JP2004083152A - Medium alignment device, recording device, control method for medium alignment device, control method for recording device, control program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a number of alignment sensor units for detecting an alignment condition of a recording medium without deteriorating detection accuracy of the alignment of the recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The alignment sensor units 28A, 28B and 28C are provided with a pair of sensor elements 29 and 30 for detecting existence of the recording medium. A sensor element is arranged respectively as a first sensor element on a position corresponding to a minimum medium width which is a medium width of a medium having a narrowest width among the media to be detected from an end to a center of a passing range of the medium along the width direction of a feeding passage, and a sensor element is arranged as a second sensor element on a position apart from the first sensor element for a predetermined element minimum separation distance on the end side from the first sensor element. The sensor elements adjacent to each other along the width direction of the feeding passage constitute the alignment sensor units different from each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a medium aligning device for aligning a medium such as a sheet, a recording device provided with the medium aligning device, a method of controlling the medium aligning device, a method of controlling the recording device, a control program, and a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The recording device records an image on a sheet (recording medium) while a carriage on which a recording head is mounted is running.
[0003]
Some of such recording apparatuses include a sheet aligning device for aligning a sheet supplied obliquely with respect to a conveying roller that conveys the sheet.
[0004]
FIG. 6 is a front view of main parts of a conventional sheet aligning apparatus (medium aligning apparatus), FIG. 7 is a plan view of main parts, and FIG. 8 is a side view of main parts.
[0005]
The sheet aligning apparatus 101 includes an alignment shutter 104 that can advance and retreat to the transport path 110 of the sheet 100 and is orthogonal to the transport direction of the sheet 100. 100 are aligned. After the completion of the alignment of the sheets 100, the alignment shutter 104 is retracted from the transport path, and the aligned sheets 100 are transported by the transport rollers 103 to the recording head position.
[0006]
In the sheet aligning apparatus 101, each set of alignment sensor units 105 for detecting the alignment of the sheet 100 includes a light emitting diode 107 and a photodiode 108 below the transport path 110, and a light from the light emitting diode 107 above the transport path 110. And a light guide path 109 composed of an optical fiber or a prism for guiding the light to the optical path. A plurality of alignment sensor units 105 are provided along the alignment shutter 104.
[0007]
FIG. 9 shows a processing flowchart of the medium alignment processing.
[0008]
Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when it is detected that the optical path of the two sets of alignment sensor units 105 of the sheet 100 conveyed to the conveyance path 110 is blocked, it is determined that the sheet 100 is aligned. (Step S10).
[0009]
After the alignment sensor unit 105 detects the alignment of the sheet 100, the step motor is further rotated by γ steps, and the sheet 100 is transported by the transport roller 103 (step S11). Is completed (step S12).
[0010]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a specific arrangement example of the alignment sensor unit.
[0011]
In this case, the sheet passing area width (medium passable range) through which the sheet can pass is A (245 [mm] in FIG. 10), and the minimum width (minimum medium width) of the sheet conveyed by the printing apparatus is used. ) Is determined to be B (65 [mm] in FIG. 10), the total number Z of the light emitting diode 107 and the photodiode 108 is:
Z ≧ A / (B / 2)
Was thought to be necessary. That is, the interval Q is set to a dimension (= B / 2) which is half the minimum sheet width of the sheet conveyed to the recording apparatus.
[0012]
As a result, in the above conventional example, the total number Z of the light emitting diodes 107 and the photodiodes 108 was considered to be eight.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Also in the above-mentioned conventional sheet aligning apparatus 101, the total number Z of the light emitting diodes 107 and the photodiodes 108 is 8, and from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost and component cost, the light emitting diodes 107 and the photodiodes 108 are combined. Although it is preferable to reduce the number Z, it has been considered that it is actually difficult from the viewpoint of detection accuracy and the like.
[0014]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to control a medium alignment device, a recording device, and a medium alignment device that can reduce the number of alignment sensor units without lowering the detection accuracy and reduce manufacturing costs and component costs. An object of the present invention is to provide a method, a control method of a recording apparatus, a control program, and a recording medium.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, a medium alignment device that detects an alignment state of a medium in a transport path by an alignment sensor unit that is provided along a plurality of alignment shutters, wherein each of the alignment sensor units detects the presence or absence of the medium. It comprises a pair of sensor elements, and corresponds to the minimum medium width which is the medium width of the narrowest medium of the medium to be detected from the end of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path toward the center from the end. One sensor element is disposed as a first sensor element at a position where the first sensor element is located, and the one sensor element is separated from the first sensor element by a predetermined minimum distance from the first sensor element on the end side with respect to the first sensor element. The element is arranged as a second sensor element, and the sensor element adjacent in the width direction of the transport path is Constituting different the alignment sensor unit to each other and characterized in that.
[0016]
In this case, with respect to the sensor elements disposed between the pair of first sensor elements, the distance between the sensor elements located at both ends of the three adjacent sensor elements including the first sensor element is determined. The distance may be the same as the minimum medium width, and the distance between one of the sensor elements at both ends and the sensor element located at the center of the three sensor elements may be the element minimum separation distance.
[0017]
Further, when the width of the passable range is A, the minimum medium width is B, the minimum element separation distance is F, and the number of the sensor elements is Z, the following expression may be satisfied. .
[0018]
A ≦ ((Z / 2) × B) + (B−F)
Further, one of the pair of sensor elements constituting the alignment sensor unit may function as a light emitting unit that emits detection light, and the other may function as a light receiving unit that receives the detection light.
[0019]
Furthermore, the alignment sensor unit may include a light guide unit that guides the detection light from the light emitting unit side to the light receiving unit side.
[0020]
The presence or absence of the medium may be detected by blocking the detection light between the pair of sensor elements.
[0021]
Further, the recording apparatus includes a recording head mounted on a carriage, which records an image on a medium on a transport path, and a medium aligning device for aligning the medium on the upstream side of the recording head on the transport path. The alignment device is provided with a plurality of alignment sensor units for detecting the alignment state of the medium in the transport path along the alignment shutter, each of the alignment sensor units includes a pair of sensor elements for detecting the presence or absence of the medium, One sensor is provided at a position corresponding to the minimum medium width which is the medium width of the narrowest medium among the mediums to be detected from the end of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path toward the center. An element is arranged as a first sensor element, and the first sensor element is closer to the end than the first sensor element. One sensor element is arranged as a second sensor element separated by a fixed element minimum separation distance, and sensor elements adjacent in the width direction of the transport path constitute the different alignment sensor units. Features.
[0022]
In this case, with respect to the sensor elements disposed between the pair of first sensor elements, the distance between the sensor elements located at both ends of the three adjacent sensor elements including the first sensor element is determined. The distance may be the same as the minimum medium width, and the distance between one of the sensor elements at both ends and the sensor element located at the center of the three sensor elements may be the element minimum separation distance.
[0023]
Further, when the width of the passable range is A, the minimum medium width is B, the minimum element separation distance is F, and the number of the sensor elements is Z, the following expression may be satisfied. .
[0024]
A ≦ ((Z / 2) × B) + (B−F)
A plurality of alignment sensor units installed along the alignment shutter include a pair of sensor elements for detecting the presence / absence of the medium, from the end of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path to the center. One of the sensor elements is disposed as a first sensor element at a position corresponding to a minimum medium width which is a medium width of a medium having the narrowest width of the medium to be detected, and the end of the sensor element is located closer to the end than the first sensor element. One sensor element is disposed as a second sensor element on the unit side and separated from the first sensor element by a predetermined element minimum separation distance, and the sensor elements adjacent in the width direction of the transport path are different from each other. Constitutes an alignment sensor unit, and is transported by the medium transport device by the alignment sensor unit. A method of controlling a medium alignment device that detects an alignment state of a medium being transported in a transport path includes a medium presence / absence determination step of determining whether or not the medium has been detected in at least two of the alignment sensor units. It is determined whether or not the medium is detected in at least three of the alignment sensor units in a minute conveyance process in which the conveyance amount per step is smaller than the conveyance amount per step in the normal conveyance. It is characterized by having an alignment discriminating process and being provided.
[0025]
Further, a control method of a recording apparatus including a medium alignment device for recording an image on a medium on a transport path by a recording head mounted on a carriage and aligning the medium upstream of the recording head on the transport path is provided. In the medium alignment device, a plurality of alignment sensor units for detecting an alignment state of the medium in a transport path are provided along an alignment shutter, and each of the alignment sensor units includes a pair of sensor elements for detecting the presence or absence of the medium. A position corresponding to a minimum medium width, which is the medium width of the narrowest medium among the mediums to be detected, from the end of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path toward the center. Two sensor elements are arranged as a first sensor element, and the first sensor element is closer to the end than the first sensor element. One sensor element is arranged as a second sensor element separated by a predetermined element minimum separation distance from the sensor element, and the sensor elements adjacent in the width direction of the transport path constitute the different alignment sensor units, A medium presence / absence determination step of determining whether or not the medium has been detected in at least two of the alignment sensor units; and a small amount of conveyance per step smaller than the conveyance amount per step during normal conveyance of the medium. It is characterized by comprising a micro-transporting step of transporting, and an alignment determining step of determining whether the medium has been detected in at least three of the alignment sensor units.
[0026]
A plurality of alignment sensor units installed along the alignment shutter include a pair of sensor elements for detecting the presence / absence of the medium, from the end of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path to the center. One of the sensor elements is disposed as a first sensor element at a position corresponding to a minimum medium width which is a medium width of a medium having the narrowest width of the medium to be detected, and the end of the sensor element is located closer to the end than the first sensor element. One sensor element is disposed as a second sensor element on the unit side and separated from the first sensor element by a predetermined element minimum separation distance, and the sensor elements adjacent in the width direction of the transport path are different from each other. Constitutes an alignment sensor unit, and is transported by the medium transport device by the alignment sensor unit. A control program for controlling, by a computer, a medium alignment device that detects an alignment state of a medium being transported in a transport path, the control program causes at least two of the alignment sensor units to determine whether the medium has been detected, and Is carried out with a small amount of conveyance per step smaller than the amount of conveyance per step during normal conveyance, and at least three of the alignment sensor units determine whether the medium is detected. Features.
[0027]
Further, a recording head mounted on a carriage records an image on a medium on a transport path and controls a recording apparatus provided with a medium alignment device for aligning the medium on the upstream side of the recording head on the transport path by a computer. The medium alignment device is provided with a plurality of alignment sensor units for detecting the alignment state of the medium in the transport path along the alignment shutter, and each of the alignment sensor units detects the presence or absence of the medium. A pair of sensor elements, the width of the medium in the width direction of the transport path from the end to the center of the medium to be detected is the minimum medium width which is the medium width of the narrowest medium of the medium to be detected. One sensor element is disposed as a first sensor element at a corresponding position, and the first sensor element is provided. One sensor element is disposed as a second sensor element further apart from the first sensor element by a predetermined minimum separation distance from the first sensor element than the end portion, and the sensor element adjacent in the width direction of the transport path is: Configuring the alignment sensor units different from each other, wherein the control program causes the at least two alignment sensor units to determine whether or not the medium has been detected, and to determine whether or not the medium has been transported in one step during normal transport. A small amount of conveyance per step is performed, and at least three of the alignment sensor units determine whether the medium is detected.
[0028]
Further, each of the control programs may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of a printer (recording apparatus) according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the sheet alignment device of the printer of FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sheet aligning device of the printer of FIG.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 strikes a large number of recording wires of a recording head 13 on a sheet as a medium via an ink ribbon (both not shown), and records an image including characters on the sheet S. Dot impact printer.
[0032]
The sheet S is a cut sheet or a film cut into a predetermined length, or a copy sheet or a passbook in which a plurality of sheets are overlapped.
[0033]
The printer body 11 of the printer 10 includes a body frame 12 (see FIG. 2), a recording head 13, a carriage 14, a platen 15, a sheet guide 16, a first transport roller 21, a second transport roller 22, It has a third transport roller 23, a fourth transport roller 24, and a sheet alignment device 17.
[0034]
On the main body frame 12, a platen 15, a sheet guide 16, and a sheet guide 18 having a planar shape are installed.
[0035]
The sheet guide 16 has a flat surface, and the flat surface constitutes a sheet conveyance surface as a conveyance path for conveying the sheet.
[0036]
The sheet guide 18 is disposed above the sheet guide 16 and guides sheet conveyance in cooperation with the sheet guide 16.
[0037]
The sheet transport mechanism including the platen 15 includes a first transport roller 21 and a second transport roller 22 on the front side of the printer body 11 with respect to the platen 15, and a third transport roller 23 and a fourth transport roller 24 on the platen 15. On the other hand, they are arranged on the rear side of the printer main body 11, respectively.
[0038]
The first transport roller 21 and the second transport roller 22 are arranged vertically to form a pair. At least one of the first transport roller 21 and the second transport roller 22 is a drive roller.
[0039]
Similarly, the third transport roller 23 and the fourth transport roller 24 are arranged vertically to form a pair. At least one of the third transport roller 23 and the fourth transport roller 24 is a drive roller.
[0040]
Of these transport rollers 21 to 24, the rotation axes of the first transport roller 21 and the third transport roller 23 are disposed below the sheet guide 16 together with the platen 15, and the first transport roller 21 and the third transport roller 23 Is projected above the sheet guide 16.
[0041]
Further, the second transport roller 22 and the fourth transport roller 24 are arranged above the sheet guide 16.
[0042]
In this case, the pair of the first transport roller 21 and the second transport roller 22 and the third transport roller 23 and the fourth transport roller 24 can transport the sheet at the same speed in the same direction. Has become.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet S is automatically or manually supplied from the front side of the printer main body 11, and is then sandwiched between a pair of the first transport roller 21 and the second transport roller 22 to form a third transport sheet. The sheet is conveyed while being sandwiched between the roller 23 and the fourth conveying roller 24, and is conveyed in the direction of arrow A from the front to the rear of the printer main body 11. Alternatively, the paper is conveyed in the direction of arrow B from the rear of the printer body 11 to the front.
[0044]
As a result, the sheet S is conveyed between the recording head 13 and the platen 15 in the sub-scanning direction of the carriage 14.
[0045]
The carriage 14 is slidably inserted into a carriage shaft 19 fixed to the main body frame 12 and has a recording head 13 mounted thereon.
[0046]
At this time, the carriage shaft 19 extends in the extending direction of the platen 15, the rotation axis of the first conveyance roller 21, the rotation axis of the second conveyance roller 22, the rotation axis of the third conveyance roller 23, and the rotation axis of the fourth conveyance roller 24. Are arranged along the main scanning direction parallel to the main scanning direction.
[0047]
The recording head 13 has a large number of recording wires (not shown), and while traveling in the main scanning direction by the carriage 14, protrudes the recording wires based on the print pattern and strikes the ink ribbon (not shown). The ink of the ink ribbon is adhered to the sheet S on the sheet guide 16 conveyed between the platen 15 and the recording head 13, and an image including characters is recorded on the sheet S.
[0048]
The recording operation by the recording head 13 is performed by the recording wire of the recording head 13 while the carriage 14 is traveling in the first direction or the second direction opposite to the first direction along the main scanning direction. Is recorded. Then, each time one row of recording is performed, the first transport roller 21, the second transport roller 22, the third transport roller 23, and the fourth transport roller 24 transport the sheet by a predetermined length (normal line spacing). The operation is performed by repeating the operation.
[0049]
When the sheet S is supplied to the printer 10, the leading end of the sheet S is inclined with respect to the platen 15, the first transport roller 21, the second transport roller 22, the third transport roller 23, and the fourth transport roller 24. May be supplied. If the recording head 13 performs a recording operation on the sheet S in such a state that the sheet S is supplied obliquely, an image recorded on the sheet S is skewed.
[0050]
Thus, the sheet aligning device 17 aligns the sheets S thus supplied obliquely.
[0051]
The sheet aligning device 17 includes an alignment shutter 27 for moving the sheet S by the first transport roller 21 and the second transport roller 22 functioning as alignment rollers, and abutting the leading end of the sheet S to perform alignment. And a plurality of sets of alignment sensor units 28A, 28B, 28C for detecting whether or not the process has been completed.
[0052]
The alignment shutter 27 is arranged on the upstream side of the recording head 13 in the transport direction of the sheet S toward the recording head 13 (the direction of arrow A). In other words, it is arranged between the first transport roller 21 (or the second transport roller 22) and the recording head 13 in the direction along the transport path.
[0053]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the alignment shutter 27 extends in the main scanning direction, and is configured to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the sheet guide 16 using a lifting mechanism (not shown).
[0054]
When the first conveyance roller 21 and the second conveyance roller 22 are rotated while the alignment shutter 27 is protruded into the conveyance path, a part of the leading end of the skewed sheet S hits the alignment shutter 27. Eventually, all of the leading edge of the sheet S comes into contact with the alignment shutter 27, and the sheet S is aligned.
[0055]
At this time, the alignment sensor units 28A, 28B, 28C detect the alignment state of the sheet S.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 2, the alignment sensor units 28A, 28B, and 28C roughly include a light emitting diode (LED; sensor element) 29 that functions as a light emitting unit, a photodiode (sensor element) 30 that functions as a light receiving unit, and a light guide path. And an optical fiber 31 functioning as an optical fiber.
[0057]
In this case, a light emitting diode 29 and a photodiode 30 as a light receiving unit are arranged below the sheet guide 16. On the other hand, on the upper side of the sheet guide 16, one end faces the corresponding light emitting diode 29, and the other end faces the corresponding photodiode 30.
[0058]
Here, the arrangement of the light emitting diodes 29 and the photodiodes 30 constituting the alignment sensor units 28A, 28B, 28C will be described.
[0059]
In this case, the light emitting diode 29 and the photodiode 30 that constitute the alignment sensor unit 28B function as a first sensor element.
[0060]
The light emitting diode 29 and the photodiode 30 constituting the alignment sensor unit 28B are arranged such that the minimum width of the paper of the printer 10 (from the mutually different one end of the paper passing area (medium passable range) to the center). (Minimum medium width). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the width of the paper passing area is 245 [mm], the minimum width of the paper is 65 [mm], and the light emitting diodes 29 and The photodiode 30 is arranged at a position of 65 [mm] from each end of the paper passing area toward the center.
[0061]
Further, the light emitting diode 29 of the alignment sensor unit 28A and the photodiode 30 of the alignment sensor unit 28C function as a second sensor element.
[0062]
Further, the light emitting diode 29 forming the alignment sensor unit 28A and the photodiode 30 forming the alignment sensor unit 28C are smaller than the light emitting diode 29 and the photodiode 30 forming the alignment sensor unit 28B functioning as the first sensor element. It is separated from the first sensor element (the light emitting diode 29 and the photodiode 30 constituting the alignment sensor unit 28B) by a minimum separation distance (predetermined element minimum separation distance) necessary for alignment detection on the end side of the paper passing area. Are located.
[0063]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the light emitting diodes 29 or the photodiodes 30 adjacent in the main scanning direction (the width direction of the transport path) constitute different alignment sensor units.
[0064]
In addition, regarding the sensor element disposed between the pair of first sensor elements, namely, the light emitting diode 29 and the photodiode 30 forming the alignment sensor unit 28B and the photodiode 30 and the alignment sensor unit 28C forming the alignment sensor unit 28A. Regarding the light emitting diode 29 to be constituted, the distance between the sensor elements located at both ends of the three adjacent sensor elements including the first sensor element is set to be the same as the minimum paper width (B) (see FIG. 4). ). In this case, the distance between one of the sensor elements at both ends and the sensor element located at the center among the three adjacent sensor elements is defined as the minimum separation distance (F) required for alignment detection. More specifically, in the case of the light emitting diode 29 forming the alignment sensor unit 28B, the photodiode 30 forming the alignment sensor unit 28A, and the light emitting diode 29 forming the alignment sensor unit 28C, the alignment sensor unit 28B is formed. The distance between the light emitting diode 29 and the photodiode 30 constituting the alignment sensor unit 28A is the same as the minimum paper width. On the other hand, the photodiode 30 forming the alignment sensor unit 28A and the light emitting diode 29 forming the alignment sensor unit 28C have a minimum separation distance required for alignment detection.
[0065]
Generally, the width of the paper passing area (medium passable range) is A, the minimum paper width (minimum medium width) is B, and the minimum separation distance (element minimum separation distance) required for alignment detection is B. When the number of sensor elements is Z and the number of sensor elements is Z, the arrangement of each sensor element is determined so that the following equation is satisfied.
[0066]
A ≦ ((Z / 2) × B) + (B−F)
At the time of actual arrangement, in addition to determining the arrangement positions of the first sensor element and the second sensor element, the distance from the center of the sheet passing area toward both ends is half the minimum separation distance required for alignment detection ( 2 / F), the necessary number of sensor elements are sequentially arranged between the first sensor element and the sensor element arranged at the center, whereby the arrangement is completed with a smaller number of sensor elements. Will be done.
[0067]
As an example of the arrangement of the sensor elements, as shown in FIG. 4, the width A of the sheet passing area (measurable area of the medium) is 245 [mm], and the minimum sheet width (minimum medium width) B is 65 [mm]. When the minimum separation distance (element minimum separation distance) F required for alignment detection is set to F = 15 [mm], the number Z of sensor elements becomes
245 ≦ ((Z / 2) × 65) + (65−15)
And therefore,
Z ≧ 6
Thus, six sensor elements, and finally, three sensor units 28A, 28B, and 28C may be provided as shown in FIG.
[0068]
Next, the actual sheet S alignment processing will be described with reference to FIG.
[0069]
FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart of the alignment processing.
[0070]
When the sheet S is conveyed into the sheet guide 16 of the printer 10, the first conveyance roller 21 and the second conveyance roller 22 are driven to convey the sheet S toward the alignment shutter 27 projecting into the conveyance path ( Step S1).
[0071]
Next, it is determined whether or not the sheet S is detected by any two of the alignment sensor units 28A, 28B, 28C (step S2).
[0072]
That is, it is determined whether or not there are two sets of alignment sensor units that do not reach the photodiode 30 because the detection light emitted from the light emitting diode 29 is blocked by the sheet S.
[0073]
In the determination in step S2, if the sheet S has not been detected in any of the alignment sensor units or if the sheet S has been detected in only one of the alignment sensor units (step S2; No), the sheets are still aligned. The conveyance by the first conveyance roller 21 and the second conveyance roller 22 is continued assuming that the fine adjustment of the state has not been performed.
[0074]
In the determination of step S2, when the sheet S is detected by any two of the alignment sensor units 28A, 28B, and 28C (step S2; Yes), the sheet is detected by the two alignment sensor units. After S is detected, it is determined whether or not the count value N (initial value N = 0) has reached a predetermined value (N = 10 in FIG. 5) (step S3). That is, it is determined whether or not the alignment state fine adjustment processing time has elapsed.
[0075]
If it is determined in step S3 that the count value N is less than 10 (step S3; No), it is determined that the time is within the fine adjustment processing time of the alignment state, and the first transport roller 21 and the second transport roller 22 are driven. The step motor is driven by a very small amount (for example, α / 10 step: α is an arbitrary constant), and the sheet S is transported by the first transport roller 21 and the second transport roller 22 (step S4).
[0076]
Each time the process of step S4 is performed once, 1 is added to the count value N to obtain a new count value N (step S5).
[0077]
After the processing in step S4, it is determined whether or not the sheet S is detected in all of the alignment sensor units 28A, 28B, 28C (step S6). That is, it is determined whether or not the fine adjustment of the alignment is completed.
[0078]
If it is determined in step S6 that the sheet S has not yet been detected in all of the alignment sensor units 28A, 28B, and 28C (step S6; No), it is determined that the fine adjustment of alignment has not been completed, and the processing is performed. The process returns to step S3, and the same process is performed.
[0079]
In the determination in step S6, if the sheet S is detected in all of the alignment sensor units 28A, 28B, and 28C (step S6; Yes), it is determined that the fine adjustment of the alignment has been completed and the step motor is slightly reduced (step S6). For example, β step: β is an arbitrary constant), and the sheet S is transported by the first transport roller 21 and the second transport roller 22 (Step S7), and the leading end side of the sheet S is securely abutted against the alignment shutter 27. To complete the alignment (step S8).
[0080]
According to the above-described embodiment, the alignment device can be configured with a smaller number of alignment sensor units than in the related art, and the accuracy of detecting the alignment of the sheet S is not reduced.
[0081]
In other words, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost without lowering the alignment detection accuracy.
[0082]
In the above description, in the first sensor element and the sensor element disposed between the first sensor elements, namely, the light emitting diode 29 and the photodiode 30 forming the alignment sensor unit 28B and the photodiode 30 forming the alignment sensor unit 28A In the light emitting diode 29 constituting the alignment sensor unit 28C, the distance between the sensor elements located at both ends of the three adjacent sensor elements is set to be the same as the minimum paper width. In this case, the distance between one of the sensor elements at both ends and the sensor element located at the center among the three adjacent sensor elements is defined as the minimum separation distance required for alignment detection. More specifically, in the case of the light emitting diode 29 forming the alignment sensor unit 28B, the photodiode 30 forming the alignment sensor unit 28A, and the light emitting diode 29 forming the alignment sensor unit 28C, the alignment sensor unit 28B is formed. The distance between the light emitting diode 29 and the photodiode 30 forming the alignment sensor unit 28A is the same as the paper minimum width. The photodiode 30 forming the alignment sensor unit 28A and the light emitting diode 29 forming the alignment sensor unit 28C are: Although the minimum separation distance required for alignment detection has been set, the distance between the sensor elements at both ends of the adjacent three sensor elements is set to be the minimum width of the sheet, and one of the sensor elements at both ends and the adjacent three sensor elements are set. Centrally located Sen The distance between the elements, it is also possible to count the alignment sensor unit is set to a distance apart than the minimum distance required for alignment detection within a range that does not increase.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the medium alignment device of this invention, the number of alignment sensor units which detect the alignment state of a medium can be reduced, without reducing the alignment detection accuracy of a medium. Therefore, according to the recording apparatus including the medium alignment device of the present invention, the number of alignment sensor units that detect the alignment state of the medium can be reduced without lowering the alignment detection accuracy of the medium, and the manufacturing cost and The number of assembling steps can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of a printer (recording apparatus) according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a sheet alignment device of the printer of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a sheet alignment device of the printer of FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a specific arrangement example of an alignment sensor unit.
FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart of an alignment process.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a main part of a conventional sheet aligning apparatus (medium aligning apparatus).
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a main part of a conventional sheet aligning device (medium aligning device).
FIG. 8 is a side view of a main part of a conventional sheet aligning apparatus (medium aligning apparatus).
FIG. 9 is a processing flowchart of a conventional alignment process.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a specific arrangement example of a conventional alignment sensor unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Printer (recording device)
13 Recording head
14 Carriage
16 Sheet guidance (transportation route)
17 Sheet alignment device (medium alignment device)
21 First transport roller
22 Second transport roller
27 Alignment shutter
28, 28A, 28B, 28C Alignment sensor unit
29 Light emitting diode (light emitting unit)
30 Photodiode (light receiving part)
31 Optical fiber (light guide path)

Claims (14)

In a medium alignment device that detects an alignment state in a transport path of a medium by an alignment sensor unit that is provided along a plurality of alignment shutters,
Each of the alignment sensor units includes a pair of sensor elements for detecting the presence or absence of the medium,
One of each of the above-mentioned media is located at a position corresponding to the minimum medium width which is the medium width of the narrowest medium among the media to be detected from the end of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path toward the center. A sensor element is arranged as a first sensor element;
One sensor element is disposed as a second sensor element at a predetermined element minimum separation distance from the first sensor element closer to the end than the first sensor element,
Sensor elements adjacent to each other in the width direction of the transport path constitute the different alignment sensor units.
A medium alignment device characterized by the above-mentioned. The medium alignment device according to claim 1,
As for the sensor element disposed between the pair of first sensor elements, the distance between the sensor elements located at both ends of the three adjacent sensor elements including the first sensor element is defined as the minimum medium width. And the same distance as
The distance between one of the sensor elements at both ends and the sensor element located at the center of the three sensor elements is defined as the element minimum separation distance,
A medium arranging device characterized by the above-mentioned. The medium alignment device according to claim 1,
When the width of the passable range is A, the minimum medium width is B, the minimum element separation distance is F, and the number of the sensor elements is Z, the following equation is satisfied. apparatus.
A ≦ ((Z / 2) × B) + (B−F) The medium alignment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The medium alignment device, wherein one of the pair of sensor elements constituting the alignment sensor unit functions as a light emitting unit that emits detection light, and the other functions as a light receiving unit that receives the detection light. The medium alignment device according to claim 4,
The medium alignment device, wherein the alignment sensor unit includes a light guide unit that guides the detection light from the light emitting unit side to the light receiving unit side. The medium alignment device according to claim 4 or 5,
A medium alignment device, wherein the presence or absence of the medium is detected by blocking the detection light between the pair of sensor elements. A recording head mounted on a carriage, which records an image on a medium on a conveyance path, and a recording apparatus including a medium alignment device for aligning the medium on the upstream side of the recording head on the conveyance path;
In the medium alignment device, a plurality of alignment sensor units that detect an alignment state in the transport path of the medium are installed along an alignment shutter,
Each of the alignment sensor units includes a pair of sensor elements for detecting the presence or absence of the medium,
One of each of the above-mentioned media is located at a position corresponding to the minimum medium width which is the medium width of the narrowest medium among the media to be detected from the end of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path toward the center. A sensor element is arranged as a first sensor element;
One sensor element is disposed as a second sensor element at a predetermined element minimum separation distance from the first sensor element closer to the end than the first sensor element,
Sensor elements adjacent to each other in the width direction of the transport path constitute the different alignment sensor units.
A recording device characterized by the above-mentioned. The recording device according to claim 7,
In the sensor element disposed between the pair of first sensor elements, the distance between the sensor elements located at both ends of the three adjacent sensor elements including the first sensor element is defined as the minimum medium width. And the same distance as
The distance between one of the sensor elements at both ends and the sensor element located at the center of the three sensor elements is defined as the element minimum separation distance,
A recording device characterized by the above-mentioned. The recording device according to claim 7,
When the width of the passable range is A, the minimum medium width is B, the minimum element separation distance is F, and the number of the sensor elements is Z, the following expression is satisfied. .
A ≦ ((Z / 2) × B) + (B−F) A plurality of alignment sensor units installed along the alignment shutter include a pair of sensor elements for detecting the presence / absence of the medium, and from the end of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path toward the center. One of the sensor elements is disposed as a first sensor element at a position corresponding to a minimum medium width which is a medium width of the narrowest medium of the detection target medium, and the sensor element is closer to the end than the first sensor element. One sensor element is disposed as a second sensor element at a predetermined element minimum separation distance from the first sensor element, and the sensor elements adjacent in the width direction of the transport path are different from each other in the alignment sensor. Constituting the unit and transported by the medium transport device by the alignment sensor unit. A method of controlling a medium aligning apparatus for detecting an alignment state in the conveying path of that medium,
In at least two of the alignment sensor units, a medium presence / absence determination step of determining whether the medium has been detected,
A minute conveyance process of performing a minute conveyance in which the conveyance amount per step is smaller than the conveyance amount per step during the normal conveyance of the medium,
In at least three of the alignment sensor units, an alignment determination step of determining whether the medium has been detected,
A method for controlling a medium alignment device, comprising: A recording head mounted on a carriage, for recording an image on a medium on a conveyance path, and a method of controlling a recording apparatus including a medium alignment device for aligning a medium on the upstream side of the recording head on the conveyance path,
In the medium alignment device, a plurality of alignment sensor units for detecting an alignment state of the medium in a transport path are provided along an alignment shutter, and each of the alignment sensor units includes a pair of sensor elements for detecting the presence or absence of the medium. One at a position corresponding to the minimum medium width, which is the medium width of the narrowest medium among the mediums to be detected, from the end to the center of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path. The sensor element is arranged as a first sensor element, and one of the sensor elements is separated from the first sensor element by a predetermined minimum distance from the first sensor element on the end side with respect to the first sensor element. The sensor elements adjacent to each other in the width direction of the transport path are different from each other in the alignment. Configure the capacitors unit,
In at least two of the alignment sensor units, a medium presence / absence determination step of determining whether the medium has been detected,
A minute conveyance process of performing a minute conveyance in which the conveyance amount per step is smaller than the conveyance amount per step during the normal conveyance of the medium,
In at least three of the alignment sensor units, an alignment determination step of determining whether the medium has been detected,
A control method for a recording apparatus, comprising: A plurality of alignment sensor units installed along the alignment shutter include a pair of sensor elements for detecting the presence / absence of the medium, and from the end of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path toward the center. One of the sensor elements is disposed as a first sensor element at a position corresponding to a minimum medium width which is a medium width of the narrowest medium of the detection target medium, and the sensor element is closer to the end than the first sensor element. One sensor element is disposed as a second sensor element at a predetermined element minimum separation distance from the first sensor element, and the sensor elements adjacent in the width direction of the transport path are different from each other in the alignment sensor. Constituting the unit and transported by the medium transport device by the alignment sensor unit. That the medium alignment apparatus for detecting an alignment state in the transport path of the medium a control program for controlling a computer,
In at least two of the alignment sensor units, determine whether the medium has been detected,
The medium is conveyed in a minute amount that is smaller in the amount of conveyance per step than the amount of conveyance per step in normal conveyance,
In at least three of the alignment sensor units, to determine whether the medium has been detected,
A control program characterized by the above-mentioned. A recording head mounted on a carriage records an image on a medium on a conveyance path, and controls a recording apparatus provided with a medium alignment device that aligns a medium on the upstream side of the recording head on the conveyance path by a computer. In the control program of
In the medium alignment device, a plurality of alignment sensor units for detecting an alignment state of the medium in a transport path are provided along an alignment shutter, and each of the alignment sensor units includes a pair of sensor elements for detecting the presence or absence of the medium. One at a position corresponding to the minimum medium width, which is the medium width of the narrowest medium among the mediums to be detected, from the end to the center of the passable range of the medium in the width direction of the transport path. The sensor element is arranged as a first sensor element, and one of the sensor elements is separated from the first sensor element by a predetermined minimum distance from the first sensor element on the end side with respect to the first sensor element. The sensor elements adjacent to each other in the width direction of the transport path are different from each other in the alignment. Configure the capacitors unit,
The control program causes at least two of the alignment sensor units to determine whether the medium has been detected,
The medium is conveyed in a minute amount that is smaller in the amount of conveyance per step than the amount of conveyance per step in normal conveyance,
In at least three of the alignment sensor units, to determine whether the medium has been detected,
A control program characterized by the above-mentioned. A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program according to claim 12 is recorded.

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