JP2002166531A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recorder which has an inexpensive constitution and shortens a time required for recording without requiring a strong motor and a large-capacity power source. SOLUTION: In the recorder, while a recording paper is transferred and a recording head is horizontally scanned in a direction intersecting a transfer direction of the recording paper, recording is carried out by a constant recording width in the transfer direction of the recording paper by one scanning of the recording head. The recorder has a platen 15 for supporting the recording paper at a position opposite to the recording head 10. Recording is carried out by the recording head 10 while the recording paper is transferred.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for performing recording on a recording medium, and more particularly, to a recording apparatus used for an information processing apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a computer, or a word processor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A recording apparatus having functions such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile, or a recording apparatus used as an output device of a composite electronic device or a workstation including a computer, a word processor, etc., is based on image information. It is configured to record an image (including characters, symbols, and the like) on a recording medium such as a thin film or a plastic thin plate. The recording apparatus can be classified into an ink jet type, a wire dot type, a thermal type, a laser beam type and the like according to a recording method.

In a serial type recording apparatus that performs recording while performing main scanning in a direction intersecting with the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) of the recording medium, an image is recorded (recording head) that moves along the recording medium. The main scanning) is performed, and after the recording of one line is completed, a predetermined amount of paper feeding (pitch conveyance as sub-scanning) is performed, and then the image of the next line is recorded on the recording medium stopped again (main scanning). The recording operation is performed in a desired range of the recording medium by repeating the operation of (1).

In such a serial type printing apparatus, in order to reduce the time required for printing, the acceleration / deceleration operation of a carriage on which a print head is mounted and the conveyance operation of a printing medium (line feed) are overlapped. There is. Increasing the recording area in the sub-scanning direction that can be recorded in one main scan is also effective to reduce the time required for recording. In an ink jet recording apparatus, increasing the number of nozzles in a recording head is effective in reducing the time required for recording.

[0005]

However, the conventional recording apparatus has the following problems. In a printing apparatus that overlaps the acceleration / deceleration operation of the carriage and the conveyance operation of the recording medium, in order to further reduce the time required for recording, the time required for the acceleration / deceleration operation of the carriage and the conveyance operation of the recording medium must be reduced. Was needed.
For that purpose, a powerful motor and a large-capacity power supply are required, which leads to an increase in cost.

Further, if the recording area in the sub-scanning direction in which printing can be performed in one main scan is widened, the amount of one conveyance increases, leading to an increase in the time required for conveyance. In this case, too, a rapid acceleration / deceleration operation and a high-speed conveyance operation of the recording medium are required to reduce the time required for conveyance. For that,
A strong motor and a large capacity power supply are required, leading to an increase in cost.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus which does not require a powerful motor and a large-capacity power supply, has a cheap configuration, and has a reduced recording time.

[0008]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus which conveys a recording medium, and causes a recording head to perform main scanning in a direction intersecting a conveying direction of the recording medium. In a printing apparatus for performing printing with a fixed width in a conveyance direction of a printing medium by a single scan of a printing head, a printing apparatus includes a support unit that supports a printing medium in a plane facing a printing head, The recording is performed by the recording head while transporting the recording paper.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus which does not require a powerful motor and a large-capacity power supply, has a cheap configuration, and has a reduced recording time.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a host computer, which transmits print data, various control data, and the like to the printing apparatus 100.

Next, the configuration of the recording apparatus 100 will be described. Reference numeral 2 denotes a CPU, which plays a central role in controlling the printing apparatus 100. A ROM 3 stores a control program executed by the CPU 2 and various data such as character pattern data (CG). 4 is a gate array (GA)
And a logic circuit customized to execute processing that cannot be executed by the functions of the CPU 2. Reference numeral 5 denotes a RAM for storing data (including recording data, control codes, and the like) transmitted from the host computer 1 and for storing print data read out from the reception buffer and expanded into bitmap data. And a memory area used as a work area for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 2 executes a control operation. Reference numeral 6 denotes a carriage motor (CR motor), which is a drive source for moving the recording head 10 in the main scanning direction along a recording sheet, which is a recording medium. Reference numeral 7 denotes a transport motor (LF motor), which is a drive source for transporting the recording paper in the sub-scanning direction. Reference numeral 8 denotes an ASF motor, which is a driving source for transporting the recording paper to a position facing the recording head. Reference numerals 22 to 24 denote motor drive circuits which drive the corresponding motors in accordance with instructions from the gate array 4. An interface (I / F) control circuit 9 controls data communication between the host computer 1 and the recording apparatus 100. Reference numeral 10 denotes a recording head that performs recording by discharging ink onto recording paper. A head control circuit 11 drives the recording head 10.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, 14 is a carriage,
The recording head 10 is mounted and scanning is performed in the main scanning direction by driving the carriage motor 6. A carriage belt 13 is fixed to the carriage 14, and the drive of the carriage motor 6 is transmitted to the carriage 14 via the carriage belt 13. Reference numeral 12 denotes a transport roller which is rotated by the drive of the transport motor 7 and transports the recording paper. Reference numeral 15 denotes a platen serving as a support means, which supports the recording paper in a plane facing the recording head 10.

In the above configuration, when receiving data, commands, and the like from the host computer 1 via the I / F control circuit 9, the CPU 2 temporarily transfers the received data to the RAM 5 by DMA and stores it. Next, the CPU 2
The data stored in M5 is read from RAM5 and RO
With reference to the character font data stored in M3, it is developed into bitmap data (print image data). Then, the print image data is stored in the print buffer of the RAM 5. Then, the carriage 14
Is started, and the print image data stored in the print buffer is sequentially transferred to the print head 10 at a predetermined timing, whereby printing can be performed in accordance with the main scanning of the carriage 14. Note that the main scanning speed of the carriage 14 during printing is constant for good printing quality. The carriage motor 6 is a stepping motor, and is driven by a drive control table created in advance.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a recording operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, one-pass printing in which a certain print area is printed by one main scan is performed. FIG.
a describes the operation of recording in the first main scan (forward direction). A hatched portion A in FIG. 3A is an area recorded in the first main scan. The diagram at the top shows the relationship between the position of the recording head in the main scanning direction and the speed of the carriage. The printing operation is performed in a state where the speed of the carriage is constant. The figure on the left is
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a sub-scanning position and a conveyance speed of a recording sheet. The transport speed of the recording paper is constant. As shown in FIG. 3A, recording is performed on the recording medium obliquely with respect to the moving direction of the carriage by the recording head. FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining an operation for printing in the second main scan (sub direction), FIG. 3C is a diagram for explaining an operation for printing in the third main scan (forward direction), and FIG. 3D is a fourth main scan. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of recording in (sub direction). When each main scan is completed, the carriage decelerates, reverses the moving direction and accelerates in the opposite direction. The deceleration and acceleration operations are performed according to a predetermined drive table, and the deceleration and acceleration operations are completed in a predetermined time.

After recording the hatched portion A in FIG. 3A in the first main scan, the carriage performs deceleration and acceleration operations for a predetermined time. Next, in the second main scan, a shaded portion B in FIG.
Record In the second main scan, the area already printed in the first main scan and the area printed in the third main scan are not printed. After recording the hatched portion B in FIG. 3B in the second main scan, the carriage performs deceleration and acceleration operations for a predetermined time. Similarly, a hatched portion C in FIG. 3C is recorded in the third main scan, and a hatched portion D in FIG. 3D is recorded in the fourth main scan.

According to the above-described configuration, since the recording is performed while the recording paper is being conveyed, a recording apparatus which does not require a powerful motor and a large-capacity power source, has a low-cost configuration, and has a reduced recording time can be provided. Can be provided.

<Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a recording operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, two-pass printing is performed in which a certain print area is printed by two main scans. FIG. 4A illustrates the operation of recording in the first main scan (forward direction). A hatched portion A in FIG. 4A is an area recorded in the first main scan. As in the first embodiment, the recording operation is performed while the carriage speed is constant, and the recording paper transport speed is constant. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an operation of recording in the second main scan (sub direction), FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an operation of recording in a third main scan (forward direction), and FIG. 4D is a fourth main scan. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of recording in (sub direction).

After recording the hatched area A in FIG. 4A in the first main scan, the carriage performs deceleration and acceleration operations for a predetermined time. Next, in the second main scan, a shaded portion B in FIG.
1. Record B2. Here, the area B1 is an area recorded in two passes of the first main scan and the second main scan. After the second main scan is completed, the carriage performs deceleration and acceleration operations for a predetermined time. Next, the hatched portions C1 and C2 in FIG. 4C are recorded in the third main scan. Here, the area C1 is an area recorded in two passes of the second main scan and the third main scan. Similarly, the hatched portions D1 and D2 in FIG. 4C are recorded in the fourth main scan.

An end p on the downstream side in the transport direction of the printing width at the printing start position of the first main scan and an upstream end r on the upstream side in the transport direction of the printing width at the printing start position of the third main scan. The end q on the downstream side in the transport direction of the printing width at the printing start position of the second main scan coincides with the end s on the upstream side in the transport direction of the printing width at the printing start position of the fourth main scan. Like recording width, carriage driving table,
When the transport speed of the recording medium is set, recording can be performed using the entire recording width of the recording head. With an inkjet recording apparatus, recording can be performed using all nozzles. In this embodiment, a certain area is defined as 2
Although the example in which printing is performed in the number of passes has been described, the number of times is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

According to the above-described configuration, a printing apparatus is provided which is inexpensive and reduces the time required for printing, since printing is performed while transporting the printing medium even when printing is performed complementarily by a plurality of scans. it can.

<Others> It should be noted that the present invention includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for discharging ink, particularly in an ink jet recording system. An excellent effect is obtained in a recording head and a recording apparatus of a type in which the state of ink is changed by the thermal energy. This is because according to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

The typical configuration and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method is a so-called on-demand type,
Although it can be applied to any of the continuous type, particularly, in the case of the on-demand type, the electric heat disposed corresponding to the sheet or the liquid path holding the liquid (ink or processing liquid) is used. By applying to the transducer at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and providing a rapid rise in temperature exceeding nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer and the heat acting surface of the recording head is generated. This is effective because film boiling is caused, and as a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink or processing liquid) corresponding to this drive signal one-to-one can be formed. By discharging the liquid (ink or processing liquid) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are immediately and appropriately performed, and therefore, the ejection of a liquid (ink or processing liquid) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. Examples of the drive signal in the form of a pulse include those described in U.S. Pat.
Suitable are those described in US Pat. No. 45,262. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of a discharge port, a liquid path, and an electrothermal converter (a linear liquid flow path or a right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,558,333 and 44,596 which disclose a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
The configuration using the specification of No. 00 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an opening for absorbing a pressure liquid of thermal energy is provided. The effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration is based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be reliably and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

In addition, even in the case of the serial type as described above, a recording head fixed to the apparatus main body or an electric connection with the apparatus main body or ink from the apparatus main body by being mounted on the apparatus main body. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be supplied or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is provided integrally with the recording head itself is used.

Further, it is preferable to add ejection recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like as the constitution of the recording apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. To be specific, these are pre-heating by using a capping unit, a cleaning unit, a pressurizing or suctioning unit, an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof for the recording head. Means and preliminary ejection means for performing ejection other than recording.

The type and number of recording heads to be mounted are, for example, not only one provided for single-color ink but also plural inks having different recording colors and densities. A plurality may be provided. That is, for example, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to a printing mode of only a mainstream color such as black, but may be any of integrally forming a printing head or a combination of a plurality of printing heads. The present invention is also very effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of the recording modes of full color by color mixture.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid.
An ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower and that softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used, or the ink jet method controls the temperature of the ink itself within a range of 30 ° C. to 70 ° C. to adjust the viscosity of the ink. Is generally controlled so as to be within the stable ejection range, so that the ink may be in a liquid state when the use recording signal is applied. In addition, in order to positively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy by using it as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or to prevent evaporation of the ink, the ink is solidified in a standing state and heated. May be used. In any case, the application of heat energy causes the ink to be liquefied by the application of the heat energy according to the recording signal and the liquid ink to be ejected, or to start to solidify when reaching the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of liquefying for the first time is used. In such a case, the ink is disclosed in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60
As described in JP-A-71260, a configuration may be adopted in which a liquid or solid substance is held in a concave portion or through hole of a porous sheet and opposed to an electrothermal converter. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, the form of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is not only used as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, but also for a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and a facsimile apparatus having a transmission / reception function. It may take a form.

[0030]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the recording is performed by the recording head while transporting the recording medium, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus that does not require a powerful motor and a large-capacity power supply, has a cheap configuration, and has a reduced recording time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a recording operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a recording operation according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Host computer 2 CPU 3 ROM 4 Gate array 5 RAM 6 Carriage motor 7 Convey motor 8 ASF motor 9 I / F control circuit 10 Recording head 11 Head control circuit 12 Convey roller 13 Carriage belt 14 Carriage 15 Platen

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium is conveyed, a recording head is main-scanned in a direction intersecting with the recording medium conveyance direction, and recording is performed at a constant recording width in the recording medium conveyance direction by one scan of the recording head. What is claimed is: 1. A printing apparatus, comprising: a support unit for supporting a printing medium in a plane at a position facing a printing head, wherein printing is performed by the printing head while conveying the printing medium. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein recording is performed while conveying the recording medium at a constant speed. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a carriage for holding the recording head, wherein recording is performed both when the carriage moves in the forward direction and when the carriage moves in the sub direction. apparatus. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein printing is performed complementarily by a plurality of scans of the print head. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is an ink jet recording head that records an image by discharging ink. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the ink jet recording head records an image using ink droplets formed by thermal energy.