JP2007084281A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording device having simple construction for recording a high-accuracy and high-quality image while accurately controlling the travel of a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The recording device is equipped with a detecting means comprising: a first cylinder for thrusting the recording medium against a placement plate with first thrusting force; a rotary member for thrusting the recording medium against the placement plate with second thrusting force to be rotated following the travel of the recording medium; a second cylinder having a disc scale member provided with a scale to be rotated integrally with the rotary member; and a detecting means for detecting the rotated scale of the scale member to detect the travel of the recording medium. The first cylinder and the second cylinder are arranged on the placement plate so that a contact point where the first cylinder thrusts the recording medium and a contact point where the second cylinder thrusts the recording medium are located in the direction perpendicular to the carrying direction of the recording medium and on almost the same straight line when the detecting means detects the travel of the recording medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus provided with a movement amount detection means capable of accurately detecting the movement amount of a recording medium in order to accurately control and record the movement amount of the recording medium.

  Recently, various recording methods have been developed for recording devices, and in particular, fine ink droplets are ejected from ejection ports to record image information consisting of images, characters, numbers, symbols, etc. on a recording medium. In such an ink jet system, there are many commercially available color ink jet recording apparatuses capable of recording color image information on a recording medium using a plurality of color inks.

  Ink jet systems include, for example, a system in which an ink droplet is ejected from a nozzle by vibrating a piezoelectric element that forms a wall of an ink chamber having an ejection port (also referred to as a nozzle), or a heating element provided in the ink chamber. There is a system in which the ink droplets are instantaneously heated and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles with the energy of the generated bubbles.

  However, these ink jet recording apparatuses are generally equipped with a unit called a head in which a plurality of blocks provided with a plurality of nozzles are combined and a head as recording means, regardless of the ink droplet ejection method. A carriage that reciprocates in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium, and when the carriage reciprocates in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium with respect to the recording medium, the control means Characters, images, and the like are formed on a recording medium by ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles at appropriate timing based on image information.

  That is, the recording operation of the ink jet system is performed on the recording medium transporting operation in which the recording medium moving unit stops the recording medium by moving the recording medium in the transporting direction by a predetermined unit moving amount, and on the recording medium in which the movement is stopped. And a recording operation in which a head mounted on the carriage ejects ink droplets while moving in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium, and an ink jet recording apparatus alternately performs these two operations. By repeating, image information is recorded on a recording medium having a predetermined length.

  Therefore, in order for an ink jet recording apparatus to record a high-quality image with high accuracy, it is important that the recording medium can be moved with high accuracy by repeating a predetermined unit movement amount without being inclined with respect to the head. It is.

  In order to move the predetermined unit movement amount with high accuracy, it is conceivable to accurately control the conveyance amount by the recording medium moving means for conveying the recording medium provided in the ink jet recording apparatus. Since the moving means is configured to convey the recording medium by rotating the roller, a slip phenomenon may occur between the roller and the recording medium in some cases, and the conveyance amount of the roller may be accurately controlled. There is a problem that the recording medium does not move accurately by a predetermined unit movement amount.

  Therefore, it is necessary to accurately detect the amount of movement of the recording medium.For example, conventionally, when an ink jet head is provided between a ball member that contacts the recording medium and a paper contact roller, and the ball member rotates, A technique for detecting the amount of movement by rotating the slit plate via a gear provided on a roller that contacts the ball member and counting the number of slits of the slit plate on which the photo interrupter rotates is disclosed (for example, (See Patent Document 1).

Further, by moving the roller portion of the roller with gears in contact with the recording medium, the slit plate having a large number of radial slits is rotated via a gear that rotates integrally with the roller, and the photo interrupter straddling both sides of the slit plate Has disclosed a technique that detects the amount of movement as the number of output pulses output from the (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-9-123537 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-41419

  However, since both Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are manually pressed against a recording medium to detect the amount of movement, the pressing force is not constant due to variations in the pressing operation, and in some cases, a ball member or a roller There is a problem that a slip phenomenon may occur between the recording section and the recording medium, and an accurate amount of movement may not be detected.

  In particular, Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a slit plate is rotated via a gear provided on a roller that contacts a ball member, and thus has a problem that the structure is complicated and increases in size, and is close to an inkjet head. Since the ball member is provided, the ink discharged from the ink jet head toward the recording medium does not dry before the ball member comes into contact with the ink, and the ink is transferred to contaminate the recording medium. was there. Furthermore, there is a problem that the recording medium may be damaged due to excessive pressing against the recording medium.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, the roller portion of a roller with a gear is urged by an internal spring so as to slightly protrude from the lower surface of the main body case, and the main body case is pressed against the recording medium so as to make the pressing force constant. However, there has been a problem that the recording medium may be damaged in some cases by pressing the main body case too hard against the recording medium.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus that has a simple structure, can accurately control the amount of movement of a recording medium, and can record high-quality and high-quality images.

This invention can achieve the said objective by taking the following structure.
(1)
A mounting table for mounting the recording medium;
A recording medium moving means for moving the recording medium on the mounting table;
In a recording apparatus having recording means for recording information on a recording medium on the mounting table,
A first cylinder for pressing the recording medium on the mounting table with a predetermined first pressing force;
A disk-shaped scale member provided with a rotary member that rotates following the movement of the recording medium by pressing the recording medium against the mounting table with a predetermined second pressing force, and a scale that rotates integrally with the rotary member. A second cylinder having
A detecting unit having a detecting unit that detects a moving amount of the recording medium by detecting a scale of the rotating scale member,
When the first cylinder and the second cylinder are arranged on the mounting table and the moving amount of the recording medium is detected by the detection unit,
The contact point at which the first cylinder presses the recording medium and the contact point at which the second cylinder presses the recording medium are in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium and substantially on the same straight line. The recording apparatus is arranged so as to be positioned in the position.
(2)
The circumferential length of the outer shape of the rotating member of the second cylinder is a natural number with respect to a preset predetermined unit movement amount of the recording medium conveyed by the recording medium moving means when recording information. The recording apparatus according to (1), having a length substantially equal to
(3)
The scale member of the second cylinder is formed of a material that transmits light, and the scale is concentric with the rotating member, and is formed of a material that reflects or blocks light ( The recording apparatus according to 1) or (2).
(4)
The recording apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the rotating member of the second cylinder is formed of a material that transmits light.
(5)
The recording apparatus according to (4), wherein an outer shape of the rotating member of the second cylinder is covered with an elastic member having a high coefficient of friction.
(6)
The recording apparatus according to (4), wherein an outer shape of the rotating member of the second cylinder is formed in an uneven shape.

  In the present invention, when a first cylinder as a pressing roller that presses a recording medium with a predetermined pressing force and a second cylinder as a detection roller are arranged on the mounting table, the amount of movement of the recording medium is detected. In addition, the contact point at which the first cylinder presses the recording medium and the contact point at which the second cylinder presses the recording medium are in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium and substantially on the same straight line. Because of the fact that the recording medium is positioned at the position where the recording medium is moved, the moment that tilts the recording medium with respect to the transport direction is not generated even when the pressing force is different, and the recording medium is not tilted when transported. Can be detected, and a recording apparatus capable of recording high-quality and high-quality images can be provided.

  In addition, the amount of movement can be detected by setting the circumferential length of the outer shape of the rotating member of the second cylinder to a length substantially equal to a natural number with respect to a predetermined unit movement amount set in advance of the recording medium. It is possible to provide a recording apparatus provided with a detecting means that can easily and accurately calculate.

  In addition, the rotating member and the scale member of the second cylinder are formed of a material that transmits light, and the scale member is concentric with the rotating member and is formed of a material that reflects or blocks light. It is possible to provide a recording apparatus provided with detection means that can detect the amount of movement optically and accurately.

  In addition, the recording is provided with detection means capable of preventing slipping phenomenon and detecting the movement amount with high accuracy by covering the outer shape of the rotating member of the second cylinder with an elastic member having a high friction coefficient or making it an uneven shape. Equipment can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, in each drawing, the thing of the same code | symbol shall show the same thing, and shall be demonstrated in detail suitably with reference to other related drawings.

  1 is a schematic diagram of a recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a detection unit according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of the detection unit according to the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the detection means in the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the recording apparatus in the present embodiment.

  The configuration of an ink jet printer apparatus as a recording apparatus in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1A is a schematic view seen from the top surface of the ink jet printer apparatus, and FIG. 1B is a schematic view seen from the front face of the ink jet printer apparatus.

  In order to simplify the description of the present embodiment, for example, an ink tank that stores ink, an ink cartridge, an ink flow path, and the like necessary as an ink jet printer apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as a recording apparatus). The illustration and detailed description of the ink supply means provided with are omitted.

  Reference numeral 1 denotes a housing, and 2 denotes a support portion that supports the housing 1, and may be configured by a roller called a caster. Reference numeral 3 denotes a paper discharge tray on which paper P as a recording medium on which an image is recorded is discharged and stacked.

  Inside the housing 1 are a control means EC, a head means 10, a maintenance means 20, a paper feed / conveyance means 30, a paper storage means 40 in which a recording medium P is stored, and an ink supply means 50 (not shown). ) Is provided.

  Although described in detail later, the control means EC is configured by a control circuit including a CPU, for example, reads image information of a document according to a control program stored in a memory which is a storage means of the control circuit, or Image information or the like input from an external information device via an interface (not shown) is stored in memory.

  Then, the image information stored in the memory is read, and ink droplets are ejected from the head unit 10 onto the paper P, which is a recording medium, to record an image.

  That is, the control means EC has a function of executing a maintenance function for adjusting and maintaining various means so that the printer function and the printer function can be surely executed in order to execute the image information recording control.

  Although details will be described later, in the case of a color image recording apparatus, for example, the head unit 10 ejects each ink of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (BK). Heads having a plurality of ink ejection openings are provided for four colors.

  Further, although not shown in the figure, for example, an ink cartridge corresponding to each head, a drive circuit for performing ink ejection operation, and the like are configured as a unit, and the head unit 10 is referred to as a head unit. There is.

  After the recording operation (also referred to as a printing operation) by the head unit 10 is completed, the maintenance unit 20, for example, in the case where the printing operation is interrupted for a while, for example, dust or dirt at the ink discharge port (also referred to as a nozzle) of the head. Attaching a cap that covers the vicinity of the ink discharge port so that the ink does not dry out and become clogged, or after the printing operation is interrupted, before starting the next printing operation or at a certain level It has a function of recovering the clogged state and performing a normal ink discharge operation by discharging ink from the ink discharge port or cleaning the ink discharge port every period.

  The paper feeding / conveying means 30 takes out the recording medium P (also referred to as paper) stored in the paper storage means 40 one by one as recording medium moving means, and puts the paper P on the platen 4 facing the head means 10. The sheet P is fed and conveyed, and the sheet P placed on the platen 4 is conveyed by a predetermined unit movement amount in cooperation with the recording operation of the head means 10 so that an image can be recorded on the sheet P. Further, sheet conveyance control is performed to discharge and convey the sheet P on which the image is recorded toward the sheet discharge tray 3.

  The paper feeding / conveying means 30 includes R1 to R6 rollers for conveying paper, a motor M for driving the rollers, a leading edge detection sensor S for detecting the leading edge of the conveyed paper P, and the amount of movement of the paper. A detection means 60 having a detection unit for detection is provided.

  The leading edge detection sensor S may be configured to photoelectrically detect the leading edge of the paper P conveyed on the platen 4 with a photocoupler or the like, and to electrically turn on / off a mechanical switch. You may make it detect.

  Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the detection means 60 is a rotation member as a detection roller that rotates following the sheet P being conveyed, a scale plate attached to the rotation member, and a scale. It is composed of a photocoupler or the like as a detection unit provided with a light projecting unit that projects light onto the plate and a light receiving unit that receives pulsed light transmitted through the scale plate.

  Then, the control means EC photoelectrically converts the pulsed light received by the light receiving portion of the photocoupler, and counts (counts) the obtained pulse output as the number of pulses, so that per unit pulse set in advance. Based on the movement amount, the movement amount of the counted number of pulses can be calculated.

  The paper storage means 40 is a means for storing paper P on which no image is recorded. For example, it may be detachable from the recording apparatus by a cassette method, and it is preferable to store the paper separately according to the material, size, etc. of the paper.

  Here, the recording operation of the recording apparatus will be briefly described.

  First, the paper P stored in the paper storage means 40 is sent out one by one by operating the feed roller R1. The pair of rollers R2 conveys the taken paper P through the paper feed conveyance guide 5 in the direction of the pair of rollers R3, and the roller R3 further conveys in the direction of the roller R4.

  The sheet P conveyed to the roller R4 is sandwiched between the roller R5 that is disposed opposite to the roller R4 and is driven to rotate, and the roller R4 is rotationally driven by the motor M that is a driving source. Is conveyed onto the platen 4 while being sandwiched between the rollers R4 and R5.

  When the leading edge detection sensor S detects the leading edge of the paper P conveyed on the platen 4, the control means EC starts counting the number of pulses output by the detection means 60, and the number of pulses detected by the detection means 60. The motor M for driving the roller R4 is driven and controlled by the control means EC based on the movement amount corresponding to the above, and the paper P is conveyed and stopped by a predetermined unit movement amount set in advance.

  Subsequently, the head means 10 is reciprocated between the initial position 10a and the end position 10b in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper P indicated by an arrow by a carriage (not shown), for example, interlocked with the operation in the forward direction. Thus, an image is recorded on the paper P by a recording operation for ejecting ink droplets.

  When the recording operation in the forward direction by the head unit 10 is completed, the control unit EC activates the motor M of the paper feeding / conveying unit 30, and the sheet P sandwiched between the rollers R4 and R5 is again detected by the detecting unit 60. Based on the amount of movement corresponding to the detected number of pulses, the sheet is conveyed by a predetermined unit movement amount set in advance and stopped. On the other hand, the head unit 10 returns from the end position 10b to the initial position 10a in conjunction with the conveyance operation of the paper P.

  As described above, the paper feeding / conveying means 30 repeatedly executes the paper conveyance control for conveying the paper P by a predetermined unit movement amount at a constant timing in cooperation with the recording operation of the head means 10. An image can be recorded (formed) on the paper P.

  When the recording operation of the image on the paper P by the head unit 10 is finished, the paper feeding / conveying means 30 performs the paper discharging / conveying operation, the paper P is sandwiched by the pair of rotating rollers R6, and the paper is conveyed to the paper discharging tray 3. The paper is discharged.

  In the present embodiment, when the recording operation by the head unit 10 is performed, the predetermined unit movement amount of the paper P that the paper feeding and conveying unit 30 conveys to the head unit 10 is, for example, that of the head unit 10. The conveyance amount corresponding to the recording width L in the conveyance direction of the paper P, which can be recorded by ejecting ink droplets by the operation in the forward direction, is set.

  Further, the head unit 10 moves to the maintenance position 20a when the recording operation for ejecting ink droplets onto the paper P is completed. For example, the maintenance unit 20 cleans the nozzle surface or the like. Covered with a cap to prevent ink drying.

  Further, when starting the recording operation, the head unit 10 discharges ink from all nozzles of the maintenance unit 20 toward, for example, the ink discharge tray to eliminate clogging, and normal ink droplets are discharged. After performing a series of maintenance operations such as an operation to enable it, a reciprocating operation is started from the initial position 10a to the end position 10b, and an image is recorded on the paper P.

  In the present embodiment, in order to simplify the description of the recording operation, the head means 10 performs the recording operation by ejecting ink droplets only in the forward direction moving from the initial position 10a to the end point position 10b. However, the recording operation may be performed in both the forward direction and the backward direction.

  When the head unit 10 performs the recording operation in both the reciprocating directions, the sheet feeding / conveying unit 30 cooperates with the recording operation in the backward direction of the head unit 10 in the same way as the recording operation in the forward direction described above. The sheet conveyance control for conveying the sheet P by a predetermined unit movement amount based on the number of pulses detected at 60 is executed.

  The motor M that drives the roller R4 in the present embodiment may be a DC motor or an AC motor. However, when controlling the movement amount of the paper, the rotation amount can be easily controlled by inputting a predetermined pulse. It is desirable to use a pulse motor (also referred to as a stepping motor).

  Although illustrations and detailed descriptions of drive sources other than the motor M that drives the roller R4 are omitted, for example, other rollers and carriages necessary for the recording apparatus, or a motor as a drive source for an ink supply means, etc. Similarly to the motor M, the drive is appropriately controlled by the control means EC, and it is preferable to employ an appropriate motor according to its function.

  Further, in this embodiment, the roller R4 is driven by the motor M and the roller R5 is pressed against the roller R4 to be driven and rotated. Conversely, the roller R5 is driven by the motor M and the roller R4 is driven. You may make it follow driven rotation.

  In addition, the rollers R1 to R6 for transporting paper in the present embodiment are provided with a roller made of one elastic member with respect to a shaft member provided in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, for example. As shown in FIG. 1A, rollers made of a plurality of elastic members are provided at predetermined intervals with respect to a shaft member provided in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction. Needless to say, it may be a thing.

  Next, the detection means in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an outline of the entire detection means 60. FIG. 2B is a central cross-sectional view showing a schematic cross-sectional view as viewed from the left side of the detection means 60 in the drawing. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of a rotating member described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the circular rotating member 61 of the detecting means 60 is made of, for example, a transparent acrylic resin (PMMA). Since the outer portion of the rotating member 61 comes into contact with the paper P, the elastic member 62 having a high friction coefficient is covered with, for example, urethane rubber so that when the paper P comes into contact with the paper P, the outer member easily rotates. Of course, in the present embodiment, the materials of the rotating member 61 and the elastic member 62 are not limited to the above materials.

  In order to increase the friction coefficient, the outer portion of the rotating member 61 may be processed into an uneven shape instead of being covered with rubber, or the outer peripheral portion of the rubber to be covered may be processed into an uneven shape.

  A rib 61b having a shaft hole 61a is provided at the center of the rotating member 61. The rib 61b is provided with a screw hole 61c for fixing, for example, the rotating member 61 and the shaft 64 with a screw when a shaft 64 described later is inserted into the shaft hole 61a.

  In the present embodiment, the rotating member 61 and the shaft 64 are fixed with screws, but the present invention is not limited to this. The rotating member 61 and the shaft 64 may be bonded with an adhesive or the like, or may be fixed to each other by other methods. It goes without saying that it is good.

  A scale plate 63 that is fitted and positioned with the rib 61b is attached to the rotating member 61 with an adhesive. The scale plate 63 is formed of a transparent resin or the like, like the rotating member 61, and the scale plate 63 is provided with a scale 63a.

  The scale 63a is printed with, for example, a paint that does not transmit light and is provided with a black and white pattern that is radially divided from the center and is called a Siemens' star.

  Of course, the scale 63a is for accurately detecting the movement amount of the paper P and performing the paper conveyance control. Therefore, like the detection means 10 of the present embodiment, the scale 63a can be a scale that can easily detect the movement amount. For example, it is not limited to Siemens Star.

  In addition, the scale may have a structure that reflects light depending on circumstances, and the amount of movement may be detected by reflecting light without transmitting light.

  When the scale plate 63 is bonded and fixed to the shaft 64, the rotating member 61 uses, for example, the elasticity of the left and right arm portions 65a and 65b to the bearings 65c provided on the left and right arm portions 65a and 65b of the substrate 65. The rotating member 61 is rotatably attached by inserting both end portions of the shaft 64 while slightly widening the interval. Thereafter, the photocoupler SPH is attached to the substrate 65 so as to straddle the rotating member 61.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 2B, a spring member 67 is inserted and attached at a predetermined position between the substrate 65 and the attachment member 66, and the shaft member is fixed to the left and right arm portions 65a and 65b of the substrate 65. 65d is inserted into the bearings 66c provided on the left and right arm portions 66a and 66b of the mounting member 66 while slightly expanding the distance by utilizing the elasticity of the left and right arm portions 66a and 66b of the mounting member 66. The substrate 65 and the mounting member 66 can be biased in opposite directions by the spring member 67 around the shaft member 65d.

  The detection means 60 configured as a unit shown in FIG. 2A is attached to a later-described pressing roller means 70 by screwing or the like, and a predetermined pressing force by the spring member 67 described above. Thus, the rotating member 61 comes into contact with the paper P and rotates in a driven manner.

  Therefore, when the detection unit 60 detects the amount of movement of the paper P, the rotation member 61 of the detection unit 60 is pressed against the paper P with a certain pressing force by the spring force of the spring member 67, and the driven rotation starts. The light beam projected from the light projecting unit SL of the photocoupler SPH is received by the light receiving unit SR through the scale 63a of the rotating scale plate 63, and is photoelectrically converted by a detection circuit (not shown) and output. By counting the number of pulses, the movement amount of the paper P can be calculated based on the movement amount of the preset unit pulse.

  The photocoupler SPH may use, for example, an LED or a laser light emitting element for the light projecting unit SL, or may use a photovoltaic element, a photoconductive element, a phototransistor, or the like for the light receiving unit SR. A unitized commercially available unit incorporating the part SL, the light receiving part SR, and the detection circuit may be used.

  Further, when the photocoupler SPH is attached to the substrate 65, electrical wiring for connecting to the control means EC is required. For the electrical wiring, for example, a thin electric wire called a lead wire or a wiring pattern is flexible. A so-called flexible printed wiring formed on a resin-made printed circuit board or the like may be used, and in the present embodiment, illustration and detailed description related to electrical wiring are omitted.

  Next, the arrangement of the detection means in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3A is a schematic view showing the arrangement of the roller R5 and the detection means 60 on the platen 4, and FIG. 3B is a schematic view showing the state of FIG. 3A viewed from the left side of the drawing. .

  As shown in FIG. 3A, in the present embodiment, the roller mounting portion 68 that is mounted so that the roller R5 is rotated and the mounting member 66 that is mounted with the detecting means 60 are attached to the pressing roller means 70. Screwed. The pressing roller means 70 is configured such that the roller R5 presses the paper P with a predetermined pressing force by a pressing means (not shown), and the detecting means 60 uses the spring member 67 shown in FIG. It comes in contact with and rotates.

  A contact A1 where a roller R5 as a pressing roller attached to the pressing roller means 70 contacts the paper P and a contact A2 where the rotating member 61 of the detecting means 60 contacts the paper P are in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction. It is provided on the straight line shown with a dashed-dotted line.

  That is, the contact A1 and the contact A2 are located in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper P and substantially on the same straight line so that the contact A1 and the contact A2 overlap at the point A as shown in FIG. Even if the pressing force of the roller R5 and the rotating member 61 of the detecting means 60 is significantly different, the contact A1 and the contact A2 are positioned in a straight line, so that a rotational moment is generated by the mutual pressing force. Therefore, when the paper P is transported by the roller R5 or the like, a phenomenon such as tilting with respect to the transport direction does not occur.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the paper P does not tilt with respect to the transport direction on the platen, the detection unit 60 can accurately detect the movement amount of the paper P with accuracy.

  Further, the predetermined unit movement amount LP of the paper P is, for example, ejected ink droplets by the forward operation of the head unit 10 as shown by the interval L between two one-dot chain lines in FIG. Therefore, when the detection unit 60 detects the predetermined unit movement amount LP, it is in contact with the paper P and is driven to rotate. In order to make it possible to easily calculate the amount of movement from the rotational speed of the rotating member 61, assuming that the circumferential length of the outer shape of the rotating member 61 is L1, L1 = LP × n (n is a natural number excluding 0). It is desirable to set, and when configuring a small detection means, it is preferable to set L1 = LP × (1 / n).

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the circumferential length L1 of the outer shape of the rotating member 61 is set to a natural number of a predetermined unit movement amount LP, the movement amount per unit pulse can be easily set. When calculating the amount of movement based on the number of pulses detected by the means, the number of pulses may be multiplied by the amount of movement per unit pulse, which can be easily calculated.

  Note that FIG. 4 shows a case where the scale plate 63 for detecting the number of rotations of the rotating member 61 is desired to be enlarged, or when the rotational speed of the scale plate 63 is increased to perform finer movement amount control. The second rotating member 61A can be added to the configuration of the detecting means 60 shown in FIG.

  For example, the bearing 65c is further added to the left and right arm portions 65a and 65b of the substrate 65, the outer shape of the rotating member 61 having the scale plate 63 is processed into a gear shape, and the second rotation rotates following the contact with the paper P. The rotary member 61A is attached to the shaft 64A and then inserted into the bearing 65c, and meshed with the gear portion 61B provided on the second rotary member 61A. The scale plate 63 is configured to increase the rotation of the second rotary member 61A. It is also possible to detect the amount of movement.

Further, in order to smoothly rotate the rotating member 61, the second rotating member 61A, etc. of the detecting means 60, the bearing lubricant may be lithium with an ester having a kinematic viscosity at 40 ° C. of 20 mm ² / s or less as a base oil. It is desirable to use a lubricant to which soap is added.

  In other words, if the frictional force between the shaft and the bearing becomes larger than the frictional force when the rotating member 61 or the second rotating member 61A of the detecting means 60 comes into contact with the paper P, it cannot be smoothly driven and rotated, and the paper P does not slide. This prevents the movement amount from being accurately detected.

  Next, a circuit configuration of the ink jet printer apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a recording apparatus) in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a control circuit constituting the control means EC of the recording apparatus. The control circuit 100 is a CPU 110, an information control circuit 120, an interface (I / F) 130, an image processing circuit 140, and a drive control circuit 150. , Display means 170, operation input means 180, power supply circuit 190, and the like.

  The control circuit 100 is connected via an interface (I / F) 130 to, for example, a host computer 200 that is one of external information devices as image information output means.

  In order to record image information on the paper P, the CPU 110 controls the entire control circuit 100 based on control information such as sequences corresponding to programs such as various print modes and various control modes stored in advance in the control information memory 122.

  As various printing modes, a monochrome mode, a color image mode, a high-definition mode relating to image rendering, a standard mode, a simplified mode in which halftone color printing is not performed, and the like are assumed.

  The information control circuit 120 reads the image information of the document according to an instruction from the CPU 110, or stores the image information or the like input from the host computer 200, which is an external information device, via the interface 130 in the image information memory 121.

  Also, management information for maintenance management of the recording apparatus, for example, what kind of information the recording apparatus performed the printing operation, at what timing, etc., and what maintenance operation was performed Such management information is stored in the control information memory 122.

  In addition, the information control circuit 120 quickly and smoothly controls the input / output of various information for controlling the operation of the image information and the recording apparatus with an external information device, and the various information flows inside the recording apparatus. It has a function to do.

  The image processing circuit 140 converts data such as image information stored in the image information memory 121 into print data suitable for the recording device via the information control circuit 120, and operates in association with the drive control circuit 150 as head means. 10, ink droplets are ejected from the ink ejection port at an appropriate timing for printing.

  Although the detailed description is omitted, the drive control circuit 150 cooperates with the image processing circuit 140 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110 to perform the head unit 10, the maintenance unit 20, the sheet feeding / conveying unit 30, the sheet storage unit 40, and the ink supply. Various means such as the means 50 and the detecting means 60 are driven and controlled so that the recording apparatus can smoothly perform the operation of recording on the paper P as the recording medium based on the image information.

  The head unit 10 has a function of ejecting ink droplets from a plurality of nozzles at a predetermined timing based on image information in cooperation with the image processing circuit 140 and the drive control circuit 150 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110. .

  The maintenance unit 20 has a function of providing maintenance at an appropriate timing after the end of the recording operation or before the start of the recording operation so that the head unit 10 can always eject ink droplets in a normal state.

  The paper feeding / conveying means 30 conveys the paper P toward the head means 10, and when the recording operation is performed by the head means 10, the paper P is conveyed by a predetermined unit movement amount in conjunction with the operation of the head means 10. It has the function to do.

  The paper storage means 40 has a function of storing the paper P according to the size and material of the paper, for example.

  The ink supply unit 50 has a function of supplying, for example, ink to be ejected as ink droplets to the head unit 10 from an ink tank or ink cartridge that stores ink.

  The detection means 60 has a function of detecting the amount of paper movement. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is provided so that the paper feeding / conveying means 30 can accurately convey the paper P based on a predetermined unit movement amount in cooperation with the drive control circuit 150. It has been.

  The detecting means 60 receives the light beam projected from the light projecting portion SL of the photocoupler SPH through the scale 63a of the rotating scale plate 63, and the light receiving portion SR receives the light and photoelectrically converts it by a detection circuit (not shown). It is designed to output as a pulse.

  In this embodiment, when a pulse is output from the detection means 60, the information control circuit 120 counts the number of pulses, and the number of pulses counted to a predetermined number of pulses corresponding to a preset unit movement amount of the paper P. If the two values coincide with each other, the feeding unit 30 is controlled via the drive control circuit 150 to stop the motor M that drives the roller R4. It is always possible to carry the unit movement amount of the paper P with a constant accuracy.

  In the present embodiment, when the conveyance of the unit movement amount of the paper P is controlled as described above, the information control circuit 120 controls the paper feeding / conveying means 30 by the number of pulses. When the movement amount is displayed on the display unit 170 described later, the information control circuit 120 can calculate and display the movement amount of the counted number of pulses based on a preset movement amount per unit pulse. It is like that.

  The display unit 170 is configured as, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and the CPU 110 displays a basic operation screen for various modes when the various modes are selected, and displays a monitor screen that can confirm the execution status of the recording operation. Can be done.

  The operation input unit 180 includes a keyboard, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device, and the like. For example, various modes such as a print mode and an edit mode, or a head adjustment mode and a maintenance mode are displayed on the touch panel type liquid crystal of the display unit 170. Information necessary for operating the recording device can be input by selecting on the basic operation screen displayed on the display device.

  When the power supply circuit 190 is turned on by a power switch (not shown), the power supply activation circuit (not shown) provided in the power supply circuit 190 activates the control circuit 100 and the like to enable printing operation by various means. When the power is cut off by a power switch or a command from the CPU 110, the CPU 110 operates various means at a preset reference position (also referred to as an initial position) and terminates all the operations. A provided power cutoff circuit (not shown) is activated to cut off all power.

  Here, the control operation of the movement amount of the paper P in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, in response to an instruction from the CPU 110, the information control circuit 120 reads image information stored in the image information memory 121, and the image processing circuit 140 converts the image information into image data corresponding to the recording device.

  In response to an instruction from the CPU 110, the paper feeding / conveying means 30 is operated via the drive control circuit 150, and the paper P is taken out from the paper storage means 40 and conveyed. When the conveyed paper P is sandwiched between the rollers R4 and R5, the motor M that drives the roller R4 is rotated to continue the conveyance of the paper P. When the leading edge detection sensor S detects the leading edge of the conveyed paper P, the information control circuit 120 starts counting the number of pulses output from the detecting means 60.

  When the information control circuit 120 counts the number of pulses corresponding to a preset unit movement amount via the detecting means 60 provided with the rotating member 61 that rotates in contact with the paper P, the paper P moves to a predetermined unit movement amount. Is output to the drive control circuit 150, and the drive control circuit 150 stops the rotation of the motor M in response to the input of the transfer completion information, and the paper P by the paper feeding and conveying means 30 is predetermined. The paper transport operation for transporting by the unit movement amount is temporarily ended.

  Next, the drive control circuit 150 operates, for example, the carriage in the forward direction from the initial position 10a to the end position 10b shown in FIG. Based on the image data converted in 140, ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles of the head means 10 toward the paper P at an appropriate timing, thereby executing a recording operation for recording image information.

  When the head unit 10 finishes the recording operation in the forward direction, for example, the drive control circuit 150 rotates the motor M of the sheet feeding / conveying unit 30 again, and the sheet P is moved by a predetermined unit movement amount as described above. Transport.

  That is, a sheet transporting operation of a predetermined unit movement amount by the sheet feeding / conveying means 30 is executed according to the sheet length of a predetermined sheet, and then the operation of executing the recording operation by the head means 10 is repeated. And image information is recorded on the entire sheet of paper.

  When the recording operation for one sheet P by the head unit 10 is completed, the drive control circuit 150 rotates the roller R6 and discharges the sheet P on which the image information is recorded onto the sheet discharge tray 3.

  Therefore, when image information is continuously recorded on a plurality of papers P, the above paper transport operation and recording operation are repeatedly executed. When continuously recording image information, for example, the maintenance operation of the head unit 10 is performed by the maintenance unit 20 every time the head unit 10 completes a predetermined number of recording operations. good.

  When all the recording operations by the head unit 10 are completed, the maintenance unit 20 performs the maintenance operation of the head unit 10, and then the head unit 10 waits at the maintenance position 20a until the recording operation is started. It has become.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the detecting unit 10 photoelectrically detects the amount of rotation of the rotating member 61 that rotates in direct contact with the paper P, and the recording unit 10 records the image information. The paper transport control for transporting the paper P for the unit movement amount by detecting the rotation amount of the roller or the like that transports the paper and controlling the unit movement amount of the paper indirectly is performed. Is always stable and can be performed with extremely high accuracy.

  In this embodiment, a first cylinder as a pressing roller that presses the recording medium with a predetermined pressing force and a second cylinder as a detection roller are arranged on the mounting table, and the recording medium is moved. When detecting the amount, the contact point at which the first cylinder presses the recording medium and the contact point at which the second cylinder presses the recording medium are in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium, and Since the pressing force acts on the recording medium almost on the same straight line and no moment is generated by the pressing force, the recording medium is transported when the recording medium is conveyed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus that can detect the amount of movement with high accuracy and record a high-quality and high-quality image.

  In addition, the amount of movement can be detected by setting the circumferential length of the outer shape of the rotating member of the second cylinder to a length substantially equal to a natural number with respect to a predetermined unit movement amount set in advance of the recording medium. It is now possible to provide a recording apparatus equipped with detection means that can easily and accurately perform calculations.

  In addition, the rotating member and the scale member of the second cylinder are formed of a material that transmits light, and the scale member is concentric with the rotating member and is formed of a material that reflects or blocks light. It has become possible to provide a recording apparatus provided with a detecting means capable of detecting the amount of movement optically accurately.

  In addition, the recording is provided with detection means capable of preventing slipping phenomenon and detecting the movement amount with high accuracy by covering the outer shape of the rotating member of the second cylinder with an elastic member having a high friction coefficient or making it an uneven shape. The device can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the recording apparatus is described as an ink jet printer apparatus. However, the recording system is limited to the ink jet system as long as it is a recording apparatus that accurately conveys paper and records image information. Needless to say, other recording systems such as a thermal recording system, a pressure sensitive recording system, a thermal transfer recording system, or an electrophotographic recording system may be used.

1 is a schematic diagram of a recording apparatus in the present embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the detection means in this Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows arrangement | positioning of the detection means in this Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the other structure of the detection means in this Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Instruction | indication part 3 Paper discharge tray 4 Platen 5 Paper feed conveyance guide 10 Head means 20 Maintenance means 30 Paper feed conveyance means 40 Paper storage means 50 Ink supply means 60 Detection means 61 Rotating member 62 Elastic member 63 Scale plate 64 Axis 65 Substrate 70 Pressing roller means 70

Claims (6)

A mounting table for mounting the recording medium;
A recording medium moving means for moving the recording medium on the mounting table;
In a recording apparatus having recording means for recording information on a recording medium on the mounting table,
A first cylinder for pressing the recording medium on the mounting table with a predetermined first pressing force;
A disk-shaped scale member provided with a rotary member that rotates following the movement of the recording medium by pressing the recording medium against the mounting table with a predetermined second pressing force, and a scale that rotates integrally with the rotary member. A second cylinder having
A detecting unit having a detecting unit that detects a moving amount of the recording medium by detecting a scale of the rotating scale member;
When the first cylinder and the second cylinder are arranged on the mounting table and the moving amount of the recording medium is detected by the detection unit,
The contact point at which the first cylinder presses the recording medium and the contact point at which the second cylinder presses the recording medium are in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium and substantially on the same straight line. The recording apparatus is arranged so as to be positioned in the position. The circumferential length of the outer shape of the rotating member of the second cylinder is a natural number with respect to a predetermined unit movement amount set in advance of the recording medium conveyed by the recording medium moving means when recording information. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus has a length substantially equal to the length of the recording apparatus. The scale member of the second cylinder is formed of a material that transmits light, and the scale is formed of a material that is concentric with the rotary member and that reflects or blocks light. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating member of the second cylinder is formed of a material that transmits light. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an outer shape of the rotating member of the second cylinder is covered with an elastic member having a high coefficient of friction. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an outer shape of the rotating member of the second cylinder is formed in an uneven shape.

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