Recording device, control method, storage medium, and program

Abstract

To provide a recording control technique corresponding to changes in a conveyance state of a recording medium.SOLUTION: A recording device includes: conveyance means which is disposed on an upstream side in a conveyance direction of a recording medium beyond recording means, to convey the recording medium to the recording means; and control means which regulates recording by the recording means during passage of a tip of the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance means through a setting section that has been preset on a conveyance path of the recording medium, after starting the recording on the recording medium by the recording means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] A recording device carries out recording by conveying a recording medium to a recording head. Various technologies have been proposed to improve the quality of image recording. Patent Document 1 discloses a transport control technology that reduces the degradation of image quality when the recording medium separates from the paper feed roller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-160797 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Changes in the transport state of the recording medium affect recording quality and efficiency. For example, a curled recording medium, such as a roll sheet, may lift up during transport and come into contact with the recording head. Contact of the recording medium with the recording head can cause the recording medium to become dirty or jam. Furthermore, when the recording medium reaches the discharge roller, the system switches from transport by the transport roller alone to transport by the transport roller and discharge roller, which can cause fluctuations in the amount of recording medium transport and reduce recording quality.

[0005] The present invention provides a print control technique that responds to changes in the print medium transport state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a conveying means disposed upstream of the recording means in a recording medium conveying direction, the conveying means conveying the recording medium to the recording means; and a control means for restricting recording by the recording means while a leading edge of the recording medium being transported by the transport means passes through a preset section on a transport path of the recording medium after the recording means starts recording on the recording medium. A recording device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording control technique that responds to changes in the conveyance state of a recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of line BB in Figure 3. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example in which lifting of a recording medium is restricted. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example in which lifting of a recording medium is restricted. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of recording control in a set section. [Figure 9] 1A is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by a control unit, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of setting conditions for a skip section. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by a control unit. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by a control unit. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of switching the standby position of the carriage. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a skip section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment <Outline of the recording device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a recording apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the present invention is described as being applied to a serial-type inkjet recording apparatus, but the present invention can also be applied to other types of recording apparatus. In the figure, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are orthogonal to each other, and arrow Z indicates the up-down direction. Furthermore, the downstream side and upstream side are based on the direction in which the recording medium is transported.

[0011] "Recording" not only includes the formation of meaningful information such as characters and figures, but also includes the formation of images, patterns, designs, etc. on a recording medium, whether meaningful or insignificant, or the processing of the medium, regardless of whether it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans. In addition, although sheet-like paper is assumed as the "recording medium" in this embodiment, it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0012] The recording device 1 includes a mechanism for transporting a recording medium, which includes a feeding unit 2, a transport unit 3, and a discharge unit 4, arranged from upstream in the transport direction of the recording medium. In the following description, upstream and downstream are based on the transport direction of the recording medium. The feeding unit 2 includes a feeding unit 21 that feeds a sheet SH1 as a recording medium, and a feeding unit 22 that feeds a sheet SH2, which is different from the sheet SH1, as a recording medium. In this embodiment, the two feeding units 21 and 22 can selectively feed the recording medium to be recorded on.

[0013] The feeding unit 21 includes a feeding tray 210 (stacking section) capable of stacking a plurality of sheets SH1, a feeding roller 211, and a separating section 213. The sheets SH1 are pre-cut sheets (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as cut sheets SH1) stacked on the feeding tray 210 with their width direction aligned in the Y direction. The feeding roller 211 rotates by the driving force of a feeding motor 212, contacts the uppermost cut sheet SH1 stacked on the feeding tray 210, and transports it downstream. A separating section 213 is provided at the downstream end of the feeding tray 210. The separating section 213 has a structure (e.g., a separating claw) that separates the cut sheets SH1 on the feeding tray 210 one by one when the feeding roller 211 transports the cut sheets SH1.

[0014] The sheet SH2 is a roll sheet (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the roll sheet SH2) in which one sheet is wound around a cylindrical core. The feeding unit 22 has a support part 221 that rotatably supports the roll sheet SH2. The roll sheet SH2 is supported with its width direction (the axial direction of the roll) aligned with the Y direction. The support part 221 rotates by the driving force of the feeding motor 222, rotating the roll sheet SH2. Depending on the rotation direction of the feeding motor 222, the roll sheet SH2 can be fed out downstream or wound up. The feeding unit 22 has a roller 223 that is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the roll sheet SH2 by a spring or the like (not shown). The roller 223 is a freely rotating body that presses against the outer circumferential surface of the roll sheet SH2 to ensure stable feeding and winding of the roll sheet SH2.

[0015] As the support portion 221 rotates, the rolled sheet SH2 passes between the sheet guide 10 and a roller 224, which is a free rotating body arranged opposite the sheet guide 10, and is conveyed downstream. The conveyance path for the cut sheet SH1 and the conveyance path for the rolled sheet SH2 merge at a junction downstream of the partition member 10c. After the junction, the conveyance path passes between the sheet guide 10a and the sheet guide 10b opposite the sheet guide 10a, and reaches the conveyance unit 3.

[0016] The transport unit 3 is disposed upstream of the recording head 6 and transports the recording medium (cut sheet SH1 or rolled sheet SH2) transported by the feeding unit 2 to the recording head 6. The transport unit 3 includes a drive roller 31 and a driven roller 32 (pinch roller) that is pressed against the drive roller 31 by a spring or the like (not shown). The drive roller 31 is rotated by the driving force of a transport motor 33. When the transport motor 33 rotates forward, the recording medium is sandwiched in the nip portion between the drive roller 31 and the driven roller 32, and the recording medium (cut sheet SH1 or rolled sheet SH2) is transported downstream in the X direction between the recording head 6 and the support member 8. When the rolled sheet SH2 is being wound up, the transport unit 3 can also transport the rolled sheet SH2 upstream by rotating the transport motor 33 in the reverse direction.

[0017] The support member 8 is a member that supports from below the recording medium transported by the transport unit 3. In this embodiment, the support member 8 is a single member, but it may be composed of multiple members divided in the X direction. The regulating member 12 is disposed in a position facing the support member 8 and regulates the floating of the recording medium.

[0018] The discharge unit 4 is disposed downstream of the recording head 6 and transports the recording medium (cut sheet SH1 or roll sheet SH2) transported by the transport unit 3 out of the apparatus. The discharge unit 4 includes a drive roller 41 and a spur 42 disposed opposite the drive roller 41 and pressed against the drive roller 41 by a spring or the like (not shown). The drive roller 41 is a rotating member that rotates by the driving force of the transport motor 33 and transports the recording medium downstream. The spur 42 is a rotating member that can rotate together with the drive roller 41, and the recording medium is sandwiched in the nip portion between the drive roller 41 and the spur 42 and transported.

[0019] In this embodiment, the transport motor 33 is shared by the transport unit 3 and the discharge unit 4, but a configuration in which separate motors are provided may also be used.

[0020] A cutting unit 5 is provided downstream of the discharge unit 4. The cutting unit 5 cuts the rolled sheet SH2 on which recording has been performed. The cutting unit 5 includes, for example, cutters with circular blades arranged one above the other, and a movement mechanism (not shown) that moves the cutters in a direction intersecting the recording medium transport direction (the Y direction in this embodiment). The cutters are on standby outside the recording medium transport path, and are moved across the transport path to cut the rolled sheet SH2 when cutting.

[0021] The recording head 6 is disposed downstream of the transport unit 3 and upstream of the discharge unit 4. The recording head 6 performs recording on a recording medium (cut sheet SH1 or roll sheet SH2). In this embodiment, the recording head 6 is an inkjet recording head that ejects ink to perform recording on the recording medium. The recording head 6 is supported by a carriage 7.

[0022] The carriage 7 is driven by a drive unit 11 to reciprocate in a direction intersecting the recording medium. In this embodiment, the carriage 7 reciprocates in the Y direction guided by a guide shaft 9 extending in the Y direction. The drive unit 11 is a mechanism that uses a carriage motor 11a as a drive source, and is, for example, a belt transmission mechanism that includes a drive pulley and a driven pulley spaced apart in the Y direction, and an endless belt wound around these pulleys. The carriage 7 is connected to the endless belt. When the carriage motor 11a rotates the drive pulley, the endless belt runs and the carriage 7 moves. The recording head 6 may be replaceably attached to the carriage 7.

[0023] As described above, the recording device 1 of this embodiment is a serial type recording device in which the recording head 6 is mounted on the carriage 7. Recording control on the recording medium is performed by the transport unit 3 by alternately repeating a transport operation (intermittent transport operation) that transports the recording medium a predetermined distance and a recording operation while transport of the transport unit 3 is stopped. The recording operation is an operation in which ink is ejected from the recording head 6 while the carriage 7 carrying the recording head 6 is moved.

[0024] The recording device 1 is equipped with a detection unit 13. The detection unit 13 detects the recording medium at a position upstream of the transport unit 3 and downstream of the feeding unit 2. The detection unit 13 is, for example, an optical sensor that detects the recording medium. Alternatively, the detection unit 13 is, for example, configured with an arm member that is swingably provided in the transport path of the recording medium and swings due to interference with the recording medium, and a sensor that detects the swing of the arm member.

[0025] <Control unit> 2 is a block diagram of the control unit 14 of the recording device 1. The MPU 140 is a processor that controls the various operations of the recording device 1 and the processing of data. The MPU 140 executes programs stored in a storage device 141 to control the entire recording device 1. The storage device 141 is composed of, for example, a ROM or RAM. In addition to the programs executed by the MPU 140, the storage device 141 stores various types of data required for processing, such as data received from the host computer 15.

[0026] The MPU 140 controls the recording head 6 via a driver 142a. The MPU 140 controls the carriage motor 11a via a driver 142b. The MPU 140 also controls the conveying motor 33, the feeding motors 212 and 222, and the cutter motor 5a via drivers 142c to 142f. The cutter motor 5a is the drive source for the cutting unit 5.

[0027] In addition to the detection unit 13, the sensor group 144 includes a sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the carriage 7 in the Y direction, and a sensor (not shown) that detects the amount of rotation of the feed motor 33. The sensor group 144 also includes a sensor (not shown) that detects the amount of rotation of the feed motor 212 and a sensor that detects the amount of rotation of the feed motor 222. By detecting the amount of rotation of the feed motor 33 and the amount of rotation of the feed motor 222, the feed amount and roll diameter of the roll sheet SH2 can be calculated. The sensor group 144 also includes sensors that detect the temperature and humidity of the environment in which the recording apparatus 1 is installed.

[0028] The position of the leading edge of the recording medium can be calculated as follows. First, after the detection unit 13 detects the leading edge of the recording medium, the feed motor 212 or 222 is driven while the transport unit 3 is stopped until the leading edge of the recording medium hits the nip portion of the transport unit 3. The distance in the X direction from the detection unit 13 to the transport unit 3 is known. Even after the leading edge of the recording medium hits the nip portion of the transport unit 3, the feed motor 212 or 222 continues to feed the recording medium for a while, causing the recording medium to bend, thereby correcting skew of the recording medium. The transport unit 3 is then driven to transport the recording medium, and the amount of rotation of the transport motor 33 is detected to calculate the transport distance of the recording medium, i.e., the position of the leading edge of the recording medium in the transport direction.

[0029] The host computer 15 is, for example, a personal computer or a mobile terminal (such as a smartphone or tablet terminal) used by a user. A printer driver 15a that performs communication between the host computer 15 and the recording device 1 is installed in the host computer 15. The recording device 1 is equipped with an interface unit 143, and communication between the host computer 15 and the MPU 140 is performed via the interface unit 143. For example, when a user inputs an instruction to execute a recording operation to the host computer 15, the printer driver 15a compiles data of the image to be recorded and settings related to the recording (information such as the quality of the recorded image), and instructs the recording device 1 to execute recording control. An instruction to execute recording control is sometimes called a recording job.

[0030] <Lifting prevention> The structure for suppressing floating of the recording medium will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a plan view of the support member 8, showing the spur 42 and the regulating member 12 together. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 3, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 3.

[0031] The support member 8 has multiple ribs 8a and 8b arranged in the Y direction. Each rib 8a and 8b is a plate-like member extending in the X direction, and its top forms a transport support surface for the recording medium. In this embodiment, the heights (lengths in the Z direction) of the ribs 8a and 8b are different. Because multiple relatively short ribs 8b are arranged between relatively tall ribs 8a, even if the recording medium stretches when ink is applied, the recording medium can be supported along the relatively short ribs 8b. Figure 5 illustrates an example of a stretched roll sheet SH2 being supported by the ribs 8a and 8b. In other words, the recording medium can be prevented from stretching in an upward bulging manner, and contact between the recording medium and the recording head 6 can be prevented.

[0032] The ribs 8a and 8b differ only in height, and have the same contour shape (profile in the XZ plane). In the following explanation, the configuration of the rib 8a will be mainly described, but the rib 8b is also the same.

[0033] The rib 8a has a plurality of portions in the X direction. Specifically, the rib 8a has a platen portion 80 and a guide portion 81. The platen portion 80 is a portion that faces the recording head 6 and forms a flat support surface in the X direction.

[0034] The guide portion 80 is a portion that guides the movement of the leading edge of the recording medium that has passed the recording head 6. The guide portion 80 has, in order from the upstream side, a downwardly inclined portion 82, a connecting portion 83, a downwardly inclined portion 84, and an upwardly inclined portion 85. The downwardly inclined portion 82 starts from a position slightly upstream of the downstream end (the downstream end nozzle) of the recording head 6 in the X direction, and forms a downward slope that slopes downstream away from the support height H1 of the recording medium at the platen portion 80 as a reference. The slope is a linear slope without any curvature. The connecting portion 83 is a section that connects the downwardly inclined portion 82 and the downwardly inclined portion 84, and is a flat surface parallel to the support height H1. An embodiment in which the downwardly inclined portion 82 and the downwardly inclined portion 84 are formed continuously without providing the connecting portion 83 may also be adopted.

[0035] The downward inclined portion 84 forms a downward inclination that slopes in a direction away from the support height H1 toward the downstream side. However, the inclination is gentler than that of the downward inclined portion 82. The inclination is a straight inclination without curvature. The upward inclined portion 85 forms an upward inclination that slopes in a direction approaching the support height H1 toward the downstream side. The upward inclined portion 85 includes an upstream curved portion 85a and a straight portion 85b that continues from the curved portion 85a toward the downstream side. The curved portion 85a is a portion that extends in an arc shape so that the inclination smoothly transitions to an upward inclination from the lower end of the downward inclined portion 84. The straight portion 85b is a straight inclined surface without curvature.

[0036] In the case of this embodiment, the regulating member 12 is a rotating member having the same form as the impeller 42 and is freely rotatable around the axis 12a in the Y direction. Note that, as the form of the regulating member 12, it is only necessary that it can contact the recording medium and prevent its lifting. In addition to a rotating member as in this embodiment, it may be a fixed member. However, by using a rotating member as in this embodiment, the conveyance of the recording medium whose lifting is regulated can be continued more smoothly.

[0037] The regulating member 12 is disposed at a position facing the guide portion 81, and particularly, at a position facing the downward inclined portion 84. By disposing the regulating member 12 at such a position, when the leading end of the recording medium advances from the downward inclined portion 84 to the upward inclined portion 85 and the recording medium turns into a lifted state, the regulating member 12 can more reliably regulate the lifting of the recording medium. Further, the relationship between the support height H1 of the platen portion 80, the regulating position (regulating height) H2 of the regulating member 12, and the height H3 of the nip position of the discharge unit 4 is H1 < H2 < H3. Due to such a height relationship, the regulating member 12 can more reliably regulate the lifting of the recording medium.

[0038] A plurality of regulating members 12 are provided and are provided at positions corresponding to the ribs 8a and 8b in the Y direction. More specifically, each regulating member 12 is disposed so as to face one of the ribs 8a and 8b. Thereby, the lifting of the recording medium can be regulated at an arbitrary portion in the width direction (Y direction) of the recording medium.

[0039] 4, the regulating member 12 is supported by the holding member 16 together with a spur 42. The spur 42 is rotatably supported by the holding member 16 via a spring shaft 42a, and is biased by the spring shaft 42a toward the discharge roller 41. The regulating member 12 is supported by the holding member 16 via the shaft 12a.

[0040] The holding member 16, base member 17, and height adjustment member 18 are each elongated members extending in the Y direction. The base member 17 and height adjustment member 18 are fixed together at multiple locations in the Y direction by screws 50. The screws 50 pass through holes in the base member 17 and threadably engage with threaded holes in the height adjustment member 18. The holes in the base member 17 are designed with some clearance, and the height of the height adjustment member 18 can be adjusted by changing the attachment position of the screws 50 relative to these holes. The holding member 16 and height adjustment member 18 are fixed together at multiple locations in the Y direction by screws 51.

[0041] 6A to 7B are explanatory diagrams showing an example in which the floating of the recording medium is restricted. Here, an example is explained in which the roll sheet SH2 is being conveyed, but the same applies to the cut sheet SH1.

[0042] 6(A) shows the stage where the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 is moving over the platen portion 80. At this stage, ink may be ejected from the recording head 6 to start recording. As the transport of the rolled sheet SH2 progresses, the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 passes through a downwardly inclined portion 82 and reaches a connecting portion 83, as shown in FIG. 6(B).

[0043] By guiding the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 downward by the downward inclined portion 82, even if the rolled sheet SH2 is curled downward, it is possible to prevent the rolled sheet SH2 from floating up toward the recording head 6. In particular, because the downward inclined portion 82 has a relatively steep downward inclination, it is possible to reduce the floating of the rolled sheet SH2 even if the curl near the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 is strong.

[0044] As the rolled sheet SH2 continues to be conveyed, the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 reaches the downwardly inclined portion 84, as shown in FIG. 6C. The downwardly inclined portion 84 guides the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 downward, thereby maintaining a state in which the rolled sheet SH2 is kept from lifting up. If the downwardly inclined portion 84 is a flat surface similar to the connecting portion 83, the lifting of the rolled sheet SH2 may increase depending on the curl of the rolled sheet SH2. However, by guiding the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 with the relatively gentle downwardly inclined portion 84, the increase in the lifting of the rolled sheet SH2 is suppressed. The downwardly inclined portion 84 is the longest section in the X direction in the guide portion 81, and is longer than the individual sections of the downwardly inclined portion 82 and the connecting portion 83, or the combined sections of the downwardly inclined portion 82 and the connecting portion 83. The downwardly inclined portion 84 suppresses the increase in the lifting of the rolled sheet SH2 while ensuring the conveyance distance from the recording head 6 to the discharge unit 4.

[0045] As the transport of the rolled sheet SH2 progresses, the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 reaches the upwardly inclined portion 85, as shown in FIG. 7A. This causes the rolled sheet SH2 to lift up. However, as shown in FIG. 7A, the lifting of the rolled sheet SH2 is regulated by the regulating member 12, so that the rolled sheet SH2 can be regulated from lifting up directly below the recording head 6.

[0046] In this embodiment, the downwardly inclined portion 84 and the upwardly inclined portion 85 are connected to each other in order to control the position at which the lifting of the rolled sheet SH2 increases. That is, the downward inclination of the downwardly inclined portion 84 suppresses the increase in the lifting of the rolled sheet SH2, while the lifting increases rapidly in the upwardly inclined portion 85. In particular, the curved portion 85a is formed at the upstream end of the upwardly inclined portion 85, which causes the lifting of the rolled sheet SH2 to increase rapidly. However, the restricting member 12 can suppress the lifting of the rolled sheet SH2.

[0047] In this way, in this embodiment, the position where lifting of the rolled sheet SH2 occurs is structurally limited, while the lifting of the rolled sheet SH2 is restricted in accordance with this position by the restricting member 12. By preventing the position where lifting occurs from varying depending on the stiffness or degree of curl of the rolled sheet SH2, the position where lifting occurs can be controlled, and lifting can be effectively suppressed.

[0048] As the transport of the rolled sheet SH2 progresses, as shown in Figure 7(B), the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 reaches the nip portion of the discharge unit 4. Because the height H3 of the nip position of the discharge unit 4 is higher than the regulating position H2 of the regulating member 12, the regulating member 12 continuously regulates the lifting of the rolled sheet SH2.

[0049] In this way, in this embodiment, the position at which the recording medium lifts up can be controlled and the lifting can be suppressed. According to this embodiment, even if the platen unit 80 does not have a structure for sucking the recording medium, the lifting of the recording medium can be suppressed, and a low-cost, small-sized recording device 1 can be provided.

[0050] <Skip section> Changes in the transport state of the recording medium affect the recording quality and efficiency. Factors that cause changes in the transport state include factors attributable to the position of the leading edge of the recording medium. Sections M1 and M2 in Figure 4 are examples of such changes. These sections are sometimes called skip sections, and when there is no need to distinguish between sections M1 and M2, they are sometimes collectively referred to as section M.

[0051] The skip section M is a section on the transport path of the recording medium. The skip section M1 is a section that includes at least a portion of the upwardly inclined section 85, and in this embodiment, it is particularly the section from the curved section 85a to partway along the straight section 85b. In this embodiment, although the lifting of the recording medium is restricted by the restricting member 12, there is still a possibility that the recording medium may lift when the leading edge of the recording medium passes through this skip section M1. The likelihood of the recording medium lifting is higher when using a roll sheet SH2 rather than a cut sheet SH1. If the recording medium lifts significantly, the recording head 6 may come into contact with the recording medium, causing the recording medium to become soiled or causing a jam.

[0052] The skip section M2 is a section that includes the position where transport by the discharge unit 4 starts (the nip between the discharge roller 41 and the spur 42). When the leading edge of the recording medium reaches the nip between the discharge roller 41 and the spur 42, the recording medium changes from being transported by the transport unit 3 to being transported by the transport unit 3 and the discharge unit 4. When this change in transport state occurs, the transport amount (transport distance) of the recording medium may fluctuate.

[0053] In particular, in order to transport the recording medium with higher precision, when control is performed that applies unique control correction values ​​when the recording medium is transported by the transport unit 3 and when the recording medium is transported by the transport unit 3 and the discharge unit 4, the transport amount is likely to fluctuate.

[0054] Specifically, with this control, the correction value is switched when the leading edge of the recording medium reaches the nip portion of the discharge unit 4. However, there is variation in the timing at which the leading edge of the recording medium actually reaches the nip portion of the discharge unit 4, depending on the type of recording medium, the state of curl, and the temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the recording device 1. Due to this variation in timing, the correction value may be switched even though the leading edge of the recording medium has not actually reached the nip portion of the discharge unit 4, causing fluctuations in the conveyance amount. This can cause a decrease in image quality.

[0055] The effect on image quality of changes in the transport distance of the recording medium using the transport unit 3 and the transport distance of the recording medium using the transport unit 3 and the discharge unit 4 tends to be greater for glossy paper than for plain paper, and also tends to be greater for cut sheets SH1 than for roll sheets SH2.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, printing is restricted while the leading edge of the printing medium is positioned in the skip section M. As an example of restriction, printing operations are not performed, and the carriage 7 is not moved and ink is not ejected from the printing head 6. As a specific operation, transport control is performed so that the printing medium passes through the skip section M in one transport operation. This prevents printing operations from being performed while the leading edge of the printing medium is positioned in the skip section M.

[0057] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of recording control before and after the skip section M. Here, a case where a roll sheet SH2 is used as a recording medium is illustrated, but similar recording control can also be applied to a cut sheet SH1.

[0058] In the figure, length Lp is the predetermined distance (basic transport distance) required for transport to the next image recording position. The recording head 6 has multiple ink ejection ports in the X direction, and the width in the X direction that can be recorded in one recording operation can be changed with the distance from the most upstream nozzle to the most downstream nozzle of the recording head 6 as the maximum recording width. Therefore, the maximum width of length Lp corresponds to the distance from the most upstream nozzle to the most downstream nozzle of the recording head 6. Length Lx is the distance in the X direction from the leading edge of the recording medium to the skip section M, and is the remaining distance until the leading edge of the recording medium reaches the skip section M. Length Lx is calculated from the leading edge position of the roll sheet SH2 and the position of the skip section M. If the leading edge position exceeds the skip section M, it may be uniformly set to 0 for control calculation purposes. Length Ls is the width in the X direction of the skip section M. The relationship between the maximum recording width from the most upstream nozzle to the most downstream nozzle of the recording head 6 and Ls is maximum recording width > Ls.

[0059] In state ST1, it shows the stage where the image IM1 has been recorded on the roll sheet SH2 by the recording operation. Since Lx > Lp, in state ST2, the roll sheet SH2 is conveyed by a distance Lp, which is the basic conveyance distance, by the conveyance operation.

[0060] In state ST3, it shows the stage where the image IM2 has been recorded on the roll sheet SH2 by the recording operation. Since Lx < Lp < Lx + Ls, if the roll sheet SH2 is conveyed by a distance Lp, which is the basic conveyance distance, in the next conveyance operation, the roll sheet SH2 will be located within the range of the skip section M.

[0061] To avoid this situation, in the next conveyance operation, as shown in state ST4, the roll sheet SH2 is conveyed by a distance Lp' shorter than the distance Lp. The distance Lp' is set such that Lp' < Lx.

[0062] Next, as shown in state ST5, the recording operation is executed and the image IM3 is recorded on the roll sheet SH2. When recording the image IM3, the recording range of the recording head 6 is changed corresponding to the distance Lp' in the conveyance operation, and the width of the recording range in the X direction is set to Lp' from the upstream side.

[0063] Next, as shown in state ST6, the conveyance operation is performed. The conveyance distance of the roll sheet SH2 at this time is set to be at least greater than the skip section M so that the leading end of the roll sheet SH2 passes through the skip section M. Here, since it is set such that Lp > Lx' in state ST4, it returns to the length Lp, which is the basic conveyance distance. Next, as shown in state ST7, the recording operation is performed and the image IM4 is recorded on the roll sheet SH2. When recording the image IM4, the recording range of the recording head 6 is restored corresponding to the distance Lp in the conveyance operation, and the width of the recording range in the X direction is set to Lp.

[0064] Through the above control, it is possible to avoid performing the recording operation in a state where the leading end of the recording medium is located in the skip section M.

[0065] It goes without saying that if the relationship Lp>Lx+Ls holds in state ST3, there is no need to change the conveyance distance of rolled sheet SH2 to Lp'. Also, in state ST6, the conveyance distance of rolled sheet SH2 does not necessarily have to be length Lp, as long as its leading edge exceeds skip section M.

[0066] 8, an example was described in which images IM1 to IM4 form one continuous image. However, in recording control, there are cases in which multiple discontinuous images with intervening margins are recorded due to the presence of page breaks or the like. In this case, taking into account the conveying distance for the margins, it is possible to determine whether the leading edge of roll sheet SH2 is located in skip section M in the next recording operation, and if it is determined that it is located, to perform control such as changing the conveying distance.

[0067] Furthermore, the length Lp may be shorter than the distance from the most upstream nozzle to the most downstream nozzle of the recording head 6. In the example of FIG. 8, the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 exceeds the skip section M, so the control to change the conveyance distance and recording range from Lp to Lp' is performed only once. However, the length of Lp' may be reduced and the control may be performed multiple times. This is effective in the case of multi-pass recording, in which one image is completed by recording an image through multiple recording operations. For example, in the case of two-pass recording, the distance Lp can be set to maximum recording width / 2, and in the case of four-pass recording, the distance Lp can be set to maximum recording width / 4. To pass through section M in one pass, the conveyance amount may be increased within the range of the maximum recording width.

[0068] <Control example> An example of processing executed by the MPU 140 of the control unit 14 to perform the control of FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing an example of the recording control processing. In this example, the skip section is switched between being set and not set depending on the recording conditions, and if there is a set section, the control illustrated in FIG. 8 (referred to as skip recording control) is performed, and if there is no set section, normal recording control (normal recording control) is performed. Skip recording control tends to increase the number of recording operations and transport operations, which may affect throughput. By selectively executing skip recording control and normal recording control depending on the recording conditions rather than uniformly performing skip recording control, it is possible to prevent a decrease in recording quality and jams while maintaining a decrease in throughput.

[0069] In S1, the recording conditions for the current recording job are acquired. The recording conditions are, for example, received from the host computer 15 and stored in the storage device 141, and in S1, the recording conditions are acquired by reading the recording conditions stored in the storage device 141. In S2, based on the recording conditions acquired in S1, it is determined whether or not a skip section M needs to be set. If it is determined that it is necessary, the process proceeds to S3, and if it is determined that it is not necessary, the process proceeds to S5.

[0070] 9B shows an example of rules for determining whether to set or not set the skip sections M1 and M2 based on the recording conditions. In the example shown, a table is illustrated for switching between setting or not setting the skip sections M1 and M2 depending on the type of recording medium used for recording.

[0071] In the example of Figure 9(B), a skip section M1 is set for roll sheets, but the skip section M1 is not set for cut sheets. This is because cut sheets are relatively less likely to lift up the recording medium. Also, in the example of Figure 9(B), a skip section M2 is set for glossy paper, but the skip section M2 is not set for plain paper. This is because printing on glossy paper requires higher printing quality than printing on plain paper, and printing on plain paper requires relatively faster printing speeds.

[0072] In addition to the type of recording medium, the diameter of the roll sheet can also be cited as a recording condition for switching between setting and not setting the skip section M. The degree of curl at the leading edge of the roll sheet is affected by the diameter of the roll sheet. When the degree of curl is relatively small and the diameter is large, the skip section M1 may be not set, and when the degree of curl is relatively large and the diameter is small, the skip section M1 may be set.

[0073] Furthermore, the recording conditions for switching between setting and not setting the skip section M can include at least one of the temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the recording device 1. The degree of curling and expansion of the recording medium, the degree of slippage at the nip, and the like vary depending on the temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the recording device 1. Therefore, by switching between setting and not setting the skip section M depending on the temperature and humidity, it is possible to prevent a decrease in recording quality and the occurrence of jams, while maintaining a decrease in throughput.

[0074] Returning to FIG. 9A, in S3, the skip section M is set, in S4, the skip recording control is executed, and in S5, the normal recording control is executed.

[0075] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of normal recording control in S5. After the recording medium (cut sheet SH1 or roll sheet SH2) is abutted against the nip portion of the transport unit 3 by the feeding operation, the recording medium is cue-aligned in S11. Specifically, the transport unit 3 transports the recording medium so that the recording start position on the recording medium is positioned corresponding to the recording head 6 according to the margin amount specified in the recording job. Then, recording begins. In S12, the recording operation is performed. In S13, it is determined whether recording is complete; if not, the process proceeds to S14; if completed, the process proceeds to S15.

[0076] After recording starts, a conveying operation is performed in S14, and the process returns to S12. In S15, a discharging operation is performed. The recording medium is conveyed outside the apparatus by the discharge unit 4. If the recording medium is a roll sheet SH2, the cutter unit 5 also cuts the roll sheet SH2.

[0077] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of skip recording control for S4. After the recording medium (cut sheet SH1 or roll sheet SH2) is pressed against the nip portion of the conveyance unit 3 by the feeding operation, the leading edge of the recording medium is set in S21. This is the same process as S11. After that, recording is started. In S22, a recording operation is performed. In S23, it is determined whether the recording has been completed. If not, the process proceeds to S24, and if it has been completed, the process proceeds to S28.

[0078] After the start of recording, in S24, it is determined whether the relationship among the length LX, the length Lp, and the length Lx described in FIG. 8 is such that Lx < Lp ≤ Ls + Lx. If this relationship does not hold, the process proceeds to S25, and if it holds, the process proceeds to S26. In S25, the conveyance distance of the recording medium and the recording range of the recording head 6 are set to the length Lp, which is the basic conveyance distance. In S26, the conveyance distance of the recording medium and the recording range of the recording head 6 are set to the length Lp' illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0079] In S27, the recording medium is conveyed by the length Lp or Lp' set in S25 or S26 and then returns to S22. In S22, a recording operation is performed within the recording range of the length Lp or Lp' set in S25 or S26.

[0080] In S28, a discharging operation is performed. The recording medium is conveyed outside the apparatus by the discharging unit 4. When the recording medium is the roll sheet SH2, the roll sheet SH2 is also cut by the cutting unit 5.

[0081] As described above, in the present embodiment, recording is restricted while the leading edge of the recording medium passes through the skip section M. Thereby, it is possible to provide a recording control technique corresponding to a change in the conveyance state of the recording medium. It is possible to avoid recording when the recording medium may float and contact the recording head 6, or when the conveyance amount of the recording medium may vary. It is possible to prevent the recording medium from being soiled, jams from occurring, and the recording quality from deteriorating.

[0082] <Second Embodiment> While the leading edge of the recording medium passes through the skip section M, the reversal position of the carriage 7's movement direction may be switched. During recording control, the recording head 6 mounted on the carriage 7 moves back and forth across the recording medium in the Y direction, with the direction of carriage 7 reversing between the outbound and return journeys. Considering throughput, it is advantageous to have the reversal position of the carriage 7's movement direction closer to the recording medium, as this shortens the distance the carriage 7 moves. On the other hand, if the reversal position is close to the recording medium, if the recording medium floats up during the transport operation, there is a possibility that the recording medium will come into contact with the recording head 6 of the carriage 7 waiting at the reversal position. It is desirable to avoid contact between the recording head 6 and the recording medium even when not in recording operation.

[0083] Therefore, in the skip section M1 where there is a possibility that the recording medium may float, the reversal position of the carriage 7 may be switched to a position away from the recording medium. This is explained in Figure 12. States ST2, ST5, and ST6 in Figure 12 correspond to states ST2, ST5, and ST6 in Figure 8.

[0084] State ST2 in Figure 12 is the stage of the transport operation when the leading edge of roll sheet SH2 is not in skip section M1. Carriage 7 waits at either reversal position P1 or reversal position P2, and in the illustrated example, for convenience, it is assumed that carriage 7 is waiting at reversal position P1, so carriage 7 at reversal position P1 is shown with a solid line, and carriage 7 at reversal position P2 is shown with a virtual line (dashed line). At reversal position P1 or P2, carriage 7 is positioned so as to overlap with roll sheet SH2 in the Y direction.

[0085] State ST5 in Figure 12 is the stage at which the recording operation ends when the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 approaches the skip section M1. The carriage 7 waits at either reversal position P1' or reversal position P2'. Reversal position P1' or reversal position P2' is a position farther away from the rolled sheet SH2 than reversal positions P1 and P2. At reversal position P1' or reversal position P2', the carriage 7 is positioned so as not to overlap with the rolled sheet SH2 in the Y direction.

[0086] 12 is the stage of the transport operation in which the leading edge of the rolled sheet SH2 passes through the skip section M1. The carriage 7 waits at either the reversal position P1' or the reversal position P2', so that even if the rolled sheet SH2 floats up, contact between the recording head 6 and the rolled sheet SH2 is avoided.

[0087] Third Embodiment Next, a description will be given of another example of the skip section M. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the structure around the carriage 7 of the recording apparatus 1' of this embodiment.

[0088] The recording device 1' has a platen 60 facing the recording head 6, which supports the recording medium from below and ensures a gap between the recording medium and the recording head 6. A guide member 61 is provided downstream of the platen 60, which supports the recording medium from below and guides its transport.

[0089] The platen 60 has multiple intake holes (not shown), which are connected to a suction fan 63 via a duct 62 below the platen 60. By driving the suction fan 63, negative suction pressure is generated at the intake holes of the platen 60, allowing the recording medium to be sucked and held on the platen 60. If there are many intake holes that are not covered by the recording medium, air is sucked in through the intake holes, which can reduce the negative suction pressure. For example, if the size of the recording medium is small (narrow width in the Y direction), there will be more intake holes that are not covered by the recording medium, and the negative suction pressure acting on the recording medium will decrease.

[0090] If an appropriate negative suction pressure is not generated, the recording medium may float near the recording head 6, causing the recording head 6 to come into contact with the recording medium. As the recording medium is transported downstream of the guide member 61, the floating of the recording medium may increase near the recording head 6. When the leading edge of the recording medium passes the cutting unit 5, there is no longer a member to guide the leading edge of the recording medium, and the leading edge of the recording medium begins to drop. As a result, the floating of the recording medium near the recording head 6 becomes smaller.

[0091] 13, a skip section M3 may be set downstream of the guide member 61. By setting the skip section in the area downstream of the guide member 61 where the floating of the recording medium may increase, it is possible to avoid contact between the recording head 6 and the floating recording medium and the execution of a recording operation on the floating recording medium.

[0092] The setting or non-setting of the skip section M3 may be switched based on the type of recording medium, particularly the size of the recording medium. If the size of the recording medium is large (if the width in the Y direction is long), the skip section M3 may be not set, and if the size of the recording medium is small (if the width in the Y direction is short), the skip section M3 may be set.

[0093] <Fourth embodiment> Although the above embodiments have exemplified a serial type recording device, the recording head may be a full line head type recording device extended in the Y direction. In this case, the recording medium may be transported continuously, and ink may not be ejected from the full line head while the leading edge of the recording medium is passing through the skip section M.

[0094] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0095] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 recording device, 3 transport unit, 4 discharge unit, 6 recording head, 7 carriage, 8 support member

Claims

1. a conveying means disposed upstream of the recording means in a recording medium conveying direction, the conveying means conveying the recording medium to the recording means; and a control means for restricting recording by the recording means while a leading edge of the recording medium being transported by the transport means passes through a preset section on a transport path of the recording medium after the recording means starts recording on the recording medium. A recording device characterized by:

2. a conveying means disposed upstream of the recording means in a recording medium conveying direction, the conveying means conveying the recording medium to the recording means; a carriage that carries the recording means and moves in a movement direction that intersects with the transport direction; a control unit that executes recording control by alternately performing a conveying operation of the recording medium by the conveying unit and a recording operation of recording by the recording unit while moving the carriage; A recording device comprising: the control means controls the conveying means so that, after the start of the recording control, the leading edge of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means passes through a preset section on a conveying path of the recording medium in one conveying operation. A recording device characterized by:

3. 3. The recording device according to claim 2, In the conveying operation, the recording medium is conveyed by a predetermined distance, when it is determined that the leading edge of the recording medium will stop in the set section after being conveyed by the predetermined distance, the control means changes the conveying distance of the recording medium in the conveying operation before the recording medium reaches the set section to a distance shorter than the predetermined distance; A recording device characterized by:

4. 4. The recording device according to claim 3, the control unit is capable of changing a recording range of the recording unit in the transport direction in one recording operation, when the control unit changes the conveying distance of the recording medium in the conveying operation before the recording medium reaches the set section to a distance shorter than the predetermined distance, the control unit changes the recording range in the recording operation corresponding to the conveying operation. A recording device characterized by:

5. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, a support means for supporting the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance means from below, The support means is a platen portion facing the recording means; a guide portion extending from the platen portion to a downstream side in the conveying direction, the guide portion includes an upwardly inclined portion that is inclined toward a downstream side in the transport direction and in a direction approaching a support height of the recording medium on the platen portion, The set section is a section that includes at least a part of the uphill slope. A recording device characterized by:

6. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, a discharge means disposed downstream of the recording means in the transport direction and configured to discharge the recording medium transported by the transport means; the set section is a section including a conveyance start position of the discharge means; A recording device characterized by:

7. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, The setting section can be switched between being set and not being set, and the switching is performed based on recording conditions. A recording device characterized by:

8. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, The setting of the set section can be switched between being set and not being set, and the switching is performed based on the type of the recording medium. A recording device characterized by:

9. 9. The recording device according to claim 8, The type of recording medium includes a roll sheet or a cut sheet. A recording device characterized by:

10. 9. The recording device according to claim 8, The type of the recording medium includes the size of the recording medium. A recording device characterized by:

11. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, the recording medium is a roll sheet, The setting section can be switched between being set and not being set, and the switching is performed based on the winding diameter of the roll sheet. A recording device characterized by:

12. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, The setting of the set section can be switched between being set and not set, and the switching is performed based on at least one of the temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the recording device. A recording device characterized by:

13. 3. The recording device according to claim 2, the control unit is capable of changing a reversal position at which the moving direction of the carriage is switched between a first position and a second position that is farther from the recording medium than the first position, the control means sets the reversal position to the second position when the leading edge of the recording medium passes through the set section; A recording device characterized by:

14. A control method for a recording device including a conveying unit that is disposed upstream of a recording unit in a recording medium conveying direction and conveys the recording medium to the recording unit, a step of restricting recording by the recording means while a leading edge of the recording medium being conveyed by the conveying means passes through a preset section on a conveying path of the recording medium after the recording means starts recording on the recording medium, A control method comprising:

15. a conveying means disposed upstream of the recording means in a recording medium conveying direction, the conveying means conveying the recording medium to the recording means; a carriage that carries the recording means and moves in a movement direction that intersects with the transport direction; A control method for a recording device comprising: a recording control step of alternately performing a recording operation in which the recording medium is conveyed by the conveying means and a recording operation in which the recording means records while moving the carriage, In the recording control step, the conveying means is controlled so that the leading edge of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means passes through a preset section on a conveying path of the recording medium in one conveying operation. A control method comprising:

16. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 14 or 15.

17. A program that causes a computer to execute the control method according to claim 14 or 15.

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