JP2008207494A - Image recorder, its control method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recorder having an inexpensive and effective ink mist stain prevention mechanism by narrowing an ink mist stain prevention target to an data accessing section important for an optical disk and a magnetic disk, a control method for the image recorder, and a program. <P>SOLUTION: The image recorder of the present invention is provided with: a recording section for recording an image by ejecting ink to a label surface of a recording medium with the label surface for recording the image; and a data access section for reading and writing digital data to a data access surface of a recording medium with the data access surface for storing the digital data. The data access section is characterized by being provided with a protection means for protecting the data access section from the adhesion of ink. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus and method. More specifically, the image recording apparatus ejects ink droplets from a recording nozzle in accordance with recording data, and reads / writes digital data from / to the recording medium, and an ink jet recording unit that records characters and images on the recording medium. And a data access unit. Examples of the recording medium include a compact disc (hereinafter also referred to as “CD”), a DVD disc (including a DVD-R, a DVD-RW disc, etc.), an HDD, and the like.

  Examples of the recording apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile include a recording apparatus that records an image by forming a dot pattern based on image information on a recording medium such as paper or a plastic thin plate. Such recording apparatuses include various recording system recording apparatuses such as an ink jet system, a wire dot system, a thermal system, and a laser beam system. In recent years, high-speed recording, high image quality (high resolution) ), Low noise is required.

  As a recording apparatus that meets these requirements, there is an ink jet recording apparatus (ink jet recording apparatus). In this ink jet recording apparatus, an image is formed by adhering ink (recording liquid) droplets ejected from ejection ports of a recording head to a recording medium. Further, since recording can be performed in a non-contact manner, a stable image can be recorded on a wide range of recording media.

  In recent years, CDs and DVDs, which are optical recording media, have been widely used. As the recording medium, a medium on which a printing surface (hereinafter also referred to as “label surface”) opposite to a recording surface for recording digital data (hereinafter also referred to as “data access surface”) can be printed by the ink jet recording apparatus. What consists of is known. Conventionally, a plurality of configurations for performing inkjet recording on the label surface of such a recording medium and data access using a data access unit (hereinafter also referred to as “pickup”) on the data access surface in the same location have been proposed. Has been.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an ink jet recording apparatus that has an ink jet nozzle fixed facing a label surface in an optical disk recording apparatus, and that prints characters using the ink jet nozzle while rotating the optical disk. Has been.

  Patent Document 2 proposes an image recording apparatus including a data recording unit that writes data to a writable optical disk and an image recording unit that prints (records) an image on a printing surface opposite to the recording surface. ing.

  In addition, in an ink jet printer capable of recording on such a label surface and a data access surface, a configuration for preventing the harmful effects of ink mist has been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 3 proposes a recording apparatus having a data access unit that reads data from an optical disc and an image recording unit that records an image. This recording apparatus includes a protection unit that switches between a data access mode and an image recording mode based on a user operation, and protects the data access surface and the data access unit of the optical disc from ink mist.

  In each of the above conventional examples, inkjet recording on the label surface and data access on the data access surface are performed at the same location. As a conventionally known one, a data access unit that reads and writes image information and an ink jet recording unit are mounted in the same apparatus. As the data access unit, a compact disc (hereinafter also referred to as “CD”) having an optical data access unit, a DVD disc (including DVD-R, DVD-RW disc, etc.) drive, and a magnetic data access unit HDD etc. which have.

In recent years, there has been a growing need to perform inkjet recording by recording images taken with a digital camera on a CD or HDD without a PC (personal computer). Thus, the data access unit and the inkjet recording unit are placed in the same main body. The composition with it tends to increase.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-031906 JP 2002-133851 A JP 2004-062951 A

  However, the image recording apparatus has a problem in that no measures are taken against fine ink droplets (hereinafter also referred to as “mist”) that do not reach the recording medium, which is a problem specific to the inkjet recording apparatus. Even if countermeasures are taken, there is a problem that the mechanism is complicated and becomes a very large apparatus.

  This mist problem will be briefly described. In the ink jet recording method, recording is performed by ejecting ink (recording liquid) from the ejection port of the recording head, but when this ink is ejected, mist that is fine ink droplets is generated along with the ink droplets used for recording. End up. This mist floats in the apparatus and adheres to every place in the apparatus, causing the apparatus to become dirty. In particular, the adhesion of dirt to the pickup unit that performs data access causes a problem that the error rate at the time of data reading or writing deteriorates, and it becomes impossible to use the data when it is extremely bad.

  Specific problems in the prior art are listed below.

  Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe that inkjet recording on the label surface and data access on the data access surface can be performed at the same location in the recording apparatus. However, these patent documents do not particularly mention mist which is a problem peculiar to the ink jet recording method.

  Patent Document 3 refers to a data access surface of an optical disk, which is a means for digital recording of image data, and a protection unit that protects the entire data access unit.

  Here, since the data access unit is fixed in the main body and experiences a plurality of optical disc printing, the influence of ink mist is very large. On the other hand, the optical disk is often replaced by the user, and the influence of ink mist is negligible. In spite of such an environment, a large protective device is required to protect the entire data access surface of the optical disc, resulting in a cost increase.

  Patent Document 3 describes measures against ink mist in the case where data access and ink jet recording are performed at the same location, but does not mention measures in devices each having the same device.

  Furthermore, since Patent Document 3 prevents the mist from adhering to the data access unit by bringing the optical disk into close contact with the opening of the data access unit, it prevents the mist from adhering when the optical disc is not inserted. I can't. For this reason, when the user does not always insert the optical disk, mist adhesion to the data access unit cannot be prevented.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. Its purpose is to narrow down the object of ink mist contamination prevention to an important data access unit with an optical disk or magnetic disk, and to provide an image recording apparatus having an ink mist contamination prevention mechanism that is effective at low cost, its control method, and computer program. It is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is, the data access surface of a recording medium having a recording unit for recording an image by discharging ink onto the label surface of a recording medium having a label surface for recording an image, and a data access surface for storing digital data An image recording apparatus including a data access unit that reads and writes digital data, and the data access unit includes protection means for protecting the ink from adhesion.

  Preferably, the protection means is a capping means for capping a data access surface of the data access unit.

Preferably, a moving means for moving the data access unit to a home position;
Control means for controlling operations of the moving means and the protection means,
The control unit protects the ink from adhering to the data access surface by capping the data access surface by the capping unit after the data access unit is moved to the home position by the moving unit.

  Preferably, the protection means is a shielding member that shields the data access unit from the outside at the home position.

  Preferably, the protection unit is a charging unit that charges the data access unit.

  Preferably, the protection means is an optical member molded with a charging property constituting a data access surface of the data access unit.

  Preferably, the protection unit is a recovery unit for recovering the data access surface of the data access unit from the ink adhesion state.

  Preferably, the recovery means is a wiper member.

  Preferably, the recovery means is an absorbing member that absorbs ink adhering to the data access surface of the data access unit.

Preferably, detection means for detecting whether or not ink is attached to the data access surface of the data access unit,
Control means for controlling the operation of the recovery means,
The control means executes a recovery process by the recovery means based on the detection result of the detection means.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes display means for displaying a message prompting execution of recovery processing of the data access unit based on a detection result of the detection means.

  Preferably, the protection unit protects the ink from adhering to the data access unit by configuring the data access unit above the recording position of the ink jet recording unit.

  Preferably, the protection unit protects the ink from adhering to the data access unit by spatially separating the data access unit and the ink jet recording unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling an image recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is, the data access surface of a recording medium having a recording unit for recording an image by discharging ink onto the label surface of a recording medium having a label surface for recording an image, and a data access surface for storing digital data A method for controlling an image recording apparatus, comprising: a data access unit that reads and writes digital data from and to a home position; and a movement step of moving the data access unit to a home position; A protection step for protecting the data access unit from adhesion of the ink.

  In order to achieve the above object, a computer program according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is, the data access surface of a recording medium having a recording unit for recording an image by discharging ink onto the label surface of a recording medium having a label surface for recording an image, and a data access surface for storing digital data A program for causing a computer to execute control of an image recording apparatus that includes a data access unit that reads and writes digital data from and to the home position, and a moving step that moves the data access unit to a home position, And causing the computer to execute a protection step of protecting the data access unit moved to the home position from the adhesion of the ink.

  According to the present invention, an image recording apparatus having an ink mist smear prevention mechanism that is effective at low cost by focusing an ink mist smudge prevention target on an important data access unit such as an optical disk, a control method therefor, and a computer program are provided. Can be provided.

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

  The data access unit described in the present embodiment means an optical reading unit that optically reads a recording medium composed of an optical disk such as a CD, CD-R, DVD, or DVD-R. Another data access unit refers to a magnetic reading unit that magnetically reads a recording medium including a magnetic disk such as an HDD, FD, or MO.

  The ink stain protection function described in the present invention means at least one of a mist stain prevention function for preventing mist stains on the data access unit and a mist stain recovery function for removing stains.

  Prior to the description of the embodiments of the present invention, an example of the basic configuration of an image recording apparatus to which the present invention is applicable will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

The image recording apparatus 10 includes an ink jet recording unit 1000 and a data drive unit 1100.
(Example of basic configuration of data access unit)
The data drive unit 1100 in FIG. 1 is equipped with a CD-R 1101 for storing digital data (image data or the like) therein by a data access unit. When the open / close button 1102 of the data drive unit 1100 is pressed, a tray on which the CD-R 1101 is placed appears. When the user places a CD-R 1101 as a recording medium on this tray and presses the open / close button 1102 again, the CD-R 1101 is stored in the data drive unit 1100 and transferred to the CD-R 1101 of digital data by the data access unit. Can be recorded.
(Example of basic configuration of inkjet recording unit)
2 and 3 are schematic configuration diagrams of the main part of an ink jet recording unit to which the present invention is applicable.

  In FIG. 2, a chassis M3019 housed in the exterior member of the ink jet recording unit 1000 is composed of a plurality of plate-like metal members having a predetermined rigidity, and forms the skeleton of the ink jet recording unit 1000. Each recording operation mechanism is held. The automatic feeding unit M3022 automatically feeds a recording medium (paper, recording medium, etc.) into the main body of the inkjet recording unit 1000. The transport unit M3029 guides the recording medium sent one by one from the automatic feeding unit M3022 to a predetermined recording position, and guides the recording medium from the recording position to the discharge unit M3030.

  An arrow Y is the recording medium conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction). The recording medium conveyed to the recording position by driving the LF motor E0002 performs desired recording by a recording unit (inkjet recording head H1001 (see FIG. 3; hereinafter, abbreviated as recording head H1001)). Recovery processing is performed on the recording unit by the recovery unit M5000. M2015 is a paper gap adjusting lever, and M3006 is a bearing of the LF roller M3001.

  In the recording head H1001, which is a recording unit, the carriage M4001 is supported by a carriage shaft M4021 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction of the arrow X. A recording head H1001 capable of ejecting ink is detachably mounted on the carriage M4001. As shown in FIG. 3, the recording head H1001 of this example constitutes a recording head cartridge H1000 together with an ink tank H1900 that stores ink.

  As the ink tank H1900, for example, black, light cyan, light magenta, cyan, magenta, and yellow independent ink tanks are prepared in order to enable photographic-tone high-quality color recording. Each of these ink tanks H1900 is detachable from the recording head H1001.

  The recording head H1001 obtains a head drive signal necessary for recording from the main board E0001 via the main body flexible flat cable E0012. Further, as energy for ejecting ink, thermal energy generated from the electrothermal converter may be used. In that case, film boiling occurs in the ink due to the heat generated by the electrothermal transducer, and the ink can be ejected from the ink ejection port by the foaming energy at that time.

  The recovery unit M5000 includes a cap (not shown) that caps the ink discharge port formation surface of the recording head H1001. A suction pump capable of introducing a negative pressure into the cap may be connected to the cap. In that case, a recovery process is performed to maintain a good ink discharge state of the recording head H1001 by introducing negative pressure into the cap covering the ink discharge port of the recording head H1001 and sucking and discharging ink from the ink discharge port. (Also referred to as “suction recovery process”).

  Further, a recovery process (also referred to as “ejection recovery process”) is performed to maintain a good ink ejection state of the recording head H1001 by ejecting ink that does not contribute to image recording from the ink ejection port toward the inside of the cap. can do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the carriage M4001 is provided with a carriage cover M4002 for guiding the recording head H1001 to a predetermined mounting position on the carriage M4001.

  Further, the carriage M4001 is provided with a head set lever M4007 that engages with the tank holder of the recording head H1001 to set the recording head H1001 at a predetermined mounting position. The head set lever M4007 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to a head set lever shaft positioned at the upper part of the carriage M4001, and a spring-biased head set plate is provided at an engaging portion that engages with the recording head H1001. (Not shown) is provided. With the spring force, the head set lever M4007 is mounted on the carriage M4001 while pressing the recording head H1001.

  Next, a schematic configuration of the control system of the image recording apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 4A.

  FIG. 4A is a schematic block diagram of a control system in an image recording apparatus to which the present invention is applicable.

  FIG. 4A shows a configuration of main control systems for the ink jet recording unit 1000 and the data drive unit 1100.

  4A, the CPU 100 executes control processing, data processing, and the like of operations of the ink jet recording unit 1000 and the data drive unit of this example. The ROM 101 stores programs such as those processing procedures, and the RAM 102 is used as a work area or the like for executing these processes.

  Ink is ejected from the recording head H1001 when the CPU 100 supplies driving data (recording data) and a driving control signal (heat pulse signal) of the electrothermal transducer and the like to the head driver H1001A. The CPU 100 controls the carriage motor 103 for driving the carriage M4001 in the main scanning direction via the motor driver 103A, and the P.P. The F motor 104 is controlled via the motor driver 104A.

  When recording is performed by the ink jet recording unit 1000 configured as described above, first, recording data sent from the host device 200 (see FIG. 4A) through the external I / F is temporarily stored in the print buffer. Then, while the carriage motor 103 moves the recording head H1001 together with the carriage M4001 in the main scanning direction, a recording operation for discharging ink from the recording head H1001 based on the recording data is executed. In addition to this, P.I. The F motor 104 performs a transport operation for transporting the recording medium by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction. Then, by repeating these recording operation and conveying operation, images are sequentially recorded on the recording medium. Alternatively, image data may be read from the data storage unit 300, sent to the CPU 100, and converted into recording data for the inkjet recording unit by the CPU 100 for recording.

  Further, when a plurality of data access units such as a card throttle and an HDD are provided, the image data of the card throttle may be copied and stored in the HDD, and image recording by the inkjet recording unit 1000 may be performed later.

  On the other hand, the data access unit AA02 can receive digital data from the host device 200 and write the digital data to a recording medium. Further, digital data can be read from the recording medium based on a reading instruction from the host device 200.

  As described above, the ink stain protection function of the present invention includes at least one of a mist stain prevention function for preventing mist stain on the data access unit and a mist stain recovery function for removing stain.

  In particular, when the mist contamination prevention function is installed, the CPU 100 moves the data access unit AA02 to a home position (standby position) outside the digital data read / write range of the data access unit AA02 during a time other than the predetermined time zone. And wait. The predetermined time period is when the data access unit AA02 performs data read / write or when data read / write preparation is performed. When the movement to the home position is completed (detection of standby at the home position), the CPU 100 performs capping processing on the data access surface of the data access unit AA02 by the capping unit AA70.

  When the mist contamination recovery function is installed, when the data access unit recovery unit LL05 is installed, when the movement to the home position is completed, the CPU 100 performs the recovery process by the data access unit recovery unit LL05. . Further, even when the detection unit AA50 detects the stain (ink adhesion) of the data access unit AA02, the CPU 100 appropriately moves the data access unit AA02 to the home position and performs the recovery process by the data access unit recovery unit LL05. .

  Of course, the ink stain protection function may include both a mist stain prevention function and a mist stain recovery function.

  In FIG. 4A, it is assumed that the host apparatus 200 and the image recording apparatus 10 are connected via a predetermined interface (for example, USB). It is also possible to incorporate the function of the host device 200 into the image recording apparatus 10 and control the inkjet recording unit 1000 and the data drive unit 1100 with the image recording apparatus 10 alone.

  Next, a basic operation for realizing the mist contamination prevention function and the mist contamination recovery function will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4B and 4C.

  4B and 4C are realized by the CPU 100 reading and executing a program for executing each process stored in the RAM.

  FIG. 4B is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the mist contamination prevention function applicable to the present invention.

  In step S101, the CPU 100 determines whether data reading / writing by the data access unit AA02 has been completed. If it has not ended (NO in step S101), it waits until it ends.

  On the other hand, when the processing is completed (YES in step S101), in step S102, the CPU 100 moves the data access unit AA02 to the home position. In step S103, the CPU 100 performs capping processing on the data access unit AA02 at the home position by the capping unit AA70. Specific contents of the capping process will be described in detail in the first embodiment below.

  FIG. 4C is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the mist dirt recovery function applicable to the present invention.

  In FIG. 4C, the same steps as those in FIG. 4B are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When data reading / writing ends (YES in step S101), data access unit AA02 moves to the home position (step S102). Thereafter, in step S104, the CPU 100 executes a recovery process on the data access unit AA02 at the home position by the data access unit recovery unit LL05. Specific contents of the recovery process will be described in detail in the third embodiment below.

  Here, an example is shown in which the mist contamination recovery function is executed when the data access unit AA02 is moved (retracted) from the home position. However, even when the detection unit AA50 detects that the data access unit AA02 is dirty (ink adhesion), the data access unit AA02 is appropriately moved to the home position and the recovery process by the data access unit recovery unit LL05 is performed.

  As described above, in the present invention, when the data access unit AA02 moves to the home position, the mist contamination prevention function of the mist contamination prevention function and the mist contamination recovery function is executed.

  If the data access unit AA02 exists in the data read / write range when recording by the inkjet recording unit 1000, the CPU 100 retracts the data access unit AA02 to the home position. After the evacuation, the CPU 100 executes recording by the ink jet recording unit 1000 after executing the mist contamination protection function. As a result, the mist contamination protection function for the data access unit can be executed more safely and reliably.

  4B and 4C illustrate the basic operation of a typical mist contamination protection function, the processing required in each embodiment described below is assumed to be realized by control by the CPU 100.

<< Embodiment 1 >>
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the data access unit configured in the data drive unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

  The optical disk AA01 capable of recording and reading digital data with respect to the main body member AA00 is fixed by a disk rotation shaft / disk fixed shaft AA04, and the optical disk AA01 is also rotated together by rotating the fixed shaft AA04. It is configured. The data access unit AA02 includes a light source, a reflected light reading device, and the like that become a writing / reading unit for the optical disk AA01, and is configured to move along the data access unit moving axis AA03.

  The present invention is characterized by having an ink mist stain prevention unit outside the data read / write range by the data access unit AA02. In other words, a mechanism for preventing the ink droplets ejected from the ink jet recording unit 1000 from adhering to the data access unit (mainly the data access surface (read / write)) is a data read / write range by the data access unit AA02. Have outside.

  In the first embodiment, a configuration having a capping unit (cap AA06 and cap base AA05) for the data access unit AA02 will be described as an ink mist stain prevention unit.

  6 is a cross-sectional view of the portion in the direction from the fixed axis AA04 to the data access unit moving axis AA03 in the A-A ′ plane in FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The optical disk AA01 is fixed by the fixed axis AA04, and the data access unit AA02 is held by the data access unit moving axis AA03 at a position facing the data access surface of the optical disk AA01.

  In addition, an ink mist stain prevention unit, which is a feature of the present invention, is installed at the home position (standby position) of the data access unit AA02 outside the range of reading and writing digital data to the optical disk AA01 by the data access unit AA02. Specifically, a capping unit AA70 (a cap AA06 and a cap base AA05 for the data access unit AA02) for the data access unit AA02 is installed as an ink mist stain prevention unit. At a time other than when data is read / written to / from the optical disk AA01 and when data read / write is being prepared, the data access unit AA02 is in its home position from the ink mist adhering to the ink mist smear prevention unit (capping unit AA70) at the left end of FIG. Protected.

  Next, the operation of the ink mist stain prevention unit will be described.

  When the data reading / writing with respect to the optical disc AA01 is completed, the data access unit AA02 moves along the data access unit movement axis AA03 to the home position in the ink mist stain prevention unit at the left end in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane B-B ′ in FIG. 5 immediately after the data access unit is moved as viewed from the direction along the data access unit movement axis according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A cap AA06 held by the cap base AA05 is provided at a position facing the data access unit AA02. Next, the cap AA06 is moved to the data access surface of the data access unit AA02, and capping to the data access unit AA02 is performed (FIG. 8). Thereby, since the data access unit AA02 is sealed, it is possible to prevent the ink mist floating in the main body from adhering to the data access unit AA02.

  Here, the cap AA06 is moved, but conversely, the data access unit AA02 may be moved to perform capping.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which capping is performed by moving the data access unit AA02 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the cap AA06 that is no longer required to be moved is directly fixed to the main body member AA00.

  Here, the capping operation for the data access unit AA02 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When data reading / writing with respect to the optical disk is completed, the data access unit AA02 moves along the data access unit movement axis AA03 to a position (home position) facing the cap AA06 at the left end in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a view immediately after movement as seen from the B-B ′ cross section of FIG. 9. A cap AA06 is provided at a position facing the data access unit AA02. Next, the data access unit movement axis AA003 is moved in the direction of the cap AA06, and capping to the data access unit AA02 is performed (FIG. 11). Thereby, since the data access surface of the data access unit AA02 is sealed as before, it is possible to prevent ink mist floating in the main body from adhering to the data access unit AA02.

  Further, in the case where the necessity of sealing the data access surface of the data access unit AA02 is low, such as the occurrence of ink mist is small, a simple shielding portion (data access portion shielding rib (member) AA07 is used as shown in FIG. The enclosed part) is provided. Then, the data access unit AA02 may be made to wait on this shielding part.

  This is because the floating ink mist moves along the air flow. Therefore, by providing the data access unit shielding rib AA07 of FIG. 12 and blocking the air flow around the data access unit during retraction, it is possible to reduce ink mist adhesion to the data access unit AA02. .

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the target of the ink mist stain prevention unit (countermeasure unit) is narrowed down to an important data access unit using an optical disk or a magnetic disk, and a capping or shielding part for the data access unit is selected. Constitute. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image recording apparatus having a data access unit for recording digital data and an inkjet recording unit for performing inkjet recording in the same apparatus, which has an effective ink mist stain prevention unit at low cost. become.

<< Embodiment 2 >>
Next, as Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a configuration in which charging of the ink mist is used for the ink mist stain prevention unit will be described. In this embodiment, an optical pickup using a DVD-R as an optical disk and a light emitting LED and a lens as a data access unit is taken as an example.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane A-A ′ of FIG. 5 for a portion in the direction from the fixed axis AA04 to the data access unit movement axis AA03 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, the data access unit AA02 is provided with a charging member II08 on the data access surface.

  FIG. 14 shows a state where the data access unit AA02 in the second embodiment is viewed from the data access side. The data access unit AA02 has an optical member (optical lens II09) for collecting light on the data access surface, and a charging member II08 is provided around the optical member. Ink used in inkjet recording is electrically neutral, but it is known that minute ink droplets (ink mist) generated when ejected as ink droplets from a nozzle to a recording medium are charged. Yes. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the ink stain of the optical lens II09 by charging the charging member II08 in reverse to the ink mist.

  In recent years, it has become possible to impart electrical conductivity to members that form optical lenses. For this reason, a potential may be applied to the optical lens II09 itself. An example of this case is shown in FIG. That is, in the example of FIG. 15, instead of the optical lens II09, an optical lens II05 having conductivity is configured. In this case, the charging member II08 is not necessary.

  In addition to applying an electric potential, when the optical lens II09 is formed by plastic molding, it is possible to impart charging properties by solidifying the surface with the electric potential applied thereto. Ink mist contamination may be prevented by using an optical lens charged in the opposite direction to ink mist.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the target of the ink mist stain prevention unit (countermeasure unit) is narrowed down to an important data access unit using an optical disk or a magnetic disk, and the data access part is charged. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image recording apparatus having a data access unit for recording digital data and an inkjet recording unit for performing inkjet recording in the same apparatus, which has an effective ink mist stain prevention unit at low cost. become.

<< Embodiment 3 >>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in which a cleaning mechanism for a data access unit is mounted on a stain prevention unit by ink mist.

  FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane A-A ′ of FIG. 5 for a portion in the direction from the fixed axis AA04 to the data access unit movement axis AA03 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a data access unit recovery unit LL05 is provided at the home position of the data access unit AA02 outside the data read / write range of the data access unit AA02.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining recovery processing of the data access unit AA02 by the data access unit recovery unit LL05 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  When the ink mist adhesion to the data access unit AA02 is detected by the detection unit AA50 (FIG. 4A), the main body instructs the recovery of the data access unit. When the recovery of the data access unit AA02 is instructed, the data access unit AA02 moves to the data access unit recovery unit LL05. A rubber piece (member) (hereinafter also referred to as a wiper) having one fixed to the data access surface of the data access unit AA02 is prepared as the data access unit recovery unit LL05. When the data access unit AA02 moves along the data access unit movement axis AA03, the data access surface is wiped by the data access unit recovery unit LL05, and ink mist contamination (attachment) is wiped off.

  Here, a wiper is taken as an example of the data access unit recovery unit LL05. However, a “wiping member” using an absorbing member that absorbs ink may be used as the data access unit recovery unit.

  Also, when the dirt is significant, cleaning by the user is more effective than such mechanical recovery. For this reason, when the contamination is expected to be significant or significant, a message as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the operation unit AA60 (FIG. 4A) of the image recording apparatus 10 and a “recovery notification” is urged to clean the user. It is also effective to do. Here, the operation unit AA60 includes, for example, a display unit such as a touch panel and an operation unit. Thereby, the user can execute various processes via the operation screen displayed on the display unit.

  Detection of this stain (ink adhesion) can be realized by comparing the error rate at the time of reading / writing digital data and the optical read signal intensity with a preset threshold value. Alternatively, it is effective to estimate the contamination from the number of printed sheets, the number of used tanks, the number of ejected dots, the power ON time, the usage period, and the like of the inkjet recording unit 1000. In addition, when the “details” button is pressed in FIG. 18, it is desirable to display a guidance screen for cleaning attention, cleaning procedures, and the like.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the target of the ink mist stain prevention unit (countermeasure unit) is narrowed down to important data access units using an optical disk or a magnetic disk, and a recovery unit for the data access unit is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image recording apparatus having a data access unit for recording digital data and an inkjet recording unit for performing inkjet recording in the same apparatus, which has an effective ink mist stain prevention unit at low cost. become.

<< Embodiment 4 >>
Next, as Embodiment 4 of the present invention, an example will be described in which a data access unit is arranged at a location with little ink mist in a stain prevention unit with ink mist.

  First, a description will be given of a case where gravity is used as a place where ink mist is small.

  FIG. 19 is a front view of an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  The ink mist that causes contamination of the data access unit is very small but has a large mass. For this reason, the ink mist density is higher on the lower side in the image recording apparatus 10. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, in the image recording apparatus 10, the data drive unit 1100 on which the data access unit is mounted is provided above the ink jet recording execution position PP01. By performing such an arrangement, the data access unit in the data drive unit 1100 is installed at a location where the ink mist concentration is low in the image recording apparatus 10, and it is possible to prevent ink mist contamination. It becomes.

  FIG. 20 is a front view of the image recording apparatus when the data drive unit 1100 is installed vertically in the image recording apparatus 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The data access unit AA02 in the data drive unit 1100 is disposed above the ink jet recording execution position PP01.

  Further, FIG. 21 shows an example in which the data drive unit 1100 and the ink jet recording unit 1000 are spatially separated in the image recording apparatus 10 as a portion with a small ink mist.

  Since the floating ink mist is diffused by the air flow, the air flow between the data drive unit 1100 and the ink jet recording unit 1000 is blocked, thereby reducing ink mist adhesion to the data access unit AA02. It becomes possible.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the physical arrangement of the data access unit in the apparatus is configured to avoid ink mist. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image recording apparatus having a data access unit for recording digital data and an inkjet recording unit for performing inkjet recording in the same apparatus, which has an effective ink mist stain prevention unit at low cost. become.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, CD, DVD, and HDD are exemplified as the data drive unit, but the data drive unit is not limited to this. For example, any other reading or reading / writing device having a data reading unit or reading / writing unit such as HD or BD (Blu-ray Disc) may be used.

  Although the embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  Although the embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the drawing) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is directly or remotely supplied to a system or apparatus. In addition, this includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, and an optical disk. Further, as a recording medium, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), etc. is there.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. Then, the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from a homepage of the connection destination to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. Further, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. It is a perspective view of the principal part of the inkjet recording part which can apply this invention. 1 is a perspective view of a recording head used in an inkjet recording unit to which the present invention can be applied. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a control system in an image recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation | movement of the mist dirt prevention function applicable to this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation | movement of the mist dirt recovery function applicable to this invention. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the data access part comprised in the data drive part of Embodiment 1 of this invention from the top. It is sectional drawing in the A-A 'surface of FIG. 5 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the B-B ′ plane in FIG. 5 immediately after the data access unit is moved as viewed from the direction along the data access unit movement axis according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the B-B ′ plane in FIG. 5 immediately after the data access unit is moved and capped as viewed from the direction along the data access unit movement axis according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example which moves the data access part AA02 of Embodiment 1 of this invention, and performs capping. It is sectional drawing in the B-B 'surface in FIG. 9 just after the data access part movement seen from the direction along the data access part movement axis. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the B-B ′ plane in FIG. 5 immediately after the data access unit is moved and capped as viewed from the direction along the data access unit movement axis according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the shielding part comprised around the data access part AA02 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing in the A-A 'surface of FIG. 5 of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the data access part of Embodiment 2 of this invention from the data access surface. It is the figure which looked at the data access part of the example of another composition of Embodiment 2 of the present invention from the data access side. It is sectional drawing in the A-A 'surface of FIG. 5 about the part of data access part movement axis AA03 direction from fixed axis AA04 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the recovery process of data access part AA02 by the recovery part LL05 for data access parts of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a message display of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a front view of the image recording device of Embodiment 4 of the present invention. It is a front view of the image recording apparatus of another structural example of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a front view of the image recording apparatus of another structural example of Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

M2015 Paper gap adjusting lever M3001 LF roller M3006 Bearing M3019 Chassis M3022 Automatic feeding unit M3029 Conveying unit M3030 Ejecting unit M4001 Carriage M4007 Headset lever M4021 Carriage shaft M5000 Recovery unit E0001 Main board H100 Recording head H100 Recording head Head driver H1900 Ink tank 100 CPU
101 ROM
102 RAM
103 Carriage motor 103A Motor driver 104P. F motor 104A motor driver AA02 data access unit AA70 capping unit AA50 detection unit AA60 operation unit LL50 data access unit recovery unit

Claims (15)

A recording unit for ejecting ink onto the label surface of a recording medium having a label surface for recording an image and recording the image;
An image recording apparatus comprising: a data access unit for reading and writing digital data to and from the data access surface of a recording medium having a data access surface for storing digital data,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data access unit includes protection means for protecting the ink from adhesion of the ink. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protection unit is a capping unit for capping a data access surface of the data access unit. Moving means for moving the data access unit to a home position;
Control means for controlling operations of the moving means and the protection means,
The control unit protects the ink from adhering to the data access surface by capping the data access surface by the capping unit after the data access unit is moved to the home position by the moving unit. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the protection unit is a shielding member that shields the data access unit from the outside at the home position. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protection unit is a charging unit that charges the data access unit. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protection unit is an optical member that is molded with a charging property that forms a data access surface of the data access unit. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protection unit is a recovery unit that recovers the data access surface of the data access unit from an ink adhesion state. The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recovery unit is a wiper member. The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recovery unit is an absorbing member that absorbs ink attached to a data access surface of the data access unit. Detection means for detecting whether or not ink is attached to the data access surface of the data access unit;
Control means for controlling the operation of the recovery means,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit executes a recovery process by the recovery unit based on a detection result of the detection unit. The image recording apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a display unit that displays a message that prompts execution of a recovery process of the data access unit based on a detection result of the detection unit. The said protection means protects against the adhesion of the said ink to the said data access part by comprising the said data access part above the recording implementation position of the said inkjet recording part. Image recording device. 2. The image recording according to claim 1, wherein the protection unit protects the ink from adhering to the data access unit by spatially separating the data access unit and the ink jet recording unit. apparatus. A recording unit for recording an image by ejecting ink onto the label surface of a recording medium having a label surface for recording an image, and a data access surface of the recording medium having a data access surface for storing digital data A method of controlling an image recording apparatus comprising a data access unit for reading and writing digital data,
Moving the data access unit to a home position;
And a protection step of protecting the data access unit moved to the home position by the movement step from the adhesion of the ink. A recording unit for recording an image by ejecting ink onto the label surface of a recording medium having a label surface for recording an image, and a data access surface of the recording medium having a data access surface for storing digital data A computer program for causing a computer to execute control of an image recording apparatus including a data access unit that reads and writes digital data.
Moving the data access unit to a home position;
A computer program causing a computer to execute a protection step of protecting the data access unit moved to the home position by the movement step from the adhesion of the ink.

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