JP2012000775A - Liquid jetting apparatus and liquid jetting method - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid ejecting apparatus and a liquid ejecting method capable of satisfactorily preventing cavitation from occurring.
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid supplied from a liquid storage means based on application of a drive signal based on drive signal information; and a place where the liquid ejecting apparatus is installed. An information storage unit that stores atmospheric pressure correlation information indicating a relationship between atmospheric pressure measurement means 50 for measuring the atmospheric pressure of the gas, driving signal information associated with the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid that varies according to atmospheric pressure, and atmospheric pressure 73, based on the atmospheric pressure and the atmospheric pressure correlation information measured by the atmospheric pressure measuring means 50, the drive signal information that is the basis of the drive signal applied by the liquid ejection head 30 is selected, and the liquid ejection is performed based on the drive signal information. And a control means 70 for controlling the driving of the head 30.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus and a droplet ejecting method.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technical content in which an IC chip included in an ink cartridge stores information related to the time of manufacture and information related to ink sedimentation, and the degree of flushing is changed based on the information. Has been. Further, in Patent Document 2, as the elapsed time from the manufacture of the ink cartridge becomes longer, the amount of ink sucked in the recovery operation (cleaning operation) is increased, or the number of ink ejections is increased. Such technical contents are disclosed.

JP 2007-168452 A JP 2007-79694 A

  By the way, in the flow path through which the ink inside the print head circulates, a phenomenon called so-called cavitation, in which bubbles grow in the print head, occurs due to a decrease in pressure. This cavitation occurs due to the flow rate of ink, the atmospheric pressure, the amount of dissolved gas (dissolved gas amount), etc., but when such cavitation occurs, ink cannot be ejected across a large number of nozzles. Things happen.

  Such cavitation is difficult to prevent even if the configurations of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are adopted.

  The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus and a liquid ejecting method capable of satisfactorily preventing the occurrence of cavitation. .

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a liquid ejecting apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects the liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit based on application of a drive signal based on drive signal information, and the liquid ejecting apparatus. Storing atmospheric pressure correlation information indicating the relationship between the atmospheric pressure measurement means for measuring the atmospheric pressure of the place to be operated, the atmospheric pressure, and the drive signal information associated with the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid that varies according to the atmospheric pressure. Drive signal information that is a basis of a drive signal applied by the liquid ejecting head is selected on the basis of the information storage unit and the atmospheric pressure and the atmospheric pressure correlation information measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement unit, and the liquid is determined based on the drive signal information. Control means for controlling the drive of the ejection head.

  In such a configuration, when the atmospheric pressure is measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement unit, the control unit selects any driving signal information corresponding to the atmospheric pressure from the atmospheric pressure correlation information stored in the information storage unit. To do. Here, the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid that varies according to the atmospheric pressure is associated with this drive signal information. Therefore, the control unit can select appropriate driving signal information corresponding to the dissolved gas amount based on the measured atmospheric pressure, and can control the driving of the liquid jet head based on the driving signal information. . As a result, it is possible to prevent selection of inappropriate drive signal information for the measured atmospheric pressure, and it is possible to prevent generation of bubbles in the liquid ejecting head due to selection of inappropriate drive signal information. It becomes possible to prevent. Then, by preventing the generation of bubbles, it becomes possible to prevent the occurrence of cavitation.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the above-described invention, the driving signal information in the atmospheric pressure correlation information includes first driving signal information and second driving signal information, and a specific period. The liquid ejection amount based on the second drive signal information is set to be smaller than the liquid ejection amount based on the first drive signal information, and the control unit causes the liquid ejection based on the second drive signal information. When the head is controlled, the control means is provided in a state in which the generation of bubbles in the liquid is suppressed as compared with the case where the liquid ejecting head is controlled based on the first drive signal information. Is a second drive signal instead of the first drive signal information when it is determined that the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means is lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold or less than or equal to the first atmospheric pressure threshold. Select information, Controlling the driving of the liquid ejecting head on the basis of the second drive signal information, it is preferable.

  In such a configuration, when the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement unit is lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold value or less than or equal to the first atmospheric pressure threshold value, the control unit uses the first drive signal information. Instead, the second drive signal information is selected. Here, the liquid ejection amount based on the second drive signal information is provided smaller than the liquid ejection amount based on the first drive signal information. In addition, when the liquid ejecting head is controlled based on the second drive signal information by the control unit, the liquid is more than when the liquid ejecting head is controlled based on the first drive signal information. It becomes a state where generation | occurrence | production of the bubble in inside is suppressed. Therefore, when the control unit selects the second drive signal information instead of the first drive signal information to control the driving of the liquid ejecting head, bubbles generated from the liquid present in the liquid ejecting head Can be further reduced, and the occurrence of cavitation can be effectively prevented. Further, by reducing bubbles generated from the liquid inside the liquid ejecting head, it is possible to effectively prevent cavitation even when the atmospheric pressure is low.

  Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, in the above-described invention, the driving signal information in the atmospheric pressure correlation information includes the third driving signal information, and constitutes the third driving signal information and is specified. The number of unit drive waveforms in the period constitutes the second drive signal information and is provided less than the number of unit drive waveforms in the specific period, and the control means measures the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means. Is determined to be lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold value that is lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold value or equal to or lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold value, the first driving signal information or the second driving signal information Instead, it is preferable to select the third drive signal information and control the driving of the liquid jet head based on the third drive signal information.

  In such a configuration, when the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement unit is lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold value or less than or equal to the second atmospheric pressure threshold value, the control unit performs the first drive signal information or Instead of the second drive signal information, the third drive signal information is selected. Here, within a specific period, the number of unit drive waveforms of the third drive signal information is set smaller than the number of unit drive waveforms of the second drive signal information. Therefore, the liquid ejection amount is reduced as compared with the case based on the second drive signal information. However, it is possible to further reduce the bubbles generated from the liquid existing in the liquid ejection head. . Further, by further reducing the bubbles generated from the liquid inside the liquid ejecting head, it is possible to effectively prevent cavitation even when the atmospheric pressure is lower.

  Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, in each of the above-described inventions, it is preferable that the control unit reflects information relating to application of the drive signal based on input image data input from the outside in selection of the drive signal information. .

  In such a configuration, when input image data is input from the outside and information on application of the drive signal based on the input image data is generated, information on application of the drive signal is selected when selecting the drive signal information. Is reflected. For example, depending on the input image data, it may be assumed that the liquid ejecting head does not need to be driven so much (that is, the degree of application of the driving signal is small), and bubbles are not generated so much. On the contrary, depending on the input image data, the liquid ejecting head is almost fully driven (that is, the driving signal is almost fully applied), and it is assumed that many bubbles are generated. is there. For this reason, when selecting the drive signal information as described above, it is possible to select more appropriate drive signal information by reflecting the information related to the application of the drive signal based on the input image data.

  Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, in the above-described invention, the control unit calculates input image data and an index value indicating the ease of bubble generation based on the input image data, and the index value is predetermined. If the threshold value is less than or less than the predetermined threshold value, the control means selects the first drive signal information regardless of the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure measurement means, and the liquid ejection is performed based on the first drive signal information. It is preferable to control the driving of the head.

  In such a configuration, an index value indicating the ease of bubble generation is calculated based on the input image data, and the first driving is performed when the index value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value or less than a predetermined threshold value. Signal information is selected. Therefore, in the case of input image data in which bubbles are not expected to occur so much, it is not necessary to select the second drive signal information that reduces the liquid ejection amount, so that the printing speed can be ensured. That is, it is possible to appropriately maintain a balance between the prevention of the generation of bubbles and the securing of the printing speed according to the input image data.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in each of the above-described inventions, a cap member for forming a sealed space in contact with the nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejecting head is provided, and liquid is ejected from the liquid ejecting head to the cap member. When the maintenance means for discharging is provided and the control means determines that the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means is below the first atmospheric pressure threshold or below the first atmospheric pressure threshold, or When it is determined that the atmospheric pressure measured by the measurement unit is lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold value or lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold value, the maintenance execution unit is operated to remove the bubbles present inside the liquid ejecting head. It is preferable to perform a control to execute a cleaning operation for discharging.

  When configured in this manner, the control unit can execute a cleaning operation for discharging bubbles present inside the liquid ejecting head to the outside according to the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure measurement unit. . Thereby, the occurrence of cavitation can be more effectively prevented. Further, even when the ambient atmospheric pressure is low, the occurrence of cavitation can be more effectively prevented.

  Furthermore, in the liquid ejecting method according to another aspect of the present invention, the air pressure at the place where the liquid ejecting head for ejecting the liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit based on the application of the drive signal based on the drive signal information is set. Select one of the drive signal information that is related to the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid that fluctuates according to the atmospheric pressure and is the basis of the drive signal from the atmospheric pressure measurement step to be measured and the atmospheric pressure measured in the atmospheric pressure measurement step And a control step of controlling the driving of the liquid jet head based on the drive signal information.

  In the case of such a configuration, when the atmospheric pressure is measured in the atmospheric pressure measurement step, one of the drive signal information is selected in the control step based on the measured atmospheric pressure. Here, the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid that varies according to the atmospheric pressure is associated with this drive signal information. Therefore, in the control step, it is possible to select appropriate drive signal information corresponding to the dissolved gas amount based on the measured atmospheric pressure, and to control the driving of the liquid ejecting head based on the drive signal information. . As a result, it is possible to prevent selection of inappropriate drive signal information for the measured atmospheric pressure, and it is possible to prevent generation of bubbles in the liquid ejecting head due to selection of inappropriate drive signal information. It becomes possible to prevent. Then, by preventing the generation of bubbles, it becomes possible to prevent the occurrence of cavitation.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printer of FIG. 1. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a print head. It is a top view which shows the composition of a printing head transparently. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a print head. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure centering on a control part. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a computer. It is a figure which shows an example of a display window. It is a figure which shows the drive waveform based on 1st, 2nd drive signal information. It is a figure which shows the drive waveform based on 3rd drive signal information. It is a figure which shows the drive waveform based on the drive signal information which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the drive waveform based on the drive signal information which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, a printer 10 as a liquid ejecting apparatus and a liquid ejecting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. The printer 10 according to the present embodiment is an ink jet printer. However, the ink jet printer may be an apparatus that employs any ejection method as long as the apparatus is capable of printing by ejecting ink.

  In the following description, the lower side refers to the side where the printer 10 is installed, and the upper side refers to the side away from the installed side. The opening side of the nozzle opening 371 with respect to the pressure generation chamber 321 is the lower side, and the opposite side is the upper side. Further, the side on which the print medium P is supplied is described as a feeding side (rear end side), and the side on which the print medium P is discharged is described as a paper discharge side (front side). In addition, a direction in which a carriage 21 described later moves is a main scanning direction, a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and a direction in which the print medium P is conveyed is a sub-scanning direction.

<Schematic Configuration of Printer 10>
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a casing (not shown), a carriage mechanism 20, a paper transport mechanism 40, an atmospheric pressure sensor 50, a cleaning mechanism 60, a control unit 70, and the like as main components. It is said.

  Among these, the carriage mechanism 20 includes a carriage 21, a carriage motor (CR motor 22), a belt 23, a gear pulley 24, a driven pulley 25, and a carriage shaft 26. Among these, the carriage 21 can mount ink cartridges 27 of the respective colors. As shown in FIG. 1, a print head 30 (corresponding to an example of a liquid ejecting head) capable of ejecting ink droplets is provided on the lower surface of the carriage 21. Details of the configuration of the print head 30 will be described later. Ink corresponds to an example of a liquid.

  The belt 23 is an endless belt, and a part of the belt 23 is fixed to the back surface of the carriage 21. The belt 23 is stretched by a gear pulley 24 and a driven pulley 25.

  In addition, the carriage 21 can be mounted with an ink cartridge 27 (corresponding to an example of a liquid storage unit) that stores ink (corresponding to liquid) of each color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The number of colors of the ink cartridge 27 is not limited to the above four colors, and may be three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow, or five or more colors.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the paper transport mechanism 40 includes a PF motor 41 for transporting the print medium P (corresponding to the ejection target), and a paper feed roller 42 for feeding plain paper or the like. is doing. A pair of PF rollers (not shown) for conveying / clamping the print medium P is provided on the paper discharge side with respect to the paper feed roller 42. A platen (not shown) and the above-described print head 30 are disposed on the paper discharge side of the PF roller pair so as to face each other in the vertical direction.

<Details of Configuration of Print Head 30>
Details of the configuration of the print head 30 of the carriage mechanism 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, the print head 30 includes an actuator unit 31 and a flow path unit 34. Among these, the actuator unit 31 includes a pressure generation chamber forming substrate 32 and a diaphragm 33. A space (long hole portion 322) for forming the pressure generation chamber 321 is formed in the pressure generation chamber forming substrate 32, and a number of long holes are formed along a direction orthogonal to the length of the long hole portion 322. The parts 322 are arranged.

  The pressure generation chamber 321 includes a long hole portion 322, a vibration plate 33 that closes the long hole portion 322 from the upper surface side, and a supply port forming plate 35 that closes the long hole portion 322 from the lower surface side. Yes.

  A lower electrode 331 is formed on the upper surface of the diaphragm 33. Each of the lower electrodes 331 is formed in a portion covering the upper portion of the pressure generating chamber 321. A flat plate-like piezoelectric vibrator 332 is formed on the upper surface of the lower electrode 331, and an upper electrode 333 is formed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 332.

  The flow path unit 34 includes a supply port forming plate 35, a storage chamber forming substrate 36, and a nozzle plate 37. Among these, the supply port forming plate 35 is located on the upper surface of the storage chamber forming substrate 36. The supply port forming plate 35 is provided with a first ink supply port 351, a second ink supply port 352, a communication port 353, and an ink introduction port 354.

  Among these, the first ink supply port 351 is an opening for supplying ink from a first ink storage chamber 361 to be described later to the pressure generation chamber 321. Similarly, the second ink supply port 352 is an opening for supplying ink from a second ink storage chamber 362 to be described later to the pressure generation chamber 321. In the present embodiment, the first ink storage chamber 361 is provided closer to the center of the storage chamber forming substrate 36 than the second ink storage chamber 362. Therefore, the first ink supply port 351 is provided closer to the center of the supply port forming plate 35 than the second ink supply port 352. The first ink supply port 351 and the second ink supply port 352 are provided so as to be aligned along the direction in which the pressure generation chambers 321 are aligned (that is, the direction perpendicular to the length of the pressure generation chamber 321). Yes. However, when the pressure generating chambers 321 proceed in the side-by-side direction, the first ink supply ports 351 and the second ink supply ports 352 are alternately arranged, whereby the first ink supply ports 351 and the second ink supply ports 352 are arranged. The ink supply ports 352 are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

  Further, a communication port 353 is provided at a position closer to the center of the supply port forming plate 35 than the first ink supply port 351. The communication port 353 communicates the pressure generating chamber 321 and a nozzle opening 371 described later via a nozzle communication port 363 described later. An ink introduction port 354 is provided on one end side of the supply port forming plate 35 in the longitudinal direction. The ink introduction ports 354 are openings for introducing ink from the ink cartridge 27 into the ink storage chambers 361 and 362. In the present embodiment, the four ink introduction ports 354 are provided on the supply port forming plate 35. Arranged in a row along the short direction.

  The storage chamber forming substrate 36 is provided with a first long groove 361a, a second long groove 362a, and a nozzle communication port 363. The upper surface side of the first long groove 361a and the second long groove 362a is blocked by the supply port forming plate 35, and the lower surface side of the first long groove 361a and the second long groove 362a is blocked by the nozzle plate 37, so that the first ink storage. A chamber 361 and a second ink storage chamber 362 are configured. Here, the first ink storage chamber 361 communicates with the first ink supply port 351, and the second ink storage chamber 362 communicates with the second ink supply port 352. One end side of the first ink storage chamber 361 communicates with an ink introduction port 354 located on the center side of the supply port forming plate 35, and one end side of the second ink storage chamber 362 is connected to the supply port forming plate. 35 communicates with an ink introduction port 354 located on the end side of 35. The nozzle communication port 363 is an opening portion that communicates with the nozzle opening 371.

  A nozzle opening 371 is formed in the nozzle plate 37. The nozzle opening 371 communicates with the pressure generation chamber 321 through the nozzle communication port 363. For this reason, the actuator unit 31 (piezoelectric vibrator 332) bends and vibrates so that ink can be ejected from the nozzle openings 371.

  Note that the first ink storage chamber 361 and the second ink storage chamber 362 may be configured to store the same ink or may be configured to store different types of ink.

<Barometric pressure sensor>
As shown in FIG. 6, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment includes an atmospheric pressure sensor 50. The atmospheric pressure sensor 50 corresponds to an example of an atmospheric pressure measuring unit, and is for measuring the atmospheric pressure of the environment where the printer 10 is installed. As the atmospheric pressure sensor 50, a semiconductor or the like that outputs a digital signal related to atmospheric pressure is preferable. Examples of such an atmospheric pressure sensor 50 include a capacitance type sensor and a vibration type sensor. The capacitance type atmospheric pressure sensor 50 is a device in which a chamber made of silicon or the like forms a capacitor, and a change in the distance between electrodes of the capacitor is detected as a change in capacitance by the atmospheric pressure. The vibration-type atmospheric pressure sensor 50 applies vibration from a piezoelectric element such as quartz to a chamber made of metal, silicon, or the like. Then, the atmospheric pressure is measured by detecting the tension of the chamber surface that changes with the change of the atmospheric pressure as the change of the resonance frequency.

  The atmospheric pressure sensor 50 is attached to a desired location such as a circuit board, a chassis, a housing, or the like of the printer 10, for example. Note that the number of pressure sensors 50 may be only one, but a plurality of pressure sensors 50 may be attached.

  As the atmospheric pressure sensor 50, other types may be used. Examples of other methods include a liquid column method, an aneroid type, and a method using a Bourdon tube.

<About the cleaning mechanism>
Further, the chassis is provided with a cleaning mechanism 60 as shown in FIGS. The cleaning mechanism 60 includes a cap 61, an ink discharge tube 62, a waste liquid tank 63, and a suction pump 64. The cleaning mechanism 60 corresponds to an example of a maintenance execution unit.

  Among these, the cap 61 corresponds to an example of a cap member. The cap 61 is a part that abuts against the nozzle forming surface of the print head 30 to form one or more sealing spaces. Therefore, the cap 61 can be moved up and down by an unillustrated lifting mechanism.

  The ink discharge tube 62 has one end connected to the cap 61 and the other end connected to the waste liquid tank 63. The waste liquid tank 63 is a part that stores ink discharged from the nozzle openings 371 of the print head 30 to the cap 61. The suction pump 64 is connected to the middle part of the ink discharge tube 62. For this reason, when the suction pump 64 is operated, the ink can be discharged from the nozzle opening 371 toward the waste liquid tank 63. Further, the ink suction operation forcibly discharges air bubbles mixed in the flow path of the print head 30 and / or forcibly discharges the thickened ink existing in the nozzle openings 371. A so-called maintenance operation can be executed.

  The suction pump 64 is provided so as to generate a negative pressure in the ink discharge tube 62. When the suction pump 64 is operated, the suction pump 64 is ejected from the print head 30 through the ink discharge tube 62 and the like. Ink unrelated to printing is discharged to the waste liquid tank 63. In addition, by this ink suction operation, it is possible to execute a so-called cleaning operation for forcibly discharging bubbles mixed in the print head 30 and an ink supply path (not shown).

<Configuration of control unit>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the printer 10 is provided with a control unit 70. The control unit 70 includes a CPU 73, a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory 73 such as a nonvolatile memory, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a bus, a timer, an interface 71, and the like. Signals from various sensors including a detection signal from the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 are input to the control unit 70 described above, and the control unit 70 controls the CR motor 22 based on signals from these sensors. It controls the printing head 30 (the diaphragm 33), the PF motor 41, the suction pump 64, and the like. The control unit 70 corresponds to an example of a control unit.

  In order to control the above-described units, the control unit 70 includes a communication interface 71, a main control unit 72, a memory 73, a PTS generation unit 74, a head control unit 75, a pump control unit 76, and a head drive circuit. 77 and a pump drive circuit 78.

  Among these, the communication interface 71 is a circuit for performing communication with the computer 100.

  The main control unit 72 is a part that controls the entire printer 10. The main control unit 72 receives a command and the like from the computer 100, and reads a control program and various data stored in the memory 73. In addition, the main control unit 72 performs an operation described later based on a command (print signal) from the computer 100 and a detection signal input from the atmospheric pressure sensor 50.

  The memory 73 corresponds to an example of an information storage unit. The memory 73 corresponds to, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a nonvolatile memory, and the like, and various control programs and various data are stored in the ROM and the nonvolatile memory. As a program stored in the memory 73, a print control program 73a that controls the operation of each unit of the printer 10, an atmospheric pressure fluctuation control program 73b, an atmospheric pressure fluctuation drive waveform data 73c (corresponding to an example of atmospheric pressure correlation information), and the like are stored. Yes.

  Here, the atmospheric pressure fluctuation control program 73b is a program for controlling the driving of the print head 30 (the diaphragm 33) based on the atmospheric pressure data measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50. Details of the control by the atmospheric pressure fluctuation control program 73b will be described later.

  The pressure fluctuation drive waveform data 73c is data related to drive signal information when the drive of the print head 30 (the diaphragm 33) is changed by control based on the pressure fluctuation control program 73b. An example of data relating to such drive signal information is shown in FIG. Such drive signal information as shown in FIG. 9 exists in two or more according to the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50, and these drive signal information is for distinguishing from other drive signal information. It is stored in the memory 73 together with the identification data.

  The PTS generator 74 generates a drive timing signal (Print Timing Signal; hereinafter abbreviated as PTS) of the print head 30. The PTS generator 74 receives an encoder signal from the linear encoder RE shown in FIG. 1, a clock signal from a clock (not shown), and the like. Based on these signals, a timing signal PTS as shown in FIG. 10 is generated.

  Further, the head control unit 75 drives the print head 30 (the vibration plate 33) via the head drive circuit 77 based on a command from the main control unit 72 and ejects ink droplets. Here, the commands received by the head control unit 75 from the main control unit 72 include a print operation command based on print data and a flushing operation command which is a kind of maintenance operation based on the above-described maintenance table. .

  Further, the pump control unit 76 controls the suction pump 64 via the pump drive circuit 78 in a state where the print head 30 (the vibration plate 33) is sealed with the cap 61 based on a command from the main control unit 72. Control drive is performed and predetermined cleaning is executed.

  In addition, the head drive circuit 77 generates a predetermined voltage in response to a command from the head control unit 75 and applies the voltage to the diaphragm 33 in the print head 30. Further, the pump drive circuit 78 generates a predetermined voltage in accordance with a command from the pump control unit 76 and applies the voltage to the suction pump 64.

<Schematic configuration of computer>
As shown in FIG. 7, the printer 10 is connected to a computer 100 via a communication interface 71. The computer 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, a video circuit 105, an interface 106, a display device 107, and the like.

  Among these, the HDD 104 reads data or a program recorded on a hard disk as a recording medium in response to a request from the CPU 101, and records data generated as a result of arithmetic processing of the CPU 101 on the hard disk described above. Device. In this embodiment, the HDD 104 stores a video driver program 104a, a printer driver program 104b, and the like.

  Among these, the video driver program 104a is a program for driving the video circuit 105. For example, the video driver program 104a performs predetermined adjustment or the like on information for predetermined window display supplied from the printer driver program 104b. Thereafter, a video signal is generated and supplied to the display device 107. Thereby, a window 120 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

  The printer driver program 104b corresponds to an example of a part of input means. When the printer driver program 104b operates under a predetermined operating system (OS) and receives information from the printer 10 to display a window 120 as shown in FIG. Or the like, and transfer it to the video driver program 104a side.

  Note that a window 120 shown in FIG. 8 includes a display unit 121 indicating that the printing speed has been slowed due to a drive waveform change as will be described later, and a display unit 122 indicating that the replacement of the ink cartridge 27 is recommended. Is provided.

  The video circuit 105 is a circuit that executes a drawing process in accordance with a drawing command supplied from the CPU 101, converts the obtained image data into a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the display device 107. The interface 106 outputs image data to the printer 10 and signals output from the external input device 108 (keyboard, mouse, etc.) and the external storage device 109 (magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, etc.). This is a circuit for appropriately converting and inputting the expression format.

<Control based on atmospheric pressure fluctuation>
Details of the control when the atmospheric pressure fluctuates in the printer 10 having the above-described configuration will be described below.

  When the printer 10 is powered on, the main control unit 72 configured by a CPU (not shown) reading the atmospheric pressure fluctuation control program 73b or the like is in a state of executing control based on the atmospheric pressure fluctuation control program 73b. . In other words, the main control unit 72 can execute the following control.

  The main control unit 72 operates the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 at every predetermined timing, and measures the atmospheric pressure around the printer 10. When the detection signal from the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 is input to the control unit 70, the main control unit 72 indicates that the atmospheric pressure indicated by the detection signal is lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold (or lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold). ) Or not. In addition, the main control unit 72 also determines whether or not the atmospheric pressure indicated by the detection signal is lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold (or less than or equal to the second atmospheric pressure threshold). The data relating to the first atmospheric pressure threshold value and the second atmospheric pressure threshold value may exist in the atmospheric pressure fluctuation drive waveform data 73c, or may be stored in the memory 73 as separate data.

  Here, the first atmospheric pressure threshold value is a predetermined atmospheric pressure value that is somewhat lower than the average value of atmospheric pressure. Here, air is dissolved in the ink supplied from the cartridge to the print head 30. For example, when the atmospheric pressure around the printer 10 is lowered due to the high altitude and / or the low atmospheric pressure or the like, the gas such as air dissolved in the ink becomes saturated or supersaturated. Assuming the above points, the first atmospheric pressure threshold is set.

  In addition, the second atmospheric pressure threshold value is a predetermined atmospheric pressure value that is lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold value. When the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 reaches the second atmospheric pressure threshold, the gas such as air dissolved in the ink is surely oversaturated. appear. Assuming such a state, the second gas threshold is set.

  Note that the first atmospheric pressure threshold and the second atmospheric pressure threshold are provided for each type of ink cartridge 27. However, all the ink cartridges 27 or two or more ink cartridges 27 may have a common first atmospheric pressure threshold and second atmospheric pressure threshold. Further, in the control described here, when the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 exceeds the first atmospheric pressure threshold of any one of the ink cartridges 27 or becomes equal to or higher than the first atmospheric pressure threshold, the following Such control is performed. Similarly, when the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 exceeds the second atmospheric pressure threshold of any one of the ink cartridges 27 or exceeds the second atmospheric pressure threshold, the following control is performed. . However, when the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 exceeds the first atmospheric pressure threshold of two or more ink cartridges 27 or exceeds the first atmospheric pressure threshold, the following control is performed. Also good. Further, when the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 exceeds the second atmospheric pressure threshold value of two or more ink cartridges 27 or exceeds the second atmospheric pressure threshold value, the following control is performed. Also good.

(Aspect 1 of change)
If the main control unit 72 determines that the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 is lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold (or less than or equal to the first atmospheric pressure threshold), the main control unit 72 performs printing. Data relating to the drive waveform applied to the head 30 (diaphragm 33) (drive signal information) is read out from the drive waveform data 73c for atmospheric pressure fluctuation and changed as follows (change mode 1).

  In the state before the change, a waveform having a drive waveform corresponding to the first drive signal information as a basic waveform is applied, and after the change, the drive waveform corresponding to the first drive signal information is applied. The basic waveform is changed to one having the drive waveform corresponding to the second drive signal information as the basic waveform. Here, the first drive signal information and the second drive signal information are information related to a drive waveform serving as a base for generating a drive signal based on print data.

  Here, the data related to the drive waveform is changed so as to reduce the amount of ejected ink droplets. In other words, the unit drive waveform T is changed so as to reduce the number of ink droplets ejected. Specifically, drive waveform data (corresponding to the first drive signal information) applied to the print head 30 (the vibration plate 33) in a state higher than the first atmospheric pressure threshold (or higher than the first atmospheric pressure threshold). If the driving waveform data) exhibits the driving waveform indicated by the broken line in FIG. 9, the driving waveform data indicating the driving waveform indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9 (driving waveform data corresponding to the second driving signal information). change.

  Here, in the drive waveform indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9, the change when the print head 30 (vibrating plate 33) bends in the direction of drawing ink changes more than the drive waveform indicated by the broken line in FIG. It is set so as not to be sudden (the change per unit time in FIG. 9 does not increase). Further, in the drive waveform indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9, the pull-in amount that the print head 30 (the diaphragm 33) draws ink is larger than the drive waveform indicated by the broken line in FIG.

  Further, when the print head 30 (the vibration plate 33) performs the operation of ejecting ink and then returns to the original unbent state, the drive waveform indicated by a solid line in FIG. 9 is indicated by a broken line in FIG. It is set so that the change does not become abrupt as compared with the drive waveform (the change per unit time in FIG. 9 does not become large).

  In FIG. 9, the drive waveform indicated by the solid line and the drive waveform indicated by the broken line may have the same or different potential at “0%”. However, in FIG. 9, the potential difference from the lowest potential to the highest potential is 100% between the drive waveform indicated by the solid line and the drive waveform indicated by the broken line. In addition, although the ink ejection amount is also caused by a potential difference, the drive waveform indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9 has a lower maximum potential than the drive waveform indicated by the broken line in FIG. Has been reduced.

  As described above, although the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 is lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold (or lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold), the main control unit 72 is above the second atmospheric pressure threshold. If there is (or is higher than the second atmospheric pressure threshold value), data relating to the drive waveform indicated by the broken line (first drive signal information) shown in FIG. Signal information).

(Change mode 2)
Further, when the main control unit 72 determines that the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 is lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold (or lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold), the main control unit 72 performs printing. Data relating to the drive waveform applied to the head 30 (diaphragm 33) is read from the pressure fluctuation drive waveform data 73c and changed as follows (mode 2 of change).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the main control unit 72 causes the print head 30 (the diaphragm 33 to change) so that the number of unit drive waveforms T existing in one cycle (corresponding to a specific cycle) of the timing signal PTS is changed. ) To control.

  Here, in the case shown in FIG. 10A, in the drive waveform A shown based on the data (first drive signal information) related to the drive waveform before the change, four ( There is a unit drive waveform T (4 cycles). In this state, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the data related to the drive waveform so as to lengthen the wait time until the next unit drive waveform T arrives after each unit drive waveform T elapses. Change to (third drive signal information). As a result of this change, the print head 30 (vibrating plate 33) has a drive waveform B after the change as shown in FIG. The drive is controlled. Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, the main control unit 72 sets the time length for each unit drive waveform T (that is, the period of the unit drive waveform T) as compared with that shown in FIG. By increasing the length, the number of unit drive waveforms T existing within one cycle of the timing signal PTS is controlled to be further reduced.

  When the main control unit 72 determines that the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 is lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold (or less than or equal to the second atmospheric pressure threshold), it is indicated by a solid line in FIG. From the data (second drive signal information) relating to the drive waveform to be displayed, the data (third drive signal information) shown in FIG. 10B or the drive waveform C in FIG. Change to (third drive signal information). Note that the main control unit 72 generates data (third drive signal) indicated by the drive waveform B in FIG. 10B from data indicated by the drive waveform A in FIG. 10A (first drive signal information). Information) or the data (third drive signal information) indicated by the drive waveform C in FIG. 10C may be controlled.

  In the above-described (Modification Mode 2), the main control unit 72 increases the number of unit drive waveforms T present in one cycle of the timing signal PTS by increasing the wait time between the unit drive waveforms T. I try to reduce it.

  As described above, the drive waveform is changed, and ink droplets are ejected from the print head 30 toward the print medium P. As a result, a print image is formed on the print medium P. The drive waveform may be changed not only when a print image is formed on the print medium P but also during flushing for cleaning purposes.

  Further, when the drive waveform is changed as described above, a display window 120 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. As a result, the display unit 121 that the printing speed is slowed down and the display unit 122 that recommends replacement of the ink cartridge 27 are displayed to the user.

<Effect>
According to the printer 10 and the liquid ejecting method configured as described above, when the atmospheric pressure is measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50, the control unit 70 calculates the atmospheric pressure from the atmospheric pressure fluctuation driving waveform data 73 c stored in the memory 73. Data corresponding to one of the corresponding drive waveforms (drive signal information) is selected.

  Therefore, the control unit 70 selects drive signal information that exhibits an appropriate drive waveform corresponding to the amount of dissolved gas based on the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50, and based on the drive signal information, the control unit 70 selects the drive signal information. The drive can be controlled. As a result, it is possible to prevent inappropriate drive signal information from being selected with respect to the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50, and in the print head 30 caused by selecting inappropriate drive signal information. It becomes possible to prevent the generation of bubbles. Then, by preventing the generation of bubbles, it becomes possible to prevent the occurrence of cavitation.

  In the present embodiment, the drive signal information includes first drive signal information and second drive signal information, and second drive signal information within one cycle of the timing signal PTS. When ink droplets are ejected from the print head 30 based on (the drive waveform indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9), the ink from the print head 30 is based on the first drive signal information (the drive waveform indicated by the broken line in FIG. 9). The ink amount is set to be smaller than that in the case of ejecting droplets. The ink droplet ejection based on the second drive signal information is provided in a state in which the generation of bubbles in the ink in the print head 30 is suppressed as compared with the ink droplet ejection based on the first drive signal information. It has been.

  Therefore, when the control unit 70 selects the second drive signal information instead of the first drive signal information to control the drive of the print head 30, the inside of the print head 30 is under a low atmospheric pressure. It is possible to reduce bubbles generated from the ink present in the ink, and effectively prevent the occurrence of cavitation. Further, by reducing the bubbles generated from the liquid inside the print head 30, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of cavitation even when the atmospheric pressure is low.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 is lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold or less than or equal to the second atmospheric pressure threshold, the control unit 70 performs the first drive signal information or Instead of the second drive signal information, the third drive signal information is selected. Here, within one cycle of the timing signal PTS, the number of unit drive waveforms T of the third drive signal information is set smaller than the number of unit drive waveforms T of the second drive signal information. Therefore, the amount of ink ejected is reduced as compared with the case based on the second drive signal information. However, in a situation where the atmospheric pressure is low, the bubbles generated from the ink existing in the print head 30 are correspondingly reduced. This can be further reduced. Further, by further reducing the bubbles generated from the ink in the print head 30, it is possible to effectively prevent cavitation even when the atmospheric pressure is lower.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of cavitation can be effectively prevented even by fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, so that the print quality can be stabilized. In other words, when cavitation occurs, ink cannot be ejected over a large number of nozzles (so-called dosage loss occurs, in which ink cannot be ejected from a large number of nozzles and printing is lost). However, by preventing the occurrence of cavitation as described above, the ejection of ink droplets becomes stable and the quality of printing can be stabilized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by effectively preventing the occurrence of cavitation, it is possible to prevent damage caused by cavitation inside the print head 30 and improve the maintainability of the print head 30. Is possible.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent unnecessary cleaning from being performed a plurality of times by effectively preventing the occurrence of cavitation. That is, when cavitation occurs, cleaning needs to be performed by operating the suction pump 64 or the like to remove bubbles inside the print head 30. In this case, the ink is unnecessarily discharged during cleaning. However, by effectively preventing the occurrence of cavitation, it is possible to prevent ink from being wasted. Even when air bubbles are generated in a specific color ink, the ink is discharged by the operation of the suction pump 64 in all color inks including other color inks. Is in a state of being wasted. However, by effectively preventing cavitation as described above, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent ink from being discharged wastefully.

<Modification>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be variously modified. This will be described below.

  In the above-described embodiment, only the one corresponding to the first atmospheric pressure threshold exists as shown in FIG. 9 as the drive waveform is changed so as to reduce the amount of ejected ink droplets. Yes. However, as shown in FIG. 11, the third driving waveform corresponding to the second atmospheric pressure threshold and that reduces the amount of ejected ink droplets further than the driving waveform corresponding to the first atmospheric pressure threshold. The drive signal information may be provided. Then, the third drive signal information in which the amount of ink droplets is further reduced may be used instead of the information in the above (Modification Mode 2).

  Even in this case, it is possible to execute printing that effectively suppresses the occurrence of cavitation based on the measurement by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, what is described in (Modification Mode 2) is described as corresponding to the third drive signal information. However, you may make it use the drive signal information which exhibits the drive waveform demonstrated in (mode 2 of a change) as 2nd drive signal information. In this case, the number of unit drive waveforms T existing in one cycle (corresponding to a specific cycle) of the timing signal PTS is larger in the second drive signal information than in the third drive signal information. To do. Even with this configuration, the amount of ink ejected can be reduced, and cavitation can be effectively prevented even when the atmospheric pressure drops.

  In the above-described embodiment, the drive signal information as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is selected based on the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50. However, instead of them, drive signal information indicated by a drive waveform as shown in FIG. 12 may be selected. Here, the drive waveform shown in FIG. 12A corresponds to the first drive signal information, and the specific period is T1. The drive waveform shown in FIG. 12B corresponds to the second drive signal information, and the specific period is T2 larger than T1. The drive waveform shown in FIG. 12C corresponds to the third drive signal information, and the specific period is T3 larger than T2. As described above, the specific period is set to be greater than the specific period corresponding to the first drive signal information, and the specific period corresponding to the second drive signal information is further set to correspond to the third drive signal information. The occurrence of cavitation is also effectively prevented by setting the specific period to be larger than the specific period corresponding to the first drive signal information and the specific period corresponding to the second drive signal information. Is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first fluctuation signal information, the second driving signal information, and the third driving signal information exist in the atmospheric pressure fluctuation driving waveform data 73c. However, the drive waveform corresponding to the second drive signal information and / or the third drive signal information may be calculated by calculation.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the information related to the application of the drive signal based on the input image data input from the outside such as the computer 100 is generated, the control unit 70 selects the input of the drive signal information. Information regarding application of the drive signal based on the image data may be reflected. Specifically, for example, depending on the input image data, it may be assumed that the print head 30 is not driven so much (that is, the degree of application of the drive signal is small), and bubbles are not generated so much. On the contrary, depending on the input image data, the print head 30 is almost in a state of being fully driven (that is, a state in which the drive signal is almost fully applied) and it is assumed that many bubbles are generated. is there.

  For this reason, when selecting the drive signal information as described above, it is possible to select more appropriate drive signal information by reflecting the information related to the application of the drive signal based on the input image data. Further, it is possible to more effectively prevent the generation of bubbles in the print head 30 and to keep a balance with the printing speed.

  Furthermore, the control unit 70 may calculate the input image data and an index value indicating the ease with which bubbles are generated based on the input image data. When the index value is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value or less than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 70 selects the first drive signal information regardless of the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure sensor 50, and the first drive signal information is selected. The drive of the print head 30 may be controlled based on the drive signal information.

  In this case, in the case of input image data in which it is assumed that bubbles are not generated so much, it is not necessary to select the second drive signal information that reduces the ink ejection amount. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the printing speed. That is, it is possible to appropriately maintain a balance between the prevention of the generation of bubbles and the securing of the printing speed according to the input image data.

  In the above example, after the input image data is converted into data represented by CMYK, an average of CMYK gradation values is calculated in a certain area of the input image data, and the average value is a predetermined threshold value. There is something to judge whether or not. Further, at the stage of RGB input image data, an average of gradation values may be calculated, and it may be determined whether or not the average value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 70 determines that the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 is lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold or equal to or lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold, or the atmospheric pressure sensor 50. When it is determined that the atmospheric pressure measured by the air pressure is lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold value or lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold value, the cleaning mechanism 60 is activated to discharge the bubbles present inside the print head 30 to the outside. It is also possible to perform control to execute a cleaning operation for the purpose.

  In this case, it is possible to execute a cleaning operation for discharging bubbles present inside the print head 30 to the outside according to the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure sensor 50. Thereby, the occurrence of cavitation can be more effectively prevented. Further, even when the ambient atmospheric pressure is low, the occurrence of cavitation can be more effectively prevented.

  For this cleaning, a display part for asking whether or not to perform cleaning is provided in the display window 120 as shown in FIG. 8, and a button part corresponding to execution of cleaning is provided in the display part. Cleaning may be executed by clicking. The cleaning may be any type of cleaning including flushing, pump suction, and the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation of the print head 30 is controlled based on the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50. However, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature around the printer 10 or the temperature of the ink inside the print head 30 is separately provided, and the measurement result obtained by the temperature sensor is driven as described in the above-described embodiment. You may make it consider in selection of signal information. That is, temperature and pressure are correlated by Boyle-Charles' law. Therefore, when the temperature changes with respect to the reference temperature, the pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 50 is corrected by the ratio represented by Boyle-Charle and the drive signal information is selected. good.

  In this case, the selection of drive signal information is further optimized, and it is possible to effectively prevent the generation of bubbles, thereby further reducing the occurrence of cavitation and maintaining a good balance with the printing speed. It becomes possible.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the atmospheric pressure fluctuation control program 73b and the atmospheric pressure fluctuation drive waveform data 73c may be stored on the computer 100 side, or may be stored in an IC chip provided in the ink cartridge 27. When the atmospheric pressure fluctuation control program 73b and the atmospheric pressure fluctuation drive waveform data 73c are stored on the computer 100 side, the atmospheric pressure fluctuation control program 73b and the atmospheric pressure fluctuation drive waveform data 73c are incorporated in the printer driver program 104b. Preferably it is.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 70 may be realized by software, or may be realized by a circuit.

  Further, the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the above-described embodiment may include both the functions of the printer 10 and the computer 100.

  In addition, the printer 10 may be a multifunction device including a scanner device, a fax device, a copy device, and the like other than the printing function as the printer of the present invention.

  Further, the concept of the printer 10 in the above-described embodiment includes fluids such as liquids other than ink (liquids themselves, liquids obtained by dispersing or mixing functional material particles in liquids, and gels). It is also possible to include a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects or ejects (including a material). As such, a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a color material (pixel material) used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, and a surface emitting display is dispersed or dissolved. There are a liquid ejecting apparatus, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample.

  Further, the concept of the printer 10 of the present invention includes a micro hemispherical lens (optical lens) used in a fluid ejecting apparatus, an optical communication element, and the like that ejects lubricating oil pinpoint to a precision machine such as a watch or a camera. A fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin onto a substrate to form a substrate, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etchant such as an acid or an alkali to etch the substrate, etc., a gel (for example, a physical gel ) And the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer (corresponding to an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus), 20 ... Carriage mechanism, 21 ... Carriage, 30 ... Print head (corresponding to an example of a liquid ejecting head), 33 ... Vibration plate, 40 ... Paper transport mechanism, 50 ... Atmospheric pressure Sensor (corresponding to an example of atmospheric pressure measuring means), 60 ... Cleaning mechanism (corresponding to an example of maintenance execution means), 61 ... Cap (corresponding to an example of cap member), 64 ... Suction pump, 70 ... Control unit (of control means) (Corresponding to an example), 71 ... communication interface, 72 ... main control unit, 73 ... memory (corresponding to an example of an information storage unit), 73a ... print control program, 73b ... atmospheric pressure fluctuation control program, 73c ... atmospheric pressure fluctuation drive waveform data (Corresponding to an example of atmospheric pressure correlation information), 100 ... computer, 104b ... printer driver program, P ... printing paper (mark Corresponding to an example of a medium), RE ... linear encoder

Claims (7)

A liquid ejecting head that ejects the liquid supplied from the liquid storage means based on application of a drive signal based on the drive signal information;
Atmospheric pressure measuring means for measuring the atmospheric pressure of the place where the liquid ejecting apparatus is installed;
An information storage unit storing atmospheric pressure correlation information indicating a relationship between the atmospheric pressure and the driving signal information associated with the dissolved gas amount in the liquid that varies according to the atmospheric pressure;
Based on the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means and the atmospheric pressure correlation information, the drive signal information that is the basis of the drive signal applied by the liquid ejecting head is selected, and the liquid based on the drive signal information is selected. Control means for controlling the drive of the ejection head;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
The drive signal information in the atmospheric pressure correlation information is provided with first drive signal information and second drive signal information,
The liquid ejection amount based on the second drive signal information within a specific period is provided less than the liquid ejection amount based on the first drive signal information,
In the case where the liquid ejecting head is controlled based on the second drive signal information by the control means, the liquid ejecting head is controlled based on the first drive signal information. Is also provided in a state where the generation of bubbles in the liquid is suppressed,
When it is determined that the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means is lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold value or lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold value, the control means replaces the first drive signal information, Selecting the second driving signal information and controlling driving of the liquid jet head based on the second driving signal information;
A liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2,
The drive signal information in the atmospheric pressure correlation information is provided with third drive signal information,
The number of unit drive waveforms constituting the third drive signal information and within the specific period is less than the number of unit drive waveforms constituting the second drive signal information and within the specific period. Being
The control means determines that the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means is lower than a second atmospheric pressure threshold value that is lower than the first atmospheric pressure threshold value or less than or equal to a second atmospheric pressure threshold value. Instead of the first drive signal information or the second drive signal information, the third drive signal information is selected, and the driving of the liquid ejecting head is controlled based on the third drive signal information. ,
A liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The control means reflects information related to the application of the drive signal based on input image data input from the outside in the selection of the drive signal information.
A liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4,
The control means calculates the index value indicating the ease of bubble generation based on the input image data and the input image data,
When the index value is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value or less than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit selects the first drive signal information regardless of the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure measurement unit, and the first drive signal information is selected. Controlling driving of the liquid jet head based on drive signal information;
A liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
A cap member for contacting the nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejecting head to form a sealed space, and a maintenance execution means for ejecting or discharging the liquid from the liquid ejecting head to the cap member;
The control means, when it is determined that the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means is below the first atmospheric pressure threshold or below the first atmospheric pressure threshold, or the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means, When it is determined that the air pressure is lower than the second atmospheric pressure threshold value or less than the second atmospheric pressure threshold value, the maintenance execution unit is operated to discharge the air bubbles existing inside the liquid ejecting head to the outside. Control to execute the cleaning operation,
A liquid ejecting apparatus. A pressure measuring step for measuring a pressure at a place where a liquid ejecting head is installed for ejecting the liquid supplied from the liquid storing means based on the application of the drive signal based on the drive signal information;
From the atmospheric pressure measured in the atmospheric pressure measurement step, select one of the driving signal information that is associated with the dissolved gas amount in the liquid that fluctuates according to the atmospheric pressure and becomes the basis of the driving signal, and the driving signal A control step for controlling the driving of the liquid jet head based on the information;
A liquid ejecting method comprising:

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