a colorimeter.

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