JP2013052595A - Recording apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently execute nozzle check processing without deteriorating its accuracy.SOLUTION: A line inkjet printer 1 includes: an upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a for checking nozzle configuring a nozzle line of an upstream head unit; a downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b which is independent from the upstream nozzle check mechanism for checking a nozzle configuring a nozzle line of a downstream head unit; and a nozzle check execution part 27b for executing the nozzle check processing by simultaneously executing at least part of the nozzle check through the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a and downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b.

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus including a recording head in which nozzle rows are arranged and capable of performing nozzle check processing, a control method for the recording apparatus, and a program for controlling the recording apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a recording apparatus (printer) configured to be able to perform nozzle check processing that detects ejection failure of nozzles provided in a recording head is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-198924 A

However, in the recording apparatus configured to be able to perform the nozzle check process as in the above-described recording apparatus, the nozzle check process is performed especially when the number of nozzles increases in comparison with the time for actually performing the process related to the recording by the recording head. There has been a need to efficiently perform the nozzle check process without decreasing the accuracy of the nozzle check process, since the length of time during which it is performed tends to increase.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to efficiently perform the nozzle check process without reducing the accuracy of the nozzle check process.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a recording apparatus, comprising: a transport unit that transports a recording medium in a transport direction; and a plurality of nozzle arrays that extend in a nozzle array direction that intersects the transport direction. A first recording head unit disposed; a second recording head unit disposed at a distance from the first recording head unit in the transport direction and having a plurality of nozzle rows extending in the nozzle row direction; A recording execution unit that discharges and records ink from at least one of the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit while transporting the recording medium in the transport direction by the transport unit; A first nozzle check mechanism for performing a nozzle check of the nozzles constituting the nozzle row of the first recording head unit, and a nozzle check of the nozzles constituting the nozzle row of the second recording head unit. Nozzle check execution for executing nozzle check processing by simultaneously executing at least part of nozzle check by the second nozzle check mechanism, nozzle check by the first nozzle check mechanism, and nozzle check by the second nozzle check mechanism And a section.
According to this configuration, paying attention to the fact that the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit are independent mechanisms, an independent nozzle check mechanism is provided for each of these head units, and at the time of nozzle check processing In order to simultaneously execute at least a part of the nozzle check by the first nozzle check mechanism and the nozzle check by the second nozzle check mechanism, one nozzle is provided for each of the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit. By the check mechanism, it is possible to efficiently perform the process without reducing the accuracy of the nozzle check process as compared with the case of sequentially performing the nozzle check.

Also, in the recording apparatus according to the invention, the first recording head unit includes a first nozzle row corresponding to a first color, and the second recording head unit includes the first recording head unit. A second nozzle row corresponding to a second color that can be supplemented with a color, and the nozzle check execution unit includes: a first nozzle in the first nozzle row; and the first nozzle in the second nozzle row; For the second nozzle arranged at the corresponding position, when a discharge failure is detected for both nozzles, a discharge failure is not detected for both nozzles, and a discharge failure is detected for either one of them. It is characterized in that different processing can be executed for each case.
Here, regarding the first nozzle and the second nozzle arranged at a position where dots can be formed at the same position of the recording medium, when a discharge failure is detected in both nozzles, the discharge failure occurs in both nozzles. The degree of the adverse effect on the print quality differs depending on whether the discharge failure is detected in either case. For example, when ejection failure is detected in both the first nozzle and the second nozzle, there is a situation in which white spots may occur for dots to be formed by these nozzles, and print quality may be significantly reduced. On the other hand, when a discharge failure has occurred in the first nozzle but no discharge failure has occurred in the complementary second nozzle, a discharge failure is detected for the dots to be formed on the recording medium by these nozzles. The nozzles that are not formed are complementarily formed, and the deterioration of the print quality is suppressed.
Based on the above, according to the above-described configuration, for the first nozzle and the second nozzle, when a discharge failure is detected at both nozzles, when a discharge failure is not detected at both nozzles, and either Since different processing can be executed for each case where ejection failure is detected, it is possible to execute appropriate processing in consideration of an adverse effect on print quality according to the result of the nozzle check.

In the recording apparatus according to the invention, the nozzle check execution unit synchronizes the nozzle check for the first nozzle and the nozzle check for the second nozzle in the nozzle check process. It is characterized by performing.
According to this, no discharge failure was detected in any of the first nozzle and the second nozzle, a discharge failure was detected in both, and a discharge failure was detected in either one. It is possible to detect quickly, and it is possible to quickly execute processing based on the detection result of ejection failure of both nozzles.

In the recording apparatus according to the invention, the first color of the first nozzle row may be black, and the second color of the second nozzle row may be a color having a high OD value, or Each of the first color and the second color is black, or each of the first color and the second color is an ink having a hue close to each other. And
Here, when white spots related to the black dots occur, there is a possibility that the print quality is significantly deteriorated. Based on this, by setting the first nozzle row as a nozzle row for discharging black ink and the second nozzle row as a nozzle row for discharging ink of a color with a high OD value, the white spots of black dots can be eliminated. A color having a high OD value, that is, a color close to black can be supplemented, and a decrease in print quality can be effectively suppressed.
Further, by making each of the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row a nozzle row for ejecting black ink, the white spots of the black dots can be complemented by the black ink, resulting in a decrease in print quality. Can be effectively suppressed.
Further, the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row are respectively nozzle rows for ejecting ink of colors having similar hues, so that white spots caused by the nozzles of one of the nozzle rows are close to hues. It can be supplemented by color inks, and the deterioration of print quality can be effectively suppressed.

Further, in the recording apparatus according to the invention, the invention includes a width detection unit that detects the width of the recording medium, and the nozzle check execution unit sets the width of the recording medium detected by the width detection unit. Based on the nozzle array of the first recording head unit and the nozzle array of the second recording head unit, the nozzles located outside the range in which the recording area of the recording medium extends are identified. No nozzle check is performed for the specified nozzle.
Here, the nozzle located outside the range in which the recording area of the recording medium extends is not used. The recording area varies depending on the width of the recording medium. Based on the above, according to the above configuration, the width of the recording medium is detected, the nozzle located outside the range in which the recording area of the recording medium extends is identified based on the width of the recording medium, and the identified nozzle Since the nozzle check is not performed for the nozzle, the nozzle check for the nozzle used for recording on the recording medium is performed to ensure the accuracy of the nozzle check, and the time required for the nozzle check can be shortened.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a transport unit that transports a recording medium in the transport direction and a plurality of nozzle rows that extend in a nozzle row direction that intersects the transport direction are arranged. A first recording head unit, a second recording head unit which is arranged apart from the first recording head unit in the transport direction and has a plurality of nozzle rows extending in the nozzle row direction, and the transport unit. A recording execution unit for recording by discharging ink from at least one of the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit while transporting the recording medium in the transport direction; and the first recording head A first nozzle check mechanism for performing a nozzle check of the nozzles constituting the nozzle row included in the printing unit, and a first nozzle for performing a nozzle check of the nozzles constituting the nozzle row of the second recording head unit And a nozzle check mechanism, wherein at least a part of the nozzle check by the first nozzle check mechanism and the nozzle check by the second nozzle check mechanism are simultaneously executed. And a corresponding process is executed according to the result of the nozzle check process.
According to this control method, paying attention to the fact that the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit are independent mechanisms, an independent nozzle check mechanism is provided for each of these head units, and nozzle check processing is performed. At this time, in order to simultaneously execute at least a part of the nozzle check by the first nozzle check mechanism and the nozzle check by the second nozzle check mechanism, one of the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit is provided. The nozzle check mechanism can perform the process efficiently without reducing the accuracy of the nozzle check process as compared with the case of sequentially performing the nozzle check.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a transport unit that transports a recording medium in the transport direction and a plurality of nozzle rows that extend in a nozzle row direction that intersects the transport direction are arranged. A first recording head section; a second recording head section disposed apart from the first recording head section in the transport direction; and a plurality of nozzle arrays extending in the nozzle array direction; and the first recording head section. A first nozzle check mechanism for performing a nozzle check of nozzles constituting a nozzle row included in the head portion, and a second nozzle check mechanism for performing a nozzle check of nozzles constituting the nozzle row included in the second recording head portion. A program that is executed by a control unit that controls each unit of the recording apparatus. The control unit causes the transport unit to transport the recording medium in the transport direction while reducing the At least a recording execution unit for recording by ejecting ink from either the first recording head unit or the second recording head unit, a nozzle check by the first nozzle check mechanism, and the second nozzle check It is characterized by functioning as a nozzle check execution unit that executes nozzle check processing by simultaneously executing at least part of the nozzle check by the mechanism.
When this program is executed, it is noted that the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit are independent mechanisms, and an independent nozzle check mechanism is provided for each of these head units, and nozzle check processing is performed. At this time, in order to simultaneously execute at least a part of the nozzle check by the first nozzle check mechanism and the nozzle check by the second nozzle check mechanism, one of the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit is provided. The nozzle check mechanism can perform the process efficiently without reducing the accuracy of the nozzle check process as compared with the case of sequentially performing the nozzle check.

  According to the present invention, the nozzle check process can be efficiently performed without reducing the accuracy of the nozzle check process.

The figure which shows the structure of the line inkjet printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the aspect of the change of the discharge amount of the ink in the range H1 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a recording system. It is a figure for demonstrating a nozzle check. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a line inkjet printer. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a line inkjet printer. It is a figure for demonstrating the procedure of a nozzle check process. The figure which shows the structure of the line inkjet printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the recording system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a line inkjet printer 1 (recording apparatus) according to the present embodiment.
The line inkjet printer 1 is a line inkjet having a plurality of nozzle rows extending in a nozzle row direction YJ2, which is a direction orthogonal to the transport direction YJ1, while transporting the recording medium 11 by the transport roller 10 in the transport forward direction YJ1a in the transport direction YJ1. This is a line-type inkjet printer that records an image by ejecting ink from the head 12 to the recording medium 11 to form dots on the recording medium 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the line inkjet head 12 includes an upstream head unit 17 (first recording head portion) and a downstream head unit 18 (second recording head portion).
In the upstream head unit 17, the upstream first recording head 171, the upstream second recording head 172, the upstream third recording head 173, and the upstream fourth recording in order from the left side in the forward conveyance direction YJ1a. Four recording heads of the head 174 are arranged in a staggered manner. Similarly, the downstream head unit 18 includes, in order from the left side in the forward conveyance direction YJ1a, the downstream first recording head 181, the downstream second recording head 182, the downstream third recording head 183, and the downstream side. Four recording heads of the fourth recording head 184 are arranged in a staggered manner.

The upstream first recording head 171 of the upstream head unit 17 includes a black nozzle row KN1 and magenta nozzles arranged downstream of the black nozzle row KN1 in the forward conveyance direction YJ1a (hereinafter simply referred to as “downstream”). A column MN1 is provided. The range in which the black nozzle row KN1 extends in the nozzle row direction YJ2 matches the range in which the magenta nozzle row MN1 extends in the nozzle row direction YJ2.
The black nozzle row KN1 is a nozzle row in which nozzles that discharge ink as fine ink particles (droplets) extend in the nozzle row direction YJ2. The black nozzle row KN1 is configured to be supplied with ink from a black ink cartridge (not shown), and the upstream side first recording head 171 is blackened by an actuator configured using, for example, a piezo element. The ink supplied from the ink cartridge is pushed out toward the recording medium 11 and fine ink particles are ejected from a predetermined nozzle.
Similar to the black nozzle row KN1, the magenta nozzle row MN1 is a nozzle row formed by extending the nozzles in the nozzle row direction YJ2, and ink is supplied from a magenta ink cartridge (not shown).

The upstream second recording head 172 has the same configuration as that of the upstream first recording head 171, and a black nozzle row KN 2 for discharging black ink and a magenta ink discharge disposed downstream of the black nozzle row KN 2. And a magenta nozzle row MN2.
As shown in FIG. 1, each nozzle row formed in the upstream first recording head 171 and each nozzle row formed in the upstream second recording head 172 are over in the range H1 in the nozzle row direction YJ2. Wrapping. This overlap corresponds to the boundary between the dots formed on the recording medium 11 by the upstream first recording head 171 and the dots formed on the recording medium 11 by the upstream second recording head 172 in the recording medium 11. This is provided in order to suppress a so-called white line caused by uneven disparity of dots in a part and an unnatural appearance.
The upstream third recording head 173 has the same configuration as the upstream second recording head 172, and includes a black nozzle row KN3 and a magenta nozzle row MN3 disposed downstream of the black nozzle row KN3.
As shown in FIG. 1, each nozzle row formed in the upstream third recording head 173 and each nozzle row formed in the upstream second recording head 172 are over in a range H2 in the nozzle row direction YJ2. Wrapping.
The upstream fourth recording head 174 has the same configuration as the upstream third recording head 173, and includes a black nozzle row KN4 and a magenta nozzle row MN4 arranged downstream of the black nozzle row KN4.
As shown in FIG. 1, each nozzle row formed in the upstream fourth recording head 174 and each nozzle row formed in the upstream third recording head 173 are over in the range H3 in the nozzle row direction YJ2. Wrapping.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the positions of the black nozzle row KN1 of the upstream first recording head 171 and the black nozzle row KN3 of the upstream third recording head 173 in the transport direction YJ1 are the same. Similarly, the positions of the magenta nozzle row MN1 and the magenta nozzle row MN3, the black nozzle row KN2 and the black nozzle row KN4, the magenta nozzle row MN2 and the magenta nozzle row MN4 in the transport direction YJ1 are the same.

  On the other hand, the downstream first recording head 181 of the downstream head unit 18 is provided with a cyan nozzle row CN1 and a yellow nozzle row YN1 arranged downstream of the cyan nozzle row CN1. Ink is supplied from the cyan ink cartridge to the cyan nozzle row CN1, and ink is supplied from the yellow ink cartridge to the yellow nozzle row YN1. The range in which the cyan nozzle row CN1 extends in the nozzle row direction YJ2 and the range in which the yellow nozzle row YN1 extends in the nozzle row direction YJ2 are the same. Further, the range in which the cyan nozzle row CN1 and the yellow nozzle row YN1 and the black nozzle row KN1 and the magenta nozzle row MN1 in the upstream first recording head 171 of the upstream head unit 17 extend in the nozzle row direction YJ2 is as follows. Are the same.

The downstream second recording head 182 has the same configuration as the downstream first recording head 181, a cyan nozzle row CN2 for discharging cyan ink, and a yellow ink discharge disposed downstream of the cyan nozzle row CN2. And a yellow nozzle row YN2.
The cyan nozzle row CN2 and yellow nozzle row YN2 and the black nozzle row KN2 and magenta nozzle row MN2 in the upstream second recording head 172 of the upstream head unit 17 extend in the nozzle row direction YJ2. is there.
Further, each nozzle row formed in the downstream first recording head 181 and each nozzle row formed in the downstream second recording head 182 overlap in the range H1 in the nozzle row direction YJ2.
The downstream side third recording head 183 has the same configuration as the downstream side second recording head 182, a cyan nozzle row CN 3 for discharging cyan ink, and a yellow ink discharge disposed downstream of the cyan nozzle row CN 3. And a yellow nozzle row YN3.
The cyan nozzle row CN3 and yellow nozzle row YN3 and the black nozzle row KN3 and magenta nozzle row MN3 in the upstream third recording head 173 of the upstream head unit 17 extend in the nozzle row direction YJ2. is there.
Further, each nozzle row formed in the downstream second recording head 182 and each nozzle row formed in the downstream third recording head 183 overlap in a range H2 in the nozzle row direction YJ2.
The downstream fourth recording head 184 has the same configuration as that of the downstream third recording head 183, and a cyan nozzle row CN4 for discharging cyan ink, and a yellow ink discharge disposed downstream of the cyan nozzle row CN4. And a yellow nozzle row YN4.
The cyan nozzle row CN4 and yellow nozzle row YN4 and the black nozzle row KN4 and magenta nozzle row MN4 in the upstream fourth recording head 174 of the upstream head unit 17 extend in the nozzle row direction YJ2. is there.
Further, the nozzle rows formed in the downstream third recording head 183 and the nozzle rows formed in the downstream fourth recording head 184 overlap in the range H3 in the nozzle row direction YJ2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the downstream head unit 18, cyan nozzle row CN1 and cyan nozzle row CN3, cyan nozzle row CN2 and cyan nozzle row CN4, yellow nozzle row YN1 and yellow nozzle row YN3, yellow nozzle row YN2 and yellow The positions of the nozzle row YN4 in the transport direction YJ1 are the same.

  The upstream head unit 17 and the downstream head unit 18 are each mounted on a carriage (not shown). The upstream head unit 17 can be moved to a home position HP1 shown in FIG. 1 by a carriage, and the downstream head unit 18 can be moved to a home position HP2. At the home positions HP1 and HP2, in addition to flushing and capping, a later-described nozzle check is executed.

The line inkjet printer 1 ejects ink onto the recording medium 11 to form dots, and records an image by combining the dots.
Hereinafter, a basic operation of the line inkjet printer 1 when forming one dot on the recording medium 11 will be described. In the following description, the case where the recording medium 11 is located at the position shown in FIG. 1 and dots of a predetermined color are formed at the position P1 on the recording medium 11 will be described as an example. The predetermined color is a color expressed by ejecting black, cyan, yellow, and magenta inks by a predetermined amount. As shown in FIG. 1, the position P1 belongs to the range H1 in the nozzle row direction YJ2.

First, the line inkjet printer 1 conveys the recording medium 11 toward the positive conveyance direction YJ1a at a predetermined constant speed while dots are formed on the recording medium 11. Then, when the conveyance of the recording medium 11 in the positive conveyance direction YJ1a proceeds from the state shown in FIG. 1, the position corresponding to the black nozzle array KN2 corresponds to the position P1 on the recording medium 11 reaching the position P2 of the black nozzle array KN2. A predetermined amount of black ink is ejected from the nozzle. Similarly, the line inkjet printer 1 ejects a predetermined amount of ink at the timing when the position P1 reaches the position P3 to the position P9 of each nozzle row.
In this manner, black, magenta, cyan, and yellow ink are ejected in predetermined amounts to the position P1 on the recording medium 11, and dots of a predetermined color are formed in the position P1.
That is, in the line inkjet printer 1 according to the present embodiment, the position of the line inkjet head 12 is fixed during the process related to image recording, and the recording medium is fixed to the fixed line inkjet head 12. While 11 moves relatively, ink is appropriately ejected from each recording head to form dots, and an image is recorded.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating changes in the ink discharge amounts of the black nozzle row KN1 and the black nozzle row KN2 in the range H1.
In FIG. 2, the horizontal axis indicates dots extending in the nozzle row direction YJ2 in the recording medium 11, and the vertical axis indicates the amount of ink. The graph G1 is a graph showing a change in the ink discharge amount of the black nozzle row KN2, while the graph G2 is a graph showing a change in the ink discharge amount of the black nozzle row KN1. The graph G1 and the graph G2 show changes in the ink ejection amount of each nozzle constituting each nozzle row when dots of a certain color expressed using black are formed.
Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the nozzle row direction YJ2, the left direction toward the forward conveyance direction YJ1a is referred to as the left direction YJ2a, and the right direction is referred to as the right direction YJ2b.
As shown in FIG. 2, when forming dots of a certain color in the range H1, the amount of ink ejected from the black nozzle row KN2 in the range H1 gradually decreases toward the left direction YJ2a, The amount of ink ejected from the black nozzle row KN1 gradually decreases toward the right direction YJ2b.
By setting the mode of ink discharge amount of each nozzle row in the range H1 to the mode shown in FIG. 2, the non-uniform dot arrangement in the range H1 is alleviated, for example, so-called white lines are generated. It can prevent suitably. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, in the range H1, the ink ejected from the black nozzle row KN1 corresponding to the decrease in the amount of ink ejected from the black nozzle row KN2 toward the left direction YJ2a. The amount of ink increases in the left direction YJ2a, and the dots belonging to the range H1 are less likely to cause uneven color change due to the difference in the ink ejection amount.

Next, the relationship between the black nozzle row and the cyan nozzle row will be described.
In the present embodiment, when black dots are formed on the recording medium 11, black ink is ejected from the corresponding nozzles of the black nozzle row and complemented from the corresponding nozzles of the cyan nozzle row corresponding to the black nozzle row. Thus, cyan ink is ejected. The correspondence between the black nozzle row and the cyan nozzle row means that these nozzle rows extend in the same range in the nozzle row direction YJ2, for example, the black nozzle row KN1 and the cyan nozzle row CN1. Are in a corresponding relationship.
Of the black nozzle row and the cyan nozzle row that are in a corresponding relationship, the black nozzle row corresponds to the “first nozzle row” and the cyan nozzle row corresponds to the “second nozzle row”.
As described above, when black dots are formed by discharging black ink, cyan ink is complementaryly discharged to the dots for the following reason.
In other words, when a so-called white spot occurs in the black dots, there is a possibility that the print quality may be significantly reduced as compared with a case where white spots occur in the other color dots. Based on this, in the present embodiment, when black ink is formed by discharging black ink, the cyan ink is complementarily discharged. Even if black ink is not ejected normally, dots are complementarily formed with cyan ink, thereby preventing white spots and reducing print quality. Yes.
Here, as is well known, a color having a higher OD value can be said to be a color closer to black, but the color having the highest OD value among magenta, cyan, and yellow is cyan. Based on this, in the present embodiment, black is complemented with cyan after the position of the black nozzle row in the upstream head unit 17 and the position of the cyan nozzle row in the downstream head unit 18 correspond to each other.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the recording system 5 including the line inkjet printer 1 according to the present embodiment and a host computer 25 (control device) that controls the line inkjet printer 1.
As shown in FIG. 3, the line inkjet printer 1 includes a control unit 27.
The control unit 27 centrally controls each unit of the line inkjet printer 1, and nonvolatilely stores a CPU as a calculation execution unit, a basic control program that can be executed by the CPU, and data related to the basic control program. A ROM for storing information, a program executed by the CPU, a RAM for temporarily storing data related to the program, and other peripheral circuits. The control unit 27 includes a recording execution unit 27a and a nozzle check execution unit 27b. These functional blocks will be described later.
The control unit 27 drives an actuator included in each recording head of the line inkjet head 12 via the recording head driver 31 to discharge a necessary amount of ink from each nozzle hole.
The control unit 27 drives the various motors by outputting drive signals to the various motors via the motor driver 33. At least a transport motor 36 and a carriage drive motor 35 are connected to the motor driver 33.
The control unit 27 outputs a drive signal to the transport motor 36 via the motor driver 33 to drive the transport motor 36 by a predetermined amount. In response to the driving of the transport motor 36, the transport roller 10 rotates and the recording medium 11 is transported by a predetermined amount in the forward transport direction YJ1a or the reverse transport direction YJ1b which is the reverse direction. The control unit 27, the transport roller 10, the transport motor 36, and other mechanisms and devices cooperate to function as a transport unit.
The carriage drive motor 35 is a motor for moving the carriage on which the upstream head unit 17 and the downstream head unit 18 are mounted. The control unit 27 drives the carriage drive motor 35 via the motor driver 33 to move the upstream head unit 17 and the downstream head unit 18 from the fixed positions KP1 and KP2 (FIG. 1) to the home positions HP1 and HP2. Further, it is moved from the home positions HP1 and HP2 to the fixed positions KP1 and KP2.

The detection unit 37 is connected to various sensors such as a sensor that detects the temperature of the recording head, a sensor that detects a conveyance state, and a sensor that detects a paper jam, and controls the detection values of these sensors by performing predetermined signal processing. To the unit 27. A paper width sensor 37 a (not shown) is connected to the detection unit 37. The paper width sensor 37 a is a sensor that detects the width of the set recording medium 11. The control unit 27 detects the width of the set recording medium 11 based on the detection value of the paper width sensor 37a. This function is realized by cooperation of hardware and software, such as CPU executing firmware.
In the following description, the recording medium 11 is a so-called roll paper, and the line inkjet printer 1 has a recording medium 11 having a width of 40 mm (hereinafter referred to as “40 mm paper”) or a recording medium 11 having an width of 80 mm (hereinafter referred to as “40 mm paper”). , “80 mm paper”) is set. In this case, the control unit 27 detects whether the set recording medium 11 is a 40 mm sheet or an 80 m sheet based on the detection value of the sheet width sensor 37a. When a setting value indicating the width of the recording medium 11 is recorded in any storage area of the line inkjet printer 1 and the host computer 25, the control unit 27 acquires the setting value to obtain the recording medium. Eleven widths may be detected.

The display unit 39 includes a plurality of LEDs. Under the control of the control unit 27, the plurality of LEDs are turned on / off in a predetermined manner, so that the state of the line inkjet printer 1, occurrence of errors, Broadcast information.
The input unit 40 is connected to various switches, detects operations on the various switches, and outputs them to the control unit 27.
The storage unit 41 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a hard disk, and stores various data in a rewritable manner.
The communication interface 42 (I / F) communicates with the host computer 25 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the control unit 27. The communication interface 42 and the host computer 25 are connected by wire or wirelessly in a format conforming to standards such as IEEE1284, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE1394, Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like.
The upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a and the downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b will be described later.

  On the other hand, the host computer 25 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, other peripheral circuits, and the like, and includes a host-side control unit 45 that centrally controls each unit of the host computer 25, a display unit 46 that displays various types of information, An input unit 47 that detects user input, a storage unit 48 that stores various data, and a communication interface 49 (I / F) that communicates with the line inkjet printer 1 are provided.

The host computer 25 is installed with a printer driver for controlling the line inkjet printer 1. When causing the line inkjet printer 1 to perform an operation related to recording, the host-side control unit 45 generates and generates a control command for causing the line inkjet printer 1 to execute an operation related to recording by reading and executing the printer driver. A control command is output to the line inkjet printer 1.
The recording execution unit 27a of the control unit 27 of the line inkjet printer 1 controls the line inkjet head 12, the transport motor 36, and other mechanisms and devices by sequentially reading and executing the input control commands. An image is recorded on the recording medium 11. The function of the recording execution unit 27a is realized by cooperation of hardware and software, such as a CPU reading and executing firmware.

Now, the line inkjet printer 1 which concerns on this embodiment is comprised so that a nozzle check process can be performed.
The basic operation of the nozzle check process will be described below.
First, the nozzle check execution unit 27b of the control unit 27 of the line inkjet printer 1 moves the upstream head unit 17 and the downstream head unit 18 to the home positions HP1 and HP2, respectively. The function of the nozzle check execution unit 27b is realized by cooperation of hardware and software, such as CPU executing firmware.
An upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a (first nozzle check mechanism) is provided at the home position HP1, and a downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b (second nozzle check mechanism) is provided at the home position HP2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a is viewed from the side.
As shown in FIG. 4, a box-shaped absorbent container 50 having an open upper surface is provided vertically below the upstream head unit 17, and an absorbent 51 is stored in the absorbent container 50. A conductive material 52 is provided so as to be electrically connected to the absorbent 51. The absorbent 51 extends over the entire region where the nozzles of the upstream head unit 17 are formed, and is configured to land on the absorbent 51 even when ink is ejected from any nozzle. Yes. In addition, an electric signal flowing through the conductive material 52 is output to a predetermined signal processing circuit. Although not shown, an electrode for charging ink ejected from each nozzle is disposed in the vicinity of each nozzle of the upstream head unit 17.
With the configuration as described above, the nozzle check execution unit 27b performs the nozzle check for each nozzle of the upstream head unit 17 as follows. That is, the nozzle check execution unit 27b causes a predetermined amount of ink droplets to be ejected from the nozzles subjected to nozzle check. The ejected ink droplets land on the absorbent 51 after a predetermined amount of charge is charged by the electrodes. The state of the current in the conductive material 52 changes according to the landing of the ink droplet, and a signal indicating the amount of change is output to the control unit 27 via a predetermined signal processing circuit. When the value indicated by the input signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the nozzle check execution unit 27b determines that no ejection failure has occurred for the nozzle, assuming that the assumed amount of ink has been ejected normally. On the other hand, if it is below the threshold value, it is determined that an ejection failure has occurred for the nozzle, assuming that the amount of ink assumed for some reason has not been ejected normally.
The configuration of the downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b is the same as that of the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a, and the nozzle check method for each nozzle of the downstream head unit 18 is the nozzle check method for each nozzle of the upstream head unit 17. Since this is the same, the description thereof is omitted.
In the nozzle check process, the nozzle check of the nozzles is performed one by one in each of the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a and the downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b.
In the present embodiment, by utilizing the fact that the upstream head unit 17 and the downstream head unit 18 are independent mechanisms, the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a and the downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b are independent mechanisms. Provided. Thereby, the nozzle check of each nozzle of the upstream head unit 17 and the nozzle check of each nozzle of the downstream head unit 18 can be executed in parallel.
Note that ink is ejected from the nozzle to be inspected onto the recording medium 11 to form dots, and the formed dots are optically read by a scanner or the like to determine whether or not ejection failure has occurred in the nozzle. It may be. That is, for each nozzle, any method may be used to perform the nozzle check as long as a nozzle ejection failure can be detected.

Here, as described above, in the nozzle check process, the nozzle check of the nozzles is performed one by one in each of the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a and the downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b. Therefore, there is a problem that the time required from the start to the end of the nozzle check process tends to become longer in relation to the time during which the line inkjet head 12 actually performs recording on the recording medium 11.
Based on this, the line inkjet printer 1 according to the present embodiment performs the following operations to improve the efficiency of the nozzle check process without reducing the accuracy of the nozzle check process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of nozzle check processing.
As described above, the nozzle check for the upstream head unit 17 and the downstream head unit 18 can be executed in parallel in a structural manner.
In the nozzle check process, first, the nozzle check execution unit 27b detects whether the set recording medium 11 is a 40 mm sheet or an 80 mm sheet (step SA1). In this case, the nozzle check execution unit 27b functions as a width detection unit.
Next, the nozzle check execution unit 27b specifies a nozzle located outside the range in which the recording area of the recording medium 11 extends while recording on the recording medium 11 among the nozzles of the line inkjet head 12 ( Step SA2). Here, the nozzles located outside the recording area of the recording medium 11 are not used for recording. In this embodiment, when a 40 mm sheet is set, the nozzles located outside the range in which the recording area of the 40 mm sheet extends are specified in advance by simulation, and the specified nozzles are The information to be shown is described on a program related to nozzle check, for example. The same applies to 80 mm paper. Therefore, by detecting the width of the set recording medium 11, the nozzle check execution unit 27 b can specify nozzles located outside the range in which the recording area of the recording medium 11 of each width extends. .
If the left margin and the right margin are configured to be variable depending on the settings, the nozzle check execution unit 27b executes a program of a predetermined algorithm according to the set values of these margins, thereby recording. You may make it identify the nozzle located in the outer side of the range which the recording area of the medium 11 extends.
In this embodiment, the nozzle check is not performed for the nozzle specified in step SA2. That is, in the following step SA3 to step SA6, the nozzle specified in step SA2 is excluded from the nozzle check target. Since these nozzles are not used for image recording, even if ejection failure has occurred for these nozzles, there is no adverse effect on the print quality of the images. It is not necessary to do. Thus, in this embodiment, in the nozzle check, the nozzle check is not performed for the nozzles that are not used for recording the image. For this reason, the nozzle check is executed for the nozzles to be used, and it is possible to suppress deterioration in accuracy and reliability of the nozzle check itself, and the absolute number of nozzles to be subjected to nozzle check is reduced. The time required for the nozzle check can be shortened.

Next, the nozzle check execution unit 27b controls the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a to sequentially check the nozzles constituting the black nozzle rows KN1 to KN4 among the nozzle rows of the upstream head unit 17. (Step SA3). In parallel with this, the nozzle check execution unit 27b controls the downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b to sequentially select the nozzles constituting the cyan nozzle rows CN1 to CN4 among the nozzle rows of the downstream head unit 18. A nozzle check is performed (step SA4). As described above, since the nozzle check for the black nozzle row of the upstream head unit 17 and the cyan nozzle row of the downstream head unit 18 are performed in parallel, the nozzle check process becomes efficient and the time required for the nozzle check process is shortened. To do. For convenience of explanation, the processing in step SA3 and the processing in step SA4 are referred to as “first stage nozzle check processing”.
Next, the nozzle check execution unit 27b controls the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a to sequentially check the nozzles constituting the magenta nozzle rows MN1 to MN4 among the nozzle rows of the upstream head unit 17. (Step SA5). In parallel with this, the nozzle check execution unit 27b controls the downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b to sequentially select the nozzles constituting the yellow nozzle rows YN1 to YN4 among the nozzle rows of the downstream head unit 18. A nozzle check is performed (step SA6). By performing the processing in step SA5 and the processing in step SA6 in parallel, the processing efficiency and the processing time can be shortened as in the first stage nozzle check processing.

Next, the operation of the nozzle check execution unit 27b in the first stage nozzle check process will be described in detail.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the nozzle check execution unit 27b in the first stage nozzle check process. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a nozzle check procedure in the first stage nozzle check process.
In the first stage nozzle check process, the nozzle check is performed for each nozzle in the following procedure. That is, referring to FIG. 7, first, for each nozzle constituting the black nozzle row KN1 and the cyan nozzle row CN1, the nozzle check is sequentially performed from the nozzle at the end on the left direction YJ2a side toward the right direction YJ2b. Is performed (procedure 1). At that time, one nozzle of the black nozzle row KN1 and other corresponding nozzles of the cyan nozzle row CN1 (nozzles arranged at positions corresponding to the one nozzle row in the nozzle row direction YJ2) are synchronized. The nozzle check is executed. In this case, one nozzle corresponds to the “first nozzle”, and the other nozzle corresponds to the “second nozzle”.

For example, referring to FIG. 7, the black nozzle row KN1 includes three nozzles, a black nozzle KK1, a black nozzle KK2, and a black nozzle KK3, in order from the end on the left direction YJ2a side to the right direction YJ2b. On the other hand, in the cyan nozzle row CN1, three nozzles of cyan nozzle CP1, cyan nozzle CP2, and cyan nozzle CP3 are arranged in order from the end on the left direction YJ2a side to the right direction YJ2b. It shall be. The black nozzle KK1 (first nozzle) and the cyan nozzle CP1 (second nozzle), the black nozzle KK2 (first nozzle) and the cyan nozzle CP2 (second nozzle), the black nozzle KK3 (first nozzle) and the cyan nozzle CP3. The positions of the (second nozzle) in the nozzle row direction YJ2 are the same. In such a case, the nozzle check execution unit 27b executes the nozzle check in synchronization with the black nozzle KK1 and the cyan nozzle CP1. Next, the nozzle check execution unit 27b executes the nozzle check in synchronization with the black nozzle KK2 and the cyan nozzle CP2. Next, the nozzle check execution unit 27b executes the nozzle check in synchronization with the black nozzle KK3 and the cyan nozzle CP3.
After the nozzle check for the black nozzle row KN1 and the cyan nozzle row CN1 is completed in the procedure 1, the nozzle check execution unit 27b synchronizes with the black nozzle row KN2 and the cyan nozzle row CN2 in the same procedure as the procedure 1. The nozzle check is performed (procedure 2), and then the nozzle check is performed in synchronization with the black nozzle array KN3 and the cyan nozzle array CN3 (procedure 3), and then the black nozzle array KN4 and the cyan nozzle array CN4 are performed. The nozzles are checked synchronously (procedure 4).

Now, as shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle check execution unit 27b performs a nozzle check on the nozzles that are the target of the nozzle check among the nozzles in the black nozzle row (step SB1), and in synchronization therewith The nozzle check is performed on the nozzles that are the target of the nozzle check among the nozzles in the cyan nozzle row (step SB2). Hereinafter, the nozzle subjected to the nozzle check in step SB1 is referred to as “processing target black nozzle”, while the nozzle subjected to the nozzle check in step SB2 is referred to as “processing cyan nozzle”. The result of the nozzle check in step SB1 and step SB2 is stored in a primary storage area such as a RAM. As described above, the nozzles constituting the black nozzle row are sequentially processed black nozzles until the nozzle check for all the nozzles is completed.
Next, the nozzle check execution unit 27b obtains the result of the nozzle check for the processing target black nozzle in step SB1 and the result of the nozzle check for the processing target cyan nozzle in step SB2 (step SB3).
Next, as a result of the nozzle check, the nozzle check execution unit 27b detects whether or not a discharge failure has been detected in the processing target black nozzle and a discharge failure has been detected in the processing target cyan nozzle (step SB4).

When ejection failure is detected in both the processing target black nozzle and the processing target cyan nozzle (step SB4), the nozzle check execution unit 27b executes error processing (step SB5). Hereinafter, error processing will be described.
As described above, the processing target black nozzle and the processing target cyan nozzle have a complementary relationship. When black dots are formed by the processing target black nozzle, cyan ink is complementarily discharged by the processing target cyan nozzle. As a result, white spots of black dots are effectively suppressed. Therefore, when ejection failure is detected in both the processing target black nozzle and the processing target cyan nozzle, the black dots to be formed by the processing target black nozzle are in a state in which whitening can occur. It is.
In the error process, a predetermined process that is determined in advance is executed on the premise that white spots are likely to occur. For example, as an error process, the nozzle check execution unit 27b controls the display unit 39 to turn on / off the LED in a predetermined manner, and notify that a black dot can be whitened. In addition, the host computer 25 is notified of this, the image recording by the line inkjet head 12 is stopped until the ejection failure is resolved to ensure a certain print quality, and nozzle check processing is performed. Or interrupt. In this embodiment, the user can set a process to be executed as an error process. The user sets processing to be executed as error processing according to the desired print quality, other situation, and environment.
After the error processing in step SB5, the nozzle check execution unit 27b moves the processing procedure to step SB6.

On the other hand, in step SB4, when the ejection failure is not detected in both the processing target black nozzle and the processing target cyan nozzle (step SB4: NO), the nozzle check execution unit 27b displays the processing target black nozzle and the processing target. It is determined whether or not ejection failure is detected for both cyan nozzles (step SB7).
When ejection failure is not detected for both the processing target black nozzle and the processing target cyan nozzle (step SB7: YES), the nozzle check execution unit 27b executes a normal time handling process (step SB8).
The normal handling process is executed on the assumption that ejection failure is not detected for both the processing target black nozzle and the processing target cyan nozzle, and therefore dots that should be formed by these nozzles can be formed normally. This process is predetermined as a process to be performed. For example, the nozzle check execution unit 27b controls the display unit 39 to turn on / off the LED in a predetermined manner as the normal time corresponding process, and the black target and the processing target that are currently the target of the nozzle check A notification is made that no ejection failure has been detected for both of the cyan nozzles, or the host computer 25 is notified. Further, for example, the nozzle check execution unit 27b does not perform any corresponding processing and shifts the processing procedure to the next step. In this embodiment, the user can set a process to be executed as a normal time response process.
After the normal time handling process in step SB8, the nozzle check execution unit 27b moves the process procedure to step SB6.

On the other hand, in step SB7, when it is not in the state where the ejection failure is not detected for both the processing target black nozzle and the processing target cyan nozzle, in other words, when the ejection failure is detected only for one of the nozzles ( Step SB7: NO), the nozzle check execution unit 27b determines whether or not ejection failure has been detected only for the processing target black nozzle (step SB9).
When the ejection failure is detected only for the processing target black nozzle (step SB9: YES), the nozzle check execution unit 27b executes the first quasi-normal response process (step SB10).
The first quasi-normal response process is a process determined in advance as a process to be executed on the assumption that an ejection failure is detected only for the processing target black nozzle. In this case, the black dots to be formed by the processing target black nozzle cannot be formed normally by the processing target black nozzle, but the ink is complementarily ejected from the processing target cyan nozzle to form dots. Although it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the print quality, a decrease in the print quality itself cannot be avoided.
For example, the nozzle check execution unit 27b controls the display unit 39 to turn on / off the LED in a predetermined manner as the first quasi-normal response process, and the ejection failure is detected only for the processing target black nozzle. Informing the host computer 25, informing the host computer 25, and recording the image by the line inkjet head 12 until the ejection failure is resolved to ensure a certain print quality according to the setting of the user. Or stop the nozzle check process. In the present embodiment, the user can set a process to be executed as the first quasi-normal time response process. For example, if the user does not allow ejection failure for the processing target black nozzle in relation to the desired print quality, the nozzle check process is interrupted or image recording is stopped in the first quasi-normal response process. Set so that processing according to error processing is performed. In addition, even if an ejection failure is detected only in the processing target black nozzle, the user records an image without eliminating the ejection failure for the time being in view of being supplemented by the processing target cyan nozzle. If this is permitted, the nozzle check process is continuously executed and the recording of the image by the line inkjet head 12 is set not to be stopped.
After the first quasi-normal response process in step SB10, the nozzle check execution unit 27b proceeds to step SB6.

On the other hand, in step SB9, if the nozzle in which the ejection failure is detected is not the processing target black nozzle, in other words, if the ejection failure is detected only for the processing target cyan nozzle (step SB9: NO), the nozzle check execution unit 27b executes a second quasi-normal response process (step SB11).
The second quasi-normal response process is a process determined in advance as a process to be executed on the assumption that an ejection failure is detected only for the cyan nozzle to be processed. In this case, although a discharge failure is detected for the processing target cyan nozzle, the processing target black nozzle is normal, and there is no occurrence of white spots in the black dots to be formed by the processing target black nozzle. As compared with the case where the ejection failure is detected only for the black nozzle to be processed, the deterioration of the print quality is suppressed.
For example, as the second quasi-normal response process, the nozzle check execution unit 27b controls the display unit 39 to turn on / off the LED in a predetermined manner, and discharge failure is detected only for the processing target cyan nozzle. This is notified, and the host computer 25 is notified accordingly. In this embodiment, the user can set the process to be executed as the second quasi-normal time response process. For example, when the user does not allow ejection failure for the cyan nozzle to be processed due to the desired print quality, the nozzle check process is interrupted or image recording is stopped in the second quasi-normal response process. Set so that processing according to error processing is performed. In addition, even if an ejection failure is detected only in the cyan nozzle to be processed, the user records an image without eliminating the ejection failure, assuming that at least black dots are not missing and the print quality does not deteriorate significantly. If it is allowed to do so, the nozzle check process is continuously executed, and setting is made so as not to stop image recording by the line inkjet head 12.
After the second quasi-normal response process in step SB11, the nozzle check execution unit 27b proceeds to step SB6.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the nozzle check execution unit 27b discharges to both the processing target black nozzle and the processing target cyan nozzle when a discharge failure is detected in both the processing target black nozzle and the processing target cyan nozzle. Different processing can be executed for each of the case where no failure is detected, the case where a discharge failure is detected only for the processing target black nozzle, and the case where the discharge failure is detected only for the processing target cyan nozzle. For this reason, it is possible to execute appropriate processing in consideration of the adverse effect on the print quality in accordance with the result of the nozzle check for both nozzles.

In step SB6, the nozzle check execution unit 27b determines whether or not the processing of procedure 1 to procedure 4 shown in FIG. 7 has been completed and the nozzle check has been completed for all nozzles to be subjected to the nozzle check (step SB6). .
If not completed (step SB6: NO), the nozzle check execution unit 27b returns the processing procedure to step SB1 and step SB2.
On the other hand, when completed (step SB6: YES), the nozzle check execution unit 27b performs an end process (step SB12). This end process is a process that is performed in accordance with the end of the first stage nozzle check process. For example, information indicating the result of the nozzle check for each nozzle in the first stage nozzle check process is output to the host computer 25. Is done.

As described above, the line inkjet printer 1 according to this embodiment includes the transport unit (the control unit 27, the transport motor 36, the transport roller 10, and the like) that transports the recording medium 11 in the transport direction YJ1, and the nozzle row direction YJ2. An upstream head unit 17 in which a plurality of extending nozzle rows are arranged, and an arrangement similar to the arrangement of the plurality of nozzle rows in the upstream head unit 17, arranged away from the upstream head unit 17 in the transport direction YJ1. A downstream head unit 18 in which a plurality of nozzle rows are arranged, a recording execution unit 27a that discharges and records ink from the line inkjet head 12 while transporting the recording medium 11 in the forward transport direction YJ1a, and an upstream head. An upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a for checking the nozzles of the nozzles of the unit 17, and an upstream nozzle It is a mechanism independent of the check mechanism 43a, and is a downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b for performing a nozzle check of the downstream head unit 18, a nozzle check by the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a, and a nozzle by the downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b. A nozzle check execution unit 27b that executes nozzle check processing by executing at least a part of the check at the same time.
According to this configuration, focusing on the fact that the upstream head unit 17 and the downstream head unit 18 are independent mechanisms, an independent nozzle check mechanism is provided for each of these units, and at the time of nozzle check processing, In order to execute at least a part of the nozzle check by the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a and the nozzle check by the downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b at the same time, one upstream head unit 17 and one downstream head unit 18 are provided. The nozzle check mechanism can perform the process efficiently without reducing the accuracy of the nozzle check process as compared with the case of sequentially performing the nozzle check.

In the present embodiment, the black nozzle row of the upstream head unit 17 and the cyan nozzle row of the downstream head unit 18 are in a complementary relationship. Then, the nozzle check execution unit 27b performs ejection failure on both nozzles of one nozzle (processing target black nozzle) in the black nozzle row and another nozzle (processing target cyan nozzle) in the corresponding cyan nozzle row. , A different process can be executed for each of the case where a discharge failure is not detected for both nozzles, and the case where a discharge failure is detected for either one of the nozzles.
According to this, it is possible to execute appropriate processing in consideration of the adverse effect on the print quality according to the result of the nozzle check.

In this embodiment, the nozzle check execution unit 27b performs one nozzle (processing target black nozzle) in the black nozzle row and another nozzle (processing target cyan nozzle) in the corresponding cyan nozzle row in the nozzle check process. ) And the nozzle check is executed in synchronization.
According to this, either one of the nozzles in the black nozzle row and the other nozzles in the cyan nozzle row were not detected to have any discharge failure, or both were detected to have a discharge failure. Thus, it is possible to quickly detect that a discharge failure has been detected, and it is possible to quickly execute a process based on the detection result of the discharge failure of both of these nozzles.

In this embodiment, the cyan nozzle row for discharging cyan ink having a high OD value is a nozzle row corresponding to the black nozzle row of the upstream head unit 17.
Here, when white spots related to the black dots occur, there is a possibility that the print quality is significantly deteriorated. With this in mind, the nozzle row that complements the black nozzle row is a nozzle row for discharging cyan ink with a high OD value, so that the black dots of the black dots are close to the color with a high OD value, that is, black. It can be supplemented by color inks, and the deterioration of print quality can be effectively suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the paper width is detected, and the nozzles in the unused range are not checked.
When image recording is instructed, the width detection unit detects whether the set recording medium 11 is a 40 mm sheet or an 80 mm sheet. Next, the nozzle check execution unit 27b specifies a nozzle located outside the range in which the recording area of the recording medium 11 extends while recording on the recording medium 11 among the nozzles of the line inkjet head 12.
Nozzles located outside the recording area are not used for recording. In this embodiment, when a 40 mm sheet is set, the nozzles located outside the range in which the recording area of the 40 mm sheet extends are specified in advance by simulation, and the specified nozzles are The information to be shown is described on a program related to nozzle check, for example. The same applies to 80 mm paper. Therefore, by detecting the width of the set recording medium 11, the nozzle check execution unit 27 b can specify nozzles located outside the range in which the recording area of the recording medium 11 of each width extends. .
If the left margin and the right margin are configured to be variable depending on the settings, the nozzle check execution unit 27b executes a program of a predetermined algorithm according to the set values of these margins, thereby recording. You may make it identify the nozzle located in the outer side of the range which the recording area of the medium 11 extends.
No nozzle check is performed for the specified nozzle. Since these nozzles are not used for image recording, even if ejection failure has occurred for these nozzles, there is no adverse effect on the print quality of the images. It is not necessary to do. Thus, in this embodiment, in the nozzle check, the nozzle check is not performed for the nozzles that are not used for recording the image. For this reason, the nozzle check is executed for the nozzles to be used, and it is possible to suppress deterioration in accuracy and reliability of the nozzle check itself, and the absolute number of nozzles to be subjected to nozzle check is reduced. The time required for the nozzle check can be shortened.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by common reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the recording head KH1 provided in the upstream head unit 17 and the recording head KH2 provided in the downstream head unit 18. As shown in FIG. These recording heads KH1 and KH2 are recording heads corresponding to each other. That is, the relative position of the recording head KH1 in the upstream head unit 17 and the relative position of the recording head KH2 in the downstream head unit 18 coincide.
In the recording head KH1, a black black nozzle row BL1, a yellow yellow nozzle row YL1, and a light magenta light magenta nozzle row LL1 are arranged in this order in the forward conveyance direction YJ1a. Further, in the recording head KH2, a black black nozzle row BL2, a cyan cyan nozzle row CL2, and a magenta magenta nozzle row ML2 are sequentially arranged in the forward conveyance direction YJ1a.
In the present embodiment, the black nozzle row BL1 of the upstream head unit 17 and the black nozzle row BL2 of the downstream head unit 18 are complementary to each other. That is, when forming black dots, dots are formed by ejecting ink from the corresponding nozzles of both nozzle rows. As described above, when the black nozzle rows are provided at the corresponding positions of the upstream head unit 17 and the downstream head unit 18 and black dots are formed, ink is complementarily discharged. Therefore, the black dots of the black dots can be complemented by the black ink, and the deterioration of the print quality can be effectively suppressed.
In the nozzle check process, as shown in the procedure 5 of FIG. 8, the nozzle check is performed in synchronization with the nozzles constituting the black nozzle row BL1 and the nozzles constituting the black nozzle row BL2. Depending on the result of the nozzle check of both target nozzles, an appropriate process is selectively selected from the error process, the normal response process, the first quasi-normal response process, and the second quasi-normal response process. Executed.

In the present embodiment, the light magenta nozzle row LL1 of the upstream head unit 17 and the magenta nozzle row ML2 of the downstream head unit 18 are complementary to each other. That is, when dots are formed by the nozzles of one of the nozzle rows, ink is complementarily discharged from the corresponding nozzles of the other nozzle row. As is well known, light magenta and magenta are colors having similar hues.
As described above, nozzle rows having colors close to each other are provided at positions corresponding to the upstream head unit 17 and the downstream head unit 18, respectively, and when forming dots, inks are complementarily ejected. Due to the configuration, white spots due to the nozzles of either one of the nozzle rows can be complemented by inks of colors that are close in hue, and deterioration in print quality can be effectively suppressed.
In the nozzle check process, as shown in step 6 of FIG. 8, the nozzles constituting the light magenta nozzle row LL1 and the nozzles constituting the magenta nozzle row ML2 are synchronously checked, Depending on the result of the nozzle check of both nozzles subject to the nozzle check, an appropriate process is selected from the error process, the normal response process, the first semi-normal process, and the second semi-normal process. Performed selectively.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the recording system 5 according to the third embodiment.
As is apparent from a comparison between FIG. 3 and FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the host-side control unit 45 of the host computer 25 has functions of the recording execution unit 27a and the nozzle check execution unit 27b. Has a block. In this case, the recording execution unit 27a of the host-side control unit 45 appropriately communicates with the line inkjet printer 1 by using a function of a printer driver, for example, and records an image on the recording medium 11. In addition, the nozzle check execution unit 27b appropriately communicates with the line inkjet printer 1 to control the upstream nozzle check mechanism 43a and the downstream nozzle check mechanism 43b, and perform processing according to the flowcharts of FIGS. By executing this, the nozzle check process is executed.
As described above, even if the host computer 25 includes the recording execution unit 27a and the nozzle check execution unit 27b, the efficiency of the nozzle check process can be realized as in the first embodiment.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the line inkjet head 12 has been specifically described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, three recording heads may be arranged in a staggered manner in each of the upstream head unit 17 and the downstream head unit 18, and one recording head extending in the nozzle row direction YJ2 may be arranged. It may be configured. In addition, the order of the nozzle rows in each unit is not limited to that described in the above-described embodiment, according to the configuration of the line inkjet head 12, according to the design philosophy, and appropriately according to the design restrictions. Can be set.
Also, for example, each functional block shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 can be arbitrarily realized by cooperation of hardware and software, and does not suggest a specific hardware configuration.
Further, for example, the functions of the control unit 27 and the host-side control unit 45 may be provided to the line inkjet printer 1 or another device externally connected to the host computer 25.
Further, each step of each flowchart shown in the figure may be executed by executing a program stored in an external storage medium.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Line inkjet printer (recording apparatus) 11 ... Recording medium, 12 ... Line inkjet head, 17 ... Upstream head unit (1st recording head part), 18 ... Downstream head unit (2nd recording head part), 25 ... host computer (control device), 27 ... control section, 27a ... recording execution section, 27b ... nozzle check execution section, 43a ... upstream nozzle check mechanism (first nozzle check mechanism), 43b ... downstream nozzle check mechanism (first) 2 nozzle check mechanism), 45... Host side control unit, BL 1, BL 2, KN 1, KN 2, KN 3, KN 4... Black nozzle row (nozzle row), CL 2, CN 1, CN 2, CN 3, CN 4. , ML2, MN1, MN2, MN3, MN4 ... Magenta nozzle row (nozzle row), YL1, Y 1, YN2, YN3, YN4 ... Yellow nozzle row, LL1 ... Light magenta nozzle row (nozzle row), CP1, CP2, CP3 ... Cyan nozzle (nozzle), KK1, KK2, KK3 ... Black nozzle (nozzle), YJ1 ... Transport Direction, YJ2 ... Nozzle row direction.

Claims (7)

A transport unit for transporting the recording medium in the transport direction;
A first recording head unit in which a plurality of nozzle rows extending in a nozzle row direction that is a direction intersecting the transport direction is disposed;
A second recording head unit arranged with a plurality of nozzle rows arranged apart from the first recording head unit in the transport direction and extending in the nozzle row direction;
A recording execution unit for discharging and recording ink from at least one of the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit while transporting the recording medium in the transport direction by the transport unit;
A first nozzle check mechanism for performing a nozzle check of nozzles constituting a nozzle row of the first recording head unit;
A second nozzle check mechanism for performing a nozzle check of the nozzles constituting the nozzle row of the second recording head unit;
A nozzle check execution unit that executes nozzle check processing by simultaneously executing at least a part of the nozzle check by the first nozzle check mechanism and the nozzle check by the second nozzle check mechanism;
A recording apparatus comprising: The first recording head unit has a first nozzle row corresponding to the first color,
The second recording head unit has a second nozzle row corresponding to a second color that can be supplemented to the first color,
The nozzle check execution unit
A first nozzle of the first nozzle row;
In the second nozzle row, the second nozzle disposed at a position corresponding to the first nozzle,
It is possible to execute different processing for each of the cases where a discharge failure is detected for both nozzles, a discharge failure is not detected for both nozzles, and a discharge failure is detected for either one of the nozzles. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording apparatus. The nozzle check execution unit
The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle check for the first nozzle and the nozzle check for the second nozzle are performed in synchronization during the nozzle check process. The first color of the first nozzle row is black and the second color of the second nozzle row is a color with a high OD value; or
Each of the first color and the second color is black, or
The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first color and the second color are inks having colors close to each other. A width detector for detecting the width of the recording medium;
The nozzle check execution unit
Based on the width of the recording medium detected by the width detector, the recording area of the recording medium in the nozzle array of the first recording head section and the nozzle array of the second recording head section 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a nozzle located outside a range in which the nozzle extends is specified, and nozzle check is not performed for the specified nozzle. A transport unit for transporting the recording medium in the transport direction;
A first recording head unit in which a plurality of nozzle rows extending in a nozzle row direction that is a direction intersecting the transport direction is disposed;
A second recording head unit arranged with a plurality of nozzle rows arranged apart from the first recording head unit in the transport direction and extending in the nozzle row direction;
A recording execution unit for discharging and recording ink from at least one of the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit while transporting the recording medium in the transport direction by the transport unit;
A first nozzle check mechanism for performing a nozzle check of nozzles constituting a nozzle row of the first recording head unit;
A second nozzle check mechanism for performing a nozzle check of the nozzles constituting the nozzle row of the second recording head unit,
At least a part of the nozzle check by the first nozzle check mechanism and the nozzle check by the second nozzle check mechanism are simultaneously executed to execute a nozzle check process, and perform a process corresponding to the result of the nozzle check process A control method for a recording apparatus, comprising: A transport unit for transporting the recording medium in the transport direction;
A first recording head unit in which a plurality of nozzle rows extending in a nozzle row direction that is a direction intersecting the transport direction is disposed;
A second recording head unit arranged with a plurality of nozzle rows arranged apart from the first recording head unit in the transport direction and extending in the nozzle row direction;
A first nozzle check mechanism for performing a nozzle check of nozzles constituting a nozzle row of the first recording head unit;
A program executed by a control unit that controls each part of the recording apparatus, and a second nozzle check mechanism for performing a nozzle check of the nozzles constituting the nozzle row of the second recording head unit,
The control unit
A recording execution unit for discharging and recording ink from at least one of the first recording head unit and the second recording head unit while transporting the recording medium in the transport direction by the transport unit;
A nozzle check execution unit configured to execute a nozzle check process by simultaneously executing at least a part of the nozzle check by the first nozzle check mechanism and the nozzle check by the second nozzle check mechanism; Program to do.

Images