JP7087487B2 - Inkjet recording device, deviation detection device and deviation detection method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet recording device, a deviation detecting device, and a deviation detecting method.

Conventionally, there is an inkjet recording device that forms an image or the like by ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles provided in an ink ejection unit to a recording medium that is relatively moved in a predetermined moving direction. In the ink ejection section of the inkjet recording device, a plurality of nozzles are arranged so as to form one or more nozzle rows, and a predetermined direction of the nozzle rows (nozzle arrangement direction) intersects with the above-mentioned moving direction. By arranging the ink ejection unit so as to coincide with the reference direction (typically, the width direction orthogonal to the moving direction), it is possible to record an image with a predetermined resolution within a predetermined recording width in the width direction. ..

As a method of aligning the ink ejection unit, ink is ejected from the nozzle of the ink ejection unit to form a predetermined detection pattern, and information related to the nozzle position is obtained from the reading data of the detection pattern by a reading means such as a line sensor. Is known, and a method of detecting a deviation of the nozzle arrangement direction from the reference direction based on the information is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-137015

However, in order to accurately detect the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction by the above-mentioned conventional method, it is necessary that the position of each part of the detection pattern on the recording medium is accurately reflected in the read data. Therefore, there is a problem that it is necessary to accurately align the reading means or the recording medium in advance so that the reading means and the recording medium have a predetermined positional relationship, which is troublesome.

An object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording device, a deviation detecting device, and a deviation detecting method capable of more easily accurately detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction of an ink ejection unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 is
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. An ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction,
Ink is ejected from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles, and in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. A discharge control means for forming a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction, and a discharge control means.
A detection means for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern, and
Equipped with
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
The second density pattern is formed outside the formation region of the first density pattern in the recording medium.
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The detection means has the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Is detected.

The invention according to claim 2 is the inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1.
The plurality of nozzle groups are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3 is
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. An ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction,
Ink is ejected from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles, and in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. A discharge control means for forming a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction, and a discharge control means.
A detection means for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern, and
Equipped with
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The detection means has the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
In the discharge control means, the formation ranges of the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the width direction overlap each other, and the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the movement direction overlap. The detection patterns in which the formation ranges do not overlap are formed.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4 is
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. An ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction,
Ink is ejected from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles, and in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. A discharge control means for forming a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction, and a discharge control means.
A detection means for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern, and
Equipped with
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The detection means has the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
The detection means detects the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the difference between the representative value of the density of the first density pattern and the representative value of the density of the second density pattern in the read data.

The invention according to claim 5 is the inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The first unit pattern and the second unit pattern are line patterns extending in the moving direction.

The invention according to claim 6 is the inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
In each of the plurality of nozzle groups, the first nozzle and the second nozzle are adjacent to each other in the width direction, and the second nozzle and the third nozzle are adjacent to each other in the width direction.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 7 is:
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. An ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction,
Ink is ejected from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles, and in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. A discharge control means for forming a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction, and a discharge control means.
A detection means for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern, and
Equipped with
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The detection means has the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
Equipped with a plurality of the ink ejection units,
In the plurality of ink ejection portions, the nozzle arrangement region provided with the plurality of nozzles is the nozzle arrangement region and the width of the other ink ejection portion within the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction. It is provided in an overlapping positional relationship with respect to the direction,
The plurality of nozzle groups are composed of the nozzles that are outside the range in which the arrangement ranges of the nozzle arrangement regions overlap in the width direction.

The invention according to claim 8 is the inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A reading means for reading the detection pattern and generating the read data is provided.

The invention according to claim 9 is the inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
A nozzle arrangement direction changing means for adjusting the relationship between the nozzle arrangement direction and the reference direction is provided.

The invention of the inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 10 is to achieve the above object.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. An ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction,
Ink is ejected from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles, and in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. A discharge control means for forming a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction, and a discharge control means.
A detection means for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern, and
Equipped with
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The detection means has the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
Display means and
A display control means for causing the display means to display a display relating to the direction and magnitude of the deviation detected by the detection means.
To prepare for.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of the deviation detecting device according to claim 11 is described.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface to determine a predetermined value. A group of a plurality of nozzles each consisting of an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. Ink is ejected from each nozzle of Nozzle to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detecting device for detecting the deviation in the inkjet recording apparatus provided with the ejection control means for causing the nozzleing.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
The second density pattern is formed outside the formation region of the first density pattern in the recording medium.
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The deviation detection device is
The direction and magnitude of the deviation are determined based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data of the detection pattern. A detection means for detecting is provided.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of the deviation detecting device according to claim 12 is described.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface to determine a predetermined value. A group of a plurality of nozzles each consisting of an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. Ink is ejected from each nozzle of Nozzle to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detecting device for detecting the deviation in the inkjet recording apparatus provided with the ejection control means for causing the nozzleing.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
The formation ranges of the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the width direction overlap, and the formation ranges of the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the movement direction do not overlap. Form a detection pattern,
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The deviation detection device is
The direction and magnitude of the deviation are determined based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data of the detection pattern. A detection means for detecting is provided.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of the deviation detecting device according to claim 13 is described.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface to determine a predetermined value. A group of a plurality of nozzles each consisting of an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. Ink is ejected from each nozzle of Nozzle to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detecting device for detecting the deviation in the inkjet recording apparatus provided with the ejection control means for causing the nozzleing.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The deviation detection device is
The direction and magnitude of the deviation are determined based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data of the detection pattern. Equipped with a detection means to detect
The detection means detects the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the difference between the representative value of the density of the first density pattern and the representative value of the density of the second density pattern in the read data.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of the deviation detecting device according to claim 14 is described.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface to determine a predetermined value. A group of a plurality of nozzles each consisting of an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. Ink is ejected from each nozzle of Nozzle to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detecting device for detecting the deviation in the inkjet recording apparatus provided with the ejection control means for causing the nozzleing.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The inkjet recording device includes a plurality of the ink ejection units.
In the plurality of ink ejection portions, the nozzle arrangement region provided with the plurality of nozzles is the nozzle arrangement region and the width of the other ink ejection portion within the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction. It is provided in an overlapping positional relationship with respect to the direction,
The plurality of nozzle groups are composed of the nozzles that are outside the range where the arrangement ranges of the nozzle arrangement areas overlap in the width direction.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The deviation detection device is
The direction and magnitude of the deviation are determined based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data of the detection pattern. A detection means for detecting is provided.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of the deviation detecting device according to claim 15 is described.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface to determine a predetermined value. A group of a plurality of nozzles each consisting of an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. Ink is ejected from each nozzle of Nozzle to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detecting device for detecting the deviation in the inkjet recording apparatus provided with the ejection control means for causing the nozzleing.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The deviation detection device is
The direction and magnitude of the deviation are determined based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data of the detection pattern. Equipped with a detection means to detect
The inkjet recording device includes a display means and a display control means for causing the display means to display the direction and magnitude of the deviation detected by the detection means.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of the deviation detecting method according to claim 16 is described.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink ejection unit from a predetermined reference direction that intersects the moving direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detection method for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The deviation detection method is
A predetermined detection pattern for detecting the deviation by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. To form a discharge step,
A detection step that detects the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern,
Including
In the discharge step,
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
The second density pattern is formed outside the formation region of the first density pattern in the recording medium.
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
In the ejection step, the first unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are formed. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from each of the three nozzles at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Is detected.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of the deviation detecting method according to claim 17 is described.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink ejection unit from a predetermined reference direction that intersects the moving direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detection method for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The deviation detection method is
A predetermined detection pattern for detecting the deviation by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. To form a discharge step,
A detection step that detects the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern,
Including
In the discharge step,
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
The formation ranges of the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the width direction overlap, and the formation ranges of the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the movement direction do not overlap. Form a detection pattern,
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
In the ejection step, the first unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are formed. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from each of the three nozzles at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Is detected.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of the deviation detecting method according to claim 18 is described.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink ejection unit from a predetermined reference direction that intersects the moving direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detection method for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The deviation detection method is
A predetermined detection pattern for detecting the deviation by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. To form a discharge step,
A detection step that detects the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern,
Including
In the discharge step,
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
In the ejection step, the first unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are formed. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from each of the three nozzles at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are detected based on the difference between the representative value of the density of the first density pattern and the representative value of the density of the second density pattern in the read data.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of the deviation detecting method according to claim 19 is described.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink ejection unit from a predetermined reference direction that intersects the moving direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detection method for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The inkjet recording device includes a plurality of the ink ejection units.
In the plurality of ink ejection portions, the nozzle arrangement region provided with the plurality of nozzles is the nozzle arrangement region and the width of the other ink ejection portion within the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction. It is provided in an overlapping positional relationship with respect to the direction,
The plurality of nozzle groups are composed of the nozzles that are outside the range where the arrangement ranges of the nozzle arrangement areas overlap in the width direction.
The deviation detection method is
A predetermined detection pattern for detecting the deviation by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. To form a discharge step,
A detection step that detects the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern,
Including
In the discharge step,
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
In the ejection step, the first unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are formed. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from each of the three nozzles at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Is detected.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of the deviation detecting method according to claim 20 is described.
Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink ejection unit from a predetermined reference direction that intersects the moving direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detection method for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The deviation detection method is
A predetermined detection pattern for detecting the deviation by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. To form a discharge step,
A detection step that detects the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern,
Including
In the discharge step,
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
In the ejection step, the first unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are formed. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from each of the three nozzles at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
Further included is a display step of causing the display means to display the direction and magnitude of the deviation detected in the detection step.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction of the ink ejection portion can be detected more easily and accurately.

It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the inkjet recording apparatus. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a head unit. It is a block diagram which shows the main functional composition of an inkjet recording apparatus. It is a figure which shows the detection pattern when the nozzle arrangement direction of a recording head coincides with a reference direction. It is a figure which shows the detection pattern when the nozzle arrangement direction of a recording head is deviated from the reference direction in the positive direction. It is a figure which shows the detection pattern when the nozzle arrangement direction of a recording head deviates from a reference direction in a negative direction. It is a figure which shows the example of the density distribution in a detection pattern. It is a figure explaining an example of the adjustment method of the nozzle arrangement direction of a recording head. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of a head position adjustment process. It is a figure which shows the nozzle set when the recording head is provided with 3 rows of nozzles, and the detection pattern formed by the nozzle set. It is a figure which shows the nozzle set when 8 rows of nozzles are provided in a recording head, and the detection pattern formed by the nozzle set. It is a figure which shows the nozzle set in the case where the recording head is provided with 8 rows of nozzles, and another example of the detection pattern formed by the nozzle set.

Hereinafter, embodiments relating to the inkjet recording device, the deviation detection device, and the deviation detection method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The inkjet recording device 1 includes a transport unit 10, a head unit 20, a reading unit 30 (reading means), and the like.

The transport unit 10 includes a transport belt 11, a drive roller 12, a driven roller 13, and the like. The drive roller 12 rotates about a rotation axis by being driven by the transfer motor 14 (FIG. 3). The transport belt 11 is a ring-shaped belt whose inside is supported by a drive roller 12 and a driven roller 13 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a transport roller), and orbits around the transport roller as the drive roller 12 rotates. Moving. The driven roller 13 rotates about a rotation axis as the conveyor belt 11 orbits moves. In the inkjet recording device 1, the recording medium M is mounted on the mounting surface 11a of the transport belt 11, and the transport belt 11 orbits the transport belt 11 at a speed corresponding to the rotation speed of the drive roller 12. Is carried out in the circumferential movement direction of the transfer belt 11 (the movement direction of the relative movement between the head unit 20 and the recording medium; hereinafter referred to as the transfer direction).

The recording medium M can be roll paper that is unwound (unrolled) from the roll (recording medium unwinding portion) on which the recording medium M is wound and supplied onto the transport belt 11. The recording medium M may be a sheet of paper cut to a certain size. The recording medium M is supplied onto the conveyor belt 11 by a paper feeding device (not shown), ink is ejected from the head unit 20, an image is recorded, and then the ink is ejected from the conveyor belt 11 to a predetermined paper ejection unit. As the recording medium M, in addition to paper such as plain paper and coated paper, various media such as cloth or sheet-shaped resin capable of fixing the ink landed on the surface can be used.

The head unit 20 ejects ink to the recording medium M conveyed by the transfer unit 10 at an appropriate timing based on the image data, and records the image. In the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, four head units 20 corresponding to four colors of ink of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are in the transport direction of the recording medium M. They are arranged so as to be arranged at predetermined intervals in the order of Y, M, C, and K colors from the upstream side. The number of head units 20 may be 3 or less or 5 or more.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the head unit 20, and is a schematic view of the head unit 20 when viewed from the conveyor belt 11 side.
The head unit 20 has a plurality of recording heads 21 (ink ejection units) provided with a plurality of recording elements for ejecting ink. The recording element communicates with a pressure chamber (channel) for storing ink, a piezoelectric element provided on the wall surface of the pressure chamber, an electrode for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element to generate an electric field, and a pressure chamber. It has a nozzle 211 for ejecting ink in the pressure chamber. When a voltage signal with a drive waveform that deforms the piezoelectric element is applied to the electrodes of the recording element, the pressure chamber is deformed in response to this voltage signal and the pressure in the pressure chamber changes, and the pressure in the pressure chamber changes in response to the change in pressure. Ink is ejected from the nozzle 211 communicating with the pressure chamber.

The plurality of nozzles 211 provided on each recording head 21 are arranged in two rows along a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction to form two nozzle rows. Each nozzle row consists of two or more nozzles 211 that are one-dimensionally arranged at equal intervals in the nozzle arrangement direction. Further, the position of each recording head 21 is adjusted so that the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 is parallel to a predetermined reference direction (here, a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction) intersecting the transport direction. It is attached to the base 20a of the head unit 20 in a state. Further, in each nozzle row, when the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the arrangement ranges of the plurality of nozzles 211 overlap in a predetermined range in the width direction, and each of the plurality of nozzles 211 in the predetermined range is overlapped. The positions are different from each other in the width direction and are arranged at equal intervals. That is, each nozzle row is arranged in a positional relationship in which the arrangement density of the nozzles 211 in the width direction increases. Specifically, the two nozzle rows are arranged so as to be offset from each other by half of the arrangement interval of the nozzles 211 in the width direction.

In the head unit 20, six recording heads 21 are arranged in a houndstooth pattern. Further, in the six recording heads 21, the nozzle arrangement area NR provided with a plurality of nozzles 211 in each recording head 21 has a nozzle arrangement area NR of another recording head 21 within the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction. It is provided in an overlapping positional relationship with the NR in the width direction. In the overlapping range R where the nozzle arrangement regions NR of the adjacent recording heads 21 overlap, ink is ejected from the nozzles 211 belonging to one of the pair of recording heads 21 at each position in the width direction.
Due to such an arrangement of the recording head 21, the arrangement range of the nozzles 211 included in the head unit 20 in the width direction is the width in the width direction of the region of the recording medium M conveyed by the transfer belt 11 in which an image can be formed. It is designed to cover (recordable width). The head unit 20 is used with a fixed position when recording an image, and ink is sequentially ejected at predetermined intervals (transportation direction intervals) to positions in different transport directions according to the transport of the recording medium M. Record images using the single-pass method.

Further, the head unit 20 is provided so as to be rotatable in an in-plane direction parallel to the mounting surface 11a of the transport belt 11 within a predetermined angle range, and the angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the head unit 20 with the width direction is set. It can be fine-tuned. As a result, the nozzle arrangement direction of each recording head 21 of the head unit 20 can be aligned with the above-mentioned reference direction.
The position adjustment of the head unit 20 (that is, the adjustment of the nozzle arrangement direction) is performed by the head position adjustment unit 40 (FIG. 3) (nozzle arrangement direction changing means). The head position adjusting unit 40 includes an adjusting screw (not shown) for shifting the fixed position of the head unit 20 with respect to a support frame (not shown) to which the head unit 20 is fixed, a position adjusting drive unit 41 for rotating the adjusting screw, and a position. It has a position adjustment control unit 42 that controls the operation of the adjustment drive unit 41.

The reading unit 30 shown in FIG. 1 is provided on the downstream side of the head unit 20 in the transport direction, and is arranged so that the surface of the recording medium M on the mounting surface 11a of the transport belt 11 can be read. The reading unit 30 includes a line sensor 31 (FIG. 3) having a plurality of image pickup elements arranged in the width direction, and is one-dimensionally arranged in the width direction in the image pickup range over the above-mentioned recordable width by the line sensor 31. The one-dimensional imaging data consisting of the pixel data of the imaging pixels is acquired and output to the control unit 50. The detected value in the pixel data of the image pickup pixel represents the intensity of the incident light reflected on the surface of the recording medium M. Therefore, the density of the image on the surface of the recording medium M can be obtained from the image pickup data (read data) generated by the reading unit 30.

The line sensor 31 of the reading unit 30 outputs a one-dimensional image by using a plurality of image pickup elements arranged in the width direction for outputting signals according to the intensity of incident light. Each image sensor has three sub-image sensors that detect the spectral intensity of the incident light with the spectral sensitivity characteristics corresponding to R (red), G (green), and B (blue), respectively. As a result, the reading unit 30 performs imaging (imaging with a plurality of colors) of the three color components of R, G, and B. Each sub-image sensor transmits light of R, G, or B wavelength component to the light receiving part of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor equipped with a photodiode as a photoelectric conversion element, for example. It is possible to use the one in which the color filter is arranged. Alternatively, each sub-image sensor uses a sensor whose spectral sensitivity characteristic corresponds to R, G, or B, and the spectral intensity of the incident light has a spectral sensitivity characteristic corresponding to R, G, or B without using a color filter. It may be configured to detect. The signal output from the line sensor is subjected to current-voltage conversion, amplification, noise removal, analog-digital conversion, etc. at the analog front end (not shown), and is sent to the control unit 50 (FIG. 3) as read data indicating the brightness value of the read image. It is output.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.
The inkjet recording device 1 includes a transfer unit 10 having a transfer motor 14 and a transfer control unit 15, a head unit 20 having a recording head 21 and a head control unit 22, and a reading unit 30 having a line sensor 31 and a reading control unit 32. , A head position adjusting unit 40 having a position adjusting drive unit 41 and a position adjusting control unit 42, a control unit 50 (discharge control means, detection means, display control means), an operation display unit 61 (display means), and input / output. It includes an interface 62, a bus 63, and the like. Of these, the transfer control unit 15, the head control unit 22, the read control unit 32, and the position adjustment control unit 42 may be used in combination with the hardware configurations of the control unit 50, or may be separately dedicated CPUs, memories, and logics. A circuit or the like may be prepared.

The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51 (Central Processing Unit), a RAM 52 (Random Access Memory), a ROM 53 (Read Only Memory), and a storage unit 54.

The CPU 51 reads out various control programs and setting data stored in the ROM 53 and stores them in the RAM 52, and executes the program to perform various arithmetic processes. Further, the CPU 51 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the inkjet recording device 1.

The RAM 52 provides a working memory space to the CPU 51 and stores temporary data. The RAM 52 may include a non-volatile memory.

The ROM 53 stores various control programs, setting data, and the like executed by the CPU 51. Instead of the ROM 53, a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory may be used.

The storage unit 54 forms a print job (image recording command) input from the external information processing device 2 via the input / output interface 62, image data of the image to be recorded related to the print job, and a detection pattern described later. The image data used in the above, the read data generated by the reading unit 30, and the like are stored. As the storage unit 54, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) may be used, or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like may be used in combination.

The transfer control unit 15 controls the operation of the transfer motor 14 attached to the drive roller 12 to rotate the drive roller 12 based on the control signal supplied from the control unit 50, and rotates the recording medium M at a predetermined speed. Transport.

The head control unit 22 outputs various control signals and image data to the head drive unit provided in the recording head 21 at an appropriate timing according to the control signal from the control unit 50, thereby causing the recording head 21 to output various control signals and image data. Ink is ejected from the nozzle 211.

The reading control unit 32 controls the operation of the reading unit 30 to read (image) an appropriate position according to the transport timing and speed of the recording medium M.

The position adjustment control unit 42 controls the motor drive operation by the position adjustment drive unit 41 and rotates the adjustment screw with the adjustment amount calculated in the head position adjustment process described later, whereby the head unit 20 is arranged in the arrangement direction (hence). , The nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21) is adjusted.

The input / output interface 62 mediates the transmission / reception of data between the information processing device 2 and the control unit 50. The input / output interface 62 is composed of, for example, various serial interfaces, various parallel interfaces, or a combination thereof.

The bus 63 is a path for transmitting and receiving signals between the control unit 50 and other configurations.

The information processing device 2 is a personal computer or the like provided outside the inkjet recording device 1, and supplies print jobs, image data, and the like to the control unit 50 via the input / output interface 62.

Next, various operations for adjusting the arrangement direction of the head unit 20 (adjustment of the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21) in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
In the inkjet recording apparatus 1, if the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 deviates from the above-mentioned reference direction in a plane parallel to the mounting surface 11a of the transport belt 11, the recording width of the image in the width direction by the recording head 21 However, there is a problem that the recording resolution in the width direction deviates from a desired value. If the recording width of the image by each recording head 21 deviates, the image is reduced or enlarged in the width direction and recorded, and the length of the overlap range R between the adjacent recording heads 21 changes to record. Density unevenness occurs at the joint portion of the head 21.
Therefore, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, before starting the image recording operation, the recording head 21 is aligned so that the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction (for example, on the mounting surface 11a). The head position adjustment operation (rotating around the vertical rotation axis) is performed. The head position adjusting operation is performed not only at the time of production of the inkjet recording device 1 but also at the time of replacement of the head unit 20 and the recording head 21.

In the head position adjusting operation, first, ink is ejected from a predetermined nozzle 211 of the recording head 21 to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting deviation of the nozzle arrangement direction from the reference direction. Subsequently, the detection pattern is read by the reading unit 30, and the direction and magnitude of the deviation are detected based on the obtained read data. In addition, deviation information indicating the adjustment amount (rotation direction and rotation number) of the adjusting screw for eliminating the deviation from the reference direction in the nozzle arrangement direction is generated.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detection pattern P when the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 coincides with the reference direction.
FIG. 4A shows the positional relationship between the two rows of nozzles of the recording head 21 and each part of the detection pattern P. In the following, of the two nozzle rows, the nozzle row on the upstream side in the transport direction is referred to as a nozzle row N1, and the nozzle row on the downstream side is referred to as a nozzle row N2.
In FIG. 4A, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 coincides with the reference direction (width direction), and the recording head 21 is arranged in an appropriate arrangement direction. Hereinafter, the state in which the recording head 21 and the nozzles 211 are arranged in this way is referred to as an appropriate arrangement state.

The detection pattern P is formed by ink ejected from a nozzle set NS composed of a predetermined nozzle 211 among a plurality of nozzles 211 provided on the recording head 21. The nozzle set NS is selected to satisfy the following conditions (1) to (5).

That is, the nozzle set NS is composed of a plurality of nozzle group NGs including the first nozzle 211a, the second nozzle 211b, and the third nozzle 211c (condition (1)). Further, the nozzle set NS is composed of nozzle group NG in a range where the nozzle arrangement region NR of the recording head 21 does not overlap (that is, outside the overlap range R) (condition (2)). Therefore, the detection pattern P is formed over a range corresponding to the range excluding the overlapping range R at both ends of the nozzle arrangement region NR of one recording head 21 in the width direction.

Further, in the first nozzle 211a, the second nozzle 211b, and the third nozzle 211c, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap each other on the recording medium M. The two nozzles 211b have a positional relationship between the first nozzle 211a and the third nozzle 211c in the width direction, and the first nozzle 211a and the third nozzle 211c are on one side of the second nozzle 211b in the transport direction. (Condition (3)). In the present embodiment, the first nozzle 211a, the second nozzle 211b, and the third nozzle 211c are nozzles 211 that are adjacent to each other in the width direction, that is, nozzles having continuous nozzle arrangement numbers. Here, the sequence number is an ordinal number indicating the sequence order of the plurality of nozzles 211 of the recording head 21 in the width direction.
Further, the nozzle rows to which the first nozzle 211a, the second nozzle 211b, and the third nozzle 211c belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups NG (condition (4)). In the present embodiment, in any of the nozzle group NG, the first nozzle 211a and the third nozzle 211c belong to the nozzle row N2, and the second nozzle 211b belongs to the nozzle row N1.

Further, the plurality of nozzle groups NG are selected so that the arrangement intervals in the width direction are equal (condition (5)). In the present embodiment, a plurality of nozzle group NGs are selected so that one nozzle 211 that does not belong to any nozzle group NG is sandwiched between adjacent nozzle group NGs.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in the detection pattern P, the first concentration patterns P1 and the second concentration patterns P1 are formed so that the formation ranges in the width direction overlap and the formation ranges in the transport direction do not overlap. It consists of a density pattern P2. Of these, the first density pattern P1 is a first unit pattern U1 formed by ink landing at the position of line L1 from the first nozzle 211a and ink landing at the position of line L2 from the second nozzle 211b. , Multiple in the width direction. Further, in the second density pattern P2, the second unit pattern U2 formed from the ink landed at the position of the line L2 from the second nozzle 211b and the ink landed at the position of the line L3 from the third nozzle 211c is formed. , Multiple in the width direction.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 4A, and is a diagram showing the landing range of the ink forming the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the first density pattern P1 is in a range where the ink IA ejected from the first nozzle 211a and landed and the ink IA ejected from the second nozzle 211b overlap with at least a part of the ink IA. It consists of the landed ink IB. That is, in the formation of the first density pattern P1, ink is ejected from the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium. Further, the second density pattern P2 includes an ink IB ejected from the second nozzle 211b and landed, and an ink IC ejected from the third nozzle 211c and landed in a range overlapping with at least a part of the ink IB. That is, in the formation of the second density pattern P2, ink is ejected from the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium. Therefore, the ink landed at the positions of the line L1 and the line L2 in the first density pattern P1 forms the first unit pattern U1 which is one line pattern by partially overlapping the inks with each other. The ink landed at the positions of the line L2 and the line L3 in the density pattern P2 of 2 forms a second unit pattern U2 which is one line pattern by partially overlapping the inks.
In the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2, a large number of the first unit pattern U1 and the second unit pattern U2 extending in the transport direction are arranged in the width direction (the number of nozzle groups NG). Macroscopically, it is visually recognized as a solid image with intermediate gradations of uniform density.

In FIG. 4A, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 coincides with the reference direction, and the distance between the nozzles 211 adjacent to each other in the width direction is uniform. Therefore, the distance between the line L1 and the line L2 is equal to the distance between the line L2 and the line L3. Therefore, the area of the portion where the ink IA and the ink IB overlap in the first density pattern P1 of FIG. 4B is substantially equal to the area of the portion where the ink IB and the ink IC overlap in the second density pattern P2. It has become. As a result, the first unit pattern U1 in the first density pattern P1 and the second unit pattern U2 in the second density pattern P2 have the same thickness (width in the width direction) and the same spacing. , The first concentration pattern P1 and the second concentration pattern P2 have equal concentrations as shown in FIG. 7 (a) (hereinafter, this concentration is referred to as a reference concentration D).

In this detection pattern P, the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern U1 increases as the nozzle arrangement direction deviates from one direction (positive direction in FIG. 4) with respect to the reference direction, and increases in the other direction (FIG. 4). It decreases as it shifts in the negative direction). Further, the first density pattern P1 has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern U1.
On the other hand, the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern U2 decreases as the nozzle arrangement direction shifts in one direction with respect to the reference direction, and increases as the nozzle arrangement direction shifts in the other direction. Further, the second density pattern P2 has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern U2.
Therefore, the density distribution of the first density pattern P1 and the density distribution of the second density pattern P2 change according to the direction and magnitude of the deviation of the nozzle arrangement direction from the reference direction.
Hereinafter, this feature will be specifically described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detection pattern when the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 deviates from the reference direction in the positive direction.
In FIG. 5, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 is deviated from the reference direction in the positive direction by an angle θ. In such an arrangement, the distance between the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b in the reference direction in each nozzle group NG is wider than the distance in the proper arrangement state, and the distance between the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c is larger than that in the proper arrangement state. The spacing is narrower than the spacing in the proper placement state. Therefore, the distance between the line L1 and the line L2 in the first density pattern P1 is wider than the distance between the line L2 and the line L3 in the second density pattern P2. Therefore, the area of the portion where the ink IA and the ink IB overlap in the first density pattern P1 of FIG. 5B is smaller than the area of the portion where the ink IB and the ink IC overlap in the second density pattern P2. Become. As a result, the first unit pattern U1 in the first density pattern P1 becomes thicker (the width in the width direction is larger) than the second unit pattern in the second density pattern P2, and in the first density pattern P1. The ratio of the area of the portion covered with the ink (hereinafter referred to as the covering area ratio) is larger than the covering area ratio in the second density pattern P2. Therefore, the concentration of the first concentration pattern P1 becomes a concentration D1 larger than the reference concentration D (darker), and the concentration of the second density pattern P2 becomes a concentration D2 smaller (lighter) than the reference density D. Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the concentration of the first concentration pattern P1 becomes larger than the concentration of the second concentration pattern P2.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a detection pattern when the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 deviates from the reference direction in the negative direction.
In FIG. 6, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 is deviated from the reference direction in the negative direction by an angle θ. In such an arrangement, the distance between the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b in the reference direction in each nozzle group NG is narrower than the distance in the proper arrangement state, and the distance between the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c is smaller than that in the proper arrangement state. The spacing is wider than the spacing in the proper placement state. Therefore, the distance between the line L1 and the line L2 in the first density pattern P1 is narrower than the distance between the line L2 and the line L3 in the second density pattern P2. Therefore, the area of the portion where the ink IA and the ink IB overlap in the first density pattern P1 of FIG. 6B is larger than the area of the portion where the ink IB and the ink IC overlap in the second density pattern P2. Become. As a result, the second unit pattern U2 in the second density pattern P2 becomes thicker than the first unit pattern U1 in the first density pattern P1, and the coverage area ratio in the second density pattern P2 becomes the first. It becomes larger than the coverage area ratio in the density pattern P1 of. Therefore, the concentration of the first concentration pattern P1 is a concentration D2 smaller than the reference concentration D (pale), and the concentration of the second concentration pattern P2 is a concentration D1 larger than the reference concentration D (darker). Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the concentration of the second concentration pattern P2 becomes larger than the concentration of the first concentration pattern P1.

As described above, the detection pattern P recorded by the nozzle set NS satisfying the above-mentioned conditions (1) to (5) is the first when the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 matches the reference direction. The densities of the density pattern P1 of 1 and the densities of the second density pattern P2 become equal. On the other hand, when the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 is deviated in the positive direction with respect to the reference direction, the density of the first density pattern P1 becomes larger than the density of the second density pattern P2, and the recording head 21 When the nozzle arrangement direction deviates from the reference direction in the negative direction, the density of the second density pattern P2 becomes larger than the density of the first density pattern P1. Further, the absolute value of the density difference (hereinafter referred to as density difference) between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 becomes larger as the deviation from the reference direction in the nozzle arrangement direction becomes larger.
Therefore, the above-mentioned detection pattern P is formed by the recording head 21, and the density difference between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 is acquired from the read data of the detection pattern P, so that the density difference can be obtained from the density difference. , It is possible to determine whether or not there is a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction, and it is possible to detect the direction and magnitude of the deviation.
Further, by adjusting the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 (direction of the head unit 20) so that the density difference between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 disappears, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 Can be aligned with the reference direction to obtain an appropriate placement state.

Hereinafter, a head position adjusting method for adjusting the arrangement direction (nozzle arrangement direction) of the recording head 21 based on the read data of the detection pattern P will be specifically described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a head position adjusting method for the recording head 21.

In the head position adjusting method, first, the detection pattern P is formed by ejecting ink from a predetermined nozzle set NS of the recording head 21 to be adjusted to form the first detection pattern P, and the detection pattern P is formed. The density difference between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 (value obtained by subtracting the density of the second density pattern P2 from the density of the first density pattern P1) is calculated from the data read by the reading unit 30. ..
Specifically, the concentration difference is calculated using the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern P1 and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern P2. In the present embodiment, the average value of the concentrations at a plurality of locations of each concentration pattern is used as the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other representative values such as the median value and the maximum value of the concentration in the concentration distribution may be used. Here, it is assumed that the concentration difference is calculated as -17.44.
When the line sensor 31 of the reading unit 30 is tilted from the reference direction, the reading data of the detection pattern P includes the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 according to the tilt of the line sensor 31. The boundary line is deformed so as to be tilted from the reference direction. Therefore, for the calculation of the density difference, the data in the range where the influence of the inclination does not occur (the range excluding a part of the peripheral portion of the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2) is used. Alternatively, the density difference may be calculated after correcting the above inclination in the read data in advance.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8A, the adjustment amount of the recording head 21 when the first detection pattern P is formed is set to 0, and a predetermined range centered on 0 (here ± 1). Estimate the concentration difference in the adjustment amount of .5) (graph on the right side of FIG. 8A). Here, the adjustment amount is the rotation speed of the adjustment screw. The concentration difference is estimated based on a linear function that takes an adjustment amount as an argument. At this stage, since the slope of the linear function is unknown, the concentration difference is estimated using a predetermined virtual value (initial value) as the slope.
Then, the arrangement direction of the recording head 21 is adjusted by the adjustment amount that minimizes the estimated value of the density difference. In the graph on the right side of FIG. 8A, the adjustment amount at which the concentration difference is closest to 0 is +1.5, so here, the adjustment is performed by rotating the adjustment screw 1.5 times.

Next, the second detection pattern P is formed by the adjusted recording head 21, and the density difference between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 from the data read by the reading unit 30 of the detection pattern P. Is calculated. Here, it is assumed that the concentration difference is calculated as 5.85.
Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the concentration difference in the adjustment amount in the range of ± 1.5 (0 to 3.0) centered on +1.5, which is the adjustment amount of the recording head 21 at this time. To estimate. Here, since two sets of data of the adjusted amount and the concentration difference have already been obtained by forming and reading the detection pattern P twice, a linear function of the estimated value of the concentration difference with the adjusted amount as an argument is used. Can be confirmed. In the graph on the right side of FIG. 8B thus obtained, the adjustment amount at which the concentration difference is closest to 0 is +1.0, so the adjustment screw is rotated so that the adjustment amount becomes +1.0. Let me. Here, since the current adjustment amount is +1.5 due to the initial adjustment, the adjustment screw is adjusted by rotating it by -0.5.

Next, the adjusted recording head 21 forms the detection pattern P for the third time, and the density difference between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 from the data read by the reading unit 30 of the detection pattern P. Is calculated. Here, it is assumed that the concentration difference is calculated as −1.08.
Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the adjustment amount in the range of ± 1.5 (−0.5 to 2.5) centered on +1.0, which is the adjustment amount of the recording head 21 at this time. Estimate the concentration difference in. In the graph on the right side of FIG. 8C thus obtained, the concentration difference is closest to 0 at the current adjustment amount of +1.0. Therefore, since it is confirmed that the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 is closest to the reference direction, the adjustment of the head position is completed.

If the adjustment amount of the adjusting screw does not need to be a discrete value and can be adjusted by an arbitrary rotation amount, the adjustment amount in which the concentration difference becomes 0 in the determined linear function instead of the above method. You may rotate the adjusting screw with.

Subsequently, a control procedure by the control unit 50 of the head position adjustment process executed by the inkjet recording device 1 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the head position adjustment process.
When the head position adjustment process is started, the control unit 50 supplies the control signal and the image data related to the detection pattern P to the head control unit 22, and inks from a predetermined nozzle set NS in the recording head 21 to be adjusted. The above-mentioned detection pattern P is formed by discharging (step S101: discharge step).

The control unit 50 supplies a control signal to the reading control unit 32, and causes the reading unit 30 to perform a reading operation at the timing when the detection pattern P on the recording medium M passes through the imaging range of the reading unit 30, and the detection pattern P. The read data of the above is generated and sent to the control unit 50 (step S102).

The control unit 50 calculates the average value of the densities of the first density pattern P1 and the average value of the second density pattern P2 in the detection pattern P based on the acquired read data, and from these average values, the control unit 50 calculates. The density difference between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 is calculated (step S103).

The control unit 50 calculates an estimated value of the concentration difference in a predetermined adjustment amount range by the above-mentioned algorithm, and causes the operation display unit 61 to display the result (step S104). The calculation result of the estimated value of the concentration difference represents the direction and the magnitude of the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction by the difference between the adjustment amount of the adjusting screw that minimizes the concentration difference and the adjustment amount of the current adjusting screw. Yes, this step S104 corresponds to the deviation detection step. Further, the calculation result of the estimated value of the concentration difference includes information (deviation information) relating to the adjustment amount of the adjusting screw that minimizes the concentration difference.
When this step is executed for the first time after the start of the head position adjustment process, the slope of the linear function representing the relationship between the density difference and the adjustment amount is unknown, so the control unit 50 is predetermined from the storage unit 54. The initial value of the slope of is obtained and the estimated value of the concentration difference is calculated. Further, when this step is executed from the second time onward, the control unit 50 determines the linear function from the calculated value of the concentration difference of the past two times and the value of the adjustment amount at that time, and the determination is made. Calculate the estimated concentration difference based on the linear function.

The control unit 50 determines whether or not the concentration difference in the current adjustment amount is the minimum value (step S105), and when it is determined that the concentration difference is the minimum value in the adjustment amount other than the current adjustment amount. (“NO” in step S105) causes the position of the recording head 21 (head unit 20) to be adjusted with the adjustment amount at which the estimated concentration value is the lowest (step S106). That is, the control unit 50 supplies a control signal to the position adjustment control unit 42 of the head position adjustment unit 40, and the position adjustment drive unit 41 rotates the adjustment screw with an adjustment amount that minimizes the estimated concentration value. , The position of the recording head 21 is adjusted.
When the process of step S106 is completed, the control unit 50 shifts the process to step S101.

If it is determined in the process of step S105 that the concentration difference in the current adjustment amount is the minimum value (“YES” in step S105), the control unit 50 ends the head position adjustment process.

(Modification 1)
Subsequently, a modification 1 of the above embodiment will be described. This modification is different from the above embodiment in that the recording head 21 is provided with three or more rows of nozzles. Hereinafter, the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described.

Even in the recording head 21 provided with three or more rows of nozzles, the detection pattern P is formed by the nozzle set NS satisfying the above-mentioned conditions (1) to (5), whereby the first detection pattern P is provided. The deviation of the recording head 21 in the nozzle arrangement direction can be detected from the density difference between the density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a nozzle set NS and a detection pattern formed by the nozzle set NS when the recording head 21 is provided with three rows of nozzle rows. Here, the three rows of nozzles are referred to as nozzle rows N1 to nozzle rows N3 in order from the upstream side in the transport direction. In the recording head 21, the nozzles 211 are arranged in each of the nozzle rows N1 to the nozzle rows N3 so as to be evenly spaced in the nozzle arrangement direction (so that the arrangement numbers are arithmetic progressions with a tolerance of 3).
In the case of FIG. 10, each nozzle 211 belonging to the nozzle row N1 is regarded as the second nozzle 211b in the nozzle group NG, and a pair of nozzles 211 belonging to the nozzle row N2 and the nozzle row N3, respectively, sandwiching the second nozzle 211b. Are the first nozzle 211a and the third nozzle 211c, respectively. In any of the nozzle group NG, the first nozzle 211a to the third nozzle 211c satisfy this positional relationship.
The nozzle set NS including such a nozzle group NG satisfies the above-mentioned conditions (1) to (5).

In this nozzle set NS, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the nozzle arrangement direction deviates from the reference direction in the positive direction, the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b in each nozzle group NG The distance in the reference direction is wider than the distance in the proper arrangement state, and the distance between the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c in the reference direction is narrower than the distance in the proper placement state. Therefore, similarly to the above embodiment, the first unit pattern U1 in the first density pattern P1 becomes thicker than the second unit pattern U2 in the second density pattern P2, and the density of the first density pattern P1 is increased. Is higher than the density of the second density pattern P2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the nozzle arrangement direction deviates from the reference direction in the negative direction, the distance between the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b in each nozzle group NG in the reference direction. Is narrower than the distance in the proper arrangement state, and the distance between the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c in the reference direction is wider than the distance in the proper placement state. Therefore, similarly to the above embodiment, the second unit pattern U2 in the second density pattern P2 becomes thicker than the first unit pattern U1 in the first density pattern P1, and the density of the second density pattern P2. Is higher than the density of the first density pattern P1.

Further, the absolute value of the density difference between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 becomes larger as the deviation from the reference direction in the nozzle arrangement direction becomes larger, so that the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 By acquiring the density difference from the density pattern P2, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from the concentration difference, and further detect the direction and magnitude of the deviation.
Then, by adjusting the nozzle arrangement direction (direction of the head unit 20) of the recording head 21 so that the density difference between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 disappears, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 Can be aligned with the reference direction to obtain an appropriate placement state.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a nozzle set NS and a detection pattern formed by the nozzle set NS when the recording head 21 is provided with eight rows of nozzles. Here, the eight nozzle rows are referred to as nozzle rows N1 to nozzle rows N8 in order from the upstream side in the transport direction. In the recording head 21, the nozzles 211 are arranged at equal intervals in the nozzle arrangement direction (arithmetic progression with a tolerance of 8) in each of the nozzle rows N1 to the nozzle rows N8. Further, the nozzles 211 are arranged so that the array numbers of the nozzles 211 belonging to the nozzle rows N8 to the nozzle rows N1 are continuous in this order.

In the case of FIG. 11, each nozzle 211 belonging to the nozzle row N1 is regarded as the second nozzle 211b in the nozzle group NG, and a pair of nozzles belonging to the nozzle row N8 and the nozzle row N2 and adjacent to each other sandwiching the second nozzle 211b are The first nozzle 211a and the third nozzle 211c are used, respectively. In any of the nozzle group NG, the first nozzle 211a to the third nozzle 211c satisfy this positional relationship. The nozzle set NS including such a nozzle group NG satisfies the above-mentioned conditions (1) to (5).

In this nozzle set NS, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the nozzle arrangement direction deviates from the reference direction in the positive direction, the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b in each nozzle group NG Since the distance in the reference direction is wider than the distance in the proper placement state and the distance between the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c in the reference direction is narrower than the distance in the proper placement state, for the same reason as in FIG. 10A. , The density of the first density pattern P1 becomes larger than the density of the second density pattern P2.
Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the nozzle arrangement direction deviates from the reference direction in the negative direction, the distance between the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b in each nozzle group NG in the reference direction. Is narrower than the distance in the proper placement state, and the distance between the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c in the reference direction is wider than the distance in the proper placement state. The density of the density pattern P2 becomes larger than the density of the first density pattern P1.
Therefore, by acquiring the concentration difference between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2, the presence or absence of a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction and the direction and magnitude of the deviation can be detected from the concentration difference. By adjusting the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 (direction of the head unit 20) so that the density difference is eliminated, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 is aligned with the reference direction to obtain an appropriate arrangement state. Can be done.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the nozzle set NS and the detection pattern formed by the nozzle set NS when the recording head 21 is provided with eight rows of nozzles. The recording heads 21 are also arranged in each of the nozzle rows N1 to the nozzle rows N8 so that the nozzles 211 are evenly spaced in the nozzle arrangement direction (the arrangement numbers are arithmetic progressions with a tolerance of 8). Further, the nozzles 211 are arranged so that the array numbers of the nozzles 211 belonging to the nozzle rows N4, N8, N3, N7, N2, N6, N1 and N5 are continuous in this order.

In the case of FIG. 12, the even-numbered nozzle group NG is composed of a first nozzle 211a belonging to the nozzle row N8, a second nozzle 211b belonging to the nozzle row N3, and a third nozzle 211a belonging to the nozzle row N7. The even-numbered nozzle group NG is composed of a first nozzle 211a belonging to the nozzle row N6, a second nozzle 211b belonging to the nozzle row N1, and a third nozzle 211a belonging to the nozzle row N5. As described above, the combination of the nozzle rows to which the first nozzle 211a, the second nozzle 211b, and the third nozzle 211c belong does not necessarily have to be the same, and the positional relationship between the nozzle rows may be the same. The nozzle set NS of FIG. 12 including such a nozzle group NG satisfies the above-mentioned conditions (1) to (5).

In this nozzle set NS, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the nozzle arrangement direction deviates from the reference direction in the positive direction, the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b in each nozzle group NG Since the distance in the reference direction is wider than the distance in the proper placement state and the distance between the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c in the reference direction is narrower than the distance in the proper placement state, for the same reason as in FIG. 10A. , The density of the first density pattern P1 becomes larger than the density of the second density pattern P2.
Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the nozzle arrangement direction deviates from the reference direction in the negative direction, the distance between the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b in each nozzle group NG in the reference direction. Is narrower than the distance in the proper placement state, and the distance between the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c in the reference direction is wider than the distance in the proper placement state. The density of the density pattern P2 becomes larger than the density of the first density pattern P1.
Therefore, by acquiring the concentration difference between the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2, the presence or absence of a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction and the direction and magnitude of the deviation can be detected from the concentration difference. By adjusting the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 (direction of the head unit 20) so that the density difference is eliminated, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 is aligned with the reference direction to obtain an appropriate arrangement state. Can be done.

(Modification 2)
Subsequently, the second modification of the above embodiment will be described.
In the above embodiment, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 controls a process of detecting the direction and magnitude of the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from the reading result of the detection pattern P and generating the deviation information (process of detecting the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction). Although the embodiment described by the unit 50 has been described, the processing is not limited to this, and the processing may be performed by the information processing device 2 (displacement detection device) provided outside the inkjet recording device 1.

As described above, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of nozzle rows in which two or more nozzles 211 for ejecting ink are one-dimensionally arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzle rows are arranged. 2. Ink from each nozzle 211 of a plurality of nozzle group NG (nozzle group NG constituting the nozzle set NS) consisting of the first nozzle 211a, the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles 211. Is discharged to form a detection pattern P for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the transport direction in a plane parallel to the mounting surface 11a (discharge control means), and detection is performed. The deviation is detected based on the read data of the pattern P (detection means), and the plurality of nozzle rows of the nozzles 211 in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction. The arrangement ranges overlap, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles 211 are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and at equal intervals. In the control unit 50, a plurality of first unit patterns U1 are arranged in the width direction. The first density pattern P1 having a density distribution corresponding to the width of the first unit pattern U1 and the second unit pattern U2 are arranged in a plurality in the width direction, and the second unit pattern U2 is arranged. A second density pattern P2 having a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the nozzle is formed, and a detection pattern P having the detection pattern P is formed. At least one of the U2s is formed (ejection control means), and the first nozzle 211a, the second nozzle 211b, and the third nozzle 211c have an arrangement interval in the width direction in the proper arrangement state, and the ejected inks are on the recording medium. The second nozzle 211b is located between the first nozzle 211a and the third nozzle 211c in the width direction, and the first nozzle 211a and the third nozzle 211c are in the transport direction with respect to the second nozzle 211b. The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle 211a, the second nozzle 211b, and the third nozzle 211c belong are equal in the positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups NG, and the control unit 50 has the first nozzle 211a and 2nd nozzle 211 The first unit pattern U1 is formed by ejecting ink from b at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium M, and the ink is partially discharged from the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c on the recording medium M. A second unit pattern U2 is formed by ejecting ink at overlapping timings (ejection control means), and a representative value of density and a second density pattern in the density distribution of the first density pattern P1 read from the read data. The direction and magnitude of the deviation are detected based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of P2 (detection means).
According to such a configuration, the density of the first density pattern P1 and the density of the second density pattern P2 change in opposite directions as the deviation of the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 with respect to the reference direction increases. For example, as the deviation of the nozzle arrangement direction with respect to the reference direction increases in the positive direction, the density of the first density pattern P1 increases and the density of the second density pattern P2 decreases. Further, as the deviation of the nozzle arrangement direction with respect to the reference direction becomes larger in the negative direction, the density of the first density pattern P1 becomes smaller and the density of the second density pattern P2 becomes larger. Therefore, a simple method based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern P1 and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern P2 is used to determine the direction of deviation of the nozzle arrangement direction from the reference direction. And the size can be easily detected. Further, the deviation of the recording head 21 in the nozzle arrangement direction can be easily and accurately adjusted based on the detection result.
Further, the read data of the detection pattern P may include a representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first density pattern P1 and a representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second density pattern P2, and each of them is not necessarily the same. It is not necessary that the positions of the first unit pattern U1 and the second unit pattern U2 formed by the nozzle group NG cannot be accurately grasped from the read data. Therefore, even if the extending direction of the line sensor 31 of the reading unit 30 is deviated from the width direction, the direction and magnitude of the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 can be accurately detected. As described above, according to the above configuration, it is possible to easily and accurately detect the deviation of the recording head 21 in the nozzle arrangement direction without performing accurate positioning of the reading unit 30 in advance.

Further, the plurality of nozzle groups NG are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction. As a result, the concentration distribution in the first concentration pattern P1 and the concentration distribution in the second concentration pattern P2 can be made more uniform. Therefore, the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern P1 and the second concentration pattern P1 The representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the concentration pattern P2 can be detected more accurately.

Further, the control unit 50 forms the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 in the transport direction in which the formation ranges of the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 overlap in the width direction. A detection pattern P whose ranges do not overlap is formed (discharge control means). According to this configuration, when the recording head 21 is in the proper arrangement state, the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first density pattern P1 calculated by the same method and the concentration distribution of the second density pattern P2. Since the representative values of the concentrations in the above are equal to each other, a simple adjustment is made so that the difference between the representative values of the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 becomes 0 (so that the density difference becomes 0). In the direction, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 can be made to coincide with the reference direction. Further, since the direction of the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 can be detected from the relative magnitude relationship of the concentrations of the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2, the presence or absence of the deviation can be intuitively checked visually. The direction of deviation can be determined. Further, since the density of the first density pattern P1 and the density of the second density pattern P2 can be detected from the image pickup result by the same image pickup element group in the line sensor 31, the characteristics of the image pickup element vary. It is possible to suppress the influence of the error of the detection density due to the influence on the detection result of the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.

Further, the control unit 50 detects the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the difference between the representative value of the density of the first density pattern P1 and the representative value of the density of the second density pattern P2 in the read data (detection). means). Thereby, the direction and magnitude of the deviation can be detected by a simple method using the difference of the representative value (for example, the average value) of the concentration. For example, by adjusting the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 in two ways and calculating the difference between the representative values of the above concentrations in each nozzle arrangement direction, the representative of the concentration with the adjustment amount in the nozzle arrangement direction as an argument. The linear function of the difference between the values can be fixed. Therefore, by adjusting the arrangement direction of the recording head 21 with an adjustment amount in which the difference between the representative values of the concentrations is 0 in the linear function, the nozzle arrangement direction can be easily matched with the reference direction.

Further, the first unit pattern U1 and the second unit pattern U2 are line patterns extending in the transport direction. As a result, the first unit pattern U1 and the second unit pattern U2 can be formed by simple ejection control in which ink is continuously ejected from each nozzle 211 to the recording medium M which is relatively moved.

Further, in each of the plurality of nozzle groups NG, the nozzle group NG is selected so that the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b are adjacent to each other in the width direction, and the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c are adjacent to each other in the width direction. This makes it possible to more reliably land the ink ejected from the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b in a positional relationship in which they partially overlap, and the ink ejected from the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c. Can be landed in a positional relationship that partially overlaps. That is, the first unit pattern in which the width in the width direction changes according to the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction depending on the combination of the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b and the combination of the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c. Patterns such as U1 and the second unit pattern U2 can be formed more reliably.

Further, the head unit 20 of the inkjet recording device 1 includes a plurality of recording heads 21, and the plurality of recording heads 21 have a nozzle arrangement region NR provided with a plurality of nozzles 211 in the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction. It is provided in a positional relationship that overlaps with the nozzle arrangement area NR of another recording head 21 in the width direction within the range, and the plurality of nozzle group NG constituting the nozzle set NS is the nozzle arrangement area NR in the width direction. It is composed of nozzles 211 located outside the overlapping range R where the arrangement ranges overlap. In the overlapping range R where the nozzle arrangement regions NR of the pair of recording heads 21 overlap, ink is ejected by the nozzle 211 of any one of the pair of recording heads 21 at each position in the width direction. Therefore, it is difficult to select the nozzle set NS so as to satisfy the above-mentioned conditions (1) to (5) depending on the setting of the discharge nozzle in the overlapping range R. Further, even if the nozzle set NS is selected in the recording head 21 on one side so that these conditions are satisfied, the density of the detection pattern P may be affected by the ink ejected from the recording head 21 on the other side. , It is difficult to detect the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction accurately. Therefore, by configuring the nozzle set NS from the nozzle group NG outside the overlap range R, it is possible to easily and accurately detect the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.

Further, the inkjet recording device 1 includes a reading unit 30 that reads the detection pattern P and generates read data. As a result, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 can perform a series of processes such as formation of the detection pattern P, reading, and detection of deviation.

Further, the inkjet recording device 1 includes a head position adjusting unit 40 for adjusting the relationship between the nozzle arrangement direction and the reference direction. Thereby, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 can be adjusted based on the detected deviation.

Further, the inkjet recording device 1 includes an operation display unit 61, and the control unit 50 causes the operation display unit 61 to display the direction and size of the detected deviation (display control means). This makes it possible to present to the operator information regarding the deviation of the recording head 21 in the nozzle arrangement direction.

Further, the information processing apparatus 2 according to the second modification is a representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first density pattern P1 read from the read data of the detection pattern P and a representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second density pattern P2. Based on the value, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are detected. According to this, the information processing device 2 provided outside the inkjet recording device 1 can detect the deviation of the recording head 21 in the nozzle arrangement direction.

Further, in the deviation detection method of the above embodiment, ink is ejected from a plurality of nozzle groups NG each consisting of the first nozzle 211a, the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles 211. , A discharge step for forming a detection pattern P for detecting the deviation, and a deviation detection step for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern P. In the discharge step, the first unit pattern U1 is in the width direction. A plurality of first density patterns P1 having a density distribution corresponding to the width of the first unit pattern U1 and a plurality of second unit patterns U2 are arranged in the width direction of the first unit pattern U1. A second concentration pattern P2 having a concentration distribution corresponding to the width of the unit pattern U2 and a detection pattern P having the detection pattern P are formed, and the first unit pattern U1 and the second unit pattern U1 and the second are formed by each of the plurality of nozzle groups NG. At least one of the unit patterns U2 is formed, and the ink is ejected from the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium M to form the first unit pattern U1. The second unit pattern U2 is formed by ejecting ink from the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium M, and in the detection step, the first unit read from the read data. The direction and magnitude of the deviation are detected based on the representative value of the density of the density pattern P1 and the representative value of the density of the second density pattern P2. According to this method, it is possible to more easily and accurately detect the deviation of the ink ejection portion in the nozzle arrangement direction.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and each modification, and various modifications can be made.
For example, in the above embodiment, the single recording head 21 is described as corresponding to the ink ejection portion, but instead, the recording head 21 having one or more nozzle rows has an increased recording resolution in the width direction. A head module may be formed by combining two or more head modules as described above, and the head module may be used as an ink ejection unit. For example, in FIG. 12, a head module in which a recording head 21 having nozzle rows N1 to N4 and a recording head 21 having nozzle rows N5 to N8 are combined may be used as an ink ejection unit. In this case, the head modules may be arranged in a houndstooth pattern in the head unit 20.
Further, the nozzle rows provided in the ink ejection portion are not limited to the two rows, three rows and eight rows exemplified in the above embodiment, and may be four rows to seven rows or nine or more rows.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which an image is recorded by a long head unit 20 in which the recording heads 21 are arranged in a houndstooth pattern has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a single recording head 21 or a single recording head 21 or The present invention may be applied to an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image using a head module.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example of adjusting the deviation of the recording head 21 in the nozzle arrangement direction of the head unit 20 by adjusting the overall arrangement direction of the head unit 20 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. , The nozzle arrangement direction may be adjusted for each recording head 21. For example, the mounting position (mounting angle) of each recording head 21 with respect to the base 20a of the head unit 20 may be adjustable, and the deviation of each recording head 21 in the nozzle arrangement direction may be adjusted independently. In this case, each recording head 21 may form a separate detection pattern P, and the deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction of each recording head 21 may be detected based on the reading data of each detection pattern P.

Further, the method of adjusting the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 is not limited to the method using the adjusting screw, and various conventionally known adjustment methods can be used. Further, the adjustment is not limited to the adjustment by the head position adjusting unit 40, and the nozzle arrangement direction may be adjusted manually.
Further, instead of the method of physically adjusting the arrangement direction of the recording head 21, the ink ejection timing from the nozzle 211 is adjusted according to the amount of deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 to obtain the ink in the transport direction. The landing position may be adjusted.

Further, the reference direction related to the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 is not limited to the direction parallel to the width direction, and the direction intersecting the transport direction at an angle not orthogonal to the transport direction may be set as the reference direction.

Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the sequence numbers of the first nozzle 211a to the third nozzle 211c are continuous has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the sequence numbers may be evenly spaced. That is, if other conditions are satisfied, the other nozzles 211 are sandwiched between the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b and between the second nozzle 211a and the third nozzle 211c in the width direction. You may have.

Further, in the condition (2) relating to the configuration of the nozzle set NS, the nozzle set NS is composed of the nozzle group NG in the range where the nozzle arrangement region NR of the recording head 21 does not overlap (that is, outside the overlap range R). However, this condition does not necessarily have to be satisfied, and the nozzle group NG may be selected from the entire nozzle arrangement region NR including the overlapping range R. In this case, the range in the width direction of the detection pattern P formed by each of the plurality of recording heads 21 partially overlaps in the overlap range R, but the formation position of the detection pattern P is set in the transport direction. By shifting the detection patterns P from each other, the detection patterns P can be prevented from overlapping each other.

Further, in the condition (5) relating to the configuration of the nozzle set NS, it is determined that the plurality of nozzle groups NG are evenly spaced in the width direction, but this condition does not necessarily have to be strictly satisfied, and the first condition is satisfied. The arrangement interval may be non-uniform within a range in which the representative values of the concentrations of the density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 can be appropriately detected. Therefore, the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 do not necessarily have to have uniform densities, and the widths of the first unit pattern U1 and the second unit pattern U2 in the width direction are reflected. Any pattern may be used as long as it has a concentration distribution and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution can be calculated by a predetermined method.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the nozzle group NG, the example in which the first nozzle 211a and the third nozzle 211c are on the downstream side in the transport direction of the second nozzle 211b has been described, but the first nozzle 211a and the third nozzle 211c have been described. The nozzle group NG may be selected so that the nozzle group 211b is on the upstream side in the transport direction.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first concentration pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 are formed one by one in the regions adjacent to each other in the transport direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first density pattern is not limited to this. A plurality of combinations of the pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 may be repeatedly formed in the transport direction, and the average value of these concentrations may be used.
Further, the first density pattern P1 and the second density pattern P2 may be formed in adjacent regions in the width direction.

Further, the first unit pattern U1 and the second unit pattern U2 are not limited to the line pattern extending in the transport direction. For example, the first unit pattern U1 is a dot pattern formed by ink ejected from the first nozzle 211a and the second nozzle 211b, and the second unit pattern U2 is from the second nozzle 211b and the third nozzle 211c. It may consist of a dot pattern formed by the ejected ink.

Further, the present invention may be applied to the inkjet recording apparatus 1 that records an image while scanning the recording head 21 (head unit 20). In this case, the nozzle arrangement direction of the recording head 21 and its reference direction are set in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the relative movement between the recording head 21 and the recording medium M.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. ..

1 Inkjet recording device 2 Information processing device 10 Transport unit 20 Head unit 21 Recording head 211 Nozzle 211a 1st nozzle 211b 2nd nozzle 211c 3rd nozzle 22 Head control unit 30 Reading unit 31 Line sensor 32 Reading control unit 40 Head position adjustment unit 41 Position adjustment drive unit 42 Position adjustment control unit 50 Control unit 61 Operation display unit 62 Input / output interface 63 Bus M Recording medium N1 to N8 Nozzle row NG Nozzle group NR Nozzle group NR Nozzle arrangement area NS Nozzle set P Detection pattern P1 First density pattern P2 Second density pattern R Overlapping range U1 First unit pattern U2 Second unit pattern

Claims (20)

Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. An ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction,
Ink is ejected from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles, and in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. A discharge control means for forming a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction, and a discharge control means.
A detection means for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern, and
Equipped with
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
The second density pattern is formed outside the formation region of the first density pattern in the recording medium.
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The detection means has the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Inkjet recording device to detect. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of nozzle groups are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. An ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction,
Ink is ejected from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles, and in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. A discharge control means for forming a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction, and a discharge control means.
A detection means for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern, and
Equipped with
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The detection means has the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
In the discharge control means, the formation ranges of the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the width direction overlap each other, and the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the movement direction overlap. An inkjet recording device that forms the detection pattern in which the formation ranges do not overlap. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. An ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction,
Ink is ejected from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles, and in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. A discharge control means for forming a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction, and a discharge control means.
A detection means for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern, and
Equipped with
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The detection means has the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
The detection means detects the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the difference between the representative value of the density of the first density pattern and the representative value of the density of the second density pattern in the read data. Inkjet recording device. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern are line patterns extending in the moving direction. In each of the plurality of nozzle groups, the first nozzle and the second nozzle are adjacent to each other in the width direction, and the second nozzle and the third nozzle are adjacent to each other in the width direction. The inkjet recording apparatus according to paragraph 1. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. An ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction,
Ink is ejected from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles, and in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. A discharge control means for forming a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction, and a discharge control means.
A detection means for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern, and
Equipped with
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The detection means has the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
Equipped with a plurality of the ink ejection units,
In the plurality of ink ejection portions, the nozzle arrangement region provided with the plurality of nozzles is the nozzle arrangement region and the width of the other ink ejection portion within the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction. It is provided in an overlapping positional relationship with respect to the direction,
The plurality of nozzle groups are inkjet recording devices including the nozzles whose arrangement ranges of the nozzle arrangement regions are outside the overlapping range in the width direction. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a reading means for reading the detection pattern and generating the read data. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a nozzle arrangement direction changing means for adjusting the relationship between the nozzle arrangement direction and the reference direction. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. An ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction,
Ink is ejected from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles, and in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. A discharge control means for forming a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction, and a discharge control means.
A detection means for detecting the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern, and
Equipped with
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The detection means has the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
Display means and
A display control means for causing the display means to display a display relating to the direction and magnitude of the deviation detected by the detection means.
Inkjet recording device equipped with. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface to determine a predetermined value. A group of a plurality of nozzles each consisting of an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. Ink is ejected from each nozzle of Nozzle to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detecting device for detecting the deviation in the inkjet recording apparatus provided with the ejection control means for making the nozzles.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
The second density pattern is formed outside the formation region of the first density pattern in the recording medium.
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The deviation detection device is
The direction and magnitude of the deviation are determined based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data of the detection pattern. A deviation detecting device provided with a detecting means for detecting. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface to determine a predetermined value. A group of a plurality of nozzles each consisting of an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. Ink is ejected from each nozzle of Nozzle to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detecting device for detecting the deviation in the inkjet recording apparatus provided with the ejection control means for causing the nozzleing.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
The formation ranges of the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the width direction overlap, and the formation ranges of the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the movement direction do not overlap. Form a detection pattern,
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The deviation detection device is
The direction and magnitude of the deviation are determined based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data of the detection pattern. A deviation detecting device provided with a detecting means for detecting. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface to determine a predetermined value. A group of a plurality of nozzles each consisting of an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. Ink is ejected from each nozzle of Nozzle to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detecting device for detecting the deviation in the inkjet recording apparatus provided with the ejection control means for causing the nozzleing.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The deviation detection device is
The direction and magnitude of the deviation are determined based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data of the detection pattern. Equipped with a detection means to detect
The detection means detects the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the difference between the representative value of the density of the first density pattern and the representative value of the density of the second density pattern in the read data. Device. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface to determine a predetermined value. A group of a plurality of nozzles each consisting of an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. Ink is ejected from each nozzle of Nozzle to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detecting device for detecting the deviation in the inkjet recording apparatus provided with the ejection control means for causing the nozzleing.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The inkjet recording device includes a plurality of the ink ejection units.
In the plurality of ink ejection portions, the nozzle arrangement region provided with the plurality of nozzles is the nozzle arrangement region and the width of the other ink ejection portion within the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction. It is provided in an overlapping positional relationship with respect to the direction,
The plurality of nozzle groups are composed of the nozzles that are outside the range where the arrangement ranges of the nozzle arrangement areas overlap in the width direction.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The deviation detection device is
The direction and magnitude of the deviation are determined based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data of the detection pattern. A deviation detecting device provided with a detecting means for detecting. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface to determine a predetermined value. A group of a plurality of nozzles each consisting of an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. Ink is ejected from each nozzle of Nozzle to form a predetermined detection pattern for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction from a predetermined reference direction intersecting the movement direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detecting device for detecting the deviation in the inkjet recording apparatus provided with the ejection control means for causing the nozzleing.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The discharge control means is
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
The ejection control means ejects ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when ink partially overlaps on the recording medium to form the first unit pattern, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are described. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the third nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
The deviation detection device is
The direction and magnitude of the deviation are determined based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data of the detection pattern. Equipped with a detection means to detect
The inkjet recording device includes a display means and a display control means for causing the display means to display the direction and magnitude of the deviation detected by the detection means.
Misalignment detector. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink ejection unit from a predetermined reference direction that intersects the moving direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detection method for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The deviation detection method is
A predetermined detection pattern for detecting the deviation by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. To form a discharge step,
A detection step that detects the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern,
Including
In the discharge step,
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
The second density pattern is formed outside the formation region of the first density pattern in the recording medium.
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
In the ejection step, the first unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are formed. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from each of the three nozzles at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Misalignment detection method to detect. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink ejection unit from a predetermined reference direction that intersects the moving direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detection method for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The deviation detection method is
A predetermined detection pattern for detecting the deviation by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. To form a discharge step,
A detection step that detects the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern,
Including
In the discharge step,
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
The formation ranges of the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the width direction overlap, and the formation ranges of the first density pattern and the second density pattern in the movement direction do not overlap. Form a detection pattern,
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
In the ejection step, the first unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are formed. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from each of the three nozzles at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Misalignment detection method to detect. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink ejection unit from a predetermined reference direction that intersects the moving direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detection method for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The deviation detection method is
A predetermined detection pattern for detecting the deviation by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. To form a discharge step,
A detection step that detects the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern,
Including
In the discharge step,
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
In the ejection step, the first unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are formed. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from each of the three nozzles at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
In the detection step, deviation detection for detecting the direction and magnitude of the deviation based on the difference between the representative value of the density of the first density pattern and the representative value of the density of the second density pattern in the read data. Method. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink ejection unit from a predetermined reference direction that intersects the moving direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detection method for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The inkjet recording device includes a plurality of the ink ejection units.
In the plurality of ink ejection portions, the nozzle arrangement region provided with the plurality of nozzles is the nozzle arrangement region and the width of the other ink ejection portion within the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction. It is provided in an overlapping positional relationship with respect to the direction,
The plurality of nozzle groups are composed of the nozzles that are outside the range where the arrangement ranges of the nozzle arrangement areas overlap in the width direction.
The deviation detection method is
A predetermined detection pattern for detecting the deviation by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. To form a discharge step,
A detection step that detects the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern,
Including
In the discharge step,
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
In the ejection step, the first unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are formed. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from each of the three nozzles at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Misalignment detection method to detect. Two or more nozzles for ejecting ink each have a plurality of nozzle rows arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are mounted on a mounting surface and predetermined. In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to a recording medium that is relatively moved in the moving direction, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink ejection unit from a predetermined reference direction that intersects the moving direction in a plane parallel to the above-mentioned mounting surface. It is a deviation detection method for detecting a deviation in the nozzle arrangement direction.
In the plurality of nozzle rows, in an appropriate arrangement state in which the nozzle arrangement direction coincides with the reference direction, the nozzle arrangement ranges overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the movement direction, and the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same. They are arranged in a positional relationship that is different from each other in the width direction and is evenly spaced.
The deviation detection method is
A predetermined detection pattern for detecting the deviation by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle having a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of nozzles. To form a discharge step,
A detection step that detects the deviation based on the read data of the detection pattern,
Including
In the discharge step,
A first density pattern in which a plurality of first unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the first unit pattern,
A second density pattern in which a plurality of second unit patterns are arranged in the width direction and has a density distribution corresponding to the width in the width direction of the second unit pattern,
To form the detection pattern having
Each of the plurality of nozzle groups forms at least one of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern.
In the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, the arrangement intervals in the width direction in the proper arrangement state are equal to the intervals at which the ejected inks can partially overlap on the recording medium, and the first nozzle is the same. Two nozzles are located between the first nozzle and the third nozzle in the width direction, and the first nozzle and the third nozzle are on one side of the second nozzle in the moving direction.
The nozzle rows to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle belong have the same positional relationship in each of the plurality of nozzle groups.
In the ejection step, the first unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from the first nozzle and the second nozzle at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium, and the second nozzle and the second nozzle are formed. The second unit pattern is formed by ejecting ink from each of the three nozzles at the timing when the ink partially overlaps on the recording medium.
In the detection step, the direction and magnitude of the deviation are based on the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the first concentration pattern and the representative value of the concentration in the concentration distribution of the second concentration pattern read from the read data. Detected,
A deviation detection method further comprising a display step of causing a display means to display a display relating to the direction and magnitude of the deviation detected in the detection step.

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