JP2005125675A - Recorder and method of recording - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record an image on a recording medium without wasting ink and contaminating the recording medium or the like. <P>SOLUTION: When marginless recording is performed, end positions (a top end, a right end, a left end, and a bottom end) of a recording medium are detected by means of an end position detection sensor (step S005, step S006, step S007, and step S010), and then the recording is controlled based on the detected results such that image data corresponding to the outside of the recording medium is not recorded and only image data corresponding to the recording medium is recorded (steps S0008, S0011). As a result, the amount of the ink ejected to a portion outside of the recording medium is suppressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a recording method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a recording apparatus having a function capable of recording without providing a margin on a recording medium and a recording method thereof.

  In recent years, recording devices such as printers have been improved in image quality, and those capable of obtaining image quality comparable to photographs have become widespread. In order to handle the recorded material in the same way as a photograph, it is necessary to perform recording without providing margins on the entire surface of the recording medium, so-called marginless recording. In recent years, therefore, recording apparatuses capable of recording without margins have been proposed. For example, a hole is provided in the platen that supports the recording medium, the size of the image data is larger than that of the recording medium so that the ink is ejected from the recording medium, and the ink ejected from the recording medium is ejected from the hole. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 11 is a top view of a conventional recording apparatus. The recording apparatus includes a platen 101 that supports a recording medium 100 and a platen absorber 102 provided on the platen. When ink is ejected based on the image data 103 larger than the recording medium 100, the image 104 is formed by the ink ejected on the recording medium 100, while the ink ejected from the recording medium is the platen absorber. 102 is absorbed.

  When performing recording without margins in this way, the recording apparatus usually has a precision (conveyance amount, skew feeding, etc.) for conveying the recording medium, and variations in the size of the recording medium itself. In many cases, a mechanism is used in which image data is set, ink is ejected from the recording medium, and the ejected ink is collected.

JP 2000-351205 A

  However, when ink is ejected based on image data larger than the recording medium as described above, there is a problem that the ink protruding from the recording medium is wasted without being reused.

  Further, the protruding ink is driven into and collected by an absorber attached to a hole provided in the platen, and since the distance to the absorber is away from the recording head, the carriage on which the recording head is mounted. Ink may not reach the absorber and may float in the air due to an airflow or the like caused by traveling. When the ink floats in the air, there is a problem that the recording medium is soiled by adhering to the recording medium or adhering to a recording medium passing surface such as a platen.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to minimize waste of ink when performing so-called marginless recording in which an image is recorded without providing a margin on a recording medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus and a recording method thereof that hardly suppress the recording medium and the like.

  In order to achieve such an object, the recording apparatus of the present invention is a recording apparatus capable of performing a marginless recording operation for recording without providing a margin on a recording medium, and sets the marginless recording operation. A setting unit; a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium; a detecting unit that detects an end position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit; and when the marginless recording operation is set, the detecting unit detects Recording control means for controlling only the corresponding image data on the recording medium to be recorded on the recording medium based on the end position.

  In addition, the recording apparatus of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a recording medium, a detection unit that detects an end position of the recording medium transported by the transport unit, and the end position detected by the detection unit. And recording control means for controlling to record the image data corresponding to the area larger than the recording medium on the recording medium.

  In addition, the recording apparatus of the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys a recording medium, a detecting unit that detects an end position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit, and the end position detected by the detecting unit. Recording control means for controlling to record image data other than invalid image data according to the recording medium on the recording medium.

  Further, the recording apparatus of the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys a recording medium, a detecting unit that detects an end position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit, and image data corresponding to an area larger than the recording medium. Among these, recording is controlled so as not to record image data located outside a predetermined amount or more from the end position detected by the detecting means, and to record only image data located inside the predetermined amount. Control means.

Further, the recording apparatus of the present invention comprises a detecting means for detecting the end position of the recording medium,
The processing means for enlarging or reducing the image data according to the end position detected by the detecting means, and the image data detected by the detecting means among the image data enlarged or reduced by the processing means Recording control means for recording image data other than invalid image data corresponding to the end position on the recording medium.

  Also, the recording method of the present invention is a recording method for executing a marginless recording operation for recording without providing a margin in the recording medium, the setting step for setting the marginless recording operation, and conveying the recording medium When the conveyance step, the detection step for detecting the end position of the conveyed recording medium, and the marginless recording operation are set, it corresponds to the recording medium based on the detected end position. A recording step of recording only the image data to be recorded on the recording medium.

  Further, the recording method of the present invention is based on the conveying step of conveying the recording medium, the detecting step of detecting the end position of the conveyed recording medium, and the recording medium based on the detected end position. Recording image data corresponding to the recording medium on the recording medium among the image data corresponding to a large area.

  According to the above configuration, when an image is recorded on the recording medium without a margin, it corresponds to the outside of the recording medium based on the result of detecting the end position (leading end, left end, right end, rear end) of the recording medium. Since the image data to be recorded is controlled not to be recorded, it is possible to prevent the ink from being ejected from the recording medium with a simple and inexpensive configuration. In particular, even when the conveyance position of the recording medium is deviated from the normal position due to conveyance failure such as skew of the recording medium, it is possible to suppress the amount of ink ejected from the recording medium. . Alternatively, in consideration of errors, image recording data (that is, the edge of the recording medium) that ejects ink further outward from the position to the recording medium at a position that is a predetermined amount outside the detected edge position of the recording medium. Image data located outside a predetermined amount more than a predetermined amount) may not be recorded.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when an image having no margin is recorded on a recording medium, it is possible to suppress waste of ink and make the recording medium and the like difficult to stain with a simple configuration and control. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the location which has the same function in each drawing, and duplication of description is abbreviate | omitted.

Embodiment 1
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a mechanism unit of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view according to the first embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of detecting the leading edge position of the recording medium in the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a one-line recording operation in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the left end position detection state of the recording medium, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

(Device configuration)
The recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a paper feeding unit 2, a paper feeding unit, a paper discharging unit, a carriage unit, a cleaning unit 6, a recording head 7, and an electric substrate. Therefore, these are divided into items and the outline is sequentially described below.

(A) Paper Feed Unit The paper feed unit 2 is a pressure plate 21 on which the recording medium P is stacked, a paper feed roller 28 that feeds the recording medium P, a separation roller 241 that separates the recording medium P, and returns the recording medium P to the stacking position. The return lever 22 and the like are attached to the base 20 (see FIG. 5 and the like).

  A paper feed tray 26 for holding the stacked recording media P is attached to the base 20 or the exterior. The sheet feeding tray 26 is a multi-stage type and is pulled out for use (see FIG. 2 and the like).

  The paper feed roller 28 has a bar shape with a circular arc in cross section. One separation roller rubber is provided based on the sheet reference, and thereby the recording medium is fed. Drive to the paper feed roller 28 is transmitted from a dedicated paper feed motor 273 provided in the paper feed unit 2 by a drive transmission gear and a planetary gear (not shown).

  A movable side guide 23 is movably provided on the pressure plate 21 to regulate the loading position of the recording medium P. The pressure plate 21 can rotate about a rotation shaft coupled to the base 20 and is urged by the pressure plate spring 212 to the paper feed roller 28. A separation sheet 213 made of a material having a large coefficient of friction such as an artificial leather that prevents double feeding of the recording medium P near the end of the stack is provided at the portion of the pressure plate 21 that faces the paper feed roller 28. The pressure plate 21 is configured to be able to contact and separate from the paper feed roller 28 by a pressure plate cam 241.

  Further, a separation roller holder 24 to which a separation roller 241 for separating the recording media P one by one is attached to the base 20 is rotatable about a rotation shaft provided on the separation base 20, and a separation roller (not shown) is provided. The paper feed roller 28 is urged by a spring. The separation roller 241 has a configuration in which a clutch spring (not shown) is attached, and a portion to which the separation roller 241 is attached can rotate when a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied. The separation roller 241 is configured to be able to contact and separate from the paper feed roller 28 by a separation roller release shaft 244 and a control cam. The positions of the pressure plate 21, the return lever 22, and the separation roller 241 are detected by an ASF (Auto Sheet Feeder) sensor 29.

A return lever 22 for returning the recording medium P to the loading position is rotatably attached to the base 20 and is biased by a return lever spring (not shown) in the release direction. When the recording medium P is returned, the recording cam P is rotated by the control cam.
A state of feeding paper using the above configuration will be described below.

  In a normal standby state, the pressure plate 28 is released by the pressure plate cam, the separation roller 241 is released by the control cam, and the return lever 22 returns the recording medium P, so that the recording medium P does not enter the back during loading. It is provided at a loading position that closes the door. When paper feeding starts from this state, first, the separation roller 241 contacts the paper feeding roller 28 by driving the motor. Then, the return lever 22 is released, and the pressure plate 21 comes into contact with the paper feed roller 28. In this state, feeding of the recording medium P is started. The recording medium P is limited by a not-shown upstream separation unit provided on the base 20, and only a predetermined number of the recording media P is sent to a nip portion composed of a paper feed roller 28 and a separation roller 241. The sent recording medium P is separated at the nip portion, and only the uppermost recording medium P is conveyed.

  When the recording medium P reaches a conveying roller 36 and a pinch roller 37 described later, the pressure plate 21 is released by a pressure plate cam (not shown) and the separation roller 28 is released by a control cam. The return lever 22 is returned to the loading position by the control cam. At this time, the recording medium P that has reached the nip formed by the paper feed roller 28 and the separation roller 241 can be returned to the stacking position.

(B) Paper feeding part The paper feeding part is attached to the chassis 11 made of a bent metal sheet. The paper feeding unit has a transport roller 36 for transporting the recording medium P and a PE (Paper End) sensor 32. The transport roller 36 has a structure in which ceramic fine particles are coated on the surface of the metal shaft, and the metal portions of both shafts are received by a bearing (not shown) and attached to the chassis 11. A conveyance roller tension spring 381 is provided between the bearing and the conveyance roller 36 in order to apply a load during rotation to the conveyance roller 36 to perform stable conveyance, and a predetermined load is applied by urging the conveyance roller 36. ing.

The conveyance roller 36 is provided with a plurality of driven pinch rollers 37 in contact therewith. The pinch roller 37 is held by the pinch roller holder 30 and is urged by a pinch roller spring (not shown), so that the pinch roller 37 comes into pressure contact with the transport roller 36 and generates the transport force of the recording medium P. At this time, the rotating shaft of the pinch roller holder 30 is attached to the bearing of the chassis 11 and rotates around the shaft. Further, a paper guide flapper 33 and a platen 34 for guiding the recording medium P are disposed at the entrance of the paper feeding section where the recording medium P is conveyed. Further, the pinch roller holder 30 is provided with a PE sensor lever 321 that transmits detection of the leading and trailing edges of the sheet P to the PE sensor 32. The platen 34 is attached to the chassis 11 and positioned. The paper guide flapper 33 is fitted with the transport roller 36 and can be rotated around a sliding bearing portion, and is positioned by contacting the chassis 11.
A paper presser (not shown) that covers the end of the recording medium P is provided on the paper reference side of the platen 34. As a result, even in the recording medium P whose end is deformed or curled, the end is lifted so as not to interfere with the carriage 50 or the recording head 7. Further, a recording head 7 that forms an image based on image information is provided on the downstream side of the conveyance roller 36 in the recording medium conveyance direction.

  In the above configuration, the recording medium P sent to the paper feeding unit is guided by the pinch roller holder 30 and the paper guide flapper 33 and sent to the roller pair of the transport roller 36 and the pinch roller 37. At this time, the leading edge of the recording medium P conveyed by the PE sensor lever 321 is detected, and thereby the print position of the recording medium P is obtained. Further, the recording medium P is conveyed on the platen 34 by rotating the roller pairs 36 and 37 by the conveyance motor 35. On the platen 34, a rib serving as a conveyance reference surface is formed. The gap with the recording head 7 is managed, and the corrugation of the recording medium P is controlled together with a later-described paper discharge unit. Thus, the undulation is configured not to increase.

  The drive to the transport roller 36 is transmitted to the pulley 361 provided on the shaft of the transport roller 36 by a timing belt (not shown) by means of a timing belt (not shown). Further, a code wheel 362 on which markings are formed at a pitch of 150 to 300 lpi for detecting a conveyance amount by the conveyance roller 36 is provided on the axis of the conveyance roller 36, and an encoder sensor 39 that reads the code wheel 362 is a code wheel. It is attached to the chassis 11 at the position 362 adjacent thereto.

  The recording head 7 is an ink jet recording head equipped with a replaceable ink tank for each color ink tank. The recording head 7 can apply heat to the ink by a heater or the like. Then, the film of the ink is boiled by this heat, and the ink is ejected from the nozzles of the recording head 7 by the pressure change caused by the growth or contraction of the bubbles due to the film boiling, and an image is formed on the recording medium P.

(C) Carriage part The carriage part has a carriage 50 to which the recording head 7 is attached. The carriage 50 is held by a guide shaft 52 for reciprocating scanning in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium P, and a guide rail 111 that maintains the gap between the recording head 7 and the recording medium P by holding the rear end of the carriage 50. It is supported. The guide shaft 52 is attached to the chassis 11. The guide rail 111 is formed integrally with the chassis 11. A thin sliding sheet 53 such as SUS (Steel Use Stainless) is stretched on the sliding side of the guide rail 111 with respect to the carriage 50 to reduce sliding noise.

  The carriage 50 is driven via a timing belt 541 by a carriage motor (not shown) attached to the chassis 11. The timing belt 541 is stretched and supported by an idle pulley 542. The timing belt 541 is coupled to the carriage 50 via a damper made of rubber or the like, and reduces image unevenness by attenuating vibration of a carriage motor (not shown). A code strip 561 in which markings are formed at a pitch of 150 to 300 lpi (line per inch) for detecting the position of the carriage 50 is provided in parallel with the timing belt 541. In addition, an encoder sensor (not shown) that reads it is provided on a carriage substrate (not shown) mounted on the carriage 50. The carriage substrate is also provided with a contact (not shown) for electrical connection with the recording head 7. Further, the carriage 50 includes a flexible substrate (not shown) for transmitting a head signal from the electric substrate to the recording head 7.

  In order to fix the recording head 7 to the carriage 50, the carriage 50 is provided with a pressing means (not shown) for pressing and fixing an abutting portion (not shown) for positioning. The pressing means is mounted on the head set lever 51 and is configured to act on the recording head 7 when the head set lever 51 is turned around the rotation fulcrum and set.

  Further, eccentric cams 521 are provided at both ends of the guide shaft 52, and the guide shaft 52 is moved up and down by transmitting the drive to the eccentric cam 521 via the gear train 581 by driving the carriage lifting motor 591. be able to. As a result, the carriage 50 can be moved up and down to form an optimum gap for the recording media P having different thicknesses.

  Further, the carriage 50 is provided with an end position detection sensor 59 made up of a reflection type optical sensor for detecting a recording medium end, which will be described later. The position of the end of the recording medium can be detected by emitting light from the light emitting element and receiving the reflected light.

  In the first embodiment, the end position detection sensor 59 is arranged on the upstream side of the ink discharge port (nozzle) of the recording head 7, and the leading end position of the recording medium is determined while the recording medium is being transported to the recording position. It is possible to detect.

  In the above configuration, when an image is formed on the recording medium P, the roller pairs 36 and 37 convey the recording medium P to the row position (position in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P) where the image is formed, and the carriage motor is not illustrated. 50 is moved to a row position for image formation (a position perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium P), and the recording head 7 is opposed to the image formation position. Thereafter, the recording head 7 ejects ink toward the recording medium P by a signal from the electric substrate to form an image.

(D) Paper discharge unit The paper discharge unit is provided with two paper discharge rollers 40 and 41, paper discharge rollers 40 and 41 with a predetermined pressure, and a spur 42 configured to be able to rotate by being driven. It is composed of a gear train for transmitting the drive to the paper discharge rollers 40 and 41 (see FIG. 5 and the like).

  The paper discharge rollers 40 and 41 are attached to the platen 34. The upstream discharge roller 40 is provided with a plurality of rubber portions on a metal shaft. The drive from the transport roller is driven by being transmitted to the paper discharge roller 40 via the idler gear. The paper discharge roller 41 has a structure in which a plurality of elastomer elastic bodies 411 are attached to a resin shaft. Drive to the paper discharge roller 41 is transmitted from the paper discharge roller 40 via an idler gear.

  The spur 42 is a SUS thin plate provided with a plurality of convex shapes around it, is integrally molded with the resin part, and is attached to a spur holder 43. The spur 42 is attached to the spur holder 43 and pressed against the paper discharge rollers 40 and 41 by a spur spring provided with a coil spring in a rod shape. A spur is provided at a position corresponding to the rubber portion and elastic body portion of the paper discharge rollers 40 and 41, and mainly serves to generate the conveyance force of the recording medium P, and the rubber of the paper discharge rollers 40 and 41 therebetween. And the elastic body portion 411 are provided at positions where the recording medium P is mainly printed, and has a role of suppressing lifting when the recording medium P is printed.

  By lifting both ends of the recording medium P between the discharge rollers 40 and 41, holding the recording medium P at the tip of the discharge rollers 40 and 41, and rubbing the printing on the previous recording medium P. A paper edge support (not shown) for preventing damage is provided. A resin member provided with a roller (not shown) at the tip is urged by a paper end support spring (not shown), and the roller is pressed against the recording medium P with a predetermined pressure, thereby lifting both ends of the recording medium P and making a strainer. Thus, it is configured so that it can be held.

  With the above configuration, the recording medium P on which an image is formed by the carriage unit is sandwiched by the nip between the paper discharge roller 41 and the spur 42, conveyed, and discharged to the paper discharge tray 46. The paper discharge tray 46 is divided into a plurality of parts and can be stored in a lower part of a lower case 99 described later. When used, pull out. The discharge tray 46 increases in height toward the leading end, and both ends thereof are configured to be high in height so that the stackability of the discharged recording medium P can be improved and the printing surface can be prevented from rubbing (see FIG. 2 and the like). ).

(E) Cleaning unit The cleaning unit 6 includes a pump 60 for cleaning the recording head 7, a cap 61 for suppressing the drying of the recording head 7, a blade 62 for cleaning the face surface around the nozzles of the recording head 7, and the like. It is configured.

  A dedicated cleaning motor 69 is provided, and a one-way clutch (not shown) is provided so that the pump is operated by rotation in one direction, the blade 62 is operated by rotation in another direction, and the cap 61 is moved up and down. It has been.

  The pump 60 is configured to generate a negative pressure by squeezing two tubes (not shown) with a pump roller (not shown), and is connected from the cap 61 to the pump 60 via a valve (not shown). Yes. When the pump 60 is operated in a state where the cap 61 is in close contact with the recording head 7, unnecessary ink or the like is sucked from the recording head 7. A cap absorber 611 is provided in the cap 61 in order to reduce ink remaining on the face surface of the head 7 after suction. For this reason, the ink remaining in the cap 61 is sucked in a state where the cap 61 is opened so that the ink remains stuck and does not cause any harmful effects. The waste ink sucked by the pump 60 is absorbed and held by a waste ink absorber provided in the lower case 99 described later.

  A series of operations such as blade 62 operation, cap 61 up-and-down operation, and opening and closing of a valve (not shown) are controlled by a main cam (not shown) provided with a plurality of cams on the shaft. The cam and arm of each part are acted on the main cam to perform a predetermined operation. The position of the main cam can be detected by a position detection sensor such as a photo interrupter. When the cap 61 is lowered, the blade 62 moves the carriage portion perpendicularly to the scanning direction to clean the face surface of the recording head 7. A plurality of blades 62 are provided for cleaning the vicinity of the nozzles of the recording head 7 and for cleaning the entire face surface. Then, when it moves to the innermost position, it can come into contact with the blade cleaner 66 to remove ink or the like adhering to the blade 62 itself.

(F) Exterior Unit Each unit described above is incorporated in the chassis 11 and forms a mechanism part of the printer. The exterior is attached so that the circumference may be covered. The exterior mainly includes a lower case 99, an upper case 98, an access cover 97, a connector cover 96, and a front cover 95.

  A sheet discharge tray rail (not shown) is provided below the lower case 99 so that the divided sheet discharge tray 46 can be stored. Further, the front cover 95 is configured to block the paper discharge port when not in use.

  An access cover 97 is attached to the upper case 98 and is configured to be rotatable. A part of the upper surface of the upper case has an opening, and the ink tank 71 and the recording head 7 are configured to be exchangeable at this position. Further, there are a door switch lever (not shown) for detecting opening / closing of the access cover, an LED guide 982 for transmitting and displaying light of an LED (light emitting diode), a key switch 983 for acting on the SW (switch) of the board, and the like. An upper case 98 is provided. Further, a multistage paper feed tray 26 is rotatably attached to the upper case 98. When the paper feed unit is not used, the paper feed tray 26 is configured to be a cover of the paper feed unit if it is stored.

  Further, the upper case 98 and the lower case 99 are attached with elastic fitting claws. A connector cover 96 (not shown) covers a portion in which the connector portion is provided.

(Description of operation of Embodiment 1)
Next, the marginless recording according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 shows a state in which image data to be recorded is enlarged. As described above, since there are variations in accuracy (carrying amount and skew) for the recording apparatus to convey the recording medium and the size of the recording medium, it is necessary to prepare image data larger than the recording medium in advance. Therefore, the image data is enlarged at a predetermined enlargement ratio before recording. Usually, it is larger than the recording medium by 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

  FIG. 7 shows a state where the recording medium is conveyed to the recording position. Before the recording medium is conveyed to the recording position, the carriage 50 is moved so that the end position detection sensor 59 comes to the recording medium passage position. In this state, the recording medium is conveyed, and the end position detection sensor 59 detects the leading end position of the recording medium. In the first embodiment, the ink discharge portion (ink discharge port) of the recording head 7 and the end position detection sensor 59 are separated by one line in the sub-scanning direction (conveyance direction).

  FIG. 8 shows a state during one line recording. FIG. 8 shows that the end position detection sensor 59 detects the left end of the recording medium during recording by the recording head 7. In the first embodiment, the ink discharge section and the end section of the recording head 7 are shown. Since the position detection sensor 59 is separated by one line in the sub-scanning direction (conveyance direction), the position of the left end of the recording medium detected in the state of FIG. 8 is the end of the recording medium when the next line is recorded. Used as location information.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a recording process in the recording apparatus 1 described above. Here, the recording apparatus 1 operates by reading a control program loaded in a system memory (not shown) by a processor (not shown). The processing procedure of FIG. 9 shows processing executed by the processor, and is performed by the processor reading and executing the control program loaded in the system memory.

  The process of FIG. 9 is executed when a recording operation without margin is set in the recording apparatus to perform recording without providing a margin on the recording medium. The setting of the marginless recording operation may be performed by a user specifying it with a printer driver of a host computer connected to the recording apparatus, and an operation unit ( It may be in a form performed by a user specifying on a display panel, a switch, or the like.

  In FIG. 9, when a processor receives a recording command from a device such as a computer connected to the recording apparatus 1 (step S001), the processor expands image data to be recorded (image data received together with the recording command) at a predetermined enlargement ratio. (Step S002). Then, the processor controls the carriage 50 to shift in order to detect the leading edge of the recording medium (step S003), and then controls to convey the recording medium to the recording position (step S004). The front end of the recording medium is detected by the position detection sensor 59 (step S005).

  Then, the processor controls the conveyance until the detected leading end position of the recording medium comes to a position facing the ink discharge port of the recording head 7, and in this state, the carriage 50 is scanned left and right to determine the end position. First, the left end of the recording medium is detected by the detection sensor 59 (step S006), and then the right end of the recording medium is similarly detected by the end position detection sensor 59 (step S007). Then, the processor controls to record one line on the basis of the detected left end and right end positions of the recording medium (step S008). Here, the processor, among the image data created in step S002 (that is, image data corresponding to an area larger than the recording medium), image data that is located on the left side of the recording medium and on the right side of the right end (that is, on the recording medium). The image data corresponding to the outer side is controlled not to be recorded by the recording head 7, and only the corresponding image data is recorded on the recording medium. Here, it is preferable to perform control so that the protruding data from the recording medium (image data corresponding to the outside of the recording medium) is discarded. That is, image data corresponding to the outside of the recording medium is handled as invalid image data. The processor always detects the edge of the recording medium by the edge position detection sensor 59 even during one line recording (the process in parentheses in step S008 in the figure).

  Then, the processor calculates the recording position and recording area of the next line from the detected left end and right end positions of the recording medium, and controls to convey the recording medium to the recording position of the next line (step S009), and the recording of step S008. The above control is repeated (loop of steps S009 → S010 → S008). Further, when the trailing edge of the recording medium is detected by the edge position detection sensor 59 during recording (step S010), the processor controls to record the last line (step S011), and ejects the recording medium for processing. Is finished (step S012).

  According to the first embodiment described above, the position of the end (left end, right end, front end, rear end) of the recording medium is detected, and based on the detection result, the image corresponding to the outside of the recording medium among the image data. Since the data is controlled not to be recorded and only the corresponding image data is recorded on the recording medium, the conveyance position of the recording medium is assumed to be a normal position due to a conveyance defect such as skew of the recording medium. Even in the case of misalignment, it is possible to suppress the amount of ink ejected from the recording medium.

  In the first embodiment, the ink discharge portion of the recording head 7 and the end position detection sensor 59 are separated by one line in the sub-scanning direction. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this, and the end portion is not limited thereto. The position detection sensor 59 may be attached at an arbitrary place. In this case, the positional relationship between the ink ejection unit and the end position detection sensor 59 may be measured in advance, and the correction information of the position may be applied to the control program.

  In the first embodiment, the image data positioned on the left side of the recording medium and on the right side of the right end (that is, the image data positioned on the outside of the recording medium) is discarded, but from the left end of the recording medium in consideration of errors. For the position outside the predetermined amount, the image data for discharging ink further to the left side from the position is discarded, and for the position outside the predetermined amount from the right end of the recording medium, image data for discharging ink further to the right side from the position is stored. You may make it discard. In short, control is performed so as not to record image data located outside a predetermined amount or more from the end of the recording medium, and to record only image data located inside the image data.

  Although only enlargement of the image data is described in the first embodiment, normally, when the image data is larger than the recording medium, the image data is reduced so as to fit the size of the recording medium. Similarly, when the image data is larger than the recording medium, it is obvious that the image data is not enlarged but reduced.

  Note that since the recording apparatus 1 conveys the recording medium with accuracy (conveyance amount, skew feeding, etc.) and the size of the recording medium itself varies, the left end of the recording medium is detected by the end position detection sensor 59 described above. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the detection of the right end, the rear end, and the like requires a reference coordinate system that is not affected by the accuracy and variation. For example, as the reference coordinate system used for detection by the end position detection sensor 59 described above, it is preferable to use an absolute coordinate system of image data to be recorded.

Embodiment 2
The basic configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment.

(Device configuration)
The apparatus configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

(Description of operation of Embodiment 2)
Next, marginless recording according to the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment described above, before recording, the image data is expanded in consideration of the accuracy with which the recording apparatus 1 transports the recording medium and the variation in the size of the recording medium. That is, the image data to be recorded is enlarged at a predetermined uniform enlargement ratio without matching each recording medium. In the second embodiment, the size of a recording medium that is actually used is detected, and image data is enlarged and processed at an appropriate enlargement ratio for each recording medium.

  The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a recording process in the recording apparatus 1 described above. Here, the recording apparatus 1 operates by reading a control program loaded in a system memory (not shown) by a processor (not shown). The processing procedure of FIG. 10 shows processing executed by the processor, and is performed by the processor reading and executing a control program loaded in the system memory.

  Note that the processing of FIG. 10 is executed when a recording operation without margin is set in the recording apparatus to perform recording without providing a margin on the recording medium. The setting of the marginless recording operation may be performed by a user specifying it with a printer driver of a host computer connected to the recording apparatus, and an operation unit ( It may be in a form performed by a user specifying on a display panel, a switch, or the like.

  In FIG. 10, when the processor receives a recording command from a computer or other device connected to the recording apparatus 1 (step SS01), the processor shifts the carriage to a position where the end position detection sensor 59 can detect the leading end position of the recording medium. Then, the recording medium is fed, and control is performed so that the head is positioned to a position where the leading edge is downstream of the end position detection sensor 59 (step SS03). During the cueing operation of the recording medium, the end position detection sensor 59 detects the leading end position of the recording medium (step SS04), and then further conveys the recording medium to detect the trailing end position of the recording medium. (Step SS05).

  Next, the processor conveys the recording medium in the reverse direction (step SS06), controls the carriage 50 to perform one reciprocating scan with respect to the recording medium, and detects the left and right end positions of the recording medium (step SS07). Then, the processor calculates the recording area from the leading edge, trailing edge, left edge, and right edge of the recording medium detected in steps SS04, SS05, and SS07, and based on this, enlarges the image data (image data received together with the recording command). Take control. That is, image data having no margin is created in advance for the recording medium by enlargement. In this case, in order to prevent the image data from being flattened, the aspect ratio is enlarged uniformly (step SS08). Then, the processor controls to transport the recording medium to the recording position (step SS09), and controls the recording (step SS10).

  Here, before executing the recording, the image data is enlarged with a constant aspect ratio as described above. Therefore, since the image data is enlarged with reference to the largest enlargement ratio based on the detected recording medium size, the detected actual data is detected. It is often enlarged larger than the recording medium.

  Note that “enlargement based on the detected size of the recording medium based on the largest enlargement ratio” will be described here. The centers of the image data and the recording medium are made coincident, and the image data is enlarged vertically and horizontally from that point. The two parallel sides of the enlarged image coincide with the two sides of the recording medium. In a situation where the sides protrude from the recording medium, the two parallel sides of the enlarged image that protrude from the recording medium are “places with the largest enlargement ratio”. In addition, when enlarging the image data, for example, when enlarging in the right direction and the downward direction starting from the upper left, the direction in which the enlargement of the right direction and the downward direction corresponds to “the place with the largest enlargement ratio” . In short, the largest direction when the image data is enlarged and the recording medium protrudes becomes “the place where the enlargement ratio is the highest”.

  Therefore, if the enlarged image data is recorded as it is, it will protrude from the recording medium, so that the processor protrudes outside the recording area of the recording medium in the enlarged image data (that is, image data corresponding to an area larger than the recording medium). Data (that is, image data corresponding to the outside of the recording medium) is not recorded, and control is performed so that only the corresponding image data is recorded on the recording medium.

  Alternatively, in consideration of errors, image data that ejects ink to the outside of the recording medium from the front, rear, left, and right ends of the recording medium by a predetermined amount (that is, the recording medium) Image data located outside a predetermined amount from the end portion) may be discarded.

  In the second embodiment, the ink discharge portion of the recording head 7 and the end position detection sensor 59 are separated by one line. However, the second embodiment is not limited to this, and the end position detection sensor 59 is optional. You may install in the place. In this case, the positional relationship between the ink ejection unit and the end position detection sensor 59 may be measured in advance, and the correction information of the position may be applied to the control program.

  Although only enlargement of the image data is described in the second embodiment, normally, when the image data is larger than the recording medium, the image data is reduced to fit the size of the recording medium. Similarly, when the image data is larger than the recording medium, it is obvious that the image data is not enlarged but reduced.

  Note that since the recording device 2 conveys the recording medium with accuracy (conveyance amount, skew feeding, etc.) and the size of the recording medium itself varies, the left end of the recording medium is detected by the end position detection sensor 59 described above. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the detection of the right end, the rear end, and the like requires a reference coordinate system that is not affected by the accuracy and variation. For example, as the reference coordinate system used for the detection by the end position detection sensor 59 described above, it is preferable to use an absolute coordinate system of image data to be recorded.

Embodiment 3
In the first and second embodiments, the case where each step in FIGS. 9 and 10 is executed inside the printing apparatus has been described. However, a part of each step is a printer of a host computer connected to the printing apparatus. It is good also as a form performed by a driver. For example, the image data may be enlarged in step S002 in FIG. 9 or step SS08 in FIG. 10 by a printer driver, and the image data enlarged by the printer driver may be transferred to a recording apparatus and used.

As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, it is possible to perform marginless printing that reduces ink waste and prevents the recording medium from becoming dirty with a simple configuration and operation.

1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mechanism unit of a recording apparatus according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mechanism unit of a recording apparatus according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a recording apparatus according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the recorded image expansion process in Embodiment 1, 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the front-end | tip position detection state of the recording medium in Embodiment 1, 2 of this invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a right end position of a recording medium is detected during a one-line recording operation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the recording apparatus which performs the conventional marginless recording.

Explanation of symbols

7 Recording head 34 Platen 50 Carriage 59 End position detection sensor

Claims (11)

A recording apparatus capable of performing a marginless recording operation for recording without providing a margin in a recording medium,
Setting means for setting the marginless recording operation;
Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
Detecting means for detecting an end position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means;
A recording control unit that controls to record only image data corresponding to the recording medium on the recording medium based on the edge position detected by the detecting unit when the marginless recording operation is set; A recording apparatus comprising: Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
Detecting means for detecting an end position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means;
Recording control for controlling recording on the recording medium of the image data corresponding to the area larger than the recording medium, based on the end position detected by the detecting means. And a recording apparatus. Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
Detecting means for detecting an end position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means;
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording control unit that controls to record image data other than invalid image data corresponding to the end position detected by the detection unit on the recording medium. The recording control means controls recording on the recording medium so as not to record to a position outside the recording medium from the end position detected by the detecting means. 4. A recording apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3. Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
Detecting means for detecting an end position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means;
Of the image data corresponding to an area larger than the recording medium, the image data positioned outside the end position detected by the detection means is controlled not to be recorded and positioned inside the predetermined amount. A recording apparatus comprising: a recording control unit that controls to record only image data. Detecting means for detecting the end position of the recording medium;
Processing means for enlarging or reducing image data in accordance with the end position detected by the detecting means;
Recording control means for recording image data other than invalid image data corresponding to the edge position detected by the detection means, out of the image data enlarged or reduced by the processing means, on the recording medium; A recording apparatus comprising: The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processing unit enlarges or reduces the recording data at a constant aspect ratio. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit records image data corresponding to the entire surface of the recording medium so as to perform recording on the recording medium without a margin. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a front end, a rear end, a left end, and a right end position of the recording medium as the end position. A recording method for performing a marginless recording operation for recording without providing a margin in a recording medium,
A setting step for setting the marginless recording operation;
A transporting process for transporting the recording medium;
A detection step of detecting an end position of the conveyed recording medium;
A recording step of recording only the corresponding image data on the recording medium on the recording medium based on the detected end position when the marginless recording operation is set. Recording method. A transporting process for transporting the recording medium;
A detection step of detecting an end position of the conveyed recording medium;
A step of recording, on the recording medium, image data corresponding to the recording medium out of image data corresponding to a larger area than the recording medium based on the detected end position. Recording method.

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