Liquid discharge device, liquid discharge system, liquid discharge method, and program

Abstract

To make the deviation of a liquid impact position to a recording medium inconspicuous.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device 1 includes a discharge head 14 for discharging a liquid to a recording medium, a stage 3 for supporting the recording medium and intermittently moving the recording medium in a first direction, a carriage 10 which is mounted with the discharge stage 14, and reciprocates in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a control part 500 for controlling liquid discharge by the discharge head 14, movement of the stage 3, and movement of the carriage 10. The control part 500 performs control so that a plurality of first stand-by times from end of the movement of the stage 3 to start of the liquid discharge by the discharge head 14 are made different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus, a liquid ejection system, a liquid ejection method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A known liquid ejection device includes a transport means for transporting a recording medium, a liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid, a moving means for moving the liquid ejection head back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium, and an error measuring unit for measuring an error in the landing position of the liquid (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1, when the error in the landing position of the liquid is larger than a predetermined value, the transport distance of the recording medium by the transport means is changed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, in the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1, there are cases where deviation in the landing position of the liquid is noticeable.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection device that can make deviations in the landing position of liquid on a recording medium less noticeable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A liquid ejection device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium; a stage that intermittently moves the recording medium in a first direction; a carriage that moves the liquid ejection head in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; a control unit that controls liquid ejection by the liquid ejection head, movement of the stage, and movement of the carriage, The control unit is A plurality of first waiting times from the end of the movement of the stage to the start of the ejection of liquid by the liquid ejection head are controlled to be different from one another. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid ejection device that can make deviations in the landing position of liquid on a recording medium less noticeable. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a liquid ejection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a cover open. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a liquid ejection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a cover open. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a carriage disposed above the stage. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a stage and a carriage. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a liquid ejection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a functional block diagram of a control unit of the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example (case 1) of the length of a first waiting time. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a liquid ejection method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process in the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example (case 2) of the length of a first waiting time. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process in a liquid ejection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a carriage of a liquid ejection device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A liquid ejection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a liquid ejection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which covers 7 and 8 are open. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a liquid ejection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which covers 7 and 8 are open. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a carriage 10 arranged above the stage 3. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the stage 3 and the carriage 10.

[0010] In addition, in FIG. 1, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction which are perpendicular to each other are illustrated. The X-axis direction is a direction along the transport direction of the recording medium, and is the sub-scanning direction. The X-axis direction may be the front-rear direction of the liquid ejection device 1. The Y-axis direction is a moving direction of the carriages 10A, 10B shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, and is the main scanning direction. The Z-axis direction is along the up-down direction. In addition, these X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction may be arbitrary directions and may not be perpendicular. In other figures, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction may be illustrated. In addition, the "direction" may include not only one direction but also the opposite direction.

[0011] [Outline of liquid ejection device 1] 1 to 4 is a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a recording medium. The liquid is, for example, ink. In the liquid ejection device 1, the liquid ejected is not limited to ink.

[0012] The liquid ejection device 1 has a stage 3 in front of a housing 2. The stage 3 is also called a platen. The stage 3 can move in the X-axis direction along guide rails 4. The guide rails 4 extend in the X-axis direction. An operation panel 5 is provided on the front side of the housing 2. An ink cartridge 6 is attached to the side of the housing 2. A front cover 7 and a rear cover 8 are provided on the top of the housing 2 as cover members. Note that the "front cover 7 and rear cover 8" may be abbreviated to "covers 7, 8".

[0013] The upper surface of the stage 3 is a flat mounting surface on which a recording medium is placed. The upper surface of the stage 3 is a surface parallel to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The stage 3 is, for example, plate-shaped and has a predetermined weight. The stage 3 is capable of reciprocating in the X-axis direction along a guide rail 4. The stage 3 is capable of rising and lowering in the Z-axis direction. The liquid ejection device 1 can adjust the height of the recording medium placed on the stage 3.

[0014] The covers 7 and 8 are movable in the X-axis direction. Figures 1 and 2 show the liquid ejection device 1 in a state in which the covers 7 and 8 are closed. Figures 3 and 4 show the liquid ejection device 1 in a state in which the covers 7 and 8 are open, as described above.

[0015] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a device main body. The device main body includes a housing 2 and liquid ejection units 9A and 9B. The device main body is the portion other than the covers 7 and 8. Note that the "liquid ejection units 9A and 9B" may be referred to as the "liquid ejection unit 9."

[0016] With the covers 7 and 8 open, the liquid ejection section 9 inside the liquid ejection device 1 is exposed to the outside. With the covers 7 and 8 open, maintenance work can be performed on the liquid ejection device 1. The maintenance work here includes cleaning the inside of the liquid ejection device 1 and replacing parts. As maintenance work, the user may clean the maintenance unit 30 and the liquid ejection section 9, as well as the surrounding area. As maintenance work, the user may replace the carriages 10A and 10B.

[0017] When an image is formed by the liquid ejection device 1, the covers 7 and 8 are closed. As a result, the liquid ejection section 9 inside the liquid ejection device 1 is covered by the covers 7 and 8, and operating sections such as the carriages 10A and 10B cannot be accessed from the outside during image formation. Since the liquid ejection section 9 is disposed within a space enclosed by the covers 7 and 8, mist is prevented from scattering outside the liquid ejection device 1 during liquid ejection. Furthermore, the mist may be circulated and collected by circulating an air current inside the liquid ejection device 1.

[0018] [Liquid discharge part 9] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a plurality of liquid ejection units 9A, 9B. The liquid ejection units 9A, 9B are aligned in the X-axis direction. The liquid ejection unit 9A ejects color and white inks. The liquid ejection unit 9B ejects a pretreatment liquid. Note that the liquid ejected by each of the liquid ejection units 9A, 9B is not limited to the above, and may be any of color inks, white ink, and pretreatment liquid. In particular, when the recording medium is a fabric, it is preferable to apply a pretreatment liquid before forming an image with ink, and therefore it is preferable that one of the liquid ejection units ejects a pretreatment liquid.

[0019] The liquid discharger 9A has a carriage 10A, a guide rod 11, an electrical component section 12, and a maintenance unit 30. The electrical component section 12 includes a board and an electrical component cover. Like the liquid discharger 9A, the liquid discharger 9B has a carriage 10B, a guide rod 11, an electrical component section 12, and a maintenance unit 30. Note that "carriage 10A, 10B" may be referred to as "carriage 10".

[0020] The carriage 10 is mounted with a plurality of liquid ejection heads 14 that eject liquid. Note that "liquid ejection head 14" may be abbreviated to "ejection head 14." The ejection head 14 has a pressure chamber that stores the liquid, a vibration plate that generates pressure on the liquid inside the pressure chamber, a flow path through which the liquid flows, and a nozzle plate in which nozzles that eject the liquid are formed.

[0021] The guide rod 11 extends in the Y-axis direction. The carriage 10 is movable along the guide rod 11 in the Y-axis direction.

[0022] [Carriage drive mechanism] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a carriage drive mechanism for moving the carriage 10. The carriage drive mechanism includes a main scanning motor 13 that is a power source for moving the carriage 10, and the above-mentioned guide rod 11 that guides the movement of the carriage 10. The carriage drive mechanism also includes a power transmission mechanism that transmits power from the main scanning motor 13. The power transmission mechanism may include a pulley and a belt, may include a rack and pinion, or may be something else.

[0023] [Maintenance Unit 30] 4, the maintenance unit 30 is disposed outside the liquid ejection area in the Y-axis direction at a position facing the guide rod 11 in the vertical direction. The liquid ejection area is an area where liquid can be ejected onto a recording medium, and may be a printing area.

[0024] The maintenance unit 30 has a wiping member that cleans the nozzle surface of the ejection head 14 and a suction mechanism that sucks the nozzle surface. The wiping member may be a wiper made of rubber or the like, or a web made of nonwoven fabric or the like.

[0025] [Stage drive mechanism] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a stage driving mechanism for moving the stage 3. The stage driving mechanism has a sub-scanning motor 16 (see FIG. 7) that is a power source for moving the stage 3, and a guide rail 4 (see FIG. 6) that guides the movement of the stage 3. The stage driving mechanism may also have a ball screw, a rack and pinion, a pulley, a belt, a slider, or the like.

[0026] [An example of the operation of the liquid ejection device 1] Next, a description will be given of an example of the operation of the liquid ejection device 1. The liquid ejection device 1 moves the recording medium placed on the stage 3 in the X-axis direction. The stage 3 can move in the X-axis direction along a guide rail 4. The stage 3 is transported to the rear side of the liquid ejection device 1.

[0027] The ejection head 14B of the liquid ejection unit 9B applies the pretreatment liquid to the recording medium. The liquid ejection device 1 ejects the pretreatment liquid while moving the carriage 10B in the Y-axis direction along the guide rod 11. The pretreatment liquid is ejected from the nozzles of the ejection head 14B.

[0028] Next, the liquid ejection device 1 moves the stage 3 forward. After the stage 3 has finished moving in the X-axis direction, the liquid ejection unit 9B applies each color ink to the recording medium. The liquid ejection device 1 ejects ink while moving the carriage 10B along the guide rod 11 in the Y-axis direction. The ink is ejected from the nozzles of the ejection head 14B.

[0029] [Hardware configuration of liquid ejection device 1] Next, a hardware configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The liquid ejection device 1 includes a control device 510 having a control unit 500.

[0030] A printer driver 515 is connected to the control unit 500. The printer driver 515 generates print data. The printer driver 515 may generate the print data in a host device such as an information processing terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer), an image reading device such as an image scanner, or an imaging device such as a digital camera. The printer driver 515 generates dot pattern data for outputting an image in the liquid ejection device 1.

[0031] [Control unit 500] The control unit 500 has a CPU (Center Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, and an NVRAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory) 504.

[0032] The CPU 501 is a calculation unit that controls the overall operation of the liquid ejection device 1. The CPU 501 controls the movement of the stage 3, the movement of the carriage 10, and the liquid ejection operation by the ejection head 14. The ROM 502 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium. The ROM 502 stores programs such as firmware. The RAM 503 is a volatile storage medium that can read and write information at high speed. The RAM 503 is used as a working area when the CPU 501 processes information.

[0033] The NVRAM 504 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.

[0034] A software control unit is configured by reading out a program stored in the storage unit 570 into the RAM 503, and the CPU 501 performing calculations in accordance with the program loaded into the RAM 503. The storage unit 570 includes a ROM 502 and an NVRAM 504. The storage unit 570 may include a storage medium such as an optical disk.

[0035] A combination of hardware and software control units constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the liquid ejection device 1. A CPU 501 and a RAM 503 function as various control units as shown in Fig. 8. The various control units will be described later.

[0036] [Operation Panel 516] The liquid ejection device 1 includes an operation panel 516. The operation panel 516 is connected to the control unit 500. The operation panel 516 is an input unit that allows a user to operate and input information. The operation panel 516 may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The user can operate the operation panel 516 to change the settings of printing conditions. The user can also operate the operation panel 516 to change the settings of various conditions. The user can operate the operation panel 516 to change the settings of a head cleaning operation. Information input via the operation panel 516 is transmitted to the control unit 500. The operation panel 516 may be a display unit and an input unit of a terminal (PC) connected to the control unit 500.

[0037] [Sensor 60] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a sensor 60. The sensor 60 may be a camera that captures an image of the nozzle surface 41 of the ejection head 14. The sensor 60 may be a sensor group including a plurality of types of sensors. The sensor 60 may be a temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside (inside) the liquid ejection device 1. The sensor 60 may be a sensor that can detect the position of the stage 3. The sensor 60 may be a sensor that can detect the position of the carriage 10.

[0038] [Head control unit 521] The control unit 500 includes a head control unit 521 that controls the driving of the ejection head 14. The head control unit 521 can control the operation of a head driver 17 for driving the ejection head 14. The head driver 17 is mounted on the carriage 10 and is electrically connected to the ejection head 14. The head driver 17 is also called a driver IC. The head control unit 521 can control the drive elements of the ejection head 14 to eject liquid. The head control unit 521 can execute various controls related to the ejection head 14.

[0039] The head control unit 521 includes a drive signal generation unit that generates drive signals for controlling the driving of the ejection head 14 , and a data transfer unit that transfers the drive signals to the head driver 17 .

[0040] The control unit 500 transfers the processed image data from the head control unit 521 to the head driver 17 .

[0041] The head control unit 521 can transfer the above-mentioned image data as serial data. The head control unit 521 may transfer a transfer clock signal required for transferring image data and confirming the transfer to the head driver 17. The head control unit 521 can output latch signals and control signals for controlling the ejection of liquid to the head driver 17.

[0042] The drive signal generation unit of the head control unit 521 includes a D / A converter, a voltage amplifier, and a current amplifier. The D / A converter can perform D / A conversion of drive pulse pattern data stored in the ROM 502, for example. The drive pulse is included in the drive signal. The voltage amplifier can amplify a voltage based on the drive pulse, for example. The current amplifier may amplify a current based on the drive pulse. The drive signal generation unit outputs a drive signal consisting of one drive pulse or multiple drive pulses to the head driver 17.

[0043] The head driver 17 supplies a voltage based on the drive pulse to the piezoelectric element to eject liquid from the ejection head 14. The head control unit 510 can eject dots of different sizes, such as large droplets, medium droplets, and small droplets, by selecting the drive pulse.

[0044] [Motor drive unit 522] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a main scanning motor 13, a sub-scanning motor 16, and a maintenance and recovery motor 18. The control unit 500 includes a motor drive unit 522. The motor drive unit 522 controls the drive of the main scanning motor 13, the sub-scanning motor 16, and the maintenance and recovery motor 18. The motor drive unit 522 controls the drive of the main scanning motor 13, the sub-scanning motor 16, and the maintenance and recovery motor 18 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 501.

[0045] The main scanning motor 13 is a motor for driving the carriage 10. The sub-scanning motor 16 is a motor for moving the stage 3. The maintenance and recovery motor 18 may be a motor for raising and lowering a cap that covers the nozzle surface of the ejection head 14. The suction mechanism of the maintenance unit 30 includes a cap that covers the nozzle surface, and a maintenance and recovery motor for raising and lowering the cap. The liquid ejection device 1 may include other motors, and the motor drive unit 522 may control the driving of the other motors. The motor drive unit 522 controls the rotation and stopping of various motors.

[0046] The motor drive unit 522 can control the start and end of movement of the carriage 10 by controlling the rotation and stopping of the main scanning motor 13. The motor drive unit 522 can control the acceleration and speed of the carriage 10 by controlling the drive of the main scanning motor 13. Note that acceleration includes speed changes when accelerating and speed changes when decelerating.

[0047] The motor driving unit 522 can control the start and end of movement of the stage 3 by controlling the rotation and stopping of the sub-scanning motor 16. The motor driving unit 522 can control the acceleration and speed of the stage 3 by controlling the driving of the sub-scanning motor 16. Note that acceleration includes speed changes when accelerating and speed changes when decelerating.

[0048] [Pump drive unit 523] The liquid discharge device 1 includes a suction pump 27 and a liquid feed pump 28. The control unit 500 includes a pump drive unit 523. The pump drive unit 523 controls the drive of the suction pump 27 and the liquid feed pump 28. The pump drive unit 523 controls the drive of the suction pump 27 and the liquid feed pump 28 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 501.

[0049] The maintenance unit 30 has a suction pump 27. The suction pump 27 removes liquid adhering to the nozzle surface of the ejection head 14 by sucking the nozzle surface while it is covered with the cap.

[0050] The liquid feed pump 28 supplies the ink contained in the ink cartridge 6 to the carriage 10. The carriage 10 may be equipped with a head tank that stores ink. The ink in the head tank is supplied to the ejection head 14. The liquid feed pump 28 may be a reversible pump constituted by, for example, a tube pump.

[0051] [Function configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 500 of the liquid ejection device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The CPU 501 executes a program stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 502 to realize the functions of a system control unit 531, a memory control unit 532, a communication control unit 533, an ejection control unit 534, a carriage movement control unit 535, a stage movement control unit 540, a waiting time setting unit 541, and a storage unit 570. Note that external devices and sensors connected to the control unit 500 may execute some of these functions.

[0052] The system control unit 531 controls the overall operation of the liquid ejection device 1. The memory control unit 532 controls the operation of memories such as the ROM 502, the RAM 503, and the NVRAM 504. The communication control unit 533 controls communication with external devices connected to the control device 510.

[0053] The ejection control unit 534 controls the ejection of liquid by the ejection head 14. The ejection control unit 534 controls the operation of the ejection head 14.

[0054] The carriage movement control unit 535 controls the movement of the carriage 10. The carriage movement control unit 535 can control the start and end of the movement, the movement speed, and the acceleration of the carriage 10. The carriage movement control unit 535 can control the start time and start position of the movement of the carriage 10. The carriage movement control unit 535 can control the end time and end position of the movement of the carriage 10.

[0055] The stage movement control unit 540 controls the movement of the stage 3. The stage movement control unit 540 can control the start and end of the movement of the stage 3, the movement speed, and the acceleration. The stage movement control unit 540 can control the start time and start position of the movement of the stage 3. The stage movement control unit 540 can control the end time and end position of the movement of the stage 3.

[0056] The wait time setting unit 541 sets a first wait time from the end of movement of the stage 3 to the start of liquid ejection by the ejection head 14. The wait time setting unit 541 sets the first wait time such that the lengths of the first wait times are different for multiple scans by the carriage 10. This will be described in detail later. The wait time setting unit 541 can change the set first wait time.

[0057] The waiting time setting unit 541 may randomly set the first waiting times multiple times. The waiting time setting unit 541 may set, for example, a total of four first waiting times to all different values. The waiting time setting unit 541 may set the difference between the previous first waiting time and the next first waiting time to a constant value, or may set the differences between the first waiting times to all different values.

[0058] The control unit 500 can change the first waiting time, for example, by changing the position where the carriage 10 starts discharging liquid. The control unit 500 may change the first waiting time by changing the moving speed of the carriage 10. The control unit 500 may change the first waiting time by changing the position where the carriage 10 starts moving. The control unit 500 may change the first waiting time by changing the acceleration of the carriage 10.

[0059] The user may input information regarding the first waiting time by operating operation panel 516. Waiting time setting unit 541 may change the first waiting time based on the information input via operation panel 516.

[0060] [Storage section 570] The storage unit 570 stores various information. The storage unit 570 stores various information related to the first waiting time. The storage unit 570 stores the set first waiting time. The storage unit 570 may store the difference between the first waiting times multiple times.

[0061] [First waiting time (case 1)] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example (case 1) of the length of the first waiting time. Here, the length of the first waiting time will be described when, for example, a total of four scans are performed. The scan includes movement of the carriage 10 in the Y-axis direction. In describing the first waiting time, the timing at which the movement of the stage 3 ends, the timing at which the movement of the carriage 10 starts, and the timing at which the ejection head 14 starts ejecting liquid will be described. FIG. 9 shows the moving speed of the stage 3, and the length of the first waiting time. In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis shows the passage of time, and the vertical axis shows the moving speed of the stage 3.

[0062] 9(a) is a diagram showing the moving speed of stage 3 before the first scan and the first waiting time T11. Times t10 to t14 shown on the horizontal axis pass in this order. At time t10, stage 3 starts moving. From time t10 to time t11, stage 3 accelerates. From time t11 to time t12, stage 3 moves at a constant speed. After time t12, stage 3 decelerates, and at time t13, the movement of stage 3 ends.

[0063] A first waiting time T11 before the first scan is the length from time t13 when the movement of the stage 3 ends to time t14 when the ejection of liquid starts. After the first waiting time T11 has elapsed, the ejection head 14 starts ejecting liquid onto the recording medium.

[0064] The carriage 10 starts moving before time t14. At time t14, the carriage 10 passes a predetermined position while moving in the Y-axis direction at a constant speed, and starts discharging liquid. Time t14 is the position at which the discharge head 14 starts discharging liquid in the first scan. Time t14 may be the time at which the carriage 10 passes a position at which it is possible to start discharging liquid in the first scan.

[0065] After the carriage 10 passes over the recording medium in the Y-axis direction, the movement of the carriage 10 ends, and the first scan ends. After the first scan ends, the stage 3 starts moving again.

[0066] Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing the moving speed of the stage 3 before the second scan and the first waiting time T12. Times t20 to t24 shown on the horizontal axis pass in this order. The movement of the stage 3 from time t20 to t23 is the same as the movement of the stage 3 from time t10 to t13 in Fig. 9(a). The movement of the stage 3 ends at time t23.

[0067] A first waiting time T12 before the second scan is a length from time t23 when the movement of the stage 3 ends to time t24 when the ejection of liquid starts. After the first waiting time T12 has elapsed, the ejection head 14 starts ejecting liquid onto the recording medium. The first waiting time T12 has a length different from the first waiting time T11. For example, the first waiting time T12 is longer than the first waiting time T11.

[0068] The carriage 10 starts moving before time t24. At time t24, the carriage 10 passes a predetermined position while moving in the Y-axis direction at a constant speed, and starts discharging liquid. Time t24 is the position at which the discharge head 14 starts discharging liquid in the second scan. Time t24 may be the time at which the carriage 10 passes a position at which it is possible to start discharging liquid in the second scan.

[0069] After the carriage 10 passes over the recording medium in the Y-axis direction, the movement of the carriage 10 ends, and the second scan ends. After the second scan ends, the stage 3 starts moving again.

[0070] Fig. 9(c) is a diagram showing the moving speed of the stage 3 before the third scan and the first waiting time T13. Times t30 to t34 shown on the horizontal axis pass in this order. The movement of the stage 3 from time t30 to t33 is the same as the movement of the stage 3 from time t10 to t13 in Fig. 9(a). The movement of the stage 3 ends at time t33.

[0071] The first waiting time T13 before the third scan is the length from time t33 when the movement of the stage 3 ends to time t34 when the ejection of liquid starts. After the first waiting time T13 has elapsed, the ejection head 14 starts ejecting liquid onto the recording medium. The first waiting time T13 has a length different from the first waiting times T11 and T12. For example, the first waiting time T13 is longer than the first waiting time T11. For example, the first waiting time T13 is shorter than the first waiting time T12.

[0072] The carriage 10 starts moving before time t34. At time t34, the carriage 10 passes a predetermined position while moving in the Y-axis direction at a constant speed, and starts discharging liquid. Time t24 is the position at which the discharge head 14 starts discharging liquid in the third scan. Time t34 may be the time at which the carriage 10 passes a position at which it is possible to start discharging liquid in the third scan.

[0073] After the carriage 10 passes over the recording medium in the Y-axis direction, the movement of the carriage 10 ends, and the third scan ends. After the third scan ends, the stage 3 starts moving again.

[0074] Fig. 9(d) is a diagram showing the moving speed of stage 3 before the fourth scan and the first waiting time T14. Times t40 to t44 shown on the horizontal axis pass in this order. The movement of stage 3 from time t40 to t43 is the same as the movement of stage 3 from time t10 to t13 in Fig. 9(a). The movement of stage 3 ends at time t43.

[0075] A first waiting time T14 before the fourth scan is a length from time t43 when the movement of the stage 3 ends to time t44 when the ejection of liquid starts. After the first waiting time T14 has elapsed, the ejection head 14 starts ejecting liquid onto the recording medium. The first waiting time T14 has a length different from the first waiting times T11, T12, and T13. For example, the first waiting time T14 is shorter than the first waiting times T11, T12, and T13.

[0076] The carriage 10 starts moving before time t44. At time t44, the carriage 10 passes a predetermined position while moving in the Y-axis direction at a constant speed, and starts discharging liquid. Time t24 is the position at which the discharge head 14 starts discharging liquid in the fourth scan. Time t44 may be the time at which the carriage 10 passes a position at which it is possible to start discharging liquid in the fourth scan.

[0077] After the carriage 10 passes over the recording medium in the Y-axis direction, the movement of the carriage 10 ends, and the fourth scan ends.

[0078] [Liquid ejection method according to the first embodiment] Next, a description will be given of a liquid ejection method according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the liquid ejection method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The liquid ejection device 1 executes the liquid ejection method.

[0079] The liquid ejection method includes a first stage movement step (step S11), a first liquid ejection step (step S12), a second stage movement step (step S13), and a second liquid ejection step (step S14). In the liquid ejection method, these steps (steps S11 to S14) are performed in this order. Also, in the liquid ejection method, these steps (steps S11 to S12) are repeated as necessary.

[0080] In a first stage movement step (step S11), the stage 3 supporting the recording medium is moved in the X-axis direction (first direction) to end the movement of the stage 3. In the first stage movement step, the control unit 500 drives the sub-scanning motor 16 to move the stage 3 to a predetermined position. Specifically, the control unit 500 moves the stage 3 to a position below the movement path of the carriage 10. Ending the movement of the stage 3 may also mean moving the stage 3 to a position below the movement path of the carriage 10. The position below the movement path of the carriage 10 includes a position below the guide rod 11.

[0081] In the first liquid ejection step (step S12), liquid is ejected onto a recording medium on a stage 3 while performing a scan (first scan) in which a carriage 10 carrying an ejection head 14 that ejects liquid is moved in the Y-axis direction.

[0082] The control unit 500 drives the main scanning motor 13 to eject liquid from the ejection head 14 while moving the carriage 10. The control unit 500 controls the carriage 10 and the ejection head 14 to start ejecting liquid after a first waiting time T11 has elapsed. The control unit 500 starts moving the carriage 10 so as to start ejecting liquid when the first waiting time T11 has elapsed. The movement of the carriage 10 ends after it has passed above the recording medium.

[0083] In the second stage movement process (step S13), the stage 3 supporting the recording medium is moved in the Y-axis direction, and the movement of the stage is completed. The second stage movement process can be performed in the same manner as the first stage movement process. In the second stage movement process, the stage 3 moves further from the position after the first stage movement process is performed. The recording medium is disposed at a position below the movement path of the carriage 10.

[0084] In a second liquid ejection process (step S14), liquid is ejected onto a recording medium on the stage 3 while performing a scan (second scan) in which the carriage 10 carrying the ejection head 14 that ejects the liquid moves in the Y-axis direction. The movement direction of the carriage 10 in the second liquid ejection process is opposite to the movement direction of the carriage 10 in the first liquid ejection process.

[0085] In the second liquid ejection process, the control unit 500 ejects liquid from the ejection head 14 while moving the carriage 10, similar to the first liquid ejection process. The control unit 500 controls the carriage 10 and the ejection head 14 to start ejecting liquid after the first waiting time T12 has elapsed. The control unit 500 starts moving the carriage 10 so as to start ejecting liquid when the first waiting time T12 has elapsed. The movement of the carriage 10 ends after it has passed above the recording medium.

[0086] In the liquid ejection method, a first waiting time T12 from the end of movement of stage 3 in the second stage movement process (time t23) to the start of liquid ejection in the second liquid ejection process (time t24) is different from a first waiting time from the end of movement of stage 3 in the first stage movement process (time t13) to the start of liquid ejection in the first liquid ejection process (time t14).

[0087] [Control process procedure by control unit 500] Next, the procedure of the control process by the control unit 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the control process in the liquid ejection device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] As described above, the control unit 500 starts the movement of the stage 3 in the X-axis direction (step S21). The time when the movement of the stage 3 starts is time t10 shown in FIG. 9(a). The control unit 500 controls the sub-scanning motor 16 to start the movement of the stage 3. Next, the control unit 500 ends the movement of the stage 3 (step S22). The time when the movement of the stage 3 ends is t13 shown in FIG. 9(a). The control unit 500 stops the rotation of the sub-scanning motor 16 to end the movement of the stage 3.

[0089] Next, the control unit 500 sets a random waiting time (first waiting time) (step S23). For example, the control unit 500 may set the random waiting time by reading a waiting time previously stored in the storage unit 570. The waiting time here may be, for example, the first waiting time T11 shown in FIG. 9(a).

[0090] Next, the control unit 500 judges whether or not different times are set as the waiting times (step S24). If different times are set as the waiting times, the control unit 500 proceeds to step S26, and if different times are not set, the control unit 500 proceeds to step S25. For example, when performing multiple scans, if the waiting times set multiple times are set as the same time, the control unit 500 judges that different times are not set as the waiting times (step S24; NO). For example, if the set waiting time is different from the previous waiting time, the control unit 500 judges that different times are set as the waiting times (step S24; YES). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, if the first waiting times T11 to T14 are different from each other, the control unit 500 judges that different times are set as the waiting times.

[0091] In step S25, the control unit 500 sets the unused time among the number of passes of the printing conditions as the waiting time. The number of passes of the printing conditions is one scan of the carriage 10, and may be one movement of the carriage 10 in the Y-axis direction. For example, the storage unit 570 stores a table of waiting times in advance. The storage unit 570 sets used waiting times and unused waiting times. The control unit 500 sets the unused waiting time by selecting an unused waiting time from the previously set waiting times. After processing of step S25, the control unit 500 proceeds to step S26.

[0092] In step S26, the control unit 500 stops the printing operation until the set waiting time has elapsed. Stopping the printing operation means that the printing operation is not being executed.

[0093] In step S27, the control unit 500 resumes the printing operation after a certain period of time has elapsed. The "certain period of time" here refers to a set waiting time. The waiting time starts when the movement of the stage 3 ends, which is time t13 shown in FIG. 9(a). The printing operation may be resumed by starting the ejection of liquid. For example, the control unit 500 controls the operation of the carriage 10 and the ejection head 14 so as to start the ejection of liquid at time t14.

[0094] In step S28, the control unit 500 drives the carriage 10 to print one scan. One scan is one scan. Note that scanning may be referred to as scanning. While moving the carriage 10, the control unit 500 ejects liquid from the ejection head 14 to print on the recording medium.

[0095] Next, in step S29, the control unit 500 determines whether printing has been completed up to the final scan. If all of the preset number of scans have been completed, the control unit 500 determines that printing has been completed up to the final scan (step S29; YES) and ends the process here. If all of the scans have not been completed, the control unit 500 determines that printing has not been completed up to the final scan (step S29; NO) and returns to step S21.

[0096] [Stage 3 Vibration] Next, the vibration of the stage 3 will be described. When the stage 3 stops, vibration occurs. Since the stage 3 has a certain weight, when the stage 3 starts to decelerate, the stage 3 vibrates. The vibration of the stage 3 attenuates as time progresses.

[0097] When such vibration occurs, when liquid ejection starts, the position where the liquid lands on the recording medium is shifted from the target position due to the vibration of the stage 3. If the waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage 3 to the start of liquid ejection is the same, there is a risk that the shift in the liquid landing position will be similar in multiple scans. In the liquid ejection device 1, if the shift in the liquid landing position on the recording medium is noticeable, it will lead to a decrease in image quality. In the liquid ejection device 1, the first waiting times T11 to T14 are different from one another in multiple scans. In the liquid ejection device 1, the first waiting times T11 to T14 from the end of the movement of the stage 3 to the start of liquid ejection are different from one another in multiple scans. Therefore, in the liquid ejection device 1, the shift in the liquid landing position is not the same and is difficult to visually recognize.

[0098] [Functions and Effects of the Liquid Discharger 1 According to the First Embodiment] The liquid ejection device 1 includes an ejection head 14 that ejects liquid onto a recording medium, a stage 3 that supports the recording medium and moves intermittently in the Y-axis direction (first direction), a carriage 10 that carries the ejection head 14 and moves back and forth in the X-axis (second direction) that intersects with the Y-axis direction, and a control unit 500 that controls the ejection of liquid by the ejection head 14, the movement of the stage 3, and the movement of the carriage 10. The control unit 500 controls a plurality of first waiting times T11 to T14 from the end of the movement of the stage 3 to the start of the ejection of liquid by the ejection head 14 so that they are different from each other.

[0099] In the liquid ejection device 1, even if the stage 3 vibrates as the stage 3 decelerates, the multiple first waiting times T11 to T14 are different, so it is possible to make the deviation of the liquid landing position on the recording medium irregular. Therefore, in the liquid ejection device 1, the deviation of the liquid landing position is not uniform and is difficult to visually recognize. In the liquid ejection device 1, it is possible to make the deviation of the liquid landing position less noticeable.

[0100] In the liquid ejection device 1, the control unit 500 controls the plurality of first waiting times T11 to T14 so that they are random.

[0101] [First waiting time (case 2)] Next, the first waiting time (case 2) will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the length of the first waiting time (case 2). In FIG. 12, the horizontal axis indicates the length of time. The control unit 500 sets a plurality of first waiting times T21 to T24. The first waiting time T21 is the first first waiting time, the first waiting time T22 is the second first waiting time, the first waiting time T23 is the third first waiting time, and the first waiting time T22 is the fourth first waiting time. The first waiting times T21 to T24 are each different in length.

[0102] The multiple first standby times T21 each include a fixed time T20 having a common length among the multiple first standby times T21 to T24, and variable times T21b to T24b having different lengths among the multiple first standby times T21 to T24.

[0103] The first standby time T21 is the sum of the fixed time T20 and the variable time T21b. The first standby time T22 is the sum of the fixed time T20 and the variable time T22b. The first standby time T23 is the sum of the fixed time T20 and the variable time T23b. The first standby time T24 is the sum of the fixed time T20 and the variable time T24b.

[0104] The storage unit 570 stores a fixed time T20 and a plurality of variable times T21b to T24b. The control unit 500 can read the fixed time T20 and the variable times T21b to T24b stored in the storage unit 570 and set the first standby times T21 to T24. The standby time setting unit 541 can randomly set the variable times T21b to T24b. The first standby times T21 to T24 may be set to include a plurality of variable times.

[0105] [Liquid ejection device 1 according to the second embodiment] Next, a liquid ejection device 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. The liquid ejection device 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the liquid ejection device 1 according to the first embodiment in that a second waiting time is set. In the liquid ejection device 1 according to the second embodiment, both the first waiting time and the second waiting time may be set, or the second waiting time may be set instead of the first waiting time. In the description of the liquid ejection device 1 according to the second embodiment, the same description as that of the liquid ejection device 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0106] The waiting time setting unit 541 can set a second waiting time. The second waiting time is the length from the end of the movement of the carriage 10 to the start of the ejection of liquid by the ejection head 14. The start of the ejection of liquid is the start of the ejection of liquid in one corresponding scan. The end of the movement of the carriage 10 is the end of the movement of the carriage 10 in the previous scan when multiple scans are performed, and may be the end of the movement when the carriage 10 is moved to a predetermined start position before the start of the corresponding scan. The second waiting time may be the length from the start of the movement of the carriage 10 in the corresponding scan to the start of the ejection of liquid.

[0107] [Control process procedure by the control unit 500 according to the second embodiment] Next, the procedure of the control process by the control unit 500 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process in the liquid ejection device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of Fig. 13, when the same process as in the flowchart of Fig. 11 is performed, the same step S number is given and the same description will be omitted. The processes of steps S21 to S26 are the same as those in the flowchart of Fig. 11.

[0108] After step S26, the control unit 500 performs the process of step S31. In step S31, the control unit 500 sets a waiting time for the carriage 10. The waiting time for the carriage 10 is a second waiting time. The control unit 500 sets the second waiting time by reading the second waiting time stored in the memory unit 570.

[0109] Next, the control unit 500 judges whether or not a different time is set as the waiting time (second waiting time) of the carriage 10 (step S32). If a different time is set as the second waiting time, the control unit 500 proceeds to step S34, and if a different time is not set, the control unit 500 proceeds to step S33. For example, when multiple scans are performed, if the second waiting times set multiple times are set to the same time, it is judged that a different time is not set as the second waiting time (step S32; NO). For example, if the set second waiting time is different from the previous second waiting time, it is judged that a different time is set as the second waiting time (step S32; YES).

[0110] In step S33, the control unit 500 sets an unused time among the number of passes of the printing conditions as the second waiting time. For example, the memory unit 570 stores a table of second waiting times in advance. The memory unit 570 sets a used second waiting time and an unused second waiting time. The control unit 500 sets an unused second waiting time by selecting an unused second waiting time from the preset second waiting times. After processing of step S33, the control unit 500 proceeds to step S34.

[0111] In step S35, the control unit 500 stops the printing operation until the set second waiting time has elapsed. Stopping the printing operation means that the printing operation is not being executed.

[0112] In step S36, the control unit 500 resumes the printing operation after a certain period of time has elapsed. The "certain period of time" here refers to a second waiting time that has been set. The start of the second waiting time is the time when the movement of the carriage 10 in the previous scan ends. "Resuming the printing operation" may also mean starting the ejection of liquid.

[0113] In step S36, the control unit 500 drives the carriage 10 to perform printing for one scan. While moving the carriage 10, the control unit 500 ejects liquid from the ejection head 14 to perform printing on the recording medium.

[0114] Next, in step S37, the control unit 500 judges whether printing has been completed up to the final scan. If all of the preset number of scans have been completed, the control unit 500 judges that printing has been completed up to the final scan (step S37; YES) and ends the process here. If all of the scans have not been completed, the control unit 500 judges that printing has not been completed up to the final scan (step S37; NO) and returns to step S21.

[0115] [Functions and Effects of the Liquid Discharger 1 According to the Second Embodiment] The liquid ejection device 1 includes an ejection head 14 that ejects liquid onto a recording medium, a stage 3 that supports the recording medium and moves intermittently in the Y-axis direction (first direction), a carriage 10 that mounts the ejection head 14 and moves back and forth in the X-axis (second direction) that intersects with the Y-axis direction, and a control unit 500 that controls the ejection of liquid by the ejection head 14, the movement of the stage 3, and the movement of the carriage 10. The control unit 500 controls the multiple second waiting times from the end of the movement of the carriage 10 to the start of ejection of liquid by the ejection head 14 so that they are different. "The multiple second waiting times are different" may mean that all of the multiple second waiting times are different from one another, or only one of the multiple second waiting times may be different.

[0116] In the liquid ejection device 1, even if the stage 3 vibrates as the stage 3 decelerates, the second waiting times are different multiple times, so it is possible to make the deviation of the liquid landing position on the recording medium irregular. Therefore, in the liquid ejection device 1, the deviation of the liquid landing position is not uniform and is difficult to visually recognize. As a result, in the liquid ejection device 1, it is possible to make the deviation of the liquid landing position less noticeable.

[0117] In the liquid ejection device 1, after the stage 3 has moved to a predetermined position, the carriage 10 moves and ejection of liquid begins. In the liquid ejection device 1, by controlling the multiple second waiting times to be different, it is possible to prevent the shift in the landing position of the liquid caused by vibration of the stage 3 from becoming irregular. In the liquid ejection device 1, the shift in the landing position of the liquid is not uniform and is difficult to visually recognize. As a result, in the liquid ejection device 1, it is possible to make the shift in the landing position of the liquid less noticeable.

[0118] Furthermore, if the carriage 10 is large, there is a risk of vibration occurring when the carriage 10 decelerates. Even in such a case, the liquid ejection device 1 can control the multiple second waiting times from the end of the movement of the carriage 10 in the previous scan until the start of liquid ejection by the ejection head 14 to be different, thereby making it possible to prevent the shift in the landing position of the liquid caused by the vibration of the carriage 10 from being irregular. Therefore, in the liquid ejection device 1, the shift in the landing position of the liquid is not uniform and is difficult to visually recognize. As a result, in the liquid ejection device 1, it is possible to make the shift in the landing position of the liquid less noticeable.

[0119] [Example of the second waiting period] In the liquid ejection device 1 according to the second embodiment, the second waiting times may each include a fixed time having a common length among the second waiting times and a variable time having a different length among the second waiting times. The variable times may be different from each other, or only one of the variable times may be different.

[0120] [Modified Carriage 10] 14, the carriage 10 may be equipped with a plurality of ejection heads 14A, 14B. As described above, the ejection head 14A ejects the pretreatment liquid, and the ejection head 14B ejects white or colored ink. The liquid ejection device 1 may be equipped with the carriage 10 equipped with a plurality of ejection heads 14A, 14B. The carriage 10 may be equipped with three or more ejection heads 14.

[0121] [Liquid Discharge System] The liquid ejection system according to the embodiment includes an ejection head 14 that ejects liquid onto a recording medium, a stage 3 that supports the recording medium and moves intermittently in a first direction, a carriage 10 that carries the ejection head 14 and moves back and forth in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a control unit 500 that controls the ejection of liquid by the ejection head 14, the movement of the stage 3, and the movement of the carriage 10. The control unit 500 controls the first waiting times from the end of the movement of the stage 3 to the start of the ejection of liquid by the ejection head 14 so that they are different from one another.

[0122] [program] The program of the embodiment causes a computer (CPU 501) to execute the following control processes: a first stage movement process in which the stage 3 supporting the recording medium is moved in a first direction and the movement of the stage 3 is terminated; a first liquid ejection process in which liquid is ejected onto the recording medium on the stage 3 while performing a first scan in which the carriage 10 carrying the ejection head 14 that ejects liquid is moved in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second stage movement process in which the stage 3 supporting the recording medium is moved in the first direction and the movement of the stage 3 is terminated; and a second liquid ejection process in which liquid is ejected onto the recording medium on the stage 3 while performing a second scan in which the carriage 10 is moved in the opposite direction to the movement in the first scan.

[0123] The program according to the embodiment causes a computer to execute a control process to make a first waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage 3 in the second stage movement process to the start of the ejection of liquid in the second liquid ejection process different from a first waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage 3 in the first stage movement process to the start of the ejection of liquid in the first liquid ejection process;

[0124] In the present invention, the terms image formation, recording, printing, printing, etc. are all synonymous.

[0125] Recording medium, media, and printed material are all synonymous.

[0126] The above-described embodiment is presented as an example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, the embodiment and modifications of the embodiment are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0127] [Processing circuit] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and a device such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or a conventional circuit module designed to execute each function described above.

[0128] One aspect of the present invention may be as follows.

[0129] <1> A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium; a stage that intermittently moves the recording medium in a first direction; a carriage that moves the liquid ejection head in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; a control unit that controls liquid ejection by the liquid ejection head, movement of the stage, and movement of the carriage, The control unit is The liquid ejection device controls a plurality of first waiting times from the end of the movement of the stage to the start of ejection of liquid by the liquid ejection head so as to be different from one another. <2> The control unit controls the plurality of first waiting times so that they are randomly different from one another. <1> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 . <3> The plurality of first waiting times are A common length of fixed time, and a variable time having a different length for each of the plurality of first waiting times. <1> or <2> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 . <4> The control unit is The above-mentioned second waiting time from the end of the movement of the carriage to the start of the ejection of liquid by the liquid ejection head is controlled so as to be different from one another. <1> ~ <3> 13. The liquid ejection device according to claim 12, wherein the liquid ejection device is a liquid ejection device. <5> A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium; a stage that supports the recording medium and moves intermittently in a first direction; a carriage carrying the liquid ejection head and reciprocating in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a control unit that controls liquid ejection by the liquid ejection head, movement of the stage, and movement of the carriage, The control unit is The liquid ejection device controls a plurality of second waiting times from the end of the movement of the carriage to the start of ejection of liquid by the liquid ejection head so as to be different from one another. <6> The control unit controls the plurality of second waiting times to be different from each other randomly. <5> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 . <7> The plurality of second waiting times are A common length of fixed time, and a variable time having a different length for each of the plurality of second waiting times. <6> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 . <8> A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium; a stage that intermittently moves the recording medium in a first direction; a carriage that moves the liquid ejection head in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; a control unit that controls liquid ejection by the liquid ejection head, movement of the stage, and movement of the carriage, The control unit is The liquid ejection system controls a plurality of first waiting times from the end of the movement of the stage to the start of ejection of liquid by the liquid ejection head so as to be different from one another. <9> a first stage moving step of moving the recording medium in a first direction by the stage and terminating the movement of the recording medium by the stage; a first liquid ejection step of ejecting liquid onto the recording medium on the stage while performing a first scan in which a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid is moved in a second direction intersecting the first direction by a carriage; a second stage moving step of moving the recording medium in the first direction by the stage and terminating the movement of the recording medium by the stage; a second liquid ejection step of ejecting liquid onto the recording medium on the stage while performing a second scan in which the carriage is moved in a direction opposite to the movement in the first scan, A liquid ejection method, wherein a first waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage in the second stage movement process to the start of ejection of liquid in the second liquid ejection process is different from a first waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage in the first stage movement process to the start of ejection of liquid in the first liquid ejection process. <10> a control process for executing a first stage movement process in which the stage moves the recording medium in a first direction and ends the movement of the recording medium by the stage; a control process for executing a first liquid ejection process of ejecting liquid onto the recording medium on the stage while performing a first scan in which a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid is moved in a second direction intersecting the first direction by a carriage; a control process for executing a second stage movement process of moving the recording medium in the first direction by the stage and terminating the movement of the recording medium by the stage; a control process for causing a computer to execute a second liquid ejection process of ejecting liquid onto the recording medium on the stage while performing a second scan in which the carriage is moved in a direction opposite to the direction of movement in the first scan. A program that causes the computer to execute a control process that makes a first waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage in the second stage movement process to the start of liquid ejection in the second liquid ejection process different from a first waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage in the first stage movement process to the start of liquid ejection in the first liquid ejection process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1:Liquid discharge device 3: Stage 10, 10A, 10B: Carriage 14, 14A, 14B: Discharge head (liquid discharge head) 500: Control unit X: X-axis direction (first direction, sub-scanning direction) Y: Y-axis direction (second direction, main scanning direction) Z: Z-axis direction [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0131] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5625323

Claims

1. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium; a stage that intermittently moves the recording medium in a first direction; a carriage that moves the liquid ejection head in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; a control unit that controls liquid ejection by the liquid ejection head, movement of the stage, and movement of the carriage, The control unit is A liquid ejection apparatus that controls a plurality of first waiting times from the end of the movement of the stage to the start of ejection of liquid by the liquid ejection head so as to be different from one another.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the plurality of first waiting times so that they are randomly different from one another.

3. The plurality of first waiting times are A common length of fixed time, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a variable time period having a different length for each of the plurality of first waiting times.

4. The control unit is The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of second waiting times from the end of the movement of the carriage to the start of ejection of liquid by the liquid ejection head are controlled to be different from one another.

5. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium; a stage that supports the recording medium and moves intermittently in a first direction; a carriage carrying the liquid ejection head and reciprocating in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a control unit that controls liquid ejection by the liquid ejection head, movement of the stage, and movement of the carriage, The control unit is A liquid ejection apparatus that controls a plurality of second waiting times from the end of the movement of the carriage to the start of ejection of liquid by the liquid ejection head so as to be different from one another.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit controls the second waiting times so that the second waiting times are randomly different from each other.

7. The plurality of second waiting times are A common length of fixed time, The liquid ejection device according to claim 6 , further comprising: a variable time period having a different length for each of the plurality of second waiting times.

8. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium; a stage that intermittently moves the recording medium in a first direction; a carriage that moves the liquid ejection head in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; a control unit that controls liquid ejection by the liquid ejection head, movement of the stage, and movement of the carriage, The control unit is A liquid ejection system that controls a plurality of first waiting times from the end of the movement of the stage to the start of ejection of liquid by the liquid ejection head so as to be different from one another.

9. a first stage moving step of moving the recording medium in a first direction by the stage and terminating the movement of the recording medium by the stage; a first liquid ejection step of ejecting liquid onto the recording medium on the stage while performing a first scan in which a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid is moved in a second direction intersecting the first direction by a carriage; a second stage moving step of moving the recording medium in the first direction by the stage and terminating the movement of the recording medium by the stage; a second liquid ejection step of ejecting liquid onto the recording medium on the stage while performing a second scan in which the carriage is moved in a direction opposite to the direction of movement in the first scan, A liquid ejection method, wherein a first waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage in the second stage movement process to the start of ejection of liquid in the second liquid ejection process is different from a first waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage in the first stage movement process to the start of ejection of liquid in the first liquid ejection process.

10. a control process for executing a first stage movement process in which the stage moves the recording medium in a first direction and ends the movement of the recording medium by the stage; a control process for executing a first liquid ejection process of ejecting liquid onto the recording medium on the stage while performing a first scan in which a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid is moved in a second direction intersecting the first direction by a carriage; a control process for executing a second stage movement process of moving the recording medium in the first direction by the stage and terminating the movement of the recording medium by the stage; a control process for causing a computer to execute a second liquid ejection process of ejecting liquid onto the recording medium on the stage while performing a second scan in which the carriage is moved in a direction opposite to the direction of movement in the first scan. A program that causes the computer to execute a control process that makes a first waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage in the second stage movement process to the start of liquid ejection in the second liquid ejection process different from a first waiting time from the end of the movement of the stage in the first stage movement process to the start of liquid ejection in the first liquid ejection process.

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