JP6737718B2 - Recording apparatus, recording head adjusting method, and test chart forming method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording head adjusting method, and a test chart forming method, and more particularly to a technique for positioning a recording head.

A method of manufacturing a long bar head by connecting a plurality of recording heads in a line is known. The bar head manufactured in this manner has a higher yield compared to the case where a bar head having the same length is manufactured as a single unit, and since the bar heads can be replaced in units of recording heads, there is an advantage that economical operation can be performed.

On the other hand, this type of bar head has a problem in that, unless the recording heads are accurately connected to each other, streaks or unevenness occur at the joint portion, and high quality images cannot be recorded. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the position of the print head each time the print head is replaced.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-242242 describes an inkjet head that is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules corresponding to a plurality of recording heads in a line, and is capable of position adjustment in a plurality of directions for each head module.

JP, 2014-223732, A

As for the position adjustment of the print head, adjusting one direction may change the relative position with respect to another print head in another direction. Therefore, it is necessary to repeat the position adjustment of the print head and the confirmation as to whether the print head has been adjusted to the correct position for each adjustment direction, which takes time.

For example, when a test pattern is recorded by the recording head, the recording head adjustment amount is calculated from the recording result, and the recording head position is adjusted by the calculated adjustment amount, the recording of the test pattern and the recording head position for each adjustment direction. It is necessary to repeat the adjustment of.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus, a recording head adjusting method, and a test chart forming method that reduce repetition of recording a test chart and adjusting the position of the recording head. To aim.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of a recording apparatus is a recording head having a recording element for recording an image, an attachment portion to which the recording head is attached, and a recording medium attached to the attachment portion of a recording medium. A recording control unit for recording an image on the recording surface, a position adjusting unit for moving the mounting position of the recording head in the mounting direction in the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and a mounting position for the recording head The test chart is sequentially recorded on the recording medium by the recording head by moving the recording medium in at least one of the first direction and the second direction with a predetermined movement amount within the range. A test chart acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of test charts at a plurality of different mounting positions in two directions, a test chart reading unit that reads a plurality of acquired test charts, and a first recording head unit that analyzes the read plurality of test charts. A position determining unit that determines adjustment positions in the first direction and the second direction, and the position adjusting unit moves the mounting position of the recording head to the determined adjustment position.

According to this aspect, the mounting position of the recording head is moved in at least one of the first direction and the second direction within the first range by a predetermined movement amount, and the test chart is printed on the recording medium by the recording head. Recording heads are sequentially recorded, a plurality of test charts at a plurality of mounting positions of the recording head in different first and second directions are acquired, the plurality of acquired test charts are read, the plurality of read test charts are analyzed, and the recording head is recorded. Since the adjustment positions of the first direction and the second direction are determined and the mounting position of the recording head is moved to the determined adjustment position, repetition of recording of the test chart and adjustment of the position of the recording head is reduced. be able to.

It is preferable that the position determination unit determines the adjustment position of the recording head at any one of the mounting positions where the test chart is recorded by the test chart acquisition unit. Thereby, the mounting position of the recording head can be moved to an appropriate position.

The test chart acquisition unit includes a position detection unit that detects at least one of the positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction, and a position estimation unit that estimates the adjustment position based on the detected position. A second range that is narrower than the first range, and within a second range that includes the adjusted position estimated by the position estimation unit, moves the print head at a predetermined movement amount in at least one of the first direction and the second direction. It is preferable to move in the direction of. By narrowing the moving range of the recording head, it is possible to further reduce the repetition of recording the test chart and adjusting the position of the recording head.

The recording medium is conveyed in a third direction, and a conveying unit is provided which makes a recording element surface of the recording head on which a recording element is arranged and a recording surface face each other. The first direction is a direction orthogonal to the third direction in the recording element surface. It is preferable that the second direction is a direction of rotation about the fourth direction orthogonal to the recording element surface as an axis. In this way, the position of the recording head can be adjusted in the first direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the recording medium and the second direction rotating about the direction orthogonal to the recording element surface.

The position adjusting unit includes a first motor that rotates a shaft along the fourth direction, a first eccentric cam that is provided on the shaft along the third direction, and contacts the recording head in the first direction, and a shaft of the first motor. And a gear that transmits the rotation of the recording medium to the first eccentric cam, and it is preferable to move the mounting position of the recording head in the first direction by rotating the first motor. Thereby, the mounting position in the first direction can be appropriately moved.

The position adjusting unit includes a second motor that rotates a shaft along the fourth direction, and a second eccentric cam that is provided on the shaft of the second motor and contacts the recording head in the third direction. It is preferable to move the mounting position of the recording head in the second direction by rotating. Thereby, the mounting position in the first direction can be appropriately moved.

It is preferable that the test chart includes a plurality of line patterns extending in the third direction, and the position determining unit analyzes the interval between the read plurality of line patterns in the first direction. Thereby, the positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction can be properly analyzed.

A plurality of recording heads are attached to the mounting portion, and in the plurality of recording heads, projection recording elements of adjacent recording heads are mixed in a projection recording element array in which recording elements are projected so as to be aligned in the first direction. It is preferable to have a complementary region that By analyzing the test chart recorded in the complementary area, the position of the recording head in the first direction can be properly analyzed.

The test chart reading unit preferably includes an inline scanner arranged on the downstream side of the recording head in the third direction. As a result, the recorded test chart can be read, and the adjustment positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction can be determined in a short time.

It is preferable that the position determination section analyze the densities of the read test charts. This makes it possible to appropriately determine the adjustment positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of a recording head adjusting method is a recording control step of recording an image on a recording surface of a recording medium by a recording head having a recording element for recording an image mounted on a mounting portion. A moving step of moving the mounting position of the recording head in the mounting direction in the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and the mounting position of the recording head within a first range with a predetermined movement amount. By moving in at least one of the first direction and the second direction and sequentially recording the test chart on the recording medium by the recording head, a plurality of tests at different mounting positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction are performed. A test chart acquisition step of acquiring a chart, a test chart reading step of reading a plurality of acquired test charts, and a plurality of read test charts are analyzed to determine adjustment positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction. A position determining step and a position adjusting step of moving the mounting position of the recording head to the determined adjusting position are provided.

According to this aspect, the mounting position of the recording head is moved in at least one of the first direction and the second direction within the first range by a predetermined movement amount, and the test chart is printed on the recording medium by the recording head. Recording heads are sequentially recorded, a plurality of test charts at a plurality of mounting positions of the recording head in different first and second directions are acquired, the plurality of acquired test charts are read, the plurality of read test charts are analyzed, and the recording head is recorded. Since the adjustment positions of the first direction and the second direction are determined and the mounting position of the recording head is moved to the determined adjustment position, repetition of recording of the test chart and adjustment of the position of the recording head is reduced. be able to.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of a test chart forming method is a recording control step of recording an image on a recording surface of a recording medium by a recording head having a recording element for recording an image, which is attached to an attachment portion. A moving step of moving the mounting position of the recording head in the mounting direction in the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and the mounting position of the recording head within a first range with a predetermined movement amount. By moving in at least one of the first direction and the second direction and sequentially recording the test chart on the recording medium by the recording head, a plurality of tests at different mounting positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction are performed. And a test chart acquisition step of acquiring a chart.

According to this aspect, the mounting position of the recording head is moved in at least one of the first direction and the second direction within the first range by a predetermined movement amount, and the test chart is printed on the recording medium by the recording head. Since the plurality of test charts at the plurality of mounting positions in the first direction and the second direction which are different from each other are obtained by sequentially recording, the recording of the test chart and the adjustment of the position of the recording head are repeated. It can be reduced.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the repetition of recording the test chart and adjusting the position of the recording head.

Side view of inkjet recording device Plan view of inkjet recording device Plan view showing a structural example of a bar head A partially enlarged view of FIG. Plan view showing the nozzle arrangement of the head module Sectional drawing which shows the three-dimensional structure near the nozzle of a head module. Diagram showing complementary area Diagram for explaining the complementary area Block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the inkjet recording apparatus Flowchart showing each process of the position adjusting method of the head module The figure which shows the adjustment range of the head module typically Diagram showing the test chart recorded on paper Graph showing the moving speed of the head module in the θ _Z direction Enlarged view of X-direction position adjustment pattern PX enlarged view of the theta _Z direction position adjustment pattern Pshita _Z Diagram for explaining the analysis of the θ _Z direction position of the head module Enlarged view of Y-direction position adjustment pattern PY FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the analysis of the position of the head module in the Y direction. Diagram schematically showing how the head module moves to the adjustment position Block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the inkjet recording apparatus Flowchart showing each process of the position adjusting method of the head module The figure which shows an example of the adjustment range and estimated position of a head module. Schematic configuration diagram of an inkjet recording device Enlarged view of the bar head as seen from the nozzle side Front view showing the structure of the main part of the bar head Side view showing the structure of the main part of the bar head Head module front view Rear view of the head module Sectional side view of the head module Front view showing the structure of the main part of the base frame Side sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the base frame Front view for explaining the mounting method of the head module Side sectional view for explaining a mounting method of the head module The figure which shows the head module which rotates the mounting position adjusting means in the X direction automatically. The figure which shows the head module which rotates the mounting position adjusting means in (theta) _Z direction automatically. An enlarged view of FIG. Sectional view taken along the line 37-37 in FIG. The figure which shows the other aspect of the position detection means of (theta) _Z direction.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration of recording device]
FIG. 1 is a side view of an inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the inkjet recording apparatus 10.

The inkjet recording apparatus 10 is a printer that records an image on a recording surface of a sheet 1 (an example of a recording medium), and includes a transport unit 12, a bar head 20, and an inline sensor 50.

The transport unit 12 transports the sheet 1 placed horizontally in the Y direction (an example of the third direction) that is the transport direction.

The bar head 20 is a full line type print head having a nozzle surface 20A (an example of a recording element surface) having a length corresponding to the maximum paper width. The bar head 20 is arranged in the transport path of the sheet 1 by the transport unit 12 with the nozzle surface 20A facing downward in the Z direction, which is the vertical direction, and the nozzle surface 20A being parallel to the XY plane, which is the horizontal plane.

The transport unit 12 transports the sheet 1 in the Y direction so that the recording surface of the sheet 1 faces the nozzle surface 20A. The bar head 20 records an image on the recording surface of the sheet 1 by ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles 24 (see FIG. 5) formed on the nozzle surface 20A toward the recording surface of the opposing sheet 1. To do.

The in-line sensor 50 (an example of an in-line scanner) is a reading unit that reads an image on the recording surface of the sheet 1 conveyed by the conveying unit 12, and is installed on the downstream side of the bar head 20 in the conveying path of the sheet 1. A CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor or the like is applied to the in-line sensor 50, and the read image data is transmitted to the system controller 60 (see FIG. 9). The system controller 60 analyzes the image recorded on the sheet 1 based on the received image data.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a structural example of the bar head 20, and is a view of the bar head 20 seen from the nozzle surface 20A side. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the bar head 20 has n head modules 22 (head modules 22-1, 22-2, 22-3,..., 22-i,..., 22-n) orthogonal to each other in the Y direction. It has a structure in which it is attached to and attached to an attachment portion (not shown) along the X direction (an example of the first direction). Further, the bar head 20 is provided with nozzles 24 (see FIG. 5), which are a plurality of recording elements, over the length corresponding to the entire width of the paper 1. In the present embodiment, the recording element is an element that is arranged at a position corresponding to a recording point on the recording medium and forms dots on the recording medium, and here is an inkjet nozzle. The recording element may be a heat transfer recording type heating element or an electrophotographic recording type LED (Light Emitting Diode) element.

A plurality of head modules 22 (an example of a recording head) are attached in the X direction and are supported by head module support members 20B from both sides in the Y direction. Further, end caps 20D are attached to both ends of the bar head 20 in the X direction.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the nozzle array of the head module 22. As shown in the figure, in the head module 22, a large number of nozzles 24 are arranged in a matrix along a column direction W forming an angle α with the Y direction and a row direction V forming an angle β with the X direction. It has a structure arranged in a dimension, and the substantial nozzle arrangement density in the X direction is increased.

The nozzle array applicable to the present embodiment is not limited to the nozzle array shown in FIG. 5, and for example, along the row direction along the X direction and the column direction oblique to the X and Y directions. It is also applicable to a mode in which a plurality of nozzles 24 are arranged in a matrix.

The position of each head module 22-1 to 22-n in the X direction can be adjusted by the X direction position adjusting unit 78 (see FIG. 9). The X-direction position adjusting unit 78 moves the head module 22 in the X direction by a motor (not shown) while maintaining the positions of the head module 22 in the Y direction and the Z direction.

Further, the position of each head module 22-1 to 22-n in the θ _Z direction can be adjusted by the θ _Z direction position adjusting unit 80 (see FIG. 9). Here, the θ _Z direction (an example of the second direction) is a direction of rotation about a direction (an example of the fourth direction) orthogonal to the nozzle surface 20A of the head module 22, and here, the nozzle surface 20A is XY. Since it is parallel to the plane, it is a direction of rotation about an axis parallel to the Z direction. θZ direction position adjusting unit 80 is maintained in parallel to the nozzle surface 20A to the XY plane, to move the head module 22 in the theta _Z direction by a motor (not shown).

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a three-dimensional structure near the nozzle 24 of the head module 22. As shown in the figure, the head module 22 has a structure in which a nozzle plate 30 having nozzles 24 formed therein and a flow path plate 36 having a pressure chamber 32 and a common flow path 34 formed therein are laminated and joined. The nozzle plate 30 constitutes the nozzle surface 20</b>A of the bar head 20, and a plurality of nozzles 24 that communicate with the respective pressure chambers 32 are two-dimensionally formed.

The flow path plate 36 constitutes a side wall portion of the pressure chamber 32, and forms a supply port 38 as a narrowed portion (most narrowed portion) of an individual supply path for guiding ink from the common flow path 34 to the pressure chamber 32. It is a forming member. It should be noted that, for convenience of explanation, the flow path plate 36 has a structure in which one or a plurality of substrates are laminated, although it is schematically illustrated in FIG. 6.

The nozzle plate 30 and the flow path plate 36 can be processed into a required shape by a semiconductor manufacturing process using silicon as a material.

The common flow path 34 communicates with an ink tank (not shown) that stores ink, and the ink supplied from the ink tank is supplied to each pressure chamber 32 via the common flow path 34.

The vibrating plate 40 forming a part of the surface of the pressure chamber 32 (top surface in FIG. 6) is provided with the individual electrode 42 and the lower electrode 44, and the piezoelectric body 46 is sandwiched between the individual electrode 42 and the lower electrode 44. The piezo actuator 48 having the above structure is joined. When the diaphragm 40 is made of a metal thin film or a metal oxide film, it functions as a common electrode corresponding to the lower electrode 44 of the piezo actuator 48. In the embodiment in which the diaphragm 40 is made of a non-conductive material such as resin, the lower electrode layer is made of a conductive material such as metal on the surface of the diaphragm member.

By applying a drive voltage to the individual electrode 42, the piezo actuator 48 is deformed and the volume of the pressure chamber 32 is changed, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle 24 due to the pressure change accompanying this. When the piezo actuator 48 returns to the original state after the ink ejection, the pressure chamber 32 is refilled with new ink from the common flow path 34 through the supply port 38.

As shown in FIG. 5, in each head module 22, the droplet discharge elements thus configured are arranged in a row direction V forming an angle β with the X direction and in a column direction W forming an angle α with the Y direction. A large number of them are arranged in a lattice pattern along a certain arrangement pattern. Assuming that the adjacent nozzle spacing in the Y direction is L _S , it can be treated in the X direction as an equivalent arrangement in which the nozzles 24 are linearly arranged at a constant pitch P _N =L _S /tan θ.

Here, the piezo actuator 48 is applied as the ejection force generating means of the ink ejected from the nozzle 24 provided in the bar head 20, but a heater is provided in the pressure chamber 32, and the pressure of film boiling due to heating of the heater is used. It is also possible to apply a thermal method in which ink is ejected by using the above method.

[Complementary area of inkjet head]
Next, the complementary area between the head modules 22 adjacent to each other will be described. The complementary area is a combination of projection nozzles (an example of a projection recording element) of head modules 22 adjacent to each other in a projection nozzle array (an example of a projection recording element array) in which nozzles 24 are projected so as to be aligned in the X direction. This is the area where

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing complementary regions 26 of head modules 22-i and 22-(i+1) adjacent to each other, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the complementary regions 26. 7 and 8, the nozzle 24 is shown as being transparent from the upper surface of the bar head 20.

Reference numeral 52 shown in FIG. 8 represents a simplified arrangement of the nozzles 24 in the complementary region 26 shown in FIG. 7. In the nozzle array 52, the nozzles 24A indicated by black circles belong to the head module 22-i, and the nozzles 24B indicated by white circles belong to the head module 22-(i+1). The alternate long and short dash line B represents the boundary between the head module 22-i and the head module 22-(i+1).

Further, reference numeral 54 shown in FIG. 8 indicates a projection nozzle row in which the nozzles 24A and 24B shown at reference numeral 52 are projected so as to be aligned in the X direction. As described above, the nozzles 24 can be treated equivalently to those arranged linearly at the pitch P _N in the X direction. Here, the projection nozzles are arranged in the X direction at 1200 [dpi (dot per inch)].

As shown in FIG. 8, in the projection nozzle row 54, the projection nozzles of the nozzles 24A and the projection nozzles of the nozzles 24B are mixed in the complementary area 26, and the existence ratio thereof changes in a 4-nozzle cycle. That is, from the left side of the drawing, there are two cycles of regions in which the projection area of the nozzle 24A is three in the complementary area 26A and the projection area of the nozzle 24B is one in number. There are two periods of regions including two projection nozzles and two projection nozzles of the nozzle 24B. Further, in the complementary region 26C, one projection nozzle of the nozzle 24A and three projection nozzles of the nozzle 24B are included. There are two regions that are configured.

In this way, in the projection nozzle array 54, the ratio of the projection nozzles of the nozzles 24A gradually decreases and the ratio of the nozzles 24B gradually increases from the left side to the right side in the drawing.

Here, the simplified complementary region 26 has been described, but in reality, a larger number of nozzles 24 are arranged in the complementary region 26.

[Configuration of recording device control system]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the inkjet recording device 10.

As shown in FIG. 9, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes a system controller 60, a communication unit 68, an image memory 70, a conveyance control unit 72, an image recording control unit 74, an adjustment control unit 76, an X-direction position adjustment unit 78, and θ _Z. A direction position adjusting unit 80, a reading control unit 82, an operation unit 84, a display unit 86, a non-volatile memory 88 and the like are provided.

The system controller 60 functions as a control unit that integrally controls each unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 and also functions as a calculation unit that performs various calculation processes. The system controller 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 62, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 64, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 66, and the like. The ROM 64 stores a control program executed by the system controller 60 and various data necessary for the system controller 60 to control. The system controller 60 operates according to a control program stored in the ROM 64.

The communication unit 68 includes a communication interface, and transmits/receives data to/from the host computer 2 connected to the communication interface.

The image memory 70 functions as a temporary storage unit for various data including image data, and data is read and written through the system controller 60. The image data fetched from the host computer 2 via the communication unit 68 is stored in the image memory 70.

The transport control unit 72 controls the transport unit 12 according to a command from the system controller 60, and causes the transport unit 12 to transport the paper 1.

The image recording control unit 74 controls the bar head 20 according to a command from the system controller 60, and causes the bar head 20 to record an image on the paper 1.

The bar head 20 has n X-direction position adjusting units 78 (X-direction position adjusting units 78-1,..., 78-i,..., 78-n) and n corresponding to the n head modules 22. , Θ- _Z direction position adjusting unit 80 (θ- _Z direction position adjusting units 80-1,..., 80-i,..., 80-n).

The X-direction position adjusting unit 78 moves the mounting position of the corresponding head module 22 in the X direction. Further, the θ _Z direction position adjusting unit 80 moves the corresponding mounting position of the head module 22 in the θ _Z direction around a fulcrum not shown.

The adjustment control unit 76 controls the X-direction position adjusting unit 78 and the θ _Z- direction position adjusting unit 80 according to a command from the system controller 60, and the X-direction mounting position and the θ _Z- direction mounting position of each head module 22. To move.

The operation unit 84 includes operation members such as operation buttons, a keyboard, and a touch panel, and outputs operation information input from the operation members to the system controller 60. The system controller 60 executes various processes according to the operation information input from the operation unit 84.

The display unit 86 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, and displays required information on the display device in response to a command from the system controller 60.

The non-volatile memory 88 is configured by an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory) or the like, and stores various data and various setting information necessary for control.

As described above, the image data to be recorded on the sheet 1 is fetched from the host computer 2 into the inkjet recording apparatus 10 via the communication section 68. The captured image data is stored in the image memory 70.

The system controller 60 performs required signal processing on the image data stored in the image memory 70 to generate dot data. Further, the system controller 60 controls the drive of the bar head 20 by the image recording control unit 74 according to the generated dot data, and records the image represented by the image data on the paper 1.

Dot data is generally generated by performing color conversion processing and halftone processing on image data. The color conversion process is a process of converting image data represented by sRGB (standard Red Green Blue) or the like into ink amount data of each color of ink used in the inkjet recording apparatus 10. The halftone process is a process of converting the ink amount data of each color generated by the color conversion process into dot data of each color by a process such as error diffusion.

The system controller 60 performs color conversion processing and halftone processing on the image data to generate dot data for each color. In this embodiment, monochromatic dot data is generated. Then, by controlling the drive of the bar head 20 according to the generated dot data of each color, the image represented by the image data is recorded on the paper 1.

[Position adjustment of head module]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing each process of a head module position adjusting method (an example of a recording head adjusting method). Here, the positions of the head modules 22-1 to 22-(i-1) and the head modules 22-(i+1) to 22-n are correctly adjusted, and the newly replaced head module 22-i is in the X direction. And a case where the position adjustment in the θ _Z direction is performed will be described.

In the present embodiment, the head module 22-i is moved to a plurality of predetermined mounting positions within the adjustment range, and a test chart is acquired at each mounting position. Furthermore, by analyzing the acquired test chart, the adjustment position which is the optimum mounting position is determined, and the head module 22-i is moved to the determined adjustment position. In this way, the plurality of mounting positions are discrete positions. It should be noted that the discrete position means that each position is not continuous but discrete.

First, the user sets the inkjet recording device 10 to the head module adjustment mode by the operation unit 84. Further, the head module 22-i is designated as the head module 22 to be adjusted.

Next, the user replaces the head module 22-i and starts adjusting the mounting position of the head module 22-i by the operation unit 84. The system controller 60 causes the adjustment control unit 76 to control the X-direction position adjustment unit 78-i and the θ _Z- direction position adjustment unit 80-i, so that the head module 22-i is previously selected from a plurality of attachment positions within the adjustment range. It is moved to the defined start position (step S1, an example of the moving process).

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the adjustment range A _A (an example of the first range) of the head module 22-i. As shown in the figure, the adjustment range A _A has a total of 25 mounting positions in a matrix of 5 positions X _{1 to} X _{5 in} the X direction and 5 positions θ ₁ to θ _{5 in} the θ _Z direction. doing.

When each mounting position is represented as (position in X direction, position in θ _Z direction), the start position is (X ₁ , θ ₁ ) in the present embodiment. Therefore, the adjustment control unit 76 moves the head module 22-i to the position (X ₁ , θ ₁ ).

Subsequently, the system controller 60 causes the transport unit 12 to transport the sheet 1 via the transport control unit 72. Further, a test chart is recorded on the paper 1 by the bar head 20 including the head module 22-i via the image recording control unit 74 (an example of a test chart acquisition unit) (step S2, an example of a recording control process, test chart acquisition). Example of process).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a test chart recorded on the sheet 1. At the start position, the test chart TC1 is recorded. The test chart TC1 has three patterns: an X-direction position adjustment pattern PX, a Y-direction position adjustment pattern PY, and a θ _Z- direction position adjustment pattern Pθ _Z. The image data of these patterns may be acquired from the host computer 2 via the communication unit 68, or may be stored in the image memory 70 in advance. Details of each pattern will be described later.

The system controller 60 determines whether or not the test chart has been recorded at all the mounting positions inside the adjustment range A _A (step S3). If there is a mounting position where the test chart is not recorded, the process proceeds to step S1 and the head module 22-i is moved to the next mounting position.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the order of the mounting positions where the test chart is recorded in the present embodiment, the starting position is (X ₁ , θ ₁ ), and then (X ₁ , θ ₂ ), (X ₁ , θ ₁ ). ₃ ), (X ₁ , θ ₄ ), (X ₁ , θ ₅ ), (X ₂ , θ ₅ ), (X ₂ , θ ₄ ), (X ₂ , θ ₃ ), (X ₂ , θ ₂ ). , (X ₂ , θ ₁ ), (X ₃ , θ ₁ ), (X ₃ , θ ₂ ), (X ₃ , θ ₃ ), (X ₃ , θ ₄ ), (X ₃ , θ ₅ ), ( X ₄ , θ ₅ ), (X ₄ , θ ₄ ), (X ₄ , θ ₃ ), (X ₄ , θ ₂ ), (X ₄ , θ ₁ ), (X ₅ , θ ₁ ), (X ₅ , Θ ₂ ), (X ₅ , θ ₃ ), (X ₅ , θ ₄ ), and (X ₅ , θ ₅ ). In this way, the adjustment control unit 76 moves the head module 22-i in at least one of the X direction and the θ _Z direction.

13 is a graph showing the moving speed of the head module 22-i in the θ _Z direction by the θ _Z direction position adjusting unit 80-i. Speed In this example, the time _{t 0} ~ time _t the theta _Z direction position is moved at a velocity _{V 0} in the theta ₂ from theta ₁ at _1, the time _{t 2} ~ time _t theta ₃ the theta _Z direction position of theta ₂ at ₃ It is moved at V ₀ . Here, the interval between the time t ₀ and the time t _{1 and} the interval between the time t ₂ and the time t ₃ are both T ₀ . Therefore, the difference between the positions θ ₁ and θ ₂ in the θ _Z direction and the difference between the positions θ ₂ and θ ₃ are the same.

In this way, the θ _Z direction position adjusting unit 80-i moves the position of the head module 22-i in the θ _Z direction so that the displacement amount (an example of a predetermined movement amount) becomes equal.

When the θ _Z direction position adjusting unit 80-i is configured by a motor as described later, each θ _Z direction position may be set at a position where the rotation amount of the motor becomes equal.

Similarly, for the X-direction position adjusting unit 78-i, the X-direction position of the head module 22-i is moved so that the displacement amounts are even. When the X-direction position adjusting unit 78-i is configured by a motor, each X-direction position may be a position where the amount of rotation of the motor becomes equal.

When the head module 22-i is moved from the start position (X ₁ , θ ₁ ) to the next position (X ₁ , θ ₂ ), the image recording control unit 74 causes the bar head 20 to record the test chart on the paper 1. (Step S2). The test chart TC2 shown in FIG. 12 is a test chart recorded at the position (X ₁ , θ ₂ ). The test chart TC2 also has three patterns: an X-direction position adjustment pattern PX, a Y-direction position adjustment pattern PY, and a θ _Z- direction position adjustment pattern Pθ _Z.

In this way, by repeating the processing of steps S1 to S3, the test chart TC3 at the position (X ₁ , θ ₃ ) and the test chart TC 4 at the position (X ₁ , θ ₄ ) are sequentially recorded, and finally, Record the test chart on paper 1 at all 25 attachment positions. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a plurality of test charts having different positions in the X direction and the θ _Z direction by the head module 22-i. Steps S1 to S3 constitute the test chart forming method in this embodiment.

When the recording of the test chart is completed at all the mounting positions, it is determined that the recording is performed at all the mounting positions in step S3, and the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the recorded test chart is read to obtain read data (an example of a test chart reading step). Note that the test chart recorded by the bar head 20 is not read offline after recording the test chart at all the mounting positions, but when the test chart recorded by the bar head 20 reaches the reading area of the inline sensor 50 by the conveyance of the sheet 1, it is inline. The sensors 50 (an example of a test chart reading unit) may sequentially read.

Next, the system controller 60 (an example of a position determination unit) analyzes the read data acquired in step S4 to determine the optimum adjustment position of the head module 22-i in the X direction and the θ _Z direction (step S5). , An example of the position determination step).

FIG. 14 is an example of an enlarged view of the X-direction position adjustment pattern PX shown in FIG. The X-direction position adjustment pattern PX is a plurality of lines having a constant length in the Y direction, recorded in predetermined nozzles 24 at constant intervals in the X direction (an example of a line pattern extending in the third direction). It is configured to include. FIG. 14 shows a portion recorded in the complementary area 26, and the line LN _i recorded by the nozzle 24 arranged in the head module 22-i and the nozzle 24 arranged in the head module 22-(i+1). The lines LN _(i+1) recorded by are present alternately.

Here, if the position of the head module 22-i in the X direction is appropriate, the intervals in the X direction between the line LN _i and the line LN _(i+1) are equal. Therefore, the read data of the X-direction position adjustment pattern PX is not biased in the X-direction density. However, when the position in the X direction is not appropriate, the line LN _i and the line LN _(i+1) are not equidistant, and the read data of the X direction position adjustment pattern PX is biased in the X direction.

Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the density deviation in the X direction of the read data of the X direction position adjustment pattern PX, and detect the X direction position adjustment pattern PX having the smallest density deviation from the read data of the mounting positions of 25 locations. Thus, the mounting position where the X-direction position adjustment pattern PX is recorded can be determined as the optimum adjustment position in the X direction.

FIG. 15 is an example of an enlarged view of the θ _Z direction position adjustment pattern Pθ _Z shown in FIG. Similarly to the X-direction position adjustment pattern PX, the θ _Z- direction position adjustment pattern Pθ _Z is a plurality of patterns recorded in predetermined nozzles 24 at constant intervals in the X direction and having a constant length in the Y direction. It is configured to include the line. Here, only the line LN _i recorded by the nozzle 24 arranged in the head module 22-i is used.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the analysis of the θ _Z direction position of the head module 22-i. The head module 22-i shown by the broken line in the figure is arranged at a mounting position that is moved counterclockwise by an angle θ _{1 in the} θ _Z direction with respect to the mounting position of the head module 22-i shown by the solid line. Further, in the figure, the black circles show the positions of the nozzles 24L and 24R when the head module 22-i is at the solid line mounting position, and the white circles are the nozzles 24L when the head module 22-i is at the broken line mounting position. And the positions of 24R are shown.

Here, when the nozzles 24L and 24R are at the positions indicated by black circles, the distance in the X direction between the nozzles 24L and 24R is d ₀ . When the nozzles 24L and 24R are in the positions indicated by white circles, the distance between the nozzles 24L and 24R in the X direction is d ₁ which is different from d ₀ .

Thus, when the head module 22-i is moved in the θ _Z direction, the distance in the X direction between the two nozzles changes. Therefore, the θ _Z- direction position adjustment pattern Pθ _Z is analyzed, and the X-direction distance of each line LN _i is the most appropriate value as the recorded X-direction distance of the nozzle 24 from the read data of the mounting positions of 25 locations. By detecting the close θ _Z direction position adjustment pattern Pθ _Z , the mounting position where the θ _Z direction position adjustment pattern Pθ _Z is recorded can be determined as the optimum adjustment position in the θ _Z direction.

The X-direction distance of each line LN _i can be detected by analyzing the cycle of the change in the X-direction density of the read data of the θ _Z- direction position adjustment pattern Pθ _Z.

FIG. 17 is an example of an enlarged view of the Y-direction position adjustment pattern PY shown in FIG. The Y-direction position adjustment pattern PY is configured to include a plurality of lines, which are recorded by the nozzles 24 arranged in the complementary region 26, have a constant interval in the Y direction and are parallel to the X direction. The plurality of lines are the line LN _i recorded by the nozzles 24 arranged in the head module 22-i and the line LN _(i+1) recorded by the nozzles 24 arranged in the head module 22- _(i+1). And exist.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the analysis of the position in the Y direction of the head module 22-i, showing the arrangement of the lines LN _i and LN _(i+1) and the density of the Y direction position adjustment pattern PY for each arrangement. Showing. Here shows an enlarged part of the Y-direction position adjusting pattern PY, Y spacing intervals and each line _LN of each line LN _{i (i + 1),} respectively lines LN _i and the line _{LN (i + 1)} It is almost equal to the thickness in the direction (dot diameter).

When the line LN _i is arranged below the line LN _(i+1) by a distance corresponding to the dot diameter in the Y direction with respect to the line LN _(i+1) as in the arrangement indicated by reference numeral 55, the Y direction position adjustment pattern The concentration of PY becomes maximum.

When the line LN _i is arranged below the line LN _(i+1) by a distance corresponding to half the dot diameter in the Y direction with respect to the line LN _(i+1) as in the arrangement indicated by reference numeral 56, the Y direction The density of the position adjustment pattern PY is lower than that in the case of reference numeral 55.

Further, when the line LN _i and the line LN _(i+1) are arranged at the same position in the Y direction as in the arrangement indicated by reference numeral 57, the density of the Y direction position adjustment pattern PY becomes the minimum.

Similarly, when the line LN _i is arranged above the line LN _{(i+1) in the} Y direction by an amount corresponding to half the dot diameter, as indicated by the reference numeral 58, Y The density of the direction position adjustment pattern PY is the same as that of the reference numeral 56, and the line LN _i corresponds to the dot diameter upward in the Y direction with respect to the line LN _(i+1) as in the arrangement shown by the reference numeral 59. When the patterns are displaced by an amount corresponding to the above, the density of the Y-direction position adjustment pattern PY becomes maximum.

Therefore, the system controller 60 acquires the relationship between the deviation amount of the line LN _i and the line LN _{(i+1) in} the Y direction and the density of the Y direction position adjustment pattern PY in advance and stores the relationship in the ROM 64. It is possible to analyze the density of the read data and detect the shift amount in the Y direction.

Returning to the description of FIG. 10, when the optimum adjustment position is determined in step S5, finally, the system controller 60 determines the attachment position of the head module 22-i in the X direction and the θ _Z direction via the adjustment control unit 76. It is moved to the adjusted position (step S6, an example of the position adjusting process). In this embodiment, the optimum adjustment position of the head module 22-i is determined to be any one of the plurality of mounting positions on which the test chart is recorded. Here, it is assumed that the adjustment position is the position (X ₃ , θ ₂ ).

FIG. 19 schematically shows how the head module 22-i moves from the position (X ₅ , θ ₅ ) that is the final movement position when recording the test chart to the position (X ₃ , θ ₂ ) that is the adjustment position. FIG. Here, the X-direction position adjusting unit 78-i and the θ _Z- direction position adjusting unit 80-i are simultaneously moved in the X direction and the θ _Z direction, but one direction is moved first, and then the other direction is moved. It may be moved, or the two directions may be alternately moved by a constant distance.

In the present embodiment, the adjustment in the Y direction is not performed mechanically, but is performed by adjusting the ejection timing of the nozzle 24 of the head module 22-i. The ejection timing is determined based on the deviation amount in the Y direction detected from the read data of the Y direction position adjustment pattern PY recorded at the determined adjustment position (here, the position (X ₃ , θ ₂ )).

Further, the adjustment position may be determined at a position different from the plurality of mounting positions on which the test chart is recorded, by interpolating the analysis result. For example, the position in the X direction may be between X _{3 and} X ₄ , and the position in the θ _Z direction may be between θ _{2 and} θ ₃ (X ₃₄ , θ ₂₃ ).

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the inkjet recording device 14 according to this embodiment. The same parts as those in the block diagram shown in FIG. 9 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The inkjet recording device 14 includes a sensor control unit 90, an X-direction sensor 92, and a θ _Z- direction sensor 94.

The bar head 20, n pieces of X-direction sensor 92 corresponding to the n head modules 22 (X-direction sensor 92-1, ..., 92-i, ..., 92-n) and n pieces of theta _Z direction Sensors 94 (θ _Z direction sensor 94-1,..., 94-i,..., 94-n) are provided.

The X-direction sensor 92 (an example of a position detector) detects the position of the head module 22 in the X-direction. Further, the θ _Z direction sensor 94 (an example of a position detection unit) detects the position of the head module 22 in the θ _Z direction.

The sensor control unit 90 operates the X-direction sensor 92 and the θ _Z- direction sensor 94 according to a command from the system controller 60, and transfers the detection result to the system controller 60.

Position of the head module 22 detected by the X-direction sensor 92 and the theta _Z direction sensor 94 is affected by the sensitivity of the X-direction sensor 92 and the theta _Z direction sensor 94. That is, increase or decrease of the distance X direction sensor 92 and the theta _Z direction sensor 94 detects the between the sensitivity increase or decrease the X-direction sensor 92 and the theta _Z direction sensor 94 of the detection information from the X-direction sensor 92 and the theta _Z direction sensor 94 Determined by product.

Therefore, when the movement amount of the head module 22 is large, or when both the X direction and the θ _Z direction are adjusted at the same time, the position adjustment using the detection results of the X direction sensor 92 and the θ _Z direction sensor 94 is appropriate. The possibility that the position cannot be adjusted also increases.

Thus, in the second embodiment, the mounting position of the X direction and the theta _Z direction of the head modules 22-i after installation is detected by the X-direction sensor 92 and the theta _Z direction sensor 94, based on the detected installation position adjusting Specify the range.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing each process of the head module position adjusting method according to the second embodiment. The same parts as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Here, similarly to the first embodiment, the positions of the head modules 22-1 to 22-(i-1) and the head modules 22-(i+1) to 22-n are correctly adjusted, and a new replacement is made. A case where the position of the head module 22-i is adjusted in the X direction and the θ _Z direction will be described.

Similar to the first embodiment, the user sets the inkjet recording apparatus 10 to the head module adjustment mode by the operation unit 84 and designates the head module 22-i as the head module 22 to be adjusted. Furthermore, the user replaces the head module 22-i and starts adjusting the mounting position of the head module 22-i by the operation unit 84.

When the adjustment is started, the system controller 60 causes the X-direction sensor 92-i and the θ _Z- direction sensor 94-i to move the position of the head module 22-i in the X-direction and the position of the θ _Z- direction via the sensor control unit 90. Is acquired (step S11).

Next, the system controller 60 (an example of a position estimating unit) determines an appropriate mounting position of the head module 22-i based on the position of the head module 22-i in the X direction and the position of the θ _Z direction acquired in step S11. estimating the estimated position _{P S} which is believed to be (step S12).

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the adjustment range A _A of the head module 22-i and the estimated position P _S. As shown in the figure, the estimated position P _S here is that the position in the X direction is between X _{3 and} X ₄ , and the position in the θ _Z direction is between θ _{2 and} θ ₃ .

Further, the system controller 60 determines a limited adjustment range A _B (an example of the second range) that is the limited adjustment range A _B narrower than the adjustment range A _A and includes the estimated position P _S (step S13).

Here, as shown in FIG. 22, as the limited adjustment range A _B including the estimated position P _S , the position (X ₃ , θ ₂ ), the position (X ₃ , θ ₃ ), the position (X ₄ , θ ₂ ), And a range including the position (X ₄ , θ ₃ ) are determined. That is, the limited adjustment range A _B has four mounting positions.

Subsequently, as in the first embodiment, the system controller 60 causes the adjustment control unit 76 to control the X-direction position adjustment unit 78-i and the θ _Z- direction position adjustment unit 80-i so that the head module 22-i is controlled. It is moved to a predetermined start position among a plurality of mounting positions within the limited adjustment range (step S1).

Further, the system controller 60 causes the transport unit 12 to transport the sheet 1 via the transport control unit 72, and records the test chart on the sheet 1 by the bar head 20 including the head module 22-i via the image recording control unit 74. (Step S2).

The system controller 60 determines whether or not the test chart has been recorded at all the mounting positions within the limited adjustment range (step S14). If there is a mounting position where the test chart is not recorded, the process proceeds to step S1 and the head module 22-i is moved to the next mounting position.

Here, as shown in FIG. 22, the order of the mounting positions for recording the test chart is such that the starting position is (X ₃ , θ ₂ ), and then (X ₃ , θ ₃ ), (X ₄ , θ _{3 ).} ), and (X ₄ , θ ₂ ) in that order.

The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the X-direction sensor 92-i and the θ _Z- direction sensor 94-i detect the positions of the head module 22-i in the X-direction and the θ _Z- direction, and based on the detected positions. By estimating the estimated position P _S considered to be an appropriate mounting position of the head module 22-i and recording the test chart within a limited adjustment range narrower than the adjustment range including the estimated position P _S , the test chart can be obtained. The number of mounting positions to record can be reduced. As a result, the time for recording the test chart can be shortened, and the adjustment time for the mounting position of the head module 22-i can be shortened.

In the present embodiment, the mounting position of the X direction and the theta _Z direction of the head modules 22-i after installation was detected by X-direction sensor 92-i and theta _Z direction sensor 94-i, in the X direction and theta _Z direction It suffices to detect at least one position.

Further, the plurality of mounting positions for moving the head module 22-i may be positions detected by the X-direction sensor 92-i and the θ _Z- direction sensor 94-i.

<Third Embodiment>
[Configuration of recording device]
FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is a single-pass type line printer that forms an image on the recording surface of a sheet 1, and includes an in-line sensor 50, a conveyance drum 110, bar heads 200M, 200K, 200C, and 200Y. Equipped with.

Two grippers 112 for gripping the leading edge of the sheet 1 are provided at positions facing each other across the rotation axis of the transport surface of the transport drum 110. A large number of suction holes (not shown) are formed on the conveying surface of the conveying drum 110. The sheet 1 introduced from the sheet feeding unit 102 is gripped at its tip by the gripper 112 and is wound around the peripheral surface of the rotating transport drum 110. Further, the sheet 1 is sucked and held on the peripheral surface of the transport drum 110 by being sucked through the suction holes. The transport drum 110 transports the suction-held paper 1 in the paper transport direction, which is the rotation direction of the transport drum 110.

The four bar heads 200M, 200K, 200C, and 200Y are arranged in order from the upstream side at a predetermined interval in the paper transport direction of the transport drum 110. The bar heads 200M, 200K, 200C, and 200Y are provided with nozzle surfaces 222M, 222K, 222C, and 222Y facing the transport drum 110, respectively, and the nozzle surfaces 222M, 222K, 222C, and 222Y are magenta, respectively. A plurality of nozzles N (see FIG. 24) for ejecting the ink droplets of black ink, the ink droplets of black, the ink droplets of cyan, and the ink droplets of yellow are formed over the entire width of the paper 1.

Each of the bar heads 200M, 200K, 200C, and 200Y has a tangent line at a position where each nozzle surface 222M, 222K, 222C, and 222Y faces each nozzle surface 222M, 222K, 222C, and 222Y on the transport surface of the transport drum 110. It is held so that it is parallel to the direction of.

A control unit (not shown) that controls the recording control of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 controls the bar heads 200M, 200K, 200C, and 200Y to eject ink from each nozzle N. As a result, an image is formed on the recording surface of the sheet 1 conveyed by the conveying drum 110.

An inline sensor 50 is arranged on the downstream side of the four bar heads 200M, 200K, 200C, and 200Y in the paper transport direction of the transport drum 110. The in-line sensor 50 reads an image recorded on the recording surface of the sheet 1 conveyed by the conveying drum 110 and converts it into image data.

The sheet 1 from which the image on the recording surface has been read is further transported by the transport drum 110 and discharged from the sheet discharge unit 104.

[Structure of bar head]
Since the bar heads 200M, 200K, 200C, and 200Y have the same configuration, the configuration will be described here as the bar head 200.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the bar head 200 seen from the nozzle surface 222 side. 25 and 26 are a front view and a side view showing the structure of the main part of the bar head 200, respectively.

The bar head 200 is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules 210 in a line. The head modules 210 have the same structure, and are attached to the base frame 212 side by side in a row to form one bar head 200.

The configurations of the head module 210 and the base frame 212 will be described below. In the following, the arrangement direction of the nozzles N of the bar head 200 (the direction of the nozzle row) is the X direction, the direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface 222 is the Z direction, and the direction parallel to the nozzle surface 222 and orthogonal to the X direction is Y. Direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other.

[Structure of head module]
The head module 210 is a so-called short head, and is capable of recording an image with a predetermined print width by itself. One long head is configured by connecting a plurality of the head modules 210 in the direction of the nozzle row (the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the sheet 1).

27, 28, and 29 are a front view, a rear view, and a side partial sectional view of the head module 210, respectively.

The head module 210 includes an inkjet head 214 that ejects ink, and a bracket 216 that attaches the inkjet head 214 to the base frame 212.

The inkjet head 214 is mainly composed of a head body 218 and an electrical equipment piping section 220.

The head main body 218 has a rectangular plate shape. The head body portion 218 has a nozzle surface 222 on the lower surface portion. The nozzle surface 222 has a band-shaped nozzle formation region 222A at the center. The nozzle formation region 222A has a constant width and is formed along the X direction. The nozzle N is formed in the nozzle formation area 222A.

Here, in the inkjet head 214 of this example, as shown in FIG. 24, the nozzles N are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Specifically, they are arranged at a constant pitch along the X direction and at a constant pitch along a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the X direction. By arranging the nozzles N in this way, it is possible to narrow the substantial interval between the nozzles N projected in the X direction. In this case, the arrangement direction of the nozzles N (direction of the nozzle row) is the X direction. The nozzles N may be arranged in a line along the X direction.

The electrical equipment piping section 220 is an assembly of piping, a circuit board, and the like, and is provided above the head main body section 218.

The bracket 216 is formed in an L shape including a horizontal portion 224 and a vertical portion 226.

The horizontal portion 224 functions as a mounting portion of the inkjet head 214. The vertical portion 226 functions as a mounting portion to the base frame 212.

The horizontal portion 224 has a rectangular plate shape. The horizontal portion 224 is formed to have substantially the same shape (rectangular shape) as the outer shape of the head main body portion 218 of the inkjet head 214. In the inkjet head 214, the head main body 218 is attached to the lower surface of the horizontal portion 224. The horizontal portion 224 is provided with an opening 224A for passing the electrical equipment piping portion 220 of the inkjet head 214.

The vertical portion 226 also has a plate shape. The vertical portion 226 is disposed vertically to the horizontal portion 224, is joined to one end of the horizontal portion 224, and is integrated with the horizontal portion 224.

The vertical portion 226 has a vertical portion main body 226A formed to have substantially the same width as the horizontal portion 224, a pair of first overhang portions 226B formed to extend from both sides of the vertical portion main body 226A in the X direction, and a pair of It is configured to include a pair of second overhanging portions 226C formed by further overhanging in the X direction from the first overhanging portions 226B.

The vertical portion 226 is provided with a head module Y-direction positioning unit that serves as a Y-direction positioning reference when mounting the head module 210 on the base frame 212, and a head module Z-direction positioning unit that serves as a Z-direction positioning reference. At the same time, a part of the X-direction mounting position adjusting means for finely adjusting the mounting position in the X direction is provided.

The head module Y-direction positioning means includes two head module Y-direction fixed contact members 234 that form a head module Y-direction positioning member, and one head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 that also forms a head module Y-direction positioning member. Composed of.

The two head module Y-direction fixed contact members 234 are provided on the second projecting portion 226C of the vertical portion 226. The head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 is formed of a hard sphere (a sphere having rigidity). The head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the second overhanging portion 226C, and the inner surface of the second overhanging portion 226C (when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212 is A part of the base frame 212 is provided so as to project from the surface facing the base frame 212).

On the other hand, the head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 is provided on the vertical portion main body 226A of the vertical portion 226. The head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 is formed of a hard sphere, is inserted into the head module Y-direction movable contact member insertion hole 238 formed in the vertical portion main body 226A, and is provided in the vertical portion main body 226A. The head module Y direction movable contact member insertion hole 238 is formed along the Y direction and is formed so as to penetrate from the outer surface to the inner surface of the vertical portion main body 226A. The head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 is provided so as to be inserted into the head module Y-direction movable contact member insertion hole 238 and projectable from the inner surface of the vertical portion main body 226A. The head module Y-direction movable contact member insertion hole 238 is formed by reducing the inner surface side of the vertical portion main body 226A so that the head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 does not fall off.

The head module Y-direction movable contact member insertion hole 238 is formed of a screw hole, and the head module Y-direction movable contact member position adjusting screw 240 is screwed therein. The head module Y-direction movable contact member position adjusting screw 240 is configured by a so-called grub screw (a screw whose head has the same size as the screw portion). By adjusting the screwing amount of the head module Y-direction movable contact member position adjusting screw 240, the protrusion amount of the head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 from the inner surface of the vertical portion main body 226A is adjusted.

As will be described later, the head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 and the head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 are provided on the base frame 212 side when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212. The direction positioning member 290 and the movable contact base frame Y direction positioning member 292 are brought into contact with each other. As a result, the head module 210 is positioned in the Y direction with respect to the base frame 212.

The head module Z-direction positioning means is composed of a pair of head module Z-direction contact members 242 that form a head module Z-direction positioning member.

The pair of head module Z-direction contact members 242 are provided on the first projecting portion 226B of the vertical portion 226. The head module Z-direction contact member 242 is made of a hard sphere. The head module Z-direction contact member 242 is inserted into the head module Z-direction contact member insertion hole 244 formed in the first overhanging portion 226B and provided in the first overhanging portion 226B. The head module Z direction contact member insertion hole 244 is formed along the Z direction, and is formed so as to penetrate from the lower surface of the first overhang portion 226B toward the upper surface thereof. The head module Z-direction contact member 242 is inserted into the head module Z-direction contact member insertion hole 244, and a part of the head module Z-direction contact member 242 is provided so as to project from the upper surface of the first overhang portion 226B. The head module Z-direction contact member insertion hole 244 is formed by reducing the diameter of the upper surface side of the first overhang portion 226B so that the head module Z-direction contact member 242 does not fall off.

The head module Z direction contact member insertion hole 244 is formed of a screw hole. A head module Z-direction contact member position adjusting screw 246 is screwed into the head module Z-direction contact member insertion hole 244. The head module Z-direction contact member position adjusting screw 246 is composed of a so-called grub screw. By adjusting the screwing amount of the head module Z-direction contact member position adjusting screw 246, the protrusion amount of the head module Z-direction contact member 242 from the upper surface of the first overhang portion 226B is adjusted.

As will be described later, the head module Z-direction contact member 242 is brought into contact with the base frame Z-direction contact member 294 provided on the base frame 212 side when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212. As a result, the head module 210 is positioned in the Z direction with respect to the base frame 212.

The pair of head module Z-direction contact members 242 are set so that the installation interval (installation interval in the X direction) is longer than the print area width of the inkjet head 214 (the length of the entire nozzle row). Is preferred. As a result, stability when seated is increased, and positioning accuracy in the Z direction can be improved.

Further, similarly, the head module Y-direction fixed contact point member 234 including a pair has an installation interval (installation interval in the X direction) longer than the print area width of the inkjet head 214 (the length of the entire nozzle row). It is preferable to set as follows. As a result, stability when seated is increased, and the positioning accuracy in the Y direction can be improved.

The X-direction mounting position adjusting unit that constitutes the mounting position adjusting unit is mainly configured by the eccentric roller 248, the plunger 250, and the X-direction positioning reference pin 296. The eccentric roller 248 and the plunger 250 are provided on the head module 210, and the X-direction positioning reference pin 296 is provided on the base frame 212.

The eccentric roller 248 and the plunger 250 are arranged on the inner surface side of the vertical portion main body 226A. The eccentric roller 248 and the plunger 250 are arranged to face each other with a constant gap.

The eccentric roller 248 includes a shaft portion 248A and a roller portion 248B. The shaft portion 248A functions as a rotating shaft for rotating the roller portion 248B, and is eccentrically connected to the roller portion 248B. Therefore, when the shaft portion 248A is rotated, the roller portion 248B is eccentrically rotated.

The shaft portion 248A of the eccentric roller 248 is composed of a male screw. The shaft portion 248A is inserted into the eccentric roller mounting hole 252 of the vertical portion main body 226A. The eccentric roller mounting hole 252 is formed of a screw hole and is formed parallel to the Y direction. The eccentric roller mounting hole 252 is formed so as to penetrate from the outer surface side to the inner surface side of the vertical portion main body 226A. The eccentric roller 248 is attached to the vertical portion main body 226A by screwing the shaft portion 248A into the eccentric roller attachment hole 252. A groove (+ or − groove) for rotating the shaft portion 248A by a screw driver is formed on the end surface of the base end portion of the shaft portion 248A of the eccentric roller 248. In the eccentric roller 248 attached to the vertical portion main body 226A, the roller portion 248B is eccentrically rotated by rotating the shaft portion 248A using a screw driver.

The leaf spring 254 is pressed against the roller portion 248B. The leaf spring 254 is arranged on the inner surface side of the vertical portion main body 226A. The leaf spring 254 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the roller portion 248B and presses the roller portion 248B in the axial direction. The roller portion 248B is given a certain resistance to rotation by the leaf spring 254.

The plunger 250 functions as an X-direction biasing means. The plunger 250 is arranged along the X direction, and its tip (pressing portion) is arranged so as to face the eccentric roller 248.

As described above, the eccentric roller 248 and the plunger 250 are arranged to face each other with a constant gap. When the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the X-direction positioning reference pin 296 provided on the base frame side is fitted between the eccentric roller 248 and the plunger 250, and is sandwiched by the eccentric roller 248 and the plunger 250. It The plunger 250 presses the X-direction positioning reference pin 296 in the X-direction. As a result, the head module 210 is biased in the X direction. When the eccentric roller 248 is rotated in this state, the head module 210 moves in the X direction according to the rotation amount.

The vertical portion 226 of the bracket 216 is further formed with a guide groove 256 for attaching the bracket 216 to the base frame 212. The guide groove 256 is formed in the vertical portion main body 226A of the vertical portion 226, and is formed vertically downward (Z direction) from the upper surface portion of the vertical portion main body 226A with a predetermined depth. A pair of Y-direction guide posts 276 provided on the base frame side are fitted into the guide grooves 256 when the bracket 216 is attached to the base frame 212. Therefore, the width of the guide groove 256 is formed to be substantially the same as the width (diameter) of the Y-direction guide post 276. As a result, it is possible to prevent interference with the adjacent head module 210.

The guide groove 256 has an arc-shaped enlarged diameter portion 256A formed at the tip (lower end) and substantially the center. When the head module 210 is attached to a predetermined position of the base frame 212, a pair of Y-direction guide posts 276 provided on the base frame side are housed in the expanded diameter portion 256A. As a result, the head module 210 attached to the base frame 212 is movably supported.

As described above, since the enlarged diameter portion 256A of the guide groove 256 is provided to movably support the head module 210, the formation position thereof is formed corresponding to the Y-direction guide post 276, and the head module 210 is fixed to the base frame. When attached to 212, the Y-direction guide post 276 is formed to be housed in a substantially central position thereof. Here, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the expanded diameter portion 256A is formed so as to form a circle centered on the axis of the Y-direction guide post 276. This circle is formed larger than the diameter of the Y-direction guide post 276. Accordingly, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the head module 210 can be movably supported within a predetermined range. In addition, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the head module 210 can be attached without rattling.

A pair of cutouts 258A and 258B are formed on the inner wall surface of the guide groove 256. When the bracket 216 is attached to the base frame 212, the pair of notches 258A and 258B engage with the locking bar 288 of the Z-direction suspension rod 278 provided on the base frame side. The bracket 216 is locked to the base frame 212 by engaging the lock bar 288 of the Z-direction suspension rod 278 with the notches 258A and 258B. The notch portions 258A and 258B are formed at positions facing each other on the inner wall surface of the guide groove 256, and are formed with a predetermined depth on the inner surface side and the outer surface side of the vertical portion 226 of the bracket 216, respectively. That is, one notch portion 258A is formed on the outer surface side of the vertical portion 226, and the other notch portion 258B is formed on the inner surface side.

Further, the vertical portion 226 of the bracket 216 is provided with a magnet 260 for detecting a displacement amount (movement amount) of the head module 210 when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212. The magnet 260 constitutes a position detecting means together with the magnetic sensor 298 provided on the base frame 212 side. When the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the magnet 260 is arranged so as to face the magnetic sensor 298 provided on the base frame 212 side.

The head module 210 is configured as described above.

[Structure of base frame]
FIG. 30 is a front view showing the structure of the main part of the base frame, and FIG. 31 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the base frame.

The base frame 212 mainly includes an upper frame portion 270 and a pair of lower frame portions 272A and 272B.

The upper frame portion 270 has a rectangular plate shape. The upper frame portion 270 is arranged horizontally (parallel to the XY plane). The pair of lower frame portions 272A and 272B have a rectangular plate shape. The pair of lower frame portions 272A and 272B are arranged vertically (parallel to the XZ plane) below the upper frame portion 270 with a constant interval.

The pair of lower frame portions 272A and 272B function as a mounting portion for mounting the head module 210. The head module 210 is alternately attached to the pair of lower frame portions 272A and 272B. That is, when the one lower frame portion 272A is the first lower frame (first mounting portion) and the other lower frame portion 272B is the second lower frame (second mounting portion), the first head module 210 is the first The second head module 210 attached to the lower frame portion 272A and arranged next to the lower frame portion 272A is attached to the second lower frame portion 272B. Also, the third head module 210 arranged next to the second head module 210 is attached to the first lower frame part 272A, and the fourth head module arranged next to it is the second lower frame part 272A. It is attached to the portion 272B. In this way, the head module 210 is alternately attached to the first lower frame portion 272A and the second lower frame portion 272B.

Head module supporting means for supporting the head module 210 is provided on the base frame 212. The head module support means is prepared for each head module. As described above, since the head module 210 is alternately attached to the pair of lower frame portions 272A and 272B, the head module support means is alternately provided to the pair of lower frame portions 272A and 272B. Therefore, the installation interval (installation interval in the X direction) of the head module support means matches the installation interval (installation interval in the X direction) of the head modules 210 attached to the lower frame portions 272A and 272B.

The head module support means includes a pair of Y-direction guide posts 276 and a Z-direction suspension rod 278.

The pair of Y-direction guide posts 276 are arranged in parallel in the up-down direction (Z direction) at regular intervals. The Y-direction guide post 276 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The Y-direction guide post 276 has a flange portion 276A at the top. The Y-direction guide post 276 is provided so as to project from the outer surface of the lower frame portions 272A and 272B, and is arranged in parallel with the Y-direction. The width (diameter) of the Y-direction guide post 276 is formed to be substantially the same as the width of the guide groove 256.

As described above, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the guide groove 256 formed in the vertical portion 226 of the bracket 216 is fitted and attached to the pair of Y-direction guide posts 276. Since the width (diameter) of the Y-direction guide post 276 is formed to be almost the same as the width of the guide groove 256, the Y-direction guide post 276 can be attached without rattling.

Each of the pair of Y-direction guide posts 276 is provided with a Y-direction pressing plate 280. The Y-direction pressing plate 280 is formed in a ring shape. The Y-direction pressing plate 280 is provided on the Y-direction guide post 276 with the Y-direction guide post 276 inserted through the inner peripheral portion thereof.

Further, each of the pair of Y-direction guide posts 276 is provided with a Y-direction pressing spring 282 as Y-direction biasing means. The Y-direction pressing spring 282 is provided on the Y-direction guide post 276 with the Y-direction guide post 276 inserted through the inner peripheral portion thereof. The Y-direction pressing spring 282 is arranged between the flange portion 276A of the Y-direction guide post 276 and the Y-direction pressing plate 280.

As described above, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the pair of Y-direction guide posts 276 are fitted into the guide grooves 256. When the pair of Y-direction guide posts 276 are fitted into the guide grooves 256, the Y-direction pressing plate 280 engages with the vertical portion 226 of the bracket 216. The Y-direction pressing plate 280 is biased in the Y-direction by the Y-direction pressing spring 282, so that the head module 210 is pressed toward the base frame 212 by the Y-direction pressing plate 280.

Here, the pair of Y-direction guide posts 276 are arranged at regular intervals in the vertical direction as described above, but the Y-direction pressing springs 282 provided in each Y-direction guide post 276 have different biasing forces, that is, , Different spring constants are used. Specifically, the Y-direction pressing spring 282 provided on the lower Y-direction guide post 276 has a larger spring constant than the Y-direction pressing spring 282 provided on the upper Y-direction guide post 276. It As a result, the pressing force by the Y-direction pressing plate 280 provided on the lower Y-direction guide post 276 becomes larger than the pressing force by the Y-direction pressing plate 280 provided on the upper Y-direction guide post 276. This is to prevent the head module 210 from tilting when adjusting the mounting position in the X direction. That is, by increasing the spring constant of the Y-direction pressing spring 282 provided on the lower Y-direction guide post 276 near the X-direction mounting position adjusting means, the center of the rotational moment at the time of adjusting the mounting position in the X direction is the X direction. The head module 210 is set in the vicinity of the mounting position adjusting means and can prevent the head module 210 from tilting (when the spring constant of the Y-direction pressing spring 282 provided in the upper Y-direction guide post 276 is increased, The side becomes hard to move and tilts easily.)

In addition, in the bar head 200 of the present embodiment, since the X-direction mounting position adjusting means is provided in the vicinity of the lower Y-direction guide post 276, the Y-direction that is provided in the lower Y-direction guide post 276. Although the spring constant of the pressing spring 282 is set to be larger than that of the Y-direction pressing spring 282 provided in the upper Y-direction guide post 276, the X-direction mounting position adjusting means is arranged close to the upper Y-direction guide post 276. Is provided, the spring constant of the Y-direction pressing spring 282 provided in the upper Y-direction guide post 276 is made larger than the spring constant of the Y-direction pressing spring 282 provided in the lower Y-direction guide post 276. .. That is, the spring constant of the Y-direction pressing spring 282 of the Y-direction guide post 276 installed closer to the X-direction mounting position adjusting means is made larger than the spring constant of the Y-direction pressing spring 282 of the Y-direction guide post 276 on the other side. To do. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the head module 210 from tilting when adjusting the mounting position in the X direction.

The Z-direction suspension rod 278 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The Z-direction suspension rod 278 has a knob portion 278A at the top. The Z-direction suspension rod 278 is arranged parallel to the Z-direction. A Z-direction hanging rod insertion hole 284 for attaching the Z-direction hanging rod 278 is formed in the upper frame portion 270. The Z-direction hanging rod insertion hole 284 is formed along the Z-direction and is formed so as to penetrate from the upper surface portion to the lower surface portion of the upper frame portion 270. The Z-direction suspension rod 278 is inserted into the Z-direction suspension rod insertion hole 284 and attached to the upper frame portion 270.

The Z-direction hanging rod 278 attached to the upper frame portion 270 is arranged in front of the outer surface of the lower frame portions 272A and 272B.

The Z-direction suspension rod 278 is arranged on the same straight line as the pair of Y-direction guide posts 276, and is arranged above the pair of Y-direction guide posts 276. Therefore, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the Z-direction hanging rod 278 is housed in the guide groove 256.

The Z-direction suspension rod 278 is provided with a Z-direction pressing spring 286 as Z-direction biasing means. The Z-direction hanging spring 286 is provided in the Z-direction hanging rod 278 by inserting the Z-direction hanging rod 278 into the inner peripheral portion thereof. The Z-direction pressing spring 286 is provided between the knob portion 278A of the Z-direction suspension rod 278 and the upper frame portion 270. As a result, the Z-direction suspension rod 278 is biased upward by the biasing force of the Z-direction pressing spring 286 (biased toward the upper frame portion 270).

Further, the Z-direction hanging rod 278 is provided with a lock bar 288 at the tip (lower end). The locking bar 288 is provided so as to project left and right from the tip of the Z-direction hanging rod 278 (provided orthogonally to the axial direction of the Z-direction hanging rod 278). The locking bar 288 is formed longer than the width of the guide groove 256. The lock bar 288 is fitted into the notches 258A and 258B formed in the guide groove 256 on the head module 210 side to lock the head module 210.

The lock bar 288 is fitted into the notches 258A and 258B by rotating the Z-direction suspension rod 278. That is, as described above, the locking bar 288 is formed longer than the width of the guide groove 256, so that the head module 210 is oriented in the same direction as the width direction (X direction) of the guide groove 256. When mounted on the frame 212, the locking bar 288 comes into contact with the entrance (upper end) of the guide groove 256, and the head module 210 cannot be mounted.

Therefore, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the lock bar 288 is placed at a position where it does not contact the inner wall surface of the guide groove 256, and the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212 in this state. Then, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212 and the locking bar 288 is located at the position where the notches 258A and 258B are formed, the Z-direction suspension rod 278 is rotated. As a result, the locking bar 288 fits into the notches 258A and 258B.

As described above, when the axial direction of the locking bar 288 is parallel to the width direction (X direction) of the guide groove 256, the locking bar 288 fits into the cutout portions 258A and 258B. The position of the lock bar 288 in this case is the lock position.

On the other hand, when the axial direction of the lock bar 288 is orthogonal to the width direction (X direction) of the guide groove 256, the lock bar 288 does not come into contact with the inner wall surface of the guide groove 256 (disengages from the cutout portions 258A and 258B). The position of the lock bar 288 in this case is the unlock position.

Since the Z-direction suspension rod 278 is biased upward by the Z-direction pressing spring 286, when the lock bar 288 is fitted into the cutout portions 258A and 258B, the lock bar 288 is cut into the cutout portion 258A, 258B (engages with the ceiling surface of the inner peripheral portion of the cutout portions 258A, 258B). As a result, the head module 210 attached to the base frame 212 is urged upward.

The base frame 212 is provided with base frame Y direction positioning means for performing Y direction positioning when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, and base frame Z direction positioning means for performing Z direction positioning. To be

The base frame Y direction positioning means includes two fixed contact base frame Y direction positioning members 290 that form a base frame Y direction positioning member and one movable contact base frame Y direction that also forms a base frame Y direction positioning member. It is composed of a positioning member 292.

Each of the two fixed contact base frame Y-direction positioning members 290 is formed of a pin (for example, a stainless steel pin) having rigidity, and has a higher hardness than the head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234. The two fixed contact base frame Y direction positioning members 290 are provided so as to project downward (downward in the Z direction) from the lower surface portions of the lower frame portions 272A and 272B, respectively. The two fixed contact base frame Y direction positioning members 290 are provided at the same intervals as the installation intervals of the two head module Y direction fixed contact members 234 provided on the head module 210 side, and the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212. At this time, the two head module Y-direction fixed contact members 234 are provided at positions where they abut on the peripheral surface. That is, the two fixed contact base frame Y-direction positioning members 290 are provided corresponding to the two head module Y-direction fixed contact members 234 provided on the head module 210 side.

The movable contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 292 is made of a pin having rigidity (for example, a stainless steel pin) and has a higher hardness than the head module Y-direction movable contact member 236. The movable contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 292 is housed in a recess formed in the outer surface of the lower frame portions 272A, 272B and is arranged in the lower frame portions 272A, 272B. The movable contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 292 is arranged parallel to the Y-direction. The movable contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 292 is provided at a position where the head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 on the head module 210 side abuts the tip surface of the head module 210 when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212. That is, the movable contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 292 is provided corresponding to the head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 provided on the head module 210 side.

As described above, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the head module 210 is pressed toward the base frame 212 by the Y-direction pressing plate 280 provided on the Y-direction guide post 276. Therefore, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the two head module Y-direction fixed contact members 234 provided on the head module 210 side are connected to the two fixed contact base frame Y directions provided on the base frame 212 side. The positioning member 290 is pressed and abutted. Further, the head module Y direction movable contact member 236 provided on the head module 210 side is pressed and abutted on the movable contact base frame Y direction positioning member 292 provided on the base frame 212 side. As a result, the head module 210 attached to the base frame 212 is positioned in the Y direction with respect to the base frame 212.

As described above, the fixed contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 290 has a higher hardness than the head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234, and the movable contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 292 is the head module Y. The directional movable contact member 236 has a higher hardness. As a result, the positional stability during positioning is improved, and the repeat accuracy when the head module 210 is replaced can be improved.

As a method of increasing the hardness, it is possible to use a material having high hardness, or a method of increasing the hardness by applying a surface treatment.

The base frame Z-direction positioning means for positioning the head module 210 with respect to the base frame 212 in the Z-direction includes a pair of base frame Z-direction contact members 294.

The pair of base frame Z-direction contact members 294 are configured by pins having rigidity (for example, stainless steel pins), and are formed to have higher hardness than the head module Z-direction contact members 242. The pair of base frame Z-direction contact members 294 are provided so as to project from the outer surfaces of the lower frame portions 272A and 272B, respectively, and are arranged parallel to the Y direction. The pair of base frame Z direction contact members 294 are provided at the same intervals as the installation intervals of the pair of head module Z direction contact members 242 provided on the head module 210 side, and when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, The head module is provided at a position where the Z-direction contact member 242 comes into contact. That is, the pair of base frame Z direction contact members 294 are provided corresponding to the head module Z direction contact members 242 provided on the head module 210 side.

As described above, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the head module 210 is urged upward by the action of the Z-direction pressing spring 286 provided on the Z-direction suspension rod 278. Therefore, when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the pair of head module Z-direction contact members 242 provided on the head module 210 come into contact with the pair of base frame Z-direction contact members 294 provided on the base frame 212. To be done. As a result, the head module 210 is positioned in the Z direction with respect to the base frame 212.

As described above, the base frame Z-direction contact member 294 is formed to have higher hardness than the head module Z-direction contact member 242. As a result, the positional stability during positioning is improved, and the repeat accuracy when the head module 210 is replaced can be improved.

As a method of increasing the hardness, it is possible to use a material having high hardness, or a method of increasing the hardness by applying a surface treatment.

The base frame 212 is provided with an X-direction positioning reference pin 296, which is a component of the X-direction mounting position adjusting means. The X-direction positioning reference pin 296 is configured by a pin having rigidity (for example, a pin made of stainless steel), and is provided so as to protrude downward (downward in the Z direction) from the lower surface portions of the lower frame portions 272A and 272B. The X-direction positioning reference pin 296 is arranged at a position fitted between the eccentric roller 248 and the plunger 250 provided on the head module 210 side when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212.

When the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the X-direction positioning reference pin 296 is fitted between the eccentric roller 248 and the plunger 250 and held between them. When the eccentric roller 248 is rotated in this state, the head module 210 is displaced in the X direction with respect to the base frame 212.

Further, the base frame 212 is provided with a magnetic sensor 298 that constitutes a position detecting means together with the magnet 260 provided on the head module 210 side. The magnetic sensor 298 is provided on the lower frame portions 272A and 272B. The magnetic sensor mounting portion 300 is provided at a predetermined position on the lower frame portions 272A and 272B. The magnetic sensor 298 is attached to the magnetic sensor mounting portion 300. When the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the magnetic sensor 298 attached to the magnetic sensor attachment portion 300 is arranged at a position facing the magnet 260 provided on the head module 210 side.

When the head module 210 attached to the base frame 212 is displaced in the X direction by the X-direction attachment position adjusting means, the displacement amount is detected by the magnetic sensor 298. Information on the displacement amount detected by the magnetic sensor 298 is output to a control unit (not shown).

The base frame 212 is configured as described above.

The material of the base frame 212 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a material that is not easily affected by heat so that the head module 210 can be attached with high accuracy. Specifically, it is preferable to use a material having a linear expansion coefficient of 10 ppm/° C. or less, which is lower than the iron-based linear expansion coefficient (about 15 ppm/° C.). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the mounting position of the head module 210 from changing due to the influence of heat. As such a material, for example, ceramics, Invar, or Super Invar can be used.

[How to install the head module]
Next, a method of mounting the head module 210 will be described. 32 and 33 are a front view and a side sectional view, respectively, for explaining a method of attaching the head module.

As described above, the base frame 212 is provided with the head module support means, and the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212 using this head module support means.

The head module support means is alternately provided on the pair of lower frame portions 272A and 272B. Therefore, the head module 210 is alternately attached to the pair of lower frame portions 272A and 272B. Since the mounting method itself is the same at any place, the case of mounting to the lower frame portion 272A will be described here.

The head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212 by the operation of pushing upward from the lower portion of the base frame 212.

First, at a position below the base frame 212, the horizontal portion 224 of the bracket 216 of the head module 210 is placed in a posture parallel to the upper frame portion 270 of the base frame 212. Further, the vertical portion 226 of the bracket 216 is placed in a posture parallel to the lower frame portion 272A of the base frame 212. In this state, the position of the guide groove 256 formed in the bracket 216 of the head module 210 is aligned with the position of the Y-direction guide post 276 provided in the lower frame portion 272A of the base frame 212.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the head module 210 is pushed up toward the base frame 212 so that the Y-direction guide post 276 fits in the guide groove 256. When the Y-direction guide post 276 fits in the guide groove 256, the head module 210 is vertically pushed up using the Y-direction guide post 276 as a guide. As a result, blurring and rattling at the time of mounting can be prevented, and the head module 210 can be prevented from coming into contact with other members (head module 210 already mounted, etc.).

When the Y-direction guide post 276 is fitted into the guide groove 256 and the head module 210 is pushed up, the Z-direction suspension rod 278 provided on the base frame 212 is housed in the guide groove 256.

Here, the Z direction suspension rod 278 is provided with a locking bar 288. When the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212, the locking bar 288 is positioned at the unlocked position so that the locking bar 288 does not contact the inner wall surface of the guide groove 256. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lock bar 288 from contacting the entrance portion of the guide groove 256 and hindering the movement of the head module 210.

When the head module 210 is pushed up toward the base frame 212 as described above, the pair of head module Z-direction contact members 242 provided on the bracket 216 of the head module 210 are paired with the base frame 212 provided on the base frame 212. The Z-direction contact member 294 is abutted. When the pair of head module Z-direction contact members 242 are brought into contact with the pair of base frame Z-direction contact members 294 provided on the base frame 212, the pair of head module Z-direction contact members 242 are formed in the guide groove 256 of the head module 210. The cutout portions 258A and 258B are located at the installation position of the lock bar 288 provided on the Z-direction suspension rod 278. In this state, the Z-direction suspension rod 278 is rotated to position the lock bar 288 at the lock position. As a result, the locking bar 288 fits into the notches 258A and 258B, and the locking bar 288 is locked to the ceiling surface of the inner peripheral portion of the notches 258A and 258B. As a result, the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212 while being suspended from the Z-direction suspension rod 278.

Here, the Z-direction hanging rod 278 is provided with a Z-direction pressing spring 286. Therefore, when locked by the Z-direction suspension rod 278, the head module 210 is pushed upward by the action of the Z-direction pressing spring 286. As a result, the pair of head module Z-direction contact members 242 provided on the head module 210 are brought into contact with the pair of base frame Z-direction contact members 294 provided on the base frame 212. As a result, the head module 210 is positioned in the Z direction with respect to the base frame 212.

The pair of Y-direction guide posts 276 fitted in the guide grooves 256 are provided with a Y-direction pressing spring 282. The Y-direction pressing spring 282 presses the head module 210 toward the base frame 212 via the Y-direction pressing plate 280. As a result, the head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 and the head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 provided in the head module 210 are fixed to the fixed contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 290 and movable contact provided in the base frame 212. It is pressed against the Y-direction positioning member 292 for the base frame. As a result, the head module 210 is positioned in the Y direction with respect to the base frame 212.

When the head module Z-direction contact member 242 is brought into contact with the base frame Z-direction contact member 294, the Y-direction guide post 276 is housed in the expanded diameter portion 256A formed in the guide groove 256. As a result, the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212 while being displaceable in the X direction.

The position of the head module Z-direction contact member 242 and the head module Y-direction movable contact member 236 can be adjusted, but it is preferable to make this position adjustment in advance (for example, carried out at the time of factory shipment).

As described above, the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212. This operation is performed for all head modules 210. As described above, the head modules 210 are alternately attached to the base frame 212, so that the attachments are performed alternately.

In addition, it is preferable that the base frame 212 is attached in order from one end to the other. At this time, it is preferable that the first head module 210 (the head module 210 to be attached first) is attached in accordance with the center value of the adjustment range of the displacement amount in the X direction. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk that the subsequent mounting position of the head module 210 will deviate from the adjustment range, and prevent the adjustment range from being unnecessarily large.

The base frame 212 to which the head module 210 is attached is held by a predetermined holder provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 10 and mounted on the inkjet recording apparatus 10.

[X direction adjustment for other bar heads]
In this embodiment, four bar heads 200M, 200K, 200C, and 200Y are sequentially arranged in the paper transport direction of the transport drum 110. Therefore, the mounting positions of the head modules 210 of the bar heads 200M, 200K, 200C, and 200Y in the X direction are adjusted so that the recording area widths of the bar heads 200M, 200K, 200C, and 200Y are the same. Thus, high quality images can be recorded.

A reference bar head (for example, the bar head 200M) may be determined, and the correction amount of the mounting position of the head module 210 of the remaining bar heads may be calculated so as to match the print area width of the bar head.

[Another example of X-direction mounting position adjusting means]
The X-direction mounting position adjusting means of the above-described embodiment is configured to manually rotate the eccentric roller 248, but it is also possible to mount the driving means on the head module 210 and automatically rotate the eccentric roller 248. ..

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a head module 210 for automatically rotating the X-direction mounting position adjusting means. In the example shown in the figure, a motor 320 is mounted on the head module 210 as a drive unit for the eccentric roller 248. A screw gear (worm) 322 is connected to a drive shaft (an example of a shaft extending in the fourth direction) of the motor 320 (an example of a first motor). A helical gear (worm wheel) 324 is coupled to the eccentric roller 248 (an example of a first eccentric cam) and a shaft portion 248A (an example of a shaft extending in the third direction). The screw gear 322 (an example of a gear) is meshed with the helical gear 324. The shaft portion 248A of the eccentric roller 248 is formed in a cylindrical shape instead of a male screw, and the eccentric roller mounting hole 252 is also formed as a through hole instead of a screw hole.

According to the X-direction mounting position adjusting unit configured as described above, when the motor 320 is rotated, the screw gear 322 is rotated via the drive shaft. The rotation of the screw gear 322 is transmitted to the helical gear 324, and the eccentric roller 248 rotates with the rotation of the helical gear 324.

The X-direction positioning reference pin 296 is pressed against the eccentric roller 248 in the X direction by the plunger 250. Therefore, when the eccentric roller 248 rotates, the head module 210 moves in the X direction according to the rotation amount.

In this way, the eccentric roller 248 can be automatically rotated in the X-direction mounting position adjusting means. Therefore, it can be applied to the X-direction position adjusting unit 78 (see FIG. 9).

In the above embodiment, the eccentric roller 248, the plunger 250, and the X-direction positioning reference pin 296 constitute the X-direction mounting position adjusting means, but the configuration of the X-direction mounting position adjusting means is not limited to this. It is not something that will be done. Other than this, for example, a moving mechanism such as a ball screw mechanism may be used.

[Θ _Z direction mounting position adjusting means]
It is also possible to provide a θ _Z- direction mounting position adjusting means for finely adjusting the mounting position in the θ _Z direction when mounting the head module 210 to the base frame 212, and further to make it rotate automatically. The θ _Z direction is the direction of rotation about the axis orthogonal to the nozzle surface 222 as before.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a head module 210 for automatically rotating the θ _Z- direction mounting position adjusting means. The head module 210 shown in the figure and the head module 210 shown in FIG. 34 have a head module Y-direction movable contact member insertion hole 238 into which the head module Y-direction movable contact member position adjusting screw 240 is screwed, and one of the first. The arrangement of the head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 provided on the second overhang portion 226C is different.

Correspondingly, the arrangement of the fixed contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 290 and the movable contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 292 of the base frame 212 is also changed.

One of the two head module Y-direction fixed contact members 234 is provided on the vertical portion main body 226A and is the same as the head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 provided on the second overhanging portion 226C in the Z direction on the XZ plane. Placed in position. That is, the straight line connecting the centers of the two head module Y-direction fixed contact members 234 is parallel to the X-direction. The head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 provided on the vertical portion main body 226A may be arranged at a position other than the same position in the Z direction on the XZ plane as the other head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234.

The head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 and the head module Y-direction movable contact member insertion hole 238 provided in the vertical portion main body 226A are arranged at the same position in the X direction on the XZ plane. That is, the straight line connecting the center of the head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 and the center of the head module Y-direction movable contact member insertion hole 238 is parallel to the Z direction.

Further, the head module 210 includes an eccentric roller 330, a shaft portion 332, and a magnet 334. Further, the base frame 212 includes a motor 338.

An eccentric roller 330 (an example of a second eccentric cam) is arranged at a position facing the second overhanging portion 226C of the base frame 212, instead of the fixed contact base frame Y-direction positioning member 290. The head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 provided on the second projecting portion 226C contacts the eccentric roller 330 and is pressed in the Y-direction by the Y-direction pressing spring 282.

The shaft portion 332 is a drive shaft of the eccentric roller 330, and is provided parallel to the Z direction. The other end of the shaft portion 332 is connected to the motor 338.

According to the θ _Z- direction mounting position adjusting unit thus configured, when the motor 338 (an example of the second motor) is rotated, the eccentric roller 330 is rotated via the shaft portion 332. A head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 is pressed in the Y-direction by the Y-direction pressing spring 282 against the eccentric roller 330.

Here, the head module 210 is positioned in the Y direction by the head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 and the head module Y-direction movable contact member position adjusting screw 240 provided on the vertical portion main body 226A.

Therefore, when the eccentric roller 330 rotates, depending on the amount of rotation, a straight line connecting the head module Y-direction fixed contact member 234 and the head module Y-direction movable contact member position adjusting screw 240 provided on the vertical portion main body 226A is used as an axis. The head module 210 moves in the θ _Z direction.

In this way, the eccentric roller 330 can be automatically rotated by the θ _Z direction mounting position adjusting means. Therefore, it can be applied to the θ _Z direction position adjusting unit 80 (see FIG. 9).

A Hall element mounting portion 340 is provided on the lower frame portion 272A. The hall element 342 is attached to the hall element mounting portion 340.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the Hall element mounting portion 340 of FIG. As shown in the figure, the magnet 334 provided on the head module 210 (not shown in FIG. 36) is connected to the Hall element 342 when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212 (not shown in FIG. 36). It is provided at the opposite position.

37 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 37-37 of FIG. The position 336A shown in the figure shows the position of the magnet 334 before and after the movement of the head module 210 (not shown in FIG. 36) in the θ _Z direction, and the position 336B shows the head module 210 in the counterclockwise angle. The position of the magnet 334 after being moved by θ _{2 in the} θ _Z direction is shown.

In this way, when the head module 210 moves in the θ _Z direction, the position of the magnet 334 changes, and the distance between the magnet 334 and the Hall element 342 changes accordingly. The Hall element 342 detects this change in distance as a change in magnetic flux, and detects the position of the head module 210 in the θ _Z direction.

Therefore, the magnet 334 and the Hall element 342 can also be applied to the θ _Z direction sensor 94 (see FIG. 20).

38 is a diagram showing another aspect of the position detecting means in the θ _Z direction, and is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of the arrow similar to FIG. 37. Here, the magnet 334 is provided in the vertical portion main body 226A, and the Hall element 342 is provided in the lower frame portion 272A. Further, the magnet 334 is provided at a position facing the Hall element 342 when the head module 210 is attached to the base frame 212.

Even with this configuration, when the head module 210 moves in the θ _Z direction, the distance between the magnet 334 and the Hall element 342 changes. Therefore, the Hall element 342 can detect the position of the head module 210 in the θ _Z direction.

<Other>
In the embodiments described up to this point, for example, a hardware configuration of a processing unit (processing unit) that executes various processes such as the transport control unit 72, the image recording control unit 74, the adjustment control unit 76, and the reading control unit 82. The structure is various processors as shown below. The circuit configuration of various processors can be changed after manufacturing such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), which are general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units. A programmable logic device (PLD), which is a special processor, a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute a specific process such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Be done.

One processing unit may be configured by one of these various processors, or may be configured by two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs or a combination of CPU and FPGA). May be. Further, the plurality of processing units may be configured by one processor. As an example of configuring a plurality of processing units by one processor, firstly, as represented by a computer such as a server and a client, one processor is configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software. There is a form in which the processor functions as a plurality of processing units. Second, as represented by a system on chip (SoC) or the like, there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including a plurality of processing units by one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used. is there. As described above, the various processing units are configured by using one or more various processors as a hardware structure.

Furthermore, the hardware-like structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electrical circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. The configurations and the like in the respective embodiments can be appropriately combined with each other within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 Paper 2 Host Computer 10, 14, 100 Inkjet Recording Device 12 Conveying Section 20 Bar Head 20A Nozzle Surface 20B Head Module Supporting Member 20D End Cap 22, 22-1, 22-i, 22-n Head Module 24, 24A, 24B , 24L, 24R Nozzle 26 Complementary region 26A Complementary region 26B Complementary region 26C Complementary region 30 Nozzle plate 32 Pressure chamber 34 Common channel 36 Channel plate 38 Supply port 40 Vibrating plate 42 Individual electrode 44 Lower electrode 46 Piezoelectric body 48 Piezo actuator 50 In-line sensor 52 Nozzle array 54 Projection nozzle array 60 System controller 62 CPU
64 ROM
66 RAM
68 Communication unit 70 Image memory 72 Transport control unit 74 Image recording control unit 76 Adjustment control unit 78-1, 78-i, 78-n X direction position adjustment unit 80-1, 80-i, 80-n θ _Z direction position Adjustment unit 82 Reading control unit 84 Operation unit 86 Display unit 88 Nonvolatile memory 90 Sensor control unit 92-1, 92-i, 92-n X-direction sensor 94-1, 94-i, 94-n θ _Z- direction sensor 102 Paper feed unit 104 Paper discharge unit 110 Conveying drum 112 Gripper 200 Bar head 200C Bar head 200K Bar head 200M Bar head 200Y Bar head 210 Head module 212 Base frame 214 Inkjet head 216 Bracket 218 Head body 220 Electrical component piping 222 222 Nozzle surface 222A Nozzle formation area 222C Nozzle surface 222K Nozzle surface 222M Nozzle surface 222Y Nozzle surface 224 Horizontal part 224A Opening 226 Vertical part 226A Vertical part main body 226B First overhang part 226C Second overhang part 234 Head module Y direction fixed contact member 236 Head Module Y direction movable contact member 238 Head module Y direction movable contact member insertion hole 240 Head module Y direction movable contact member position adjusting screw 242 Head module Z direction contact member 244 Head module Z direction contact member insertion hole 246 Head module Z direction contact member Position adjusting screw 248 Eccentric roller 248A Shaft part 248B Roller part 250 Plunger 252 Eccentric roller mounting hole 254 Leaf spring 256 Guide groove 256A Expanding part 258A Notch part 258B Notch part 260 Magnet 270 Upper frame part 272A First lower frame Part 272B Second lower frame part 276 Y direction guide post 276A Flange part 278 Z direction hanging rod 278A Knob part 280 Y direction pressing plate 282 Y direction pressing spring 284 Z direction hanging rod insertion hole 286 Z direction pressing spring 288 For locking Bar 290 Fixed contact base frame Y direction positioning member 292 Movable contact base frame Y direction positioning member 294 Base frame Z direction contact member 296 X direction positioning reference pin 298 Magnetic sensor 300 Magnetic sensor mounting portion 320 Motor 322 Screw gear 324 Tooth gear 330 Eccentric roller 332 Shaft 334 Magnet 338 Motor 340 Hall element mounting portion 342 Hall element A _A adjustment Integer range _{A B} limited adjustment range _{LN i, LN (i + 1} ) line N nozzle _{P N} pitch _{P S} estimated position PX X direction position adjustment pattern PY Y direction position adjustment pattern Pθ _Z θ _Z direction position adjustment pattern S1~S6 , S11 to S14 Processing of Head Module Position Adjustment Method TC1 Test Chart TC2 Test Chart TC3 Test Chart TC4 Test Chart

Claims (12)

A recording head having a recording element for recording an image;
An attachment portion to which the recording head is attached,
A recording control section for recording an image on a recording surface of a recording medium by the recording head attached to the attaching section;
A position adjusting part for moving the mounting position of the recording head in the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction in the mounting part;
The mounting position of the recording head is moved in at least one of the first direction and the second direction by a predetermined movement amount within a first range, and a test chart is sequentially printed on the recording medium by the recording head. A test chart acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of test charts at a plurality of mounting positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction by recording.
A test chart reading unit for reading the obtained plurality of test charts;
A position determination unit that analyzes the read test charts to determine adjustment positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction;
Equipped with
The position adjusting unit is a recording apparatus that moves the mounting position of the recording head to the determined adjustment position. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position determination unit determines the adjustment position of the recording head at any one of the mounting positions where the test chart is recorded by the test chart acquisition unit. A position detector that detects at least one of the positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction;
A position estimation unit that estimates the adjustment position based on the detected position,
Equipped with
The test chart acquisition unit is a second range narrower than the first range, and moves the recording head by a predetermined movement amount within a second range including the adjustment position estimated by the position estimation unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is moved in at least one of the first direction and the second direction. A transport unit that transports the recording medium in a third direction, and that makes a recording element surface of the recording head on which the recording element is disposed face the recording surface;
4. The first direction is a direction orthogonal to the third direction in the recording element surface, and the second direction is a direction rotating about a fourth direction orthogonal to the recording element surface as an axis. The recording apparatus according to any one of 1. The position adjusting unit,
A first motor for rotating an axis along the fourth direction;
A first eccentric cam that is provided on a shaft that extends along the third direction and that contacts the recording head in the first direction;
A gear that transmits the rotation of the shaft of the first motor to the first eccentric cam;
Equipped with
The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the mounting position of the recording head in the first direction is moved by rotating the first motor. The position adjusting unit,
A second motor that rotates an axis along the fourth direction;
A second eccentric cam that is provided on the shaft of the second motor and contacts the recording head in the third direction;
Equipped with
The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the mounting position of the recording head in the second direction is moved by rotating the second motor. The test chart includes a plurality of line patterns extending in the third direction,
7. The recording device according to claim 4, wherein the position determination unit analyzes intervals of the read line patterns in the first direction. A plurality of the recording heads are attached to the attachment portion,
The plurality of recording heads have a complementary area in which projection recording elements of adjacent recording heads are mixed in a projection recording element array in which the recording elements are projected so as to be aligned along the first direction. 7. The recording device according to any one of 7. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the test chart reading unit includes an in-line scanner arranged downstream of the recording head in the third direction. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position determining unit analyzes the densities of the read test charts. A recording control step of recording an image on a recording surface of a recording medium by a recording head having a recording element for recording an image attached to an attachment portion;
A moving step of moving the mounting position of the recording head in the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction in the mounting portion;
The mounting position of the recording head is moved in at least one of the first direction and the second direction by a predetermined movement amount within a first range, and a test chart is sequentially printed on the recording medium by the recording head. A test chart acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of test charts at a plurality of mounting positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction by recording.
A test chart reading step of reading the acquired plurality of test charts;
A position determining step of analyzing the read plurality of test charts to determine adjustment positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction;
A position adjustment step of moving the mounting position of the recording head to the determined adjustment position;
A recording head adjusting method. A recording control step of recording an image on a recording surface of a recording medium by a recording head having a recording element for recording an image attached to an attachment portion;
A moving step of moving the mounting position of the recording head in the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction in the mounting portion;
The mounting position of the recording head is moved in at least one of the first direction and the second direction by a predetermined movement amount within a first range, and a test chart is sequentially printed on the recording medium by the recording head. A test chart acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of test charts at a plurality of mounting positions of the recording head in the first direction and the second direction by recording.
Forming a test chart.

Images