JP5326693B2 - Droplet discharge apparatus, droplet discharge method, and color filter manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus and method of discharging droplets, capable of making stripe irregularities inconspicuous to suppress the decline of image quality and being excellent in production efficiency, and a method of manufacturing a color filter. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus of discharging droplets includes: a plurality of droplet discharge heads 5 provided with a plurality of nozzles, a plurality of driving elements and a diaphragm; a supply reel 12 for supplying a sheet member 15; a winding reel 13; an imaging apparatus 14; an analysis means 32 for obtaining the distribution of the discharge amount of functional liquid; and a control means 31 for adjusting a voltage to be applied to the driving elements so that the discharge amount in the plurality of nozzles approaches a prescribed appropriate amount from the distribution. The control means 31 applies a driving voltage to the driving elements so as to equalize all the temperatures of the respective droplet discharge heads 5 after discharging the functional liquid for the prescribed number of times of discharge at a first interval from the respective nozzles of the respective droplet discharge heads 5 on the basis of the data of temperature rise in the case of discharging the functional liquid for the prescribed number of times of the discharge at the first interval from the respective nozzles of the respective droplet discharge heads 5, and vibrates the diaphragm to generate heat. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a droplet discharge device, a droplet discharge method, and a color filter manufacturing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electro-optical devices such as liquid crystal devices and organic EL (Electro-Luminescent) devices have been used for display units of electronic devices such as mobile phones and portable computers. These electro-optical devices generally perform full color display. For example, full color display by a liquid crystal device is displayed by passing light modulated by a liquid crystal layer through a color filter. Such a color filter is formed by ejecting ink on the surface of a substrate in a dot shape by a film forming technique using a droplet discharge method.

  By the way, in the film forming technique using the droplet discharge method, the ink discharge amounts of the plurality of nozzles vary slightly. When the ink is drawn with variations in the ink discharge amount, streaky shading unevenness (straight unevenness) may occur in the color filter. Such uneven stripes are easily visible, and the image quality displayed through the color filter may be degraded.

  A technique for solving such a problem has been studied. For example, in Patent Document 1, a medium to be colored is colored with a plurality of different ink discharge densities, and the color density of the colored portion is measured to obtain a plurality of colors. The relationship between the color density of each colored portion colored with a different ink discharge density and the corresponding ink discharge density is calculated. Based on this relationship, a reduction in the image quality of the display image is suppressed by correcting the ink discharge density to obtain a desired color density.

JP-A-10-260306

  In Patent Document 1, the color density of each colored portion colored with different ink discharge densities is represented by the absorbance of the colored portion of the medium to be colored. If an error occurs during the measurement of the absorbance, correction with high accuracy cannot be performed, and it may be difficult to suppress deterioration in image quality.

  On the other hand, a method of measuring the weight of ink ejected from a plurality of nozzles is conventionally used. However, measuring the weight of the ink is not preferable in terms of mass production because it is not easy to measure and requires a large number of man-hours, and is inferior in production efficiency.

  In the film forming technique using the droplet discharge method, when drawing is performed using ink discharged from a plurality of nozzles, the ink discharge amount is unstable for a while from the start of drawing. When the drawing is performed with the ink discharge amount being unstable, unevenness occurs in the color filter, and the image quality of the image displayed through the color filter is degraded.

  In order to solve such a problem, there is a technique in which a dummy area that does not contribute to display is provided in the vicinity of the display area, and ink is discarded until the ink discharge amount becomes stable in the dummy area. In terms of aligning the ink discharge conditions, it is desirable to discard ink at a predetermined interval in the dummy area following the ink landing interval in the display area. However, discarding ink at a predetermined interval is not preferable because the dummy area becomes large and the recording medium cannot be used effectively.

  In addition, in order to effectively use the recording medium, there is a technique for discarding local ink without leaving a predetermined interval in the dummy area. However, if ink is ejected locally and continuously to the dummy area, the amount of heat generated by the liquid droplet ejection head becomes larger than when ink is ejected to the display area at a predetermined interval. Then, there is a difference in the amount of heat generated by the droplet discharge head before and after drawing in the display area, and the temperature of the ink discharged from each nozzle of the droplet discharge head becomes unstable.

  Further, when a plurality of droplet discharge heads are scanned, the amount of heat generated by each droplet discharge head is different, and the temperature of the ink discharged for each droplet discharge head becomes unstable. As a result, the variation in the amount of ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet ejection head becomes noticeable, and the variation in the landing area of the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet ejection head is conspicuous. become.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is possible to suppress deterioration in image quality without making stripes inconspicuous, and to further improve production efficiency, a droplet discharge device, a droplet discharge method, and It is an object to provide a method for producing a color filter.

In order to solve the above problems, a droplet discharge device of the present invention includes a plurality of nozzles that discharge a functional liquid, a plurality of drive elements provided corresponding to the plurality of nozzles, and a vibration that is caused by the drive elements. A supply reel for supplying a plurality of droplet discharge heads having a diaphragm for discharging the functional liquid from the nozzles, and a sheet member for landing the functional liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head A take-up reel that winds up the sheet member supplied from the supply reel, and the plurality of nozzles of the droplet discharge heads with respect to the sheet member between the supply reel and the take-up reel. An imaging device that captures an image of the discharged functional fluid; and an image processing of the image captured by the imaging device to measure a landing area of the functional fluid on the sheet member; Analysis means for obtaining a distribution of the discharge amount of the functional liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head for each droplet discharge head; and relative movement between each droplet discharge head and the sheet member; And controlling the discharge operation of each droplet discharge head, and for each droplet discharge head from the distribution, the discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head approaches a predetermined appropriate amount. Control means for adjusting voltages to be applied to the plurality of drive elements of each droplet discharge head, and the control means has the functional liquid at a first interval from each nozzle of each droplet discharge head. After the predetermined number of discharges, the functional liquid is discharged at the first interval from the nozzles of the droplet discharge heads at the predetermined number of discharges. Each droplet A drive voltage adjusted for each of the droplet discharge heads is applied to the drive elements of the plurality of droplet discharge heads so that the temperatures of the discharge heads are all equal, and the diaphragm is vibrated to generate heat, and then The liquid droplet ejection heads move relative to the sheet member in the main scanning direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles, and the nozzles of the liquid droplet ejection heads are placed on the sheet member from the nozzles. The functional liquid is discharged by the predetermined number of discharges at a first interval, and then a plurality of droplets of the functional liquid are discharged at a second interval wider than the first interval. The image of the functional liquid of a plurality of droplets ejected at intervals is image-processed, the landing area of the functional liquid at each nozzle is measured, and the average area of the functional liquid is ejected from each nozzle Area and wear The distribution of the discharge amount of the functional liquid discharged from each nozzle is obtained based on the bullet area.
According to this configuration, the control means outputs temperature rise data when a predetermined number of ejections of ink (functional liquid) are ejected from each nozzle of each droplet ejection head at the first throw-off interval (first interval). For each droplet discharge head so that the temperature of each droplet discharge head after discharging a predetermined number of discharges from each nozzle of each droplet discharge head at the first throw-off interval is all equal The adjusted drive voltage is applied to the drive elements of the plurality of droplet discharge heads, and the diaphragm is vibrated to generate heat. Further, the control means moves the first droplet discharge heads from the nozzles of the respective droplet discharge heads onto the sheet member while moving the respective droplet discharge heads relative to the sheet member in the main scanning direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles. It also has a function of ejecting a predetermined number of inks at a discarding interval and then ejecting a plurality of ink droplets at a first landing interval (second interval) wider than the first discarding interval. Here, it is assumed that the sheet member is divided into a measurement region in which a plurality of ink droplets are ejected at a first landing interval and a dummy region in which a predetermined number of ejections of ink are ejected at a first throwing interval. . Then, for a while from the start of drawing where the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head is unstable, a predetermined number of inks can be discharged to the dummy area and discarded. For this reason, ink can be landed on the measurement region in a state where the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head is stable. Then, an image on which the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet ejection head has landed is photographed on the measurement region of the sheet member by the imaging device. Then, the analysis unit obtains the distribution of the ejection amount of the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet ejection head based on the landing area of the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet ejection head. Then, the control means adjusts the voltage applied to the drive element so that the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head approaches a predetermined appropriate amount, and the temperature (heat generation amount) of each droplet discharge head is adjusted. Adjusted. Therefore, compared with the case where the present invention is not used, the difference in the heat generation amount of each droplet discharge head before and after drawing in the display area is eliminated, and the temperature of the ink discharged from each nozzle of each droplet discharge head is stabilized. Can be That is, the control unit corrects the variation in the ink discharge amount at each nozzle of each droplet discharge head. For this reason, it is possible to discharge a uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles of each droplet discharge head and make the ink landing area uniform in all the nozzles. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality by making the stripes inconspicuous. In addition, the temperature of each droplet discharge head is adjusted by the control means, and the discharge of ink discharged from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head is based on the ink landing area at the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head. The method for obtaining the distribution of the amount is superior in production efficiency because it does not require an enormous man-hour as compared with the conventional method for measuring the weight of ink ejected from a plurality of nozzles. Further, since the sheet member landed with the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet ejection head is appropriately transported, the landing area can be measured efficiently.

In the droplet discharge device of the present invention, the control means adjusts the amplitude of the diaphragm by adjusting the magnitude of the drive voltage applied to the drive element for each droplet discharge head. Thereby, the temperature of each droplet discharge head before discharging the functional liquid by the predetermined discharge number may be adjusted at the first interval.
According to this configuration, it is possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of each droplet discharge head before discharging a predetermined number of inks at the first discard interval (head standby state before drawing). For example, for a droplet ejection head that has a small temperature rise when ink is thrown away (when ink is ejected by a predetermined number of ejections), the amplitude of the diaphragm is increased by increasing the amplitude of the drive element in the head standby state before drawing. To increase the temperature of the droplet discharge head in advance. Then, after the ink is discarded (after a predetermined number of inks are ejected), in other words, before the ink is ejected to the measurement region, the temperatures of the respective droplet ejection heads are all equal. This makes it possible to discharge a uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles of each droplet discharge head and to uniformize the ink landing area at all the nozzles of each droplet discharge head. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality by making the stripes inconspicuous.

In the liquid droplet ejection apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit may set a driving voltage applied to the driving element to be small enough not to eject the functional liquid from the nozzles for each liquid droplet ejection head. By adjusting the voltage to an appropriate voltage, the diaphragm is slightly vibrated to generate heat, and the temperature of each droplet discharge head before the functional liquid is discharged by the predetermined number of discharges at the first interval is adjusted. Also good.
According to this configuration, it is possible to correct variations in the amount of ink discharged from each nozzle of each droplet discharge head without discharging ink from each nozzle of each droplet discharge head in the head standby state before drawing. . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent wasteful use of ink when adjusting the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of the ink ejected from each nozzle of each droplet ejection head.

The droplet discharge method of the present invention includes a plurality of nozzles that discharge a functional liquid, a plurality of drive elements that are provided corresponding to the plurality of nozzles, and the functional liquid that is vibrated by the drive elements and discharged from the nozzles. A droplet discharge method using a plurality of droplet discharge heads having a diaphragm to be discharged, wherein the functional liquid is discharged at a first interval from each nozzle of each droplet discharge head at a first interval A first temperature measurement step for measuring the temperature rise data, and after the first temperature measurement step, from the nozzles of the droplet discharge heads at the first interval based on the temperature rise data. The drive voltage adjusted for each of the droplet discharge heads is adjusted so that the temperature of each of the droplet discharge heads after the functional liquid is discharged by the predetermined number of discharges becomes equal. Applied to the drive element A first vibration step for vibrating the diaphragm and thereby heating the droplet discharge head; and after the first vibration step, the plurality of nozzles are arranged on the sheet member with respect to each droplet discharge head. A first discharge that discharges the functional liquid at the first interval from the nozzles of the droplet discharge heads onto the sheet member while moving relative to each other in the main scanning direction that intersects the direction. A second discharge step of discharging a plurality of drops of the functional liquid at a second interval wider than the first interval after the first discharge step; and after the second discharge step, The landing area of the functional liquid landed at the second interval is measured, and the average area is defined as the landing area of the functional liquid discharged from each nozzle, and discharged from each nozzle based on the landing area. Of the functional fluid A first analysis step for obtaining a distribution of the output amount; a first control step for adjusting a voltage applied to the plurality of drive elements so that the discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles approaches a predetermined appropriate amount from the distribution; It is characterized by having.
According to this manufacturing method, in the first temperature measurement step, temperature rise data is measured when a predetermined number of inks are ejected from each nozzle of each droplet ejection head at the first throwing interval. In the first vibration step after the first temperature measurement step, after ejecting a predetermined number of inks from each nozzle of each droplet ejection head at a first throwing interval based on the temperature rise data The drive voltage adjusted for each droplet discharge head is applied to the drive elements of the plurality of droplet discharge heads so that the temperatures of the droplet discharge heads are all equal, and the vibration plate vibrates. Due to the vibration of the diaphragm, the droplet discharge head is heated, and the temperature (heat generation amount) of the droplet discharge head in a standby state before drawing is adjusted. At this time, the temperature of the liquid droplet ejection head is adjusted to be high in advance for the liquid droplet ejection head that has a small temperature rise when the ink is discarded (when a predetermined number of inks are ejected). Then, the ink is ejected to the dummy area by a predetermined number of ejections at the first disposal interval until the ink ejection amount is stabilized by the first disposal step (first ejection step) after the first vibration step. Is done. Then, after discarding ink (after ejecting a predetermined number of inks), the temperature of each droplet ejection head becomes equal. Then, in the first landing process (second discharge process) after the first discarding process, ink is landed on the measurement region in a state where the ink discharge amount is stable. Then, the distribution of the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head is obtained in the first analysis step after the first landing step. In the first control step, the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head is adjusted so as to approach a predetermined appropriate amount. As a result, the variation in the ink discharge amount among the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head is corrected. For this reason, it is possible to discharge a uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles of each droplet discharge head and to uniformize the ink landing area at all the nozzles of each droplet discharge head. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality by making the stripes inconspicuous.

In the droplet discharge method, in the first vibration step, the amplitude of the diaphragm is adjusted by adjusting the magnitude of the drive voltage applied to the drive element, whereby the first vibration step is performed. The temperature of each droplet discharge head before discharging the functional liquid by the predetermined number of discharges may be adjusted at intervals.
According to this manufacturing method, it is possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of each droplet discharge head before discharging a predetermined number of inks in the first discarding step (head standby state before drawing). For example, for a droplet ejection head that has a small temperature rise when ink is thrown away (when ink is ejected by a predetermined number of ejections), the amplitude of the diaphragm is increased by increasing the amplitude of the drive element in the head standby state before drawing. To increase the temperature of the droplet discharge head in advance. Then, after the ink is thrown away (after a predetermined number of inks are ejected), in other words, before the ink is ejected in the first landing process, the temperatures of the respective droplet ejection heads are all equal. This makes it possible to discharge a uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles of each droplet discharge head and to uniformize the ink landing area at all the nozzles of each droplet discharge head. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality by making the stripes inconspicuous.

In the droplet discharge method, in the first vibration step, the magnitude of the drive voltage applied to the drive element is adjusted to a minute voltage that does not cause the functional liquid to be discharged from each nozzle. The vibration plate may be slightly vibrated to generate heat, and the temperature of each droplet discharge head before discharging the functional liquid by the predetermined discharge number may be adjusted at the first interval.
According to this manufacturing method, it is possible to correct variations in the amount of ink discharged from each nozzle of each droplet discharge head without discharging ink from each nozzle of each droplet discharge head in the head standby state before drawing. it can. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent wasteful use of ink when adjusting the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of the ink ejected from each nozzle of each droplet ejection head.

In the droplet discharge method, after the first control step, temperature rise data is measured when a plurality of droplets of the functional liquid are discharged from the nozzles of the droplet discharge heads at a third interval. After the second temperature measuring step and the second temperature measuring step, based on the temperature rise data, the functional liquid is discharged from the nozzles of the droplet discharge heads at the third interval at the predetermined interval. Applying a drive voltage adjusted for each of the droplet discharge heads to the drive elements of the plurality of droplet discharge heads so that the temperatures of the droplet discharge heads after discharging the number of discharges are all equal, A second vibration step of vibrating the diaphragm and thereby heating the droplet discharge head; and after the second vibration step, each of the droplet discharge heads is arranged in the plurality of nozzles with respect to the sheet member. Lord intersecting direction A third ejection step of ejecting the functional liquid by the predetermined number of ejections at the third interval from the nozzles of the droplet ejection heads on the sheet member while relatively moving in the scanning direction; A fourth discharge step of discharging a plurality of droplets of the functional liquid at a fourth interval wider than the third interval after the three discharge steps; and the fourth interval on the sheet member after the fourth discharge step. Measure the landing area of the functional liquid landed in the step, and set the average area as the landing area of the functional liquid discharged from each nozzle, and the functional liquid discharged from each nozzle based on the landing area A second analysis step of obtaining a discharge amount distribution of the first and second control steps of adjusting a voltage applied to the plurality of drive elements so that the discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles approaches a predetermined appropriate amount from the distribution; , At least 1 It is desirable to have.
According to this manufacturing method, after the first control process, the temperature measurement process, the vibration process, the dumping process, the landing process, the analysis process, and the control process are repeatedly performed a plurality of times, Variations in the ink discharge amount among the plurality of nozzles are reliably adjusted. For this reason, it becomes possible to discharge a substantially uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles of each droplet discharge head. Therefore, it is possible to make the unevenness more inconspicuous and to suppress the deterioration of the image quality.

The method for producing a color filter of the present invention is characterized in that the functional liquid is disposed in a predetermined region provided on a base material to form a color filter using the droplet discharge method described above.
According to this manufacturing method, as described above, a uniform amount of ink is ejected from all nozzles of each droplet ejection head, and the ink landing area at all nozzles of each droplet ejection head is made uniform. It is possible to produce a high-quality color filter without streaking.

It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the droplet discharge apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of each droplet discharge head. It is explanatory drawing of the method of forming a color filter on a color filter board | substrate. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a droplet discharge method. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the ink discharge number before and behind correction | amendment, and the ink landing area. It is a figure which shows the temperature characteristic of each droplet discharge head before and behind drawing to a dummy area | region. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the ink in the dummy area | region and measurement area | region of this invention. FIG. 6 is a discharge characteristic diagram of each droplet discharge head before and after correcting variation in ink discharge amount. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the ink in the dummy area | region and measurement area | region of another example. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the ink in the dummy area | region and measurement area | region of another example.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Moreover, in the following drawings, in order to make each structure easy to understand, an actual structure and a scale, a number, and the like in each structure are different.

  In the following description, the XYZ rectangular coordinate system shown in FIG. 1 is set, and each member will be described with reference to this XYZ rectangular coordinate system. In the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, the X axis and the Y axis are set in a direction parallel to the work stage 16, and the Z axis is set in a direction orthogonal to the work stage 16. In the XYZ coordinate system in FIG. 1, the XY plane is actually set to a plane parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z axis is set to the vertically upward direction.

(Droplet discharge device)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a droplet discharge device 1 according to the present invention. The droplet discharge device 1 is a device that forms a color filter layer by discharging droplets of a color filter material (functional liquid) onto a predetermined region of a color filter substrate (base material) P by, for example, an inkjet method. The droplet discharge device 1 also performs the droplet discharge method of the present invention.

  The droplet discharge device 1 includes a work stage 16, a plurality of droplet discharge heads 5, a tube 44, a tank 33, a sheet member conveyance table 11, a supply reel 12, a take-up reel 13, an area measurement camera (imaging device) 14, A control unit (control means) 31, an analysis unit (analysis means) 32, a first wiring 41, a second wiring 42, and a third wiring 43 are provided.

  The work stage 16 is installed so as to be movable in the X-axis direction by a stage moving device (not shown). The work stage 16 holds the color filter substrate P transported from a transport apparatus (not shown) on the XY plane by a vacuum suction mechanism (not shown).

  Each droplet discharge head 5 is electrically connected to the control unit 31 via the first wiring 41. Each droplet discharge head 5 has a plurality of nozzles N (see FIG. 2), and discharges droplets of a color filter material based on drawing data and drive control signals input from the control unit 31. Each droplet discharge head 5 is provided corresponding to R (red), G (green), and B (blue) of the color filter material. Each droplet discharge head 5 is connected to the tank 33 through a tube 44.

  Each droplet discharge head 5 includes a bearing mechanism (not shown) such as a pole screw or a linear guide in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Each droplet discharge head 5 is movable in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction based on a position control signal indicating the Y coordinate and the Z coordinate input from the control unit 31.

  The tube 44 is a color filter material supply tube that connects the tank 33 and each droplet discharge head 5. The tank 33 stores three color filter materials: a color filter material for R (red), a color filter material for G (green), and a color filter material for B (blue). The tank 33 stores the color filter materials of the three colors and supplies the color filter materials to the respective droplet discharge heads 5 corresponding to the three colors via the tubes 44.

  The sheet member transport table 11 is movable in the X-axis direction by a transport table moving device (not shown). The sheet member conveying table 11 is a conveying table for the sheet member 15 that conveys the belt-shaped sheet member 15 supplied from the supply reel 12. The sheet member 15 supplied from the supply reel 12 is taken up by the take-up reel 13.

  The sheet member 15 is a recording medium on which dot-shaped landing areas of ink (functional liquid) discharged from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 can be recorded. The sheet member 15 is partitioned into a measurement area Ta where ink is landed at a predetermined interval and a dummy area Tb provided outside the measurement area Ta and where ink is thrown away at a predetermined interval. Here, the measurement region Ta is a region corresponding to a color filter layer CF for each pixel PX, which will be described later, and is a region contributing to display. The dummy region Td is a region that does not contribute to display provided adjacent to the measurement region Ta. This dummy region Td is also a region for discharging and discarding a predetermined number of inks for a while from the start of drawing where the ink discharge amount is unstable until the ink discharge amount is stabilized.

  As the sheet member 15, for example, recording paper such as roll paper can be used. In addition, as the sheet member 15, a substrate having water repellency such as a glass substrate can be used instead of the roll paper.

  Further, the sheet member 15 may be used for confirming the discharge state (nozzle omission and bending) of the plurality of nozzles N of the droplet discharge head 5 before production, that is, before drawing on the color filter substrate P. is there.

  The area measuring camera 14 is disposed at a position facing the recording surface (upper surface) of the sheet member 15 on the sheet member conveying table 11. The area measurement camera 14 is a camera that photographs the landing area of the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5 to the sheet member 15. The area measurement camera 14 is electrically connected to the analysis unit 32 via the second wiring 42. The area measurement camera 14 outputs image data of the shot ink landing area to the analysis unit 32.

  The analysis unit 32 performs image processing on the ink landing area image data photographed by the area measurement camera 14 to measure the landing area, and based on the obtained landing area measurement data, each of the droplet discharge heads 5 is measured. This has a function of obtaining a distribution of ink discharge amounts at a plurality of nozzles N. The analysis unit 32 is electrically connected to the control unit 31 via the third wiring 43. The analysis unit 32 outputs the measurement data of the distribution of the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 to the control unit 31.

  The control unit 31 uses the temperature rise data when ink is ejected from the nozzles N of the liquid droplet ejection heads 5 at a predetermined interval (first discarding interval to be described later) at a predetermined discharge number. It is adjusted for each droplet ejection head 5 so that the temperatures of the respective droplet ejection heads 5 after ejecting a predetermined number of ejections of ink from each nozzle N of the droplet ejection head 5 at the first discarding interval are all equal. The drive voltage is applied to the drive elements PZ (see FIG. 2) of the plurality of droplet discharge heads 5, and the diaphragm 20 (see FIG. 2) is vibrated to generate heat.

  The control unit 31 also controls the relative movement between each droplet discharge head 5 and the sheet member 15 and the discharge operation of each droplet discharge head 5. Specifically, the control unit 31 moves each droplet on the sheet member 15 while moving each droplet discharge head 5 relative to the sheet member 15 in the main scanning direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles N. Ink is ejected from each nozzle N of the ejection head 5 at a predetermined interval.

  Further, the control unit 31 adjusts the voltage applied to the drive element PZ based on the measurement data of the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 input from the analysis unit 32, so that each droplet The temperature (heat generation amount) of the discharge head 5 is adjusted. Specifically, the control unit 31 ejects ink from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5 before ejecting a predetermined number of ejections of ink at the first throw-off interval (head standby state before drawing). The voltage applied to the drive element PZ is adjusted so that the amount approaches a predetermined appropriate amount. This eliminates the difference in the amount of heat generated by each droplet discharge head 5 before and after drawing in the display area, and stabilizes the temperature of the ink discharged from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5. can do. Then, the variation in the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 is adjusted by the drive element PZ. That is, the variation in the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 is corrected.

  Then, after the variation in the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head 5 is corrected by the drive element PZ, the color filter material is moved from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 to a predetermined position on the color filter substrate P. A droplet is ejected.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the droplet discharge head 5. 2A is a plan view of the droplet discharge head 5 viewed from the work stage 16, FIG. 2B is a partial perspective view of the droplet discharge head 5, and FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view of 1 nozzle. This figure shows a configuration example of one droplet discharge head 5 among the plurality of droplet discharge heads 5.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the droplet discharge head 5 includes a plurality of (for example, 180) nozzles N _{1 to} N ₁₈₀ arranged in the Y-axis direction. A nozzle row NA is formed by the nozzles N _{1 to} N ₁₈₀ . Although FIG. 2A shows one row of nozzles, the number of nozzles and the number of nozzle rows provided in the droplet discharge head 5 can be arbitrarily changed, and the nozzles for one row arranged in the Y-axis direction are arranged as X. A plurality of rows may be provided in the axial direction.

2B, the droplet discharge head 5 includes a vibration plate 20 provided with a material supply hole 20a connected to a tube 44, and a nozzle plate 21 provided with nozzles N _{1 to} N _180. A liquid reservoir 22 provided between the vibration plate 20 and the nozzle plate 21, a plurality of partition walls 23, and a plurality of storage chambers 24 are provided. Drive elements PZ _{1 to} PZ ₁₈₀ are arranged on the vibration plate 20 corresponding to the nozzles N1 to N180. The drive elements PZ _{1 to} PZ ₁₈₀ are, for example, piezo elements.

The liquid reservoir 22 is filled with a liquid color filter material supplied through the material supply hole 20a. The storage chamber 24 is formed so as to be surrounded by the vibration plate 20, the nozzle plate 21, and a pair of partition walls 23. The storage chamber 24 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the nozzles N _{1 to} N ₁₈₀ . In addition, the color filter material is introduced into the respective storage chambers 24 from the liquid reservoir 22 through a supply port 24 a provided between the pair of partition walls 23.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the drive element PZ ₁ is obtained by sandwiching a piezoelectric material 25 between a pair of electrodes 26. The drive element PZ ₁ is configured such that the piezoelectric material 25 contracts when a drive signal is applied to the pair of electrodes 26. The vibration plate 20 such drive elements PZ ₁ is disposed, wrinkles become integral with the drive element PZ ₁ applies a driving signal to the pair of electrodes 26 to the outside (opposite side of the accommodating chamber 24) at the same time It bends, and thereby the volume of the storage chamber 24 is increased.

Accordingly, the color filter material corresponding to the increased volume in the storage chamber 24 flows from the liquid reservoir 22 through the supply port 24a. Further, when the application of the drive signal to the drive element PZ ₁ is stopped from such a state, the drive element PZ ₁ and the diaphragm 20 both return to the original shape, and the storage chamber 24 also returns to the original volume. Accordingly, accommodation chamber pressure of the color filter material 24 is increased, the droplet L of the color filter material is ejected toward the nozzle N ₁ on the color filter substrate P. In addition, by using the drive element PZ ₁ , it is possible to cause fine vibration in the storage chamber 24 and adjust the ink discharge amount with high accuracy.

In the present embodiment, the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 in the head standby state before drawing is adjusted by adjusting the magnitude of the voltage applied to the drive element PZ ₁ for each droplet discharge head 5 by the control unit 31. Is adjusted. Thereby, the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 in the head standby state before drawing can be adjusted efficiently. For example, with respect to the droplet discharge head 5 that has a small temperature rise when ink is discarded (when a predetermined number of inks are discharged), the vibration is generated by increasing the amplitude of the drive element PZ ₁ in the head standby state before drawing. The amplitude of the plate 20 is increased and the temperature of the droplet discharge head 5 is adjusted to be high in advance. Then, after the ink is discarded (after a predetermined number of inks are ejected), in other words, before the ink is ejected to the measurement area Ta, the temperatures of the respective droplet ejection heads 5 are all equal.

Further, the control unit 31 adjusts the magnitude of the voltage applied to the drive element PZ ₁ for each droplet discharge head 5 to a minute voltage that does not cause the ink to be discharged from each nozzle N, thereby making the diaphragm 20 It is also possible to adjust the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 in the head standby state before drawing by generating a slight vibration. Thereby, it is possible to correct the variation in the ink discharge amount at each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 without discharging ink from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 in the head standby state before drawing. it can. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from being wasted when adjusting the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head 5.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a method for forming a color filter layer (color filter) CF on the color filter substrate P using a plurality of droplet discharge heads 5. FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view of a color filter substrate P that is an ink discharge target. FIG. 3B is a partially enlarged plan view of the color filter substrate P. In the drawing, for convenience, one of the plurality of droplet discharge heads 5 is illustrated.

  In FIG. 3A, a plurality of panel areas CA are set on the surface of a large-area color filter substrate P formed of glass, plastic or the like. Each panel area CA is separated (cut) from each other and provided as an individual color filter substrate. In each panel area CA, as shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of pixels PX (predetermined areas) arranged in a dot shape are provided. The pixels PX are arranged in a matrix in each panel area CA, and a color filter layer (colored layer) CF is formed for each pixel PX.

  The vertical direction (indicated by arrows A1 and A2) in FIG. 3B is the main scanning direction, and the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction (left and right direction in the drawing) is the sub-scanning direction. It is arranged on the color filter substrate P. The color filter substrate P includes a coloring material from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 while moving (scanning) the color filter substrate P relative to each droplet discharge head 5 in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Ink (color filter material) is ejected, and a color filter layer CF is formed on each pixel PX on the color filter substrate P.

  Each droplet discharge head 5 is scanned a plurality of times for one panel area CA. For example, after each droplet discharge head 5 is scanned in the main scanning direction, each droplet discharge head 5 is moved (scanned) in the sub-scanning direction, and scanning is performed again in the main scanning direction. When one panel area CA moves from the left end to the right end (sub-scanning), it returns to the left end of the panel area CA again, and scans in the main scanning direction at a position slightly different from the position where ejection has already been performed. Then, the color filter layer CF having a desired film thickness is formed on all the pixels PX in the panel area CA by performing such scanning a plurality of times.

  In FIG. 3B, each droplet discharge head 5 is inclined with respect to the sub-scanning direction in order to match the pitch of the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 with the pitch of the pixels PX. . If the pitch of the nozzles N and the pitch of the pixels PX are set so as to satisfy a predetermined correspondence relationship, it is not necessary to tilt the droplet discharge head 5 obliquely.

  The color filter layer CF is formed by arranging R, G, and B colors in an appropriate arrangement form such as a so-called stripe arrangement, delta arrangement, mosaic arrangement, or the like. Therefore, in the ink ejection process shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of droplet ejection heads 5 for ejecting R, G, and B color filter materials are prepared in advance for the three colors R, G, and B. . Then, an array of three color filter layers CF of R, G, and B is formed on one color filter substrate P by sequentially using the plurality of droplet discharge heads 5.

  By the way, in general, in a droplet discharge head, ink discharge characteristics (discharge amount) are unstable at a plurality of nozzles N for a while (up to a predetermined number of drawing) from the start of drawing. If the ink discharge amount is unstable and varies among the plurality of nozzles N for a while from the start of drawing, the landing area of the discharged ink also varies (see FIG. 5). If the ink discharge amount is unstable with a plurality of nozzles N, the amount (landing area) of the ink on the color filter substrate P varies due to this, which causes the color filter to be uneven. End up.

  Further, when a plurality of droplet discharge heads are scanned, the amount of heat generated by each droplet discharge head is different, and the temperature of the ink discharged for each droplet discharge head becomes unstable. Due to this, the variation in the ink ejection amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head becomes significant, and the variation in the landing area of the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head varies. Become prominent.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of ink ejections before and after the correction of the variation in the ink landing area at the plurality of nozzles N and the ink landing area. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents the number of ink ejections from a plurality of nozzles N, and the vertical axis represents the ink landing area corresponding to the number of ink ejections. As shown in FIG. 5, immediately after the start of drawing, it can be seen that the landed area is reduced (before correction) because the ink discharge amount is unstable and varies. From the start of drawing to a predetermined number of drawing, the ink discharge amount gradually stabilizes and the landing area tends to increase. It can be seen that when the predetermined number of drawing is exceeded, the ink discharge amount is stabilized and the size of the landing area tends to be constant (after correction).

  Therefore, in the droplet discharge method of the present invention, before drawing on the color filter substrate P before correction (before production), the voltage applied to the drive element PZ of each droplet discharge head 5 is adjusted to adjust each liquid. A step of adjusting the temperature of the droplet discharge head 5 and adjusting the ink discharge characteristics of the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 is provided, and a dummy is set until the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head 5 becomes stable. A step is provided in which a predetermined number of inks are ejected and discarded in the region Tb to adjust the ink landing area in the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5. Hereinafter, an example of the droplet discharge method of the present invention will be described.

(Droplet ejection method)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the steps of the droplet discharge method of the present invention. The droplet discharge method according to the present invention includes a “device alignment process” (step S1) in which the device is positioned by positioning the device at a predetermined position, and the first nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 Based on the “first temperature measurement step” (step S2) for measuring temperature rise data when a predetermined number of inks are ejected at a throw-off interval, and the temperature rise data after the first temperature measurement step. Thus, the droplet discharge heads 5 are set so that the temperatures of the respective droplet discharge heads 5 after discharging a predetermined number of discharges from the respective nozzles N of the respective droplet discharge heads 5 at the first throw-off interval are all equal. After applying the drive voltage adjusted every time to the drive elements PZ of the plurality of droplet discharge heads 5 to vibrate the diaphragm 20 to generate heat (step S3), and after the first vibration process , Dummy region T of sheet member 15 After the first discarding process, the sheet member 15 is discharged after the “first discarding process (first ejection process)” (step S4), in which a predetermined number of ejections of ink are ejected at the first discarding interval. A first landing step (second discharge step) (step S5) in which a plurality of ink droplets are ejected and landed in the measurement area Ta at a first landing interval wider than the first throwing interval, and the first landing step After that, the first landing area landed on the sheet member 15 is measured, and the “first analysis step” (step S6) for obtaining the distribution of the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5, and the sheet member “Sheet member winding process” (step S7) for winding 15 and the voltage applied to the drive element PZ is adjusted so that the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 approaches a predetermined appropriate amount. "First controller With "a (step S8), and the.

  First, the apparatus is positioned at a predetermined position to align the apparatus (step S1 in FIG. 4). Specifically, the sheet member conveyance table 11 is moved in the X-axis direction toward the work stage 16 and is disposed immediately below each droplet discharge head 5. As a result, the sheet member 15 on the sheet member conveyance table 11 is disposed so as to face the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5.

  Next, before discharging a plurality of ink droplets from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 (head standby state before drawing), the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 is set before ink discharge to the measurement region. The temperature of each droplet discharge head is adjusted to be equal. In the present embodiment, in contrast to the case where the present invention is not used, in the head standby state before drawing, the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 is set to the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 before ink discharge to the measurement region Ta. A step of adjusting all the temperatures to be equal is provided. Here, a case where the present invention is not used will be described.

  9 and 10 are diagrams showing ink arrangement states in the dummy area and the measurement area when the present invention is not used. FIG. 9 shows a case where ink is ejected from the nozzles N of the droplet ejection heads 5 ′ to the dummy region Tb ′ adjacent to the measurement region Ta ′ by a predetermined number of ejections and discarded. . The horizontal direction shown in FIG. 9 (directions indicated by arrows B1 ′, B2 ′, BN ′) is the main scanning direction of each droplet discharge head 5 ′, and the direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction (vertical direction shown) is the sub-scanning direction. And

  In FIG. 9, the symbol Wa ′ is the ink landing interval, and the symbol Wb ′ is the ink throwing interval. Reference numeral Va ′ is an ink landing path in the measurement area Ta ′, and reference numeral Vb ′ is an ink disposal path in the dummy area Tb ′. The ink landing interval Wa 'and the discarding interval Wb' are distances between the centers of adjacent inks.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the dummy area Tb ′ adjacent to the measurement area Ta ′, the ink is ejected by a predetermined number of ejections with a disposal interval Wb ′ and discarded. The throwing-off interval Wb 'in the dummy region Tb' is the same as the landing interval Wa 'in the measurement region Ta' (Wb '= Wa') in terms of alignment with the ink ejection conditions. However, if the ink is discarded to the dummy area Tb 'and ejected with a gap Wb', the ink discard path Vb 'in the dummy area Tb' becomes longer and the dummy area Tb 'becomes larger. If the dummy area Tb 'is increased, the recording medium (sheet member) may not be used effectively.

  In FIG. 10, a predetermined number of ejections are continuously ejected and discarded so that ink is overlapped from each nozzle N of each droplet ejection head 5 '' onto a dummy area Tb '' adjacent to the measurement area Ta ''. FIG. The horizontal direction shown in FIG. 10 (directions indicated by arrows B1 ″, B2 ″, BN ″) is the main scanning direction of each droplet discharge head 5 ″, and the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction (vertical direction shown). Is the sub-scanning direction.

  In FIG. 10, the symbol Wa ″ is the ink landing interval, and the symbol Wb ″ is the ink discarding interval. Reference numeral Va ″ denotes an ink landing path in the measurement area Ta ″, and reference numeral Vb ″ denotes an ink discarding path in the dummy area Tb ″. The ink landing interval Wa ″ and the discarding interval Wb ″ are distances between the centers of adjacent inks.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the dummy region Tb ″ adjacent to the measurement region Ta ″, ink is discarded by a predetermined number of ejections with a spacing interval Wb ″. This discarding interval Wb '' is narrower than the above-described discarding interval Wb '. That is, the dummy area Tb ″ is continuously discarded so that the ink overlaps. In this way, when the ink is continuously discarded so that a plurality of droplets overlap, the ink discarding path Vb in the dummy area Tb ″ with respect to the ink discarding path Vb ′ in the dummy area Tb ′ described above. '' Can be shortened and the dummy region Tb '' can be reduced. However, when a predetermined number of discharges are continuously ejected so as to overlap the dummy area Tb ″, the liquid droplet ejection head 5 ′ is used in contrast to the case where ink is ejected to the measurement area Ta ″ at a predetermined interval. The amount of heat generated increases. Then, there is a difference in the amount of heat generated by the droplet discharge head 5 ″ before and after drawing in the measurement region Ta ″, and the temperature of the ink discharged from each nozzle N of the droplet discharge head 5 ″ becomes unstable. .

  Further, when a plurality of droplet discharge heads are scanned, the amount of heat generated by each droplet discharge head is different, and the temperature of the ink discharged for each droplet discharge head becomes unstable. Due to this, the variation in the ink ejection amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head becomes significant, and the variation in the landing area of the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head varies. Become prominent.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when a plurality of droplet ejection heads 5 ′ are scanned, the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5 ′ are used in the main scanning directions B1 ′, B2 ′, and BN ′. Variations in the landing area of the ejected ink occur (for example, the landing area of the ink in the main scanning direction B2 ′ <the landing area of the ink in the main scanning direction B1 ′ <the landing area of the ink in the main scanning direction BN ′).

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the case where scanning is performed with a plurality of droplet discharge heads 5 ″, similarly to the case where scanning is performed with a plurality of droplet discharge heads 5 ′, the main scanning direction B1 ″ is performed. , B2 ″, BN ″, there are variations in the landing area of the ink discharged from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 ″ (for example, the landing area of the ink in the main scanning direction B2 ″ < Landing area of ink in the main scanning direction B1 ″ <landing area of ink in the main scanning direction BN ″).

  Therefore, in the droplet discharge method of the present invention, the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 is equal in the head standby state before drawing, and the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 is all equal before ink discharge to the measurement area Ta. The process of adjusting is provided.

  Specifically, temperature rise data is measured when a predetermined number of inks are ejected from each nozzle N of each droplet ejection head 5 at the first throw-off interval (step S2 in FIG. 4). That is, the rate of change in temperature rise is determined when ink is discarded from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 (when a predetermined number of inks are discharged). Then, a droplet discharge head having a large temperature rise in the ink disposal and a droplet ejection head having a small temperature increase in the ink disposal are obtained.

  Next, based on the temperature rise data, the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 after discharging a predetermined number of discharges of ink from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 at the first throw-off interval is all. A drive voltage adjusted for each droplet discharge head 5 so as to be equal is applied to the drive elements PZ of the plurality of droplet discharge heads 5 to vibrate the diaphragm 20 to generate heat (step S3 in FIG. 4).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the temperature characteristics of each droplet discharge head 5 before and after drawing on the dummy area Tb before ink discharge to the measurement area Ta. In FIG. 6, reference numeral H1 denotes a liquid droplet ejection head having a large temperature increase when the ink is discarded, and reference numeral H2 is a liquid droplet ejection head having a small temperature increase when the ink is discarded. Reference numeral Tm1 denotes the temperature of the droplet discharge head (head temperature) in the head standby state before drawing (before drawing to the dummy area Tb), and reference symbol Tm2 denotes after a plurality of ink droplets are discharged at the first throw-off interval (dummy This is the head temperature after drawing in the region Tb.

  As shown in FIG. 6, with respect to the droplet discharge head H2 that has a small temperature rise during ink discarding, the amplitude of the diaphragm 20 is increased by increasing the amplitude of the drive element PZ in the head standby state before drawing. First, the temperature Tm1 of the droplet discharge head H2 is adjusted to be high. Then, a predetermined number of inks are ejected at the first discarding interval between the droplet discharge head H1 having a large temperature rise in the ink disposal and the droplet ejection head H2 having a small temperature increase in the ink disposal. The later head temperature Tm2 becomes equal. As a result, after ejecting a predetermined number of inks at the first throw-off interval, in other words, before ejecting ink to the measurement region, the temperatures of the respective droplet ejection heads 5 are all equal.

  In the first vibration step, the magnitude of the voltage applied to the drive element PZ is adjusted to a minute voltage that does not cause ink to be ejected from each nozzle N, thereby causing the diaphragm 20 to vibrate slightly to generate heat and drawing. It is also possible to adjust the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 in the previous head standby state. Thereby, it is possible to correct the variation in the ink discharge amount at each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 without discharging ink from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 in the head standby state before drawing. it can. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from being wasted when adjusting the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head 5.

  Next, each droplet discharge head 5 is applied to the drive element PZ while moving relative to the sheet member 15 in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the plurality of nozzles N. The voltage to be discharged is made constant, and a predetermined number of inks are ejected from each nozzle of each droplet ejection head 5 to the dummy area Tb of the sheet member 15 at a first disposal number and discarded (step S4 in FIG. 4). ).

  Thus, ink can be ejected to the dummy area Tb from the start of rendering where the ink ejection amount is unstable to a predetermined rendering number (for example, discarding number of 40 dots) that stabilizes the ink ejection amount. In addition, since the ink discarding to the dummy area Tb is performed while moving (scanning) each droplet discharge head 5 in accordance with the actual use situation (ink landing on the measurement area Ta), the measurement area Ta This can be performed under the same conditions as when ink is landed. The discarding of the ink to the dummy area Tb is performed in order to efficiently use the sheet member 15, and in a state where the droplet discharge head 5 is stopped, the predetermined number of discharges are continuously performed so that the inks overlap. You may do it.

  Next, as in the first discarding step described above, the voltage applied to the drive element PZ is made constant, and ink is landed on the measurement region Ta of the sheet member 15 at the first landing interval Wa (step S5 in FIG. 4). ). Specifically, each droplet discharge head 5 is moved in the Y-axis direction along the sheet member conveyance table 11. Thereby, the measurement region Ta of the sheet member 15 is disposed so as to face the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5. In addition, since the ink discharge amount is stabilized from the unstable state by the first discarding step, the ink discharge amount is stable in the first landing step. Therefore, a plurality of ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle N of each droplet ejection head 5 at the first landing interval Wa and landed on the measurement region Ta of the sheet member 15 in a state where the ink ejection amount is stable.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an ink arrangement state in the dummy area Tb and the measurement area Ta in the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram when the ink is continuously discharged from the nozzles N of the respective droplet discharge heads 5 to the dummy region Tb adjacent to the measurement region Ta by a predetermined number of discharges and discarded. In FIG. 7, the horizontal direction shown in FIG. 7 (directions indicated by arrows B1, B2, BN) is the main scanning direction of each droplet discharge head 5, and the direction (vertical direction shown) orthogonal to the main scanning direction is the sub-scanning direction.

  In FIG. 7, the symbol Wa is the first landing interval of ink, and the symbol Wb is the first throwing interval of ink. Reference numeral Va denotes an ink landing path in the measurement area Ta, and reference numeral Vb denotes an ink disposal path in the dummy area Tb. The first landing interval Wa and the first throwing interval Wb of ink are distances between the centers of adjacent inks.

  As shown in FIG. 7, ink is ejected to a dummy region Tb adjacent to the measurement region Ta by ejecting a predetermined number of inks from each nozzle of each droplet ejection head 5 with a predetermined number of ejections. . In the present embodiment, the first throwing interval Wb1 is narrowed so that the ink ejected from each nozzle overlaps. For example, the number of ink discharged from each nozzle (number of shots) is locally increased and discarded. Then, similarly to the above-described conventional ink discarding path Vb ″ in the dummy area Tb ″, the ink discarding path Vb in the dummy area Tb can be shortened and the dummy area Tb can be reduced. Next, ink is ejected and landed on the measurement area Ta at the first landing interval Wa. As a result, in the measurement area Ta, ink can be landed with a stable ink discharge amount.

  In the present embodiment, in the first vibration step described above, after ejecting a predetermined number of inks at the first throw-off interval Wb, in other words, before ejecting ink to the measurement area Ta, each droplet ejection head 5 The temperatures of the respective droplet discharge heads 5 are adjusted in advance so that the temperatures of the droplet discharge heads 5 are all equal. Therefore, as in the case where the present invention is not used, when a predetermined number of ejections are continuously ejected so as to overlap the dummy area, a plurality of drops of ink are ejected to the measurement area with a predetermined interval. Thus, the amount of heat generated by the droplet discharge head does not increase. That is, the temperature of the ink discharged from each nozzle N of the droplet discharge head 5 is stabilized without causing a difference in the amount of heat generated by the droplet discharge head 5 before and after drawing in the measurement area Ta.

  Further, even when a plurality of droplet ejection heads 5 are scanned, the temperature of the ink ejected for each droplet ejection head is stabilized without causing a difference in the amount of heat generated by each droplet ejection head 5. Become. Thereby, it is possible to discharge a uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 and to uniformize the ink landing area at all the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when a plurality of droplet discharge heads 5 are scanned, the ink discharged from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 in the main scanning directions B1, B2, and BN. The landing area is uniform (for example, the ink landing area in the main scanning direction B1 = the ink landing area in the main scanning direction B2 = the ink landing area in the main scanning direction BN).

  In addition, the ink is preferably landed in an appropriate arrangement form such as a stripe arrangement, a delta arrangement, or a mosaic arrangement in accordance with the color filter layer CF. Thus, the ink ejection state before correction (when ejecting to the sheet member 15) and the ink ejection state after correction (when ejecting to the color filter substrate P) at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5 Are surely consistent.

  In addition, when the ink is landed on the sheet member 15, it is preferable to land the ink in a plurality of times. Specifically, first, the first ink is landed on a predetermined area on the sheet member 15. Next, the second ink is landed on a region where the first ink is not landed. Thereby, since ink can be repeatedly landed on the sheet member 15 a plurality of times, the sheet member 15 can be used effectively without waste.

  Next, the landing area of the ink landed on the measurement area Ta of the sheet member 15 at the first landing interval Wa is measured, and the average area of the ink landed from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 is measured. The distribution of the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 is obtained based on the measurement data of the landing area obtained (Step S6 in FIG. 4). Specifically, the area measurement camera 14 arranged at a position facing the upper surface of the measurement area Ta of the sheet member 15 discharges the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 to the measurement area Ta of the sheet member 15. Shoot the landed area of the ink. At this time, the magnification of the lens of the area measurement camera 14 is preferably set to 4 to 10 times, for example, in terms of measurement accuracy and measurement time. Further, the N number for measuring the ink landing area is preferably set to N = 20 to 30 from the viewpoint of measurement accuracy.

  The ink landing area image data photographed by the area measurement camera 14 is output to the analysis unit 32. The analysis unit 32 measures the ink landing area at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 and the ink discharge at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 based on the measurement data of the landing area. A distribution of quantities is required. Distribution data of the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 is output to the control unit 31.

  Next, the sheet member 15 is wound up (step S7 in FIG. 4). Specifically, the sheet member 15 on which the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5 is landed is taken up by the take-up reel 13. That is, a new sheet member 15 that is not landed with ink is supplied from the supply reel 12.

  Next, the voltage applied to the drive element PZ is adjusted (step S8 in FIG. 4). Specifically, the voltage applied to the drive element PZ provided for each of the plurality of nozzles N is adjusted by the control unit 31 so that the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N approaches a predetermined appropriate amount.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the ejection characteristics of each droplet ejection head before and after correcting the variation in the ink ejection amount. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis indicates the nozzle numbers 1 to 180 of the nozzle row NA, and the vertical axis indicates the discharge amount of the nozzle corresponding to each nozzle number. As shown in FIG. 8, when the solid line before the correction of the variation in the ink discharge amount is seen, it can be seen that the ink discharge amount tends to be relatively large at the nozzles at both ends and the central portion.

  For example, a predetermined voltage is applied to the drive element PZ corresponding to the nozzle in the region where the ink ejection amount is relatively small in the initial state (see the solid line before correction in FIG. 8). On the other hand, no voltage is applied to the drive element PZ corresponding to the nozzle in the region where the ink discharge amount is relatively large in the initial state.

  In this way, the variation in the discharge amount generated between the plurality of nozzles N is adjusted by the drive element PZ. As a result, the variation in the ink ejection amount among the plurality of nozzles N is corrected. That is, the variation in the ink discharge amount that has occurred between the plurality of nozzles N in the initial state (solid line before correction) can be approximately averaged as indicated by the solid line after correction.

  According to the droplet discharge device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 31 increases the temperature when discharging a predetermined number of inks from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 at the first throw-off interval Wb. Based on the data, the liquid droplet discharge heads 5 are all equal in temperature after discharging a predetermined number of discharges of ink from the nozzles N of the droplet discharge heads 5 at the first throw-off interval Wb. The drive voltage adjusted for each droplet discharge head 5 is applied to the drive elements PZ of the plurality of droplet discharge heads 5 to vibrate the diaphragm 20 to generate heat. Further, the control unit 31 moves each droplet discharge head 5 on the sheet member 15 while relatively moving each droplet discharge head 5 with respect to the sheet member 15 in the main scanning direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles N. Each nozzle N has a function of ejecting a predetermined number of inks at a first throwing interval Wb and then ejecting a plurality of ink drops at a first landing interval Wa wider than the first discarding interval Wb. ing. Here, the sheet member 15 is divided into a measurement area Ta in which a plurality of ink droplets are ejected at a first landing interval Wa and a dummy area Tb in which a predetermined number of inks are ejected at a first throw-off interval Wb. Suppose that Then, for a while from the start of drawing where the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head 5 is unstable, a predetermined number of inks can be discharged to the dummy area Tb and discarded. For this reason, it is possible to land ink on the measurement region Ta in a state where the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head 5 is stable. Then, the landed image of the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5 is photographed with respect to the measurement region Ta in the sheet member 15 by the area measurement camera 14. Based on the landing area of the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5 by the analysis unit 32, the ejection amount of the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5 is determined. Distribution is required. Then, the control unit 31 adjusts the voltage applied to the drive element PZ so that the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 approaches a predetermined appropriate amount, and the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 (Heat generation amount) is adjusted. Therefore, compared with the case where the present invention is not used, the difference in the heat generation amount of each droplet discharge head 5 before and after drawing in the display area is eliminated, and the ink discharged from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 is reduced. The temperature can be stabilized. That is, the control unit 31 corrects the variation in the ink discharge amount at each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5. For this reason, it is possible to discharge a uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 and make the ink landing area in all the nozzles N uniform. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality by making the stripes inconspicuous. Further, the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 is adjusted by the control unit 31, and based on the ink landing area at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5, from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5. The method for obtaining the distribution of the ejection amount of the ejected ink is superior in production efficiency because it does not require an enormous man-hour as compared with the conventional method of measuring the weight of the ink ejected from a plurality of nozzles. Further, since the sheet member 15 on which the ink discharged from the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 has landed is appropriately conveyed, the landing area can be measured efficiently.

  Further, according to this configuration, the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 before ink is ejected by a predetermined number of ejections at the first throw-off interval Wb (head standby state before drawing) can be adjusted efficiently. . For example, with respect to the droplet discharge head H2 in which the temperature rise is small when the ink is discarded (when a predetermined number of inks are discharged), the diaphragm is increased by increasing the amplitude of the drive element PZ in the head standby state before drawing. The amplitude of 20 is increased, and the temperature of the droplet discharge head H2 is adjusted to be high in advance. Then, after the ink is discarded (after a predetermined number of inks are ejected), in other words, before the ink is ejected to the measurement area Ta, the temperatures of the respective droplet ejection heads 5 are all equal. Thereby, it is possible to discharge a uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 and to uniformize the ink landing area at all the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality by making the stripes inconspicuous.

  Further, according to this configuration, the ink discharge amount variation in each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 is not ejected from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 in the head standby state before drawing. Can be corrected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from being wasted when adjusting the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head 5. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of the ink ejected from each nozzle N of each droplet ejection head 5.

  According to the droplet discharge method of the present embodiment, the temperature rises when a predetermined number of inks are discharged from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 at the first throw-off interval Wb by the first temperature measurement step. Data is measured. In a first vibration step after the first temperature measurement step, a predetermined number of inks are ejected from each nozzle N of each droplet ejection head 5 at a first throwing interval Wb based on the temperature rise data. A drive voltage adjusted for each droplet discharge head 5 is applied to the drive elements PZ of the plurality of droplet discharge heads 5 so that the temperatures of the droplet discharge heads 5 after discharge are all equal, and the diaphragm 20 Vibrates. The vibration of the vibration plate 20 heats the droplet discharge head 5 and adjusts the temperature (heat generation amount) of the droplet discharge head 5 in a standby state before drawing. At this time, the temperature of the droplet discharge head H2 is adjusted to be high in advance with respect to the droplet discharge head H2 in which the temperature rise during ink disposal is small. Then, ink is ejected to the dummy area Tb by a predetermined number of ejections at the first discarding interval Wb until the ink ejection amount is stabilized by the first discarding process after the first vibration process. Then, after the ink is discarded, all the temperatures of the respective droplet discharge heads 5 become equal. In the first landing process after the first discarding process, ink is landed on the measurement area Ta in a state where the ink discharge amount is stable. Then, the distribution of the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 is obtained by the first analysis process after the first landing process. In the first control step, the ink discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 is adjusted so as to approach a predetermined appropriate amount. As a result, the variation in the ink discharge amount among the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 is corrected. For this reason, it is possible to discharge a uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 and make the ink landing area uniform for all the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality by making the stripes inconspicuous.

  Further, according to this manufacturing method, the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 in the head standby state before drawing in the first discarding step can be adjusted efficiently. For example, for the droplet discharge head H2 in which the temperature rise during ink discarding is small, the amplitude of the vibration element 20 is increased by increasing the amplitude of the drive element PZ in the head standby state before drawing, and droplet discharge is performed in advance. The temperature of the head 5 is adjusted high. Then, after the ink is discarded, in other words, before the ink is discharged in the first landing process, the temperatures of the respective droplet discharge heads 5 are all equal. Thereby, it is possible to discharge a uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5 and to uniformize the ink landing area at all the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality by making the stripes inconspicuous.

  Further, according to this manufacturing method, the ink discharge amount of each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 can be reduced without discharging ink from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 in the head standby state before drawing. Variations can be corrected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from being wasted when adjusting the ink discharge amount of each droplet discharge head 5. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of the ink ejected from each nozzle N of each droplet ejection head 5.

  In the droplet discharge method, after the first control step, a predetermined number of inks are discharged from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 at a second throw-off interval (third interval). A second temperature measurement step for measuring the temperature rise data, and after the second temperature measurement step, the ink is ejected from each nozzle N of each droplet discharge head 5 at a second throw-off interval based on the temperature rise data. The drive voltage adjusted for each droplet discharge head 5 is applied to the drive elements PZ of the plurality of droplet discharge heads 5 so that the temperatures of the respective droplet discharge heads 5 after the predetermined number of discharges are equalized. And the second vibration step of heating the droplet discharge head 5 thereby, and after the second vibration step, each droplet discharge head 5 is connected to the sheet member 15 with a plurality of nozzles N. Phase in the main scanning direction intersecting the array direction of A second disposal step (third ejection step) in which a predetermined number of inks are ejected from the nozzles N of the droplet ejection heads 5 on the sheet member 15 at a second disposal interval while moving; After the second landing step, after the second landing step, a second landing step (fourth discharging step) in which a plurality of ink droplets are discharged at a second landing interval (fourth interval) wider than the second throwing interval, The landing area of the ink landed on the sheet member 15 at the second landing interval is measured, and the average area is defined as the landing area of the ink ejected from each nozzle N of each droplet ejection head 5, and based on the landing area. A second analysis step for obtaining a distribution of the ejection amount of the ink ejected from each nozzle N of each droplet ejection head 5, and the ink ejection amount at a plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5 from the distribution is a predetermined amount Each drop to approach the proper amount A second control step of adjusting a voltage applied to the plurality of drive elements of the head 5 out may a have at least once.

  According to this manufacturing method, after the first control process, the temperature measurement process, the vibration process, the dumping process, the landing process, the analysis process, and the control process are repeatedly performed a plurality of times, whereby each droplet discharge head 5 is performed. The variation in the ink discharge amount among the plurality of nozzles N is reliably adjusted. For this reason, it becomes possible to discharge a significantly uniform amount of ink from all the nozzles N of each droplet discharge head 5. Therefore, it is possible to make the unevenness more inconspicuous and to suppress the deterioration of the image quality.

  In the liquid droplet ejection method, before the ink is ejected by a predetermined number of ejections in the first discarding process by adjusting the magnitude of the driving voltage applied to the driving element PZ in the first vibration process ( Although the example in which the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 in the head standby state before drawing) is adjusted has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a period in which ink is ejected from each nozzle N of each droplet ejection head 5 such that one droplet ejection head 5 is continuously ejected (continuous shot) and the other droplet ejection head 5 is ejected at a predetermined interval. By changing the temperature, the temperature of each droplet discharge head 5 in the head standby state before drawing may be adjusted.

  In the droplet discharge method, the ink that is landed in the second landing process is also arranged in an appropriate arrangement form in the same manner as in the first landing process (step S5 in FIG. 4), following the color filter layer CF. It ’s better to land. Thereby, the ejection state before correction of the plurality of nozzles N of each droplet ejection head 5 and the ejection state after correction are surely matched.

  In addition, according to the color filter manufacturing method of the present invention, as described above, a uniform amount of ink is ejected from all the nozzles of each droplet ejection head, and the ink landing area at all the nozzles is made uniform. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently produce a high-quality color filter without streak.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the color filter is manufactured using the droplet discharge device 1 in which the variation in the ink discharge amount between the nozzles is adjusted has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the droplet discharge device 1 of the present invention can be applied not only to the manufacture of a color filter but also to a film forming process in which uniform film thickness is required and the formation of stripes becomes a problem.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Droplet discharge device, 5 ... Droplet discharge head, 12 ... Supply reel, 13 ... Take-up reel, 14 ... Area measurement camera (imaging device), 20 ... Diaphragm, 31 ... Control unit (control means), 32 ... Analysis unit (analysis means), CF ... Color filter layer (color filter), N ... Nozzle, P ... Color filter substrate (base material), PZ ... Drive element, Wa ... First landing interval (second interval) , Wb ... first throwing interval (first interval)

Claims (8)

A plurality of nozzles for discharging functional liquid, a plurality of driving elements provided corresponding to the plurality of nozzles, and a vibration plate that vibrates by the driving elements and discharges the functional liquid from the nozzles A droplet discharge head;
A supply reel for supplying a sheet member for landing the functional liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head;
A take-up reel that winds up the sheet member supplied from the supply reel;
An imaging device that captures images of the functional liquid ejected from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet ejection head with respect to the sheet member between the supply reel and the take-up reel;
The image captured by the imaging device is subjected to image processing to measure the landing area of the functional liquid on the sheet member, and discharged from the plurality of nozzles of each droplet discharge head for each droplet discharge head. Analyzing means for obtaining a distribution of the discharged amount of the functional liquid,
The relative movement between each droplet discharge head and the sheet member and the discharge operation of each droplet discharge head are controlled, and the plurality of droplet discharge heads for each droplet discharge head are determined from the distribution. Control means for adjusting a voltage applied to the plurality of drive elements of each droplet discharge head so that the discharge amount at the nozzle approaches a predetermined appropriate amount;
The control means is based on data of a temperature rise when the functional liquid is ejected from the nozzles of the droplet ejection heads at a first interval by a predetermined number of ejections. Driving voltage adjusted for each droplet discharge head so that the temperatures of the droplet discharge heads after discharging the functional liquid by the predetermined number of discharges from the nozzles at the first interval are all equal. Is applied to the driving elements of the plurality of liquid droplet ejection heads, and the diaphragm is vibrated to generate heat, and then each liquid droplet ejection head intersects the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles with respect to the sheet member. The functional liquid is ejected from the nozzles of the droplet ejection heads at the first interval by the predetermined number of ejections on the sheet member while relatively moving in the main scanning direction. Wider than the interval of Is more droplets ejecting the functional liquid in the second interval,
The analysis means performs image processing on the image of the functional liquid of a plurality of droplets ejected at the second interval, measures the landing area of the functional liquid at each nozzle, and calculates the average area from each nozzle. A droplet discharge device characterized in that a landing area of the discharged functional liquid is used, and a distribution of the discharge amount of the functional liquid discharged from each nozzle is obtained based on the landing area.   The control means adjusts the amplitude of the diaphragm by adjusting the magnitude of the driving voltage applied to the driving element for each droplet discharge head, and thereby the function at the first interval. 2. The liquid droplet ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of each liquid droplet ejection head before the liquid is ejected by the predetermined number of ejections is adjusted.   The control means finely adjusts the diaphragm for each droplet discharge head by adjusting the magnitude of the drive voltage applied to the drive element to such a small voltage that the functional liquid is not discharged from the nozzles. 3. The droplet according to claim 2, wherein the droplet is heated to generate heat, and the temperature of each of the droplet ejection heads before the functional liquid is ejected by the predetermined number of ejections at the first interval is adjusted. Discharge device. A plurality of nozzles for discharging functional liquid, a plurality of driving elements provided corresponding to the plurality of nozzles, and a vibration plate that vibrates by the driving elements and discharges the functional liquid from the nozzles A droplet discharge method using a droplet discharge head,
A first temperature measurement step of measuring data of temperature rise when the functional liquid is ejected from the nozzles of each droplet ejection head by a predetermined number of ejections at a first interval;
After the first temperature measurement step, based on the temperature rise data, the functional liquid is ejected from the nozzles of the droplet ejection heads at the first interval by the predetermined ejection number. A drive voltage adjusted for each of the droplet discharge heads is applied to the drive elements of the plurality of droplet discharge heads so that the temperatures of the droplet discharge heads are all equal, and the vibration plate is vibrated. A first vibration step of heating the droplet discharge head by:
After the first vibration step, the liquid droplet ejection heads are moved on the sheet member while the liquid droplet ejection heads are relatively moved with respect to the sheet member in a main scanning direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles. A first discharge step of discharging the functional liquid from the nozzles at the first interval by the predetermined discharge number;
A second discharge step of discharging a plurality of drops of the functional liquid at a second interval wider than the first interval after the first discharge step;
After the second discharge step, the landing area of the functional liquid landed on the sheet member at the second interval is measured, and the average area is defined as the landing area of the functional liquid discharged from each nozzle. A first analysis step of obtaining a distribution of the discharge amount of the functional liquid discharged from each nozzle based on the landing area;
And a first control step of adjusting a voltage to be applied to the plurality of drive elements so that the discharge amount at the plurality of nozzles approaches a predetermined appropriate amount from the distribution.   In the first vibration step, the amplitude of the vibration plate is adjusted by adjusting the magnitude of the drive voltage applied to the drive element, and thereby the functional liquid is discharged at the predetermined interval at the first interval. The droplet discharge method according to claim 4, wherein the temperature of each of the droplet discharge heads before being discharged by the number is adjusted.   In the first vibration step, the vibration plate is slightly vibrated to generate heat by adjusting the magnitude of the driving voltage applied to the driving element to a minute voltage that does not cause the functional liquid to be discharged from each nozzle. 6. The droplet discharge method according to claim 5, wherein the temperature of each droplet discharge head before discharging the functional liquid by the predetermined discharge number is adjusted at the first interval. A second temperature measurement step of measuring data of a temperature rise when a plurality of droplets of the functional liquid are discharged from the nozzles of the droplet discharge heads at a third interval after the first control step;
After the second temperature measurement step, based on the temperature rise data, the functional liquid is ejected from the nozzles of the droplet ejection heads at the third interval by the predetermined ejection number. A drive voltage adjusted for each of the droplet discharge heads is applied to the drive elements of the plurality of droplet discharge heads so that the temperatures of the droplet discharge heads are all equal, and the vibration plate is vibrated. A second vibration step for heating the droplet discharge head by:
After the second vibration step, each droplet discharge head is moved onto the sheet member while moving relative to the sheet member in a main scanning direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles. A third discharge step of discharging the functional liquid by the predetermined discharge number from the nozzles of the head at the third interval;
A fourth discharge step of discharging a plurality of droplets of the functional liquid at a fourth interval wider than the third interval after the third discharge step;
After the fourth discharging step, the landing area of the functional liquid landed on the sheet member at the fourth interval is measured, and the average area is defined as the landing area of the functional liquid discharged from each nozzle. A second analysis step of obtaining a distribution of the discharge amount of the functional liquid discharged from each nozzle based on the landing area;
2. A second control step of adjusting a voltage applied to the plurality of drive elements so that the discharge amount of the plurality of nozzles approaches a predetermined appropriate amount from the distribution, at least once. The droplet discharge method according to any one of 4 to 6.   A color filter using the droplet discharge method according to claim 4 to form a color filter by arranging the functional liquid in a predetermined region provided on a substrate. Manufacturing method.

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