Printer, and impact position adjustment method

Abstract

To provide a printer and an impact position adjustment method that can adjust an impact position with good efficiency.SOLUTION: A printer comprises: a discharge part 22 which has a nozzle array L for discharging liquid, and can reciprocate in a first direction D1 crossing the nozzle array L; a reading part 24 which reads a pattern which is formed by the liquid discharged onto a medium 18 from the discharge part 22; and a control part 15. The printer can execute a first mode that continuously and automatically performs a first adjustment pattern formation operation, a first adjustment pattern reading operation, and a first adjustment value determination operation. The control part 15 automatically performs a determination pattern formation operation, a determination pattern reading operation, and a first performance determination operation when execution of the first mode is selected, and executes the first mode when it is determined that the first mode can be executed in the first performance determination operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device such as a printer, and a method for adjusting a landing position. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a recording device that is an example of a printing device that prints by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, from a recording head. The recording device automatically adjusts the landing position of the ink. Specifically, the recording device records an adjustment pattern on a recording medium, which is an example of a medium. The recording device reads the optical density of the recorded adjustment pattern and adjusts the ejection timing based on the reading result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-68435 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some media are not suitable for adjusting the landing position. For example, in the case of a medium on which the liquid easily bleeds, the printing device may not be able to detect the density difference of the printed pattern. If the density difference cannot be detected, the landing position cannot be adjusted automatically, and the user must adjust the landing position manually. However, when adjusting the landing position manually, a pattern for the user to visually judge the landing position must be printed in addition to the pattern for automatic adjustment. This means that the liquid, medium, and time used when printing the pattern for automatic adjustment are wasted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A printing device that solves the above problem includes a discharge unit having a nozzle row that discharges liquid and that is capable of reciprocating in a first direction that intersects with the nozzle row, a reading unit that reads a pattern formed by the liquid discharged from the discharge unit onto a medium, and a control unit, and includes a first adjustment pattern forming operation that forms on the medium a first adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit in a third direction, which is either the first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first adjustment pattern reading operation that reads the first adjustment pattern formed in the first adjustment pattern forming operation with the reading unit, and a control unit that reads a pattern formed by the liquid discharged from the discharge unit in the third direction based on a result of the first adjustment pattern reading operation. and a first adjustment value determination operation that determines a first adjustment value for adjusting the landing position of the ink droplet. When the implementation of the first mode is selected, the control unit automatically performs a determination pattern formation operation that forms a determination pattern on the medium to determine whether or not the first mode can be implemented, a determination pattern reading operation that reads the determination pattern formed in the determination pattern formation operation with the reading unit, and a first implementation determination operation that determines whether or not the first mode can be implemented based on a result of the determination pattern reading operation. When it is determined in the first implementation determination operation that the first mode can be implemented, the control unit implements the first mode.

[0006] A landing position adjustment method that solves the above problem includes a discharge unit having a nozzle row that discharges liquid and that is capable of reciprocating in a first direction intersecting with the nozzle row, and a reading unit that reads a pattern formed by the liquid discharged from the discharge unit onto a medium, and includes a first adjustment pattern forming operation that forms on the medium a first adjustment pattern for adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit in a third direction, which is either the first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first adjustment pattern reading operation that reads the first adjustment pattern formed in the first adjustment pattern forming operation with the reading unit, and adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit in the third direction based on a result of the first adjustment pattern reading operation. a first adjustment value determination operation for determining a first adjustment value for adjusting an impact position of an ink droplet to be dropped; and a first adjustment value determination operation for determining a first adjustment value for adjusting an impact position of an ink droplet to be dropped. When the implementation of the first mode is selected, the method automatically performs a determination pattern formation operation for forming a determination pattern on the medium to determine whether or not the first mode can be implemented, a determination pattern reading operation for reading the determination pattern formed in the determination pattern formation operation with the reading unit, and a first implementation determination operation for determining whether or not the first mode can be implemented based on a result of the determination pattern reading operation. When it is determined in the first implementation determination operation that the first mode can be implemented, the method performs the first mode. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a printing device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the first adjustment pattern. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the second adjustment pattern. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the third adjustment pattern. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the fourth adjustment pattern. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a judgment pattern. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the adjustment routine. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an adjustment routine in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a printing device and a landing position adjustment method will be described below with reference to the drawings. The printing device is 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.

[0009] <Printing device> 1, the printing device 11 may include a housing 12, a guide shaft 13, a printing unit 14, a control unit 15, and a storage unit 16. The printing device 11 may also include a medium support unit 19 that supports a medium 18, and a maintenance unit 20 that performs maintenance of the ejection unit 22.

[0010] The control unit 15 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 a part 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.

[0011] The storage unit 16 may store information related to the printing device 11. The storage unit 16 may be included in the control unit 15. The storage unit 16 may be, for example, a memory such as the above-mentioned RAM and ROM.

[0012] The guide shaft 13 in this embodiment extends in a first direction D1. The printing unit 14 may include a discharge unit 22, a carriage 23, and a reading unit 24. The ejection unit 22 has a nozzle row L that ejects liquid. The nozzle row L is composed of a plurality of nozzles 27 provided on the nozzle surface 26. The nozzle row L is composed of a plurality of nozzles 27 aligned in, for example, the second direction D2. The nozzle row L may extend in the second direction D2. The ejection unit 22 may have a plurality of nozzle rows L. The plurality of nozzle rows L may be aligned in the first direction D1.

[0013] In this embodiment, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are parallel to the nozzle surface 26. The first direction D1 in this embodiment is a direction that intersects with the nozzle row L and is perpendicular to the second direction D2. In this embodiment, one of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is the third direction D3, and the other is the fourth direction D4. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the first direction D1 is the fourth direction D4 and the second direction D2 is the third direction D3.

[0014] The carriage 23 may reciprocate the ejection unit 22 and the reading unit 24 along the guide shaft 13. The printing device 11 of this embodiment is a serial printer. The ejection unit 22 is capable of reciprocating in a first direction D1 intersecting with the nozzle row L. The ejection unit 22 of this embodiment is capable of forming the patterns shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 on the medium 18 by ejecting liquid. The ejection unit 22 may form the pattern in a margin of the medium 18. The ejection unit 22 may form the pattern using one of the multiple nozzle rows L. The reading unit 24 is capable of reading the pattern formed by the liquid ejected from the ejection unit 22 onto the medium 18.

[0015] <First adjustment pattern> 2, the discharge unit 22 can form a first adjustment pattern 29 on the medium 18. The first adjustment pattern 29 is for adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit 22 in the third direction D3.

[0016] The first adjustment pattern 29 includes a plurality of first reference patterns 30 and a plurality of first variation patterns 31. The discharge unit 22 may form the plurality of first reference patterns 30 by discharging liquid while moving in a first direction D1. After forming the first reference pattern 30, the control unit 15 transports the medium 18 in a second direction D2. The discharge unit 22 may form the plurality of first variation patterns 31 by discharging liquid while moving in the first direction D1 or a direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0017] The ejection unit 22 ejects liquid from specific nozzles 27 among the nozzles 27 that constitute one nozzle row L, thereby forming a plurality of first reference patterns 30. The multiple first variation patterns 31 are formed corresponding to the first reference pattern 30. The multiple first variation patterns 31 are formed such that the relative positions of the multiple first variation patterns 31 with respect to the corresponding first reference pattern 30 differ by a predetermined amount in the third direction D3. The ejection unit 22 changes the position with respect to the first reference pattern 30 by changing the nozzle 27 that ejects the liquid. In this embodiment, the amount of shift with respect to the corresponding first reference pattern 30 is also referred to as an adjustment value. The ejection unit 22 forms the multiple first variation patterns 31 with the adjustment values ​​of, for example, -3, -2, -1, ±0, +1, +2, and +3.

[0018] <Second adjustment pattern> 3, the discharge unit 22 can form a second adjustment pattern 33 on the medium 18. The second adjustment pattern 33 is for adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit 22 in the third direction D3.

[0019] The second adjustment pattern 33 includes a plurality of second reference patterns 34, a plurality of second variation patterns 35, and an adjustment value. In this embodiment, the second reference pattern 34 is the same as the first reference pattern 30, and the second variation pattern 35 is the same as the first variation pattern 31, so a description thereof will be omitted. The second adjustment pattern 33 may be the first adjustment pattern 29 to which the corresponding adjustment value is added.

[0020] <Third adjustment pattern> 4, the discharge unit 22 can form a third adjustment pattern 37 on the medium 18. The third adjustment pattern 37 is for adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit 22 in the fourth direction D4.

[0021] The third adjustment pattern 37 includes a plurality of third reference patterns 38 and a plurality of third variation patterns 39. For example, the ejection unit 22 may form the plurality of third reference patterns 38 by ejecting liquid from one nozzle row L while moving in the first direction D1. For example, the ejection unit 22 may form the plurality of third variation patterns 39 by ejecting liquid while moving in a direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0022] The multiple third reference patterns 38 are arranged at equal intervals in the first direction D1. The multiple third variation patterns 39 are formed corresponding to the third reference pattern 38. The multiple third variation patterns 39 are formed such that the relative positions of the multiple third variation patterns 39 with respect to the corresponding third reference pattern 38 differ by a predetermined amount in the fourth direction D4. The ejection unit 22 changes the position with respect to the third reference pattern 38 by shifting the timing of ejecting the liquid. In this embodiment, the amount of shift with respect to the corresponding third reference pattern 38 is also referred to as an adjustment value. The ejection unit 22 forms the multiple third variation patterns 39 with adjustment values ​​of, for example, -3, -2, -1, ±0, +1, +2, and +3.

[0023] <Fourth adjustment pattern> 5, the discharge unit 22 can form a fourth adjustment pattern 41 on the medium 18. The fourth adjustment pattern 41 is for adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit 22 in a fourth direction D4.

[0024] The fourth adjustment pattern 41 includes a plurality of fourth reference patterns 42, a plurality of fourth variation patterns 43, and an adjustment value. In this embodiment, the fourth reference pattern 42 is the same as the third reference pattern 38, and the fourth variation pattern 43 is the same as the third variation pattern 39, so description thereof will be omitted. The fourth adjustment pattern 41 may be the third adjustment pattern 37 to which the corresponding adjustment value is added.

[0025] The first adjustment pattern 29 and the third adjustment pattern 37 are patterns to be read by the reading unit 24. The reading unit 24 may read the first adjustment pattern 29 and the third adjustment pattern 37 by moving in the first direction D1 or in a direction opposite to the first direction D1. The second adjustment pattern 33 and the fourth adjustment pattern 41 are patterns to be read by the user. The first adjustment pattern 29 to the fourth adjustment pattern 41 may each have a different size.

[0026] The first adjustment pattern 29 may be smaller than the second adjustment pattern 33. The third adjustment pattern 37 may be smaller than the fourth adjustment pattern 41. For example, some of the nozzles 27 constituting one nozzle row L may be used to form the third adjustment pattern 37. All of the nozzles 27 constituting one nozzle row L may be used to form the fourth adjustment pattern 41. By forming the first adjustment pattern 29 and the third adjustment pattern 37 small, the amount of liquid consumed can be reduced. By forming the second adjustment pattern 33 and the fourth adjustment pattern 41 large, it can be made easier for the user to read them.

[0027] <Judgment pattern> As shown in FIG. 6, the ejection unit 22 can form a determination pattern 45 on the medium 18. The determination pattern 45 is a pattern for determining whether or not it is possible to implement the first mode M1 shown in FIG. 7. The determination pattern 45 includes a plurality of blocks with different densities. For example, the determination pattern 45 includes a first block 46 to a fourth block 49. The first block 46 is a block with the maximum density. The second block 47 is a block with the minimum density. The third block 48 and the fourth block 49 are lighter than the first block 46 and darker than the second block 47. The third block 48 is darker than the fourth block 49.

[0028] The discharge unit 22 forms the determination pattern 45 by discharging liquid while moving in the first direction D1 or the direction opposite to the first direction D1. The discharge unit 22 may be formed so that the first block 46 to the fourth block 49 are aligned in the first direction D1. The first block 46 to the fourth block 49 may be aligned in order of density, for example. The reading unit 24 may read the determination pattern 45 by moving in the first direction D1 or the direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0029] <Adjustment routine> Next, a method for adjusting the landing position will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. The adjustment routine shown in Fig. 7 is executed when the implementation of the first mode M1 is selected.

[0030] 7, in step S101, the control unit 15 acquires the type of the medium 18. The control unit 15 may acquire the type of the medium 18 input by the user. In step S102, the control unit 15 determines whether the memory unit 16 stores the acquired determination information related to the type of the medium 18. The determination information may be information linking the type of the medium 18 with the result of the first implementation determination operation and the result of the second implementation determination operation. If the determination information is stored, step S102 becomes YES, and the control unit 15 transitions the process to step S103. In step S103, the control unit 15 acquires the determination information corresponding to the type of the medium 18. The determination information includes information on whether the first mode M1 and the third mode M3 are each executable.

[0031] If the determination information is not stored, step S102 becomes NO, and control unit 15 transitions the process to step S104. In step S104, control unit 15 performs a determination pattern forming operation to form a determination pattern 45 on medium 18. In step S105, control unit 15 performs a determination pattern reading operation to read, with reading unit 24, the determination pattern 45 formed in the determination pattern forming operation.

[0032] In step S106, the control unit 15 executes a first implementation determination operation to determine whether or not the first mode M1 can be implemented based on the result of the determination pattern reading operation. The first implementation determination operation may include determining whether or not a first density difference between the first block 46 having the maximum density and the second block 47 having the minimum density among the multiple blocks is equal to or greater than a first threshold. If the first density difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit 15 may determine that the first mode M1 can be implemented. If the first density difference is less than the first threshold, the control unit 15 may determine that the first mode M1 cannot be implemented.

[0033] In step S107, the control unit 15 executes a second implementation determination operation for determining whether or not the third mode M3 can be implemented based on the result of the determination pattern reading operation. The second implementation determination operation may include a determination of whether or not the second density difference between two blocks other than the combination of the first block 46 and the second block 47 among the multiple blocks included in the determination pattern 45 is equal to or greater than a second threshold. The second threshold may be a value smaller than the first threshold.

[0034] For example, the control unit 15 may determine whether the second concentration difference between the first block 46 and the third block 48 is equal to or greater than the second threshold. If the second concentration difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit 15 may determine that the third mode M3 can be implemented. If the second concentration difference is less than the second threshold, the control unit 15 may determine that the third mode M3 cannot be implemented.

[0035] In step S108, the control unit 15 stores in the memory unit 16 judgment information linking the type of medium 18 acquired in step S101, the result of the first implementation judgment operation in step S106, and the result of the second implementation judgment operation in step S107.

[0036] In step S109, the control unit 15 determines whether the first mode M1 can be implemented. If the first mode M1 can be implemented, step S109 becomes YES, and the control unit 15 transitions the process to step S110. The control unit 15 is configured to be able to implement the first mode M1 in which steps S110 to S112 are automatically implemented in succession.

[0037] Specifically, in step S110, control unit 15 performs a first adjustment pattern forming operation to form first adjustment pattern 29 on medium 18. In step S111, control unit 15 performs a first adjustment pattern reading operation to read first adjustment pattern 29 formed in the first adjustment pattern forming operation with reading unit 24. In step S112, control unit 15 performs a first adjustment value determination operation to determine a first adjustment value based on the result of the first adjustment pattern reading operation. In the first adjustment value determination operation, control unit 15 may set the adjustment value of first adjustment pattern 29 with the highest density as the first adjustment value. The first adjustment value is a value for adjusting the landing position of liquid ejected from ejection unit 22 in third direction D3.

[0038] If the first mode M1 cannot be implemented, step S109 becomes NO, and the control unit 15 transitions the process to step S113. The control unit 15 is configured to be able to implement a second mode M2 ​​in which steps S113 and S114 are implemented in this order.

[0039] Specifically, in step S113, control unit 15 performs a second adjustment pattern forming operation to form second adjustment pattern 33 on medium 18. In step S114, control unit 15 performs a first input determination operation to determine whether a second adjustment value determined based on second adjustment pattern 33 has been input. The user may input the adjustment value of second adjustment pattern 33 in which less exposure of medium 18 is present as the second adjustment value. The second adjustment value is a value for adjusting the landing position of liquid ejected from ejection unit 22 in third direction D3.

[0040] In step S115, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the third mode M3 can be implemented. If the third mode M3 can be implemented, step S115 becomes YES, and the control unit 15 transitions the process to step S116. The control unit 15 is configured to be able to implement the third mode M3 in which steps S116 to S118 are automatically implemented in succession.

[0041] Specifically, in step S116, the control unit 15 performs a third adjustment pattern forming operation to form the third adjustment pattern 37 on the medium 18. In step S117, the control unit 15 performs a third adjustment pattern reading operation to read the third adjustment pattern 37 formed in the third adjustment pattern forming operation with the reading unit 24. In step S118, the control unit 15 performs a third adjustment value determination operation to determine a third adjustment value based on the result of the third adjustment pattern reading operation. The control unit 15 may set the adjustment value that minimizes the deviation between the third reference pattern 38 and the third adjustment pattern 37 as the third adjustment value. The third adjustment value is a value for adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit 22 in the fourth direction D4.

[0042] If the third mode M3 cannot be implemented, step S115 becomes NO, and the control unit 15 transitions the process to step S119. The control unit 15 is configured to be able to implement a fourth mode M4 in which steps S119 and S120 are implemented in this order.

[0043] Specifically, in step S119, control unit 15 performs a fourth adjustment pattern forming operation to form fourth adjustment pattern 41 on medium 18. In step S120, control unit 15 performs a second input determination operation to determine whether or not a fourth adjustment value determined based on fourth adjustment pattern 41 has been input. The user may input, as the fourth adjustment value, an adjustment value that minimizes the deviation between fourth reference pattern 42 and fourth variable pattern 43. The fourth adjustment value is for adjusting the landing position of liquid ejected from ejection unit 22 in fourth direction D4.

[0044] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. When the type of acquired medium 18 is stored in storage unit 16, control unit 15 may implement first mode M1 or second mode M2 ​​based on the result of the first implementation determination operation stored in storage unit 16. Control unit 15 may implement third mode M3 or fourth mode M4 based on the result of the second implementation determination operation stored in storage unit 16.

[0045] When the type of medium 18 is not stored in storage unit 16, control unit 15 performs a judgment pattern forming operation, a judgment pattern reading operation, a first implementation judgment operation, and a second implementation judgment operation. When control unit 15 determines in the first implementation judgment operation that it is possible to implement first mode M1, it may perform first mode M1. When control unit 15 determines in the first implementation judgment operation that it is impossible to implement first mode M1, it may perform second mode M2. When control unit 15 determines in the second implementation judgment operation that it is possible to implement third mode M3, it may perform third mode M3. When control unit 15 determines in the second implementation judgment operation that it is impossible to implement third mode M3, it may perform fourth mode M4.

[0046] Control unit 15 performs printing by shifting the landing position of the liquid in third direction D3 based on the set first adjustment value or second adjustment value. Control unit 15 may adjust the landing position of the liquid on medium 18 by adjusting the transport amount for transporting medium 18 based on the set first adjustment value or second adjustment value.

[0047] The control unit 15 performs printing by shifting the landing position of the liquid in the fourth direction D4 based on the set third adjustment value or fourth adjustment value. The control unit 15 may adjust the landing position of the liquid on the medium 18 by adjusting the timing at which the liquid is ejected from the ejection unit 22 moving in the first direction D1 or the direction opposite to the first direction D1 based on the third adjustment value or the fourth adjustment value.

[0048] <Advantages of the First Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) Before implementing the first mode M1, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the first mode M1 can be implemented. When the control unit 15 determines that the first mode M1 can be implemented, the control unit 15 implements the first mode M1. This allows the adjustment of the impact position to be performed efficiently.

[0049] (1-2) When the control unit 15 determines that it is impossible to implement the first mode M1, it implements the second mode M2. Therefore, even if it is impossible to adjust the impact position by the first mode M1, it is possible to adjust the impact position by implementing the second mode M2.

[0050] (1-3) The control unit 15 performs a first implementation determination operation by comparing a first density difference between the maximum density and the minimum density with a first threshold value, thereby easily determining whether or not the first adjustment pattern 29 can be formed with a gradation that can be read by the reading unit 24.

[0051] (1-4) When the second density difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit 15 automatically determines the third adjustment value. When the second density difference is less than the second threshold, the control unit 15 executes the fourth mode M4. Therefore, even if the third adjustment pattern 37 cannot be formed in a gradation that can be read by the reading unit 24, the landing position can be adjusted by executing the fourth mode M4.

[0052] (1-5) The storage unit 16 stores the type of medium 18 and the result of the first execution determination operation in association with each other. When using a medium 18 for which the first execution determination operation has been performed in the past, the control unit 15 skips the first execution determination operation and performs the first mode M1 or the second mode M2. This allows for efficient adjustment of the landing position.

[0053] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the printing device will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the adjustment routine. Since the second embodiment is otherwise almost the same as the first embodiment, the same components are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 15 may omit steps S107 and S115 from the adjustment routine shown in FIG. That is, after performing the first implementation determination operation in step S106, the control unit 15 may store in the memory unit 16 in step S108 determination information linking the type of medium 18 with the result of the first implementation determination operation.

[0055] In the first mode M1 of the present embodiment, steps S116 to S118 are performed after step S112. That is, after the first adjustment value determination operation, the control unit 15 automatically performs a third adjustment pattern forming operation, a third adjustment pattern reading operation, and a third adjustment value determination operation in succession.

[0056] In the second mode M2 ​​of the present embodiment, after step S114, steps S119 and S120 are performed. That is, the control unit 15 may perform the second adjustment pattern forming operation and the first input determination operation in this order, and then perform the fourth adjustment pattern forming operation and the second input determination operation in this order.

[0057] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. The control unit 15 may implement the first mode M1 when it is determined that the first mode M1 can be implemented. The control unit 15 determines the first adjustment value and the third adjustment value by implementing the first mode M1. The control unit 15 may implement the second mode M2 ​​when it is determined that the first mode M1 cannot be implemented. When implementing the second mode M2, the control unit 15 acquires the second adjustment value and the fourth adjustment value set by the user.

[0058] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (2-1) The first mode M1 includes a first adjustment value determination operation and a third adjustment value determination operation, and therefore can adjust the landing position of the liquid in the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4.

[0059] [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.

[0060] The control unit 15 does not need to store the determination information in the storage unit 16. The determination information may be information in which the result of either the first implementation determination operation or the second implementation determination operation is linked to the type of medium 18.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the control unit 15 may perform the fourth adjustment pattern forming operation before the first input determination operation. For example, the control unit 15 may perform the second adjustment pattern forming operation, the fourth adjustment pattern forming operation, the first input determination operation, and the second input determination operation in this order.

[0062] In the first implementation determination operation, the control unit 15 may determine whether the first mode M1 can be implemented based on the density difference between two blocks other than the combination of the first block 46 and the second block 47, among the multiple blocks included in the determination pattern 45. The control unit 15 may determine that the first mode M1 is executable when the density difference between the two blocks is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

[0063] The number of blocks included in the judgment pattern 45 may be three, or may be five or more. In the second embodiment, the number of blocks included in the determination pattern 45 may be two. That is, the determination pattern 45 may be composed of a first block 46 and a second block 47.

[0064] The third direction D3 may be the first direction D1. The fourth direction D4 may be the second direction D2. In this case, the third adjustment pattern 37 and the fourth adjustment pattern 41 function as the first adjustment pattern and the second adjustment pattern for adjusting the landing position in the third direction D3. Similarly, the first adjustment pattern 29 and the second adjustment pattern 33 function as the third adjustment pattern and the fourth adjustment pattern for adjusting the landing position in the fourth direction D4 of the liquid discharged from the discharger 22. That is, the control unit 15 may adjust the landing position in the second direction D2 after adjusting the landing position in the first direction D1.

[0065] The direction in which the nozzle row L extends may be oblique to the second direction D2. The liquid can be selected arbitrarily as long as it can be printed on the medium 18 by adhering to the medium 18. The liquid may be any state in which a substance is in a liquid phase, and includes liquids with high or low viscosity, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and metal melts. The liquid includes not only liquids as one state of matter, but also particles of functional materials made of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals. The ink includes various liquid compositions such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks as well as gel inks and hot melt inks.

[0066] [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.

[0067] [Note] The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0068] (A) A printing device includes an ejection unit having a nozzle row that ejects liquid and that is capable of reciprocating in a first direction intersecting the nozzle row, a reading unit that reads a pattern formed by the liquid ejected from the ejection unit onto a medium, and a control unit, and includes a first adjustment pattern forming operation that forms on the medium a first adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit in a third direction, which is either the first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first adjustment pattern reading operation that reads the first adjustment pattern formed in the first adjustment pattern forming operation with the reading unit, and a landing position of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit in the third direction based on a result of the first adjustment pattern reading operation. The control unit is configured to be capable of implementing a first mode in which the above-mentioned operations are automatically performed in a continuous manner, when the implementation of the first mode is selected, a judgment pattern forming operation that forms a judgment pattern on the medium to determine whether or not the first mode can be implemented, a judgment pattern reading operation that reads the judgment pattern formed in the judgment pattern forming operation with the reading unit, and a first implementation judgment operation that determines whether or not the first mode can be implemented based on the result of the judgment pattern reading operation, and implements the first mode if it is determined in the first implementation judgment operation that the first mode can be implemented.

[0069] According to this configuration, the control unit determines whether or not the first mode can be implemented before implementing the first mode. When the control unit determines that the first mode can be implemented, the control unit implements the first mode. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently adjust the impact position.

[0070] (B) The printing device described in (A) is configured to be capable of implementing a second mode in which a second adjustment pattern formation operation that forms on the medium a second adjustment pattern for adjusting the landing position in the third direction of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit, and a first input determination operation that determines whether a second adjustment value for adjusting the landing position in the third direction of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit, determined based on the second adjustment pattern, has been input, in this order, and the control unit may implement the second mode when it determines in the first implementation determination operation that it is not possible to implement the first mode.

[0071] According to this configuration, when the control unit determines that the first mode cannot be performed, the control unit performs the second mode. Therefore, even when the impact position cannot be adjusted in the first mode, the impact position can be adjusted by performing the second mode.

[0072] (C) In the printing device described in (A) or (B), the judgment pattern may include a plurality of blocks of different densities, and the first implementation judgment operation may include determining whether a first density difference between a first block having the maximum density and a second block having the minimum density among the plurality of blocks is greater than or equal to a first threshold value.

[0073] According to this configuration, the control unit performs the first implementation determination operation by comparing the first density difference between the maximum density and the minimum density with the first threshold value, which makes it easy to determine whether the first adjustment pattern can be formed with a gradation that can be read by the reading unit.

[0074] (D) The printing device described in (A) to (C) may be configured to, when a direction other than the third direction among the first direction and the second direction is defined as a fourth direction, be capable of automatically performing, after the first adjustment value determination operation, a third adjustment pattern forming operation of forming on the medium a third adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position in the fourth direction of liquid ejected from the ejection unit, a third adjustment pattern reading operation of reading with the reading unit the third adjustment pattern formed in the third adjustment pattern forming operation, and a third adjustment value determination operation of determining a third adjustment value for adjusting the landing position in the fourth direction of liquid ejected from the ejection unit based on a result of the third adjustment pattern reading operation.

[0075] According to this configuration, the first mode includes a first adjustment value determination operation and a third adjustment value determination operation, and therefore it is possible to adjust the landing position of the liquid in the third direction and the fourth direction.

[0076] (E) The printing device described in (A) to (C) has a third mode in which, when a direction other than the third direction among the first direction and the second direction is defined as a fourth direction, the printing device automatically performs successively the following operations: a third adjustment pattern forming operation of forming on the medium a third adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit in the fourth direction; a third adjustment pattern reading operation of reading with the reading unit the third adjustment pattern formed in the third adjustment pattern forming operation; and a third adjustment value determination operation of determining a third adjustment value for adjusting the landing position of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit in the fourth direction based on a result of the third adjustment pattern reading operation; The control unit is configured to be capable of implementing a fourth mode in which a fourth adjustment pattern formation operation that forms a fourth adjustment pattern on the medium for adjusting the landing position in four directions and a second input judgment operation that judges whether a fourth adjustment value for adjusting the landing position of liquid ejected from the ejection unit in the fourth direction determined based on the fourth adjustment pattern has been input, in this order, and the control unit may implement the third mode when a second density difference between two of the blocks included in the judgment pattern other than the combination of the first block and the second block is equal to or greater than a second threshold, and implement the fourth mode when the second density difference is less than the second threshold.

[0077] According to this configuration, the control unit automatically determines the third adjustment value when the second density difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. When the second density difference is less than the second threshold value, the control unit executes the fourth mode. Therefore, even if the third adjustment pattern cannot be formed in a gradation that can be read by the reading unit, the landing position can be adjusted by executing the fourth mode.

[0078] (F) The printing device described in (B) to (E) includes a memory unit that stores the type of medium and the result of the first implementation determination operation in association with each other, and when the acquired type of medium is stored in the memory unit, the control unit may implement the first mode or the second mode based on the result of the first implementation determination operation stored in the memory unit.

[0079] According to this configuration, the storage unit stores the type of medium and the result of the first execution determination operation in association with each other. When using a medium on which the first execution determination operation has been performed in the past, the control unit omits the first execution determination operation and performs the first mode or the second mode. This allows for efficient adjustment of the landing position.

[0080] (G) A landing position adjustment method includes a discharge unit having a nozzle row that discharges liquid and capable of reciprocating in a first direction intersecting with the nozzle row, and a reading unit that reads a pattern formed by the liquid discharged from the discharge unit onto a medium, and includes a first adjustment pattern forming operation of forming on the medium a first adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit in a third direction, which is either the first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first adjustment pattern reading operation of reading the first adjustment pattern formed in the first adjustment pattern forming operation with the reading unit, and a method of adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit in the third direction based on a result of the first adjustment pattern reading operation. a first adjustment value determination operation for determining a first adjustment value for determining whether or not the first mode can be implemented; and a first adjustment value determination operation for determining a first adjustment value for determining whether or not the first mode can be implemented. When implementation of the first mode is selected, the method automatically performs a determination pattern formation operation for forming a determination pattern on the medium to determine whether or not the first mode can be implemented, a determination pattern reading operation for reading the determination pattern formed in the determination pattern formation operation with the reading unit, and a first implementation determination operation for determining whether or not the first mode can be implemented based on a result of the determination pattern reading operation, and performs the first mode when it is determined in the first implementation determination operation that the first mode can be implemented.

[0081] According to this method, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the above-mentioned printing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 11...printing device, 12...casing, 13...guide shaft, 14...printing unit, 15...control unit, 16...storage unit, 18...medium, 19...medium support unit, 20...maintenance unit, 22...ejection unit, 23...carriage, 24...reading unit, 26...nozzle surface, 27...nozzle, 29...first adjustment pattern, 30...first reference pattern, 31...first variable pattern, 33...second adjustment pattern, 34...second reference pattern, 35...second variable pattern, 37...third adjustment pattern line, 38...third reference pattern, 39...third variation pattern, 41...fourth adjustment pattern, 42...fourth reference pattern, 43...fourth variation pattern, 45...judgment pattern, 46...first block, 47...second block, 48...third block, 49...fourth block, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, D3...third direction, D4...fourth direction, L...nozzle row, M1...first mode, M2...second mode, M3...third mode, M4...fourth mode.

Claims

1. a discharge unit having a nozzle row that discharges a liquid and capable of reciprocating in a first direction intersecting the nozzle row; a reading unit that reads a pattern formed by the liquid ejected onto a medium from the ejection unit; A control unit; Equipped with a first adjustment pattern forming operation of forming, on the medium, a first adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit in a third direction, which is either the first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first adjustment pattern reading operation in which the first adjustment pattern formed in the first adjustment pattern forming operation is read by the reading unit; a first adjustment value determination operation for determining a first adjustment value for adjusting a landing position of liquid ejected from the ejection portion in the third direction based on a result of the first adjustment pattern reading operation; The first mode is configured to be capable of continuously and automatically performing the above. When the execution of the first mode is selected, the control unit a determination pattern forming operation of forming, on the medium, a determination pattern for determining whether or not the first mode can be implemented; a determination pattern reading operation in which the determination pattern formed in the determination pattern forming operation is read by the reading unit; a first implementation determination operation for determining whether or not the first mode can be implemented based on a result of the determination pattern reading operation; and, when it is determined in the first implementation determination operation that the first mode can be implemented, implementing the first mode.

2. a second adjustment pattern forming operation of forming, on the medium, a second adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position in the third direction of the liquid ejected from the ejection portion; a first input determination operation for determining whether or not a second adjustment value for adjusting a landing position of liquid ejected from the ejection portion in the third direction, the second adjustment value being determined based on the second adjustment pattern, has been input; in this order, The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit executes the second mode when it is determined in the first execution determination operation that the first mode cannot be executed.

3. the determination pattern includes a plurality of blocks having different densities, A printing device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first implementation judgment operation includes a judgment of whether a first density difference between a first block having the maximum density and a second block having the minimum density among the plurality of blocks is greater than or equal to a first threshold value.

4. When the direction other than the third direction among the first direction and the second direction is defined as a fourth direction, In the first mode, after the first adjustment value determination operation, a third adjustment pattern forming operation of forming, on the medium, a third adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position in the fourth direction of the liquid ejected from the ejection portion; a third adjustment pattern reading operation in which the third adjustment pattern formed in the third adjustment pattern forming operation is read by the reading unit; a third adjustment value determination operation for determining a third adjustment value for adjusting a landing position of liquid ejected from the ejection portion in the fourth direction based on a result of the third adjustment pattern reading operation; 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the printing apparatus is configured to be capable of automatically carrying out the steps of the above-mentioned steps continuously.

5. When the direction other than the third direction among the first direction and the second direction is defined as a fourth direction, a third adjustment pattern forming operation of forming, on the medium, a third adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position in the fourth direction of the liquid ejected from the ejection portion; a third adjustment pattern reading operation in which the third adjustment pattern formed in the third adjustment pattern forming operation is read by the reading unit; a third adjustment value determination operation for determining a third adjustment value for adjusting a landing position of liquid ejected from the ejection portion in the fourth direction based on a result of the third adjustment pattern reading operation; A third mode in which the above steps are performed continuously and automatically; a fourth adjustment pattern forming operation of forming, on the medium, a fourth adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position in the fourth direction of the liquid ejected from the ejection portion; a second input determination operation for determining whether or not a fourth adjustment value for adjusting a landing position of liquid ejected from the ejection portion in the fourth direction, the fourth adjustment value being determined based on the fourth adjustment pattern, has been input; A fourth mode in which the above steps are carried out in this order; The present invention is configured to be capable of implementing the following: The printing device described in claim 3, characterized in that the control unit implements the third mode when the second density difference between two of the multiple blocks included in the judgment pattern other than the combination of the first block and the second block is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and implements the fourth mode when the second density difference is less than the second threshold.

6. a storage unit that stores the type of the medium and a result of the first execution determination operation in association with each other; A printing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that when the acquired type of medium is stored in the memory unit, the control unit executes the first mode or the second mode based on the result of the first implementation determination operation stored in the memory unit.

7. a discharge unit having a nozzle row that discharges a liquid and capable of reciprocating in a first direction intersecting the nozzle row; a reading unit that reads a pattern formed by the liquid ejected onto a medium from the ejection unit; Equipped with a first adjustment pattern forming operation of forming, on the medium, a first adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position of the liquid ejected from the ejection unit in a third direction, which is either the first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first adjustment pattern reading operation in which the first adjustment pattern formed in the first adjustment pattern forming operation is read by the reading unit; a first adjustment value determination operation for determining a first adjustment value for adjusting a landing position of liquid ejected from the ejection portion in the third direction based on a result of the first adjustment pattern reading operation; A method for adjusting a landing position of a printing device capable of performing a first mode in which the above-mentioned steps are continuously and automatically performed, When the implementation of the first mode is selected, a determination pattern forming operation of forming, on the medium, a determination pattern for determining whether or not the first mode can be implemented; a determination pattern reading operation in which the determination pattern formed in the determination pattern forming operation is read by the reading unit; a first implementation determination operation for determining whether or not the first mode can be implemented based on a result of the determination pattern reading operation; To automatically carry out the above, implementing the first mode when it is determined in the first implementation determination operation that the first mode can be implemented; A method for adjusting a landing position, comprising:

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