Printer, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a printer, a control method and a control program which can suppress non-ejection of ink.SOLUTION: A printer comprises a head, a lamp, a first sensor and a controller. The head ejects photo-curable ink to an object to be printed supported on a platen. The lamp emits light to the object to be printed having ink ejected thereto. The first sensor is provided in the printer and detects the temperature in the printer. The controller makes the first sensor obtain the temperature in the printer (S2). The controller obtains a duty ratio indicating a printing rate at the time when ink is ejected into an ejection area of the object to be printed on the basis of printing data (S3). When the obtained duty ratio is a low duty ratio that is lower than a predetermined reference duty ratio as a reference and when the temperature detected by the first sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature as a reference, the controller sets the number of times of flushing to be more than the predetermined number of times as a reference (S9, S23, S29 and S31).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] The printer described in Patent Document 1 includes a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is disposed at a predetermined position on the platen or the carriage. The humidity sensor detects the humidity around the printer. The printer controls the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device to the ink according to the humidity detected by the humidity sensor.

[0003] The printer described in Patent Document 2 includes an outside air sensor. The outside air sensor is provided outside the printer. The outside air sensor detects the humidity and temperature around the printer. The printer controls the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device to the ink according to the humidity and temperature detection results from the outside air sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-138460 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-299232 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The printer controlled the illuminance based on at least one of the temperature and humidity, but if the illuminance was changed to avoid insufficient ink curing due to the temperature and the duty ratio, which indicates the printing rate in the printing area, the ink in the nozzles could be cured by the ultraviolet light reflected from the printing medium during printing, which could cause the nozzles to become clogged and make it impossible to eject ink.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a printer, a control method, and a control program that can prevent ink ejection failure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A printer according to a first aspect of the present invention is a printer that performs printing on a printing object based on specified printing data, and is equipped with a head that ejects photocurable ink onto the printing object supported by a platen, a lamp that irradiates light onto the printing object onto which the ink has been ejected, a first sensor provided within the printer that detects the temperature within the printer, and a controller, wherein the controller causes the first sensor to acquire the temperature within the printer, acquires a duty ratio that indicates a printing rate when the ink is ejected onto the ejection area of ​​the printing object based on the printing data, and increases the number of flushes beyond the specified reference number if the acquired duty ratio is a low duty ratio that is lower than a specified reference duty ratio that serves as a reference, and the temperature detected by the first sensor is higher than the specified reference temperature.

[0008] When the printer has a low duty ratio and a high temperature, the ink in the nozzles tends to solidify. This can cause the nozzles to become clogged and make it impossible to eject ink. However, the printer according to the first aspect of the present invention increases the number of flushings to eject ink. Therefore, the printer can suppress ink failure caused by nozzle clogging.

[0009] The controller may increase the number of flushings when the acquired duty ratio is a low duty ratio lower than the reference duty ratio and the temperature detected by the first sensor is higher than the predetermined reference temperature, compared to when the acquired duty ratio is a high duty ratio higher than the reference duty ratio and the temperature detected by the first sensor is lower than the predetermined reference temperature. When the printer has a low duty ratio and a high temperature, the ink in the nozzles is likely to solidify. This may cause the nozzles to become clogged and make it impossible to eject ink. However, the printer increases the number of flushings and ejects ink. Therefore, the printer can suppress ink failure due to nozzle clogging.

[0010] The first sensor may be provided in the head and detect the temperature of the head. The printer determines the number of flushing operations based on the temperature of the head and the duty ratio. Therefore, the printer can further reduce the possibility of ink failure.

[0011] The underside of the head may be provided with a plurality of nozzles for ejecting the ink, and the first sensor may be provided below a side surface of the head. The printer may detect the temperature near the nozzles of the head by providing a sensor on the side surface of the head. Therefore, the printer may set the number of flushing times based on the nozzle temperature. Therefore, the printer may further reduce the possibility of ink not being ejected.

[0012] The printer may include a second sensor that is provided in the printer and detects humidity inside the printer, and the controller causes the second sensor to detect the humidity inside the printer and sets the number of flushings based on the temperature acquired by the first sensor, the acquired duty ratio, and the humidity acquired by the second sensor. The printer can set the number of flushings in more detail based on the temperature, duty ratio, and humidity. In this case, the printer can reduce the possibility of ink non-ejection.

[0013] The first sensor and the second sensor may be an integrated sensor, thereby making it possible to reduce the space required for the printer.

[0014] The head may be capable of changing the size of the ink droplets ejected, and the controller may increase the number of flushings as the size of the droplets ejected from the head becomes smaller when the low duty ratio is lower than the reference duty ratio. The printer requires more flushing as the size of the droplets ejected from the head becomes smaller. In this case, the printer increases the number of flushings. Therefore, the printer can further reduce the possibility of ink failure.

[0015] The head may eject the ultraviolet-curable ink onto the printing object, and the lamp may irradiate the printing object with ultraviolet light. Even when the printer includes a lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light to cure the ultraviolet-curable ink, the printer can achieve the same effect as the printer of the first aspect.

[0016] A control method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a control method for a printer including a head that ejects photocurable ink onto a printing object supported by a platen, a lamp that irradiates light onto the printing object onto which the ink has been ejected, and a first sensor that is provided within the printer and detects the temperature within the printer, and is characterized in that it includes a first acquisition step of causing the first sensor to acquire the temperature within the printer, a second acquisition step of acquiring a duty ratio that indicates a printing rate when the ink is ejected onto the ejection area of ​​the printing object based on print data, and a setting step of increasing the number of flushings beyond the predetermined reference number when the duty ratio acquired by the second acquisition step is a low duty ratio that is lower than a predetermined reference duty ratio that serves as a reference and the temperature detected by the first sensor is higher than the predetermined reference temperature.

[0017] By using the above control method, the printer obtains the same effects as the printer of the first aspect.

[0018] A control program according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a printer computer having a head that ejects photocurable ink onto a printing object supported by a platen, a lamp that irradiates light onto the printing object onto which the ink has been ejected, and a first sensor that is provided within the printer and detects the temperature within the printer, the control program comprising: a first acquisition step of causing the first sensor to acquire the temperature within the printer; a second acquisition step of acquiring a duty ratio that indicates a printing rate when the ink is ejected onto the ejection area of ​​the printing object based on print data; and a setting step of increasing the number of flushings beyond the predetermined reference number when the duty ratio acquired by the second acquisition step is a low duty ratio that is lower than a predetermined reference duty ratio that serves as a reference and the temperature detected by the first sensor is higher than the predetermined reference temperature.

[0019] By executing the control program, the printer obtains the same effects as the printer of the first aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printer 1 as seen from above, front right. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of the printer 1 as seen from above and to the right rear. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a first sensor 38 is attached to a head 10. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows the positions of the head 10 and the box 52 when flushing is performed. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a chart showing the relationship between environmental conditions and the number of times flushing is performed. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing a main process. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing the main processing, which is a continuation of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The upper, lower, lower left, upper right, lower right, and upper left in Fig. 1 correspond to the upper, lower, front, rear, right, and left of the printer 1, respectively.

[0022] The schematic configuration of the printer 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the printer 1 includes a transport mechanism 6, a lift mechanism 9, a platen 5, a pair of rails 11, and a carriage 20. The transport mechanism 6 is provided at the bottom of the printer 1. The transport mechanism 6 includes a pair of rails 12. The pair of rails 12 extend in the front-rear direction and are aligned with each other in the left-right direction.

[0023] The lifting mechanism 9 is provided above the transport mechanism 6. The lifting mechanism 9 is supported by a pair of rails 12.

[0024] The platen 5 is provided above the lifting mechanism 9. The platen 5 is a plate. The platen 5 is supported by the lifting mechanism 9. The platen 5 moves in the vertical direction as the lifting mechanism 9 expands and contracts in the vertical direction.

[0025] The platen 5 moves in the front-rear direction by the front-rear movement of the lifting mechanism 9. An object to be printed is placed on the upper surface of the platen 5. The object to be printed is, for example, in the form of a plate or sheet, and is made of, for example, cloth, paper, plastic, or metal.

[0026] The pair of rails 11 are provided above the platen 5. The pair of rails 11 extend in the left-right direction and are aligned with each other in the front-rear direction. The carriage 20 is provided between the pair of rails 11 in the front-rear direction. The carriage 20 is a plate. The carriage 20 is supported by the pair of rails 11. The carriage 20 moves in the left-right direction along the pair of rails 11 by being driven by a main scanning motor 31.

[0027] The head 10 is fixed to the carriage 20. The number of heads 10 is not limited to a specific number, but in this embodiment, two heads 10 are mounted on the carriage 20. The two heads 10 are rectangular parallelepiped shaped and are aligned in the front-to-rear direction.

[0028] A lamp 50 is provided on the right side of the head 10. The number of lamps 50 is not limited to a specific number, but in this embodiment, two lamps 50 are provided. That is, in this embodiment, the printer 1 is provided with lamps 50 equal to the number of heads 10. The lamp 50 is shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped and includes an ultraviolet light emitting diode 51.

[0029] An ultraviolet light-emitting diode 51 shown in Fig. 3 is formed on the underside of the lamp 50. As shown in Fig. 1, the underside of the lamp 50 is located above the platen 5 and faces the platen 5 from above. The lamp 50 irradiates the printing target with ultraviolet light downward from the underside of the lamp 50 by emitting light from the ultraviolet light-emitting diode 51 shown in Fig. 3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, a mounting section 8 is provided on the right side of the printer 1. A plurality of cartridges 3 are mounted in the mounting section 8. Each cartridge 3 contains white ink, color ink, etc. A fixed member 17 is fixed to the rear side of the rear rail 11 of the pair of rails 11. The fixed member 17 supports tubes 15. Ink flows from each cartridge 3 through the tubes 15 and is supplied to each head 10.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, a nozzle surface 101 is formed on the bottom surface of the head 10. The nozzle surface 101 is located above the platen 5 and faces the platen 5 from above. A plurality of nozzles 101a are formed in the nozzle surface 101. The head 10 ejects ink downward from the plurality of nozzles 101a in the nozzle surface 101 toward a printing target. As an example, the ink is a so-called ultraviolet curable ink that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light.

[0032] The head 10 can change the size of the ink ejected from the nozzle 101a. In this embodiment, for example, the size of the ink droplets ejected from the head 10 can be changed between two sizes: when the ink droplets are large (hereinafter also referred to as "L droplets") and when the ink droplets are small (hereinafter also referred to as "S droplets").

[0033] A first sensor 38 is provided below the front surface of the head 10 (see FIG. 3). The first sensor 38 detects the temperature of the head 10. In this embodiment, the first sensor 38 is provided on the front side of the head 10, but it may be provided on the rear side of the head 10.

[0034] A box 52 that contains ink is provided on the left side of the printer 1 (see Figures 2 and 4). In this embodiment, two boxes 52 are provided corresponding to the number of heads 10. The box 52 is used when flushing the head 10. When flushing, the printer 1 moves the head 10 to the left so that the nozzle surface 101 faces the upper surface of the box 52 (see Figure 4). With the nozzle surface 101 facing the box 52, the printer 1 ejects ink from the nozzles 101a. The ejected ink is stored in the box 52.

[0035] The electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The printer 1 includes a control board 40. The control board 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, and a flash memory 44. The CPU 41 controls the printer 1, and is electrically connected to the ROM 42, the RAM 43, and the flash memory 44.

[0036] The ROM 42 stores control programs for the CPU 41 to control the operation of the printer 1, information required by the CPU 41 when executing various programs, etc. The RAM 43 temporarily stores various data used in the control programs, etc.

[0037] The flash memory 44 is non-volatile and stores print data for printing, etc. The print data includes information such as a duty ratio that indicates the printing rate when ink is ejected onto an ejection area of ​​a print target.

[0038] The main scanning motor 31, the sub-scanning motor 32, the head drive unit 33, the lift motor 34, the ultraviolet light emitting diode 51, the operation unit 37, and the first sensor 38 are electrically connected to the CPU 41. The main scanning motor 31, the sub-scanning motor 32, the head drive unit 33, the lift motor 34, the ultraviolet light emitting diode 51, and the drive motor 71 are driven by the control of the CPU 41. The lift mechanism 9 shown in FIG. 1 moves in the front-rear direction along the pair of rails 12 by the drive of the sub-scanning motor 32. The lift mechanism 9 shown in FIG. 1 expands and contracts in the up-down direction by the drive of the lift motor 34. The head 10 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is driven by the head drive unit 33 composed of a pressure element, a heat element, and the like. The head 10 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 ejects ink downward from the nozzles 101a of the nozzle surface 101 to the printing object by the drive of the head drive unit 33.

[0039] The operation unit 37 is a touch panel or the like, and outputs information according to operations by a user to the CPU 41. By operating the operation unit 37, the user can input a print instruction to start printing by the printer 1, or the like, to the printer 1. The first sensor 38 transmits the detection result of the temperature of the head 10 to the CPU 41.

[0040] According to the configuration of the printer 1 described above, a print object is placed on the platen 5, and printing begins with the platen 5 moving backward. When printing begins, the head 10 ejects ink, and the carriage 20 moves back and forth in the left and right directions while the lamp 50 irradiates ultraviolet light. As a result, ink adheres to the print object, and the ultraviolet light hits the adhered ink. The ink hardens due to the ultraviolet light and becomes fixed on the print object. After the carriage 20 has moved back and forth, the platen 5 moves forward a predetermined amount. The printer 1 repeats these operations to print on the print object.

[0041] The number of flushings will be described with reference to Figures 6(a) and 6(b). As shown in Table C, for example, under conditions of high duty ratio, L balls, and high temperature, the number of flushings is set to 2 [times / h]. In this case, flushing is performed twice an hour.

[0042] Here, if the illuminance is constant even when the temperature changes, the ink in the nozzle 101a is more likely to harden at high temperatures than at low temperatures. Therefore, under conditions of a low duty ratio, L balls, and high temperature, the number of flushings is set to 3 times / h. In other words, flushing is performed three times per hour. Therefore, under conditions of a low duty ratio and high temperature, the number of flushings can be increased, and non-ejection of ink due to hardening of the ink in the nozzle 101a can be suppressed. Note that in this embodiment, under conditions of a low duty ratio and high temperature, the number of flushings is set to the maximum number (3 times / h) under conditions of L balls.

[0043] Under the conditions of low duty ratio, L ball, and low temperature, the number of flushings is set to once per hour. In other words, flushing is performed once per hour.

[0044] Under conditions of a high duty ratio, L ball, and low temperature, the number of flushings is set to 1 [times / h] per hour. In other words, flushing is performed once per hour. In this embodiment, the number of flushings at a frequency of 1 [times / h] is set as the standard number of times. Also, in this embodiment, under conditions of a low duty ratio and low temperature, the number of flushings is set to the minimum number (1 [times / h]) under the L ball condition.

[0045] In the case of a high duty ratio, S ball, and high temperature, the number of flushings is set to 2 [times / h] as shown in Table D. In addition, in the case of a high duty ratio, S ball, and low temperature, the number of flushings is set to 1 [times / h], similar to the condition of a high duty ratio, L ball, and low temperature.

[0046] In the case of a low duty ratio, S ball, and high temperature, the number of flushings is set to 4 times / h. In other words, flushing is performed four times per hour. In the case of a low duty ratio, S ball, and low temperature, the number of flushings is set to 3 times / h. In other words, flushing is performed three times per hour.

[0047] When Table C and Table D are compared, under conditions of a high duty ratio and high temperature, the number of flushings is set to 2 times / h for both L and S balls. Similarly, under conditions of a high duty ratio and low temperature, the number of flushings is set to 1 time / h for both L and S balls. Therefore, when the printer 1 of this embodiment determines the number of flushings, there is little need to consider the size of the ink droplets when the duty ratio is high.

[0048] Under conditions of a low duty ratio and high temperature, more flushing is required with S droplets of ink than with L droplets of ink. Similarly, under conditions of a low duty ratio and low temperature, more flushing is required with S droplets of ink than with L droplets of ink. Therefore, when determining the number of flushings, it is desirable for the printer 1 of this embodiment to take the size of the ink droplets into consideration when the duty ratio is low.

[0049] The main processing will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The user places a print object on the platen 5. The user operates the operation unit 37 (see Figure 5) to turn on the power to the printer 1. When the power is turned on, the CPU 41 reads and runs a control program from the ROM 42, thereby executing the main processing.

[0050] When the main process starts, the CPU 41 judges whether or not print data has been received (S1). If it is judged that print data has not been received (S1: NO), the CPU 41 advances the process to S15, where it judges whether or not flushing is to be performed (S15). It is assumed that the number of flushings is set to 1 [times / h] as the initial value, for example.

[0051] If it is determined that flushing is not to be performed (S15: NO), the CPU 41 returns the process to S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that flushing is to be performed (S15: YES), the CPU 41 moves the head 10 to a position where the nozzle surface 101 faces the box 52 as shown in Fig. 4, and performs flushing (S17). The CPU 41 returns the process to S1.

[0052] When a print command is input to the printer 1 by the user and it is determined that the print data has been accepted (S1: YES), the CPU 41 causes the first sensor 38 to acquire the temperature of the head 10 (S2). The CPU 41 acquires the duty ratio based on the print data (S3). The CPU 41 determines whether the duty ratio is a high duty ratio based on the print data (S5). For example, the high or low duty ratio is determined based on a reference duty ratio of 50%. In this case, a duty ratio higher than the reference duty ratio is defined as a high duty ratio, and a duty ratio lower than the reference duty ratio is defined as a low duty ratio.

[0053] If it is determined that the duty ratio is high (S5: YES), the CPU 41 determines whether the temperature of the head 10 detected by the first sensor 38 is high or not (S7). The determination of whether the temperature is high or not is made based on a predetermined reference temperature of 25° C., for example. A temperature higher than the reference temperature is defined as a high temperature, and a temperature lower than the reference temperature is defined as a low temperature.

[0054] If the first sensor 38 detects that the temperature of the head 10 is high (S7: YES), the CPU 41 sets the number of flushings appropriate for the high duty ratio and high temperature conditions (S9). In the case of a high duty ratio, the CPU 41 does not need to consider the size of the droplets. In this case, the CPU 41 refers to, for example, Table C or Table D and sets the number of flushings to 2 [times / h]. The CPU 41 advances the process to S11.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature of the head 10 detected by the first sensor 38 is low (S7: NO), the CPU 41 sets the number of flushings to an optimum number under the conditions of a high duty ratio and low temperature (S18). In this case, for example, the CPU 41 refers to Table C or Table D and sets the number of flushings to 1 [times / h]. The CPU 41 advances the process to S11.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined that the duty ratio is low (S5: NO), the CPU 41 determines whether the size of the ink droplets ejected from the head 10 is L (S19). Under the low duty ratio condition, the number of flushing operations is changed according to the size of the droplets.

[0057] If it is determined that the ink droplet size is an L ball, which is large (S19: YES), the CPU 41 determines whether the temperature of the head 10 detected by the first sensor 38 is high (S21). If it is determined that the temperature of the head 10 detected by the first sensor 38 is high (S21: YES), the CPU 41 sets the number of flushings to an optimum number for the conditions of a low duty ratio, an L ball, and a high temperature (S23). In this case, for example, the CPU 41 refers to table C and sets the number of flushings to 3 [times / h]. The CPU 41 advances the process to S11.

[0058] On the other hand, if the first sensor 38 detects that the temperature of the head 10 is low (S21: NO), the CPU 41 sets the number of flushings to an optimum number for a low duty ratio, L balls, and low temperature (S25). In this case, for example, the CPU 41 refers to table C and sets the number of flushings to 1 [times / h]. The CPU 41 advances the process to S11.

[0059] On the other hand, if it is determined that the droplets are small S-type balls (S19: NO), the CPU 41 determines whether the temperature of the head 10 detected by the first sensor 38 is high (S27 shown in FIG. 8). If it is determined that the temperature of the head 10 detected by the first sensor 38 is high (S27: YES), the CPU 41 sets the number of flushings to an optimum number for the conditions of a low duty ratio, S-type balls, and high temperature (S29). In this case, for example, the CPU 41 refers to table D and sets the number of flushings to 4 [times / h]. The CPU 41 advances the process to S11.

[0060] If it is determined that the temperature of the head 10 detected by the first sensor 38 is low (S27: NO), the CPU 41 sets the number of flushings to an optimum number for a low duty ratio, S balls, and low temperature (S31). In this case, for example, the CPU 41 refers to table D and sets the number of flushings to 3 [times / h]. The CPU 41 advances the process to S11.

[0061] When the number of flushing times is set, the CPU 41 executes a print process based on the print data (S11). This causes ink to be ejected from the head 10 onto the print object, forming an ink layer on the print object. The CPU 41 causes the lamp 50 to irradiate ultraviolet light to harden the ink ejected onto the print object (S13).

[0062] The CPU 41 determines whether or not flushing is to be performed (S15). In this case, whether or not flushing is to be performed is determined based on the number of times set in the processes of S9, S18, S23, S25, S29, and S31. If it is determined that flushing is to be performed (S15: YES), the CPU 41 moves the head 10 to a position where the nozzle surface 101 faces the box 52 as shown in FIG. 4, and performs flushing (S17). The CPU 41 returns the process to S1.

[0063] As described above, the CPU 41 causes the first sensor 38 to acquire the temperature inside the printer 1. The CPU 41 acquires the duty ratio indicating the printing rate when ink is ejected onto the ejection area of ​​the print target based on the print data. When the acquired duty ratio is a low duty ratio lower than a predetermined reference duty ratio serving as a reference and the temperature detected by the first sensor 38 is higher than the predetermined reference temperature, the CPU 41 increases the number of flushing operations above the predetermined reference number.

[0064] In the printer 1, when the duty ratio is low and the temperature is high, the ink in the nozzle 101a is likely to solidify. This may cause the nozzle 101a to become clogged and unable to eject ink. However, the printer 1 increases the number of flushings to eject ink. Therefore, the printer 1 can prevent ink failure caused by ink clogging in the nozzle 101a.

[0065] When the acquired duty ratio is a low duty ratio lower than the reference duty ratio and the temperature detected by the first sensor 38 is higher than a predetermined reference temperature, the CPU 41 increases the number of flushings compared to when the acquired duty ratio is a high duty ratio higher than the reference duty ratio and the temperature detected by the first sensor 38 is lower than the predetermined reference temperature. When the printer 1 has a low duty ratio and a high temperature, the ink in the nozzle 101a is likely to solidify. Therefore, the nozzle 101a may become clogged and become unable to eject ink. However, the printer 1 increases the number of flushings and ejects ink. Therefore, the printer 1 can suppress non-ejection of ink due to clogging of the nozzle 101a.

[0066] The first sensor 38 is provided in the head 10 and detects the temperature of the head 10. The printer 1 determines the number of flushing operations based on the temperature and duty ratio of the head 10. Therefore, the printer 1 can further reduce the possibility of ink failure.

[0067] The head 10 ejects ultraviolet-curable ink onto a print target. The lamp 50 irradiates ultraviolet light onto the print target. Even when the printer 1 is provided with the lamp 50 that irradiates ultraviolet light to cure the ultraviolet-curable ink, the possibility of ink failure can be reduced.

[0068] The present invention can be modified in various ways from the above embodiment. The various modified examples described below can be combined with each other as long as no contradictions arise. The printer 1 in the above embodiment uses ultraviolet curable ink. However, the printer 1 may use ink that is cured by irradiation with visible light or infrared light, for example. In this case, the lamp 50 may emit visible light or infrared light according to the duty ratio and temperature.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the first sensor 38 is provided in front of the head 10 and detects the temperature of the head 10. In contrast, the first sensor 38 may be provided at any position of the head 10. Also, the first sensor 38 may be provided inside the head 10 and detect the temperature inside the head 10. Also, the first sensor 38 may be provided at any position in the printer 1 and detect the temperature inside the printer 1. In this case, the number of flushings may be set in relation to the temperature inside the printer 1. Also, the first sensor 38 may be provided on the nozzle surface 101 of the head 10 and detect the temperature of the nozzles 101a. Therefore, the printer 1 may set the number of flushings based on the temperature of the nozzles 101a. Therefore, the printer 1 can further reduce the possibility of ink non-ejection.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the first sensor 38 is provided. However, it is not necessary to provide the first sensor 38. In this case, the number of flushing operations may be set based on the detection result of a temperature sensor built into the head 10, for example.

[0071] In the above embodiment, one first sensor 38 is provided on the front head 10. However, a first sensor 38 may be provided on the rear head 10 in addition to the front head 10. In this case, the CPU 41 may set the number of flushing times depending on the temperature of each head 10. That is, the number of flushing times is set depending on the temperatures of the front head 10 and the rear head 10, respectively.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the printer 1 sets the number of flushings based on the temperature detection result by the first sensor 38. In contrast, the printer 1 may further include a second sensor that detects humidity inside the printer. In this case, the second sensor may be provided at any position inside the printer. In this case, the CPU 41 may set the number of flushings based on the temperature acquired by the first sensor 38, the acquired duty ratio, and the humidity acquired by the second sensor. Therefore, the printer 1 can set the number of flushings in more detail based on the temperature, the duty ratio, and the humidity. In this case, the printer 1 can further reduce the possibility of ink non-ejection.

[0073] The second sensor may be provided in the head 10 inside the printer, or may be provided in the nozzle surface 101. Furthermore, the first sensor 38 and the second sensor may be an integrated sensor. In this case, the printer 1 can be made more space-saving.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the number of flushings is determined based on tables C and D. Here, the number of flushings in tables C and D may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the case of a low duty ratio, L ball, and high temperature, it may be 4 [times / h], in the case of a low duty ratio, L ball, and low temperature, it may be 3 [times / h], in the case of a high duty ratio, L ball, and low temperature, it may be 2 [times / h], and in the case of a high duty ratio, L ball, and high temperature, it may be 1 [times / h]. In other words, the number of flushings in the case of a low duty ratio, L ball, and low temperature may be more than or equal to the number of flushings in the case of a high duty ratio, L ball, and high temperature. The predetermined number of flushings as a reference may be, for example, 2 [times / h].

[0075] In the above embodiment, in tables C and D, a duty ratio of 33% is defined as a low duty ratio, and a duty ratio of 100% is defined as a high duty ratio. In contrast, the printer 1 may be provided with tables so that an appropriate number of flushings can be set in detail in relation to other duty ratios. In this case, the required number of flushings may be set appropriately according to the other duty ratios.

[0076] In the above embodiment, tables C and D define a temperature of 25°C as low when it is below 25°C and as high when it is above 25°C. In contrast, the printer 1 may be provided with a table so that the number of flushes can be set in detail in relation to other temperatures. In this case, the number of flushes can be set according to the other temperatures.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the head 10 can change the size of the ink droplets ejected between L and S. Alternatively, the head 10 may be able to continuously change the size of the ink droplets ejected. In this case, when the ink printing rate relative to the ejection area is a low duty ratio that is lower than a reference duty ratio, the CPU 41 may increase the number of flushings as the size of the droplets ejected from the head 10 becomes smaller. Therefore, the printer 1 can further reduce the possibility of ink non-ejection.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the reference duty ratio is set to 50%. However, the reference duty ratio may be set as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the reference temperature is set to 25° C. However, the reference temperature may be set as appropriate.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the number of flushings per hour is set based on 1 [times / h]. However, flushing may be performed, for example, every hour. In this case, in flushing performed every hour, the number of times droplets are ejected may be increased or decreased depending on the duty ratio and temperature.

[0080] In the above embodiment, ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared light correspond to the "light" of the present invention. The head 10 corresponds to the "head" of the present invention. The lamp 50 corresponds to the "lamp" of the present invention. The platen 5 corresponds to the "platen" of the present invention. The first sensor 38 corresponds to the "first sensor" of the present invention. 1 [times / h] corresponds to the "reference number of times" of the present invention. The CPU 41 corresponds to the "controller" of the present invention. The slope α2 corresponds to the "first ratio" of the present invention. The slope α1 corresponds to the "second ratio" of the present invention. The process of S2 executed by the CPU 41 corresponds to the "first acquisition step" of the present invention. The process of S3 executed by the CPU 41 corresponds to the "second acquisition step" of the present invention. The processes of S9, S18, S23, S25, S29, and S31 executed by the CPU 41 correspond to the "setting steps" of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Printer 3 Cartridge 5 Platen 10 Head 20 Carriage 38 First Sensor 41 CPU 50 Lamp 101 Nozzle surface 101a Nozzle α1, α2 tilt

Claims

1. A printer that performs printing on a print target based on predetermined print data, a head that ejects photocurable ink onto the printing object supported by a platen; a lamp that irradiates light onto the printing object onto which the ink is discharged; a first sensor provided within the printer for detecting a temperature within the printer; Controller and Equipped with The controller: causing the first sensor to obtain the temperature within the printer; A duty ratio indicating a printing rate when the ink is ejected onto an ejection area of ​​the printing object is obtained based on the print data; When the acquired duty ratio is a low duty ratio lower than a predetermined reference duty ratio serving as a reference and the temperature detected by the first sensor is higher than the predetermined reference temperature, the number of flashings is increased to be greater than the predetermined reference number. A printer characterized by:

2. When the acquired duty ratio is the low duty ratio lower than the reference duty ratio and the temperature detected by the first sensor is higher than the predetermined reference temperature, the controller increases the number of times of the flashing more than when the acquired duty ratio is a high duty ratio higher than the reference duty ratio and the temperature detected by the first sensor is lower than the predetermined reference temperature.

2. The printer according to claim 1.

3. The first sensor is provided on the head and detects the temperature of the head.

3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A plurality of nozzles for ejecting the ink are provided on the bottom surface of the head, The first sensor is provided below the side surface of the head.

4. The printer according to claim 3.

5. A second sensor disposed within the printer for detecting humidity within the printer. Equipped with The controller: causing the second sensor to detect the humidity within the printer; The number of times of the flushing is set based on the temperature acquired by the first sensor, the duty ratio acquired, and the humidity acquired by the second sensor.

5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

6. The first sensor and the second sensor are an integrated sensor.

6. The printer according to claim 5,

7. the head is capable of changing the size of the ink droplets ejected; The controller: In the case of the low duty ratio that is lower than the reference duty ratio, the number of flushing operations is increased as the size of the droplets ejected from the head becomes smaller.

7. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printer is a printer having a plurality of printing heads.

8. The head ejects the ultraviolet-curable ink onto the printing object, The lamp irradiates the printing object with ultraviolet light.

8. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printer is a printer having a plurality of printing heads.

9. a head that ejects photocurable ink onto a printing object supported by a platen; a lamp that irradiates light onto the printing object onto which the ink is discharged; a first sensor provided within the printer for detecting a temperature within the printer; A method for controlling a printer comprising: a first acquisition step of causing the first sensor to acquire the temperature inside the printer; a second acquisition step of acquiring a duty ratio indicating a printing rate when the ink is ejected onto an ejection area of ​​the printing object based on print data; a setting step of increasing the number of flashings to a number greater than a predetermined reference number of times when the duty ratio acquired in the second acquisition step is a low duty ratio lower than a predetermined reference duty ratio serving as a reference and the temperature detected by the first sensor is higher than a predetermined reference temperature; A control method comprising:

10. a head that ejects photocurable ink onto a printing object supported by a platen; a lamp that irradiates light onto the printing object onto which the ink is discharged; a first sensor provided within the printer for detecting a temperature within the printer; A computer of a printer equipped with a first acquisition step of causing the first sensor to acquire the temperature inside the printer; a second acquisition step of acquiring a duty ratio indicating a printing rate when the ink is ejected onto an ejection area of ​​the printing object based on print data; a setting step of increasing the number of flashings to a number greater than a predetermined reference number of times when the duty ratio acquired in the second acquisition step is a low duty ratio lower than a predetermined reference duty ratio serving as a reference and the temperature detected by the first sensor is higher than a predetermined reference temperature; A control program comprising:

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