JP2008132666A - Inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress generation of variation gloss generated by bidirectional recording. <P>SOLUTION: When recording is performed on a glossy paper, more specifically, a recording is scanned in which the amount of use of ink causing the generation of the variation gloss is large, the bidirectional recording is switched to the unidirectional printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium.

(High-speed recording)
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, inkjet recording apparatuses that form images by ejecting ink droplets from a recording head while reciprocally scanning the recording head with respect to the recording medium have been used in various configurations and controls in order to increase the recording speed. It has been. Two typical examples are the lengthening of the nozzle array and the implementation of bidirectional recording.

  Increasing the length of the nozzle row increases the number of nozzles used for printing in the direction of the nozzle row, and increases the printing speed because the area recorded per printing scan increases by the increase in the number of nozzles. It is possible to make it. However, increasing the length of the nozzle array inevitably increases the size of the recording head and the size of the recording apparatus, which increases the manufacturing cost. When it is implemented with an apparatus, it is disadvantageous.

  On the other hand, bidirectional recording refers to recording control in which recording for image formation is performed in both the forward direction and the backward direction of relative reciprocal scanning between the recording head and the recording medium, and recording is performed only in one direction. In comparison, a recording speed approximately twice as high can be obtained. Further, when performing bidirectional recording, it is basically unnecessary to increase the size of the head and the apparatus, which is a risk when the head is lengthened, and the manufacturing cost does not increase. Therefore, bidirectional recording is widely adopted in recent ink jet recording apparatuses.

(Problems with conventional bidirectional recording)
As described above, bidirectional recording is highly effective in improving the recording speed, but occurrence of color unevenness has been pointed out. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, recording heads used in ink jet recording apparatuses are arranged in order in the scanning direction of a recording head, as shown in FIG. 23 (H2000 to H2600 represents nozzle arrays for each color). In many cases, they are arranged side by side, and the color order of the ink recorded in the forward scan and the color order of the ink recorded in the backward scan are different, thereby causing color unevenness. Even when the amount of ink used for each color is the same, the color development differs depending on the color order of recording, so the color development differs between the area recorded in the forward scan and the area recorded in the reverse scan, and it is visually recognized as unevenness. is there. FIG. 25A is a schematic diagram of color unevenness that occurs in bidirectional recording. In the center of the figure is the recording medium. When recording is started from the upper part of the figure, when the recording head scans in the direction of the arrow indicated as “fwd”, the recording medium is conveyed and the next “bwd” Recording is performed in which the recording head scans in the direction indicated by the arrow. Thereafter, the “fwd” scan and the “bwd” scan are sequentially repeated, and as a result, the color difference between the area recorded with “fwd” and the area recorded with “bwd” is visually recognized as color unevenness. As shown in FIG. 25 (b), it is understood that this color unevenness becomes inconspicuous when performing a so-called multi-pass recording in which a predetermined area on the recording medium is formed by a plurality of recording scans. Yes. FIG. 25B shows an example of two-pass printing in which a predetermined area on a printing medium is formed by two printing scans. In this case, since the conveyance amount of the recording medium performed after each recording scan is half that in FIG. 25A, the recording image is completed by superimposing the recordings of the “fwd” scanning and the “bwd” scanning. It will be. Generally, the color unevenness becomes less conspicuous as the number of times of recording scanning (so-called pass number) for completing a predetermined area on the recording medium is increased.

As a countermeasure against such color unevenness in bidirectional recording, in Patent Document 1, a recording duty corresponding to the amount of ink recorded in each recording scan is monitored, and scanning exceeding a predetermined value is the same scanning as the previous recording scanning. Control to switch to direction recording is performed. Normally, color unevenness that occurs due to the difference in the order of colors to be recorded occurs only in the case of recording scanning with a large amount of ink and when two or more colors of ink are used. By performing unidirectional recording only for the recording scan that satisfies the above conditions, the merit of increasing the recording speed by bidirectional recording can be maximized without causing color unevenness.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-180018

  The problem with conventional bi-directional printing is that, as described above, the color order of printing differs between forward scanning and backward scanning, so that the color of the portion printed by forward scanning and the portion printed by backward scanning differ, resulting in color unevenness. It was to be visually recognized as. It has been found that this color unevenness is less noticeable as the number of passes is increased. In recent years, inkjet recording apparatuses have been required to have a wide variety of recording media, and they support various types of paper, from plain paper, mainly for document recording, to glossy paper for photographic recording. Is common. For each type of recording medium, a suitable recording method is used, and for a recording medium for photographic recording that requires high recording quality, a recording method with a larger number of passes is used compared to a recording method for plain paper that requires a recording speed. It is common that Therefore, the above-described color unevenness is unlikely to occur in a photographic recording medium having a large number of passes, and any recording data can always be recorded by bidirectional scanning.

  However, we have discovered the following problems in the evolution of recording media and ink in recent years. When glossy paper used for photographic recording is subjected to bidirectional recording, there is a problem that so-called gloss unevenness occurs in which areas having different glossiness appear alternately in a band shape. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining a phenomenon caused by uneven gloss. FIG. 26 (a) shows a state in which light is emitted from a light source to unrecorded glossy paper and the specular reflection light is captured by the eyes. The reflected light that enters the eye usually looks the same color as the light emitted by the light source, regardless of the color of the recording medium. FIG. 26B shows a state in which light is emitted from a light source to glossy paper recorded with a certain color ink. In this case as well, the reflected light incident on the eye is usually colored with ink on the recording medium, but usually looks the same color as the light emitted by the light source. On the other hand, FIG. 26C shows a state in which light is emitted from a light source to a specific glossy paper recorded with a specific color ink, and reflected light incident on the eye is irradiated with the light source. This is an example that looks different in color from the light. In this way, it is known that when specific glossy paper and specific ink are combined, the reflected light may appear different from normal, and recording should be performed using glossy paper and ink exhibiting such characteristics. It is considered that gloss unevenness occurs.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining an estimation factor that causes uneven glossiness when bidirectional recording is performed by an inkjet recording apparatus using glossy paper and ink exhibiting the above-described characteristics. Here, what is used for recording is premised on recording by a plurality of passes using two colors of ink having the above-described unique reflected light characteristics and normal ink that is not so. FIG. 26A shows the state of recording in the final recording scan of bidirectional recording. The upper part of the figure shows a state immediately before the last recording scan is performed, so that the ink recorded in the previous recording scan is mixed with the above-mentioned unique ink and normal ink on the glossy paper. Recorded on glossy paper. The middle part of the figure shows a state immediately after the ink having the unique reflection characteristic is recorded in the last recording scan. It is considered that the ink color material component peculiar to the surface layer is more likely to remain than the ink color material component recorded in the previous recording scan. The lower part of the figure shows a state after the ink having the normal reflection characteristic is recorded next in the last recording scan. It is considered that the color material component of the normal ink is more likely to remain on the surface layer than the color material component of the ink recorded before that time. Therefore, it is considered that more color material components of normal ink are likely to remain on the surface layer of the completed image than the color material components of specific ink. Therefore, even if light is incident on the completed image from the light source and the specularly reflected light is caught with the eyes, there is almost no sense of incongruity because a color close to that of the light source can be seen.

  FIG. 26B shows a state in which normal ink recording is performed first in the last recording scan, and peculiar ink recording is performed later, contrary to the case described in FIG. . In this case, it is considered that more specific color material components of ink remain than the color material components of normal ink on the surface layer of the completed image. Therefore, when light is incident on the completed image from the light source and the specular reflection light is caught with the eyes, the color of the light source looks different from the color of the light source due to the influence of the specific ink coloring material remaining on the surface layer. .

  Note that when performing bi-directional printing with multiple passes as is commonly done, the ink that is recorded last in each printing scan switches from scan to scan, so the color of the reflected light is uncomfortable with the bandwidth of the print scan. Since a certain band and a band with almost no sense of incongruity appear alternately, as a result, it is visually recognized as uneven gloss.

  In general, the gloss unevenness increases as the amount of specific ink used increases, and the visibility of the gloss unevenness increases and the image quality decreases.

  An object of the present invention is to suppress the occurrence of uneven gloss caused by a combination of specific glossy paper and ink as described above, and to maintain the maximum recording speed by bidirectional recording.

It has means for forming an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink of a plurality of colors while reciprocating the recording head relative to the recording medium, and forward scanning and backward scanning with respect to a predetermined area on the recording medium. In the ink jet recording apparatus having a recording head in which the recording order of the inks having a plurality of colors is different and having a plurality of ink ejection openings arranged,
A configuration capable of setting a recording operation according to the type of recording medium selected by the user from a plurality of recording media including glossy media;
The ink amount of each color used to form a recorded image or a value corresponding thereto is divided into divided areas of the recorded image, and each area can be calculated for each color.
When recording on specific glossy media, the recording head usually performs so-called bi-directional recording in which ink is ejected in both forward and backward scanning of the reciprocating scan. In a print image area in which the ink amount of ink or a value corresponding to the ink amount exceeds a predetermined amount, printing is performed by ejecting ink only during either forward scanning or backward scanning of the reciprocating scanning of the recording head. It is characterized by performing direction recording.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus capable of suppressing the occurrence of uneven gloss caused by a combination of specific glossy paper and ink as described above and maintaining the recording speed by bidirectional recording to the maximum. it can.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1. 1. Basic Configuration 1.1 Overview of Recording System FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the flow of image data processing in a recording system applied in an embodiment of the present invention. The recording system J0011 is based on a host device J0012 that generates image data indicating an image to be recorded, a UI (user interface) for generating the data, and the like, and image data generated by the host device J0012. And a recording apparatus J0013 for recording on a recording medium. The printing apparatus J0013 uses eight color inks of cyan (C), light cyan (Lc), magenta (M), light magenta (Lm), yellow (Y), red (R), green (G), and black (K). For recording, a recording head H1001 for discharging these eight colors of ink is used.

  As programs that operate in the operating system of the host device J0012, there are applications and printer drivers. The application J0001 executes processing for creating image data to be recorded by the recording apparatus. This image data or data before editing or the like can be taken into a PC via various media. The host device according to the present embodiment can first take in, for example, JPEG format image data captured by a digital camera using a CF card. Also, for example, TIFF format image data read by a scanner or image data stored in a CD-ROM can be captured. Furthermore, data on the web can be taken in via the Internet. These captured data are displayed on the monitor of the host device and edited, processed, etc. via the application J0001, for example, image data R, G, B of sRGB standard is created. On the UI screen displayed on the monitor of the host device J0012, the user sets the type of recording medium used for recording, the quality of recording, and issues a recording instruction. In response to this recording instruction, the image data R, G, B are transferred to the printer driver.

  The printer driver includes a pre-stage process J0002, a post-stage process J0003, a γ correction J0004, a halftoning J0005, and a print data creation J0006. Hereinafter, each process J0002 to J0006 performed by the printer driver will be briefly described.

(A) Pre-processing The pre-processing J0002 performs color gamut mapping. In the present embodiment, data conversion is performed to map the color gamut reproduced by the image data R, G, B of the sRGB standard into the color gamut reproduced by the recording device J0013. Specifically, 256-gradation image data R, G, and B, each of which is represented by 8 bits, are converted into 8-bit data in the color gamut of the recording apparatus J0013 by using a three-dimensional LUT. Convert to R, G, B.

(B) Subsequent Process The post-process J0003 is an 8-bit, 8-color color corresponding to the combination of inks that reproduces the color represented by the data represented by the 8-bit data R, G, B on which the color gamut is mapped. Processing for obtaining the decomposed data Y, M, Lm, C, Lc, K, R, and G is performed. In the present embodiment, this process is performed by using a three-dimensional LUT together with an interpolation operation as in the previous process.

(C) γ Processing The γ correction J0004 performs density value (gradation value) conversion for each color data of the color separation data obtained by the subsequent processing J0003. Specifically, by using a one-dimensional LUT corresponding to the gradation characteristics of each color ink of the printing apparatus J0013, conversion is performed so that the color separation data is linearly associated with the gradation characteristics of the printer.

(D) Halftoning Halftoning J0005 performs quantization by converting 8-bit color separation data Y, M, Lm, C, Lc, K, R, and G that have been subjected to γ correction into 4-bit data. In the present embodiment, 256-bit 8-bit data is converted to 9-gradation 4-bit data using an error diffusion method. This 4-bit data is data serving as an index for indicating an arrangement pattern in the dot arrangement patterning process in the printing apparatus.

(E) Recording data creation process At the end of the process performed by the printer driver, the recording data creation process J0006 creates recording data in which recording control information is added to the recording image data containing the 4-bit index data. .

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of such recording data. The recording data is composed of recording control information for controlling recording and recording image data (the above-described 4-bit index data) indicating an image to be recorded. The recording control information includes “recording medium information”, “recording quality information”, and “other control information” such as a paper feed method. The recording medium information describes the type of recording medium to be recorded, and any one type of recording medium is defined among plain paper, glossy paper, postcard, and printable disc. The recording quality information describes the quality of the recording, and any one of “clean”, “standard”, “fast”, etc. is defined. The recording control information is formed based on the content specified by the user on the UI screen on the monitor of the host device J0012. Further, it is assumed that the recorded image data describes the image data generated by the above-described halftone process J0005. The recording data generated as described above is supplied to the recording device J0013.

  The printing apparatus J0013 performs the following dot arrangement patterning process J0007 and mask data conversion process J0008 on the printing data supplied from the host apparatus J0012.

(F) Dot arrangement patterning process In the above-described halftone process J0005, the number of gradation levels is reduced from 256-value multi-value density information (8-bit data) to 9-value gradation value information (4-bit data). . However, data that can be actually recorded by the printing apparatus J0013 is binary data (1 bit data) indicating whether or not ink dots are printed. Therefore, in the dot arrangement patterning process J0007, for each pixel represented by 4-bit data of gradation levels 0 to 8, which is an output value from the halftone process J0005, the gradation value (level 0 to 8) of that pixel is represented. ) Is assigned to the dot arrangement pattern. This defines whether or not ink dots are recorded in each of a plurality of areas in one pixel (dot on / off), and 1-bit binary data of “1” or “0” for each area in one pixel. Place. Here, “1” is binary data indicating dot recording, and “0” is binary data indicating non-recording.

  FIG. 3 shows output patterns for input levels 0 to 8 that are converted by the dot arrangement patterning processing of the present embodiment. Each level value shown on the left of the drawing corresponds to level 0 to level 8 which are output values from the halftone processing unit on the host device side. An area composed of 2 vertical areas × 4 horizontal areas arranged on the right side corresponds to an area of one pixel output by halftone processing. Each area in one pixel corresponds to a minimum unit in which dot on / off is defined. In this specification, the “pixel” is a minimum unit that can express gradation, and is a target of image processing of multi-bit multi-value data (processing such as the preceding stage, the latter stage, γ correction, and halftoning). Is the smallest unit.

  In the figure, the area filled with a circle indicates an area where dots are recorded, and the number of dots to be recorded increases by one as the number of levels increases. In the present embodiment, the density information of the original image is finally reflected in such a form.

  (4n) to (4n + 3) indicate the pixel positions in the horizontal direction from the left end of the image data to be recorded by substituting an integer of 1 or more for n, and each pattern shown below is the same This indicates that a plurality of different patterns are prepared according to the pixel position even at the input level. That is, even when the same level is input, four types of dot arrangement patterns shown in (4n) to (4n + 3) are cyclically assigned on the recording medium.

  In FIG. 3, the vertical direction is the direction in which the ejection ports of the recording head are arranged, and the horizontal direction is the scanning direction of the recording head. In this way, it is possible to perform recording with a plurality of different dot arrangements for the same level. This is because the number of ejections is distributed between the nozzles located at the upper and lower positions of the dot arrangement pattern, This has the effect of dispersing various noises.

  When the dot arrangement patterning process described above is completed, all dot arrangement patterns for the recording medium are determined.

(G) Mask Data Conversion Process Since the dot arrangement patterning process J0007 described above determines the presence / absence of dots for each area on the recording medium, binary data indicating this dot arrangement is sent to the drive circuit J0009 of the recording head H1001. If input, a desired image can be recorded. In this case, so-called one-pass printing is executed, in which printing for the same scanning area on the printing medium is completed by one scan. However, here, an example of so-called multi-pass printing in which printing on the same scanning area on the printing medium is completed by a plurality of scans will be described.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows a recording head and a recording pattern in order to explain the multipass recording method. The recording head H1001 applied to this embodiment actually has 768 nozzles, but here it will be described as having 16 nozzles for simplicity. As shown in the drawing, the nozzles are divided into first to fourth nozzle groups, and each nozzle group includes four nozzles. The mask pattern P0002 includes first to fourth mask patterns P0002 (a) to P0002 (d). The first to fourth mask patterns P0002 (a) to P0002 (d) define areas where the first to fourth nozzle groups can be recorded. The black area in the mask pattern indicates a recording allowable area, and the white area indicates a non-recording area. The first to fourth mask patterns P0002 (a) to P0002 (d) are complementary to each other, and when these four mask patterns are overlapped, recording of a region corresponding to a 4 × 4 area is completed. It has become.

  Each pattern indicated by P0003 to P0006 shows a state in which an image is completed by overlapping recording scans. At the end of each printing scan, the printing medium is conveyed by the width of the nozzle group (four nozzles in this figure) in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Therefore, the same area of the recording medium (area corresponding to the width of each nozzle group) is configured such that an image is completed only after four recording scans. As described above, the formation of each same area of the recording medium by a plurality of nozzle groups by a plurality of scans has an effect of reducing variations peculiar to the nozzles and variations in the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a mask pattern that can be actually applied in this embodiment. The recording head H1001 applied in this embodiment has 768 nozzles, and 192 nozzles belong to each of the four nozzle groups. The mask pattern size is 768 areas in the vertical direction equivalent to the number of nozzles and 256 areas in the horizontal direction, and the four mask patterns corresponding to each of the four nozzle groups maintain a complementary relationship with each other. It has become.

  By the way, in an ink jet recording head that discharges a large number of small droplets at a high frequency as applied in the present embodiment, an air flow is generated in the vicinity of the recording unit during a recording operation, and this air flow is particularly generated at the end of the recording head. It has been confirmed that it affects the discharge direction of the nozzle located in the position. Therefore, in the mask pattern of this embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 5, the distribution of the printing allowance is biased depending on the region in each nozzle group or the same nozzle group. As shown in FIG. 5, by applying a mask pattern having a configuration in which the recording allowance of the end nozzles is smaller than the recording allowance of the center, landing position deviation of the ink droplets ejected by the end nozzles This makes it possible to make the harmful effects caused by.

  Note that the print allowance determined by the mask pattern means a print allowance area (black area of the mask pattern P0002 in FIG. 4) and a non-print allowance area (white area of the mask pattern P0002 in FIG. 4) constituting the mask pattern. The percentage of the number of recordable areas with respect to the total number is expressed as a percentage. That is, if the mask pattern recording allowable area is M and the non-recording allowable area is N, the mask pattern recording allowable ratio (%) is M ÷ (M + N) × 100.

  In the present embodiment, the mask data shown in FIG. 5 is stored in a memory in the recording apparatus main body. In the mask data conversion process J0008, an AND process is performed between the mask data and the binary data obtained by the above-described dot arrangement patterning process, so that a binary to be recorded in each recording scan is obtained. The data is determined and the binary data is sent to the drive circuit J0009. As a result, the recording head H1001 is driven and ink is ejected according to the binary data.

  In FIG. 1, the pre-stage process J0002, the post-stage process J0003, the γ process J0004, the halftoning J0005, and the print data creation process J0006 are executed by the host device J0012, and the dot arrangement patterning process J0007 and the mask data conversion process J0008 are performed by the print apparatus. Although the form performed by J0013 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, a part of the processes J0002 to J0005 executed by the host device J0012 may be executed by the recording device J0013, or all may be executed by the host device J0012. Alternatively, the processing J0002 to J0008 may be executed by the recording device J0013.

1.2 Configuration of Mechanism Unit The configuration of each mechanism unit in the recording apparatus applied in the present embodiment will be described. The recording apparatus main body in the present embodiment can be generally classified into a paper feed unit, a paper transport unit, a paper discharge unit, a carriage unit, a flat path recording unit, a cleaning unit, and the like based on the role of each mechanism unit. Is housed in the exterior.

  6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 are perspective views showing the external appearance of a recording apparatus applied in this embodiment. 6 is a state viewed from the front when the recording apparatus is not used, FIG. 7 is a state viewed from the rear when the recording apparatus is not used, and FIG. 8 is a state viewed from the front when the recording apparatus is used. FIG. 12 shows a state seen from the front during flat pass recording, and FIG. 13 shows a state seen from the rear during flat pass recording. FIGS. 9 to 11 and FIGS. 14 to 16 are diagrams for explaining the internal mechanism of the recording apparatus main body. 9 is a perspective view from the upper right portion, FIG. 10 is a perspective view from the upper left portion, FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the recording apparatus main body, FIG. 14 is a sectional view at the time of flat pass recording, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration and operation of the wiping mechanism in the cleaning unit.

  Hereinafter, each part will be sequentially described with reference to these drawings as appropriate.

(A) Exterior part (FIGS. 6 and 7)
The exterior part is attached so as to cover the periphery of the paper feed part, paper transport part, paper discharge part, carriage part, cleaning part, flat path part and wet liquid transfer part. The exterior portion mainly includes a lower case M7080, an upper case M7040, an access cover M7030, a connector cover, and a front cover M7010.

  A lower discharge tray rail (not shown) is provided below the lower case M7080, and the divided discharge tray M3160 can be stored. Further, the front cover M7010 is configured to close the paper discharge port when not in use.

  An access cover M7030 is attached to the upper case M7040 and is configured to be rotatable. A part of the upper surface of the upper case has an opening, and the ink tank H1900 and the recording head H1001 (FIG. 20) can be exchanged at this position. In the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, the recording head H1001 is in the form of a unit in which a plurality of ejection portions capable of ejecting one color of ink are integrally configured, and the ink tank H1900 is independent for each color. The recording head cartridge H1000 is detachable from the recording head cartridge H1000. Further, the upper case M7040 includes a door switch lever (not shown) for detecting opening / closing of the access cover M7030, an LED guide M7060 for transmitting / displaying LED light, a power key E0018, a resume key E0019, a flat pass key E3004, and the like. Is provided. Further, the multi-stage type paper feed tray M2060 is rotatably attached, and when the paper feed unit is not used, the paper feed tray M2060 is accommodated so that it also serves as a cover for the paper feed unit. Has been.

  The upper case M7040 and the lower case M7080 are attached with elastic fitting claws, and a connector cover (not shown) covers a portion where the connector portion is provided therebetween.

(B) Paper feed unit (FIGS. 8 and 11)
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, the paper feeding unit is configured to load a pressure plate M2010 for loading recording media, a paper feeding roller M2080 for feeding recording media one by one, a separation roller M2041 for separating the recording media, and a recording medium. A return lever M2020 or the like for returning to the position is attached to the base M2000.

(C) Paper transport unit (FIGS. 8 to 11)
A conveyance roller M3060 for conveying a recording medium and a paper end sensor (hereinafter referred to as a PE sensor) E0007 are rotatably attached to a chassis M1010 made of a bent metal sheet. The conveying roller M3060 has a structure in which ceramic fine particles are coated on the surface of a metal shaft, and is attached to the chassis M1010 in a state where the metal portions of both shafts are received by bearings (not shown). The conveyance roller M3060 is provided with a roller tension spring (not shown), and by energizing the conveyance roller M3060, an appropriate amount of load is applied during rotation so that stable conveyance can be performed.

  A plurality of driven pinch rollers M3070 are provided in contact with the transport roller M3060. The pinch roller M3070 is held by the pinch roller holder M3000, but is urged by a pinch roller spring (not shown) to be brought into pressure contact with the conveyance roller M3060, and generates a conveyance force for the recording medium. At this time, the rotation shaft of the pinch roller holder M3000 is attached to the bearing of the chassis M1010 and rotates around this position.

  A paper guide flapper M3030 and a platen M3040 for guiding the recording medium are disposed at the entrance where the recording medium is conveyed. The pinch roller holder M3000 is provided with a PE sensor lever M3021, and the PE sensor lever M3021 plays a role of transmitting the detection of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the recording medium to the PE sensor E0007. The platen M3040 is attached to the chassis M1010 and positioned. The paper guide flapper M3030 can rotate around a bearing portion (not shown) and is positioned by contacting the chassis M1010.

  A recording head H1001 (FIG. 20) is provided on the downstream side of the conveyance roller M3060 in the recording medium conveyance direction.

  The conveyance process in the above configuration will be described. The recording medium sent to the paper transport unit is guided by the pinch roller holder M3000 and the paper guide flapper M3030, and is sent to the roller pair of the transport roller M3060 and the pinch roller M3070. At this time, the PE sensor lever M3021 detects the leading edge of the recording medium, and thereby the recording position with respect to the recording medium is obtained. A roller pair composed of a conveyance roller M3060 and a pinch roller M3070 is rotated by driving of the LF motor E0002, and the recording medium is conveyed on the platen M3040 by this rotation. The platen M3040 is provided with a rib serving as a conveyance reference surface, and a gap between the recording head H1001 and the recording medium surface is managed by the rib. At the same time, the ribs play a role of suppressing the undulation of the recording medium together with a paper discharge unit described later.

  The driving force for rotating the transport roller M3060 is transmitted, for example, to the pulley M3061 provided on the shaft of the transport roller M3060 via a timing belt (not shown) from the LF motor E0002 made of a DC motor. It is obtained by doing. Further, a code wheel M3062 for detecting the amount of conveyance by the conveyance roller M3060 is provided on the axis of the conveyance roller M3060, and an adjacent chassis M1010 is used for reading the marking formed on the code wheel M3062. An encode sensor M3090 is provided. The markings formed on the code wheel M3062 are formed at a pitch of 150 to 300 lpi (line / inch; reference value).

(D) Paper discharge section (FIGS. 8 to 11)
The paper discharge unit includes a first paper discharge roller M3100, a second paper discharge roller M3110, a plurality of spurs M3120, a gear train, and the like.

  The first paper discharge roller M3100 is configured by providing a plurality of rubber portions on a metal shaft. The first paper discharge roller M3100 is driven by transmitting the driving of the transport roller M3060 to the first paper discharge roller M3100 via an idler gear.

  The second paper discharge roller M3110 has a structure in which a plurality of elastomer elastic bodies M3111 are attached to a resin shaft. The second paper discharge roller M3110 is driven by transmitting the drive of the first paper discharge roller M3100 via an idler gear.

  The spur M3120 is formed by integrating a circular thin plate made of, for example, SUS, which has a plurality of convex shapes around the resin portion, and is attached to the spur holder M3130. This attachment is performed by a spur spring provided with a coil spring in a rod shape. At the same time, the spring force of the spur spring causes the spur M3120 to contact the discharge rollers M3100 and M3110 with a predetermined pressure. With this configuration, the spur M3120 can be rotated following the two discharge rollers M3100 and M3110. Some of the spurs M3120 are provided at the position of the rubber portion of the first paper discharge roller M3100 or the elastic body M3111 of the second paper discharge roller M3110, and mainly play a role of generating the conveyance force of the recording medium. Yes. In addition, some others are provided at positions where the rubber part or the elastic body M3111 is not present, and mainly play a role of suppressing the lifting of the recording medium during recording.

  Further, the gear train plays a role of transmitting the driving of the transport roller M3060 to the paper discharge rollers M3100 and M3110.

  With the above configuration, the recording medium on which an image has been formed is sandwiched between the nip between the first paper discharge roller M3110 and the spur M3120, conveyed, and discharged to the paper discharge tray M3160. The paper discharge tray M3160 is divided into a plurality of parts and can be stored in a lower part of a lower case M7080 described later. When used, pull out. Further, the discharge tray M3160 is designed such that its height increases toward the leading end, and both ends thereof are held at high positions, improving the stackability of the discharged recording medium, rubbing the recording surface, and the like. Is preventing.

(E) Carriage part (FIGS. 9 to 11)
The carriage unit has a carriage M4000 for mounting the recording head H1001, and the carriage M4000 is supported by a guide shaft M4020 and a guide rail M1011. The guide shaft M4020 is attached to the chassis M1010 and guides and supports the carriage M4000 to reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the recording medium conveyance direction. The guide rail M1011 is formed integrally with the chassis M1010, and holds the rear end of the carriage M4000 and plays a role of maintaining a gap between the recording head H1001 and the recording medium. Further, a sliding sheet M4030 made of a thin plate of stainless steel or the like is stretched on the sliding side of the guide rail M1011 with respect to the carriage M4000 so as to reduce the sliding noise of the recording apparatus.

  The carriage M4000 is driven via a timing belt M4041 by a carriage motor E0001 attached to the chassis M1010. The timing belt M4041 is stretched and supported by an idle pulley M4042. Further, the timing belt M4041 is coupled to the carriage M4000 via a carriage damper made of rubber or the like, and the unevenness of the recorded image is reduced by attenuating the vibration of the carriage motor E0001 or the like.

  An encoder scale E0005 (described later with reference to FIG. 18) for detecting the position of the carriage M4000 is provided in parallel with the timing belt M4041. On the encoder scale E0005, markings are formed at a pitch of 150 lpi to 300 lpi, and an encoder sensor E0004 (described later with reference to FIG. 18) for reading the markings is mounted on a carriage M4000 (refer to FIG. 18). Provided later). The carriage substrate E0013 is also provided with a head contact E0101 for electrical connection with the recording head H1001. In addition, a flexible cable E0012 (not shown) for transmitting a drive signal from the electric board E0014 to the recording head H1001 is connected to the carriage M4000.

  As a configuration for fixing the recording head H1001 to the carriage M4000, an abutting portion (not shown) for positioning the recording head H1001 while pressing the recording head H1001 and a pressing means (not shown) for fixing the recording head H1001 at a predetermined position are provided. It is provided on the carriage M4000. The pressing means is mounted on the head set lever M4010, and is configured to act on the recording head H1001 by turning the head set lever M4010 about the rotation fulcrum when setting the recording head H1001.

  Further, the carriage M4000 is provided with a position detection sensor M4090 including a reflection type optical sensor for recording on a special medium such as a CD-R or for detecting the position of a recording result or a sheet edge. . The position detection sensor M4090 can detect the current position of the carriage M4000 by emitting light from the light emitting element and receiving the reflected light.

  When an image is formed on the recording medium in the above configuration, the roller pair including the conveyance roller M3060 and the pinch roller M3070 conveys and positions the recording medium with respect to the row position. For the row position, the carriage M4000 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction by the carriage motor E0001 to place the recording head H1001 at the target image forming position. The positioned recording head H1001 ejects ink to the recording medium in accordance with a signal from the electric substrate E0014. Although the detailed configuration and recording system of the recording head H1001 will be described later, in the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, a recording main scan in which the carriage M4000 scans in the column direction while recording is performed by the recording head H1001, and a conveyance roller M3060. An image is formed on the recording medium by alternately repeating sub-scanning in which the recording medium is conveyed in the row direction.

(F) Flat pass recording unit (FIGS. 12 to 14)
Paper feeding from the paper feeding unit is performed in a state where the recording medium is bent because the path through which the recording medium passes is bent until reaching the pinch roller as shown in FIG. Therefore, for example, when a thick recording medium of about 0.5 mm or more is to be fed from the sheet feeding unit, a reaction force of the bent recording medium may be generated, and the sheet feeding resistance may increase to prevent sheet feeding. . Even if paper can be fed, the recording medium after being ejected may remain bent or bend.

  Flat-pass recording is performed on a recording medium that is not desired to be bent, such as a thick recording medium, or a recording medium that cannot be bent, such as a CD-R.

  Here, in flat pass recording, there is a type in which recording is performed by causing a recording medium to be nipped by a pinch roller of the main body from the opening on the slit on the back of the main body (under the paper feeding device) in a manual feed mode. However, the flat-pass recording according to the present embodiment is a mode in which recording is performed after a recording medium is fed from a paper discharge port on the front side of the main body to a recording position and switched back.

  The front cover M7010 is below the paper discharge unit to serve also as a tray for stacking about several tens of normally recorded recording media (FIG. 8). During flat-pass recording, the front tray M7010 is raised to the position of the paper discharge port in order to feed the recording medium horizontally from the paper discharge port in the direction opposite to the normal transport direction (FIG. 12). The front tray M7010 is provided with a hook or the like (not shown), and the front tray can be fixed at the flat path paper feed position. The presence of the front tray M7010 at the flat pass recording position can be detected by a sensor, and the flat pass recording mode can be determined according to the detection.

  In the flat pass recording mode, in order to place the recording medium on the front tray M7010 and insert the recording medium from the paper discharge outlet, first, the flat pass key E3004 is operated to reach a position higher than the assumed thickness of the recording medium. The spur holder M3130 and the pinch roller holder M3000 are lifted by a mechanism (not shown). Further, the rear tray M7090 can be opened by pressing the rear tray button M7110, and the rear subtray M7091 can be opened in a V shape (FIG. 13). The rear tray M7090 and the rear sub-tray M7091 are trays for supporting a long recording medium also on the back of the main body, since the rear recording tray protrudes from the back of the main body when a long recording medium is inserted from the front of the main body. If a thick recording medium does not maintain a flat posture during recording, it may rub against the head face surface or the transport load may change, which may affect the recording quality. It is. However, if the recording medium has a length that does not protrude from the back of the main body, the rear tray M7090 or the like need not be opened.

  As described above, the recording medium can be inserted into the main body from the paper discharge port. The rear end of the recording medium (the end on the near side closest to the user) and the right end are aligned with the marker position of the front tray M7010 and placed on the front tray M7010.

  When the flat pass key E3004 is operated again here, the spur holder 3130 descends and the recording medium is nipped by the paper discharge rollers M3100 and M3110 and the spur 3120. Thereafter, the recording medium is pulled into the main body by a predetermined amount by the paper discharge rollers M3100 and M3110 (the direction opposite to the conveying direction during normal recording). When the recording medium is set for the first time, the front end (rear end) of the recording medium is aligned, so the front end of the short recording medium (end farthest from the user's end) is the transport roller M3060. May not reach. Accordingly, the predetermined amount is a distance until the rear end of the assumed shortest recording medium reaches the conveyance roller M3060. Since the recording medium fed by a predetermined amount reaches the conveying roller M3060, the pinch roller holder M3000 is lowered at that position, and the recording medium is nipped by the conveying roller M3060 and the pinch roller M3070. Then, the recording medium is further fed so that the rear end portion is nipped by the conveying roller M3060 and the pinch roller M3070. This completes the feeding of the recording medium for flat path recording (recording standby position).

  The nip force between the paper discharge rollers M3100 and M3110 and the spur M3120 is set to be relatively low so as not to affect the formed image during paper discharge during normal recording. Accordingly, there is a risk that the position of the recording medium may be shifted before recording is performed during flat pass recording. However, in the present embodiment, the recording medium is nipped by the conveying roller M3060 and the pinch roller M3070 having a relatively high nip force, so that the setting position of the recording medium is secured. Further, when the recording medium is fed into the main body by the predetermined amount, the rear end position of the recording medium (the front end position at the time of recording) is detected by the flat path paper detection sensor M3170 located between the platen M3040 and the spur holder M3130. be able to.

  When the recording medium is set at the recording standby position, a recording command is executed. In other words, the recording medium is transported by the transport roller M3060 to the recording position by the recording head H1001, and thereafter, recording is performed in the same manner as the normal recording operation, and the paper is discharged to the front tray M7010 after recording.

  If further flat pass recording is desired, the recorded recording medium is taken out from the front tray M7010, the next recording medium is set, and then the above-described processing is repeated. Specifically, it starts by pushing the flat pass key E3004 to lift the spur holder M3130 and the pinch roller holder M3000 and set the recording medium.

  On the other hand, when the flat pass recording is ended, the normal recording mode can be restored by returning the front tray M7010 to the normal recording position.

(G) Cleaning unit (FIGS. 15 and 16)
The cleaning unit is a mechanism for cleaning the recording head H1001, and includes a pump M5000, a cap M5010 for suppressing the drying of the recording head H1001, a blade M5020 for cleaning the discharge port forming surface of the recording head H1001, and the like. ing.

  A dedicated cleaning motor E0003 is disposed in the cleaning unit. The cleaning motor E0003 is provided with a one-way clutch (not shown) that operates the pump M5000 by rotating in one direction, and moves the blade M5020 and moves the cap M5010 up and down by rotating in the other direction. Yes.

  The cap M5010 is driven by a motor E0003 so as to be able to move up and down via a lifting mechanism (not shown). At the raised position, capping is performed for each of the face surfaces of several ejection portions provided in the recording head H1500. The protection can be performed, or the suction recovery can be performed. Further, it is set at a lowered position that avoids interference with the recording head 9 during the recording operation, and it is possible to receive preliminary ejection by facing the face surface. For example, in the example shown in the figure, two caps M5010 are provided so that the recording head H1001 is provided with ten ejection units, and the face surfaces of the five ejection units can be collectively capped. .

  A wiper portion H5020 made of an elastic member such as rubber is fixed to a wiper holder H5021. The wiper holder H5021 is movable in the + Y and -Y directions (arrangement direction of the discharge ports in the discharge unit) in FIG. Then, when the recording head H1001 reaches the home position, the wiper holder 25 moves in the arrow -Y direction, so that wiping is possible. When the wiping operation is completed, the carriage is retracted out of the wiping area and then returned to a position where the wiper does not interfere with the face surface or the like. In the wiper unit M5020 of this example, a wiper blade M5020A for wiping the entire surface of the recording head H1001 including the face surfaces of all the discharge units, and wiping 2 near the nozzles for each of the face surfaces of the five discharge units. Two wiper blades M5020B and M5020C are provided.

  Then, after wiping, the wiper portion M5020 abuts against the blade cleaner M5060, so that the ink attached to the wiper blades M5020A to M5020C itself can be removed.

  The suction pump M5000 can generate a negative pressure in a state where a cap M5010 is joined to the face surface and a sealed space is formed therein. As a result, ink can be filled into the ejection portion from the ink tank H1900, and dust, sticking matter, bubbles, etc. existing in the ejection port or the ink path inside the ejection port can be removed by suction.

  As the suction pump M5000, for example, a tube pump type is used. This includes a member formed with a curved surface that holds at least a part of a flexible tube, a roller that can press the flexible tube toward the member, and a roller that supports the roller. And a rotatable roller support portion. That is, by rotating the roller support portion in a predetermined direction, the roller rolls while crushing the flexible tube on the curved surface forming member. Along with this, negative pressure is generated in the sealed space formed by the cap M5010, the ink is sucked from the discharge port, and drawn from the cap M5010 to the tube or the suction pump. The drawn ink is further provided in the lower case M7080. It is transported toward an appropriate member (waste ink absorber).

  Note that an absorber M5011 is provided in an inner portion of the cap M5010 in order to reduce ink remaining on the face surface of the recording head H1001 after suction. Further, by sucking the ink remaining in the cap M5010 or the absorber M5011 with the cap M5010 opened, consideration is given to preventing the remaining ink from sticking and the subsequent adverse effects. Here, an air release valve (not shown) is provided in the middle of the ink suction path, and when the cap M5010 is released from the face surface in advance, the negative pressure does not act on the face surface. It is preferable to keep it.

  The suction pump M5000 can be operated not only for suction recovery, but also for discharging ink received in the cap M5010 by a preliminary ejection operation performed with the cap M5010 facing the face surface. That is, by operating the suction pump M5000 when the pre-discharged ink held in the cap M5010 reaches a predetermined amount, the ink held in the cap M5010 is transferred to the waste ink absorber through the tube. can do.

  A series of operations continuously performed such as the operation of the wiper unit M5020, the raising and lowering of the cap M5010, and the opening and closing of the valve are performed by a main cam (not shown) provided on the output shaft of the motor E0003 and a plurality of cams driven by the main cam It can be controlled by an arm or the like. That is, a predetermined operation can be performed by operating the cam portions, arms, and the like of the respective portions by the rotation of the main cam in accordance with the rotation direction of the motor E0003. The position of the main cam can be detected by a position detection sensor such as a photo interrupter.

1.3 Electrical Circuit Configuration Next, the configuration of the electrical circuit in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram for schematically explaining the overall configuration of the electrical circuit in the recording apparatus J0013. The recording apparatus applied in the present embodiment is mainly configured by a carriage substrate E0013, a main substrate E0014, a power supply unit E0015, a front panel E0106, and the like.

  Here, the power supply unit E0015 is connected to the main board E0014 and supplies various driving powers.

  The carriage substrate E0013 is a printed circuit board unit mounted on the carriage M4000, and functions as an interface for exchanging signals with the recording head H1001 and supplying head drive power through the head connector E0101. As a part for controlling the head drive power supply, a head drive voltage modulation circuit E3001 of a plurality of channels for each color discharge portion of the print head H1001 is provided, and the head drive is performed according to a condition specified from the main board E0014 through a flexible flat cable (CRFFC) E0012. Generate power supply voltage. Further, a change in the positional relationship between the encoder scale E0005 and the encoder sensor E0004 is detected based on a pulse signal output from the encoder sensor E0004 as the carriage M4000 moves, and the output signal is further transmitted to a flexible flat cable (CRFFC). Output to the main board E0014 through E0012.

  As shown in FIG. 20, an optical sensor and a thermistor for detecting the ambient temperature are connected to the carriage substrate E0013 (hereinafter, these sensors are referred to as a multi-sensor E3000). Information obtained by the multi-sensor E3000 is output to the main board E0014 through a flexible flat cable (CRFFC) E0012.

  The main board E0014 is a printed circuit board unit that controls the drive of each part of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, and has a host interface (host I / F) E0017 on the board. The recording operation is controlled based on the received data. Also, a carriage motor E0001 as a driving source for main-scanning the carriage M4000, an LF motor E0002 as a driving source for transporting the recording medium, a recovery source for the recording head H1001, and a driving source for the recording medium feeding operation These are connected to various motors such as an AP motor E3005 and a PR motor E3006 as a driving source for flat-pass recording operation, and control of driving of each function is performed. Furthermore, it connects to the sensor signal E0104 for transmitting and receiving control signals and detection signals to various sensors that detect the operating state of each part of the printer, such as PE sensors, CR lift sensors, LF encoder sensors, and PG sensors. Is done. The main board E0014 is connected to each of the CRFFC E0012 and the power supply unit E0015, and further has an interface for exchanging information with the front panel E0106 via a panel signal E0107.

  The front panel E0106 is a unit provided on the front surface of the recording apparatus main body for the convenience of the user operation, and includes a resume key E0019, an LED E0020, a power key E0018, and a flat pass key E3004 (FIG. 6). It has a device I / F E0100 used for connection with peripheral devices such as cameras.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the main board E1004.

  In the figure, reference numeral E1102 denotes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which is connected to the ROM E1004 through the control bus E1014 and performs various controls according to a program stored in the ROM E1004. For example, the sensor signal E0104 related to various sensors and the multi-sensor signal E4003 related to the multi-sensor E3000 are transmitted and received, as well as from the encoder signal E1020, the power key E0018 on the front panel E0106, the resume key E0019 and the flat pass key E3004. The output status is detected. Also, according to the connection and data input state of the host I / F E0017 and the device I / F E0100 on the front panel, various logical operations and condition judgments are performed, each component is controlled, and drive control of the ink jet recording apparatus is performed. I am in charge.

  E1103 is a driver / reset circuit which generates a CR motor drive signal E1037, an LF motor drive signal E1035, an AP motor drive signal E4001 and a PR motor drive signal E4002 in accordance with a motor control signal E1106 from the ASIC E1102. To drive. Further, the driver / reset circuit E1103 has a power supply circuit, and supplies necessary power to each part such as the main board E0014, the carriage board E0013, the front panel E0106, and further detects a drop in the power supply voltage and resets it. Signal E1015 is generated and initialized.

  E1010 is a power supply control circuit that controls power supply to each sensor having a light emitting element in accordance with a power supply control signal E1024 from the ASIC E1102.

  The host I / F E0017 transmits a host I / F signal E1028 from the ASIC E1102 to a host I / F cable E1029 connected to the outside, and transmits a signal from the cable E1029 to the ASIC E1102.

  On the other hand, power is supplied from the power supply unit E0015. The supplied power is supplied to each part inside and outside the main board E0014 after voltage conversion as necessary. A power supply unit control signal E4000 from the ASIC E1102 is connected to the power supply unit E0015, and controls a low power consumption mode and the like of the recording apparatus main body.

  The ASIC E1102 is a one-chip semiconductor integrated circuit with an arithmetic processing unit, and outputs the motor control signal E1106, the power supply control signal E1024, the power supply unit control signal E4000, and the like described above. Then, signals are exchanged with the host I / F E0017, and signals are exchanged with the device I / F E0100 on the front panel through the panel signal E0107. Further, each sensor such as a PE sensor and an ASF sensor is controlled through the sensor signal E0104, and the multisensor E3000 is controlled through the multisensor signal E4003, and the state of the panel signal E0107 is detected, and the state of the panel signal E0107 is detected. The LED E0020 on the front panel is blinked by controlling the driving.

  Further, the ASIC E1102 detects the state of the encoder signal (ENC) E1020 to generate a timing signal, and controls the recording operation by interfacing with the recording head H1001 using the head control signal E1021. Here, the encoder signal (ENC) E1020 is an output signal of the encoder sensor E0004 inputted through the CRFFC E0012. The head control signal E1021 is connected to the carriage substrate E0013 through the flexible flat cable E0012, supplied to the recording head H1001 through the head driving voltage modulation circuit E3001 and the head connector E0101, and various information from the recording head H1001. To ASIC E1102. Among these, the head temperature information for each ejection unit is amplified by the head temperature detection circuit E3002 on the main substrate, and then input to the ASIC E1102 to be used for various control determinations.

  In the figure, E3007 is a DRAM, which is used as a data buffer for recording, a data buffer received from the host computer, etc., and also as a work area necessary for various control operations.

1.4 Recording Head Configuration The configuration of the head cartridge H1000 applied in this embodiment will be described below.

  The head cartridge H1000 in this embodiment has a recording head H1001, means for mounting the ink tank H1900, and means for supplying ink from the ink tank H1900 to the recording head, and is detachable from the carriage M4000. Installed.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state where the ink tank H1900 is attached to the head cartridge H1000 applied in the present embodiment. The recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes cyan (C), light cyan (Lc), magenta (M), light magenta (Lm), yellow (Y), black (K), red (R), and green (G). An image is formed with color inks, and therefore, ink tanks T0001 are also prepared for eight colors independently. As shown in the figure, each ink tank is detachable from the head cartridge H1000. The ink tank H1900 can be attached and detached while the head cartridge H1000 is mounted on the carriage M4000.

  FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the head cartridge H1000. In the figure, a head cartridge H1000 includes a first recording element substrate H1100 and a second recording element substrate H1101, a first plate H1200, a second plate H1400, an electric wiring substrate H1300, a tank holder H1500, and a flow path forming member H1600. , Filter H1700, seal rubber H1800, and the like.

  The first recording element substrate H1100 and the second recording element substrate H1101 are Si substrates, and a plurality of recording elements (nozzles) for ejecting ink are formed on one side thereof by photolithography. Electric wiring such as AI for supplying electric power to each recording element is formed by a film forming technique, and a plurality of ink flow paths corresponding to individual recording elements are also formed by a photolithography technique. Further, an ink supply port for supplying ink to the plurality of ink flow paths is formed to open on the back surface.

  FIG. 23 is an enlarged front view for explaining the configuration of the first recording element substrate H1100 and the second recording element substrate H1101. H2000 to H2700 are printing element rows corresponding to different ink colors (hereinafter also referred to as nozzle rows), and the first printing element substrate H1100 has a nozzle row H2000 supplied with yellow ink and a supply of magenta ink. The nozzle row for two colors is configured, that is, the nozzle row H2100 to be supplied and the nozzle row H2200 to which cyan ink is supplied. The second recording element substrate H1101 includes a nozzle row H2300 to which light cyan ink is supplied, a nozzle row H2400 to which black ink is supplied, a nozzle row H2500 to which light magenta ink is supplied, and a nozzle row H2600 to which red ink is supplied. , And nozzle rows for five colors of the nozzle row H2700 to which green ink is supplied.

  Each nozzle row is composed of 768 nozzles arranged at an interval of 1200 dpi (dot / inch; reference value) in the conveyance direction of the recording medium, and ejects approximately 2 picoliters of ink droplets. The opening area at each nozzle outlet is set to about 100 square μm 2. The first recording element substrate H1100 and the second recording element substrate H1101 are bonded and fixed to the first plate H1200. Here, the first recording element substrate H1100 and the second recording element substrate H1101 are attached to the first recording element substrate H1100. An ink supply port H1201 for supplying ink is formed.

  Further, a second plate H1400 having an opening is bonded and fixed to the first plate H1200. The second plate H1400 is composed of the electric wiring substrate H1300, the first recording element substrate H1100, and the second plate H1400. The electric wiring substrate H1300 is held so that the recording element substrate H1101 is electrically connected.

  The electrical wiring substrate H1300 applies an electrical signal for ejecting ink from each nozzle formed on the first recording element substrate H1100 and the second recording element substrate H1101, and the first recording element substrate Electrical wiring corresponding to the H1100 and the second recording element substrate H1101, and an external signal input terminal H1301 for receiving an electrical signal from the recording apparatus main body located at the end of the electrical wiring. The external signal input terminal H1301 is positioned and fixed on the back side of the tank holder H1500.

  On the other hand, in a tank holder H1500 that holds the ink tank H1900, a flow path forming member H1600 is fixed by, for example, ultrasonic welding to form an ink flow path H1501 that communicates from the ink tank H1900 to the first plate H1200.

  A filter H1700 is provided at the ink tank side end of the ink flow path H1501 that engages with the ink tank H1900, and can prevent dust from entering from the outside. Further, a seal rubber H1800 is attached to the engaging portion with the ink tank H1900 so that ink can be prevented from evaporating from the engaging portion.

  Further, as described above, the tank holder portion composed of the tank holder H1500, the flow path forming member H1600, the filter H1700, and the seal rubber H1800, the first recording element substrate H1100, the second recording element substrate H1101, and the first plate. The head cartridge H1000 is configured by bonding the recording head unit H1001 including the H1200, the electric wiring substrate H1300, and the second plate H1400 by bonding or the like.

1.5 Recording Method on Glossy Paper <Embodiment 1>
FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of a user interface screen for performing various settings when the user performs recording using the recording apparatus. Such a screen may be displayed on a display device of a recording apparatus main body or a display screen of a host device such as a PC connected to the recording apparatus. Here, the type of paper to be recorded and the recording quality can be set. When recording is started after various settings are made, recording is started by an optimal recording method according to the set conditions. In this embodiment, it is assumed that “high-grade glossy paper” is selected as the paper type and “clean” is selected as the recording quality. In this embodiment, when “Premium” is selected for “High-quality glossy paper”, printing is performed in eight-pass bidirectional. FIG. 21A shows a printing operation when normal 8-pass bidirectional printing is performed, and schematically shows the scanning direction of the printing head from the first scan to the ninth scan. When the recording in the forward direction is performed at the first scan, the recording scanning direction is alternately changed in the order of backward, forward, backward and so on thereafter.

  In this embodiment, it is known that when light is incident from a light source with cyan ink recorded on “high-grade glossy paper”, the color of the reflected light is visually recognized as reddish with respect to the color of the light source. It has been found that gloss unevenness occurs when an image with a large amount of ink used is bidirectionally recorded. However, if the color of the reflected light is observed in the same way with other color inks, the color of the reflected light does not differ from the color of the light source so that it becomes a problem, so measures should be taken only for cyan ink. .

  FIG. 29A is a table in which the limit density at which bi-directional printing can be performed is set for each color when “high” glossy paper is selected and printing is performed. In the case of this recording setting, as shown in the figure, since the limit density for bidirectional recording is set only for cyan, images that do not use cyan ink can always be formed by bidirectional recording. However, it is indicated that it is necessary to switch the recording scan in one direction at the time of the recording scan of the image data portion where the cyan ink is recorded at a density exceeding 50%. In addition, the “low-priced glossy paper” is not as unique as the “high-grade glossy paper” in the reflected light of cyan ink. The numerical setting has become large so that it may be completed. Data corresponding to the table shown here is stored in the ROM.

  A method for determining whether or not the ink density of an image to be recorded will exceed a predetermined value during each recording scan will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing image data for one scan to be recorded at each recording scan, and there are as many data of the size of nozzle row width × recording width in the recording data buffer as the number of ink colors. With respect to this data, the data amount of each color is calculated in the window area as shown in w of FIG. 28, and the result is larger or smaller than the limit density of bidirectional recording shown in FIG. Judgment is made. Since the amount of data needs to be calculated over the recording width, the calculation is performed while shifting the window position from the left end to the right end of the recording width. If the limit value is also exceeded at a location, the recording scan is performed in the same direction as the previous recording scan. In this embodiment, the window size is nozzle row width × 2 inches, and the unit for shifting the window is 0.5 inch. However, the window size is set to an appropriate size in consideration of the visibility of gloss unevenness and the load for calculating the recording density. It is preferable to do this.

  FIG. 21B schematically shows a state in which bidirectional recording is performed because one portion of the recorded image has a high density portion of cyan ink, but switching to one-way recording is performed in the middle. In the recording scan 1 to the recording scan 5 in the figure, since there is no data exceeding the limit value of the bidirectional recording density in the recording data, the recording is performed by the bidirectional scanning, but from the recording scan 6 to the recording scan 9. In this data, data exceeding the limit value of the bidirectional recording density was found, so that the recording scan 6 performs recording in the same direction as the recording scanning direction of the recording scan 5 and performs unidirectional recording.

  With such a configuration, bidirectional recording is performed when recording with a predetermined ink color at a predetermined recording density or less, and recording is performed in one direction when recording exceeding a predetermined recording density is performed. Control can be switched to.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, an example will be described in which the recording quality setting is different for the same paper type. FIG. 29B shows table values when the limit value of the bidirectional recording density differs between the print qualities when the user selects “high-grade glossy paper” as the paper type in FIG. In the present embodiment, when the recording quality is “clean”, recording is performed in 8-pass bidirectional, when “standard” is performed, 4-pass bidirectional, and when “fast”, recording is performed in 3-pass bidirectional. In general, the higher the number of passes, the higher the recording quality, and the longer the number of passes, the longer the recording quality. "Is a speed priority setting in which the recording quality is lowered but the recording time is short. In this embodiment, the limit value of the bidirectional recording density is set higher than the “standard” setting value than “clean” in the present embodiment, and the limit value is not set at “fast”. “Standard” is configured so that the frequency of performing a one-way recording operation can be set lower than “clean”, and “fast” always performs bidirectional recording. With this setting, “fast” focuses on shortening the recording time above all else, while “clean” allows one-way recording, but even if the recording time increases slightly, there is no gloss unevenness. The quality setting is focused on outputting quality images.

  Next, the recording operation in this embodiment will be described. The case of recording with “Pretty” is as described in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted in this embodiment. When recording is performed with “standard”, four-pass bidirectional recording is usually performed. FIG. 24A shows the recording operation when normal four-pass bidirectional recording is performed, and schematically shows the scanning direction of the recording head from the first scan to the fifth scan. When the recording in the forward direction is performed at the first scan, the recording scanning direction is alternately changed in the order of backward, forward, backward and so on thereafter. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24 (b), since only the cyan has the bidirectional recording limit density set, an image that does not use cyan ink is always formed bidirectionally. However, it is necessary to switch the recording scan to one direction at the time of recording scanning of the image data portion where cyan ink is recorded at a density exceeding 80%.

  The method for determining whether or not the ink density of an image to be recorded from now on exceeds the predetermined value during each recording scan is as described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

  FIG. 24B schematically shows a state in which bidirectional recording has been performed since one portion of the recorded image has a high density portion of cyan ink, but switching to one-way recording has been performed in the middle. In the recording scan 1 to the recording scan 3 in the figure, since there is no data exceeding the limit value of the bidirectional recording density in the recording data, the recording is performed by the bidirectional scanning, but from the recording scan 4 to the recording scan 5. Since the data exceeding the limit value of the bidirectional recording density was found in the recording data, the recording scan 4 performs recording in the same direction as the recording scan direction of the recording scan 3 and is unidirectional recording.

  In the above description, the limit value of the bidirectional recording density is shown. However, since this varies depending on the properties of glossy paper and ink, an optimal value may be used without being limited to the numerical values of the present embodiment.

  Further, in this embodiment, the only specific ink is the cyan ink, but this may also be an ink of another color depending on the properties of glossy paper and the ink, so there are other inks that adversely affect the image quality. If there is, a numerical value is set for the target ink, and if any of the set limit values for each color ink is exceeded, the recording scan may be performed in one direction.

  In this embodiment, the limit value is expressed as a numerical value with the maximum recordable ink amount being 100%, but any unit value can be used as long as the amount can be converted into the ink usage amount. Good.

  By using the embodiment as described above, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of gloss unevenness caused by a specific combination of glossy paper and ink and to maintain the maximum recording speed by bidirectional recording.

It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the image data process in the recording system applied by one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of recording data that is transferred from the printer driver of the host device to the recording apparatus in the recording system of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an output pattern with respect to an input level that is converted by a dot array patterning process by a recording apparatus used in the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the multipass printing method which the printing apparatus used by embodiment performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the mask pattern applied to the multipass printing method which the printing apparatus used by embodiment performs. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus used in the embodiment, and shows a state viewed from the front when not in use. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus used in the embodiment, and shows a state viewed from the back when not in use. 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus used in an embodiment, and shows a state viewed from the front surface during use. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal mechanism of the recording device main body used by embodiment, and is a perspective view from an upper right part. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal mechanism of the recording device main body used by embodiment, and is a perspective view from the upper left part. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view for explaining an internal mechanism of the recording apparatus main body used in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus used in the embodiment, and shows a state viewed from the front surface during flat pass recording. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus used in the embodiment, and shows a state viewed from the back during flat pass recording. It is a typical side sectional view for explaining flat pass recording performed in an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaning unit in the recording apparatus main body used in the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration and operation of the wiper unit in the cleaning unit of FIG. 15. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an electrical circuit in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of a main board in FIG. 17. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the multi sensor mounted in the carriage board | substrate in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state where an ink tank is mounted on the head cartridge applied in the embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the recording method in 8 passes. It is a disassembled perspective view of a head cartridge. It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording element board | substrate in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the recording method in 4 passes. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode of the color nonuniformity at the time of performing bidirectional recording. It is a schematic diagram which shows the estimation principle of generation | occurrence | production of gloss unevenness. It is a schematic diagram which shows the user interface screen of a recording device. It is the schematic which shows the calculation method of the ink usage-amount of each printing scan. It is a table that closes the bidirectional recording limit density according to the recording setting.

Explanation of symbols

J0001 Application J0002 First stage J0003 Second stage J0004 Gamma correction J0005 Half toning J0006 Print data creation J0007 Dot arrangement patterning process J0008 Mask data conversion process J0009 Head drive circuit H1001 Recording head J0011 Recording system J0012 Host device J0013 Recording device P0002 Mask pattern P0002 (a ) To P0002 (d) 1st mask pattern to 4th mask pattern M1010 Chassis M1011 Guide rail M2000 Base M2010 Pressure plate M2012 Pressure plate spring M2013 Separation sheet M2020 Return lever M2021 Return lever spring M2013 Movable side guide M2040 Separation roller holder M2041 Separation roller holder M2041 Separation row Larelease shaft M2060 Paper feed tray M2061 Paper feed sub-tray M2070 Drive unit M2080 Paper feed roller M3000 Pinch roller holder M3021 PE sensor lever M3030 Paper guide flapper M3040 Platen M3041 Paper press M3060 Transport roller M3061 Pulley M3061 Code roller M3070 Pinch roller M3070 Paper discharge roller M3110 Second paper discharge roller M3111 Elastic body M3120 Spur M3130 Spur holder M3160 Paper discharge tray M4000 Carriage M4010 Headset lever M4020 Guide shaft M4041 Timing belt M4042 Idle pulley M4090 Position detection sensor M5000 Pump M5011 Cap M5011 Cap M5011 Cap 020 Blade M5060 Blade cleaner M5070 Wet liquid transfer member M5080 Wet liquid holding member M5081 Wet liquid transfer part M5090 Wet liquid tank M7010 Front cover M7030 Access cover M7040 Upper case M7060 LED guide M7080 Lower case M7091 Rear tray M7091 Lear tray M7091 Encoder sensor E0005 Encoder scale E0012 CRFFC (flexible flat cable)
E0013 Carriage board E0014 Main board E0015 Power supply unit E0017 Host I / F
E0018 Power key E0019 Resume key E0020 LED
E0100 Device I / F
E0101 Head connector E0104 Sensor signal E0106 Front panel E0107 Panel signal E1004 ROM
E1010 Power supply control circuit E1014 Control bus E1015 RESET (Reset signal)
E1020 ENC (encoder signal)
E1021 Head control signal E1024 Power supply control signal E1028 Host I / F signal E1029 Host I / F cable E1035 LF motor drive signal E1037 CR motor drive signal E1100 Device I / F signal E1102 ASIC
E1103 Driver reset circuit E1106 Motor control signal E3000 Multi sensor E3001 Head drive voltage modulation circuit E3002 Head temperature detection circuit E3004 Flat pass key E3005 AP motor E3006 PR motor E3007 RAM
E4000 Power supply unit control signal E4001 AP motor drive signal E4002 PR motor drive signal E4003 Multi-sensor signal H1000 Head cartridge H1001 Recording head H1900 Ink tank

Claims (5)

It has means for forming an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink of a plurality of colors while reciprocating the recording head relative to the recording medium, and forward scanning and backward scanning with respect to a predetermined area on the recording medium. In the ink jet recording apparatus having a recording head in which the recording order of the inks having a plurality of colors is different and having a plurality of ink ejection openings arranged,
A configuration capable of setting a recording operation according to the type of recording medium selected by the user from a plurality of recording media including glossy media;
The ink amount of each color used to form a recorded image or a value corresponding thereto is divided into divided areas of the recorded image, and each area can be calculated for each color.
When recording on specific glossy media, the recording head usually performs so-called bi-directional recording in which ink is ejected in both forward and backward scanning of the reciprocating scan. In a print image area in which the ink amount of ink or a value corresponding to the ink amount exceeds a predetermined amount, printing is performed by ejecting ink only during either forward scanning or backward scanning of the reciprocating scanning of the recording head. An ink jet recording apparatus that performs direction recording.   2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific ink is an ink that exhibits reflected light characteristics having a tendency different from that of the other ink when recording is performed on the specific glossy medium.   The reflected light characteristic is characterized in that the color of light obtained by regularly reflecting light from a light source on the glossy medium on which the specific ink is recorded strongly indicates a color different from the color of the light source. Item 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to Item 2.   In the configuration in which the recording operation can be set, the recording operation can be individually set for a plurality of types of glossy media, and when determining whether the ink amount of the specific ink or a value corresponding thereto is exceeded. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined amount as a reference can be individually set according to the type of glossy media.   In the configuration in which the recording operation can be set, the recording operation can be set according to the setting of the recording quality selected by the user, and when determining whether the ink amount of the specific ink or a value corresponding thereto is exceeded. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a predetermined amount serving as a reference for the image can be individually set according to recording quality.

Images