Head adjustment device, head device, and liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a head adjustment device which realizes measures for liquid leakage from a head, and to provide a head device and a liquid discharge device.SOLUTION: A head adjustment device (100) includes: a tool member (106) which operates an operation member operated when a position of a head module in a first direction is adjusted; a tool moving unit (160) which movably supports the tool member; an optical sensor (150) which recognizes a shape of the operation member; a sensor cover (132) which covers a detection surface (150A) of the optical sensor; and a sensor cover moving unit (134) which moves the sensor cover between an open position where the sensor cover (132) opens the detection surface of the optical sensor and a shield position where the sensor cover (132) shields the detection surface and which is connected to the tool moving unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

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[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a head adjustment device, a head device, and a liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, inkjet printers have become widespread as image printing devices. As an inkjet head included in an inkjet printer, a structure in which a plurality of head modules are connected together is known. If the plurality of head modules are not accurately connected in an inkjet head, the printed image may have image defects such as streaks and unevenness. Therefore, a structure for adjusting the positions of the plurality of head modules is required. Even when only one head module is provided, the position of the head module is adjusted for the purpose of avoiding image defects such as streaks and unevenness.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a printing device including a head adjustment drive unit that automatically adjusts the position of a printing head provided on a carriage. The printing head described in the same document is fixed using a rotary base unit and a slide base unit on the surface opposite to the surface on which the nozzle row is provided. The rotary base unit rotates the printing head in a plane parallel to the plane of the printing paper. The slide base unit slides the printing head in a plane parallel to the plane of the printing paper.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a printing device including an inkjet head unit having a plurality of inkjet heads. The printing device described in the same document includes an adjustment head unit used for adjusting the inkjet head unit. The adjustment head unit adjusts at least one of the position of the inkjet head in the X direction and the inclination with respect to the X direction.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] If the adjustment parts used to adjust the print head position are located on the side where the nozzle openings are formed, the adjustment device that automatically adjusts the print head position will be positioned opposite the side where the nozzle openings are formed. In that case, if liquid leakage occurs from the print head for any reason, there is a concern that the leaked liquid will drip onto the adjustment device.

[0007] If the adjustment device is equipped with a laser sensor that detects the position of the print head, the adjustment device is positioned so that the laser beam emission surface faces the print head. In this case, liquid leaking from the print head may adhere to the laser beam emission surface, potentially blocking the laser beam and impairing the function of the laser sensor.

[0008] The head drive unit described in Patent Document 1 is positioned on the side opposite to the side where the nozzle row is provided, so even if liquid leakage occurs from the print head, there is no problem of the leaked liquid adhering to the print head. In other words, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a cover to prevent liquid leakage from the print head. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a sensor for detecting the position of the print head.

[0009] The adjustment device described in Patent Document 2, like the head adjustment unit described in Patent Document 1, does not have the problem of liquid adhering to the adjustment device due to liquid leakage from the print head. In other words, Patent Document 2 does not disclose a cover to prevent liquid leakage from the print head. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 does not disclose a sensor for detecting the position of the print head.

[0010] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a head adjustment device, a head device, and a liquid dispensing device that provide a solution to liquid leakage from the head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The head adjustment device according to the first embodiment is a head adjustment device for adjusting the position of a head module in a first direction in a head having one or more head modules, and comprises an operating member that is operated when adjusting the position of the head module in the first direction, a tool member that operates the operating member provided on the head module, a tool moving unit that supports the tool member so as to be movable with respect to the operating member, an optical sensor that recognizes the shape of the operating member, a sensor cover that covers the detection surface of the optical sensor, and a sensor cover moving unit that moves the sensor cover between an open position that exposes the detection surface of the optical sensor and a shielded position that shields the detection surface, and a sensor cover moving unit connected to the tool moving unit.

[0012] According to the first embodiment, a sensor cover that covers the detection surface of the optical sensor is moved in conjunction with the movement of the tool member. This allows the detection surface of the optical sensor to be shielded when the tool member is not in use, and the detection surface of the optical sensor is protected from liquid leakage from the head.

[0013] The head may have only one head module or multiple head modules. If it has multiple head modules, the multiple head modules are arranged along the first direction.

[0014] The head adjustment device according to the second embodiment may include a waste liquid channel for collecting liquid adhering to the liquid receiving surface on the opposite side of the surface of the sensor cover that faces the optical sensor, as in the head adjustment device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] According to the second embodiment, the liquid adhering to the sensor cover can be discharged into the waste liquid channel.

[0016] In the head adjustment device according to the third aspect, in the head adjustment device of the second aspect, the waste liquid flow path may be disposed at an end in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the sensor cover.

[0017] According to the third aspect, the liquid adhering to the sensor cover flows in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the sensor cover. Thereby, the flow of the liquid adhering to the sensor cover toward the optical sensor can be avoided.

[0018] In the head adjustment device according to the fourth aspect, in the head adjustment device of the second aspect or the third aspect, the sensor cover may have an inclination such that the liquid receiving surface has an inclination in which the liquid flows from the liquid receiving surface toward the waste liquid flow path.

[0019] According to the fourth aspect, the liquid adhering to the sensor cover can naturally fall toward the waste liquid flow path.

[0020] In the head adjustment device according to the fifth aspect, in the head adjustment device of any one of the second aspect to the fourth aspect, the waste liquid flow path may have a structure that inclines in a direction in which the liquid flows outward.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, the liquid collected in the waste liquid flow path can naturally fall outward.

[0022] In the head adjustment device according to the sixth aspect, in the head adjustment device of any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, a main body cover having a tool opening formed at a position corresponding to the position of the tool member and a sensor opening formed at a position corresponding to the detection surface of the optical sensor may be provided.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect, the components disposed inside the head adjustment device can be protected.

[0024] In the head adjustment device according to the seventh aspect, in the head adjustment device of any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, a tool movement unit cover covering the tool movement unit may be provided.

[0025] According to the seventh aspect, the adhesion of the liquid leaking from the head to the tool movement unit can be suppressed.

[0026] In the head adjustment device according to the eighth aspect, in the head adjustment device of the seventh aspect, the tool movement unit cover may have a structure in which the upper surface, which is the surface where the tool member protrudes, is inclined in the direction in which the liquid flows toward the end.

[0027] According to the eighth aspect, the liquid adhering to the tool movement unit cover can be made to flow to the end of the head adjustment device.

[0028] The head adjustment device according to the ninth aspect is the head adjustment device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and includes one or more processors and one or more memories in which a program to be executed by the one or more processors is stored. The one or more processors execute the program instructions to operate the sensor cover movement unit, and when the tool member moves in the direction toward the operating member, move the sensor cover from the shielding position to the open position, and when the tool member moves in the direction away from the operating member, move the sensor cover from the open position to the shielding position.

[0029] According to the ninth aspect, when the operating member is operated using the tool member, the detection surface of the optical sensor is opened, and the optical sensor can be used. On the other hand, when the operating member is not operated using the tool member, the detection surface of the optical sensor is shielded, and the optical sensor can be protected.

[0030] The head device according to the tenth embodiment comprises a head having one or more head modules, a head adjustment device for adjusting the position of the head modules in a first direction, the head adjustment device being an operating member operated when adjusting the position of the head modules in a first direction, a tool member for operating the operating member provided on the head module, a tool moving unit for movably supporting the tool member with respect to the operating member, an optical sensor for recognizing the shape of the operating member, a sensor cover covering the detection surface of the optical sensor, and a sensor cover moving unit for moving the sensor cover between an open position that exposes the detection surface of the optical sensor and a shielded position that shields the detection surface, the sensor cover moving unit being connected to the tool moving unit.

[0031] According to the head device of the tenth embodiment, the same effects as the head adjustment device of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0032] In the tenth embodiment, the same matters as those specified in the second to ninth embodiments can be appropriately combined. In that case, the components responsible for the processing and functions specified in the head adjustment device can be understood as components of the head device responsible for the corresponding processing and functions.

[0033] A liquid dispensing device according to the 11th embodiment comprises a liquid dispensing head having one or more head modules, a head adjustment device for adjusting the position of the head modules in a first direction, the head adjustment device being an operating member operated when adjusting the position of the head modules in a first direction, a tool member for operating the operating member provided on the head module, a tool moving unit for movably supporting the tool member with respect to the operating member, an optical sensor for recognizing the shape of the operating member, a sensor cover covering the detection surface of the optical sensor, and a sensor cover moving unit for moving the sensor cover between an open position that exposes the detection surface of the optical sensor and a shielded position that shields the detection surface, the sensor cover moving unit being connected to the tool moving unit.

[0034] According to the liquid dispensing device of the 11th embodiment, the same effects as the head adjustment device of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0035] In the eleventh embodiment, the same matters as those specified in the second to ninth embodiments can be appropriately combined. In that case, the components responsible for the processing and functions specified in the head adjustment device can be understood as components of the printing device responsible for the corresponding processing and functions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] According to the present invention, a sensor cover that covers the detection surface of the optical sensor is moved in conjunction with the movement of the tool member. This allows the detection surface of the optical sensor to be shielded when the tool member is not in use, protecting the detection surface of the optical sensor from liquid leakage from the head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the print bar unit. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the print head mounting structure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the print head. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the print bar unit and the head adjustment device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of uneven printing before and after print head adjustment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the inkjet printing apparatus shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram of the maintenance control unit shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the electrical hardware configuration of the inkjet printing apparatus shown in Figure 7. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the head adjustment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the head adjustment device shown in Figure 11, and is a front view of the head adjustment device. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the head adjustment device shown in Figure 11, and is a side view of the head adjustment device. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a head adjustment device. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure for adjusting the print head. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0039] [Example of Print Bar Unit Configuration] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the print bar unit. The print bar unit 10 shown in Figure 1 has a structure in which multiple print heads 20 are connected in the paper width direction. The multiple print heads 20 are supported and fixed using a bar frame 29. Each of the multiple print heads 20 is equipped with a position adjustment mechanism to adjust the spacing between them in the paper width direction. By adjusting the spacing between the print heads 20, streaks and unevenness in the printed material are corrected. Note that the print bar unit 10 described in this embodiment is an example of a head equipped with one or more head modules, and is an example of a liquid ejection head. The print head 20 described in this embodiment is an example of a head module.

[0040] The print bar unit 10 includes an ink manifold in which ink supplied to each of the multiple print heads 20 is temporarily stored. The ink manifold and ink flow paths are covered by a cover 31.

[0041] Here, the paper width direction is the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction and parallel to the surface of the paper. In the following explanation, the paper width direction may be denoted by the symbol X. The paper transport direction may be denoted by the symbol Y. The vertical direction may be denoted by the symbol Z.

[0042] Furthermore, the term "parallel" as used herein may include substantially parallel directions, where the two directions are not strictly parallel but can achieve the same effects as parallel directions. Similarly, the term "orthogonal" may include substantially orthogonal directions, where the two directions are not strictly orthogonal but can achieve the same effects as orthogonal directions.

[0043] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the print head mounting structure. Figure 2 is a view of the print bar unit 10 shown in Figure 1 from the nozzle side, and is a partially enlarged view of a part of the print bar unit 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0044] The surface parallel to the nozzle surface 21 of the print head 20 is fitted with an adjustment screw that is operated when adjusting the position of the print head 20 in the paper width direction. The head adjustment device, which will be described later, adjusts the position of the print head 20 in the paper width direction by turning the adjustment screw. The adjustment screw is shown in Figure 5 with reference numeral 36.

[0045] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the print head. The print head 20 is mounted on the bracket 22 such that the nozzle surface 21 is exposed from the lower surface 22A of the bracket 22. The nozzle surface 21 includes a nozzle arrangement area 21A where multiple nozzle openings are arranged. A two-dimensional arrangement is applied to the arrangement of the multiple nozzle openings. The two-dimensional arrangement may be a two-column zigzag arrangement or a matrix arrangement.

[0046] A flexible circuit board 24 is attached to the print head 20. The flexible circuit board 24 has wiring patterns formed on it that transmit the drive voltage supplied to the pressure generating element for each nozzle.

[0047] The print head 20 is connected to a supply tube 26 and a circulation tube 28. The supply tube 26 is the flow path for ink supplied from the supply tank to the print head 20. The circulation tube 28 is the flow path for circulating ink from the print head 20 back to the supply tank. Note that the supply tank is not shown in Figure 3. Also, in Figure 2, a portion of the supply tube 26 and a portion of the circulation tube 28 are shown.

[0048] The clamp assembly 30 is attached to the bracket 22. The clamp assembly 30 comprises a movable part 32 and a fixed part 34. The movable part 32 is supported so as to be movable relative to the fixed part 34 of the clamp assembly 30.

[0049] The movable part 32 has a structure to which the back of the bracket 22 is joined. The back of the bracket 22 is the side opposite to the side to which the print head 20 is attached. The fixed part 34 is attached to the bar frame 29 shown in Figure 1.

[0050] The clamp assembly 30 includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative position of the movable part 32 with respect to the position of the fixed part 34, both in the paper width direction and the vertical direction. The clamp assembly 30 also includes a displacement sensor for detecting the distance of relative movement between the fixed part 34 and the movable part 32 in the paper width direction. Note that the illustration of the paper width direction adjustment mechanism, the vertical direction adjustment function, and the displacement sensor is omitted.

[0051] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the print bar unit and the head adjustment device. Note that Figure 4 shows a reduced number of print heads 20 compared to the print bar unit 10 shown in Figure 1. Also, the cover 31 shown in Figure 1 is omitted from the print bar unit 10 shown in Figure 4.

[0052] The head adjustment device 100 is positioned below the movement path that the print bar unit 10 passes through when moving between the printing position and the maintenance position. The below the movement path of the print bar unit 10 is the position on the side of the movement path of the print bar unit 10 that the nozzle surface 21 faces.

[0053] The print bar unit 10 is supported so as to be movable using a print bar moving device. The direction of movement of the print bar unit 10 is along the longitudinal direction of the print bar unit 10. The longitudinal direction of the print bar unit 10 is the direction in which the print heads 20 are aligned. Note that the print bar moving device is not shown in Figure 4. The print bar moving device is shown in Figure 9, denoted by reference numeral 354.

[0054] The head adjustment device 100 has a sensor opening 102 and a tool opening 104 formed on the nozzle-facing surface 100A that faces the nozzle surface 21 of the print bar unit 10. The sensor opening 102 is formed at a position corresponding to the detection surface of an optical sensor provided inside the head adjustment device 100. The tool opening 104 is formed at a position corresponding to the placement position of the tool member 106. The detection surface of the optical sensor is understood as the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element and the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element provided in the optical sensor.

[0055] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 4. In Figure 5, the main frame and cover are omitted from the illustration, and the head adjustment device 100 is shown in a state where the interior is visible. Figure 5 shows the state in which the tip of the screwdriver, which is the tool member 106, is inserted into the groove of the adjustment screw 36 that is positioned in the fixing part 34 provided on the clamp assembly 30. The screwdriver may be a flathead screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver.

[0056] The adjustment screw 36 is inserted into a hole 34B formed in the lower surface 34A of the fixing part 34, exposing a groove formed on the head of the adjustment screw 36. The lower surface 34A of the fixing part 34 is a surface parallel to the nozzle surface 21 and faces vertically downward. The lower surface 34A of the fixing part 34 faces the nozzle-facing surface 100A of the head adjustment device 100. The adjustment screw 36 described in this embodiment is an example of an operating member that is operated when adjusting the position of the head module in the first direction.

[0057] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of print streaks and unevenness before and after print head adjustment. Image I1 before adjustment is an image printed using the print bar unit 10 before adjusting the position of the print head 20 in the paper width direction. Image I1 before adjustment is an image in which multiple types of solid color patterns with different density values ​​are arranged in the paper transport direction. In Image I1 before adjustment, multiple streaks ST and other density unevenness along the paper transport direction can be seen.

[0058] The adjusted image I2 is an image printed using a print bar unit 10 in which the position of the print head 20 in the paper width direction has been adjusted. In the adjusted image I2, the streaks ST that were visible in the unadjusted image I1 are not visible.

[0059] [Example configuration of an inkjet printing device] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment. The inkjet printing apparatus 200 shown in the figure is equipped with a print bar unit 10 and a head adjustment device 100, which were described using Figures 1 to 5.

[0060] The inkjet printing apparatus 200 includes a paper transport unit 202, a printing unit 204, a maintenance unit 206, and an ink temperature control unit 208. The paper transport unit 202 transports the paper S along the paper transport direction. Figure 7 illustrates a belt transport system for the paper transport unit 202, in which a transport belt 220 is used to support the paper S.

[0061] The printing unit 204 includes print bar units 10C, 10M, 10Y, and 10K. Print bar units 10C, 10M, 10Y, and 10K eject cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink, respectively.

[0062] The print bar units 10C, 10M, 10Y, and 10K are arranged in the order described above, from upstream to downstream, along the paper transport direction. The same configuration can be applied to the print bar units 10C, 10M, 10Y, and 10K. Hereafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the print bar units 10C, etc., they will be referred to as print bar unit 10 as appropriate.

[0063] The ejection method of the print bar unit 10 can be a piezoelectric method, which applies ejection pressure to the ink in the internal flow path of the print head 20 by utilizing the deflection deformation of a piezoelectric element. The ejection method of the print bar unit 10 can be a thermal method, which applies ejection pressure to the ink in the internal flow path of the print head 20 by utilizing the film boiling phenomenon of ink when the ink in the internal flow path is heated using a heating element such as a heater.

[0064] The printing unit 204 may include a print bar unit 10 that ejects process color inks of varying shades, such as light yellow. In addition to process color inks such as cyan, the printing unit 204 may also include a print bar unit 10 that ejects spot color inks such as white, clear, orange, green, and purple.

[0065] The printing unit 204 is equipped with an inline scanner 224. The inline scanner 224 captures a test pattern to be printed on the paper S and generates photographic data of the test pattern. The inkjet printer 200 analyzes the photographic data of the test pattern and detects the ejection state of the nozzles equipped in the print head 20. The inkjet printer 200 performs ejection correction according to the ejection state of each nozzle.

[0066] Maintenance unit 206 includes a head adjustment device 100C, a head cleaner 240C, and a capping unit 242C, which are compatible with print bar unit 10C. Maintenance unit 206 also includes a head adjustment device 100M, a head cleaner 240M, and a capping unit 242M, which are compatible with print bar unit 10M.

[0067] Maintenance unit 206 includes a head adjustment device 100Y, a head cleaner 240Y, and a capping unit 242Y, which correspond to print bar unit 10Y. Maintenance unit 206 also includes a head adjustment device 100K, a head cleaner 240K, and a capping unit 242K, which correspond to print bar unit 10K.

[0068] Head adjustment devices 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K all utilize the same configuration. Hereafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between head adjustment devices 100C, etc., they will be collectively referred to as head adjustment device 100, as appropriate.

[0069] Similarly, the same configuration applies to head cleaners 240C, 240M, 240Y, and 240K. Hereafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between head cleaners 240C, etc., they will be collectively referred to as head cleaner 240, as appropriate.

[0070] Furthermore, the same configuration applies to capping units 242C, 242M, 242Y, and 242K. Hereafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between capping units 242C, etc., they will be collectively referred to as capping unit 242, as appropriate.

[0071] The head adjustment device 100 adjusts the positions of the multiple print heads 20 provided in the print bar unit 10 in the paper width direction. Further details about the head adjustment device 100 will be described later.

[0072] The head cleaner 240 wipes the nozzle surfaces 21 of the multiple print heads 20 provided in the print bar unit 10. The head cleaner 240 may employ a method in which the print bar unit 10 moves relative to a self-moving web, bringing the web into contact with the nozzle surfaces 21. The web may also be impregnated with a cleaning solution.

[0073] The capping unit 242 caps the nozzle surfaces 21 of the multiple print heads 20 provided in the print bar unit 10. The capping unit 242 functions as an ink receiver when performing preliminary ejection and ink discharge of each print head 20. In addition, the nozzle surfaces 21 capped using the capping unit 242 are kept moist.

[0074] The inkjet printer 200 includes a print bar moving device for moving print bar units 10C, 10M, 10Y, and 10K. The print bar moving device moves the print bar units 10C, etc. between the printing position and the maintenance position of the print bar units 10C, etc. The print bar moving device may move the print bar units 10C, etc. as a whole, or it may move them individually. Note that the print bar moving device is not shown in Figure 7. The print bar moving device is shown in Figure 9 using reference numeral 354.

[0075] The liquid temperature control unit 208 adjusts the temperature of the ink supplied from the ink tank to the print bar unit 10 by applying a preset temperature range. Based on the detection signal from a temperature sensor located at a predetermined position, the liquid temperature control unit 208 performs a heating or cooling treatment on the ink.

[0076] The liquid temperature control unit 208 includes a liquid temperature control unit 208C that adjusts the temperature of the ink supplied to the print bar unit 10C, and a liquid temperature control unit 208M that adjusts the temperature of the ink supplied to the print bar unit 10M. The liquid temperature control unit 208 also includes a liquid temperature control unit 208Y that adjusts the temperature of the ink supplied to the print bar unit 10Y, and a liquid temperature control unit 208K that adjusts the temperature of the ink supplied to the print bar unit 10K.

[0077] [Electrical configuration of an inkjet printer] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the inkjet printing apparatus shown in Figure 7. The inkjet printing apparatus 200 includes a system control unit 300. The system control unit 300 provides overall control of the inkjet printing apparatus 200. The system control unit 300 functions as a memory controller that controls the reading of data from and storing data in a storage device such as a memory 302.

[0078] Memory 302 stores various parameters and data applied to the control of the inkjet printer 200. Memory 302 may also store the operating conditions of various parts referenced by the various control units.

[0079] The system control unit 300 acquires the sensor signal transmitted from the sensor 304. Based on the information represented by the sensor signal, the system control unit 300 sends command signals to various control units, and controls the operation of each part via the various control units.

[0080] The inkjet printing apparatus 200 includes a transport control unit 310. Based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 300, the transport control unit 310 controls the operation of the paper transport unit 202 by applying preset transport conditions.

[0081] The inkjet printing apparatus 200 includes a print control unit 312. Based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 300, the print control unit 312 controls the operation of the printing unit 204 by applying preset printing conditions.

[0082] The print control unit 312 includes an image processing unit that generates a halftone image of the print image from the print data. The print control unit 312 includes a drive voltage generation unit that generates a drive voltage supplied to the print head 20 based on dot arrangement information and dot size information based on the halftone image. The print control unit 312 includes a drive voltage supply circuit that supplies the drive voltage to the print head 20. The print control unit 312 includes a correction processing unit that performs various correction processes.

[0083] The inkjet printing apparatus 200 includes a maintenance control unit 314. Based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 300, the maintenance control unit 314 controls the operation of the maintenance unit 206 by applying preset maintenance conditions.

[0084] The inkjet printer 200 includes a scanner control unit 316. Based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 300, the scanner control unit 316 controls the operation of the inline scanner 224 by applying preset scanning conditions. The scanner control unit 316 acquires test chart image data transmitted from the inline scanner 224.

[0085] The image data from the test chart is transmitted to the image data processing unit 320 via the system control unit 300. The image data processing unit 320 derives the ejection characteristics for each nozzle from the image data from the test chart. The print control unit 312 may perform correction processing according to the ejection characteristics for each nozzle.

[0086] The image capture data processing unit 320 may acquire image capture data of the pre-adjustment image I1 shown in Figure 6 from the inline scanner 224 and generate position data for each print head 20 in the paper width direction. The maintenance control unit 314 may determine whether or not position adjustment in the paper width direction is necessary for each print head 20 based on the position data for each print head 20 in the paper width direction. The image capture data processing unit 320 may also acquire image capture data of the pre-adjustment image I1 taken using an external image capture device of the inkjet printing device 200.

[0087] The inkjet printing apparatus 200 includes an ink temperature control unit 318. Based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 300, the ink temperature control unit 318 controls the operation of the ink temperature control unit 208 by applying preset ink temperature conditions.

[0088] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram of the maintenance control unit shown in Figure 8. The maintenance control unit 314 includes the system control unit 350. The system control unit 350 shown in Figure 9 is a block related to the maintenance function of the print head 20 in the system control unit 300 shown in Figure 8.

[0089] The maintenance control unit 314 includes a print bar movement control unit 352. Based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 350, the print bar movement control unit 352 controls the operation of the print bar movement device 354 by applying pre-set movement conditions for the print bar unit 10.

[0090] The maintenance control unit 314 includes a head adjustment control unit 356. The head adjustment control unit 356 controls the operation of the head adjustment device 100 by applying preset head adjustment conditions based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 350. The maintenance control unit 314 controls the operation of the head adjustment device 100 by referring to the position information for each print head 20 stored in the head information storage unit 358. The head information storage unit 358 can store the latest print head 20 position adjustment information as the position information for each print head 20.

[0091] The head adjustment control unit 356 comprises a sensor signal acquisition unit 356A, a tool lifting control unit 356B, and a tool drive control unit 356C. The sensor signal acquisition unit 356A recognizes the shape of the adjustment screw 36 shown in Figure 5 based on the detection signal transmitted from the laser sensor 150.

[0092] The tool lifting control unit 356B controls the operation of the tool lifting unit 160 based on the shape of the adjustment screw 36 detected using the laser sensor 150, thereby aligning the tool member 106 with the adjustment screw 36.

[0093] The tool drive control unit 356C controls the operation of the tool drive unit 170 that drives the tool member 106 based on detection signals transmitted from the head position detection sensor that detects the position of each print head 20 provided in the print bar unit 10, and uses the tool member 106 to turn the adjustment screw 36 to adjust the position of the print head 20 in the paper width direction.

[0094] The maintenance control unit 314 includes a cleaner control unit 362. Based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 350, the cleaner control unit 362 controls the operation of the head cleaner 240 by applying preset wiping conditions for the nozzle surface 21.

[0095] The maintenance control unit 314 includes a capping control unit 364. Based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 350, the capping control unit 364 controls the operation of the capping unit 242 by applying preset capping conditions.

[0096] The memory 366 shown in Figure 9 stores various parameters and data referenced by the maintenance control unit 314. For example, the memory 366 stores various operating conditions applied to the maintenance unit 206, such as head adjustment conditions. Note that among the various processing units shown in Figure 9, processing units with the same names as those shown in Figure 8 may be integrated as appropriate.

[0097] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the electrical hardware configuration of the inkjet printing apparatus shown in Figure 7. The control device 400 provided in the inkjet printing apparatus 200 includes a processor 402, a non-temporary tangible computer-readable medium 404, a communication interface 406, and an input / output interface 408.

[0098] The control device 400 is a computer. The computer may be a server, a personal computer, a workstation, or a tablet device.

[0099] The processor 402 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 402 may also include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 402 is connected to a computer-readable medium 404, a communication interface 406, and an input / output interface 408 via a bus 410. An input device 412 and a display device 414 are connected to the bus 410 via the input / output interface 408.

[0100] The computer-readable medium 404 includes a memory 416 which is the main memory and a storage 418 which is the auxiliary memory. The computer-readable medium 404 may include semiconductor memory, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, etc. The computer-readable medium 404 may include any combination of multiple devices.

[0101] Furthermore, hard disk drives can be referred to as HDDs, which are abbreviations for Hard Disk Drives. Solid state drives can be referred to as SSDs, which are abbreviations for Solid State Drives.

[0102] The control device 400 is connected to a network via a communication interface 406 and is capable of communicating with external devices. The network may be a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. Note that the network diagram is omitted.

[0103] The computer-readable medium 404 stores the transport control program 420, the print control program 422, the maintenance control program 424, the scanner control program 426, and the liquid temperature control program 428.

[0104] The transport control program 420 is applied to the transport control unit 310 shown in Figure 8 to realize the paper transport function of the paper transport unit 202. The print control program 422 is applied to the print control unit 312 to realize the print function of the print unit 204.

[0105] The maintenance control program 424 is applied to the maintenance control unit 314 to realize the maintenance functions of the maintenance unit 206. The maintenance control program 424 includes a print bar movement control program 430, a head adjustment control program 432, a cleaner control program 434, and a capping control program 436.

[0106] The print bar movement control program 430 is applied to the print bar movement control unit 352 shown in Figure 9, and realizes the movement function of the print bar unit 10 of the print bar movement device 354.

[0107] The head adjustment control program 432 is applied to the head adjustment control unit 356 to realize the head adjustment function of the head adjustment device 100. The head adjustment control program 432 includes a tool lifting control program applied to the tool lifting control unit 356B and a tool drive control program applied to the tool drive control unit 356C.

[0108] The cleaner control program 434 is applied to the cleaner control unit 362 to realize the wiping function of the nozzle surface 21 of the head cleaner 240. The capping control program 436 is applied to the capping control unit 364 to realize various functions of the capping unit 242.

[0109] The scanner control program 426 is applied to the scanner control unit 316 shown in Figure 8 to realize the imaging function of the inline scanner 224. The liquid temperature control program 428 is applied to the liquid temperature control unit 318 to realize the ink temperature adjustment function of the liquid temperature control unit 208.

[0110] The various programs stored in the computer-readable medium 404 include one or more instructions. The computer-readable medium 404 stores various data and various parameters. Note that the memory 302 shown in Figure 8 and the memory 366 shown in Figure 9 may be included in the memory 416 of the computer-readable medium 404 shown in Figure 10.

[0111] The inkjet printer 200 implements various functions by having the processor 402 execute various programs stored in the computer-readable medium 404. The term "program" is synonymous with the term "software."

[0112] The control device 400 performs data communication with an external device via the communication interface 406. The communication interface 406 can utilize various standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). The communication mode of the communication interface 406 may be either wired communication or wireless communication.

[0113] The control device 400 is connected to an input device 412 and a display device 414 via an input / output interface 408. Input devices such as a keyboard and mouse are used for the input device 412. The display device 414 displays various information applicable to the control device 400.

[0114] The display device 414 may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a projector. The display device 414 may be any combination of multiple devices. Note that EL in organic EL display is an abbreviation for Electro-Luminescence.

[0115] Here, examples of the hardware structure of processor 402 include CPU, GPU, PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). A CPU is a general-purpose processor that executes programs and acts as various functional units. A GPU is a processor specialized for image processing.

[0116] A PLD is a processor whose electrical circuit configuration can be changed after the device has been manufactured. An example of a PLD is an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). An ASIC is a processor that has dedicated electrical circuits designed specifically to perform a particular task.

[0117] A single processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or it may be composed of two or more processors of the same or different types. Examples of various processor combinations include a combination of one or more FPGAs and one or more CPUs, and a combination of one or more FPGAs and one or more GPUs. Another example of various processor combinations is a combination of one or more CPUs and one or more GPUs.

[0118] A single processor can be used to configure multiple functional units. An example of configuring multiple functional units using a single processor is to configure a single processor by applying a combination of one or more CPUs and software, such as a System on a Chip (SoC) represented by a computer such as a client or server, and then having this processor function as multiple functional units.

[0119] Another example of using a single processor to configure multiple functional units is the use of a single IC chip to implement the functions of an entire system, including multiple functional units. IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit.

[0120] Thus, each functional unit is configured using one or more of the aforementioned processors as its hardware structure. More specifically, the hardware structure of these processors is an electrical circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0121] The computer-readable medium 404 may include semiconductor elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and SSD (Solid State Drive). The computer-readable medium 404 may include magnetic storage media such as hard disks. The computer-readable medium 404 may comprise multiple types of storage media.

[0122] [Specific examples of head adjustment devices] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a printhead adjustment device according to an embodiment. The printhead adjustment device 100 is covered by an external cover 120, which encloses various internal components. This provides protection against dust and water. The external cover 120 is made of a metal material. The external cover 120 may be made of a material that has a certain resistance to ink, such as a resin material.

[0123] The external cover 120 has a surface that becomes the nozzle-facing surface 100A of the head adjustment device 100. A sensor opening 102 and a tool opening 104 are formed on the nozzle-facing surface 100A of the external cover 120.

[0124] The external cover 120 has screw holes into which screws used for fixing the external cover 120 to the main body of the head adjustment device 100 are inserted. The surface of the external cover 120 that becomes the nozzle-facing surface 100A may have a slope that allows ink that has fallen onto the nozzle-facing surface 100A to flow from the side where the tool opening 104 is formed toward the side opposite to where the tool opening 104 is formed. The arrow lines shown on the nozzle-facing surface 100A indicate the direction in which ink that has fallen onto the nozzle-facing surface 100A flows. Note that the external cover 120 described in this embodiment is an example of a main body cover.

[0125] [Internal structure of the head adjustment device] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the head adjustment device shown in Figure 11, and is a front view of the head adjustment device. Figure 12 shows the head adjustment device 100 with the external cover 120 shown in Figure 11 removed.

[0126] The head adjustment device 100 includes a cover unit 130 that switches the opening and closing of the sensor opening 102 shown in Figure 11 when adjusting the position of the print head 20 shown in Figure 1 in the paper width direction. The cover unit 130 includes a sensor cover 132 and a cover movement mechanism 134.

[0127] The sensor cover 132 has a liquid receiving surface 132A that receives ink leaking from the print head 20. The liquid receiving surface 132A is the surface opposite to the surface on which the sensor cover 132 is supported by the cover movement mechanism 134. Furthermore, the liquid receiving surface 132A is the surface that faces vertically upward when the head adjustment device 100 is mounted on the maintenance unit 206 shown in Figure 7.

[0128] The head adjustment device 100 is equipped with a waste ink flow path 140 at one end 100B in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the direction of movement of the print bar unit 10 when mounted on the maintenance unit 206.

[0129] The waste ink channel 140 has a structure in which the upper surface, which is the side of the liquid receiving surface 132A, is open, extends in a first direction, and is inclined in the first direction. One end 132B of the liquid receiving surface 132A in the second direction, which is the end of the liquid receiving surface 132A on the waste ink channel 140 side, is positioned directly above the waste ink channel 140. Directly above means the vertically upward direction when the head adjustment device 100 is mounted on the inkjet printing device 200. The waste ink channel 140 is made of a material that has a certain resistance to ink, such as a metal material or a resin material.

[0130] The waste ink channel 140 described in the embodiment is an example of a waste liquid channel through which liquid adhering to the liquid receiving surface is collected. The second direction perpendicular to the first direction described in the embodiment is an example of a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the sensor cover.

[0131] The liquid receiving surface 132A of the sensor cover 132 has a structure in which one end 132B in the second direction is open. Furthermore, the liquid receiving surface 132A of the sensor cover 132 is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the other end 132C to the one end 132B in the second direction. Downward means a direction that has a vertically downward component when the head adjustment device 100 is mounted on the inkjet printing device 200.

[0132] The liquid receiving surface 132A of the sensor cover 132 has walls formed at both ends in the first direction and at the other end 132C in the second direction. As a result, ink adhering to the liquid receiving surface 132A of the sensor cover 132 flows toward one end 132B in the second direction of the liquid receiving surface 132A and flows into the waste ink flow path 140. The arrow lines shown in Figure 12 schematically indicate the direction in which ink that has fallen onto the liquid receiving surface 132A flows.

[0133] The sensor cover 132 is supported so as to be movable using a cover movement mechanism 134. The cover movement mechanism 134 moves the sensor cover 132 between a shielded position in which the detection surface of the laser sensor is covered by the sensor cover 132 and an open position in which the detection surface of the laser sensor is exposed. The laser sensor is shown in Figure 13 with reference numeral 150. The detection surface of the laser sensor is shown in Figure 13 with reference numeral 150A.

[0134] The cover movement mechanism 134 includes two guides 136 extending in the direction of movement of the sensor cover 132 and a wire 138 connected to the sensor cover 132. The direction of movement of the sensor cover 132 shown in Figure 12 is the first direction. The wire 138 is connected to the tool movement that moves the tool member 106 vertically up and down. Note that the cover movement mechanism 134 described in this embodiment is an example of a sensor cover movement unit.

[0135] The head adjustment device 100 includes a tool lifting unit cover 144 that covers the tool lifting unit. The tool lifting unit cover 144 is made of a material that has a certain resistance to ink, such as a metal material or a resin material.

[0136] The upper surface 144A of the tool lifting unit cover 144, which is the surface from which the tool member 106 protrudes, has a downward slope toward one end 100D in the first direction of the head adjustment device 100. That is, the upper surface 144A of the tool lifting unit cover 144 has a downward slope toward the rear in Figure 12. This allows ink adhering to the upper surface 144A of the tool lifting unit cover 144 to flow toward the end of the head adjustment device 100. A second waste ink channel having a structure similar to the waste ink channel 140 may be provided at one end 100D in the first direction of the head adjustment device 100. Note that the tool lifting unit cover 144 described in this embodiment is an example of a tool moving unit cover that covers a tool moving unit.

[0137] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the head adjustment device shown in Figure 11, and is a view of the head adjustment device 100 from the other side in the second direction. The other end of the wire 138 connected to the sensor cover 132 is connected to a tool lifting unit that moves the tool member 106 shown in Figure 13 up and down in the vertical direction.

[0138] The wire 138 is supported by a plurality of guide rollers 152. At least one of the plurality of guide rollers 152 may be a tension roller that applies a specified tension to the wire 138. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the state in which the sensor cover 132 shields the detection surface 150A of the laser sensor 150. The arrow lines shown in Figure 13 indicate the direction of movement of the sensor cover 132.

[0139] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the head adjustment device. The tool lifting unit 160 shown in Figure 14 moves the tool member 106 and the laser sensor 150 in three mutually orthogonal directions. That is, with the head adjustment device 100 mounted on the inkjet printing device 200, the tool lifting unit 160 moves the tool member 106 and the laser sensor 150 in the paper width direction, the paper transport direction, and the vertical direction.

[0140] The tool lifting unit 160 includes a first-direction movement unit 162, a second-direction movement unit 164, and a third-direction movement unit 166. The first-direction movement unit 162 moves the tool member 106 and the laser sensor 150 in a first direction. The first direction can be the paper width direction.

[0141] The first directional movement unit 162 is fitted with a tool drive unit 170 that rotatably supports the tool member 106. The first directional movement unit 162 is also fitted with a laser sensor 150. The detection surface 150A of the laser sensor 150 is positioned in the direction in which the tool member 106 extends.

[0142] The second direction movement unit 164 moves the tool member 106 and the laser sensor 150 in a second direction. The paper transport direction can be applied as the second direction. The third direction movement unit 166 moves the tool member 106 and the laser sensor 150 in a third direction. The vertical direction can be applied as the third direction.

[0143] The third directional movement unit 166 is connected to the other end of a wire 138, one end of which is connected to the sensor cover 132. In conjunction with the operation of the third directional movement unit 166, the cover movement mechanism 134 moves the sensor cover 132.

[0144] Specifically, when the third directional movement unit 166 moves the tool member 106 and the laser sensor 150 upward, the cover movement mechanism 134 moves the sensor cover 132 in a direction that opens the sensor opening 102. On the other hand, when the third directional movement unit 166 moves the tool member 106 and the laser sensor 150 downward, the cover movement mechanism 134 moves the sensor cover 132 in a direction that closes the sensor opening 102. Note that the tool lifting unit 160 described in this embodiment is an example of a tool moving unit. Also, the third directional movement unit 166 described in this embodiment is an example of a component of the tool lifting unit 160.

[0145] [Printhead adjustment procedure] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure for adjusting the print head. In the print head adjustment command acquisition step S10, the head adjustment control unit 356 shown in Figure 9 determines whether or not it has acquired a print head adjustment command to perform adjustment of the print head 20.

[0146] In the print head adjustment command acquisition process S10, if it is determined that the print head adjustment command has not been acquired, the result is No. If the result is No, the process proceeds to the print head adjustment completion determination process S24.

[0147] On the other hand, in the print head adjustment command acquisition process S10, if it is determined that a print head adjustment command has been acquired, the result is Yes. If the result is Yes, the process proceeds to the adjustment target head information acquisition process S11.

[0148] In the adjustment target head information acquisition step S11, the head adjustment control unit 356 identifies the print head 20 to be adjusted from the print head adjustment command and acquires information about the print head 20 to be adjusted from the head information storage unit shown in Figure 9.

[0149] Identifying the print head 20 to be adjusted is performed using print head 20 identification information, such as the print head 20 number. If the print head 20 to be adjusted has had its paper width position adjusted at least once, the information on the print head 20's most recent paper width position will be included. Once the information on the print head 20 to be adjusted is acquired in the head information acquisition step S11, the process proceeds to the head bar unit movement start step S12.

[0150] In the head bar unit movement start step S12, the print bar movement control unit 352 operates the print bar movement device 354 to start moving the print bar unit 10 shown in Figure 7 from the printing position to the maintenance position. The maintenance position here is the adjustment work position of the head adjustment device 100. Once the movement of the print bar unit 10 begins, the process proceeds to the adjustment target position arrival determination step S14.

[0151] In the adjustment target position arrival determination step S14, the print bar movement control unit 352 determines whether the print head 20 to be adjusted has arrived at the adjustment work position of the head adjustment device 100. If it is determined in the adjustment target position arrival determination step S14 that the print head 20 to be adjusted has not arrived at the adjustment work position of the head adjustment device 100, the determination is No. If the determination is No, the adjustment target position arrival determination step S14 continues.

[0152] On the other hand, in the adjustment target position arrival determination step S14, if it is determined that the print head 20 to be adjusted has arrived at the adjustment work position of the head adjustment device 100, the determination is Yes. If the determination is Yes, the movement of the print bar unit 10 is stopped and the process proceeds to the tool raising start step S16.

[0153] In the tool raising start step S16, the head adjustment control unit 356 operates the third direction movement unit 166 of the tool lifting unit 160 to start raising the tool member 106 from the standby position to the adjustment position. Once the tool member 106 starts to rise in the tool raising start step S16, the process proceeds to the tool alignment determination step S18.

[0154] When the tool raising start step S16 is executed and the third direction moving part 166 is operated, the cover moving mechanism 134 operates in conjunction with the raising of the tool member 106, and the sensor cover 132 moves in a direction that opens the sensor opening shown in Figure 14.

[0155] In the tool alignment determination step S18, the head adjustment control unit 356 determines, based on the detection signal from the laser sensor 150, whether the tip of the tool member 106 has been inserted into the groove of the adjustment screw 36 shown in Figure 5. That is, the laser sensor 150 recognizes the shape of the adjustment screw 36. The head adjustment control unit 356 then aligns the adjustment screw 36 with the tip of the tool member 106 according to the recognition result of the shape of the adjustment screw 36.

[0156] In the tool alignment determination step S18, if it is determined that the tip of the tool member 106 is not inserted into the groove of the adjustment screw 36, a "No" determination is made. If a "No" determination is made, the tool alignment determination step S18 continues.

[0157] On the other hand, in the tool alignment determination step S18, if it is determined that the tip of the tool member 106 has been inserted into the groove of the adjustment screw 36, the determination is Yes. If the determination is Yes, the process proceeds to the tool drive start step S20.

[0158] In the tool drive start step S20, the head adjustment control unit 356 operates the tool drive unit 170 to rotate the tool member 106 and the adjustment screw 36, thereby starting the adjustment of the position of the print head 20 in the paper width direction. Once the rotation of the tool member 106 begins in the tool drive start step S20, the process proceeds to the adjustment completion determination step S22.

[0159] In the adjustment completion determination step S22, the head adjustment control unit 356 determines whether the position of the print head 20 in the paper width direction is within a specified range based on the detection signal from the head position detection sensor that detects the position of the print head 20 in the paper width direction, which is provided in the print bar unit 10.

[0160] In the adjustment completion determination step S22, if it is determined that the position of the print head 20 in the paper width direction is not within the specified range, a "No" determination is made. If a "No" determination is made, the adjustment completion determination step S22 continues.

[0161] On the other hand, in the adjustment completion determination step S22, if it is determined that the position of the print head 20 in the paper width direction is within the specified range, the determination is Yes. If the determination is Yes, the drive of the tool member 106 is stopped, and the process proceeds to the print head adjustment completion determination step S24.

[0162] In the print head adjustment completion determination step S24, the head adjustment control unit 356 determines whether or not there is a print head 20 to be adjusted and whether or not to terminate the adjustment of the print head 20. If it is determined in the print head adjustment completion determination step S24 that there is a print head 20 to be adjusted and the adjustment of the print head 20 should continue, the determination is No. If the determination is No, the process proceeds to the head bar unit movement start step S12, and each step from the head bar unit movement start step S12 to the print head adjustment completion determination step S24 is repeatedly executed until the determination in the print head adjustment completion determination step S24 is Yes.

[0163] On the other hand, in the print head adjustment completion determination step S24, if it is determined that there is no print head 20 to be adjusted and the adjustment of print head 20 is complete, the determination is Yes. If the determination is Yes, the prescribed termination process is executed and the print head adjustment method procedure is completed.

[0164] [Effects of the Embodiment] The head adjustment device 100 and inkjet printing apparatus 200 according to this embodiment can obtain the following effects.

[0165] [1] The printhead adjustment device 100 is fitted with an external cover 120, which covers the internal components of the printhead adjustment device 100. This prevents ink leaking from the printhead 20 from entering the inside of the printhead adjustment device 100.

[0166] [2] When adjusting the print head 20, a sensor opening 102 is formed on the nozzle-facing surface 100A of the head adjustment device 100, which faces the nozzle surface 21 of the print head 20. The sensor opening 102 is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the laser sensor 150. This allows the laser sensor 150 to detect the adjustment screw 36 on the side of the print head 20 that faces the same side as the nozzle surface 21.

[0167] [3] A tool opening 104 is formed on the nozzle-facing surface 100A of the head adjustment device 100. The tool opening 104 is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the tool member 106. This allows the tool member 106 to be used to operate the screws on the side of the print head 20 that faces the same side as the nozzle surface 21.

[0168] [4] The head adjustment device 100 includes a cover unit 130 that switches the opening and closing of the sensor opening 102. The sensor cover 132 is supported so as to be movable using a cover moving mechanism 134. The cover moving mechanism 134 moves the sensor cover 132 in a direction that opens the sensor opening 102 in conjunction with the upward movement of the tool member 106. The cover moving mechanism 134 also moves the sensor cover 132 in a direction that closes the sensor opening 102 in conjunction with the downward movement of the tool member 106. As a result, when the position of the print head 20 is adjusted, the sensor opening 102 is opened, making the laser sensor 150 usable. When the position of the print head 20 is not adjusted, the sensor opening 102 is closed, protecting the laser sensor 150 from ink leaking from the print head 20.

[0169] [5] The liquid receiving surface 132A of the sensor cover 132 has a downward slope toward one end 132B in the second direction. A waste ink flow path 140 is provided at one end 100B in the second direction of the head adjustment device 100. The waste ink flow path 140 is located directly below the one end 132B in the second direction of the liquid receiving surface 132A. The waste ink flow path 140 has a shape that extends in the first direction and has an opening on the surface facing the liquid receiving surface 132A. As a result, ink adhering to the liquid receiving surface 132A of the sensor cover 132 passes through the one end 132B in the second direction of the liquid receiving surface 132A and flows into the waste ink flow path 140, suppressing the adhesion of ink to the laser sensor 150 and the tool member 106.

[0170] [6] The tool lifting unit 160 is covered with a tool lifting unit cover 144. This prevents ink from adhering to the tool lifting unit 160.

[0171] [7] The upper surface 144A of the tool lifting unit cover 144 has a downward slope toward one end 100D in the first direction of the head adjustment device 100. As a result, ink adhering to the upper surface 144A of the tool lifting unit cover 144 flows toward one end 100D in the first direction of the head adjustment device 100, suppressing ink adhesion to the laser sensor 150 and the tool member 106.

[0172] [Examples of application to head adjustment devices and head devices] The head adjustment device 100 and head adjustment control unit 356 shown in this embodiment can be configured as a head adjustment device independent of the inkjet printing device 200. Furthermore, a configuration combining the print bar unit 10 and the head adjustment device 100 can be configured as a head device.

[0173] [Examples of application to other devices] In this embodiment, a head adjustment device provided in an inkjet printing apparatus is given as an example, but the head adjustment device shown in this embodiment can be applied to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquids such as functional liquids from an inkjet printing head.

[0174] The embodiments of the present invention described above can be modified, added to, or deleted as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and many modifications are possible within the technical concept of the present invention by those with ordinary skill in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0175] 10 Print Bar Units 10C Print Bar Unit 10K Print Bar Unit 10M Print Bar Unit 10Y Print Bar Unit 20 printheads 21 Nozzle surface 21A Nozzle placement area 22 brackets 22A 1st page 24 Flexible circuit boards 26 supply tubes 28 Circulatory tube 29 Bar Frame 30 Clamp Assembly 31 Cover 32 Mobile section 34 Fixed part 34A Bottom 34B hole 36 screws 100 Head adjustment device 100A nozzle opposing surface 100B One end of the second direction 100C Head Adjustment Device 100D One end in the first direction 100K Head Adjustment Device 100M Head Adjustment Device 100Y Head Adjustment Device 102 Sensor aperture 104 Tool opening 106 Tools 120 Extrapolation Cover 130 Cover Unit 132 Cover component 132A Liquid receiving surface 132B One end in the second direction 132C The other end in the second direction 134 Cover movement mechanism 136 Guide 138 wires 140 Waste ink channel 144 Tool Lifting Unit Cover 144A Top 150 laser sensors 150A detection surface 152 Guide rollers 160 Tool Lifting Unit 162 First Directional Movement Unit 164 Second Directional Movement Unit 166 Third Directional Movement Unit 170 Tool drive unit 200 inkjet printing performance 202 Conveyor Unit 204 Printing Unit 206 Maintenance Unit 208 Liquid Temperature Control Unit 208C Liquid Temperature Control Unit 208M Liquid Temperature Control Unit 208K Liquid Temperature Control Unit 208Y Liquid Temperature Control Unit 220 conveyor belt 224 Inline Scanners 240 Head Cleaner 240C Head Cleaner 240M Head Cleaner 240K Head Cleaner 240Y Head Cleaner 242 Capping Unit 242C Capping Unit 242M Capping Unit 242K Capping Unit 242Y Capping Unit 300 System Control Unit 302 memory 304 Sensor 310 Transport Control Unit 312 Printing Control Unit 314 Maintenance Control Unit 316 Scanner Control Unit 318 Liquid Temperature Control Unit 320 Shooting Data Processing Unit 350 System Control Unit 352 Print bar movement control unit 354 Print bar transfer device 356 Head adjustment control unit 356A Sensor signal acquisition unit 356B Tool Lifting Control Unit 356C Tool Drive Control Unit 358 Head Information Storage Unit 362 Cleaner Control Unit 364 Capping Control Unit 366 memory 400 Control Unit 402 Processors 404 Computer-readable media 406 Communication Interface 408 Input / Output Interfaces 410 Bus 412 Input device 414 Display devices 416 memory 420 Transport Control Program 422 Print control program 424 Maintenance Control Program 426 Scanner control program 428 Liquid Temperature Control Program 430 Print bar movement control program 432 Head Adjustment Control Program 434 Cleaner control program 436 Capping control program I1 Image before adjustment I2 Adjusted image S paper Steps in the head adjustment method from S10 to S24

Claims

1. A head adjustment device for adjusting the position of one or more head modules in a first direction, in a head having one or more head modules, An operating member that is operated when adjusting the position of the head module in a first direction, and a tool member that operates the operating member provided on the head module, A tool moving unit that movably supports the tool member with respect to the operating member, An optical sensor that recognizes the shape of the operating member, A sensor cover that covers the detection surface of the optical sensor, A sensor cover moving unit that moves the sensor cover between an open position that exposes the detection surface of the optical sensor and a shielded position that shields the detection surface, and a sensor cover moving unit connected to the tool moving unit, A head adjustment device equipped with a head adjustment device.

2. The head adjustment device according to claim 1, further comprising a waste liquid channel for collecting liquid adhering to the liquid receiving surface on the opposite side of the surface of the sensor cover facing the optical sensor.

3. The head adjustment device according to claim 2, wherein the waste liquid flow path is positioned at the end in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the sensor cover.

4. The head adjustment device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor cover has a slope such that the liquid receiving surface is inclined to allow the liquid to flow from the liquid receiving surface toward the waste liquid flow path.

5. The head adjustment device according to claim 2, wherein the waste liquid channel has a structure that is inclined in a direction toward the outside toward which the liquid flows.

6. The head adjustment device according to claim 1, comprising a main body cover having a surface on which a tool opening is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the tool member, and a sensor opening is formed at a position corresponding to the detection surface of the optical sensor.

7. The head adjustment device according to claim 1, further comprising a tool moving unit cover that covers the tool moving unit.

8. The head adjustment device according to claim 7, wherein the tool moving unit cover has a structure in which the upper surface, which is the surface on which the tool member protrudes, is inclined toward the edge in a direction toward which liquid flows.

9. One or more processors, One or more memory locations in which programs to be executed by the one or more processors are stored, Equipped with, The one or more processors execute the instructions of the program, The head adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor cover moving unit is operated so that when the tool member moves toward the operating member, the sensor cover is moved from the shielded position toward the open position, and when the tool member moves toward away from the operating member, the sensor cover is moved from the open position toward the shielded position.

10. A head equipped with one or more head modules, A head adjustment device for adjusting the position of the head module in a first direction, Equipped with, The head adjustment device is, An operating member that is operated when adjusting the position of the head module in a first direction, and a tool member that operates the operating member provided on the head module, A tool moving unit that movably supports the tool member with respect to the operating member, An optical sensor that recognizes the shape of the operating member, A sensor cover that covers the detection surface of the optical sensor, A sensor cover moving unit that moves the sensor cover between an open position that exposes the detection surface of the optical sensor and a shielded position that shields the detection surface, and a sensor cover moving unit connected to the tool moving unit, A head device equipped with this.

11. A liquid dispensing head having one or more head modules, A head adjustment device for adjusting the position of the head module in a first direction, Equipped with, The head adjustment device is, An operating member that is operated when adjusting the position of the head module in a first direction, and a tool member that operates the operating member provided on the head module, A tool moving unit that movably supports the tool member with respect to the operating member, An optical sensor that recognizes the shape of the operating member, A sensor cover that covers the detection surface of the optical sensor, A sensor cover moving unit that moves the sensor cover between an open position that exposes the detection surface of the optical sensor and a shielded position that shields the detection surface, and a sensor cover moving unit connected to the tool moving unit, A liquid dispensing device equipped with this device.

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