Printer, printing system, and data base

Abstract

To provide a printer which can reduce consumption of liquid, and to provide a printing system and a data base.SOLUTION: A printer includes: a printing head 24 having a plurality of nozzles 34 which discharges liquid; a cleaning part 25 which performs cleaning of the printing head 24; a detection part 26 which performs defective nozzle detection processing for detecting a defective nozzle which is defect in discharging for each of the nozzles 34; a data base 28 which stores factor data for presuming factors that cause defects in the nozzles 34; and a control unit 27. The control unit 27 checks defect nozzle information including positions of the defective nozzles detected by the detection part 26 in the printing head 24 against the factor data to select cleaning to be performed by the cleaning part 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device, a printing system, and a database. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a printing device that performs printing by ejecting ink, which is an example of liquid, from nozzles. The printing device removes clogged nozzles by performing a cleaning process that forcibly sucks and discharges ink from the nozzles. Nozzle clogging occurs when ink inside the nozzles dries during printing. For this reason, the printing device selects the type of cleaning depending on the number of printing passes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-212433 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Nozzle clogging can also occur when, for example, foreign matter adheres to the nozzle or air bubbles get inside the nozzle. Therefore, simply selecting the type of cleaning depending on the number of printing passes may result in unnecessary consumption of liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A printing device that solves the above problem comprises a print head having a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid, a cleaning unit that cleans the print head, a detection unit that performs a faulty nozzle detection process for each of the plurality of nozzles to detect faulty nozzles that have poor ejection, a database that stores factor data for estimating the causes of the nozzles having poor ejection, and a control unit, wherein the control unit selects the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit by comparing faulty nozzle information, including the position of the faulty nozzle on the print head detected by the detection unit, with the factor data.

[0006] A printing system that solves the above problems comprises a print head having a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid, a cleaning unit that cleans the print head, a detection unit that performs a faulty nozzle detection process for each of the plurality of nozzles to detect faulty nozzles that have poor ejection, a database that stores factor data for estimating the causes of the nozzles having poor ejection, and a control unit, wherein the control unit selects the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit by comparing faulty nozzle information, including the position of the faulty nozzle on the print head detected by the detection unit, with the factor data.

[0007] The database that solves the above problem is a database in which a printing device includes a print head having a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid, a cleaning unit that cleans the print head, a detection unit that performs a faulty nozzle detection process for each of the plurality of nozzles to detect faulty nozzles that have poor ejection, and a control unit, and which collates faulty nozzle information including the position of the faulty nozzles in the print head detected by the detection unit in order to select the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit, and stores factor data for estimating the factors that cause the nozzles to have poor ejection. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a printing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the printing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle face showing an ejection failure of a first pattern. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle face showing ejection defects in the second pattern. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle face showing a discharge defect of a third pattern. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle face showing a fourth pattern of ejection failure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle face showing a discharge defect of the fifth pattern. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the display routine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printing system, a printing device, a database, a display method, a display device, and an information processing method will be described with reference to the drawings. The printing device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, fabric, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts.

[0010] <Printing system> As shown in Fig. 1, a printing system 11 may include a server device 12, one or more printing devices 13, and one or more display devices 14. The server device 12 may be connected to each of the multiple printing devices 13 and the multiple display devices 14 directly or via a network NT. The connection is an electrical connection, and is not limited to a wired connection but also includes a wireless connection. The server device 12 may be capable of communicating with each of the multiple printing devices 13. The multiple printing devices 13 may be capable of communicating with each other.

[0011] <Display device> The display device 14 includes a display unit 16 capable of displaying information in the form of images, characters, etc. The display device 14 may be a display or a touch panel. The display device 14 may be included in the printing device 13, or may be provided separately from the printing device 13. That is, the printing device 13 may include a display unit 16 capable of displaying information. The display device 14 may be provided detachably with respect to the printing device 13. The display device 14 displays information output by the printing device 13. The display device 14 may be connected to the printing device 13 directly or via a network NT.

[0012] <Printing device> 1, the printing device 13 may include one or more media containers 18 and a stacker 19. The media containers 18 may be, for example, cassettes. The media containers 18 may contain stacks of media 20 before printing. The stacker 19 receives the printed media 20.

[0013] 2, the printing device 13 may include a mounting unit 22 and a supply flow path 23. The printing device 13 includes a print head 24, a cleaning unit 25, a detection unit 26, a control unit 27, and a database 28.

[0014] A liquid storage unit 30 is removably attached to the mounting unit 22. A plurality of liquid storage units 30 may be attachable to the mounting unit 22. A plurality of supply flow paths 23 may be connected to the mounting unit 22. The liquid storage unit 30 stores liquid to be supplied to the print head 24. The plurality of liquid storage units 30 may each store a different type of liquid. The different types of liquid may be, for example, inks of different colors.

[0015] The upstream end of the supply flow path 23 may be constituted by a supply needle 32. The supply needle 32 is provided in the mounting portion 22. The supply needle 32 is inserted into the liquid storage portion 30 mounted in the mounting portion 22, thereby enabling the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 30 to be discharged. The downstream end of the supply flow path 23 is connected to the print head 24. The supply flow path 23 supplies liquid from the liquid storage portion 30 mounted in the mounting portion 22 to the print head 24. The supply flow path 23 may supply liquid by a water head. The printing device 13 may include a pump (not shown) that supplies liquid from the liquid storage portion 30 to the print head 24.

[0016] The print head 24 has a nozzle surface 35 in which multiple nozzles 34 open. That is, the print head 24 has multiple nozzles 34. The print head 24 prints by ejecting liquid from the multiple nozzles 34 onto the medium 20. The print head 24 may be a serial type that prints by ejecting liquid while moving.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the print head 24 may have one or more nozzle rows L. The nozzle row L is composed of a plurality of nozzles 34 aligned in the first direction D1. One nozzle row L may be composed of several hundred nozzles 34, or may be composed of 1000 or more nozzles 34. The nozzle row L is composed of a plurality of nozzles 34 that eject the same type of liquid. When the print head 24 has a plurality of nozzle rows L, each of the plurality of nozzle rows L may eject a different type of liquid. The print head 24 may be capable of ejecting a plurality of types of liquid.

[0018] The print head 24 may have multiple nozzle rows L that eject the same type of liquid. In this embodiment, multiple nozzles 34 that eject the same type of liquid are also referred to as nozzle groups G. In this embodiment, each of the four nozzle groups G has two nozzle rows L.

[0019] The multiple nozzle rows L may be arranged side by side in the second direction D2. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are parallel to the nozzle surface 35 and may be perpendicular to each other or may be diagonally intersecting each other.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the print head 24 may include a plurality of pressure chambers 37, a plurality of actuators 38, and a vibration plate 39. Each pressure chamber 37 communicates with a corresponding nozzle 34. The liquid supplied by the supply flow passage 23 is sent to the nozzle 34 via the pressure chamber 37. A part of the wall surface of the pressure chamber 37 is formed by a vibration plate 39.

[0021] The actuator 38 is provided on the surface of the vibration plate 39 opposite to the portion facing the pressure chamber 37. The actuator 38 in this embodiment is composed of a piezoelectric element that contracts when a drive voltage is applied. The contracted actuator 38 deforms the vibration plate 39. When the application of the drive voltage is released, the actuator 38 changes the volume of the pressure chamber 37, thereby ejecting the liquid in the pressure chamber 37 as droplets from the nozzle 34. In other words, the nozzle 34 ejects the liquid that is pushed out of the pressure chamber 37 by driving the actuator 38.

[0022] The actuator 38 flexes and deforms the vibration plate 39. The deformation of the vibration plate 39 causes a pressure fluctuation in the pressure chamber 37. This fluctuation causes the vibration plate 39 to vibrate for a while. In this embodiment, the vibration of the pressure chamber 37 caused by applying a predetermined drive signal to the actuator 38 is also referred to as residual vibration. The predetermined drive signal may be a signal that causes liquid to be ejected from the nozzle 34, or may be a signal that does not cause liquid to be ejected.

[0023] The cleaning unit 25 may include a cap 41, a waste liquid flow path 42, and a suction pump 43. The cleaning unit 25 cleans the print head 24. The cap 41 is capable of receiving the liquid discharged from the nozzle 34. The cap 41 may be provided so as to be movable between a contact position shown in Fig. 2 and a spaced position (not shown).

[0024] The contact position is a position where the cap 41 comes into contact with the print head 24. The cap 41 positioned at the contact position forms a closed space 45 into which the multiple nozzles 34 are open. Forming the closed space 45 so that the cap 41 surrounds the nozzles 34 is also referred to as capping.

[0025] The separated position is a position where the cap 41 is separated from the print head 24. The cap 41 opens the closed space 45 by moving from the contact position to the separated position. In other words, the cap 41 positioned at the separated position does not form the closed space 45. The cap 41 positioned at the separated position may receive liquid ejected from the print head 24. Maintenance in which liquid is ejected from the print head 24 is also called flushing.

[0026] The waste liquid flow path may have an upstream end connected to the cap 41 and a downstream end connected to the waste liquid storage unit 47. The suction pump 43 is capable of reducing the pressure in the space within the cap 41 via the waste liquid flow path .

[0027] The cleaning unit 25 can perform cleaning by forcibly discharging liquid from the multiple nozzles 34 through the closed space 45. In this embodiment, the cleaning unit 25 performs cleaning by driving the suction pump 43 with the cap 41 positioned at the contact position. That is, the cleaning unit 25 reduces the pressure in the closed space 45. As a result, the liquid is discharged from the nozzles 34 and is supplied from the supply flow path 23 to the print head 24.

[0028] The cleaning unit 25 is capable of performing a plurality of types of cleaning. The different types of cleaning may differ in at least one of the amount of liquid discharged, the speed at which the liquid flows, and the discharge time for discharging the liquid.

[0029] For example, the cleaning unit 25 may be capable of performing weak cleaning, medium cleaning, and strong cleaning with different discharge amounts. Specifically, the weak cleaning may be a cleaning in which a first amount of liquid is discharged. The medium cleaning may be a cleaning in which a second amount of liquid that is greater than the first amount is discharged. The strong cleaning may be a cleaning in which a third amount of liquid that is greater than the second amount is discharged.

[0030] The detection unit 26 may detect the state of the pressure chamber 37 and the nozzle 34 communicating with the pressure chamber 37 from the state of the residual vibration. The detection unit 26 of this embodiment is a circuit that detects the state inside the pressure chamber 37 by detecting the vibration waveform of the pressure chamber 37.

[0031] 3, defective nozzles 34d with defective ejection are shown shaded. In this embodiment, the process of detecting defective nozzles 34d based on residual vibration is also referred to as defective nozzle detection process. The detection unit 26 executes the defective nozzle detection process for each of the multiple nozzles 34. The detection unit 26 is capable of detecting ejection defects of the multiple nozzles 34.

[0032] An ejection failure is a state in which liquid is not ejected from the nozzle 34, or if ejected, the amount of droplets is small, or the flight direction of the droplets is deviated and the droplets do not land at the intended position. An ejection failure occurs due to thickening of the liquid, inclusion of air bubbles, contact with foreign matter such as the medium 20, etc. In this embodiment, a nozzle 34 in which an ejection failure is detected is also referred to as a defective nozzle 34d, and a nozzle 34 in which an ejection failure is not detected is also referred to as a normal nozzle.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 27 controls various operations executed by the printing device 13. The control unit 27 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0034] <Database> As shown in FIG. 2, the database 28 stores cause data. The cause data is data for estimating the cause of the nozzle 34 having an ejection failure. The cause data is data that links the tendency of the position of the defective nozzle 34d with the cause of the ejection failure. The database 28 may store recommended cleaning data linked to the cause data. The database 28 may store past defective nozzle information and recovery information. The recovery information is information based on the position of the defective nozzle 34d before cleaning and the position of the defective nozzle 34d after cleaning. The recovery information may be linked to information on the cleaning that has been performed.

[0035] Examples of specific factor data and recommended cleaning data are shown below. 3 is an example of the first pattern. In the first pattern, defective nozzles 34d occur in one nozzle row L, and the number of defective nozzles 34d is less than a first threshold. Causes of the first pattern include foreign matter such as paper powder adhering to the nozzles 34, foreign matter entering the nozzles 34, solidification of the liquid in the nozzles 34, and an increase in viscosity of the liquid in the nozzles 34. The first threshold may be several tens of nozzles. The recommended cleaning for the first pattern is weak cleaning.

[0036] 4 is an example of the second pattern. In the second pattern, defective nozzles 34d occur in multiple nozzle rows L, and the number of defective nozzles 34d in each nozzle row L is less than the first threshold. The causes of the second pattern are continued use with ejection defects, induced defects due to cleaning, and moisture loss from the liquid in the nozzles 34 due to moisturizing agent remaining in the cap 41. The recommended cleaning for the second pattern is medium cleaning.

[0037] 5 is an example of the third pattern. In the third pattern, the defective nozzles 34d in the multiple nozzle rows L are aligned in the second direction D2. The cause of the third pattern is that a foreign object such as the medium 20 has come into contact with the nozzle surface 35. The recommended cleaning for the third pattern is medium cleaning.

[0038] 6 is an example of the fourth pattern. In the fourth pattern, faulty nozzles 34d occur in multiple nozzle rows L of the same nozzle group G. In the fourth pattern, in one nozzle group G, the number of faulty nozzles 34d in each nozzle row L is equal to or greater than the first threshold, while in the other nozzle group G, the number of faulty nozzles 34d in each nozzle row L is less than the first threshold. The cause of the fourth pattern is air bubbles in the print head 24. The recommended cleaning for the fourth pattern is strong cleaning.

[0039] FIG. 7 is an example of the fifth pattern. In the fifth pattern, defective nozzles 34d occur in multiple nozzle rows L, and the number of defective nozzles 34d in each nozzle row L is equal to or greater than the first threshold. Causes of the fifth pattern include impact due to the printing device 13 being dropped, moisture being removed from the liquid in the nozzles 34 by the moisturizer remaining in the cap 41, thickening of the liquid in the print head 24, and air bubbles in the print head 24. The moisturizer remaining in the cap 41 is also listed as a cause in the second pattern, but the second pattern is likely to occur in the early stages of ejection defects, while the fifth pattern is likely to occur when the ejection defects have progressed. The thickening of the liquid and air bubbles in the print head 24 in the fifth pattern occur when the printing device 13 has not been used for a long period of time. Air bubbles in the print head 24 also occur when air bubbles in the supply flow path 23 move to the print head 24 due to cleaning. The recommended cleaning for the fifth pattern is strong cleaning.

[0040] Next, a display method for displaying information output by printing device 13 on display unit 16 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. This display routine is executed when printing device 13 is turned on, when printing is performed, or at a timing specified by the user.

[0041] 8, in step S101, control unit 27 may cause detection unit 26 to execute a defective nozzle detection process. That is, control unit 27 provides a predetermined drive signal to each of the multiple actuators 38, and causes detection unit 26 to detect the respective residual vibrations.

[0042] In step S102, the control unit 27 may acquire defective nozzle information. The defective nozzle information includes the position in the print head 24 of the defective nozzle 34d detected by the detection unit 26.

[0043] In step S103, the control unit 27 stores the faulty nozzle information in the database 28. That is, the database 28 may have a history of the faulty nozzle information. In step S104, the control unit 27 may estimate the defect level. Specifically, the control unit 27 estimates the defect level of the defective nozzle 34d based on the defective nozzle information stored in the database 28. The control unit 27 may estimate the defect level for each nozzle 34. For example, if a nozzle 34 that was determined to be normal in the previous defective nozzle detection process is determined to be a defective nozzle 34d in the current defective nozzle detection process, the control unit 27 estimates that the defect level of this defective nozzle 34d is light. For example, if a defective nozzle 34d that has been determined to have continuous ejection defects is also determined to be a defective nozzle 34d in the current defective nozzle detection process, the control unit 27 estimates that the defect level of this defective nozzle 34d is heavy.

[0044] In step S105, the control unit 27 may verify the cause of the ejection failure. The control unit 27 may verify whether the cause of the ejection failure is a problem with a component constituting the printing device 13 or a problem with the supply of liquid. The control unit 27 estimates the cause by collating the defective nozzle information with the cause data. The control unit 27 may estimate the cause by using the defect level.

[0045] For example, if a severely defective nozzle 34d occurs in one nozzle row L, the control unit 27 may determine that there is a defect in the print head 24. In other words, the control unit 27 may infer that there is a problem with the print head 24, which is a component of the printing device 13.

[0046] For example, if defective nozzles 34d with a severe defect level occur in multiple nozzle rows L, the control unit 27 may determine that there is a defect in the cap 41. In other words, the control unit 27 may infer that there is a problem with the cap 41, which is a component of the printing device 13.

[0047] For example, when the number of defective nozzles 34d in one nozzle row L is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, and the number of defective nozzles 34d in the other nozzle row L is less than the first threshold value, the control unit 27 estimates that the cause of the ejection failure is an air bubble inside the print head 24. Specifically, the control unit 27 estimates that the position of the defective nozzle 34d fits the fourth pattern shown in Fig. 6, and acquires the cause associated with the fourth pattern.

[0048] For example, when the defective nozzles 34d of multiple nozzle rows L are lined up in a row, the control unit 27 estimates that the cause of the ejection failure is contact of a foreign object with the print head 24. Specifically, the control unit 27 estimates that the position of the defective nozzles 34d fits the third pattern shown in Fig. 5, and acquires the cause associated with the third pattern.

[0049] In step S106, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the cause of the current ejection failure is a defective part. If the cause is a part, step S106 becomes YES, and the control unit 27 moves the process to step S107. In step S107, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 16 to display the cause of the ejection failure and a guide to replacing the part that caused the failure. That is, if the cause of the ejection failure of the nozzle 34 is a part, the control unit 27 guides the user to replace the part. The control unit 27 ends the display routine without performing cleaning.

[0050] If the cause is not a part, step S106 becomes NO, and the control unit 27 transitions the process to step S108. In step S108, the control unit 27 selects the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit 25. The control unit 27 may select the cleaning by checking the defective nozzle information against the cause data. The control unit 27 may select the cleaning linked to the cause of the current ejection failure. For example, if the positional tendency of the current defective nozzle 34d is the first pattern, the control unit 27 may select weak cleaning, which is the recommended cleaning for the first pattern.

[0051] The control unit 27 may select the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit 25 based on the tendency of the ejection failure. For example, the control unit 27 may select the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit 25 based on the previous faulty nozzle information and the current faulty nozzle information.

[0052] For example, if the positional tendency of the current defective nozzle 34d is the first pattern and the previous defective nozzle 34d was the third pattern, the control unit 27 may select medium cleaning. For example, if the positional tendency of the defective nozzle 34d is the first pattern both last time and now and the same nozzle 34 is defective in ejection, the control unit 27 may select medium cleaning.

[0053] The control unit 27 may select cleaning based on the recovery information. For example, if the ejection defect was not improved by the cleaning performed in the past, the control unit 27 may select cleaning with a larger discharge amount than the cleaning performed in the past. Specifically, if the same nozzle 34 has an ejection defect even after performing weak cleaning in the past, the control unit 27 may select medium cleaning.

[0054] For example, if the discharge defect has been sufficiently improved by the cleaning performed in the past, the control unit 27 may select a cleaning with a smaller discharge amount than the cleaning performed in the past. Specifically, if the discharge defect of the second pattern is recovered with a high probability as a result of performing a medium cleaning for the discharge defect of the second pattern, the control unit 27 may select a weak cleaning for the discharge defect of the second pattern. The control unit 27 may rewrite the recommended cleaning.

[0055] In step S109, the control unit 27 may display information about the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit 25 on the display unit 16. In this embodiment, the control unit 27 displays faulty nozzle information, the cause of the nozzle 34 having an ejection failure, and options for cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit 25 on the display unit 16. The control unit 27 may display the selected cleaning as an option. In other words, the user may input an instruction to perform the displayed cleaning, or may instruct a cleaning different from the displayed cleaning. The control unit 27 may display a plurality of cleaning options, including the selected cleaning, as options.

[0056] In step S110, the control unit 27 causes the cleaning unit 25 to execute the selected cleaning or the cleaning instructed by the user. In step S111, the control unit 27 may cause the detection unit 26 to execute a defective nozzle detection process. The detection unit 26 may execute the defective nozzle detection process before and after the cleaning unit 25 executes cleaning.

[0057] In step S112, the control unit 27 may cause the display unit 16 to display the defective nozzle information after cleaning has been performed. In step S113, the control unit 27 may store the recovery information in the database 28. The control unit 27 may store the recovery information and the type of cleaning performed by the cleaning unit 25 in the database 28. The recovery information is information based on the position of the defective nozzle 34d before cleaning and the position of the defective nozzle 34d after cleaning.

[0058] <Operation of the embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. The control unit 27 compares the defective nozzle information with the cause data, and selects the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit 25. The control unit 27 causes the display unit 16 to display the defective nozzle information, together with the cause of the nozzle 34 having an ejection defect and cleaning options.

[0059] <Effects of the embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) The control unit 27 selects the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit 25 by collating the defective nozzle information with the cause data. The cause data is data for estimating the cause of the ejection failure of the nozzle 34. Therefore, the cleaning can be selected taking into consideration the cause of the ejection failure of the nozzle 34, thereby reducing the amount of liquid consumed.

[0060] (1-2) The control unit 27 selects the cleaning method using the previous faulty nozzle information in addition to the current faulty nozzle information, so that a more appropriate cleaning method can be selected.

[0061] (1-3) The control unit 27 estimates the defect level of the defective nozzle 34d based on the defective nozzle information stored in the database 28. Therefore, the control unit 27 can select cleaning that matches the defect level.

[0062] (1-4) Past defective nozzle information is stored in the database 28. Therefore, by taking into account the tendency of ejection defects, it is possible to select a more appropriate cleaning method. (1-5) The control unit 27 estimates the cause of the ejection failure based on the type of liquid ejected by the nozzle 34 that has become ejection defective, the number of defective nozzles 34d, and the positions of the defective nozzles 34d. Therefore, the cause of the ejection failure can be easily estimated.

[0063] (1-6) When the defective nozzles 34d of multiple nozzle rows L are aligned in a row, the control unit 27 estimates that the cause of the ejection failure is that a foreign object has come into contact with the print head 24. That is, the control unit 27 estimates the cause of the ejection failure based on the position of the defective nozzles 34d. Therefore, the cause of the ejection failure can be easily estimated.

[0064] (1-7) If the cause of the ejection failure is a part, cleaning is unlikely to resolve the ejection failure. In this regard, if the cause of the ejection failure of the nozzle 34 is a part, the control unit 27 will guide you to replace the part. Therefore, the amount of liquid consumed can be reduced by the amount that cleaning is not performed.

[0065] (1-8) The control unit 27 stores recovery information based on the positions of the defective nozzles 34d before and after cleaning in the database 28. This makes it possible to verify the effectiveness of the cleaning.

[0066] (1-9) The control unit 27 selects the cleaning method based on the recovery information, so that more appropriate cleaning can be selected. (1-10) The control unit 27 causes the display unit 16 to display information on the cleaning unit 25 to perform the cleaning. This allows the user to know what kind of cleaning will be performed by the cleaning unit 25.

[0067] (1-11) The detection unit 26 executes a defective nozzle detection process to detect a defective nozzle 34d based on the residual vibration of the pressure chamber 37. Therefore, it is possible to detect a defective nozzle 34d by utilizing the configuration in which liquid is ejected from the nozzle 34.

[0068] (1-12) The display unit 16 displays information about the defective nozzle, the cause of the ejection failure, and cleaning options. This allows the user to select cleaning by taking into consideration the cause of the ejection failure. This allows the user to select an appropriate cleaning option.

[0069] (1-13) The control unit 27 displays as options the cleaning selected in consideration of the cause of the ejection failure of the nozzle 34. This allows the user to easily select an appropriate cleaning.

[0070] (1-14) The control unit 27 displays as options a number of cleaning options, including a cleaning option selected in consideration of the cause of the ejection failure of the nozzle 34. This allows the user to easily select an appropriate cleaning option.

[0071] (1-15) The detection unit 26 continues to detect the defective nozzles 34d after cleaning. The control unit 27 displays the positions of the defective nozzles 34d before cleaning and the positions of the defective nozzles 34d after cleaning. This makes it possible to show the effect of cleaning.

[0072] (1-16) The control unit 27 stores in the database 28 recovery information based on the positions of the defective nozzles 34d before and after cleaning, and the type of cleaning that was performed. Therefore, the effectiveness of the cleaning can be verified.

[0073] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0074] The control unit 27 may select cleaning without taking the recovery information into consideration. The control unit 27 may not store the recovery information in the database . The control unit 27 does not have to execute the defective nozzle detection process after cleaning. The control unit 27 does not have to cause the display unit 16 to display defective nozzle information after cleaning.

[0075] The control unit 27 may perform the faulty nozzle detection process after cleaning on nozzles 34 that were determined to have an ejection defect before cleaning. In other words, the control unit 27 does not need to perform the faulty nozzle detection process after cleaning on nozzles 34 that were determined to be normal before cleaning. By performing the faulty nozzle detection process on limited nozzles 34, the time required for the faulty nozzle detection process can be shortened.

[0076] The control unit 27 may update the recommended cleaning data stored in the database 28 based on the recovery information. The control unit 27 does not need to verify whether the cause of the ejection failure of the nozzle 34 is a component that constitutes the printing device 13. When an ejection failure occurs, the control unit 27 may select cleaning, assuming that there is a problem with the supply of liquid.

[0077] The control unit 27 does not have to store the faulty nozzle information in the database 28. The database 28 does not have to have a history of faulty nozzle information. The control unit 27 may select cleaning without considering the tendency of ejection defects. The control unit 27 may select cleaning without considering the defect level. The control unit 27 may select cleaning based on faulty nozzle information acquired by executing the faulty nozzle detection process.

[0078] The printing system 11 may include a server device 12 that includes a database 28. That is, the database 28 may be provided in the server device 12 instead of the printing device 13.

[0079] The control unit 27 may cause the cleaning unit 25 to perform cleaning without causing the display unit 16 to display information about cleaning. The cleaning unit 25 may include a pressure pump (not shown) that pressurizes the liquid inside the print head 24. The cleaning unit 25 may perform pressure cleaning.

[0080] The detection unit 26 may have a sensor that detects the ejected liquid. The sensor may detect the adhesion of liquid, or may detect light blocked by the ejected liquid. The detection unit 26 may eject liquid from the nozzle 34 and detect the ejected liquid. The detection unit 26 may determine a nozzle 34 from which ejected liquid cannot be detected as a defective nozzle 34d.

[0081] The printing device 13 is a device that prints images such as characters, pictures, and photographs by applying a liquid such as ink or a fluid such as toner to a medium, and may be a serial printer, a lateral printer, a line printer, a page printer, etc. The printing device may also be an offset printing device, a textile printing device, etc.

[0082] [Definition] The term "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the term "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the term "at least one" as used herein means "only one option", "any combination of two options", or "any combination of three or more options" if the number of options is three or more.

[0083] [Note] The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0084] (A) A printing device includes a print head having a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid, a cleaning unit that cleans the print head, a detection unit that performs a faulty nozzle detection process for each of the plurality of nozzles to detect faulty nozzles that have poor ejection, a database that stores factor data for estimating the cause of the nozzles having poor ejection, and a control unit, wherein the control unit selects the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit by comparing faulty nozzle information, including the position of the faulty nozzle in the print head detected by the detection unit, with the factor data.

[0085] According to this configuration, the control unit selects the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit by comparing the defective nozzle information with the cause data. The cause data is data for estimating the cause of the nozzle's ejection failure. Therefore, the cleaning can be selected taking into account the cause of the nozzle's ejection failure, thereby reducing the amount of liquid consumed.

[0086] (B) In the printing device described in (A), the control unit may store the faulty nozzle information in the database, and select the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit based on the previous faulty nozzle information and the current faulty nozzle information.

[0087] According to this configuration, the control unit selects the cleaning method using the previous faulty nozzle information in addition to the current faulty nozzle information, so that a more appropriate cleaning method can be selected.

[0088] In the printing device described in (C) and (B), the control unit may estimate a defect level of the defective nozzle based on the defective nozzle information stored in the database. According to this configuration, the control unit estimates the defect level of the defective nozzle based on the defective nozzle information stored in the database, and therefore the control unit can select a cleaning method that matches the defect level.

[0089] In the printing device described in (D), (B) or (C), the control unit may select the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit based on a tendency of ejection defects. According to this configuration, the database stores information about past defective nozzles, so that by taking into account the tendency of ejection defects, it is possible to select a more appropriate cleaning method.

[0090] (E) In the printing device described in (A) to (D), the print head is capable of ejecting multiple types of liquid and has multiple nozzle rows composed of multiple nozzles ejecting the same type of liquid, and the control unit may be configured to estimate that the cause of the ejection failure is air bubbles in the print head when the number of the faulty nozzles in one or more nozzle rows ejecting the same type of liquid is greater than or equal to a first threshold value and the number of the faulty nozzles in one or more nozzle rows ejecting another type of liquid is less than the first threshold value.

[0091] According to this configuration, the control unit estimates the cause of the ejection failure based on the type of liquid ejected by the nozzle that has experienced the ejection failure, the number of defective nozzles, and the positions of the defective nozzles. Therefore, it is possible to easily estimate the cause of the ejection failure.

[0092] (F) In the printing device described in (A) to (E), the print head is capable of ejecting multiple types of liquid and has multiple nozzle rows composed of multiple nozzles ejecting the same type of liquid, and when the defective nozzles of the multiple nozzle rows are lined up in a row, it may be assumed that the cause of the ejection failure is contact of a foreign object with the print head.

[0093] According to this configuration, when defective nozzles of multiple nozzle rows are lined up in a row, the control unit estimates that the cause of the ejection failure is that a foreign object has come into contact with the print head. In other words, the control unit estimates the cause of the ejection failure based on the position of the defective nozzle. Therefore, the cause of the ejection failure can be easily estimated.

[0094] (G) In the printing device described in (A) to (F), if a component is the cause of the nozzle failing to eject ink, the control unit may provide guidance on replacing the component. If the cause of the ejection failure is a part, cleaning is unlikely to resolve the ejection failure. In this regard, with this configuration, if the cause of the nozzle ejection failure is a part, the control unit will guide you to replace the part. Therefore, the amount of liquid consumed can be reduced by the amount that cleaning is not performed.

[0095] (H) In the printing device described in (A) to (G), the control unit may store recovery information in the database based on the position of the faulty nozzle before cleaning and the position of the faulty nozzle after cleaning.

[0096] According to this configuration, the control unit stores recovery information in the database based on the positions of the defective nozzles before and after cleaning, which makes it possible to verify the effectiveness of cleaning.

[0097] In the printing device described in (I) and (H), the control unit may select a cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit based on the recovery information. According to this configuration, the control unit selects the cleaning method based on the recovery information, so that a more appropriate cleaning method can be selected.

[0098] In the printing device described in (J)(A) to (I), the control unit may cause a display unit to display information about the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit. According to this configuration, the control unit causes the display unit to display information about the cleaning operation to be performed by the cleaning unit, thereby making it possible to inform the user of the type of cleaning operation to be performed by the cleaning unit.

[0099] (K) In the printing device described in (A) to (J), the print head ejects liquid from the multiple nozzles by pushing out liquid within a pressure chamber by driving an actuator, and the faulty nozzle detection process may detect the faulty nozzle based on residual vibration of the pressure chamber caused by applying a predetermined drive signal to the actuator.

[0100] According to this configuration, the detection section executes a defective nozzle detection process that detects defective nozzles based on the residual vibration of the pressure chamber, and therefore it is possible to detect defective nozzles by utilizing the configuration that ejects liquid from the nozzles.

[0101] (L) A printing system includes a print head having multiple nozzles that eject liquid, a cleaning unit that cleans the print head, a detection unit that executes a defective nozzle detection process for each of the multiple nozzles to detect defective nozzles that have poor ejection, a database that stores factor data for estimating the cause of the nozzles having poor ejection, and a control unit, the control unit selecting a cleaning to be executed by the cleaning unit by collating defective nozzle information including the position of the defective nozzle in the print head detected by the detection unit against the factor data. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned printing device.

[0102] (M) The database is a database in which a printing device including a print head having multiple nozzles that eject liquid, a cleaning unit that cleans the print head, a detection unit that executes a defective nozzle detection process for each of the multiple nozzles to detect defective nozzles that have defective ejection defects, and a control unit collates defective nozzle information including the positions of the defective nozzles in the print head detected by the detection unit in order to select the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit, and stores factor data for estimating the cause of the nozzles having defective ejection. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the printing device described above.

[0103] (N) A printing device includes a print head having a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid, a cleaning unit that cleans the print head, a display unit capable of displaying information, a detection unit that performs a faulty nozzle detection process for each of the plurality of nozzles to detect faulty nozzles that have poor ejection performance, a database that stores factor data for estimating factors that cause the nozzles to have poor ejection performance, and a control unit, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display faulty nozzle information including the position of the faulty nozzle detected by the detection unit on the print head, the factors that cause the nozzles to have poor ejection performance, and cleaning options to be performed by the cleaning unit.

[0104] According to this configuration, the display unit displays the defective nozzle information, the cause of the ejection failure, and cleaning options. This allows the user to select cleaning by taking into consideration the cause of the ejection failure. This allows the user to select an appropriate cleaning method.

[0105] In the printing device described in (O) and (N), the control unit may select cleaning by checking the faulty nozzle information against the cause data, and display the selected cleaning as the option.

[0106] According to this configuration, the control unit displays, as options, the cleaning method selected in consideration of the cause of the nozzle's ejection failure, allowing the user to easily select an appropriate cleaning method.

[0107] In the printing device described in (P) and (N), the control unit may select a cleaning method by comparing the faulty nozzle information with the cause data, and display a plurality of cleaning options including the selected cleaning method as the option.

[0108] According to this configuration, the control unit displays a plurality of cleaning options, including a cleaning option selected based on the cause of the nozzle ejection failure, allowing the user to easily select an appropriate cleaning option.

[0109] In the printing device described in (Q)(N) to (P), the detection unit may execute the faulty nozzle detection process before and after the cleaning unit performs cleaning, and the control unit may cause the display unit to display the faulty nozzle information after cleaning.

[0110] According to this configuration, the detection unit continues to detect defective nozzles even after cleaning is performed. The control unit displays the positions of the defective nozzles before cleaning and after cleaning, thereby making it possible to show the effect of cleaning.

[0111] In the printing device described in (R) and (Q), the control unit may store in the database recovery information based on the position of the defective nozzle before cleaning and the position of the defective nozzle after cleaning, and the type of cleaning performed by the cleaning unit.

[0112] According to this configuration, the control unit stores in the database recovery information based on the position of the defective nozzle before and after cleaning, and the type of cleaning that was performed, so that the effectiveness of the cleaning can be verified.

[0113] In the printing device described in (S)(N) to (R), the control unit may store the faulty nozzle information in the database, and estimate a fault level of the faulty nozzle based on the faulty nozzle information stored in the database.

[0114] According to this configuration, the control unit estimates the defect level of the defective nozzle based on the defective nozzle information stored in the database, and therefore the control unit can select a cleaning method that matches the defect level.

[0115] In the printing device described in (T)(N) to (S), the print head is capable of ejecting multiple types of liquid and has multiple nozzle rows composed of multiple nozzles ejecting the same type of liquid, and the control unit may be configured to estimate that the cause of the ejection failure is air bubbles in the print head when the number of the faulty nozzles in one or more nozzle rows ejecting the same type of liquid is greater than or equal to a first threshold value and the number of the faulty nozzles in one or more nozzle rows ejecting another type of liquid is less than the first threshold value.

[0116] According to this configuration, the control unit estimates the cause of the ejection failure based on the type of liquid ejected by the nozzle that has experienced the ejection failure, the number of defective nozzles, and the positions of the defective nozzles. Therefore, it is possible to easily estimate the cause of the ejection failure.

[0117] In the printing device described in (U)(N) to (T), the print head is capable of ejecting multiple types of liquid and has multiple nozzle rows composed of multiple nozzles ejecting the same type of liquid, and the control unit may, when the defective nozzles of the multiple nozzle rows are lined up in a row, estimate that the cause of the ejection failure is contact of a foreign object with the print head.

[0118] According to this configuration, when defective nozzles of multiple nozzle rows are lined up in a row, the control unit estimates that the cause of the ejection failure is that a foreign object has come into contact with the print head. In other words, the control unit estimates the cause of the ejection failure based on the position of the defective nozzle. Therefore, the cause of the ejection failure can be easily estimated.

[0119] In the printing device described in (V)(N) to (U), the control unit may store the faulty nozzle information in the database, and select the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit based on the previous faulty nozzle information and the current faulty nozzle information.

[0120] According to this configuration, the control unit selects the cleaning method using the previous faulty nozzle information in addition to the current faulty nozzle information, so that a more appropriate cleaning method can be selected.

[0121] In the printing device described in (W) and (V), the control unit may select the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit based on a tendency of ejection defects. According to this configuration, the database stores information about past defective nozzles, so that by taking into account the tendency of ejection defects, it is possible to select a more appropriate cleaning method.

[0122] In the printing device according to any one of (X), (N) to (W), if a component is the cause of the nozzle failing to eject ink, the control unit may provide guidance on replacing the component. If the cause of the ejection failure is a part, cleaning is unlikely to resolve the ejection failure. In this regard, with this configuration, if the cause of the nozzle ejection failure is a part, the control unit will guide you to replace the part. Therefore, the amount of liquid consumed can be reduced by the amount that cleaning is not performed.

[0123] In the printing device described in (Y), (N) to (X), the control unit may store recovery information in the database based on the position of the faulty nozzle before cleaning and the position of the faulty nozzle after cleaning.

[0124] According to this configuration, the control unit stores recovery information in a database based on the positions of the defective nozzles before and after cleaning, so that the effectiveness of cleaning can be verified.

[0125] In the printing device according to (Z) or (Y), the control unit may select cleaning based on the recovery information. According to this configuration, the control unit selects the cleaning method based on the recovery information, so that a more appropriate cleaning method can be selected.

[0126] In the printing device described in (AA)(N) to (Z), the print head ejects liquid from the multiple nozzles by pushing out liquid in a pressure chamber by driving an actuator, and the faulty nozzle detection process may detect the faulty nozzle based on residual vibration of the pressure chamber caused by applying a predetermined drive signal to the actuator.

[0127] According to this configuration, the detection section executes a defective nozzle detection process that detects defective nozzles based on the residual vibration of the pressure chamber, and therefore it is possible to detect defective nozzles by utilizing the configuration that ejects liquid from the nozzles.

[0128] (AB) A display method for displaying on a display unit information output by a printing device including a print head having multiple nozzles that eject liquid, a cleaning unit that cleans the print head, a detection unit that performs a defective nozzle detection process for detecting defective nozzles that have defective ejection for each of the multiple nozzles, and a database that stores factor data for estimating the cause of the nozzles having defective ejection, the display method including: displaying defective nozzle information including the position of the defective nozzle in the print head detected by the detection unit; displaying the cause of the nozzles having defective ejection that is estimated by comparing the defective nozzle information with the factor data; and displaying options for cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit. This method can achieve the same effects as the printing device described above.

[0129] (AC) A display device that displays information output by a printing device that includes a print head having multiple nozzles that eject liquid, a cleaning unit that cleans the print head, a detection unit that executes a defective nozzle detection process for each of the multiple nozzles to detect defective nozzles that have defective ejection problems, and a database that stores factor data for estimating the cause of the nozzles having defective ejection problems, and displays defective nozzle information including the position of the defective nozzle in the print head detected by the detection unit, the cause of the nozzles having defective ejection problems estimated by comparing the defective nozzle information with the factor data, and cleaning options to be executed by the cleaning unit. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the printing device described above.

[0130] (AD) An information processing method for a printing device including a print head having multiple nozzles that eject liquid, a cleaning unit that cleans the print head, a detection unit that performs a defective nozzle detection process for detecting defective nozzles that have ejection defects for each of the multiple nozzles, and a database that stores factor data for estimating the cause of the nozzles' ejection defects, includes the steps of: acquiring defective nozzle information including the position of the defective nozzle in the print head detected by the detection unit, estimating the cause of the nozzles' ejection defects by comparing the defective nozzle information with the factor data, creating options for cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit, and outputting the defective nozzle information, the cause of the nozzles' ejection defects, and the options to a display unit. This method can achieve the same effects as the printing device described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 11...printing system, 12...server device, 13...printing device, 14...display device, 16...display unit, 18...medium storage unit, 19...stacker, 20...medium, 22...mounting unit, 23...supply flow path, 24...print head, 25...cleaning unit, 26...detection unit, 27...control unit, 28...database, 30...liquid storage unit, 32...supply needle, 34...nozzle, 34d...defective nozzle, 35...nozzle surface, 37...pressure chamber, 38...actuator, 39...vibration plate, 41...cap, 42...waste flow path, 43...suction pump, 45...closed space, 47...waste liquid storage unit, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, G...nozzle group, L...nozzle row, NT...network.

Claims

1. A print head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid; a cleaning unit that cleans the print head; a detection unit that executes a defective nozzle detection process for detecting defective nozzles that are defective in ejection for each of the plurality of nozzles; a database for storing factor data for estimating factors causing ejection defects in the nozzles; A control unit; Equipped with A printing device characterized in that the control unit selects the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit by comparing defective nozzle information, including the position of the defective nozzle in the print head detected by the detection unit, with the cause data.

2. The control unit is storing the defective nozzle information in the database; 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit is selected based on the previous defective nozzle information and the current defective nozzle information.

3. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit estimates a defect level of the defective nozzle based on the defective nozzle information stored in the database.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit selects cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit based on a tendency of ejection defects.

5. the print head is capable of ejecting a plurality of types of liquid, and has a plurality of nozzle rows each composed of a plurality of the nozzles ejecting the same type of liquid; The control unit is A printing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that if the number of the defective nozzles in one or more nozzle rows that eject the same type of liquid is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and the number of the defective nozzles in one or more nozzle rows that eject a different type of liquid is less than the first threshold value, the cause of the ejection defects is estimated to be air bubbles in the print head.

6. the print head is capable of ejecting a plurality of types of liquid, and has a plurality of nozzle rows each composed of a plurality of the nozzles ejecting the same type of liquid; The control unit is 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the defective nozzles of the plurality of nozzle rows are aligned in a row, it is estimated that the cause of the ejection defects is contact of a foreign object with the print head.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, when a component is the cause of the ejection failure of the nozzle, the control unit provides guidance for replacing the component.

8. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores recovery information in the database based on the position of the defective nozzle before cleaning and the position of the defective nozzle after cleaning.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit selects cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit based on the recovery information.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes a display unit to display information about the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit.

11. the print head ejects liquid from the plurality of nozzles by driving an actuator to push out liquid from a pressure chamber; A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the defective nozzle detection process detects the defective nozzle based on residual vibration of the pressure chamber caused by applying a predetermined drive signal to the actuator.

12. A print head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid; a cleaning unit that cleans the print head; a detection unit that executes a defective nozzle detection process for detecting defective nozzles that are defective in ejection for each of the plurality of nozzles; a database for storing factor data for estimating factors causing ejection defects in the nozzles; A control unit; Equipped with A printing system characterized in that the control unit selects the cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit by comparing defective nozzle information, including the position of the defective nozzle on the print head detected by the detection unit, with the cause data.

13. A print head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid; a cleaning unit that cleans the print head; a detection unit that executes a defective nozzle detection process for detecting defective nozzles that are defective in ejection for each of the plurality of nozzles; A control unit; a database for checking defective nozzle information including a position of the defective nozzle in the print head detected by the detection unit in order to select a cleaning to be performed by the cleaning unit, A database storing factor data for estimating factors causing ejection defects in the nozzles.

Images