JP2019171592A - Liquid ejection device - Google Patents

Abstract

To perform an operation of a liquid ejection device, taking the viscosity of liquid in a liquid passage into consideration.SOLUTION: A plurality of first portions 101a of each of five viscosity estimation patterns 101 is recorded by carrying out recording passages at a drive voltage of Vx. A plurality of second portions 101b of each of the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 are recorded by individually carrying out five recording passages for the five viscosity estimation patterns 101. In the five recording passages, a drive voltage applied to an actuator is decreased, in order from the previous recording passage, from Vx to [Vx-4×ΔV] by ΔV at a time. Then, a viscosity estimation pattern exceeding a threshold in terms of acquired brightness is specified from a result of reading the viscosity estimation patterns 101, thereby acquiring a limit voltage at which ink is no longer emitted from a nozzle. The viscosity of ink in a passage unit is estimated based the relation between the limit voltage and the viscosity of the ink in the passage unit, stored in advance, and based on a relation with the acquired limit voltage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid from a nozzle.

  As an example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, Patent Document 1 describes an ink jet recording apparatus. In the ink jet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, ink is supplied from an ink tank to a head, and the head discharges ink from a nozzle. In this type of ink jet recording apparatus, if the ink in the nozzles is thickened, it causes ejection failure, so that the head needs to be maintained. For example, in Patent Document 1, when the number of prints increases, a difference occurs in the usage frequency between nozzles of the head, and the viscosity of the ink in the nozzles of the head that are not frequently used increases. Yes. As a countermeasure, in Patent Document 1, the maintenance interval is shortened as the number of prints increases.

JP-A-2015-134468

  By the way, in the ink jet recording apparatus as described in Patent Document 1, the viscosity of the liquid in the ink tank increases with the passage of time, so that the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path of the liquid discharge head also increases. Increases over time. However, in Patent Document 1, although a difference in viscosity due to a difference in use frequency between nozzles is considered, a change in the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path is not considered, and the maintenance interval of the head is set. Is set. For this reason, there is a possibility that the liquid is unnecessarily discharged, or the head maintenance is not sufficiently performed, and the ejection failure is not solved. In addition, when the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path changes, the liquid discharge speed from the nozzle changes, and the liquid landing position shifts. Therefore, by changing the driving voltage of the liquid discharge head (discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path) and the liquid discharge timing from the nozzle according to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path, It is necessary to adjust the landing position, and at this time, it is necessary to consider the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection apparatus capable of performing an operation in consideration of the viscosity of a liquid in a liquid flow path.

  A liquid discharge apparatus according to the present invention includes a liquid flow path including a nozzle, and discharge energy applying means for applying discharge energy for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the liquid in the liquid flow path. And a control unit, wherein the control unit causes the liquid to be ejected from the nozzle onto the recording medium, thereby obtaining a plurality of ejection parameter values related to the ejection characteristics of the liquid from the nozzle. A pattern is recorded, and the control unit obtains usage information that is information about a usage status related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path, and at least one of the patterns is used as the pattern. The value of the ejection parameter acquired based on the threshold value is equal to or less than a threshold value, and the ejection parameter acquired based on at least another one of the patterns. Based on the use information, the ejection energy applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path from the ejection energy application unit during recording is changed between the plurality of patterns based on the usage information so that the value of A plurality of patterns are recorded, and based on each of the plurality of recorded patterns, the value of the ejection parameter is obtained, and each of the obtained plurality of ejection parameter values is compared with the threshold value, Information related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path is acquired based on a result of comparison between a plurality of ejection parameter values and the threshold value.

  In addition, the liquid ejection apparatus according to the present invention includes a liquid flow path including a nozzle, and a discharge energy applying unit that applies a discharge energy for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the liquid in the liquid flow path. A liquid discharge head; a discharge information acquisition unit that acquires discharge information related to discharge characteristics of the liquid discharged from the nozzle; and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives the liquid flow from the discharge energy application unit. The discharge energy applied to the liquid in the path is changed, and the liquid is discharged from the nozzle a plurality of times. Further, the control unit is information on the use situation related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid channel. Usage information is acquired, and among the plurality of times of liquid discharge from the nozzles, the discharge information for at least one liquid discharge satisfies a predetermined discharge condition, and The discharge applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path from the discharge energy applying means based on the use information so that the discharge information about another one time liquid discharge does not satisfy the discharge condition. The energy is changed, the liquid is ejected from the nozzle a plurality of times, each of the plurality of ejection information regarding the ejection of the liquid from the nozzle a plurality of times is determined whether or not the ejection condition is satisfied, Information related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path is acquired based on the result of determination whether each of the discharge information satisfies the discharge condition.

  In addition, the liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention includes a liquid flow path including a nozzle, and a discharge energy applying unit that applies a discharge energy for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the liquid in the liquid flow path. A head, a power supply circuit that applies a driving voltage to the ejection energy applying unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit ejects liquid from the nozzles onto a recording medium, thereby A plurality of patterns for acquiring values of ejection parameters related to ejection characteristics are recorded, and the control unit further uses usage information that is information about usage status related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path. And the value of the ejection parameter acquired based on at least one of the plurality of patterns is equal to or less than a threshold, and at least Based on the usage information, between the plurality of patterns, the liquid flow from the discharge energy applying unit during the recording is performed so that the value of the discharge parameter acquired based on another one of the patterns exceeds the threshold value. The ejection energy to be applied to the liquid in the path is changed, the plurality of patterns are recorded, the values of the ejection parameters are respectively acquired based on the recorded plurality of patterns, and the acquired plurality of patterns Based on the value of the ejection parameter, the drive voltage when the liquid is ejected from the nozzle to the recording medium is changed.

  In addition, the liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention includes a liquid flow path including a nozzle, and a discharge energy applying unit that applies a discharge energy for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the liquid in the liquid flow path. A head, a discharge unit that performs a discharge operation of discharging the liquid in the liquid channel from the nozzle, and a control unit, and the control unit discharges the liquid from the nozzle to the recording medium, A plurality of patterns for acquiring values of ejection parameters related to the ejection characteristics of the liquid from the nozzle are recorded, and the control unit further relates to a usage situation related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid channel. Usage information that is information is acquired, and the value of the ejection parameter acquired based on at least one of the plurality of patterns is equal to or less than a threshold, and The discharge energy applying means at the time of recording between the plurality of patterns based on the usage information so that the value of the discharge parameter acquired based on at least another one of the patterns exceeds the threshold value. The discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path is changed, the plurality of patterns are recorded, the value of the discharge parameter is acquired based on each of the recorded plurality of patterns, and the control The unit causes the discharge unit to perform the discharge operation based on the acquired values of the plurality of discharge parameters.

  In addition, the liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention includes a liquid flow path including a nozzle, and a discharge energy applying unit that applies a discharge energy for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the liquid in the liquid flow path. A plurality of heads and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire a discharge parameter value related to a discharge characteristic of the liquid from the nozzle by discharging the liquid from the nozzle onto a recording medium. In addition, the control unit obtains usage information that is information about the usage status related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path, and at least one of the patterns is the pattern. The value of the discharge parameter acquired based on the threshold value is equal to or less than a threshold value, and the discharge parameter acquired based on at least another one of the patterns. The discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path from the discharge energy applying means during recording is changed between the plurality of patterns based on the use information so that the value of the data exceeds the threshold value. The plurality of patterns are recorded, the ejection parameter values are acquired based on each of the recorded plurality of patterns, and the recording target is recorded from the nozzles based on the acquired plurality of ejection parameter values. The ejection timing of the liquid from the nozzle when the liquid is ejected to the medium is corrected.

  The discharge characteristic of the liquid from the nozzle varies depending on the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path. In the present invention, a plurality of patterns for acquiring ejection parameters related to ejection characteristics are recorded by changing ejection energy. At this time, the discharge energy is calculated based on the usage information so that the value of the discharge parameter acquired from at least one pattern is equal to or less than the threshold value, and the value of the discharge parameter acquired from at least one other pattern exceeds the threshold value. Change and record multiple patterns. Then, the value of the ejection parameter acquired from each of the plurality of patterns is compared with a threshold value. Thereby, the information related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid channel based on which pattern the ejection parameter value acquired from which pattern is less than or equal to the threshold value and which ejection parameter value acquired from which pattern exceeds the threshold value Can be obtained. If the acquired information is used, the liquid ejection apparatus can be operated in consideration of the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path.

  In the present invention, the discharge energy is acquired by changing the discharge energy to discharge the liquid from the nozzle a plurality of times. At this time, out of the discharge of the liquid from the plurality of nozzles, the discharge information about the discharge of at least one liquid satisfies the discharge condition, and the discharge information about the discharge of the liquid from one other nozzle is the discharge condition. The liquid is discharged from the nozzle a plurality of times by changing the discharge energy according to the usage information so as not to satisfy the above. And it is determined whether each of the discharge information about the discharge of the liquid from a plurality of nozzles satisfy | fills discharge conditions. Accordingly, based on which discharge information about the discharge satisfies the discharge condition and discharge information about which discharge does not satisfy the discharge condition among the liquid discharges from the nozzles a plurality of times, the liquid in the liquid flow path It becomes possible to acquire information related to the viscosity. If the acquired information is used, the liquid ejection apparatus can be operated in consideration of the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path.

  Further, in the present invention, a plurality of patterns for acquiring ejection parameters related to ejection characteristics are recorded by changing ejection energy. At this time, the discharge energy is calculated based on the usage information so that the value of the discharge parameter acquired from at least one pattern is equal to or less than the threshold value, and the value of the discharge parameter acquired from at least one other pattern exceeds the threshold value. Change and record multiple patterns. Then, based on each of the plurality of recorded patterns, the respective values of the ejection parameters are obtained, and the driving voltage for causing the liquid to be ejected from the nozzles to the recording medium based on the obtained values of the plurality of ejection parameters. To change. Thereby, the said drive voltage can be changed appropriately in consideration of the viscosity of the liquid in a liquid flow path.

  Further, in the present invention, a plurality of patterns for acquiring ejection parameters related to ejection characteristics are recorded by changing ejection energy. At this time, the discharge energy is calculated based on the usage information so that the value of the discharge parameter acquired from at least one pattern is equal to or less than the threshold value, and the value of the discharge parameter acquired from at least one other pattern exceeds the threshold value. Change and record multiple patterns. Then, based on each of the plurality of recorded patterns, the value of the discharge parameter is acquired, and based on the acquired value of the plurality of discharge parameters, the discharge unit performs a discharge operation. Thereby, the discharge operation can be appropriately performed in the discharge unit in consideration of the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path.

  Further, in the present invention, a plurality of patterns for acquiring ejection parameters related to ejection characteristics are recorded by changing ejection energy. At this time, the discharge energy is calculated based on the usage information so that the value of the discharge parameter acquired from at least one pattern is equal to or less than the threshold value, and the value of the discharge parameter acquired from at least one other pattern exceeds the threshold value. Change and record multiple patterns. Then, based on each of the recorded plurality of patterns, respectively, the value of the ejection parameter is obtained, and based on the obtained value of the plurality of ejection parameters, from the nozzle when the liquid is ejected from the nozzle to the recording medium The liquid discharge timing is corrected. Thereby, the discharge timing can be appropriately corrected in consideration of the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of a recording part. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printer of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing when an adjustment instruction signal is input in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the elapsed time from mounting time, the consumption of ink from mounting time, and the maximum value of the drive voltage at the time of the recording of the viscosity estimation pattern. (A) is a figure which shows the pattern for reference and the pattern for viscosity estimation recorded in 1st Embodiment, (b) is the limit drive voltage from which an ink is not discharged from a nozzle, and a flow path unit. It is a figure which shows the relationship with the viscosity of an ink. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when an adjustment instruction signal is input in the second embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the pattern for viscosity estimation recorded in 2nd Embodiment, (b) is the drive voltage of the limit which the discharge speed of the ink from a nozzle falls extremely, and the inside of a flow-path unit. It is a figure which shows the relationship with the viscosity of the ink. It is a figure which shows the pattern for viscosity estimation recorded in the modification 1. FIG. (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when an adjustment instruction signal is input in Modification 2, and (b) shows the flow of processing when an adjustment instruction signal is input in Modification 3. It is a flowchart. It is a figure for demonstrating the waveform signal of the modification 4. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when an adjustment instruction signal is input in Modification 4; FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer of Modification 5. (A) is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when an adjustment instruction signal is input in Modification Example 5, and (b) shows a processing flow when an adjustment instruction signal is input in Modification Example 6. It is a flowchart and (c) is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when the signal of an adjustment instruction | indication is input in the modification 7. FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer according to a modification 8. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when an adjustment instruction signal is input in Modification 8;

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a preferred first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<Overall configuration of printer>
The printer 1 according to the first embodiment (the “liquid ejecting apparatus” of the present invention) is capable of reading an image in addition to recording on the recording paper P (the “recording medium” of the present invention). It is a multifunction device. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a recording unit 2 (see FIG. 2), a feeding unit 3, a paper discharge unit 4, a reading unit 5, an operation unit 6, a display unit 7, and the like.

  The recording unit 2 is provided inside the printer 1 and performs printing on the recording paper P. The recording unit 2 will be described in detail later. The feeding unit 3 is a part for feeding the recording paper P to the recording unit 2. The paper discharge unit 4 is a part from which the recording paper P printed by the recording unit 2 is discharged. The reading unit 5 is a scanner or the like, and reads a document. The operation unit 6 includes buttons and the user performs necessary operations on the printer 1 by operating the buttons of the operation unit 6. The display unit 7 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays information necessary when the printer 1 is used.

<Recording section>
As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 2 includes a carriage 11, an inkjet head 12 (“liquid discharge head” of the present invention), a platen 13, transport rollers 14 and 15, a maintenance unit 16, and the like.

  The carriage 11 is supported by two guide rails 18 and 19 extending in the scanning direction. The carriage 11 is connected to a carriage motor 56 (see FIG. 3) via a belt (not shown). When the carriage motor 56 is driven, the carriage 11 moves in the scanning direction along the guide rails 18 and 19. To do. In the following description, the right and left sides in FIG. 2 are defined as the right and left sides in the scanning direction, respectively.

  The inkjet head 12 is mounted on the carriage 11. The ink-jet head 12 includes a flow path unit 21 and an actuator 22 (“ejection energy applying means” of the present invention). The flow path unit 21 is formed with an ink flow path including a plurality of nozzles 10 formed on the nozzle surface 21a which is the lower surface thereof. The plurality of nozzles 10 are arranged in a transport direction orthogonal to the scanning direction to form a nozzle row 9, and four nozzle rows 9 are arranged in the scanning direction on the nozzle surface 21a. From the plurality of nozzles 10, black, yellow, cyan and magenta pigment inks are ejected in order from the nozzle array 9 on the right side in the scanning direction. The actuator 22 is for applying ejection energy for ejecting ink from each nozzle 10 to the ink in the ink flow path of the flow path unit 21. For example, the flow path unit 21 has an ink flow path (a “liquid flow path” of the present invention) such as a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle 10, and the actuator 22 changes the volume of the pressure chamber to the ink. The pressure is applied, or bubbles are generated in the pressure chamber by heating to apply pressure to the ink. However, since the configuration of the actuator 22 is a known one, further detailed explanation is omitted here.

  A driver IC 48 (see FIG. 3) is connected to the actuator 22. A power supply circuit 49 (see FIG. 3) is connected to the driver IC 48. The power supply circuit 49 generates a drive voltage to be applied to the driver IC 48. The driver IC 48 generates a waveform signal, and drives the actuator 22 by transmitting a drive waveform obtained by amplifying the generated waveform signal with the drive voltage applied from the power supply circuit 49 to the actuator 22. That is, in the first embodiment, the power supply circuit 49 applies a drive voltage to the actuator 22 via the driver IC 48. Here, the description is given assuming that the driver IC 48 generates the waveform signal, but the waveform signal may be generated by the control device 50 described later.

  The inkjet head 12 is connected to the sub tank 23. The sub tank 23 temporarily stores the four color inks and supplies them to the inkjet head 12. The sub tank 23 is connected to four ink cartridges 32 (“liquid cartridge” of the present invention) arranged in the scanning direction at the right front end portion of the printer 1 via four tubes 31. The four ink cartridges 32 are detachably mounted on a cartridge mounting portion 33 fixed to the housing of the printer 1. The four ink cartridges 32 store black, yellow, cyan, and magenta pigment inks in order from the one located on the right side. The four color pigment inks stored in the four ink cartridges 32 are stored in the tube 31 and the sub tank. The ink is supplied to the ink jet head 12 through 23.

  The platen 13 is located below the inkjet head 12 and faces the nozzle surface 21a during recording. The platen 13 extends over the entire length of the recording paper P in the scanning direction, and supports the recording paper P from below. The transport rollers 14 and 15 are located on the upstream side and the downstream side of the platen 13 in the transport direction, respectively. The transport rollers 14 and 15 are connected to a transport motor 57 (see FIG. 2) via gears (not shown). When the transport motor 57 is driven, the transport rollers 14 and 15 rotate to feed the recording paper P in the transport direction. Transport.

<Maintenance unit>
The maintenance unit 16 includes a cap 41, a switching unit 42, a suction pump 43, and a waste liquid tank 44.

  The cap 41 is located on the right side of the platen 13 in the scanning direction. Correspondingly, in the recording unit 2, the carriage 11 can be moved to a maintenance position where the nozzle surface 21 a faces the cap 41. The cap 41 has a cap part 41a and a cap part 41b arranged on the left side of the cap part 41a. In a state where the carriage 11 is positioned at the maintenance position, the plurality of nozzles 10 forming the rightmost nozzle row 9 are opposed to the cap portion 41a, and the plurality of nozzles 10 forming the left three nozzle rows 9 are the cap portion 41b. Opposite.

  The cap 41 can be moved up and down by a cap lifting mechanism 58 (see FIG. 3). When the cap 41 is lifted in a state where the carriage 11 is located at the maintenance position, the cap 41 is moved to the inkjet head 12. The plurality of nozzles 10 are covered with the cap 41 in close contact with the nozzle surface 21a. More specifically, the plurality of nozzles 10 that form the rightmost nozzle row 9 are covered with a cap portion 41a, and the plurality of nozzles 10 that form the leftmost three rows of nozzle rows 9 are covered with a cap portion 41b (hereinafter, referred to as “the nozzle portion 9”). The state of the cap 41 at this time may be referred to as a “capping state”). When the cap 41 is lowered by the cap lifting mechanism 58, the cap 41 is separated from the inkjet head 12 (hereinafter, the state of the cap 41 at this time may be referred to as an “uncapping state”). . That is, the cap lifting mechanism 58 switches the cap 41 between the capping state and the uncapping state by moving the cap 41 up and down.

  Further, the cap 41 is not limited to being in close contact with the nozzle surface 21 a and covering the plurality of nozzles 10. For example, when the flow path unit 21 has a frame disposed so as to surround the nozzle surface 21a in order to protect the nozzle 10, the cap 41 is in close contact with the frame so as to cover the nozzle 10. It may be.

  The switching unit 42 is connected to the cap portions 41a and 41b via the tubes 29a and 29b. The switching unit 42 is connected to the suction pump 43 through the tube 29c. The switching unit 42 switches the connection between the cap portions 41 a and 41 b and the suction pump 43. The suction pump 43 is a tube pump or the like. The suction pump 43 is connected to the waste liquid tank 44 through the tube 29d.

  In the recording unit 2, the cap 41 is put into a capping state, and the suction pump 43 is driven after the cap unit 41 a and the suction pump 43 are connected to the switching unit 42 under the control of the control device 50 described later. Accordingly, it is possible to perform black suction purge for discharging the black ink in the flow path unit 21 from the plurality of nozzles 10 forming the rightmost nozzle row 9. Similarly, the cap 41 is capped, the cap unit 41b and the suction pump 43 are connected to the switching unit 42, and the suction pump 43 is driven to form a plurality of nozzle rows 9 on the left side. From the nozzle 10, it is possible to perform a color suction purge for discharging the color ink (yellow, cyan, magenta ink) in the flow path unit 21. The ink discharged by the suction purge is stored in the waste liquid tank 44.

<Electrical configuration of printer>
Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described. The operation of the printer 1 is controlled by the control device 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, a flash memory 54, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 55, and the like. Become. The control device 50 controls the carriage motor 56, driver IC 48, power supply circuit 49, transport motor 57, cap lifting mechanism 58, switching unit 42, suction pump 43, feeding unit 3, reading unit 5, display unit 7 and the like. . Further, when the operation unit 6 is operated by the user, a signal corresponding to the operation is input to the control device 50.

  The control device 50 may be one in which only the CPU 51 performs various processes, or only the ASIC 55 may perform various processes, or the CPU 51 and the ASIC 55 cooperate to perform various processes. It may be a thing. Further, the control device 50 may be one in which one CPU 51 performs processing alone, or may be one in which a plurality of CPUs 51 share processing. Further, the control device 50 may be one in which one ASIC 55 performs processing alone, or may be one in which a plurality of ASICs 55 share processing.

<Control during image recording>
The control device 50 drives the actuator 22 with the driver IC 48 while driving the carriage motor 56 in the scanning direction by driving the carriage motor 56 with Va as the drive voltage applied to the driver IC 48 (actuator 22) by the power supply circuit 49. A recording pass for ejecting ink from the plurality of nozzles 10 and a transporting operation for driving the transport motor 57 to transport the recording paper P by a predetermined distance to the transport rollers 14 and 15 are repeatedly performed. To record.

<Control of drive voltage change>
Further, the control device 50 changes the drive voltage Va when performing image recording by ejecting ink from the nozzles 10 toward the recording paper P by performing processing along the flow of FIG. 4. In the flow of FIG. 4, for example, when the image quality of a recorded image is deteriorated, an adjustment instruction signal instructing that the user operates the operation unit 6 to perform adjustment related to image recording. Started when entered. In addition, the control apparatus 50 can perform the process demonstrated below about each of four colors of ink.

  When the adjustment instruction signal is input, as shown in FIG. 4, the control device 50 first changes the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 as will be described later to change the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 (described later). The maximum drive voltage Vx (drive voltage change range) when recording (see FIG. 6A) is determined (S101).

  Here, in the flash memory 54, as shown in FIG. 5, the elapsed time T from the mounting time point when the ink cartridge 32 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 33, and the ink consumption from the mounting time point in the ink cartridge 32. A table in which the amount C is associated with the drive voltage Vx is stored. In S101, the drive voltage Vx (drive voltage change range) is determined based on the current elapsed time T and ink consumption C, and the table in FIG.

  For example, the control device 50 acquires information on the elapsed time T by measuring the time after the ink cartridge 32 is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 33. Further, the control device 50 acquires information on the ink consumption C based on, for example, the number of times ink has been ejected from the nozzles 10 and the number of times the suction purge has been performed since the mounting time. In the present embodiment, the information on the elapsed time T and the information on the ink consumption C correspond to “use information” in the present invention.

  In the table of FIG. 5, whether the elapsed time T is less than T1, T1 or more and less than T2, and T2 or more, and the ink consumption C is less than C1, C1 or more and less than C2, and The driving voltage Vx (Vx11 to Vx33) is associated with the range of C2 or higher.

  Further, the voltages Vx11 to Vx33 in FIG. 5 have a magnitude relationship of Vx11 <Vx12 <Vx13, Vx21 <Vx22 <Vx23, and Vx31 <Vx32 <Vx33. That is, the longer the elapsed time T, the higher the drive voltage Vx. Further, there is a magnitude relationship of Vx11> Vx21> Vx31, Vx12> Vx22> Vx32, Vx13> Vx23> Vx33. That is, the smaller the ink consumption C, the higher the drive voltage Vx.

  Subsequently, the control device 50 records five reference patterns 100 arranged in the scanning direction as shown in FIG. 6A (S102). In S102, the control device 50 sets the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 to Vx, and moves the carriage 11 in the scanning direction, and the five reference patterns 100 of the reference pattern 100 are ejected from the plurality of nozzles 10 while ejecting ink. Each of the plurality of portions 100a is recorded. The plurality of portions 100a are a plurality of portions of the reference pattern 100 that are arranged with a gap in the transport direction. Further, the control device 50 sets the driving voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 to Vx, and moves each of the plurality of reference patterns 100 by a recording pass for ejecting ink from the plurality of nozzles 10 while moving the carriage 11 in the scanning direction. Are recorded. The plurality of portions 100b are portions arranged in the reference pattern 100 so as to fill the gaps between the plurality of portions 100a.

  Subsequently, the control device 50 controls the conveyance motor 57 to cause the conveyance rollers 14 and 15 to convey the recording paper P by a predetermined distance longer than the length of the nozzle row 9 (S103). Subsequently, the five references Five viscosity estimation patterns 101 (“pattern” of the present invention) as shown in FIG. 6A are recorded on the recording paper P on which the pattern 100 for recording is recorded (S104). The five viscosity estimation patterns 101 have a one-to-one correspondence with the five reference patterns 100, and are scanned at the same interval as the five reference patterns 100 upstream of the five reference patterns 100 in the transport direction. It is lined up in the direction.

  In S103, the control device 50 sets the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 to Vx, and moves the carriage 11 in the scanning direction, while discharging ink from the nozzles 10 at the same ejection timing as when recording the portion 100a of the reference pattern 100. A plurality of first portions 101a of each of the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 are recorded by performing a recording pass to be ejected. In S103, the control device 50 further moves the carriage 11 in the scanning direction individually for each of the plurality of viscosity estimation patterns 101, and discharges the nozzles 10 at the same ejection timing as when recording the portion 100b of the reference pattern 100. The second portion 101b of each of the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 is recorded by performing a recording pass for ejecting ink from the ink. At this time, the control device 50 causes the second portion 101b of the left viscosity estimation pattern 101 to be sequentially performed from the recording pass. Further, the control device 50 decreases the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 by ΔV in order from the recording pass for recording the second portion 101b of the left viscosity estimation pattern 101 to Vx.

  As a result, when the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 are recorded, the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 decreases by ΔV from Vx to [Vx−4 × ΔV]. Therefore, determining the drive voltage Vx in S101 is substantially the same as determining the range for changing the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 to the five viscosity estimation patterns 101. In FIG. 6A, the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 when the second portion 101b is recorded on each viscosity estimation pattern 101 is shown. The number (five) of the reference patterns 100 and the viscosity estimation patterns 101 is an example, and may be different from this.

  Next, the control device 50 is in a state where it can accept a signal instructing the reading unit 5 to read the viscosity estimation pattern 101, and causes the display unit 7 to display a message prompting the reading instruction (S105). The reading instruction message to be displayed in S105 instructs the reading of the viscosity estimation pattern 101 by operating the operation unit 6 after setting the recording paper P on which the viscosity estimation pattern 101 is recorded on the reading unit 5. This message prompts the user to do this. Then, the control device 50 stands by until a reading instruction signal is input (S106: NO), and when the reading instruction signal is input (S106: YES), the viscosity estimation pattern 101 is input to the reading unit 5. Is read to obtain the luminance (“discharge parameter” of the present invention) for each viscosity estimation pattern 101 (S107). At this time, the lower the density of the viscosity estimation pattern 101, the higher the acquired luminance.

  Subsequently, the control device 50 acquires the limit voltage V1 by comparing the luminance of each viscosity estimation pattern 101 acquired in S107 with a threshold value (S108).

  More specifically, when the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 (discharge energy applied to the ink in the flow path unit 21) is higher than the limit voltage V1, the drive voltage and the amount of ink discharged from the nozzle 10 are determined. Is approximately proportional (a desired amount of ink is ejected). When the drive voltage is set higher than the limit voltage V1 and the second portion 101b is recorded, ink is ejected from the nozzle 10 and the second portion 101b is recorded. Therefore, the luminance acquired in S107 is equal to or less than the threshold value. Become.

  On the other hand, when the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is less than or equal to the limit voltage V1, this relationship is lost, and ink is hardly ejected from the nozzle 10 (a desired amount of ink is not ejected). When the second portion 101b is recorded with the drive voltage set to the threshold voltage V1 or less, almost no ink is ejected from the nozzle 10 and the second portion 101b is hardly recorded, so that the luminance acquired in S107 is higher than the threshold value. Become.

  Therefore, in S108, the luminance of each viscosity estimation pattern 101 acquired in S107 is compared with a threshold value, and the limit voltage V1 is acquired based on which of the viscosity estimation patterns 101 exceeds the threshold value. At this time, when only the luminance for one viscosity estimation pattern 101 exceeds the threshold, the drive voltage at the time of recording of the second portion 101b of the viscosity estimation pattern 101 is acquired as the limit voltage V1. On the other hand, when the luminance of the two or more viscosity estimation patterns 101 exceeds the threshold, the highest drive voltage among the drive voltages during recording of the second portion 101b of these viscosity estimation patterns 101 is set to the limit voltage V1. Get as.

  Subsequently, the control device 50 estimates the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 (S109). Here, as shown in FIG. 6B, the limit voltage V1 becomes higher as the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is higher. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the relationship between the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 and the limit voltage V1 as shown in FIG. 6B is obtained in advance by experiments or the like, and data on this relationship is obtained. , And stored in the flash memory 54 (the “storage unit” of the present invention).

  In S109, the control device 50 estimates the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 based on the limit voltage V1 specified in S108 and the relationship shown in FIG. Subsequently, the control device 50 changes the drive voltage Va when ejecting ink from the nozzles 10 onto the recording paper P based on the estimated viscosity (S110). At this time, the controller 50 changes the drive voltage Va to a higher voltage as the viscosity estimated in S109 is higher.

<Effect>
Depending on the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21, the limit voltage V1 at which ink is not discharged from the nozzle 10 changes. In the first embodiment, as described above, the limit voltage acquired based on the data indicating the relationship between the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 and the limit voltage V1, and the viscosity estimation pattern whose luminance exceeds the threshold value. Based on V1, the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 can be estimated.

  Further, in order to estimate the ink viscosity in the flow path unit 21 as described above, the drive voltage at the time of recording of the second portion 101b at least the leftmost of the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 is the highest. In the viscosity estimation pattern 101, it is necessary to eject ink from the nozzle 10 during recording of the second portion 101b. In addition, among the five viscosity estimation patterns 101, at least the rightmost viscosity estimation pattern 101 having the lowest driving voltage during recording of the second portion 101b ejects ink from the recording nozzle 10 of the second portion 101b. Need not be. On the other hand, whether or not ink is ejected from the nozzle 10 when the second portion 101 b is recorded by applying a certain driving voltage by the power supply circuit 49 is determined by the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21. On the other hand, as the elapsed time T is longer, the sedimentation of the pigment particles in the ink progresses, and the water in the ink evaporates to increase the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21. Further, as the ink consumption C is smaller, the sedimentation of the pigment particles in the ink proceeds and the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 increases.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the maximum range that defines the range in which the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is changed when recording the plurality of viscosity estimation patterns 101 is recorded based on the elapsed time T and the consumption C. The drive voltage Vx (drive voltage change range) is determined.

  In the first embodiment, the second portion 101b is not recorded in any of the viscosity estimation patterns 101. However, the viscosity estimation pattern 101 has a plurality of first portions 101a arranged with gaps in the transport direction and a plurality of second portions 101b arranged to fill these gaps. Even if the second portion 101b is not recorded in the estimation pattern 101, the first portion 101a is recorded, so that the user can easily understand that the viscosity estimation pattern 101 itself is recorded.

  In the first embodiment, five viscosity estimation patterns 101 and the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 are set to Vx on the same recording paper P by the same recording pass as that when the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 are recorded. Five reference patterns 100 are recorded. This also makes it easy for the user to grasp that the viscosity estimation pattern 101 itself is recorded when the second portion 101b is not recorded.

  Further, after the ink is no longer ejected from the nozzle 10, the next ink cannot be ejected even if the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is increased unless the suction purge is performed. Therefore, for example, contrary to the first embodiment, the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is increased from [Vx−4 × ΔV] to Vx by ΔV, and the second portions 101b of the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 are formed. If recording is performed in order from the lowest drive voltage during recording, it is necessary to perform a suction purge for each recording of the second portion 101b, assuming that no ink is discharged from the nozzle 10 during recording of the second portion 101b. is there.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is decreased by ΔV from Vx to [Vx−4 × ΔV], and the second portions 101b of the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 are driven during recording. Record in descending order of voltage. This eliminates the need for suction purge during the recording of the viscosity estimation pattern.

  Further, since the ejection characteristics such as the ejection amount and ejection speed of the ink from the nozzle 10 change when the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 changes, in the first embodiment, the recording paper P is applied based on the estimated viscosity. The drive voltage Va when performing recording by discharging ink is changed. Accordingly, in consideration of the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21, the driving voltage Va when ejecting ink onto the recording paper P is appropriate for ejecting ink from the nozzle 10 with desired ejection characteristics. can do.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a preferred second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, when an adjustment instruction signal is input, the control device 50 performs processing along the flow of FIG. More specifically, the control device 50 first determines the maximum drive voltage Vx (drive voltage change range) when recording six viscosity estimation patterns 201 described later (S201). Even in S201, the longer the elapsed time T, the higher the driving voltage Vx is determined, and the higher the ink consumption C, the higher the driving voltage Vx is determined.

  Subsequently, the control device 50 records six viscosity estimation patterns 201 arranged in the scanning direction as shown in FIG. 8A (S202). In S202, the control device 50 sets the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 to Vx, and moves the carriage 11 to the left side in the scanning direction (“one side” in the present invention) while ejecting ink from the nozzles 10. Thus, the first portion 201a of each of the six viscosity estimation patterns 201 is recorded. The first portion 201a is a straight line parallel to the transport direction.

  In S202, the control device 50 further discharges ink from the nozzles 10 while individually moving the carriage 11 to the right side in the scanning direction (the “other side” in the present invention) for each of the plurality of viscosity estimation patterns 201. The second portion 201b of each of the six viscosity estimation patterns 201 is recorded by the recording pass to be performed (the “second recording pass” of the present invention). At this time, the control device 50 causes the second portion 201b of the left viscosity estimation pattern 201 to be sequentially performed from the recording pass. Further, the control device 50 decreases the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 by ΔV from Vx in order from the recording pass for recording the second portion 201b of the left viscosity estimation pattern 201.

  In the second embodiment, of the recording passes for recording the first portions 201a of the six viscosity estimation patterns 201, the portions for recording the first portions 201a of the respective viscosity estimation patterns 201 are respectively in the present invention. This corresponds to a “first recording pass”. In the second embodiment, one viscosity estimation pattern 201 is recorded by the set of the first recording pass and the second recording pass, and six sets of the above-described six sets of viscosity estimation patterns 201 are recorded. The set is done. Further, the number (six) of the viscosity estimation patterns 201 is an example, and may be different from this.

  Next, the control device 50 is in a state where it can accept a signal instructing reading of the viscosity estimation pattern 101 by the reading unit 5 and displays a message prompting the reading instruction on the display unit 7 (S203). The reading instruction message displayed in S203 is the same as the message displayed in S105 of the first embodiment. Then, the control device 50 stands by until a reading instruction signal is input (S204: NO). When the reading instruction signal is input (S204: YES), the viscosity estimation pattern 201 is input to the reading unit 5. Is read, and information on the position in the transport direction of the intersection 201c between the first portion 201a and the second portion 201b in each viscosity estimation pattern 201 is acquired (S205). When the shift amount between the first portion 201a and the second portion 201b in the scanning direction changes, the position of the intersection 201c in the transport direction changes. That is, the position of the intersection 201c in the transport direction acquired in S207 corresponds to the amount of deviation between the first portion 201a and the second portion 201b in the scanning direction.

  Subsequently, the control device 50 is based on the position in the conveyance direction of the intersection 201c between the first portion 201a and the second portion 201b in the left three viscosity estimation patterns 101 among the six viscosity estimation patterns 201. Then, for each of the six viscosity estimation patterns 201, a reference position in the transport direction of the intersection 201c is calculated (S206). The reference position is the position of the intersection 201c in the transport direction when the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 and the ink ejection side from the nozzle 10 are proportional.

  Here, when the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 (discharge energy applied to the ink in the flow path unit 21) is higher than the limit voltage V2, the drive voltage and the discharge speed of the ink from the nozzle 10 are determined. Is substantially proportional (ink is ejected at a desired ejection speed). On the other hand, when the drive voltage becomes equal to or lower than the limit voltage V2, the relationship is not satisfied and the ink ejection speed from the nozzle 10 becomes extremely slow. The limit voltage V2 becomes higher as the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is higher. The limit voltage V2 is a drive voltage at which the ink discharge speed from the nozzle 10 is extremely reduced, but the ink itself is discharged, and the limit of the first embodiment in which almost no ink is discharged from the nozzle 10. The voltage is higher than the voltage V1.

  In S208, among the six viscosity estimation patterns 201, the first portion 201a and the second portion 201b in the left three viscosity estimation patterns 201 in which the drive voltage is estimated to be in a range that is substantially proportional to the discharge speed. The reference position for each viscosity estimation pattern 201 is calculated from the position of the intersection 201c in the transport direction and the drive voltage when recording the second portion 201b of these three viscosity estimation patterns 201. For example, the equation of the straight line U in FIG. 8A is calculated from the position of the intersection 201c in the three left-side viscosity estimation patterns 101, and the intersection of the first portion 201a of each viscosity estimation pattern 101 and the straight line U is conveyed. The direction position is calculated as the reference position.

  Subsequently, for each viscosity estimation pattern 201, the control device 50 determines the distance between the position of the intersection 201c acquired in S205 and the reference position of the intersection calculated in S206 in the transport direction (“ejection parameter” of the present invention). And the threshold voltage V2 is obtained based on the viscosity estimation pattern 201 in which the distance exceeds the threshold (S207). At this time, when the distance exceeds the threshold only in one viscosity estimation pattern 201, the drive voltage at the time of recording of the second portion 201b of the viscosity estimation pattern 201 is acquired as the limit voltage V2. On the other hand, when the distance exceeds the threshold in two or more viscosity estimation patterns 201, the highest drive voltage among the drive voltages during recording of the second portion 201b of these viscosity estimation patterns 201 is set as the limit voltage V2. get.

  Subsequently, the control device 50 estimates the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 (S208). Here, in the second embodiment, the relationship between the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 and the limit voltage V2 as shown in FIG. 8B is obtained in advance through experiments or the like, and data about this relationship is obtained. Is stored in the flash memory 54.

  In S208, the control device 50 estimates the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 based on the limit voltage V2 acquired in S207 and the relationship shown in FIG. Subsequently, the control device 50 changes the drive voltage Va when the ink is ejected from the nozzle 10 onto the recording paper P based on the estimated viscosity (S209). At this time, the controller 50 changes the drive voltage Va to a higher voltage as the viscosity estimated in S208 is higher.

<Effect>
When the driving voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is changed, the ink ejection speed from the nozzles 10 is changed, and the ink landing position on the recording paper P is changed. Therefore, between the six viscosity estimation patterns 201, the driving voltage at the time of recording of the first portion 201a is the same Vx, and the driving voltage at the time of recording of the second portion 201b is changed between the six viscosity estimation patterns, The amount of shift in the scanning direction between the first portion 201a and the second portion 201b changes.

  In addition, as described above, if the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is higher than a certain limit voltage V2, the drive voltage and the discharge speed are almost proportional, but if the drive voltage becomes equal to or less than the limit voltage V2, the nozzle 10 The ink discharge speed becomes extremely slow. The limit voltage V2 becomes higher as the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is higher.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, the position in the transport direction of the intersection of the first portion 201a and the second portion 201b in some of the viscosity estimation patterns 201 among the recorded viscosity estimation patterns 201, and some of these positions. From the driving voltage when recording the second portion 201b of the viscosity estimation pattern 201, the reference position of the intersection of the first portion 201a and the second portion 201b for all the viscosity estimation patterns 201 is calculated. Then, the limit voltage V2 is acquired based on the viscosity estimation pattern 201 in which the distance between the position of the intersection 201c between the first portion 201a and the second portion 201b in the transport direction and the calculated reference position exceeds the threshold value. Then, the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is estimated based on the data on the relationship between the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 and the limit voltage V2 stored in advance and the acquired limit voltage V2. .

  Further, in order to estimate the ink viscosity in the flow path unit 21 as described above, the driving voltage at the time of recording of the second portion 201b of at least the left three of the six viscosity estimation patterns 201 is the highest. In the viscosity estimation pattern 201, the ejection speed during recording of the second portion 201b needs to be proportional to the drive voltage. In addition, among the six viscosity estimation patterns 201, at least the rightmost viscosity estimation pattern 201 having the lowest driving voltage during recording of the second portion 201b, the ink from the recording nozzle 10 of the second portion 201b. The discharge speed needs to be extremely slower than the discharge speed proportional to the drive voltage. On the other hand, whether or not the discharge speed of the ink from the nozzle 10 is proportional to the drive voltage when the second part 201b is recorded by applying a certain drive voltage by the power supply circuit 49 is determined by the flow path unit. 21 is determined by the viscosity of the ink in 21. On the other hand, as described above, the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 varies depending on the elapsed time T and the ink consumption C.

  Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the maximum range that defines the range in which the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is changed when recording a plurality of viscosity estimation patterns 101 is recorded based on the elapsed time T and the consumption C. The drive voltage Vx (drive voltage change range) is determined.

  Also in the second embodiment, the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is decreased by ΔV from Vx to [Vx−5 × ΔV], and the second portions 201b of the six viscosity estimation patterns 201 are driven during recording. Record in descending order of voltage. This eliminates the need for suction purge during the recording of the viscosity estimation pattern.

  Also in the second embodiment, the drive voltage Va when ink is ejected onto the recording paper P and recording is performed is changed based on the estimated viscosity. Accordingly, in consideration of the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21, the drive voltage Va when ejecting ink onto the recording paper P is appropriate for ejecting liquid from the nozzle 10 with desired ejection characteristics. can do.

  The preferred first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various modifications are possible as long as they are described in the claims. It is.

  In the first embodiment, in the viscosity estimation pattern 101, the plurality of first portions 101a are arranged with a gap only in the transport direction, and the second portion 101b is arranged to fill the gap. However, it is not limited to this. In Modification 1, as shown in FIG. 9, in the viscosity estimation pattern 301, a plurality of first portions 301a are arranged with a gap in the scanning direction and the conveyance direction, and the plurality of second portions 301b It is arranged to fill the gap. Correspondingly, the reference pattern 300 has a plurality of portions 300a arranged with gaps in the scanning direction and the conveyance direction, and portions 300b arranged so as to fill these gaps. ing. In this case, even when the second portion 301b is not recorded, the plurality of first portions 301a are arranged in both the scanning direction and the transport direction, so that the user does not record the viscosity estimation pattern 301 itself. Easy to grasp.

  Furthermore, the viscosity estimation pattern is not limited to having a plurality of first portions arranged with a gap and a second portion arranged so as to fill the gap. For example, the viscosity estimation pattern may have only one first portion 101a and one second portion 101b in the viscosity estimation pattern 101 of the first embodiment. In this case, the viscosity estimation pattern may not be recorded on the recording paper P when the viscosity estimation pattern is recorded with the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 being not more than the limit voltage V1. However, even in this case, if the reading unit 5 reads the portion where the viscosity estimation pattern of the recording paper P is to be recorded, the acquired luminance exceeds the threshold value.

  Furthermore, the viscosity estimation pattern is not limited to having a first portion and a second portion. For example, a pattern obtained by removing the first portion 101a from the viscosity estimation pattern 101 of the first embodiment may be recorded as the viscosity estimation pattern.

  In the first embodiment, the reference pattern 100 is recorded on the same recording paper P on which the viscosity estimation pattern 101 is recorded. However, the reference pattern 100 is different from the viscosity estimation pattern 101. May be recorded. Furthermore, the reference pattern 100 may not be recorded.

  In the first and second embodiments, the second portions of the plurality of viscosity estimation patterns are recorded in order from the highest drive voltage during recording. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the first embodiment, the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is increased by ΔV from [Vx−4 × ΔV], and the second portion 101b of the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 is set to the drive voltage at the time of recording. You may record sequentially from the lowest. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 is increased by ΔV from [Vx−5 × ΔV], and the second portions 201b of the six viscosity estimation patterns 201 are changed to drive voltages at the time of recording. You may record in order from the lowest.

  In the first embodiment, the first portion 101a and the second portion 101b of the viscosity estimation pattern 101 are recorded in different recording passes, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the driving voltage applied to the actuator 22 from the power supply circuit 49 can be individually changed for each nozzle 10, the nozzle 10 used for recording the first portion 101a and the nozzle used for recording the second portion 101b. 10, the driving voltage applied to the actuator 22 from the power supply circuit 49 may be set individually, and the first portion 101 a and the second portion 101 b of the viscosity estimation pattern 101 may be recorded in one recording pass.

  In the first embodiment, the second portions 101b of the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 are recorded by five recording passes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if it is possible to change the drive voltage during the recording pass, the drive voltage is decreased by ΔV from Vx to [Vx− × 4ΔV] in one recording pass, and five viscosity estimation patterns 101 are obtained. The second portion 101b may be recorded. Similarly, in the second embodiment, in one recording pass, the drive voltage is decreased by ΔV from Vx to [Vx−5 × ΔV], and the second portions 101b of the six viscosity estimation patterns 201 are recorded. Also good.

  In the first and second embodiments, when an image is recorded on the recording paper P by ejecting ink from the nozzle 10 toward the recording paper P based on the estimated viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21. Although the drive voltage Va applied by the power supply circuit 49 is changed, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In Modification 2, as shown in FIG. 10A, the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is estimated in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments (S301). In FIG. 10A, for the sake of convenience, the steps prior to S301 are not shown. And when the estimated viscosity is below a threshold value (S302: NO), a process is complete | finished as it is. When the estimated viscosity exceeds the threshold value (S302: YES), the control device 50 controls the switching unit 42, the suction pump 43, and the like to perform suction purge (“discharge operation” of the present invention). (S303). In the second modification, the maintenance unit 16 for performing the suction purge corresponds to the “discharge section” of the present invention.

  When the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is increased, the ink ejection speed from the nozzle 10 when the actuator 22 is driven is decreased, and the ink landing position in the scanning direction is shifted. Therefore, in the first modification, when the estimated viscosity exceeds the threshold value, the ink ejection speed from the nozzle 10 is recovered by performing the suction purge. As described above, in the second modification, the suction purge can be appropriately performed in consideration of the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21.

  In the second modification, the ink in the flow path unit 21 is discharged by suction purge. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pump (“discharge section” of the present invention) is provided in the flow path upstream of the flow path unit 21, and the positive pressure purge that discharges ink in the flow path unit 21 from the nozzle 10 with this pump. ("Discharge operation" of the present invention) may be performed.

  Alternatively, the ink in the ink cartridge may be discharged by both suction purge and positive pressure purge. In this case, the combination of the maintenance unit 16 for the suction purge and the pump for the positive pressure purge corresponds to the “discharge section” of the present invention, and the suction purge, the positive pressure purge, The combination of these corresponds to the “discharge operation” of the present invention.

  Alternatively, as the discharge operation, the actuator 22 may be driven to perform flushing for discharging the thickened ink from the nozzle 10. In this case, the actuator 22 serves as both the “energy applying unit” and the “discharge unit” of the present invention.

  In the third modification, as shown in FIG. 10B, the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is estimated in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments (S401). In FIG. 10B, for the sake of convenience, the illustration of the steps before S401 is omitted. Then, based on the estimated viscosity, the ejection timing in the recording pass when the image is recorded on the recording paper P is corrected (S402). The higher the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21, the slower the ink ejection speed from the nozzle 10. Therefore, in S402, the higher the estimated viscosity, the earlier the ejection timing in the recording pass. Thereby, in the modification 3, the ink discharge timing from the nozzle 10 can be corrected appropriately in consideration of the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21.

  In the first and second embodiments, the ejection energy applied to the ink in the flow path unit 21 is changed by changing the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In Modification 4, in the first embodiment, the driver IC 48 selectively generates one of the plurality of types of waveform signals W. For example, the plurality of types of waveform signals W are all waveform signals having one rectangular pulse Q having a pulse width L within the ejection period S of ink from the nozzle 10 as shown in FIG. The pulse width L differs among the plurality of types of waveform signals W, and the more the waveform signal W having a longer pulse width L is generated, the greater the ejection energy imparted to the ink in the flow path unit 21.

  And in the modification 4, when the adjustment instruction signal is inputted, as shown in FIG. 12, the controller 50 first uses 5 for recording the viscosity estimation pattern 101 among the plurality of types of waveforms. The type of waveform signal W is determined (S401). At this time, as the above-described elapsed time T is longer, among the five types of waveform signals W, the five types of waveform signals W are set so that the ejection energy corresponding to the waveform signal W having the maximum and minimum ejection energy increases. To decide. Further, as the ink consumption C is smaller, the five types of waveform signals W are set so that the ejection energy corresponding to the waveform signal W having the maximum and minimum ejection energy among the five types of waveform signals W increases. decide.

  Subsequently, the control device 50 causes the five reference patterns 100 and the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 to be recorded in the same manner as S102 to S104 of the first embodiment (S402 to S404).

  However, in the fourth modification, the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 at the time of recording the five reference patterns 100 and the five viscosity estimation patterns 101 is, for example, the current drive voltage Va. When recording the first reference portion 101a of the five reference patterns 100 and the five viscosity estimation patterns 101, the pulse width L is the longest among the five types of waveform signals W determined in S401. A waveform signal W (with the largest discharge energy) is generated. When recording the second portion 101b of the five viscosity estimation patterns 101, the driver IC 48 causes the five types of waveform signals W determined in S401 to be recorded as the second portion 101b of the left viscosity estimation pattern 101 is recorded. Among them, the waveform signal W having a long pulse width L (large ejection energy) is generated.

  Then, the control apparatus 50 acquires the brightness | luminance of each viscosity estimation pattern 101 by performing the process of S405-S407 similar to S105-S107 of 1st Embodiment. And the waveform signal W at the time of recording of the 2nd part 101b of the viscosity estimation pattern 101 in which the luminance exceeded the threshold value is acquired as a limit waveform (S408).

  Then, the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is estimated based on the limit waveform acquired in S408 (S409), and the drive voltage Va is changed based on the estimated viscosity (S410). In the case of the modified example 4, data relating the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 and the limit waveform is stored in advance in the flash memory through an experiment or the like. In S409, the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is estimated based on this data and the limit waveform acquired in S408.

  Also in this case, the ejection energy imparted to the ink in the flow path unit 21 can be changed by changing the waveform signal between the viscosity estimation patterns 101 when the second portion 101b is recorded. In the third modification, the driver IC 48 corresponds to the “waveform generation circuit” of the present invention. Further, as described above, when the control device 50 generates a waveform signal, the control device 50 becomes the “waveform generation circuit” of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the waveform signal when recording the second portion 201b may be changed between the six viscosity estimation patterns 201.

  Further, in Modification 4, the plurality of types of waveform signals are all waveform signals including one rectangular pulse Q, and the ejection energy is changed by changing the pulse width L of the rectangular pulses between the waveform signals. It is not limited to. For example, the ejection energy may be changed by changing the number of rectangular pulses included in the waveform signal among a plurality of waveform signals. Further, the ejection energy may be changed by changing both the pulse width and the number of rectangular pulses included in the waveform signal among a plurality of types of waveform signals. Furthermore, the waveform signal is not limited to including the rectangular pulse as described above. For example, the waveform signal may be as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-170768.

  In the second embodiment, in the recording pass for recording the first portion 201a, the carriage 11 is moved to the right in the scanning direction ("one side" in the present invention), and the recording pass for recording the second portion 201b is used. The carriage 11 may be moved to the left side in the scanning direction (the “other side” in the present invention).

  In the second embodiment, the first portion 201a for each viscosity estimation pattern 201 is based on the position of the intersecting point 201c in the conveyance direction of some of the viscosity estimation patterns 201 among the recorded viscosity estimation patterns 201. Although the reference position of the intersection with the second portion 201b is calculated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information on the reference position for each viscosity estimation pattern 201 may be obtained in advance by experiments or the like and stored in the flash memory 54.

  In the first and second embodiments, based on the elapsed time T and the ink consumption C, the maximum value Vx of the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 when recording the viscosity estimation pattern (drive voltage However, the present invention is not limited to this. The drive voltage maximum value Vx (drive voltage change range) may be determined based on only one of the elapsed time T and the ink consumption C. Alternatively, based on the information about the usage status of the printer related to the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21, which is different from both the elapsed time T and the ink consumption C, the maximum value Vx of the drive voltage (change of the drive voltage) Range) may be determined.

  In the first and second embodiments, the printer 1 includes the cartridge mounting portion 33 in which the ink cartridge 32 is detachably mounted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the modified example 5, as shown in FIG. 13, the printer 500 includes four ink tanks 501 fixed to the housing instead of the four ink cartridges 32 and the cartridge mounting portion 33. The four ink tanks 501 store black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks in order from the one arranged on the left side. The ink tank 501 includes a supply port 502 so that ink can be supplied from the supply port 502.

  In this case, for example, in S101 and S201 of the first and second embodiments, the elapsed time from the supply time point at which ink was supplied to the ink tank 501 and the ink consumption in the ink tank from the supply time point. Based on at least one of them, the maximum value Vx of the drive voltage (change range of the drive voltage) is determined. The viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 varies depending on the elapsed time from the supply time and the ink consumption in the ink tank 501 from the supply time. Therefore, in the modified example 5, as described above, based on at least one of the elapsed time from the supply time point and the ink consumption in the ink tank from the supply time point, the maximum value Vx ( Determine the drive voltage change range). In the fifth modification, information on the elapsed time from the mounting time and information on the amount of ink consumed in the ink tank 501 from the mounting time correspond to “use information” of the present invention.

  Alternatively, in the fifth modified example, the maximum value Vx of the drive voltage Vx (based on the information about the use status of the printer related to the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 that is different from both the elapsed time and the ink consumption. The change range of the drive voltage may be determined.

  In the above example, the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is estimated. Based on the estimated viscosity, the drive voltage Va is changed, whether or not the suction purge is performed, Although the ink ejection timing is adjusted, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the modified example 6, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, the control device 50 acquires the limit voltage (V1 or V2) as described above (S501). Then, based on the acquired limit voltage, the drive voltage Va when the image is recorded by ejecting ink from the nozzle 10 toward the recording paper P is changed (S502).

  As described above, the limit voltages V1 and V2 and the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 have a relationship as shown in FIGS. 6B and 8B, respectively. Further, the optimum driving voltage Va is determined by the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21.

  In the modified example 6, when the limit voltage V1 is acquired in S501, for example, based on the relationship in FIG. 6B and the relationship between the viscosity in the flow path unit 21 and the optimum driving voltage Va, Data indicating the relationship between the limit voltage V1 and the drive voltage Va is stored in the memory 54. In S502, the drive voltage Va is changed based on this data and the limit voltage V1 acquired in S501.

  Further, when the limit voltage V2 is acquired in S501, for example, based on the relationship in FIG. 8B and the relationship between the viscosity in the flow path unit 21 and the optimum driving voltage Va, Then, data indicating the relationship between the limit voltage V2 and the drive voltage Va is stored. In step S502, the drive voltage Va is changed based on this data and the acquired limit voltage V2.

  In the modified example 7, as shown in FIG. 14B, the control device 50 acquires the limit voltage (V1 or V2) based on the viscosity estimation pattern or the discharge information as described above (S601). . If the limit voltage acquired in S601 is equal to or lower than the threshold value (S602: NO), the process is terminated, and if the limit voltage acquired in S601 exceeds the threshold value (S602: YES), the control device In step S603, the suction purge is performed.

  Here, as described above, the limit voltages V1 and V2 and the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 have a relationship as shown in FIGS. 6B and 8B, respectively. Further, when the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 exceeds a certain threshold value (threshold value for viscosity), the limit voltages V1 and V2 exceed another threshold value (threshold value for voltage).

  Therefore, in Modification 7, when the limit voltage V1 is acquired in S601, for example, a threshold value for the limit voltage V1 is set based on the relationship shown in FIG. 6B and the threshold value for the viscosity. And stored in the flash memory 54. Then, based on this threshold and the limit voltage V1 acquired in S601, the determination in S602 is performed.

  When the limit voltage V2 is acquired in S601, for example, a threshold value for the limit voltage V2 is set on the basis of the relationship shown in FIG. Remember. In S602, the determination in S602 is performed based on whether or not the acquired limit voltage V2 exceeds the stored threshold.

  In the modified example 8, as shown in FIG. 14C, the control device 50 acquires the limit voltage (V1 or V2) based on the viscosity estimation pattern or the discharge information as described above (S701). . Then, based on the limit voltage acquired in S701, the ink ejection timing when the ink is ejected from the nozzle 10 onto the recording paper P to record an image is corrected (S702).

  Here, as described above, the limit voltages V1 and V2 and the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 have a relationship as shown in FIGS. 6B and 8B, respectively. Further, the optimum correction amount of the ejection timing in the recording pass is determined by the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21.

  Therefore, in the modified example 8, when the limit voltage V1 is acquired in S701, for example, the relationship of FIG. 6B and the relationship between the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 and the correction amount of the optimal ejection timing. Based on the above, data indicating the relationship between the limit voltage V1 and the ejection timing correction amount is stored in the flash memory 54. In step S702, the ejection timing is corrected based on this data and the limit voltage V1 acquired in step S701.

  Further, when the limit voltage V2 is acquired in S701, for example, based on the relationship of FIG. 8B and the relationship between the viscosity in the flow path unit 21 and the optimum correction amount of the discharge timing, for example. In 54, data indicating the relationship between the limit voltage V2 and the discharge timing correction amount is stored. In step S702, the ejection timing is corrected based on the data and the acquired limit voltage V2.

  In the above example, the limit voltage is acquired by acquiring the discharge parameter from the recorded viscosity estimation pattern. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in Modification 9, as shown in FIG. 15, the printer 600 includes an ejection information acquisition unit 601 in addition to the same configuration as the printer 1 (see FIG. 3). The ejection information acquisition unit 601 acquires information related to the ejection of ink ejected from the nozzle 10.

  The ejection information acquisition unit 601 is, for example, a camera that photographs the ink ejected from the nozzle 10 and flying. In this case, the fact that the ink ejected from the nozzle 10 is captured by the camera corresponds to “ejection information” of the present invention. Alternatively, the ejection information acquisition unit 601 may be an ink receiver that can detect that ink has landed, for example. In this case, information that the ink has landed on the ink receiver corresponds to “ejection information” of the present invention. Alternatively, the ejection information acquisition unit 601 may be a sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor that detects ink ejected from the nozzle 10 and flying. In this case, information that the sensor detects ink corresponds to “ejection information” of the present invention.

  In Modification 9, when the adjustment instruction signal is input, the control device 50 performs processing along the flow of FIG. In the flow of FIG. 15, the control device 50 determines the maximum value Vx of the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 (change range of the drive voltage), similarly to S101 (S801). Then, the control device 50 reduces the drive voltage applied by the power supply circuit 49 by ΔV from Vx to [Vx−4 × ΔV], and causes the actuator 22 to eject ink from the nozzle 10 each time, thereby ejecting information. The acquisition unit 601 is made to acquire discharge information (S802). Subsequently, the control device 50 acquires a limit voltage based on the ejection information acquired in S502 (S803).

  In S803, for example, based on the ejection information acquired in S802, it is determined whether or not ink has been ejected from the nozzle 10 (“whether or not ejection conditions are met” in the present invention). Then, the maximum drive voltage among the drive voltages when ink is not ejected from the nozzle 10 is acquired as the limit voltage V1.

  Alternatively, in S803, the ink discharge speed from the nozzle 10 is acquired based on the discharge information acquired in S802, and whether or not the drive voltage and the discharge speed are in a proportional relationship based on the acquired information on the discharge speed. (“Whether or not the discharge condition is satisfied” in the present invention). Then, a drive voltage at which the drive voltage and the discharge speed begin to deviate significantly from the proportional relationship is acquired as the limit voltage V2.

  In the modified example 8, as in the first and second embodiments, after S803, the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 is estimated based on the limit voltage and data stored in advance, and the estimated viscosity is determined. Based on the above, the drive voltage Va is changed, it is determined whether or not the suction purge is performed, or the ejection timing of the ink from the nozzle 10 is corrected. Alternatively, after S803, whether or not to perform the suction purge that changes the drive voltage Va based on the limit voltage without estimating the viscosity of the ink in the flow path unit 21 as in Modifications 5 to 7. Or the ejection timing of the ink from the nozzle 10 is corrected. In FIG. 16, the illustration of the processes after S803 is omitted.

  In the above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer having a so-called serial head in which an ink jet head moves in the scanning direction together with a carriage and ejects ink from nozzles has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a printer having a so-called line head extending in the scanning direction over the entire length of the recording paper.

  In this case, for example, the drive voltage is decreased from Vx by ΔV, and a viscosity estimation pattern is recorded each time. Then, ink is hardly ejected from the nozzles when the drive voltage drops to a certain voltage. From this, for example, the limit voltage at which ink is not ejected from the nozzles can be acquired based on the number of viscosity estimation patterns recorded from the downstream side in the transport direction.

  In the above description, an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer that discharges ink from nozzles and performs recording on the recording paper P has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a liquid ejection apparatus that ejects a liquid other than ink, for example, a liquid resin or metal.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 10 Nozzle 11 Carriage 12 Inkjet head 21 Flow path unit 22 Actuator 32 Ink cartridge 33 Cartridge mounting part 48 Driver IC
49 Power Supply Circuit 50 Control Device 54 Flash Memory 100 Reference Pattern 101 Viscosity Estimation Pattern 101a First Part 101b Second Part 201 Viscosity Estimation Pattern 201a First Part 201b Second Part 300 Reference Pattern 301 Viscosity Estimation Pattern 301a First 1 part 301b 2nd part 500 Printer 501 Ink tank 502 Supply port

Claims (24)

A liquid discharge head having a liquid flow path including a nozzle, and discharge energy applying means for applying discharge energy for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the liquid in the liquid flow path;
A control unit,
The controller is
By causing a liquid to be ejected from the nozzle onto a recording medium, a plurality of patterns for acquiring ejection parameter values related to the ejection characteristics of the liquid from the nozzle are recorded,
Furthermore, the control unit
Obtaining usage information which is information about the usage situation related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path;
Among the plurality of patterns, the value of the discharge parameter acquired based on at least one of the patterns is equal to or less than a threshold value, and the value of the discharge parameter acquired based on at least another one of the patterns is Based on the use information, the discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path from the discharge energy applying unit is changed between the plurality of patterns based on the use information so that the plurality of patterns are changed. Let me record,
Based on each of the recorded plurality of patterns, respectively, to obtain the value of the ejection parameter,
Each of the acquired values of the plurality of ejection parameters is compared with the threshold value,
A liquid ejection apparatus that acquires information related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid channel based on a result of comparison between a plurality of ejection parameter values and the threshold value. A cartridge mounting portion that communicates with the liquid flow path and is capable of mounting a liquid cartridge storing a liquid to be supplied to the liquid flow path;
The usage information includes at least one of information on a liquid consumption amount in the liquid cartridge from a mounting time point when the liquid cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion and information on an elapsed time from the mounting time point. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: A liquid tank that communicates with the liquid flow path, stores liquid to be supplied to the liquid flow path, and has a liquid supply port;
The usage information includes information on the amount of liquid consumed in the liquid tank from the supply time when the liquid is supplied from the supply port to the liquid tank, and information on the elapsed time from the supply time. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, comprising at least one. As for the ejection parameter, a value obtained from a pattern recorded by ejecting a desired amount of liquid from the nozzle at the time of recording the pattern is equal to or less than the threshold value, and the desired amount of liquid from the nozzle at the time of recording the pattern. The value acquired from the pattern recorded without being discharged exceeds the threshold value,
A storage unit for storing data indicating a relationship between the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path and the discharge energy at a limit at which the desired amount of liquid is not discharged from the nozzle;
The controller is
The viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path is estimated based on the discharge energy corresponding to the pattern in which the value of the discharge parameter exceeds the threshold and the data. The liquid discharge apparatus according to any one of the above. A power supply circuit for applying a driving voltage to the ejection energy applying means,
The storage unit stores data indicating a relationship between the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path and the driving voltage at a limit at which the desired amount of liquid is not discharged from the nozzle,
The controller is
Based on the usage information, the plurality of patterns are applied to the recording medium by changing the driving voltage applied to the discharge energy applying means by the power supply circuit between the plurality of patterns and discharging the liquid from the nozzles. Let me record,
5. The viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path is estimated based on the drive voltage corresponding to the pattern in which the value of the ejection parameter exceeds the threshold and the data. Liquid ejection device. A waveform generation circuit for generating a plurality of types of waveform signals for changing the ejection energy;
The storage unit stores data indicating the relationship between the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path and the waveform signal at a limit at which the desired amount of liquid is not discharged from the nozzle,
The controller is
Between the plurality of patterns, based on the usage information, the waveform signal generated by the waveform generation circuit is changed and liquid is ejected from the nozzles, and the plurality of patterns are recorded on a recording medium.
5. The viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path is estimated based on the waveform signal corresponding to the discharge parameter whose discharge parameter value exceeds the threshold and the data. The liquid discharge apparatus as described. A power supply circuit for applying a driving voltage to the ejection energy applying means,
The controller is
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the driving voltage when the liquid is ejected from the nozzle to the recording medium is changed based on the estimated viscosity. A discharge unit that performs a discharge operation for discharging the liquid in the liquid flow path from the nozzle;
The controller is
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the estimated viscosity exceeds a threshold value, the discharging unit performs the discharging operation. The controller is
The liquid ejection device according to claim 4, wherein the liquid ejection timing from the nozzle when the liquid is ejected from the nozzle to the recording medium is corrected based on the estimated viscosity. . As for the ejection parameter, a value acquired from a pattern in which a desired amount of liquid is ejected from the nozzle at the time of recording the pattern is equal to or less than the threshold value, and the desired amount of liquid is not ejected from the nozzle at the time of recording the pattern. The value obtained from the pattern exceeds the threshold,
It is a relationship according to the relationship between the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path and the limit of the discharge energy at which the desired amount of liquid is not discharged from the nozzle, and the limit of discharge energy and the nozzle A storage unit that stores data indicating a relationship with the magnitude of the drive voltage to be applied from the power supply circuit to the discharge energy applying unit when liquid is discharged to a recording medium;
The controller is
Based on the discharge energy corresponding to the pattern in which the value of the discharge parameter exceeds the threshold among the patterns and the data, the discharge from the power supply circuit when the liquid is discharged from the nozzle to the recording medium. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a magnitude of the driving voltage applied to the energy applying unit is changed. As for the ejection parameter, a value acquired from a pattern in which a desired amount of liquid is ejected from the nozzle at the time of recording the pattern is equal to or less than the threshold value, and the desired amount of liquid is not ejected from the nozzle at the time of recording the pattern. The value obtained from the pattern exceeds the threshold,
It is a condition according to the relationship between the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path and the limit of the discharge energy at which the desired amount of liquid is not discharged from the nozzle, and a predetermined condition for the limit of discharge energy A storage unit for storing data,
The controller is
4. The discharge unit performs the discharge operation when the discharge energy corresponding to the pattern in which the value of the discharge parameter exceeds the threshold satisfies the predetermined condition. 5. The liquid discharge apparatus according to 1. As for the ejection parameter, a value acquired from a pattern in which a desired amount of liquid is ejected from the nozzle at the time of recording the pattern is equal to or less than the threshold value, and the desired amount of liquid is not ejected from the nozzle at the time of recording the pattern. The value obtained from the pattern exceeds the threshold,
The relationship between the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path and the limit of the discharge energy at which the desired amount of liquid is not discharged from the nozzle A storage unit for storing data indicating a relationship with a correction amount of the discharge timing of the liquid from the nozzle when discharging the liquid to the recording medium;
The controller is
Based on the ejection energy corresponding to the pattern in which the value of the ejection parameter exceeds the threshold and the data, the ejection timing of the liquid from the nozzle when the liquid is ejected from the nozzle to the recording medium. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection device is corrected. The controller is
The discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid channel from the discharge energy applying means is acquired from the discharge energy when the pattern in which the acquired discharge parameter value is equal to or less than the threshold is recorded. A plurality of the patterns are recorded in order from the corresponding portion having the higher discharge energy, gradually decreasing to the discharge energy when the pattern whose discharge parameter value exceeds the threshold value is recorded. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. The controller is
The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ejection parameter values are acquired based on the density of each of the recorded plurality of patterns. The controller is
The discharge energy applied from the discharge energy applying means to the liquid in the liquid channel is made equal between the plurality of patterns, and the first portion of each of the plurality of patterns is recorded on a recording medium,
Recording the second portion of each of the plurality of patterns by changing the discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path from the discharge energy applying means based on the usage information between the plurality of patterns. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein recording is performed on a medium. The controller is
A plurality of the first portions arranged with a gap;
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the pattern having the second portion arranged so as to fill the gap is recorded. A carriage mounted with the liquid discharge head and moving in the scanning direction;
The controller is
A first recording pass for recording a first portion of the pattern by ejecting liquid from the nozzles while moving the carriage to one side in the scanning direction;
By moving the carriage to the other side in the scanning direction and discharging the liquid from the nozzle, a set of a second recording pass for recording the second portion of the pattern is performed a plurality of times. Record the pattern,
Further, the control device includes:
The discharge energy applied from the discharge energy applying means to the liquid in the liquid flow path is equalized between the first recording passes of the set a plurality of times, and the first recording pass of the set is performed a plurality of times. Let
Based on the usage information, the discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid channel from the discharge energy applying unit is changed between the second recording passes of the set a plurality of times to change the set of the plurality of times. Let the second recording pass
The plurality of ejection parameter values are acquired based on a shift amount in the scanning direction between the first portion and the second portion in each of the plurality of recorded patterns. The liquid ejection device according to any one of? The controller is
Information on the relationship between the ejection energy and the deviation amount is acquired based on the deviation amount in a part of the patterns in which the liquid is ejected from the nozzle at a desired ejection speed during recording among the plurality of patterns. And
Based on the information, the deviation amount is calculated for each of the plurality of patterns,
For each of the plurality of patterns, the ejection parameter value is acquired based on a difference between the deviation amount in the recorded pattern and the deviation amount calculated based on the information. The liquid ejection device according to claim 17. The controller is
At the time of discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the recording medium, the discharge energy applying unit applies predetermined discharge energy to the liquid in the liquid flow path,
The discharge energy applied from the discharge energy applying means to the liquid in the liquid channel is set as the predetermined discharge energy, and a plurality of the liquid is discharged from the nozzle at the same timing as when recording the plurality of patterns. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of reference patterns corresponding to the pattern are recorded. The controller is
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of patterns and the plurality of reference patterns are recorded on one recording medium. A liquid discharge head having a liquid flow path including a nozzle, and discharge energy applying means for applying discharge energy for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the liquid in the liquid flow path;
A discharge information acquisition unit for acquiring discharge information related to the discharge characteristics of the liquid discharged from the nozzle;
A control unit,
The controller is
By changing the discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path from the discharge energy applying means, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle a plurality of times,
Furthermore, the control unit
Obtaining usage information which is information about the usage situation related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path;
Of the liquid discharges from the plurality of nozzles, the discharge information for at least one liquid discharge satisfies a predetermined discharge condition, and the discharge information for at least another one liquid discharge In order not to satisfy the discharge conditions, based on the use information, the discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid channel is changed from the discharge energy applying unit, and the liquid is discharged from the nozzle a plurality of times.
Determining whether each of a plurality of the discharge information about the discharge of the liquid from the nozzle a plurality of times satisfies the discharge condition;
The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ejection information acquires information related to a viscosity of the liquid in the liquid channel based on a result of determination as to whether or not the ejection condition is satisfied. A liquid discharge head having a liquid flow path including a nozzle, and discharge energy applying means for applying discharge energy for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the liquid in the liquid flow path;
A power supply circuit for applying a drive voltage to the ejection energy applying means;
A control unit,
The controller is
By causing a liquid to be ejected from the nozzle onto a recording medium, a plurality of patterns for acquiring ejection parameter values related to the ejection characteristics of the liquid from the nozzle are recorded,
Furthermore, the control unit
Obtaining usage information which is information about the usage situation related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path;
Among the plurality of patterns, the value of the discharge parameter acquired based on at least one of the patterns is equal to or less than a threshold value, and the value of the discharge parameter acquired based on at least another one of the patterns is Based on the use information, the discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path from the discharge energy applying unit is changed between the plurality of patterns based on the use information so that the plurality of patterns are changed. Let me record,
Based on each of the recorded plurality of patterns, respectively, to obtain the value of the ejection parameter,
A liquid ejection apparatus that changes the drive voltage when ejecting liquid from the nozzles to a recording medium based on the acquired values of the plurality of ejection parameters. A liquid discharge head having a liquid flow path including a nozzle, and discharge energy applying means for applying discharge energy for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the liquid in the liquid flow path;
A discharge unit for performing a discharge operation of discharging the liquid in the liquid flow path from the nozzle;
A control unit,
The controller is
By causing a liquid to be ejected from the nozzle onto a recording medium, a plurality of patterns for acquiring ejection parameter values related to the ejection characteristics of the liquid from the nozzle are recorded,
Furthermore, the control unit
Obtaining usage information which is information about the usage situation related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path;
Among the plurality of patterns, the value of the discharge parameter acquired based on at least one of the patterns is equal to or less than a threshold value, and the value of the discharge parameter acquired based on at least another one of the patterns is Based on the use information, the discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path from the discharge energy applying unit is changed between the plurality of patterns based on the use information so that the plurality of patterns are changed. Let me record,
Based on each of the recorded plurality of patterns, respectively, to obtain the value of the ejection parameter,
The controller is
A liquid ejection apparatus that causes the ejection unit to perform the ejection operation based on the acquired values of the plurality of ejection parameters. A liquid discharge head having a liquid flow path including a nozzle, and discharge energy applying means for applying discharge energy for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the liquid in the liquid flow path;
A control unit,
The controller is
By causing a liquid to be ejected from the nozzle onto a recording medium, a plurality of patterns for acquiring ejection parameter values related to the ejection characteristics of the liquid from the nozzle are recorded,
Furthermore, the control unit
Obtaining usage information which is information about the usage situation related to the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid flow path;
Among the plurality of patterns, the value of the discharge parameter acquired based on at least one of the patterns is equal to or less than a threshold value, and the value of the discharge parameter acquired based on at least another one of the patterns is Based on the use information, the discharge energy applied to the liquid in the liquid flow path from the discharge energy applying unit is changed between the plurality of patterns based on the use information so that the plurality of patterns are changed. Let me record,
Based on each of the recorded plurality of patterns, respectively, to obtain the value of the ejection parameter,
A liquid ejection apparatus that corrects a liquid ejection timing from the nozzle when ejecting liquid from the nozzle to a recording medium based on the acquired values of the plurality of ejection parameters.

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