JP2010042596A - Adjusting method - Google Patents

Abstract

The position of a nozzle row is adjusted with a small adjustment amount.
Liquid is ejected from a plurality of nozzle rows supported by a support member from at least two nozzle rows to a medium while relatively moving the nozzle rows and the medium in a relative movement direction intersecting the nozzle rows. Then, based on the inclination of the support member, forming the first adjustment pattern, obtaining the inclination of the support member with respect to the relative movement direction based on the first adjustment pattern, The second adjustment pattern is formed by adjusting the inclination of the support member and discharging the liquid from the plurality of nozzle rows supported by the support member to the medium relatively moved in the relative movement direction. And determining respective inclinations of the plurality of nozzle rows with respect to the relative movement direction based on the second adjustment pattern; and Based on the slope of Les adjustment method comprising adjusting the inclination of each of the nozzle rows, a.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an adjustment method.

  An ink jet printer that forms an image by ejecting ink onto a medium such as paper is used. Such a printer performs printing by ejecting ink from a nozzle row in which nozzles are arranged. At this time, ink is ejected while relatively moving the paper and the head. Therefore, an appropriate image cannot be obtained unless the position of the nozzle row in the relative movement direction between the paper and the head is adjusted appropriately.

Patent Document 1 discloses a method for obtaining the head tilt based on the result of visual observation. Patent Document 2 discloses that the adjustment plate is provided with dial type adjusting means for adjusting the tilt of the head.
JP 2005-96368 A JP 2008-62534 A

  Some ink jet printers have a plurality of heads. In the case of an apparatus having a plurality of heads as described above, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the positions of these individual heads.

  By the way, each head has an adjustable movable range. Therefore, when the position of another head is adjusted based on the position of a certain head, an adjustment amount exceeding the adjustable range may be required for the other head. In such a case, position adjustment cannot be completed for all the heads. Therefore, it is desirable that the position of each nozzle row can be adjusted with a small adjustment amount so that the positions of all the nozzle rows can be adjusted appropriately.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to adjust the position of each nozzle row with a small adjustment amount.

The main invention for achieving the above object is:
A liquid is ejected while relatively moving the nozzle row and the medium in a relative movement direction intersecting the nozzle row from at least two nozzle rows of the plurality of nozzle rows supported by the support member. Forming an adjustment pattern of 1;
Obtaining an inclination of the support member with respect to the relative movement direction based on the first adjustment pattern;
Adjusting the tilt of the support member based on the tilt of the support member;
Discharging the liquid from the plurality of nozzle rows supported by the support member to the medium relatively moved in the relative movement direction to form a second adjustment pattern;
Obtaining respective inclinations of the plurality of nozzle rows with respect to the relative movement direction based on the second adjustment pattern;
Adjusting the inclination of each nozzle row based on the respective inclinations of the plurality of nozzle rows;
It is the adjustment method containing.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A liquid is ejected while relatively moving the nozzle row and the medium in a relative movement direction intersecting the nozzle row from at least two nozzle rows of the plurality of nozzle rows supported by the support member. Forming an adjustment pattern of 1;
Obtaining an inclination of the support member with respect to the relative movement direction based on the first adjustment pattern;
Adjusting the tilt of the support member based on the tilt of the support member;
Discharging the liquid from the plurality of nozzle rows supported by the support member to the medium relatively moved in the relative movement direction to form a second adjustment pattern;
Obtaining respective inclinations of the plurality of nozzle rows with respect to the relative movement direction based on the second adjustment pattern;
Adjusting the inclination of each nozzle row based on the respective inclinations of the plurality of nozzle rows;
Including adjustment method.
By doing in this way, a position can be adjusted with a small adjustment amount about each nozzle row.

  In this adjustment method, the first adjustment pattern is a plurality of nozzle rows in which nozzles are arranged in a direction intersecting the relative movement direction, and nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction. It is desirable that the liquid is discharged from the nozzles to form a plurality of dot rows in which dots are arranged in the relative movement direction.

  In addition, it is preferable that the inclination of the support member is obtained based on the distance between the dot rows formed by different nozzle rows among the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction.

  Further, the second adjustment pattern is a plurality of nozzle rows in which nozzles are arranged in a direction intersecting the relative movement direction, and the liquid is ejected from the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the relative movement direction. Based on the distance between the dot rows formed by forming a plurality of dot rows in which dots are arranged in the relative movement direction and different nozzle rows among the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the relative movement direction, the relative movement direction It is desirable that the inclination of each of the plurality of nozzle rows with respect to is determined.

  In addition, a plurality of nozzle rows in which nozzles are arranged in a direction intersecting with the relative movement direction, the liquid is ejected from the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction, and dots are arranged in the relative movement direction. Forming a third adjustment pattern by forming a plurality of dot rows; and the dot row formed by different nozzle rows among the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction in the third adjustment pattern. The positions of the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction are obtained based on the distance between them, and the positions of the plurality of nozzle rows are adjusted based on the positions of the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction. It is desirable to further include.

  A first dot row formed of at least two dots formed by discharging the liquid from the same nozzle at different timings while moving the medium in the relative movement direction; and a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged. Forming a fourth adjustment pattern comprising a second dot row comprising at least two dots formed by ejecting the liquid from at least two nozzles, and forming a fourth adjustment pattern on the fourth adjustment pattern. Preferably, the method further includes obtaining an inclination of the nozzle row with respect to the relative movement direction, and adjusting an inclination of the nozzle row with respect to the relative movement direction based on the inclination.

  Further, the fourth adjustment pattern is at least the same from nozzles of a plurality of nozzle rows in which nozzles are arranged in a direction intersecting the relative movement direction and arranged in the intersecting direction. Determining the inclination of the plurality of nozzle rows with respect to the relative movement direction based on the fourth adjustment pattern, including dots formed by the nozzles of the nozzle row ejecting the liquid at the same time; and It is desirable to further include adjusting the inclination of the plurality of nozzle rows based on the inclination of the nozzle rows.

  Further, the shift amount of the plurality of nozzle rows is obtained in the intersecting direction based on the fourth adjustment pattern, and the shift amount of the plurality of nozzle rows is calculated based on the shift amount of the plurality of nozzle rows. It is desirable to further include adjusting the amount of deviation in the intersecting direction.

  By doing in this way, a position can be adjusted with a small adjustment amount about each nozzle row.

=== First Embodiment ===
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the printer 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the outline of the printer 1. Hereinafter, the printer 1 will be described with reference to these drawings.

  The printer 1 includes a paper transport unit 20, a head unit 40, a detector group 50, a controller 60, an interface 61, and a drive signal generation circuit 70. The printer 1 receives print data from the computer 110 via the interface 61. Based on the received data, the controller 60 of the printer 1 controls each part (the paper transport unit 20, the head unit 40, and the drive signal generation circuit 70) of the printer 1 and prints an image on the paper S. The computer 110 is connected to the scanner 200. Then, the scanner 200 transfers the acquired image data to the computer 110.

  The paper transport unit 20 is for transporting a medium (for example, the paper S) in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as a transport direction). The paper transport unit 20 includes a paper feed roller (not shown), a transport motor (not shown), an upstream transport roller 23A, a downstream transport roller 23B, and a belt 24. The paper feed roller is a roller for feeding the paper S inserted into the paper insertion slot into the printer. When a conveyance motor (not shown) rotates, the upstream conveyance roller 23A and the downstream conveyance roller 23B rotate, and the belt 24 rotates. The paper S fed by the paper feed roller 21 is conveyed by the belt 24 to a printable area (area facing the head). As the belt 24 transports the paper S, the paper S moves in the transport direction with respect to the head unit 40. The paper S that has passed through the printable area is discharged to the outside by the belt 24. The sheet S being conveyed is electrostatically attracted or vacuum attracted to the belt 24.

  The head unit 40 is for ejecting ink droplets onto the paper S. The head unit 40 forms dots on the paper S by ejecting ink droplets onto the paper S being conveyed, and prints an image on the paper S. The printer 1 in the present embodiment is a line printer, and the head unit 40 has a head having nozzle rows arranged in a direction intersecting the transport direction. The configuration of the head unit 40 will be described in detail later.

  The situation inside the printer 1 is monitored by a detector group 50. The detector group 50 outputs the detection result to the controller 60. Then, the controller 60 controls each unit based on the detection result.

  The controller 60 is a control unit for controlling the printer 1. The controller 60 is connected to the interface unit 61 in the printer 1 and can communicate with the computer 110. The controller 60 has a function of performing arithmetic processing for controlling the entire printer. A memory for storing programs and data is also included. And each part is controlled according to the program stored in memory.

  The drive signal generation circuit 70 is a circuit that generates a drive signal applied to the piezo elements in the head in order to eject ink droplets from the nozzles. The drive signal generation circuit 70 outputs a drive signal to the head unit 40 based on the waveform data output from the controller 60.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the heads in the head unit 40. The figure shows a state when viewed from the top of the printer 1. Originally, the nozzle row of each head cannot be seen because it is blocked by each part above the nozzle. However, for ease of understanding, the state of the nozzle row when viewed from above is shown here. In addition, it is assumed that each head shown in the following description shows the state of the nozzle row when referred to from above. One nozzle row is for ejecting one type of ink. Here, one head can eject four colors of ink.

  The head unit 40 includes a plurality of heads. Here, the first head 41-1 to the sixth head 41-6 are shown as having six heads. Among these heads, odd-numbered heads (first, third, and fifth heads) are arranged further downstream than even-numbered heads (second, fourth, and sixth heads). The odd-numbered heads and the even-numbered heads are alternately arranged in the paper width direction.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining details of the head arrangement in the head unit 40. In the figure, a fourth head 41-4, a part of the third head 41-3, and a part of the fifth head 41-5 are shown.

  Each head has substantially the same configuration. One nozzle row of each head includes 180 nozzles. The nozzle numbers of nozzles # 1 to # 180 are given in order from the end in the paper width direction. In each head, the most upstream nozzle row is a yellow ink nozzle row NY for discharging yellow ink, and the second upstream nozzle row is a magenta ink nozzle row NM for discharging magenta ink. is there. The third upstream nozzle row is a cyan ink nozzle row NC for discharging cyan ink, and the fourth upstream nozzle row is a black ink nozzle row NK for discharging black ink.

  The nozzle pitch (distance between nozzles) in each nozzle row is 180 dpi. However, a nozzle having a shorter nozzle pitch may be employed. In each head, nozzles having the same nozzle number in each nozzle row are arranged so as to coincide with each other in the direction of the nozzle row. In addition, the third head and the fourth head are arranged so that the nozzle pitch of the nozzle # 180 of the third head 41-3 and the nozzle # 1 of the fourth head 41-4 is 180 dpi. Similarly, the fourth head and the fifth head are arranged so that the nozzle pitch of the nozzle # 180 of the fourth head 41-4 and the nozzle # 1 of the fifth head 41-5 is 180 dpi. The first head 41-1 to the sixth head 41-6 are arranged to have the same relationship as this.

  Although an ideal nozzle arrangement has been described here, in actuality, when each head is mounted on the printer 1, an arrangement that does not satisfy the above-described conditions may be made. For example, originally, the heads should be appropriately arranged so that the nozzle rows are oriented in the direction intersecting the transport direction, but may be arranged with a slight angular deviation. For example, each head should be arranged so that the nozzle pitch of # 180 of the third head 41-3 and the nozzle of # 1 of the fourth head 41-4 have a nozzle pitch of 180 dpi. In some cases, the head is arranged so that the nozzle pitch is smaller or larger than this. Therefore, as shown below, a mechanism is required that can adjust the position of the nozzle row by adjusting the position of each head.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining the adjustment of the angle of the head. As described above, each head has substantially the same configuration. Here, reference numeral 41 is assigned as a common head of the first head 41-1 to the sixth head 41-6, and the head will be described.

  The head 41 has an angle adjustment plate 411 and an angle adjustment dial 412. The angle adjustment plate 411 is a plate that is rotatable with respect to the base plate BP as shown in the drawing. The head 41 and the angle adjustment plate 411 are connected, and when the angle adjustment plate 411 rotates, the head 41 also rotates accordingly. The angle adjustment plate 411 is rotated by rotating the angle adjustment dial 412.

  As will be described later, the angle adjustment dial 412 is engraved with a scale (not shown). The rotation amount of the angle adjustment plate 411 with respect to the rotation amount of the angle adjustment dial 412 is obtained in advance, and the head 41 can be rotated by a desired angle using the angle adjustment dial 412 based on this relationship. Yes.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining adjustment of the position of the head in the paper width direction. The head 41 has a translation plate 413 and a translation dial 414. The translation plate 413 is a plate that is movable in the paper width direction with respect to the base plate BP as shown in the drawing. The head 41 and the translation plate 413 are connected, and when the translation plate 413 moves in the paper width direction, the head 41 also moves accordingly. The translation plate 413 moves by rotating the translation dial 414.

  As will be described later, the translation dial 414 is engraved with a scale (not shown). Then, the amount of movement of the translation plate 413 in the paper width direction relative to the amount of rotation of the translation knob 414 is obtained in advance, and the head 41 can be moved by a desired position using the translation dial 414 based on this relationship. It has become.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the angle adjustment of the head unit 40. In the figure, the head unit 40, the first head 41-1 and the second head 41-2 included in the head unit 40 are shown, and the description of other heads is omitted. Further, the figure shows a head unit angle adjustment dial 418 for adjusting the inclination of the entire head unit 40 with respect to the conveying direction. A memory (not shown) is engraved on the head unit angle adjustment dial 418. Then, the rotation amount of the head unit 40 with respect to the rotation amount of the head unit angle adjustment dial 418 is obtained in advance, and the head unit angle adjustment dial 418 can be used to rotate the head unit 40 by a desired angle based on this relationship. It can be done.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the head position adjusting method. In the present embodiment, the adjustment of the head position includes rough adjustment of the position of the head unit 40 (S102), rough adjustment of the head position (S104), and fine adjustment of the head position (S106).

  When the adjustment of the head position is started, first, rough adjustment of the position of the head unit 40 is performed (S102).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a rough adjustment method of the position of the head unit 40. First, print data of the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN is transferred from the computer 110 to the printer 1 (S202). Next, the printer 1 prints the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN on the paper S based on the sent print data (S204).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the head unit 40 and the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN. The figure shows the head unit 40 and the first head 41-1 and the second head 41-2 among the heads included in the head unit 40. In the above description, one nozzle row includes 180 nozzles. However, here, for easy understanding, the number of nozzles included in one nozzle row is reduced to eight. Further, in other explanations thereafter, for ease of understanding, description will be made assuming that one nozzle row includes eight nozzles.

  The head unit adjustment pattern UPTN is formed by ejecting ink from the black ink nozzle row NK of each head while transporting the paper S in the transport direction. In the figure, a plurality of dot rows formed in the carrying direction by the black ink nozzle row NK of the first head 41-1 and a plurality of dots formed in the carrying direction by the black ink nozzle row NK of the second head 41-2 are shown. A dot row is shown. Of these dot rows, the dot row formed by the nozzles at the end is a dot row (four dots) longer in the transport direction than the other dot rows (three dots). For example, in the figure, the dot row by the nozzle # 8 of the first head 41-1 and the nozzle # 1 of the second head 41-2 is longer in the transport direction than the other dot rows. In this way, by using a longer dot row as a mark, it is possible to determine which head formed the dot row on the paper S. The head unit adjustment pattern UPTN corresponds to the first adjustment pattern.

  Hereinafter, the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN in a relationship in which the odd-numbered heads are disposed relatively above the paper surface than the even-numbered heads will be described.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining a head unit adjustment pattern UPTN when the head unit 40 is tilted clockwise. In the figure, the distance between the dot row by the nozzle # 8 of the first head 41-1 and the dot row by the nozzle # 1 of the second head 41-2 is shorter than the distance between the other dot rows. It is shown.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram (No. 1) for describing the position of the nozzle when the head unit 40 is tilted clockwise. In the figure, the positions of the nozzle # 8 of the first head 41-1 and the nozzle # 1 of the second head 41-2 are shown. The nozzle rows shown here are all for the black ink nozzle row NK.

  As shown in the drawing, the black ink nozzle row NK of the first head 41-1 and the black ink nozzle row NK of the second head 41-2 are provided apart from each other in the transport direction of the paper S. Therefore, when the head unit 40 is inclined to rotate clockwise, the nozzle position of the second head 41-2 moves relative to the nozzle position of the first head 41-1. Become. For this reason, when the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN is formed, the distance between the dot row formed by the first head 41-1 and the dot row formed by the second head 41-2 is reduced. It becomes.

  FIG. 11A is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining a head unit adjustment pattern UPTN when the head unit 40 is tilted counterclockwise. The figure shows that the distance between the dot row by the nozzle # 8 of the first head 41-1 and the dot row by the second head 41-2 is larger than the distance between the other dot rows. Yes.

  FIG. 11B is a diagram (No. 1) for describing the position of the nozzle when the head unit 40 is tilted counterclockwise. In the figure, the positions of the nozzle # 8 of the first head 41-1 and the nozzle # 1 of the second head 41-2 are shown. The nozzle rows shown here are all of the black ink nozzle row NK.

  As shown in the drawing, the black ink nozzle row NK of the first head 41-1 and the black ink nozzle row NK of the second head 41-2 are provided apart from each other in the transport direction of the paper S. Therefore, when the head 40 is inclined to rotate counterclockwise, the nozzle position of the second head 41-2 moves relative to the nozzle position of the first head 41-1 to move downward in the drawing. Become. Therefore, when the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN is formed, the distance between the dot row formed by the first head 41-1 and the dot row formed by the second head 41-2 is increased. It becomes.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the head unit 40 and the head unit angle adjustment pattern UPTN. Here, among the heads included in the head unit 40, the second head 41-2 and the third head 41-3 are shown. These heads also form the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN by ejecting ink from the black ink nozzle row NK of each head while transporting the paper S in the transport direction. In the figure, a plurality of dot rows formed in the carrying direction by the black ink nozzle row NK of the second head 41-2 and a plurality of dots formed in the carrying direction by the black ink nozzle row NK of the third head 41-3 are shown. A dot row is shown.

  Hereinafter, the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN in a relationship in which the even-numbered heads are disposed relatively above the paper surface relative to the odd-numbered heads will be described.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the head unit angle adjustment pattern UPTN when the head unit 40 is tilted clockwise. In the drawing, the distance between the dot row by the nozzle # 8 of the second head 41-2 and the dot row by the nozzle # 1 of the third head 41-3 is larger than the distance between the other dot rows. It is shown.

  FIG. 13B is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the position of the nozzle when the head unit 40 is tilted clockwise. In the drawing, the positions of the nozzle # 8 of the second head 41-2 and the nozzle # 1 of the third head 41-3 are shown. The nozzle rows shown here are all of the black ink nozzle row NK.

  As shown in the drawing, the black ink nozzle row NK of the second head 41-2 and the black ink nozzle row NK of the third head 41-3 are provided apart from each other in the paper transport direction. For this reason, when the head unit 40 is tilted clockwise, the nozzle position of the third head 41-3 is moved downward relative to the nozzle position of the second head 41-2. Become. Therefore, when the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN is formed, the distance between the dot row formed by the second head 41-2 and the dot row formed by the third head 41-3 is increased. Become.

  FIG. 14A is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the head unit angle adjustment pattern UPTN when the head unit 40 is tilted counterclockwise. In the figure, the distance between the dot row by the nozzle # 8 of the second head 41-2 and the dot row by the nozzle # 1 of the third head 41-3 is shorter than the distance between the other dot rows. It is shown.

  FIG. 14B is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the position of the nozzle when the head unit 40 is tilted counterclockwise. In the drawing, the positions of the nozzle # 8 of the second head 41-2 and the nozzle # 1 of the third head 41-3 are shown. The nozzle rows shown here are all for the black ink nozzle row NK.

  As shown in the drawing, the black ink nozzle row NK of the second head 41-2 and the black ink nozzle row NK of the third head 41-3 are provided apart from each other in the paper transport direction. For this reason, when the head unit 40 is tilted counterclockwise, the nozzle position of the third head 41-3 moves relative to the nozzle position of the second head 41-2. become. Therefore, when the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN is formed, the distance between the dot row formed by the second head 41-2 and the dot row formed by the third head 41-3 is reduced. It becomes.

  By observing the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN having such a relationship, the inclination of the entire head unit 40 with respect to the transport direction is grasped (S206). Then, it is determined whether or not the dot rows between the heads are aligned at an equal interval to the extent permitted as a whole (S208). If the dot rows are arranged at equal intervals to allow, the coarse adjustment of the head unit position ends. On the other hand, if they are not lined up at equal intervals, the inclination of the head unit 40 is adjusted based on the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN (S210). Adjustment of the inclination of the head unit 40 is performed by rotating the head unit angle adjustment dial 418. Then, the process returns to step S202.

  By doing so, the angle of the head unit 40 can be roughly adjusted based on the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a rough head position adjustment method. In the coarse adjustment of the head position, first, print data of the first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 and the second visual adjustment pattern VPTN2 are transferred to the printer 1 (S302). Then, the first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 and the second visual adjustment pattern VPTN2 are printed on the paper S (S304).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1. The first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 is a pattern for grasping the tilt of the head. In the figure, one head 41 of the head unit 40 and the first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 are shown. Here, the first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 is formed by ejecting ink from the black ink nozzle row NK and ejecting ink from the magenta ink nozzle row NM. Ink is ejected from the odd-numbered nozzles from the black ink nozzle row NK. Ink is ejected from the magenta ink nozzle row NM from even-numbered nozzles. In the drawing, each dot of the dot row formed by the black ink nozzle row NK is indicated by a black circle, and each dot of the dot row formed by the magenta ink nozzle row NM is indicated by a hatched circle. The first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 corresponds to a second adjustment pattern.

  Here, since the nozzle rows of the head 41 are appropriately arranged so as to face the direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper S, the black dot rows and the magenta dot rows are arranged so that the intervals are equal.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1. The figure shows a state in which the nozzle rows of the head 41 are arranged at an angle slightly shifted from the direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper S. Further, a first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 formed at this time is shown. As described above, when the head is disposed to be inclined with respect to the ideal position, the black dot rows and the magenta dot rows are not arranged at equal intervals.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining the second visual adjustment pattern VPTN2. The second visual adjustment pattern VPTN2 is a pattern for grasping the deviation of the head in the paper width direction. In the figure, a part of two heads of the head unit 40 and the second visual adjustment pattern VPTN2 are shown. Here, ink is ejected from the black ink nozzle row NK of the first head 41-1 to form a black dot row. Ink is also ejected from the black ink nozzle row NK of the second head 41-2 to form a black dot row. In order to be able to determine which head is ejected and formed, the dot rows of the two are formed so as to be shifted in the transport direction. The second visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 corresponds to a third adjustment pattern.

  Here, the positions of the first head 41-1 and the second head 41-2 in the paper width direction are adjusted appropriately. Therefore, the black dot rows formed by the first head and the black dot rows formed by the second head are arranged at equal intervals in the paper width direction.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the second visual adjustment pattern VPTN2. The figure shows a state in which the first head 41-1 and the second head 41-2 are arranged apart from the positions where they are originally arranged in the paper width direction. Further, a second visual adjustment pattern VPTN2 formed at this time is shown. As described above, when each head is arranged so as to be shifted in the paper width direction with respect to the ideal position, the dot row by the first head 41-1 and the dot row by the second head 41-2 are formed apart from each other. Become.

  By observing such first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 and second visual adjustment pattern VPTN2, the position of each head is grasped (S306). Then, it is determined whether or not the intervals between the dot rows are evenly aligned (S308). If the lines are evenly arranged to an allowable level, the visual adjustment process is terminated. On the other hand, in the case where they are not evenly lined up to an allowable level, adjustment of the inclination and translation position (position in the Y direction) of each head is performed based on the first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 and the second visual adjustment pattern VPTN2. (S310). Then, the process returns to step S302.

  By doing in this way, the position of each head can be roughly adjusted based on the first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1 and the second visual adjustment pattern.

  When the rough adjustment of the head position is completed in this manner, the head position is then finely adjusted (S106).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining a fine adjustment method of the head position. Hereinafter, a head position fine adjustment method will be described with reference to this flowchart. First, print data of the adjustment pattern PTN is transferred from the computer 110 to the printer 1 (S402). Next, the printer 1 prints the adjustment pattern PTN on the paper S based on the sent print data (S404).

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a state where the adjustment pattern PTN is printed by ejecting ink from the black ink nozzle row NK of the first head 41-1. In the figure, the X direction and the Y direction are shown. The X direction is set to coincide with the transport direction of the paper S. In addition, the head 41-1 is originally arranged such that the nozzle row is oriented in a direction of 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction, but here, the head 41-1 is arranged with a slight offset.

  The adjustment pattern PTN is formed by ejecting ink from the black ink nozzle row NK. The nozzle of nozzle # 1 first forms one dot, and a measurement axis setting pattern MSP is formed. Then, the sheet S is conveyed by a predetermined amount. Thereafter, ink droplets are simultaneously ejected from the nozzles # 1 to # 8 to form a head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP. In the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed here, the dot formed by the nozzle # 1 is also used as the measurement origin OP.

  As described above, the nozzle rows of the first head 41-1 were arranged at an angle slightly shifted from 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction. Therefore, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP indicated by black circles is also formed at an angle slightly shifted from 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction. If the nozzle array of the first head 41-1 is arranged so as to face 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is arranged in the transport direction as shown by the white circles in the figure. It will be lined up at 90 degrees.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a state when the adjustment pattern PTN is printed by ejecting ink from the black ink nozzle row NK other than the first head 41-1. Here, as a representative, the second head 41-2 and the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed by the second head 41-2 are shown. In addition, the drawing shows a measurement axis setting pattern MSP and a measurement origin OP formed by the first head 41-1.

  In the figure, the X direction and the Y direction are shown. The X direction coincides with the transport direction of the paper S. In addition, the second head 41-2 is also originally arranged so that the nozzle row is in a direction of 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction. Here, the second head 41-2 is arranged with a slight deviation from this. It has been shown that.

  Only the second head 41-2 is shown as a representative, but the second head 41-2 to the sixth head 41-6 form the respective head alignment adjustment patterns HAAP. The second head 41-2 to the Nth head 41-6 adjust the ink ejection timing, and try to form the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP on the Y-direction axis extending from the measurement origin OP. However, the nozzle rows of the second head 41-2 to the sixth head 41-6 are arranged at an angle slightly shifted from 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction. Therefore, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP indicated by the black dot rows is also formed at an angle slightly deviated from 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction.

  When the nozzle array of the second head 41-2 is arranged so as to face 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is arranged in the Y direction as indicated by white circles in the figure. They are aligned on the axis and at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction.

  In this way, the adjustment pattern PTN includes the measurement axis setting pattern MSP formed by the first head 41-1, the measurement origin OP, and each head formed by the first head 41-1 to the sixth head 41-6. It consists of an alignment adjustment pattern HAAP. This adjustment pattern PTN corresponds to a fourth adjustment pattern.

  Once the adjustment pattern PTN is printed, a position measurement / deviation calculation process is performed (S406).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining position measurement / deviation calculation processing. When the position measurement / deviation calculation process is executed, first, the measurement origin OP is set (S502). The measurement origin OP is set by searching for dots formed by the nozzle # 1 in the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP. Then, the dots of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed by the nozzle # 1 are recognized as the measurement origin OP.

  Next, measurement axes are set (S504). The measurement axis is set by setting a line segment connecting the measurement axis setting pattern MSP and the measurement origin OP. This measurement axis coincides with the transport direction. As described above, the direction of the measurement axis is the X direction.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the deviation of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP of the first head 41-1. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the deviation of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP of the heads other than the first head 41-1. In the figure, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed by the head is indicated by a black circle. Further, a head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP that should be formed when the nozzle row is properly installed in a direction intersecting the transport direction is indicated by a white circle. Hereinafter, steps S506 to S510 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S506, the position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is measured. The position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is measured based on the measurement origin OP and the measurement axis. The measurement axis (conveyance direction) is the X direction, and the direction (paper width direction) perpendicular to the X direction from the measurement origin OP is the Y direction. Then, the absolute position of each head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP in the XY coordinates with the measurement origin OP as the origin is obtained. The measurement position is obtained by searching for dots of each head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP and measuring the absolute position of each dot in the XY coordinates described above. By doing in this way, the measurement position of each dot of each head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed by the first head 41-1 to the sixth head 41-6 is obtained. The absolute position of each dot can be measured based on the coordinates on the image data by reading the adjustment pattern PTN using the scanner 200. Alternatively, the dot position on the paper S may be measured using a precise measuring instrument.

  Next, the ideal position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is set (S508). The ideal position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is the position of each head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed when the first head 41-1 to the sixth head 41-6 are disposed at appropriate positions. That is, each head is arranged so that the nozzle row is aligned in a direction that makes 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction, and each head is arranged so that the nozzle pitch between the nozzles at the end between each head is 180 dpi. This is the position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed at the time. At this time, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP at the ideal position is formed of dots formed every 180 dpi (nozzle pitch) in the Y direction from the measurement origin OP. In this manner, the ideal positions of the dots of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by each head can be set with the measurement origin OP as a reference.

  Next, a deviation of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is obtained (S510). The X direction deviation is obtained as the distance from the axis in the Y direction passing through the dot at the ideal position. The deviation in the Y direction is obtained as a distance from the axis in the X direction passing through the ideal dot position by the nozzle of nozzle # 1. 24 and 25, ΔXi is shown as the X-direction deviation of the dots formed by the nozzles of nozzle #i, and ΔYi is shown as the Y-direction deviation.

  FIG. 26 is a table showing the deviation of each dot of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed by each head. In the figure, the superscript of the deviation subscript is the head number, and the subscript is the nozzle number. As described above, when the dot deviations of all the head alignment adjustment patterns HAAP are obtained, a table as shown in the figure can be completed. Note that, as shown in FIG. 24, the dot of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by the nozzle of the nozzle # 1 of the first head is the measurement origin OP, so the deviation is 0 in the X direction and the Y direction.

  Thus, when the acquisition of the deviation of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is completed, the position measurement / deviation calculation process is completed. Next, an instruction value calculation process (S408) is performed.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the instruction value calculation processing. When the indicated value calculation process is started, the first head is first set as the head number for which the indicated value is to be calculated (S602).

Next, the deviation of the set head number (here, the first head) is acquired (S604). That is, in FIG. ^{_{12, ΔX 1 1 ~ΔX 1 8}} , and will be ΔY ^{₁ 1} ~ΔY ¹ ₈ is obtained. Then, the least square method is used to obtain a regression line of the obtained deviation (S606).

  FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a regression line of the deviation of each dot of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed by the first head 41-1. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a regression line of the deviation of each dot of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed by a head other than the first head 41-1. A regression line is obtained for each head. In these drawings, the X-direction deviation ΔX with respect to the Y-direction deviation ΔY is shown. Here, it is assumed that the X-direction deviation ΔX with respect to the Y-direction deviation ΔY is expressed by a linear function, and the values of a and b shown in the figure are obtained using the least square method.

  Based on the value of the inclination a thus obtained, the indicated values of the angle adjustment dial 412 and the translation dial 414 are obtained (S608). Here, since the first head is the target head, the instruction value Dθ of the angle adjustment dial 412 of the first head 41-1 and the instruction value DY of the translation dial 414 are obtained.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the instruction value Dθ of the angle adjustment dial 412 and the tilt amount a of the head 41. Such a relationship is obtained in advance by measuring the head tilt amount while rotating the angle adjustment dial 412. Then, by rotating the angle adjustment dial 412 by an instruction value Dθ with respect to the amount of inclination a obtained based on such a relationship, the inclination of the head with respect to the conveyance direction can be adjusted appropriately. Here, the relationship between the instruction value Dθ of the angle adjustment dial 412 and the inclination amount a is expressed by a linear expression, but may be expressed by a curve.

  By the way, when adjusting the positions of heads other than the first head, it is necessary to adjust not only the angle but also the position in the Y direction.

  FIG. 31A is a diagram showing a head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP and its ideal position before the head angle is adjusted by the angle adjustment dial 412. In the figure, an X-direction deviation ΔXi, a Y-direction deviation ΔYi, and a difference ΔYi ′ from the ideal position on the Y axis are shown. FIG. 31B is a diagram showing a head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP and its ideal position when it is formed after only the angle of the head has been adjusted by the angle adjustment dial 412. In the drawing, a difference ΔYi ″ according to the ideal position of each dot of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP after tilt adjustment is shown.

  In the present embodiment, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is not formed after the angle adjustment by the angle adjustment dial 412 and before the position adjustment by the translation dial 414, but here the head angle is adjusted. FIG. 31B is shown in order to explain the position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP.

  As shown in the drawing, the position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP in the Y direction is shifted by adjusting the head angle. For this reason, when obtaining the indication value of the translation dial 414 after the head angle is adjusted, it is necessary to consider the position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP after the angle adjustment.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the relationship between the instruction value Dθ of the angle adjustment dial and the translation amount change value ΔYθ. A translation amount change value ΔYθ with respect to the instruction value Dθ of the angle adjustment dial 412 is obtained in advance. At this time, the translation amount ΔYi ″ after the angle adjustment is expressed as ΔYi ″ = ΔYi ′ + ΔYθ using the difference ΔYi ′ from the ideal position of the Y axis and the translation amount change value ΔYθ.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the relationship between the instruction value DY of the translation dial 414 and the head movement amount ΔY1 ″. Such a relationship can be obtained by measuring the amount of head movement while rotating the translation dial 414. Then, by rotating the translation dial 414 by the instruction value DY obtained based on such a relationship, the head position can be appropriately corrected and the deviation of the head in the Y direction can be adjusted. ing. Here, the relationship between the instruction value DY of the translation dial 414 and the head movement amount ΔY1 ″ is expressed by a linear expression, but may be expressed by a curve. In addition, ΔY1 ″ is used on the basis of the dot by the nozzle of nozzle # 1, and the indication value DY of the translation dial 414 is obtained. The translation dial is obtained by obtaining the average of ΔYi ″ corresponding to each nozzle. The instruction value DY 414 may be obtained.

  Next, the number of the target head is incremented (S610). Then, it is determined whether or not the target head number is greater than 6 (S612). If the number of the target head is not greater than 6, the process returns to step S604, the above processing is performed, and the instruction value Dθ of the angle adjustment dial 412 and the instruction value DY of the translation dial 414 for the target head are obtained. become. On the other hand, if the target head number is greater than 6, the instruction value calculation process ends. In this way, the instruction value Dθ of the angle adjustment dial 412 and the instruction value DY of the translation dial 414 can be obtained for all the numbered heads.

  When the instruction value calculation process is completed, the inclination of each head and the position in the Y direction are adjusted using the obtained instruction value Dθ of the angle adjustment dial 412 and the instruction value DY of the translation dial 414 (S410). This is done by rotating the angle adjustment dial 412 and the translation dial 414 described above by the required indicated value.

  By doing in this way, the position of each head can be adjusted appropriately using the measurement origin OP, the measurement axis setting pattern MSP, and the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by each head.

  In this embodiment, both coarse adjustment and fine adjustment of the position of each head are performed, but either one may be performed.

=== Second Embodiment ===
FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the adjustment pattern PTN in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, in steps S402 to S404 for fine adjustment of the head position, the adjustment pattern PTN in the second embodiment is formed instead of the adjustment pattern PTN in the first embodiment. Then, each instruction value is obtained based on the adjustment pattern PTN. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  The figure shows the second head 41-2 and eight nozzles in each nozzle row. Again, the figure shows the X and Y directions. The X direction is a direction that coincides with the transport direction of the paper S. In addition, the second head 41-2 is originally arranged so that the nozzle row is in a direction that makes 90 degrees with respect to the transport direction, but here again, the second head 41-2 is arranged with a slight offset. Yes.

  The adjustment pattern PTN is formed by ejecting ink from the black ink nozzle row NK and the cyan ink nozzle row NC. The measurement axis setting pattern MSP and the measurement origin OP are formed by the first head 41-1 as in the first embodiment.

  The head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP in the second embodiment is formed by the black ink nozzle row NK and the cyan ink nozzle row NC. The black ink nozzle row NK simultaneously ejects ink from nozzles # 1 to # 8 so as to form dots on the Y-direction axis extending from the measurement origin OP. In addition, ink is simultaneously ejected from the nozzles # 1 to # 8 of the cyan ink nozzle array NC at the same timing as ink is ejected from the nozzles of the black ink nozzle array NK. In this way, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP in the second embodiment is formed. As described above, since the second head 41-2 is disposed at an inclination from the ideal position, the ink ejected from the black ink nozzle row NK is on the Y-direction axis extending from the measurement origin OP. Not landed.

  Here, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP of the second head 41-2 is illustrated and described, but the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP of the third head 41-3 to the sixth head 41-6 is also illustrated. It is formed similarly. Further, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP of the first head 41-1 is formed in a similar manner so that the measurement origin OP is formed by the nozzle # 1 of the black ink nozzle row NK.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the deviation of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP in the second embodiment. In the figure, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by the black ink nozzle row NK is indicated by a black circle, and the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by the cyan ink nozzle row NC is indicated by a hatched circle. Further, the ideal position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by the black ink nozzle row NK is indicated by a white circle at a position close to the black circle. Also, the ideal position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by the cyan ink nozzle row NC is indicated by a white circle at a position close to the hatched circle.

  The ideal position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by the black ink nozzle row NK is the same as that in the first embodiment. That is, it consists of dots formed every 180 dpi in the Y direction from the measurement origin OP. Further, the ideal position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by the cyan ink nozzle row NC is separated from the black ink nozzle row NK by the distance between the black ink nozzle row NK and the cyan ink nozzle row NC on the side opposite to the transport direction. Formed at different positions. This is because the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is formed by simultaneously ejecting ink from the black ink nozzle row NK and the cyan ink nozzle row NC.

  Then, the deviation of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is obtained for each of the black ink nozzle row NK and the cyan ink nozzle row NC (S406). As shown in the figure, the X direction deviation is obtained as a distance from the Y direction axis passing through the center of the dot at the ideal position. The Y direction deviation is obtained as the distance from the X direction axis passing through the ideal position of the dot of nozzle # 1. In the drawing, ΔXki is shown as the X-direction deviation of the dots formed by the nozzles #i of the black ink nozzle row NK, and ΔYki is shown as the Y-direction deviation. Further, ΔYci is indicated as the Y-direction deviation of the dots formed by the nozzles #i of the cyan ink nozzle row NC, and ΔYci is indicated as the Y-direction deviation. Such an X-direction deviation and a Y-direction deviation are obtained for the first head 41-1 to the sixth head 41-6, respectively.

  FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a regression line of deviation in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, since two head alignment adjustment patterns HAAP are used, the number of plotted deviations is twice that of the first embodiment.

  Incidentally, in this case, since a plurality of head alignment adjustment patterns are formed by ink ejected from different nozzle arrays, the dots of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP may vary for each formed nozzle array.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, the head inclination a and the Y-direction deviation ΔY are obtained as follows. First, each regression line is obtained based on the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP for each nozzle array. Further, a deviation amount ΔY ′ in the Y direction from the ideal position is obtained for each dot. Then, an average value of the deviation amounts ΔY ′ in the Y direction is obtained for each nozzle row. Next, the slope a in each regression line is specified. Then, by obtaining the average of the maximum value and the minimum value of the inclination a, the head inclination is obtained. Further, an average value of the deviation amounts ΔY ′ in the Y direction of the nozzle rows is obtained. Then, the amount of deviation in the Y direction of the head, from which the average of the maximum and minimum average values of the amount of deviation ΔY ′ in the Y direction is obtained, is obtained.

  By doing so, the position of the head can be finely adjusted appropriately using the adjustment pattern PTN formed using a plurality of inks.

  Here, the head inclination is obtained by obtaining the average of the maximum value and the minimum value of the inclination a. However, the average value of the inclinations a of all nozzle rows in the head may be used as the inclination of the head. . Similarly, the average value of the deviation amounts ΔY ′ in the Y direction of all nozzle rows in the head may be used as the deviation amount in the Y direction of the head.

  Further, the median value of the inclinations a of all the nozzle rows in the head may be used as the inclination of the head. Similarly, the median value of the displacement amounts ΔY ′ in the Y direction of all nozzle rows in the head may be used as the displacement amount in the Y direction of the head.

=== Third Embodiment ===
FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining the adjustment pattern PTN in the third embodiment. Here, instead of the adjustment pattern PTN in the first embodiment, the adjustment pattern PTN in the third embodiment is formed. Then, each instruction value is obtained based on the adjustment pattern PTN. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  The drawing shows a measurement origin, a measurement axis setting pattern MSP, axes in the X and Y directions, a second head 41-2, and a head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by the second head 41-2. Here, the second head 41-2 is shown as a representative, but the head alignment adjustment patterns HAAP are also formed by the first head 41-1 to the sixth head 41-6, respectively.

  In the third embodiment, the measurement axis setting pattern MSP and the measurement origin OP are formed on the paper S in advance. Here, while transporting such a sheet S in the transport direction, ink is ejected from each head, and a head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is formed. At this time, the ideal position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is a position shifted by 180 dpi in the Y direction with reference to the dots of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed by the nozzle # 1 of the first head 41-1. It is a position consisting of the formed dots.

  By doing so, the head of the head unit 40 forms the measurement origin OP and the measurement axis setting pattern MSP in the first conveyance of the paper S, and the head alignment adjustment pattern in the second conveyance of the paper S. HAAP can be formed. Then, it is possible to set an axis in the X direction using a preset measurement origin OP and a measurement axis setting pattern MSP. With this axis as a reference, the deviation of each dot of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP to be formed later can be obtained.

=== Fourth Embodiment ===
FIG. 38 is a flowchart for explaining position measurement / deviation calculation processing in the fourth embodiment. In the flowchart of the position measurement / deviation calculation process in the fourth embodiment, a measurement data correction process is added as step S507. Since other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, the measurement data correction process (S507) will be described here.

  In the above-described embodiment, the adjustment pattern PTN is read by the scanner 200, and each dot of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is captured as image data. At this time, an error in the reading position may occur in the scanner 200. Here, measurement data correction processing is performed in order to cancel the reading error by the scanner 200.

  FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a measurement data correction coefficient calculation pattern CCP. The measurement data correction coefficient calculation pattern CCP is a pattern in which dots are formed at predetermined intervals in both the X and Y directions in a grid-like cell. The measurement data correction coefficient calculation pattern CCP is formed by a high-precision printing machine, and the absolute position of these dots includes only an error that cannot be determined by the resolution of the scanner 200. In the figure, the coordinates of the X direction and Y direction of the dot are shown, but this is for convenience of explanation and is not printed on the actual one.

  Such a measurement data correction coefficient calculation pattern CCP is read by the scanner 200. Then, the position of each dot after being read by the scanner 200 is obtained.

  FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a measurement data correction coefficient calculation table. The table shows the absolute position, the X direction measurement value, the X direction correction coefficient, the Y direction measurement value, and the Y direction correction coefficient. The absolute position is a coordinate in the X direction and Y direction of each dot in the above-described pattern. Here, the dot position at the coordinates (0, 0) is used as a reference. The X direction measurement value is a measurement value in the X direction of each dot in the scanner 200 that has read the measurement data correction coefficient calculation pattern CCP. The Y direction measurement value is a measurement value in the Y direction of each dot in the scanner 200 that has read the measurement data correction coefficient calculation pattern CCP. The X direction correction coefficient is a value obtained by dividing the absolute position value in the X direction by the measured value in the X direction. The Y direction correction coefficient is a value obtained by dividing the absolute position value in the Y direction by the measured value in the Y direction.

  In addition, average values of both the X direction correction coefficient and the Y direction correction coefficient are shown. Here, these average values are used. Next, the average value of the X-direction correction coefficient and the Y-direction correction coefficient is multiplied for the position of each dot of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP measured in step S506, and the position of each dot of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is determined. It is corrected. Then, the value of the position of each dot in the corrected head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is used for calculating the deviation in step S510.

  By doing so, the reading error by the scanner 200 can be reduced and the head position can be adjusted more accurately.

  Although the correction coefficient is obtained by the measurement data correction process in step 507 as described above, this process may be performed in advance. In addition, although the correction coefficient is obtained for the X direction and the Y direction here, it may be obtained for either one.

=== Fifth Embodiment ===
FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining an adjustment pattern PTN according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the adjustment pattern PTN in the fifth embodiment is formed instead of the adjustment pattern PTN in the first embodiment. Then, each instruction value is obtained based on the adjustment pattern PTN. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  The figure shows the second head 41-2 and eight nozzles in each nozzle row. Further, a measurement axis setting pattern MSP and a measurement origin OP are shown. A head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is also shown. The above-described head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is formed by ejecting ink from all nozzles in one nozzle row. In the fifth embodiment, the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP is formed by ejecting ink from every other nozzle or every plurality of nozzles. In the drawing, a head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP when ink is ejected from odd-numbered nozzles is shown.

  FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining the deviation of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP in the fifth embodiment. In the figure, the dots of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed by odd-numbered nozzles are indicated by black circles, and the ideal positions corresponding to these dots are indicated by white circles. By doing so, the number of dots formed in the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP can be reduced. The method of obtaining the deviation of the head alignment adjustment pattern is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a regression line of deviation in the fifth embodiment. In the figure, a smaller number of deviations than in the first embodiment are plotted. Based on the deviation thus obtained, the amount of inclination and the amount of deviation in the Y direction are obtained. Therefore, since the number of dots to be handled can be reduced, it is possible to shorten the time for obtaining the head tilt and the deviation in the Y direction. Then, the position of the head can be adjusted more easily.

  FIG. 44A is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a thinning pattern that is vertically symmetric. In the figure, only the nozzles that form dots of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP are shown when the number of nozzles in one row is 180 nozzles. In the drawing, the nozzle numbers belonging to the first set and the nozzle numbers belonging to the second set are shown separately. The first set and the second set are in a relationship in which they are turned upside down. By doing so, it is possible to form the dots of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP by using the nozzles symmetrically in the nozzle row shown in the drawing.

  FIG. 44B is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining a thinning pattern which is vertically symmetric. Here, the nozzle number when the nozzles are used symmetrically in the vertical direction is represented by a general formula. Here, the variable M is the number of nozzles in the nozzle row. The variable L is the number of steps, and the number of steps L0 is represented by L0 = int {(M−1) / L}. Here, “int” is a function for making an integer.

  According to this, the maximum nozzle number of the first set is L0 · L + 1, and the minimum nozzle number of the second set is M− (L0 · L + 1) +1.

  By forming the dots of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP using the thinning pattern that is vertically symmetrical in this way, the dots of the nozzles # 1 to # 180 can be formed with good balance.

  In addition, as for the dots of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP as in the first embodiment, the dots to be used when obtaining the deviation may be selected using the thinning pattern as described above. And it is good also as reducing the number of dots to handle.

=== Sixth Embodiment ===
FIG. 45 is a diagram for explaining the tilt adjustment of the head unit 40 in the sixth embodiment. As shown in the first embodiment, the inclination of the head unit 40 has already been adjusted. However, according to the sixth embodiment as described below, the adjustment of the inclination of the entire head unit 40 using the adjustment pattern PTN. Adjustments may be made.

  In the figure, the head unit 40, the first head 41-1 and the second head 41-2 included in the head unit 40 are shown, and the description of other heads is omitted. Further, the figure shows a head unit angle adjustment dial 418 for adjusting the inclination of the entire head unit 40 with respect to the conveying direction. In the figure, an adjustment pattern PTN is shown. The adjustment pattern PTN is the same as the adjustment pattern PTN in the first embodiment.

  Originally, the nozzle rows of the heads included in the head unit 40 are arranged so as to face the direction intersecting the transport direction. However, the position of the head unit 40 is inclined with respect to the transport direction. Therefore, here, the dots of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP are formed so as to be shifted from these ideal positions.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart of calculation of an inclination adjustment instruction value for the entire head unit 40. First, the adjustment pattern PTN is printed (S702). Then, based on the position of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP and the ideal position of the adjustment pattern PTN, the deviation in the X direction and the deviation in the Y direction are obtained (S704). Next, a regression line is obtained based on the deviations in the X and Y directions (S706). The method of obtaining the regression line is the same as that in the first embodiment.

Next, the inclination a of the head unit 40 is obtained based on the regression line. The indicated value Dθ of the head unit angle adjustment dial 418 with respect to the inclination a of the head unit 40 is obtained in advance in the same manner as the method shown in FIG. Then, the indication value of the head unit angle adjustment dial 418 corresponding to the inclination a is obtained (S708).
By doing so, the inclination of the head unit 40 can be appropriately adjusted by rotating the head unit angle adjustment dial 418 by the obtained instruction value.

=== Other Embodiments ===
In the above-described embodiment, the head is fixed to the printer 1 and the paper S is moved, so that the nozzle array and the paper are relatively moved to form various patterns. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, as in the case of a serial type ink jet printer, various patterns are printed by moving the head with respect to the paper S to be stopped with respect to the printer, and the nozzle array in the moving direction of the head is based on these patterns. It is good also as adjusting inclination etc.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printer 1 that ejects ink has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and fluid other than ink (liquid or liquid in which functional material particles are dispersed, It can also be embodied in a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects or ejects a fluid such as a gel. For example, color filter manufacturing apparatus, dyeing apparatus, fine processing apparatus, semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, surface processing apparatus, three-dimensional modeling machine, gas vaporizer, organic EL manufacturing apparatus (especially polymer EL manufacturing apparatus), display manufacturing apparatus, film formation You may apply the technique similar to the above-mentioned embodiment to the various apparatuses which applied inkjet technology, such as an apparatus and a DNA chip manufacturing apparatus. These methods and manufacturing methods are also within the scope of application.

  The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

2 is a block diagram for explaining an internal configuration of the printer 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining an outline of the printer 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of each head in the head unit 40. 4 is a diagram for explaining details of the arrangement of heads in the head unit 40. FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining the adjustment of the head angle, and FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining the adjustment of the position of the head in the paper width direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining angle adjustment of the head unit 40. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the head position adjustment method. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a rough adjustment method of the position of the head unit 40; FIG. 6 is a first diagram for explaining a head unit 40 and a head unit adjustment pattern UPTN; FIG. 10A is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN when the head unit 40 is tilted clockwise. FIG. 10B is a diagram when the head unit 40 is tilted clockwise. FIG. 3 is a diagram (part 1) for describing a position of a nozzle in the nozzle. 11A is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN when the head unit 40 is tilted counterclockwise, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating the head unit 40 tilted counterclockwise. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating the position of the nozzle in time. FIG. 6 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the head unit and the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN; 13A is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN when the head unit 40 is tilted clockwise, and FIG. 13B is a diagram when the head unit 40 is tilted clockwise. FIG. 6 is a diagram (No. 2) for describing a position of a nozzle in FIG. 14A is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the head unit adjustment pattern UPTN when the head unit 40 is tilted counterclockwise, and FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating the head unit 40 tilted counterclockwise. It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating the position of the nozzle in time. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the position coarse adjustment method of a head. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating the pattern VPTN1 for 1st visual adjustment. FIG. 8 is a second diagram for explaining a first visual adjustment pattern VPTN1; It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating the pattern VPTN1 for 2nd visual adjustment. FIG. 10 is a second diagram for explaining a second visual adjustment pattern VPTN1; It is a flowchart for demonstrating the position fine adjustment method of a head. It is a figure which shows a mode when ink is discharged from the black ink nozzle row NK of the 1st head 41-1, and the adjustment pattern PTN is printed. It is a figure which shows a mode when ink is discharged from black ink nozzle arrays NK other than the 1st head 41-1, and the adjustment pattern PTN is printed. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a position measurement and deviation calculation process. It is a figure for demonstrating the deviation of the pattern HAAP for head alignment adjustment of the 1st head 41-1. It is a figure for demonstrating the deviation of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP of heads other than the 1st head 41-1. The deviation of each dot of the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP formed by each head is tabulated. It is a flowchart for demonstrating instruction value calculation processing. It is a figure which shows the regression line of the deviation of each dot of head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP which the 1st head 41-1 formed. It is a figure which shows the regression line of the deviation of each dot of head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP which heads other than the 1st head 41-1 formed. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between an instruction value Dθ of an angle adjustment dial 412 and an inclination amount a of a head 41. FIG. 31A is a diagram showing the head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP and its ideal position before the head angle is adjusted by the angle adjustment dial 412, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a head alignment adjustment pattern HAAP and its ideal position when it is formed later. It is a figure which shows the relationship between instruction value D (theta) of an angle adjustment dial, and translation amount change value (DELTA) Ytheta. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the instruction value DY of the translation dial 414, and the moving amount (DELTA) Y '' of a head. It is a figure for demonstrating the pattern PTN for adjustment in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the deviation of the pattern HAAP for head alignment adjustment in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the regression line of the deviation in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the pattern PTN for adjustment in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the position measurement and deviation calculation process in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the measurement data correction coefficient calculation pattern CCP. It is a figure which shows a measurement data correction coefficient calculation table. It is a figure for demonstrating the pattern PTN for adjustment in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the deviation of the pattern HAAP for head alignment adjustment in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the regression line of the deviation in 5th Embodiment. 44A is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a thinning pattern that is vertically symmetric, and FIG. 44B is a diagram (part 2) for explaining a thinning pattern that is vertically symmetric. It is a figure for demonstrating the inclination adjustment of the head unit 40 in 6th Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of calculation of an inclination adjustment instruction value for the entire head unit 40.

Explanation of symbols

1 printer,
20 paper transport unit, upstream transport roller 23A, downstream transport roller 24B,
Belt 24,
40 head units, 50 detector groups,
60 controllers, 61 interfaces,
70 drive signal generation circuit,
110 computers,
200 scanner,
412 Angle adjustment dial, 414 Translation movement dial,
418 Head unit angle adjustment dial CCP Measurement data correction coefficient calculation pattern,
HAAP head alignment adjustment pattern, MSP measurement axis setting pattern,
OP Measurement origin, PTN adjustment pattern, S paper,
VPTN1 first visual adjustment pattern, VPTN2 second visual adjustment pattern,
UPTN Head unit adjustment pattern UPTN

Claims (8)

A liquid is ejected while relatively moving the nozzle row and the medium in a relative movement direction intersecting the nozzle row from at least two nozzle rows of the plurality of nozzle rows supported by the support member. Forming an adjustment pattern of 1;
Obtaining an inclination of the support member with respect to the relative movement direction based on the first adjustment pattern;
Adjusting the tilt of the support member based on the tilt of the support member;
Discharging the liquid from the plurality of nozzle rows supported by the support member to the medium relatively moved in the relative movement direction to form a second adjustment pattern;
Obtaining respective inclinations of the plurality of nozzle rows with respect to the relative movement direction based on the second adjustment pattern;
Adjusting the inclination of each nozzle row based on the respective inclinations of the plurality of nozzle rows;
Including adjustment method.   The first adjustment pattern is a plurality of nozzle rows in which nozzles are arranged in a direction intersecting the relative movement direction, and the liquid is ejected from nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction, The adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment method is formed by forming a plurality of dot rows in which dots are arranged in the relative movement direction.   The adjustment method according to claim 2, wherein an inclination of the support member is obtained based on a distance between the dot rows formed by different nozzle rows among the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction. The second adjustment pattern is a plurality of nozzle rows in which nozzles are arranged in a direction intersecting the relative movement direction, and the liquid is ejected from the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the relative movement direction. It is formed by forming a plurality of dot rows in which dots are arranged in the direction,
2. The inclination of each of the plurality of nozzle rows with respect to the relative movement direction is obtained based on a distance between the dot rows formed by different nozzle rows among the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the relative movement direction. Adjustment method. A plurality of nozzle rows in which nozzles are arranged in a direction intersecting with the relative movement direction, wherein the liquid is ejected from the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction, and dots are arranged in the relative movement direction. Forming a third adjustment pattern by forming a plurality of
In the third adjustment pattern, the positions of the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction are determined based on the distance between the dot rows formed by different nozzle rows among the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction. Seeking and
Adjusting the positions of the plurality of nozzle rows based on the positions of the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction;
The adjustment method according to claim 4, further comprising: A first dot row composed of at least two dots formed by ejecting the liquid at different timings from the same nozzle while moving the medium in the relative movement direction, and at least of a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged Forming a fourth adjustment pattern comprising: a second dot row comprising at least two dots formed by discharging the liquid from two nozzles;
Obtaining an inclination of the nozzle row with respect to the relative movement direction based on the fourth adjustment pattern;
Adjusting the inclination of the nozzle row with respect to the relative movement direction based on the inclination;
The adjustment method according to claim 1, further comprising: The fourth adjustment pattern further includes a plurality of nozzle rows in which nozzles are arranged in a direction intersecting the relative movement direction, and at least the same nozzle row from nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the intersecting direction. Including dots formed by simultaneously discharging the liquid,
Obtaining inclinations of the plurality of nozzle rows with respect to the relative movement direction based on the fourth adjustment pattern;
Adjusting the inclination of the plurality of nozzle rows based on the inclination of the plurality of nozzle rows;
The adjustment method according to claim 6, further comprising: Obtaining shift amounts of the plurality of nozzle rows in the intersecting direction based on the fourth adjustment pattern;
Adjusting the amount of displacement of the plurality of nozzle rows in the intersecting direction based on the amount of displacement of the plurality of nozzle rows;
The adjustment method according to claim 7, further comprising:

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