Patent ID: 12187056

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, suitable embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are provided for convenience of description. Note that the embodiments described below do not unreasonably limit the content of the disclosure described in the scope of the claims. In addition, the essential constituent elements of the disclosure are not limited to the configurations described below.

1. Outline of Liquid Ejecting Apparatus

FIG.1illustrates a schematic structure of a liquid ejecting apparatus1. The liquid ejecting apparatus1in the present embodiment transports a medium P in a transport direction PT and causes a carriage20to be reciprocated in a main scanning direction SC intersecting the transport direction PT. In conjunction with transporting of the medium P and reciprocation of the carriage20, an ejecting head21mounted on the carriage20ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid. The ink thereby lands on the medium P at a desired position, and a desired image is formed on the medium P. That is, the liquid ejecting apparatus1in the present embodiment is an ink jet printer of a so-called serial printing type. Such a liquid ejecting apparatus1is able to use any printing object such as printing sheet, resin film, or fabric as the medium P.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the liquid ejecting apparatus1includes an ink container2, a control mechanism10, the carriage20, a moving mechanism30, and a transport mechanism40.

The ink container2stores a plurality of colors of ink to be ejected onto the medium P. Examples of a color of ink stored in the ink container2include black, cyan, magenta, yellow, red, and gray. As the ink container2, an ink cartridge, a bag-like ink package made of a flexible film, an ink tank that is able to be replenished with ink, or the like may be used. Although the ink container2illustrated inFIG.1is provided at a position different from that of the carriage20, the ink container2may be mounted on the carriage20.

The control mechanism10includes a processing circuit, such as a CPU (central processing unit) or an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and a storage circuit, such as semiconductor memory. The control mechanism10controls the elements of the liquid ejecting apparatus1.

The ejecting head21and a camera unit70are mounted on the carriage20. In other words, the liquid ejecting apparatus1includes the carriage20that moves with the ejecting head21mounted thereon, and the camera unit70is mounted on the carriage20. The carriage20is fixed to an endless belt32in a state of being supported by a carriage guide shaft33of the moving mechanism30.

A control signal Ctrl-H, a drive signal COM, and a reference voltage signal VBS that are output by the control mechanism10are input to the ejecting head21. Ink stored in the ink container2is supplied to the ejecting head21via a tube (not illustrated) or the like. In accordance with the control signal Ctrl-H and the drive signal COM that are input, the ejecting head21ejects ink supplied from the ink container2.

A control signal Ctrl-I output by the control mechanism10is input to the camera unit70. The camera unit70acquires various kinds of information indicating the state of the ejecting head21in accordance with the input control signal Ctrl-I and outputs the control signal Ctrl-I including the acquired information to the control mechanism10.

The moving mechanism30includes a carriage motor31, the endless belt32, and the carriage guide shaft33. The carriage motor31is rotationally driven in accordance with a control signal Ctrl-C input from the control mechanism10. The endless belt32extends in the main scanning direction SC and rotates in accordance with the rotational drive of the carriage motor31. The carriage guide shaft33extends in the main scanning direction SC and supports the carriage20. As a result, the carriage20fixed to the endless belt32moves in the main scanning direction SC in a state of being supported by the carriage guide shaft33. Accordingly, when the control mechanism10controls a rotation direction of the carriage motor31in accordance with the control signal Ctrl-C, the carriage20fixed to the endless belt32is reciprocated in the main scanning direction SC in a state of being supported by the carriage guide shaft33.

The transport mechanism40includes a transport motor41, a transport roller42, and a platen43. The transport motor41is rotationally driven in accordance with a control signal Ctrl-T input from the control mechanism10. The transport roller42rotates in accordance with the rotational drive of the transport motor41. The medium P is transported in the transport direction PT upon the rotation of the transport roller42. At this time, the platen43supports the medium P that is transported. That is, the control mechanism10controls the rotational speed of the transport motor41in accordance with the control signal Ctrl-T to control transporting of the medium P supported by the platen43in the transport direction PT.

As described above, in the liquid ejecting apparatus1of the present embodiment, the control mechanism10controls transporting of the medium P and reciprocation of the carriage20. Further, the control mechanism10outputs the control signal Ctrl-H and the drive signal COM to the ejecting head21in conjunction with transporting of the medium P by the transport mechanism40and reciprocation of the carriage20by the moving mechanism30. That is, the ejecting head21ejects ink onto the medium P in conjunction with transporting of the medium P by the transport mechanism40and reciprocation of the carriage20by the moving mechanism30. As a result, the ink ejected from the ejecting head21lands on the medium P at a desired position, and a desired image is formed on the medium P.

2. Functional Configuration of Liquid Ejecting Apparatus

Next, a functional configuration of the liquid ejecting apparatus1will be described.FIG.2illustrates the functional configuration of the liquid ejecting apparatus1. As illustrated inFIG.2, the liquid ejecting apparatus1includes the control mechanism10, the ejecting head21, the carriage motor31, the transport motor41, the camera unit70, and a linear encoder90.

The control mechanism10includes a driving circuit50, a reference voltage signal output circuit52, and a control circuit100.

The control circuit100includes, for example, a processor, such as a microcontroller, and is coupled to an external device (not illustrated), such as a host computer, provided outside the liquid ejecting apparatus1so as to enable communication. Various signals, such as image data, including information of an image formed on the medium P are input from the external device to the control circuit100. In accordance with the input various signals, such as image data, the control circuit100generates various kinds of data for controlling the liquid ejecting apparatus1and various signals according to the data and outputs the resulting data and signals to the corresponding configurations.

A specific example of the operation of the control circuit100will be described. A position information signal Cp detected by the linear encoder90and indicating a scanning position of the carriage20is input to the control circuit100. The control circuit100identifies the scanning position of the ejecting head21mounted on the carriage20in accordance with the input position information signal Cp. The control circuit100generates various signals including the control signals Ctrl-C, Ctrl-T, and Ctrl-H corresponding to the image data input from the external device and the position information signal Cp input from the linear encoder90and outputs the signals to the corresponding configurations.

Specifically, the control circuit100generates the control signal Ctrl-C for controlling reciprocation of the ejecting head21in accordance with the position information signal Cp and outputs the control signal Ctrl-C to the carriage motor31. As a result, the scanning position of the ejecting head21in the main scanning direction SC is controlled. The control circuit100generates the control signal Ctrl-T for controlling transporting of the medium P and outputs the control signal Ctrl-T to the transport motor41. As a result, the transport position of the medium P is controlled. In this case, the control signal Ctrl-C output by the control circuit100may be subjected to signal conversion in a driver circuit (not illustrated) and then input to the carriage motor31, and similarly, the control signal Ctrl-T output by the control circuit100may be subjected to signal conversion in a driver circuit (not illustrated) and input to the transport motor41.

The control circuit100generates ejection data DATA as the control signal Ctrl-H for controlling the ejecting head21in accordance with the input image data and the position information signal Cp and outputs the ejection data DATA to the ejecting head21. An ejection timing and an ejection amount of the ink ejected from the ejecting head21are defined by the ejection data DATA.

The control circuit100outputs a base drive signal dA serving as a digital signal to the driving circuit50. The driving circuit50performs digital-to-analog signal conversion on the input base drive signal dA serving as the digital signal and then performs class D amplification on the converted analog signal to thereby generate the drive signal COM. The driving circuit50then outputs the generated drive signal COM to the ejecting head21. That is, the base drive signal dA is a digital signal for defining a signal waveform of the drive signal COM, and the driving circuit50performs class D amplification on the signal waveform defined by the base drive signal dA to thereby generate the drive signal COM.

Here, the base drive signal dA may be any signal capable of defining the signal waveform of the drive signal COM and may be an analog signal. There is no limitation as long as the driving circuit50is able to generate and output the drive signal COM by amplifying the signal waveform defined by the base drive signal dA. Accordingly, the driving circuit50may generate the drive signal COM by performing class A amplification, class B amplification, or class AB amplification on the signal waveform defined by the base drive signal dA.

The reference voltage signal output circuit52generates the reference voltage signal VBS serving as a reference potential for driving of a piezoelectric element60, which will be described below, provided in the ejecting head21. The reference voltage signal VBS may be a signal having a certain potential, such as a signal at a ground potential having a voltage value of 0 V or a DC voltage signal having a voltage value of 5.5 V, 6 V, or the like. The reference voltage signal output circuit52outputs the generated reference voltage signal VBS to the ejecting head21.

As described above, the ejection data DATA output by the control circuit100, the drive signal COM output by the driving circuit50, and the reference voltage signal VBS output by the reference voltage signal output circuit52are input to the ejecting head21. The ejecting head21includes a drive signal selection circuit200and a plurality of ejecting sections600.

The drive signal selection circuit200is constituted by inclusion of one or more integrated circuit devices. The ejection data DATA and the drive signal COM are input to the drive signal selection circuit200. The drive signal selection circuit200selects or deselects a signal waveform included in the drive signal COM in accordance with the input ejection data DATA to thereby generate a drive signal VOUT corresponding to each of the plurality of ejecting sections600and supplies the drive signal VOUT to one end of the piezoelectric element60included in the corresponding ejecting section600. The reference voltage signal VBS is supplied in common to the other ends of the respective piezoelectric elements60included in the plurality of ejecting sections600. When the piezoelectric element60is driven by a potential difference between the drive signal VOUT and the reference voltage signal VBS, ink is ejected from the ejecting section600.

Here, the configuration of the ejecting section600for ejecting ink upon driving of the piezoelectric element60will be described.FIG.3is a view for explaining a schematic configuration of the ejecting section600.FIG.3illustrates a nozzle plate632, a reservoir641, and a supply port661in addition to the ejecting section600.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the ejecting section600includes the piezoelectric element60, a vibrating plate621, a cavity631, and a nozzle651. The piezoelectric element60includes a piezoelectric body601and electrodes611and612. The piezoelectric element60is formed such that the electrodes611and612hold the piezoelectric body601therebetween. Such a piezoelectric element60is driven such that a center portion is displaced in the up-down direction in accordance with a potential difference between the voltage supplied to the electrode611and the voltage supplied to the electrode612. Specifically, the drive signal VOUT according to the drive signal COM is supplied to the electrode611, and the reference voltage signal VBS is supplied to the electrode612. When a voltage value of the drive signal VOUT supplied to the electrode611changes, a potential difference between the drive signal VOUT supplied to the electrode611and the reference voltage signal VBS supplied to the electrode612changes. As a result, the piezoelectric element60is driven such that the center portion is displaced in the up-down direction.

InFIG.3, the vibrating plate621is positioned below the piezoelectric element60. In other words, inFIG.3, the piezoelectric element60is formed on an upper surface of the vibrating plate621. Such a vibrating plate621is displaced in the up-down direction upon driving of the piezoelectric element60in the up-down direction.

InFIG.3, the cavity631is positioned below the vibrating plate621. Ink is supplied from the reservoir641to the cavity631. The ink stored in the ink container2is introduced to the reservoir641via the supply port661. That is, the ink stored in the ink container2is filled into the cavity631. With the displacement of the vibrating plate621in the up-down direction, the internal volume of such a cavity631is increased or decreased. That is, the vibrating plate621functions as a diaphragm that changes the internal volume of the cavity631, and the cavity631functions as a pressure chamber a pressure of which changes with the displacement of the vibrating plate621in the up-down direction.

The nozzle651is an opening provided in the nozzle plate632and communicates with the cavity631. When the internal volume of the cavity631changes, the ink filled into the cavity631is ejected from the nozzle651in accordance with the change in the internal volume. That is, in the liquid ejecting apparatus1, the ejecting section600is positioned such that the nozzle plate632faces the medium P and the platen43that supports the medium P.

In the ejecting section600configured as described above, when the piezoelectric element60is driven so as to bend upward, the vibrating plate621is displaced upward. This increases the internal volume of the cavity631, resulting in the ink stored in the reservoir641being drawn into the cavity631. On the other hand, when the piezoelectric element60is driven so as to bend downward, the vibrating plate621is displaced downward. This decreases the internal volume of the cavity631, resulting in ink in the amount corresponding to the degree of the decrease in the internal volume of the cavity631being ejected from the nozzle651.

Note that the piezoelectric element60is not limited to having the structure illustrated inFIG.3and may have any structure as long as the piezoelectric element60is driven upon supplying of the drive signal VOUT according to the drive signal COM and ink is able to be ejected from the nozzle651by the piezoelectric element60being driven.

With reference back toFIG.2, the control circuit100generates the control signal Ctrl-I in response to a user operation or at a predetermined timing and outputs the control signal Ctrl-I to the camera unit70.

Specifically, the camera unit70includes a camera72, a lamp74, an opening/closing section motor76, and a chart cover motor78. A camera control signal CC as the control signal Ctrl-I output by the control circuit100is input to the camera72. The camera72acquires an image in accordance with the input camera control signal CC and generates an image information signal IS including information of the acquired image. The camera72then outputs the generated image information signal IS to the control circuit100as the control signal Ctrl-I.

A lamp control signal LC as the control signal Ctrl-I output by the control circuit100is input to the lamp74. The lamp74is switched on and off in accordance with the input lamp control signal LC. Such a lamp74functions as a light source for the camera72to acquire an image and may be, for example, an LED (light emitting diode).

An opening/closing motor control signal OC as the control signal Ctrl-I output by the control circuit100is input to the opening/closing section motor76. The opening/closing section motor76is driven in accordance with the input opening/closing motor control signal OC. When the opening/closing section motor76is driven, movement of an opening/closing member760described later is controlled.

A chart cover motor control signal RC as the control signal Ctrl-I output by the control circuit100is input to the chart cover motor78. The chart cover motor78is driven in accordance with the input chart cover motor control signal RC. When the chart cover motor78is driven, movement of a chart cover780described later is controlled.

The camera unit70configured as described above acquires various kinds of information indicating the state of the ejecting head21and outputs the information to the control circuit100.

For example, in the camera unit70of the present embodiment, the camera72acquires, from the medium P on which a predetermined pattern image is formed, image information of the pattern image as information indicating the state of the ejecting head21. The camera72then generates the image information signal IS including the acquired image information and outputs the image information signal IS to the control circuit100. The control circuit100compares the image information included in the input image information signal IS and information corresponding to the pattern image stored in the control circuit100. In accordance with the result of the comparison, the control circuit100identifies an ejection state of the ink ejected from the ejecting head21and a landing position of the ink ejected from ejecting head21. The control circuit100corrects the control signals Ctrl-T, Ctrl-C, and Ctrl-H in accordance with the identified ejection state of the ink ejected from the ejecting head21and the identified landing position of the ink ejected from the ejecting head21. As a result, quality of the image formed on the medium P is improved.

As described above, the liquid ejecting apparatus1of the present embodiment includes the ejecting head21for ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, and the camera unit70for acquiring the state of the ejecting head21and corrects at least one of an ejection timing and an ejection amount of the ink ejected from the ejecting head21, a moving speed of the carriage20on which the ejecting head21is mounted, and a transport speed of the medium P in accordance with the state of the ejecting head21, which is acquired by the camera unit70. As a result, quality of the image formed on the medium P is improved.

3. Structure and Operation of Camera Unit

As described above, the liquid ejecting apparatus1of the present embodiment includes the ejecting head21for ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, and the camera unit70for acquiring the state of the ejecting head21and corrects at least one of an ejection timing and an ejection amount of the ink ejected from the ejecting head21, a moving speed of the carriage20on which the ejecting head21is mounted, and a transport speed of the medium P in accordance with the state of the ejecting head21, which is acquired by the camera unit70. As a result, quality of the image formed on the medium P is improved.

Accordingly, accuracy in acquisition of an image by the camera unit70in the liquid ejecting apparatus1is important in terms of improvement of quality of an image formed on the medium P by the liquid ejecting apparatus1, and the camera unit70performs calibration at a predetermined timing to reduce the possibility of accuracy in acquisition of an image being lowered. An example of the structure of the camera unit70having such a calibration function will be described.

FIG.4illustrates an example of the structure of the camera unit70.FIG.4illustrates the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction as directions orthogonal to each other. Here, in the following description, the tail of an arrow indicating the X direction in the drawing may be referred to as the −X side, the tip thereof in the drawing may be referred to as the +X side, the tail of an arrow indicating the Y direction in the drawing may be referred to as the −Y side, the tip of thereof in the drawing may be referred to as the +Y side, the tail of an arrow indicating the Z direction in the drawing may be referred to as the −Z side, and the tip thereof in the drawing may be referred to as the +Z side.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the camera unit70includes the camera72, a plurality of lamps74, the opening/closing member760, and a housing750.

The housing750houses the camera72, the plurality of lamps74, a chart plate770, and the chart cover780and includes an opening752on the −Z side. In other words, the housing750has an interior space in which the camera72, the plurality of lamps74, the chart plate770, and the chart cover780are housed and includes the opening752on the −Z side for enabling the interior space to communicate with the outside of the housing750. The camera unit70acquires various kinds of information indicating the state of the ejecting head21via the opening752of the housing750. That is, the camera unit70of the present embodiment is provided in the liquid ejecting apparatus1such that the opening752of the housing750faces an object for acquiring various kinds of information indicating the state of the ejecting head21.

The camera72is positioned on the +Z side in the housing750. The camera72acquires, via the opening752, image information of a pattern image formed on the medium P as information indicating the state of the ejecting head21in accordance with the camera control signal CC output by the control circuit100. Accordingly, when the camera unit70acquires image information of the predetermined pattern image as information indicating the state of the ejecting head21, at least a portion of the camera72, at least a portion of the opening752, and at least a portion of the pattern image formed on the medium P overlap each other in the Z direction. That is, the housing750includes the opening752positioned on an imaging path that couples the camera72for imaging the pattern image, which is an example of an object, formed on the medium P and the pattern image, which is an example of the object, formed on the medium P. Note that an angle of view Av to be set when the camera72acquires the pattern image formed on medium P is indicated by a broken line inFIG.4.

On and off of the plurality of lamps74is controlled by the lamp control signal LC output by the control circuit100. The plurality of lamps74thus provide appropriate luminance for the camera72to image an object. As a result, accuracy in acquisition of a pattern image as information indicating the state of the ejecting head21by the camera72is improved. Such a plurality of lamps74are provided in the housing750so as to be positioned outside the angle of view Av to be set when the camera72acquires the pattern image formed on the medium P.

The opening/closing member760is moved in the X direction by a drive force of the opening/closing section motor76driven by the opening/closing motor control signal OC output by the control circuit100. Specifically, when the liquid ejecting apparatus1performs a printing operation of forming an image on the medium P, the opening/closing member760is positioned so as to cover the opening752and thereby closes the interior space of the housing750. Moreover, when the camera unit70acquires image information of the predetermined pattern image formed on the medium P as information indicating the state of the ejecting head21, the opening/closing member760is positioned so as not to cover the opening752and thereby opens the interior space of the housing750. Note that details of the operation of the opening/closing member760will be described below.

The opening/closing member760includes the chart plate770and the chart cover780. The chart plate770and the chart cover780are positioned so as to overlap each other with the chart plate770on the −Z side and the chart cover780on the +Z side in the Z direction.

The chart plate770is configured to perform calibration of the camera72and is used to perform, for example, aberration correction of the camera72.FIG.5illustrates an example of the configuration of the chart plate770. As illustrated inFIG.5, a reference chart775is provided on the +Z-side surface of the chart plate770. The reference chart775includes a plurality of dots disposed in a grid shape at an equivalent interval. The camera72acquires an image of the reference chart775to perform calibration. The camera72then generates the image information signal IS including the acquired image information of the reference chart775and outputs the image information signal IS to the control circuit100. The control circuit100compares the image information of the reference chart775included in the input image information signal IS and information corresponding to the reference chart775stored in the control circuit100. In accordance with the result of the comparison, the control circuit100performs calibration for calculating a correction value of the image information acquired by the camera72. In other words, the reference chart775includes an aberration correction chart.

With reference back toFIG.4, the chart cover780is moved in the X direction by a drive force of the chart cover motor78driven by the chart cover motor control signal RC output by the control circuit100.

Specifically, when the control circuit100does not perform calibration of the camera72, the chart cover780is controlled to be positioned on the +Z side with respect to the chart plate770by the chart cover motor control signal RC. At this time, the chart cover780protects the reference chart775provided on the +Z-side surface of the chart plate770. That is, when the control circuit100does not perform calibration of the camera72, the chart cover780is positioned so as to cover the reference chart775provided on the +Z-side surface of the chart plate770.

On the other hand, when the control circuit100performs calibration of the camera72, the chart cover780is controlled to be moved to the −X side in the X direction on the +Z side with respect to the chart plate770by the chart cover motor control signal RC. Specifically, when the control circuit100performs calibration of the camera72, the chart cover780is moved to a position at which the chart cover780does not overlap at least a portion of the reference chart775provided on the +Z-side surface of the chart plate770in the Z direction. As a result, it is possible to acquire the image information of the reference chart775in the camera72, and calibration of the camera72is performed.

As described above, the camera unit70includes the camera72for imaging a predetermined pattern image, which is an example of an object, formed on the medium P by the ejecting head21ejecting liquid as information indicating the state of the ejecting head21, the housing750that houses the camera72and includes the opening752on the imaging path for coupling the camera72and the object, and the opening/closing member760capable of opening and closing the opening752, and the opening/closing member760includes the reference chart775serving as a reference for adjustment of the camera72and the chart cover780. The operation of such a camera unit70is switched in accordance with an operation mode of the liquid ejecting apparatus1, specifically, a print mode Mp in which the liquid ejecting apparatus1forms a desired image on the medium P, a check mode Mt in which the liquid ejecting apparatus1checks the state of the ejecting head21, and an adjustment mode Mc in which the liquid ejecting apparatus1performs adjustment of the camera unit70used for checking.

First, the operation of the camera unit70when the operation mode of the liquid ejecting apparatus1is the print mode Mp will be described.FIG.6illustrates an example of the operation of the carriage20on which the camera unit70is mounted in the print mode Mp.

As illustrated inFIG.6, in the print mode Mp, the carriage20is reciprocated in the main scanning direction SC. At this time, the ejecting head21mounted on the carriage20ejects ink onto the medium P in accordance with image data input from an external device or the like. An image corresponding to the input image data is thereby formed on the medium P. At this time, the camera unit70does not acquire information of the image formed on the medium P.

Details of the camera unit70in the print mode Mp will be described.FIG.7illustrates the camera unit70in the print mode Mp when viewed in the Y direction, andFIG.8illustrates the camera unit70in the print mode Mp when viewed in the Z direction.

As illustrated inFIG.7, in the print mode Mp, the opening/closing member760of the camera unit70is positioned so as to cover the opening752of the housing750. Specifically, the control circuit100outputs the opening/closing motor control signal OC for causing the opening/closing member760to move to the position at which the opening/closing member760covers the opening752. The opening/closing section motor76is thereby driven, and the opening/closing member760is moved in the X direction upon driving of the opening/closing section motor76. When the opening/closing member760reaches the position at which the opening/closing member760covers the opening752, the control circuit100stops the movement of the opening/closing member760. As a result, the interior space of the housing750of the camera unit70is closed. That is, in the print mode Mp, the opening/closing member760brings the opening752into a closed state.

When the liquid ejecting apparatus1operates in the print mode Mp, the ejecting head21ejects ink onto the medium P. At this time, some ink ejected from the ejecting head21floats in the liquid ejecting apparatus1as ink mist. In such a print mode Mp, the opening/closing member760brings the opening752into the closed state, and this reduces the possibility of the ink mist that floats in the liquid ejecting apparatus1entering the interior space of the housing750. This results in a reduction in the possibility of the ink mist attaching to the camera72housed in the housing750and the possibility of a degradation in quality of image information acquired by the camera72.

Moreover, as illustrated inFIG.8, in the print mode Mp, the chart cover780is positioned so as to cover the reference chart775provided in the chart plate770. As described above, the reference chart775is used for performing calibration of the camera72. Accordingly, when the reference chart775is soiled, accuracy of calibration of the camera72is lowered, resulting in a possible degradation in quality of image information acquired by the camera72. By covering such a reference chart775with the chart cover780, even when ink mist enters the housing750, ink mist is less likely to attach to the reference chart775. This results in a reduction in the possibility of accuracy in calibration of the camera72being lowered and also the possibility of a degradation in quality of image information acquired by the camera72.

Next, the operation of the camera unit70when the operation mode of the liquid ejecting apparatus1is the check mode Mt will be described.FIGS.9A and9Beach illustrate an example of the operation of the carriage20on which the camera unit70is mounted in the check mode Mt.

As illustrated inFIGS.9A and9B, in the liquid ejecting apparatus1in the check mode Mt, the ejecting head21ejects ink to thereby print a predetermined pattern image on the medium P without using image data, and the camera unit70then acquires information of the formed pattern image. In accordance with the information of the pattern image acquired by the camera unit70, the control circuit100determines the state of the ejecting head21and performs a predetermined correction operation. This reduces the possibility of a degradation in printing quality of the liquid ejecting apparatus1.FIG.9Aillustrates a step in which the ejecting head21ejects ink to thereby print a predetermined pattern image on the medium P andFIG.9Billustrates a step in which the camera unit70acquires information of the formed pattern image.

As illustrated inFIG.9A, in the step in which the ejecting head21ejects ink to thereby print a predetermined pattern image on the medium P, the carriage20is reciprocated in the main scanning direction SC. At this time, the ejecting head21mounted on the carriage20ejects ink onto the medium P. The predetermined pattern image is thereby formed on the medium P. At this time, the camera unit70does not acquire information of the image formed on the medium P.

Subsequently, as illustrated inFIG.9B, in the step in which the camera unit70acquires the predetermined pattern image formed on the medium P, the carriage20is reciprocated again in the main scanning direction SC. The camera unit70mounted on the carriage20acquires the predetermined pattern image formed on the medium P. At this time, the ejecting head21does not eject ink.

The camera unit70generates the image information signal IS including the acquired image information and outputs the image information signal IS to the control circuit100. The control circuit100determines the state of the ejecting head21in accordance with the input image information signal IS. The control circuit100generates the control signals Ctrl-C, Ctrl-T, and Ctrl-H corrected in accordance with the result of the determination and outputs the signals to the corresponding configurations.

Details of the camera unit70in the check mode Mt as above will be described.FIGS.10A and10Beach illustrate the camera unit70in the check mode Mt when viewed in the Y direction, andFIGS.11A and11Beach illustrate the camera unit70in the check mode Mt when viewed in the Z direction. Here, as inFIGS.9A and9B,FIGS.10A and11Aeach illustrate a step in which the ejecting head21ejects ink to thereby print a predetermined pattern image on the medium P andFIGS.10B and11Beach illustrate a step in which the camera unit70acquires information of the formed pattern image.

As illustrated in inFIG.10A, in the step in which the ejecting head21ejects ink to thereby print a predetermined pattern image on the medium P in the check mode Mt, the opening/closing member760of the camera unit70is positioned so as to cover the opening752of the housing750. Specifically, the control circuit100outputs the opening/closing motor control signal OC for causing the opening/closing member760to move to the position at which the opening/closing member760covers the opening752. The opening/closing section motor76is thereby driven, and the opening/closing member760is moved in the X direction upon driving of the opening/closing section motor76. When the opening/closing member760reaches the position at which the opening/closing member760covers the opening752, the control circuit100stops the movement of the opening/closing member760. As a result, the interior space of the housing750of the camera unit70is closed. That is, the opening/closing member760brings the opening752into the closed state.

As illustrated in inFIG.10B, in the step in which the camera unit70acquires information of the pattern image formed on the medium P in the subsequent check mode Mt, the opening/closing member760of the camera unit70is positioned so as not to cover the opening752of the housing750. Specifically, the control circuit100outputs the opening/closing motor control signal OC for causing the opening/closing member760to move to a position at which the opening/closing member760does not cover the opening752. The opening/closing section motor76is thereby driven, and the opening/closing member760is moved in the X direction upon driving of the opening/closing section motor76. When the opening/closing member760reaches a position at which the opening/closing member760does not cover at least a portion of the opening752, the control circuit100stops the movement of the opening/closing member760. As a result, the interior space of the housing750of the camera unit70is open. That is, in the check mode Mt, the opening/closing member760brings the opening752into an open state. As a result, the camera72housed in the interior space of the housing750acquires the predetermined pattern image formed on the medium P upon the movement of carriage20on which the camera unit70is mounted.

When the liquid ejecting apparatus1is in the check mode Mt, after the ejecting head21ejects ink onto the medium P to thereby form a predetermined pattern image on the medium P, ejection of the ink from the ejecting head21is stopped, and the camera unit70acquires the pattern image formed on the medium P. In such a check mode Mt, during a period in which the ejecting head21ejects ink onto the medium P to thereby form the predetermined pattern image on the medium P, the opening/closing member760of the camera unit70brings the opening752into the closed state, and this reduces the possibility of floating ink mist entering the interior space of the housing750. During a period in which the camera unit70acquires the pattern image formed on the medium P, the opening/closing member760of the camera unit70brings the opening752into the open state, and this reduces the possibility of the opening/closing member760hindering the camera72from acquiring the pattern image formed on the medium P and improves accuracy in acquisition the pattern image in the camera72.

Moreover, in both of the step in which the ejecting head21ejects ink to thereby print a predetermined pattern image on the medium P in the check mode Mt as illustrated in inFIG.11A, and the step in which the camera unit70acquires information of the pattern image formed on the medium P in the check mode Mt as illustrated in inFIG.11B, the chart cover780is positioned so as to cover the reference chart775provided in the chart plate770. In the check mode Mt, when the camera unit70acquires information of the pattern image formed on the medium P, the opening/closing member760of the camera unit70is brought into the open state. This increases the possibility of ink mist entering the housing750through the opening752and also increases the possibility of the reference chart775being soiled. Against such a problem, in the camera unit70of the present embodiment, in the check mode Mt, the chart cover780is positioned so as to cover the reference chart775provided in the chart plate770, and the reference chart775is thereby protected by the chart cover780, which reduces the possibility of ink mist attaching to the reference chart775. This results in a reduction in the possibility of accuracy in performing calibration of the camera72being lowered and the possibility of a degradation in quality of image information acquired by the camera72.

Next, the operation of the camera unit70when the operation mode of the liquid ejecting apparatus1is the adjustment mode Mc will be described.FIG.12illustrates an example of the operation of the carriage20on which the camera unit70is mounted in the adjustment mode Mc.

As illustrated inFIG.12, in the adjustment mode Mc, the carriage20is stopped in one end in a movement range in which the carriage20moves in the main scanning direction SC. In the adjustment mode Mc, calibration of the camera72of the camera unit70is performed. At this time, the ejecting head21does not eject ink, and the camera unit70does not acquire information of the image formed on the medium P.

Details of the camera unit70in the adjustment mode Mc will be described.FIG.13illustrates the camera unit70in the adjustment mode Mc when viewed in the Y direction, andFIG.14illustrates the camera unit70in the adjustment mode Mc when viewed in the Z direction.

As illustrated inFIG.13, in the adjustment mode Mc, the opening/closing member760of the camera unit70is positioned so as to cover the opening752of the housing750. Specifically, the control circuit100outputs the opening/closing motor control signal OC for causing the opening/closing member760to move to the position at which the opening/closing member760covers the opening752. The opening/closing section motor76is thereby driven, and the opening/closing member760is moved in the X direction upon driving of the opening/closing section motor76. When the opening/closing member760reaches the position at which the opening/closing member760covers the opening752, the control circuit100stops the movement of the opening/closing member760. As a result, the interior space of the housing750of the camera unit70is closed. That is, in the adjustment mode Mc, the opening/closing member760brings the opening752into the closed state.

Moreover, as illustrated inFIG.14, in the adjustment mode Mc, the chart cover780is positioned so as not to cover the reference chart775provided in the chart plate770. At this time, the reference chart775is positioned within the angle of view Av of the camera72, and the chart cover780is desirably positioned outside the angle of view Av. The camera72acquires the reference chart775provided in the chart plate770, and the control circuit100performs correction according to the reference chart775. At this time, in the camera unit70of the present embodiment, the possibility of the reference chart775being soiled is reduced, thus improving accuracy in calibration of the camera72. As a result, the possibility of a degradation in quality of image information acquired by the camera72is also reduced.

As described above, in the camera unit70of the present embodiment, in the print mode Mp, the opening/closing member760brings the opening752into the closed state, and the chart cover780covers the reference chart775. In the check mode Mt, the opening/closing member760brings the opening752into the open state, and the chart cover780covers the reference chart775. In the adjustment mode Mc, the opening/closing member760brings the opening752into the closed state, and the chart cover780does not cover the reference chart775. This reduces the possibility of ink mist entering the housing750, and even when minute quantities of ink mist enter the housing750, the possibility of the ink mist attaching to the reference chart775is reduced. As a result, the possibility of a degradation in accuracy in calibration of the camera72of the camera unit70is reduced, and accuracy in acquisition of the pattern image by the camera72of the camera unit70is improved. Accordingly, accuracy in ejecting liquid by the liquid ejecting apparatus1and quality of an image output by the liquid ejecting apparatus1are improved.

Here, the print mode Mp is an example of a first mode, the check mode Mt is an example of a second mode, and the adjustment mode Mc is an example of a third mode.

4. Operational Effect

As described above, in the liquid ejecting apparatus1of the present embodiment, the camera unit70is configured such that, in the print mode Mp, the opening/closing member760is controlled to bring the opening752into the closed state, and the chart cover780is controlled to cover the reference chart775, in the check mode Mt, the opening/closing member760is controlled to bring the opening752into the open state, and the chart cover780is controlled to cover the reference chart775, and in the adjustment mode Mc, the opening/closing member760is controlled to bring the opening752into the closed state, and the chart cover780is controlled so as not to cover the reference chart775. This reduces the possibility of ink mist from the ink ejected from the ejecting head21entering the housing750of the camera unit70. Accordingly, accuracy in acquisition of information indicating the state of the ejecting head21by the camera unit70is improved, thus making it possible to perform appropriate correction for the liquid ejecting apparatus1. As a result, accuracy in ejecting ink from the liquid ejecting apparatus1is improved.

Further, in the liquid ejecting apparatus1of the present embodiment, even when ink mist enters the housing750, the possibility of the ink mist attaching to the reference chart775is reduced. This reduces the possibility of a degradation in accuracy in calibration of the camera72of the camera unit70. As a result, accuracy in acquisition of a pattern image by the camera72of the camera unit70is improved, and accuracy in ejecting liquid by the liquid ejecting apparatus1and quality of an image output by the liquid ejecting apparatus1are improved.

5. Modified Examples

Although the liquid ejecting apparatus1of the present embodiment has been described above assuming that the reference chart775for aberration correction is formed in the chart plate770of the camera unit70, the reference chart775is not limited thereto and may be a color tone correction chart indicating a reference for a color tone of the ejected ink, such as a white-color-reference plate indicating a reference for a white color.

When the reference chart775of the camera unit70is a white-color-reference plate, in the check mode Mt, the ejecting head21ejects ink onto the medium P to thereby print an image in a predetermined color tone on the medium P, and the camera unit70acquires image information of the color tone formed on the medium P. The camera unit70generates the image information signal IS including the acquired image information and outputs the image information signal IS to the control circuit100. The control circuit100compares the image information included in the input image information signal IS and information corresponding to the image in the color tone stored in the control circuit100. In accordance with the result of the comparison, the control circuit100determines whether reproducibility of the color tone formed on the medium P and the color of the ink ejected from the ejecting head21are appropriate as the ejection state of the ink ejected from the ejecting head21.

Even in the liquid ejecting apparatus1described above, since the opening/closing member760controls open/close of the opening752of the housing750, it is possible to reduce the possibility of ink mist entering the housing750, and since the reference chart775is protected by the chart cover780, the possibility of ink mist attaching to the reference chart775is reduced.

Accordingly, accuracy in acquisition of a pattern image by the camera72of the camera unit70is improved, and an operational effect similar to improvement of accuracy in ejecting liquid in the liquid ejecting apparatus1and quality of an image output by the liquid ejecting apparatus1is exerted.

Although the liquid ejecting apparatus1of the present embodiment has been described above assuming that the camera unit70acquires an image formed on the medium P, that is, a predetermined pattern image formed on the medium P, and the control circuit100calculates a correction value in accordance with the state of the predetermined pattern image acquired by the camera unit70, the state of the ejecting head21, which is acquired by the camera unit70, is not limited to the predetermined pattern image formed on the medium P. For example, the camera unit70may be located, without being mounted on the carriage20, so as to face the nozzle plate632of the ejecting head21, in which the nozzle651is formed, and acquire an image of the nozzle plate632in which the nozzle651is formed, and the control circuit100may determine whether the state of the ejecting head21is normal in accordance with the image of the nozzle plate632, in which the nozzle651is formed, acquired by the camera unit70. Even in such a liquid ejecting apparatus1, since the opening/closing member760controls open/close of the opening752of the housing750, it is possible to reduce the possibility of ink mist entering the housing750, and since the reference chart775is protected by the chart cover780, the possibility of ink mist attaching to the reference chart775is reduced.

Accordingly, accuracy in acquisition of an image of the nozzle plate632, in which the nozzle651is formed, as acquired by the camera72of the camera unit70is improved, and an operational effect similar to improvement of accuracy in ejecting liquid in the liquid ejecting apparatus1and improvement of quality of an image output by the liquid ejecting apparatus1is achieved.

The embodiments and the modified examples have been described above, but the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the aforementioned embodiments can also be appropriately combined with each other.

The disclosure includes substantially the same configurations (for example, configurations having the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations having the same objects and effects) as the configurations described in the embodiments. Further, the disclosure includes configurations in which non-essential portions of the configuration described in the embodiments are replaced. In addition, the disclosure includes configurations that achieve the same operational effects or configurations that can achieve the same objects as those of the configurations described in the embodiments. Further, the disclosure includes configurations in which a known techniques is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

The following contents are derived from the aforementioned embodiments.

This liquid ejecting apparatus is a liquid ejecting apparatus that forms an image by ejecting a liquid, and the liquid ejecting apparatus includes: an ejecting head for ejecting the liquid; and a camera unit for acquiring a state of the ejecting head, in which the camera unit includes a camera for imaging an object, a housing in which the camera is housed and which includes an opening on an imaging path that couples the camera and the object, and an opening/closing member configured to open and close the opening, the opening/closing member includes a reference chart serving as a reference for adjustment of the camera and a chart cover, in a first mode, the opening/closing member brings the opening into a closed state, and the chart cover covers the reference chart, in a second mode, the opening/closing member brings the opening into an open state, and the chart cover covers the reference chart, and in a third mode, the opening/closing member brings the opening into the closed state, and the chart cover does not cover the reference chart.

According to the liquid ejecting apparatus, in the first mode, the opening/closing member brings the opening into the closed state, and therefore, even when the ejecting head ejects the liquid in the first mode, the possibility of the liquid entering the housing is reduced, and the chart cover covers the reference chart, and therefore, even when the liquid enters the housing, the possibility of the liquid attaching to the reference chart is reduced. In the second mode, the opening/closing member brings the opening into the open state, and therefore, the camera housed in the housing is able to image an object provided outside the housing, and the chart cover covers the reference chart at this time, and therefore, even when the liquid enters the housing, the possibility of the liquid attaching to the reference chart is reduced. Further, in the third mode, the opening/closing member brings the opening into the closed state, the chart cover does not cover the reference chart, and therefore, adjustment of the camera is able to be performed with the reference chart imaged by the camera in a state in which the possibility of the liquid entering the housing is reduced.

As a result, according to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the possibility of the liquid entering the housing is reduced, and the reference chart serving as a reference for adjustment of the camera is protected by the chart cover, and therefore, even when the liquid enters the housing, the possibility of the liquid attaching to the reference chart is reduced, thereby making it possible to enhance accuracy in adjusting the camera for imaging the object. That is, it is possible to reduce the influence of ink mist floating inside the liquid ejecting apparatus and improve accuracy in acquisition of the state of the ejecting head by the camera unit.

In an aspect of the liquid ejecting apparatus, the ejecting head may eject the liquid to thereby form a pattern image on a medium, and the object may include the pattern image.

According to the liquid ejecting apparatus, even when the camera of the camera unit acquires the pattern image formed on the medium as the object, it is possible to reduce the influence of ink mist floating inside the liquid ejecting apparatus and thus improve accuracy in acquisition of the state of the ejecting head by the camera unit.

In an aspect of the liquid ejecting apparatus, the liquid ejecting apparatus may further include a carriage that moves with the ejecting head mounted thereon, and the camera unit may be mounted on the carriage.

According to the liquid ejecting apparatus, even when the camera unit is mounted on the carriage, it is possible to reduce the influence of ink mist floating inside the liquid ejecting apparatus and thus improve accuracy in acquisition of the state of the ejecting head by the camera unit.

In an aspect of the liquid ejecting apparatus, the ejecting head may include a nozzle for ejecting the liquid, and the object may include the nozzle.

According to the liquid ejecting apparatus, even when the camera of the camera unit acquires a nozzle image as the object, it is possible to reduce the influence of ink mist floating inside the liquid ejecting apparatus and thus improve accuracy in acquisition of the state of the ejecting head by the camera unit.

In an aspect of the liquid ejecting apparatus, the reference chart may be an aberration correction chart.

According to the liquid ejecting apparatus, even when the reference chart is the aberration correction chart, it is possible to reduce the possibility of ink mist floating inside the liquid ejecting apparatus attaching to the reference chart and thus improve accuracy in acquisition of the state of the ejecting head by the camera unit.

In an aspect of the liquid ejecting apparatus, the reference chart may be a color tone correction chart.

According to the liquid ejecting apparatus, even when the reference chart is the color tone correction chart, it is possible to reduce the possibility of ink mist floating inside the liquid ejecting apparatus attaching to the reference chart and thus improve accuracy in acquisition of the state of the ejecting head by the camera unit.