Recording apparatus

Abstract

To provide a recording device which makes a product hard to be browsed during recording by a simple method.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a recording apparatus including a holding unit configured to hold a continuous sheet, a transport unit configured to transport the sheet supplied from the holding unit in a transport direction, and a recording unit configured to record an image on the sheet downstream of the transport unit in the transport direction, wherein the recording apparatus includes a control unit configured to execute a first recording operation of transporting the sheet downstream of the recording unit in the transport direction in a direction opposite to the transport direction by the transport unit and recording the image on the sheet by the recording unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device that makes it difficult for a result to be viewed while being recorded. [Background technology]

[0002] In offices, computers are often connected to a network and recording devices are shared. Therefore, the user who issued the recording instruction must go to the recording device to retrieve the deliverables. In this case, there is a possibility that the deliverables may be viewed or collected by someone other than the user who issued the recording instruction. The recording device in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a storage compartment for storing the recorded deliverables and a shutter for closing the storage compartment. When a user records in security mode, which records confidential information, the deliverables are stored in the storage compartment. The user can then retrieve the deliverables by entering a password. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-149446 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 requires an output tray and a storage compartment, which results in a large recording device. In the case of a large recording device that records images on a roll sheet, it is difficult to provide multiple storage compartments. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a recording device that makes it difficult for the results to be viewed while recording in a simple manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The recording device of the present invention comprises a holding section that holds successive sheets, a conveying section that conveys the sheets supplied from the holding section in a conveying direction, and a recording section that records an image on the sheet downstream of the conveying section in the conveying direction, and is characterized in that it comprises a control section that performs a first recording operation in which the sheet downstream of the recording section in the conveying direction is conveyed in the opposite direction to the conveying direction by the conveying section, and the image is recorded on the sheet by the recording section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording device that makes it difficult for a result to be viewed while being recorded in a simple manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a recording apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the printing apparatus. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence of image recording. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a carriage, a sheet, and a printing area. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state of the recording device when recording an image in security mode. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence in a security mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0009] <Configuration of recording device> The recording device will be explained using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the recording device, with (a) showing the overall appearance and (b) showing the internal structure without the exterior cover. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the recording device. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the recording device. Here, the width direction of the sheet is defined as the X direction, the sheet transport direction as the Y direction, and the height direction as the Z direction.

[0010] The recording device 100 performs recording by ejecting ink onto a sheet 105 using an inkjet recording method. It is a serial type inkjet recording device in which a carriage 101 carrying a recording head 102 moves back and forth in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the sheet 105 to perform recording. Note that the recording device 100 may be a line type inkjet recording device in which a nozzle array is configured across the recording width of the sheet 105. Furthermore, it may be an electrophotographic recording device. It may also be a multi-function recording device in which a scanning function, a fax function, etc. are integrated.

[0011] The recording device 100 includes, along a conveyance path, a sheet holding unit 108, a conveyance unit that conveys the sheet, a recording unit that records an image, and a discharge unit 220 that discharges the recorded sheet. The holding unit 108 holds a roll sheet on which continuous sheets are wound. The holding unit 108 is protected by a pivotable cover. The cover can be locked with a locking mechanism (not shown). This allows the roll sheet to be stored inside the recording device 100. A drive unit (not shown) of the holding unit 108 rotates flanges attached to both ends of the roll sheet. The drive unit rotates the roll sheet in a feed direction to supply the sheet 105 and a take-up direction to wind the sheet 105 onto the roll sheet. Note that a second holding unit may be optionally added below the holding unit 108. Similar to the holding unit 108, the second holding unit holds the roll sheet on which continuous sheets are wound and supplies the sheet 105 to the conveyance rollers 107. The second holding unit is also protected by a pivotable cover. The cover can be locked by a locking mechanism (not shown).

[0012] The sheet 105 supplied from the holder 108 is conveyed in the conveying direction by conveying rollers 107 of the conveying unit to a platen 106. The conveying rollers 107, together with a driven roller, sandwich and convey the sheet 105. In FIG. 2, when the conveying rollers 107 rotate counterclockwise, the sheet 105 is conveyed in the forward direction, which is the conveying direction, and when the conveying rollers 107 rotate clockwise, the sheet 105 is conveyed in the reverse direction, which is opposite to the conveying direction. The sheet 105 conveyed by the conveying rollers 107 is supported by the platen 106, and an image is recorded in the recording unit. The recording unit has a recording head 102, a carriage 101, and a platen 106. The carriage 101 carrying the recording head 102 is connected to a belt 103 wound around a carriage motor 215 and guided by a shaft 104. Therefore, the recording head 102 can be moved back and forth in the X direction by the carriage 101, facing the platen 106. During printing, the print head 102 performs a discharge operation to discharge ink while moving in the positive or negative direction of the X axis over the sheet 105. When the carriage 101 moves to the edge of the printing area, the transport rollers 107 perform a transport operation to transport the sheet 105 by a predetermined amount corresponding to the next area to be printed. An image is printed by repeating the discharge operation and transport operation.

[0013] The ROM 202 is a non-volatile memory that stores programs for controlling the recording device 100. Various operations of this embodiment are realized by the CPU 201, which is the control unit, expanding the programs stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing them. The RAM 203 is also used as a working memory for the CPU 201. The EEPROM 204 stores device data that should be retained even when the recording device 100 is powered off. The interface (I / F) circuit 210 connects the recording device 100 to an external network such as a LAN. The recording device 100 transmits and receives various jobs, data, and the like to and from external devices such as a host computer via the interface circuit 210.

[0014] The operation panel 206 includes an input unit and an output unit. The input unit includes, for example, a power switch and an execution key, and receives power-on instructions and recording execution instructions from the user. The output unit includes, for example, an LED or LCD display, and displays various device information such as power saving modes and setting screens for various functions that the recording device 100 can execute. If the output unit is a touch panel, it can also receive instructions from the user using software keys. The operation panel 206 may also be a computer display and keyboard. The operation panel 206 can send and receive data to and from the system bus 216 via the input / output control circuit 205.

[0015] The printhead control circuit 211 supplies drive signals corresponding to print data to a nozzle drive circuit mounted on the printhead 101, including selectors and switches, to control the printhead 101's printing operation, such as the nozzle drive sequence. For example, when print data is sent from an external device to the I / F circuit 210, the print data is temporarily stored in RAM 203. The printhead control circuit 211 then drives the printhead 101 based on the print data converted from the print data. An LF (line feed) motor drive circuit 212 drives an LF motor 213 based on the print data bandwidth, etc., to rotate the conveyance roller 107 and move the sheet 105 in the conveyance direction. A CR (carriage) motor drive circuit 214 drives a carriage motor 215 to move the carriage 101 in the positive and negative directions of the X axis. A cutter 109, which cuts the sheet 105, is located downstream of the printing unit. After printing is completed, the cutter 109 cuts the sheet 105 at a cutting position corresponding to the print data. The cutter 109 moves in the positive or negative direction of the X axis by driving a cutter motor 218 via a cutter motor drive circuit 217 .

[0016] The data sent from the I / F circuit 210 includes not only print data but also data set by the printer driver. The print data may also be received from an external device via the I / F circuit 210 and pre-stored in a storage device 219, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). The CPU 201, which serves as the control unit, reads image data from the storage device 219 and controls the image processing circuit 209 to convert the image data into print data for use with the printhead 101 (binarization processing). In addition to binarization processing, the image processing circuit 209 also performs various other image processing, such as color space conversion, HV conversion, gamma correction, and image rotation.

[0017] The image recording process of this embodiment will now be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0018] In step S301, the user loads a rolled sheet into the holder 108 of the recording apparatus 100. Then, the CPU 201 rotates the rolled sheet held by the holder 108 in the supply direction using the drive unit, and supplies the sheet 105. When the sheet 105 reaches the conveyance rollers 105, the conveyance rollers 107 pinch the leading edge of the sheet 105 together with the driven rollers. Note that if the rolled sheet is loaded into the holder 108 and the sheet 105 is already pinched by the conveyance rollers 105, this step is omitted.

[0019] In step S302, the user issues a recording instruction from a host computer connected to the recording device 100 or the operation unit 206. At this time, the user selects either normal mode or security mode as the recording mode. If security mode is selected, the user sets a password required for identity verification. Furthermore, the user selects either "Perform recording immediately" or "Perform recording after identity verification." When the recording instruction is issued, recording data is transmitted. The recording data includes image data, recording mode, and setting information.

[0020] In this embodiment, in security mode, the deliverables are stored in the internal storage unit 108 of the recording device 100 so that they cannot be viewed by anyone other than the person who issued the recording instruction. Therefore, other users cannot use the recording device until the person who issued the recording instruction collects the deliverables. For this reason, if a user selects "Perform recording after verifying identity," other users may be allowed to perform recording until the person who issued the recording instruction operates the operation panel 206. This eliminates the waiting time for other users using normal mode. Note that other methods, such as fingerprint authentication, may be used as a means of identity verification.

[0021] Incidentally, even for the same image, the printing order differs between security mode and normal mode. Figure 5 shows the positional relationship between the carriage, sheet, and printing area. Printing areas 110a to 110z are areas where the print head 102 mounted on the carriage 101 prints an image in one scan. In normal mode, the CPU 201 performs printing using the print head 102 while transporting the sheet 105 in the forward direction (downstream in the Y direction) using the transport rollers 107. That is, the print head 102 prints from printing area 110z to printing area 110a. On the other hand, in security mode, the CPU 201 performs printing using the print head 102 while transporting the sheet 105 in the reverse direction (upstream in the Y direction) using the transport rollers 107. The print head 102 prints from printing area 110a to printing area 110z. Therefore, the transmission order of print data is reversed between normal mode and security mode. That is, in normal mode, printing is performed from the leading edge of the image, and in security mode, printing is performed from the trailing edge of the image. In this embodiment, the print data is created on the printer driver of the PC. However, the print data may also be created by the image processing circuit 209 or other means.

[0022] In step S303, the CPU 201 checks the recording mode included in the transmitted recording data. If the recording mode is the normal mode, the process proceeds to step S304, and if it is the security mode, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0023] In step S304, the CPU 201 performs printing in normal mode. First, the CPU 201 positions the carriage 101 at the edge of the sheet 105 in the width direction and transports the sheet 105 in the forward direction using the transport rollers 107. When transport of the sheet 105 is complete, the first printing area 110z is positioned below the print head 102. The CPU 201 scans the carriage 101 in the positive direction of the X axis. As the print head 102 moves using the carriage 101, it ejects ink onto the sheet 105 to print on the printing area 110z. When printing on the printing area 110z is complete, the transport rollers 108 transport the sheet 105 in the forward direction so that the next printing area 110y is positioned below the print head 102. The CPU 201 scans the carriage 101 in the negative direction of the X axis. As the print head 102 moves using the carriage 101, it ejects ink onto the sheet 105 to print on the printing area 110y. In this way, the CPU 201 repeats the conveying operation of the sheet 105 by the conveying roller 108 and the ink ejection operation by the recording head 102, and completes recording up to the recording area 110a. The printed sheet 105 is conveyed so that the recording area 110 is downstream of the cutter 109. The cutter 109 cuts the printed sheet 105 at a cutting position. The printed sheet 105 is then discharged from the discharge unit 220 and discharged as a product into the storage unit 221. The leading edge of the sheet 105 is also conveyed by the conveying roller 108 in the direction opposite to the conveying direction to a position where it is sandwiched between the conveying roller 108 and a driven roller.

[0024] In step S305, the CPU 201 executes recording in security mode, the details of which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0025] When recording in normal mode or security mode is completed, the recording device 100 ends its operation.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows the state of the recording device when an image is recorded in security mode. The dotted line indicates the recording area 110 for the image. FIG. 6(a) shows the state of the recording device before recording an image on the sheet 105 in step S301. The leading edge of the sheet 105 is clamped by the conveying rollers 107. FIG. 6(b) shows the state when recording begins in security mode. The downstream side of the recording area 110 is discharged from the discharge section 220. Because the unrecorded sheet 105 is outside the discharge section 220, other users cannot view the result. When recording begins, the sheet 105 is conveyed in the reverse direction (upstream in the Y direction) by the conveying rollers 108. FIG. 6(c) shows the state when recording in security mode has ended and the recorded sheet has been taken up by the supply unit 108.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence in the security mode.

[0028] In step S401, CPU 201 determines whether or not to immediately execute recording based on the recording data transmitted to the recording device. If not, CPU 201 executes recording after verifying the identity of the person who transmitted the recording data. In this case, the CPU 201 waits until the person who transmitted the recording data operates operation panel 206. If recording is to be executed immediately, the process proceeds to step S404, and if recording is to be executed after verifying the identity of the person, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0029] In step S402, the CPU 201 stores the recording data in the storage device 219 via the I / F circuit 210. Once the recording data has been stored in the storage device 219, the process proceeds to step S403.

[0030] In step S403, CPU 201 waits for the recording operation until the user's identity is confirmed. When the user enters a password that matches the information included in the recording data via operation panel 206, CPU 201 determines that the user is the correct person. Once identity confirmation is complete, the process proceeds to step S404. Note that if identity confirmation cannot be performed for a certain period of time, the process may return to step S302. In this case, when a new job is sent, CPU 201 processes the new job with priority.

[0031] In step S404, the CPU 201 causes the conveying rollers 107 to convey the sheet 105 in the forward conveying direction so that the printing areas 110 are downstream of the print head 102. At this time, if there are printing areas 110 corresponding to multiple images, the conveying rollers 107 convey the sheet 105 in the forward conveying direction so that all of the printing areas 110 are downstream of the print head 102. Therefore, the downstream side of the sheet 105 is discharged from the discharge unit 220. When the conveyance of the sheet 105 is completed, the process proceeds to step S406.

[0032] In step S406 , the CPU 201 moves the carriage 101 to the edge of the sheet 105 .

[0033] In step S407, the CPU 201 causes the conveying roller 107 to convey the sheet 105 in the reverse direction so that the printing area 110a is positioned under the print head .

[0034] In step S408, the CPU 201 scans the carriage 101 in the positive or negative direction of the X axis of the printing area 110 and ejects ink from the print head 102 to print an image. At this time, if there are printing areas 110 corresponding to multiple images, the CPU 201 prints in order from the printing area 110 on the upstream side in the transport direction.

[0035] In step S409, the CPU 201 checks whether recording of the entire recording area 110 has been completed. If not, the process returns to step S407. By repeating steps S407 and S408 in this manner, recording is completed from recording area 110a to recording area 110z. Therefore, as recording progresses, the sheet 105 is wound up by the holding unit 108. That is, the drive unit of the holding unit 108 rotates the sheet 105 in the winding direction. Because the sheet being recorded is wound up by the holding unit 108, it is difficult for anyone other than the person who issued the recording instruction to view it.

[0036] In step S410, the CPU 201 stops the print head 101 and the carriage motor 215 to end the printing operation.

[0037] In step S411, the CPU 201 winds up the printed sheet 105 in the holder 108. The printed sheet 105 is stored inside the recording device 100 as shown in FIG.

[0038] In step S412, CPU 201 waits for the recording operation until the user's identity is confirmed. When the user enters a password that matches the information included in the recording data via operation panel 206, CPU 201 determines that the user is the authorized user. Once identity confirmation is complete, the process proceeds to step S413. Note that if recording device 100 is equipped with a second holding unit, sheet 105 may be supplied from the second holding unit and an image may be recorded on sheet 105 even if user identity confirmation is not complete. This eliminates waiting times for other users.

[0039] In step S413, the printed sheet 105 is ejected from the recording device 100. First, the CPU 201 causes the conveyance roller 107 to convey the sheet 105 forward so that the printing area 110 is downstream of the cutter 109. Next, the cutter 109 cuts the printed sheet 105 at the cutting position. At this time, if there are printing areas 110 corresponding to multiple images, the cutter 109 cuts the printing areas 110 in order from the downstream side.

[0040] If the recording apparatus 100 has a second holding unit below the holding unit 108, the sheet 105 may be supplied from the second holding unit, which is downstream of the recording unit in the conveying direction, to the outside of the recording apparatus 100, via the discharge unit 220, and to the recording head 102. In this case, an image can be recorded on the sheet 105 by conveying the sheet 105 in the reverse direction with the conveying rollers 107. The recorded sheet is taken up by the holding unit 108.

[0041] As described above, the recording device of this embodiment performs recording while transporting the sheet in the reverse direction. Furthermore, the recorded results can be stored in the recording device. Therefore, the image being recorded is less likely to be viewed by anyone other than the person who performed the recording. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 101 Carriage 102 recording head 107 Conveyor roller 108 Holding part 201 CPU

Claims

1. a holding section for holding successive sheets; a conveying unit that conveys the sheet supplied from the holding unit in a conveying direction; a recording unit that records an image on a sheet downstream of the conveying unit in the conveying direction, A recording apparatus comprising: a control unit that executes a first recording operation in which a sheet downstream of the recording unit in the transport direction is transported in a direction opposite to the transport direction by the transport unit, and an image is recorded on the sheet by the recording unit.

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit holds a roll sheet on which a sheet is wound.

3. An operation unit operated by a user is provided, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording operation is started when the operation unit is operated by a user.

4. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the first recording operation, the sheet on which the image has been recorded is held by the holding section.

5. An operation unit operated by a user is provided, 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the recorded sheet is fed from the holding section and discharged from the discharge section when the operating section is operated by a user.

6. A cutter for cutting the sheet is provided, 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printed sheet is cut by the cutter.

7. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes a second recording operation in which the sheet is conveyed in the conveying direction by the conveying unit and the recording unit performs recording on the sheet.

8. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein in the first recording operation, recording is performed from the rear end of the image, and in the second recording operation, recording is performed from the front end of the image.

9. a second holding portion below the holding portion for holding a continuous sheet; 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet supplied from the second holding unit is conveyed by the conveying unit.

10. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, after the first recording operation, when the sheet on which an image has been recorded is held in the holding section, the sheet is supplied from the second holding section.

Images