[go: up one dir, main page]

JP2007098759A - Recording device - Google Patents

Recording device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP2007098759A
JP2007098759A JP2005291065A JP2005291065A JP2007098759A JP 2007098759 A JP2007098759 A JP 2007098759A JP 2005291065 A JP2005291065 A JP 2005291065A JP 2005291065 A JP2005291065 A JP 2005291065A JP 2007098759 A JP2007098759 A JP 2007098759A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
recording
recording material
conveyance
scanning direction
transport
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
JP2005291065A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Hisataka Kugimachi
久崇 釘町
Kaoru Takahashi
薫 高橋
Katsuhiko Nishisaka
勝彦 西坂
Tomoyuki Nako
友幸 名子
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Seiko Epson Corp
Original Assignee
Seiko Epson Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Seiko Epson Corp filed Critical Seiko Epson Corp
Priority to JP2005291065A priority Critical patent/JP2007098759A/en
Publication of JP2007098759A publication Critical patent/JP2007098759A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Landscapes

  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Character Spaces And Line Spaces In Printers (AREA)
  • Handling Of Sheets (AREA)
  • Handling Of Cut Paper (AREA)

Abstract

【課題】製造工程において固有の搬送補正値を個々に記憶させる製造工程を不要とし、かつ被記録材搬送手段の経年変化に伴う搬送誤差の変化や新規な種別の被記録材の特性にも柔軟に対応して適正な搬送補正を高精度に行うことができる記録装置を提供する。
【解決手段】第1PWセンサ341及び第2PWセンサ342は、キャリッジ61の記録紙Pの記録面と対向する部分に、副走査方向Yに一定の間隔αをもって配設されている。記録制御部100は、まず、記録紙Pへの記録実行制御に先立って、記録実行前の記録紙Pを副走査方向Yへ搬送して、記録紙Pの搬送方向先端が第1PWセンサ341により検出された時点から第2PWセンサ342により検出される時点までの搬送制御量βを取得する。そして、当該搬送制御量βと間隔αとの関係から、記録紙Pの搬送制御量に対する実際の搬送量のずれ量を補正するための搬送補正値γを算出する。
【選択図】図4
An object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a manufacturing process for storing individual conveyance correction values in the manufacturing process, and to flexibly cope with changes in conveyance errors due to aging of recording material conveying means and characteristics of new types of recording materials. And a recording apparatus capable of performing accurate conveyance correction with high accuracy.
A first PW sensor 341 and a second PW sensor 342 are disposed at a portion facing a recording surface of a recording sheet P of a carriage 61 with a constant interval α in the sub-scanning direction Y. The recording control unit 100 first transports the recording paper P before recording execution in the sub-scanning direction Y prior to recording execution control on the recording paper P, and the leading end of the recording paper P in the transporting direction is detected by the first PW sensor 341. The conveyance control amount β from the time point detected to the time point detected by the second PW sensor 342 is acquired. Then, a conveyance correction value γ for correcting the deviation amount of the actual conveyance amount with respect to the conveyance control amount of the recording paper P is calculated from the relationship between the conveyance control amount β and the interval α.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

本発明は、記録ヘッドが搭載され、被記録材に対して主走査方向へ往復動可能に配設されたキャリッジと、被記録材を副走査方向へ搬送可能な被記録材搬送手段と、キャリッジを主走査方向へ往復動させながら被記録材の記録面に記録データに基づいてドットを形成する制御及び被記録材搬送手段により被記録材を副走査方向へ所定の搬送量で搬送する制御を実行して被記録材の記録面への記録を実行する記録制御手段とを備えた記録装置に関する。   The present invention includes a carriage on which a recording head is mounted and arranged to be able to reciprocate in the main scanning direction with respect to the recording material, a recording material conveying means capable of conveying the recording material in the sub-scanning direction, and the carriage Control for forming dots on the recording surface of the recording material based on the recording data while reciprocating the recording material in the main scanning direction and control for conveying the recording material in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined conveying amount by the recording material conveying means. The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that includes a recording control unit that executes recording on a recording surface of a recording material.

記録ヘッドが搭載され、被記録材に対して主走査方向へ往復動可能に配設されたキャリッジと、被記録材を副走査方向へ搬送可能な被記録材搬送手段とを備え、キャリッジを主走査方向へ往復動させながら被記録材の記録面に記録データに基づいてドットを形成する制御及び被記録材搬送手段により被記録材を副走査方向へ所定の搬送量で搬送する制御を実行して被記録材の記録面への記録を実行する構成を有する記録装置においては、被記録材搬送手段により被記録材を所定の搬送量で副走査方向へ搬送する際に、記録制御手段の搬送制御量と実際の被記録材の搬送量との誤差が生ずる。   A carriage having a recording head and disposed so as to reciprocate in the main scanning direction with respect to the recording material, and a recording material conveying means capable of conveying the recording material in the sub-scanning direction. Control to form dots on the recording surface of the recording material while reciprocating in the scanning direction and control to convey the recording material in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined conveyance amount by the recording material conveying means In a recording apparatus having a configuration for performing recording on the recording surface of the recording material, the recording control means transports the recording material when the recording material is transported in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined transporting amount. An error occurs between the control amount and the actual recording material conveyance amount.

この被記録材の搬送量の誤差(以下、「搬送誤差」と言う。)は、記録画質低下の要因となるが、以下のように被記録材搬送手段に起因するものと搬送される被記録材に起因するものとに大別される。被記録材搬送手段に起因した搬送誤差とは、例えば、被記録材搬送手段を構成している各部品形状や駆動モータの特性のばらつきにより生じる搬送誤差である。また、搬送される被記録材に起因する搬送誤差とは、例えば、搬送ローラ(被記録材搬送手段)に挟持される表面の摩擦抵抗が普通紙やフォト専用紙等の被記録材の種別により異なるため、搬送ローラの周面との接触面における被記録材の滑り量が異なることから生じる搬送誤差である。   The error in the conveyance amount of the recording material (hereinafter referred to as “conveyance error”) causes a decrease in the recording image quality, but the recording material conveyed as described below is caused by the recording material conveyance means. It is roughly divided into those caused by the material. The transport error caused by the recording material transport unit is, for example, a transport error caused by variations in the shape of each component constituting the recording material transport unit and the characteristics of the drive motor. Further, the conveyance error caused by the recording material to be conveyed is, for example, the frictional resistance of the surface sandwiched between the conveyance rollers (recording material conveying means) depending on the type of the recording material such as plain paper or photo paper. Because of the difference, this is a transport error caused by a difference in the amount of slip of the recording material on the contact surface with the peripheral surface of the transport roller.

このような被記録材の搬送誤差を低減させ、搬送誤差に起因する記録画質の低下を低減させることができる従来技術の一例としては、記録装置の製造工程において記録装置の個体毎に、被記録材搬送手段に起因した搬送誤差をテストパターン印刷等により測定して固有の搬送補正値を予め算出し、その搬送補正値を記録装置内部の記憶媒体(ROM等)に予め記憶させて保持し、被記録材への記録実行時に記録制御手段は、記録媒体に保持している搬送補正値に基づいて搬送制御量を補正する記録装置が公知である(例えば、特許文献1を参照)。記録装置の個体毎に固有の被記録材搬送手段に起因する搬送誤差を高精度に補正することができるとともに、被記録材の種別毎の搬送補正値をテーブルデータ等で記憶媒体(ROM等)に保持しておけば、被記録材に起因する搬送誤差も適正に補正することができる。   As an example of the prior art that can reduce the conveyance error of such a recording material and reduce the deterioration of the recording image quality caused by the conveyance error, the recording medium is recorded for each individual recording apparatus in the manufacturing process of the recording apparatus. A transport error caused by the material transport means is measured by test pattern printing or the like to calculate a unique transport correction value in advance, and the transport correction value is stored in advance in a storage medium (ROM or the like) inside the recording apparatus and held. A recording apparatus that corrects a conveyance control amount based on a conveyance correction value held in a recording medium when recording on a recording material is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). A conveyance error caused by a recording material conveyance unit unique to each recording apparatus can be corrected with high accuracy, and a conveyance correction value for each type of recording material is stored as table data or the like in a storage medium (ROM or the like). In this case, the conveyance error caused by the recording material can be corrected appropriately.

特開2003−11345号公報JP 2003-11345 A

しかしながら、上記の従来技術においては、記録装置の製造工程において個体毎にテストパターン印刷等を行って搬送補正値を決定し、記録媒体に記憶する工程が必要となるため、製造コストが高くなってしまう。また、記録実行可能な被記録材の種別毎にテストパターン印刷等を行って、被記録材の種別毎に搬送補正値を決定するとなると、製造コストを大幅に上昇させてしまう虞がある。さらに、予め搬送補正値を決定してROM等の記憶媒体に保持しなければならないため、記憶媒体に専用の記憶領域を確保しなければならず、それによっても製造コストが上昇してしまう虞がある。
さらに、常に製造時に決定した固定的な搬送補正値に基づいて搬送補正を実行するため、経年変化等により被記録材搬送手段に起因した搬送誤差が変化した場合に、搬送誤差が増大して記録画質が低下してしまう虞がある。
さらに、被記録材への記録を実行する度に、プリンタドライバの設定等から被記録材の種別情報を取得し、その被記録材の種別に応じて搬送補正値を選択して搬送補正演算に反映させなければならないため、記録制御手順が複雑化してしまうとともに、記録装置製造後に登場した新規な種別の被記録材に対応して適正な搬送誤差の補正を行うことができなくなってしまう。
However, in the above-described prior art, a manufacturing cost is increased because a process for determining a conveyance correction value by performing test pattern printing or the like for each individual in the manufacturing process of the recording apparatus and storing it in a recording medium is required. End up. In addition, if test pattern printing or the like is performed for each type of recording material that can be recorded and a conveyance correction value is determined for each type of recording material, the manufacturing cost may be significantly increased. Furthermore, since the conveyance correction value must be determined in advance and stored in a storage medium such as a ROM, a dedicated storage area must be secured in the storage medium, which may increase the manufacturing cost. is there.
Furthermore, since the conveyance correction is always performed based on the fixed conveyance correction value determined at the time of manufacture, when the conveyance error caused by the recording material conveyance means changes due to secular change or the like, the conveyance error increases and recording is performed. There is a risk that the image quality will deteriorate.
Further, every time recording on the recording material is performed, the type information of the recording material is acquired from the setting of the printer driver or the like, and the conveyance correction value is selected according to the type of the recording material, and the conveyance correction calculation is performed. Since it must be reflected, the recording control procedure becomes complicated, and it becomes impossible to correct an appropriate conveyance error corresponding to a new type of recording material that appears after manufacturing the recording apparatus.

本発明は、このような状況に鑑み成されたものであり、その課題は、製造工程において固有の搬送補正値を個々に記憶させる製造工程を不要とし、かつ被記録材搬送手段の経年変化に伴う搬送誤差の変化や新規な種別の被記録材の特性にも柔軟に対応して適正な搬送補正を高精度に行うことができる記録装置を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the problem is that a manufacturing process for individually storing a conveyance correction value unique in the manufacturing process is not required, and that the recording material conveying means is secularly changed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus capable of performing appropriate conveyance correction with high accuracy by flexibly responding to the accompanying change in conveyance error and the characteristics of a new type of recording material.

上記課題を達成するため、本発明の第1の態様は、記録ヘッドが搭載され、被記録材に対して主走査方向へ往復動可能に配設されたキャリッジと、被記録材を副走査方向へ搬送可能な被記録材搬送手段と、前記キャリッジを主走査方向へ往復動させながら被記録材の記録面に記録データに基づいてドットを形成する制御及び前記被記録材搬送手段により被記録材を副走査方向へ所定の搬送量で搬送する制御を実行して被記録材の記録面への記録を実行する記録制御手段とを備えた記録装置であって、前記キャリッジは、前記被記録材搬送手段により搬送される被記録材の記録面と対向する部分に、被記録材の端部を非接触で検出可能な第1の被記録材検出手段と第2の被記録材検出手段とが、副走査方向に間隔αをもって配設されており、前記記録制御手段は、記録実行前の被記録材を副走査方向へ搬送して、被記録材の搬送方向先端が前記第1の被記録材検出手段により検出された時点から前記第2の被記録材検出手段により検出されるまでの搬送制御量を取得し、当該搬送制御量と前記間隔αとの関係から被記録材の搬送制御量に対する実際の搬送量のずれ量を補正するための搬送補正値を算出し、算出した前記搬送補正値に基づいて被記録材の搬送補正を行う、ことを特徴とした記録装置である。   In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a recording head is mounted, a carriage that is reciprocally movable in the main scanning direction with respect to the recording material, and the recording material in the sub-scanning direction. Recording material transporting means capable of transporting to the recording medium, control for forming dots on the recording surface of the recording material while reciprocating the carriage in the main scanning direction, and recording material by the recording material transporting means And a recording control means for executing recording on the recording surface of the recording material by executing control for conveying the recording material in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined conveyance amount, wherein the carriage includes the recording material A first recording material detection unit and a second recording material detection unit capable of detecting the end of the recording material in a non-contact manner at a portion facing the recording surface of the recording material conveyed by the conveyance unit. Are arranged at intervals α in the sub-scanning direction, The recording control means conveys the recording material before execution of recording in the sub-scanning direction, and the second recording target from the time point when the leading end of the recording material in the conveyance direction is detected by the first recording material detection means. A conveyance correction for acquiring a conveyance control amount until it is detected by the material detection unit and correcting a deviation amount of the actual conveyance amount with respect to the conveyance control amount of the recording material from the relationship between the conveyance control amount and the interval α. The recording apparatus is characterized in that a value is calculated and the conveyance correction of the recording material is performed based on the calculated conveyance correction value.

第1の被記録材検出手段と第2の被記録材検出手段とは、被記録材の搬送方向(副走査方向)に間隔αをもって配設されている。つまり、被記録材の搬送方向先端が、この第1の被記録材検出手段の検出位置から第2の被記録材検出手段の検出位置まで搬送されたときの実際の搬送量は、間隔αと等しい搬送量ということになる。一方、このときの搬送制御量は、理論的には間隔αと一致するはずであるが、前述したような被記録材搬送手段に起因する搬送誤差や搬送される被記録材に起因する搬送誤差が生ずるため必ずしも一致しない。つまり、このときの搬送制御量と間隔αとの差から、記録制御手段からの搬送制御量に対して被記録材搬送手段による実際の被記録材の搬送量が、どれ位ずれてしまうのかを特定することができる。したがって、このときの搬送制御量と間隔αとの差から、被記録材の搬送制御量に対する実際の搬送量のずれ量を補正するための搬送補正値を算出することができる。   The first recording material detection unit and the second recording material detection unit are disposed with an interval α in the recording material conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction). That is, the actual transport amount when the leading end in the transport direction of the recording material is transported from the detection position of the first recording material detection means to the detection position of the second recording material detection means is an interval α. This means that the carrying amount is equal. On the other hand, the transport control amount at this time should theoretically coincide with the interval α, but the transport error due to the recording material transport means as described above or the transport error due to the transported recording material. Does not necessarily match. In other words, from the difference between the conveyance control amount at this time and the interval α, how much the actual conveyance amount of the recording material by the recording material conveyance unit deviates from the conveyance control amount from the recording control unit. Can be identified. Therefore, a conveyance correction value for correcting the deviation amount of the actual conveyance amount with respect to the conveyance control amount of the recording material can be calculated from the difference between the conveyance control amount and the interval α at this time.

このように、本発明の第1の態様における記録装置は、記録制御手段からの搬送制御量に対して被記録材搬送手段による実際の被記録材の搬送量が、どれ位ずれてしまうのかを特定して搬送補正値を算出することができる手段を備えているので、製造工程において固有の搬送補正値を個々に記憶させる製造工程が一切不要になるという作用効果が得られる。したがって、記録装置の製造工程を簡略化することができるので、それによって、記録装置の製造コストを大幅に低減させることができるという作用効果が得られる。   As described above, the recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention shows how much the actual conveyance amount of the recording material by the recording material conveyance unit deviates from the conveyance control amount from the recording control unit. Since there is provided a means capable of specifying and calculating the conveyance correction value, it is possible to obtain an effect that a manufacturing process for individually storing a specific conveyance correction value in the manufacturing process becomes unnecessary. Therefore, since the manufacturing process of the recording apparatus can be simplified, the operational effect that the manufacturing cost of the recording apparatus can be greatly reduced is obtained.

また、本発明の第1の態様における記録装置は、ROM等の記憶媒体において固定的な搬送補正値を保持しておくための記憶容量を削減することもでき、それによって、部品コストを低減させることができるという作用効果も得られる。   The recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention can also reduce the storage capacity for holding a fixed conveyance correction value in a storage medium such as a ROM, thereby reducing the component cost. The effect that it can be obtained is also obtained.

さらに、本発明の第1の態様における記録装置は、記録制御手段からの搬送制御量に対して被記録材搬送手段による実際の被記録材の搬送量が、どれ位ずれてしまうのかを特定して、搬送補正値を算出することができる手段を備えているので、定期的に或いは任意のタイミングでいつでも、その時点の記録装置において最適な搬送補正値を算出することができ、それによって、被記録材搬送手段の経年変化に伴う搬送誤差の変化や新規な種別の被記録材の特性にも柔軟に対応して適正な搬送補正を高精度に長期間維持して記録を実行することができるという作用効果が得られる。   Furthermore, the recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention specifies how much the actual conveyance amount of the recording material by the recording material conveyance unit deviates from the conveyance control amount from the recording control unit. Therefore, it is possible to calculate an optimum conveyance correction value in the recording apparatus at that time, either periodically or at any time, so that the conveyance correction value can be calculated. It is possible to perform recording while maintaining appropriate conveyance correction with high accuracy over a long period of time, flexibly responding to changes in conveyance errors due to aging of the recording material conveyance means and characteristics of new types of recording materials. The effect is obtained.

本発明の第2の態様は、前述した第1の態様において、前記記録制御手段は、被記録材への記録を実行する際には、その都度記録開始前に、記録実行前の被記録材を副走査方向へ搬送して、被記録材の搬送方向先端が前記第1の被記録材検出手段により検出された時点から前記第2の被記録材検出手段により検出されるまでの搬送制御量を取得し、当該搬送制御量と前記間隔αとの関係から被記録材の搬送制御量に対する実際の搬送量のずれ量を補正するための搬送補正値を算出し、算出した前記搬送補正値に基づいて当該被記録材への記録実行中における搬送補正を実行する、ことを特徴とした記録装置である。
このように、被記録材への記録を実行する際には、その都度記録開始前に、被記録材の搬送制御量に対する実際の搬送量のずれ量を補正するための搬送補正値を算出するので、常に記録実行対象となる被記録材の種別に最適な搬送補正値を高精度に設定して記録を実行することができる。
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect described above, when the recording control unit executes recording on the recording material, the recording material before the recording is executed before the recording is started each time. Is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, and the conveyance control amount from the time when the leading end of the recording material in the conveying direction is detected by the first recording material detection unit to the detection by the second recording material detection unit And a conveyance correction value for correcting a deviation amount of the actual conveyance amount with respect to the conveyance control amount of the recording material is calculated from the relationship between the conveyance control amount and the interval α, and the calculated conveyance correction value The recording apparatus is configured to execute conveyance correction during execution of recording on the recording material.
As described above, when recording on the recording material is performed, a conveyance correction value for correcting the deviation amount of the actual conveyance amount with respect to the conveyance control amount of the recording material is calculated every time recording is started. Therefore, it is possible to always perform recording by setting a conveyance correction value optimum for the type of recording material that is a recording execution target with high accuracy.

本発明の第3の態様は、前述した第1の態様又は第2の態様において、前記キャリッジは、前記第1の被記録材検出手段及び前記第2の被記録材検出手段が、前記被記録材検出手段により被記録材を所定の記録開始位置まで副走査方向へ搬送する過程で当該被記録材の搬送方向先端を検出可能に配設されている、ことを特徴とした記録装置である。   According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect or the second aspect described above, the carriage includes the first recording material detection unit and the second recording material detection unit. In the recording apparatus, the recording material is disposed so that the leading end in the transport direction of the recording material can be detected in the process of transporting the recording material to the predetermined recording start position in the sub-scanning direction.

このように、被記録材を所定の記録開始位置まで副走査方向へ搬送する過程で当該被記録材の搬送方向先端を検出することができるので、搬送補正値を決定するための被記録材の搬送と、被記録材を記録開始位置へ配置するための被記録材の搬送とを同時に行うことが可能になる。すなわち、被記録材を記録開始位置まで搬送した時点で、既に当該被記録材に対する最適な搬送補正値の算出を完了している状態にすることが可能になる。したがって、被記録材を記録開始位置まで搬送した時点で、すぐに記録を開始することができるので、最適な搬送補正値を算出することによる記録実行時のスループットの低下が、ほとんど生じないようにすることができるという作用効果が得られる。   Thus, since the leading end in the transport direction of the recording material can be detected in the process of transporting the recording material to the predetermined recording start position in the sub-scanning direction, the recording material for determining the transport correction value can be detected. Conveyance and conveyance of the recording material for placing the recording material at the recording start position can be performed simultaneously. That is, when the recording material is transported to the recording start position, it is possible to make a state where the calculation of the optimum transport correction value for the recording material has already been completed. Therefore, since the recording can be started immediately after the recording material is transported to the recording start position, the throughput during recording is hardly reduced by calculating the optimal transport correction value. The effect that it can be obtained is obtained.

本発明の第4の態様は、前述した第1の態様〜第3の態様のいずれかにおいて、前記キャリッジを主走査方向へ往復動させることで、前記第1の被記録材検出手段と前記第2の被記録材検出手段のいずれか一方又は双方により、前記被記録材搬送手段による搬送経路にある被記録材の主走査方向の両端位置を検出可能な構成を有している、ことを特徴とした記録装置である。   According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects described above, the carriage is reciprocated in the main scanning direction, whereby the first recording material detection unit and the first recording material detection unit. The recording material detection unit has a configuration capable of detecting the positions of both ends of the recording material in the main scanning direction on the conveyance path by the recording material conveyance unit by one or both of the recording material detection units. The recording device.

このように、副走査方向における被記録材の搬送方向先端のみならず、主走査方向における被記録材の両端位置を検出することもできるので、被記録材搬送手段により搬送されている被記録材の主走査方向の長さや主走査方向位置を検出することができる。したがって、被記録材に対する主走査方向及び副走査方向の記録実行位置をより高精度に設定して記録を実行することができるので、例えば、被記録材の端部で記録画像の一部が途切れてしまったり、四辺の余白幅が不均等になってしまったり、といった虞を低減させることができる。   As described above, since the positions of both ends of the recording material in the main scanning direction as well as the leading end of the recording material in the sub-scanning direction can be detected, the recording material being conveyed by the recording material conveying means The length in the main scanning direction and the position in the main scanning direction can be detected. Therefore, since it is possible to execute the recording by setting the recording execution positions in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction with respect to the recording material with higher accuracy, for example, a part of the recording image is interrupted at the end of the recording material. It is possible to reduce the risk that the margins of the four sides are uneven and the widths of the margins of the four sides are uneven.

本発明の第5の態様は、前述した第1の態様〜第4の態様のいずれかにおいて、前記被記録材搬送手段により搬送される被記録材を摺接支持しつつ被記録材の記録面と前記記録ヘッドのヘッド面との間隔を所定間隔に規定するプラテンを備え、前記第1の被記録材検出手段及び前記第2の被記録材検出手段は、前記プラテンの被記録材摺接面の光反射率と被記録材の記録面の光反射率との差から前記プラテン上にある被記録材の端部を非接触で検出可能な光学式センサを有している、ことを特徴とした記録装置である。
このように、プラテンの被記録材摺接面の光反射率と被記録材の記録面の光反射率との差からプラテン上にある被記録材の端部を非接触で検出可能な光学式センサを利用することによって、被記録材の端部を非接触で検出可能な第1の被記録材検出手段及び第2の被記録材検出手段を構成することができる。
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects described above, the recording surface of the recording material while slidingly supporting the recording material conveyed by the recording material conveying means. A platen that defines a predetermined distance between the recording head and the head surface of the recording head, and the first recording material detection means and the second recording material detection means include a recording material sliding contact surface of the platen. And an optical sensor capable of detecting the end of the recording material on the platen in a non-contact manner based on the difference between the light reflectance of the recording material and the light reflectance of the recording surface of the recording material. Recording device.
In this way, the optical type that can detect the end of the recording material on the platen in a non-contact manner from the difference between the light reflectance of the recording material sliding surface of the platen and the light reflectance of the recording surface of the recording material By using the sensor, it is possible to configure a first recording material detection unit and a second recording material detection unit that can detect the end of the recording material in a non-contact manner.

以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。
まず、本発明に係る「記録装置」の一例としてのインクジェット式記録装置の概略構成について説明する。
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus as an example of a “recording apparatus” according to the present invention will be described.

図1は、本発明に係るインクジェット式記録装置の要部平面図であり、図2はその側面図である。図3は、本発明に係るインクジェット式記録装置の概略のブロック図である。
インクジェット式記録装置50には、「被記録材」としての記録紙Pにインクを噴射して記録を行う記録ヘッド62が搭載され、記録紙Pに対して主走査方向Xへ往復動可能にキャリッジガイド軸51に軸支されたキャリッジ61が配設されている。キャリッジ61には、記録ヘッド62並びに後述する第1PWセンサ341及び第2PWセンサ342とが搭載されており、CRモータ63(図3)の回転駆動力が図示していない無端ベルトによるベルト伝達機構によって伝達されて主走査方向Xに往復動する。記録ヘッド62のヘッド面と対向する位置には、後述する「被記録材搬送手段」としての搬送駆動ローラ53及び搬送従動ローラ54により搬送される記録紙Pを摺接支持しつつ記録紙Pの記録面と記録ヘッド62のヘッド面との間隔を所定間隔に規定するプラテン52が配設されている。
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an essential part of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view thereof. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
The ink jet recording apparatus 50 includes a recording head 62 that performs recording by ejecting ink onto a recording paper P as a “recording material”, and a carriage that can reciprocate in the main scanning direction X with respect to the recording paper P. A carriage 61 supported by the guide shaft 51 is provided. The carriage 61 is equipped with a recording head 62 and first PW sensor 341 and second PW sensor 342, which will be described later, and the rotational driving force of the CR motor 63 (FIG. 3) is driven by a belt transmission mechanism using an endless belt (not shown). It is transmitted and reciprocates in the main scanning direction X. At a position facing the head surface of the recording head 62, the recording paper P conveyed by a conveyance driving roller 53 and a conveyance driven roller 54, which will be described later as “recording material conveying means”, is slidably supported and supported on the recording paper P. A platen 52 is provided that defines a predetermined distance between the recording surface and the head surface of the recording head 62.

キャリッジ61の主走査方向Xへの往復動領域の一端側の外側には、公知のキャッピング装置59が設けられている。記録を実行しない待機状態においては、キャリッジ61がキャッピング装置59の上まで移動して停止し、キャッピング装置59に配設されているキャップCPによって記録ヘッド62のヘッド面が封止される。このキャリッジ61の停止位置は、ホームポジションHPとして規定される。   A known capping device 59 is provided outside the one end side of the reciprocating region of the carriage 61 in the main scanning direction X. In a standby state in which recording is not performed, the carriage 61 moves over the capping device 59 and stops, and the head surface of the recording head 62 is sealed by the cap CP provided in the capping device 59. The stop position of the carriage 61 is defined as a home position HP.

また、インクジェット式記録装置50には、記録紙Pを副走査方向Yへ搬送可能な「被記録材搬送手段」として、搬送駆動ローラ53と搬送従動ローラ54が設けられている。搬送駆動ローラ53は、PFモータ58(図3)の回転駆動力が歯車伝達されて回転し、搬送駆動ローラ53の回転により、記録紙Pは副走査方向Yに搬送される。搬送従動ローラ54は、複数設けられており、それぞれ個々に搬送駆動ローラ53に付勢され、記録紙Pが搬送駆動ローラ53の回転により搬送される際に、記録紙Pに接しながら記録紙Pの搬送に従動して回転する。搬送駆動ローラ53の外周面には、高摩擦抵抗を有する皮膜が施されている。搬送従動ローラ54によって、搬送駆動ローラ53の外周面に押しつけられた記録紙Pは、その外周面の摩擦抵抗によって搬送駆動ローラ53の外周面に密着し、搬送駆動ローラ53の回転によって副走査方向Yに搬送される。   Further, the ink jet recording apparatus 50 is provided with a transport driving roller 53 and a transport driven roller 54 as “recording material transport means” capable of transporting the recording paper P in the sub-scanning direction Y. The conveyance driving roller 53 rotates when the rotation driving force of the PF motor 58 (FIG. 3) is transmitted to the gear, and the recording paper P is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction Y by the rotation of the conveyance driving roller 53. A plurality of transport driven rollers 54 are provided and are individually urged by the transport driving roller 53, and the recording paper P is in contact with the recording paper P when the recording paper P is transported by the rotation of the transport driving roller 53. Rotates following the transport of A coating having a high frictional resistance is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the transport driving roller 53. The recording paper P pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the transport driving roller 53 by the transport driven roller 54 comes into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the transport driving roller 53 by the frictional resistance of the outer peripheral surface, and rotates in the sub scanning direction by the transport driving roller 53. Conveyed to Y.

搬送駆動ローラ53の副走査方向Yの上流側には、多数の記録紙Pを積重可能な「被記録材積重手段」としての給紙トレイ57が配設されている。給紙トレイ57は、例えば普通紙やフォト紙等の記録紙Pを給紙(給送)可能な構成となっている。給紙トレイ57の近傍には、給紙トレイ57に積重されている記録紙Pの最上位の記録紙Pを「被記録材搬送手段」へ自動給送する「自動給送手段」としてのASF(オート・シート・フィーダ)が設けられている。ASFは、給紙トレイ57に設けられた給紙ローラ57b及び図示してない分離パッドを有する公知の自動給紙機構である。給紙ローラ57bは、給紙トレイ57の一方側に配置されている。記録紙ガイド57aは、記録紙Pの幅に合わせて幅方向に摺動可能に給紙トレイ57に設けられている。   On the upstream side of the conveyance drive roller 53 in the sub-scanning direction Y, a paper feed tray 57 as a “recording material stacking unit” capable of stacking a large number of recording sheets P is disposed. The paper feed tray 57 is configured to feed (feed) recording paper P such as plain paper or photo paper. In the vicinity of the paper feed tray 57, as the “automatic feeding means” for automatically feeding the uppermost recording paper P of the recording paper P stacked on the paper feed tray 57 to the “recording material conveying means”. An ASF (Auto Sheet Feeder) is provided. The ASF is a known automatic paper feed mechanism having a paper feed roller 57b provided on the paper feed tray 57 and a separation pad (not shown). The paper feed roller 57 b is disposed on one side of the paper feed tray 57. The recording paper guide 57a is provided on the paper feed tray 57 so as to be slidable in the width direction in accordance with the width of the recording paper P.

そして、PFモータ58(図3)の回転駆動力が歯車伝達されて回転する給紙ローラ57bの回転駆動力により、給紙トレイ57に置かれた記録紙Pが給紙される。その際に、分離パッドの摩擦抵抗により、複数の記録紙Pが一度に給紙されることなく最上位の記録紙Pのみが正確に分離されて一枚ずつ自動給紙される。給紙ローラ57bと搬送駆動ローラ53との間には、公知の技術による紙検出器33が配設されている。   Then, the recording paper P placed on the paper feed tray 57 is fed by the rotational driving force of the paper feed roller 57b that rotates by transmission of the rotational driving force of the PF motor 58 (FIG. 3). At that time, due to the frictional resistance of the separation pad, a plurality of recording papers P are not fed at a time, but only the uppermost recording paper P is accurately separated and automatically fed one by one. A paper detector 33 according to a known technique is disposed between the paper feed roller 57b and the conveyance drive roller 53.

一方、記録実行後の記録紙Pを排紙する手段として、排紙駆動ローラ55と排紙従動ローラ56とが設けられている。排紙駆動ローラ55は、PFモータ58(図3)の回転駆動力が歯車伝達されて回転し、排紙駆動ローラ55の回転により、記録実行後の記録紙Pは副走査方向Yに排紙される。排紙従動ローラ56は、周囲に複数の歯を有し、各歯の先端が記録紙Pの記録面に点接触するように鋭角的に尖った歯付きローラになっている。複数の排紙従動ローラ56は、それぞれ個々に排紙駆動ローラ55に付勢され、記録紙Pが排紙駆動ローラ55の回転により排紙される際に記録紙Pに接して記録紙Pの排紙に伴い従動回転する。
そして、給紙ローラ57bや搬送駆動ローラ53及び排紙駆動ローラ55を回転駆動するPFモータ58(図3)、並びにキャリッジ61を主走査方向Xに駆動するCRモータ63(図3)は、記録制御部100により駆動制御される。また、記録ヘッド62も同様に、記録制御部100により駆動制御されて記録紙Pの表面にインクを噴射する。記録制御部100は、キャリッジ61を主走査方向Xへ往復動させながら記録データに基づいて記録ヘッド62から記録紙Pへインクを噴射してドットを形成する動作と、記録紙Pを副走査方向Yへ所定の搬送量で搬送する動作とを交互に繰り返しながら記録紙Pへの記録制御を実行する。
On the other hand, a discharge driving roller 55 and a discharge driven roller 56 are provided as means for discharging the recording paper P after execution of recording. The paper discharge driving roller 55 is rotated by transmission of the rotational driving force of the PF motor 58 (FIG. 3), and the recording paper P after recording is discharged in the sub-scanning direction Y by the rotation of the paper discharge driving roller 55. Is done. The paper discharge driven roller 56 has a plurality of teeth around it, and is a toothed roller sharply sharpened so that the tip of each tooth makes point contact with the recording surface of the recording paper P. The plurality of paper discharge driven rollers 56 are individually urged by the paper discharge driving roller 55, and come into contact with the recording paper P when the recording paper P is discharged by the rotation of the paper discharge driving roller 55. The paper rotates as the paper is discharged.
A PF motor 58 (FIG. 3) that rotationally drives the paper feed roller 57b, the conveyance drive roller 53, and the paper discharge drive roller 55, and a CR motor 63 (FIG. 3) that drives the carriage 61 in the main scanning direction X are recorded. The drive is controlled by the control unit 100. Similarly, the recording head 62 is driven and controlled by the recording control unit 100 to eject ink onto the surface of the recording paper P. The recording control unit 100 forms dots by ejecting ink from the recording head 62 to the recording paper P based on the recording data while reciprocating the carriage 61 in the main scanning direction X, and the recording paper P in the sub-scanning direction. Control of recording on the recording paper P is executed while alternately repeating the operation of transporting to Y at a predetermined transport amount.

引き続き図1〜図3を参照しながら「記録制御手段」としての記録制御部100について説明する。
記録制御部100は、ROM101、RAM102、ASIC(特定用途向け集積回路)103、MPU104、「不揮発性記憶媒体」としての不揮発性メモリ105、PFモータドライバ106、CRモータドライバ107及びヘッドドライバ108を備えている。MPU104には、ASIC103を介して搬送駆動ローラ53の回転量を検出する「回転量検出手段」としてのロータリエンコーダ31、キャリッジ61の移動量を検出する「キャリッジ移動量検出手段」としてのリニアエンコーダ32、搬送される記録紙Pの先端及び後端を検出する紙検出器33、後述する第1PWセンサ341、第2PWセンサ342及びインクジェット式記録装置50の電源をON/OFFするための電源スイッチ35の出力信号が入力される。
The recording control unit 100 as “recording control means” will be described with reference to FIGS.
The recording control unit 100 includes a ROM 101, a RAM 102, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) 103, an MPU 104, a nonvolatile memory 105 as a “nonvolatile storage medium”, a PF motor driver 106, a CR motor driver 107, and a head driver 108. ing. The MPU 104 includes a rotary encoder 31 as a “rotation amount detection unit” that detects the rotation amount of the transport driving roller 53 via the ASIC 103, and a linear encoder 32 as a “carriage movement amount detection unit” that detects the movement amount of the carriage 61. A paper detector 33 for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the conveyed recording paper P, a first PW sensor 341, a second PW sensor 342, and a power switch 35 for turning on / off the power of the ink jet recording apparatus 50, which will be described later. An output signal is input.

公知のロータリエンコーダ31は、搬送駆動ローラ53の回転に連動して回転するロータリスケール311と、ロータリスケール311の外周に沿って等間隔に形成されているスリットを検出するためのロータリスケールセンサ312とを有している(図2)。搬送駆動ローラ53の回転に伴い変化するロータリスケールセンサ312の出力信号は、ASIC103を介してMPU104へ出力される。
公知のリニアエンコーダ32は、キャリッジ61の近傍に主走査方向Xと略平行に配置されたリニアスケール321と、リニアスケール321に等間隔に形成されているスリットを検出するキャリッジ61に搭載されたリニアスケールセンサ322とを有している(図2)。キャリッジ61の主走査方向Xの移動量に応じたパルスの周期が移動速度に伴い変化するリニアスケールセンサ322の出力信号は、ASIC103を介してMPU104へ出力される。
A known rotary encoder 31 includes a rotary scale 311 that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the conveyance drive roller 53, and a rotary scale sensor 312 that detects slits formed at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the rotary scale 311. (FIG. 2). An output signal of the rotary scale sensor 312 that changes with the rotation of the transport driving roller 53 is output to the MPU 104 via the ASIC 103.
A known linear encoder 32 is mounted on a linear scale 321 disposed substantially parallel to the main scanning direction X in the vicinity of the carriage 61 and a carriage 61 that detects slits formed in the linear scale 321 at equal intervals. And a scale sensor 322 (FIG. 2). An output signal of the linear scale sensor 322 in which the period of the pulse corresponding to the amount of movement of the carriage 61 in the main scanning direction X changes with the moving speed is output to the MPU 104 via the ASIC 103.

公知の紙検出器33は、立位姿勢への自己復帰習性が付与され、かつ記録紙Pの搬送方向(副走査方向Y)にのみ回動し得るよう記録紙Pの搬送経路内に突出する状態で枢支されたレバーを有し、このレバーの先端が記録紙Pに押されることでレバーが回動し、それによって記録紙Pが検出される構成を成す検出器である(図2)。紙検出器33は、給紙ローラ57bより給紙された記録紙Pの始端位置及び搬送中の記録紙Pの終端位置を検出し、その検出信号は、ASIC103を介してMPU104へ出力される。
記録制御部100のシステムバスには、ROM101、RAM102、ASIC103、MPU104及び不揮発性メモリ105が接続されている。MPU104は、インクジェット式記録装置50の記録制御を実行するための演算処理やその他必要な演算処理を行う。ROM101には、MPU104によるインクジェット式記録装置50の制御に必要な記録制御プログラム(ファームウェア)等が格納されており、記録制御プログラムの処理に必要な各種データ等は不揮発性メモリ105に記憶されている。RAM102は、MPU104の作業領域や記録データ等の格納領域として用いられる。
The known paper detector 33 is given a self-returning behavior to a standing posture and protrudes into the conveyance path of the recording paper P so as to be able to rotate only in the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction Y) of the recording paper P. This detector has a lever that is pivotally supported in the state, and the lever rotates when the tip of the lever is pushed by the recording paper P, whereby the recording paper P is detected (FIG. 2). . The paper detector 33 detects the start position of the recording paper P fed from the paper feed roller 57 b and the end position of the recording paper P being conveyed, and the detection signal is output to the MPU 104 via the ASIC 103.
A ROM 101, a RAM 102, an ASIC 103, an MPU 104, and a nonvolatile memory 105 are connected to the system bus of the recording control unit 100. The MPU 104 performs arithmetic processing for executing recording control of the ink jet recording apparatus 50 and other necessary arithmetic processing. The ROM 101 stores a recording control program (firmware) necessary for controlling the ink jet recording apparatus 50 by the MPU 104, and various data necessary for processing the recording control program is stored in the nonvolatile memory 105. . The RAM 102 is used as a work area for the MPU 104 and a storage area for recording data.

ASIC103は、DCモータであるPFモータ58及びCRモータ63の速度制御、並びに記録ヘッド62の駆動制御を行う為の制御回路を有している。MPU104から送られてくる制御命令、ロータリエンコーダ31の出力信号及びリニアエンコーダ32の出力信号に基づいて、PFモータ58及びCRモータ63の速度制御を行う為の各種演算を行い、その演算結果に基づくモータ制御信号をPFモータドライバ106及びCRモータドライバ107へ送出する。また、MPU104から送出される記録データ等に基づいて、記録ヘッド62の制御信号を演算生成してヘッドドライバ108へ送出して記録ヘッド62を駆動制御する。ASIC103は、「情報処理装置」としてのパーソナルコンピュータ301等との情報伝送を実現する「情報伝送手段」としてホストIF112を有している。   The ASIC 103 has a control circuit for performing speed control of the PF motor 58 and the CR motor 63 which are DC motors and driving control of the recording head 62. Based on the control command sent from the MPU 104, the output signal of the rotary encoder 31 and the output signal of the linear encoder 32, various calculations for controlling the speed of the PF motor 58 and the CR motor 63 are performed, and based on the calculation results. A motor control signal is sent to the PF motor driver 106 and the CR motor driver 107. Further, based on the recording data sent from the MPU 104, a control signal for the recording head 62 is calculated and generated and sent to the head driver 108 to drive-control the recording head 62. The ASIC 103 has a host IF 112 as “information transmission means” for realizing information transmission with the personal computer 301 or the like as an “information processing apparatus”.

つづいて、本発明に係る「第1の被記録材検出手段」としての第1PWセンサ341及び「第2の被記録材検出手段」としての第2PWセンサ342並びに記録制御部100による記録紙Pの搬送補正制御について説明する。
図4〜図6は、キャリッジ61近傍を拡大して示したインクジェット式記録装置50の要部平面図であり、図4は副走査方向Yへ搬送される記録紙Pの搬送方向先端が第1PWセンサ341に検出された時点、図5は副走査方向Yへ搬送される記録紙Pの搬送方向先端が第2PWセンサ342に検出された時点、図6は副走査方向Yへ搬送される記録紙Pの搬送方向先端が記録開始位置へ到達した時点をそれぞれ示したものである。
Subsequently, the first PW sensor 341 as the “first recording material detection unit”, the second PW sensor 342 as the “second recording material detection unit”, and the recording control unit 100 according to the present invention. The conveyance correction control will be described.
4 to 6 are plan views of the main part of the ink jet recording apparatus 50 showing the vicinity of the carriage 61 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 4 shows that the front end in the transport direction of the recording paper P transported in the sub-scanning direction Y is the first PW. FIG. 5 shows a point when the leading end of the recording sheet P transported in the sub-scanning direction Y is detected by the second PW sensor 342, and FIG. 6 shows a recording sheet transported in the sub-scanning direction Y. Each of the points in time when the leading end in the transport direction of P reaches the recording start position is shown.

第1PWセンサ341及び第2PWセンサ342は、キャリッジ61の記録紙Pの記録面と対向する部分に、副走査方向Yに一定の間隔αをもって配設されている。第1PWセンサ341及び第2PWセンサ342は、プラテン52の記録紙摺接面の光反射率と記録紙Pの記録面の光反射率との差からプラテン52上にある記録紙Pの端部を非接触で検出可能な光学式センサを有しており、その検出信号は、ASIC103を介してMPU104へ出力される。記録制御部100は、この第1PWセンサ341及び第2PWセンサ342の出力信号に基づいて、搬送駆動ローラ53の回転により副走査方向Yへ搬送される記録紙Pの搬送方向(副走査方向Y)の先端位置を検出することができる。   The first PW sensor 341 and the second PW sensor 342 are arranged at a constant interval α in the sub-scanning direction Y at a portion facing the recording surface of the recording paper P of the carriage 61. The first PW sensor 341 and the second PW sensor 342 detect the edge of the recording paper P on the platen 52 from the difference between the light reflectance of the recording paper sliding surface of the platen 52 and the light reflectance of the recording surface of the recording paper P. An optical sensor that can be detected in a non-contact manner is provided, and the detection signal is output to the MPU 104 via the ASIC 103. Based on the output signals of the first PW sensor 341 and the second PW sensor 342, the recording control unit 100 transports the recording paper P transported in the sub-scanning direction Y by the rotation of the transport driving roller 53 (sub-scanning direction Y). The tip position of can be detected.

記録制御部100は、まず、記録紙Pへの記録実行制御に先立って、記録実行前の記録紙Pを副走査方向Yへ搬送して、記録紙Pの搬送方向先端が第1PWセンサ341により検出された時点(図4)から第2PWセンサ342により検出される時点(図5)までの搬送制御量βを取得する。つづいて、当該搬送制御量βと間隔αとの関係から、記録紙Pの搬送制御量に対する実際の搬送量のずれ量を補正するための搬送補正値γを以下の式(1)から算出する。
搬送補正値γ=(搬送制御量β−間隔α)/間隔α …(1)
第1PWセンサ341と第2PWセンサ342とは、記録紙Pの搬送方向(副走査方向Y)に間隔αをもって配置されているから、この第1PWセンサ341から第2PWセンサ342まで記録紙Pを搬送したときの実際の記録紙Pの搬送量は、間隔αと等しい搬送量ということになる。一方、このときの搬送制御量β、具体的にはロータリエンコーダ31の出力信号に基づく搬送駆動ローラ53の回転量に相当する搬送量は、理論的には間隔αと一致するはずである。
The recording control unit 100 first transports the recording paper P before recording execution in the sub-scanning direction Y prior to recording execution control on the recording paper P, and the leading end of the recording paper P in the transporting direction is detected by the first PW sensor 341. The conveyance control amount β from the detected time (FIG. 4) to the time (FIG. 5) detected by the second PW sensor 342 is acquired. Subsequently, from the relationship between the conveyance control amount β and the interval α, a conveyance correction value γ for correcting a deviation amount of the actual conveyance amount with respect to the conveyance control amount of the recording paper P is calculated from the following equation (1). .
Conveyance correction value γ = (conveyance control amount β−interval α) / interval α (1)
Since the first PW sensor 341 and the second PW sensor 342 are arranged with an interval α in the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction Y) of the recording paper P, the recording paper P is conveyed from the first PW sensor 341 to the second PW sensor 342. In this case, the actual conveyance amount of the recording paper P is equal to the conveyance amount equal to the interval α. On the other hand, the transport control amount β at this time, specifically, the transport amount corresponding to the rotation amount of the transport driving roller 53 based on the output signal of the rotary encoder 31 should theoretically coincide with the interval α.

しかし、例えば搬送駆動ローラ53の形状誤差や偏心等に起因する搬送誤差、搬送される記録紙Pの表面と搬送駆動ローラ53の外周面との接触面に生ずるすべり等に起因する搬送誤差等が生ずるため、このときの搬送制御量βと間隔αとは必ずしも一致しない。そこで、このときの搬送制御量βと間隔αとの差から、記録制御部100からの搬送制御量に対して搬送駆動ローラ53の回転による実際の記録紙Pの搬送量が、どれ位ずれてしまうのかを特定する。このときの搬送制御量βと間隔αとの差から、例えば上記式(1)により、記録紙Pの搬送制御量に対する実際の搬送量のずれ量を補正するための搬送補正値γを算出することができる。   However, for example, a transport error due to a shape error or eccentricity of the transport drive roller 53, a transport error due to a slip generated on a contact surface between the surface of the transported recording paper P and the outer peripheral surface of the transport drive roller 53, or the like. Therefore, the transport control amount β and the interval α at this time do not always match. Therefore, due to the difference between the conveyance control amount β and the interval α at this time, the actual conveyance amount of the recording paper P by the rotation of the conveyance drive roller 53 is deviated from the conveyance control amount from the recording control unit 100. Identify what will end up. From the difference between the conveyance control amount β and the interval α at this time, a conveyance correction value γ for correcting the deviation amount of the actual conveyance amount with respect to the conveyance control amount of the recording paper P is calculated by the above formula (1), for example. be able to.

そして、記録制御部100は、記録紙Pの搬送方向先端が記録開始位置まで到達した時点(図6)から、記録紙Pへの記録実行制御を開始し、記録紙Pを所定の搬送量で副走査方向Yへ搬送する際には、この搬送補正値γに基づいて記録紙Pの搬送補正を行う。例えば、間隔αが2[inch]で搬送制御量βが2.1[inch]だった場合には、搬送補正値γは、0.05となり、これから、搬送量1inch当たり0.05inchだけ余分に搬送制御するような搬送補正を行えば良いことになる。   Then, the recording control unit 100 starts recording execution control on the recording paper P from the time when the leading end of the recording paper P in the conveyance direction reaches the recording start position (FIG. 6), and the recording paper P is moved by a predetermined conveyance amount. When transporting in the sub-scanning direction Y, transport correction of the recording paper P is performed based on the transport correction value γ. For example, when the interval α is 2 [inch] and the transport control amount β is 2.1 [inch], the transport correction value γ is 0.05, and from this, an extra 0.05 inch per 1 inch of transport amount It is only necessary to carry out conveyance correction such as carrying control.

このように、本発明に係るインクジェット式記録装置50は、記録制御部100からの搬送制御量に対して搬送駆動ローラ53の回転による実際の記録紙Pの搬送量が、どれ位ずれてしまうのかを特定して、搬送補正値γを算出することができる手段を備えているので、製造工程において固有の搬送補正値を個々に記憶させる製造工程が不要になる。したがって、インクジェット式記録装置50の製造工程を簡略することができ、またROM101や不揮発性メモリ105(図3)等の記憶媒体において固定的な搬送補正値を保持しておくための記憶容量を削減することができ、それによって、インクジェット式記録装置50の製造コストを大幅に低減させることができる。   Thus, in the ink jet recording apparatus 50 according to the present invention, how much the actual conveyance amount of the recording paper P by the rotation of the conveyance driving roller 53 deviates from the conveyance control amount from the recording control unit 100. And a means for calculating the conveyance correction value γ is provided, so that a manufacturing process for individually storing a specific conveyance correction value in the manufacturing process becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the ink jet recording apparatus 50 can be simplified, and the storage capacity for holding a fixed conveyance correction value in a storage medium such as the ROM 101 and the nonvolatile memory 105 (FIG. 3) is reduced. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the ink jet recording apparatus 50 can be significantly reduced.

また、本発明に係るインクジェット式記録装置50は、定期的に或いは任意のタイミングでいつでも、その時点のインクジェット式記録装置50において最適な搬送補正値γを算出することができ、それによって、搬送駆動ローラ53等の経年変化や新規な種別の記録紙Pの特性にも柔軟に対応して適正な搬送補正を長期間高精度に維持して記録を実行することができる。   In addition, the ink jet recording apparatus 50 according to the present invention can calculate the optimum transport correction value γ in the ink jet recording apparatus 50 at that time, either regularly or at any time, thereby performing transport driving. It is possible to flexibly cope with the secular change of the rollers 53 and the characteristics of the new type of recording paper P, and to perform recording while maintaining appropriate conveyance correction with high accuracy for a long period of time.

さらに、記録紙Pへの記録を実行する際には、その都度記録開始前に上記手順で搬送補正値γを算出し、算出した搬送補正値γに基づいて当該記録紙Pへの記録実行中における搬送補正を実行するようにしても良い。それによって、常に記録実行対象となる記録紙Pの種別に最適な搬送補正値γを高精度に設定して記録を実行することができる。   Further, when recording on the recording paper P is performed, the conveyance correction value γ is calculated by the above procedure before starting recording, and recording on the recording paper P is being executed based on the calculated conveyance correction value γ. The conveyance correction may be executed. As a result, it is possible to set the conveyance correction value γ optimum for the type of the recording paper P that is always a recording execution target with high accuracy and execute the recording.

さらに、本発明に係るインクジェット式記録装置50は、当該実施例のように、第1PWセンサ341及び第2PWセンサ342が、搬送駆動ローラ53の回転により記録紙Pを所定の記録開始位置まで副走査方向Yへ搬送する過程で当該記録紙Pの搬送方向先端を検出可能に配設されているのが好ましい。それによって、搬送補正値γを決定するための記録紙Pの搬送と、記録紙Pを記録開始位置へ配置するための記録紙Pの搬送とを同時に行うことができる。すなわち、記録紙Pを記録開始位置まで搬送した時点で、既に当該記録紙Pに対する最適な搬送補正値γの算出を完了している状態にすることが可能になる。したがって、記録紙Pを記録開始位置まで搬送した時点で、すぐに記録を開始することができるので、最適な搬送補正値γを算出することによる記録実行時のスループットの低下が、ほとんど生じないようにすることができる。   Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus 50 according to the present invention, as in the embodiment, the first PW sensor 341 and the second PW sensor 342 perform sub-scanning of the recording paper P to a predetermined recording start position by the rotation of the transport driving roller 53. It is preferable that the front end of the recording paper P in the transport direction is detectable in the process of transporting in the direction Y. Accordingly, the conveyance of the recording paper P for determining the conveyance correction value γ and the conveyance of the recording paper P for arranging the recording paper P at the recording start position can be performed simultaneously. That is, when the recording paper P is transported to the recording start position, it is possible to make a state where the calculation of the optimal transport correction value γ for the recording paper P has already been completed. Accordingly, since the recording can be started immediately after the recording paper P is transported to the recording start position, the throughput during recording is hardly reduced by calculating the optimal transport correction value γ. Can be.

さらに、本発明に係るインクジェット式記録装置50は、キャリッジ61を主走査方向Xへ往復動させることで、第1PWセンサ341と第2PWセンサ342のいずれか一方又は双方により、搬送経路のプラテン52上にある記録紙Pの主走査方向Xの両端位置を検出可能な構成としても良い。それによって、副走査方向Yにおける記録紙Pの搬送方向先端のみならず、主走査方向Xにおける記録紙Pの両端位置を検出することもできるので、搬送駆動ローラ53の回転により搬送されている記録紙Pの主走査方向Xの長さや主走査方向Xにおける位置を検出することができる。したがって、記録紙Pに対する主走査方向X及び副走査方向Yの記録実行位置をより高精度に設定して記録を実行することができるので、例えば、記録紙Pの端部で記録画像の一部が途切れてしまったり、四辺の余白幅が不均等になってしまったり、といった虞を低減させることができる。   Further, the ink jet recording apparatus 50 according to the present invention reciprocates the carriage 61 in the main scanning direction X, so that one or both of the first PW sensor 341 and the second PW sensor 342 are moved onto the platen 52 on the transport path. It is also possible to adopt a configuration capable of detecting both end positions of the recording paper P in the main scanning direction X. Accordingly, not only the leading end of the recording sheet P in the sub-scanning direction Y but also the positions of both ends of the recording sheet P in the main scanning direction X can be detected. The length of the paper P in the main scanning direction X and the position in the main scanning direction X can be detected. Accordingly, since it is possible to execute the recording by setting the recording execution positions in the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y with respect to the recording paper P with higher accuracy, for example, a part of the recording image at the end of the recording paper P. It is possible to reduce the risk that the image is interrupted or the margin widths of the four sides become uneven.

このようにして、本発明に係るインクジェット式記録装置50によれば、製造工程において固有の搬送補正値を個々に記憶させる製造工程を不要とし、かつ搬送駆動ローラ53等の「被記録材搬送手段」の経年変化に伴う搬送誤差の変化や新規な種別の記録紙Pの特性にも柔軟に対応して適正な搬送補正を高精度に行うことができる。   As described above, according to the ink jet recording apparatus 50 of the present invention, a manufacturing process for individually storing a specific conveyance correction value in the manufacturing process is unnecessary, and the “recording material conveying unit such as the conveyance driving roller 53” is used. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with the change in the transport error accompanying the secular change and the characteristics of the new type of recording paper P, and to perform appropriate transport correction with high accuracy.

尚、本発明は上記実施例に限定されることなく、特許請求の範囲に記載した発明の範囲内で、種々の変形が可能であり、それらも本発明の範囲内に含まれるものであることは言うまでもない。   The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

本発明に係るインクジェット式記録装置の概略の平面図である。1 is a schematic plan view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention. 本発明に係るインクジェット式記録装置の概略の側面図である。1 is a schematic side view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention. 本発明に係るインクジェット式記録装置の概略のブロック図である。1 is a schematic block diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention. インクジェット式記録装置のキャリッジ近傍の要部平面図である。FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part in the vicinity of a carriage of the ink jet recording apparatus. インクジェット式記録装置のキャリッジ近傍の要部平面図である。FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part in the vicinity of a carriage of the ink jet recording apparatus. インクジェット式記録装置のキャリッジ近傍の要部平面図である。FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part in the vicinity of a carriage of the ink jet recording apparatus.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

341 第1PWセンサ、342 第2PWセンサ、50 インクジェット式記録装置、51 キャリッジガイド軸、52 プラテン、53 搬送駆動ローラ、54 搬送従動ローラ、55 排紙駆動ローラ、56 排紙従動ローラ、57 給紙トレイ、57b 給紙ローラ、58 PFモータ、59 キャッピング装置、61 キャリッジ、62 記録ヘッド、63 CRモータ、100 記録制御部、101 ROM、102 RAM、103 ASIC、104 MPU、105 不揮発性メモリ、106 PFモータドライバ、107 CRモータドライバ、108 ヘッドドライバ、P 記録紙、X 主走査方向、Y 副走査方向 341 First PW sensor, 342 Second PW sensor, 50 Inkjet recording apparatus, 51 Carriage guide shaft, 52 Platen, 53 Conveyance driving roller, 54 Conveyance driven roller, 55 Discharged driving roller, 56 Discharged driven roller, 57 Paper feed tray 57b Paper feeding roller, 58 PF motor, 59 Capping device, 61 Carriage, 62 Recording head, 63 CR motor, 100 Recording control unit, 101 ROM, 102 RAM, 103 ASIC, 104 MPU, 105 Non-volatile memory, 106 PF motor Driver, 107 CR motor driver, 108 Head driver, P recording paper, X main scanning direction, Y sub-scanning direction

Claims (5)

記録ヘッドが搭載され、被記録材に対して主走査方向へ往復動可能に配設されたキャリッジと、
被記録材を副走査方向へ搬送可能な被記録材搬送手段と、
前記キャリッジを主走査方向へ往復動させながら被記録材の記録面に記録データに基づいてドットを形成する制御及び前記被記録材搬送手段により被記録材を副走査方向へ所定の搬送量で搬送する制御を実行して被記録材の記録面への記録を実行する記録制御手段とを備えた記録装置であって、
前記キャリッジは、前記被記録材搬送手段により搬送される被記録材の記録面と対向する部分に、被記録材の端部を非接触で検出可能な第1の被記録材検出手段と第2の被記録材検出手段とが、副走査方向に間隔αをもって配設されており、
前記記録制御手段は、記録実行前の被記録材を副走査方向へ搬送して、被記録材の搬送方向先端が前記第1の被記録材検出手段により検出された時点から前記第2の被記録材検出手段により検出されるまでの搬送制御量を取得し、当該搬送制御量と前記間隔αとの関係から被記録材の搬送制御量に対する実際の搬送量のずれ量を補正するための搬送補正値を算出し、算出した前記搬送補正値に基づいて被記録材の搬送補正を行う、ことを特徴とした記録装置。
A carriage mounted with a recording head and arranged to be reciprocable in the main scanning direction with respect to the recording material;
A recording material conveying means capable of conveying the recording material in the sub-scanning direction;
Control to form dots on the recording surface of the recording material based on recording data while reciprocating the carriage in the main scanning direction and transport the recording material in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined transport amount by the recording material transporting means. A recording apparatus comprising a recording control means for executing control to perform recording on a recording surface of a recording material,
The carriage has a first recording material detection unit and a second recording material detection unit capable of detecting the end of the recording material in a non-contact manner at a portion facing the recording surface of the recording material conveyed by the recording material conveyance unit. And the recording material detection means of the recording material are arranged with an interval α in the sub-scanning direction,
The recording control means conveys the recording material before execution of recording in the sub-scanning direction, and the second recording material from the time when the leading end of the recording material in the conveyance direction is detected by the first recording material detection means. Transport for obtaining the transport control amount until it is detected by the recording material detection means, and correcting the deviation of the actual transport amount with respect to the transport control amount of the recording material from the relationship between the transport control amount and the interval α. A recording apparatus that calculates a correction value and corrects conveyance of a recording material based on the calculated conveyance correction value.
請求項1において、前記記録制御手段は、被記録材への記録を実行する際には、その都度記録開始前に、記録実行前の被記録材を副走査方向へ搬送して、被記録材の搬送方向先端が前記第1の被記録材検出手段により検出された時点から前記第2の被記録材検出手段により検出されるまでの搬送制御量を取得し、当該搬送制御量と前記間隔αとの関係から被記録材の搬送制御量に対する実際の搬送量のずれ量を補正するための搬送補正値を算出し、算出した前記搬送補正値に基づいて当該被記録材への記録実行中における搬送補正を実行する、ことを特徴とした記録装置。 2. The recording control unit according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit conveys the recording material before the recording in the sub-scanning direction before starting the recording each time recording is performed on the recording material. A conveyance control amount from the time when the first recording material detection unit detects the leading end in the conveyance direction to the time when the second recording material detection unit detects the conveyance control amount. The conveyance correction value for correcting the deviation amount of the actual conveyance amount with respect to the conveyance control amount of the recording material is calculated from the relationship between the recording material and the recording material during recording on the basis of the calculated conveyance correction value. A recording apparatus that performs conveyance correction. 請求項1又は2において、前記キャリッジは、前記第1の被記録材検出手段及び前記第2の被記録材検出手段が、前記被記録材検出手段により被記録材を所定の記録開始位置まで副走査方向へ搬送する過程で当該被記録材の搬送方向先端を検出可能に配設されている、ことを特徴とした記録装置。 3. The carriage according to claim 1, wherein the first recording material detection unit and the second recording material detection unit are configured to move the recording material to a predetermined recording start position by the recording material detection unit. A recording apparatus, wherein the recording material is disposed so as to be able to detect a leading end in a conveying direction of the recording material in a process of conveying in a scanning direction. 請求項1〜3のいずれか1項において、前記キャリッジを主走査方向へ往復動させることで、前記第1の被記録材検出手段と前記第2の被記録材検出手段のいずれか一方又は双方により、前記被記録材搬送手段による搬送経路にある被記録材の主走査方向の両端位置を検出可能な構成を有している、ことを特徴とした記録装置。 4. One or both of the first recording material detection unit and the second recording material detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the carriage is reciprocated in the main scanning direction. Therefore, the recording apparatus has a configuration capable of detecting both end positions in the main scanning direction of the recording material on the conveyance path by the recording material conveyance means. 請求項1〜4のいずれか1項において、前記被記録材搬送手段により搬送される被記録材を摺接支持しつつ被記録材の記録面と前記記録ヘッドのヘッド面との間隔を所定間隔に規定するプラテンを備え、
前記第1の被記録材検出手段及び前記第2の被記録材検出手段は、前記プラテンの被記録材摺接面の光反射率と被記録材の記録面の光反射率との差から前記プラテン上にある被記録材の端部を非接触で検出可能な光学式センサを有している、ことを特徴とした記録装置。
5. The gap between the recording surface of the recording material and the head surface of the recording head is set at a predetermined interval while slidingly supporting the recording material conveyed by the recording material conveyance means. The platen specified in
The first recording material detection unit and the second recording material detection unit are configured to calculate the difference between the light reflectance of the recording material sliding surface of the platen and the light reflectance of the recording surface of the recording material. A recording apparatus comprising an optical sensor capable of detecting an end of a recording material on a platen in a non-contact manner.
JP2005291065A 2005-10-04 2005-10-04 Recording device Pending JP2007098759A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2005291065A JP2007098759A (en) 2005-10-04 2005-10-04 Recording device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2005291065A JP2007098759A (en) 2005-10-04 2005-10-04 Recording device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2007098759A true JP2007098759A (en) 2007-04-19

Family

ID=38026180

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2005291065A Pending JP2007098759A (en) 2005-10-04 2005-10-04 Recording device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2007098759A (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2007326342A (en) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-20 Canon Inc Recording apparatus
US8113610B2 (en) 2008-01-04 2012-02-14 Seiko Epson Corporation Fluid ejection device and mounting position determination method
JP2012076851A (en) * 2010-09-30 2012-04-19 Brother Industries Ltd Image recording apparatus
CN105799343A (en) * 2016-03-03 2016-07-27 北京博源恒芯科技有限公司 Ink-jet printing apparatus and printing medium stepping error detection method

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2007326342A (en) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-20 Canon Inc Recording apparatus
US8113610B2 (en) 2008-01-04 2012-02-14 Seiko Epson Corporation Fluid ejection device and mounting position determination method
JP2012076851A (en) * 2010-09-30 2012-04-19 Brother Industries Ltd Image recording apparatus
CN105799343A (en) * 2016-03-03 2016-07-27 北京博源恒芯科技有限公司 Ink-jet printing apparatus and printing medium stepping error detection method

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP5267776B2 (en) Recording device
JP5354975B2 (en) Recording apparatus and conveyance control method
US8020985B2 (en) Image-forming device
JP5040317B2 (en) Recording apparatus, recording control program, and recording method
JP5246211B2 (en) Image recording apparatus and image recording method
CN101224676A (en) liquid injection device
JP2004090316A (en) Recording control method, ink jet recording apparatus, recording control program
US8408828B2 (en) Image recording apparatus
JP5316750B2 (en) Recording device
JP2004182414A (en) Image recording device
JP2007098759A (en) Recording device
JP2008290382A (en) Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method
US20080204495A1 (en) Liquid ejecting apparatus
JP2007145577A (en) Recording device, recording control program
JP4780294B2 (en) Recording device, recording control program
JP4687892B2 (en) Recording device, recording control program
JP2006192575A (en) Recording device, liquid ejecting device
JP2007098760A (en) Recording device, recording control program
JP2010036560A (en) Liquid jetting apparatus
JP4420206B2 (en) Recording apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus
JP2004243741A (en) Liquid ejection device, liquid ejection control program
JP2006213434A (en) Automatic feeding device and recording device provided with the automatic feeding device
JP2007136742A (en) Recording device
JP4662050B2 (en) Recording device, recording control program
JP2004188801A (en) Recording material conveyance amount control device, ink jet recording device, liquid ejecting device