JP2012020871A - Method for manufacturing of image recording device, and adjusting method of image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manufacture an image recording device capable of determining the stability of medium transport.SOLUTION: A method is provided for manufacturing the image recording device that includes a control unit, in which a sensor detects the position of an end in a width direction intersecting with the carrying direction of a medium transported in a carrying direction, and which adjusts the position in the width direction of the medium based on the detection results of the sensor. The control unit brings the position in the width direction of the medium into convergence, while transporting the medium in the transport direction with a removal state of a pressing member for covering and pressing the end of the medium. In the image recording device, a medium support unit has a movement unit, and the device adjusts the position of attaching the movement unit with respect to a body unit of the medium support unit so that the position in the width direction of a mark formed on the movement unit movable in the width direction with respect to the body unit of the medium support unit is aligned with the position of convergence in the width direction of the medium.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus manufacturing method and an image recording apparatus adjustment method.

  As a countermeasure against curling of the image recording medium, a curl pressing member made of a thin resin sheet is provided on both sides of the medium, and the end of the medium is inserted between the curling pressing member and the platen (medium support part). Thus, a technique for avoiding a problem due to curling has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-197799

  Immediately after the start of transport of the medium, the transport of the medium is not stable, for example, the medium is meandered and transported. Therefore, it is necessary to idle the medium. At this time, if it is attempted to determine whether or not the conveyance of the medium is stable based on the positional relationship between the end portion of the medium and the curl pressing member, the curl pressing member is damaged. On the other hand, if the curl pressing member is removed, it cannot be determined whether the conveyance of the medium is stable.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to manufacture an image recording apparatus that can determine the stability of medium conveyance and to adjust the image recording apparatus to be able to determine the stability of medium conveyance.

A main invention for solving the above problem is that a sensor detects a position of an end portion in a width direction that is a direction intersecting the transport direction of a medium transported in a transport direction, and the sensor detects the position based on a detection result of the sensor. A method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus that includes a control unit that adjusts the position of the medium in the width direction and that records an image on the medium supported by the medium support unit, the pressing unit covering and pressing the end of the medium While the medium is transported in the transport direction with the member removed, the control unit converges the position of the medium in the width direction, and the medium support unit is a moving unit, the medium support unit Of the medium support portion so that the position of the mark formed in the moving portion movable in the width direction with respect to the body portion of the main body portion is aligned with the convergence position of the medium in the width direction. It is a manufacturing method of an image recording apparatus characterized by having, and adjusting the mounting position of the moving part with respect to the body portion.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

1 is an overall configuration block diagram of a printer. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outline of a printer. FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating an outline of a printer. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the reference curl pressing member presses the end of the roll paper. FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a method for determining the stability of conveyance in the comparative example, and FIGS. 5B and 5C are diagrams for explaining problems in the determination method for the comparative example. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the platen of the present embodiment. It is a flow which shows the determination method of the stability of conveyance in this embodiment. It is a flow which shows the method of adjusting the attachment position of the spacer platen with respect to a platen main-body part. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D are diagrams for explaining modifications of the mark for aligning the end portion of the roll paper.

=== Summary of disclosure ===
At least the following will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

That is, the sensor detects the position of the end in the width direction that is the direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium transported in the transport direction, and adjusts the position of the medium in the width direction based on the detection result of the sensor An image recording apparatus manufacturing method for recording an image on the medium supported by a medium support unit, wherein the conveying direction is removed with a pressing member that covers and presses the end of the medium being removed. The position of the medium in the width direction is converged by the control unit while transporting the medium to the medium, and the width direction with respect to the main body of the medium support unit is a moving unit included in the medium support unit The moving portion is attached to the main body portion of the medium supporting portion so that the position in the width direction of the mark formed on the moving portion that can be moved to the same position as the convergence position in the width direction of the medium is aligned. It is a manufacturing method of an image recording apparatus comprising: the adjusting the location, the.
According to such a method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus, it is possible to manufacture an image recording apparatus that can determine the stability of medium conveyance.

In this method of manufacturing an image recording apparatus, the medium support unit includes a first moving unit that is the moving unit located upstream of the region in which an image is recorded on the medium in the transport direction, and the region. A second moving part which is the moving part located further downstream in the transport direction than the position of the mark formed in the first moving part in the width direction, and the second moving part The first moving part with respect to the main body part of the medium support part so that the position in the width direction of the mark formed in the two moving parts and the convergence position in the width direction of the medium are aligned. Adjusting the mounting position of the second moving part;
According to such a method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus, it is possible to manufacture an image recording apparatus that can more accurately determine the stability of medium conveyance.

In this image recording apparatus manufacturing method, the mark is formed on one side and the other side in the width direction of the moving unit, and the first moving unit and the second moving unit are used as common parts. .
According to such a method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the manufacturing process can be facilitated.

In this method of manufacturing an image recording apparatus, a graduation line indicating a deviation amount between the position of the mark in the width direction and the convergence position of the medium in the width direction is formed on the moving portion.
According to such a method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus, it is possible to easily adjust the attachment position of the moving part with respect to the main body part of the medium support part.

In this method of manufacturing an image recording apparatus, the attachment position of the pressing member that covers and presses one end in the width direction of the mark covering the one end in the width direction of the medium is shown. The movement of the medium support portion relative to the main body portion so that the end of the mark on the other side in the width direction is aligned with the convergence position of the end on the one side in the width direction of the medium. Adjust the mounting position of the part.
According to such a method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus, the pressing member can be attached at a predetermined position, and the end portion of the medium can be reliably covered and pressed by the pressing member.

In this method of manufacturing an image recording apparatus, a portion where the length of the moving portion in the transport direction changes is used as the mark.
According to such a method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus, it is possible to manufacture an image recording apparatus that can determine the stability of medium conveyance.

In addition, the sensor detects the position of the end in the width direction that is the direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium transported in the transport direction, and adjusts the position of the medium in the width direction based on the detection result of the sensor An image recording apparatus adjustment method for recording an image on the medium supported by a medium support unit, wherein the conveyance direction is removed with a pressing member covering and pressing the end of the medium being removed. The position of the medium in the width direction is converged by the control unit while transporting the medium to the medium, and the width direction with respect to the main body of the medium support unit is a moving unit included in the medium support unit The moving portion is attached to the main body portion of the medium supporting portion so that the position in the width direction of the mark formed on the moving portion that can be moved to the same position as the convergence position in the width direction of the medium is aligned. An adjustment method for an image recording apparatus comprising: the adjusting the location, the.
According to such an adjustment method of the image recording apparatus, it is possible to adjust to an image recording apparatus that can determine the stability of the medium conveyance.

=== About the printer ===
Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described by taking an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) as a “liquid ejecting apparatus” shown as an example of an “image recording apparatus”.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the overall configuration of the printer 1. In the present embodiment, the printer 1 is communicably connected to the computer 2, and the computer 2 outputs print data for printing an image to the printer 1. The function of the computer 2 may be built in the printer 1.

  The controller 10 is a control unit for controlling the printer 1. The interface unit 11 is for transmitting and receiving data between the computer 2 and the printer 1. The CPU 12 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire printer 1. The memory 13 is for securing an area for storing a program of the CPU 12, a work area, and the like. The CPU 12 controls each unit by the unit control circuit 14. The detector group 3 monitors the situation in the printer 1, and the controller 10 controls each unit based on the detection result.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the outline of the printer 1, and FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the outline of the printer 1. The printer 1 of the present embodiment prints an image on roll paper R that is a roll-shaped medium. The medium is not limited to paper, but may be a film or a fabric, for example. The transport unit 20 transports the roll paper R from the upstream side in the transport direction to the downstream side. The roll paper R held by the roll paper holder 22 is supplied to the printing area by the supply roller 21 and the like. After the image is printed on the roll paper R in the print area, the printed roll paper R is discharged from the print area by the discharge roller 23 and the like, and is wound up in a roll shape by the take-up roller 24.

  The recording unit 30 prints an image on the roll paper R in the printing area, and includes a platen 31, a carriage 32, and a head 33. In the printing region, the roll paper R is supported by the platen 31 from the back side opposite to the printing surface so as to face the head 33. The carriage 32 moves the head 33 in the X direction (the conveyance direction of the roll paper R) and the Y direction (the width direction of the roll paper R that intersects the conveyance direction) while being guided by a guide shaft (not shown). . The head 33 is for ejecting ink onto the roll paper R, and a plurality of nozzles Nz serving as ink ejection portions are provided on the lower surface of the head 33.

  The ink discharge method from the nozzle may be a piezo method in which a voltage is applied to the drive element (piezo element) to expand and contract the pressure chamber filled with ink, or the ink is discharged by using a heating element. A thermal method in which bubbles are generated inside and ink is ejected by the bubbles may be used.

The head 33 ejects ink toward the roll paper R on the printing area while moving in the X direction and the Y direction together with the carriage 32. As a result, a two-dimensional image is printed on the roll paper R. When the printing of the roll paper R positioned in the printing area is completed, the portion of the roll paper R that has not yet been printed is supplied by the transport unit 20, and the image is printed again on the roll paper R in the printing area.
As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 32 and the head 33 can be retracted upstream of the printing area in the transport direction. For this reason, it is possible to easily attach and detach curl pressing members 50 and 51 (described later) that press the end of the roll paper R in the width direction.

  Further, in order to hold the roll paper R located in the printing area at a predetermined position, the roll paper R is sucked and sucked from under the platen 31. For this purpose, the platen 31 is provided with a plurality of suction holes 34 communicating with the pressure chamber 35 below the platen 31. When the air in the pressure chamber 35 is sucked by the fan 36, the roll paper R on the platen 31 is sucked and sucked at a predetermined position. As a result, ink is landed at the correct position on the roll paper R, and deterioration of the image quality of the printed image can be suppressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the roll paper R may be electrostatically adsorbed.

  Further, by heating the platen 31, drying of the ink landed on the roll paper R on the platen 31 is promoted. As a result, bleeding of the printed image can be suppressed. For this purpose, a heater 37 (for example, nichrome wire) may be disposed inside the platen 31.

  The paper edge adjustment unit 40 (corresponding to a control unit) adjusts the position in the width direction of the roll paper R conveyed in the conveyance direction, and is upstream of the supply roller 21 in the conveyance direction as shown in FIG. On the side, an adjustment roller 41, a paper edge detection sensor 42, and an inclination adjustment unit 43 are provided. A paper edge detection sensor 42 located downstream of the adjustment roller 41 in the transport direction detects the position of the edge of the roll paper R in the width direction, and the inclination adjustment unit 43 determines the inclination of the adjustment roller 41 based on the detection result. To adjust (move) the position of the roll paper R in the width direction. The roll paper R is supplied to the upstream side in the transport direction with the position of the roll paper R in the width direction of the roll paper R being fixed. Therefore, the position of the roll paper R in the width direction can be adjusted by changing the inclination of the rotation axis along the width direction of the adjustment roller 41.

  For example, if the inclination adjusting unit 43 determines that the end R1 on the far side in the width direction of the roll paper R is located on the near side in the width direction from the predetermined position based on the detection result of the paper end detection sensor 42, The inclination of the rotation shaft of the adjustment roller 41 is adjusted so that the paper R is displaced to the back side in the width direction. After that, when the inclination adjustment unit 43 determines that the roll paper R is still positioned on the near side in the width direction from the predetermined position based on the detection result of the paper edge detection sensor 42, the roll paper R is further increased in the width direction. The inclination of the rotating shaft of the adjustment roller 41 is adjusted so that it is shifted to the back side. Conversely, if the inclination adjusting unit 43 determines that the roll paper R has moved too far in the width direction from the predetermined position based on the detection result of the paper edge detection sensor 42, the roll paper R is The inclination of the rotating shaft of the adjustment roller 41 is adjusted so as to shift to the near side of the direction.

  In this way, the paper edge adjustment unit 40 (tilt adjustment unit 43) performs feedback control based on the detection result of the paper edge detection sensor 42, so that the position in the width direction of the roll paper R conveyed in the conveyance direction is predetermined. It converges to the position, and the conveyance of the roll paper R is stabilized.

=== About the curl holding members 50 and 51 ===
If printing is performed in the printing area with curling at the end portions R1 and R2 in the width direction of the roll paper R, for example, the ink does not land at the correct position on the roll paper R and the image quality of the printed image deteriorates. This causes problems such as Therefore, in the present embodiment, printing is performed in a state where the end portions R1 and R2 in the width direction of the roll paper R in the printing area are covered and pressed by the curl pressing members 50 and 51 as shown in FIGS. . That is, the curl pressing members 50 and 51 suppress the force (so-called lifting force) that the end portions R1 and R2 of the roll paper R curl and separate from the platen 31. By doing so, it is possible to eliminate problems caused by curling of the roll paper R in the printing region.

  The curl pressing member that presses the back end R1 in the width direction of the roll paper R is referred to as a “reference curl pressing member 50”, and the curl pressing member that presses the front end R2 in the width direction of the roll paper R is referred to as a “movable curl pressing member”. This is referred to as member 51 ". The position of the reference curl pressing member 50 in the width direction is constant without changing. On the other hand, the position of the movable curl pressing member 51 in the width direction varies according to the width of the roll paper R. The curl pressing members 50 and 51 are strip-like thin members (film-like members such as PET resin) made of a soft elastic material having flexibility and flexibility.

  In the curl pressing members 50 and 51 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the width changes in the vicinity of the printing region. And the center part of the conveyance direction of the curl pressing members 50 and 51 protrudes in the roll paper side compared with both ends. Therefore, in the printing region, the curl pressing members 50 and 51 can cover and hold the end portions R1 and R2 of the roll paper R, and the curl pressing members according to the attachment members 60A and 60B of the curl pressing members 50 and 51. The widths 50 and 51 can be reduced.

  4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the reference curl pressing member 50 presses the end R1 on the far side in the width direction of the roll paper R. FIG. 4A is a top view, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view seen from the width direction. The reference curl pressing member 50 is composed of two layers of film members, an upper layer portion 501 and a lower layer portion 502. As shown in FIG. 4A, the lower layer portion 502 (dotted line portion) is shorter in the conveyance direction than the upper layer portion 501 (solid line portion), and the lower layer portion 502 is a portion where the width of the reference curl pressing member 50 is wide (that is, printing). Area). Further, the upper layer portion 501 is longer in the width direction than the lower layer portion 502, and the upper layer portion 501 protrudes toward the front side in the width direction (roll paper side) with respect to the lower layer portion 502.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the reference curl pressing member 50 is attached to the printer 1 (base body) in a state where the support surface (upper surface) of the platen 31 and the lower layer portion 502 are in contact with each other. Then, since the upper layer portion 501 is separated from the support surface of the platen 31, the end portion R1 of the roll paper R can be inserted into the gap between the upper layer portion 501 and the platen 31. In other words, the end portion R1 of the roll paper R can be covered and pressed by the upper layer portion 501 from above.

  Similarly, the movable curl pressing member 51 that covers and presses the end R2 on the near side in the width direction of the roll paper R is also composed of an upper layer portion and a lower layer portion (not shown). The upper layer portion projects in the width direction rear side (roll paper side) with respect to the lower layer portion, and the upper layer portion is separated from the support surface of the platen 31 when the movable curl pressing member 51 is attached. Therefore, the end portion R2 on the near side in the width direction of the roll paper R can be covered and pressed from above by the upper layer portion.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the curl pressing members 50, 51 are connected to the printer 1 by the upstream mounting member 60 </ b> A and the downstream mounting member 60 </ b> B disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the platen 31. It is attached to (base). As shown in FIG. 2, the upstream side attachment member 60 </ b> A and the downstream side attachment member 60 </ b> B are located below the support surface of the platen 31 in the vertical direction. Further, since the upstream attachment member 60A is engaged with the spring 62, the upstream attachment member 60A can be displaced in the transport direction by extending and contracting the spring 62 with the adjustment lever 61. On the other hand, the downstream attachment member 60B is fixedly attached to the printer 1 without moving in the transport direction.

  Therefore, by moving the upstream side attachment member 60A to the upstream side in the transport direction, the ends of the curl pressing members 50 and 51 on the upstream side in the transport direction can be pulled obliquely downward. As a result, the curl pressing members 50 and 51 can reliably press the ends R1 and R2 of the roll paper R from above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the upstream mounting member 60A and the downstream mounting member 60B may be at least as high as the support surface of the platen 31.

  Note that the movable curl pressing member 51 is movable in the width direction according to the width of the roll paper R. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the suction hole 34 provided in the platen 31 may be located on the near side in the width direction with respect to the movable curl pressing member 51. Therefore, the suction hole 34 on the front side in the width direction with respect to the movable curl pressing member 51 is covered with the cover member 63 whose length can be adjusted by the winding device 64. As a result, it is possible to prevent the suction force from the suction holes 34 located under the roll paper R from being reduced.

=== About the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R ===
In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the paper edge adjustment unit 40 performs feedback control based on the detection result of the paper edge detection sensor 42, whereby the position of the roll paper R conveyed in the conveyance direction in the width direction. Are converged to a predetermined position, and the roll paper R is stably conveyed. However, immediately after the roll paper R is transported, such as after the roll paper R has been exchanged, the roll paper R is meandering and transported because the paper edge adjustment unit 40 is adjusting, so the transport of the roll paper R is stable. do not do. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether or not the conveyance of the roll paper R is stable before printing is started. That is, after the roll paper R is idled and printing is confirmed to be stable, the printing is started. On the other hand, if the conveyance of the roll paper R is not stable even after the lapse of the predetermined time, it is considered that the paper edge adjustment unit 40 is abnormal. Therefore, turning the roll paper R idle and checking the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R can be said to determine whether or not the paper edge adjusting unit 40 is functioning normally.

<Judgment method of comparative example>
FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a method for determining the stability of conveyance in the comparative example. In the comparative example, when determining the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R, the curl pressing members 50 and 51 are attached. That is, the curl pressing members 50 and 51 are attached from the start of the conveyance of the roll paper R. Then, based on the positional relationship between the end portions R1 and R2 of the roll paper R and the curl pressing members 50 and 51, it is determined whether or not the transport of the roll paper R is stable. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the position of the end portion R1 of the roll paper R with respect to the end surface 501s on the front side in the width direction of the reference curl pressing member 50 (upper layer portion 501) is constant, the roll paper R is conveyed. Judge that it is stable.

  FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C are diagrams for explaining problems of the determination method of the comparative example. The figure is a cross-sectional view of the reference curl pressing member 50 and the like viewed from the width direction. When the roll paper R is conveyed stably, the roll paper R passes through the gap between the upper layer portion 501 of the reference curl pressing member 50 and the platen 31 as shown in FIG. The portion R1 is covered from above by the upper layer portion 501 of the reference curl pressing member 50.

  However, the roll paper R may be conveyed while meandering from the start of the conveyance of the roll paper R until the conveyance of the roll paper R becomes stable. When the roll paper R meanders to the front side in the width direction, the end portion R1 of the roll paper R is detached from between the upper layer portion 501 and the platen 31. Thereafter, when the roll paper R meanders in the width direction back side, the end R1 of the roll paper R does not enter between the upper layer portion 501 and the platen 31, and as shown in FIG. R1 may ride on the upper layer portion 501. Then, due to the weight of the roll paper R, a downward force in the vertical direction is applied to the upper layer portion 501 that is separated from the platen 31.

  In addition, the supply amount (supply force) of the roll paper R by the supply roller 21 and the discharge amount of the roll paper R by the discharge roller 23 from the start of the conveyance of the roll paper R to the stabilization of the conveyance of the roll paper R. In some cases, the roll paper R is supplied loosely without being able to balance the (pulling force). Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the end R1 of the roll paper R enters between the upper layer portion 501 and the platen 31, an upward force in the vertical direction is applied to the upper layer portion 501.

  As a result, a crack occurs at the base b of the width changing portion of the reference curl pressing member 50 (the portion where the width has finished changing from the wide portion to the narrow portion). In particular, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the base portion b of the width changing portion is a right-angled shape, the force applied to the upper layer portion 501 is concentrated on the base portion b, and cracks are likely to occur. A similar problem occurs in the movable curl pressing member 51.

  That is, the conveyance of the roll paper R is started with the curl pressing members 50 and 51 attached (the roll paper R is idled), and based on the positional relationship between the curl pressing members 50 and 51 and the roll paper R. When trying to determine the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R, the curl pressing members 50 and 51 are damaged.

  On the other hand, even if an attempt is made to determine the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R with the curl pressing members 50 and 51 removed, it is difficult to determine whether there is no mark and whether the conveyance of the roll paper R is stable. . As a result, the roll paper R is unnecessarily rotated or printing is started in a state in which the roll paper R is not stably conveyed.

<Determination method of this embodiment>
6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the platen 31 of the present embodiment. 6A is a cross-sectional view seen from the width direction, and FIG. 6B is a top view. The platen 31 (corresponding to the medium support portion) of the present embodiment includes a main body portion 311 (corresponding to the main body portion of the medium support portion), a mesh plate 312 and two spacer platens (corresponding to the moving portion). A spacer platen positioned upstream of the printing area in the transport direction is referred to as “upstream spacer platen 313u”, and a spacer platen positioned downstream of the print area in the transport direction is referred to as “downstream spacer platen 313l”.

  The main body 311 is provided with a suction hole 34 for sucking and sucking the roll paper R, and a heater 37 for drying ink landed on the roll paper R. A mesh plate 312 having many finer holes than the suction holes 34 is placed on the main body 311 (note that the mesh plate 312 is omitted in FIG. 3). By providing the mesh plate 312 on the main body 311, the roll paper R can be sucked and adsorbed on the whole printing area. As shown in FIG. 6A, the mesh plate 312 has a shorter length in the transport direction than the main body 311 and both ends of the mesh plate 312 in the transport direction are bent at a right angle. The mesh plate 312 is fixed to the main body portion 311 by sandwiching both ends of the mesh plate 312 in the conveying direction between the main body portion 311 and the spacer platens 313u and 313l.

  By fixing the mesh plate 312 in this way, the spacer platens 313u and 313l are positioned at both ends of the platen 31 in the conveying direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the roll paper R supplied to the platen 31 is supplied using the upstream spacer platen 313u as a fulcrum, and the roll paper R discharged from the platen 31 is discharged using the downstream spacer platen 313l as a fulcrum. If the mesh plates 312 are positioned at both ends of the platen 31 in the conveying direction, the roll paper R may be caught on the mesh plate 312 when the roll paper R is supplied and discharged, and the roll paper R may be wrinkled. . Therefore, the spacer platens 313u and 313l play a role of preventing the roll paper R from being damaged.

  The spacer platens 313u and 313l are movable in the width direction with respect to the main body 311. That is, it is assumed that the attachment positions of the spacer platens 313u and 313l with respect to the main body 311 are movable in the width direction. For this purpose, the spacer platens 313u and 313l are provided with long holes 314 extending in the width direction, as shown in FIG. 6B. The spacer platens 313u and 313l are fixed to the main body 311 by fitting a fixing pin (not shown) into the long hole 314 and a hole (not shown) provided in the main body 311 and tightening the fixing pin. Can be attached.

  The vertical heights of the upper surfaces of the spacer platens 313u and 313l and the vertical height of the upper surface of the mesh plate 312 are made equal. By doing so, the roll paper R is conveyed without being caught by the spacer platens 313u and 313l and the mesh plate 312, and the spacer platens 313u and 313l and the mesh plate 312 are prevented from coming into contact with the nozzle surface of the head 33. it can.

  The spacer platens 313u and 313l are formed with marks Mu and Ml (one line extending in the transport direction) indicating the position of the end R1 on the far side in the width direction of the roll paper R. The user can determine whether or not the conveyance of the roll paper R is stable based on whether or not the end R1 of the roll paper R is positioned at the marks Mu and Ml.

  The marks Mu and Ml formed on the spacer platens 313u and 313l may be dug by laser processing. By doing so, the roll paper R can be prevented from being caught by the marks Mu and Ml, and the marks Mu and Ml can be prevented from disappearing due to friction with the roll paper R. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, members that become the marks Mu and Ml may be embedded in the spacer platens 313u and 313l, or the marks Mu and Ml may be marked with ink.

  FIG. 7 is a flow showing a method for determining the stability of conveyance in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, first, before the roll paper R is transported (before the roll paper R is unrotated), the curl pressing members 50 and 51 are removed by the user (S01). The curl pressing members 50 and 51 may be removed when the roll paper R is replaced. Thereafter, the roll paper R is unrotated. At this time, the paper edge adjustment unit 40 performs feedback control so that the position in the width direction of the roll paper R converges to a predetermined position (S02).

  During the idle rotation of the roll paper R, the user can mark the mark Mu formed on the upstream spacer platen 313u, the mark Ml formed on the downstream spacer platen 313l, and the end of the roll paper R on the far side in the width direction. Observe the positional relationship with R1. The position of the end R1 of the roll paper R matches the position of the mark Mu on the upstream side in the transport direction, and the position of the end R1 of the roll paper R matches the position of the mark Ml on the downstream side in the transport direction. Then (S03 → Y), the user determines that the conveyance of the roll paper R is stable. In other words, the user determines that the position of the roll paper R in the width direction has converged to a predetermined position, and the paper edge adjustment unit 40 is functioning normally. Then, the user ends the idle rotation of the roll paper R (S04), attaches the curl pressing members 50 and 51, and starts printing.

  On the other hand, if the position of the end R1 of the roll paper R does not coincide with the positions of the marks Mu and Ml even after a predetermined time has elapsed (S03 → N), the user determines that an error has occurred. Then, the user or service person checks whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the paper edge adjustment unit 40, or performs an adjustment operation so that the convergence position in the width direction of the roll paper R matches the positions of the marks Mu and Ml. To go.

  Thus, by providing the marks Mu and Ml indicating the position in the width direction of the end R1 of the roll paper R on the upstream spacer platen 313u and the downstream spacer platen 313l, even when the curl pressing members 50 and 51 are removed. Therefore, it is possible to determine the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R. Therefore, the curl pressing members 50 and 51 can be prevented from being damaged, and the roll paper R is unnecessarily rotated or printing is started in a state where the roll paper R is not stably conveyed. It is possible to prevent it from getting stuck.

  In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, since the back side in the width direction is used as a reference, the position of the end portion R2 on the near side in the width direction of the roll paper R varies depending on the width of the roll paper R. Therefore, marks Mu and Ml indicating the position of the end portion R1 on the far side in the width direction of the roll paper R are formed on the spacer platens 313u and 313l. Then, the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R is determined by the user based on whether or not the position of the end portion R1 on the far side in the width direction of the roll paper R matches the position of the marks Mu and Ml. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and according to the standard width length of the roll paper R, a plurality of marks that match the position of the end portion R2 on the near side in the width direction of the roll paper R may be formed on the spacer platen. Then, the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R may be determined by the user depending on whether or not the position of the end portion R2 on the near side in the width direction of the roll paper R matches the position of the mark.

  In the present embodiment, marks Mu and Ml are formed on both the upstream spacer platen 313u and the downstream spacer platen 313l. Then, at two locations on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction, the user determines whether the transport of the roll paper R is stable depending on whether the position of the end R1 of the roll paper R matches the position of the marks Mu and Ml. . By doing so, it is possible to more accurately determine the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a mark for aligning the end portion R1 of the roll paper R may be formed only on one of the upstream spacer platen 313u or the downstream spacer platen 313l.

=== Manufacturing Method (Adjustment Method) of Printer 1 ===
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method of adjusting the mounting positions of the spacer platens 313u and 313l with respect to the main body 311 of the platen 31. The printer 1 is manufactured such that the position in the width direction of the roll paper R with respect to the printer 1 (platen 31) is a predetermined position (designed position). That is, the printer 1 is manufactured so that the convergence position in the width direction of the roll paper R by the feedback control of the paper edge adjustment unit 40 becomes a predetermined position.

  However, the convergence position in the width direction of the roll paper R with respect to the printer 1 varies due to the difference in characteristics of the individual units of the transport unit 20 and the paper edge adjustment unit 40 (for example, a member attachment error or a paper edge detection sensor 42 error). For this reason, if a mark for determining the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R is formed on the main body 311 of the platen 31, the mark is positioned at the convergence position of the roll paper R corresponding to each individual printer 1. Will not be able to. That is, it becomes impossible to manufacture the printer 1 that can determine the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R.

  It is not limited to the case where the paper edge adjusting unit 40 automatically adjusts the converged position of the roll paper R to a predetermined position (designed position). In some cases, the manufacturer or serviceman of the printer 1 manually adjusts the position of the roll paper R in the width direction so that the convergence position of the roll paper R by the paper edge adjustment unit 40 matches a predetermined position. Also in this case, the convergence position of the roll paper R by the paper edge adjustment unit 40 cannot be made completely coincident with a predetermined position due to the characteristic difference between the individual printers 1 and may be slightly shifted.

Therefore, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the stability of the transport of the roll paper R is determined by the spacer platens 313u and 313l that are movable in the width direction with respect to the main body 311 of the platen 31 (and the base of the printer 1). Marks Mu and Ml are formed.
Then, in the manufacturing process of the printer 1, the position of the roll paper R in the width direction is converged by the paper edge adjustment unit 40 while the roll paper R is being transported in the transport direction with the curl pressing members 50 and 51 being removed ( S11).
Thereafter, the main body of the platen 31 so that the positions in the width direction of the marks Mu and Ml formed on the spacer platens 313u and 313l are aligned with the convergence position in the width direction of the end portion R1 on the far side in the width direction of the roll paper R. The attachment positions of the spacer platens 313u and 313l with respect to the portion 311 are adjusted (S12). The printer 1 is shipped after the spacer platens 313u and 313l are fixedly attached to the adjusted positions.

  By doing so, the marks Mu and Ml formed on the spacer platens 313u and 313l can be positioned at the convergence position in the width direction of the roll paper R according to the characteristic difference between the individual printers 1. Therefore, the user of the printer 1 can determine whether or not the conveyance of the roll paper R is stable depending on whether or not the position of the end portion R1 of the roll paper R matches the position of the marks Mu and Ml. That is, it is possible to manufacture the printer 1 that can determine the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R. In other words, it is possible to manufacture the printer 1 that can determine whether the paper edge adjusting unit 40 is operating normally.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the position in the width direction of the mark Mu formed on the upstream spacer platen 313u (first moving portion) located on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the printing region, and the end portion R1 of the roll paper R The mounting position of the upstream spacer platen 313u is adjusted so that the convergence position in the width direction is aligned, and the downstream spacer platen 313l (second moving portion) positioned downstream in the transport direction from the printing region is adjusted. The attachment position of the downstream spacer platen 313l is adjusted so that the position in the width direction of the formed mark Ml is aligned with the convergence position in the width direction of the end portion R1 of the roll paper R.

  By doing so, it is possible to manufacture the printer 1 that can determine whether or not the transport of the roll paper R is stable at two locations on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction. That is, it is possible to manufacture the printer 1 that can more accurately determine the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R.

  The adjustment of the attachment positions of the spacer platens 313u and 313l with respect to the main body portion 311 of the platen 31 is not limited only to the manufacturing process of the printer 1. For example, the convergence position of the roll paper R by the paper edge adjustment unit 40 may slightly vary depending on the installation environment of the printer 1. Therefore, when the printer 1 is installed, the attachment positions of the spacer platens 313u and 313l with respect to the main body 311 of the platen 31 may be adjusted according to the flow shown in FIG. In addition, after the parts of the printer 1 (for example, the parts constituting the transport unit 20 and the paper edge adjustment unit 40) are replaced, the convergence position of the roll paper R by the paper edge adjustment unit 40 may slightly change. Therefore, after replacement of the parts, the mounting positions of the spacer platens 313u and 313l with respect to the main body 311 of the platen 31 may be adjusted according to the flow shown in FIG. By doing so, it can be adjusted to the printer 1 that can determine the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R.

=== Modification ===
FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D are diagrams for explaining modifications of the marks Mu and Ml for aligning the position of the end portion R1 of the roll paper R. FIG. Here, the upstream spacer platen 313u is taken as an example, but the mark Ml formed on the downstream spacer platen 313l may be a similar modification.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram in which a scale line is formed in addition to the mark Mu aligned with the end R1 of the roll paper R. FIG. As shown in the drawing, graduation lines may be formed at predetermined intervals from the mark Mu on the far side and the near side in the width direction with respect to the mark Mu to be aligned with the end R1 of the roll paper R. That is, a scale line indicating the “deviation amount” between the position in the width direction of the mark Mu and the convergence position in the width direction of the end R1 of the roll paper R is formed on the upstream spacer platen 313u.

  By doing so, it is possible to know which side in the width direction the mark Mu is shifted with respect to the convergence position of the end R1 of the roll paper R, and the convergence position of the end R1 of the roll paper R. It is possible to know how much the mark Mu is deviated from. Therefore, when adjusting the mounting positions of the spacer platens 313u and 313l with respect to the main body portion 311 of the platen 31, it is possible to know how much to shift to which side in the width direction. As a result, it is possible to easily adjust the mounting positions of the spacer platens 313u and 313l.

  Further, by providing a scale line, before adjusting the mounting positions of the spacer platens 313u and 313l, the roll paper R is adjusted so that the convergence position in the width direction of the roll paper R approaches a predetermined position (design position). When manually adjusting the position in the width direction, it is possible to know how much the position in the width direction should be shifted. However, in order to prevent the user from erroneously determining whether or not the conveyance of the roll paper R is stable based on the positional relationship between the end R1 of the roll paper R and the scale line, for example, the marks Mu and Ml are positioned more than the scale line. Longer is better.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram in which the mark Mu aligned with the end R1 of the roll paper R is thickened. When the attachment position of the reference curl pressing member 50 with respect to the printer 1 can be adjusted in the width direction, the width of the mark Mu may be increased as shown in the figure. The end Mu1 in the width direction of the mark Mu is used as a mark indicating the attachment position of the reference curl pressing member 50, and the end Mu2 in the width direction on the front side of the mark Mu and the width direction back side of the roll paper R. The attachment position of the upstream spacer platen 313u may be adjusted so that the convergence position of the end portion R1 is aligned.

  For example, the reference curl pressing member 50 is arranged so that the end face on the roll paper side (near side) of the narrow part of the reference curl pressing member 50 (FIG. 4A) is aligned with the end Mu1 in the width direction of the mark Mu. Install it. By doing so, the reference curl pressing member 50 can be attached to a predetermined position, and the end portion R1 of the roll paper R can be reliably covered and pressed by the reference curl pressing member 50. Further, the length (for example, 2 mm to 3 mm) of the end portion R1 of the roll paper R pressed by the reference curl pressing member 50 can be made constant.

  FIG. 9C is a diagram in which the upstream spacer platen 313u and the downstream spacer platen 313l are common components. As shown in the figure, a mark Mu indicating the position of the end portion R1 of the roll paper R on the upstream side in the transport direction is formed at a position at a predetermined distance X from the back side in the width direction of the spacer platen that is a common part. A mark Ml indicating the position of the end R1 of the roll paper R on the downstream side in the transport direction is formed at a position of a predetermined distance X from the near side. Then, by rotating the spacer platen as a common part by 180 degrees, it is used as both the upstream spacer platen 313u and the downstream spacer platen 313l.

  That is, marks are formed on the far side and the near side in the width direction of the spacer platens 313u and 313l, and the upstream spacer platen 313u and the downstream spacer platen 313l are used as common parts. As a result, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the manufacturing process can be facilitated.

  FIG. 9D is a diagram in which the length in the transport direction of the upstream spacer platen 313u is changed at the position in the width direction of the end portion R1 of the roll paper R. Up to this point, a dug has been formed in the upstream spacer platen 313u, and the dug has been used as the mark Mu indicating the position in the width direction of the end R1 of the roll paper R. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 9D, the length (width) in the transport direction of the upstream spacer platen 313u is narrowed to “y1” on the far side in the width direction from the convergence position of the end R1 of the roll paper R. On the other hand, the length (width) in the transport direction of the upstream spacer platen 313u is increased to “y2” before the convergence position of the end portion R1 of the roll paper R.

  In this case, the user determines the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R depending on whether or not the end portion R1 of the roll paper R is positioned at the width change portion in the upstream spacer platen 313u. That is, a portion where the length in the transport direction changes in the upstream spacer platen 313u is a mark Mu that aligns the end R1 of the roll paper R. By doing so, it is possible to manufacture the printer 1 that can determine the stability of the conveyance of the roll paper R.

  Furthermore, a material different from the upstream spacer platen 313u or a component 314 (for example, white rubber) different from the upstream spacer platen 313u may be disposed at a position where the length (width) in the transport direction is narrowed in the upstream spacer platen 313u. By doing so, it is possible to make it easier to understand whether or not the conveyance of the roll paper R is stable.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The above embodiment is mainly described for a printing system having an ink jet printer, but includes disclosure of a method for determining the stability of conveyance. The above-described embodiments are for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

<About the printer>
In the above-described embodiment, the printer 1 that forms an image while moving the head 33 in the transport direction and the width direction of the roll paper R with respect to the roll paper R positioned in the printing region is described as an example. Not exclusively. For example, a printer that forms an image when the roll paper R passes under a fixed head may be used. The medium on which the image is recorded is not limited to the roll paper R but may be a cut sheet.

  Further, the image recording apparatus is not limited to a printer. For example, a color filter manufacturing apparatus, a staining apparatus, a fine processing apparatus, a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, a surface processing apparatus, a three-dimensional modeling machine, a gas vaporization apparatus, an organic EL manufacturing apparatus (particularly a polymer The same technology as that of the above-described embodiment may be applied to various devices to which inkjet technology is applied such as an EL manufacturing device, a display manufacturing device, a film forming device, and a DNA chip manufacturing device. These methods and manufacturing methods are also within the scope of application.

1 printer, 2 computers, 3 detectors,
10 controller, 11 interface section,
12 CPU, 13 memory, 14 unit control circuit,
20 transport unit, 21 supply roller, 22 roll paper holder,
23 discharge roller, 24 take-up roller,
30 recording units, 31 platens, 32 carriages, 33 heads,
34 Suction hole, 35 Pressure chamber, 36 Fan, 37 Heater,
311 body, 312 mesh plate,
313u upstream spacer platen, 313l downstream spacer platen,
314 white rubber,
40 paper edge adjustment unit, 41 adjustment roller, 42 paper edge detection sensor,
43 Tilt adjustment section,
50 reference curl pressing member, 51 movable curl pressing member,
60A upstream mounting member, 60B downstream mounting member, 61 adjustment lever,
62 spring, 63 cover member, 64 winding device,
R roll paper, Nz nozzle

Claims (7)

Control in which a sensor detects the position of the end in the width direction that is a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium transported in the transport direction, and adjusts the position of the medium in the width direction based on the detection result of the sensor An image recording apparatus for recording an image on the medium supported by the medium support unit,
Converging the position of the medium in the width direction by the control unit while transporting the medium in the transport direction in a state where a pressing member that covers and presses the end of the medium is removed;
A position in the width direction of a mark formed on a moving portion of the medium support portion that is movable in the width direction with respect to a main body portion of the medium support portion, and the width direction of the medium Adjusting the attachment position of the moving part with respect to the main body part of the medium support part so that the convergence position is aligned;
A method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus, comprising: A method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The medium support unit is positioned at a first moving unit, which is the moving unit positioned upstream in the transport direction with respect to an area for recording an image on the medium, and at a downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the area. A second moving part that is the moving part,
The position of the mark formed in the first moving part in the width direction, the position of the mark formed in the second moving part in the width direction, and the convergence position of the medium in the width direction Adjusting the mounting positions of the first moving part and the second moving part with respect to the main body part of the medium support part,
Manufacturing method of image recording apparatus. A method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus according to claim 2,
Forming the mark on one side and the other side in the width direction of the moving part, and using the first moving part and the second moving part as a common part,
Manufacturing method of image recording apparatus. A method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A method of manufacturing an image recording apparatus, wherein a graduation line indicating a deviation amount between a position of the mark in the width direction and a convergence position of the medium in the width direction is formed on the moving portion. A method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A mark indicating an attachment position of the pressing member that covers and presses one end in the width direction of the mark to cover the one end in the width direction of the medium,
Attachment of the moving part to the main body part of the medium support part so that the end part on the other side in the width direction of the mark and the convergence position of the end part on the one side in the width direction of the medium are aligned. Adjust the position,
Manufacturing method of image recording apparatus. A method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A method for manufacturing an image recording apparatus, wherein the mark is a portion where the length of the moving portion in the transport direction changes. Control in which a sensor detects the position of the end in the width direction that is a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium transported in the transport direction, and adjusts the position of the medium in the width direction based on the detection result of the sensor An image recording apparatus for recording an image on the medium supported by a medium support unit,
Converging the position of the medium in the width direction by the control unit while transporting the medium in the transport direction in a state where a pressing member that covers and presses the end of the medium is removed;
A position in the width direction of a mark formed on a moving portion of the medium support portion that is movable in the width direction with respect to a main body portion of the medium support portion, and the width direction of the medium Adjusting the attachment position of the moving part with respect to the main body part of the medium support part so that the convergence position is aligned;
A method for adjusting an image recording apparatus, comprising:

Images