JP2007283494A - Image recording apparatus and image recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording apparatus and an image recording method which can prevent an image recording position from deviating without being influenced by the length of a medium feeding path for feeding a recording medium and the king of the recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: A registration for storing a thick recording medium R such as an envelope Re is inhibited in the n-th medium storing part 20-n connected to the n-th medium feeding system 21-n formed in a curved semi-circular shape. Another registration for storing the thick recording medium R such as the envelope Re is permitted in the first medium storing part 20-1 connected to the first medium feeding system 21-1 formed in a shorter feeding path than another n-th medium feeding system 21-n and linearly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus and an image recording method for recording an image on each of a plurality of types of recording media having different thicknesses, for example.

  The technology of the image recording apparatus is disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example. For example, Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of recording paper cassettes 1 as shown in FIG. These recording paper cassettes 1 store recording media 2 such as recording paper. In the recording paper cassette 1, a left / right regulating plate 3 and a memory 4 are provided in order to regulate the position in the width direction of the recording medium 2. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the left / right regulating plate 3 and the memory 4. A slot 6 is provided in the bottom plate 5 of the recording paper cassette 1. The memory 4 is formed along the long hole 6, and the left and right regulating plate 3 is movably provided in the long hole 6.

  When an image is recorded on the recording paper 2, pattern data indicating a recording position corresponding to the size of the recording paper 2 is recorded in order to measure the shift amount of the image recording position. When recording an image on the recording paper 2, the position in the width direction of the recording paper 2 is determined so that, for example, the left and right margins when the image is recorded on the recording paper 2 are equal. Therefore, for example, when the recording medium 2 is stored in the recording paper cassette 1, the width of the recording paper 2 is adjusted so that the left and right margins on the recording paper 2 are equalized by moving the left and right regulating plate 3 while referring to the memory 4. Adjust the direction position. When a plurality of recording paper cassettes 1 are used, the position of the recording paper 2 in the width direction is adjusted for each of the plurality of recording paper cassettes 1.

In Patent Document 2, an image recording unit 10 is provided as shown in FIG. 11, and a recording medium 11 that is continuous in a strip shape is conveyed in the conveyance direction A against the image recording unit 10. Line sensors 12 and 13 are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the image recording unit 10, respectively. These line sensors 12 and 13 detect the end of the recording medium 11 and output a position detection signal thereof. The line sensors 12 and 13 are controlled in operation by the line sensor control units 14 and 15, and the position detection signals output from the line sensors 12 and 13 are sent to the calculation unit 16. The calculation unit 16 calculates a shift amount in the width direction of the recording medium 11 based on the position detection signals output from the line sensors 12 and 13, and calculates a position correction value corresponding to the shift amount in the image recording unit 10. To the position correction control unit 17 provided on the downstream side. The position correction control unit 17 controls the position correction unit 18 based on the position correction value from the calculation unit 16. Accordingly, the position correction unit 18 corrects the position in the width direction of the recording medium 11 that is continuous in a band shape.
JP 9-314940 A JP 7-291497 A

  Since Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of recording paper cassettes 1, a recording medium 2 is supplied from each recording paper cassette 1 to the recording position between the recording paper cassettes 1 and the image recording positions. A plurality of medium supply paths are provided. These medium supply paths are formed with different path lengths. For this reason, when the recording medium 2 is supplied from the recording paper cassette 1 to the recording position through the medium supply path having a long path length, the positional deviation in the width direction of the recording medium 2 becomes large. The deviation of the image recording position on the upper side becomes large. When storing different types of recording media 2 for each of the plurality of recording paper cassettes 1, the left and right regulating plates 3 are moved according to the size of the recording medium 2 for each recording paper cassette 1, The position in the width direction of the recording paper 2 must be adjusted so that the left and right margins are uniform. In the facsimile, the image recording position on the recording medium 2 is not often taken into consideration, but when recording is performed on both sides of the recording medium 2, the deviation of the image recording position becomes large.

Patent Document 2 is a technique for recording an image on a continuous recording medium 11 in a band shape, and is different from image recording on a recording medium 2 such as a cut sheet in Patent Document 1, for example. For this reason, when Patent Document 2 is applied to image recording on the recording medium 2 such as cut paper, the end of the recording medium 2 is damaged by position correction in the width direction of the recording medium 2 such as cut paper by the position correction unit 18. there is a possibility. Further, Patent Document 2 leads to an increase in size and cost. Therefore, the present invention is an image recording that can prevent the deviation of the image recording position without being affected by the length of the medium supply path for supplying the recording medium and the type of the recording medium. An object is to provide an apparatus and an image recording method.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of medium storage units that respectively store a plurality of recording media by type, a transport mechanism that transports the recording medium, and each medium storage unit and transport mechanism. And a plurality of medium supply systems having different supply path lengths when supplying the recording medium stored in each medium storage unit to the transport mechanism, and the recording medium transported by the transport mechanism In the image recording apparatus having an image recording unit for recording an image, a registration unit for registering at least thickness information of the recording medium, and each medium storage unit based on the thickness information registered in the registration unit. And a control unit that controls the operation of supplying the recording medium to the medium supply system.

  The image recording method according to the present invention supplies each type of recording medium stored in each of a plurality of medium storage units to a transport mechanism via a plurality of medium supply systems having different supply path lengths. In the image recording method for recording an image by the image recording unit on the recording medium being conveyed by the conveying mechanism, at least the thickness information of the recording medium is registered, and each medium is stored based on the registered thickness information. The recording medium supply operation from the recording unit to each medium supply system is controlled.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the image recording apparatus and the image recording method which can prevent the shift | offset | difference of an image recording position without being influenced by the length of the medium supply path which supplies a recording medium, and the kind of recording medium can be provided.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus. The overall configuration of the image recording apparatus is as follows. A plurality of medium storage units, for example, first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n are provided. FIG. 1 shows the first medium storage unit 20-1 and the nth medium storage unit 20-n in order to avoid the complexity shown. The first medium storage unit 20-1 is detachably attached to the image recording apparatus main body, for example. The nth medium storage unit 20-n is provided, for example, below a transport mechanism 22 described later. The n-th medium storage unit 20-n is formed in a stacker shape in which, for example, recording media R of various sizes and paper quality can be stored in a box shape. Different types of recording media R are stored in the first medium storage unit 20-1 and the n-th medium storage unit 20-n. These recording media R are, for example, plain paper Rn, thick paper Rc, or envelope Re. The first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n are detachably attached to one end portions of the first to nth medium supply systems 21-1 to 21-n, respectively.

  The first to n-th medium supply systems 21-1 to 21-n merge with each other at the other end and are provided on the transport mechanism 22 side. The first to n-th medium supply systems 21-1 to 21-n supply the recording media R from the first to n-th medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n to the transport mechanism 22 side. Thus, the lengths of the supply paths for supplying the recording medium R to the transport mechanism 22 are different. For example, the length of the supply path of the n-th medium supply system 21-n is formed longer than the length of the supply path of the first medium supply system 21-1. The first medium supply system 21-1 is linearly formed between the first medium storage unit 20-1 and a registration roller pair 23 described later. The nth medium supply system 21-n is formed in a semicircular shape curved between the nth medium storage unit 20-n and the registration roller pair 23.

  The registration roller pair 23 is provided slightly downstream from the junction of the first to nth medium supply systems 21-1 to 21-n. The registration roller pair 23 aligns the leading ends of the recording medium R supplied from the first to n-th medium supply systems 21-1 to 21-n and also transports the recording medium R on the downstream side. Determine the timing of feeding to the.

  The transport mechanism 22 sucks and holds the recording medium R and transports the recording medium R in the transport direction a toward the downstream side. In the transport mechanism 22, a driving roller 25, a driven roller 26, and a tension roller 27 are rotatably provided to the transport mechanism main body 24, and a transport belt 28 is hung between these rollers 25 to 27. The conveyor belt 28 is formed in an endless belt shape and is provided with a plurality of suction holes. The drive roller 25 is provided with a drive motor 29. Accordingly, since the drive roller 29 is rotated by the drive motor 29 being driven, the conveyor belt 28 moves between the rollers 25 to 27 in response to the rotation of the drive roller 25.

  A suction fan 30 is provided in the transport mechanism main body 24. The suction fan 30 sucks air through a plurality of suction holes provided in the conveyor belt 28 by being driven to rotate. A suction roller 31 is provided on the upstream side of the transport mechanism main body 24. The suction roller 31 causes the recording medium R supplied from the first to nth medium supply systems 21-1 to 21-n to adhere to the conveyance belt 28. Thereby, the recording medium R supplied from the first to n-th medium supply systems 21-1 to 21-n is brought into close contact with the conveyance belt 28 by the suction roller 31, and at the same time, by air suction by the suction fan 30. Adsorbed onto the conveyor belt 28.

  An image recording unit 32 is provided above the transport mechanism 22. The image recording unit 32 records an image on the recording medium R being transported by the transport mechanism 22. The image recording unit 32 includes a plurality of inkjet heads that discharge inks of, for example, K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow).

  A separation mechanism 33 is provided below the transport mechanism 22. The separation mechanism 33 lowers or raises the conveyance mechanism 22 to separate the conveyance mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 from each other. The separation mechanism 33 includes, for example, contact / separation mechanisms 34 and 35 on the upstream side and the downstream side of the transport mechanism main body 24, respectively. Each of these contact / separation mechanisms 34 and 35 is provided such that one end side thereof is rotatable with respect to each of the rotation shafts 36 and 37, and the other end side 38 and 39 are brought into contact with the bottom surface of the transport mechanism main body 24, for example, a roller. It can be moved while sliding. Therefore, when the contact / separation mechanisms 34 and 35 are synchronously rotated in the direction of the arrow b, the transport mechanism 22 is lowered in response to the lowering of the other end sides 38 and 39 of the contact / separation mechanisms 34 and 35. When the contact / separation mechanisms 34 and 35 are synchronously rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow b direction, the transport mechanism 22 is raised.

  A registration sensor 40 is provided slightly upstream of the registration roller pair 23. When the registration sensor 40 detects the recording medium R supplied from the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n, it outputs an arrival signal indicating that the recording medium R has reached the registration roller pair 23. To do.

A medium width detection unit 41 and a top edge sensor 42 are provided between the suction roller 31 and the image recording unit 32. The medium width detection unit 41 detects both side edges of the recording medium R and outputs both side edge position detection signals. The medium width detection unit 41 is, for example, a line sensor, and specifically uses, for example, a CIS (contact image sensor: hereinafter referred to as CIS). The CIS sensor 41 has a size that can detect both end portions of the recording medium R from the maximum width to the minimum width. The CIS sensor 41 has a shallow depth of field.
The top edge sensor 42 detects the arrival of the leading end of the recording medium R and the passage of the trailing end, and outputs respective detection signals at the leading and trailing ends.
An encoder 43 is connected to the shaft of the driven roller 26. The encoder 43 outputs a pulse signal corresponding to the rotation of the driven roller 26.

Next, a specific configuration of the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration diagram of the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n. These medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n have the same configuration. On the flat storage base 50, a pair of width restricting plates 51 and 52 are provided so as to face each other and move in the width direction (y direction) of the recording medium R. For example, one of the width regulating plates 51 is movable, and the other width regulating plate 52 is fixed. These width regulating plates 51 and 52 align the left and right ends of the recording medium R accommodated by moving in the width direction of the recording medium R.

  A size detection unit 53 is provided on the moving path of one width regulating plate 51 on the storage base 50. The size detector 53 detects, for example, the interval between the width regulating plates 51 and 52 as a medium size detector, and outputs a width detection signal corresponding to the width of the recording medium R from this interval. When one width restricting plate 51 is movable and the other width restricting plate 52 is fixed, the size detecting unit 53 detects the moving position of one width restricting plate 51, and this moving position and the other width restricting plate 52 are detected. Based on the fixed position of the width regulating plate 52, a width detection signal corresponding to the width of the recording medium R is output.

  A pair of length regulating plates 54 and 55 are provided on the storage base 50 so as to face the length direction of the recording medium R (x direction, supply direction of the recording medium R). Of these, one length regulating plate 54 is provided at the rear end with respect to the conveyance direction a of the recording medium R, and the other length regulating plate 55 is provided at the front end with respect to the conveyance direction a of the recording medium R. ing. For example, one length regulating plate 54 is movable and the other length regulating plate 55 is fixed. These length regulating plates 54 and 55 align the front and rear ends of the stored recording medium R by moving in the length direction of the recording medium R.

  A length detector 56 is provided on the moving path of one length regulating plate 54 on the storage base 50. This length detection unit 56 detects, for example, the movement position of one length regulating plate 54 as a medium size detection unit, and based on this movement position and the fixed position of the other length regulation plate 55, the length of the recording medium R is detected. A length detection signal corresponding to the length is output.

  A pickup roller 57 and a separation mechanism 58 are provided at the upper end of the other length regulating plate 55. The pickup roller 57 picks up one recording medium R placed at the uppermost position from the plurality of recording media R stored in the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n. . The separation mechanism 58 reliably separates one recording medium R picked up by the pickup roller 57 from the remaining recording media R that have not been picked up.

  FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the control system. The control unit 60 is composed of a computer. The control unit 60 includes an image recording unit 32, a separation mechanism 33, a CIS sensor 41, a top edge sensor 42, an encoder 43, and first to n-th medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n. Each size detection unit 53, each length detection unit 56, each width regulation plate 51, 52, each length regulation plate 54, each pickup roller 57, and each separation mechanism 58 are connected. In addition, a registration unit 61 and a host device 62 are connected to the control unit 60. The host device 62 is installed outside the apparatus, for example, issues recording image data to be recorded on the recording medium R and an image recording command to the apparatus, and manages image recording operations of a plurality of the apparatuses. .

  FIG. 4 shows a specific block configuration diagram of the control unit 60. The control unit 60 includes a CPU 63, and a ROM 65, a RAM 66, an input unit 67, an output unit 68, an input / output unit 69, a tip information generation unit 70, and the CPU 63 via a bus 64. A side edge information generation unit 71 is connected. The input unit 67 is connected to the registration sensor 40, the CIS sensor 41, the top edge sensor 42, the encoder 43, the size detection unit 53, and the length detection unit 56. The output unit 68 is connected to the motor 29, the image recording unit 32, and the separation mechanism 33. The input / output unit 69 is connected to a host device 62, a display unit 72, and an input unit 73.

  The input unit 73 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The input unit 73 inputs the size of the recording medium R, that is, thickness information, length information, width information, and the like, for example, in response to an operation on a keyboard or mouse by a user. For example, the thickness information of the recording medium R is that the plain paper Rn is about 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, the envelope Re is about 1 mm, and the cardboard Rc is between the thickness of the plain paper Rn and the thickness of the envelope Re or the like. And about 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The input unit 73 is provided with a dedicated key or button for instructing the type of the recording medium R, for example, plain paper Rn, thick paper Rc, envelope Re, etc., or the thickness, length, and width of the recording medium R. A key or a button for directly inputting the size may be provided.

The leading edge information generator 70 receives the leading edge and the trailing edge of the recording medium R detected by the top edge sensor 42, counts the output pulse signal of the encoder 43 from the time of detection of the leading edge of the recording medium R, and records it. The tip information indicating the tip position of the medium R is generated.
The physical distance between the top edge sensor 42 and the image recording unit 32 is known in an adjustment process or the like when the apparatus is assembled. Thereby, the separation distance from the detection of the leading edge of the recording medium R by the top edge sensor 42 to the arrival of the recording start position by the image recording unit 32 is the count value (specified pulse number) of the output pulse signal of the encoder 43. Is converted by

  Therefore, the CPU 63 counts the output pulse signal of the encoder 43 after the top edge sensor 42 detects the leading end of the recording medium R, and starts the recording operation of the image recording unit 32 from the time when the counted value reaches the specified number of pulses. Let

  The side edge information generation unit 71 receives, for example, a both-side edge position detection signal of the recording medium R output from the CIS sensor 41 to obtain the both-side edge positions of the recording medium R, and the The width center and width length of the recording medium R are calculated, and the CPU 63 is notified of the width center and width length of the recording medium R.

The CPU 63 receives the width center of the recording medium R calculated by the side edge information generation unit 71 and the recording image data sent from the host device 62, and records the recording image data based on the width center of the recording medium R. The recording position to be recorded on the medium R is calculated and obtained. For example, the image recording position on the recording medium R by the image recording unit 32 is controlled such that the width center of the recording image data coincides with the width center of the recording medium R. Further, the CPU 63 controls the blank area on the recording medium R based on the width of the recording medium R obtained by the side edge information generation unit 71.
The CPU 63 registers the thickness information, length information, width information, and the like of the recording medium R input from the input unit 73, for example, in the size information area of the RAM 66. The registration unit 61 is constituted by the CPU 63, the input unit 73, and the size information area of the RAM 66.
The CPU 63 receives a user's operation on the input unit 73 and receives the type of the recording medium R stored in the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n, for example, thickness information and length information of the recording medium R. , Width information, etc., specifically, plain paper Rn, thick paper Rc, envelope Re, etc. are registered.

  Based on the thickness information registered in the size information area of the RAM 66, the CPU 63 moves from the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n to the first to nth medium supply systems 21-1 to 21-. The operation of supplying the recording medium R to n is controlled. For example, since the first medium supply system 21-1 is formed in a substantially linear shape, the position in the width direction of the recording medium R conveyed from the first medium storage unit 20-1 to the image recording unit 32. The amount of deviation is extremely small. On the other hand, since the nth medium supply system 21-n is formed in a curved semicircular shape, the width or the width of the recording medium R depends on the thickness or strength of the recording medium R (so-called paper waist strength). The amount of displacement increases. Since a specific type of recording medium R, such as an envelope Re, has a glued portion, the positional deviation in the width direction of the recording medium R conveyed from the nth medium storage unit 20-n to the image recording unit 32 The amount increases significantly.

  Therefore, the CPU 63 prohibits the supply of a specific type of recording medium R, that is, the envelope Re, out of the sizes of the recording medium R from the nth medium storage unit 20-n to the nth medium supply system 21-n. Specifically, the CPU 63 prohibits the registration of storing a specific type of recording medium R, that is, the envelope Re, in the nth medium storage unit 20-n among the sizes of the recording medium R registered in the size information area of the RAM 66.

  The CPU 63 controls the separation of the conveyance mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 relative to each other based on the thickness information of the recording medium R registered in the size information area of the RAM 66, for example, the interval between the conveyance mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32. For example, by controlling the operation of the separation mechanism 33, the separation mechanism 33 is controlled at regular intervals according to the thickness information of the recording medium R. That is, in the RAM 66, a separation interval between the transport mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 corresponding to the thickness information of the recording medium R is set in advance. The CPU 63 reads the separation interval between the conveyance mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 according to the thickness information of the recording medium R set in the RAM 66, controls the separation mechanism 33 according to the separation interval, and controls the conveyance mechanism 22. The interval with the image recording unit 32 is set to a separation interval according to the thickness information of the recording medium R.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a separation interval between the conveyance mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 corresponding to the plain paper Rn as the recording medium R. The thickness of plain paper Rn, where the height from the virtual reference plane K to the recording medium R is H, the effective detection distance of the CIS sensor 41 is ΔCIS, the effective image recording distance of the image recording unit 32 is ΔHEAD, and the thickness t of the recording medium R Let t ₁ be the size. In this case, the CPU 63 controls the operation of the separation mechanism 33, and synchronizes and rotates the contact / separation mechanisms 34 and 35 in the direction opposite to the arrow b direction to raise the conveyance mechanism 22, and the CIS sensor 41 and the plain paper Rn. Is set to ΔCIS, and the interval between the image recording unit 32 and the plain paper Rn is set to ΔHEAD.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a separation interval between the conveyance mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 corresponding to the thick paper Rc as the recording medium R. The thickness of the cardboard Rc and _{t 2.} In this case, the CPU 63 controls the operation of the separation mechanism 33 and lowers the transport mechanism 22 by rotating the contact / separation mechanisms 34 and 35 in the direction of the arrow b in synchronization. Descending stroke of the transport mechanism 22 is determined thickness t ₁ and the thickness of the cardboard Rc plain paper Rn and in accordance with the difference between t _2. As a result, the interval between the CIS sensor 41 and the plain paper Rn is set to ΔCIS, and the interval between the image recording unit 32 and the plain paper Rn is set to ΔHEAD.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a separation interval between the conveyance mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 corresponding to the envelope Re as the recording medium R. The thickness of the envelope Re and _{t 3.} In this case, the CPU 63 controls the operation of the separation mechanism 33 and lowers the transport mechanism 22 by rotating the contact / separation mechanisms 34 and 35 in the direction of the arrow b in synchronization. Descending stroke of the transport mechanism 22 is determining the thickness of the plain paper Rn in accordance with the difference between t ₁ and the thickness t ₃ of the envelope Re. Thereby, the interval between the CIS sensor 41 and the envelope Re is set to ΔCIS + α, and the interval between the image recording unit 32 and the envelope Re is set to ΔHEAD + α. Since the envelope Re has a glued portion, the envelope Re has a non-uniform thickness. Therefore, the interval between the CIS sensor 41 and the envelope Re is ΔCIS + α, and the interval α between the image recording unit 32 and the envelope Re is added with a constant α that takes into account the uneven thickness of the envelope Re.

  The thickness of the plain paper Rn is, for example, about 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. On the other hand, the envelope Re has a thickness of, for example, 1 mm. Accordingly, the separation interval between the transport mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 is set to be larger than that of the plain paper Rn in order to avoid contact and collision between each inkjet head in the image recording unit 32 and the envelope Re. .

  The CPU 63 uses the image recording unit 32 to record an image on the recording medium R based on the width of the recording medium R detected by the CIS sensor 41, for example, the left and right sides on the recording medium R. The position of the blank area where image recording is not performed at the edge is controlled.

  When the CIS sensor 41 is separated from the recording medium R by a large distance, the detection accuracy at both ends of the recording medium R is significantly reduced due to the shallow depth of field. In addition, the envelope Re as the recording medium R in particular has a non-uniform thickness in the envelope Re because of the presence of a glued portion. For this reason, for example, when the CIS sensor 41 is used, the CIS sensor 41 has a shallow depth of field, so that it can detect, for example, a glued portion, but cannot detect both ends. When this happens.

  Accordingly, for example, when the accuracy of detection of the width of the recording medium R by the CIS sensor 41 is reduced, the CPU 63 detects the width of the recording medium R by the CIS sensor 41 to detect the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n. Is switched to the detection of the width of the recording medium R by the size detection unit 53 provided in FIG. In this case, the side edge information generation unit 71 obtains the width length of the recording medium R based on the width length detection signal output from the size detection unit 53. However, the CPU 63 controls the image recording position and the blank area on the recording medium R based on the width of the recording medium R obtained by the side edge information generation unit 71.

  Since the CIS sensor 41 is provided immediately before the image recording unit 32 with respect to the conveyance direction a of the recording medium R, both ends of the recording medium R conveyed by being sucked and held on the conveyance belt 28 are raised. It can be detected with accuracy. On the other hand, the size detector 53 may cause an error due to, for example, a mechanical position shift of the width regulating plates 51 and 52 depending on the set state of the width regulating plates 51 and 52. Therefore, when the width of the recording medium R is detected by the size detection unit 53, the CPU 63 controls the size of the margin area on the recording medium R to be larger by a preset size.

Next, an image recording operation of the apparatus configured as described above will be described according to an image recording operation flowchart shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C.
In step S1, for example, an envelope Re is set as the recording medium R in the first medium storage unit 20-1. That is, the envelope Re as the recording medium R is stored on the storage base 50 between the width regulating plates 51 and 52 and the length regulating plates 54 and 55 as shown in FIG. At this time, the width regulating plates 51 and 52 move in the width direction of the envelope Re to align the left and right ends of the envelope Re. The length regulating plates 54 and 55 are moved in the length direction of the envelope Re to align both front and rear ends of the envelope Re.

  The user operates the input unit 73 to input that the type of the recording medium R set in the first medium storage unit 20-1, that is, the envelope Re is set. In response to the operation input from the input unit 73, the CPU 63 registers in the size information area of the RAM 66 that the envelope Re is set as the recording medium R in the first medium storage unit 20-1 in step S2. Thus, when recording an image on the envelope Re stored in the first medium storage unit 20-1, the CPU 63 performs image recording with the transport mechanism 22 according to the thickness information of the envelope Re set in the RAM 66. The separation interval with the unit 32 is read, and it is recognized that the transport mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 need to be separated at the separation interval as shown in FIG.

  Next, for example, a thick paper Rc is set as the recording medium R in the nth medium storage unit 20-n in step S3. Similarly to the above, the cardboard Rc is stored on the storage base 50 between the width regulating plates 51 and 52 and the length regulating plates 54 and 55 as shown in FIG. At this time, the width regulating plates 51 and 52 move in the width direction of the thick paper Rc to align the left and right ends of the thick paper Rc. The length regulating plates 54 and 55 move in the length direction of the thick paper Rc to align both front and rear end portions of the thick paper Rc.

  The user operates the input unit 73 to input that the type of the recording medium R set in the nth medium storage unit 20-n, that is, the cardboard Rc is set. In response to an operation input from the input unit 73, the CPU 63 registers in the size information area of the RAM 66 that the cardboard Rc is set as the recording medium R in the nth medium storage unit 20-n in step S4. Thus, when recording an image on the thick paper Rc stored in the nth medium storage portion 20-n, the CPU 63 performs image recording with the transport mechanism 22 according to the thickness information of the thick paper Rc set in the RAM 66. The separation interval from the unit 32 is read, and it is recognized that the transport mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 need to be separated from each other as shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 63 confirms whether or not the recording medium R stored in the nth medium storage unit 20-n is an envelope Re. That is, the CPU 63 reads the type of the recording medium R stored in the nth medium storage unit 20-n registered in the size information area of the RAM 66, and if the type of the recording medium R is the envelope Re, step S6. Then, for example, the display unit 72 is notified of a warning prohibiting setting of the envelope Re. Note that the warning for prohibiting setting of the envelope Re may, for example, sound a buzzer. If the type of the recording medium R stored in the nth medium storage unit 20-n is not the envelope Re, the CPU 63 does not issue a warning.

  When the setting of the recording medium R is completed, the image recording setting is performed in the host device 62. In step S7, the type of the recording medium R on which the image is recorded is specified for the upper device 62.

First, a case where the upper device 62 designates recording on the envelope Re as the recording medium R will be described.
The host device 62 requests the type of the recording medium R stored in each of the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n from the image recording apparatus. When the CPU 63 receives a request for the type of the recording medium R from the host device 62, the CPU 63 stores the request in the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n registered in the size information area of the RAM 66. Information on the type of the recording medium R is returned to the host device 62.

  Upon receiving the types of recording media R stored in the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n returned from the CPU 63, the upper device 62 receives the first medium storage in step S8. It is confirmed whether or not the envelope Re is set in the section 20-1. As a result of the confirmation, if the envelope Re is not set in the first medium storage unit 20-1, the upper device 62 proceeds to step S9 and the recording medium R to be stored in the first medium storage unit 20-1. For example, a warning for which no type is registered is displayed on the display unit 72. This warning prompts the user to reset the recording medium R to the first medium storage unit 20-1.

  On the other hand, if the envelope Re is set in the first medium storage unit 20-1, the upper device 62 proceeds to step S10 and sets the medium storage unit flag to “1”. In this state, when an image recording command is issued from the host device 62 to the CPU 63, the CPU 63 uses the envelope Re stored in the first medium storage unit 20-1. As a result, the image recording setting in the host device 62 is completed, and the CPU 63 waits for an image recording command from the host device 62 in step S11.

  When an image recording command is issued from the host device 62, the CPU 63 proceeds from step S11 to step S12, and sets the height of the transport belt 28 in the transport mechanism 22. Note that the image recording command from the host device 62 includes the medium storage unit flag “1”. Since the CPU 63 recognizes that the envelope Re stored in the first medium storage unit 20-1 is used, the transport mechanism 22 and the image corresponding to the thickness information of the envelope Re set in the RAM 66 are used. The spacing distance from the recording unit 32 is read. The CPU 63 controls the separation mechanism 33 according to the read separation interval, and sets the separation between the transport mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 to a separation interval according to the thickness information of the envelope Re, for example, 1.7 mm. That is, the CPU 63 controls the operation of the separation mechanism 33 as shown in FIG. 7, and lowers the transport mechanism 22 by synchronizing and rotating the contact / separation mechanisms 34 and 35 in the direction of the arrow b. Thereby, the interval between the CIS sensor 41 and the envelope Re is set to ΔCIS + α, and the interval between the image recording unit 32 and the envelope Re is set to ΔHEAD + α.

  Next, in step S <b> 13, the CPU 63 confirms whether or not the medium storage unit flag set by the upper device 62 is “1”. As a result of the confirmation, if the medium storage unit flag is “1”, the CPU 63 issues a command for feeding the envelope Re stored in the first medium storage unit 20-1 in step S14. At this time, the size detection unit 53 provided in the first medium storage unit 20-1 detects the interval between the width regulating plates 51 and 52, and detects the width length according to the width length of the envelope Re from this interval. Output a signal. In step S15, the CPU 63 inputs the width detection signal output from the size detection unit 53, and reads the width of the envelope Re.

  The pickup roller 57 in the first medium storage unit 20-1 picks up one envelope Re placed at the uppermost position from the plurality of envelopes Re when the CPU 63 issues a command for feeding the envelopes Re. To do. The separation mechanism 58 reliably separates one envelope Re picked up by the pickup roller 57 from the remaining envelopes Re that have not been picked up. One envelope Re picked up from the first medium storage unit 20-1 is supplied to the registration roller pair 23 through a first medium supply system 21-1 formed in a linear shape. The registration roller pair 23 aligns the tips of the envelopes Re supplied from the first medium supply system 21-1, and determines the timing for feeding the envelopes Re to the transport mechanism 22 arranged on the downstream side. It is sent to the transport mechanism 22.

The envelope Re fed to the transport mechanism 22 is brought into close contact with the transport belt 28 by the suction roller 31. At this time, since the suction fan 30 of the transport mechanism 22 is rotationally driven, air is sucked through a plurality of suction holes provided in the transport belt 28, and the envelope Re is placed on the transport belt 28 by this air suction. Adsorbed. At the same time, the drive roller 25 is rotated by driving the drive motor 29, so that the conveyor belt 28 moves between the rollers 25 to 27 in response to the rotation of the drive roller 25. As a result, the envelope Re is conveyed in the conveyance direction a while being sucked and held on the conveyance belt 28. By this conveyance, the envelope Re passes below the CIS sensor 41 and the top edge sensor 42 and reaches below the image recording unit 32.
At this time, the CIS sensor 41 detects both side edges of the envelope Re, and outputs a both-side edge position detection signal. In step S <b> 16, the CPU 63 takes in both end position detection signals output from the CIS sensor 41 and reads the width of the envelope Re.

Next, in step S17, the side edge information generation unit 71 determines the image recording position with respect to the envelope Re. At this time, as described above, the accuracy of detecting the width of the envelope Re by the CIS sensor 41 is lowered. The detection is switched from the detection of the width length of the envelope Re by 41 to the detection of the width length of the envelope Re by the size detection unit 53.
Accordingly, the side edge information generation unit 71 uses the width length of the envelope Re detected by the size detection unit 53 read in step S15, calculates the width center of the envelope Re from this width length, The CPU 63 is notified of the width length.

  The CPU 63 receives the width center of the envelope Re calculated by the side edge information generation unit 71 and the recorded image data sent from the host device 62, and for example, records the recorded image data based on the width center of the envelope Re. The image recording position to be recorded on the envelope Re is controlled by the image recording unit 32 so that the width center of the recorded image data coincides with the width center of the envelope Re. Further, the CPU 63 controls the blank area on the envelope Re based on the width of the envelope Re obtained by the side edge information generation unit 71. The margin area on the envelope Re is set to be larger than the margin areas formed on the plain paper Rn and the thick paper Rc.

When the envelope Re passes below the top edge sensor 42, the top edge sensor 42 detects the arrival of the leading end of the envelope Re and the passage of the trailing end, and outputs detection signals at the leading and trailing ends. .
The leading edge information generation unit 70 receives each detection signal at the leading edge and the trailing edge of the envelope Re detected by the top edge sensor 42, and counts the output pulse signal of the encoder 43 from the detection of the leading edge of the envelope Re. The tip information indicating the tip position of the envelope Re is generated.
The physical distance between the top edge sensor 42 and the image recording unit 32 is known in an adjustment process or the like when the apparatus is assembled. Thus, the separation distance from the detection of the leading edge of the envelope Re by the top edge sensor 42 to the arrival of the recording start position by the image recording unit 32 is based on the count value (specified pulse number) of the output pulse signal of the encoder 43. Converted.

  Therefore, the CPU 63 counts the output pulse signal of the encoder 43 after the top edge sensor 42 detects the leading edge of the envelope Re, and starts the recording operation of the image recording unit 32 when this count value reaches the specified number of pulses. . However, in step S18, the image recording unit 32 receives, for example, K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) from the plurality of inkjet heads with respect to the envelope Re conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 22. The ink of each color is discharged, and an image is recorded on the envelope Re.

  Note that if the result of determination in step S13 is that the medium storage unit flag set by the host device 62 is not “1”, the CPU 63 proceeds to step S29 and is stored in the nth medium storage unit 20-n. An instruction to feed the envelope Re is issued.

Next, a case where the upper device 62 designates recording on the thick paper Rc as the recording medium R will be described.
Similarly to the above, the host device 62 requests the type of the recording medium R stored in each of the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n from the image recording apparatus. When the CPU 63 receives a request for the type of the recording medium R from the host device 62, the CPU 63 stores the request in the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n registered in the size information area of the RAM 66. Information on the type of the recording medium R is returned to the host device 62.

  Upon receiving the types of the recording media R stored in the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n returned from the CPU 63, the upper device 62 receives the first medium storage in step S20. It is confirmed whether or not the cardboard Rc is set in the section 20-1. At this time, since the envelope Re is set in the first medium storage unit 20-1, the upper device 62 determines that the first to n-th medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n in step S21. It is determined whether the cardboard Rc is set in any nth medium storage portion 20-n.

  As a result of the confirmation, if the cardboard Rc is not set in the nth medium storage unit 20-n, the upper device 62 proceeds to step S22 and sets the medium storage unit flag to “2”. If the cardboard Rc is set in the first medium storage unit 20-1, the upper device 62 sets the medium storage unit flag to “1” in step S23. If no thick paper Rc is set in any of the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n, the upper device 62 issues a warning that the thick paper Rc is not registered in step S24. For example, it is displayed on the display unit 72. This warning prompts the user to reset the thick paper Rc to the nth medium storage unit 20-n.

  In this state, when an image recording command is issued from the host device 62 to the CPU 63, the CPU 63 uses the thick paper Rc stored in the nth medium storage unit 20-n. As a result, the image recording setting in the host device 62 is completed, and the CPU 63 waits for an image recording command from the host device 62 in step S11.

  When an image recording command is issued from the host device 62, the CPU 63 proceeds from step S11 to step S12, and sets the height of the transport belt 28 in the transport mechanism 22. Note that the image recording command from the host device 62 includes the medium storage unit flag “2”. Since the CPU 63 recognizes that the cardboard Rc stored in the nth medium storage unit 20-n is used, the transport mechanism 22 and the image corresponding to the thickness information of the cardboard Rc set in the RAM 66 are used. The spacing distance from the recording unit 32 is read. The CPU 63 controls the operation of the separation mechanism 33 according to the read separation interval, and sets the separation between the transport mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 to a separation interval according to the thickness information of the thick paper Rc, for example, 0.2 mm. That is, the CPU 63 controls the operation of the separation mechanism 33 as shown in FIG. 6, and lowers the transport mechanism 22 by rotating the contact / separation mechanisms 34 and 35 in the direction of arrow b in synchronization. Thereby, the interval between the CIS sensor 41 and the envelope Re is set to ΔCIS, and the interval between the image recording unit 32 and the cardboard Rc is set to ΔHEAD.

  Next, in step S <b> 13, the CPU 63 confirms whether or not the medium storage unit flag set by the upper device 62 is “2”. As a result of the confirmation, if the medium storage unit flag is “2”, the CPU 63 issues a command for feeding the thick paper Rc stored in the nth medium storage unit 20-n in step S14. At this time, the size detection unit 53 provided in the nth medium storage unit 20-n detects the interval between the width regulating plates 51 and 52, and detects the width length according to the width of the thick paper Rc from this interval. Output a signal. In step S15, the CPU 63 inputs the width length detection signal output from the size detection unit 53, and reads the width length of the cardboard Rc.

  When the instruction for feeding the thick paper Rc is issued from the CPU 63, the pickup roller 57 in the n-th medium storage unit 20-n picks up one thick paper Rc placed at the uppermost position from the plurality of thick paper Rc. To do. The separation mechanism 58 reliably separates one thick paper Rc picked up by the pickup roller 57 from the remaining thick paper Rc that has not been picked up. One cardboard Rc picked up from the nth medium storage unit 20-n is supplied to the registration roller pair 23 through the nth medium supply system 21-n. The registration roller pair 23 aligns the leading ends of the thick paper Rc supplied from the n-th medium supply system 21-n, and determines the timing for feeding the thick paper Rc to the transport mechanism 22 arranged on the downstream side. It is sent to the transport mechanism 22.

  The cardboard Rc fed to the transport mechanism 22 is brought into close contact with the transport belt 28 by the suction roller 31. At this time, since the suction fan 30 of the transport mechanism 22 is rotationally driven, air is sucked through a plurality of suction holes provided in the transport belt 28, and the cardboard Rc is placed on the transport belt 28 by this air suction. Adsorbed. At the same time, the drive roller 25 is rotated by driving the drive motor 29, so that the conveyor belt 28 moves between the rollers 25 to 27 in response to the rotation of the drive roller 25. As a result, the thick paper Rc is conveyed in the conveying direction a while being sucked and held on the conveying belt 28. By this conveyance, the thick paper Rc passes below the CIS sensor 41 and the top edge sensor 42 and reaches below the image recording unit 32.

  At this time, the CIS sensor 41 detects both side edges of the thick paper Rc, and outputs both side edge position detection signals. In step S <b> 16, the CPU 63 takes in the both end position detection signals output from the CIS sensor 41 and reads the width of the thick paper Rc.

  Next, in step S17, the side edge information generation unit 71 determines the image recording position for the thick paper Rc, and uses the width of the thick paper Rc detected by the CIS sensor 41 at this time. This is because the thickness of the thick paper Rc is substantially constant, and the detection accuracy of the width of the thick paper Rc by the CIS sensor 41 is maintained.

  Accordingly, the side edge information generation unit 71 uses the width of the thick paper Rc detected by the CIS sensor 41, calculates the width center of the thick paper Rc from the width, and notifies the CPU 63 of the width center and the width length of the thick paper Rc. To do.

  The CPU 63 receives the center of the width of the thick paper Rc calculated by the side edge information generation unit 71 and the recording image data sent from the host device 62, and for example, records the recording image data based on the width center of the thick paper Rc to the thick paper Rc. The image recording position to be recorded on the thick paper Rc is controlled by the image recording unit 32 so that the width center of the recorded image data coincides with the width center of the thick paper Rc. Further, the CPU 63 controls a blank area on the thick paper Rc based on the width of the thick paper Rc obtained by the side edge information generation unit 71.

When the thick paper Rc passes below the top edge sensor 42, the top edge sensor 42 detects the arrival of the leading end and the passage of the trailing end of the thick paper Rc, and outputs detection signals at the leading and trailing ends. .
The leading edge information generation unit 70 receives each detection signal of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the thick paper Rc detected by the top edge sensor 42, and counts the output pulse signal of the encoder 43 from the time of detecting the leading edge of the thick paper Rc. The tip information indicating the tip position of the cardboard Rc is generated.
The CPU 63 counts the output pulse signal of the encoder 43 after the top edge sensor 42 detects the leading edge of the thick paper Rc, and starts the recording operation of the image recording unit 32 when this count value reaches the specified number of pulses. However, in step S18, the image recording unit 32 applies, for example, K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) to the thick paper Rc conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 22 from a plurality of inkjet heads. The ink of each color is discharged, and an image is recorded on the thick paper Rc.

Next, a case where plain paper Rn is designated as the recording medium R will be described.
Similarly to the above, the host device 62 requests the type of the recording medium R stored in each of the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n from the image recording apparatus. When the CPU 63 receives a request for the type of the recording medium R from the host device 62, the CPU 63 stores the request in the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n registered in the size information area of the RAM 66. Information on the type of the recording medium R is returned to the host device 62.

  Upon receiving the types of the recording media R stored in the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n returned from the CPU 63, the upper device 62 receives the first medium storage in step S25. It is confirmed whether plain paper Rn is set in the section 20-1. At this time, since the envelope Re is set in the first medium storage unit 20-1, the upper device 62 determines that the first to n-th medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n in step S26. It is determined whether the plain paper Rn is set in any of the nth medium storage portions 20-n.

  As a result of the confirmation, if the plain paper Rn is not set in the n-th medium storage unit 20-n, the upper device 62 proceeds to step S27 and sets the medium storage unit flag to “2”. If the plain paper Rn is set in the first medium storage unit 20-1, the upper device 62 sets the medium storage unit flag to “1” in step S28. If the plain paper Rn is not set in any of the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n, the upper device 62 has not registered the plain paper Rn in step S29. The warning is displayed on the display unit 72, for example. This warning prompts the user to reset plain paper Rn to the nth medium storage unit 20-n.

  In this state, when an image recording command is issued from the host device 62 to the CPU 63, the CPU 63 uses the plain paper Rn stored in the nth medium storage unit 20-n. As a result, the image recording setting in the host device 62 is completed, and the CPU 63 waits for an image recording command from the host device 62 in step S11.

  Thereafter, as with the image recording operation for the envelope Re and the thick paper Rc, the CPU 63 executes the operations from step S12 to step S18 to record an image on the plain paper Rn. The interval between the transport mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 is set to a separation interval according to the thickness information of the plain paper Rn. In step S17, the side edge information generation unit 71 determines the image recording position for the plain paper Rn, and uses the width of the plain paper Rn detected by the CIS sensor 41 at this time. This is because the plain paper Rn has a substantially constant thickness, and the detection accuracy of the width of the plain paper Rn by the CIS sensor 41 is maintained.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, the envelope is placed in the nth medium storage unit 20-n connected to the nth medium supply system 21-n formed in a curved semicircular shape. Registration of storing a thick recording medium R such as Re is prohibited, and the first medium supply system 21-1 formed in a straight line with a shorter supply path than the other nth medium supply systems 21-n. Registration is permitted to store a thick recording medium R such as an envelope Re in the first medium storage unit 20-1 connected to the recording medium R, so that the thick recording medium R such as an envelope Re is used as the first medium supply. Even if supplied to the transport mechanism 22 through the system 21-1, the first medium supply system 21-1 is formed in a short supply path and in a straight line, so that the first medium supply system 21-1 passes through the first medium supply system 21-1. The envelope Re can be prevented from being displaced in the left-right direction when the envelope Re is supplied, and recorded on the envelope Re. Image recording position will not deviate when performing.

  Even if the plain paper Rn is supplied to the transport mechanism 22 through the n-th medium supply system 21-n formed in a curved semicircular shape, the plain paper Rn is originally the n-th medium supply system 21-n. There is very little misalignment in the left-right direction. Therefore, even if the plain paper Rn is supplied to the transport mechanism 22 through any of the first medium supply system 21-1 to the n-th medium supply system 21-n, the deviation of the image recording position with respect to the plain paper Rn is small. Furthermore, since the image recording position is controlled using the width of the plain paper Rn detected by the CIS sensor 41, it is possible to maintain a higher definition recording position accuracy.

  When determining the image recording position with respect to the envelope Re, switching from detection of the width of the envelope Re by the CIS sensor 41 to detection of the width of the envelope Re by the size detection unit 53 is performed. That is, because of the shallow depth of field, the CIS sensor 41 has a significantly reduced detection accuracy at both ends of the recording medium R having a non-uniform thickness due to a glued portion or the like like an envelope Re. Therefore, when determining the image recording position with respect to the envelope Re, the accuracy of the control of the image recording position with respect to the envelope Re can always be kept at an appropriate position by using the detection of the width of the envelope Re by the size detection unit 53. .

  Since the conveyance mechanism 22 and the image recording unit 32 are relatively separated from each other in accordance with the thickness information of the recording medium R such as plain paper Rn, thick paper Rc, or envelope Re, each inkjet head of the image recording unit 32 and the recording medium The distance from the surface of R can always be set to a constant distance, and image recording on the recording medium R can be performed with optimum image quality.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said one Embodiment, You may deform | transform as follows.
For example, the recording medium R is not limited to the plain paper Rn, the thick paper Rc, or the envelope Re, and may have various sizes or thicknesses. In this case, if the thickness is not similar to the envelope Re, the n-th medium storage unit 20 connected to the n-th medium supply system 21-n formed in a curved semicircular shape. In the first medium storage unit 20-1 that is connected to the first medium supply system 21-1 that is formed in a straight line with a short supply path, prohibiting registration of storage in the n. It is sufficient to permit registration of storage.

  The prohibition of registration to the effect that the recording medium R is stored in the first to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n is the nth medium supply system 21 formed in a curved semicircular shape. For example, if the supply path length is long even if the supply path length is short, or if the supply path length is long and the recording medium R may be displaced in the left-right direction, Registration of storage of the recording medium R in the 1st to nth medium storage units 20-1 to 20-n may be prohibited.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention. The specific block diagram of the medium storage part in the apparatus. The block block diagram of the control system in the apparatus. The specific block block diagram of the control part in the apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a separation interval between a conveyance mechanism corresponding to plain paper and an image recording unit in the apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a separation interval between a conveyance mechanism corresponding to thick paper and an image recording unit in the apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a separation interval between a transport mechanism and an image recording unit corresponding to an envelope Re in the apparatus. 5 is an image recording operation flowchart in the apparatus. 5 is an image recording operation flowchart in the apparatus. 5 is an image recording operation flowchart in the apparatus. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a recording paper cassette in a conventional image recording apparatus. The enlarged view of the right-and-left control board and memory in the apparatus. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram illustrating correction of a positional deviation in the width direction of a recording medium by a conventional image recording apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  R: recording medium, 20-1 to 20-n: first to nth medium storage units, 21-1 to 21-n: first to nth medium supply systems, 22: transport mechanism, 23: registration roller 24: transport mechanism main body, 25: drive roller, 26: driven roller, 27: tension roller, 28: transport belt, 29: drive motor, 30: suction fan, 31: suction roller, 32: image recording unit, 33 : Separation mechanism, 34, 35: contact / separation mechanism, 36, 37: rotating shaft, 38, 39: other end side, 40: registration sensor, 41: medium width detector (CIS sensor), 42: top edge sensor, 43 : Encoder, 50: Storage base, 51, 52: Width regulating plate, 53: Size detecting unit, 54, 55: Length regulating plate, 56: Length detecting unit, 57: Pickup roller, 58: Separating mechanism, 60: Control unit 61: Registration unit 6 : Host device, 63: CPU, 64: bus, 65: ROM, 66: RAM, 67: input unit, 68: output unit, 69: input / output unit, 70; tip information generation unit, 71: side end information generation unit 72: Display unit, 73: Input unit.

Claims (18)

A plurality of medium storage units that respectively store a plurality of recording media by type, a transport mechanism that transports the recording medium, and each medium storage unit and the transport mechanism are provided between each of the medium storage units. A plurality of medium supply systems having different supply path lengths when supplying each of the stored recording media to the transport mechanism, and image recording for recording an image on the recording medium transported by the transport mechanism An image recording apparatus having
A registration unit for registering at least thickness information of the recording medium;
A control unit that at least controls the supply operation of the recording medium from the medium storage units to the medium supply systems based on the thickness information registered in the registration unit;
An image recording apparatus comprising: The control unit relatively separates the transport mechanism and the image recording unit based on the thickness information before the recording medium supply operation;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium includes at least plain paper, cardboard, or an envelope.   The control unit prohibits the supply from the medium storage unit to the medium supply system with respect to the specific type of the recording medium in which one or both of length and shape is preset. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1. The registration unit registers at least the thickness information of the recording medium stored in each of the plurality of medium storage units;
In the registration to the registration unit, the control unit stores the recording medium of a specific type in which either one or both of length and shape is preset in the medium storage unit corresponding to the medium supply system. Ban registration of
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1.   6. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the medium supply system does not correspond to the medium supply system having the shortest supply path length of the recording medium among the plurality of medium supply systems.   6. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the medium supply system has a shape in which a supply path of the recording medium is curved.   6. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specific type of recording medium includes an envelope.   3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the interval between the recording medium conveyed on the conveyance mechanism and the image recording unit at a constant interval according to the thickness information. . A separation mechanism for relatively separating the conveyance mechanism and the image recording unit;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the separation mechanism according to the thickness information. A medium width detection unit having a shallow depth of field for detecting the width of the recording medium conveyed to the image recording unit;
A medium size detection unit that is provided in each medium storage unit and detects at least the width of each recording medium stored in each medium storage unit;
The control unit controls one or both of an image recording position and a blank area on the recording medium based on the width of the recording medium detected by the medium width detecting unit, and the medium width detecting unit When the detection accuracy of the width of the recording medium decreases, the detection of the width of the recording medium by the medium width detection unit is switched to the detection of the width of the recording medium by the medium size detection unit, and the detection is performed by the medium size detection unit. Controlling one or both of an image recording position and a blank area on the recording medium based on the width of the recording medium.
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1. Each type of recording medium respectively stored in a plurality of medium storage units by processing of a computer is supplied to a transport mechanism via a plurality of medium supply systems having different supply path lengths, and is transported by the transport mechanism. In an image recording method for recording an image on a recording medium by an image recording unit,
Registering at least thickness information of the recording medium, and controlling the supply operation of the recording medium from each medium storage unit to each medium supply system based on the registered thickness information. Image recording method. Before the recording medium supply operation, a step of relatively controlling the separation of the transport mechanism and the image recording unit based on the thickness information of the recording medium stored in each of the medium storage units. ,
The image recording method according to claim 12.   Control of the supply operation of the recording medium prohibits supply from the medium storage unit to the medium supply system for the specific type of the recording medium in which either one or both of length and shape is preset. The image recording method according to claim 12, wherein: The control of the recording medium supply operation registers the type of the recording medium stored in each of the medium storage units,
The registration can be set for each type of the recording medium that conforms to one or both of length and shape,
For each type of the registered recording medium, the recording medium of each type is supplied to a transport mechanism via the compatible medium supply system.
The image recording method according to claim 12.   The image recording method according to claim 13, wherein the separation control between the conveyance mechanism and the image recording unit separates the conveyance mechanism and the image recording unit at a separation interval corresponding to the thickness information. The separation control between the transport mechanism and the image recording unit registers the thickness information of the recording medium stored in each of the medium storage units,
When an image recording command is issued to the recording medium, the conveying mechanism and the image recording unit are set to a separation distance according to thickness information of the recording medium.
The image recording method according to claim 13. A medium width detector having a shallow depth of field for detecting the width of the recording medium when controlling one or both of the image recording position and the blank area on the recording medium based on the width of the recording medium When the detection accuracy of the width of the recording medium is reduced, the width of the recording medium is detected by switching to the medium size detection unit provided in the medium storage unit, and the recording medium detected by the medium size detection unit Controlling either one or both of the image recording position and the blank area on the recording medium based on the width;
The image recording method according to claim 12.

Images