Print apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium

A printer includes an ink ejection unit configured to eject ink to a print medium, a transport belt on which the print medium is mounted, a driving section configured to transport the print medium by moving the transport belt, a specifying section configured to specify a print head to be adjusted using a test pattern, markers configured to indicate a position of the print medium when the test pattern is printed on the print medium, and a driving controller configured to control the driving section. The driving controller controls the driving section in accordance with the print head to be adjusted specified by the specifying section so as to adjust a position of the print medium.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2019-176764, filed Sep. 27, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a print apparatus, a method for controlling the print apparatus, and a storage medium.

2. Related Art

In general, a method for performing adjustment associated with a print head by printing a test pattern using a print apparatus has been used (refer to JP-A-2001-199055, for example). JP-A-2001-199055 discloses a method for adjusting alignment of a head in a scanning direction by forming a test pattern using an image forming apparatus performing scanning with the head and ejecting ink so as to form an image on a medium. In this method, the alignment control is performed by optically reading line segments of a test pattern formed on a medium.

When adjustment of a printing head is performed, a medium different from a medium to be used by the print apparatus in normal printing may be used as a test medium for printing a test pattern. For example, a medium more suitable for reading the test pattern than a medium used for normal printing or a medium smaller than a medium used for normal printing may be used as a test medium. However, when the test medium is different from a medium to be used by a print apparatus for normal printing, a position of the test medium is required to be accurately positioned.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a print apparatus includes a print head ejecting ink to a print medium, a belt on which the print medium is mounted, a driving section configured to transport the print medium by moving the belt, a specifying section configured to specify the print head to be adjusted using a test pattern, a position indication section configured to instruct a position of the print medium when the test pattern is printed on the print medium, and a driving controller configured to control the driving section. The driving controller adjusts a position of the print medium by controlling the driving section relative to the print head to be adjusted specified by the specifying section.

A position of the print medium may be adjusted to a position corresponding to the print head. The test pattern may be printed even when a size of a print medium to be used in normal printing is not same as a size of a print medium to be used in printing of the test pattern.

The print apparatus may further includes a pattern detection section configured to detect the test pattern printed on the print medium. The driving controller may detect a shift of alignment of the print head based on a result of detection performed by the pattern detection section.

The alignment shift may be detected based on the test pattern.

The print apparatus may further include a plurality of print heads. The specifying section may specify a replaced head in the print heads as a print head to be adjusted.

In the print apparatus, the print head may be configured to perform printing on a first print medium for image printing and a second print medium which is the print medium on which the test pattern is to be printed and which is different from the first print medium. The driving controller may move the belt in a first direction so as to transport the first print medium when the print head prints an image on the first print medium. The belt may be moved in a second direction which is different from the first direction when the second print medium is moved to a position of the print head specified by the specifying section so that the test pattern is printed.

In the print apparatus, a position specified by the position indication section may be in a downstream of the print head in the first direction.

In the print apparatus, the second print apparatus may be a cut sheet of a regular size and a shift of alignment of the print head may be detected by optically reading the test pattern printed on the second print medium.

In the print apparatus, the belt may be processed in an endless shaped by coupling opposite sides of a long belt member, and the driving controller may move the belt before the print medium is mounted, when a joint section of the belt is positioned in a predetermined range from a position specified by the position indication section.

The print apparatus may further include a carriage configured to perform scanning in a direction intersecting with a movement direction of the belt, the print head being mounted on the carriage, and a distance detection section configured to be mounted on the carriage and detect a distance from a reference position to a surface of the belt. The driving controller may specify a region in which a flatness degree of the belt satisfies a set condition based on a result of detection performed by the distance detection section during scanning of the carriage.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a print apparatus which includes a print head ejecting ink to a print medium and a belt on which the print medium is mounted and which transports the print medium by moving the belt includes moving, when the print head to be adjusted using a test pattern is specified, the belt in accordance with the specified print head to be adjusted so that a position of the print medium is adjusted.

According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a control program to be executed by a controller controlling a print apparatus which includes a print head ejecting ink to a print medium and a belt on which the print medium is mounted and which transports the print medium by moving the belt, executes moving, when the print head to be adjusted using a test pattern is specified, the belt in accordance with the specified print head to be adjusted so that a position of the print medium is adjusted.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a printer1as an example of a print apparatus of the present disclosure.

InFIG. 1and the other drawings described below, a front portion in an installation state of the printer1is denoted by a reference symbol FR and a rear portion of the printer1is denoted by RR. Furthermore, a right portion of the printer1is denoted by R, a left portion of the printer1is denoted by L, an upper portion of the printer1is denoted by UP, and a lower portion of the printer1is denoted by DW.

The printer1is an ink jet print apparatus which includes an ink ejection unit81ejecting ink IK and which forms an image by ejecting the ink IK to a print medium W.

The print medium W used in the printer1may be formed of various materials, such as paper and a sheet of synthetic resin, and a sheet dedicated for ink jet recording including plain paper, high-quality paper, and glossy paper. In this embodiment, fabric of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or the like is used as the print medium W. The printer1functions as a textile print apparatus performing printing on the print medium W by attaching the ink IK to a print surface of the print medium W, and the print medium W may be referred to as a printed member. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer1performs printing on a test medium51in addition to the print medium W. The test medium51is a print medium used for printing of a test pattern, and is a print sheet for photograph printing having properties of excellent absorption of the ink IK and bright coloration of the ink IK, for example. A width and a length of the test medium51are smaller than those of the print medium W, and the test medium51is a cut sheet of an A3size, for example.

The printer1includes a delivery device2, driven rollers10A,10B, and10C, transport rollers3A and3B, a transport belt4, and a reeling device5as an apparatus transporting the print medium W. The sections are included in a transport mechanism140described below.

The delivery device2delivers the rolled long print medium W to the transport belt4. The delivery device2is positioned on a most upstream portion relative to the print medium W in a transport direction H. The delivery device2rotates a rotation shaft2A in a counterclockwise direction inFIG. 1and supplies the print medium W set in the rotation shaft2A through the driven rollers10A and10B to the transport belt4.

The transport rollers3A and3B are a pair of rollers driving the transport belt4by power of a transport motor141described below and at least one of the transport rollers3A and3B may be a driving roller and the other may be a driven roller.

The transport belt4is configured such that end portions of a rectangular flexible sheet of gum, synthetic resin, or composite material of gum and synthetic resin are coupled to each other so as to form an endless shape. The transport belt4is an example of a belt of the present disclosure. The transport belt4is hung on the transport rollers3A and3B and circularly moved in front and back directions of the printer1in accordance with rotation of the transport rollers3A and3B.

In a front portion of the printer1, the print medium W delivered by the delivery device2is mounted on the transport belt4, and the transport belt4transports the print medium W toward the rear portion of the printer1in the transport direction denoted by a reference character H. Here, a position where the print medium W is in contact with the transport belt4is referred to as a mounting start position I1.

The transport belt4has an abutting surface abutting on the print medium W and having viscosity. For example, when a glue belt having an abutting surface including a viscosity layer formed thereon is used as the transport belt4, the print medium W is held by the transport belt4by the viscosity of the viscosity layer and is moved in a transport direction H along with the transport belt4. Note that the transport belt4is not limited to the glue belt and an electrostatic adsorption belt adsorbing the print medium W by static electricity, for example, may be used.

As described below, the printer1may rotate the transport rollers3A and3B in a reversed direction. In this case, the transport belt4circularly moves the print medium W in a direction opposite to the transport direction H. In a description below, when the print medium W is transported in the transport direction H, a movement direction of the transport belt4is referred to as a belt movement direction F1. Furthermore, a movement direction of the transport belt4opposite to the belt movement direction F1is referred to as a belt movement direction F2. The belt movement direction F1corresponds to an example of a first direction of the present disclosure, and the belt movement direction F2corresponds to an example of a second direction of the present disclosure.

The printer1includes a pressure roller6, a medium sensor71, and a print unit8along a movement path of the print medium W.

The pressure roller6and the medium sensor71are disposed on a downstream relative to the mounting start position I1in the transport direction H. The pressure roller6is biased by a biasing mechanism, such as a spring, not illustrated, toward the transport belt4so as to press the print medium W to the transport belt4. By this, the print medium W is tightly supported by the transport belt4so that floating of the print medium W is suppressed. The pressure roller6is rotatable in accordance with transport of the print medium W so that a mark of the pressure roller6is not left on the print medium W.

The medium sensor71is an optical sensor including a light emitting section emitting light to the print medium W and a light receiving section receiving and detecting light. For example, the medium sensor71is configured as a reflection optical sensor receiving reflection light from the print medium W using the light receiving section. A controller100described below detects the print medium W beneath the medium sensor71based on an amount of light detected by the light receiving section of the medium sensor71. Furthermore, the controller100may detect a distance from the medium sensor71to a surface of the print medium W based on a difference between a light emitting timing and a light receiving timing of the medium sensor71.

The print unit8is disposed on the downstream of the medium sensor71in the transport direction H. The print unit8includes the ink ejection unit81forming an image on the print medium W, a carriage82having the ink ejection unit81mounted thereon, and a gap adjustment mechanism83adjusting a relative position of the carriage82relative to the print medium W. Furthermore, the carriage82includes a scan unit72and a belt sensor73described below.

The ink ejection unit81includes a plurality of nozzles opening toward the print medium W and forms an image on the print medium W by ejecting the ink IK from the nozzles to the print medium W. A process of forming an image using the ink IK is referred to as printing. Furthermore, a surface of the ink ejection unit81on which the nozzles are opened is referred to as a nozzle surface81A and a surface of the print medium W on which the ink IK adheres is referred to as a print surface.

An ink supply path11is coupled to the ink ejection unit81. The ink IK is supplied from an ink storage section, not illustrated, through the ink supply path11to the ink ejection unit81. A configuration of the ink ejection unit81will be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 2.

The carriage82reciprocates in a scanning direction denoted by a reference character K on the print medium W. The scanning direction K of the carriage82intersects with the transport direction H, and in particular, the scanning direction K orthogonally intersects with the transport direction H as an example of this embodiment.

The ink ejection unit81moves on the print medium W in the scanning direction K in accordance with the movement of the carriage82. By this, the printer1may form an image in a range extending in the scanning direction K and the transport direction H.

The gap adjustment mechanism83adjusts a work gap WG which is a distance between the print medium W and the nozzle surface81A of the ink ejection unit81by moving the carriage82in a vertical direction.

The scan unit72mounted on the carriage82is a scanner optically reading an image printed on the print medium W. The scan unit72is constituted by a charge coupled device (CCD) scanner or a digital still camera, for example. The scan unit72performs scanning along with the carriage82so that an entire image printed on the print medium W may be optically read by the scan unit72.

The belt sensor73is mounted on the carriage82along with the scan unit72. The belt sensor73detects a distance from the belt sensor73and detects a distance between the transport belt4on which the print medium W is not mounted and the belt sensor73. As the belt sensor73, an optical time of flight (TOF) sensor performing ranging by emitting infrared light to the transport belt4and detecting reflection light, other ranging sensors, or a proximity sensor may be used. A distance between the belt sensor73and the viscosity surface of the transport belt4may be measured in a range extending in the scanning direction K by causing the belt sensor73to perform scanning in the scanning direction K along with the carriage82.

The printer1includes an exterior package15accommodating the print unit8. The exterior package15is a case having a substantially box shape covering an upper portion of the print medium W in the transport direction H. In this embodiment, a range from the mounting start position I1to the print unit8is covered by the exterior package15.

The print medium W is peeled from the transport belt4, guided by the driven roller10C, and reeled by the reeling device5on a downstream of the print unit8. A position where the print medium W is separated from the transport belt4is referred to as a mounting end position I2.

The reeling device5reels the print medium W in a roll shape on a reel set in a rotation shaft5A by rotating in a counterclockwise direction ofFIG. 1with the rotation shaft5A at the center.

A dry unit9is disposed between the driven roller10C and the reeling device5. The dry unit9dries the ink IK attached to the print medium W before the print medium W is reeled by the reeling device5. For example, the dry unit9includes a chamber accommodating the print medium W and a heater disposed in the chamber, and heats and dries the print medium W. The dry unit9is at least positioned between the ink ejection unit81and the reeling device5in the transport direction H, and the position of the dry unit9is not limited to a downstream of the driven roller10C.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the ink ejection unit81in detail.FIG. 2includes a diagram of the ink ejection unit81viewed from the nozzle surface81A and an enlarged view of the nozzle surface81A.

In the nozzle surface81A, a plurality of print heads90are arranged in the scanning direction K and a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction K.

Each of the print heads90includes a plurality of chips91. In the example ofFIG. 2, each of the print heads90includes four chips91arranged in a zig-zag manner in the transport direction H orthogonally intersecting with the scanning direction K. The ink ejection unit81has 64 print heads90arranged in eight columns in the scanning direction K and eight rows in the transport direction H and 256 chips91.

In a circle in a lower portion ofFIG. 2, an essential portion of one of the print heads90is enlarged. Each of the chips91includes two nozzle lines92, and each of the nozzle lines92includes a plurality of nozzles93arranged therein which individually eject ink IK. The two nozzle lines92included in each of the chips91may be assigned to ink IK of different colors. Furthermore, the eight chips91included in one print head90have the nozzle lines92of the same colors. Accordingly, one print head90may eject the ink IK of two colors.

For example, the ink ejection unit81may eject ink of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Alternatively, the ink ejection unit81may eject the ink IK of light cyan, light magenta, orange, green, gray, light gray, white or the like or eject the ink IK, such as metallic colors. Furthermore, soakage prompting permeation of the ink IK to the print medium W may be ejected from the ink ejection unit81. Colors of the ink IK to be ejected are assigned to the chips91included in the ink ejection unit81in a unit of the nozzle line92and multi-color printing may be performed by the ink ejection unit81.

The print heads90are detachable from the carriage82. Specifically, the print heads90of the ink ejection unit81are replaceable. For example, when the number of nozzles93of ink ejection failure exceeds a predetermined number in the nozzle lines92, the print heads90are replaced to address the problem.

When one of the print heads90is replaced, alignment of the replaced print head90may be shifted from that of the other print heads90. The term “alignment” means inclination and a height of the nozzle surface81A of the print head90. When a position of the replaced print head90in the carriage82does not match the print head90before the replacement, for example, a difference between the alignments, that is, an alignment shift occurs.

The alignment shift generates a shift of a timing when the ink IK ejected from the nozzles93impacts on a surface of the print medium W and invites a shift of a position of a dot to be formed by the ink IK on the print medium W. The alignment shift may include, in addition to a height and an inclination of the nozzle surface81A, various elements affecting a position and a timing of impact of the ink IK ejected from the nozzles93on the print medium W.

To maintain high print quality, the alignment shift of the print head90is detected and correction is preferably performed such that the ink IK ejected from the replaced print head90forms a dot in the same position as a dot of the print head90before replacement.

Furthermore, the alignment shift of the print head90may occur due to not only replacement of the print head90but also aging of the print head90. Also in this case, it is effective that the alignment shift is detected and correction is performed where appropriate.

The printer1has a function of detecting an alignment shift with one or a plurality of print heads90as a unit. This function is referred to as examination of an alignment shift. Specifically, a test image is printed using the print head90to be examined, the printed image is read by the scan unit72, a position of dots formed by the print head90to be examined is examined. The test image is generated to cause all the nozzles93included in the print head90to be examined to form dots and is a so-called test pattern. In this examination, the print head90before replacement is used as a reference, and a difference between alignment of the print head90before the replacement and alignment of the replaced print head90is detected as a difference between positions of dots.

As a medium to be used in printing of a test pattern, the print medium W may be used but a medium different from the print medium W is preferably used. This is because transport in the transport direction H is required to be stopped to read the test pattern using the scan unit72and a portion in which the test pattern is printed is required to be removed or discarded, for example.

Furthermore, an examination target is one of the print heads90included in the ink ejection unit81, and therefore, a large medium covering the entire scanning direction K is not required for the printing of a test pattern.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the test medium51which is a cut sheet of a regular size is used for the printing of a test pattern when the alignment shift of the print head90is examined. The test medium51may be a plain paper or a so-called PPC sheet. Furthermore, a photo print sheet having characteristics of excellent absorbency and excellent retentivity of the ink IK and a characteristic of less ink bleeding may be used. The test medium51corresponds to an example of a second print medium of the present disclosure and the print medium W corresponds to an example of a first print medium of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3is a plan view of an essential portion of the printer1.FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating a state in which the print medium W is not mounted on the transport belt4.

The carriage82may be moved to a position deviated rightward from the print medium W in the scanning direction K. This position is referred to as a home position. In the home position, a maintenance mechanism is disposed to execute maintenance of the ink ejection unit81, such as flushing and cleaning, to suppress nozzle clog of the ink ejection unit81.

A region in which an image may be formed when the ink ejection unit81performs scanning in the scanning direction K is referred to as a print region A1inFIG. 3. The print region A1indicates an outer edge of a print available region in the scanning direction K, and the print available region in the transport direction H is extended by movement of the transport belt4.

InFIG. 3, the test medium51of an A3size of 594 mm in height by 297 mm in width is used as an example.

The transport belt4is exposed outside the exterior package15in a position near the mounting end position I2, and therefore, the test medium51is mounted on the transport belt4in the vicinity of the mounting end position I2. An operation of mounting the test medium51is executed by an operator of the printer1. A position where the test medium51is mounted by the operator is a test medium set region A11. The test medium set region A11is set in advance in a position where the test medium51is easily mounted by the operator.

The ink ejection unit81may print a test pattern irrespective of a position of the test medium51in the scanning direction K. Assuming that a print head90A is to be examined, a region in which the print head90A may perform printing in the scanning direction K is a print region A2illustrated inFIG. 3. However, a more preferred position of the test medium51may be determined in advance by examination in the scanning direction K taking smoothness of the transport belt4or the like into consideration.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of the printer1when the printer1is viewed from a rear side.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the transport belt4is exposed from a rear end portion15A of the exterior package15when the print medium W is not mounted on the transport belt4. The test medium set region A11is set in a position where the transport belt4is exposed outside the exterior package15.

Markers16are positioned in an upper portion of the rear end portion15A of the exterior package15. The markers16are a display section for indicating a position where the test medium51is to be mounted on the transport belt4for the operator. In the example ofFIG. 4, the two markers16indicating positions of opposite ends of the test medium51are disposed on the exterior package15. The markers16is at least visible in the exterior package15, and members of a shape of the markers16may be attached to the exterior package15or the markers16may be formed by painting or printing.

The markers16function as a position indication section indicating a position of the test medium51in the scanning direction K. Furthermore, since the markers16are disposed on the exterior package15, the markers16have a function of instructing mounting of the test medium51so as to align the test medium51to the rear end portion15A. Accordingly, the markers16of this embodiment function as a position indication section indicating a position where the test medium51is set in the belt movement directions F1and F2and the scanning direction K.

Note that a position indication section indicating a position of the test medium51in the belt movement directions F1and F2other than the markers16may be disposed.

The positions of the markers16in the scanning direction K and the position of the print region A1in the belt movement direction F1are included in setting data122to be stored in a storage section120.

When the test medium51is mounted on the transport belt4by the operator such that the test medium51aligns in the positions indicated by the markers16in the test medium set region A11, an alignment shift of the print head90A may be examined under a preferred condition.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the test medium set region A11is positioned on a downstream of the ink ejection unit81in the belt movement direction F1. After the test medium51is mounted on the transport belt4, the printer1moves the transport belt4in the belt movement direction F2. Specifically, the transport belt4is transported in a direction opposite to a direction of printing on the print medium W so that the test medium51is moved to a print region A2. The printer1ejects ink from the print head90A to be examined while causing the ink ejection unit81to perform scanning so that a test pattern is printed on the test medium51. Thereafter, the printer1moves the transport belt4in the belt movement direction F1and transports the test medium51in the transport direction H while being aligned in the scan unit72. The printer1uses the scan unit72to read dots of the test pattern formed on the test medium51and detect positions of the dots so as to detect an alignment shift of the print head90A to be examined. Furthermore, the printer1generates correction data for correcting the alignment shift of the print head90A to be examined. The correction data of this embodiment is used to correct a timing when the ink IK is ejected from the nozzles93of the print head90A to be examined when printing is performed on the print medium W. Use of the correction data may match a timing when the print head90A to be examined ejects the ink IK with a timing of the other print heads90, and accordingly, deterioration of print quality caused by replacement of the print head90may be suppressed or prevented.

The transport belt4is formed by joining end portions of a rectangle sheet as described above, and a joint portion of the sheet has a thickness and rigidity which are different from those of the other portions. This portion is referred to as a joint41and is illustrated inFIG. 3. The joint41extends in a width direction of the transport belt4, that is, a lateral direction of the printer1. The joint41corresponds to an example of a joint section of the present disclosure.

In examination of an alignment shift of the print heads90, when the test medium51is mounted on a position overlapping with the joint41, the test medium51may be slightly distorted or roughness may be generated on the test medium51, and the distortion or the roughness may affect accuracy of the examination. Therefore, the printer1moves the transport belt4such that the joint41is not included in the test medium set region A11when the test medium51is mounted on the transport belt4.

FIG. 5is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printer1.

The printer1includes the controller100.

The controller100includes a processor110executing programs, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a micro processing unit (MPU) and controls various sections in the printer1. The controller100executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the processor110reads and executes a control program121stored in the storage section120. The control program121corresponds to an example of a control program. Furthermore, the processor110functions as an input detection section111, a print controller112, a driving controller113, a display controller114, and a detection controller115when reading and executing the control program121.

The storage section120includes a storage region storing programs to be executed by the processor110and data to be processed by the processor110. The storage section120stores the control program121to be executed by the processor110and the setting data122including various setting values associated with operation of the printer1.

The storage section120includes a nonvolatile storage region storing programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. Alternatively, the storage section120may include a volatile storage region temporarily storing programs to be executed by the processor110and data to be processed.

A print section101, a communication section102, and an operation section103are coupled to the controller100. The print section101includes a print unit8, the transport mechanism140, a carriage driving mechanism150, the dry unit9, the medium sensor71, the scan unit72, and the belt sensor73.

The controller100controls the ink ejection unit81. Each of the print heads90of the ink ejection unit81includes a mechanism for ejecting the ink IK from the nozzles93using a piezoelectric element or a heat element and ejects the ink IK under control of the controller100.

The transport mechanism140is used to transport the print medium W and includes the delivery device2, the driven rollers10A,10B, and10C, the transport rollers3A and3B, the transport belt4, and the reeling device5, and further includes the transport motor141driving these sections. The controller100controls driving, stop, a rotation direction, and a rotation amount of the transport motor141. Furthermore, the controller100may control a rotation speed of the transport motor141. The transport motor141corresponds to an example of a driving section of the present disclosure.

The carriage driving mechanism150is used to reciprocate the carriage82in the scanning direction K and includes a carriage motor151serving as a driving source and a linear encoder152detecting a position of the carriage82in the scanning direction K. The controller100detects a position of the carriage82based on an output of the linear encoder152and controls the carriage motor151so as to move the carriage82. Furthermore, the carriage driving mechanism150may include a guide member guiding a movement of the carriage82and a gear and a link transmitting power of the carriage motor151to the carriage82. Furthermore, when the controller100may specify a position of the carriage82based on an operation amount of the carriage motor151, the linear encoder152may be omitted.

The controller100controls a heater of the dry unit9to be turned on or off and a heat temperature of the heater. The controller100obtains a detection value of the medium sensor71so as to detect whether the print medium W has been mounted on the transport belt4. The controller100obtains a detection value of the scan unit72so as to analyze an image read by the scan unit72. For example, the controller100specifies positions of dots formed by the nozzles93in the image read by the scan unit72so as to detect an alignment shift. The controller100obtains a detection value of the belt sensor73so as to detect a distance between the belt sensor73and the transport belt4and/or a change in the distance. The scan unit72corresponds to an example of a belt pattern detection section according to the present disclosure, and the belt sensor73corresponds to an example of a distance detection section according to the present disclosure.

The communication section102is configured by communication hardware including a connector based on a predetermined communication standard and an interface circuit, and communicates with an external apparatus of the printer1under control of the controller100. Examples of the external apparatus of the printer1include a computer and a server apparatus. When receiving image data123from the external apparatus through the communication section102, the controller100stores the received image data123in the storage section120. Furthermore, when receiving job data124for instructing printing from the external apparatus through the communication section102, the controller100stores the received job data124in the storage section120. A communication method employed in the communication section102may be a wired communication or a wireless communication and a type of the communication standard may be appropriately selected.

The operation section103receives an operation performed by the operator of the printer1. Although the operation section103including a keyboard181, a touch panel182, and a display183is illustrated as an example inFIG. 5, the operation section103may include other input devices.

The keyboard181has a plurality of keys operated by the operator and outputs operation data indicating an operated key to the controller100. The display183includes a display screen, such as a liquid display panel, and displays various information associated with operations of the printer1under control of the controller100. The touch panel182disposed on the display screen of the display183in an overlapping manner detects a touch operation on the display screen and outputs operation data indicating a touched position to the controller100.

The storage section120stores, in addition to the control program121and the setting data122, the image data123, the job data124, belt position data125, detection data126, and head correction data127.

The image data123corresponds to an image printed by the printer1and includes an image of a test pattern printed in examination of an alignment shift. The job data124indicates a print job to be executed by the printer1. The belt position data125indicates a position of the joint41of the transport belt4in a circumferential direction. The belt position data125may indicate a distance from a reference position of the transport belt4to the joint41, for example. Furthermore, the belt position data125may indicate a relative position of the current joint41relative to positions of the ink ejection unit81and the exterior package15, the mounting start position I1, the mounting end position I2, and the like.

The detection data126includes detection values and data output from the various sensors including the medium sensor71, the scan unit72, and the belt sensor73. The detection data126includes a detection value of the medium sensor71, an image read by the scan unit72, and a detection value of the belt sensor73, for example.

The head correction data127is used to correct operation of the print heads90and generated based on a result of examination of an alignment shift. For example, the head correction data127is used to shift a timing when the print head90ejects the ink IK from an initial value.

The input detection section111detects an input operation performed by the operator based on operation data input by the operation section103and obtains input content. The input detection section111processes data received through the communication section102. When receiving the image data123and the job data124through the communication section102, the input detection section111stores the received data in the storage section120.

The print controller112controls the print section101in accordance with the job data124and executes printing on the print medium W using the print section101.

Furthermore, the print controller112executes examination of an alignment shift of the print head90. When detecting replacement of one of the print heads90in the ink ejection unit81by control on the ink ejection unit81or an input to the operation section103, the print controller112specifies the print head90to be examined and performs examination of an alignment shift. The print controller112prints a test pattern using the print head90to be examined, causes the scan unit72to read an image of the test pattern, generates head correction data127based on the read image, and stores the head correction data127in the storage section120. The print controller112corresponds to an example of a specifying section according to the present disclosure.

The driving controller113controls the transport motor141so as to control a movement direction and a movement amount of the transport belt4and transport of the print medium W. Furthermore, the driving controller113controls the carriage motor151based on a detection value of the linear encoder152so as to control scanning of the carriage82. The driving controller113operates the carriage82and the transport belt4at a timing when the print controller112drives the ink ejection unit81when printing is performed on the print medium W.

The driving controller113drives the transport motor141so as to move the transport belt4when examination of an alignment shift of the print head90is executed. For example, the driving controller113performs control such that the transport belt4is moved so that the joint41does not overlap with the test medium set region A11. Furthermore, the driving controller113performs control such that the test medium51is moved to the print region A1and control such that the test medium51on which a test pattern is printed is moved to a position of the scan unit72, for example.

The display controller114controls the display183so as to display various images.

The detection controller115controls the medium sensor71, the scan unit72, and the belt sensor73so as to obtain detection values of the sensors and a read image to be stored in the storage section120as detection data126.

FIG. 6is a flowchart of an operation of the printer1and the operation is associated with examination of an alignment shift.

The operation illustrated inFIG. 6is executed under control of the processor110, step S11to step S15, step S17and step S18, and step S21and step S22correspond to operations of the print controller112, and step S16and step S18correspond to operations of the driving controller113. Step S19corresponds to operations of the print controller112and the driving controller113, and step S20corresponds to operations of the print controller112and the detection controller115.

When detecting replacement of one of the print heads90(step S11), the controller100specifies one of the print heads90which is a target of examination of an alignment shift (step S12).

The controller100specifies a position of the joint41of the transport belt4(step S13) and determines whether the test medium set region A11overlaps with the joint41(step S14). When it is determined that the test medium set region A11overlaps with the joint41(step S14; YES), the controller100calculates and determines a movement amount of the transport belt4required until the joint41moves out of the test medium set region A11(step S15). The controller100cause the transport motor141to perform normal rotation in accordance with the movement amount determined in step S15, moves the transport belt4in the belt movement direction F1, and stops the transport motor141(step S16). In step S15, the transport motor141may be rotated in a reversed direction so that the transport belt4is moved in the belt movement direction F2.

The controller100determines whether the test medium51has been mounted on the test medium set region A11by the operator (step S17) and waits until the test medium51is mounted (step S17; NO). For example, the operator inputs information indicating the completion of setting of the test medium51by operating the operation section103after the test medium51is mounted on the transport belt4. When the setting of the test medium51is completed (step S17; YES), the controller100reversely rotates the transport motor141so as to move the transport belt4in the belt movement direction F2and transports the test medium51(step S18). In step S18, the test medium51is transported to the print region A2which is a print position of the print head90to be examined.

The controller100causes the print head90to be examined to print a test pattern (step S19). The controller100prints the test pattern in accordance with the markers16with reference to the setting data122. After the printing, the controller100causes the scan unit72to read the test pattern printed on the test medium51(step S20). The controller100may operate the transport motor141so that the test medium51is transported to a reading position of the scan unit72before executing the process in step S20.

The controller100analyzes the image read by the scan unit72so as to detect an alignment shift of the print head90to be examined (step S21). In step S21, the controller100specifies positions of the dots formed by the print head90to be examined and obtains a shift of the positions of the dots relative to a reference positions so as to obtain an alignment shift. When the controller100detects replacement of one of the print heads90, for example, a shift amount of positions of dots formed by the print head90before the replacement and the positions of the dots formed by the print head90to be examined is calculated.

The controller100generates head correction data127for correction of the alignment shift and stores the head correction data127in the storage section120as correction data for the print head90to be examined. For example, the controller100calculates a correction value at an ejection timing corresponding to a shift amount of the positions of the dots obtained in step S21and determines the correction value as the head correction data127.

The print controller112controls a timing when the print head90ejects the ink IK with reference to the head correction data127when performing normal printing on the print medium W in accordance with the job data124.

As described above, the printer1of the first embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied includes the print heads90ejecting ink to the print medium W and the test medium51and the transport belt4on which the print medium W and the test medium51are mounted. The printer1includes the transport motor141transporting the print medium W or the test medium51by moving the transport belt4and the print controller112specifying one of the print heads90to be adjusted using a test pattern. The printer1further includes the markers16indicating a position of the test medium51when a test pattern is printed and the driving controller113controlling the transport motor141. The driving controller113adjusts a position of the test medium51by controlling the transport motor141in accordance with the print head90to be examined specified by the print controller112.

According to a method for controlling the printer1, when the print head90to be examined using the test pattern is specified, the transport belt4is moved in accordance with the specified print head90to be examined so that a position of the test medium51is adjusted.

The control program121moves the transport belt4, when the print head90to be examined using the test pattern is specified by the controller100, in accordance with the specified print head to be examined and adjusts a position of the test medium51.

The printer1employing the print apparatus, the method for controlling the print apparatus, and the control program according to the present disclosure may adjust a position of the test medium51to a position corresponding to the print head90to be examined. Therefore, restriction of a position where the test medium51is to be set when the print head90is controlled and a size of the test medium51is relaxed and control may be more easily performed on the print head90.

For example, when the print head90is examined, the test medium51may be set in a position separated from a print position of the print head90to be examined. Furthermore, a size of the test medium51is at least sufficient for printing of the test pattern, for example, and may be smaller than a size of the print region A1in the scanning direction K. Accordingly, a load of examination on the print head90may be reduced. Furthermore, since the restriction on a size and a position of the test medium51is relaxed, a degree of freedom of selection of the test medium51is enhanced. For example, when the test medium51more suitable for printing of the test pattern than the print medium W is used, accuracy of examination and adjustment using the test pattern may be enhanced.

In particular, when the printer1is a large print apparatus performing printing on the print medium W having a width in a range from 1 m to 2 m or more, it is not easy to prepare the test medium51of a size equivalent to a size of the print medium W. Furthermore, when the print medium W is fabric and the print medium W is used for printing of a test pattern, an operation of removing a portion including a printed test pattern from the print medium W reeled by the reeling device5is required. Furthermore, cost of the print medium W consumed for the adjustment is not negligible. Furthermore, it is not easy to accurately detect positions of dots formed on the fabric using the scan unit72and detect an alignment shift. The scan unit72is positioned on an upstream of the dry unit9in the transport direction H, and therefore, dots of a test pattern are detected in the print medium W before being dried by the dry unit9and it is difficult to enhance detection accuracy.

When the printer1may use the test medium51smaller than the print medium W at a time of adjustment and examination of the print head90, the problem described above is solved. Specifically, when the test medium51of a regular size which is inexpensive and has handleability is used, the print medium W is not consumed for printing a test pattern and cost and a load of adjustment of the print head90may be reduced. Furthermore, the position where the test medium51is set is not limited to the position of the carriage82and may be outside the exterior package15, and in this case, an operation load of the operator may be considerably reduced. Furthermore, the test medium51is set to the transport belt4on which the print medium W is not mounted. Therefore, it is advantageous in that the print head90after replacement may be adjusted in a state in which the print medium W is removed from the printer1before the print head90is replaced. Furthermore, when the test medium51which is excellent in absorbency of the ink IK and clarity of dots is used, positions of dots may be detected with high accuracy. Accordingly, when the present disclosure is employed in a large sized printer1performing printing on a large sized print medium W, loads of examination and adjustment using a test pattern are reduced and accuracy is highly effectively enhanced.

The printer1includes the scan unit72detecting a test pattern printed on the test medium51, and the driving controller113may detect an alignment shift of the print head90based on a detection result of the scan unit72. With this configuration, an alignment shift may be detected with high accuracy by printing a test pattern on the test medium51and detecting the printed test pattern.

The printer1includes a plurality of print heads90and the print controller112specifies a replaced one of the print heads90as a print head90to be examined. The print head90to be examined corresponds to a replaced head. With this configuration, print quality may be maintained even after an alignment shift occurring due to replacement of the print head90is detected and the print head90is replaced.

The print head90may perform printing on the print medium W for image printing and the test medium51on which a test pattern is to be printed and which is different from the print medium W. When an image is printed on the print medium W using the print heads90, the driving controller113transports the print medium W by moving the transport belt4in the belt movement direction F1. When the test medium51is moved to a position of the print head90specified by the print controller112to print a test pattern, the driving controller113moves the transport belt4in the belt movement direction F2which is different from the belt movement direction F1. With this configuration, the transport belt4is moved in a direction different from that in printing on the print medium W so that the test medium51is positioned in the print head90. Accordingly, a degree of freedom of a position where the test medium51is set is enhanced, and a load of an operation of setting the test medium51performed by the operator may be reduced.

A position of the test medium51specified by the markers16may be positioned on a downstream of the print heads90in the belt movement direction F1. With this configuration, a load of the operation of setting the test medium51performed by the operator may be further reduced.

The test medium51is a cut sheet of a regular size, and the printer1detects an alignment shift of the print head90by optically reading a test pattern printed on the test medium51. Since the test medium51is a regular size, the test medium51which is excellent in color development of a test pattern may be used. Accordingly, an alignment shift may be detected with higher accuracy.

The printer1includes the transport belt4processed in an endless shape by coupling opposite ends of a long belt member. The driving controller113moves the belt before the print medium W is mounted when the joint41of the transport belt4is positioned in a predetermined range from a position of the test medium51specified by the markers16, or the test medium set region A11, for example. With this configuration, the test medium51may be set in a portion other than the joint41of the transport belt4and adjustment of an alignment shift may be performed with higher accuracy.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 7is a plan view of an essential portion of a printer1according to a second embodiment, and a graph of a detection result of a belt sensor73is additionally illustrated.

A configuration of the printer1according to the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, an operation of detecting a height of a viscosity surface of a transport belt4using the belt sensor73and using the detected height in adjustment of an alignment shift which is performed by the printer1will be described as an example.

The belt sensor73emits light to the transport belt4beneath a carriage82and detects reflection light so as to detect a distance between the belt sensor73and the transport belt4. The carriage82may perform scanning in a constant height along a guide, not illustrated, described above. Therefore, a distance detected by the belt sensor73indicates a change in the height of the surface of the transport belt4.

It is assumed that the belt sensor73performs detection in a region indicated by a reference symbol A12inFIG. 7. A region to be detected A12extends in a scanning direction K, and the belt sensor73performs detection on the region to be detected A12while being moved in the scanning direction K. When a detection value of the belt sensor73is associated with a position in the scanning direction K, a distribution SG of heights of the transport belt4in the scanning direction K is obtained as indicated by a reference character D inFIG. 7.

A flatness degree of the transport belt4may be different depending on a position in the belt movement direction F1. Therefore, the region to be detected A12is preferably included in a test medium set region A11set in advance.

When a change in the height of the transport belt4is small in the position where the test medium51is set, distortion of the test medium51is small, and therefore, an alignment shift may be detected with higher accuracy. Therefore, the printer1selects a region in which a change in height of the transport belt4is small in the detected region A12, that is, a region of high flatness degree in the transport belt4, in accordance with a result of the detection of the height of the transport belt4in the detected region A12and determines the region as a position where the test medium51is to be mounted. This region is referred to as a test medium set region A15. A size of the test medium set region A15in the scanning direction K is set in accordance with a size of the test medium51in a width direction. In the test medium set region A15, a height range G1of the transport belt4is smaller than the other portions in the detected region A12and a high flatness degree is attained.

In this way, the printer1sets the test medium set region A15having a high flatness degree of the transport belt4in accordance with the result of the detection using the belt sensor73in the test medium set region A11. By this, an alignment shift of the print heads90may be examined with higher accuracy.

FIG. 8is a flowchart of an operation of the printer1according to the second embodiment. InFIG. 8, the same step numbers are assigned to processes the same as those of the operations of the first embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6and descriptions thereof are omitted. In the operation illustrated inFIG. 8, step S31and step S34correspond to operations of the print controller112, and step S32and step S35correspond to operations of the driving controller113. Step S33corresponds to an operation of the detection controller115, and step S36corresponds to an operation of the display controller114.

After a position of the joint41is specified in step S13, the controller100calculates a movement amount of the transport belt4based on a position of the joint41and a detection position of the belt sensor73(step S31). Specifically, the test medium set region A11is set in a position shifted from the joint41and a movement amount of the transport belt4is calculated such that the test medium set region A11is positioned beneath the belt sensor73(step S31).

The controller100rotates the transport motor141in a normal direction based on the movement amount calculated in step S31so as to move the transport belt4in the belt movement direction F1(step S32). In step S32, the controller100may rotate the transport motor141in a reversed direction so as to move the transport belt4in the belt movement direction F2.

The controller100causes the carriage82to perform scanning so that the belt sensor73detects the detected region A12and obtains a result of the detection (step S33). The result of the detection obtained in step S33is associated with a position of the carriage82detected by the linear encoder152so that a height distribution SG is obtained.

The controller100specifies the test medium set region A15based on the detection result obtained in step S33and a size of the test medium51set in advance (step S34). The controller100stores a position of the test medium set region A15in the storage section120as a portion of the setting data122.

The controller100drives the transport motor141so that the test medium set region A11including the detected region A12reaches a position where the test medium51is set by an operator and moves the transport belt4(step S35). For example, the test medium set region A11moves the transport belt4until the transport belt4reaches the rear end portion15A.

The controller100guides the test medium set region A15specified in step S34for the operator (step S36). For example, the controller100causes the display183to display a screen guiding the position of the test medium51.

FIG. 9is a diagram of a display example of the display183according to the second embodiment.

In the display example ofFIG. 9, appearance of the printer1and a guide image191indicating a set position of the test medium51in the printer1are displayed. Furthermore, a message192guiding that the test medium51is to be set in a position indicated by the guide image191is displayed for the operator. In this case, the display183corresponds to an example of a position indication section according to the present disclosure.

The controller100determines whether the test medium51has been mounted on the test medium set region A11by the operator (step S17) and waits until the test medium51is mounted (step S17; NO). When the setting of the test medium51is completed (step S17; YES), the controller100reversely rotates the transport motor141so as to move the transport belt4in the belt movement direction F2and transports the test medium51(step S18). In step S18, the test medium51is transported to the print region A2which is a print position of the print head90to be examined. Thereafter, as with the operation illustrated with reference toFIG. 6, the controller100causes the print head90to print a test pattern, causes the scan unit72to read the printed test pattern, and generates head correction data127.

According to the printer1of the second embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied, operation effects of the first embodiment are obtained.

Furthermore, the printer1includes the carriage82which performs scanning in a direction intersecting with the belt movement directions F1and F2of the transport belt4and the belt sensor73which is mounted on the carriage82and which detects a distance between a reference position and a surface of the belt. The driving controller113specifies the test medium set region A15which satisfies a condition in which a flatness degree of the transport belt4is set based on the detection result of the belt sensor73obtained while the carriage82is performing scanning. Accordingly, since the position of the test medium51is determined while a state of the transport belt4obtained when the print head90is adjusted is reflected, the print head90may be adjusted with higher accuracy.

The foregoing embodiments are concrete examples to which the present disclosure is applied and the present disclosure is not limited to these.

For example, when the operation of the first embodiment described above is performed, it is not necessarily the case that the printer1includes the belt sensor73and the belt sensor73may be omitted.

Furthermore, although the printer1includes the ink ejection unit81having the plurality of print heads90according to the first and second embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to this and the present disclosure may be applied to a print apparatus including a single print head90.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a method for guiding a position of the test medium set region A15for the operator is not limited to display by the display183. For example, a display screen and a light emitting diode (LED) indicator may be disposed on a surface of the exterior package15near the rear end portion15A so that a position of the test medium51may be guided by display of the display screen and the LED indicator. Furthermore, data indicating a position of the test medium set region A15may be transmitted from the printer1to another computer installed in a position far away from the printer1. In this case, the other computer which has received the data from the printer1may display a screen for guiding the position of the test medium51.

Although the printer1which prints an image by transporting the rolled print medium W is taken as an example in the foregoing embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The present disclosure may be applied to a print apparatus which performs printing by holding the print medium W, such as fabric, to be printed in a fixed manner and causing the ink ejection unit81to be moved relative to the print medium W. The present disclosure may be applied to a so-called garment printer which fixes cloth or sewing fabric as the print medium W and performs printing by ejecting ink to the print medium W. Furthermore, the present disclosure may be applied to the print apparatus performing printing on not only fabric but also knit fabric, paper, a sheet of synthetic resin.

Furthermore, the present disclosure may be applied not only an apparatus solely used as a print apparatus but also an apparatus having functions in addition to a print function, such as a multifunction peripheral having a copy function and a scan function and a POS terminal apparatus.

Furthermore, the printer1may be an apparatus using the ink IK which is hardened by irradiation with ultraviolet light, and in this case, the printer1may include an ultraviolet irradiation device instead of the dry unit9. Furthermore, the printer1may include a cleaning device cleaning the print medium W dried by the dry unit9, and detailed configuration of the printer1may be arbitrarily changed.

Furthermore, the functional sections included in the controller100may be configured as the control programs121to be executed by the processor110as described above, and may be realized by hardware circuits incorporating the control programs121therein. Moreover, the control programs121may be received by the printer1from a server apparatus or the like through a transmission medium.

Furthermore, the functions of the controller100may be realized by a plurality of processors or semiconductor chips.

Furthermore, the steps of the operations illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 8are obtained by dividing the operation according to main processing content, and the present disclosure is not limited by a method for dividing processing units and names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into a larger number of step units in accordance with processing content. Furthermore, the operations may be divided such that one of the step units includes a larger number of processes. Moreover, order of the steps may be changed where appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.