JPH08310072A - Image information recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve the stability of control of a spiral type device at the time of high speed operation and the positioning accuracy of a belt type device by providing a position sensing means in the scanning direction of a printing head, an absolute position sensing means for the printing head and the like and constituting a printing mechanism. CONSTITUTION: A shuttle 4 is moved reciprocatingly on a paper surface 5 as shown by an arrow mark A by the forward and reverse rotation of a spiral shaft directly connected with a motor 2 as shown by an arrow mark D. The shuttle 4 is supported smoothly by a rail 24 at the time of moving reciprocatingly and the reading position of the graduation of a linear scale is sensed by a photosensor 6a mounted on the shuttle 4. On the other hand, the shuttle is moved by every head width in the arrow mark B direction on a printing paper 5 clamped by carrying rollers 8 and 9 to which driving force is transmitted from a carrying motor 7 through gears 7a and 7b and kicking-out rollers 10 and 11. The locus of a printing head 3 on the paper surface 5 is formed as shown by an arrow mark C and printed in the reciprocatingly moving direction by the arrangement.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus having a printing mechanism for printing image information on paper, and particularly having high-speed and high-precision printing ability, and suitable for an output information system such as a computer. The present invention relates to a recording device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various information terminal devices have been developed to reflect the advanced information society, and image information recording devices which are peripheral devices thereof include, for example, a printer device, a copying device and a facsimile device as typical examples.

A conventional image information recording apparatus has a shuttle type recording technology in which a print head portion prints while reciprocating on a paper surface. In the shuttle-type recording technology, as shown in FIG. 5 of Nikkei Electronics (1976. 4.19), the head base equipped with a print head is reciprocally driven in conjunction with a spiral shaft driven by a stepping motor, and plain paper is used. There is a configuration that prints on. In addition to the spiral shaft, a belt or timing belt may be used to drive the print head unit. The printing timing and the printing speed are adjusted and controlled by the drive of the stepping motor and the accuracy of the mechanism.

In this shuttle type recording technique, the print head is advantageous in that it is small in size, light in weight and inexpensive, but on the other hand, it takes a long time for scanning, and the reciprocating operation is performed at high speed due to the inertial force of the spiral shaft. The problem of unstable control, the stretchability of the belt, the meshing vibration with the toothed pulley in the case of a timing belt, etc. causes a positional shift, which is a major obstacle for high-speed and high-precision printing. It was not well recognized in the past.

As an example of the recording method, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-1 is available.
In the case of the ink particle jet type image information recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an inkjet type) such as 06736, the running cost is low, and the merit is large regardless of the recording paper. In addition, since the ink outlets of the print head need only be lined up in a monochrome array for each primary color, it is possible to easily colorize, and the density of the ink outlets per scan can be increased simply by tilting the array of print heads. High definition is possible. On the other hand, however, ink maintenance and clogging of the print head pose problems.

[0006] On the other hand, in order to deal with advanced information, the information terminal device is required to have high efficiency, high accuracy, large capacity, and cost performance. Along with this, in particular, the control and maintenance of the inkjet image information recording apparatus are required to be simple, highly efficient, and highly accurate.
On the other hand, the above-mentioned known example does not support such low cost, high efficiency, high precision mechanical control and reproduction of minute print data, and thus high definition color printing, high density information printing, user It does not correspond to the ease of maintenance of. Further, the conventional image information recording apparatus is configured to have an absolute position detecting portion in addition to the position detecting means in the scanning direction of the print head in which detection patterns are provided at uniform intervals, so that reduction of the number of parts is considered. It has not been.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a printing mechanism of the present invention with a higher speed and higher definition than the shuttle type.
That is, the spiral shaft type stable control at high speed,
For belt type position accuracy, and for ink jet type, it solves the problems of the prior art such as easy maintenance of print head and size reduction of the whole, and low cost, high efficiency, reproduction of high precision print data. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image information recording apparatus suitable for surely performing high-definition colorization, printing high-density information, and facilitating user maintenance.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a spiral shaft for reciprocally scanning a head base (hereinafter referred to as a shuttle) equipped with a print head along a recording medium, and a driving force for driving the spiral shaft. The image information recording apparatus is provided with a means, a print head driving means in a printing mechanism using the print head scanning direction position detecting means and the print head absolute position detecting means.

Further, the driving force generating means is provided in the image information recording apparatus as a stepping motor.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned position detecting means is provided in the image information recording apparatus as an optical linear encoder.

Further, the above-mentioned position detecting means scale section having both a position detecting portion and an absolute position detecting portion is provided.

Further, the absolute position detecting portion is provided with discrimination information of left and right ends.

Further, the absolute position detecting portion is provided with cleaning position information or standby position information of the print head.

Further, the printer is equipped with the printing mechanism.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned printing mechanism is provided in the copying machine.

Further, the above-mentioned printing mechanism is provided in a facsimile machine.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned printing mechanism is provided in a copying / facsimile apparatus.

Further, the printing mechanism is provided in a printer / facsimile apparatus.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned printing mechanism is provided in a printer / copying device.

Further, the above-mentioned printing mechanism is provided in a copy / printer / facsimile device.

Further, the print control means is provided for performing the print operation even in the acceleration / deceleration area of the print head drive for reciprocating scanning on the recording medium.

Further, the above-mentioned printer device, copying device, facsimile device, and a combination thereof are provided with an ink jet type printing mechanism for printing image information on a recording medium by spraying ink particles.

Further, the printing mechanism has a color printing function for printing color image information on a recording medium in the above apparatus.

Further, the position detecting means is an optical sensor using transmitted light or reflected light for position detection by varying the amount of transmitted light or reflected light in the detection direction, a magnetic sensor for reading a magnetic signal, or transmitted light. With a magneto-optical sensor that reads with light or reflected light and magnetism, such as a photo sensor and a slit or a pattern printing film, or a magnetic head and a magnetizing scale, or an optical pickup device and an optical information sheet, or a magneto-optical head and a magneto-optical information sheet. Configure.

Further, control information or general information is recorded or reproduced on a slitted film, a magnetizing scale, an optical information sheet, a magneto-optical sheet, etc. by a magnetic head, an optical pickup, a magneto-optical head, etc. in the position detecting means. The information recording / reproducing means for

Further, the reproduction data reproduced by the position detecting means is discriminated by the error detecting means as to whether the error rate of the reproduction data is large or small. For high-quality printing linked to the print timing of the head by beating, divided pitch recording, etc., a print medium, that is, plain paper is fed, and variable speed driving means for varying each speed from a predetermined value to a small value.

Further, the position detecting means is provided with two or more kinds of information which are multiplex-recorded on a slit or a pattern printing film, a magnetizing scale, an optical information sheet, a magneto-optical sheet or the like.

Further, the slit or the pattern printing film, the magnetizing scale, the optical information sheet, or the magneto-optical information sheet in the position detecting means is provided with a plurality of kinds of position information recorded in an overlapping manner.

Further, it has a multi-high resolution printing function for printing image information on a recording medium corresponding to the resolution.

Further, a repetitive printing function for repetitively printing the image information on the recording medium a predetermined number of times is provided.

Further, it has an offset printing function for printing by slightly offsetting the printing timing.

Further, it has a high resolution printing function of 600 dpi or more.

[0033]

In the printing mechanism of the image information recording apparatus, the position detection means in the scanning direction of the print head, the absolute position detection means of the print head, and the spiral shaft can surely detect the position at a high speed, and the mechanical driving error can be prevented. The print timing of the print head is controlled with high accuracy and the deviation of the print timing is greatly reduced.

Further, a stepping motor, which is a driving force generating means for driving the spiral shaft, enables high-speed and high-precision control of the printing timing in combination with the position detecting means in the scanning direction of the print head and the absolute position detecting means of the print head. You can do it. In addition, even if dust or the like is attached to the position detecting means and the function of the position detecting means is partially disabled, the position data of the print head can be guaranteed by the position detection based on the number of steps of the stepping motor, and trouble can be avoided.

Further, by using the optical linear encoder as the position detecting means, the gap between the information scale and the sensor can be roughly set, the error with respect to the deviation is small, and the assemblability is good.

Further, by using a scale composed of a plurality of portions, that is, a position detecting portion in which the detection patterns of the position detecting means are provided at regular intervals and an absolute position detecting portion in which the detection pattern is not provided, the absolute position detecting means is separately provided. It is not necessary to provide a sensor as above, and there is an effect of reducing the mechanical cost.

Further, by the discrimination information of the left and right ends of the absolute position detecting portion, the left and right positions when the print head existing at the intermediate point of the reciprocal scanning when the power is turned on are moved to either of the left and right ends accurately. Since it recognizes, the next operation can be moved in the shortest time.

Further, there is an effect that the print head can be smoothly cleaned, purged or capped at an accurate position based on the information of the cleaning position of the absolute position detecting portion and the print head standby position.

Further, since the printer device equipped with the above-mentioned printing mechanism can change the resolution of the position detecting means, it is also applicable to high precision and high resolution printing.

Further, in the copying machine equipped with the above-mentioned printing mechanism, by using the position detection and the absolute position detection in combination, it is possible to reduce wasteful movement time of the print head and to perform high-speed and high-definition printing.

Further, in the facsimile machine equipped with the above-mentioned printing mechanism, the position of the print head is always optimally set during the data reception time by using both the position detection and the absolute position detection, so that the printing time can be reduced and the total printing time can be reduced. Characters can be printed in high definition.

Further, in the copy / facsimile device, the printer / facsimile device, the printer / copy device or the printer / copy / facsimile device equipped with the above-mentioned printing mechanism, high-precision printing control is possible and image information of different resolution is recorded on the recording medium. Has the effect of printing easily.

Further, the printer / facsimile apparatus having the above-mentioned printing mechanism easily prints image information of different resolutions on a recording medium.

Further, the printer / copier having the above-mentioned printing mechanism easily prints image information of different resolutions on a recording medium.

Further, printing by position detection in the acceleration / deceleration area can be performed accurately without any error. Also, since the driving force is transmitted only by the volume of the spiral shaft, there is no need for a large volume such as a drive reel, a belt, a driven reel, and a belt tension jig unlike the belt type, and the number of parts can be reduced, and the mechanism is small. Has the effect of becoming.

Further, by using the ink jet printing method for the above printing mechanism, automatic control of mechanical maintenance of the ink jet print head and high precision printing control can be performed, so that colorization is easy.

When the above-mentioned printing mechanism is applied to color printing, it has an effect of facilitating the control of fine color-based printing or ultra-high-definition color printing.

Further, by recording / reproducing control data and general data by the data recording / reproducing function of the position detecting means,
Print timing of print head and drive speed of print head, cleaning control of print head, cleaning timing control by recording / reproduction of print count data, recognition of replacement of ink absorbent by recording / reproduction of cleaning count data,
It becomes easy to prevent malfunctions due to print head position recognition, fine control of print timing and offset print timing by highly accurate recognition of print position, fine control of print speed for each color during color printing, and offset print timing control for each color.

Further, the error detection means discriminates the size of the error rate of the recorded data signal, the print speed relating to the reciprocation of the print head on the paper surface and the print pulse, and n.
For high image quality printing linked to the print timing of the head such as beating and split pitch recording, the feed speed of the print medium, that is, plain paper, can be changed from a predetermined value to a large or small value, and the image data signal can be faithfully reproduced in high definition. Reproduce. In addition, two or more kinds of multiplexed data information are recorded in a slit or a pattern printing film, a magnetizing scale, an optical information sheet, a magneto-optical sheet, etc. in the position detecting means. Also,
Plural kinds of position information recorded by superimposing on these scales are superposed and recorded.

By these error detections, multiplex data information, and plural kinds of position information that are superposed and recorded, and the repeated printing function of a predetermined number of times, the printing control faithful to the image information can be accurately performed, and the offset printing function is further added. In combination, there is an effect that color printing can be easily performed from gradation and emphasis and ultra-high-definition monochrome.

Further, the multi-resolution printing function has an effect that one print head and one position detecting means can easily perform print control of a plurality of resolutions.

The recording system according to the present invention has a high resolution (600d).
It is especially effective for pi or more or color recording). In addition, the combination of super fine to large particle printing and offset printing in colorization can be easily performed at an accurate position, and color printing is performed from ultra-high definition monochrome.

[0053]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printer device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a basic configuration diagram of the present invention using a spiral shaft, a position detecting means, and an absolute position detecting means, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the basic principle of an ink jet printing mechanism of the present invention using a spiral shaft, a position detecting means, and an absolute position detecting means, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the linear position detecting means, the absolute position detecting means, and the drive pulse of a stepping motor of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a linear scale in which the linear position detecting means of the present invention is composed of a plurality of portions, that is, a portion provided with a uniform interval and a portion not provided with the detection pattern, and FIG. Of the linear encoder in which the information of the intervals is recorded in an overlapping manner, FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of another example of the linear encoder in which the information of the intervals is recorded, and FIG. Output relationship diagram of a de position and the position detecting means, FIG. 9 shows the relationship diagram of the moving speed and time of the print head,
Figure 10 shows the relationship between the print head position and print timing,
FIG. 11 is a schematic sample diagram of the normal printing in the acceleration / deceleration area in the movement of the print head and the printing state of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an overall configuration diagram of the copying apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a block diagram of the copying apparatus of the present invention, FIG.
FIG. 15 is an overall configuration diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a function of recording and reproducing data information in the position detecting means of the present invention. 17 is a functional block diagram in the case where the linear position detecting means is provided, FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the recording / reproducing data of the multiplexed data of the linear position detecting means, and FIG. 18 is the present invention in the case where the linear position detecting means of the present invention is provided with an error rate detecting function. The control block diagram of is shown.

First, the operation of the present invention will be described using the first embodiment.

That is, an outline of a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a printer device of an information terminal device such as a computer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a printer device 13 equipped with this basic layout, that is, an inkjet plain paper printing mechanism 12 according to the present invention. The printer device 13 converts image information processed by an information terminal device 14 such as a computer into an information terminal device. It is converted into an electric signal in 14 and sent to the printer device 13 via the external cable 15. In the printer device 13, the conversion block 16 converts the electric signal into image information, and the plain paper printing mechanism 12 arranged as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 shows details of the internal structure of FIG. 1, and is a diagram showing the internal structure of an apparatus in which the spiral shaft, the position detecting means and the absolute position detecting means of the present invention are applied to the ink jet type printing mechanism. In this mechanism, the spiral shaft 1 is directly connected to the motor 2 and drives the shuttle 4 having the print head 3 mounted thereon.
Make the above reciprocating motion. Pins or balls that reciprocate due to this rotation are housed in the grooves of the spiral shaft 1, and these are held by the shuttle 4. As a result, the shuttle 4 reciprocates on the paper surface 5.

The printing timing can be detected by the position detecting means 6 mounted on the shuttle 4, for example, the position / speed detecting photosensor 6a and the linear scale 6b, for detecting the position of the print head 3 in the head reciprocating direction. Printing is performed at a predetermined position on the paper surface 5 at an appropriate timing. The position detection means 6 is not limited to a linear encoder,
Rotary type, TT, which is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 2
A method of measuring the focus with the lateral wall by L may be used.

The position detecting means 6 is composed of a photo sensor and a film with slits, a magnetic head and a magnetizing scale, an optical pickup device and an optical information sheet, or a magneto-optical head and a magneto-optical information sheet. In addition, the absolute position detecting means 47 (the shield plate 47b when the shuttle 4 moves)
Is inserted in the photocoupler 47a for detection) or by providing a masking having a width different from that of the moving position detection pattern on both sides (may be one side) of the printing area shown later (FIG. 5). The position can always be recognized accurately, the print timing can be controlled at the same position, and the position of the print head 3 can be easily restored after a power failure (described later).

The paper 5 is transferred to the transfer motor 7 by the transfer rollers 8 and 9.
And by rotating the kick rollers 10 and 11, for example, every 1-line head width printing, or 1 / N (N is a real number)
The same amount is conveyed at a predetermined timing for each line printing. As described above, by using the spiral shaft 1 of the present invention, the mechanical space can be reduced as compared with the timing belt system, and the purging mechanism 46 can be provided, thereby further miniaturizing the mechanism.

Next, FIG. 3 shows the details of the apparatus when the spiral shaft, the position detecting means and the absolute position detecting means of the present invention are applied to the ink jet type printing mechanism.

The spiral shaft 1 directly connected to the motor 2 rotates forward and backward as indicated by arrow D, and this rotation causes the shuttle 4 to reciprocate on the paper surface 5 as indicated by arrow A. The shuttle 4 is held smoothly by the rails 24 during the reciprocating operation, and the photo sensor 6 mounted on the shuttle 4 is held.
a reads the scale of the linear scale 6b and detects the position. On the other hand, the conveying rollers 8 and 9 and the kicking rollers 10 and 11 to which the driving force is transmitted from the conveying motor 7 via the gears 7a and 7b rotate as indicated by arrows E and F, and the conveying rollers 8 and 9 and the kicking rollers are rotated. The printing paper 5 sandwiched by the delivery rollers 10 and 11 is fed in the direction of arrow B for each head width.

As a result, the locus of the print head 3 on the paper surface 5 becomes as shown by the arrow C, and printing is performed in the reciprocating direction. Here, conventionally, when switching back and forth, backlash of the spiral shaft 1 and the like occur, and the drive amount of the motor 2 and the position of the shuttle 4 do not correspond exactly, causing an error.
However, in the present invention, the position of the shuttle 4 can be accurately detected by the photosensor 6a and the linear scale 6b, and the influence of the backlash of the spiral shaft 1 can be excluded.

FIG. 4 shows a time relationship diagram of the drive pulse of the linear position detecting means, the absolute position detecting means and the stepping motor of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, during the movement of the print head, the output pulse of the normal linear position detecting means can be set so as to be output at a finer interval than the drive pulse of the motor. It has become possible to detect the position of the head more finely. Further, if the absolute position detecting means is provided at the home position or at the print start point on the forward path of the print head movement and a predetermined pulse is generated at the time when it passes therethrough, the print start timings can be made to coincide with each other. The absolute position of the print head can be recognized in real time by counting and calculating the output pulses of the linear position detecting means. In addition, even if the print end position of the head stops at a random position due to blank space due to the output of the absolute position detection unit being high or low, or even if the power is forcibly turned off, the print head returns to the home position. You can instantly determine whether or not you are there. For example, it is possible to move the print head to the left and right so that the output of the absolute position detecting means becomes low, and make the print head stand by. Further, the moving direction of the print head can be known from the relationship between the deviation amount of the drive pulse of the motor and the output pulse of the linear position detecting means, and the print head can be made to stand by at the standby position in the shortest time. Further, by changing the detection pattern of the linear scale of the linear position detection means, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, at both ends so that the positions of both ends can be recognized, it is possible to shift from the random position of the print head to either end. It is possible to judge the rotation direction of the motor based on the output of the absolute position detection means being high or low. As a result, the standby state of the print head is always created in the shortest time, and printing can be performed immediately, so that the dead time at power-on can be reduced.

Further, by providing a predetermined correlation between the number of drive pulses of the stepping motor and the number of output pulses of the linear position detecting means, it is possible to control printing at high speed and finely adjust the number of rotations of the motor. If it cannot be detected, that is, even if dust or the like adheres to the linear scale, the position detection can be recognized from the motor drive pulse without any abnormality. The reverse is also possible.

Further, two absolute position detecting means may be provided on both sides of the forward path and the backward path of the print head to improve the responsiveness and to easily recognize the offset amount of the forward path and the backward path. The absolute position detecting means may be a combination of an optical photo coupler and a shielding plate, a magnet and a coil, a mechanical switch and a push portion.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a linear scale which is composed of a plurality of portions, that is, a portion where the detection pattern of the linear position detecting means of the present invention is provided with a uniform interval and a portion where the detection pattern is not provided. The figure shows a case where an optical linear scale is read by a photocoupler, for example.

In FIG. 9A, detection patterns are provided at uniform intervals in the moving area of the print head, and shield portions are provided at both ends. As a result, by making the positions of both ends recognizable, the print head can be moved to either end from the random position of the print head, and by using the output of the absolute position detection means in combination with high and low, It is possible to determine the rotation direction of the motor. On the contrary, the same control can be performed by using the shielding portions at both ends as the transmitting portions.

FIG. 10B shows a portion in which predetermined detection patterns are provided at even intervals and a shield portion having predetermined widths A, B or more at both ends, both of which are used in combination with a motor drive pulse. Highly accurate print head position recognition is possible. On the contrary, the same control can be performed by using the shielding portions at both ends as the transmitting portions. For example, normally, a motor drive pulse 1
If 3 units of detection pulses from the linear position detecting means are included in the unit, the home position side is provided with 1 detection pulse for 1 unit of motor drive pulse, and the opposite side is provided with a linear scale so that 2 detection pulses can be read. When equal,
No matter which position the print head moves, which position is on each side can be recognized without the absolute position detection means.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a linear encoder in which information of a plurality of intervals is superposed and recorded. Space information 63 and space L of space L1 (for example, 70.5 micron pitch)
The interval information 64 of 2 (for example, 127 micron pitch) is superimposed, and the pattern to be recorded in the linear encoder as the light and shade information is recorded as shown in the light and shade pattern 65.
The signal waveform 66 obtained from the linear encoder configured by the recording pattern as described above is superimposed with the signals at the two intervals. Since the superimposed signal waveform can be separated into specific wavelengths using a filter, the interval information 63 indicating the interval L1 and the interval information 6 indicating the interval L2.
Returning to 4, information on a plurality of intervals can be obtained by one linear encoder.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example in which information of a plurality of intervals is recorded, as in the example of the linear encoder shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the interval of L3 (for example, 70.5
The pattern 67 is recorded at an interval of micron pitch) and the pattern 68 is recorded at an interval L4 (for example, 127 micron pitch).
If you read these two parts with one photo sensor,
2 similar to the superimposed waveform 66 described in FIG. 6 above.
A waveform with one component is obtained. The obtained waveform is filtered through the original 2
It can be separated into two components, and a signal indicating the interval L3 and the interval L4 can be obtained.

As described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of interval information can be obtained with one set of linear encoders by superimposing and recording the plurality of interval information. The print position control corresponding to the recording pitch can be realized by one linear encoder.
There is an effect that it is possible to realize simplification and high reliability of the image information recording apparatus that realizes a plurality of recording pitches for different applications.

FIG. 8 shows the print head position and the output relationship of the position detecting means. The output of the linear encoder 6 in FIG. 8 shows the state of the forward path from the home position when the home position is 0. Outward print head 3
Is from point 0 to point a, then point b to EN
Reach the D position. Here, points 0 to a are acceleration regions, a
Point b indicates a steady speed area, and points b to END indicate a deceleration area.

The position detection data is actually obtained by counting the data obtained as pulses. As shown in FIG. 8, the output of the position detecting means corresponds to the position of the print head 3 and is always output at a constant interval and counted. Therefore, pulses are output at regular intervals in the steady speed region, and the distance can be grasped from the accumulated data. On the other hand, in the movement of the print head 3, since the speed is not constant in the acceleration / deceleration area, the time interval of the output pulse is not constant. However, if the print timing is set at the rising edge of the pulse, for example, it is possible to always print at a constant interval regardless of the moving speed of the print head 3.
This also applies to the return trip.

FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the moving speed of the print head 3 and time. If positions 0, a, b, and END of the print head 3 are defined as in FIG. 8, the print head 3 on the outward path gradually accelerates from the 0 point, reaches a steady speed at the a point, and moves to the b point. After that, it gradually slows down and pauses. During this time, the recording paper is fed by one scan of the print head 3, and then the print head 3 enters the return stroke.
On the return trip, the speed direction is reversed, and the rest are the same as on the outward trip.

FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the print head position and print timing. (i), (ii), and (iii) are the acceleration region (0 to a), the steady speed region (ab), and the deceleration region (b to E).
It corresponds to ND). If the linear encoder always obtains the output at equal intervals, all the print timings I to XIV including the acceleration / deceleration area can be easily obtained as shown in the figure. In the forward path of the figure, the printing timing of the acceleration area is gradually advanced. However, since the ejecting direction vector of the ink particles is slightly different according to the moving speed of the print head 3, the print position is slightly deviated. That is, the faster the speed, the more the printing position tends to flow backward from the target position due to the influence of air resistance.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the print timing is aimed at the uniform print positions by the position detecting means, and the time lag corresponding to the moving speed of the print head 3 at that time, that is, depending on the case, is faster or delayed. The printing timing takes into consideration. This delay is controlled by the controller 25 (described later) of the print head 3. Further, the print timing in the deceleration area is opposite to that in the acceleration area, and the print timing takes into consideration the tendency of the print position to flow forward from the target position due to inertia. As a result, it is possible to spray ink evenly and accurately at the printing position.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic sample diagram of the normal printing in the acceleration area in the movement of the print head 3 and the printing state of the present invention. As described above, in normal printing, the faster the speed, the larger the ink particles tend to flow toward the rear side of the printing position due to air resistance. Therefore, variations in ink particles, variations in mechanical precision, and the like are inevitably caused, and as shown in the figure, the print positions are sparse due to the print position deviation of ΔX. On the other hand, in the printing state when the position detecting means of the present invention is used, the influence of the above-mentioned variation is excluded by the linear encoder 6, so that the printing positions are arranged at equal intervals.

FIG. 12 is an overall block diagram of the copying apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of this basic layout, that is, a copying machine equipped with the inkjet plain paper printing mechanism 12 according to the present invention. The copying apparatus 17 of the present invention includes a scanner unit 18 for converting image information into an electric signal, a conversion block 16 for converting the electric signal into image information, and a normal cut sheet by spraying the image information with ink particles. Print. Plain paper printing mechanism 1
The configuration of No. 2 is arranged as shown.

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of the copying apparatus of the present invention. The scanner unit 18 includes the reading sensor 1
9. A motor 22 which is composed of, for example, a CCD, a contact sensor, or a contact sensor with a SELFOC lens, and which controls the reading sensor 19 by a controller 21.
The original document 20 is scanned by the driving of.
At this time, the image information of the document 20 is converted into an electric signal and stored in the memory 23 in a predetermined amount.

On the other hand, the controller 21 controls the motor 2 for driving the print head 3 and the motor 7 for driving the transport roller 28 for transporting the print paper 30, and the electric signal called from the memory 23 is converted into an image by the conversion block 16. It is converted into information and input to the print driver 26 of the print head 3 via the controller 25. At this time, as the print timing, the linear encoder 6 reads the timing suitable for the address of the print head 3 and sends the data to the controller 25. Based on this, the controller 25 controls the timing of sending the image information to the print driver 26 and adjusts the relative print timing. Electric power is supplied to the motor 2, the motor 7, the motor 22, and other circuit systems via the power supply 29.

FIG. 14 is an overall configuration diagram of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 14 shows the basic layout, that is, a facsimile apparatus equipped with the inkjet plain paper printing mechanism 12 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. There is. The printer device 13 of the present invention includes a scanner unit 14 for converting image information into an electric signal, a communication unit unit 15 for transmitting / receiving the electric signal to / from a telephone communication network, and an electric ink for converting the electric signal into the image information. The plain paper printing mechanism 12 that prints on plain cut paper by spraying fine particles is arranged as shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. The scanner unit 18 is composed of a reading sensor 19, for example, a CCD, a contact sensor, or a contact sensor with a SELFOC lens. The reading sensor 19 is driven by a motor 22 controlled by a controller 21, and the document 20 is read. Scan. At this time, the image information of the document 20 is converted into a communication electric signal and stored in the memory 23 in a predetermined amount. This communication electric signal is sent to the communication means 28 and transmitted to another facsimile machine via the telephone line 29. Further, the communication electric signal received from another facsimile is stored in the memory 23 in a predetermined amount.

On the other hand, the controller 21 controls the motor 2 for driving the print head 3 and the motor 7 for driving the transport roller 28 for transporting the print paper 5, and the electrical signal called from the memory 23 is converted into an image by the conversion block 16. It is converted into information and input to the print driver 26 of the print head 3 via the controller 25. At this time, as the print timing, the linear encoder 6 reads the timing suitable for the address of the print head 3 and sends the data to the controller 25. Based on this, the controller 25 controls the timing of sending the image information to the print driver 26 and adjusts the relative print timing. Electric power is supplied to the motor 2, the motor 7, the motor 22, and other circuit systems via the power supply 29.

Of course, the printing mechanism of the present invention is not limited to the printer device, the copying device and the facsimile device alone, and various multifunction machines such as the printer / copy device, the printer / facsimile device, the copy / facsimile device, or the like. It can be applied to a printer / copier / facsimile device, etc., and is most suitable for a multi-function image information recording device that requires higher definition and higher image quality.

FIG. 16 shows a functional block diagram when the position detecting means 6 of the present invention is provided with a function of recording / reproducing data information.

First, the linear position detecting means 6 is composed of a magnetic head and a magnetizing scale, or an optical pickup device and an optical information sheet, or a magneto-optical head and a magneto-optical information sheet, and is controlled by a data recording / reproducing function. Data and general data can be recorded and reproduced. As a result, when the print head 3 reaches a predetermined position as shown in FIG. 9A, the cleaning / purge operation control signal is read, and the cleaning mechanism 31 and the purge mechanism 32 are directly command-controlled to perform this operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, control signals for the number of reciprocating operations of the print head 3 and the number of ink ejections at the home position are recorded and reproduced in real time, and the reciprocating operation number recognizing circuit 33 or the purge number recognizing circuit 34 is used. It is determined whether or not this is a predetermined number of times or more, and the cleaning operation of the print head and the purge operation of the print head are automatically performed, and the time when the ink absorbent is replaced by the purge and the time when the ink cartridge is replaced are indicated by the warning lamp 35. It is possible to let the user recognize it by blinking or the like. And when each is exchanged, each time L,
M and N are reset to zero and recorded on the scale.

Further, by providing end information at the end position of the reciprocating motion of the print head as shown in FIG. 7C, the motor 2 is driven when the power is turned on by the position recognition by the end recognition circuit 36 of the print head. It is possible to easily realize the function of preventing the malfunction such as moving the print head 3 to the home position and performing the standby 37 operation, and overrun of the print head 3 and head position recovery at the time of power failure.

Further, as the number of print heads increases due to colorization, the cleaning operation of each print head can be facilitated by one cleaning mechanism, and the mechanism volume can be reduced.

FIG. 17 is a control block diagram when two or more kinds of multiplexed data information are recorded on a slitted film, a magnetizing scale, an optical information sheet, a magneto-optical sheet, etc. in the linear position detecting means according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the control information of A is normally recorded on the linear scale of the present invention at a slightly deviated pitch and the control information of B is deeply recorded, the multiplexed data is read out, The data is selected by the data recognition circuit 39, and the circuit 4
0, 41 prints according to the control information of A on the outward path,
The return pass is printed according to the B control information. This absorbs a minute shift in the print timing of the reciprocating print head,
It is possible to print accurately at the same position. Further, in the case where the high-definition mode selecting means 38 adds a slight shade to the print image, for example, in addition to the control information of A, if the control information of B having a different print density from the normal is multiplex-recorded on the linear scale, By the data recognition circuit 39, it is possible to perform normal printing according to the control information of A and then accurately perform repeated printing with a slight change in the ink ejection amount according to the control information of B to provide ink shading. .

At this time, in combination with offset printing in which the printing timing is slightly shifted back and forth from a predetermined time, together with gradation and fine adjustment control of the paper feed amount, one position detecting means mounted on one printing head is used. 200-6
Multi-resolution printing of 40 or 1280 dpi or more is possible.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the mode is selected by the high-definition mode selection means 38 as in the monochrome printing in FIG. 9A, and the print control data is magenta, yellow, cyan, etc. according to the data recognition circuit 39. Each color control circuit 43
And the color head 44 prints. In the case of high definition, the particle shape conversion control circuit 45 through the data recognition circuit 39 recognizes the printing position with high accuracy, and thus finely controls the printing timing and the offset printing timing, finely controls the printing speed for each color, and the offset printing timing for each color. (Physical properties vary depending on ink color, so high speed,
In high-definition printing, even if the printing timing is the same, the position where the recording medium is colored differs slightly depending on each color, so the printing timing is slightly offset by the amount of deviation) control, the printing particle size from ultrafine to large particles. Take control. As a result, delicate control of the ink ejection amount and print timing, and combination of offset printing can be easily performed at an accurate position, and super high-definition monochrome printing can be performed.

FIG. 18 recognizes the error rate between the reproduction data of a predetermined pattern recorded in the linear scale portion of the present invention and the normal pattern data stored in the main body,
The block diagram of the linear position detecting means including the variable speed driving means for controlling the reciprocating speed of the print head and the print timing in accordance with the error rate is shown.

In the error rate detecting means 40 and the error rate recognizing means 41, the reproduction data obtained by reproducing the pattern previously recorded on the linear scale by the position detecting means 6 and the original proper output level stored in the main body. And whether the error rate Er is within a predetermined range M, for example, 0% to M% (M = 0 to 5)
If it is 0), the variable speed control means is provided via the normal print control means 42 so that the normal print speed, for example, the proper speed peculiar to the mechanism adjusted at the time of factory shipment is printed or the error rate is always the same. Print head 3 at 43
The reciprocating drive motor 2 and the print driver 26 are controlled to control the print timing.

This is the acceleration region of the print head reciprocating motion,
Data required to print at an optimal position without misalignment by optimizing the print timing in response to subtle differences in the flying direction vector of the ink fine particles in each of the steady area, forward path, return path, starting area, and braking area. In this way, it is possible to respond to head position shifts due to changes in mechanical conditions due to changes in temperature and aging, sudden foreign substance contamination, etc., in real time, and optimum printing is always possible.

On the other hand, when the error rate is outside the predetermined range, for example, L% to 100% or more (L = 50 to 100), the reciprocating drive motor 2 of the print head 3 is set so that the error rate falls within the above predetermined range. And print timing correction control. This is the variable speed drive means. As a result, it is possible to prevent the stop position shift of the print head base 4 due to the mechanical inertia, and the deterioration of the print speed per document due to the increase of the mechanical load due to long-term storage.

[0097]

According to the present invention, the spiral shaft does not require a reel member required for driving the belt, and is independent of belt elongation, vibration, etc., and has good position reproducibility. Even if there is, the position of the print head can be accurately detected by the linear position detection means, and the print position can be easily indexed during acceleration / deceleration. Furthermore, the absolute position detection means of the print head and the stepping motor drive the print head. Highly accurate positioning can be easily performed. As a result, the printing information can be printed in color from ultra-high-definition monochrome, and the facsimile can be effectively used as an information terminal device, that is, a high-level conceptual multifunction device, and a great effect can be obtained on the usability of the user.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer device.

FIG. 2 is a basic structural diagram of a printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a basic principle operation diagram of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a relationship diagram of the position detecting means, the absolute position detecting means, and the stepping motor of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a pattern on a linear scale of the position detecting means in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a superposition pattern of the position detecting means in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a superposition pattern of the position detecting means in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output of the position detecting means and the print head in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a relationship diagram between the output of the position detecting means and the print head in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a relationship diagram between the output of the position detecting means and the print head in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output of the position detecting means and the print head in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is another overall embodiment of the present invention and is an overall configuration diagram when applied to a copying apparatus.

FIG. 13 is an overall configuration diagram of another embodiment of the present invention when applied to a copying apparatus.

FIG. 14 is an overall configuration diagram when the present invention is another embodiment and is applied to a facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 15 is an overall configuration diagram of another embodiment of the present invention when applied to a facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a control system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a control system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a control system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Spiral Shaft 2 Motor 3 Printing Head 4 Shuttle 5 Printing Paper 6 Linear Position Detection Means 7 Conveying Motor 8 Conveying Roller 9 Conveying Roller 10 Kicking Roller 11 Kicking Roller 12 Inkjet Plain Paper Printing Mechanism 13 Facsimile 14 Scanner 15 Communication Device Department

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Naohiro Ozawa 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Inside Visual Media Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Akihiro Asada 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Incorporated company Hitachi Media and Video Research Laboratories (72) Inventor Tomio Kobori 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Inside Corporate Video-media Research Laboratories Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuhisa Kobayashi Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 292 Incorporated company Hitachi, Ltd. Visual Media Research Laboratories (72) Inventor Shuichi Nakano 1410 Inada, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture Incorporated Hitachi Ltd. Personal Media Equipment Division (72) Inventor Satoshi Makio 1410 Inada, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture Address House Hitachi, Ltd. Personal Computer Bed and breakfasts equipment business portion

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. An image information recording apparatus having a printing mechanism for recording image information on a recording medium, comprising: a print head for performing the recording; a head base for mounting the print head; and a reciprocating movement of the head base along the recording medium. A printing mechanism using a spiral shaft for scanning, a driving force generating means for applying a driving force to the spiral shaft, a position detecting means in the scanning direction of the print head, and an absolute position detecting means for the print head. An image information recording device characterized by: 2. An image information recording apparatus comprising the driving force generating means according to claim 1 and a printing mechanism using a stepping motor. 3. An image information recording apparatus comprising a position detection means according to claim 1 or 2 and a printing mechanism using an optical linear encoder. 4. An image information recording apparatus having a printing mechanism for recording image information on a recording medium, comprising: a print head for performing the recording; a head base on which the print head is mounted; and a head base that reciprocates on the recording medium. A reciprocating motion means for scanning, a driving force generating means for applying a driving force to the reciprocating motion means, a portion provided with a position detecting pattern at a uniform interval, and an absolute position detecting portion of the print head. An image information recording apparatus comprising a position detection means and a printing mechanism using the position detection means. 5. The image information recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the absolute position detecting portion has information for discriminating between a left end and a right end of the reciprocating scan of the print head. 6. An image information recording apparatus, wherein the absolute position detecting portion according to claim 4 or 5 has position information of a predetermined operation at both left and right ends of the print head. 7. An image information recording apparatus, wherein the position information according to claim 6 is print head cleaning position information. 8. The image information recording apparatus as the position information according to claim 6, which is standby position information of the print head. 9. The image information recording apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the image information recording medium is a recording medium. An image information recording device, which is a printer device having a printing mechanism for recording on an image. 10. The image information recording apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7, or claim 8 reads an image to form an image. An image information recording device comprising a scanner unit for converting information and a printing mechanism for recording the image information on a recording medium. 11. The image information recording apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7, or claim 8 encodes image information. A facsimile device having a mechanism for converting and transmitting to a communication network, a mechanism for receiving an electric signal from the communication network, encoding and converting the electric signal into image information, and a printing mechanism for recording the image information on a recording medium. An image information recording device characterized by: 12. The image information recording apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the image information recording medium is a recording medium. An image information recording apparatus, which is a copying machine / facsimile machine having a printing mechanism for recording on a medium. 13. An image information recording apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the image information is recorded on a recording medium. An image information recording apparatus, which is a printer / facsimile apparatus having a printing mechanism for recording on an image. 14. An image information recording apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7, or claim 8, wherein image information is recorded on a recording medium. An image information recording apparatus, characterized in that it is a printer / copying apparatus having a printing mechanism for recording on an image. 15. The image information recording apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7, or claim 8 records image information on a recording medium. An image information recording apparatus characterized by being a printer device / copy device / facsimile device having a printing mechanism for recording on a medium. 16. The method according to claim 9, claim 10, claim 11,
Claim 12, Claim 13, Claim 14 or Claim 15
The image information recording apparatus according to the invention, characterized in that it has an acceleration / deceleration printing control means for performing printing control based on the head base position detection result detected by the position detection means when the driving force generating means is accelerated / decelerated. . 17. The method according to claim 9, claim 10, claim 11,
The printing mechanism according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15 or claim 16 has an ink jet printing mechanism for printing image information on paper by spraying ink particles. Image information recording device. 18. The method according to claim 9, claim 10, claim 11,
The printing mechanism according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16 or claim 17 has a color printing function for printing color image information on a recording medium. Information recording device. 19. A claim 9, a claim 10, a claim 11,
The position detecting means according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18 detects the position by varying the amount of transmitted light or reflected light in the detection direction. Optical sensor using transmitted light or reflected light, magnetic sensor for reading magnetic signal, magneto-optical sensor for reading transmitted light or reflected light by magnetism, magnetic head and magnetizing scale, or optical pickup device and optical information An image information recording apparatus comprising a sheet, or a magneto-optical head and a magneto-optical information sheet. 20. Claim 9, claim 10, claim 11,
The position detecting means according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17 or claim 18 includes a slit or a pattern printing film, a magnetizing scale, or optical information. An image information recording apparatus comprising an information recording / reproducing means for recording or reproducing control information or general information on a sheet. 21. Claim 9, claim 10, claim 11,
The reproduced data detected by the position detecting means according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17 or claim 18 and the error rate of the reproduced data are compared. An image information recording apparatus, comprising: an error detecting unit for making a distinction; and a variable speed control unit for changing the speed of a print head from a predetermined value to a large value according to the detected error rate. 22. Claim 9, claim 10, claim 11,
A slit or pattern printing film, a magnetizing scale, or an optical information sheet in the position detecting means according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18. Alternatively, the image information recording apparatus is characterized in that detection data of a predetermined type is multi-recorded in the thickness direction of the magneto-optical information sheet. 23. Claim 9, Claim 10, Claim 11,
A slit or pattern printing film, a magnetizing scale, or an optical information sheet in the position detecting means according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18. Alternatively, the image information recording apparatus is characterized in that a plurality of types of position information are superposed and recorded on a magneto-optical information sheet. 24. Claim 9, Claim 10, Claim 11,
The printing mechanism according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18 is a multi-level printer that prints image information on a recording medium corresponding to a predetermined resolution. An image information recording apparatus having a resolution printing function. 25. A method according to claim 9, claim 10, claim 11,
The printing mechanism according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18 has a repetitive printing function for repeatedly printing a predetermined number of times corresponding to image information. An image information recording device characterized by the above. 26. Claim 9, Claim 10, Claim 11,
The printing mechanism according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18 has an offset printing function for performing offset printing on a recording medium corresponding to image information. An image information recording apparatus having: 27. The claim 9, claim 10, claim 11,
Image information characterized in that the printing mechanism according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17 or claim 18 has a high resolution printing function of 600 dpi or more. Recording device.