JP6004703B2 - Inkjet recording apparatus and inspection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus including a line type ink jet head and an inspection method for inspecting an ejection state of ink ejected from nozzles formed on the line type ink jet head.

  A technique for inspecting an ink discharge state has been proposed for an ink jet recording apparatus. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus including a print inspection apparatus. In this printing apparatus, a line CCD is mounted on a carriage. The carriage is a structure for moving the inkjet head group. The inkjet head group is composed of a plurality of inkjet head rows that are substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing paper. The line CCD includes a reading element array. The reading element row is composed of a plurality of reading elements arranged in the same direction as the conveyance direction of the printing paper. The width of the line CCD in the printing paper conveyance direction is made larger than the width of the inkjet head group. In this printing apparatus, when the carriage moves, the line CCD scans the printing paper in the sub-scanning direction. Thereby, the discharge inspection is performed based on the image read by the line CCD.

  The applicant has also proposed a technique as shown in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 regarding the ink jet recording apparatus and its ejection state inspection method. Regarding specific processing for determining the discharge state, Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose the following techniques. When analyzing the recorded test pattern, the captured image is subjected to image processing to calculate an RGB value for each pixel, and a threshold for binarization processing of the captured image is determined based on the calculated RGB value. . Based on the threshold value, the captured image is binarized, and the area and size of the binarized recording pattern of each nozzle is compared with a preset reference value to determine whether or not there is a discharge abnormality.

JP 2006-35727 A JP 2009-241533 A JP 2009-241534 A

  In order to record an image of suitable quality with an ink jet recording apparatus, it may be necessary to inspect the ink ejection state. If this inspection is not performed smoothly and the inspection takes time, the time required for image recording becomes longer. As a result, efficient image recording may be difficult. It is considered desirable for the ink jet recording apparatus to have a simple configuration. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a simple configuration, it is considered that various operations including maintenance based on the result of inspection of the ink ejection state can be smoothly performed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus and an inspection method capable of suitably inspecting an ink discharge state and preferably recording an image.

One aspect of the present invention made in view of the above-described conventional problems includes a conveyance surface on which a recording medium on which an image is recorded is placed, and conveys the recording medium placed on the conveyance surface in a first direction. a conveying portion, a nozzle for ejecting ink, said array to formed a line type inkjet head in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a recording unit that is a plurality arranged in said first direction, A placement unit including a placement surface on which an inspection medium on which a test pattern for inspecting an ink ejection state is recorded is placed and extending in the second direction corresponding to a range in which the nozzles are arranged Between the transport surface and the ejection surface on which the nozzles are formed in the inkjet head included in the recording unit, in the first direction or in the direction opposite to the first direction. The first moving part to move the part and the front In response to the movement of the placement unit by the first moving unit, the recording unit captures an image of the test pattern recorded on the inspection medium placed on the placement surface of the placement unit. The placement unit is provided on the first side of the transport unit in the second direction, and the inspection medium wound in a roll shape is provided from the first side. A supply unit that supplies the second side of the transport unit in the second direction; and the inspection unit that is provided on the second side of the transport unit in the second direction and is placed on the placement surface. And a recovery unit that recovers a medium .

According to this, the time required to record the test pattern can be shortened. As a result, the time required for inspecting the ink discharge state can be shortened. The first moving part can be simplified by moving the placing part on which the inspection medium on which the test pattern is recorded is placed between the transport surface and the ejection surface. The inspection medium can be exchanged suitably. For example, when test pattern recording is repeatedly performed at a predetermined interval or every predetermined event, a portion of the inspection medium on which the test pattern has already been recorded is smoothly collected and a new inspection is performed. Media can be supplied.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a transport surface on which a recording medium on which an image is recorded is placed, a transport unit that transports the recording medium placed on the transport surface in a first direction, and ejects ink. In order to inspect the ink discharge state, and a recording unit in which a plurality of line-type inkjet heads formed by arranging in a second direction intersecting the first direction are arranged in the first direction. An inspection medium on which the test pattern is recorded is placed, and a placement unit including a placement surface extending in the second direction corresponding to a range in which the nozzles are arranged, the transport surface, A first moving unit that moves the placement unit in a direction opposite to the first direction or the first direction between the ejection surface on which the nozzle is formed in the inkjet head included in the recording unit And the above-mentioned setting by the first moving unit In response to movement of said recording unit, an imaging unit for imaging the test pattern recorded in the loaded placed it said test medium to the mounting surface of the mounting section, is conveyed by the conveying unit A first position where the recording unit is provided when an image is recorded on the recording medium, and the inspection medium placed on the mounting surface of the mounting unit moved by the first moving unit. The second position where the distance between the recording surface and the ejection surface coincides with the distance between the recording surface of the recording medium and the ejection surface when the recording unit is at the first position. A second moving unit that moves the recording unit, and the second moving unit moves the recording unit from the first position when the test pattern is recorded by the recording unit. Move to two positions, the first moving part moves the second movement The recording unit is in a state of being moved to the second position from said first position, moving the placing section by an ink-jet recording apparatus. According to this, the time required to record the test pattern can be shortened. As a result, the time required for inspecting the ink discharge state can be shortened. The first moving part can be simplified by moving the placing part on which the inspection medium on which the test pattern is recorded is placed between the transport surface and the ejection surface. The test pattern can be recorded in the same state as when an image is recorded on a recording medium. The ink ejection state can be inspected according to a test pattern recorded in a state where an image is recorded on a recording medium.

The placement unit is provided on the first side of the transport unit in the second direction, and the inspection medium wound in a roll shape is disposed in the second direction from the first side. A supply unit that supplies the second side of the transport unit, and a recovery unit that is provided on the second side of the transport unit in the second direction and collects the inspection medium placed on the placement surface. May be provided. According to this, the inspection medium can be suitably replaced. For example, when test pattern recording is repeatedly performed at a predetermined interval or every predetermined event, a portion of the inspection medium on which the test pattern has already been recorded is smoothly collected and a new inspection is performed. Media can be supplied.

In the first direction, the placement surface may be narrower than a region where the inkjet head is arranged in the recording unit. According to this, a mounting part and the 1st moving part which moves this can be reduced in size. As a result, a small inkjet recording apparatus can be obtained.

Yet another aspect of the present invention, a nozzle for ejecting ink, an array is formed by a line type inkjet head in a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the recording medium on which an image is recorded is conveyed In an inkjet recording apparatus including a plurality of recording units arranged in the first direction, an inspection method for inspecting an ink ejection state, in which a test pattern for inspecting an ink ejection state is recorded A loading surface including a loading surface on which an inspection medium is placed and extending in the second direction corresponding to a range in which the nozzles are arranged; the recording unit and the ejection surface in which the nozzles are formed in said ink-jet head included in, between, in a direction opposite to the said first direction or said first direction, a first moving step of moving, the The test medium was placed placed to the mounting surface of the mounting section prior to being moved by a movement process, a recording process of recording the test pattern was recorded in the test medium by said recording step An imaging process for imaging the test pattern, a determination process for determining an ink ejection state according to image data corresponding to the test pattern imaged in the imaging process, and an image is recorded on the recording medium to be conveyed In the case, the first position where the recording unit is provided, and between the recording surface of the inspection medium placed on the mounting surface of the mounting unit moved by the first moving step and the ejection surface When the distance is a predetermined position between the second position where the recording unit is in the first position and the second position where the distance coincides with the distance between the recording surface of the recording medium and the ejection surface, A second moving step of moving the serial recording unit, said second moving said recording portion which is moved to the predetermined position by step, seen including and a third moving step of moving to said first position, said first The one moving step and the recording step are performed in a state where the recording unit is moved to the predetermined position by the second moving step, and the third moving step is performed after the recording step is executed. Inspection method.

According to this, the time required to record the test pattern can be shortened. As a result, the time required for inspecting the ink discharge state can be shortened. The ink ejection state can be inspected according to the test pattern. The inspection method described above can also be specified as an inspection method executed by any of the above-described inkjet recording apparatuses. Therefore, the same function as described above can be realized.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an ink jet recording apparatus and an inspection method capable of suitably inspecting an ink ejection state and preferably recording an image.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of an inkjet recording device. It is a figure which shows the outline of a one part structure with which an inkjet recording device is provided. It is a figure which shows the state which the recording part moved to the maintenance part. It is a figure explaining the 1st process of an inspection method. It is a figure explaining the 2nd process of an inspection method. It is a figure explaining the 3rd process of an inspection method, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the state which the mounting part is moving between the conveyance surface and the discharge surface. It is a figure explaining the 3rd process of an inspection method, and is a figure showing the state where recording of a test pattern was completed. It is a figure explaining the 4th process of an inspection method. It is a figure explaining the 6th process of an inspection method.

  Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the configurations described below, and various configurations can be employed in the same technical idea. For example, some of the configurations shown below may be omitted or replaced with other configurations. Moreover, you may make it provide another structure.

<Inkjet recording apparatus>
The ink jet recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the ink jet recording apparatus 1, ink is ejected onto a recording medium in accordance with image data, and an image corresponding to the image data is recorded. For example, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inks are used for image recording. In addition to these four colors, light cyan, light magenta, light yellow, and / or clear, which are light colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow, may be used for image recording. Examples of the recording medium on which an image is recorded include industrial materials used in processing production in addition to recording paper. Industrial materials include strip-shaped or long-length fabrics, various building materials, and the like. The fabric includes fiber fabrics made of various materials. In the present embodiment, four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black will be described as examples of ink colors used for image recording. With respect to the recording medium, an elongate fabric 5 having a predetermined width will be described as an example.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes an introduction unit 10, a conveyance unit 20, a recording unit 40, a placement unit 50, a first movement unit 60, a second movement unit 70, an imaging mechanism 80, and a first recovery unit. 90, a control device 100 (not shown in FIG. 1), and a maintenance unit 110 (not shown in FIG. 1). The long fabric 5 serving as a recording medium is sequentially fed from the introduction unit 10 side to the first recovery unit 90 side. The feeding of the fabric 5 is realized by a plurality of feeding rollers 2 provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 and the transport unit 20.

  The introduction unit 10 feeds the long fabric 5 and supplies it to the transport unit 20 via the plurality of feed rollers 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the elongate fabric 5 is set in the introduction unit 10 while being accommodated in the introduction carriage 13. The fabric 5 accommodated in the carriage 13 is, for example, in a state of being folded alternately on the left and right. The long fabric 5 may be set in the introduction part 10 in a state of being wound in a roll shape. The path of the fabric 5 in the introduction part 10 is appropriately set in consideration of various conditions.

  The conveyance unit 20 conveys the fabric 5 supplied from the introduction unit 10 in the first direction. The conveyance unit 20 is configured by a conveyor or the like. For example, when the transport unit 20 is configured by a belt conveyor, the transport unit 20 includes a pair of first roller 21 and second roller 22 and a transport belt 23 as shown in FIG. The first roller 21 is provided upstream of the recording unit 40 in the first direction. The second roller 22 is provided downstream of the recording unit 40 in the first direction.

  The conveyor belt 23 is an endless belt having an annular shape, and is stretched in a state where tension is applied to the first roller 21 and the second roller 22. For example, the second roller 22 on the downstream side in the first direction is rotated in a direction corresponding to the first direction by a driving force of a driving unit (not shown), so that the transport belt 23 is rotated in the same direction. . Based on FIG. 1, the second roller 22 rotates counterclockwise (see the arrow shown in the “second roller 22”). At this time, the first roller 21 on the upstream side in the first direction is driven to rotate.

  An adhesive portion is formed over the entire circumference of the conveyance surface 24 that is the surface of the conveyance belt 23. A pressure roller 30 is provided at the upstream end of the transport unit 20 in the first direction so as to face the transport surface 24 (adhesive unit). The pressing roller 30 presses the fabric 5 supplied from the introduction unit 10 against the conveyance surface 24 on which the adhesive unit is formed. The fabric 5 is placed on the transport surface 24 on the upstream side of the transport unit 20 and is transported in the first direction while being fixed to the transport surface 24 by the adhesive unit. The fabric 5 conveyed by the conveyance unit 20 passes through the recording unit 40 and reaches the downstream side in the first direction.

  A peeling roller 32 is provided above the downstream end of the transport unit 20 in the first direction. The peeling roller 32 is rotated in a direction corresponding to the transport direction by a driving unit (not shown). Based on FIG. 1, the peeling roller 32 rotates counterclockwise (see the arrow shown on the outer periphery of the “peeling roller 32”). The peeling roller 32 rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the conveyance belt 23 (second roller 22). The outer peripheral surface of the peeling roller 32 that is in contact with the fabric 5 is in a state in which a predetermined frictional force is generated with the fabric 5. When the peeling roller 32 rotates, the fabric 5 conveyed by the conveying unit 20 is pulled toward the peeling roller 32 side. As a result, the fabric 5 being transported in a state where an image is recorded is peeled off from the adhesive portion at a predetermined position after passing the placement portion 50.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 40 includes ink jet heads 41C, 41M, 41Y, and 41K. The ink jet heads 41C, 41M, 41Y, and 41K are mounted on the carriage 42. Ink jet heads 41C, 41M, 41Y, and 41K are formed with nozzles that eject ink. The ink jet head 41C is an ink jet head that discharges cyan ink. The inkjet head 41M is an inkjet head that ejects magenta ink. The inkjet head 41Y is an inkjet head that discharges yellow ink. The ink jet head 41K is an ink jet head that discharges black ink. According to the recording unit 40 including the inkjet heads 41C, 41M, 41Y, and 41K, a full-color image can be recorded on the fabric 5 (attached to the fabric 5 shown on the downstream side in the first direction in FIG. 2 and the like). See the mesh pattern).

  When the above-described light-colored ink or the like is used for image recording, the recording unit 40 includes an inkjet head that ejects ink of each color. The inkjet heads 41C, 41M, 41Y, and 41K all have the same configuration (when other colors are used, the same applies to inkjet heads that eject ink of other colors). In the present embodiment, the inkjet heads 41C, 41M, 41Y, and 41K are simply referred to as inkjet heads 41 when they are not distinguished or collectively referred to. In the ink jet recording apparatus 1, each color ink is stored in an ink tank (not shown) for the corresponding ink, and is supplied to each color ink jet head 41 through an ink supply line for each color.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet heads 41C, 41M, 41Y, and 41K are arranged in the first direction. The arrangement order is set as appropriate. For example, they are arranged in the order shown in FIG. The inkjet head 41 is provided so as to cross the fabric 5 in the width direction of the fabric 5. The ink jet head 41 is a drop-on-demand ink jet head. In the drop-on-demand type inkjet head 41, the fabric 5 is conveyed by the conveyance unit 20, and ink is ejected from the nozzles formed on the inkjet head 41 at the timing of recording an image. The inkjet head 41 is also a line-type inkjet head in which nozzles that eject ink to the fabric 5 conveyed by the conveyance unit 20 are arranged in a range equal to or larger than the width of the fabric 5 in the second direction. The second direction is a direction crossing the first direction, specifically, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and coincides with the width direction of the fabric 5.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the placement unit 50 is provided so as to cross the transport surface 24 in the second direction. In the placement unit 50, a portion that crosses the transport surface 24 in the second direction is provided above the transport surface 24 and at a position lower than the ejection surface 43 when the test pattern 7 is recorded. The placement unit 50 includes a supply unit 51 and a second recovery unit 52. The supply unit 51 is provided on the first side of the transport unit 20 in the second direction. In the supply unit 51, the inspection medium 6 wound in a roll is set (see “inspection medium 6” indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 and the like). The supply unit 51 feeds the roll-shaped inspection medium 6 toward the placement surface 54 and supplies the inspection medium 6 to the placement surface 54. The placement surface 54 is formed on the opposite side of the surface facing the conveyance surface 24 in the portion of the placement unit 50 that crosses the conveyance surface 24 in the second direction. The mounting surface 54 extends in the second direction on the first side and the second side, corresponding to the range in which the nozzles formed on the inkjet head 41 are arranged. The inspection medium 6 supplied from the supply unit 51 is placed on the placement surface 54. A test pattern 7 as shown in FIG. 3 is recorded on the inspection medium 6 by the recording unit 40. The test pattern 7 is an image for inspecting the ejection state of ink from the nozzles formed on the inkjet head 41. In the first direction, the placement surface 54 is narrower than the region where the inkjet heads 41C, 41M, 41Y, 41K are arranged in the recording unit 40 (placement surface 54 (LA) <inkjet heads 41C, 41M). , 41Y, 41K (LB), see FIG. 2).

  The second recovery unit 52 is provided on the second side of the transport unit 20 in the second direction. The second collection unit 52 is placed on the placement surface 54 and collects the portion of the inspection medium 6 on which the test pattern 7 is recorded. The second recovery unit 52 includes a drive unit 53. When the drive unit 53 is driven, the inspection medium 6 is wound up, and the inspection medium 6 is recovered by the second recovery unit 52. When the inspection medium 6 is recovered by the second recovery unit 52, the roll-shaped inspection medium 6 set in the supply unit 51 is rotated accordingly (in FIG. 9, "inspection medium 6" 2), a new inspection medium 6 is fed out. The fed inspection medium 6 is newly placed on the placement surface 54.

  The first moving unit 60 moves between the transport surface 24 and the discharge surface 43 in the first direction or the direction opposite to the first direction (from “downstream side” to “upstream side” shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Direction). The ejection surface 43 is a surface where the nozzles are formed in the inkjet head 41. The discharge surface 43 faces the transport surface 24 (a recording surface on which an image is recorded on the fabric 5 placed on the transport surface 24) (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, the first moving unit 60 includes a pair of guide units 61 and 62 and a drive unit 63. The guide part 61 is provided on the upper surface of the frame 3 on the first side in the second direction. The guide part 62 is provided on the upper surface of the frame 4 on the second side in the second direction. Each of the frames 3 and 4 is provided adjacent to the conveyor belt 23 and along the first direction. The frames 3 and 4 are frames that support the first roller 21 and the second roller 22 in a rotatable state in the transport unit 20. The frames 3 and 4 may be frames provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 separately from the frames for the first roller 21 and the second roller 22. The guide portions 61 and 62 support the placement portion 50. As described above, the mounting portion 50 supported by the guide portions 61 and 62 crosses the transport surface 24 in the second direction, and on both sides of the first side and the second side in the second direction, It will be in the state which can be moved as mentioned above. The placement surface 54 (the recording surface on which the test pattern 7 is recorded on the inspection medium 6 placed on the placement surface 54) is parallel to the transport surface 24 and the ejection surface 43. In the first moving unit 60, the mounting unit 50 supported in a movable state by the guide units 61 and 62 is a predetermined downstream side in the first direction from the recording unit 40 when an inspection method described later is not executed. (Hereinafter referred to as “third position”).

  The drive unit 63 is a drive source for moving the placement unit 50. For the drive unit 63, for example, a servo motor, a stepping motor, or a DC motor is employed. In this case, as the guide portion 61, for example, a configuration like a ball screw is employed. The drive unit 63 is connected to the guide unit 61. As the guide part 62, a structure like a linear guide is employ | adopted, for example. The placement unit 50 moves in a direction corresponding to the rotation direction of the drive unit 63 configured by the motor as described above. For example, when the drive unit 63 rotates to the right, the placement unit 50 moves in the first direction. When the drive unit 63 rotates counterclockwise, the placement unit 50 moves in a direction opposite to the first direction.

  The second moving unit 70 moves the recording unit 40 between the first position and the second position. The first position is a position where the recording unit 40 is provided when an image is recorded on the fabric 5 conveyed by the conveyance unit 20. In the present embodiment, when the recording unit 40 is provided at the first position, the distance between the recording surface of the fabric 5 and the ejection surface 43 is referred to as a gap G (see FIG. 1). The second position is the recording surface of the inspection medium 6 placed on the placement surface 54 of the placement portion 50 that is moved (passed) between the transport surface 24 and the ejection surface 43 by the first moving portion 60; This is the position at which the distance to the ejection surface 43 is in a state that matches the gap G. In the present embodiment, the moving direction of the recording unit 40 by the second moving unit 70 is the vertical direction, in other words, the transport surface 24 (recording surface of the fabric 5) and the mounting surface 54 (recording surface of the inspection medium 6). Matches the direction perpendicular to.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the second moving unit 70 includes three guide units 71, 72, and 73 and a drive unit 74. The guide portions 71, 72, 73 are fixed to, for example, the carriage 42 and a frame (not shown) included in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in a state along the vertical direction. As the guide portions 71, 72, 73, for example, a configuration like a linear guide is adopted. The drive unit 74 is a drive source for moving the recording unit 40. As the drive unit 74, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric cylinder is employed. When the drive unit 74 is configured by a cylinder as described above, the drive unit 74 includes a frame (not provided) included in the carriage 42 and the inkjet recording apparatus 1 such that the protruding direction of the rod 75 is on the upper side in the vertical direction. It is fixed to the figure. Specifically, the rod 75 is fixed to the carriage 42 via a predetermined configuration. The casing 76 is fixed to a frame (not shown) provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

  The recording unit 40 moves according to the expansion and contraction of the rod 75 in the driving unit 74 configured by the cylinder as described above. For example, when the rod 75 extends in a state where the recording unit 40 is provided at the first position, the recording unit 40 moves upward in the vertical direction and is disposed at the second position (see FIG. 4). When the rod 75 contracts in a state where the recording unit 40 is provided at the second position, the recording unit 40 moves downward in the vertical direction and is disposed at the first position (see FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the second moving unit 70 including three guide units 71, 72, and 73 and one drive unit 74 will be described as an example, but the number of guide units and drive units is different from this. You may do it. The number of guide portions and drive portions is set as appropriate. The positions where the guide units 71, 72, 73 and the drive unit 74 are provided for the recording unit 40 are also set as appropriate.

  The imaging mechanism 80 is a mechanism for imaging the test pattern 7 recorded on the inspection medium 6 by the recording unit 40. The imaging mechanism 80 is provided at a position downstream of the recording unit 40 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging mechanism 80 includes an imaging unit 81 and a third moving unit 82. The imaging unit 81 includes a CCD. The imaging unit 81 is attached to the third moving unit 82. At this time, the imaging unit 81 is configured such that the CCD faces the mounting surface 54 (the inspection medium 6 on which the test pattern 7 is recorded) with the mounting unit 50 in the third position. The third moving unit 82 reciprocates the imaging unit 81 in the second direction. The third moving unit 82 includes a pair of pulleys 83 and 84, a timing belt 85, and a driving unit 86. The pulley 83 is provided on the first side of the transport unit 20 in the second direction. The pulley 84 is provided on the second side of the transport unit 20 in the second direction. The timing belt 85 is an endless belt having an annular shape, and is suspended in a state where tension is applied to the pulleys 83 and 84. An imaging unit 81 is attached to the timing belt 85 via a fixture 87. The drive unit 86 is a drive source for the reciprocating movement of the imaging unit 81. The drive unit 86 is connected to the pulley 84, for example, and rotates the pulley 84 clockwise and counterclockwise. For the drive unit 86, for example, a servo motor, a stepping motor, or a DC motor is employed.

  When the drive unit 86 is driven and the pulley 84 rotates counterclockwise (see the arrow shown on the outer periphery of the “drive unit 86” in FIG. 8), the timing belt 85 also rotates in the same direction (“timing belt 85” in FIG. 8). (See the arrow shown inside.) Accordingly, the imaging unit 81 moves in the second direction from the first side toward the second side. When the drive unit 86 is driven and the pulley 84 rotates clockwise, the timing belt 85 also rotates in the same direction. Accordingly, the imaging unit 81 moves in the second direction from the second side toward the first side. When the imaging of the test pattern 7 is started, when the imaging unit 81 is on the first side in the second direction, the driving unit 86 drives the pulley 84 to rotate counterclockwise. On the other hand, when the imaging unit 81 is on the second side in the second direction, the driving unit 86 drives the pulley 84 to rotate clockwise.

  The first collection unit 90 collects the fabric 5 on which an image is recorded. As shown in FIG. 1, the first recovery unit 90 includes a swing-off unit 91. The swing-off unit 91 is a drive unit (not shown) that swings in the first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction with the upper portion in the vertical direction as a fulcrum (in FIG. 1, “swing-off unit 91”). The fabric 5 sent from the side of the transport unit 20 is collected in a collection carriage 93. The elongate fabric 5 is accommodated in the cart 93 in a state in which it is folded alternately on the left and right as before supply. The fabric 5 may be wound up and collected in a roll shape. The fabric 5 collected by the first collection unit 90 and accommodated in the carriage 93 is moved to the next step.

  The control device 100 includes various electric circuits and a control unit. In the control device 100, the control unit controls various processes executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1. For example, the control unit controls recording of an image on the conveyed fabric 5. The control unit controls execution of an inspection method described later. At this time, the control unit controls the recording unit 40 to move from the first position to the second position by the second moving unit 70 and from the second position to the first position. The control unit controls the placement unit 50 to move in the direction opposite to the first direction between the transport surface 24 and the ejection surface 43 by the first moving unit 60 and to move in the first direction. The control unit moves the test pattern 7 on the inspection medium 6 placed on the placement surface 54 of the moving placement unit 50 by the recording unit 40 as the first movement unit 60 moves in the first direction. Control to record.

  The control unit controls the imaging mechanism 80 to capture the test pattern 7 and generates image data corresponding to the captured test pattern 7. The control unit determines the ink ejection state according to the generated image data. For example, the control unit determines that the ink ejection state is normal when information detected by performing image processing on the image data matches a predetermined condition. On the other hand, the control unit determines that the ink ejection state is abnormal when the above-described information does not match a predetermined condition. The process relating to the determination of the ink ejection state is performed, for example, in the same manner as the processes disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 described above. The description regarding this point is omitted.

  The maintenance unit 110 performs maintenance on the recording unit 40. Maintenance is performed, for example, when it is determined that the ink ejection state is abnormal. When maintenance is performed, as shown in FIG. 3, the recording unit 40 is moved to a position where the maintenance unit 110 is provided by a predetermined moving mechanism (not shown). In the maintenance unit 110, for example, the ejection surface 43 is cleaned. The ink of each color is forcibly ejected from the nozzles formed on the ink jet heads 41 of each color. This discharge is performed, for example, for the purpose of eliminating air clogging and the like. When the maintenance is completed, the recording unit 40 is returned to the position shown in FIG. 2 by a predetermined moving mechanism. Thereafter, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1, for example, the conveyance of the fabric 5 is started, and the recording of the image on the fabric 5 is resumed.

<Inspection method>
An inspection method for inspecting the ink ejection state, which is executed in the ink jet recording apparatus 1, will be described with reference to FIGS. The inspection method is executed, for example, at a predetermined timing during the image recording process on the fabric 5. The inspection method includes first to sixth steps. The first to sixth steps are sequentially executed.

  In the first step, as shown in FIG. 4, the recording unit 40 at the first position is raised by the second moving unit 70 (see the arrow shown close to the “drive unit 74”) and moved to the second position. It is a process to do. In the first step, the drive unit 74 is driven, and the rod 75 extends upward in the vertical direction. Along with this, the recording unit 40 moves upward toward the second position. The movement of the recording unit 40 from the first position to the second position is guided by the guide units 71, 72, 73. Therefore, the recording unit 40 rises smoothly. When the recording unit 40 has moved to the second position, the first process ends. The movement of the recording unit 40 to the second position is, for example, to detect a sensor (not shown) for detecting the driving amount provided in the driving unit 74 or the recording unit 40 provided corresponding to the second position. This is controlled by an output from a sensor (not shown). The inspection method shifts from the first process to the second process.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second step is a step of moving the mounting portion 50 arranged at the third position to the fourth position. The fourth position passes through the nozzle row of the nozzles formed on the most upstream side in the first direction among the nozzles formed on the inkjet head 41K, and the ink ejected from the nozzles included in this nozzle row is loaded. This is a position that can be applied to the inspection medium 6 placed on the placement surface 54. In the present embodiment, the inkjet head 41K is an inkjet head provided on the most upstream side in the first direction. In the second step, the placement unit 50 is moved between the transport surface 24 and the discharge surface 43 in the direction opposite to the first direction by the first moving unit 60. When the mounting part 50 moves to the fourth position, the second process ends. The movement of the mounting unit 50 to the fourth position is detected by, for example, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the drive amount provided in the driving unit 63 or the mounting unit 50 provided corresponding to the fourth position. It is controlled by an output from a sensor (not shown) for The inspection method shifts from the second process to the third process.

  In the third step, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the mounting portion 50 is moved in the first direction (see the arrow shown in the vicinity of the “mounting portion 50” in FIG. 6), and the inspection medium 6. Is a step of recording the test pattern 7. That is, the third process includes a moving process and a recording process. The moving step is a step of moving in the first direction the placement unit 50 that is arranged at the fourth position and on which the inspection medium 6 is placed on the placement surface 54. In the moving process, the placement unit 50 is moved in the first direction between the transport surface 24 and the ejection surface 43 by the first moving unit 60 as shown in FIG. The recording step is a step of recording the test pattern 7 as shown in FIG. 7 on the inspection medium 6 placed on the placement surface 54 of the placement unit 50 moved by the moving step. When the test pattern 7 is recorded on the inspection medium 6 and the placement unit 50 has moved to the third position (see FIG. 7), the third step ends. The movement of the placement unit 50 to the third position is detected by, for example, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the drive amount provided in the drive unit 63 or the placement unit 50 provided corresponding to the third position. It is controlled by an output from a sensor (not shown) for The inspection method shifts from the third process to the fourth process.

  In the fourth step, as shown in FIG. 8, the test pattern 7 recorded on the inspection medium 6 placed on the placement surface 54 of the placement unit 50 at the third position is passed through the imaging mechanism 80. This is a step of imaging and generating image data corresponding to the test pattern 7. In the fourth step, the imaging unit 81 moves the second direction from the first side to the second side or from the second side to the first side by the third moving unit 82. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the imaging unit 81 is disposed on the first side in the second direction at the end of the third step. In this case, in the third moving unit 82, the driving unit 86 is driven, and the pulley 84 and the timing belt 85 rotate counterclockwise (see FIG. 8). Accordingly, the imaging unit 81 moves in the second direction from the first side toward the second side. Assume that the imaging unit 81 is arranged on the second side in the second direction at the end of the third step. In this case, in the third moving unit 82, the driving unit 86 is driven, and the pulley 84 and the timing belt 85 are rotated clockwise. Accordingly, the imaging unit 81 moves in the second direction from the second side toward the first side.

  When the imaging unit 81 moves to the moving end on the first side or the moving end on the second side, and image data corresponding to the imaged test pattern 7 is generated by this, the fourth step ends. The movement of the imaging unit 81 to each moving end is, for example, a sensor (not shown) for detecting a driving amount provided in the driving unit 86, or an imaging unit 81 or a fixture provided corresponding to each moving end. It is controlled by an output from a sensor (not shown) for detecting 87. The inspection method shifts from the fourth process to the fifth process.

  The fifth step is a step of determining the ink ejection state according to the image data generated in the fourth step. As described above, the ink ejection state is executed according to the already proposed processing. Therefore, the description regarding this is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the sixth step, as shown in FIG. 9, the recording unit 40 at the second position is lowered by the second moving unit 70 (see the arrow shown close to the “driving unit 74”) and moved to the first position. It is a process to do. In the sixth step, the drive unit 74 is driven, and the rod 75 contracts in the vertical direction downward. Along with this, the recording unit 40 descends toward the first position. The movement of the recording unit 40 from the second position to the first position is guided by the guide units 71, 72, 73. Therefore, the recording unit 40 descends smoothly. When the recording unit 40 is moved to the first position, the sixth process is ended. The movement of the recording unit 40 to the first position is, for example, for detecting a sensor (not shown) for detecting the driving amount provided in the driving unit 74 or the recording unit 40 provided corresponding to the first position. This is controlled by an output from a sensor (not shown). With the end of the sixth step, the inspection method ends.

  In the fifth step, when it is determined that the ink ejection state is normal, recording of an image on the fabric 5 conveyed by the conveyance unit 20 is resumed with the end of the inspection method. The supply of the fabric 5 by the introduction unit 10, the conveyance of the fabric 5 by the conveyance unit 20, and the collection of the fabric 5 by the first collection unit 90 are brought to a stopped state with the start of the inspection method. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a portion of the fabric 5 where no image is recorded. The fabric 5 can be used effectively. However, the conveyance of the fabric 5 by the conveyance unit 20 may be continued even when the inspection method is started. For example, when an image of a predetermined size is repeatedly recorded on the fabric 5 in the first direction, it may be continued. An unrecorded area can be formed between the previously recorded image and the later recorded image, and the image separation position can be clarified.

  After the recording of the image on the fabric 5 is resumed, in the state in which the recording of the image is being performed, in the second collecting unit 52, the driving unit 53 included therein is driven and the test pattern 7 is recorded. A portion of the working medium 6 is collected by the second collection unit 52. As a result, a new inspection medium 6 in which the test pattern 7 is not recorded is fed out and placed on the placement surface 54. When it is determined that the ink ejection state is abnormal, the recording unit 40 is moved to the maintenance unit 110, and maintenance is performed on the recording unit 40. When it is determined that the ink ejection state is abnormal, the collection of the portion of the inspection medium 6 on which the test pattern 7 is recorded may be performed at the timing when the maintenance is performed.

<Effect of this embodiment>
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) In the above, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 including the first moving unit 60 is used. In the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the first moving unit 60 moves the mounting unit 50 on which the inspection medium 6 is mounted on the mounting surface 54 in the first direction from the fourth position, and corresponds to this movement. The test pattern 7 is recorded on the inspection medium 6 (see the third step of the inspection method, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). Therefore, in order to record the test pattern 7, it is not necessary to remove the fabric 5 from the transport surface 24 and newly place the inspection medium 6, and the time required for recording the test pattern 7 can be shortened. it can.

  In the inkjet recording apparatus 1, it is not necessary to move the recording unit 40 to the maintenance unit 110 every time the test pattern 7 is recorded. Also in this respect, the time required for recording the test pattern 7 can be shortened. The movement of the recording unit 40 to the maintenance unit 110 can be limited to a case where it is determined that the ink ejection state is abnormal according to the recorded test pattern 7. An image can be efficiently recorded on the fabric 5.

  As described above, recording of the test pattern 7 is performed in accordance with the movement of the placement unit 50 on which the inspection medium 6 is placed on the placement surface 54 in the first direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to use the inspection medium 6 that covers the ejection surface 43 in the first direction. In the first direction, the width of the inspection medium 6 can be reduced. As a result, in the first direction, the placement surface 54 can be made narrower than the area where the inkjet heads 41C, 41M, 41Y, 41K are arranged in the recording unit 40 (see FIG. 2). The part 50 can be reduced in size. In connection with this, the 1st moving part 60 which moves the mounting part 50 can also be reduced in size. The downsizing of the mounting unit 50 and the first moving unit 60 leads to the downsizing of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

  The placement unit 50 is moved by the first moving unit 60 by moving between the transport surface 24 and the ejection surface 43. According to this, the conveyance area | region by the conveyance part 20 and the movement area | region by the 1st moving part 60 become a different position in the perpendicular direction. Therefore, the first moving unit 60 can be designed without considering the relationship with the transport surface 24. The freedom degree of design improves and the 1st moving part 60 can be simplified.

  (2) In the above, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 including the second moving unit 70 is used. In the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the recording unit 40 is moved (increased) to the second position by the second moving unit 70, and in this state, the mounting surface 54 of the mounting unit 50 moved by the first moving unit 60. The test pattern 7 is recorded on the inspection medium 6 placed on (see the first and third steps of the inspection method, see FIGS. 6 and 7). Regarding the movement by the second moving unit 70, as described above, the second position is the distance between the recording surface of the inspection medium 6 placed on the placement surface 54 and the ejection surface 43. This is a position that matches the gap G (see FIG. 1) when it is at one position. In the third step of the inspection method, the placement unit 50 is moved in the first direction in which the fabric 5 is conveyed when an image is recorded. The test pattern 7 is recorded by moving the inspection medium 6 in the same direction as the fabric 5. Therefore, the test pattern 7 can be recorded in a state where an image is recorded on the fabric 5. In the fifth step of the inspection method, the ink ejection state can be determined according to the test pattern 7 recorded in the same state as the state of recording the image on the fabric 5. The moving speed of the placement unit 50 in the moving process in the third process including the recording process is preferably matched with the transport speed of the fabric 5 by the transport unit 20 when an image is recorded on the fabric 5. The control unit controls the moving speed of the first moving unit 60 to be the transport speed. Thereby, the state where the test pattern 7 is recorded can be brought closer to the state where an image is recorded on the fabric 5.

  (3) In the above description, the mounting unit 50 including the supply unit 51 and the second recovery unit 52 is used, and the roll-shaped inspection medium 6 is used. In the placement unit 50, the portion of the inspection medium 6 on which the test pattern 7 is recorded is collected in the second collection unit 52 at the timing when the image recording on the fabric 5 is resumed or the maintenance is performed. Is done. A new inspection medium 6 on which the test pattern 7 is not recorded is placed on the placement surface 54. Therefore, the inspection medium 6 can be suitably replaced. For example, when the recording of the test pattern 7 is repeatedly performed at predetermined intervals or every predetermined event, the portion of the inspection medium 6 on which the test pattern 7 has already been recorded is smoothly collected, A new inspection medium 6 can be supplied.

<Modification>
This embodiment can also be performed as follows. Even with such a configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  (1) In the above, in the second step of the inspection method, the placement unit 50 is moved in the direction opposite to the first direction by the first moving unit 60, and the placement unit 50 is arranged at the fourth position. Thereafter, in the third step, the placement unit 50 is moved from the fourth position in the first direction (moving step), and the placement unit 50 is placed on the placement surface 54 of the moving placement unit 50 in response to this movement. The test pattern 7 was recorded on the inspection medium 6 (recording process). The recording process of the third process (recording of the test pattern 7) described above may be performed corresponding to the movement in the second process. In this case, in the third step, the recording step is not executed and only the moving step is performed. Among the ink dots formed by the ink that is ejected from the ink jet head 41 for each color and applied to the recording surface of the inspection medium 6, adjacent ink dots overlap in the first direction. It is assumed that the pattern does not exist (see, for example, FIG. 7). In the case of such a test pattern 7, the test pattern 7 is recorded on the inspection medium 6 regardless of the moving direction (the first direction or the direction opposite to the first direction) of the inspection medium 6 when the test pattern 7 is recorded. The test pattern 7 is in the same state. Therefore, the ink ejection state can be determined as described above.

  In the above description, the imaging mechanism 80 is provided on the downstream side in the first direction from the recording unit 40. The imaging mechanism 80 may be provided on the upstream side and the downstream side in the first direction with respect to the recording unit 40. In this case, as described above, the movement of the placement unit 50 by the first moving unit 60 can be reduced. The time required for the inspection method can be shortened. For example, as described above, the placement unit 50 is on the downstream side in the first direction, and the test pattern 7 is moved while the placement unit 50 is moved in the direction opposite to the first direction by the first moving unit 60. Suppose you want to record. The recorded test pattern 7 is imaged by the imaging unit 81 of the imaging mechanism 80 provided on the upstream side in the first direction. The step of moving the placement unit 50 in the first direction for imaging can be omitted. Assume that the placement unit 50 is on the upstream side in the first direction, and the first moving unit 60 records the test pattern 7 while moving the placement unit 50 in the first direction. In this case, the recorded test pattern 7 is imaged by the imaging unit 81 of the imaging mechanism 80 provided on the downstream side in the first direction. For imaging, the step of moving the placement unit 50 in the direction opposite to the first direction can be omitted.

  (2) In the above, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes the second moving unit 70, and the test pattern 7 is recorded in a state where the recording unit 40 is moved from the first position to the second position in the first step of the inspection method. It was decided to. The recording unit 40 may be moved to a position closer to the first position than the second position. In addition, the recording unit 40 may be left in the first position without moving the recording unit 40. In this case, the first step is omitted. The distance to be raised is determined based on the gap G and the distance between the recording surface of the inspection medium 6 placed on the placement surface 54 and the ejection surface 43 (with the recording unit 40 in the first position). The distance may be determined based on the relationship of the distance. Whether or not the ink discharge state can be suitably determined based on the recorded test pattern 7 may be considered. For example, in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 that records an image with the gap G widened, the recording unit 40 is moved to a position closer to the first position than the second position, or remains at the first position. Also good. The sixth step is performed according to the moving distance in which the recording unit 40 is raised. If the first position remains and is not moved, the sixth step is omitted.

  (3) In the above description, the long fabric 5 is taken as an example of the recording medium, and the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes the introduction unit 10 and the first recovery unit 90. When the recording medium has a strip shape like a building material and an image is recorded on the building material by the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the introduction unit 10 and the first recovery unit 90 are omitted. The pressing roller 30 and the peeling roller 32 are also omitted. When an image is recorded, the building material is placed on the transport surface 24 at a predetermined position on the upstream side in the first direction. The transport unit 20 transports the building material placed on the transport surface 24 through the recording unit 40 in the first direction. The building material on which the image is recorded when passing through the recording unit 40 is removed at a predetermined position on the downstream side in the first direction. In the conveyance part 20 which conveys a building material, an adhesion part is abbreviate | omitted. The conveyance unit 20 may be configured by a roller conveyor.

  When the long fabric 5 is intended, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 may include, for example, a drying unit in addition to the above-described units. The drying unit is provided between the conveyance unit 20 (peeling roller 32) and the first collection unit 90 in the path through which the fabric 5 is sent. The drying unit dries the fabric 5 on which the image is recorded by the recording unit 40.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording device, 2 Feeding roller, 3, 4 Frame 5 Fabric, 6 Inspection medium, 7 Test pattern, 10 Introduction part, 13 Cargo 20 Carrying part, 21 First roller, 22 Second roller, 23 Carrying belt 24 Carrying Surface, 30 pressure roller, 32 peeling roller 40 recording unit, 41, 41C, 41M, 41Y, 41K inkjet head 42 carriage, 43 discharge surface, 50 mounting unit, 51 supply unit 52 second recovery unit, 53 drive unit, 54 Placement surface 60 First moving part, 61, 62 guide part, 63 driving part 70 Second moving part, 71, 72, 73 guide part, 74 driving part, 75 rod 76 housing part, 80 imaging mechanism, 81 imaging part , 82 Third moving part 83, 84 Pulley, 85 Timing belt, 86 Drive part, 87 Mounting tool 90 First recovery part, 9 Shaken portion 93 carriage 100 controller, 110 maintenance unit

Claims (5)

A transport unit that includes a transport surface on which a recording medium on which an image is recorded is placed, and transports the recording medium placed on the transport surface in a first direction;
Nozzles for ejecting ink, said array to formed a line type inkjet head in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a recording unit that is a plurality arranged in said first direction,
A placement unit including a placement surface on which an inspection medium on which a test pattern for inspecting an ink ejection state is recorded is placed and extending in the second direction corresponding to a range in which the nozzles are arranged When,
The placement unit is disposed between the transport surface and the ejection surface on which the nozzles are formed in the inkjet head included in the recording unit, in the first direction or the direction opposite to the first direction. A first moving part to move;
In response to the movement of the placement unit by the first moving unit, the recording unit images the test pattern recorded on the inspection medium placed on the placement surface of the placement unit. An imaging unit ,
The placement section is
The inspection medium provided on the first side of the transport unit in the second direction and wound in a roll shape is moved from the first side to the second of the transport unit in the second direction. A supply section for supplying to the side of
An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a recovery unit that is provided on the second side of the transport unit in the second direction and recovers the inspection medium placed on the placement surface . A transport unit that includes a transport surface on which a recording medium on which an image is recorded is placed, and transports the recording medium placed on the transport surface in a first direction;
A recording unit in which a plurality of line-type inkjet heads in which nozzles for ejecting ink are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction are arranged in the first direction;
A placement unit including a placement surface on which an inspection medium on which a test pattern for inspecting an ink ejection state is recorded is placed and extending in the second direction corresponding to a range in which the nozzles are arranged When,
The placement unit is disposed between the transport surface and the ejection surface on which the nozzles are formed in the inkjet head included in the recording unit, in the first direction or the direction opposite to the first direction. A first moving part to move;
In response to the movement of the placement unit by the first moving unit, the recording unit images the test pattern recorded on the inspection medium placed on the placement surface of the placement unit. An imaging unit;
When an image is recorded on the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, the image is recorded on a first position where the recording unit is provided, and on the placement surface of the placement unit moved by the first moving unit. Further, the distance between the recording surface of the inspection medium and the ejection surface coincides with the distance between the recording surface of the recording medium and the ejection surface when the recording unit is at the first position. A second moving unit that moves the recording unit between the second position to be in a state;
When the test pattern is recorded by the recording unit, the second moving unit moves the recording unit from the first position to the second position,
Wherein the first mobile unit, in a state where the recording unit by the second moving portion is moved to said second position from said first position, moving the placing section, Lee inkjet recording apparatus. The placement section is
The inspection medium provided on the first side of the transport unit in the second direction and wound in a roll shape is moved from the first side to the second of the transport unit in the second direction. A supply section for supplying to the side of
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a collection unit that is provided on the second side of the transport unit in the second direction and collects the inspection medium placed on the placement surface. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, in the first direction, the placement surface is narrower than a region where the inkjet head is arranged in the recording unit. 5. Nozzles array to formed a line type inkjet head in a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the recording medium on which an image is recorded is conveyed, a plurality arranged in a first direction for ejecting ink In an inkjet recording apparatus including the recorded unit, an inspection method for inspecting an ink discharge state,
A placement unit including a placement surface on which an inspection medium on which a test pattern for inspecting an ink ejection state is recorded is placed and extending in the second direction corresponding to a range in which the nozzles are arranged Between the transport surface on which the recording medium to be transported is placed and the ejection surface on which the nozzles are formed in the inkjet head included in the recording unit is the first direction or the first direction. Is a first movement step that moves in the opposite direction;
A recording step of recording the test pattern on the inspection medium placed on the placement surface of the placement portion moved by the first movement step;
An imaging step of imaging the test pattern recorded on the inspection medium by the recording step;
A determination step of determining an ink ejection state according to image data corresponding to the test pattern imaged in the imaging step;
The first position where the recording unit is provided when an image is recorded on the transported recording medium, and the inspection placed on the mounting surface of the mounting unit moved by the first moving step The distance between the recording surface of the medium and the ejection surface matches the distance between the recording surface of the recording medium and the ejection surface when the recording unit is at the first position. A second moving step of moving the recording unit to a predetermined position between the two positions;
The said recording unit which is moved by the second moving step to the predetermined position, seen including and a third moving step of moving to said first position,
The first moving step and the recording step are performed in a state where the recording unit is moved to the predetermined position by the second moving step,
The third moving step is an inspection method performed after the recording step is executed .

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