JP2017193140A - Liquid discharge device and liquid discharge method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress a reduction in quality while suppressing a reduction in productivity even when a discharge defective nozzle occurs.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device 1 comprises: a transportation section 10 transporting a medium P; a discharge section 19 having a nozzle array NL constituted by arranging a plurality of nozzles N capable of discharging a liquid side-by-side in an intersection direction B intersecting with a transportation direction A of the medium P; a detection section 16 detecting a discharge state of the plurality of nozzles N; and a control section 34 adjusting a transportation speed of the medium P and a discharge frequency of the discharge section 19 based on discharge conditions of the liquid onto the medium P and complementing a discharge defective nozzle by the other nozzle when the discharge defective nozzle is detected by the detection section 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus and a liquid ejection method.

Conventionally, various liquid ejecting apparatuses including a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting liquid have been used.
In such a liquid ejecting apparatus, there are cases where nozzles that cause ejection failure occur. For this reason, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of ejecting liquid onto a medium while suppressing deterioration in quality even when a nozzle that causes ejection failure occurs.
Also, a liquid ejection apparatus comprising: a conveyance unit that conveys a medium; and an ejection unit (a so-called line head) having a nozzle row that includes a plurality of nozzles that can eject liquid arranged in an intersecting direction that intersects the medium conveyance direction. Is also disclosed. The liquid discharge apparatus having such a configuration has high productivity of a liquid discharge generated by discharging a liquid onto a medium, and a user is required to suppress a decrease in productivity of the liquid discharge.

JP2015-136882A US Pat. No. 6,428,139

As described above, in a liquid ejecting apparatus including a so-called line head, in particular, suppression of a decrease in productivity of the liquid ejected material is demanded by the user. Here, in Patent Document 2, there is no clear description as to whether or not the liquid ejection device includes a line head, but a device capable of driving at 50 kHz is complemented with other nozzles while being driven at 25 kHz. There is a description. However, in such a complementing method, the productivity of the liquid discharge is greatly reduced.
For this reason, it is desired to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity even when an ejection failure nozzle is generated.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity even when a defective nozzle is generated.

  The liquid ejection apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is configured by arranging a plurality of conveyance units that convey a medium and a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting liquid in an intersecting direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the medium. A discharge unit having a nozzle row, a detection unit that detects a discharge state of the nozzle, and a discharge failure nozzle detected by the detection unit, based on a discharge condition of the liquid to the medium. A control unit that adjusts a conveyance speed and a discharge frequency of the discharge unit and supplements the defective discharge nozzle with another nozzle.

  According to this aspect, when a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the conveyance speed of the medium and the discharge frequency of the discharge unit are adjusted based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium, and other discharge failure nozzles are detected. Complement with the nozzle. In other words, based on the conditions for ejecting the liquid onto the medium, it is possible to continue ejecting the liquid under conditions that appropriately balance the decrease in productivity and the decrease in quality. For this reason, even when a defective ejection nozzle occurs, it is possible to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity.

  A liquid ejection apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a conveyance unit that conveys a medium, and a discharge unit that includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in a crossing direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the medium. And a detection unit that detects a discharge state of the nozzle, and when a defective discharge nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the medium conveyance speed and the discharge unit are determined based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium. A control unit that adjusts the size of the liquid to be discharged and supplements the defective nozzle with other nozzles.

  According to this aspect, when a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the conveyance speed of the medium and the size of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit are adjusted based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium, and the discharge Complement defective nozzles with other nozzles. In other words, based on the conditions for ejecting the liquid onto the medium, it is possible to continue ejecting the liquid under conditions that appropriately balance the decrease in productivity and the decrease in quality. For this reason, even when a defective ejection nozzle occurs, it is possible to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity.

  The liquid ejection apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention includes a conveyance unit that conveys a medium, and an ejection unit that includes a plurality of nozzles that are arranged in a crossing direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the medium. And a detection unit that detects a discharge state of the nozzle, and when a defective discharge nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the conveyance speed of the medium and the discharge unit based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium A control unit that adjusts the ejection frequency and the size of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit, and supplements the defective ejection nozzle with another nozzle.

  According to this aspect, when an ejection failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the medium conveyance speed, the ejection frequency of the ejection unit, and the size of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit are determined based on the ejection condition of the liquid onto the medium. And the defective nozzles are complemented with other nozzles. In other words, based on the conditions for ejecting the liquid onto the medium, it is possible to continue ejecting the liquid under a condition that balances particularly a decrease in productivity and a decrease in quality. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity even when an ejection failure nozzle occurs.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects continues to eject the liquid onto the medium when a defective ejection nozzle is detected by the detection unit. It is possible to receive an instruction as to whether to stop the discharge of the liquid onto the medium.

  According to this aspect, when a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, it is possible to accept an instruction to continue discharging the liquid onto the medium or stop discharging the liquid onto the medium. For this reason, the user can select whether to continue ejecting the liquid onto the medium or stop ejecting the liquid onto the medium according to the number and position of the ejection failure nozzles.

  In a liquid ejection device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the ejection unit includes a piezo element that is deformed by applying a voltage to each of the nozzles. The detection unit detects a voltage value associated with deformation of the piezo element, and the control unit determines that the ejection failure nozzle is detected based on the voltage value.

  According to this aspect, the ejection unit has a piezo element that is deformed by applying a voltage to each nozzle, and the detection unit detects a voltage value associated with the deformation of the piezo element. With such a configuration, the deformation state of the piezo element can be detected in detail. Therefore, for example, from the voltage value corresponding to the deformation state of the piezo element, whether the ejection is normal, the nozzle is not ejected due to bubbles or the like, the ink in the nozzle is thickened, etc. This makes it possible to determine whether the discharge amount has decreased. For this reason, for example, the state of ejection failure nozzles (not ejected or the ejection amount has decreased), the number and positions of ejection failure nozzles (whether ejection failure has occurred adjacently, etc.), etc. Depending on the situation, the user can continue to discharge the liquid to the medium as it is (does not supplement with other nozzles), continue with another nozzle and continue to discharge the liquid to the medium, or liquid can be discharged to the medium. It becomes possible to select whether to stop the discharge.

  A liquid ejection method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a medium, and a discharge unit that includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in a crossing direction that intersects the transport direction of the medium. And a detection unit that detects a discharge state of the nozzle, and a liquid discharge method that uses a liquid discharge apparatus that detects a discharge failure nozzle by the detection unit. The medium conveyance speed and the discharge frequency of the discharge unit are adjusted based on the discharge conditions, and the defective discharge nozzles are complemented by other nozzles.

  According to this aspect, when a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the conveyance speed of the medium and the discharge frequency of the discharge unit are adjusted based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium, and other discharge failure nozzles are detected. Complement with the nozzle. In other words, based on the conditions for ejecting the liquid onto the medium, it is possible to continue ejecting the liquid under conditions that appropriately balance the decrease in productivity and the decrease in quality. For this reason, even when a defective ejection nozzle occurs, it is possible to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity.

  A liquid discharge method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a discharge unit including a transfer unit that transfers a medium, and a nozzle row that includes a plurality of nozzles that can discharge the liquid in an intersecting direction that intersects the transfer direction of the medium. And a detection unit that detects a discharge state of the nozzle, and a liquid discharge method that uses a liquid discharge apparatus that detects a discharge failure nozzle by the detection unit. The medium conveyance speed and the size of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit are adjusted based on the ejection conditions, and the defective ejection nozzle is complemented by another nozzle.

  According to this aspect, when a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the conveyance speed of the medium and the size of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit are adjusted based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium, and the discharge Complement defective nozzles with other nozzles. In other words, based on the conditions for ejecting the liquid onto the medium, it is possible to continue ejecting the liquid under conditions that appropriately balance the decrease in productivity and the decrease in quality. For this reason, even when a defective ejection nozzle occurs, it is possible to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity.

  A liquid ejection method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a medium, and a discharge unit that includes a plurality of nozzles that are arranged in a crossing direction that intersects the transport direction of the medium. And a detection unit that detects a discharge state of the nozzle, and a liquid discharge method that uses a liquid discharge apparatus that detects a discharge failure nozzle by the detection unit. Adjusting the conveyance speed of the medium, the ejection frequency of the ejection unit, and the size of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit based on the ejection conditions, and supplementing the defective ejection nozzle with another nozzle. .

  According to this aspect, when an ejection failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the medium conveyance speed, the ejection frequency of the ejection unit, and the size of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit are determined based on the ejection condition of the liquid onto the medium. And the defective nozzles are complemented with other nozzles. In other words, based on the conditions for ejecting the liquid onto the medium, it is possible to continue ejecting the liquid under a condition that balances particularly a decrease in productivity and a decrease in quality. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity even when an ejection failure nozzle occurs.

1 is a schematic side view illustrating a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a main part of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a control method in the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a control method in the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a control method in the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a control method in the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a control method in the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a liquid ejection method performed using the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention.

Hereinafter, a recording apparatus according to an embodiment as a liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First, an outline of the recording apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, some constituent members are omitted for easy understanding of the main part of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

  The recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a feeding unit 2 that can feed out a roll R1 of a recording medium (medium) P for recording. Further, a transport mechanism 3 is provided that transports the recording medium P in the transport direction A by the adhesive belt 10 (a transport belt constituted by an endless belt) that supports the recording medium P on the support surface F to which the adhesive is attached. ing. In addition, a recording mechanism 4 is provided that records by ejecting ink, which is an example of liquid, onto a recording medium P from a nozzle N (see FIG. 4) of a line head 19 as an ejection unit including a plurality of head units 7. . Further, a cleaning mechanism 15 for the adhesive belt 10 is provided. Furthermore, a winding mechanism 18 having a winding shaft 17 for winding the recording medium P is provided.

  As the recording medium P, a printing material can be used. The material to be printed refers to fabrics, clothes, and other clothing products to be printed. Examples of the fabric include natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk, and wool, chemical fibers such as nylon, and woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, and nonwoven fabrics in which these are mixed. In addition, for clothes and other clothing products, in addition to furniture such as T-shirts, handkerchiefs, scarves, towels, handbags, cloth bags, curtains, sheets, bedspreads, etc., before sewing The existing cloth before and after cutting is also included.

  Further, as the recording medium P, in addition to the above-mentioned printing material, special paper for inkjet recording such as plain paper, high-quality paper, and glossy paper can be used. Further, as the recording medium P, for example, a plastic film not surface-treated for ink jet printing (that is, an ink absorbing layer is not formed) and a base material such as paper are coated with plastic. Those having a plastic film adhered thereto can also be used. The plastic is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, and polypropylene.

  The feeding unit 2 includes a rotating shaft 5 that also serves as a setting position of the roll R1 of the recording medium P for recording, and conveys the recording medium P from the roll R1 set on the rotating shaft 5 via the driven roller 6. The structure can be extended to the mechanism 3. When the recording medium P is fed out to the transport mechanism 3, the rotating shaft 5 rotates in the rotation direction C.

The conveyance mechanism 3 includes an adhesive belt 10 as a conveyance unit that places and conveys the recording medium P fed from the feeding unit 2, a driving roller 8 that moves the adhesive belt 10 in the direction E, and a driven roller. 9. The recording medium P is pressed against the support surface F of the adhesive belt 10 by the pressing roller 12 and is mounted thereon. Note that when the recording medium P is conveyed, the driving roller 8 rotates in the rotation direction C.
However, the endless belt as the conveying belt is not limited to the adhesive belt. For example, an electrostatic adsorption type endless belt may be used.
Further, the recording medium P may be transported while being supported by a movable support tray or the like, or the recording medium P may be transported by a pair of rollers. Furthermore, a so-called flood bed type recording apparatus may be used in which the recording medium P is fixed to the support portion and the line head 19 is moved relative to the fixed recording medium P for recording.

The recording mechanism 4 includes a line head 19 in which nozzles N that discharge liquid are arranged in an intersecting direction B that intersects the transport direction A of the recording medium P (see FIG. 4). The line head 19 is configured by arranging a plurality of head units 7 in which nozzles N are arranged in the intersecting direction B in the intersecting direction B (see FIG. 4).
Here, the “line head” is provided so that the region of the nozzle N formed in the intersecting direction B intersecting the transport direction A of the recording medium P can cover the entire intersecting direction B of the recording medium P. The recording head is used in a recording apparatus that forms an image by relatively moving the recording head or the recording medium P. The area of the nozzle N in the cross direction B of the line head 19 may not be able to cover the entire cross direction B of all the recording media P supported by the recording apparatus 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the line head 19 crosses between the recording position (solid line position in FIG. 2) and the maintenance position (broken line position in FIG. 2) along the guide rails 22 and 23. It can move in direction B. As shown in FIG. 2, a maintenance unit 21 is provided corresponding to the maintenance position of the line head 19. The maintenance unit 21 includes a cap, a suction mechanism, a wiper, and the like (not shown). In the maintenance position, it is possible to perform cap suction of the head unit 7, suction of ink from the nozzles N of the head unit 7, wipe of the head unit 7, and the like.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the line head 19 in the transport direction A is provided with a sensor 16 as a detection unit capable of detecting the discharge state of the nozzle N (FIG. 3). reference). The sensor 16 detects a voltage drop or a resistance change when energizing a recording element (in this embodiment, a piezo element but may be a heat generating element) provided in each nozzle N, so that the recording element is normal. It is detected whether or not the nozzle N is operating (the discharge state of the nozzle N is normal). However, you may provide detection parts other than the detection part of such a structure.

The cleaning mechanism 15 of the adhesive belt 10 includes a cleaning brush 13 and a tray 14 containing a cleaning agent for cleaning the cleaning brush 13.
The cleaning brush 13 of the present embodiment is configured to be rotatable in the rotation direction C and the direction opposite to the rotation direction C.

The winding mechanism 18 is a mechanism that winds the recording medium P on which recording has been performed and is transported from the transport mechanism 3 via the driven roller 11. A winding paper tube or the like is set on the winding shaft 17. By winding the recording medium P around this, the recording medium P can be wound as a roll R2.
Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the surface on which recording is performed uses the outer roll R1, and the surface on which recording is performed is wound outside. For this reason, both the rotating shaft 5 and the winding shaft 17 are rotated in the rotation direction C. However, the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can use the roll R1 having the recording surface on the inner side, and can be wound so that the recording surface is on the inner side. That is, both the rotating shaft 5 and the winding shaft 17 can be rotated in the direction opposite to the rotating direction C.

Next, the electrical configuration of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.
The control unit 34 is provided with a CPU 35 that controls the entire recording apparatus 1. The CPU 35 is connected via a system bus 36 to a ROM 26 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 35 and a RAM 27 that can temporarily store data.

The CPU 35 is connected to a head driving unit 28 for driving the line head 19 via a system bus 36.
The CPU 35 is connected to a motor drive unit 29 for driving the transport motor 31, the feeding motor 32, the take-up motor 33, and the cleaning brush rotation motor 39 via the system bus 36.
Here, the transport motor 31 is a motor for driving the drive roller 8. The feeding motor 32 is a rotating mechanism of the rotating shaft 5, and is a motor that drives the rotating shaft 5 in order to send the recording medium P to the transport mechanism 3. The winding motor 33 is a drive motor for rotating the winding shaft 17. The cleaning brush rotation motor 39 is a motor for rotationally driving the cleaning brush 13.

The CPU 35 is connected to the input / output unit 37 via the system bus 36. The input / output unit 37 includes a sensor 16 and a monitor 20 as a display unit, and is connected to a PC 38 for transmitting and receiving data and signals such as recording data.
With this configuration, the control unit 34 can control the entire recording apparatus 1.

Next, the line head 19 which is a main part of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
Here, FIG. 4 is a schematic view seen from the bottom side of the line head 19 which is a main part of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the line head 19 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of nozzle rows NL configured by arranging the head units 7 alternately in the cross direction B (in two rows when viewed from the cross direction B). (4 rows). Further, as represented by the enlarged portion X of the head unit 7, each head unit 7 has nozzles N capable of ejecting ink in the cross direction B (specifically, in two rows as viewed from the cross direction B). It is configured to be arranged. In addition, as represented by the enlarged portion X, the nozzles N arranged in two rows of each head unit 7 are arranged alternately.

  Here, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a recording apparatus capable of forming an image by ejecting cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks onto a recording medium P. is there. As shown in FIG. 4, the line head 19 of this embodiment includes four nozzle rows NL. Among these, the nozzle row NL-C includes nozzle rows NL and nozzles that can discharge cyan ink. The row NL-M corresponds to the nozzle row NL that can eject magenta ink, the nozzle row NL-Y corresponds to the nozzle row NL that can eject yellow ink, and the nozzle row NL-K corresponds to the nozzle row NL that can eject black ink. ing.

  Note that the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can discharge (record) a liquid within the length L1 in which the nozzles N are formed in the intersecting direction B. Here, FIG. 4 shows an example when the recording medium P having the width of the length L2 (the length of the recording medium P in the intersecting direction B) is arranged in the range of the length L1.

  Further, the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can detect the occurrence of defective ejection nozzles among all the nozzles N based on the detection result of the sensor 16, and can identify the defective ejection nozzles. When it is detected that an ejection failure nozzle has occurred, a nozzle capable of ejecting ink in the vicinity of the landing position of ink to be ejected by the ejection failure nozzle (a position adjacent in the cross direction B in this embodiment) N makes it possible to supplement the defective nozzle.

Hereinafter, a method for complementing the defective ejection nozzle when the defective ejection nozzle occurs in the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
Here, FIG. 5 to FIG. 9 are schematic diagrams for explaining an example of a control method (a method for complementing ejection failure nozzles) in the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. In the case where ink is ejected from the nozzles N, FIG. The landing positions of the ink dots D on the recording medium P are shown.
Among these, FIG. 5 shows the landing positions of the ink dots D ejected from the nozzles N on the recording medium P when no ejection failure nozzle has occurred. FIG. 6 shows the landing positions of the ink dots D on the recording medium P when the ejection failure nozzles are generated and the ink is ejected from the nozzles N without complementing the ejection failure nozzles. Yes. The area Dng in FIGS. 6 and 7 to 9 represents an area where the ink dot D should have originally landed due to a defective ejection nozzle.

  7 to 9 show the landing positions of the ink dots D on the recording medium P when the defective ejection nozzles are generated and the defective ejection nozzles are complemented. Among these, FIG. 7 shows a recording medium P in a case where the conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the ejection frequency of the line head 19 are adjusted and the ejection failure nozzle is complemented by other nozzles as a method of complementing the ejection failure nozzle. Represents the landing position of the ink dot D. FIG. 8 shows an ejection failure by adjusting the conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the size of the ink dots D ejected from the line head 19 (ejection amount per droplet) as a method of complementing the ejection failure nozzle. The landing positions of the ink dots D on the recording medium P when the nozzles are complemented by other nozzles are shown. FIG. 9 shows a method for compensating for the ejection failure nozzle by adjusting the conveyance speed of the recording medium P, the ejection frequency of the line head 19 and the size of the ink dot D ejected from the line head 19. The landing positions of the ink dots D on the recording medium P when complemented by other nozzles are shown.

  As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 5 and 6, when a defective ejection nozzle occurs, ink loss W (a portion where ink is originally intended to be landed and where no ink is disposed) occurs in a region Dng corresponding to the defective ejection nozzle. There is a case. FIGS. 5 to 9 show examples in which the recording medium P is used in which the ink hardly spreads and does not spread easily (that is, the ink missing W is easily noticeable).

Therefore, the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment uses the type of the recording medium P, the recording mode (for example, the recording mode that prioritizes the recording speed or the recording mode that prioritizes the image quality), and the use when a defective nozzle is generated. The ejection speed of the recording medium P and the ejection frequency of the line head 19 are adjusted on the basis of the ink ejection conditions such as the type of ink to be printed, and other ejection nozzles are complemented with other nozzles. Is possible.
Here, “based on the discharge conditions” means that, for example, when a defective nozzle is generated, the discharge frequency of the line head 19 is not halved uniformly under any discharge condition, but different discharge conditions. The condition means that the conveyance speed of the recording medium P, the discharge frequency of the line head 19 and the like are made different.

Here, FIG. 7 shows that when a defective discharge nozzle is generated, the conveyance speed of the recording medium P is increased by 0.8 times compared to the normal time (when the defective discharge nozzle is not generated) and the defective discharge nozzle. The nozzle N other than the complementary nozzle (the nozzle that can land ink adjacent to the ink landing position due to a defective ejection nozzle) is also multiplied by 0.8, and only the complementary nozzle is driven at the normal ejection frequency. The landing position of the ink dot D on the recording medium P at this time is shown.
By complementing the defective ejection nozzles by such a method, as shown in FIG. 7, the ink landing density by the ink dots D1 and D2 by the complementary nozzles increases, and in the region Dng corresponding to the defective ejection nozzles. Ink missing W becomes inconspicuous.

  In summary, the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an adhesive belt 10 that transports the recording medium P and a crossing direction B in which a nozzle N that can eject ink intersects the transporting direction A of the recording medium P. Are provided with a line head 19 having a plurality of nozzle rows NL arranged side by side, and a sensor 16 for detecting the ejection state of the nozzles N. Then, when the ejection failure nozzle is detected by the sensor 16, the control unit 34 sets the transport speed of the recording medium P and the ejection frequency of the line head 19 based on the ink ejection conditions to the recording medium P. It is possible to adjust and supplement the defective nozzle with other nozzles.

  In other words, an adhesive belt 10 that transports the recording medium P, and a nozzle row NL configured by arranging a plurality of nozzles N that can eject ink in an intersecting direction B that intersects the transporting direction A of the recording medium P. When a defective ejection nozzle is detected by the sensor 16 using the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment that includes the line head 19 having a sensor 16 and a sensor 16 that detects the ejection state of the nozzle N, the recording medium P is used. It is possible to execute a liquid ejection method in which the conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the ejection frequency of the line head 19 are adjusted based on the ink ejection conditions, and the ejection failure nozzles are complemented by other nozzles.

As described above, when the ejection failure nozzle is detected by the sensor 16, the conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the ejection frequency of the line head 19 are adjusted based on the ejection conditions of the ink onto the recording medium P. By complementing the defective ejection nozzles with other nozzles, it is possible to continue ink ejection under conditions that appropriately balance the reduction in productivity and the quality based on the conditions for ejecting ink onto the recording medium P. it can. For this reason, even when a defective ejection nozzle occurs, it is possible to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity.
7 shows that the conveyance speed of the recording medium P is 0.8 times that of the normal time, and the discharge frequency of the nozzles N other than the complementary nozzles that complement the defective nozzles is also 0.8 times, and only the complementary nozzles are used. It is an example at the time of driving with the normal discharge frequency. However, the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when a defective ejection nozzle is generated, is based on ink ejection conditions on the recording medium P such as the type of recording medium P, the recording mode, and the type of ink to be used. The conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the ejection frequency of the line head 19 can be adjusted to different values. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the decrease in productivity particularly effectively based on the conditions for ejecting ink onto the recording medium P.

  In addition, the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the ejection speed of the recording medium P and the ink ejected from the line head 19 are determined based on the ejection conditions of the ink onto the recording medium P when a defective ejection nozzle occurs. By adjusting the size of the dot D, it is possible to supplement the defective nozzle with other nozzles.

Here, FIG. 8 shows that when a defective nozzle is generated, the conveyance speed of the recording medium P is increased by 0.75 times as compared to the normal time, and the discharge frequency of the nozzle N is uniformly increased by 0.75 times. Ink dots on the recording medium P when the size of the ink dots D ejected from (nozzles that can land ink adjacent to the ink landing position by the defective ejection nozzle) is 1.5 times the normal size The landing position of D is shown.
By complementing the defective ejection nozzles in this way, as shown in FIG. 8, the landing density of the ink by the ink dots D1 and D2 by the complementary nozzles increases, and in the region Dng corresponding to the defective ejection nozzles. Ink missing W becomes inconspicuous.

  In summary, the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an adhesive belt 10 that transports the recording medium P and a crossing direction B in which a nozzle N that can eject ink intersects the transporting direction A of the recording medium P. Are provided with a line head 19 having a plurality of nozzle rows NL arranged side by side, and a sensor 16 for detecting the ejection state of the nozzles N. Then, when the ejection failure nozzle is detected by the sensor 16, the control unit 34 determines the transport speed of the recording medium P and the ink ejected from the line head 19 based on the ejection conditions of the ink onto the recording medium P. The size of the dot D is adjusted, and the defective nozzle is complemented by another nozzle.

  In other words, an adhesive belt 10 that transports the recording medium P, and a nozzle array NL that includes a plurality of nozzles N that can eject ink in a crossing direction B that intersects the transporting direction A of the recording medium P are arranged. When a defective ejection nozzle is detected by the sensor 16 using the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment including the line head 19 having the sensor 16 and the sensor 16 for detecting the ejection state of the nozzles N, the recording medium P is applied to the recording medium P. It is possible to execute a liquid ejection method in which the conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the size of the ink dots D ejected from the line head 19 are adjusted based on the ink ejection conditions, and the defective ejection nozzles are complemented by other nozzles.

As described above, when a defective ejection nozzle is detected by the sensor 16, the conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the ink dots D ( The condition in which the reduction in productivity and the reduction in quality are appropriately balanced based on the discharge conditions of the ink onto the recording medium P by adjusting the size of the liquid) and complementing the defective discharge nozzles with other nozzles Ink discharge can be continued. For this reason, even when a defective ejection nozzle occurs, it is possible to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity.
In FIG. 8, the conveyance speed of the recording medium P is increased by 0.75 times that of the normal time and the discharge frequency of the nozzle N is also increased by 0.75 times. This is an example when the magnification is 1.5 times. However, the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when a defective ejection nozzle is generated, is based on ink ejection conditions on the recording medium P such as the type of recording medium P, the recording mode, and the type of ink to be used. The conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the size of the ink dots D ejected from the line head 19 can be adjusted to different values. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the decrease in productivity particularly effectively based on the conditions for ejecting ink onto the recording medium P. For example, in this embodiment, in order to stably eject ink dots D of different sizes (ink dots D1 and D2 and other ink dots) together, the ejection frequency of the nozzle N is lowered, and accordingly the recording medium P The conveyance speed was also lowered. However, if the ink dots D having different sizes can be stably ejected together depending on the ink ejection conditions to the recording medium P, the ejection frequency of the nozzle N and the transport speed of the recording medium P are set. There is no need to lower them, and they may be raised.

  Further, the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when a defective ejection nozzle is generated, is based on the ink ejection conditions to the recording medium P, the conveyance speed of the recording medium P, the ejection frequency of the line head 19, and the line. By adjusting the size of the ink dot D ejected from the head 19, it is possible to supplement the ejection failure nozzle with another nozzle.

Here, FIG. 9 shows that when a defective discharge nozzle is generated, a supplementary nozzle that complements the defective discharge nozzle and increases the conveyance speed of the recording medium P by 0.8 times the normal time (the ink of the defective discharge nozzle). The ejection frequency of nozzles N other than the nozzles that can land ink adjacent to the landing position is also multiplied by 0.8, only the complementary nozzles are driven at the normal ejection frequency, and ink dots are ejected from the complementary nozzles. The landing positions of the ink dots D on the recording medium P when the size of D is 1.5 times the normal value are shown.
By complementing the defective ejection nozzles by such a method, as shown in FIG. 9, the ink landing density by the ink dots D1 and D2 by the complementary nozzles increases, and in the region Dng corresponding to the defective ejection nozzles. Ink missing W becomes inconspicuous.

  In summary, the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an adhesive belt 10 that transports the recording medium P and a crossing direction B in which a nozzle N that can eject ink intersects the transporting direction A of the recording medium P. Are provided with a line head 19 having a plurality of nozzle rows NL arranged side by side, and a sensor 16 for detecting the ejection state of the nozzles N. Then, when the ejection failure nozzle is detected by the sensor 16, the control unit 34 determines the conveyance speed of the recording medium P, the ejection frequency of the line head 19, and the line based on the ink ejection conditions to the recording medium P. The size of the ink dot D ejected from the head 19 is adjusted, and the defective ejection nozzle is complemented with another nozzle.

  In other words, an adhesive belt 10 that transports the recording medium P, and a nozzle array NL that includes a plurality of nozzles N that can eject ink in a crossing direction B that intersects the transporting direction A of the recording medium P are arranged. When a defective ejection nozzle is detected by the sensor 16 using the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment including the line head 19 having the sensor 16 and the sensor 16 for detecting the ejection state of the nozzles N, the recording medium P is applied to the recording medium P. A liquid that adjusts the conveyance speed of the recording medium P, the ejection frequency of the line head 19 and the size of the ink dots D ejected from the line head 19 based on the ink ejection conditions, and complements the defective ejection nozzles with other nozzles. The discharge method can be executed.

As described above, when the ejection failure nozzle is detected by the sensor 16, the conveyance speed of the recording medium P, the ejection frequency of the line head 19, and the line head 19 are determined based on the ejection conditions of the ink onto the recording medium P. By adjusting the size of the ejected ink dots D (liquid) and complementing the defective ejection nozzles with other nozzles, it is possible to appropriately reduce the productivity and quality based on the conditions for ejecting ink onto the recording medium P. Ink ejection can be continued under the condition that balances the decrease of the ink. For this reason, even when a defective ejection nozzle occurs, it is possible to suppress a decrease in quality while suppressing a decrease in productivity.
In FIG. 9, the conveyance speed of the recording medium P is increased by 0.8 times compared to the normal time, and the discharge frequency of the nozzles N other than the complementary nozzles that complement the defective discharge nozzles is also increased by 0.8 times. In this example, the ink is driven at a normal discharge frequency, and the size of the ink dot D discharged from the complementary nozzle is 1.5 times that of the normal time. However, the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when a defective ejection nozzle is generated, is based on ink ejection conditions on the recording medium P such as the type of recording medium P, the recording mode, and the type of ink to be used. The conveyance speed of the recording medium P, the ejection frequency of the line head 19 and the size of the ink dots D ejected from the line head 19 can be adjusted to different values. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the decrease in productivity particularly effectively based on the conditions for ejecting ink onto the recording medium P.

Further, the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment gives an instruction from the user to continue the ink ejection to the recording medium P or stop the ink ejection to the recording medium P via the PC 38 or the like. Acceptable.
Since the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can accept an instruction to continue the ejection of ink to the recording medium P or stop the ejection of ink to the recording medium P, the number of defective ejection nozzles, Depending on the position and the like, the user can select whether to continue ejecting ink onto the recording medium P or stop ejecting ink onto the recording medium P.
Note that “continue ink ejection” not only complements ejection failure nozzles with other nozzles to continue ejection of ink onto the recording medium P, but also does not complement ejection failure nozzles with other nozzles. This also includes continuing the ejection of ink onto the recording medium P as it is.

Further, in the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the line head 19 has a piezoelectric element that is deformed by applying a voltage to each nozzle N, and the sensor 16 is configured to detect a voltage value associated with the deformation of the piezoelectric element. It has become. The control unit 34 serves as a determination unit that determines the discharge state of each nozzle N from the voltage value.
As described above, the line head 19 has a piezoelectric element that is deformed by applying a voltage to each of the nozzles N, and the sensor 16 is configured to detect a voltage value that accompanies deformation of the piezoelectric element. The deformation state of can be detected in detail. Specifically, the deformation state of the piezo element can be detected in detail from the transition of the voltage generated with the residual vibration of the piezo element after the drive voltage is applied to the piezo element. Then, from the voltage value corresponding to the deformation state of the piezo element, whether ejection is normal, a state in which ejection is not performed due to generation of bubbles in the nozzle N, etc., ink in the nozzle N is thickened, etc. This makes it possible to determine whether the discharge amount has decreased. For this reason, depending on the state of the defective discharge nozzle (not discharged or the discharge amount is reduced, etc.), the number and position of the defective discharge nozzle (whether discharge failure has occurred adjacently, etc.), etc. Thus, the user can continue to discharge ink to the recording medium P as it is (not complemented by other nozzles), or can continue to discharge ink to the recording medium P by supplementing with other nozzles, It is possible to select whether to stop the ejection of ink to the recording medium P.

For example, depending on the image to be recorded and the recording medium P to be used, there is only a discharge failure nozzle with a reduced discharge amount (no discharge failure nozzle that does not discharge), or discharge that does not discharge Even if a defective nozzle is generated, there is a case where the image is not influenced in a state where the defective nozzle is not adjacent to the defective nozzle. In such a case, the user can continue to eject ink onto the recording medium P, and can suppress a reduction in productivity.
Note that the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in advance, in any discharge state, continues the discharge as it is, complements the defective discharge nozzle with another nozzle, continues the recording, or stops the discharge. It is a configuration that can set whether to do. In addition, since the sensor 16 detects the voltage value associated with the deformation of the piezo element, the sensor 16 detects the occurrence of the defective nozzle as soon as the sensor 16 detects the occurrence of the defective nozzle. It is possible to complement the nozzle and continue the recording or to stop the discharge). For this reason, the user sets in advance in what discharge state the discharge is continued as it is, whether the discharge failure nozzle is complemented with another nozzle to continue the recording, or the discharge is stopped. By doing so, it is possible to take action as soon as the sensor 16 detects the occurrence of an ejection failure nozzle.

Next, a liquid discharge method that can be performed using the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described in more detail using a flowchart.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example of a liquid ejection method that can be performed using the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

When the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment inputs ejection data from the PC 38 and starts the liquid ejection method of the present embodiment, first, in step S110, the ejection operation is started. The ejection operation means that ink is ejected from the line head 19 according to ejection data while the recording medium P is being conveyed.
Next, in step S120, the sensor 16 detects the discharge state.
Next, in step S130, based on the detection result by the sensor 16, the control unit 34 determines whether or not there is a defective ejection nozzle. If it is determined that there is a defective nozzle, the process proceeds to step S140. If it is determined that there is no defective nozzle, the process proceeds to step S160. The determination of whether or not there is a defective discharge nozzle in this step is a determination as to whether or not a new defective discharge nozzle has occurred with respect to the previous determination in this step. Here, in the liquid ejection method of this example, the process proceeds to step S160 without proceeding to steps S140 and S150 only when it is determined in step S130 that there is no ejection failure nozzle. However, even when ejection failure nozzles are generated, if the number and position satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, the number of ejection failure nozzles is small, ink dots D are not missing adjacently) If the omission W is inconspicuous, etc.), the process may proceed to step S160 without proceeding to steps S140 and S150.

  In step S140, the control unit 34 determines whether or not it is possible to supplement and record the defective ejection nozzle with another nozzle. Specifically, based on the number and position of defective discharge nozzles, the user can preliminarily determine what discharge state will occur by complementing the defective discharge nozzles with other nozzles and continue recording. Whether to stop or not is set and a determination is made based on the setting. If it is determined in this step that the defective ejection nozzle can be complemented and recorded by other nozzles, the process proceeds to step S150. On the other hand, if it is determined in this step that it is not possible to record the defective ejection nozzle by complementing it with other nozzles, the liquid ejection method of this example is terminated.

  In step S150, the control unit 34 performs control so that the defective ejection nozzle is complemented and recorded by another nozzle. Specifically, when the control method of the recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 7 is executed, the control unit 34 adjusts the conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the discharge frequency of the line head 19 to cause a discharge failure. Complement the nozzle with another nozzle. When the control method of the recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 8 is executed, the control unit 34 adjusts the conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the size of the ink dots D ejected from the line head 19. , Complement the defective nozzle with other nozzles. When the control method of the recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 9 is executed, the control unit 34 controls the conveyance speed of the recording medium P, the discharge frequency of the line head 19, and the ink dots discharged from the line head 19. The size of D is adjusted, and the defective nozzle is complemented by another nozzle. Note that the condition for complementing the defective ejection nozzle in this step can be a condition preset by the user according to the type of recording medium P to be used, the recording mode, and the like.

  In step S160, it is determined whether or not the discharge operation based on the discharge data input from the PC 38 by the control unit 34 is completed (whether or not all the discharge data is consumed by the discharge operation). When it is determined that the discharge operation has been completed, the liquid discharge method of this example is ended, and when it is determined that the discharge operation has not been completed, the process returns to step S120.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the range of the invention described in the claim, and it cannot be overemphasized that they are also contained in the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Recording apparatus (liquid discharge apparatus), 2 ... Feeding part, 3 ... Conveyance mechanism, 4 ... Recording mechanism,
5 ... rotating shaft, 6 ... driven roller, 7 ... head unit, 8 ... driving roller,
9 ... driven roller, 10 ... adhesive belt (conveying unit), 11 ... driven roller,
12 ... Pressing roller, 13 ... Cleaning brush, 14 ... Tray, 15 ... Cleaning mechanism,
16 ... Sensor (detection unit), 17 ... Winding shaft, 18 ... Winding mechanism,
19 ... line head (discharge part), 20 ... monitor, 21 ... maintenance part,
22 ... Guide rail, 23 ... Guide rail, 26 ... ROM, 27 ... RAM,
28 ... head drive unit, 29 ... motor drive unit, 31 ... conveyance motor,
32 ... Feeding motor, 33 ... Winding motor, 34 ... Control unit, 35 ... CPU,
36 ... System bus, 37 ... Input / output unit, 38 ... PC, 39 ... Cleaning brush rotation motor,
D ... ink dot, D1 ... ink dot by complementary nozzle,
D2: Ink dots by complementary nozzles,
Dng: The area where the ink dots D should have landed due to the ejection failure nozzle,
F: Support surface, N ... Nozzle, NL ... Nozzle array, P ... Recording medium (medium),
R1 ... roll of recording medium P, R2 ... roll of recording medium P, W ... ink missing

Claims (8)

A transport unit for transporting the medium;
An ejection unit having a nozzle row configured by arranging a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting liquid in an intersecting direction intersecting a transport direction of the medium;
A detection unit for detecting a discharge state of the nozzle;
When a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the conveyance speed of the medium and the discharge frequency of the discharge unit are adjusted based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium, and the discharge failure nozzle is set to another nozzle. A control unit that complements with
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: A transport unit for transporting the medium;
An ejection unit having a nozzle row configured by arranging a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting liquid in an intersecting direction intersecting a transport direction of the medium;
A detection unit for detecting a discharge state of the nozzle;
When a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the conveyance speed of the medium and the size of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit are adjusted based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium, and the discharge A control unit that complements defective nozzles with other nozzles;
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: A transport unit for transporting the medium;
An ejection unit having a nozzle row configured by arranging a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting liquid in an intersecting direction intersecting a transport direction of the medium;
A detection unit for detecting a discharge state of the nozzle;
When a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the medium transport speed, the discharge frequency of the discharge unit, and the size of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium And a controller that supplements the defective nozzle with other nozzles,
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: The liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When an ejection failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, it is possible to accept an instruction to continue liquid ejection to the medium or to stop liquid ejection to the medium. Liquid ejection device. The liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The ejection unit has a piezoelectric element that is deformed by applying a voltage to each of the nozzles,
The detection unit detects a voltage value associated with the deformation of the piezo element,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the ejection failure nozzle is detected based on the voltage value. A transport unit that transports the medium, a discharge unit that includes a nozzle row configured by arranging a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting liquid in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction of the medium, and a detection unit that detects a discharge state of the nozzle A liquid ejection method performed using a liquid ejection apparatus comprising:
When a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the conveyance speed of the medium and the discharge frequency of the discharge unit are adjusted based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium, and the discharge failure nozzle is set to another nozzle. A liquid discharge method characterized by complementing with the above. A transport unit that transports the medium, a discharge unit that includes a nozzle row configured by arranging a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting liquid in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction of the medium, and a detection unit that detects a discharge state of the nozzle A liquid ejection method performed using a liquid ejection apparatus comprising:
When a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the conveyance speed of the medium and the size of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit are adjusted based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium, and the discharge A liquid discharge method comprising: complementing a defective nozzle with another nozzle. A transport unit that transports the medium, a discharge unit that includes a nozzle row configured by arranging a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting liquid in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction of the medium, and a detection unit that detects a discharge state of the nozzle A liquid ejection method performed using a liquid ejection apparatus comprising:
When a discharge failure nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the medium transport speed, the discharge frequency of the discharge unit, and the size of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit based on the discharge condition of the liquid onto the medium The liquid ejection method is characterized in that the defective ejection nozzle is complemented by another nozzle.

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