JP3307472B2 - Printing device and paper transport device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for forming an image on a recording sheet adsorbed on a charging belt by, for example, an ink jet recording method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A printing apparatus using a non-contact printing method such as an ink jet method has a high printing speed, high printing quality, easy colorization, and a non-contact with a recording paper, thereby extending the life of a recording head. It has various advantages such as long length and is widely used in general. However, when printing on continuous paper or wide recording paper, floating of the recording paper at a printing position may be a problem. In order to prevent the recording paper from floating, a method is employed in which printing is performed by a recording head while the recording paper is held flat using electrostatic attraction.

[0003] As a paper transporting means utilizing electrostatic attraction, a recording paper is carried on an insulative charging belt whose surface is charged by a charging means, and then the surface of the recording paper is charged by a charge removing means. There is a method in which recording paper is conveyed by increasing the attraction force with a belt.

As a measure for preventing the floating of the recording sheet, in addition to utilizing the above-mentioned electrostatic attraction, there is also known a method in which the recording sheet being conveyed by the charging belt is suppressed from above by a charge removing member. .

[0005]

[0006]

[0007]

[0008]

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

As a problem , since only the entire surface of the recording paper or both sides of the fixed recording paper is suppressed, it is effective against a change in the size of the recording paper. And that the portion of the recording paper immediately before printing cannot be suppressed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a sheet conveying apparatus which have a charge eliminating member which can be adjusted in the width direction of a recording sheet to solve the above-mentioned problem. is there.

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

Means for Solving the Problems The main constitution of the present invention is to arrange an endless charging belt having an insulating layer so as to be freely rotatable,
Charging means for charging the surface of the charging belt, sheet supply means for feeding recording paper to the charged charging belt, and electrostatically charging the surface of the charging belt in order from the upstream side along the circumferential direction of the charging belt. In a printing apparatus provided with a static eliminator for neutralizing the surface of the attracted recording paper, and an image recording unit for forming an image on the recording paper after the static elimination, a downstream side of the static eliminator and the image recording unit On the upstream side, a driven roller that presses the recording paper against the surface of the charging belt ,
The driven roller is made of an electrically conductive metal roll.
And a predetermined potential including ground is applied .

[0016]

[0017]

Further, by making the plate member movable and adjustable in the width direction, floating of the recording paper from the charging belt can be prevented well regardless of the difference in the width of the recording paper.

[0019]

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. <Embodiment 1> FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

A CPU 101 controls the entire printing apparatus, and includes a program memory 102 composed of a ROM and a data memory 10 composed of a RAM.
3. It is connected to the I / O port 105. CPU10
1 controls operations to function as a printing apparatus, such as conveyance of a recording sheet, control of a recording head, control of a high-voltage transformer, and the like, according to the program memory 102. The data memory 103 stores data necessary for printing, such as a memory for data to be printed and a setting of the number of prints.

The I / O port 105 includes a print control circuit 10 including a print data input circuit 106 and a data register.
7, a motor drive circuit 109 for controlling each motor mainly including a transport motor, a high-voltage transformer 11 for electrostatic suction transport
0, a high-voltage transformer control circuit 112 for controlling the static elimination transformer 111 and a heater control circuit 113 are connected.

The printing apparatus of this embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. 27 and prints characters, images, etc. on recording paper.

FIG. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus of the present embodiment.

Here, the flow indicated by the dotted line Ru is a conveyance path of the recording paper, and is controlled by a paper feeding means (not shown).
It is guided to the electrostatic attraction section by the guide plates 16 and 17.

The electrostatic attraction unit will be described. First, a charging belt (electrostatic attraction belt) 23 wound around a main roller (belt driving roller) 31 and a driven roller (belt holding roller) 32 is moved in the direction of a dotted line Ru. The rotation is controlled in order to convey the recording paper. The charging belt 23 is a rubber belt having an insulating layer. The charging belt 23 may be viewed from the insulating layer or may have a rubber layer on the main roller 31 side (inside) for improving the driving force. Any material that can be charged by a charging roller described below can be adopted.

In contact with the charging belt 23, a charging roller (charging means) 21 and a charge removing roller (charge removing means) 22 are provided. In the present embodiment, both the charging roller 21 and the discharging roller 22 are configured to rotate following the charging belt 23.

Here, the functions of the rollers 21 and 22 will be described. First, the charging roller 21 is used.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a roller mainly made of conductive rubber, which has a function of applying a high voltage from a high-voltage transformer 110 to charge the surface of the charging belt 23. In this embodiment, an applied voltage of +1500 V is applied, and the surface potential of the charging belt 23 after passing through the charging roller 21 becomes 1000 V or more. The charge removing roller 22 is also a roller mainly made of conductive rubber, and has a function of applying a high voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the charging roller 21 by the charge removing transformer 111 to remove charges on the surface of the charging belt 23 and the surface of the recording paper. In this embodiment, -50
An applied voltage of 0 V is applied.

When the recording paper enters the charging belt 23 by the feeding means, the charging belt 23 is charged to a high potential.
The inside of the recording paper is polarized, and a weak adsorption state occurs, and the surface of the recording paper opposite to the charging belt 23 is positively charged. When the recording paper further enters the charge eliminating roller 22, a negative high voltage is applied to the charge eliminating roller 22, so that a negative charge is injected on the surface of the recording paper, and the potential of the recording paper surface decreases. The suction force of the recording paper increases.

However, the charge removing roller 22 is configured to form a nip with the driven roller 32, and a slight speed difference occurs between the recording paper and the charging belt 23. That is, although the recording paper advances slightly faster than the charging belt 23, the paper pressing roller (driven roller) 25 made of a resin such as POM provided behind the static elimination roller 22, that is, on the downstream side, The effect is not exerted downstream of the paper pressing roller 25.

Further, the recording paper is brought into close contact with the charging belt 23 by the paper pressing roller 25, and the attraction to the charging belt 23 is restored. Here, the paper holding roller 2
5, the recording paper and the charging belt 23 need to be driven to rotate. However, if there is a slight speed difference from the charging belt 23, the recording paper is shifted with respect to the charging belt 23. This is because the attraction force decreases.

Here, a platen 26 is arranged on the opposite side of the charging belt 23 with respect to the paper pressing roller 25, and this platen 26 is extended to a printing position by a print head block (image recording means) 27. ing. Then, predetermined printing (image formation) can be performed on the recording paper sucked and conveyed to the printing portion by a recording head (not shown) accommodated in the print head block 27.

In this embodiment, the paper pressing roller 25 is provided at a fixed position with respect to the main body.
Because the insulating layer and the conductive rubber layer used for the printing are soft, the recording paper used in the printing apparatus of this embodiment is about 60
thin, ^{g / m 2 ~90g / m 2} , because that could not safely be fixed. <Embodiment 2> In a printing apparatus which passes thick recording paper, for example, label paper or tag paper, as shown in FIG. 29, the paper pressing roller 25 is pressed by a pressing spring 25a, and Preferred adsorption properties can be obtained. <Embodiment 3> When a rubber roller is used as the paper pressing roller 25, the latitude with respect to the thickness of the recording paper is widened, so that the pressure spring 25a mounted in the embodiment 2 can be omitted positively. <Embodiment 4> When the paper pressing roller 25 is a metal roll of a conductor and is grounded, an effect of re-electrifying the surface of the recording paper is provided, and further adhesion can be provided. <Embodiment 5> FIG. 30 is a simple sectional view centering on the electrostatic attraction part, and FIG. 31 is a table showing the surface potential of the recording paper. Less than,
Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to these.

First, FIG. 30 will be described in accordance with the flow of recording paper. The dotted line Tu indicates the recording paper transport path. The paper is fed from a paper stock (not shown) and first enters the heating roll device (heating means) 4. In this embodiment, a heating means 4 including an upper heating roller 4b and a lower roller 4c having a built-in halogen heater 4a is used. By passing through the heating means 4, most of the moisture contained in the recording paper becomes gas and disappears, and after passing through the heating means 4, the moisture contained in the recording paper becomes extremely small. In the printing apparatus of the present embodiment, the conveyance speed of the recording paper is 150 mm / sec,
a is 200 W, and the surface temperature of the upper heating roller 4b is controlled to 150 ° C. by a thermistor (not shown).

Thereafter, the recording paper is transferred to the guide plates 16 and 17.
It enters the electrostatic attraction part while being regulated more.

The other structure is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Are substantially the same as those described above, and the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, different parts will be described.

The charge removing roller 22 is also a roller mainly composed of conductive rubber.
A high voltage having a polarity opposite to that of 1 is applied to the surface of the charging belt 23 and the surface of the recording paper. In this embodiment, an applied voltage of -1000 V is applied.

When the recording paper enters the charging belt 23 by the feeding means including the heating means 4 and the guide plates 16 and 17, the charging belt 23 is charged to a high potential. As a result, the inside of the recording sheet is polarized, and a weakly attracted state occurs, and the surface of the recording sheet opposite to the charging belt 23 is positively charged. When the paper further enters the charge eliminating roller 22, a negative high voltage is applied to the charge eliminating roller 22.
A negative charge is injected into the surface of the recording paper, and the surface potential of the recording paper decreases, so that the attraction force of the recording paper to the charging belt 23 increases. Therefore, the recording paper in the print head block 27 is strongly attracted to the charging belt 23, so that stable printing can be performed.

Here, it has been described that the surface of the recording paper is positively charged while the recording paper is carried on the charging belt 23. The magnitude of the charging potential depends on the amount of water contained in the recording paper. Is done. Further, the ease with which the charge is removed by the charge removing roller 22 also changes depending on the amount of water. That is, the larger the amount of water contained in the recording paper, the smaller the amount of positive charge appearing on the surface of the recording paper, and the greater the static elimination efficiency. Therefore, the potential of the recording paper surface after passing through the static elimination roller 22 shifts to the minus side, and conversely. As the recording paper has a lower moisture content, the surface potential of the recording paper after passing through the charge eliminating roller 22 shifts to the plus side.

FIG. 31 shows the surface potential of a recording sheet after passing through the neutralizing roller 22 in the conventional example and the present embodiment for each recording sheet having a different moisture content. In the conventional example, since the heating means 4 for the recording paper is not provided, it can be seen that the surface potential of the recording paper greatly varies depending on the amount of water. In this conventional example, the charge amounts of the charging roller 21 and the discharging roller 22 are set to +1500 V and -500 V, respectively.
This is because when the recording paper under normal temperature and normal humidity environment is passed,
This is because it is set to be near V. However, when the recording paper whose moisture has been removed in a high-humidity environment or the recording paper from which the moisture has been removed in a low-humidity environment is passed, as shown in FIG. 31, the paper surface potential is from -500 V to +600 V.
Had changed.

Therefore, even when the recording paper reaches the printing position where printing is performed by the print head block 27, this potential is maintained, so that various problems are caused. For example, the number of ink droplets ejected from the print head block 27 is several tens pl, and the flying speed and the flying direction are easily influenced by the potential of the paper surface, and it is difficult to obtain stable image quality. In addition, in the inkjet method, when ejecting ink droplets, small mist-like small droplets may be generated in addition to ink droplets that contribute to printing. , The electric charge is charged by the influence of the potential, and the print head block moves in the direction opposite to the printing direction in the direction of the printing head block.

In general, in such a system, good printing is possible if the surface potential of the recording paper is between about -200 V and +200 V.
Because of the change to V, good printing could not be performed.

In this embodiment, the recording paper heating means 4 is provided in the recording paper feeding path, and the amount of water in the recording paper is shifted in a smaller direction to reduce the fluctuation width of the recording paper surface potential. This achieves good printing.

In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 31, the voltage applied to the charging roller 21 and the discharging roller 22 is increased by +1500.
V, -800 V, so that the moisture-absorbing paper (35 ° C., 85% environment-leaved paper) is changed from −50 V to +50 V. With this setting, when dry paper (15 ° C., 10% standing paper) is passed, the surface is charged from +500 V to +200 V. Therefore, the surface potential of the recording paper is irrespective of the moisture absorption state of the recording paper. -50 to 200
V, stable printing and trouble-free ejection became possible.

The amount of change in surface potential due to the recording paper is:
It changes depending on the power of the heating means 4, the recording paper conveyance speed, and the like.
If the heater 4a of 00W is used, the size can be further reduced. <Embodiment 6> FIG.
An example in which the setting conditions of the applied voltage of the charging roller 21 and the discharging roller 22 are determined using a recording sheet of normal temperature and normal humidity will be described. That is, 0 V at 25 ° C. and 60% (normal temperature and normal humidity standing paper)
It is determined so as to be a nearby surface potential.

In this setting, a margin is generated in the setting range because the condition is determined at the average of the water content. Therefore, since the power of the heating means 4 can be reduced, in the sixth embodiment, a heater 4a having a power of 150 W can be used.

Although the fifth and sixth embodiments have been described above, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the heating roller 4b employed as the heating means 4 in these embodiments. It is needless to say that other heating means, for example, a hot air generated by a dryer or a heater plate also serving as a paper guide are included in the intent of the present invention. <Embodiment 7> Figs. 32, 33, 34, and 35 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 32, reference numeral 27 denotes a print head block containing a recording head (not shown);
7b is a protection plate for protecting the print head block 27, 29a and 29b are paper holding plates (plate-like members) for holding the paper floating, and 8a, 8b, 14a and 14b are for holding the plate-like members 29a and 29b. , A regulating shaft 18 for regulating the up-down direction of the stay, a spring 24 for vertically moving the plate-like members 29a, 29b with respect to the paper thickness,
8 is an axis against which the spring 24 is pressed, 3A is a recording paper,
Reference numeral 23 denotes a charging belt for conveying recording paper, 31 denotes a main roller (drive roller), 32 denotes a driven roller, 26 denotes a platen, 34 denotes a paper width adjusting shaft, 38 denotes a spring, and 44 denotes a solenoid. When the recording paper is not inserted, the plate-like members 29a and 29b supported by the stays 8a, 8b, 14a and 14b are pushed in the direction of the charging belt 23 by the spring 24. Contact does not occur. This plate member 29
The distance between the charging belt 23a and the charging belt 23 is adjusted to the minimum thickness of the recording paper 3A to be used. When the recording paper 3A thicker than the minimum thickness is inserted here,
9a and 29b are pushed in the direction away from the charging belt 23 and correspond to various sheet thicknesses. Further, since the stays 8a and 8b are attached so as to be movable in the width direction of the charging belt 23 by the paper width adjusting shaft, the plate member 29b attached to the stays 8b and 14b can be adjusted in the width direction of the recording paper. . The main roller 31 is driven by a conveyance motor (not shown), and the paper 3 </ b> A is conveyed by the charging belt 23. At this time, when the recording paper 3A is jammed on the charging belt 23 or on the front and rear portions and a paper jam occurs, and the conveyance is continued as it is, the recording paper 3A starts to sag.
The plate members 29a and 29b start to float in the direction away from the charging belt 23. Plate-like member 29 that has been raised
The print head blocks 27a and 29b contact the head protection plates 27a and 27b attached to the front and back of the print head block 27, and do not contact the print head block 27.
To prevent damage. Also, the head protection plates 27a, 27
Since the contact portion between the plate b and the plate-like members 29a and 29b is formed by an electric conductor, a paper jam can be detected when this contact occurs. The print head block 27 and the head protection plates 27a and 27b are motors (not shown).
Thereby, it is configured to be movable in a direction away from the charging belt 23. FIG. 34 is a configuration diagram when the print head block 27 is moved. The head protection plates 27 a and 27 b are lifted above the lower end of the print head block 27 by the spring 38. FIG. 35 shows a state in which this is returned to the printing position. When the solenoid 44 is energized, the protection plate 27a,
The tip of the solenoid 44 presses the inclination 27c provided on the 27b, and the protection plates 27a and 27b
7 to protect the print head block 27 by being pushed downward.

As described above, this embodiment has the following advantages. By attaching the movable plate members 29a and 29b, the floating of the recording paper 3A of various widths can be suppressed. The head protection plates 27a and 27b prevent the print portion of the head from being damaged. By pressing the plate members 29a and 29b using the spring 24, it is possible to cope with a change in the paper thickness. Since the charging belt 23 is not in contact with the plate members 29a and 29b, it is possible to prevent the charging belt 23 from being worn. Plate members 29a, 29b and head protection plates 27a, 27
Since the contact portion with b is made of an electric conductor, paper jam can be detected by the contact. Since the head protection plates 27a and 27b are pushed by using the solenoid 44, the head protection plates 27a and 27b
27b is stored above the lower end of the print head block 27. <Eighth Embodiment> FIG. 36 shows an eighth embodiment, and FIG.
Reference numeral 8 denotes a transmission sensor. When the recording paper 3A causes a paper jam, the plate members 29a and 29b rise. At this time, the rising of the plate members 29a and 29b is read by the sensor 48 to detect a paper jam.

As described above, in this embodiment, the plate-like member 29
Since the jam is detected by the floating of the a and 29b, the same effect as in the seventh embodiment can be obtained. <Ninth Embodiment> FIG. 37 shows a ninth embodiment.
Reference numeral 4 denotes a printing portion of the print head block 27, and reference numeral 58 denotes a projection mounted on the plate members 29a and 29b.

When the recording paper 3A causes a paper jam, the plate-like members 29a and 29b rise. At this time, the projection 58 hits the outer peripheral portion of the print head and prevents the print portion 54 of the print head block 27 from being damaged.

As described above, in this embodiment, the plate-like member 29
Since the print portion 54 is protected by attaching the projection 58 to the a and 29b, the same effect as in the seventh and eighth embodiments can be obtained. <Embodiment 10> Fig. 38 shows an embodiment 10, in which 64a is a conveying roller, 64b is a paper pressing roller, 68a
Is a spring, and 68b is a spring stand.

The recording paper is transported by the transport roller 64a, but when the recording paper 3A runs out, the spring 68a
The plate-like members 29a and 29b pressed by the contact between the platen 26 and the platen 26. By setting the contact portions between the plate members 29a and 29b and the platen 26 as electric conductors, paper cutting can be detected.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the plate member 29
Since the contact portions between the a and 29b and the platen 26 are made of an electric conductor, the paper contact can be detected by the contact. <Embodiment 11> FIGS. 39 and 40 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
1, 26a and 26b are guide holes formed in the platen 26, and 29c is a width guide for the plate-like members 29a and 29b.

Guide 2 in width direction of plate-like members 29a, 29b
9c, the plate member 29b is adjusted along the guide holes 26a, 26b provided in the platen according to the width of the recording paper 3A.

As described above, in this embodiment, the plate-like member 29
Since the width direction guide 29c is provided in b, skewing of the paper can be prevented. Embodiment 12 Hereinafter, a label printer to which the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a label printer.

An operation panel 2 for online or paper feed is provided on the front of the apparatus main body 1. A paper roll 3 used for printing as a recording medium is mounted on the upper right portion of the apparatus main body 1. FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the continuous paper roll 3 is used. However, as a recording medium, other types of paper, such as a type in which a label is stuck on a release paper or a continuous paper in which cuts are perforated, may be used. Good. Further, the printer may have a configuration in which a feeder is mounted so that recording on a cut sheet such as a business card or a card is also possible.

The content recorded on the recording medium is not limited to characters, but may be an image such as an image or a bar code.

Here, the bar code will be described.
The bar code represents one character (numeral, symbol, alphabet, etc.) by a combination of several bars, and is an optical input means in which the continuation is combined as one code. The bar code includes "CODE39". , "NW-
There are standards such as "7", "UPC", "JAN", and the like, and each has a characteristic in display characters, the number of characters, character density, bar width, etc. It is used for various purposes according to each characteristic.

On the front surface of the apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG. 1, a door member 5 is provided so as to be openable for removing a jammed sheet, cleaning a recording system, and the like. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the door member 5 is opened to expose the inside of the apparatus main body 1.

Next, the configuration inside the apparatus main body 1 will be described.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a front view and a top view, respectively, of the inside of the apparatus main body 1.

In the figure, reference numeral 3 denotes a paper roll for printing and recording, 6 denotes a paper roll guide for regulating the width of the paper roll 3, and 7 denotes a paper roll for holding the paper roll 3 and the paper roll guide 6. A holding unit 9 is a curl correction unit for correcting the curl (curl) of the paper roll 3, a curl correction roller 10 for applying a reverse curl to the paper to correct the curl, and 11 is a moderate slack ( Loop roller that performs control to give a loop)
12 is a pinch roller of the loop roller 11, 13 is a loop plate that is displaced together with a loop amount for giving a proper loop to the paper, 15 is a loop sensor that detects the displacement amount of the loop plate 13, 16 is a lower guide plate of the paper, Reference numeral 17 denotes an upper guide plate of the sheet, 19 denotes a TOF sensor which is a reflection type sensor for detecting the position of the sheet, and 20 denotes a TOF sensor which is a transmission type sensor for detecting the position of the sheet, similarly to the TOF sensor 19.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a charging roller for applying a potential to a charging belt described later;
Is a charge removing roller that removes the potential of the surface of the sheet, 23 is a charge belt to which a potential is applied by the charging roller 21 and is charged, and a charging belt that sucks and conveys the sheet, and 25 is a sheet that reliably charges the sheet that has been conveyed by the charging belt A paper pressing roller for pressing against the belt 23, 26 is a platen for stabilizing the flatness of the paper on which printing is to be performed, 27 is a printing head block for printing and recording on the transported paper, and 29 is pressing both ends of the transported paper. Paper holding plate to prevent the paper from floating
Is a moving block for moving the paper pressing plate 29 in accordance with the paper width of the paper, 31 is a main roller for controlling the main driving of the charging belt 23 for conveying paper, and 32 is a driving roller of the main roller 31 via the charging belt 23. A driven roller 33 is driven, 33 is a pinch roller of the main roller 31, 35 is a discharge roller for discharging the print-recorded sheet to the outside of the apparatus body 1, and 36 is a pinch roller of the discharge roller 35. , 37 and 39 are guides for the paper to be discharged,
Numeral 0 denotes a recovery system unit for cleaning the thickened or adhered ink on the print head nozzle surface of the print head block 27, and 41 moves the print head block 27 to a printing position or a recovery operation position. A head moving motor, 42 is a sheet conveying motor for driving the main roller 31 for main driving of sheet conveying, 43 is a recovery unit moving motor for moving the recovery system unit 40 to the capping position of the print head block 27, and 45 is a recovery unit moving motor. In order to secure an appropriate loop amount, a loop motor that detects the displacement of the loop plate 13 with the loop sensor 15 and controls the speed of the loop roller 11 based on the detected value.
Reference numeral 6 denotes an ink supply unit for supplying ink to each head of the print head block 27; 47, a power supply for supplying power to the apparatus main body 1; 49, a reflection type for detecting whether the paper is normally conveyed; TOF sensor, 50 is T
Transmission type TOF sensor similar to OF sensor 49, 51
(See FIG. 4) is a sub board having a switch for performing a partial operation and adjustment of the apparatus main body 1, 52 is a main board which is a controller of the apparatus main body 1, and 53 is a connection between various actuators and the main board 52. A terminal board, 55 is a memory card, and 56 is an interface for connecting to a host computer or the like.

The recording method of the print head block 27 in the above-described label printer is an ink jet recording method in which recording is performed using an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy for causing film boiling in ink in response to an electric signal. The above-mentioned printer adopting this recording method is what is called a bubble jet printer.

FIG. 5 shows the internal structure of the apparatus main body 1.
In particular, it is a perspective view seen through so that an arrangement relation can be understood. The reference numerals in the figure are the same as those in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, the boards and the like including the main board 52 are disposed outside the back surface of the apparatus main body 1, and not only the heat radiation effect but also the print head block 27 and the recovery system unit 40 are provided. By adopting a configuration separated from the recording unit, the contamination of the recording unit, particularly, the contamination by the ink in this embodiment can be prevented.

A recording section having the print head block 27 and the like, and fixed portions such as the ink supply unit 46 and the power supply 47 are divided into upper and lower parts, and the paper is conveyed therebetween. A recording unit having a complicated device configuration and provided movably, and an ink supply unit 4 requiring replacement.
By separating the ink tank 6 from the ink tank 6, the replacement of the ink tank and the like is facilitated.

Further, since the recording head (described later) in the print head block 27 is arranged downward, the paper such as the label after recording is discharged with the print surface facing upward without reversing the paper. It is easy for the user to confirm after recording. Further, it has been confirmed that in an ink jet recording apparatus, good recording results can be obtained by discharging ink downward.

Further, by arranging the ink supply unit 46 below the print head block 27, a negative pressure due to gravity is applied when supplying ink. If the ink supply unit 46 is provided above the print head unit 46, water pressure is applied to the side to which ink is supplied (the print head block 27 side) by gravity, and the ink is supplied from the discharge port of the recording head in the print head unit 27. It is also possible to cause ink leakage. To eliminate ink leakage,
A mechanism for applying pressure (negative pressure) must be provided, which complicates the structure of the ink supply system and leads to an increase in cost.

Here, the paper roll 3 used in the above-described label printer will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the recording paper 3A is unwound from the web-shaped paper roll 3.

The recording paper 3A is a recording material of a label printer, and is usually called a label. Although various sizes are used depending on the intended use, the label printer of this embodiment can be used with a width W of up to 4 inches. The recording paper 3A is formed by applying labels 3a, 3a,... With a tack adhesive applied to the back surface thereof on a continuous band-shaped backing paper (hereinafter referred to as a “separator”) 3b called a release paper or a separator via a predetermined paper interval w. And is continuously attached. The above-described paper roll 3 is configured by winding a separator 3b having a label 3a attached on its surface in a roll shape.

The recording paper 3A is unwound when used, and is conveyed in the direction of arrow K3. On the back side of the separator 3b, that is, on the opposite side of the surface to which the label 3a has been attached, as shown in FIG. 7, printing is started at a position corresponding to the head (leading edge) of each label 3a on the front side. (Top of Form) mark 3c serving as a trigger for printing is printed. This TFO mark 3c
Is detected by each of the TOF sensors described above, and each TFO is detected.
A tip signal is output from the sensor.

The labels 3a and 3a on the separator 3b
In the case of the label 3a in which the sheet interval w between the labels a is constant, the size (length in the transport direction) of the label 3a can be detected from the sheet interval w of the TOF marks 3c and 3c, and the printable area can also be detected.

In the present embodiment, the TOF sensor detects T
Although the OF mark 3c is detected, when the separator 3b having high light transmittance is used, it is also possible to detect the print start position, the size of the label 3a, and the like by a transmission type sensor.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a high-speed color printer to which the present invention is applied. Image data to be printed by this high-speed color printer is created by the host computer 60,
Alternatively, after being edited, it is sent to the data transmitting / receiving unit 61 as color image data or color character data.

These are divided into the case of receiving bitmap data for each of the four colors (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) and the case of character code data.

Whether the received print data is bitmap data or character code data is identified by a command received in advance.

In the case of character code data, a print start position is specified for each character data or for each of a plurality of character strings, that is, for each change point of the print style, a character font, a character size, and the like.
Commands such as recording color designation are inserted.

The data received by the data transmission / reception unit 61 is read out by the main CPU 62, and is sequentially read from the work RAM 63.
RO for storing bitmaps in character units
The content of the character generator of the corresponding character is read from M65 and the result is written to the print buffer 66. The print buffer 66 includes recording heads 67K, 67C, 67M, and 67M.
Each of the four colors, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, is stored independently for Y.

For example, in this embodiment, the printing resolution is 360 d
Since a line head of 1444 nozzles is used for one head at pi, and printing is performed using 1328 nozzles, the maximum print width is about 3.7 inches.

When the page length is set to 4 inches, the required print buffer size is 1328 × 360 [dot / inch] × 4 [inc
h] = 1912320 [bit / page] Required. In order to continuously print different text or graphic data of a plurality of pages without impairing the effective printing speed, a method having two pages of the print buffer 66, that is, a double buffer method is effective. In this case, the print buffer size needs to be 1912320 [bit / page] × 2 [page] = 3824640 [bit] per color.

If one page is used as a buffer for printing at present and another page is dedicated to editing the next page, the characteristic high-speed printing of the present invention can be realized.

The image data developed in the print buffer 66 is continuously read out from the head control circuit 69, and the recording heads 67K, 67C, 67M, 67Y of four colors (hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the recording heads by color). Is referred to as “recording head 67” as appropriate.) Print buffer 6
6, head control circuit 69, and recording heads 67K, 6
7C, 67M, 67Y and the detailed timing with the main CPU 62 will be described later.

In the ROM 65, a control process for controlling the entire color printer is stored together with the above-described character generator and bar code generator.

Under the control of the control program, the main CPU 6
2 controls driving of the driving motors 72 via the I / O port 70 and the driving circuit 71.

The drive motors 72 include a paper feed motor for transporting the paper, a head motor for operating the above-described recording head up and down, a capping motor for operating the capping of the ink nozzle portion of the recording head, and a cleaning mechanism, and the like. included.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the driving pulse for driving the paper feed motor and the printing operation are completely synchronized.

The sensor circuit 73 monitors a TOF sensor for detecting the head position of the label 3a to be printed, each home position sensor for determining a reference position of a head motor, a capping motor, and the like, and monitors the remaining amount of ink of each color. Such as an ink level sensor.

The main CPU 62 is the host computer 6
The print data received from 0 may be stored in the memory card 75.

When the host computer 60 and the color printer are separated to perform a printing operation, the memory card 75 can be used as one of effective means. The data stored in the memory card 75 is usually in the form of character code data, but fixed print image data that does not need to be changed may be stored as bitmap data for four colors. A print command for a printing operation using the memory card 75 is output from the control panel 76. The control panel 76 can change the print format of the print data in the memory card 75 in addition to the print start and stop operation commands. Details of the control panel 76 will be described later.

FIG. 9 shows an external view of the operation panel 2.

The operation panel 2 includes a power switch 2a for turning on / off the power of the power system, an online switch 2b for switching online / offline operation with the host computer 60, a feed switch 2c for feeding the paper, and a positioning of the leading edge of the paper. A TOF switch 2d for performing, a stop switch 2e for forcibly stopping printing, and an alarm 2f are provided.

FIG. 10 shows the control panel 76 described above.
It is a block diagram of.

The control panel 76 is normally used in a state where the color printer of the present invention and the host computer 60 are separated, that is, in an off-line mode state.

The main functions of the control panel 76 are to display print image data and to change the print format. The control panel 76 is provided in a housing different from the apparatus main body 1 of the color printer.

The normal display image data is sent from the main CPU 62 to the communication port of the sub CPU 76a in the form of code data. However, the display image data of the bit map may be received and displayed. Here, description will be made of a case where the data is received as character code data.

When the key of the data reception request is pressed from the keyboard 76b, the sub CPU 76a issues a data request command to the main CPU 62 side. Main CPU 62
The data sent from the side is stored in the RAM 76c,
In parallel, the sub CPU 76a displays the image data received under the control of the control program stored in the ROM 76d in order to display the received image data. G. FIG. Are sequentially read and written to the display memory 76f via the display control circuit 76e.

Display C. G. FIG. Are provided in the ROM 76d. The display control circuit 76e continuously reads the contents of the display memory 76f and continuously controls the display of the display 76g.
As the display 76g, for example, a 320 × 240 [dot] liquid crystal display is used. If the weight of 1 [dot] on the display 76g corresponds to 1/90 [inch] vertically and horizontally on the print medium, an area of about 3.6 × 2.7 [inch] can be displayed. is there.

The image data and format are the keyboard 7
6b can be used to make changes on the display 76g. The changes are sequentially stored in the RAM 76c.

When printing these results, the sub C
The PU 76a issues a data reception request command to the main CPU 62, and the main CPU 62 receives the updated image data and performs a printing operation.

The display 76g is provided with a backlight 76h for improving display quality. Usually, a cold cathode tube or the like is suitable, and in that case, an inverter 76i for converting and driving DC to AC is used.

FIG. 11 is an internal block diagram of the head control circuit 69 described above.

In this case, the print buffer 66 has a DRAM
Is used. The main CPU 62 controls the print buffer 6
In the case of accessing the access control signal No. 6, the access signal CRAM1 * is activated from the decode circuit 69a. The refresh operation of the print buffer 66 is performed by setting the access signal RRAM1 * of the refresh request circuit 69b to the active state. Further, the recording heads 67K, 67C, 6
When data is transferred to 7M and 67Y, the access signal HRAM1 * of the head data request circuit 69c is activated. These three signals are input to the bus arbiter 69d.

In response to these three accesses, the bus arbiter 69d can access the print buffer 66 according to a predetermined priority. Each access method is controlled by the DRAM control circuit 69e. The bus arbitration circuit 69d controls the bus switching circuit 69f,
U address buses A1 to A18 and an address bus HA1 output from an address switch circuit 69g for head data.
, And outputs address buses DRAD0 to DRAD17 for the print buffer 66.

As with the address, the bus arbiter 69d switches the CPU data buses DRD0 to DRD15 and the data buses HD0 to HD15 transferred to the respective color data transfer circuits 69h by the bus switching circuit 69f in the same manner as the address. Connected to data buses DRD0-15.

Similarly, chip select signals are also applied to CCS0 to CCS1.
5 and outputs RAS0-15 *.

During the printing operation, the head data request circuit 69c
Requests the access right to the print buffer 66, permits the timing by the bus arbiter 69d,
From 9f, the address of each color is output to the print buffer 66, output to the print data HD0 to HD15, and transferred from each color data transfer circuit 69h to the recording head 67K and the like. By these series of operations, the print data and the print contents can be matched.

The operation timing of the above operation is determined by the timing generation circuit 69i. Timing generation circuit 69
i is sent in synchronization with the FEEDMCK signal sent to the paper feed motor.

As described above, since the data transfer of each color recording head during printing is controlled by hardware in the head control circuit 69, the main CPU 62 does not need to access the print buffer 66 during the printing operation, and the load is greatly increased. High-speed printing becomes possible.

When the print data differs for each page, the print buffer 66 is made to wait for two or more pages, and while the data of one page buffer is being printed, the main PU 62 develops the bit map into the other page buffer. By switching the address of the print buffer 66 when transferring to the recording head, continuous recording becomes possible.

The main CPU 62 measures the processing time required for developing one page of print data in the bit map RAM, and sets the recording speed in advance so that the development processing time does not exceed the recording processing time required for recording one page. By setting, development and recording can be performed effectively. That is, by changing the recording speed in accordance with the amount of image data such as a barcode, efficient development and recording can be performed.

The change of the recording speed may be finely set step by step, or may be set to 50, 100, 200 (mm / sec) (1
(The length of a label recorded in a second). In addition, the recording speed may be changed by a user with a switch.

Further, 360 dots / inch (14 dots / inch)
recording at a resolution of t / mm)
When the recording speed is 200 mm / sec, 200 mm / sec * 14 dots / mm = 2800 do
t / sec That is, it is driven at a frequency of 2.8 kHz.

Similarly, according to the recording speed, the recording speed becomes 10
1.4 kHz at 0 mm / sec, 50 mm / sec
Is driven at a frequency of 0.7 kHz.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a printing mechanism (print head block) 27 of the high-speed line printer. Four recording heads arranged in a line are provided. That is, the recording head 67K for black color printing,
Recording head 67C for cyan printing, recording head 67M for magenta printing, recording head 6 for yellow printing
7Y. Various methods are used for the recording head. For example, (a) heat is applied to a heater in a nozzle to generate bubbles,
Ink jet method, in which ink is ejected by the pressure generated by air bubbles. (B) Ink jet method in which ink is filled in a cylindrical piezoelectric element and ink is ejected by contraction of the piezoelectric element. A thermal transfer method in which heat is applied to the heater to transfer the color of the film to the recording paper by placing it in the middle (d) Using a recording paper that reacts thermally, a thermal method that changes the color of the recording paper by applying heat to the heater is considered. However, the control method is basically the same.
That is, this is a method in which a pulse is electrically applied to a recording head unit such as a heater or a piezoelectric element, and the time and voltage of the pulse are controlled. Here, the recording head of the method (a) is particularly employed.

Printing is performed on these recording heads 67K, 67K.
The recording paper 3A is fed by a paper feed motor below C, 67M and 67Y, and this clock, ie, FEEDMCK.
Printing is performed line by line in synchronization with the signal.

FIG. 13 is an example of an equivalent circuit of the print head block 27. Since the heater 67a of the recording head is considered to be a resistor electrically, it is represented by a resistor. The IC 67b for controlling the 64 heaters 67a is 21
And the total number of heaters 67a is 1344 (= 64 × 2
8) Number

The print data is synchronized with the SICK signal by the SI
Transferred by signal. The data is D1 by the shift register.
To D1344. L when transfer is completed
The AT * signal is input, and the shifted data is temporarily held. For printing, since the STRB1 signal and the STRBCK signal have a shift register configuration in IC units,
Control is performed in units of 64 heaters. The reason why the 1344 heaters 67a are not controlled simultaneously is that the heaters 67a
This is because a large current flows through the power supply and time-division driving improves power efficiency.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the printing mechanism 27 (print head block). As in the printing mechanism 27 shown in FIG. 12, four linear recording heads are arranged.
The recording heads 67K, 67C, 67M, and 67Y correspond to four colors of black K, cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y, respectively, and are transported in the recording paper 3A direction (arrow K).
(3 directions) from the upstream side in ascending order of lightness.

Each recording head 67K, 67C, 67M, 6
7Y are arranged at an interval of 19.05 mm (7.5 inches), and the respective recording heads are controlled such that the recording positions of the recording paper 3A with respect to the label 3a overlap.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the entire ink supply system, which will be described below according to the flow of ink.

[0122] The ink is sucked by the suction from the ink bag 68a ₁ in the ink cartridge 68a of the pump 68b, and is stored in the sub tank 68d through a one-way valve 68c ₁ in the valve 68c. This is indicated by a white arrow 1 in FIG. On the other hand, during normal printing, the sub tank 68d
Thus, the same amount of ink as the used amount is supplied to the recording head 67 as shown by the white arrow 2 in FIG.

If the same pattern is printed or left without being used, the ink in the nozzles of the recording head 67 will thicken, and bubbles will be generated (collected) in the recording head 67 and in the tube. As a result, the subsequent printing may be hindered. In such a case, a recovery operation of the recording head 67 is required. The black arrows 1 and 2 in the drawing indicate the flow of the ink at this time.

First, the black arrow 1 indicates the circulation of ink to the recording head 67. When the pump 68b rotates in the reverse direction to the above-described supply to the sub-tank 68d, the ink flows from the sub-tank 68d into the bubble 68c. One-way valve 68
through c ₂ circulated to the recording head 67, the sub tank 68d
It is to return to. At this time, the thickened ink near the nozzles of the recording head 67 is discharged from the nozzles, and bubbles in the flow path are similarly discharged from the nozzles or collected in the sub tank 68d.

Next, a black arrow 2 indicates a recovery system of the ink discharged from the nozzle of the head to the recovery system unit 40. The pump 68b has the ability to circulate ink to the recording head 67 and at the same time to operate this ink recovery system. Then, the ink pump 68b that is discharged into the recovery unit 40, since it is collected in the waste ink absorber 68a ₂ in the ink cartridge 68a, at the time of replacing the ink cartridge 68a new waste ink absorber 6
8a ₂ .

The above is the description of the entire ink supply system.
As a portion not described above, the presence / absence detection sensor 68 of the ink cartridge 68a is provided in the ink cartridge storage portion.
f is provided, and the recording head 67 can be connected to the main body side by a head joint 68g.

The sub-tank 68d has an ink level sensor 68h for keeping the amount of ink at a certain level or more.
An overflow sensor 68i for stopping the apparatus when it fails for some reason and a breather valve 68j for releasing the pressure in the tank to the atmosphere are provided. Further, the recording head 67 is provided with a head filter 68k.

FIG. 16 illustrates the recording head 67 and the head holder 7777 of the apparatus main body 1 for connecting the recording head. Four recording heads 67 are arranged in parallel in the head holder 77, that is, recording heads 67K, 67C, 67M, 67 for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
After Y is inserted and positioned, the positioning is performed by inserting a head positioning pin 67c below each recording head 67 into a joint (not shown) in the head holder 77.

A head flex A 67 d having a contact is connected to the upper portion of each recording head 67, and a head flex B provided on a lid portion 77 a of the head holder 77 is provided.
By fixing in a state in which it is in contact with 77b, an electric signal from the apparatus main body 1 side can be received.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an actual ink supply system in the apparatus main body 1. Here, for the elements other than the recording head 67, the sub tank 68d, and the recovery system unit 40, only the yellow Y portion is shown.

The ink flow shown in FIG.
To explain using u, when ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 68a to the sub-tank 68d, the ink is supplied to the sub-tank 68d via the tubes Tu1, Tu2, Tu3. At the time of printing, ink is supplied from the sub tank 68d to the recording head 67Y via the tube Tu4. When the ink is circulated in the head, the tubes Tu3 and Tu3 are supplied from the sub tank 68d.
The ink flows in the order of 2, Tu5, and Tu4, and circulates again to the sub tank 68d. At the time of ink recovery, ink flows from the recovery system unit 40 to the waste ink absorber of the ink cartridge 68a via the tubes Tu6 and Tu7.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the print head block 27 including the recording head 67 and the head holder 77 and the recovery system unit 40. The print head block 27 can be moved vertically (in the direction of arrow K27) by a driving source (not shown), while the recovery system unit 40 can be moved in the horizontal direction (in the direction of arrow K40).

In the recovery system unit 40, the recording head 6
In order to efficiently collect the ink discharged from the nozzle at the time of the recovery of 7, the recording head 67 is provided with an absorber roller 352 below the recording head 67. Absorber roller 40
a is driven to rotate by a recovery system motor 40f mounted on the recovery system unit 40 via a roller gear 40b and an idler gear 40c, a motor idler gear 40d, a motor gear 40e, etc. incorporated on the shaft.

FIG. 19 explains the operation in the recovery system unit 40 when the recording head 67 recovers. The state of FIG. 7 shows a state in which the recording head 67 is in close contact with the recovery system unit 40 (capping, which will be described later).
7 The ink circulation during the recovery operation is performed in this state.

As described with reference to FIG. 18, the absorber roller 40a below the recording head 67 is connected to the recovery unit 40.
The ink discharged from the head nozzle 67e is squeezed there and absorbed by the recovery system motor 40f mounted in the head nozzle 67e. The upper side of the body roller 40a is in a state where the ink easily permeates at all times. In the figure, the yellow recording head 67Y
The ink discharged into the recovery system unit 40 is supplied to the pump 6 as described above.
Is transferred through the tube Tu6, Tu7 the waste ink absorber 68a ₂ of the ink cartridge 68a through 8b.

In the figure, 67f is a head front plate, 40h is a blade, and 40i is a cap rubber.

FIG. 20 explains each position of the recording head 67 and the recovery system unit 40.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D are enlarged views for explaining the positions of the recording head 67 and the recovery system unit 40. FIG.

Next, each operation will be described.

FIG. 20A is a diagram showing a state of capping. Capping is a normal standby state or a position during ink circulation in the recovery operation of the recording head 67. The head front plate 67f of the recording head 67 and the capping rubber 40i of the recovery system unit 40 are in close contact with each other.

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a wiping state. Wiping is one of the recovering operations of the recording head 67. In the ink discharged from the head nozzle 67e due to the ink circulation, the wiping removes the ink droplets which are not absorbed and remain around the head nozzle 67e.

FIG. 14C shows a state where the recording head 67 and the recovery system unit 40 are retracted. The retracted state is used to move the recording head 67 away from the recovery system unit 40 so that the recording head 67 does not come into contact with the recovery system unit 40 when moving from the capping state to the printing state or when moving in the reverse direction. This is the operation to be performed.

FIG. (D) shows a normal printing state.
The recovery system unit 40 is completely retracted to the right, the recording head 67 is moved further below the capping position, and a predetermined distance from the recording paper 3A (not shown) is maintained.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an initial process after the power is turned on in this embodiment.

After the power is turned on, in S (step) 001, RA
Initialization and initialization of M63, initialization of the print buffer 66, and the like are performed, and initialization of the I / O port 70 and the head control circuit (GA) 69 is performed in S002.

Next, in S003, the print head block 2
After driving the head moving motor 41 to detect the home position, the device 7 is positioned at the retracted position shown in FIG. Here, when an abnormality such as an undetectable home position occurs, the operation is abnormally terminated.

Similarly, after detecting the home position at which the recovery unit moving motor 43 was driven in S004, the recovery system unit 40 is positioned at the capping position shown in FIG. Here, when an abnormality such as an undetectable home position occurs, the operation is abnormally terminated.

Further, in S005, the print head block 2
7 is driven to drive the head moving motor 41 and is positioned at the capping position shown in FIG.

Thereafter, in S006, the recovery process described in FIG. 24 is performed (described later), and the system enters a standby state. Here, if an abnormality is derived in the recovery process, the process is abnormally terminated.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the printing process of this embodiment.

First, a preliminary ejection process described in FIG. 25 is performed in S101 (described later). Here, when an abnormality occurs in the preliminary ejection processing, the abnormal termination is performed. In S102, a preliminary ejection timer for defining a time interval of the preliminary ejection operation is started.

Next, at S103, the print head block 2
7 and the position of the recovery system unit 40 are checked, and FIG.
If the print position is not at the print position shown in FIG.
To drive the recovery unit moving motor 43 and the head moving motor 41 to position the print position.

Thereafter, the supply of the feed clock signal to the drive circuit 71 and the head control circuit 69 is started in S105. Here, the feed clock signal varies in accordance with each of acceleration, constant speed, and deceleration speed tables that define a pre-specified transport speed.

When the feed clock signal is supplied, the transport of the paper roll 3 is started. Along with that, S10
At 6, the TOF mark 3c is detected, and if detected, a print trigger signal is given to the head control circuit 69 at S107.

During the printing operation, in S108, a preliminary ejection process during printing described in FIG. 23 is performed (described later). Here, when an abnormality occurs in the preliminary ejection process during printing, the abnormal termination is performed.

In step S109, it is determined whether the printing operation is to be continued.
If continued, the process returns to S106. If not continued, S11
At 0, the feed clock signal is stopped.

Finally, in step S111, the recovery unit moving motor 43 and the head moving motor 41 are driven to move the print head block 27 and the recovery system unit 40.
It is positioned at the capping position shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the preliminary ejection process during printing according to this embodiment.

First, when the preliminary ejection timer for defining the preliminary ejection time interval indicates in S121 that the predetermined time interval has elapsed, the process proceeds to S122, and otherwise, the process ends normally.

In S122, the feed clock signal is stopped.

Next, in S123, a preliminary ejection process described in FIG. 25 is performed (described later). Here, if an abnormality occurs in the preliminary ejection process, the process ends abnormally.

Thereafter, in step S124, the preliminary ejection timer for defining the time interval of the preliminary ejection is restarted.

Finally, the supply of the feed clock signal to the drive circuit 70 and the head control circuit 69 is restarted in S125.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the recovery process of this embodiment.

First, in step S201, the positions of the print head block 27 and the recovery system unit 40 are checked.
If it is not at the capping position illustrated in FIG. 0 (a), the recovery unit moving motor 43 and the head moving motor 41 are driven to position the capping position at S202.

Next, in step S203, the presence or absence of a cartridge is checked by the cartridge presence / absence sensor 68f. If there is a cartridge that cannot be detected, the process is abnormally terminated. Of course, the cartridge examines each of the four colors.

Thereafter, if an overflow is detected by the overflow sensor 68i in S204, the process is abnormally terminated.

Further, ink supply is performed in S205. The ink level sensor 68h and the overflow sensor 68i are checked each time the ink pump 68b is rotated at a predetermined rotational speed in the supply direction, and the ink level sensor 68h is detected when the overflow sensor 68i is not detected within the predetermined total rotational speed. If is detected, S206
And abort otherwise. Naturally, this ink supply is performed for each of the four colors.

Then, a recovery operation is performed in S206. After starting the recovery motor 40f and rotating the ink pump 68b in the recovery direction at a rotational speed determined in advance by a recovery operation time interval or the like, the recovery motor 40f is stopped. Of course, this recovery operation is performed for each color.

Finally, in S207, a preliminary ejection process described in the next FIG. 25 is performed. Here, if an abnormality occurs in the preliminary ejection process, the process ends abnormally.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the preliminary ejection process of this embodiment.

Steps S211 to S215 are performed in the same manner as in FIG.
The same processing as in steps 201 to S205 is performed.

Next, the number of preliminary ejections determined by the time interval of the preliminary ejection operation and the like is given to the head control circuit 69 in S216. Then, in S217, an instruction for a preliminary ejection operation is given to the head control circuit 69.

Finally, in S218, a wiping process described in the next FIG. 26 is performed.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the wiping process of this embodiment.

First, the recovery system unit 40 is added to S221.
20A, and if the capping position is not at the capping position shown in FIG. 20A, the print head block 27 is driven by the head moving motor 41 in S222,
It is positioned at the evacuation position shown in FIG. Then, S
At 223, the recovery unit 40 is driven by the recovery unit moving motor 43, and is positioned at the capping position shown in FIG.

Thereafter, in S224, the print head block 2
7 is driven to drive the head moving motor 41 and is positioned at the wiping position shown in FIG. Next, S225
Then, the recovery unit 40 is driven by the recovery unit moving motor 43, and is positioned at the wiping position shown in FIG.

Finally, in S227, the recovery system unit 40 is driven by the recovery unit moving motor 43, and is positioned at the capping position shown in FIG. Then, S
At 228, the print head block 27 is moved to the head moving motor 4
1 is driven and positioned at the capping position shown in FIG.

[0179]

[0180]

[0181]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By providing a guide member that can be adjusted in the width direction of the recording paper, even if the size of the recording paper in the left-right direction changes, this can be effectively pressed against the belt , and the portion immediately before printing on the recording paper can be obtained. Can also be satisfactorily suppressed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, with a door opened.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, as viewed from the front.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, as viewed from above.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating label roll paper (recording paper).

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a TOF mark on label roll paper.

FIG. 8 is a system block diagram of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a control panel of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a head control circuit of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a printing mechanism of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a head unit of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an interval between print recording heads of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 15 is an ink supply block diagram of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a print head block of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an ink supply system of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a recovery system of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a recovery system of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

20 (a), (b), (c), and (d) are views for explaining the position of a recovery system of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart when the power of the recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied is turned on.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a printing process of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart at the time of preliminary ejection during printing of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a recovery process of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of preliminary ejection of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a wiping process of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating a printing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a relationship between temperature and humidity and surface potentials of the charging belts of the conventional example, the fifth example, and the sixth example.

FIG. 32 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating a printing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a top view schematically illustrating a printing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the head protection plate according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 35 is an operation explanatory view of the head protection plate of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a top view schematically illustrating a printing apparatus according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a projection of the plate-shaped member of the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating a printing apparatus according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a top view schematically illustrating a printing apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a printing apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3A Recording paper (label paper) 4 Paper supply means 4b Heating means (heating roller) 21 Charging means (charging roller) 22 Static elimination means (static elimination roller) 23 Charging belt 25 Follower roller (paper pressing roller) 26 Platen 27 Image recording means ( Print head block) 29a, 29b plate-like member 67 recording head

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-155947 (JP, A) JP-A-4-85044 (JP, A) JP-A-4-21870 (JP, A) JP-A-5-249778 (JP) (A) JP-A-5-185661 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B65H 5/00 B41J 13/08 B65H 20/00

Claims (17)

(57) [Claims] 1. An endless charging belt having an insulating layer
The charging belt is arranged freely, and is located upstream along the circling direction of the charging belt.
Charging means for charging the surface of the charging belt in order from the side,
A paper feeder that feeds recording paper to the charged belt after charging
Step, recording paper electrostatically attracted to the surface of the charging belt
Means for removing electricity from the surface of the paper, and an image is formed on the recording paper after the removal of electricity.
Printing apparatus having an image recording means for forming
The downstream side of the static elimination unit and the upstream side of the image recording unit
Driven by pressing the recording paper against the surface of the charging belt
RollerHave The driven roller is made of an electrically conductive metal roll.
And a predetermined potential including ground is applied.  A printing device, characterized by: (2)Endless beltAre arranged freely around the
beltIn order from the upstream side along the circling direction of,The beltTo
Paper supply means for supplying recording paper,Recording sheetExcept the surface of
An electricity removing means for forming an image on the recording sheet after the electricity is removed
Image recording meansIs arranged, The belt The recording paper conveyed byAnd saidImage
Between the recording means,Guide memberAnd theGuide memberWrote
Adjustable in the width direction of the recording paper
A printing device for holding paper. 3. The image forming means has a recording head.
3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a protection plate for preventing the guide member from being lifted by paper jam or the like and coming into contact with the recording head or the fixed recording head. 4. The image forming means has a recording head.
3. The head member according to claim 2, wherein a protrusion is formed on the guide member, and the protrusion causes the recording paper having a paper jam or the like to come into contact with an outer peripheral portion of the recording head, thereby damaging a head printing portion. Printing equipment. 5. The belt according to claim 1 , wherein
The platen is disposed on the opposite side, the guide member can be of any claims 2 to 4, characterized in that in response to said paper thickness of the recording paper can be moved and adjusted in the vertical direction with respect to the platen Or a printing device according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The method of claim 2 through claim 5, wherein the platen is constituted by an endless belt
A printing device according to any one of the preceding claims. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein contact between the endless belt and the guide member is eliminated. 8. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7 and detecting the paper jam by contact with the protective plate and the guide member. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a paper jam is detected by detecting the lifting of the guide member by a sensor. 10. The method of claim 2 through claim, characterized in that the head protecting plate when said recording head is moved to the non-printing area is stored in the leaving direction with respect to the recording sheet surface than the head printing unit 10. The printing device according to any one of items 9 to 9 . And wherein said guide member, and detecting a piece of paper by contact with the platen claim 2
The printing device according to any one of claims 5 to 10 , or 8 to 10 . 12. The printing according to any one of the guide member claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the paper width direction of the guide and becomes a plate formed with attached or integral to, or claims 8 to 11, apparatus. Wherein said image recording means printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink to the recording paper. 14.An endless belt is arranged freely to go around,
The charging belt is sequentially arranged from the upstream side along the circumferential direction of the belt.
Paper feeder that feeds the recording paper to the
A static eliminator for neutralizing the surface; and an image on the recording sheet after the static elimination.
For recording in a printing apparatus provided with image recording means for forming
In a paper transport device that transports paper, A roll of recording paper is fed, and the fed recording paper is suppressed.
Guide member, and the guide member is used for recording.
The recording paper is attached so as to be adjustable in the width direction of the paper.
A paper transport device characterized by holding down. 15. A sensor for detecting the lifting of the guide member.
Specially detects paper jams by detecting
15. The paper transport device according to claim 14, wherein 16. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein the guide member is
It is characterized in that it can be adjusted up and down according to the thickness
The paper transport device according to claim 14, wherein: 17. A guide in a paper width direction provided on the guide member.
It is characterized by attaching a plate or forming it integrally
The paper transport device according to claim 14, wherein: