Recording device and recording method

Abstract

To inhibit increase of a portion which is not used for recording images in a medium.SOLUTION: A recording device 1 includes: a transport unit 3 which transports a medium 2; a recording unit 4 which records images 9 on the transported medium 2; a tension applying unit 5 which applies tension T to the medium during transportation of the medium; and a control unit 6 which controls each operation of the transport unit 3, the recording unit 4, and the tension applying unit 5. The recording unit has a carriage 8 equipped with a recording head 7 and records the images with the recording head while reciprocating in a width direction intersecting with a transport direction F. The control unit causes the tension applying unit to apply multiple levels of tension to the medium and causes the recording head to record test patterns arranging the test patterns in the width direction at the multiple levels of tension.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a recording method.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of this type of apparatus, there is an image forming apparatus and an image forming method described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes the following. In a line head unit, a test pattern is printed in each of the cases of a first tension and a second tension. The test pattern is two lines extending in the width direction of the medium and spaced apart by a predetermined interval. Then, the test pattern is imaged while applying tension, the distances between the two lines, which are the distances between the patterns, are respectively obtained, and based on the obtained results, the ink ejection timing is controlled.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The test pattern needs to be printed by the same nozzle row. When attempting to print the above-described test pattern with the line head unit, it is necessary to print the test pattern in the first tension and the test pattern in the second tension side by side in the conveyance direction, and there is a problem that the portion of the medium that is not used for image printing increases. Also, there is no description considering easily realizing applying an appropriate tension to the medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveyance unit that conveys a medium in a conveyance direction, a recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, a tension applying unit that applies tension to the medium during conveyance of the medium by the conveyance unit, and a control unit that controls operations of the conveyance unit, the recording unit, and the tension applying unit. The recording unit has a carriage on which a recording head is mounted, and records the image on the medium by the recording head while reciprocating in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction. The control unit executes applying a plurality of tensions to the medium by the tension applying unit, and recording test patterns side by side in the width direction on the medium by the recording head among the plurality of tensions.

[0006] Further, a recording method according to the present invention includes a conveyance unit that conveys a medium in a conveyance direction, a recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, and a tension applying unit that applies tension to the medium during conveyance of the medium by the conveyance unit. The recording unit has a carriage on which a recording head is mounted, and records the image on the medium by the recording head while reciprocating in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction. A recording method by a recording apparatus, characterized by applying a plurality of tensions to the medium by the tension applying unit, and recording test patterns corresponding to the image side by side in the width direction on the medium by the recording head among the plurality of tensions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] First, the present invention will be briefly described below. A first aspect of a recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveyance unit that conveys a medium in a conveyance direction, a recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, a tension applying unit that applies tension to the medium during conveyance of the medium by the conveyance unit, and a control unit that controls operations of the conveyance unit, the recording unit, and the tension applying unit. The recording unit has a carriage on which a recording head is mounted, and records the image on the medium by the recording head while reciprocating in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction. The control unit executes, by the tension applying unit, applying a plurality of tensions to the medium and recording test patterns on the medium side by side in the width direction by the recording head in the plurality of tensions.

[0009] According to this aspect, the control unit executes, by the tension applying unit, applying a plurality of tensions to the medium and recording test patterns on the medium side by side in the width direction by the recording head in the plurality of tensions. Since the test patterns are recorded side by side in the width direction of the medium in this way and not in the conveyance direction of the medium, it is possible to suppress an increase in a portion of the medium that is not used for image recording.

[0010] A second aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, wherein the control unit records the test pattern by discharging ink at a timing such that the same image lands at the same landing position in the forward and return paths of the recording head.

[0011] According to this aspect, the control unit records the test pattern by discharging ink at a timing such that the same image lands at the same landing position in the forward and return paths of the recording head. As a result, the amount of sag of the medium is greatly reflected in the test pattern, so it becomes easy to determine the adequacy of the tension based on the test pattern.

[0012] A third aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, wherein the same image is a straight-line image extending in the conveyance direction.

[0013] According to this aspect, since the same image is a straight-line image, when the amount of sag of the medium is large due to insufficient tension, the degree to which the shape of the test pattern corresponding to the straight-line image changes from a straight line to a curved line becomes large. Also, the test pattern created in the forward path and the test pattern created in the return path are separated without overlapping, and the distance between them increases. This makes it easy to determine the adequacy of the tension based on the test pattern.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, comprising an imaging unit that captures the test pattern, and the control unit determines the adequacy of the tension based on the image data of the test pattern captured by the imaging unit. The determination of the adequacy of the tension can be performed by setting set values used for the determination for the image data of the test pattern, etc. Note that this aspect can also be made dependent on the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0015] According to this aspect, the control unit determines the suitability of the tension based on the image data of the test pattern captured by the imaging unit. Thereby, the determination of the suitability of the tension can be automated to obtain an appropriate tension.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the fourth aspect, wherein the plurality of tensions include a first tension, a second tension,..., an nth tension (n is an integer of n ≧ 3), and the control unit is characterized in that the tension applied by the tension applying unit is increased from the first tension to the nth tension in a first increment amount.

[0017] According to this aspect, the control unit increases the tension applied by the tension applying unit from the first tension in a first increment amount. Thereby, every time the tension is increased in the first increment amount, the shape of the test pattern changes stepwise with a certain tendency. Therefore, it becomes easy to determine the suitability of the tension by the test pattern, and thus an appropriate tension can be obtained.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the fifth aspect, characterized in that the first tension is changeable.

[0019] According to this aspect, since the first tension is changeable, the suitability of the tension can be efficiently determined by changing the first tension according to the type of the medium.

[0020] A seventh aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the fifth aspect, characterized in that after the control unit obtains information on the appropriate tension at which the tension is appropriate, the control unit decreases the tension applied by the tension applying unit from the appropriate tension in a second increment amount smaller than the first increment amount. Note that this aspect can also be made dependent on the sixth aspect.

[0021] Even if the appropriate tension obtained with the first increment amount is "appropriate", the tension may be slightly excessive. If the tension is excessive, there is a risk of damaging the medium. According to this aspect, after obtaining information on the appropriate tension based on the first increment amount, the control unit decreases the tension applied by the tension applying unit from the appropriate tension by a second increment amount smaller than the first increment amount. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a state where the tension becomes excessive, and it is possible to reduce the risk of damaging the medium.

[0022] An eighth aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the seventh aspect, characterized in that at least one of the first increment amount and the second increment amount is changeable.

[0023] According to this aspect, by changing one or both of the first increment amount and the second increment amount according to the type of the medium, it is possible to efficiently determine whether the tension is appropriate.

[0024] A ninth aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the control unit can receive the result of determining whether the tension based on the test pattern is appropriate. Note that this aspect can also be made dependent on the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0025] According to this aspect, when the user views the test pattern and determines whether the tension is appropriate, the control unit can receive the result of the user's determination. Thereby, the control unit can proceed to the next step corresponding to "appropriate" or "inappropriate" for the tension, and thus obtain an appropriate tension.

[0026] A tenth aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the ninth aspect, characterized by including an imaging unit that captures the test pattern, and a display unit that displays the test pattern captured by the imaging unit.

[0027] According to this aspect, the display unit displays the test pattern photographed by the imaging unit. Thereby, the user can easily determine whether the tension is appropriate based on the test pattern displayed on the display unit.

[0028] An eleventh aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect subordinate to the tenth aspect, wherein the control unit causes the recording unit to record information capable of recognizing the tension next to the test pattern.

[0029] According to this aspect, information capable of recognizing the tension is recorded by the recording unit next to the test pattern. Thereby, when it is determined that the test pattern is "appropriate", the magnitude of the corresponding appropriate tension can be immediately and easily grasped based on the information.

[0030] A twelfth aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is an aspect subordinate to the first aspect, comprising a distance sensor that detects the distance from the medium at an upstream position of the recording unit in the conveyance direction, and after the distance obtained by the distance sensor becomes smaller than a set value, tension is applied by the tension applying unit. In addition, this aspect can also be made subordinate to the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0031] When increasing the tension to reduce the slack of the medium, the distance sensor can easily detect the reduction of the slack. According to this aspect, after the slack is reduced by the detection by the distance sensor, that is, after the distance obtained by the distance sensor becomes smaller than the set value, the tension applying unit applies tension. Thereby, the tension to be applied can be a small tension corresponding to the second increment amount, and the number of recording steps by the recording unit can be reduced to obtain an appropriate tension.

[0032] A thirteenth aspect of the recording method according to the present invention includes a conveyance unit that conveys a medium in a conveyance direction F, a recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, a tension applying unit that applies tension to the medium during conveyance of the medium by the conveyance unit, and a control unit that controls operations of the conveyance unit, the recording unit, and the tension applying unit. The recording unit has a carriage on which a recording head is mounted, and records the image on the medium by the recording head while reciprocating in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction. The control unit causes the tension applying unit to apply a plurality of tensions to the medium, and records test patterns corresponding to the image on the medium in the width direction side by side with the recording head in the plurality of tensions. According to this aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be obtained as a recording method.

[0033] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of a recording apparatus and a recording method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. In the following description, as shown in each figure, three axes orthogonal to each other are defined as the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, respectively. The directions indicated by the arrows of the three axes (X, Y, Z) are the + directions of the respective directions, and the opposite directions are the - directions. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts. The +Z direction indicates vertically upward, and the -Z direction indicates vertically downward. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction correspond to the horizontal direction. The +Y direction indicates the front direction of the recording apparatus, and the -Y direction indicates the rear direction of the apparatus. The +X direction indicates the right direction of the apparatus, and the -X direction indicates the left direction of the apparatus.

[0034] [Embodiment 1] The recording device of Embodiment 1 is what is called a digital resist printing machine in which the medium is a fabric. This recording device applies an appropriate tension to the fabric in a conveyance method called the Roll to Reel conveyance method to make the recording range float. Then, recording is executed while stabilizing the fabric posture in this floating state. Here, the "floating state" means a state in which the portion of the fabric located in the recording range is not supported by a support member such as a platen. Hereinafter, the recording device of the present embodiment will be specifically described.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the recording device 1 of the present embodiment includes a conveyance unit 3 that conveys a medium 2 such as a fabric in a conveyance direction F, a recording unit 4 that records an image 9 (FIG. 4) on the medium 2 conveyed by the conveyance unit 3, a tension applying unit 5 that applies a tension T (FIG. 4) to the medium 2 during conveyance of the medium 2 by the conveyance unit 3, and a control unit 6 that controls the operations of the conveyance unit 3, the recording unit 4, and the tension applying unit 5. The conveyance unit 3 is a take-up roll that is driven to rotate by rotational power transmitted from a drive source (not shown). Reference numeral 14 indicates a pay-out roll. The medium 2 is fed out from the pay-out roll 14 in the conveyance direction F by the driving rotation of the conveyance unit 3 and wound around the take-up roll via intermediate rollers 15 and 16.

[0036] The tension applying unit 5 is disposed between the intermediate roller 16 and the conveyance unit 3 which is a take-up roll. The tension applying unit 5 is composed of a pair of rollers through which the medium is nipped and passed, and is configured to change the magnitude of the tension T applied to the medium 2 by changing its position by a drive mechanism (not shown). The magnitude of the tension applied by the tension applying unit 5 may be selected by the user from among magnitudes preset in the recording device 1, may be freely set by the user, or both may be possible.

[0037] The recording unit 4 has a carriage 8 on which a recording head 7 is mounted. The recording unit 4 records an image 9 on the medium 2 by the recording head 7 while the carriage 8 reciprocates in the X-axis direction, which is the width direction intersecting the conveyance direction F, based on the control command signal from the control unit 6. In the present embodiment, the control unit 6 is connected to a personal computer (not shown). Information of the image 9 is sent from the personal computer to the control unit 6.

[0038] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 6 applies a plurality of tensions T1, T2, T3,... to the medium 2 by the tension applying unit 5, that is, executes a plurality of tension applying steps. The control unit 6 is further configured to record test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,... corresponding to the image 9 on the medium 2 by the recording head 7 side by side in the X-axis direction, which is the width direction, among the plurality of tensions T1, T2, T3,..., that is, execute a test pattern recording step. Here, three test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3 recorded with three tensions T1, T2, T3 are shown. The plurality of tensions include a first tension, a second tension,..., an nth tension (n is an integer of n ≥ 3), and are not limited to the three tensions T1, T2, T3.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the present embodiment, the control unit 6 is configured to record the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,... by discharging ink at the timing when the same landing position is reached in the forward path (+X direction movement) and the return path (-X direction movement) of the recording head 4 for the same image 9. Further, in the present embodiment, a straight-line image 901 extending in the conveyance direction F is used as the same image 9. The medium 2 shown by the broken line in FIGS. 2 and 3 indicates a state where the tension T is insufficient and the medium 2 sags. The medium 2 shown by the solid line in FIGS. 2 and 3 indicates a state where the tension T is appropriate and the medium 2 has no sag. As shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the tension T is insufficient and the medium 2 sags, the image 9 recorded on the medium 2 in the forward path lands shifted to the position indicated by reference numeral 91, and the image 9 recorded on the medium 2 in the return path lands shifted to the position indicated by reference numeral 92.

[0040] In FIG. 4, the test pattern TP1 shows a case where a straight-line image 901 is recorded on the medium 2 in a state where the tension T is most insufficient (T1 = 1 kgf). The test pattern TP2 shows a case where a straight-line image 901 is recorded on the medium 2 in a state where the tension T is slightly insufficient (T2 = 2 kgf). The test pattern TP3 shows a case where a straight-line image 901 is recorded on the medium 2 in a state where the tension T is appropriate (T3 = 3 kgf). Here, a case is described where an appropriate tension can be obtained when the tension T1 is 1 kgf, the tension T2 is 2 kgf, and the tension T3 is 3 kgf. Thus, depending on the unexpected degree of the tension T, the test patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3 differ in both the misalignment state and the shape. Therefore, the appropriate tension can be easily obtained based on the test patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3.

[0041] <From the recording of the test pattern to the determination of the appropriate tension> With the medium 2 in a conveyance stop state under the tension T1, the recording head 7 is reciprocated in the width direction to record the test pattern TP1 based on the straight-line image 901. Subsequently, the tension is changed to T2, and the recording head 7 is reciprocated in the width direction to record the test pattern TP2 based on the straight-line image 901 side by side next to the test pattern TP1. Subsequently, the tension is changed to T3, and the recording head 7 is reciprocated in the width direction to record the test pattern TP3 based on the straight-line image 901 side by side next to the test pattern TP2. As a result, the three test patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3 shown in FIG. 4 are obtained in a state where they are arranged in the width direction. Since it is possible to determine the suitability of the tension based on these test patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3, an appropriate tension is determined. Here, the determination of the suitability of the tension may be made by the user looking at the test patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3, or may be configured to be determined by a recording device as described later. In this specification, the determination when the tension is appropriate is described as "suitable", and the determination when the tension is inappropriate is described as "unsuitable".

[0042] [Modification Example] A modification example of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows five test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, TP4, and TP5 recorded with five tensions T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5. The tension T4 is 4 kgf, and the tension T5 is 5 kgf. The test pattern TP3, the test pattern TP4, and the test pattern TP5 are almost the same. Thus, it is possible to determine that the tension T3 is an appropriate tension. The tensions T4 and T5 are in a state of excessive tension.

[0043] <Description of the Effects of Embodiment 1> (1) In the present embodiment, the control unit 6 causes the tension applying unit 5 to apply a plurality of tensions T1, T2, T3,... to the medium 2, and causes the recording head 7 to record the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,... on the medium 2 side by side in the width direction among the plurality of tensions T1, T2, T3,.... Since the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,... are recorded side by side in the width direction of the medium 2 and not recorded side by side in the conveyance direction of the medium 2, it is possible to suppress an increase in the portion of the medium 2 that is not used for recording the image 9.

[0044] (2) Also, in this embodiment, the control unit 6 records the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, … by discharging ink at the timing when the same image 9 reaches the same landing position on the forward and return paths of the recording head 7. As a result, the amount of sag in the medium 2 is significantly reflected in the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, …, making it easier to determine whether the tension T is appropriate based on the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, ….

[0045] (3) Also, in this embodiment, since the same image 9 is a straight-line image 901, when the amount of sag in the medium 2 is large due to insufficient tension, the degree to which the shapes of the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, … corresponding to the straight-line image 901 change from a straight line to a curved line becomes large. Also, the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, … created on the forward path and the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, … created on the return path do not overlap but are separated, and the distance between them increases. As a result, it becomes easier to determine whether the tension T is appropriate based on the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, ….

[0046] [Embodiment 2] Next, the recording apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6. The same parts as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configurations and corresponding effects is omitted. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, an imaging unit 10 that captures the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, … is provided downstream of the recording unit 4. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 6 is configured to determine whether the tension T is appropriate based on the image data GD1, GD2, GD3, … of the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, … captured by the imaging unit 10. The image data GD1, GD2, GD3, … is obtained by performing image processing on the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, … to enable digital comparison. The determination of whether the tension T is appropriate is configured to be performed by setting a set value used for the determination of appropriateness for the image data GD1, GD2, GD3, … and comparing it with this set value.

[0047] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 6 sets a plurality of tensions T as the first tension T1, the second tension T2, the third tension T3, etc., and is configured to increase the tension T applied by the tension applying unit 5 from the first tension T1 in the first increment amount. That is, the control unit 6 is configured to automatically switch the magnitude of the tension T applied by the tension applying unit 5 in order in the first increment amount. Here, the first increment amount is 1 kgf. Therefore, it increases by 1 kgf from 1 kgf of the first tension T1 and changes to 2 kgf of the second tension T2, and further increases by 1 kgf from 2 kgf of the second tension T2 and automatically changes to 3 kgf of the third tension T3. In the present embodiment, the first tension T1 is configured to be changeable. That is, it is possible to change the magnitude of the first tension T1 according to the user's judgment.

[0048] Based on the flowchart of FIG. 6, the flow until the determination of the appropriate tension performed by the control unit 6 will be described. First, in step S1, the tension T applied by the tension applying unit 5 is set and printing in step S2, that is, recording by the recording head 7 is performed. Subsequently, in step S3, it is determined whether or not the automatic number of times has been completed. The "number of times" in the automatic number of times means the number of times when recording with the tension T1 is regarded as 1 time, and then recording is performed after increasing to the tension T2 is regarded as 2 times, and is set in advance. For example, in the case of the automatic number of times being 3, as shown in the flow at the right position in FIG. 6, recording is performed with the tension T1 (1 kgf) (steps S11, S12), then recording is performed after increasing to the tension T2 (2 kgf) (steps S13, S14), and further recording is performed after increasing to the tension T3 (3 kgf), indicating that the automatic number of times has been completed. Note that the description after step 14 is omitted in FIG. 6.

[0049] If the answer in step S3 is No, it returns to step S1 and is repeated until it becomes Yes. If the answer in step S3 is Yes, it proceeds to step S4. In step S4, it is determined whether the tension T is appropriate. Specifically, it is determined whether the tension T is appropriate by comparing the image data GD1, GD2, GD3 of the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3 captured by the imaging unit 10 with the set value set for the appropriateness determination. For example, in the case of what is shown in FIG. 4, it is determined that the tension T3 (3 kgf) corresponding to the image data GD3 is the appropriate tension. Then, the process proceeds to step S5, where the appropriate tension is determined, and the process proceeds to step S6, and this printing, that is, this recording becomes possible. If the answer in step S4 is No, the process returns to step S1, and the tension is further increased from tension T3 and the same process is performed.

[0050] [Modification Example] A modification example of Embodiment 2 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 7. In this modification example, it is determined whether the tension T is appropriate for each recording by the recording head 7. If the answer is "No", the tension is increased by the first increment amount and recording is performed again, and then it is determined again whether the tension is appropriate. First, the tension is set in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22, recording is performed by the recording head 7, and further, in step S23, it is determined whether the tension T is appropriate based on the test pattern recorded on the medium 2. If the determination in step 23 is "No", that is, if the answer is No, the process returns to step S21. Taking the case of returning from step S23 to step 21 three times as an example, it will be described based on the flow shown in the right position of FIG. 7. Starting from step 31, a tension T1 = 1 kgf is applied, recording is performed in step 32, and in step 33, it is determined whether the tension T1 is appropriate. The determination is "No", a new tension T2 = 2 kgf is set in step 34, recording is performed in step 35, and in step 36, it is determined whether the tension T2 is appropriate. The determination is "No", a new tension T3 = 3 kgf is set in step 37, recording is performed in step 38, and in step 39, it is determined whether the tension T3 is appropriate. The determination is "Appropriate", and the process proceeds to step 24. Then, in step S24, the appropriate tension is determined, and the process proceeds to step S25 where the main printing, that is, the state where the main recording is possible, is achieved.

[0051] <Description of the Effects of Embodiment 2> (1) In this embodiment, the control unit 6 determines the suitability of the tension T based on the image data GD1, GD2, GD3,... of the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3 captured by the imaging unit 10. As a result, it is possible to automate the determination of the suitability of the tension T and obtain the appropriate tension. (2) Also, in this embodiment, the control unit 6 increases the tension T applied by the tension applying unit 5 from the first tension T1 in increments of the first increment amount, which is 1 kgf here. As a result, each time the tension T is increased by the first increment amount, the shapes of the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3 change step by step with a certain tendency. Therefore, it becomes easier to determine the suitability of the tension T based on the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, and thus the appropriate tension can be obtained. (3) Also, in this embodiment, since the first tension T1 can be changed, by changing the first tension T1 according to the type of the medium 2, it is possible to efficiently determine the suitability of the tension T.

[0052] [Embodiment 3] Next, the recording apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8. The same parts as those in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configurations and corresponding effects is omitted. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, in this embodiment, after obtaining the information on the appropriate tension where the tension T is appropriate, the control unit 6 is configured to decrease the tension T applied by the tension applying unit 5 from the appropriate tension in increments of 0.1 kgf, which is a second increment amount smaller than 1 kgf, which is the first increment amount. Here, the description is made assuming that the first increment amount is 1 kgf and the second increment amount is 0.1 kgf, but it goes without saying that these numerical values are not limited thereto.

[0053] As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the first step until the control unit 6 obtains the proper tension information corresponding to the first increment amount, with the tension T3 = 3 kgf, is the same as in Embodiment 2. The second step following the first step is shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 8. Recording is performed at a tension T2.9 = 2.9 kgf, which is 0.1 kgf less than the magnitude of the tension that became the proper tension in the first step, and further recording is configured to be performed after lowering the tension to T2.8 = 2.8 kgf. At tension T2.9, the shape of the corresponding test pattern is almost the same as the linear shape of tension T3. However, at tension T2.8, the shape of the test pattern has changed to a non-linear shape. From this, it can be determined that the proper tension is T2.9 = 2.9 kgf. This determination may be made by imaging with the imaging unit as in Embodiment 2, or may be determined by the user visually observing and making a judgment. In this embodiment, at least one of the first increment amount and the second increment amount is configured to be changeable. That is, depending on the type of the medium 2, the first increment amount may be set to an amount different from 1 kgf, and the second increment amount may be changed to an amount different from 0.1 kgf.

[0054] <Description of the effects of Embodiment 3> (1) Even if the proper tension obtained with the first increment amount is "appropriate", depending on the type of the medium 2, the tension may be slightly excessive. If the tension T is excessive, there is a risk of damaging the medium 2. In this embodiment, after the control unit 6 obtains the information on the proper tension based on the first increment amount, the control unit 6 decreases the tension T applied by the tension applying unit 5 in increments of a second increment amount (0.1 kgf), which is smaller than the first increment amount (1 kgf), from the proper tension. Thereby, the occurrence of a state where the tension T becomes excessive can be suppressed, and the risk of damaging the medium 2 can be reduced. (2) Also, in this embodiment, by changing one or both of the first increment amount and the second increment amount according to the type of the medium 2, it is possible to efficiently determine whether the tension T is appropriate.

[0055] [Embodiment 4] Next, the recording apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The same parts as those in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configurations and corresponding effects is omitted. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the control unit 6 is configured to be able to receive the result of determining the suitability of the tension T based on the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,.... Further, in this embodiment, an imaging unit 10 for photographing the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,... is provided. The control unit 6 includes a display unit 12 such as an operation panel. The test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,... TP photographed by the imaging unit 10 are displayed on the display unit 12 so that the user can view them and determine the suitability of the tension T. Here, an input unit 11 for receiving the result of determining the suitability of the tension T is provided on the display unit 12. Note that the input unit 11 may be sent from the above-described personal computer to the control unit 6 instead of the display unit 12. Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, the control unit 6 is configured to cause the recording unit 4 to record information M that can recognize the tensions T1, T2, T3,... adjacent to the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,....

[0056] [Explanation of the Effects of Embodiment 4] (1) In this embodiment, when the user views the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,... and determines the suitability of the tension T, the control unit 6 can receive the result of the user's determination. Thereby, the control unit 6 can proceed to the next step corresponding to "suitable" or "unsuitable" for the tension T, and thus an appropriate tension can be obtained. (2) Also, in this embodiment, the display unit 12 displays the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,... photographed by the imaging unit 10. Thereby, the user can easily determine the suitability of the tension T based on the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3,... displayed on the display unit 12. (3) Also, in this embodiment, information M capable of recognizing the tension T is recorded by the recording unit 4 next to the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, …. As a result, when it is determined that the test patterns TP1, TP2, TP3, … are “appropriate”, the magnitude of the corresponding appropriate tension can be immediately and easily grasped based on the information M.

[0057] [Embodiment 5] Next, the recording apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The same parts as those in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, and Embodiment 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configurations and corresponding effects is omitted. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, a distance sensor 13 for detecting the distance from the medium 2 is provided at an upstream position of the recording unit 4 in the conveyance direction F. Here, an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit is used as the distance sensor 13. The distance sensor 13 may be any sensor that can detect the degree of deflection of the medium 2 at the portion where recording is performed by the recording head 7. In this embodiment, after the distance from the medium 1 obtained by the distance sensor 13 becomes smaller than a set value, the tension applying unit 5 is configured to apply the tension T. The set value is set in advance.

[0058] When increasing the tension T to reduce the slack of the medium 2, the distance sensor 13 can easily detect the reduction of the slack. In this embodiment, after the slack becomes smaller by the detection by the distance sensor 13, that is, after the distance obtained by the distance sensor 13 becomes smaller than the set value, the tension applying unit 5 applies the tension T. As a result, the tension to be applied can be a small tension corresponding to the second step amount, and the number of recording steps by the recording unit 4 can be reduced to obtain an appropriate tension.

[0059] 〔Other Embodiments〕 The recording apparatus 1 and the recording method according to the present invention are basically configured as described in the above embodiments, but it is of course possible to make partial configuration changes, omissions, etc. without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the image 9 has been described as a straight-line image 901, but it is not limited to this straight-line image 901, and other shapes such as a square or an equilateral triangle may also be used. Also, in the above embodiment, the case where recording is performed by the recording head 7 in both the forward and return paths has been described, but recording may be performed by moving only in the forward path or only in the return path.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0060] 1... recording apparatus, 2... medium, 3... conveyance unit (take-up roll), 4... recording unit, 5... tension applying unit, 6... control unit, 7... recording head, 8... carriage, 9, 91, 92... images, 10... imaging unit, 11... input unit, 12... display unit, 13... distance sensor, 14... pay-out roll, 15... intermediate roller, 16... intermediate roller, 901... straight-line image, F... conveyance direction, GD1, GD2, GD3... image data, M... information, T... tension, T1... first tension, T2... second tension, T3... third tension, TP1, TP2, TP3... test patterns

Claims

1. A conveyance unit that conveys a medium in a conveyance direction, A recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, A tension applying unit that applies tension to the medium during conveyance of the medium by the conveyance unit, A control unit that controls operations of the conveyance unit, the recording unit, and the tension applying unit, and The recording unit has a carriage on which a recording head is mounted, and records the image on the medium by the recording head while reciprocating in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction. The control unit Causes the tension applying unit to apply a plurality of tensions to the medium, And records test patterns corresponding to the image on the medium in the width direction side by side by the recording head among the plurality of tensions. Executes A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

2. In the recording apparatus according to Claim 1, The control unit records the test pattern by discharging ink at a timing when the same image reaches the same landing position on the forward and return paths of the recording head. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

3. In the recording apparatus according to Claim 2, The same image is a straight-line image extending in the conveyance direction. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

4. In the recording apparatus according to Claim 1, An imaging unit that captures an image of the test pattern is provided, The control unit determines the suitability of the tension based on the image data of the test pattern captured by the imaging unit. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

5. In the recording apparatus according to Claim 4, The plurality of tensions include a first tension, a second tension,..., an nth tension (n is an integer of n≥3), The control unit increases the tension applied by the tension applying unit from the first tension to the nth tension in a first step amount. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

6. In the recording apparatus according to Claim 5, The first tension is changeable. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

7. In the recording apparatus according to Claim 5, The control unit After obtaining information on an appropriate tension that is suitable for the tension, Decreases the tension applied by the tension applying unit from the appropriate tension in a second step amount smaller than the first step amount. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

8. In the recording apparatus according to Claim 7, At least one of the first increment amount and the second increment amount is changeable. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

9. In the recording apparatus according to claim 1, the control unit can receive the result of determining whether the tension based on the test pattern is appropriate. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

10. In the recording apparatus according to claim 9, it includes an imaging unit that captures the test pattern, and includes a display unit that displays the test pattern captured by the imaging unit. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

11. In the recording apparatus according to claim 10, the control unit causes the recording unit to record information that can recognize the tension next to the test pattern. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

12. In the recording apparatus according to claim 1, it includes a distance sensor that detects the distance from the medium at an upstream position of the recording unit in the conveyance direction, and after the distance obtained by the distance sensor becomes smaller than a set value, the tension applying unit applies tension. A recording apparatus characterized by the above.

13. A conveyance unit that conveys a medium in a conveyance direction, a recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, and a tension applying unit that applies tension to the medium during conveyance of the medium by the conveyance unit, and a recording method by a recording apparatus, wherein the recording unit has a carriage on which a recording head is mounted, and records the image on the medium by the recording head while reciprocating in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction, the tension applying unit applies a plurality of tensions to the medium, and in the plurality of tensions, a test pattern corresponding to the image is recorded side by side in the width direction on the medium by the recording head. A recording method characterized by the above.

Images