JP2010143123A - Recording device and recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording device and a recording method for recording a pattern in an appropriate position on the recording medium to adjust the applied position of a recording material (such as ink) onto the recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The recording position of the pattern P is controlled to record the pattern P on a portion of the recording medium 8 located on platen ribs 207 to adjust the applied position of ink to the recording medium 8 based on the position relationship between the platen ribs 207 and the recording medium 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a recording method capable of recording a pattern in order to adjust the application position of a recording material (such as ink) on a recording medium.

  In a conventional recording apparatus, for example, when adjusting the recording position between forward scanning (forward recording) and backward scanning (return recording) in reciprocal recording, a recording position adjustment pattern is obtained by forward scanning and backward scanning. Record ruled lines on the print medium. Further, when adjusting the recording position between the recording heads when using a plurality of recording heads, first, a ruled line as a recording position adjusting pattern is recorded on the print medium by the plurality of recording heads. When recording these ruled lines, the relative print conditions are varied by adjusting the print timing (recording timing) between the forward scan and the backward scan, or the print timing (recording timing) between a plurality of recording heads. . The user observes the print result, selects the ruled line recorded under the print condition that best matches the print position, and sets the adjustment value for the print position based on the print condition when the ruled line is recorded. To do. For example, based on the printing conditions when the ruled lines are recorded, printing conditions for recording position adjustment are set as recording position adjustment values in the printing apparatus or the host computer. Or, using an optical sensor that detects the optical characteristics of the recording results, the optical characteristics of the recorded ruled lines are automatically detected, and the printing conditions for recording position adjustment are recorded on the printing device or the host computer. Set as.

  In addition, the recording apparatus is conveyed while being pressed against a plurality of platen ribs, for example, in order to prevent the recording medium during conveyance from warping and rubbing the recording head. When ink is ejected from a recording head onto a sheet as a recording medium, the sheet may expand due to moisture of the ink, and the expanded portion may enter a low portion between the plurality of platen ribs. The uneven wrinkles caused by the expansion of the paper are convex at the portions supported by the platen ribs and concave at the portions located between the platen ribs, so that the rubbing between the paper and the recording head can be prevented.

  Incidentally, the ruled lines recorded as the recording position adjusting pattern as described above need to increase the reflection optical density (OD value) and increase the detection sensitivity in order to easily detect the recording result. For that purpose, when recording the ruled lines, it is necessary to eject a large amount of ink onto a recording medium such as a sheet, and the wrinkles of the unevenness due to the expansion of the sheet appear more remarkably. When the recording position adjustment pattern is recorded on the portion of the paper located between the platen ribs, the recording portion of the paper becomes concave, and the distance between the recording head and the paper (“between paper”) Say) will fluctuate. Therefore, there is a possibility that the recording timing cannot be adjusted accurately.

JP 2004-338278 A

  In order to solve the problem that the recording portion is concave when the recording position adjusting pattern is recorded on the portion of the recording medium positioned between the platen ribs, the recording position is set on the portion of the recording medium positioned on the platen rib. An adjustment pattern may be recorded.

  On the other hand, there are recording apparatuses in which a plurality of storage units serving as recording medium supply sources exist, or in which a plurality of paper supply ports for feeding the recording medium are prepared. In such a recording apparatus, a plurality of types of recording media having different sizes and characteristics can be supplied from different sources. When recording an image on these plural types of recording media, the image recording start position in the width direction of the recording medium (direction orthogonal to the transport direction) can be set according to the transport source of the recording medium. it can. However, in such a recording apparatus, when the recording position adjustment pattern is recorded on the portion of the recording medium positioned on the platen rib, the following problems may occur.

  40A and 40B show a case where a ruled line as a recording position adjusting pattern is recorded on recording media W1 and W2 supplied from different supply sources in a serial scan type recording apparatus using an inkjet recording head. It is explanatory drawing of. A plurality of platen ribs 207 are disposed at positions facing the recording head at intervals in the width direction of the recording medium, and the recording media W1 and W2 are supported on the upper part of the platen rib 207 while remaining on the paper surface in the figure. It is conveyed from the front to the back or from the back to the front. The recording head records recording position adjustment patterns (ruled lines) P1 to P6 on the recording medium by ejecting ink while moving in the main scanning direction of the arrow X.

  As shown in FIG. 40A, the recording medium W1 is conveyed so that the end thereof is along the reference position X1, and the recording medium W1 in which the patterns P1 to P6 are located on the platen rib 207 with reference to the reference position X1. It is recorded in the part. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 40B, the recording medium W2 is conveyed so that the end thereof is along a reference position X2 different from the reference position X1, and the patterns P1 to P6 are recorded using the reference position X2 as a reference. Recorded on the medium W2. Therefore, the patterns P1 to P6 are recorded at positions shifted from the portion of the recording medium W1 located on the platen rib 207 as shown in FIG. That is, the patterns P1 to P6 are recorded in the concave portions between the platen ribs 207, and as a result, the recording timing may not be accurately adjusted as described above.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus and a recording method capable of recording a pattern at an appropriate position on a recording medium in order to adjust the application position of a recording material (such as ink) on the recording medium.

  The recording apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of platen ribs positioned at intervals in the width direction of the recording medium in a conveyance path of the recording medium, and the recording medium is supported on the recording medium supported on the plurality of platen ribs. An image can be recorded by applying, and a pattern for adjusting the applying position of the recording material can be recorded by applying the recording material to the recording medium supported on the plurality of platen ribs. The recording apparatus includes a control unit that controls a recording position of the pattern so as to record the pattern on a portion of the recording medium positioned on the platen rib based on a positional relationship between the platen rib and the recording medium. It is characterized by that.

  In the recording method of the present invention, a plurality of platen ribs positioned at intervals in the width direction of the recording medium are used in the recording medium conveyance path, and a recording material is applied to the recording medium supported on the plurality of platen ribs. In a recording method for recording an image by applying and recording a pattern for adjusting the applying position of the recording material by applying the recording material to the recording medium supported on the plurality of platen ribs The pattern recording position is controlled based on the positional relationship between the platen rib and the recording medium so that the pattern is recorded on the portion of the recording medium located on the platen rib.

  In this specification, “printing (recording)” is not limited to the case of forming significant information such as characters and graphics. For example, when forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc. on a print medium (recording medium), regardless of whether it is significant or not, and whether it is manifested so that humans can perceive it visually Or the case of processing a medium.

  Here, “print medium (recording medium)” refers not only to paper used in general printing apparatuses, but also to materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic film, and metal plate. Further, “ink” should be widely interpreted in the same way as the definition of “print (recording)”, and is also called a printing agent or a recording agent. The “ink” refers to a liquid that can be used for forming an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like, or processing the print medium by being applied on the print medium.

  In the present specification, the reflection optical density using the reflectance and the transmission optical density using the transmittance are used as the optical characteristics. However, optical reflectivity, reflected light intensity, etc. can also be used. In this specification, unless there is a particular confusion, the reflection optical density is abbreviated as optical density or simply density.

  According to the present invention, a pattern is recorded on a portion of the recording medium positioned on the platen rib based on the positional relationship between the platen rib and the recording medium in order to adjust the application position of a recording material (such as ink) on the recording medium. In addition, the recording position of the pattern is controlled. Thereby, the pattern can be recorded on the part on the platen where the deformation of the recording medium is suppressed, and the function of adjusting the recording position using the pattern can be sufficiently exhibited.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, as an application example of the present invention, an inkjet printing apparatus (inkjet recording apparatus) and a printing system (recording system) using the inkjet printing apparatus will be described.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into (1) basic configuration and (2) characteristic configuration.

(1) Basic Configuration First, the basic configuration of the inkjet printing apparatus of the present invention will be described. Here, a so-called serial scan type printer (inkjet printer) will be described as an example.

(1-1) First Configuration Example of Main Part FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a first configuration example of a main part of an inkjet printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, a plurality (four) of head cartridges 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D are mounted on the carriage 2 in a replaceable manner. Each of the head cartridges 1A to 1D has a print head portion (recording head portion) and an ink tank portion, and is provided with a connector for transmitting and receiving a drive signal of the head portion. In the following description, when the whole or any one of the head cartridges 1A to 1D is shown, it is simply referred to as a print head 1 or a head cartridge 1.

  The plurality of head cartridges 1 perform printing using inks of different colors, and different inks such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are respectively stored in the ink tank portions. The head cartridge 1 is mounted on the carriage 2 so as to be replaceable. The carriage 2 is provided with a connector holder (electrical connection portion) for transmitting a drive signal and the like to the head cartridge 1 via the connector. ing.

  The carriage 2 is guided so as to reciprocate in the main scanning direction along a guide shaft 3 installed in the apparatus main body so as to extend in the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow X. The carriage 2 is driven by a main scanning motor 4 through driving mechanisms such as a motor pulley 5, a driven pulley 6, and a timing belt 7, and its movement and movement position are controlled. A print medium (recording medium) 8 such as a print sheet or a plastic thin plate is indicated by an arrow Y that intersects the main scanning direction (orthogonal in this example) by the rotation of the two pairs of transport rollers 9, 10 and 11, It is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction. That is, the print medium 8 is transported (paper fed) in the sub-scanning direction through a position (printing unit) facing the ejection port surface (ink ejection port formation surface) of the head cartridge 1. The back surface of the print medium 8 is supported by a platen so as to form a flat print surface in the print unit. The platen will be described later.

  The head cartridge 1 mounted on the carriage 2 has its discharge port surface protruding downward from the carriage 2 and parallel to the surface of the print medium 8 between the two pairs of transport rollers 9, 10 and 11, 12. So that it is held. A reflection type optical sensor 30 is attached to the carriage 2.

  The head cartridge 1 of this example is an inkjet head cartridge that discharges ink using thermal energy, and includes an electrothermal transducer (heater) for generating thermal energy. In other words, the print head portion of the head cartridge 1 causes ink to boil by the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal transducer, and uses the foaming energy to eject the ink from the ejection port toward the print medium 8. The head cartridge 1 may use a piezoelectric element or the like in addition to an electrothermal converter (heater) as an ink ejection energy generating element.

  Reference numeral 14 denotes a recovery processing unit that performs a recovery process for maintaining a good ink discharge state in the print head unit of the head cartridge 1. The recovery processing unit 14 includes a cap 15 for capping the discharge port portion of the print head unit, a suction pump 16 connected to the cap 15 by a pipe 27, and a wiper blade 18 held by a holder 17. Is provided.

(1-2) Second Configuration Example of Main Part FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a second configuration example of a main part of an inkjet printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. In FIG. 2, since the part which attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIG. 1 has the same function as FIG. 1, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 2, a plurality (six) of head cartridges 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, 41E, and 41F are mounted on the carriage 2 in a replaceable manner. Each of the cartridges 41A to 41F is provided with a connector for receiving a print head unit drive signal. In the following, when referring to the whole or any one of the head cartridges 41A to 41F, they are simply referred to as the print head 41 or the head cartridge 41.

  The head cartridge 41 prints using different colors of ink, and different inks such as black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, and light magenta are stored in the ink tank portions. . The head cartridge 41 is mounted on the carriage 2 so as to be replaceable. A connector holder (electrical connection portion) for transmitting a drive signal or the like to the head cartridge 41 via the connector is mounted on the carriage 2. Is provided.

(1-3) Recording Unit The recording unit includes a carriage 2 that is movably supported by the guide shaft 3 and a head cartridge 1 (41) that is detachably mounted on the carriage 2.

  3 to 5 are diagrams for explaining a specific configuration example of the head cartridge 1 (41).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the head cartridge 1 (41) of this example includes an ink tank 190 that stores ink, and a print head that discharges ink supplied from the ink tank 190 from an ejection port according to recording information ( Recording head) 101. The print head 101 is a so-called cartridge type that is detachably mounted on the carriage 2. In this example, in order to enable recording of high-quality color images with a photographic tone, as the ink tank 190, for example, black, light cyan, light magenta, cyan, magenta, and yellow inks are individually accommodated. An ink tank is prepared. These ink tanks 190 are detachable from the print head 101 as shown in FIG.

  The print head 101 is configured as shown in FIG. 5, and includes a plurality of recording element substrates 110, a first plate 120, an electric wiring substrate 130, a second plate 140, a tank holder 150, a flow path forming member 160, A filter 170 and a seal rubber 180 are included.

  In the recording element substrate 110, a plurality of recording elements for ejecting ink and electric wiring such as Al for supplying power to each recording element are formed on one surface of the Si substrate by a film forming technique. . Further, a plurality of ink flow paths corresponding to the recording elements and a plurality of ejection ports 110T are formed on the recording element substrate 110 by a photolithography technique. An ink supply port for supplying ink to the plurality of ink flow paths is formed so as to open on the back surface of the Si substrate. The recording element substrate 110 is bonded and fixed to the first plate 120, and an ink supply port 121 for supplying ink to the recording element substrate 110 is formed therein. Further, a second plate 140 having an opening is bonded and fixed to the first plate 120, and the electric wiring substrate 130 is electrically connected to the recording element substrate 110 via the second plate 140. To be connected to. The electrical wiring substrate 130 applies an electrical signal for ejecting ink to the recording element substrate 110. The electrical wiring substrate 130 is located at an end portion of the electrical wiring corresponding to the recording element substrate 110 and the recording device main body. And an external signal input terminal 131 for receiving an electrical signal from. The external signal input terminal 131 is positioned and fixed on the back side of the tank holder 150.

  A flow path forming member 160 is fixed to the tank holder 150 that detachably holds the ink tank 190 by, for example, ultrasonic welding, and an ink flow path 151 extending from the ink tank 190 to the first plate 120 is formed. Yes. A filter 170 is provided at the ink tank side end of the ink flow path 151 that engages with the ink tank 190 to prevent intrusion of dust from the outside. In the ink flow path 151, a seal rubber 180 is attached to an engagement portion with the ink tank 190 so as to prevent ink from evaporating from the engagement portion.

  As described above, the tank holder portion includes the tank holder 150, the flow path forming member 160, the filter 170, and the seal rubber 180. The recording element portion includes the recording element substrate 110, the first plate 120, the electric wiring substrate 130, and the first wiring board. 2 plates 140 are included. These tank holder part and recording element part constitute the recording head 101 by being bonded together by bonding or the like.

(1-4) Specific Nozzle Configuration of Recording Head FIGS. 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams of specific exemplary configurations of nozzles formed by the ejection ports 110T of the recording head 101. FIG.

  In the recording head H (101) of this example, a plurality of ejection ports P (110T) capable of ejecting ink are formed to form two rows (hereinafter also referred to as “nozzle rows”) L1 and L2. . The nozzle rows L1 and L2 extend in the sub-scanning direction of the arrow Y where the recording medium is conveyed. In each of the nozzle rows L1 and L2, the discharge ports P constituting the nozzles are formed 128 (128 nozzles) at intervals corresponding to 600 dpi as the pitch Py. Further, the discharge ports P of the nozzle row L1 and the discharge ports P of the nozzle row L2 are shifted by a half pitch (Py / 2) corresponding to 1200 dpi in the sub-scanning direction of the arrow Y. In one of the nozzle rows L1 and L2, odd-numbered nozzles positioned in the odd-numbered direction in the nozzle row direction are arranged, and in the other, an even-numbered nozzle row positioned in the even-numbered row is arranged. An arrow X is the main scanning direction in which the recording head H reciprocates. Then, by ejecting the same color ink from a total of 256 ejection openings P in these two rows, an image can be recorded with a dot density in the sub-scanning direction of 1200 dpi. Accordingly, the recording resolution in the sub-scanning direction is twice that when only one of the nozzle rows L1 and L2 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the recording head H of this example has six types of ink to be ejected, that is, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K) ink, light cyan (LC), and light. A total of six are combined corresponding to magenta (LM) ink. Two of the six recording heads H combined in this way are configured on the same chip. C1 and C2 are nozzle rows for discharging cyan (C) ink, LM1 and LM2 are nozzle rows for discharging light cyan (LC) ink, and K1 and K2 are for discharging black (K) ink. This is a nozzle row. Y1 and Y2 are nozzle rows for ejecting yellow (Y) ink, LC1 and LC2 are nozzle rows for ejecting light cyan (LC) ink, and M1 and M2 eject magenta (M) ink. It is a nozzle row for doing. In FIG. 7, the number of ejection ports P that eject ink of each color is represented as a total of 16 nozzle numbers R0 to R15. Cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks are dark inks having a relatively high dye density, and light cyan (LC) and light magenta (LM) inks are dark inks. A light ink having a relatively low dye concentration of 1/6 of In this way, a color image can be recorded by ejecting different inks for each recording head H in which the two nozzle rows L1 and L2 are formed.

  In FIG. 8, h is a heater (electrothermal converter), which generates thermal energy used as the ejection energy of the ink droplet I ′ in accordance with the drive signal. Film boiling occurs in the ink I in the nozzle by the thermal energy of the heater h, and the ink droplet I ′ is ejected from the ejection port P by the foaming energy at that time.

(1-5) Optical Sensor FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the reflective optical sensor 30 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  As described above, the reflective optical sensor 30 is attached to the carriage 2 and includes a light emitting unit 31 and a light receiving unit 32. Light (incident light Iin) 35 emitted from the light emitting unit 31 is reflected by the print medium 8, and the reflected light (Iref) 37 can be detected by the light receiving unit 32. The detection signal (analog signal) of the reflected light 37 is transmitted to a control circuit on the electric board of the printing apparatus via a flexible cable (not shown), and is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter in the control circuit. . The position of the carriage 2 to which the optical sensor 30 is attached is set at a position deviated from the locus on which the ejection port of the recording head H moves during print scanning in order to prevent adhesion of droplets of ink or the like. As this optical sensor 30, a sensor having a relatively low resolution can be used, thereby reducing the cost.

(1-6) Configuration Example of Control Circuit FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a control circuit in such an ink jet printing apparatus.

  The controller 100 as the main control unit includes, for example, a CPU 102 in the form of a microcomputer, a ROM 103 for storing programs, required tables, and other fixed data, and a RAM 105 in which an area for developing image data and a work area are provided. Have. The CPU 102 executes processing for recording position adjustment described later. By the process for adjusting the recording position, an adjustment value for adjusting the recording position is set, and the adjusted value is used in the actual recording process thereafter and used for adjusting the recording position. The host device 110 is a supply source of image data, and may be in the form of a reader unit for image reading, in addition to a computer for creating and processing data such as images related to printing. Image data, other commands, status signals, and the like are transmitted / received to / from the controller 100 via the interface (I / F) 112.

  The operation unit 125 is a group of switches that accepts an instruction input from the operator. A recovery switch 126 is included. The operation unit 125 further includes a recording position adjustment start switch 127 for manually adjusting the recording position, a recording position adjustment value setting input unit 129 for inputting an adjustment value of the manual recording position, and the like. The sensor group 135 is a sensor group for detecting the state of the apparatus. The sensor group 135 is provided in an appropriate part for detecting the reflective optical sensor 30, the photocoupler 132 for detecting the home position, and the environmental temperature. A temperature sensor 134 and the like are included.

  The head driver 140 is a driver that drives the discharge heater 25 (h) of the print head 1 or 41 according to print data or the like. The head driver 140 operates the discharge heater 25 (h) in synchronization with a shift register that aligns print data corresponding to the position of the discharge heater 25 (h), a latch circuit that latches at appropriate timing, and a drive timing signal. Logic circuit elements to be included. Further, the driver 140 includes a timing setting unit that appropriately sets the drive timing (discharge timing) in order to adjust the dot formation position. The recording heads 1 and 41 are provided with sub heaters 142. The sub-heater 142 performs temperature adjustment for stabilizing the ink ejection characteristics, and is formed on the recording head substrate at the same time as the ejection heater 25 (h) or attached to the recording head main body or the head cartridge. It can be. The motor driver 155 is a driver for driving the main scanning motor 5. The sub-scanning motor 162 is a motor used for transporting (moving in the sub-scanning direction) the print medium 8, and the motor driver 165 is a driver for driving it.

(1-7) Print Pattern for Recording Position Adjustment In the following description, the ratio of the area printed by the printing apparatus to the predetermined area on the print medium is referred to as “area factor”. For example, the area factor is 100% when dots are formed over the entire area in a predetermined area on the print medium, the area factor is 0% when dots are not formed at all, and the area is printed when printing is performed on a half area. The factor is 50%.

  FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are schematic diagrams for explaining an example of a print pattern (recording position adjustment pattern) for recording position adjustment. The print pattern of this example shows the dot formation position (recording position) during forward recording (forward scanning) and the dot formation position (recording position) during backward recording (reverse scanning) when bidirectional recording is performed. Is a pattern for acquiring the adjustment value of the recording position between.

  In FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, white dots 700 indicate dots formed on the print medium 8 during forward scanning (first print), and hatched dots 710 are restored. The dots formed during scanning (second print) are shown. The presence or absence of hatching in the dots 700 and 710 is for convenience of explanation. In this example, the dots 700 and 710 are dots formed by ink ejected from the same recording head, and the color or darkness of the dots. It does not correspond to. FIG. 11A shows dots formed when the recording positions in the forward scanning and the backward scanning are in alignment, and FIG. 11B shows the case where the recording positions are slightly shifted. ) Indicates dots formed when the recording position is further shifted.

  As is apparent from FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, in this example, complementary dots are formed in each of the forward scan and the backward scan. That is, in the forward scan, the odd-numbered row Lo dots 700 are formed, and in the backward scan, the even-numbered row Le dots 710 are formed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the dots 700 and 710 are recorded with a deviation of approximately one dot diameter, the recording positions at the time of forward scanning and the time of backward scanning are matched. In this print pattern, the density of the entire print portion decreases as the recording position shift increases. That is, the area factor is approximately 100% within the range of the patch as the print pattern in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, as the recording position is shifted, the overlap between the dot 700 recorded at the time of forward scanning and the dot 710 recorded at the time of backward scanning increases, and no dots are formed. The area, that is, the area not covered by the dots spreads. As a result, the area factor decreases and the overall average density decreases as the shift in the recording position during forward scanning and backward scanning increases.

  In this example, a plurality of print patterns for recording position adjustment are printed by shifting the print timing during forward scanning and backward scanning. The print position adjusting print pattern with the print position shifted in this way can also be realized by shifting the data on the print data. In FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, the dots 700 and 710 are formed in units of one dot in the main scanning direction. Each number can be formed.

  12A, 12B, and 12C are explanatory diagrams when dots 700 and 710 are formed every four dots.

  FIG. 12A shows a state in which the printing positions of the dots 700 and 710 are aligned, FIG. 12B shows a state in which the recording is slightly shifted, and FIG. 12C shows a state in which printing is performed in a further shifted state. The intent of these patterns is to reduce the area factor, since the reciprocal recording position shift increases. The reason is that the density of the print portion where the image is recorded strongly depends on the change of the area factor. That is, the density increases due to the overlapping of the dots 700 and 710, but the increase in the area where the dots are not printed has a greater influence on the average density of the entire printed portion than the increase.

  FIG. 13 illustrates the relationship between the recording position shift amount and the reflection optical density in the print patterns shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12C and 12A, 12B, and 12C. FIG.

  In FIG. 13, the vertical axis represents the reflection optical density (OD value), and the horizontal axis represents the recording position deviation (μm). When the incident light (Iin) 35 and the reflected light (Iref) 37 in FIG. 9 are used, the reflectance R is (Iref / Iin) and the transmittance T is (1-R). When the reflection optical density is d, the reflection optical density d and the reflectance R have a relationship of R = 10−d. As described above, when the amount of recording position shift of the dots 700 and 710 is “0”, the area factor is 100%, and thus the reflectance R is the smallest. That is, the reflection optical density d is maximized. Further, even if the recording positions of the dots 700 and 710 are relatively displaced in the left-right direction (arrow X direction) in FIGS. 11 and 12, that is, the recording positions are relatively plus (+) and minus (−). The reflected optical density d decreases with any deviation in the) direction.

(1-8) Recording Position Adjustment Processing Method FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining recording position adjustment processing (recording position adjustment processing).

  The recording apparatus of this example can execute two recording position adjustment methods. One of them is automatic recording position adjustment in which the recording result of the test pattern is confirmed by the optical sensor 30 and the recording position is automatically adjusted, and the other one is visually confirmed by the user. Thus, manual recording position adjustment is performed in which the user adjusts the recording position. First, a recording position adjustment method to be executed is acquired from the recording apparatus main body (step S101), and it is determined whether the recording position adjustment method is manual or automatic (step S102). If it is automatic, the following processing is executed.

  In the case of automatic recording position adjustment, first, a print pattern for recording position adjustment is printed (step S103). Next, the optical characteristic of the recording result of the print pattern is measured by the optical sensor 30 (step S104), and an appropriate recording position adjustment condition is obtained based on the measurement result (step S105). The position adjustment condition can also be obtained by curve approximation. Then, according to the recording position parameter corresponding to the position adjustment condition, the dot formation position is adjusted by changing the driving timing of the recording head (step S108).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 103 that the selected recording position adjustment method is manual, the following processing is performed. That is, in the case of manual recording position adjustment, first, a print pattern for recording position adjustment is printed (step S106). In subsequent step 107, the user visually confirms the print pattern recording result, and selects a pattern with the smallest recording position deviation. Then, the dot formation position is adjusted by changing the drive timing of the recording head according to the recording position parameter corresponding to the position adjustment condition of the selected pattern (step S108).

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram when a print pattern as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12 </ b> B, and 12 </ b> C is recorded on the print medium 8.

  In the case of this example, nine print patterns 61 to 69 with different relative shift amounts of the recording position are recorded by forward scanning and backward scanning. The recorded pattern is also called a patch, for example, a patch 61, 62 or the like. The recording position parameters corresponding to each of the patches 61 to 69 are represented by (a) to (i), respectively. In these nine patterns 61 to 69, the start timing of the forward scan and the backward scan is fixed at the start timing of the forward scan, for example. On the other hand, the start timing of the backward scanning is a total of nine timings including the currently set start timing, four stages of start timing earlier than that, and four stages of start timing later than that. For example, the patch 65 has a currently set start timing, the patches 61 to 64 have four earlier start timings, and the patches 66 to 69 have four later start timings. And The setting of the recording start timing and the recording of the nine patterns 61 to 69 corresponding thereto can be executed by a program activated in response to a predetermined instruction input.

  If automatic recording position adjustment is selected, the measurement by the optical sensor 30 is performed as described below in step S14 described above.

  After recording the patches 61 to 69 as the print pattern, the print medium 8 and the carriage 2 are moved so that the optical sensor 30 mounted on the carriage 2 faces the recording position. Then, in the state where the carriage 2 is stationary, the optical characteristics of the respective patches 61 to 69 are measured. Thus, by measuring the optical characteristics while the carriage 2 is stationary, the influence of noise due to the driving of the carriage 2 can be avoided. Further, the size of the measurement spot of the optical sensor 30 can be increased with respect to the dot diameter by increasing the distance between the sensor 30 and the print medium 8, for example. Thereby, it is possible to average variations in local optical characteristics (for example, reflected optical density) on the recorded pattern and measure the reflected optical density with high accuracy.

(1-9) Recording Medium Holding Unit Next, a configuration example of a recording medium holding unit serving as a supply source of recording paper as a recording medium will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the printing apparatus 200 of the present example includes two recording paper holding units (accommodating units), the first holding unit is the cassette 201, and the second holding unit is Auto-to-sheet feeder 202. The recording sheets supplied from the cassette 201 and the auto sheet feeder 202 are supplied onto a platen 205 shown in FIG. Note that the number of recording medium holding units is not limited to two as in this example, and may be three or four or more.

(1-10) Setting of Recording Medium in Cassette FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a method for setting, for example, A4 size recording paper as a recording medium 8 in a predetermined position in the cassette 201 which is the first holding unit. It is.

  The cassette 201 is provided with a plurality of pressing plates 203, and the user sets the recording medium 8 between the paper pressing plates 203 according to the following procedure. First, the user adjusts the interval widely so as to correspond to a recording medium having a width or length larger than the recording medium 8 to be set. Next, the recording medium 8 is set between the paper pressing plates 203, and then the gap between the recording media 8 is eliminated while moving the paper pressing plate 203 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Then, by setting the recording medium 8 between the paper pressing plate 203 without any gap, the setting of the recording medium 8 in the cassette 201 is completed. FIG. 17 shows an example in which the recording medium 8 is set with reference to the position Xk in the main scanning direction (X direction). LA in FIG. 17 is a virtual line extending along the main scanning direction.

(1-11) Setting of Recording Medium to Auto-Sheet Feeder FIG. 18 shows, for example, setting A4 size recording paper as a recording medium 8 in a predetermined position in the auto-sheet feeder 202 as the second holding unit. It is explanatory drawing of the method to do.

  Paper pressing plates 203 are provided on both sides of the auto sheet feeder 202, and the user sets the recording medium 8 between the paper pressing plates 203 according to the following procedure. First, the user adjusts the interval widely so as to correspond to a recording medium having a width wider than the recording medium 8 to be set. Next, the recording medium 8 is set between the paper pressing plates 203, and then the gap between the recording media 8 is eliminated while moving the paper pressing plate 203 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Then, by setting the recording medium 8 between the paper pressing plate 203 without any gap, the setting of the recording medium 8 to the auto sheet feeder 202 is completed. FIG. 18 shows an example in which the recording medium 8 is set with reference to the position Xa in the main scanning direction (X direction).

(2) Characteristic Configuration Next, a characteristic configuration in the present embodiment will be described. This example is an application example when ribs (platen ribs) in the platen 205 are positioned at equal intervals.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the platen 205 when the printer is viewed from the top. An ink absorber 206 is provided between the two platens 205 in order to absorb ink ejected to a position protruding from the recording medium 8. Further, in order to transport the recording medium 8 while keeping it flat, the platen 207 is provided with a plurality of ribs (platen ribs) 207, thereby improving the transport accuracy of the recording medium 8. In this example, the right end of the recovery unit portion 14 is set as a reference position R0. The position of each platen rib 207 is R1, R2, R3... Rn (n = k, k is the number of ribs) in order from the closest to the recovery unit section 14 with respect to the position R0. These positions are managed by the encoder 208 with the direction away from the recovery unit 14 (left direction in FIG. 19) as the plus side. In this example, all the platen ribs 207 are located at equal intervals along the main scanning direction.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the recording position adjusting method when the platen ribs are positioned at equal intervals in this way.

  First, based on the recording command, information regarding the paper supply source of the recording medium 8 is acquired (step S201). In step S202, information relating to the recording position of the recording position adjustment pattern stored in the printer body is read. As described above, the printer of this example includes two holding units (cassette 201 and auto sheet feeder 202) as recording paper supply sources, and has two paper supply ports corresponding to them. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet feed source table in the memory of the printer main body. Value) Xp is stored. In FIG. 21, “cassette paper feed” is paper feed using the cassette 201 as a paper feed source, and “ASF paper feed” is paper feed using the auto sheet feeder 202 as a paper feed source.

  In the next step S203, the pattern position constant Xp used for recording the recording position adjustment pattern is set according to the recording paper supply source. That is, in the case of “cassette feeding”, the position “R1” of the platen rib 207 closest to the recovery unit section 14 is set as the reference of the recording position of the recording position adjustment pattern. In the case of “ASF paper feeding”, the position “R2” of the platen rib 207 that is second closest to the recovery unit section 14 is set as the reference of the recording position of the recording position adjustment pattern. In subsequent step S204, the recording position adjusting sequence shown in FIG. 14 is performed, so that the recording position adjusting pattern is formed on the portion of the recording medium positioned on the platen rib 207 as shown in FIGS. Record. FIGS. 22A and 22B show an example in which six patches P as patches 61 to 69 in FIG. 15 are recorded as the pattern.

  22A and 22B show the positional relationship between the recording medium and the platen rib as viewed from the front of the printer. In the case of “cassette feeding”, as shown in FIG. 22A, the position “R1” of the platen rib 207 is used as a reference so that the portion of the recording medium on the platen rib 207 corresponding to the positions R1 to R6 All patches P can be recorded. In the case of “ASF paper feeding”, the portion of the recording medium on the platen rib 207 corresponding to the positions R2 to R7 by using the position “R2” of the platen rib 207 as a reference as shown in FIG. In addition, all the patches P can be recorded.

  As described above, since the recording medium supply source is different, the recording position adjustment pattern is recorded on the portion of the recording medium located on the platen rib even when the conveyance position of the recording medium on the platen rib is shifted. can do. That is, even if the reference positions Xk and Xa of the recording medium are different as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the recording position adjusting pattern is recorded on the portion of the recording medium positioned on the platen rib. can do.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This example is an application example in the case where ribs (platen ribs) in the platen 205 are positioned at non-uniform intervals as shown in FIGS. In these drawings, the positions R1, R2, R3... Rn (n = k, k is the number of ribs) of each platen rib 207 with respect to the position R0 are not equally spaced. In the following description, description of parts similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on characteristic parts of the present embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, since the platen ribs are positioned at intervals, the recording position adjustment pattern is moved as a whole according to the recording medium supply source. However, when the platen ribs are not equally spaced, only by moving the pattern as a whole, a part of the pattern is not recorded on the portion of the recording medium on the platen rib. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a number of pattern position constants corresponding to the number of patches formed as recording position adjustment patterns are stored.

  The recording position adjusting method in this embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above only in the processing contents of steps S202 and S203 in the flowchart of FIG.

  That is, in step S202, in the case of the first embodiment, the pattern position constant corresponding to one platen rib 207 is read from the memory, whereas in this embodiment, the platen ribs 207 corresponding to the number of patches are supported. Read pattern position constant. Specifically, pattern position constants corresponding to the number of patches to be recorded are stored for each paper source (cassette 201 and auto sheet feeder 202) in the paper source table as shown in FIG. In the case of this example, in order to record six patches P, pattern position constants X [1] to X [6] corresponding to the six platen ribs 207 are stored.

  In the next step S203, pattern position constants X [1] to X [6] used for recording the recording position adjustment pattern are set in accordance with the recording paper supply source. That is, in the case of “cassette feeding”, the positions R1 to R6 of the platen rib 207 that are the first to sixth closest to the recovery unit section 14 are set as X [1] to X [6]. In the case of “ASF paper feeding”, the positions R2 to R7 of the platen rib 207 closest to the second to the seventh in the recovery unit section 14 are set as X [1] to X [6].

  In subsequent step S204, by performing the above-described recording position adjustment sequence, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, a patch as a recording position adjustment pattern is formed on the portion of the recording medium positioned on the platen rib 207. P can be recorded. That is, each patch P can be recorded at a position corresponding to the pattern position constants X [1] to X [6], that is, at the position of the recording medium on the platen rib 207.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the recording positions of a plurality of patches are set on the basis of the positions of the platen ribs corresponding to the number of patches recorded. As a result, when the platen ribs are not equally spaced, the recording position adjusting pattern can be recorded on the portion of the recording medium positioned on the platen rib even if the transport position of the recording medium on the platen rib is shifted.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The recording apparatus of the present embodiment has a configuration capable of recording an image so as not to form a margin on a recording medium, that is, so-called “marginless recording”.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram in a case where the area on the recording medium 8 is divided into the area of the front end A1, the center A2, and the rear end A3 when performing marginless recording on the recording medium 8 of various sizes. is there. The central portion A2 is an area where recording can be performed in a state where the recording medium 8 is held by both the conveying rollers 9 and 10 and the paper discharge rollers 11 and 12. The leading edge A1 is an area where recording is performed in a state where the recording medium 8 is held by the transport rollers 9 and 10 and not held by the paper discharge rollers 11 and 12. The rear end A3 is an area where recording is performed when the recording medium 8 is not held by the transport rollers 9 and 10 but is held by the paper discharge rollers 11 and 12.

  In the present embodiment, among the plurality of nozzles arranged in the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) of the recording medium 8, nozzles included in an area located on the downstream side (discharge roller side) in the conveyance direction are used. The front end A1 and the rear end B3 are recorded. Therefore, the region treated as the rear end B2 is slightly wider than the region treated as the front end A1.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic view of the recording head 101 employed in the present embodiment as viewed from the ejection port formation surface side. The recording head 101 of this example has two recording element substrates 370 and 371. On the recording element substrate 370, nozzle rows 320, 330, 340, 350, and 360 for ejecting inks of five colors of gray, light cyan, first black, second black, and light magenta are formed. On the recording element substrate 371, nozzle rows 170, 280, 290, 300, and 310 for discharging inks of five colors of cyan, red, green, magenta, and yellow are formed. Each nozzle row is formed by 768 nozzles arranged at an interval of 1200 dpi (dot / inch; reference value) in the recording medium conveyance direction, and approximately 2 picoliters of ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle. . The opening area of the ink ejection port in each nozzle is set to about 100 square μm.

  In the present embodiment, usability is improved by assuming the user's request according to the size of the recording medium used for recording, and reflecting the request in the recording control during “marginless recording”. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when recording the front end portion A1 and the rear end portion A3 of the recording medium, the number of nozzles used for the recording medium and the conveyance amount of the recording medium are reduced, and the reduction ratio is set to the size of the recording medium. Depending on.

  That is, first, when recording the central portion A2 of the recording medium 8, the entire range M of each nozzle row (see FIG. 26), that is, 768 nozzles can be used regardless of the size of the recording medium 8. On the other hand, at the time of recording at the front end A1 and the rear end A3, the recording medium is detached from one of the transport rollers 9, 10 and the paper discharge rollers 11, 12 at the time of recording operation at the front end A1 and the rear end A3. There is a possibility that the recorded image may be deteriorated by changing the posture of the recording medium. Therefore, when recording the front end portion A1 and the rear end portion A3, the number of used nozzles in each nozzle row is reduced. Thereby, the recording width of the image to be recorded by one scan is reduced, and the deterioration of the recorded image with respect to the front end portion A1 and the rear end portion A3 is prevented. Further, the ratio of reduction in the number of used nozzles is made different according to the size of the recording medium. That is, the nozzle in the region Ec or Em in FIG. 26 can be selected as the nozzle used. The region Ec is a region including 256 nozzles located on the upstream side (conveying roller side) in the conveyance direction of the recording medium from the center of the nozzle row. The region Em is a region including the other 128 nozzles except for the 128 nozzles located on the downstream side in the transport direction among the nozzles of the region Ec.

  Hereinafter, an example of recording control according to the size of the recording medium will be described.

  In the case of this example, for a relatively small recording medium such as the L size (hereinafter also referred to as “small recording medium”), 256 nozzles in the area Em are used when recording the leading end A1 and the trailing end A3. Perform speed priority recording. For a relatively large recording medium such as A3 size (hereinafter also referred to as “large recording medium”), quality priority recording using 128 nozzles in the area Ec is performed.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of a recording operation with respect to the central portion A2 of the recording medium 8. 28 and 29 are explanatory diagrams of the recording operation on the rear end A3 of the small recording medium and the recording operation on the rear end A3 of the large recording medium, respectively. 30 and 31 are explanatory diagrams of the recording operation for the leading end A1 of the small recording medium and the recording operation for the leading end A1 of the large recording medium, respectively.

  In FIG. 27, reference numeral 202 denotes 768 nozzle regions (region M in FIG. 26) in each nozzle row arranged on the recording element substrates 370 and 371 of the recording head 101. In FIG. 28, reference numeral 211 denotes a region (region Ec in FIG. 26) corresponding to 256 nozzles used during recording of the rear end A3 and the front end A1 of the small recording medium. Further, in FIG. 29, reference numeral 212 denotes a region (region Em in FIG. 26) corresponding to 128 nozzles used during recording of the rear end A3 and the front end A1 of the large recording medium.

  The recording medium 8 that passes through the recording area facing the recording head 100 is supported by the platen 205. A groove 218 is formed in the platen 205. In the groove 218, the ink ejected from the front and rear edges and the left and right side edges of the recording medium 8 at the time of executing the marginless recording. An ink absorber 206 is provided for receiving. The ink absorbed by the ink absorber 206 moves to a waste ink absorber (not shown) provided at the lower part of the recording apparatus main body.

  207A is a part of a rib (platen rib) attached to the platen 205. When performing marginless recording, ink is ejected so as to protrude from the left and right side edges of the recording medium even during recording at the central portion A2 of the recording medium. Therefore, the distance between the upstream rib portion 207A located on the right side in FIG. 27 and the downstream rib portion 207A located on the left side is the maximum number of nozzles used during recording in the central portion A3 of the recording medium (this embodiment). In this case, the length corresponds to 768 nozzles). As a result, during recording at the left and right ends of the recording medium, the ink ejected so as to protrude from the left and right side edges is absorbed by the ink absorber 206 without staining the rib portion 207A.

  207B is also a part of a rib (platen rib) attached to the platen 205. The rib portion 207B relates to the support of the front end A1 and the front / rear end A3 of the recording medium. Further, the rib portion 207B is not contaminated by ink ejected so as to protrude from the front and rear edges and the left and right side edges of the recording medium during recording of the front end A1 and the rear end B3 of the recording medium. It is preferable to arrange. Therefore, the rib portion 207B is disposed at a position appropriately deviated from the left and right side edges of the recording medium. Further, the distance between the upstream rib portion 207B located on the right side in FIG. 27 and the downstream rib portion 207B located on the left side is the maximum number of nozzles used during recording of the front and rear end portions A1 and A3 (this embodiment). In this case, the length is longer than 256 nozzles).

  The recording position adjustment pattern also has a difference in print quality deterioration due to a recording position shift.

  In recent years, for the purpose of improving the image quality of a recorded image by an ink jet recording apparatus, higher definition of ink dots formed on a recording medium, that is, smaller ink droplets has been attempted. Therefore, since the dots have become smaller, slight deviations in the landing positions of ink droplets, which were not noticeable with conventional large dots, become conspicuous. Therefore, in the behavior in which the recording head ejects ink, it is necessary to consider the events described below.

  As a first event, the landing positions of the main ink droplet and the satellite (sub-droplet) ejected from the nozzles are different between the forward scan and the backward scan.

  FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing ink droplets ejected from the recording head.

  For example, as described above, in the case of a recording head using an electrothermal converter (heater) as an ink ejection energy generating element, bubbles are generated in the ink by the heat energy from the heater h, and the generation pressure of the bubbles is generated. Accordingly, a predetermined amount of ink in the vicinity of the ejection port P is ejected. At that time, the satellite (small droplet) 144 is discharged following the main droplet 143. The satellite 144 is formed by separating the rear end portion of the ejected main droplet 143 and has a smaller volume and a slower ejection speed than the main droplet 143. The satellite 144 is generated not only in a recording head using an electrothermal converter as an ink ejection energy generating element but also in other recording heads using a piezoelectric element.

As shown in FIG. 33, these main droplets 143 and satellites 144 land on different positions on the recording medium to form dots D1 and D2 when the recording head performs recording scanning in the direction of the arrow X1. The dot D1 is a dot formed by the main droplet 143, and the dot D2 is a dot formed by the satellite 144. Even if the main droplet 143 and the satellite 144 are ejected in the same direction, the recording head performs recording while moving in the main scanning direction, and due to the difference in ejection speed between the main droplet 143 and the satellite 144, as shown in FIG. To land at different positions on the recording medium. The landing position deviation between the main droplet and the satellite, that is, the distance L between the dots D1 and D2, is the discharge speed V of the main droplet 143, the discharge speed v of the satellite 144, and the distance (between paper) D between the recording head and the recording medium. , And the scanning speed Vp of the recording head, can be expressed as follows.
L = Vp × (D / v) −Vp × (D / V)

  Thus, the dots D1 and D2 are formed on the recording medium by the main droplet and the satellite. If the dot D2 is sufficiently smaller than the dot D1, it can be considered that only the main droplet contributes to the recording, and the influence of the satellite can be ignored.

  However, as described above, when the dot D1 becomes smaller due to the smaller ink droplets, the influence of the size of the dot D2 cannot be ignored. That is, the volume of the satellite is closely related to the ejection characteristics determined by the nozzle shape, etc., and does not decrease with the main droplet size reduction, and the smaller the main droplet, the smaller the size difference between the satellite and the main droplet. It tends to be smaller. Specifically, the front end of the ink droplet ejected from the ejection port is the main droplet, and the separated portion at the rear end is the satellite, so the characteristics of the ejection port, the ink characteristics, specifically the viscosity of the ink And the surface tension affects the size of the satellite. That is, even if the main droplet is made smaller, it cannot be said that the satellite becomes smaller in proportion to the smaller droplet. Accordingly, the influence of satellites becomes relatively large due to the small size of ink droplets, and image forming technology that also considers the dot D2 has become important.

  Next, as a specific example of the recording operation, a case where a ruled line extending in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction) is recorded will be described. Here, a recording head having 304 nozzles arranged at a 600 DPI pitch is used.

  When the recording head moves in one (forward direction) and the other (reverse direction) in the main scanning direction, that is, when bidirectional recording is performed to record an image by forward scanning and backward scanning, the position of the dot D2 with respect to the dot D1 The relationship is reversed. That is, the positional relationship between the dots D1 and D2 is reversed between recording by forward scanning (forward recording) and recording by backward scanning (return recording). FIG. 34A is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the dots D1 and D2 when bi-directional printing is performed in a one-pass printing method in which a predetermined printing area is printed by one scan. In the forward scanning in the arrow X1 direction and the backward scanning in the arrow X2 direction, the positional relationship between the dots D1 and D2 is opposite. FIG. 34B is an enlarged view of the dots D1 and D2 recorded by the forward scanning.

  When 1-pass printing, that is, non-multi-pass printing is performed, printing of a width of about 304 nozzles (about 13 mm) by forward scanning and printing of a width of 304 nozzles by backward scanning are alternately switched. The recording result is obtained by reversing the positional relationship between the todds D1 and D2 by width. FIG. 34C shows the density of ruled lines recorded in this way. For example, when the main droplet ejection speed is 15 m / s, the satellite ejection speed is 10 m / s, the distance between the recording head and the recording medium (between paper) is 1.6 mm, and the scanning speed is 25 Inch / s. The amount of deviation L between dots is about 0.03 mm. Since the resolution of the human visual characteristic is low, the density is substantially recognized as shown in FIG. The recording result by the backward scanning is recognized as the density as shown in FIG.

  Next, the registration of the recording position between the forward recording and the backward recording and the registration of the recording position between the odd nozzle and the even nozzle formed in the nozzle row will be described. Here, main droplets and satellites are generated, and FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of the displacement of the landing positions of the ink droplets between forward pass recording and backward pass recording. FIG. 36 is an explanatory view of the landing position deviation between the ink droplets ejected from the odd-numbered nozzles located in the nozzle row and the ink droplets ejected from the even-numbered nozzles located in the even-numbered nozzle row. . Such odd-numbered nozzles and even-numbered nozzles are arranged as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example.

  In FIG. 35 (a), P1 is an area recorded by forward recording in the direction of arrow X1, and the dot D1-1 is formed by the main droplet and the dot D2-1 is formed by the satellite. P2 is an area recorded by forward recording in the direction of the arrow X2, in which the dot D1-2 is formed by the main droplet and the dot D2-2 is formed by the satellite. FIG. 35B is an explanatory diagram in the case where a deviation occurs in the landing position of the ink droplet in the forward recording and the backward recording. Between the regions P1 and P2, there are a portion Pa where the dots D1-1 and D1-2 are separated and a portion Pb where the dots D2-1 and D2-2 overlap. FIG. 35C is an explanatory diagram of the reflection optical density of the pattern recorded by the ink droplets whose landing positions are shifted as shown in FIG. 35B, and the reflection altitude at the position corresponding to the portion Pa becomes low.

  In FIG. 36A, P11 is an area recorded by odd-numbered nozzles, and dots D1-O are formed by main droplets and dots D2-O are formed by satellites. P12 is an area recorded by the even nozzles, and the dots D1-E are formed by the main droplets and the dots D2-E are formed by the satellites. FIG. 36B is an explanatory diagram in the case where a deviation occurs in the landing positions of the ink droplets ejected from the odd nozzles and the even nozzles. Between the regions P11 and P12, there is a portion Pc where the dots D1-O and D1-E are separated, and a portion Pd where the dots D1-E and D2-O overlap. FIG. 36C is an explanatory diagram of the reflection optical density of the pattern recorded by the ink droplets whose landing positions are shifted as shown in FIG. 36B, and the reflection altitude at the position corresponding to the portion Pc becomes low.

  When FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 are compared, the effect on the decrease in the reflection optical density is larger in the deviation of the landing position of the ink droplet in the former bidirectional recording.

  FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of a pattern for recording position adjustment.

  The pattern of this example corresponds to six adjustment items A to F. The pattern corresponding to the adjustment item A is a pattern for adjusting the recording position between the odd-numbered nozzle and the even-numbered nozzle that ejects black ink, and is composed of 11 patches a to k having different ink ejection timings. . The pattern corresponding to the adjustment item B is a pattern for adjusting the printing position between the odd-numbered nozzles and even-numbered nozzles that discharge cyan ink, and is composed of 11 patches a to k with different ink discharge timings. . The pattern corresponding to the adjustment item C is a pattern for adjusting the printing position between odd-numbered nozzles and even-numbered nozzles that eject magenta ink, and is composed of 11 patches a to k with different ink ejection timings. . The pattern corresponding to the adjustment item D is a pattern for adjusting the printing position between forward printing and backward printing with black ink, and is composed of 11 patches a to k having different ink ejection timings. The pattern corresponding to the adjustment item E is a pattern for adjusting the printing position between forward printing and backward printing with cyan ink, and is composed of 11 patches a to k having different ink ejection timings. The pattern corresponding to the adjustment item F is a pattern for adjusting the recording position between the nozzle row for black ink ejection and the nozzle row for color ink ejection, and 11 of a to k with different ink ejection timings. Consists of patches. The nozzle row for discharging color ink is a nozzle row for discharging color ink such as cyan ink and magenta ink.

  The patterns of items A, B, and C are for obtaining correction values for deviations in landing positions resulting from differences in the ejection direction and ejection speed of ink droplets ejected from even-numbered nozzles and odd-numbered nozzles, and only forward scanning. Is recorded by a one-pass recording method (non-multi-pass recording method). Eleven patches a to k are recorded by ejecting ink droplets from even-numbered nozzles and then ejecting ink droplets from odd-numbered nozzles at different timings. When the ejection direction and ejection speed of the ink droplets ejected from the even-numbered nozzle and the odd-numbered nozzle are exactly the same, the patch f is recorded at the ejection timing at which the ink droplets land on the same column, and is set to “0”. A patch. With reference to the “0” patch (patch f), patches a to e and patch g so that the landing positions of ink droplets ejected from odd nozzles are shifted by 1 to 5 pixels in the plus and minus directions in 1200 DPI units. To k. In this example, the direction in which the discharge timing of the odd-numbered nozzles is delayed is the plus direction, and the direction in which it is accelerated is the minus direction. When the ejection timing is shifted in the plus direction, the positions of the dots formed by the odd nozzles are shifted to the scanning direction side with respect to the positions of the dots formed by the even nozzles. Each patch a to k is a uniform pattern with a recording duty of 50%.

The patterns of items D and E are for obtaining a correction value of the deviation of the landing position of the ink droplet between the forward pass recording and the backward pass recording, and are recorded using only even-numbered nozzles. Patches a to k are uniform patterns with a recording duty of 25%, and are bidirectionally recorded by a multi-pass recording method using only even nozzles. The eleven patches a to k have different ink droplet ejection timings during the return pass recording. When the ejection speed of the ink droplet is 15 m / s and the interval between the recording head and the recording medium (paper interval) is 1.6 mm,
The patch f is recorded at the ejection timing at which the ink droplets ejected during the forward recording and the backward recording land on the same column, and this is designated as “0” patch. With reference to the “0” patch (patch f), patches a to e and patch g so that the landing positions of the ink droplets ejected during the return pass recording are shifted by 1 to 5 pixels in the plus and minus directions in 1200 DPI units. To k. In this example, the direction in which the ejection timing during the backward pass recording is delayed is the positive direction, and the direction in which it is accelerated is the negative direction.

  The pattern of item F is for obtaining a correction value of the deviation of the landing position of the ink droplet between the nozzle for discharging black ink and the nozzle for discharging color ink. One-way recording is performed by a multi-pass recording method. Patches a to k have the same recording duty for black ink and color ink (for example, cyan, magenta, or yellow ink), and a uniform total recording duty of 25% for these inks. Pattern. The eleven patches a to k are recorded by discharging black ink and then discharging color ink at different timings. When the ejection direction and ejection speed of the ink droplets ejected from the black ink ejection nozzle and the color ink ejection nozzle are exactly the same, the patch f is applied according to the ejection timing at which these ink droplets land on the same column. Record it and make it a “0” patch. With reference to the “0” patch (patch f), patches a to e and patches g to k are recorded so that the landing position of the color ink is shifted by 1 to 5 pixels in the plus and minus directions in 1200 DPI units. In this example, the direction in which the discharge timing of the color ink is delayed is the positive direction, and the direction in which it is accelerated is the negative direction.

  In this example, the patterns corresponding to items A to F are not arranged in that order for the following reason.

  That is, the plurality of platen ribs 207 in this example have different lengths as shown in FIGS. The platen ribs 207 at the positions R3 and R5 are long (length La), and the platen ribs 207 at the positions R1, R2, R4, R6, R7, and R8 are short (length Lb). From the viewpoint of saving the recording medium, it is preferable to record the patterns of items A to F on one recording medium. When these patterns are simultaneously recorded on the same recording medium, the patterns of items D and E that require relatively high detection accuracy are formed on the portion of the recording medium held by the platen ribs 207 having the long positions R3 and R5. Record. The patterns of items A, B, C, and F that do not require high detection accuracy may be recorded on the portion of the recording medium held by another short platen rib 207.

  For this purpose, the processing in steps S202 and S203 in the flowchart of FIG. 20 is different from the above-described embodiment. That is, in the case of the first embodiment, one pattern position constant is stored as shown in FIG. 21, and in the case of the second embodiment, it corresponds to a plurality of platen ribs as shown in FIG. Pattern position constants to be stored are stored in the order of platen ribs on the recovery unit side. In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, pattern position constants corresponding to a plurality of platen ribs are stored in the paper source table, and items are recorded in the portion of the recording medium on the long platen rib 207 at positions R3 and R5. D and E patterns are stored so as to be recorded. In step 202, the pattern position constant stored in this way is read out. In step S203, recording pattern position constants X [1] to X [6] are set. In step S204, a recording position adjustment sequence is executed, as shown in FIGS. 38 (a) and 38 (b). In addition, a recording position adjusting pattern can be recorded.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention does not particularly limit the type of recording agent or recording method, and the configuration of the recording head or recording apparatus. For example, various recording agents such as toner can be used. In addition to the serial scan type as in the above-described embodiment, the recording device may be a so-called full line type using a long recording head extending in the width direction of the print medium.

  The recording position adjustment pattern may be any pattern that can detect the recording result by the optical sensor and acquire the adjustment value of the recording position, and is not specified only in the above-described embodiment. For example, as described above, in addition to a pattern in which two recording positions are relatively shifted, a pattern in which three or more recording positions are relatively shifted, a pattern in which recording conditions are varied, and predetermined recording conditions It may be a pattern recorded in the above.

  The recording position of the recording position adjustment pattern on the recording medium is not only set based on the information stored as described above, but also detects the end of the recording medium and detects the end position and the width of the recording medium. Depending on the above, the layout of the recording position adjustment pattern may be changed.

  The present invention can be widely applied to various recording apparatuses having a plurality of platen ribs positioned at intervals in the width direction of the recording medium in the recording medium conveyance path. That is, any recording apparatus can be used as long as it can record an image by applying a recording material to a recording medium supported on a plurality of platen ribs and can record a pattern for adjusting the application position of the recording material. . According to the present invention, in such a recording apparatus, based on the positional relationship between the platen rib and the recording medium, the pattern recording position can be controlled so as to record the pattern on the portion of the recording medium positioned on the platen rib. Good. For example, if the transport path can transport a recording medium supplied from a plurality of supply sources and the position of the recording medium with respect to the platen rib differs depending on the supply source, the pattern recording position is controlled according to the supply source. I can do it.

  The plurality of platen ribs may be located at equal intervals in the width direction of the recording medium, or may be located at two different intervals in the width direction of the recording medium.

  In addition, the number of patterns recorded in the width direction of the recording medium may vary depending on the width of the recording medium. If the width of the recording medium is large, the number of patterns recorded is increased to more efficiently Patterns can be recorded. In this case, a detection unit for detecting the width of the recording medium may be provided, and the number of patterns recorded in the width direction of the recording medium may be changed according to the detection result of the detection unit.

  In addition, as the recording material, it is possible to use ink ejected from a recording head that can reciprocate in a direction crossing the conveyance direction of the recording medium. In that case, as a pattern, the positional relationship between the landing position of ink ejected when the recording head moves in the forward direction and the landing position of ink ejected when it moves in the backward direction is adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to record a recording position adjusting pattern during reciprocating scanning. Further, the plurality of platen ribs may have two or more different lengths in the conveyance direction of the recording medium. In that case, it is preferable that the recording position adjustment pattern at the time of reciprocating scanning is recorded at a position including the portion of the recording medium located on the longest platen rib.

  As the recording head, an ink jet recording head capable of ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles arranged in a direction intersecting with the reciprocating direction can be used. These nozzles can include odd-numbered nozzles positioned oddly in the arrangement direction and even-numbered nozzles positioned evenly. In this case, as a pattern, a recording position adjustment pattern for adjusting the positional relationship between the landing positions of ink ejected from odd nozzles and the landing positions of ink ejected from even nozzles can be recorded.

  The present invention can also use an optical sensor for detecting a pattern recording result on a recording medium, and adjust a recording material application position based on the detection result of the optical sensor.

1 is a perspective view of a main part for explaining a first configuration example of an ink jet recording apparatus as a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the principal part for demonstrating the 2nd structural example of the inkjet recording device as the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the head cartridge in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the head cartridge in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view when the recording head in FIG. 4 is viewed from below. It is a bottom view of the basic nozzle component of the recording head. It is a bottom view of the principal part of a recording head provided with the nozzle structure of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view which follows the VIII-VIII line of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the positional relationship of the optical sensor in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and a recording medium. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of a control system of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2. (A), (b), (c) is explanatory drawing of an example of the pattern for a recording position adjustment. (A), (b), (c) is explanatory drawing of the other example of the recording position adjustment pattern. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the deviation | shift amount of the recording position of a recording position adjustment pattern, and reflective optical density. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a recording position adjustment process. It is explanatory drawing of the example of a recording of the pattern for recording position adjustment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a recording medium is set in a cassette and an auto sheet feeder of the recording apparatus in FIGS. It is explanatory drawing of the method of setting a recording medium to the cassette in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the method of setting a recording medium in the auto sheet feeder in FIG. It is a top view when a platen is seen from upper direction. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a recording position setting process of a recording position adjustment pattern in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the pattern position constant stored in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the recording position of the pattern for a recording position adjustment in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a platen rib. It is explanatory drawing of the pattern position constant stored in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the recording position of the pattern for a recording position adjustment in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and a platen rib. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram when the recording medium is divided into a front end portion, a central portion, and a rear end portion in order to execute marginless recording on the recording medium in the third embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the recording head employ | adopted in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the recording operation with respect to the center part of a recording medium. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the recording operation | movement with respect to the rear-end part of a small size recording medium. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the recording operation | movement with respect to the rear-end part of a large size recording medium. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the recording operation | movement with respect to the front-end | tip part of a small size recording medium. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the recording operation | movement with respect to the front-end | tip part of a large size recording medium. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a nozzle of a recording head. It is explanatory drawing of the positional relationship of the dot formed by the main droplet of an ink and a satellite. (A) is an explanatory view of the positional relationship of dots that are bidirectionally recorded by the one-pass printing method, (b) is an enlarged view of a dot portion formed by backward scanning, and (c) is formed by backward scanning. (D) is an explanatory diagram of density at which dots formed by backward scanning are recognized by humans, and (e) is a density at which dots formed by forward scanning are recognized by humans. It is explanatory drawing of. (A), (b), (c) is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the recording position adjustment pattern for adjusting the recording position by bidirectional | two-way recording, and reflective optical density. (A), (b), (c) is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the recording position adjustment pattern for adjusting the recording position by an even-numbered nozzle and an odd-numbered nozzle, and reflective optical density. It is explanatory drawing of the example of a recording of the pattern for recording position adjustment in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the recording position of the recording position adjustment pattern and platen rib in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the pattern position constant stored in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the recording position of the recording position adjustment pattern in a prior art example, and a platen rib.

Explanation of symbols

1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) Head cartridge 2 Carriage 8 Recording medium 30 Optical sensor 31 Light emitting unit 32 Light receiving unit 41 (41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, 41E, 41F) Head cartridge 101, H Recording head 110T, P Discharge port 207 Platen rib

Claims (11)

A plurality of platen ribs positioned at intervals in the width direction of the recording medium are provided in a conveyance path of the recording medium, and an image is recorded by applying a recording material to the recording medium supported on the plurality of platen ribs. In a recording apparatus capable of recording a pattern for adjusting the application position of the recording material by applying the recording material to the recording medium supported on the plurality of platen ribs.
Control means for controlling the recording position of the pattern so as to record the pattern on the portion of the recording medium located on the platen rib based on the positional relationship between the platen rib and the recording medium. Recording device. The transport path is capable of transporting the recording medium supplied from a plurality of supply sources,
The position of the recording medium with respect to the platen rib varies depending on the supply source,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls a recording position of the pattern according to the supply source.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of platen ribs are positioned at equal intervals in a width direction of the recording medium.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of platen ribs are positioned at two different intervals in the width direction of the recording medium.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of patterns recorded in the width direction of the recording medium differs according to the width of the recording medium. A detection means for detecting the width of the recording medium;
The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit changes the number of recordings of the pattern in the width direction of the recording medium according to a detection result of the detection unit. The recording material is ink that is ejected from a recording head that can reciprocate in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the recording medium,
The pattern represents a positional relationship between a landing position of the ink ejected when the recording head moves in the forward direction and a landing position of the ink ejected when the recording head moves in the backward direction. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording position adjusting pattern during reciprocating scanning for adjustment. The plurality of platen ribs have two or more different lengths in the conveyance direction of the recording medium,
The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recording position adjusting pattern during the reciprocating scanning is recorded at a position including a portion of the recording medium positioned on the longest platen rib. The recording head can eject ink from a plurality of nozzles arranged in a direction intersecting the reciprocating direction of the recording head,
The plurality of nozzles includes an odd numbered nozzle located at an odd number in the arrangement direction and an even numbered nozzle located at an even number.
The pattern is a recording position adjustment pattern for adjusting a positional relationship between a landing position of the ink discharged from the odd nozzle and a landing position of the ink discharged from the even nozzle. The recording apparatus according to claim 7. An optical sensor for detecting a recording result of the pattern on the recording medium;
An adjusting means for adjusting the application position of the recording material based on the detection result of the optical sensor;
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of platen ribs positioned at intervals in the width direction of the recording medium are used in the conveyance path of the recording medium, and an image is recorded by applying a recording material to the recording medium supported on the plurality of platen ribs. In the recording method for recording a pattern for adjusting the application position of the recording material by applying the recording material to the recording medium supported on the plurality of platen ribs,
A recording method of controlling the pattern recording position so as to record the pattern on a portion of the recording medium positioned on the platen rib based on a positional relationship between the platen rib and the recording medium.

Images