JP2006347101A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording device with a high processing capacity without involving cost increases. <P>SOLUTION: The image recording device has an image data storage means, a recording medium number storage means and long recording mediums totaling N to supply long recording mediums totaling N (N≥2), a transfer means to transfer recording mediums supplied from the supply means and an image recording means. When the number of recording mediums to be recorded is N×m (m=1, 2, 3, ... ), the device supplies the recording mediums totaling N to the transfer means by the supply means totaling N and performs recording m times on the recording mediums totaling N. When the number of recording mediums to be recorded is N×m+K (m=1, 2, 3, ... , K=1, 2, 3, ... , N-1), the device supplies the recording mediums totaling K to the transfer means by the supply means totaling K from among the supply means totaling N and performs image recording. At the point when the transfer means transfers the recording mediums totaling K by a prescribed length corresponding to the length of an image, the device supplies the recording mediums totaling N-K to the transfer means by the supply means totaling N-K and performs image recording on the recoding mediums totaling N m times. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, and more particularly to an image recording apparatus that records an image on a plurality of long recording media and cuts the recording medium on which the image has been recorded into a sheet shape.

  In recent years, there is an increasing demand for improvement in processing capacity in image recording apparatuses such as ink jet recording apparatuses, fusion thermal transfer recording apparatuses, and sublimation thermal transfer recording apparatuses.

  In general, the above-described image recording apparatus is configured to record an image while conveying a plurality of long recording media, and to cut the obtained image into a predetermined length.

  In the image recording apparatus having such a configuration, the following techniques have been proposed in order to improve the processing capability.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11 as the prior art 1, for example, the long recording media 1a and 1b wound in two rolls are supplied by supply rollers 10a and 10b corresponding to the respective recording media. The recorded recording medium is transported by one transport roller 21, and image recording is performed while the transported recording medium is scanned by a recording head 30 such as an ink jet. The recording medium on which the image is recorded is cut by a cutting unit 50 to a predetermined length. An image recording apparatus that cuts the image into two, and improves the processing capability by controlling the image recording order and the cutting order (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The above image recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15 by taking as an example the case of recording five images on two recording media 1a and 1b.

  First, after aligning the leading ends of the recording media 1a and 1b, the recording head 30 is scanned while driving the supply rollers 10a and 10b and the conveying roller 21, thereby recording the image 1 on the recording medium 1a and the image 2 on the recording medium 1b. Is started (see FIG. 12A).

  The recording media 1 a and 1 b are fed by 4 mm by the transport roller 21 every time the recording head 30 is scanned.

  Next, after images 1 and 2 are recorded for the length of the image (88 mm), recording of image 3 on recording medium 1a and recording of image 4 on recording medium 1b are started (see FIG. 12B).

  68 mm from the start of recording of images 3 and 4, that is, a distance obtained by adding a distance L4 (36 mm) from the recording end position to the cutting position to a distance L3 (32 mm) from the recording start position to the recording end position At the time when 68 mm is recorded, the images 1 and 2 are cut (see FIG. 12C).

  Subsequently, after recording the images 3 and 20 by 20 mm (88 mm−32 mm−36 mm), the recording of the image 5 is started on the recording medium 1a (see FIG. 13D), and when the 68 mm (32 mm + 36 mm) recording is performed, 4 is cut (see FIG. 13E).

  Next, the image 5 is recorded by 52 mm (88 mm−68 mm + 32 mm), and the recording of the image 5 is finished (see FIG. 13F). After the image 5 is recorded, the recording media 1a and 1b are reversed 160 mm + α mm (88 mm + 32 mm + 40 mm + α mm) (see FIG. 14G).

  Note that 40 mm is a distance L2 from the conveyance roller 21 to the recording start position, and α mm represents a distance from the conveyance roller 21 to the standby position.

  After the return of the recording media 1a and 1b is completed, the supply roller 10a and the conveyance roller 21 are driven to convey only the recording medium 1a by 196 mm + α mm (88 mm + 36 mm + 32 mm + 40 mm + α mm) and cut the image 5 (see FIG. 14H).

  After completion of the cutting, the recording medium 1a is reversed by 108 mm + α mm (36 mm + 32 mm + 40 mm + α mm) to align the tips of the recording media 1a, 1b (see FIG. 14 (i)), and then the supply rollers 10a, 10b and the conveying roller 21 are driven to drive the recording medium 1a. 1b is conveyed by 40 mm + α mm, the tip is moved to the image start position, and it waits until the next image recording (see FIG. 15J).

As another technique for improving the processing capability (conventional technique 2), there is a modification of the structure of conventional technique 1 as shown in FIG. In this configuration, since the number of conveying rollers corresponding to the recording medium (for example, the conveying rollers 21a and 21b with respect to the recording media 1a and 1b) is prepared, the conveyance of the recording medium can be individually controlled. Compared to the configuration of FIG. 11, the number of times the recording medium is conveyed and returned can be reduced, and the processing capability can be further improved (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-36644 A

  However, in the configuration shown in FIG. 11 of Patent Document 1, there is no problem when even-numbered image recording is performed, but when odd-numbered recording is performed, after the last one is recorded, FIG. ) To FIG. 15 (j) are required, and there is a problem that the processing time cannot be improved.

  Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 16, the processing time can be shortened, but the number of high-accuracy conveying rollers corresponding to the recording medium is required, resulting in an increase in cost.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus with high processing capability without increasing the cost.

The object of the present invention can be achieved by the following constitution.
(Claim 1)
Image data storage means for storing image data;
A number storage means for storing the number of images to be recorded;
Supply means for supplying N recording media provided corresponding to N (N ≧ 2) long recording media;
One conveying means for simultaneously conveying one or more recording media supplied by the supplying means;
Recording means for recording the image data stored in the image data storage means on a recording medium conveyed by the conveying means;
An image recording apparatus comprising: a cutting unit configured to cut the recording medium provided downstream of the conveying unit and the recording unit in the recording medium conveying direction;
When the series of recorded sheets stored in the number storage unit is N × m (m = 1, 2, 3,...), N recording media are transferred to the transport unit by the N supply units. And m times of image recording on N recording media at the same time,
When the series of recorded numbers stored in the number storing means is N × m + K (m = 1, 2, 3,..., K = 1, 2, 3,..., N−1) Of the N supply means, K recording means supplies K recording media to the conveying means, and simultaneously records images on the K recording media,
When the transport unit transports the K recording media by a predetermined length corresponding to one image length, the remaining NK supply units supply NK recording media to the transport unit. An image recording apparatus comprising a control unit that controls to perform m times of image recording simultaneously on N recording media.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when images are recorded on N long recording media, no matter how many sequential images are to be recorded, at the time when recording of all images is completed. Since an image is recorded on all N recording media, it is not necessary to reciprocate the recording medium repeatedly in order to cut the recording medium as in the prior art 1, thereby improving the processing capability. I can do it. Further, compared to the prior art 2, it is not necessary to prepare as many highly accurate transport means as the number of recording media, so that it is possible to improve the processing capability while suppressing an increase in cost.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description in this section does not limit the technical scope of the claims or the definition of terms, and the assertive explanation in the following embodiments of the present invention shows the best mode, It does not limit the meaning or technical scope of the terms of the present invention.

  First, an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image recording apparatus A that records an image by an inkjet method.

  The image recording apparatus is not limited to the ink jet recording apparatus, and may be, for example, a melt thermal transfer recording apparatus or a sublimation thermal transfer recording apparatus.

  In the figure, 1a and 1b are long recording media wound in a roll shape, 10a and 10b are a first supply roller and a second supply roller for individually supplying the recording media 1a and 1b, respectively. Is a conveyance roller that is arranged across the recording media 1a and 1b and can simultaneously convey the recording media supplied by the first supply roller 10a and the second supply roller 10b.

  The first supply roller 10a and the second supply roller 10b are driven by the first supply motor 11a and the second supply motor 11b, respectively, and the transport roller 21 is driven by the transport motor 22.

  The supply means 10 is constituted by the first supply roller 10a, the second supply roller 10b, the first supply motor 11a, the second supply motor 11b, and the like, and the conveyance means 20 is constituted by the conveyance roller 21, the conveyance motor 22 and the like.

  The first supply motor 11a, the second supply motor 11b, and the conveyance motor 22 are only required to be capable of pitch feeding. For example, the conveyance motor 22 that requires high-accuracy conveyance is a servo motor with a rotary encoder. It is preferable that the first supply motor 11a and the second supply motor 11b that are not required to be configured by inexpensive stepping motors.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a recording means for recording an image on the recording mediums 1a and 1b by an ink jet system provided on the downstream side of the conveying roller 21 in the recording medium conveying direction, and includes a recording head 31 that ejects ink, a head driver, and the like. However, the configuration of the recording head 31 will be described later.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes scanning means for reciprocally scanning the recording head 31 in a direction perpendicular to the recording medium conveyance direction, and the configuration will be described later.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a cutting means for cutting the recording medium, and any configuration may be used as long as it cuts the recording medium. For example, the cutting blade 51 moves the moving blade 52 across the recording media 1a and 1b by the cutting motor 51. You may move to the direction orthogonal to a direction, and you may cut | disconnect by a guillotine system.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a paper discharge tray that receives the cut recording medium.

  In the present embodiment, the number of the recording medium and the supply means for supplying the recording medium is two. However, the number is not limited to this, and the number is not limited as long as the number is two or more.

  Next, the recording head 31 and the scanning unit 40 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the recording head 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.

  2 is a perspective view of the recording head 31, FIG. 3 is a view seen from the direction of arrow X in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a view seen from the direction of arrow Z in FIG.

  In the recording head 31, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and BK (black) inks are stored in a Y ink tank 311, an M ink tank 312, a C ink tank 313, and BK ink. A tank 314 and a Y nozzle portion 315, an M nozzle portion 316, a C nozzle portion 317, and a BK nozzle portion 318 that eject ink from each ink tank are provided.

  Each nozzle portion is provided with a plurality of nozzles 315A, 316A, 317A, and 3188A from which ink is emitted.

  Next, the scanning unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 41 denotes a guide bar engaged with the recording head 31 so that the recording head 31 moves in a direction perpendicular to the recording medium conveyance direction.

  A wire 42 is wound around pulleys 43 and 44 provided outside the recording media 1a and 1b, and is coupled to the recording head 31.

  Reference numeral 45 denotes a scanning motor whose output shaft is coupled to a pulley 43, and the recording head 31 reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the recording medium conveyance direction as the scanning motor 45 rotates forward and backward.

  Next, returning to FIG. 1, the positional relationship of each member of the image recording apparatus A of the present embodiment will be described.

  The distance L1 from the standby position of the recording medium 1a, 1b between the first supply roller 10a and the second supply roller 10b and the conveyance roller 21 to the conveyance roller 21 is 4 mm, from the conveyance roller 21 to the recording start position by the recording means 30 The distance L2 from the recording start position to the recording end position is set to 32 mm, and the distance L4 from the recording end position to the cutting position by the cutting means 50 is set to 36 mm.

  Each time the recording roller 31 is scanned by the scanning unit 40, the length (pitch) that the conveying roller 21 conveys the recording media 1a and 1b is 4 mm, and the length of one recording medium cut after image recording is as follows. (Size) X1 is 88 mm.

  Next, the operation of the image recording apparatus A configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

  FIG. 6 is a control configuration diagram of the image recording apparatus A, FIG. 7 is a flowchart, and FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing an operation state in each step of the image recording apparatus A.

  First, the control configuration of the image recording apparatus A will be described with reference to FIG.

  HC is a host computer that stores image data to be recorded by the image recording apparatus A.

The image data sent from the host computer HC is stored in the image data storage unit 100 including the image data memory 102 via the interface 101, and the number of images to be recorded is stored in the number storage unit 200 including the number storage memory 202 via the interface 101. It is captured.
The control means 300 of the image recording apparatus A includes a CPU that performs various controls, a ROM that stores various data, a control program, a RAM, and the like.

  The control means 300 performs drive control of the first supply motor 11a, the second supply motor 11b, the transport motor 22, the cutting motor 51, the scanning motor 45, and the like.

  Based on such a configuration, the image data stored in the image memory 102 is sent to the head driver 31A based on a command from the control means 300, and the head driver 31A records four colors Y, M, C, and BK. The head 31 is driven, and images are recorded on the recording media 1a and 1b by the number of sheets stored in the number storage memory 202.

  Next, the operation of the image recording apparatus A will be described with reference to FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the number N of recording media is 2 and the number M of images to be recorded in a series is 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number N may be 2 or more. Further, the number M may be any number.

  When image data and the number of recorded sheets are input from the host computer HC to the image data storage means 100 and the number of sheets storage means 200 and the control of the control means 300 is started, the following calculation is performed based on a series of recorded number M. (ST1).

  Calculate the number m of times that images should be recorded simultaneously on N recording media. That is, the number M is the same as or smaller than the value obtained by dividing the number of recording media N, and the nearest integer is set as m and stored in the control means 300. In the present embodiment, m = 2.

  The number K (M−m × N) of recording media on which image recording is to be performed prior to simultaneous image recording on N recording media is obtained and stored in the control unit 300. In the present embodiment, K = M−m × N = 5-2 × 2 = 1.

  Reset the cutting counter i that counts the number of cuttings provided in the control means 300.

  After completion of the operation of ST1, it is determined whether or not K = 0, that is, whether or not processing is possible by performing image recording while simultaneously transporting N recording media (ST2). If NO, the process proceeds to ST3. , K (rows) of recording media are conveyed to the recording start position (L1 + L2). In this embodiment, since K = 1, the process proceeds to ST3, and the first supply roller 10a and the conveyance roller 21 are driven to convey the recording medium 1a by L1 + L2 = 4 mm + 40 mm = 44 mm (FIGS. 8A and 8B). )reference). The operation in the case of YES, that is, the case of K = 0 will be described later.

  Subsequently, images 1 to K are started to be recorded on the K-row recording medium (ST4), and it is determined whether or not the length (X1-L1-L2) has been advanced. If NO, the operation of ST4 is repeated, and YES is determined. Then, the conveyance of the remaining (NK) rows of recording media is started (ST6).

  In the present embodiment, after the recording of the image 1 is started on the recording medium 1a of the first row, when the recording of 44 mm in length (X1-L1-L2 = 88 mm-4 mm-40 mm) progresses, the second row is recorded. The conveyance of the recording medium 1b is started (see FIG. 8C).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the image recording is completed for the length of X1 (88 mm) on the K-row recording medium, that is, whether or not the boundary between the images has reached the recording start position (ST7). In step ST8, the following operation is performed.

  Recording of images K + 1 to 2K is started on the K-row recording medium.

  Recording of images 2K + 1 to N + K is started on the remaining (NK) rows of recording media.

  In the present embodiment, the image 2 is recorded on the recording medium 1a and the image 3 is recorded on the recording medium 1b (see FIG. 9D).

  After starting the recording of all N columns in ST8, it is further determined whether or not the recording has progressed (L3 + L4) (ST9). If YES, the recording medium of the K column is cut (ST10).

  In this embodiment, after recording on a recording medium 1a, 1b of 68 mm (L3 + L4 = 32 mm + 36 mm), the recording medium 1a is cut to obtain an image 1 (see FIG. 9 (e)).

  When the cutting operation of ST10 is completed, the recording of the N rows is resumed, and it is determined whether or not the image recording is completed for the length of X1 (88 mm), that is, whether the boundary of the image has reached the recording start position (ST11). If YES, 1 is added to the cutting counter i (ST12), and it is determined whether or not the value of the cutting counter i is equal to the number of times m (ST13). Recording of the next N images (K + N × i + 1) to (K + N × (i + 1)) is started (ST14).

  In the present embodiment, since the value (1) of the cutting counter i has not reached the number m (2), the image 4 is recorded on the recording medium 1a and the image 5 is recorded on the recording medium 1b (see FIG. 9 (f)). ).

  After starting recording in ST14, it is further determined whether or not the N-row recording medium is recorded (L3 + L4) (ST15). If YES, the N-row recording medium is disconnected (ST16), and the process returns to ST11. It is determined whether image recording has been completed for the length of X1 (88 mm), 1 is added to the cutting counter i (ST12), and it is determined whether the cutting counter i is equal to the number of times m (ST13). Goes to ST14 and repeats the above-described operation. In the case of YES, it progresses after ST17. In the present embodiment, the cutting counter i is 2, which is equal to the number of times m = 2.

  In ST17, L3 recording is further performed on the N-row recording medium, and then the N-row recording medium is conveyed L4 (ST18), the N-row recording medium is disconnected (ST19), and the N-row recording medium is waited. Rewind to the position (L1 + L2 + L3 + L4) (ST20), and end the series of operations.

  In the present embodiment, after L3 = 32 mm is further recorded on the two rows of recording media 1a and 1b, L4 = 36 mm is conveyed and the images 4 and 5 are cut (see FIG. 10G). 1b is returned by 112 mm (L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 = 4 mm + 40 mm + 32 mm + 36 mm) (see FIG. 10H).

  In ST2, if K = 0, that is, if processing is possible by performing image recording while simultaneously transporting N rows of recording media, the N rows of recording media are transported to the recording start position (L1 + L2). (ST21), recording of images 1 to N on N rows of recording media is started (ST22), and the process proceeds to ST11. In each step after ST11, the same operation as described above is performed, and the series of operations is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when images are recorded on N long recording media, the recording of all the images is completed regardless of the number of images to be recorded. Since the image is recorded on all of the N recording media at the time when the recording is performed, it is not necessary to reciprocate the recording medium repeatedly in order to cut the recording medium as in the prior art 1, and the processing performance is improved. Can be planned. Further, compared to the prior art 2, it is not necessary to prepare as many highly accurate transport means as the number of recording media, so that it is possible to improve the processing capability while suppressing an increase in cost.

1 is a schematic sectional view of an image recording apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a recording head 31. The figure seen from the arrow X direction of FIG. The figure seen from the arrow Z direction of FIG. The perspective view of the scanning means 40. FIG. FIG. 3 is a control configuration diagram of the image recording apparatus A. FIG. Explanatory drawing (1) showing the operation state in each step of the image recording apparatus A. Explanatory drawing (2) showing the operation state in each step of the image recording apparatus A. Explanatory drawing (3) showing the operation state in each step of the image recording apparatus A. FIG. 6 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the prior art 1. Explanatory drawing (1) showing the operation state in each step of prior art 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing (2) showing the operation state in each step of prior art 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing (3) showing the operation state in each step of prior art 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing (4) showing the operation state in each step of prior art 1. FIG. The top view of the prior art 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a, 1b Recording medium 10 Supply means 10a 1st supply roller 10b 2nd supply roller 11a 1st supply motor 11b 2nd supply motor 20 Conveyance means 21 Conveyance roller 22 Conveyance motor 30 Recording means 31 Recording head 40 Scanning means 41 Scanning motor 50 Cutting means 51 Cutting motor 100 Image data storage means 200 Number of sheets storage means 300 Control means A Image recording device HC Host computer

Claims (1)

Image data storage means for storing image data;
A number storage means for storing the number of images to be recorded;
Supply means for supplying N recording media provided corresponding to N (N ≧ 2) long recording media;
One conveying means for simultaneously conveying one or more recording media supplied by the supplying means;
Recording means for recording the image data stored in the image data storage means on a recording medium conveyed by the conveying means;
An image recording apparatus comprising: a cutting unit configured to cut the recording medium provided downstream of the conveying unit and the recording unit in the recording medium conveying direction;
When the series of recorded sheets stored in the number storage unit is N × m (m = 1, 2, 3,...), N recording media are transferred to the transport unit by the N supply units. And m times of image recording on N recording media simultaneously,
When the series of recorded numbers stored in the number storing means is N × m + K (m = 1, 2, 3,..., K = 1, 2, 3,..., N−1) Of the N supply means, K recording means supplies K recording media to the conveying means, and simultaneously records images on the K recording media,
When the transport means transports the K recording media for a predetermined length corresponding to the length of one image, the remaining NK supply means supplies NK recording media to the transport means. And an image recording apparatus having control means for controlling to perform m image recordings simultaneously on N recording media.

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