JPH04141470A - Ink-jet recording device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent fouling due to the ink of a recording medium, and to shorten the time for paper discharge by deciding no-reaching to a specified inhibition region of the rear end of the recording medium on the basis of the feed of the recording medium and simultaneously operating a head moving means and a discharging means in response to the decision of no-reaching to the inhibition region. CONSTITUTION:When a recording head 6 is positioned at the position of a line XX, the absence of the rear end of a recording medium 1 in an inhibition region is decided by comparing the count value of the quantity of paper fed of the internal counter of a CPU 21 and a specified set value. The set value is determined on the basis of length in the direction of carrying of the recording medium 1 and length L1 in the direction of feed of the inhibition region. When a stroke is decided, whether or not a paper discharge command, a form feed signal, is generated is judged. When affirmation is decided, operation is transferred to paper-discharge operation, a carriage motor 35 and an LF motor 33 are driven simultaneously because the absence of the rear end of the recording medium 1 in the inhibition region shown by hatching is confirmed, and the retreat operation of the recording head 6 and paper-feed operation for paper discharge of the recording medium 1 are conducted simultaneously, thus shortening a paper-discharge time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus and method that performs recording by ejecting ink from an ejection port onto a recording medium, and particularly relates to an inkjet recording apparatus and method that performs recording by ejecting ink from an ejection port onto a recording medium. The present invention relates to an inkjet recording device and method that save time.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, an inkjet recording device records characters or images by ejecting ink from an ejection port toward a recording medium using one or more colors of ink, so it is possible to perform high-speed recording. It has features not found in other recording devices, such as low noise and high image quality, and the ability to record information on many types of recording media in a non-contact manner, regardless of the material of the recording medium.

By the way, inkjet recording devices use liquid ink, so if you eject paper with the recording head in the recording position, the trailing edge of the recording medium will come into contact with the ink ejection ports of the recording head, and the recording medium will be damaged. There is a high risk that it will get stained with ink. Therefore, conventionally, when discharging a recording medium that has finished printing to the outside of the device, the recording head is first moved to a predetermined evacuation position (for example, the home position position) and then conveyance for paper ejection is started. I was trying to do that.

Further, in conventional inkjet recording apparatuses, like other types of recording apparatuses, when discharging a sheet, the sheet feeding operation is started after the sheet discharging operation is completed.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, as described above, in the conventional inkjet recording apparatus, the retraction movement of the recording head and the paper ejecting operation are performed separately, and the paper ejecting operation and the paper feeding operation are performed separately. Because this was done separately, it took time to eject and feed paper, and the high-speed recording capabilities of the device could not be fully utilized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned points, an object of the present invention is to prevent the recording medium from being contaminated by ink, and also to shorten the time for paper ejection and paper feeding to achieve a throughput. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inkjet printer and method that can be shortened.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention provides an inkjet printing apparatus having a printing head that ejects ink from an ejection port onto a printing medium, in which the printing head is moved in a main scanning direction. a head moving means for reciprocating in a direction, a feeding means for feeding a recording medium, an ejection means for ejecting the recording medium, and detecting a leading edge or a trailing edge of the recording medium being fed by the feeding means. a feed amount counting means for counting the feed amount of the recording medium using the detection output of the detection means or a feeding start command as a trigger signal; determining means for determining whether the rear end of the recording medium has not reached a predetermined prohibited area; and the head moving means and the ejecting means in response to an affirmative determination by the determining means that the rear end of the recording medium has not yet reached the prohibited area. The present invention is characterized by comprising a control means for retracting the recording head to a predetermined position and at the same time performing drive control for ejecting the recording medium by simultaneously operating the recording head and the recording medium.

In order to achieve the above object, a second aspect of the present invention provides an inkjet recording apparatus having a recording head that discharges ink from an ejection port onto a recording medium, including a feeding means for feeding the recording medium, and a feeding means for feeding the recording medium; a discharging means for discharging a medium; a detecting means for detecting a leading edge or a trailing edge of the recording medium being fed by the feeding means; A determining means for determining whether or not the edge has reached a predetermined permissible area, and simultaneously operating the ejecting means and the paper feeding means in response to an affirmative determination by the determining means that the end has reached the permissible area. The present invention is characterized by comprising a control means for performing drive control for simultaneously feeding and discharging the recording medium.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the control means sequentially operates the head moving means and the ejecting means in response to a negative determination of the determination means that the prohibited area has been reached. The recording medium is retracted to a predetermined position, and then drive control is performed to unload the recording medium.

In another aspect of the present invention, the determining means determines that when the rear end of the recording medium is prevented from lifting up by a pressing member, the rear end of the recording medium does not reach a predetermined prohibited area. When the rear end of the recording medium has passed through the pressing member, it is determined that the prohibited area has been reached.

In another aspect of the present invention, the determining means determines whether the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached a predetermined permissible area based on a trailing edge detection signal obtained from the detecting device,
The control means drives the head moving means to retract the recording head to a predetermined position in response to an affirmative determination by the determination means that the permissible area has been reached, and then moves the recording head to a predetermined position. The present invention is characterized in that drive control is performed to simultaneously feed and eject the recording medium by operating the two at the same time.

Further, in another aspect of the present invention, the permissible area is set according to the distance between the feeding means and the recording head.

A first method of the present invention is an inkjet printing apparatus having a printing head that ejects ink from an ejection port onto a printing medium, including a head moving means for reciprocating the printing head in the main scanning direction; a feeding means for feeding the recording medium, a discharging means for discharging the recording medium, and a detection means for detecting a leading edge or a trailing edge of the recording medium being fed by the feeding means; Counting the feed amount of the recording medium using the detection output or the feeding start command as a trigger signal, determining whether the rear end of the recording medium has not reached a predetermined prohibited area based on the feed amount, and In response to an affirmative determination that the prohibited area has not yet been reached, drive control is performed to simultaneously operate the head moving means and the ejecting means to retract the recording head to a predetermined position and simultaneously eject the recording medium. It is characterized by

Further, a second method of the present invention is an inkjet recording apparatus having a recording head that discharges ink from an ejection port onto a recording medium, a feeding means for feeding the recording medium;
The recording medium has a discharge means for discharging the recording medium, and a detection means for detecting a leading edge or a trailing edge of the recording medium being fed by the feeding means, based on a trailing edge detection signal obtained from the detection means. The recording is performed by determining whether the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached a predetermined permissible area, and in response to an affirmative determination that the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached the permissible area, simultaneously operating the ejecting means and the paper feeding means. It is characterized by performing drive control that simultaneously feeds and discharges the medium.

[Function] In the present invention, the feed amount of the recording medium is measured, and based on this feed amount, it is determined whether the rear end of the recording medium has not reached a predetermined prohibited area, and when ejecting, this prohibited area is determined. In response to an affirmative determination that the recording area has not yet been reached, the head moving means and ejecting means are simultaneously operated to retract the recording head to a predetermined position and at the same time perform drive control to eject the recording medium. In addition to preventing the media from being smeared with ink, the paper ejection time is reduced to improve throughput, resulting in a substantial reduction in recording time.

Further, in the present invention, it is determined whether the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached a predetermined permissible area based on the trailing edge detection signal obtained from the detection means, and when the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached the predetermined permissible area during ejection and feeding. By operating the ejecting means and the feeding means simultaneously in response to an affirmative determination, drive control is performed to feed and eject the recording medium at the same time, thereby preventing the recording medium from being contaminated by ink. Both ejection and feed times are reduced, significantly increasing throughput and resulting in a substantial reduction in recording time.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, A is a head moving means that reciprocates a print head that ejects ink from ejection ports onto a print medium in the main scanning direction. B is a feeding means for feeding the recording medium. C
is an ejection means for ejecting the recording medium. D is a detection means for detecting the leading edge or trailing edge of the recording medium being fed by the feeding means B. Reference numeral E denotes a feed amount counting means for counting the feed amount of the recording medium using the detection output of the detection means or the paper feeding start command as a trigger signal. Denoted by F is a determining means that determines whether the rear end of the recording medium has not reached a predetermined prohibited area based on the feed amount obtained from the feed amount counting means E. G simultaneously operates the head moving means A and the ejecting means C in response to the affirmative determination by the determining means E that the prohibited area has not yet been reached, thereby retracting the recording head to a predetermined position and simultaneously ejecting the recording medium. This is a control means that performs drive control. In addition, the control means G includes, for example, the determination means E
In response to a negative determination that the prohibited area has been reached, the head moving means A and the ejecting means C are sequentially operated to retract the recording head to a predetermined position and then drive control is performed to unload the recording medium.

In another aspect, the determining means F determines whether the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached a predetermined permissible area based on the trailing edge detection signal obtained from the sensing device. Then, the control means G performs drive control to simultaneously feed and eject the recording medium by simultaneously operating the ejecting means C and the feeding means B in response to the affirmative judgment of the determining means F that the permissible range has been reached. conduct.

Further, as a specific example, when the rear end of the recording medium is prevented from lifting up by the pressing member, the determining means F determines that the rear end of the recording medium has not reached a predetermined prohibited area, and When the rear end has passed through the holding member, it is determined that the prohibited area has been reached. Alternatively, the determining means F determines whether the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached a predetermined permissible area based on the trailing edge detection signal obtained from the detecting means, and the controlling means G In response to an affirmative determination that the permissible area has been reached, the head moving means A is driven to retract the recording head to a predetermined position, and then the ejection means C and the feeding means B are simultaneously operated to feed the recording medium. Controls the drive to simultaneously perform and discharge.

The permissible area is set depending on the distance between the feeding means B and the recording head, for example.

FIG. 2 shows, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an example of the configuration of a so-called bubble jet (BJ) type color ink jet recording apparatus having an electrothermal converter as an ejection energy generating means.

In FIG. 2, a recording medium l such as paper or a plastic sheet is placed on a paper feed tray 2, and a paper feed roller is driven by a paper feed LF (line feed) motor (see FIG. 5), which will be described later. 3, the paper is fed one by one,
Furthermore, the paper is conveyed to an inkjet recording head 6 while being synchronized by a pinch roller 4 and a paper feed roller (also referred to as a conveyance roller) 5. A PE (vapor end) sensor lever 7 is provided near the upstream side of the pinch roller 4, and when the leading edge of the recording medium 1 pushes down this PE sensor lever 7, a PE photo sensor 8 at the lower end of the PE sensor lever 7 is turned on. When the rear end of the recording medium 1 passes through the PE sensor lever 7, the PE sensor lever 7 returns to its original state and the PE photosensor 8 is turned off. Additionally, there is an optical reflective paper width sensor 9 that detects the lateral size of the recording medium near the ink ejection ports of the recording head 6, and the recording medium 1 passes through this paper width sensor 9. As a result, the actual paper width size of the recording medium 1 is detected.Reference numeral 10 is a paper pressing plate spring that prevents the recording medium 1 from lifting up, and is located near the recording head 6 from upstream to downstream of the pinch roller 4. A guide shaft 11 is provided in front of and parallel to the pinch roller 4 and paper feed roller 5.A gear ridge 12 is connected to the carriage motor (see FIG. 5) along this guide shaft 11. It is driven back and forth via a wire (not shown) by the output of.

A recording head unit 6, which is a BJ type infusierato head, is mounted on the carriage 12. This recording head unit i 6Ll is for creating color images,
Arranged in the scanning direction, cyan (C), magenta (M),
It consists of four recording heads, one for each color of yellow (Y) and black (BK). A predetermined interval between the recording medium 1 of each recording head (for example, 08 mm)
A recording section in which a plurality of (e.g., eight) ink ejection ports are arranged in a vertical row is provided on the opposite surface.

A plurality of ink ejection orifices are formed at a predetermined pitch in the vertical direction on the surface of the recording head 6 facing the recording medium 1, and electrothermal transducers (heating resistors) of each ink ejection orifice are formed based on recording information. is driven (heated with electricity) to create bubbles within the ink.
The pressure generated at this time forms flying ink droplets, and recording is performed while the ink dots are attached to the recording medium 1 in a predetermined pattern. Each recording head is equipped with a circuit board for a drive circuit (driver) for driving in this manner.

Further, a control unit including a control circuit (CPU) of the recording apparatus and a ROM, RAM, etc. attached thereto is formed on a control board (not shown), and this control unit is connected to a host device such as a computer ( command signals and data signals (recording information) are received from a computer (not shown), and based on these signals, each recording head 6 is sent via a heat driver together with drive sources such as various motors.
A driving voltage (heat voltage) for the electrothermal converter is applied to.

The carriage 12 is also provided with a cartridge lever 13 that adjusts the paper distance between the recording head 6 and the recording medium 1, and the lever 13 is moved from the solid line position to the broken line position or from the broken line position to the solid line position in the figure. By changing this, the distance between the sheets can be changed. This makes it possible to accommodate a relatively thick recording medium 1. Ink ejected from the recording head 6 is supplied from ink tanks 14 for each color arranged at the bottom of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows in detail the structure near the recording head 6 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. Here, 5 is a platen forming a conveyance path, and 16 is a paper discharge roller provided on the conveyance path downstream of the recording head 6. The recording medium 1 is conveyed by a pinch roller 4 and a paper feed roller 5, information such as a character image is recorded on a platen 15 by ink ejected from a recording head 6, and the paper is ejected by a pair of ejection rollers 16. (See Figure 4) It is discharged upward.

4(A) and 4(B) show the overall appearance of the inkjet recording apparatus shown in FIG. This is what is shown. In FIG. 4, 18 is a paper discharge tray, and 19 is an operation panel. This operation panel 19, which is attached to the exterior case of the recording device, includes key setting sections such as an online/offline switching key, line feed key, form feed key, and recording mode switching key, as well as several alarm lamps and a power lamp. A display unit 20 including warning lamps such as the like is provided.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the control system of the BJ type inkjet recording apparatus shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, a CPU 21 in the form of a micro processor
is connected to a host device 41 such as a computer via an interface 22, and receives command signals (commands) read into the data memory 23 from the boss 1 to device 31.
The recording operation is controlled based on the program and data as shown in FIG. 7 or 9 stored in the program memory 24, working memory 25, etc. in the form of ROM, as well as the recording information signal. A PE photo sensor (referred to as a sheet sensor) 8 detects whether or not a recording medium l exists between the paper feed roller 3 and the paper feed roller 5 (FIG. 2), and sends a message to the CPU 21 via the input port 26. The detection signal is transmitted to.

The output from each operation key 42 on the operation panel 19 described above is transmitted to the CPLJ 21 via the input boat 27.
Furthermore, control signals are supplied to warning lamps such as alarm lamps and power lamps and the display 20 via the output port 28.

From the power supply circuit 29, a logic drive voltage VCC (5V) for operating the control logic circuit, various motor drive voltages VM (30V), a reset voltage RESET, and a driver 1 forming element (electrothermal converter) of each recording head 6 are supplied. ) Heat voltage (head voltage) VH (25V) for heating
, and a backup voltage V for protecting the recording head 6.
I) DH is output. The heat voltage VH is applied to the recording head 6, and the backup voltage VDDH is applied to the head control circuit 30 and the recording head 6, respectively.

Further, the CPU 21 is connected to a driver circuit 32 via an output boat 31, and the driver circuit 32 controls the paper feed roller 3, paper feed roller 5, and It drives and controls loads such as an LF motor 33 that rotationally drives the paper ejection roller 16, a clutch 34, and a carriage morph 35 that reciprocates the carriage 12. In particular, the driver circuit 32 of this example can change the rotation speed and torque of the LF motor 33 by variably controlling the output pulse interval (frequency), and can also change the rotation direction of the LF motor 33.

An example of the operation of the color inkjet recording apparatus according to this example will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

In this embodiment, when the trailing edge of the recording medium 1 is not located in a predetermined prohibited area position during paper ejection, the evacuation operation of the recording head 6 and the paper feeding operation for ejecting the paper are performed simultaneously. FIG. 6 shows an example of the positional relationship between the recording medium 1 and this prohibited area. If the recording head 6 is located within the area indicated by reference numeral AA in FIG. 6 with respect to the recording medium l when a paper discharge command is issued, it is assumed that the trailing edge of the recording medium 1 does not exist in the prohibited area indicated by hatching. , when the above evacuation operation and paper feeding operation are performed at the same time, and the recording head 6 is in this prohibited area, the rear end of the recording medium 1 is assumed to be in the prohibited area, and the recording head is retracted and then the paper feeding operation is performed. Execute. The xX line in this figure indicates the boundary position of the area.

When retracting the recording head and feeding the paper at the same time, in order to prevent the recording medium 1 from coming into contact with the ink ejection ports, when the recording head 6 reaches the retracted position, the trailing edge of the recording medium 1 is Pinch roller 6 or paper pressing plate spring 1
It is necessary that it is still between 0 and 0. Taking this into consideration, the length Ll of the prohibited area along the paper feeding direction shown by the arrow is determined by the paper feeding speed (conveying speed of the recording medium) and the moving speed of the recording medium 1 to the evacuation position by the carriage 12 (return). speed) and the distance between the paper pressing plate spring lO or the pinch roller 4 and the ink ejection position of the recording head 6.

Next, the control procedure in this embodiment will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 7, it is first determined whether the paper feed amount of the recording medium 1 is within the AA shown in FIG.
). That is, as described above, for the recording medium 1,
Is the recording head 6 located within the area indicated by reference symbol AA in FIG. Whether or not the paper feed amount is determined by comparing the count value of the paper feed amount of the internal counter of the CPtJ 21 with a predetermined set value is determined. This setting value is determined based on the length (paper size) of the recording medium 1 in the transport direction and the length Ll of the prohibited area in the transport direction. Further, the internal counter is triggered by the rise of the ON signal of the PE photosensor 8 and starts counting the amount of paper feed, and executes the counting in synchronization with the drive pulse of the LF motor 33. Note that, for example, a paper feed command signal is also effective as this trigger signal.

When step S1 is affirmatively determined (YES), it is then determined whether or not a sheet discharge command, that is, an FF (home feed) signal has been generated (step S2). When the determination is affirmative, the process shifts to the paper ejecting operation, but at this time, since it has been confirmed in step S1 that the rear end of the recording medium 1 does not exist in the prohibited area shown by hatching in FIG. 6, the carriage motor 35 and the LF The motor 33 is simultaneously driven to record the recording head 6.
A retracting operation (CR) and a paper feeding operation (LF) for discharging the recording medium 1 are performed simultaneously (step S3). This results in
Paper ejection time is significantly reduced. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the prohibited area, it is ensured that the rear end of the recording medium 1 is still pinched by the pinch roller 6 or the paper pressing leaf spring 10 when the recording head 6 reaches the retracted position. Therefore, even if the above two operations are performed simultaneously, ink stains will not occur. When no FF signal is generated, normal recording operation continues.

On the other hand, when a negative determination (No) is made in step S1, that is, when the paper feed amount is not within the predetermined AA and reaches the prohibited area, the carriage motor 35 is first driven to prevent the occurrence of ink stains. After the evacuation operation (CR) of No. 6 is completed (step S4), the LF motor 33 is driven to perform the paper feeding operation (LF) of the recording medium 1 (step S5). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the occurrence of ink stains is always prevented.

8 and 9 show the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, it is determined whether the rear end of the recording medium 1 has reached a predetermined permissible area based on the position detection signal of the recording medium 1, and if the rear end of the recording medium 1 has reached the permissible area, the feeding of the recording medium 1 is stopped. Paper is ejected at the same time. FIG. 8 shows an example of the positional relationship between the recording medium 1 and this permissible area. If the recording head 6 is located within the hatched area indicated by reference numeral BB in FIG. 8 with respect to the recording medium 1 when a paper ejection command is issued, it is assumed that the trailing edge of the recording medium 1 has reached the permissible area. The paper feeding operation and paper ejection operation of the recording medium 1 are performed simultaneously. The YY line in this figure indicates the boundary position of the area, and the area above the YY line is a prohibited area where it is prohibited to perform the above two operations at the same time when the recording head 6 is located in this area.

When performing paper ejection and paper feeding operations at the same time, in order to prevent the two recording media 1 from coming into contact with each other during paper feeding, the length of the allowable area L2 along the paper feeding direction shown by the arrow is determined by the length of the recording head 6. Based on the distance between the paper feed roller 3 and the pinch roller 4 (or PE sensor lever 7), if necessary,
It is determined in advance, taking into account the distance between the two.

FIG. 9 shows a control procedure for paper feeding and discharging operations in a second embodiment of the present invention.

First, while performing a paper feeding operation by driving the LF motor 33 according to the recording signal (step 5ll), it is determined whether or not the trailing edge of the recording medium 1 is detected by the PE photosensor 8 (step 512). When the FF signal (
It is determined whether a paper discharge command) has occurred (step 51
3). Step SL2. If S13 is a negative determination, the process returns to step Sll, but if step S13 is an affirmative determination, an evacuation operation is performed in which the carriage motor 35 is first driven to move the recording head 6 to the rightmost home position in order to prevent the occurrence of ink stains. After completing (CR) (
Step 514), the clutch 34 is turned on, and the LF motor 33 is driven to simultaneously perform paper feed and discharge operations and paper feeding operations for the recording medium 1 (Step 515).

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which paper feeding and paper ejection are performed by one LF motor (paper feed motor) 33, but the paper feeding motor and the paper ejection motor may be provided and controlled separately. Also,
The first and second embodiments described above can also be combined.

(Others) The present invention brings about excellent effects particularly in a bubble jet type recording head and recording apparatus, which is proposed by Canon Co., Ltd. among inkjet recording types. This is because such a system can achieve higher recording density and higher definition.

As for typical configurations and principles thereof, it is preferable to use the basic principles disclosed in, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat. No. 4,740,796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type, but especially in the case of the on-demand type, it is necessary to arrange the liquid (ink) in accordance with the sheet and liquid path that hold it. The electrothermal converter that is
Generating thermal energy in the electrothermal transducer and producing film boiling on the thermally active surface of the recording head by applying at least one drive signal that corresponds to recorded information and provides a rapid temperature rise above nucleate boiling. As a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) can be formed in a one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal, which is effective. The growth and contraction of the bubble causes liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. If this drive signal is in the form of a pulse, bubble growth and contraction will occur immediately and appropriately.
Particularly responsive liquid (ink) ejection can be achieved,
More preferred. This pulse-shaped drive signal is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262.
Those described in the specification are suitable. Furthermore, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 concerning the invention regarding the temperature increase rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, even more excellent recording can be performed.

The configuration of the recording head includes, in addition to the combination configuration of ejection ports, liquid paths, and electrothermal converters (straight liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, a heat acting section. The present invention also includes configurations using US Pat. No. 4,558,333 and US Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose configurations in which the wafer is placed in a bending region. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1989-5 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge part of a plurality of electrothermal converters.
No. 9123670 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-1987, which discloses a configuration compatible with an open discharge part that absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy.
The effects of the present invention are also effective even with a configuration based on the publication of No. 138461. That is, regardless of the form of the recording head, according to the present invention, recording can be performed reliably and efficiently.

Furthermore, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium that can be recorded by a recording apparatus.

Such a recording head may have either a configuration in which the length is satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally.

In addition, even with the serial type shown above, the recording head is fixed to the device body, or by being attached to the device body, electrical connection to the device body and ink supply from the device body are possible. The present invention is also effective when using a replaceable chip type recording head or a cartridge type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, etc., which are provided as a configuration of the recording apparatus, to the present invention, because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, these include capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressure or suction means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element, or a combination thereof; It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode in which ejection is performed separately from printing in order to perform stable printing.

In addition, regarding the type and number of recording heads installed, for example, in addition to one type that corresponds to single-color ink, there is also a plurality of recording heads that correspond to multiple inks with different recording colors and densities. It may be something that can be done. That is, for example, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to a recording mode for only a mainstream color such as black, but may also be a recording mode in which the recording head is configured integrally or in a combination of multiple colors, The present invention is also extremely effective for devices equipped with at least one full color by color mixture.

Additionally, in the embodiments of the present invention described above,
Although ink is described as a liquid, it is an ink that solidifies at room temperature or below, but softens or liquefies at room temperature, or in an inkjet method, the ink itself is
Generally, the temperature is adjusted within the range of 0°C or more and 70°C or less so that the viscosity of the ink is within the stable ejection range, so even if the ink is in a liquid state when the recording signal is applied. Bye. In addition, the temperature increase caused by thermal energy can be actively prevented by using the energy to change the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or ink that solidifies when left standing is used to prevent ink evaporation. However, in any case, the ink is liquefied by the application of an imma corresponding to the recording signal of thermal energy, and the liquid ink is ejected, or the ink has already begun to solidify by the time it reaches the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable when using ink that is liquefied only by thermal energy. The ink for such cases is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-56847 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-712.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 60, the material may be held as a liquid or solid in a porous sheet recess or a through hole, and may face an electrothermal converter. In the present invention, the most effective method for each of the two inks is to perform the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention may take the form of an image output terminal for information processing equipment such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader, etc., or a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting/receiving function. It may also be something.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

■ In the present invention, the feed amount of the recording medium is measured, and based on this feed amount, it is determined whether the rear end of the recording medium has not reached a predetermined prohibited area. In response to an affirmative determination that the ink has not reached the target, the head moving means and the ejecting means are simultaneously operated to retract the recording head to a predetermined position and at the same time perform drive control to eject the recording medium. In addition, it is possible to prevent stains caused by the printing process, and also to shorten the time for discharging sheets and improve throughput, resulting in a substantial reduction in recording time.

■Furthermore, in the present invention, it is determined whether the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached a predetermined tolerance area based on the trailing edge detection signal obtained from the detection means, and when the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached this tolerance area during ejection and feeding. In response to an affirmative determination, the ejecting means and the feeding means are simultaneously operated to carry out drive control that simultaneously feeds and ejects the recording medium, thereby preventing the recording medium from being smeared with ink. , significantly increases throughput by reducing both ejection and feed times, resulting in a substantial reduction in recording time.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a recording head of FIG. 2. 4(A) and 4(B) are perspective views showing an example of the overall appearance of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. A block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the control system of the device shown in the figure, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the prohibited area of one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart 1 showing the processing procedure of one embodiment of the present invention.・, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the permissible area of another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of another embodiment of the present invention. 1... Recording medium, 2... Paper feed l/ray, 3... Paper feed roller, 4... Binge roller, 5... Paper feed roller, 6... Recording head, 7... PE sensor lever 8...PE pot sensor, 9...Paper width sensor, 10...Paper retainer temporary spring, 11...Guide shaft, 12...Carriage, 20...Display unit, 21...CPU , 23...Data memory, 24...Program memory, 34...Clutch, 35...Gear ridge motor, 41...Host device.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) An inkjet recording apparatus having a recording head that discharges ink from an ejection port onto a recording medium, comprising: a head moving means for reciprocating the recording head in a main scanning direction; and feeding the recording medium. a feeding means for ejecting the recording medium; a detecting means for detecting a leading edge or a trailing edge of the recording medium being fed by the feeding means; and a detection output or feeding start of the detecting means. a feed amount counting means for counting the feed amount of the recording medium using a command as a trigger signal; and a feed amount counting means for determining whether the rear end of the recording medium has reached a predetermined prohibited area based on the feed amount obtained from the feed amount counting means. a determining means for determining whether or not the recording head has reached a predetermined position by simultaneously operating the head moving means and the ejecting means in response to an affirmative determination by the determining means that the prohibited area has not been reached yet; An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a control means for controlling a drive for transporting the recording medium at the same time as discharging the recording medium. 2) The control means retracts the recording head to a predetermined position by sequentially operating the head moving means and the ejecting means in response to a negative determination by the determination means that the prohibited area has been reached. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising drive control for carrying out the recording medium. 3) The determination means determines that the rear end of the recording medium does not reach a predetermined prohibited area when the rear end of the recording medium is prevented from lifting up by the pressing member, and 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the prohibited area has been reached when the rear end has passed through the pressing member. 4) The recording head has an electrothermal transducer for applying thermal energy that causes film boiling to the ink, as an element that generates energy for ejecting the ink. 4. The inkjet recording device according to any one of items 3 to 3. 5) The determining means determines whether the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached a predetermined permissible area based on the trailing edge detection signal obtained from the detecting means, and the controlling means In response to an affirmative determination that the permissible area has been reached, the head moving means is driven to retract the recording head to a predetermined position, and then the ejection means and the feeding means are simultaneously operated to move the recording medium. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein drive control is performed to simultaneously feed and discharge the inkjet recording apparatus. 6) In an inkjet recording apparatus having a recording head that discharges ink from an ejection port onto a recording medium, a feeding means for feeding the recording medium, a discharge means for discharging the recording medium, and a discharge means for discharging the recording medium; a detection means for detecting a leading edge or a trailing edge of the recording medium being fed; and determining whether the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached a predetermined allowable area based on a trailing edge detection signal obtained from the sensing means. and drive control for simultaneously feeding and ejecting the recording medium by simultaneously operating the ejection means and the paper feeding means in response to an affirmative judgment of the judgment means that the permissible range has been reached. An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a control means for performing the following; 7) The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the permissible area is set according to a distance between the feeding means and the recording head. 8) The recording head has an electrothermal transducer for applying thermal energy to cause film boiling on the ink, as an element that generates energy for ejecting the ink. 8. The inkjet recording device according to any one of items 7 to 7. 9) An inkjet recording apparatus having a recording head that discharges ink from an ejection port onto a recording medium, comprising: a head moving means for reciprocating the recording head in the main scanning direction; a feeding means for feeding the recording medium; A discharge means for discharging the recording medium, and a detection means for detecting a leading edge or a trailing edge of the recording medium being fed by the feeding means, and triggers a detection output of the detection means or a feeding start command. Counting the feed amount of the recording medium as a signal, determining whether the rear end of the recording medium has not reached a predetermined prohibited area based on the feeding amount, and confirming that the prohibited area has not yet been reached. An inkjet recording method characterized in that drive control is performed to retract the recording head to a predetermined position and simultaneously discharge the recording medium by simultaneously operating the head moving means and the ejecting means according to the determination. 10) In an inkjet recording apparatus having a recording head that discharges ink from an ejection port onto a recording medium, a feeding means for feeding the recording medium, a discharge means for discharging the recording medium, and a discharge means for discharging the recording medium; a detection means for detecting a leading edge or a trailing edge of the recording medium being fed, and whether or not the trailing edge of the recording medium has reached a predetermined permissible area based on a trailing edge detection signal obtained from the sensing means. and, in response to an affirmative determination that the permissible region has been reached, drive control is performed to simultaneously feed and eject the recording medium by simultaneously operating the ejecting means and the paper feeding means. Characteristic inkjet recording method.