JP5453836B2 - Printing apparatus and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a printing apparatus manufacturing method.

  Conventionally, printing apparatuses have been used. As a printing apparatus, one that performs printing in a state in which the medium moves without moving the head, or one that performs printing in a state in which the head moves without moving the medium is known.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-223772 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-58668 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-193368 JP-A-7-81065 JP-A-9-73012 JP 2007-320110 A JP 2002-103598 A JP 2008-80630 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-199048

  By the way, the distance between the medium and the head can be changed according to the position on the medium. The causes of such a change include, for example, an error in transporting the medium, cockling of the medium (medium deflection), and the surface of the medium being uneven. Here, when printing (discharge of recording material from nozzles) is performed in a state where the medium is moving relative to the head, the medium is moved according to the change in the distance between the medium and the head. In some cases, the recording position due to the recording material was shifted.

  The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce a deviation of a recording position due to a recording material on a medium.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

Application Example 1 In a printing apparatus, the conveyance belt is moved from the upstream side to the downstream side in the movement direction of the conveyance belt by circulatingly moving the conveyance belt and a head having a nozzle for discharging a recording material onto a recording medium. A drive unit that moves the recording medium on a belt relative to the head, a head control unit that discharges the recording material to the head in a state in which the recording medium is relatively moved, and a conveyance belt A movable roller unit that moves a rotation axis of the hung roller, and a position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of the head, wherein the plurality of heads are located at different positions in the moving direction of the transport belt, and the movable roller The unit moves the rotating shaft of the roller on which the conveyor belt is hung, thereby moving the recording material from the nozzles of the plurality of heads. The angle of each head formed by the normal direction of the recording medium on the transport belt is adjusted, and the position adjusting unit adjusts the position of the head for each head, thereby a plurality of nozzles of the head. And a recording medium on the transport belt, the distance for each head is adjusted for each head, and the flying direction of the recording material is inclined toward the downstream side.
Application Example 2 In the printing apparatus according to Application Example 1, the driving unit further includes a first movement mode in which the recording medium is moved at a first speed, and a second speed that is faster than the first speed. The movable roller unit changes the angle to the first angle when the drive unit moves the recording medium in the first movement mode. When the drive unit moves the recording medium in the second movement mode, the printing apparatus changes the angle to a second angle that is larger than the first angle.

Application Example 3 A head having a nozzle that discharges a recording material onto a recording medium, a drive unit that circulates and moves a conveyance belt, a head control unit that discharges the recording material to the head, and the conveyance belt are hung. A printing method using a printing apparatus including a movable roller unit that moves a rotation axis of a roller and a position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of the head, wherein the head is provided at a plurality of different positions in the moving direction of the transport belt. And moving the rotating shaft of the roller on which the conveyor belt is hung by the movable roller unit, the flight direction of the recording material from the nozzles of the plurality of heads, and the normal line of the recording medium on the conveyor belt An angle for each head formed by a direction is adjusted, and the position of the head is adjusted for each head by the position adjusting unit, so that a plurality of the heads are adjusted. The distance between the nozzle of the recording medium and the recording medium on the conveying belt is adjusted for each head, and the conveying belt is circulated and moved by the driving unit, so that the conveying belt moves in the moving direction from the upstream side to the downstream side. The recording medium on the conveyor belt is moved with respect to the plurality of heads, and the recording medium is ejected to the plurality of heads in a state where the recording medium is relatively moved. A flight method in which the flight direction is inclined toward the downstream side.
[Application Example 4] The printing method according to Application Example 3, wherein the driving unit moves the recording medium at a first speed and a second speed higher than the first speed. A second movement mode for moving the recording medium, and the movable roller unit changes the angle to the first angle when the drive unit moves the recording medium in the first movement mode, When the drive unit moves the recording medium in the second movement mode, the angle is changed to a second angle larger than the first angle.

  Alternatively, the following forms or application examples can be realized.

Application Example 1 In a printing apparatus, the recording medium is moved relative to the head by moving at least one of the head having a nozzle for discharging a recording material onto the recording medium, and the head and the recording medium. A drive unit that relatively moves, and a head control unit that discharges the recording material to the head in a state where the recording medium is relatively moving, and the recording material viewed from the nozzle The printing apparatus, wherein a flight direction is inclined toward a relative movement direction of the recording medium viewed from the nozzle, rather than a normal line direction of the recording medium from the nozzle to the recording medium.

  According to this configuration, the flying direction of the recording material viewed from the nozzle is inclined toward the relative movement direction of the recording medium viewed from the nozzle, rather than the normal direction of the recording medium traveling from the nozzle to the recording medium. Therefore, the speed difference in the relative movement direction of the recording medium between the recording material and the recording medium can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the displacement of the recording position due to the recording material on the medium.

[Application Example 2 ] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 1 , further including a first angle changing unit that changes an angle between the flight direction and the normal direction, and the driving unit has a first speed. A first movement mode for relatively moving the recording medium and a second movement mode for relatively moving the recording medium at a second speed higher than the first speed, and changing the first angle. The drive unit changes the angle to a first angle when the drive unit relatively moves the recording medium in the first movement mode, and the drive unit moves the recording medium in the second movement mode. In the case of relatively moving, the printing apparatus changes the angle to a second angle larger than the first angle.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the displacement of the recording position due to the recording material on the medium in each of the first movement mode and the second movement mode.

Application Example 3 The printing apparatus according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2 , further including a second angle changing unit that changes a direction of the head with respect to the recording medium, wherein the driving unit is The recording medium is reciprocally moved relative to the first movement direction and the second movement direction opposite to the first movement direction, and the second angle changing unit is However, when the recording medium is moved in the first movement direction relative to the head, the head is so inclined that the flight direction is inclined toward the first movement direction rather than the normal direction. When the drive unit moves the recording medium relative to the head in the second movement direction, the flying direction is more in the second movement direction than the normal direction. Of the head to tilt toward A printing device that changes direction.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the displacement of the recording position due to the recording material on the medium in each of the first movement direction and the second movement direction of the reciprocating movement.

Application Example 4 In the printing apparatus according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 3 , a surface of the head facing the recording medium is parallel to the recording medium, and the head includes the nozzle A printing apparatus, comprising: a flow channel connected to the flow channel, wherein the flow channel extends along the flight direction.

  According to this configuration, the distance between the surface of the head that faces the recording medium and the recording medium can be shortened, so that the displacement of the recording position by the recording material on the medium can be appropriately reduced. it can. Further, the recording material can be appropriately discharged in the flight direction.

Application Example 5 In a printing method, the recording medium is moved relative to the head by moving at least one of a head having a nozzle for discharging a recording material onto the recording medium and the recording medium. In a state where the recording medium is moved relatively, the recording material is ejected by the head, and the recording material flight direction viewed from the nozzle is directed from the nozzle toward the recording medium. The printing method, wherein the printing method is inclined toward the relative movement direction of the recording medium as viewed from the nozzle rather than the normal direction of the medium.

Application Example 6 A method for manufacturing a printing apparatus, comprising: preparing a head having a nozzle for discharging a recording material onto a recording medium; and moving at least one of the head and the recording medium with respect to the head A drive unit that relatively moves the recording medium is prepared, and a head control unit that discharges the recording material to the head in a state where the recording medium is relatively moved is prepared. The head and the recording material are arranged such that a flying direction of the recording material is inclined toward a relative moving direction of the recording medium viewed from the nozzle, rather than a normal line direction of the recording medium from the nozzle to the recording medium. A manufacturing method for assembling the printing apparatus using the drive unit and the head control unit.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms. For example, a printing method and apparatus, a computer program for realizing the function of the method or apparatus, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, etc. Can be realized.

It is the schematic which shows a printing apparatus. It is the schematic which shows arrangement | positioning of the nozzle Nz. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first recording head 510. FIG. It is the schematic of a recording position shift. It is the schematic of a recording position shift . It is the schematic of printing when the angle Ag is set to the zero angle Agc. It is the schematic of 1st printing mode MDa1. It is the schematic of 2nd printing mode MDa2. It is the schematic of 1st printing mode MDb1. It is the schematic of 2nd printing mode MDb2. It is the schematic of 2nd printing mode MDb2. It is a table | surface which shows three printing modes. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a printing apparatus. It is the schematic which shows arrangement | positioning of the nozzle Nz. It is the schematic which shows the state which the carriage 500d moves to the front direction FWD. It is the schematic which shows the state which the carriage 500d moves to back direction BWD. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a recording head.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
D. Fourth embodiment:
E. Example 5:
F. Example 6:
G. Seventh embodiment:
H. Variations:

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a printing apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. The printing apparatus 1000 records dot lines without reciprocating the recording head (such a printing apparatus is also called a line printer). The printing apparatus 1000 includes a paper feed unit 200, a paper transport unit 300, a paper receiving unit 400, four recording heads 510 to 540, and a control unit 100 that controls these elements. FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic side view of the paper feed unit 200, the paper transport unit 300, the paper receiving unit 400, and the recording heads 510 to 540. FIG. 1 also shows three directions X, Y, and Z that are orthogonal to each other. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Hereinafter, the + Y direction (downward direction in FIG. 1) is also referred to as “downward direction”, the −Y direction is also referred to as “upward direction”, and the + X direction (leftward direction in FIG. 1) is also referred to as “downstream direction”. Is also called “upstream direction”. The paper feed unit 200, the paper transport unit 300, and the paper receiving unit 400 are arranged side by side from -X to + X.

  The paper feed unit 200 supplies the printing paper P to the paper transport unit 300. The paper feed unit 200 includes a paper feed tray 210 and a paper feed roller 220. The paper feed roller 220 supplies the print paper P stored in the paper feed tray 210 to the paper transport unit 300 one by one.

  The paper transport unit 300 includes a motor 312, a transport roller 310, a driven roller 320, and an endless transport belt 330. The conveyance roller 310 is disposed on the + X side of the driven roller 320. Each roller 310, 320 is rotatable about an axis parallel to the Z direction. A conveyance belt 330 is hung on the conveyance roller 310 and the driven roller 320. The motor 312 drives the transport roller 310 to rotate. As a result, the transport belt 330 circulates and moves on the rollers 310 and 320. In the example of FIG. 1, the conveyance belt 330 moves in the + X direction on the −Y side of the rollers 310 and 320, and the conveyance belt 330 moves in the −X direction on the + Y side of the rollers 310 and 320. Each width (length in the Z direction) of the rollers 310 and 320 and the conveyance belt 330 is wider than the width of the printing paper P.

  The paper feeding unit 200 supplies the printing paper P to the −Y side of the driven roller 320. The supplied printing paper P is placed on the transport belt 330 and is transported in the + x direction by the transport belt 330. Thus, the conveyance direction FD (also referred to as “movement direction FD”) of the printing paper P is the + X direction. On the −Y side of the conveyance belt 330 on which the printing paper P is stacked, four recording heads 510 to 540 are arranged side by side from −X to + X. These recording heads 510 to 540 discharge ink droplets toward the printing paper P conveyed by the conveyance belt 330. In this embodiment, the recording heads 510 to 540 eject black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink droplets, respectively. Each of the recording heads 510 to 540 ejects ink droplets to the designated position on the printing paper P in accordance with an instruction from the head control unit 122 of the control unit 100 described later. As a result, an image is recorded (printed) on the printing paper P.

  The printed printing paper P is supplied from the −Y side of the transport roller 310 to the paper receiving unit 400. The paper receiving unit 400 stores printed printing paper P.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of the nozzles Nz on the lower surface of the recording heads 510 to 540. As shown in the drawing, on the lower surfaces 510y to 540y of the respective recording heads 510 to 540, rows of nozzles Nz extending along the Z direction are formed. In this embodiment, recording (printing) of one pixel line on the printing paper P is performed by one nozzle row. Note that the plurality of nozzles Nz corresponding to one pixel line may be distributed in a plurality of lines extending in the Z direction.

  Each element of the printing apparatus 1000 described above is controlled by the control unit 100 of FIG. The control unit 100 includes an interface 130, an image processing unit 110, and a printer control unit 120. The printer control unit 120 includes a head control unit 122 and a roller control unit 124. The interface 130 is an interface for connection with an external device such as a personal computer or a digital camera. The image processing unit 110 receives image data from an external device connected to the interface 130 and creates control data according to the received image data. The image processing unit 110 supplies the created control data to the printer control unit 120. The printer control unit 120 controls the motor 312 and the recording heads 510 to 540 according to the control data. Specifically, the roller control unit 124 conveys the printing paper P by driving the motor 312. The roller controller 124 and the paper transport unit 300 as a whole correspond to a “drive unit” in the claims. The head controller 122 controls the recording heads 510 to 540 and ejects ink droplets from the nozzles Nz (FIG. 2) specified by the control data at the timing specified by the control data. As a result, an image is recorded (printed) on the printing paper P. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 is configured by a dedicated hardware circuit.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first recording head 510. This cross section is a cross section that passes through one nozzle Nz, and is a cross section that is perpendicular to the Z direction. In this embodiment, nozzles Nz are formed on the lower surface 510 y of the first recording head 510. One end of an ink flow path 516 is connected to the nozzle Nz. A discharge unit 514 is connected to the other end of the ink flow path 516. The ejection unit 514 pushes out ink from the nozzle Nz. As the configuration of the ejection unit 514, various configurations for pushing out ink from the nozzle Nz can be employed. For example, a configuration in which ink is pushed out by deformation of a piezoelectric element may be employed. Moreover, you may employ | adopt the structure which extrudes ink with the bubble produced in ink by the ink heating by a heater.

  In this embodiment, the lower surface 510 y (the surface facing the printing paper P) of the first recording head 510 is parallel to the printing paper P. Therefore, the distance H between the lower surface 510y and the printing paper P can be reduced. Thereby, the error of the landing position of the ink droplet on the printing paper P can be reduced.

  In the figure, in addition to the moving direction FD of the printing paper P, two directions PD and FLD are shown. The normal direction PD is a normal direction of the printing paper P from the nozzle Nz to the printing paper P. The normal direction PD is perpendicular to the movement direction FD. The flying direction FLD is the flying direction of the ink droplet DR viewed from the nozzle Nz. In the present embodiment, the flight direction FLD is inclined toward the movement direction FD with respect to the normal direction PD. The angle Ag is an angle formed by the normal direction PD and the flight direction FLD. The reason why the flying direction FLD is inclined from the normal direction PD is to reduce the deviation of the ink dot formation position (recording position) (described later).

  In this embodiment, the ink flow path 516 having one end connected to the nozzle Nz extends along the flight direction FLD. Accordingly, the ink pushed by the ejection unit 514 moves along the ink flow path 516. As a result, ink is ejected from the nozzle Nz in the flying direction FLD.

  Although one nozzle Nz of the first recording head 510 has been described above, the configuration of the other nozzles Nz is the same. The other recording heads 520 to 540 have the same configuration as the first recording head 510.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a recording position shift when ink is ejected in the normal direction PD. The side view seen from the same direction as FIG. 3 is shown in the figure. FIG. 4 shows a recording head 500x having a different configuration from that of the present embodiment. In the drawing, a first printing paper P1 and a second printing paper P2 are shown. The second printing paper P2 is disposed at a position farther from the recording head 500x by the distance dh than the first printing paper P1.

  The recording head 500x ejects ink from the nozzle Nz in the normal direction PD. The speed Vj is an ink flying speed viewed from the nozzle Nz. Positions dp1 and dp2 in the figure indicate ink dot recording positions (landing positions) on the printing papers P1 and P2, respectively. These recording positions dp1 and dp2 are intersections of the line PDL extending from the nozzle Nz in the normal direction PD and the printing papers P1 and P2, respectively. The printing papers P1 and P2 are each conveyed in the movement direction FD. The speed Vp is the moving speed of the printing paper P1 and P2 viewed from the nozzle Nz. The recording positions dp1 and dp2 are respectively at initial positions dp1i and dp2i shifted in the direction opposite to the moving direction FD when ink is ejected. The second initial position dp2i on the second printing paper P2 is shifted in the direction opposite to the moving direction FD by the distance dW1 from the first initial position dp1i on the first printing paper P1. This is because, for the second printing paper P2, the time from ink ejection to landing is increased by the time dt during which the ink flies over the distance dh. The time dt is expressed by a calculation formula “dh / Vj”. The distance dW1 is expressed by a calculation formula “(dh × Vp) / Vj”. This distance dW1 indicates the deviation of the recording position of the ink dots according to the change in the distance between the printing paper and the recording head 500x. In the calculation formula, the variable representing the speed represents the magnitude of the speed. The same applies to other calculation formulas described later.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the recording position shift in the present embodiment. The side view seen from the same direction as FIG. 3 is shown in the figure. In the drawing, the first recording head 510 of this embodiment is shown. Also shown are the same printing papers P1, P2 as in FIG. The first recording head 510 ejects ink from the nozzle Nz toward the flight direction FLD inclined from the normal direction PD to the movement direction FD. The ink dot recording positions dp10 and dp20 are the intersections of the line FLDL extending from the nozzle Nz in the flying direction FLD and the printing papers P1 and P2, respectively. The recording positions dp10 and dp20 are respectively at the initial positions dp10i and dp20i when ink is ejected.

  In this embodiment, the ink flying speed Vj is in the flying direction FLD as viewed from the nozzle Nz. Therefore, the ink speed in the normal direction PD is “Vj × cos (Ag)”, and the ink speed in the movement direction FD is “Vj × sin (Ag)”. Accordingly, the time dt during which the ink flies over the distance dh is represented by “dh / (Vj × cos (Ag))”. Further, the distance Wb in the movement direction FD between the two recording positions dp10 and dp20 is represented by “dh × tan (Ag)”. Here, the remaining distance obtained by subtracting the distance Wa between the two positions dp10 and dp10i on the first printing paper P1 from the distance between the two positions dp20 and dp20i on the second printing paper P2 is the distance Wc. Call it. Then, the distance Wc is represented by “dt × Vp”. The distance dW2 in the movement direction FD between the two initial positions dp10i and dp20i is a difference obtained by subtracting the distance Wb from the distance Wc. FIG. 5 shows the detailed calculation result of the distance dW2. In FIG. 5, the second initial position dp20i is arranged on the opposite side of the moving direction FD from the first initial position dp10i. In this case, the calculation result of the distance dW2 shown in FIG. 5 is a positive value. Depending on the flying speed Vj, the moving speed Vp, and the angle Ag, the second initial position dp20i can be arranged closer to the moving direction FD than the first initial position dp10i. In this case, the calculation result of the distance dW2 in FIG. 5 is a negative value. Note that the distance dW2 indicates a deviation in the recording position of the ink dots in accordance with a change in the distance between the printing paper and the first recording head 510.

If angles Ag is zero, the distance dW2 is the same as the distance dW1 in FIG. As the angle Ag increases from zero, the distance dW2 decreases. When the angle Ag is the zero angle Agc, the distance dW2 is zero. The zero angle Agc is an angle when the ink speed (Vj × sin (Ag)) in the moving direction FD of the printing paper P is the same as the moving speed Vp of the printing paper P. For example, in the case of “speed ratio (Vp / Vj) = 0.1”, the zero angle Agc
Is “5.7 degrees”. The flying speed Vj can be measured by continuously shooting the flying ink with a high-speed camera.

As the angle Ag further increases from the zero angle Agc, the distance dW2 further decreases from zero (the absolute value of the distance dW2 increases). When the angle Ag is the first angle Agu, the absolute value of the distance dW2 is the same as the distance dW1 in FIG. The first angle Agu is derived from the calculation formula of the distance dW1 in FIG. 4 and the calculation formula of the distance dW2 in FIG. 5 based on the relationship that “the absolute value of the distance dW1 is equal to the absolute value of the distance dW2”. .

  As the angle Ag further increases from the first angle Agu, the distance dW2 further decreases (the absolute value of the distance dW2 increases).

More angles Ag is near zero angle Agc, the absolute value of the distance dW2 decreases. This is because the speed difference in the moving direction FD between the ink droplet DR (FIG. 3) and the printing paper P can be reduced . The recording position deviation can be made zero by setting the angle Ag to the zero angle Agc. Hereinafter, the range RAg is also referred to as “allowable range RAg”.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of printing when the angle Ag is set to the zero angle Agc. In the figure, a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 is shown. FIG. 6 shows the movement of the ink droplet DR as viewed from the printing paper P. The first recording head 510 moves in a direction opposite to the moving direction FD when viewed from the printing paper P. Further, the ink droplets DR fly along the direction perpendicular to the moving direction FD when viewed from the printing paper P (that is, the normal direction PD of the printing paper P). This is because the angle Ag is set to the zero angle Agc. Note that the greater the deviation of the angle Ag from the zero angle Agc, the greater the deviation from the normal direction PD of the flying direction of the ink droplet DR viewed from the printing paper P.

In FIG. 6 , it is assumed that the surface PS of the printing paper P is uneven. That is, the distance H between the first recording head 510 (nozzle Nz) and the printing paper P (front surface PS) changes according to the position on the printing paper P. Also in this case, when viewed from the printing paper P, the ink droplet DR flies in the normal direction PD. Therefore, the deviation of the recording position on the printing paper P (position in the movement direction FD) is suppressed.

  As described above, it is preferable to set the angle Ag within the allowable range RAg, and it is particularly preferable to set the angle Ag to the zero angle Agc. By so doing, it is possible to suppress a shift in the recording position in the movement direction FD caused by a change in the distance between the nozzle Nz and the printing paper P (front surface PS). Accordingly, the image quality can be improved without adjusting the timing of ink ejection based on the distance between the head (nozzle Nz) and the printing paper P (for example, the thickness of the printing paper P). The above description regarding the first recording head 510 is the same for the other recording heads 520 to 540. Note that when the flying speed Vj is different for each type of ink, the angle Ag may be different for each recording head.

B. Second embodiment:
7 and 8 are schematic views of another embodiment of the printing apparatus. The difference from the printing apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. 1 is that the printing apparatus 1000a has two printing modes MDa1 and MDa2. FIG. 7 shows an outline of the first print mode MDa1, and FIG. 8 shows an outline of the second print mode MDa2. FIGS. 7 and 8 show side surfaces perpendicular to the Z direction, similar to FIGS. 1 and 3. In the first printing mode MDa1, the printing paper P is conveyed at the first speed Vpa1. In the second printing mode MDa2, the printing paper P is transported at a second speed Vpa2 that is faster than the first speed Vpa1. The number of ink droplets that can be ejected per unit time of each of the recording heads 510 to 540 (that is, the number of dots that can be recorded per unit time) is the same regardless of the moving speed of the printing paper P. Accordingly, in the first printing mode MDa1, the first speed Vpa1 of the printing paper P is slow, so that dots can be recorded on the printing paper P with high density. On the other hand, in the second printing mode MDa2, since the second speed Vpa2 of the printing paper P is fast, the dot density on the printing paper P decreases, but high-speed printing is possible.

  There are three structural differences between the printing apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. 1 and the printing apparatus 1000a of this embodiment. The first difference is that the roller control unit 124a has a first mode in which the printing paper P is transported at the first speed Vpa1, and a second mode in which the printing paper P is transported at a second speed Vpa2 that is faster than the first speed Vpa1. It is the point which has.

The second difference is that the directions of the recording heads 510 to 540 are variable. 7 and 8 , the first recording head 510 is enlarged and shown as a representative of the four recording heads 510 to 540. A rotation axis Sh parallel to the Z direction is fixed to the first recording head 510. The printing apparatus 1000a is provided with a bearing Br that receives the rotation shaft Sh. The first recording head 510 is rotatable about the rotation axis Sh. In this embodiment, when viewed from + Z toward −Z, the rotation axis Sh is disposed in the vicinity of the lower surface 510y (particularly the nozzle Nz). Therefore, the change in the position of the nozzle Nz due to the rotation of the first recording head 510 is small as compared with the case where the rotation shaft Sh is arranged at a position far from the nozzle Nz. In addition, a motor 591 a is connected to the first recording head 510. The first recording head 510 is rotated by a motor 591a. Similarly, the other recording heads 520 to 540 are rotated by motors 592a to 594a, respectively.

  The third difference is that an angle control unit 126a is added to the printer control unit 120a. The angle control unit 126a controls the motors 591a to 594a. Thereby, the angle control unit 126a controls the orientation of each of the recording heads 510 to 540.

7 and 8 show only some elements of the printing apparatus 1000a. The other configuration of the printing apparatus 1000a is the same as that of the printing apparatus 1000 in FIG. For example, although not shown in FIGS . 7 and 8 , the printing paper P is transported by the transport belt 330 hung on the rollers 310 and 320.

In the first printing mode MDa1 shown in FIG. 7 , the roller control unit 124a controls the motor 312 (FIG. 1) so that the moving speed of the printing paper P becomes the first speed Vpa1. This control is performed according to the control parameter RPa1. The control parameter RPa1 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the roller control unit 124a.

Further, the angle control unit 126a controls the motors 591a to 594a so that the angle Ag formed by the ink flying direction FLLa1 and the normal direction PD of the printing paper P viewed from the nozzle Nz becomes the first angle Aga1. . This control is performed according to the control parameter APa1. The control parameter APa1 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the angle control unit 126a. Here, the first flying direction FLLa1 is inclined from the normal direction PD toward the moving direction FD of the printing paper P. The first angle Aga1 is previously set to zero angle of which is determined in accordance with the flying speed of the first speed Vpa1 and ink.

As a result, in the first printing mode MDa1, printing with a higher dot density is possible than in the second printing mode MDa2. The first angle Aga1 is because it is set to zero angle degrees, it can be suppressed deviation of the dot formation position. The first angle Aga1 may be an angle different from the zero angle. In this case, the first angle Aga1 lies preferably within a determined allowable range RA g in accordance with the flying speed of the first speed Vpa1 and ink.

In the second printing mode MDa2 shown in FIG. 8 , the roller control unit 124a controls the motor 312 (FIG. 1) so that the moving speed of the printing paper P becomes the second speed Vpa2. This control is performed according to the control parameter RPa2. The control parameter RPa2 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the roller control unit 124a.

In addition, the angle control unit 126a controls the motors 591a to 594a so that the angle Ag formed by the ink flying direction FLDi2 and the normal direction PD of the printing paper P viewed from the nozzle Nz becomes the second angle Aga2. . As shown in FIG. 8 , the angle controller 126a rotates the first recording head 510 so that the upper surface 510t of the first recording head 510 moves in the direction opposite to the movement direction FD. This control is performed according to the control parameter APa2. The control parameter APa2 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the angle control unit 126a. Here, the second flying direction FLLa2 is inclined from the normal direction PD toward the moving direction FD of the printing paper P. The second angle Aga2 is previously set to zero angle of which is determined in accordance with the flying speed of the second speed Vpa2 and ink.

As a result, the second print mode MDa2 can print at a higher speed than the first print mode MDa1. The second angle Aga2 is because it is set to zero angle degrees, it can be suppressed deviation of the dot formation position. Note that the second angle Aga2 may not be set to a zero angle. Again, the second angle Aga2 is preferably in in in determined allowable range RA g of according to the flying speed of the second speed Vpa2 and ink.

As described above, in the second embodiment, two print modes MDa1 and MDa2 having different transport speeds (movement speeds) of the print paper P can be used. Therefore, printing with high dot density and high-speed printing can be used. Further, the angles Aga1 and Aga2 are used in accordance with the printing modes MDa1 and MDa2, respectively. Accordingly, in each of the printing modes MDa1 and MDa2, dot recording is performed without adjusting the ink ejection timing based on the distance (for example, the thickness of the printing paper P) between the head (nozzle Nz) and the printing paper P. The positional deviation can be suppressed and the image quality can be improved. Here, the second angle Aga2 is preferably larger than the first angle Aga1. Note that the angle control unit 126a, the motors 591a to 594a, and the rotation shafts Sh and bearings Br of the recording heads 510 to 540 as a whole correspond to the “first angle changing unit” in the application example .

  Note that the control unit 100a only needs to execute printing in accordance with a printing mode designated by a user instruction. The user's instruction may be supplied from an external device connected to the interface 130, or may be supplied from an input device (for example, a button or a touch panel) (not shown) provided in the control unit 100a. The image processing unit 110 may create control data in accordance with the designated print mode. Then, the roller control unit 124a and the angle control unit 126a may control the motor 312 (FIG. 1) and the motors 591a to 594a, respectively, according to the designated printing mode.

C. Third embodiment:
9 and 10 are schematic views of another embodiment of the printing apparatus. The difference from the printing apparatus 1000a shown in FIGS . 7 and 8 is that the motors 591a to 594a that change the direction of the recording heads 510 to 540 are omitted, and the movable roller unit 350 that changes the direction (normal direction) of the printing paper P. Is added. In the printing apparatus 1000b of the present embodiment, the adjustment of the angle Ag in each of the first printing mode MDb1 and the second printing mode MDb2 is realized by changing the direction (normal direction) of the printing paper P.

  The movable roller unit 350 includes a leg 352, a guide rail 354 fixed to the upper part (−Y side) of the leg 352, a bearing 356, and a motor 358. The legs 352 are fixed to a body (not shown) of the printing apparatus 1000b. The guide rail 354 extends from the upper part of the leg 352 in the approximately −Y direction. The bearing 356 receives the rotation shaft 310 s of the transport roller 310. The bearing 356 is movable along the guide rail 354 between a first position 350p1 on the -Y side and a second position 350p2 on the + Y side. The bearing 356 moves while maintaining a distance from a rotation shaft (not shown) of the driven roller 320. A motor 358 is mechanically connected to the bearing 356. The position of the bearing 356 is controlled by a motor 358.

  The angle control unit 126b of the printer control unit 120b changes the direction (normal direction) of the printing paper P by controlling the motor 358. The roller control unit 124b has a first mode in which the printing paper P is transported at the first speed Vpb1, and a second mode in which the printing paper P is transported at the second speed Vpb2 that is faster than the first speed Vpb1. Yes.

9 and 10 show only some elements of the printing apparatus 1000b. Another configuration of the printing apparatus 1000b, the structure and the printing apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is the same as the configuration of the printing apparatus 1000a of FIG.

In the first printing mode MDb1 shown in FIG. 9 , the roller controller 124b controls the motor 312 (FIG. 1) so that the moving speed of the printing paper P becomes the first speed Vpb1. This control is performed according to the control parameter RPb1. The control parameter RPb1 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the roller control unit 124b.

The angle control unit 126b controls the motor 358 to move the bearing 356 to the first position 350p1. This control is performed according to the control parameter APb1. The control parameter APb1 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the angle control unit 126b. In this state, the normal direction PDb1 of the printing paper P viewed from the nozzle Nz is parallel to the Y direction. Further, the angle Ag formed by the ink flying direction FLDb and the normal direction PDb1 of the printing paper P as viewed from the nozzle Nz is the first angle Agb1. Here, the flying direction FLDb is inclined from the normal direction PDb1 toward the moving direction FDb1 of the printing paper P. The first angle Agb1 is previously set to zero angle of which is determined in accordance with the flying speed of the first speed Vpb1 and ink.

As a result, in the first print mode MDb1, similarly to the first print mode MDa1 in FIG. 7 , it is possible to perform printing with high dot density and suppressed dot formation position deviation. The first angle Agb1 may be an angle different from the zero angle. In this case, the first angle Agb1 lies preferably within a determined allowable range RA g in accordance with the flying speed of the first speed Vpb1 and ink.

In the second printing mode MDb2 shown in FIG. 10 , the roller control unit 124b controls the motor 312 (FIG. 1) so that the moving speed of the printing paper P becomes the second speed Vpb2. This control is performed according to the control parameter RPb2. The control parameter RPb2 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the roller control unit 124b.

Further, the angle control unit 126b controls the motor 358 to move the bearing 356 to the second position 350p2. This control is performed according to the control parameter APb2. The control parameter APb2 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the angle control unit 126b. In this state, the normal direction PDb2 of the printing paper P viewed from the nozzle Nz is inclined from the + Y direction toward the -X direction. That is, the moving direction FDb2 of the printing paper P is inclined from the + X direction toward the + Y direction. Also, the flying direction FLDb ink as seen from the nozzle Nz is the same as the state of FIG. The angle Ag formed by the ink flying direction FLDb and the normal direction PDb2 of the printing paper P viewed from the nozzle Nz is the second angle Agb2. Here, the flying direction FLDb is inclined from the normal direction PDb2 toward the moving direction FDb2 of the printing paper P. The second angle Agb2 is previously set to zero angle of which is determined in accordance with the flying speed of the second speed Vpb2 and ink.

As a result, in the second printing mode MDb2, similarly to the second printing mode MDa2 in FIG. 8 , printing can be performed at high speed while suppressing the dot formation position deviation. The second angle Agb2 may be an angle different from the zero angle. In this case, the second angle Agb2 is preferably in in in determined allowable range RA g of according to the flying speed of the second speed Vpb2 and ink.

As described above, in the third embodiment, two print modes MDb1 and MDb2 having different transport speeds (moving speeds) of the printing paper P can be used. In addition, since the angles Agb1 and Agb2 are used according to the print modes MDb1 and MDb2, respectively, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the dot recording positions and improve the image quality in the print modes MDb1 and MDb2. Here, the second angle Agb2 is preferably larger than the first angle Agb1. Note that the entire angle control unit 126b and the movable roller unit 350 correspond to the “first angle changing unit” in the application example .

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a printing apparatus. The only difference from the printing apparatus 1000b shown in FIGS . 9 and 10 is that position adjustment units 510c to 540c for adjusting the positions of the recording heads 510 to 540 are added. Other configurations, FIG. 9, the same as the printing device 1000b shown in FIG. 10.

  The position adjustment units 510c to 540c support the recording heads 510 to 540, respectively. Further, the position adjustment units 510c to 540c adjust the positions of the recording heads 510 to 540 in the Y direction. Each of the position adjustment units 510c to 540c includes a motor (not shown). The position adjustment units 510c to 540c can move the positions of the recording heads 510 to 540 by these motors.

The angle control unit 126c controls the position adjustment units 510c to 540c in addition to the motor 358. The position adjustment units 510c to 540c are controlled so that the distance between the printing paper P and the nozzle is maintained at a constant value. For example, FIG. 11 shows the same state of the second print mode MDb2 as in FIG. In this state, the second recording head 520 is shifted in the + Y direction with respect to the first recording head 510, the third recording head 530 is shifted in the + Y direction with respect to the second recording head 520, and the fourth recording head 540 is The third recording head 530 is shifted in the + Y direction. On the other hand, in the first print mode MDb1, the angle control unit 126c sets the positions of the recording heads 510 to 540 in the Y direction to the same position as in the embodiment shown in FIG .

  Thus, in this embodiment, the positions of the recording heads 510 to 540 are adjusted, and the distance between the printing paper P and the nozzles is maintained at a constant value. As a result, it is possible to suppress a dot formation position shift caused by the print paper P being far from the nozzle.

E. Example 5:
In each of the embodiments described above, three or more print modes may be used. FIG. 12 is a table showing three print modes applicable to the above-described embodiments. In this embodiment, “high-definition mode”, “normal mode”, and “high-speed mode” can be used. The printing paper transport speed Vp is Vp1, Vp2, and Vp3 in order. Here, Vp1 <Vp2 <Vp3. Therefore, the normal mode, the high-definition mode having a higher dot density than the normal mode, and the high-speed mode having a higher printing speed than the normal mode can be used. In addition, the angles Ag formed by the ink flying direction and the normal direction of the printing paper viewed from the nozzles are Ag1, Ag2, and Ag3 in this order. Here, Ag1 <Ag2 <Ag3. These angles Ag1, Ag2, Ag3, depending on the flying speed of the conveyance speed Vp1, Vp2, Vp3 and ink, zero angle or, to a value within the allowable range, it is configured in advance, respectively. Thereby, in each of the three modes, the dot formation position deviation can be suppressed. Note that the total number of available print modes may be four or more.

F. Example 6:
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus 1000d of this embodiment records dots while reciprocating the recording head (such a printing apparatus is also called a serial printer). The printing apparatus 1000d includes a paper feed motor 22, a roller 26, a platen 28, a carriage motor 24, a pulley 38, a drive belt 36 hung on the carriage motor 24 and the pulley 38, a guide rail 34, and a carriage. 500d, four recording heads 510d, 520d, 530d, and 540d provided on the carriage 500d, and a control unit 100d that controls each element of the printing apparatus 1000d.

  The paper feed motor 22 rotates the roller 26 to convey the printing paper P in the sub scanning direction SS. A portion of the printing paper P facing the recording heads 510 d to 540 d (particularly, a portion where ink droplets land) is supported by the platen 28. The carriage 500d is supported by the guide rail 34 and is movable in both directions (front direction FWD and rear direction BWD) in the main scanning direction MS perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction SS. The main scanning direction MS is parallel to the platen 28 (that is, the printing paper P). The carriage 500d is connected to the drive belt 36, and the carriage motor 24 reciprocates the carriage 500d through the drive belt 36.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the nozzles Nz on the lower surface of the carriage 500d (recording heads 510d to 540d). As shown in the drawing, the rows of nozzles Nz extending along the sub-scanning direction SS are formed on the lower surfaces 510dy to 540dy of the recording heads 510d to 540d, respectively. In one recording head, the nozzles may be arranged in a plurality of rows. In this embodiment, ink is ejected from the nozzle Nz in a direction perpendicular to the lower surfaces 510dy to 540dy.

Each element of the printing apparatus 1000d described above is controlled by a control unit 100d of FIG. 13. The control unit 100d includes an interface 130, an image processing unit 110, and a printer control unit 120d. The interface 130 and the image processing unit 110 are the same as those in the above-described embodiments. The printer control unit 120d includes a head control unit 122d, a carriage control unit 123d, a roller control unit 124d, and an angle control unit 126d. The carriage controller 123d drives the carriage motor 24 to reciprocate the carriage 500d. The carriage control unit 123d, the carriage motor 24, the drive belt 36, the pulley 38, the guide rail 34, and the carriage 500d as a whole correspond to a “drive unit” in the claims. The head controller 122d controls the recording heads 510d to 540d to eject ink droplets from the nozzles. In this embodiment, the head controller 122d performs so-called bidirectional printing. That is, ink droplets are ejected in each of the state in which the carriage 500d moves in the forward direction FWD and the state in which the carriage 500d moves in the backward direction BWD. The roller controller 124 d conveys the printing paper P by driving the paper feed motor 22. Ink droplet ejection is performed in a state where movement (conveyance) of the printing paper P is stopped. The angle control unit 126d controls the orientation of the recording heads 510d to 540d, as will be described later. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100d is configured by a dedicated hardware circuit.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the carriage 500d moves in the forward direction FWD, and FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the carriage 500d moves in the rear direction BWD. In each figure, the recording heads 510d to 540d are shown enlarged. Hereinafter, the second recording head 520d will be described as a representative of the recording heads 510d to 540d.

  A rotation axis Shd perpendicular to the main scanning direction MS and parallel to the printing paper P is fixed to the second recording head 520d. The carriage 500d is provided with a bearing Brd that receives the rotation shaft Shd. The second recording head 520d can rotate around the rotation axis Shd. The same applies to the other recording heads 510, 530, and 540. A motor 590d is connected to each of the recording heads 510d to 540d. Each of the recording heads 510d to 540d is rotated by a motor 590d.

In the state shown in FIG. 15 , the carriage 500d moves in the forward direction FWD. The speed Vh1 indicates the moving speed of the carriage 500d. When viewed from the nozzle Nz, the printing paper P moves in the backward direction BWD at the same speed. Here, the angle control unit 126d rotates the recording heads 510d to 540d so that the upper surfaces 510dt to 540dt of the recording heads 510d to 540d move in the forward direction FWD. This control is performed according to the control parameter APd1. The control parameter APd1 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the angle control unit 126d. By this control, the flying direction FLDd1 of the ink viewed from the nozzle Nz is inclined in the backward direction BWD from the normal direction PDd of the printing paper P going from the nozzle Nz to the printing paper P. An angle Ag formed by the flight direction FLDd1 and the normal direction PDd is the first angle Agd1. The first angle Agd1 is zero angle degree depends on the flying speed of the speed Vh1 and ink, are set in advance. As a result, the dot formation position shift can be suppressed in the main scanning in which the carriage 500d moves in the forward direction FWD.

In the state shown in FIG. 16 , the carriage 500d moves in the backward direction BWD. The speed Vh2 indicates the moving speed of the carriage 500d (in this embodiment, the speed Vh2 is the same as the speed Vh1 in FIG. 15 ). When viewed from the nozzle Nz, the printing paper P moves in the forward direction FWD at the same speed. Here, the angle control unit 126d rotates the recording heads 510d to 540d so that the upper surfaces 510dt to 540dt of the recording heads 510d to 540d move in the backward direction BWD. This control is performed according to the control parameter APd2. The control parameter APd2 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the angle control unit 126d. By this control, the flying direction FLDd2 of the ink viewed from the nozzle Nz is inclined in the forward direction FWD from the normal direction PDd of the printing paper P going from the nozzle Nz to the printing paper P. An angle Ag formed by the flight direction FLDd2 and the normal direction PDd is a second angle Agd2. The second angle Agd2 is zero angle degree depends on the flying speed of the speed Vh2 and ink, are set in advance. As a result, the dot formation position shift can be suppressed in the main scan in which the carriage 500d moves in the backward direction BWD.

As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the dot formation position deviation in each of the bidirectional main scans. Note that the angle control unit 126d, the motor 590d, and the rotation shafts Shd and the bearings Brd of the recording heads 510d to 540d as a whole correspond to the “second angle changing unit” in the application example .

G. Seventh embodiment:
FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the recording head. The only difference from the recording head 510 shown in FIG. 3 is that the nozzle Nz is provided on the side surface 510eb of the recording head 510e. Specifically, the nozzle Nz is formed on the side surface 510eb on the moving direction FD side of the printing paper P. FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG.

  In the drawing, in addition to the moving direction FD of the printing paper P, two directions PDe and FLDe are shown. The normal line direction PDe is a normal line direction of the printing paper P from the nozzle Nz to the printing paper P. The normal direction PDe is perpendicular to the movement direction FD. The flying direction FLDe is the flying direction of the ink droplet DR as viewed from the nozzle Nz. The flying direction FLDe is inclined toward the moving direction FD with respect to the normal direction PDe.

The structure of the discharge part 514e is the same as the discharge part 514 of FIG. Further, the ink flow path 516e having one end connected to the nozzle Nz extends along the flying direction FLDe. As a result, the ink droplet DR flies from the nozzle Nz toward the flying direction FLDe. The angle Age is an angle formed by the normal direction PDe and the flight direction FLDe. This angle Age is preferably within the allowable range RAg, and most preferably a zero angle.

  In the present embodiment, since the nozzle Nz is formed on the side surface 510eb on the moving direction FD side, the angle Age is increased compared to the case where the nozzle Nz is formed on the lower surface (the lower surface 510y in FIG. 3). Is easy. Therefore, by adopting the recording head 510e of this embodiment, the moving speed of the printing paper P can be further increased. The recording head 510e of this embodiment can be applied to each of the above-described embodiments.

H. Variations:
In addition, elements other than the elements claimed in the independent claims among the constituent elements in each of the above embodiments are additional elements and can be omitted as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

Modification 1:
In each of the embodiments described above, various configurations can be adopted as the configuration of the head. For example, in the recording head 510 shown in FIG. 3, the other end of the ink flow path 516 whose one end is connected to the nozzle Nz is different from the direction in which the ink flow path 516 extends instead of the ejection unit 514 (flying direction FLD). It may be connected to another flow path extending in the direction. In any case, normally, the ink flying direction coincides with the extending direction of the ink flow path (for example, the ink flow path 516 in FIG. 3) having one end connected to the nozzle Nz. Therefore, the ink flying direction can be adjusted by adjusting the extending direction of the ink flow path.

  Further, the configuration of the head is not limited to the configuration having the ink flow path that is connected to the nozzle at one end and extends in the flight direction, and various other configurations may be adopted. For example, a head having a flying direction control unit that controls the ink ejection direction (flying direction) using electrostatic force may be employed.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the surface of the head that faces the printing paper (for example, the lower surface 510y in FIG. 3) may not be parallel to the printing paper. Further, as in the embodiments of FIGS . 7 and 8, and the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10 , when the head direction with respect to the printing paper P is different for each printing mode, at least in some printing modes, The surface of the head facing the printing paper is preferably parallel to the printing paper (particularly the portion facing the head).

Modification 2:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration of the apparatus that moves the printing paper P is not limited to the configuration of the paper transport units 300 and 300b (FIGS. 1 and 9 ), and the configuration of the motor 22 and the roller 26 ( FIG. 13 ) . Various configurations can be employed. For example, a device that moves a table having a surface for fixing the printing paper P may be employed. In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration of the apparatus for moving the recording head is not limited to the configuration of the carriage motor 24, the drive belt 36, the pulley 38, the guide rail 34, and the carriage 500d as shown in FIG. Various configurations can be employed. For example, you may employ | adopt the structure which moves a head with a link mechanism. In general, various configurations can be adopted as the configuration of the drive unit that moves the recording medium (for example, the printing paper P in FIG. 1) relative to the head (for example, the recording head 510 in FIG. 1). . For example, a configuration in which both the head and the recording medium are moved may be employed.

Modification 3:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the first angle changing unit that changes the angle (for example, the angle Ag in FIG. 3) formed by the ink flying direction viewed from the nozzle and the normal direction of the recording medium from the nozzle toward the recording medium. As the configuration, various configurations can be adopted. For example, as in the embodiments shown in FIGS . 7 and 8 , a device for changing the direction of the head may be employed. Further, as in the embodiments shown in FIGS . 9 and 10 , the support portion (for example, the conveyance belt 330 in FIG. 9 ) that supports the portion of the printing paper P facing the head (particularly, the portion where the ink droplets land). You may employ | adopt the apparatus which changes direction. Also, a device that controls the ink ejection direction (flying direction) using electrostatic force may be employed.

Modification 4:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the second angle changing unit that changes the head direction between the front direction FWD ( FIG. 15 ) and the rear direction BWD ( FIG. 16 ) in the reciprocal movement of the head has various configurations. It can be adopted. For example, a device that changes the direction of the head by a link mechanism may be employed.

Modification 5:
In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 , a plurality of printing modes in which the carriage 500d (recording heads 510d to 540d) has different moving speeds may be used. In this case, FIG. 7, the angle control unit 126a shown in FIG. 8, may be added to the printer controller 120d of FIG. 13. Then, the angle control unit 126a, as shown in FIG. 7, similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 8, in accordance with the speed of the carriage 500d, may be adjusted angle Ag.

Modification 6:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the recording medium is not limited to the printing paper P, and various media can be employed. For example, you may employ | adopt cloth and a film. Further, the recording material is not limited to ink containing a colorant, and various recording materials can be employed. For example, a resin may be adopted. Further, it may be a color material used for manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an electrode material used for forming an electrode such as an FED (field emission display), a bio-organic material used for manufacturing a biochip, and CMYK. Ink, metallic color (eg metallic, gold, silver) ink, transparent or white ink, fluorescent ink, pearl ink, opaque ink, magnetic ink, modulated ink that modulates and reflects light of a predetermined wavelength, gloss The ink may be a colorless ink having a characteristic or no gloss, a colorless and transparent (for example, water-based or oil-based) ink for expressing a bleeding effect, and a special ink such as water.

  Further, the configuration of the printing apparatus is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted. For example, in the printing apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing paper P may be fixed and the recording heads 510 to 540 may be moved to print the entire area of the printing paper P. In this case, the configuration for moving the recording heads 510 to 540 (for example, the whole of the motor that moves the recording heads 510 to 540 and the control unit that controls the motor) is “driving unit” in the claims. It corresponds to.

Various methods can be adopted as a method for manufacturing the printing apparatus. In general, a head, a driving unit, and a head control unit are prepared, and the flying direction of the recording material viewed from the nozzle is viewed from the nozzle rather than the normal direction of the recording medium from the nozzle to the recording medium. A method of assembling a printing apparatus using a head, a drive unit, and a head control unit so as to be inclined toward the relative movement direction of the recording medium can be employed. Here, various specific steps may correspond to each of these steps. For example, the manufacture of the recording head 510 in FIG. 3 and the manufacture of the recording head 510d in FIG. 13 correspond to head preparation. The production and the "overall the roller control unit 124 and the paper transport section 300 'of FIG. 1, a" carriage control unit 123d of FIG. 13, the carriage motor 24, a drive belt 36, a pulley 38, guide rails 34 And the entire "carriage 500d" corresponds to preparation of the drive unit. Further, the manufacture of the head controller 122 in FIG. 1 and the manufacture of the head controller 122d in FIG. 13 correspond to the preparation of the head controller. Also, incorporating each of the head, the drive unit, and the head control unit at a predetermined position in a casing (not shown) of the printing device is an assembly of the printing device using the head, the drive unit, and the head control unit. Equivalent to. The position of each element is such that the flying direction of the recording material viewed from the nozzle is inclined toward the relative movement direction of the recording medium viewed from the nozzle, rather than the normal direction of the recording medium from the nozzle to the recording medium. It is predetermined. It is also included in this assembly that the head controller and the head are connected by a signal line.

Modification 7:
In each of the above embodiments, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, part or all of the configuration realized by software may be replaced with hardware. Also good. For example, the function of the roller control unit 124 in FIG. 1 may be realized by a computer having a CPU and a memory executing a program.

  In addition, when part or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by software, the software (computer program) can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, the “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs and ROMs, a hard disk, and the like. An external storage device fixed to the computer is also included.

22, 312, 358, 590d, 591a to 594a ... motor 24 ... carriage motor 26 ... roller 28 ... platen 34 ... guide rail 36 ... drive belt 38 ... pulley 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d ... control unit 110 ... image processing Unit 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d ... Printer control unit 122, 122d ... Head control unit 123d ... Carriage control unit 124, 124a, 124b, 124d ... Roller control units 126a-126d ... Angle control unit 130 ... Interface 200 ... Supply Paper unit 210: Paper feed tray 220 ... Roller 300 ... Paper transport unit 310 ... Transport roller 310s ... Rotating shaft 320 ... Driven roller 330 ... Transport belt 350 ... Movable roller unit 352 ... Leg 354 ... Guide 356 ... Bearing 400 ... Paper receiving portion 500d ... Carriage 500x ... Recording head 510-540, 510d-540d, 510e ... Recording head 510c ... Position adjusting portion 510t-540t, 510dt-540dt ... ... Lower surface 510eb ... Side surface 514, 514e ... Ejecting section 516, 516e ... Ink channel 1000, 1000a to 1000d ... Printing device P ... Printing paper PS ... Surface Sh, Shd ... Rotary shaft Br, Brd ... Bearing Nz ... Nozzle

Claims (4)

A printing device,
A head having a nozzle for discharging a recording material onto a recording medium;
By circulating movement of the conveyor belt, to the downstream side from the upstream side in the moving direction of the conveyor belt, and the drive moving parts that the recording medium on the conveyor belt is moved with respect to the head,
A head controller that causes the head to eject the recording material in a state in which the recording medium is moving relatively;
A movable roller unit that moves a rotating shaft of a roller on which the conveyor belt is hung, and
A position adjusting unit for adjusting the position of the head;
With
There are a plurality of the heads at different positions in the moving direction of the conveyor belt,
The movable roller unit by moving the rotary shaft of the roller that the conveyor belt is hung, and the flying direction of the recording medium from nozzles of the plurality of heads, the law of the recording medium body on the conveyor belt adjust the angle of each of the head line direction Metropolitan eggplant,
The position adjusting unit adjusts the position of the head for each head, thereby setting the distance for each head between the nozzles of the plurality of heads and the recording medium on the transport belt for each head. Adjust
The flying direction of the recording material is inclined toward the downstream side,
Printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising :
The drive unit has a first movement mode for moving the recording medium at a first speed and a second movement mode that the cause of the recording medium is moved at a faster second rate than the first speed,
The movable roller unit is
When the driving portion causes the move said recording medium in said first movement mode is to change the angle to the first angle,
When the driving portion causes the move said recording medium in said second movement mode, changes the angle to the second angle larger than the first angle,
Printing device. A head having a nozzle for discharging a recording material onto a recording medium, a driving unit for circulating and moving a conveying belt, a head control unit for discharging the recording material to the head, and a rotation shaft of a roller on which the conveying belt is hung A printing method using a printing apparatus comprising a movable roller unit to be moved and a position adjusting unit for adjusting the position of the head ,
There are a plurality of the heads at different positions in the moving direction of the conveyor belt,
By moving a rotation shaft of a roller on which the conveyor belt is hung by the movable roller unit, a flying direction of the recording material from nozzles of the plurality of heads, and a normal direction of the recording medium on the conveyor belt, Adjust the angle for each head,
The position adjustment unit adjusts the position of the head for each head, and adjusts the distance between the nozzles of the plurality of heads and the recording medium on the transport belt for each head.
Said conveyor belt is circularly moved by the drive unit, from the upstream side to the downstream side in the moving direction of the conveyor belt, to move with respect to the plurality of the heads of the recording medium on the conveyor belt,
With the recording medium relatively moving, the recording material is ejected to a plurality of the heads ,
The flying direction of the recording material is inclined toward the downstream side,
Printing method.   The printing method according to claim 3, wherein
  The drive unit has a first movement mode for moving the recording medium at a first speed, and a second movement mode for moving the recording medium at a second speed higher than the first speed,
  The movable roller unit is
    When the drive unit moves the recording medium in the first movement mode, the angle is changed to the first angle,
    When the drive unit moves the recording medium in the second movement mode, the angle is changed to a second angle larger than the first angle.
  Printing method.

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