JP5120791B2 - Image recording device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, and more specifically, an image for recording an image on a long recording medium, for example, a recording medium wound in a roll shape, and cutting the image recording medium into a sheet shape The present invention relates to a recording apparatus.

  FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of a conventional image recording apparatus. In the figure, a recording medium 1000 wound in a roll shape is nipped and conveyed in the direction of arrow I by a roller pair 1003 as a conveying means.

  A recording unit 1020 that performs recording by ejecting ink in the width direction of the recording medium 1000 is provided downstream of the roller pair 1003. The recording unit 1020 of the conventional example includes a recording head 1021 that ejects ink, and a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 1000 (the width direction of the recording medium 1000: perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure). The carriage 1002 is conveyed in the direction).

  Further, an ink drying unit 1007 for drying the ink ejected on the recording medium 1000 is provided downstream of the recording unit 1020. Further, a suction unit 1006 that faces the recording unit 1020 and sucks the recording medium 1000 to prevent the recording medium 1000 from being lifted during image recording is provided on the side opposite to the image recording surface of the recording medium 1000. .

  On the downstream side of the ink drying means 1007, a cutter 1005 for cutting the recording medium 1000 and a paper discharge tray 1008 for storing the cut recording medium 1000 are provided.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. As the carriage 1002 moves in the width direction of the recording medium 1000, a line-shaped image is recorded on the recording medium 1000 in the width direction.

  When a line-shaped image is recorded, the roller pair 1003 is driven, and the recording unit 1020 moves in the arrow I direction by a predetermined amount. Further, the carriage 1002 moves in the width direction of the recording medium 1000, whereby a line-shaped image in the width direction is recorded on the recording medium 1000.

  By repeating this, one image is recorded on the recording medium 1000. When the recording of one image is completed, the recording medium 1000 is sent in the direction of arrow I by the roller pair 1003 until the end of the recorded image faces the cutter 1005.

  Then, the cutter 1005 cuts the vicinity of the end of the image, and the sheet-like recording medium 1000 is placed on the paper discharge tray 1008. After the recording medium 1000 is cut, the roller pair 1003 rotates in the direction opposite to the previous direction, the leading end of the recording medium 1000 is pulled back to a position facing the recording means 1020, and the next image recording is performed.

  In the image recording apparatus having the above configuration, when one image is recorded, the recording medium 1000 is sent out to a position where the end of the recorded image faces the cutter 1005. After cutting, the leading end of the recording medium 1000 is the recording means. It is pulled back to the position facing 1020.

  That is, there is a problem in that the recording medium 1000 needs to be sent out and pulled back at the time of cutting, and during that time image recording cannot be performed, and the processing time becomes long. When a recording head with a large number of nozzles is used, the amount of movement in the direction of arrow I (sub-scanning amount) increases after recording one line-shaped image, so a small-size image is recorded. In this case, the processing time ratio for cutting increases, and the ratio of no image recording increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image recording apparatus in which processing time is shortened.

The invention according to claim 1 is conveyed by the first conveying means while scanning in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the recording medium by the first conveying means and the first conveying means. Recording means for performing image recording on the recording medium, cutting means for cutting the recording medium on which image recording has been performed by the recording means, and the recording medium on which image recording has been performed by the recording means. A second transport unit transported to the cutting unit, a predetermined amount of transport by the first transport unit performed in a state where image formation by the recording unit is stopped, and transport of the recording medium by the first transport unit The image formation by the recording means performed in a stopped state is repeatedly performed to form an image on the recording medium, and the recording medium on which the image is formed is cut by the second conveying means by the cutting means In transport and, together cuts the recording medium on which the image is formed by said cutting means in a state in which the recording medium on which the image has been formed is stopped,
By independently driving the first transport unit and the second transport unit, the timing of the start and stop of transport of the predetermined amount by the first transport unit for image recording, and the recording medium An image recording apparatus comprising: control means for independently controlling the timing of the start and stop of the conveyance by the second conveyance means for cutting.

The invention according to claim 2, movably provided between the first conveying means and the front Stories second conveying means, between said first conveyor means and the front Stories second conveying means the abutting roller to the recording medium, and a pressure means for applying pressure to said roller, an image recording apparatus according to claim 1 Symbol mounting and having a.

Billing invention according to claim 3, characterized in that a slack amount detecting means for detecting a slack amount of the recording medium slackened between said first conveying means and the front Stories second conveying means Item 3. The image recording apparatus according to Item 1 or 2.

The invention according to claim 4 is the image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recording means performs image recording by ejecting ink .

The invention according to claim 5 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 4 , further comprising cut position control means for controlling a cut position of the recording medium by the cut means.

The invention according to claim 6 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cut position control means controls driving of the transport means.

The invention according to claim 7, comprising a cutting position detection means for detecting a cutting position, the cutting position control means according to claim 5, wherein the controller controls the cutting position by the information of the cutting position detection means The image recording apparatus according to 6.

The invention according to an eighth aspect is the image recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the cut position detecting unit detects a conveyance amount of the conveyance unit.

The invention according to claim 9 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the cut position detecting means includes a leading edge detecting means for detecting a leading edge of the recording medium .

The invention according to claim 10 is the image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the cut position detecting means detects a cut position indicating means provided on the recording medium. .

The invention according to claim 11 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the cut position instruction means is recorded on the recording medium at the time of image recording.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the cut position instruction means is recorded in advance on the recording medium .

The invention according to claim 13 is the image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the cut position instruction means is provided on a recording surface side of the recording medium .

The invention according to claim 14 is the image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12 , wherein the cut position instruction means is provided on a side opposite to a recording surface side of the recording medium. is there.

The invention according to a fifteenth aspect is the image recording apparatus according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects , wherein the cutting unit cuts the recording medium at two positions before and after the cut position instruction unit .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the recording medium conveyance for image recording and the cutting of the recording medium are performed by independently driving the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit. By independently controlling the recording medium conveyance, it is possible to cut the recording medium without stopping the image recording operation, and the processing time is shortened.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first transfer unit and the second transfer unit are movably provided between the first transfer unit and the second transfer unit. And a pressurizing unit that applies pressure to the roller, so that the roller moves in accordance with the retention of the recording medium, so that the remaining amount of the recording medium And the degree of retention of the recording medium can be detected. By having a pressurizing unit that applies pressure to the variable-position roller, the variable-position roller follows the retention of the recording medium with high accuracy.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, for example, the residual amount can be detected by providing a position detection sensor that detects the position of the position variable roller.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the image recording operation is stopped by applying the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects to recording means for performing recording by ejecting ink with a slow output. It is possible to cut the recording medium without any problem, and the processing time is shortened.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the recording medium can be cut without stopping the image recording operation and the processing time is shortened by having the cut position control means for controlling the cut position by the cutting means. .

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the cut position control means controls the driving of the conveying means, whereby the recording medium can be cut without stopping the image recording operation, and the processing time is shortened.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, by controlling the cut position based on the information of the cut position detecting means, it is possible to cut the recording medium without stopping the image recording operation, and the processing time is shortened.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the cut position detection means detects the conveyance amount of the conveyance means, and the cut position control means controls the cut position based on information from the cut position detection means, thereby recording an image. The recording medium can be cut without stopping the operation, and the processing time is shortened.

  Further, since a means for instructing the cut position on the recording medium becomes unnecessary, a means for instructing such a cut position remains on the image recording surface of the recording medium, and the appearance of the image recording surface is not impaired, In addition, the cost can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 9 , the cut position detecting means includes a tip detecting means for detecting the tip of the recording medium, so that the cut position control means is based on the detection result of the tip detecting means. By controlling the cutting timing of the cutting means, the recording medium can be cut without stopping the image recording operation, and the processing time is shortened.

  Further, since a means for instructing the cut position on the recording medium becomes unnecessary, a means for instructing such a cut position remains on the image recording surface of the recording medium, and the appearance of the image recording surface is not impaired, In addition, the cost can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 10 , the cut position control means stops image recording by controlling the cut position based on a result of the cut position detection means detecting the cut position detection means. It is possible to cut the recording medium without any problem, and the processing time is shortened.

According to the invention of claim 11 , the cut position control means is recorded on the recording medium at the time of image recording, and the cut position control means is based on a result of the cut position detection means detecting the cut position instruction means. By controlling the cutting position, the recording medium can be cut without stopping the image recording operation, and the processing time is shortened.

  Further, by recording the cut position instruction means during image recording, the cut position can be controlled in accordance with the size of the image without using a special recording medium.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the cut position control means controls the cut position based on a result of the cut position detection means detecting the cut position support means recorded in advance on the recording medium. Thus, the recording medium can be cut without stopping the image recording operation, and the processing time is shortened.

  Further, since the cut position instruction means is recorded in advance on the recording medium, it is possible to control the cut position without extra effort during image recording.

  According to the invention of claim 16, even if the cut position instruction means is a predetermined pattern having absorptivity of invisible wavelengths, that is, a pattern that cannot be visually recognized, the cut position instruction means is provided on the image recording surface. The image is not affected.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when the cut position instruction means is provided on the recording surface side of the recording medium, the recording means can be used, and the cost can be reduced.

According to the fourteenth aspect , when the cut position instruction means is provided on the side opposite to the recording surface side of the recording medium, there is no influence on the image, and a large amount of information other than the cut position instruction means is recorded. Can do.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, by cutting the recording medium at two places before and after the cut position instruction means, the cut position instruction means can be removed from the recording medium on which the image is recorded, and there is no edge. You can create a print.

1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is the cross-sectional block diagram seen from the arrow III front of FIG. It is a perspective view of the carriage 20 of FIG. It is the figure seen from the arrow IV direction. It is the figure seen from the arrow V direction of FIG. It is a perspective view of the suction means 6 of FIG. It is a cross-sectional block diagram of FIG. It is a cross-sectional block diagram of the ink drying means 7 of FIG. It is a figure explaining an example of a cut mark. It is a block diagram of the cut mark detection sensor 99 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image recording apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a figure explaining an example of the cutting | disconnection of a cut mark. It is a figure explaining a nozzle. It is a figure explaining a normal recording system. It is a figure explaining a microweave recording system. It is a block diagram of the image recording device of the second embodiment. It is a block diagram of the image recording device of the third embodiment. It is a block diagram of the image recording device of the fourth embodiment. It is a block diagram of the image recording device of the fifth embodiment. It is a block diagram of the conventional image recording apparatus.

(1) First embodiment (mechanical overall configuration)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a sectional configuration view seen from the front of the arrow III in FIG. The overall configuration will be described.

  In the figure, a recording medium 1 wound in a roll shape is nipped and conveyed in the direction of arrow II by a first roller pair 3 as a first conveying means and a second roller pair 4 as a second conveying means. It is supposed to be.

  The first roller pair 3 is driven by driving means (not shown) (first roller driving motor 31 described later), and the second roller pair 4 is driven by driving means (not shown) (second roller driving motor 41 described later). .

  Then, by independently driving the first roller pair 3 and the second roller pair 4, the recording medium conveyance for image recording and the recording medium conveyance for cutting the recording medium 1 are independent. Can be controlled.

  Upstream of the first roller pair 3 is provided recording means 2 that performs recording by ejecting ink in the width direction of the recording medium 1. In the recording unit 2, a carriage 20 that ejects ink to the recording medium 1 is movably engaged with a guide bar 23 provided in the width direction of the recording medium 1.

  Pulleys 25 are arranged at both ends of the guide bar 23, and a wire 24 is wound between the pulleys 25. The wire 24 and the carriage 20 are connected, and one pulley 25 is driven to rotate by a driving means (a carriage driving motor 26 described later).

  Accordingly, when the pulley 25 is driven, the carriage 20 moves along the guide bar 23. The recording means 2 is provided with a linear encoder (not shown) 97 that detects the position of the carriage 20 that moves along the guide bar 23.

  Further, an ink drying means 7 for drying the ink ejected on the recording medium 1 is provided downstream of the recording means 2. Further, on the side opposite to the image recording surface of the recording medium 1, there is provided a suction means 6 that faces the recording means 2 and sucks the recording medium 1 to prevent the recording medium 1 from being lifted during image recording. .

  A cutting means 5 is provided downstream of the second roller pair 4. The cutting means 5 includes a pair of pulleys 52 disposed so as to sandwich the recording medium 1 in the width direction of the recording medium 1, a wire 51 wound between the pulleys 52, and a cutter blade 50 provided on the wire 51. It is made up of. One pulley 52 of the set of pulleys 52 is driven by a driving means (not shown) (cutter driving motor 53 described later).

  Accordingly, when the pulley 52 is driven, the cutter blade 50 cuts the recording medium 1 while moving in the width direction of the recording medium 1 to obtain a sheet-like recording medium 12. A paper discharge tray 8 on which the cut sheet-like recording medium 12 is stacked is provided on the downstream side of the cutting means 5.

  Further, between the second roller pair 4 and the cutting means 5, a cut mark detection sensor 99 for detecting a cut mark as a cut position instruction means recorded on the recording medium 1 is provided.

(Carriage 20)
3 is a perspective view of the carriage 20, FIG. 4 is a view seen from the direction of the arrow IV in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a view seen from the direction of the arrow V in FIG. Do.

  The carriage 20 stores a Y ink tank 221, an M ink tank 222, a C ink tank 223, and K that store Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black: black) inks. An ink tank 224 and a Y recording head 211, an M recording head 212, a C recording head 213, and a K recording head 214 for ejecting ink from the ink tanks 222 to 224 are provided.

  Each of the recording heads 211 to 214 is provided with a plurality of nozzles 2111, 2112, 1311, and 2141 for emitting ink.

(Suction means 6)
The suction means 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 which is a perspective view and FIG. 7 which is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of FIG.

  The suction means 6 includes a box 60 in which a plurality of suction holes 61 are formed at regular intervals on a surface facing the recording medium 1, and two recording medium suction fans 62 a and 62 b provided in the box 60. It has become.

  When the recording medium suction fans 62a and 62B are driven, the inside of the box 60 becomes negative pressure, and the recording medium is adsorbed to the surface provided with the suction holes 61, so that the recording medium 1 is prevented from being lifted.

(Ink drying means 7)
The ink drying means 7 will be described with reference to FIG. The ink drying means 7 includes a box 70 having a plurality of ejection holes 75 formed on the surface facing the recording medium 1, and an ink drying fan that is provided in the box 70 and sucks air outside the box 70. 71 and an ink drying heater 72 that heats the air sucked by the ink drying fan 71.

  In this embodiment, the dry air ejected from the ink drying means 7 prevents the ink in the nozzles 2111 to 2141 of the recording heads 211 to 214 of the carriage 20 from being dried and clogging the nozzles. Therefore, the direction of the injection hole 75 is set so that the direction of the air flow injected from the injection hole 75 is the direction opposite to the carriage 20.

(Cut mark detection sensor 99)
An example of the cut mark will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 which is a configuration diagram of the cut mark detection sensor 99.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, when the recording unit 2 records an image on the recording medium 1, a cut mark 11 (11a, 11b,...) Is recorded between the images. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the cut mark detection sensor 99 includes a light emitting diode 991 that emits light onto the image recording surface of the recording medium 1 and a phototransistor 992 that detects light reflected on the recording medium 1. ing.

(Electrical configuration and operation)
A description will be given with reference to FIG. 11 which is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a host computer which stores image data (parameters such as image recording size, image data color-separated into YMCK) recorded by the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment. Image data sent from the host computer 100 is captured by the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment via the interface unit 91.

  92 is an image memory unit for temporarily storing the captured image data, 93 is an error diffusion processing unit for expressing the gradation of the multi-valued image, and 94 is an arrangement of image data on the image memory and an output order at the time of image recording. A data rearrangement processing unit 95 to be converted is a print head driver for driving the print heads 211 to 214.

  98 receives the signal from the linear encoder 97, generates a pulse signal of ink ejection timing, and generates ink ejection timing to be supplied to the image memory 92, the error diffusion processing unit 93, the data rearrangement processing unit 94, and the recording head driver 95. Reference numerals 9 and 9 denote control units including a CPU or the like that performs various controls.

(Operation)
The operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  (1) Prior to image data transfer from the host computer 100, the control unit 9 writes predetermined data for recording the cut mark 11 in the image memory 92.

  (2) The host computer 100 transfers image parameters such as the recording size relating to the first image to be recorded. The image parameter is transferred to the control unit 9 via the interface unit 91.

  (3) Following the image parameter, transfer of the first image data from the host computer 100 is started. The image data is transferred to the image memory 92 via the interface unit 91.

  When a predetermined amount (one scan) of data is stored in the image memory 92, the control unit 9 starts a series of operations described below.

  (4) The control unit 9 operates the motor driver 63 to drive the recording medium suction fans 62 a and 62 b of the suction unit 6.

  (5) The control unit 9 operates the motor driver 73 to drive the ink drying fan 71 and to operate the ink drying heater 72.

  (6) The control unit 9 operates the motor driver 32 to drive the first roller driving motor 31 to rotate the first roller pair 3 to convey the recording medium 1 to a predetermined recording start position.

  (7) The control unit 9 operates the motor driver 27 to drive the carriage drive motor 26. The carriage drive motor 26 moves the carriage 20 on which the recording head 21 is mounted via the pulley 25 and the wire 24 along the guide bar 23 in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 1.

  Along with the movement of the carriage 20, the linear encoder 97 provided along the movement direction of the carriage 20 generates a pulse signal every time the carriage 20 moves by a predetermined amount, and this pulse signal is input to the ink ejection timing generation unit 98. Is done. The ink ejection timing generation unit 98 generates a timing signal based on the pulse signal and supplies the timing signal to the image memory 92, the error diffusion processing unit 93, the data rearrangement processing unit 94, and the recording head driver 95.

  As a result, the image data to be recorded is sequentially read from the image memory 92 and is input to the recording head driver 95 via the error diffusion processing unit 93 and the data rearrangement processing unit 94, and a signal corresponding to the image data is transmitted to the carriage 20. The Y, M, C, and K inks are ejected toward the recording medium 1 from the nozzles 2111 to 2141 provided in the recording head 21 in synchronization with the movement of the recording head 21, and an image is formed on the recording medium 1. Is formed.

  (8) When the carriage 20 moves by a predetermined amount according to the size of the recorded image, the control unit 9 stops the carriage drive motor 26 and stops the carriage 20. Ink ejection also stops.

  (9) The control unit 9 operates the motor driver 32 to drive the first roller driving motor 31 to rotate the first roller pair 3 to convey the recording medium 1 by a predetermined amount described later.

  (10) When the conveyance of the predetermined amount of the recording medium 1 is completed, the control unit 9 operates the motor driver 27, rotates the carriage drive motor 26 in the opposite direction to the previous time, and moves the carriage 20 in the opposite direction to the previous time. . Thereafter, as in the previous case, ink is ejected from the recording head in synchronization with the movement of the carriage 20, and an image is formed on the recording medium 1.

  Thereafter, (8), (9) and (10) are repeated.

  (11) On the other hand, image data is transferred from the host computer in parallel, and sequentially stored in the image memory 92 via the interface unit 91. The area in the image memory where image data already recorded is stored as a free area, new image data is overwritten, and the previous data is lost.

  In the unlikely event that image data transfer from the host computer 100 is not in time, and the unrecorded image data transferred / stored in the image memory 92 falls below a predetermined amount, the control unit 9 detects this, The carriage 20 does not start moving until the stored data exceeds a predetermined amount.

  Conversely, if the image data transfer from the host computer 100 is fast and there is no free space in the image memory or if it is below a predetermined amount, image recording proceeds until there is a free space above the predetermined amount. The image data transfer from the host computer 100 is temporarily stopped.

(12) When all of the first image data is transferred from the host computer 100, the control unit 9 continues to the end of the first image data on the image memory 92, and stores predetermined data for recording the cut mark 11 Write.
(13) The second image parameter and the image data are continuously transferred from the host computer 100 and are sequentially recorded on the recording medium in the same manner as the first image.

  By these processes, the cut mark 11 is inserted at the boundary between the first image and the second image, but the boundary of the image is not conscious when moving the carriage 20 and transporting the recording medium 1. Two images are recorded continuously.

  In other words, depending on the relationship between the recording medium transport amount and the image size, the tail of the first image, the cut mark, and the head of the second image may be recorded simultaneously in one recording operation (10).

  (14) When the moving amount of the recording medium 1 by the first roller pair 3 exceeds a predetermined amount, the control unit 9 operates the motor driver 42 and drives the second roller driving motor 41 to move the second roller The pair 4 is rotated, and the recording medium 1 is conveyed by a predetermined amount to the downstream side of the second roller pair 4.

  (15) When the control unit 9 detects the cut mark 11 by the cut mark detection sensor 99 while the second roller pair 4 is rotating, the control unit 9 detects the cut mark 11 so that the cut mark 11 comes to the cut position. After the second roller pair 4 is rotated by a predetermined amount, the rotation of the second roller pair 4 is stopped.

  (16) The controller 9 operates the motor driver 54, drives the cutter drive motor 53 to rotate the pulley 52, and moves the cutter blade 50 in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 1 via the wire 51. Then, the recording medium 1 is cut.

  The controller 9 stops the cutter drive motor 53 after moving the cutter blade 50 by a predetermined amount according to the width of the recording medium 1.

  (17) The cut recording medium 12 is stacked on the paper discharge tray 8.

  As shown in FIG. 12, if the recording medium 1 is cut at two places before and after the cut mark 11, the cut mark 11 does not remain on the recording medium 1 on which the image is recorded. When the recording medium 1 is cut at two places before and after the cut mark 11, one cutting means 5 may cut the recording medium 1 in two at a time, or two cutting means are provided and cut at two places simultaneously. May be.

  Here, when the cutting is performed by one cutting means 5 in two portions one by one, the number of the blades may be one, so that the cost is reduced. In addition, when two cutting means are provided and two places are cut simultaneously, the time required for cutting can be shortened.

  Further, when cutting at two places, a borderless print can be obtained by cutting including an image.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 13 showing the details of the nozzles 2111 to 2141 provided in the recording head 21 and FIGS. 14 and 15 showing the method of the feed amount, the recording medium 1 described in (9) is conveyed once. The amount will be described.

  FIG. 13 shows a state where N nozzles 2111 to 2141 are arranged at a pitch p. In FIG. 5, the recording heads 211 to 214 having such nozzles 2111 to 2141 are mounted on a total of four carriages 20 of Y, M, C, and K.

  FIGS. 14 and 15 show a state in which an image is recorded by the nozzles 2111 to 2141 as shown in FIG. 13, where the number of nozzles N = 7 and the line recording density is 1/4 of the nozzle pitch p. Is shown.

  FIG. 14 shows a normal recording method in which the recording medium 1 is conveyed by a pixel pitch, adjacent pixels are recorded by the same nozzle, and all pixels between the nozzles are recorded. It is a system to convey.

  FIG. 15 shows a recording method called microweep, in which the recording medium transport amount (sub-scanning amount) per main scanning is constant. The feature is that two adjacent lines are recorded by different nozzles, and when there is a variation in the ink ejection amount and ejection angle for each nozzle, there is a feature that image unevenness is less noticeable than in the normal recording method.

  According to the above configuration, the image recording operation is stopped by independently driving and controlling the first roller pair (first conveying unit) 3 and the second roller pair (second conveying unit) 4. It is possible to cut the recording medium 1 without processing, and the processing time is shortened.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  (1) In the above configuration, the cut mark 11 is provided on the recording surface side of the recording medium 1 using the recording unit 2. However, the cut mark 11 may be provided using a recording unit different from the recording unit 2.

  In this case, even if a cut mark is provided on the image recording surface by using an ink of a different type from the ink used in the recording unit 2, for example, an ink having an absorptivity with an invisible wavelength (invisible ink), The image is not affected.

  Further, it becomes possible to provide a cut mark on the surface opposite to the image recording surface of the recording medium 1 by using a recording means different from the recording means 2, and information other than the cut mark, for example, image data information, print conditions, Print date and time, comments, etc. can be recorded.

  Recording means different from the recording means 2 include, but are not limited to, an ink jet method, a melt thermal transfer method, a sublimation thermal transfer method, and a dot impact method.

  (2) In the above configuration, the cut mark 11 is provided during image recording. However, when the size of the recorded image is constant, the cut mark may be provided in the recording medium 1 in advance.

  (3) In the above configuration, when the cut mark detection sensor 99 detects the cut mark 11 while the second roller pair 4 is rotating, the control unit 9 determines that the cut mark 11 is at the cut position. As described above, the second roller pair 4 is rotated by a predetermined amount from the time when the cut mark 11 is detected. However, the control unit 9 detects the conveyance amount of the first roller pair 3 and cuts the recording medium 1. Even when the image recording is not affected, the second roller pair 4 may be driven, and the cutting timing of the cutting means 5 may be controlled by the transport amount of the second roller pair.

  Further, a leading edge detecting means for detecting the leading edge of the recording medium is provided, and the control unit 9 detects the conveyance amount of the first roller pair 3 and does not affect the image recording even if the recording medium 1 is cut. Then, the second roller pair 4 may be driven, and the cutting timing of the cutting means 5 may be controlled based on the detection result of the tip detecting means.

  In this case, the tip detection means may be provided with a plurality of tip detection means at different positions depending on the length of the recording medium 1 to be cut. According to the above configuration, since the cut mark 11 is not necessary, the aesthetic appearance on the image recording surface of the recording medium 1 is improved, and the cost can be reduced.

  (4) In order to prevent confusion between the cut mark 11 and the image, a non-recording band is provided before and after the cut mark 11, and the distance from the previous cut mark 11 is stored when the cut mark 11 is recorded. The cut mark 11 is predicted to appear at the sensor position. Only the cut mark 11 detected in the vicinity of the predicted position is used as a reference for the cut position, and the others are determined as a part of the image.

  The error between the predicted appearance position of the cut mark 11 and the position actually detected is usually due to the roller feed accuracy and the like, and the error increases as the recording butterfly transport amount increases. As an example, when an error of ± 1% of the conveyance amount occurs, a conveyance error of ± 1 mm may occur during the conveyance of 100 mm. Therefore, if a non-recording area of 1 mm is provided before and after the cut mark, it can be determined that the cut mark detected between 1 mm before and after the predicted cut mark appearance position is not an image but a cut mark.

  When carrying 200 mm, a conveyance error of ± 2 mm may occur. Therefore, if a non-recording area of 2 mm is provided before and after the cut mark, the cut mark detected between 2 mm before and after the predicted cut mark appearance position is It can be determined that it is a cut mark instead of an image.

  It should be noted that the same effect can be obtained even if a predetermined pattern is used instead of the front and rear of the cut mark 11 or the size of the cut mark 11 itself is changed.

In this way, the recording medium 1 can be surely cut between the images.
(2) Second Embodiment A description will be given with reference to FIG. 16, which is a configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus according to a second embodiment. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the figure, an image processing unit 900 performs error diffusion processing for correcting the discontinuity of gradation of image data from the host computer 100 and a data arrangement that matches the arrangement of image data on the image memory 92 and the output order at the time of image recording. Make a replacement.

  Further, the data processed by the image processing unit 900 is sent to the recording head driver 95 and the data for one image is stored in the memory 901. An imaging element 903 such as a CCD that captures an image recorded on the recording medium 1 by the recording unit 2 is provided downstream of the second roller pair 4.

  The image collating unit 905 collates the image information on the recording medium 1 imaged by the image sensor 903 with the image information stored in the memory 901 (image data sent to the recording unit 2). Yes.

  Then, the control unit 9 stops the second roller pair 4 and drives the cutting means 5 to cut the recording medium 1 when it is time to cut the recording medium 1 based on the information from the image collating unit 905. To do.

  Even with such a configuration, it is possible to cut the recording medium without stopping the image recording operation, and the processing time is shortened. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the first and second roller pairs 3 and 4 are provided, but only the first roller pair 3 may be provided. In this case, the control unit 9 controls and drives the first roller pair 3 and the cutting means 5.

(3) Third Embodiment A description will be given with reference to FIG. 17 which is a configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus according to a third embodiment. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the first roller pair 3 and the second roller pair 4 are arranged downstream of the recording unit 2. However, in the present embodiment, the first roller pair 3 is used as the recording unit 2. The second roller pair 4 is arranged downstream of the recording means 2.

  In such a configuration, if the suction force of the suction means 6 is set so that the recording medium 1 does not sag between the first roller pair 3 and the recording means 2, the first roller pair (first By independently driving and controlling the conveyance means) 3 and the second roller pair (second conveyance means) 4, the recording medium 1 can be cut without stopping the image recording operation, and the processing time is reduced. Shorter. Operations and effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(4) Fourth Embodiment A description will be given with reference to FIG. 18 which is a configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  The difference between the first embodiment and the present embodiment is that the first roller pair 3 and the second roller pair 4 are provided between the first roller pair 3 and the second roller pair 4 so as to be movable in the vertical direction by a guide (not shown). The third roller 1100 is provided, and the recording medium 1 that has passed through the first roller pair 3 is slackened through the third roller pair 1100 and sandwiched between the second roller pair 4.

  The third roller 1100 is biased downward by biasing means 1102 such as a spring. Then, a sag amount upper limit detection sensor 1110 for detecting the position of the third roller 1100 to detect that the sag of the recording medium 1 exceeds a predetermined amount, and that the sag of the recording medium 1 becomes less than the predetermined amount. A sag amount lower limit detection sensor 1112 to be detected is provided.

In such a configuration, when the amount of sag exceeds the upper limit, image recording by the recording unit 2 is stopped until the amount of sag is less than the upper limit, and the recording medium 1 is conveyed by the first roller pair 3. When the amount of sag becomes less than the lower limit, the cutting of the recording medium 1 by the cutting means 5 is stopped and the conveyance of the recording medium 1 by the second roller pair 4 is stopped until the amount of sag becomes equal to or greater than the lower limit. .

  Even with the above configuration, the first roller pair (first conveying unit) 3 and the second roller pair (second conveying unit) 4 are independently driven and controlled without stopping the image recording operation. The recording medium 1 can be cut, and the processing time is shortened.

(5) Fifth Embodiment A description will be given with reference to FIG. 19, which is a block diagram of an image recording apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  The difference between the present embodiment and the first to fourth embodiments is that a linear recording head 2000 is used. Even with the above configuration, the first roller pair (first conveying unit) 3 and the second roller pair (second conveying unit) 4 are independently driven and controlled without stopping the image recording operation. The recording medium 1 can be cut, and the processing time is shortened.

  Further, when such a line-shaped recording head 2000 is used, even when the second roller pair 4 is stopped to cut the recording medium 1, the first roller pair 3 does not have an image formed by the line-shaped recording head 2000. It can be operated in synchronism with recording, and does not reduce the image recording speed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording medium 2 Recording means 3 1st roller pair (1st conveyance means)
4 Second roller pair (second conveying means)
5 Cutting means

Claims (15)

First conveying means for conveying a recording medium;
Recording means for recording an image on the recording medium conveyed by the first conveying means while scanning in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium by the first conveying means;
Cutting means for cutting the recording medium on which image recording has been performed by the recording means;
Second conveying means for conveying the recording medium on which image recording has been performed by the recording means to the cutting means;
A predetermined amount of conveyance by the first conveyance unit performed in a state where image formation by the recording unit is stopped, and image formation by the recording unit performed in a state where conveyance of the recording medium is stopped by the first conveyance unit Repeatedly forming an image on the recording medium,
The recording medium on which the image is formed is conveyed to the cutting means by the second conveying means,
While cutting the recording medium on which the image is formed by the cutting means in a state where the recording medium on which the image is formed is stopped,
By independently driving the first transport unit and the second transport unit, the timing of the start and stop of transport of the predetermined amount by the first transport unit for image recording, and the recording medium Control means for independently controlling the timing of the start and stop of the transfer by the second transfer means for cutting
An image recording apparatus comprising: A roller that is movably provided between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit, and that contacts the recording medium between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit; ,
Pressure means for applying pressure to the roller;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sag amount detecting unit configured to detect a sag amount of the recording medium that sag between the first transport unit and the second transport unit. .   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit performs image recording by ejecting ink. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 4, wherein further comprising a cutting position control means for controlling the cutting position of the recording medium by the cutting means. 6. The image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cut position control unit controls driving of the transport unit. Having cut position detecting means for detecting the cut position;
7. The image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cut position control means controls the cut position based on information from the cut position detection means.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cut position detection unit detects a conveyance amount of the conveyance unit.   9. The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cut position detection unit includes a front end detection unit that detects a front end of the recording medium.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cut position detection unit detects a cut position instruction unit provided on the recording medium.   11. The image recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cut position instruction means is recorded on the recording medium during image recording.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cut position instruction unit is recorded in advance on the recording medium.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cut position instruction unit is provided on a recording surface side of the recording medium.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cut position instruction unit is provided on a side opposite to a recording surface side of the recording medium.   15. The image recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cutting unit cuts the recording medium at two positions before and after the cut position instruction unit.

Images