Image recording device

Abstract

To minimize the contamination of a rib contacting a recording medium while minimizing the occurrence of an area where no coloring material adheres to the edge of the recording medium when performing borderless recording. [Solution] The platen that supports the recording paper S during recording has multiple ribs that are arranged at intervals in the left and right directions and protrude upward to contact the recording paper S. When performing borderless recording, ink is ejected so that it spills out to the left from the left edge EL of the recording paper S and spills out to the right from the right edge ER of the recording paper S, thereby recording an image on the recording paper S. Furthermore, the length WL by which the ink spills out to the left of the left edge EL of the recording paper S and the length WR by which the ink spills out to the right of the right edge ER of the recording paper S when performing borderless recording are determined according to the length of the recording paper S in the left and right directions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of an image recording device that records an image on a recording medium, Patent Document 1 describes a printer that ejects ink onto paper to record on the paper. When recording based on data including information such as the paper size and whether borderless or bordered recording is to be performed, the printer of Patent Document 1 determines whether and how to resize the image to be recorded based on whether the paper size indicated by the data is the same as the paper size desired by the user, whether the data indicates borderless or bordered recording, and whether the user desires borderless or bordered recording. Patent Document 1 also describes resizing the image so that the left and right edges of the image are positioned outside the left and right edges of the paper when performing borderless recording. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-67125 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In printers such as those described in Patent Document 1, recording on paper is typically performed by ejecting ink onto paper supported by a platen. The platen also has multiple ejected ribs arranged at intervals in one direction, and the paper is supported by the contact of the multiple ribs with the paper. When performing borderless recording with such a printer, if the image is resized and recorded as described in Patent Document 1 without considering the positional relationship of the ribs to the paper, there is a risk that ink will adhere to the ribs if the distance between the outer ribs and the edge of the paper is short. If ink adheres to the ribs, there is a risk that the paper will be stained with ink when the next paper comes into contact with the ribs.

[0005] To provide an image recording device that can minimize the occurrence of areas on the edges of a recording medium where coloring material does not adhere, while minimizing the contamination of ribs that come into contact with the recording medium, when performing borderless recording. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image recording device of the present invention comprises a platen that supports a recording medium, a recording unit that faces the platen and records on the recording medium by applying a coloring material to the recording medium supported by the platen, and a control unit. The platen has a plurality of ribs that are arranged on the surface of the platen facing the recording unit, are arranged at intervals in a first direction, protrude toward the recording unit, and come into contact with the recording medium. The control unit controls the recording unit to apply the coloring material to the recording medium so that the coloring material extends in the first direction from a first end that is the leading edge of the recording medium in the first direction, thereby performing borderless recording with no margins at least around the edge of the first end of the recording medium, and when performing the borderless recording, applies the coloring material to the recording medium so that a first length, which is the length by which the coloring material extends in the first direction from the first end of the recording medium, is a length corresponding to the size of the recording medium in the first direction.

[0007] The image recording device of the present invention includes a platen that supports a recording medium, a recording unit that faces the platen and records on the recording medium by applying a coloring material to the recording medium supported by the platen, and a control unit. The platen has a plurality of ribs that are arranged on a surface of the platen facing the recording unit, are arranged at intervals in a first direction, protrude toward the recording unit, and come into contact with the recording medium. The control unit controls the recording unit to apply the coloring material to the recording medium so that the coloring material extends beyond a first end, which is the leading edge of the recording medium in the first direction, into the first direction, thereby performing borderless recording with no margins around at least the edge of the first end of the recording medium. When performing the borderless recording, the method of applying the coloring material varies depending on the distance between the first end and a first rib that is closest to the first end among the ribs that are located in the first direction relative to the recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when performing borderless recording, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of areas at the edge of the first end of the recording medium where no coloring material adheres, regardless of the size of the recording medium in the first direction, while making it difficult for coloring material to adhere to the ribs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the carriage, head, conveying roller, platen, etc. in FIG. 1 as viewed from above. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the carriage, head, and platen in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the paper cassette of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer. [Figure 6]FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining bordered printing, FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining borderless printing, and FIG. 1C is a flowchart showing the processing flow when printing an image in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] (a) is a diagram explaining the image data generated when performing borderless printing, and (b) is a diagram explaining a table that associates the paper size and lengths WL and WR when performing borderless printing. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when recording an image in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] (a) is a flowchart showing the processing flow when recording an image in the third embodiment, (b) is a diagram for explaining the ejection amount for forming dots that extend to the left when the separation distance in the left direction is a predetermined distance or more, (c) is a diagram for explaining the ejection amount for forming dots that extend to the left when the separation distance in the left direction is less than a predetermined distance, (d) is a diagram for explaining the ejection amount for forming dots that extend to the right when the separation distance in the right direction is a predetermined distance or more, and (e) is a diagram for explaining the ejection amount for forming dots that extend to the right when the separation distance in the right direction is less than a predetermined distance. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when recording an image in a case where borderless recording is performed by determining lengths WL and WR based on the position of the edges of the recording paper each time the recording paper is conveyed a predetermined conveyance distance. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when recording an image in a case where borderless recording is performed by determining lengths WL and WR based on the position of the edges of the recording paper every time a predetermined number of recording passes are performed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a top view of a paper cassette in which only one positioning member is movable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [First embodiment] A first preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0011] <Overall printer configuration> 1 and 2, the printer 1 according to the first embodiment includes a carriage 2, a head 4, a platen 5, transport rollers 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B, a paper cassette 8, and a paper feed roller 9. In the first embodiment, the printer 1 corresponds to the "image recording device" of the present invention.

[0012] The carriage 2 is supported by two guide rails 11 and 12 that extend parallel to the left and right directions and are spaced apart in the forward and rearward directions. The carriage 2 is connected to a carriage motor 86 shown in FIG. 5 via a belt or the like (not shown). Driving the carriage motor 86 allows the carriage 2 to move leftward and rightward along the guide rails 11 and 12. Here, in the first embodiment, the leftward direction is a horizontal direction, and the rightward direction is a direction opposite to the leftward direction. Also, in the first embodiment, the forward direction is a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the leftward and rightward directions, and the rearward direction is a direction opposite to the forward direction. Note that in the first embodiment, the leftward direction corresponds to the "first direction" in the present invention, the rightward direction corresponds to the "second direction" in the present invention, and the forward direction corresponds to the "third direction" in the present invention.

[0013] The head 4 is mounted on the carriage 2. The head 4 ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10 formed on a nozzle surface 4a, which is the lower surface of the head 4. More specifically, the plurality of nozzles 10 are arranged in a front and rear direction to form a nozzle row 19. The head 4 also has four nozzle rows 19 aligned left and right. The plurality of nozzles 10 eject black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks in order, starting with the nozzles 10 forming the nozzle row 19 located on the right side. The head 4 is also connected to four ink cartridges (not shown) via four tubes (not shown). The four colors of ink are supplied to the head 4 from the four ink cartridges. In the first embodiment, the head 4 corresponds to the "recording unit" of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the ink corresponds to the "colorant" of the present invention.

[0014] The platen 5 is disposed below the carriage 2 and the head 4. The platen 5 is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The upper surface of the platen 5 is an opposing surface 5a that extends leftward, rightward, forward, and backward and faces the nozzle surface 4a of the head 4. The platen 5 supports the recording paper S from below. Regardless of the size of the recording paper S, the recording paper S supported by the platen 5 is within the range in the left and right directions where the platen 5 is disposed.

[0015] The support of the recording paper S by the platen 5 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of ribs 16 are arranged on the facing surface 5a of the platen 5. The plurality of ribs 16 are arranged at intervals to the left and right, and protrude upward from the facing surface 5a of the platen 5 toward the nozzle surface 4a of the head 4. The intervals between the plurality of ribs 16 may be equal, or at least some of the ribs may be different. The recording paper S is supported on the platen 5 by contacting the upper ends of at least some of the plurality of ribs 16. Note that because the recording paper S is supported on the platen 5 by contacting the ribs 16 in this way, the recording paper S does not come into contact with the facing surface 5a of the platen 5.

[0016] Furthermore, the ribs 16 that come into contact with the recording paper S differ depending on the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions. Specifically, the ribs 16 that come into contact with the recording paper S differ depending on the position of the left edge EL of the recording paper S, which is the left-hand leading edge of the recording paper S, and the position of the right edge ER of the recording paper S, which is the right-hand leading edge of the recording paper S. In the first embodiment, the left edge EL of the recording paper S corresponds to the "first edge" of the present invention, and the right edge ER of the recording paper S corresponds to the "second edge" of the present invention.

[0017] The transport rollers 6A and 6B are arranged rearward of the carriage 2, the head 4, and the platen 5. The transport rollers 6A and 6B are rollers whose axial directions are parallel to the left and right directions. The transport roller 6B is arranged below the transport roller 6A, so that the recording paper S can be sandwiched between the transport rollers 6A and 6B. The transport roller 6B is connected to a transport motor 87 shown in FIG. 5 via gears (not shown). When the transport motor 87 is driven, the transport roller 6B rotates, which in turn rotates the transport roller 6A. This allows the recording paper S sandwiched between the transport rollers 6A and 6B to be transported forward.

[0018] The transport rollers 7A and 7B are disposed forward of the carriage 2, the head 4, and the platen 5. The transport rollers 7A and 7B are rollers whose axial directions are parallel to the left and right directions. The transport roller 7B is disposed below the transport roller 7A, so that the recording paper S can be sandwiched between the transport rollers 7A and 7B. The transport roller 7B is connected to a transport motor 87 shown in FIG. 5 via gears (not shown). When the transport motor 87 is driven, the transport roller 7B rotates, which in turn rotates the transport roller 7A. This allows the recording paper S sandwiched between the transport rollers 7A and 7B to be transported forward.

[0019] In the first embodiment, the conveying rollers 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B correspond to the "conveying section" of the present invention.

[0020] The paper cassette 8 is removably mounted in a cassette mounting section 17 provided in the printer 1 below the platen 5. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the paper cassette 8 has a paper storage section 21 with an open top. The paper storage section 21 stores multiple sheets of recording paper S stacked upward and downward. The paper storage section 21 is also provided with positioning members 22A and 22B. In the first embodiment, the combination of the positioning members 22A and 22B corresponds to the "positioning section" of the present invention.

[0021] The positioning member 22A extends in the front and rear directions. The positioning member 22A comes into contact with the left edge EL of the recording paper S stored in the paper storage unit 21 to determine the position of the left edge EL of the recording paper S in the left and right directions. The positioning member 22B is located to the right of the positioning member 22A and extends in the front and rear directions. The positioning member 22B comes into contact with the right edge ER of the recording paper S stored in the paper storage unit 21 to determine the position of the right edge ER of the recording paper S in the left and right directions. The positioning members 22A and 22B can move symmetrically in the left and right directions about a central axis C extending in the front and rear directions to match the left and right sizes of the recording paper S stored in the paper storage unit 21.

[0022] More specifically, positioning member 22A is connected to rack gear 26A. Rack gear 26A is connected to the rear end of positioning member 22A and extends rightward from the connection with positioning member 22A. Positioning member 22A and rack gear 26A are movable leftward and rightward along guide groove 27A that extends leftward and rightward.

[0023] Positioning member 22B is connected to rack gear 26B. Rack gear 26B is connected to the front end of positioning member 22B and extends leftward from the connection with positioning member 22B. Positioning member 22B and rack gear 26B are movable leftward and rightward along guide groove 27B, which extends leftward and rightward.

[0024] Furthermore, a pinion gear 28 is disposed between the rack gear 26A and the rack gear 26B in the front and rear directions, and the pinion gear 28 meshes with the rack gears 26A and 26B.

[0025] With the above configuration, when the user moves the positioning member 22A to the left, the rack gear 26A moves leftward together with the positioning member 22A, and the pinion gear 28 rotates. The rotation of the pinion gear 28 moves the rack gear 26B to the right, and the positioning member 22B moves rightward together with the rack gear 26B. Similarly, when the user moves the positioning member 22A to the right, the positioning member 22B moves leftward. Similarly, when the user moves the positioning member 22B to the left, the positioning member 22A moves rightward. Similarly, when the user moves the positioning member 22B to the right, the positioning member 22A moves leftward. Furthermore, the movement distance of the positioning member 22A and the movement distance of the positioning member 22B are the same. Thus, in the first embodiment, the positioning members 22A and 22B can move leftward and rightward symmetrically with respect to the central axis C.

[0026] Since the positioning members 22A and 22B can move symmetrically to the left and right about the central axis C, the recording paper S stored in the paper storage section 21 and positioned by the positioning members 22A and 22B is positioned so that the center positions of the left edge EL and the right edge ER are the same in the left and right directions, regardless of its size.

[0027] The paper feed roller 9 is provided in the cassette mounting portion 17. The paper feed roller 9 is biased downward by a spring (not shown) and is pressed against the recording paper S stored in the paper storage portion 21 of the paper cassette 8. The paper feed roller 9 is also connected to a paper feed motor 88 (shown in FIG. 5) via gears (not shown). When the paper feed motor 88 is driven, the paper feed roller 9 rotates, and the uppermost sheet of recording paper S among the multiple sheets of recording paper S stored in the paper storage portion 21 is sent backward. The recording paper S sent backward by the paper feed roller 9 is transported along a paper feed path 18 located rearward of the paper feed roller 9, and as shown by arrow A in FIG. 1, the direction of transport changes from rear to forward, and the recording paper S is supplied to the transport rollers 6A and 6B. The transport rollers 6A and 6B transport the recording paper S supplied in this manner forward.

[0028] As described above, a media sensor 89 is provided on the carriage 2 to detect the recording paper S supplied by the paper feed roller 9 and transported by the transport rollers 6A and 6B. The media sensor 89 has a light-emitting element 89A and a light-receiving element 89B. The light-emitting element 89A and the light-receiving element 89B face the platen 5. The light-emitting element 89A emits light toward the platen 5. The light-receiving element 89B outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of light received.

[0029] Here, the color of the recording paper S is white, while the color of the platen 5 is black. When the recording paper S is not positioned opposite the media sensor 89 of the platen 5, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 89A hits the black platen 5 and is hardly reflected. Therefore, in this state, the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 89B is below the threshold. When the recording paper S is positioned opposite the media sensor 89 of the platen 5, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 89A hits the white recording paper S and is reflected. Therefore, in this state, the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 89B is above the threshold.

[0030] As a result, when the carriage 2 is positioned at a position where the media sensor 89 faces the portion of the platen 5 where the recording paper S overlaps, it is possible to detect that the recording paper S, which is supplied by the paper feed roller 9 and transported by the transport rollers 6A and 6B, has reached a position facing the media sensor 89 on the platen 5, based on the amount of light received by the light receiving element 89B switching from a state below the threshold to a state above the threshold.

[0031] <Printer electrical configuration> Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 1 is equipped with a control unit 80. The control unit 80 is made up of a CPU 81, ROM 82, RAM 83, memory 84, ASIC 85, etc. Note that CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. The control unit 80 controls the operation of a carriage motor 86, head 4, transport motor 87, paper feed motor 88, light-emitting element 89A of media sensor 89, etc. The control unit 80 also receives a signal from a light-receiving element 89B of the media sensor 89.

[0032] The control unit 80 may be configured such that only the CPU 81 performs various processes, or such that only the ASIC 85 performs various processes, or such that the CPU 81 and the ASIC 85 work together to perform various processes. The control unit 80 may be configured such that one CPU 81 performs processes independently, or such that multiple CPUs 81 share the processes. The control unit 80 may be configured such that one ASIC 85 performs processes independently, or such that multiple ASICs 85 share the processes.

[0033] <Recording control> Next, the process of the control unit 80 when recording an image on the recording paper S in the printer 1 will be described.

[0034] The printer 1 is capable of recording images on recording paper S with or without borders. Bordered recording refers to recording an image with margins M on the left, right, top, and bottom edges of the recording paper S, such as recording image G1 on recording paper S shown in Fig. 6(a). Borderless recording refers to recording an image without margins on the left, right, top, and bottom edges of the recording paper S, such as recording image G2 on recording paper S shown in Fig. 6(b).

[0035] In the printer 1, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart in FIG. 6(c) to cause recording on the recording paper S. The control unit 80 starts the flowchart in FIG. 6(c) when it receives a recording command instructing recording of an image on the recording paper S. The recording command is sent to the control unit 80 based on, for example, a user's operation of an operation unit (not shown) of the printer 1, or a PC (not shown) or smartphone (not shown) connected to the printer 1 so as to be able to communicate with the printer 1. The recording command also includes image data of the image instructed to be recorded, paper size information indicating the size of the recording paper S, and recording type information indicating whether bordered or borderless recording is to be performed.

[0036] 6(c) in detail, the control unit 80 first executes a paper feed process (S101). In the paper feed process of S101, the control unit 80 controls the paper feed motor 88 to cause the paper feed roller 9 to feed the recording paper S from the paper cassette 8, and controls the conveyance motor 87 to cause the conveyance rollers 6A and 6B to convey the fed recording paper S to a position where it is detected by the media sensor 89.

[0037] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether or not borderless recording is selected based on the recording type information included in the recording command (S102). If bordered recording is selected (S102: NO), the control unit 80 executes a first image data generation process (S103). In the first image data generation process of S103, the control unit 80 generates image data for image G1 in FIG. 6(a) by enlarging or reducing the image indicated by the image data included in the recording command. Then, the process proceeds to the recording process of S106.

[0038] If borderless printing is selected (S102: YES), the control unit 80 executes second image data generation processing (S104). In the second image data generation processing of S104, the control unit 80 generates image data for image G3, which is an enlarged or reduced version of the image indicated by the image data included in the printing command, and which extends beyond the printing paper S in the left, right, forward, and backward directions, as shown in FIG. 7(a). In this case, the control unit 80 generates image data for image G3, which is an enlarged or reduced version of the image indicated by the image data included in the printing command, at the same predetermined magnification regardless of the size of the printing paper S.

[0039] Next, the control unit 80 executes an overhang amount determination process (S105), after which the process proceeds to the recording process of S106. In the overhang amount determination process of S105, the control unit 80 determines the length WL by which ink overhangs leftward from the left edge EL of the recording paper S and the length WR by which ink overhangs leftward from the right edge ER of the recording paper S in borderless recording, depending on the size of the recording paper S. Note that in the first embodiment, the length WL corresponds to the "first length" of the present invention, and the length WR corresponds to the "second length" of the present invention.

[0040] Specifically, a table as shown in Fig. 7(b), in which the size of recording paper S is associated with lengths WL and WR, is stored in memory 84. The table in Fig. 7(b) shows, as examples, A4-size and B5-size recording paper S. In the example in Fig. 7(b), the A4-size recording paper S corresponds to the "first recording medium" of the present invention, and the B5-size recording paper S corresponds to the "second recording medium" of the present invention.

[0041] In the first embodiment, as described above, the recording paper S is positioned so that the centers of the left edge EL and the right edge ER are the same in the left and right directions, regardless of the size, in the paper storage section 21 of the paper cassette 8. Therefore, when the recording paper S is supplied by the paper feed roller 9 and transported by the transport rollers 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B, the centers of the left edge EL and the right edge ER are the same in the left and right directions, regardless of the size.

[0042] Therefore, the positions of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S during recording in the left and right directions differ depending on the left and right size of the recording paper S. As a result, the distance XL between the first rib 16a, which is closest to the left edge EL of the recording paper S among the ribs 16 located to the left of the left edge EL of the recording paper S, and the distance XR between the second rib 16b, which is closest to the right edge ER of the recording paper S among the ribs 16 located to the right of the right edge ER of the recording paper S, differ depending on the left and right size of the recording paper S. Figure 7(b) shows an example in which the distances XL and XR are equal to or greater than the predetermined distance Xs when the recording paper S is A4 size, and the distances XL and XR are less than the predetermined distance Xs when the recording paper S is B5 size.

[0043] In Figure 3, the second rib 16 from the left is the first rib 16a, and the second rib 16 from the right is the second rib 16b, but which rib 16 is the first rib 16a and which is the second rib 16b depends on the size of the recording paper S.

[0044] If the recording paper S is A4 size and the separation distances XL and XR are equal to or greater than the predetermined distance Xs, then in S104, the length WL is determined to be WL1, and the length WR is determined to be WR1. In the first embodiment, the lengths WL1 and WR1 are 1.5 mm or greater. Furthermore, the lengths WL1 and WR1 may be the same or different.

[0045] On the other hand, if the recording paper S is B5 size and the separation distances XL and XR are less than the predetermined distance Xs, in S104, the length WL is determined to be WL2, which is shorter than WL1, and the length WR is determined to be WR2, which is shorter than WR1. In the first embodiment, the lengths WL2 and WR2 are less than 1.5 mm. Furthermore, the lengths WL2 and WR2 may be the same or different.

[0046] In addition, instead of the table in Figure 7(b) in which the size of the recording paper S, such as A4 size and B5 size, is associated with the lengths WL and WR, a table in which the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions is associated with the lengths WL and WR may be stored in memory 84.

[0047] In the recording process of S106, the control unit 80 controls the carriage motor 86 to move the carriage 2 leftward or rightward, while repeatedly performing a recording pass in which ink is deposited on the recording paper S by controlling the head 4 to eject ink from the multiple nozzles 10 toward the recording paper S, and a conveying operation in which the conveying motor 87 is controlled to cause the conveying rollers 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B to convey the recording paper S forward, thereby recording an image on the recording paper S. Note that in the first embodiment, the recording pass corresponds to the "deposition operation" of the present invention.

[0048] At this time, if image data is generated in the first image data generation process of S103, the control unit 80 generates ejection data for causing the head 4 to eject ink from the multiple nozzles 10 based on the image data generated in S103. On the other hand, if image data is generated in the second image data generation process of S104 and the lengths WL and WR are determined in the overhang amount determination process of S105, the control unit 80 generates ejection data based on data portions of the image data generated in S104 that correspond to the area on the recording paper S of image G3, the area of ​​length WL adjacent to the left of the recording paper S, and the area of ​​length WR adjacent to the right of the recording paper S. In other words, the control unit 80 generates ejection data based on data portions of the generated image data that correspond to the size and lengths WL and WR of the recording paper S in the left and right directions. Then, when performing a recording pass, the control unit 80 controls the head 4 based on the ejection data to eject ink from the multiple nozzles 10.

[0049] <Effects> Here, the positional relationship between the rib 16 and the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S in the left and right directions varies depending on the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions. In the first embodiment, the positioning members 22A and 22B position the recording paper S in the left and right directions so that the centers of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S are the same in the left and right directions, regardless of the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions. In this case, the positions of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S in the left and right directions during recording vary depending on the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions. As a result, the positional relationship between the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S in the left and right directions during recording and the rib 16 changes depending on the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions, and the separation distances XL and XR change.

[0050] Therefore, regardless of the differences in separation distances XL and XR due to differences in the left and right sizes of the recording paper S, if the lengths WL and WR for borderless recording are the same, i.e., if the ink is ejected in the same way, depending on the left and right sizes of the recording paper S, ink that spills out to the left or right from the recording paper S may easily adhere to the ribs 16. If ink adheres to the ribs 16, the next time an image is recorded on the recording paper S, the recording paper S may come into contact with the ribs 16 to which ink has adhered, and the recording paper S may become stained with ink. On the other hand, when performing borderless recording, the longer the lengths WL and WR, the less likely it is that an ink-free area will be created on the edges of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S.

[0051] Therefore, in the first embodiment, when performing borderless recording, ink is ejected onto the recording paper S so that the lengths WL and WR correspond to the left and right sizes of the recording paper S. Specifically, when performing borderless recording on recording paper S of a size where the separation distance XL is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance Xs, ink is ejected onto the recording paper S so that the length WL is WL1, and when performing borderless recording on recording paper S of a size where the separation distance XL is less than the predetermined distance Xs, ink is ejected onto the recording paper S so that the length WL is WL2, which is shorter than WL1. Furthermore, when performing borderless recording on recording paper S of a size where the separation distance XR is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance Xs, ink is ejected onto the recording paper S so that the length WR is WR1, and when performing borderless recording on recording paper S of a size where the separation distance XR is less than the predetermined distance Xs, ink is ejected onto the recording paper S so that the length WR is WR2, which is shorter than WR1. In other words, the ink is applied differently depending on the separation distances XL and XR.

[0052] This makes it possible to prevent ink from adhering to the ribs 16 while minimizing areas where ink does not adhere to the edges of the left end EL and right end ER of the recording paper S, regardless of the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions, when performing borderless recording.

[0053] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in borderless recording, ink is caused to spill out to the left from the left edge EL of the recording paper S, and ink is caused to spill out to the right from the right edge ER of the recording paper S, but as described above, the length WL is determined to be a length corresponding to the separation distance XL, and the length WR is determined to be a length corresponding to the separation distance XR. This makes it possible to minimize areas on the edges of the recording paper S where ink does not adhere, at both the left edge EL and the right edge ER of the recording paper S, regardless of the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions, when performing borderless recording, while making it difficult for colorant to adhere to the ribs 16.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the lengths WL1 and WR1 are set to 1.5 mm or more, and the lengths WL2 and WR2 are set to less than 1.5 mm. This makes it possible to minimize areas where ink does not adhere to the edges of the left and right edges EL and ER of the recording paper S when performing borderless recording, regardless of the left and right sizes of the recording paper S, while also making it difficult for coloring material to adhere to the ribs 16.

[0055] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when borderless recording is performed, image data of an image instructed to be recorded is generated by enlarging or reducing it at a predetermined magnification, regardless of the left and right sizes of the recording paper S, and borderless recording is performed based on the data portion of the generated image data that corresponds to the left and right sizes and lengths WL, WR of the recording paper S. This simplifies the process for generating image data for borderless recording compared to when image data of an image instructed to be recorded is generated by enlarging or reducing it at different magnifications depending on the left and right sizes of the recording medium.

[0056] [Second embodiment] Next, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment also relates to a printer 1 similar to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 8, thereby causing recording on the recording paper S.

[0057] 8 in detail, the control unit 80 executes the processes of S201 to S204, which are similar to S101 to S104 in the first embodiment. After executing the second image data generation process of S203, the control unit 80 executes the edge position detection process (S205).

[0058] In the edge position detection process of S205, the control unit 80 uses the media sensor 89 to detect the positions of the left edge EL and the right edge ER of the recording paper S. In the second embodiment, the media sensor 89 corresponds to the "edge detection unit" of the present invention.

[0059] To explain in detail the method for detecting the positions of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S using the media sensor 89, the control unit 80 controls the carriage motor 86 to move the carriage 2 leftward over the entire length of the platen 5 while irradiating the light-emitting element 89A of the media sensor 89 with light. The control unit 80 then detects the position of the right edge ER of the recording paper S based on the leftward and rightward positions of the media sensor 89 when the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 89B of the media sensor 89 switches from below the threshold to above the threshold. The control unit 80 then detects the position of the left edge EL of the recording paper S based on the leftward and rightward positions of the media sensor 89 when the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 89B of the media sensor 89 switches from above the threshold to below the threshold.

[0060] Alternatively, the control unit 80 may control the carriage motor 86 to move the carriage 2 to the right over the entire length of the platen 5 while irradiating the light-emitting element 89A of the media sensor 89 with light. In this case, the control unit 80 detects the position of the left edge EL of the recording paper S based on the left and right positions of the media sensor 89 when the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 89B of the media sensor 89 switches from below the threshold to above the threshold. The control unit 80 then detects the position of the right edge ER of the recording paper S based on the left and right positions of the media sensor 89 when the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 89B of the media sensor 89 switches from above the threshold to below the threshold.

[0061] Next, the control unit 80 executes an overhang amount determination process (S206). In the overhang amount determination process of S206, the control unit 80 determines the length WL based on the position of the left edge EL of the recording paper S detected in S205. Also, in the overhang amount determination process of S206, the control unit 80 determines the length WR based on the position of the right edge ER of the recording paper S detected in S205.

[0062] Specifically, the left and right positions of each rib 16 on the platen 5 are stored in memory 84. Then, in the overhang amount determination process of S206, the control unit 80 calculates the separation distance XL based on the positions of the ribs 16 stored in memory 84 and the position of the left edge EL of the recording paper S detected in S205. Then, the control unit 80 determines the length WL to be a length obtained by multiplying the calculated separation distance XL by a coefficient previously stored in memory 84. As a result, the shorter the separation distance XL, the shorter the determined length WL.

[0063] Similarly, in the overhang amount determination process of S206, the control unit 80 calculates the separation distance XR based on the position of the rib 16 stored in memory 84 and the position of the right edge ER of the recording paper S detected in S205. Then, the control unit 80 determines the length WR to be a length obtained by multiplying the calculated separation distance XR by a coefficient pre-stored in memory 84. As a result, the shorter the separation distance XR, the shorter the length WR is determined to be. Note that the coefficient for determining the length WL and the coefficient for determining the length WR may be the same value or different values.

[0064] Furthermore, after the first image data generation process in S203 and after the overflow amount determination process in S206, the control unit 80 executes a recording process similar to S106 in the first embodiment (S207).

[0065] <Effects> As explained in the first embodiment, if the lengths WL and WR are the same for borderless recording regardless of the separation distances XL and XR, when the separation distances XL and XR are short, ink that spills out to the left or right from the recording paper S may easily adhere to the ribs 16. If ink adheres to the ribs 16, there is a risk that the recording paper S will be stained with ink the next time an image is recorded on the recording paper S. On the other hand, when performing borderless recording, the longer the lengths WL and WR are, the less likely it is that areas at the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S will be free of ink.

[0066] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the positions of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S in the left and right directions are detected, and the separation distances XL and XR are calculated based on the detected positions of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S. Then, the lengths WL and WR are determined based on the calculated separation distances XL and XR. At this time, the shorter the calculated separation distance XL, the shorter the length WL is determined to be. Similarly, the shorter the calculated separation distance XR, the shorter the length WR is determined to be.

[0067] This makes it possible to prevent ink from adhering to the ribs 16 while minimizing areas where ink does not adhere to the edges of the left end EL and right end ER of the recording paper S, regardless of the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions, when performing borderless recording.

[0068] [Third embodiment] Next, a third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment also relates to the printer 1 similar to the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 9(a), thereby causing recording on the recording paper S.

[0069] 9(a) will be described in detail, the control unit 80 executes the processes of S301 to S304 similar to S101 to S104 in the first embodiment. After the first image data generation process of S303, the control unit 80 subsequently executes the recording process similar to S107 in the first embodiment (S306).

[0070] Furthermore, after the second image data generation process of S304, the control unit 80 executes an adjustment amount determination process (S305). In the adjustment amount determination process of S305, the control unit 80 determines, based on the separation distance XL, an adjustment amount for the ink ejection amount for forming dots DL that extend leftward from the left edge EL of the recording paper S, among the multiple dots D that form an image as shown in Figures 9(b) and 9(c). In the adjustment amount determination process of S305, the control unit 80 determines, based on the separation distance XR, an adjustment amount for the ink ejection amount for forming dots DR that extend rightward from the right edge ER of the recording paper S, among the multiple dots D that form an image as shown in Figures 9(d) and 9(e).

[0071] 9(b) and (c), the adjustment amount of the ink ejection amount for forming dots DL is determined so that when the separation distance XL is less than the predetermined distance Xs, the ink ejection amount for forming dots DL is less than when the separation distance XL is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance Xs. Here, although Figures 9(b) and (c) show a case where the ink ejection amount for forming dots DL is adjusted for all dots DL, it is also possible to adjust the ink ejection amount for forming dots DL only for some of the dots DL.

[0072] 9(d) and (e), the adjustment amount of the ink ejection amount for forming the dots DR is determined so that when the separation distance XR is less than the predetermined distance Xs, the ink ejection amount for forming the dots DR is less than when the separation distance XR is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance Xs. Here, although Figures 9(d) and (e) show a case where the ink ejection amount for forming the dots DR is adjusted for all dots DR, it is also possible to adjust the ink ejection amount for forming only some of the dots DR.

[0073] Here, determining the adjustment amount of the ink ejection amount means, for example, when the head 4 is capable of changing the ink ejection amount from the nozzle 10 in multiple stages, determining how many stages the ejection amount should be changed relative to the ejection amount indicated by the ejection data generated based on the image data.

[0074] After the discharge amount adjustment determination process of S305, the control unit 80 executes the recording process (S306). At this time, when generating discharge data from image data, the control unit 80 generates the discharge data so that the ink discharge amount for forming dots DL, DR is adjusted based on the adjustment amount determined in S305 relative to the discharge amount indicated by the discharge data generated based on the image data.

[0075] <Effects> As explained in the first embodiment, if the ink ejection method for borderless recording is the same regardless of the separation distances XL and XR, when performing borderless recording on recording paper S with short separation distances XL and XR, ink that spills out to the left or right from the recording paper S is likely to adhere to the ribs 16. If ink adheres to the ribs 16, there is a risk that the recording paper S will be stained with ink the next time recording is performed on the recording paper S. On the other hand, when performing borderless recording, the longer the lengths WL and WR, the less likely it is that areas where ink does not adhere will be created on the edges of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S.

[0076] Therefore, in the third embodiment, when performing borderless recording, the method of applying ink varies depending on the separation distances XL and XR. Specifically, when performing borderless recording on recording paper S where the separation distance XL is less than the specified distance Xs, the amount of ink ejected to form dots DL that extend leftward from the left edge EL of the recording paper S is reduced compared to when performing borderless recording on recording paper S where the separation distance XL is the specified distance Xs or more. Also, when performing borderless recording on recording paper S where the separation distance XR is less than the specified distance Xs, the amount of ink ejected to form dots DR that extend rightward from the right edge ER of the recording paper S is reduced compared to when performing borderless recording on recording paper S where the separation distance XR is the specified distance Xs or more.

[0077] This makes it possible to prevent ink from adhering to the ribs 16 while minimizing areas where ink does not adhere to the edges of the left end EL and right end ER of the recording paper S, regardless of the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions, when performing borderless recording.

[0078] [Variations] The above describes the preferred first to third embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the first to third embodiments and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0079] For example, in the first embodiment, when the separation distances XL and XR are equal to or greater than the predetermined distance Xs, the lengths WL and WR are set to lengths WL1 and WR1 of 1.5 mm or greater, and when the separation distances XL and XR are less than the predetermined distance Xs, the lengths WL and WR are set to lengths WL2 and WR2 of less than 1.5 mm, but this is not limiting. If the length WL2 is shorter than the length WL1, both the lengths WL1 and WL2 may be 1.5 mm or greater, or both the lengths WL1 and WL2 may be less than 1.5 mm. Similarly, if the length WR2 is shorter than the length WR1, both the lengths WR1 and WR2 may be 1.5 mm or greater, or both the lengths WR1 and WR2 may be less than 1.5 mm.

[0080] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a table correlating the lengths WL and WR for two sizes of recording paper S was stored in memory 84, but it may also be a table correlating the lengths WL and WR for three or more sizes of recording paper S. In this case, the separation distances XL and XR for two or more sizes of recording paper S will be greater than or equal to the predetermined distance Xs or less than the predetermined distance Xs. Then, for these two or more sizes of recording paper S, the lengths WL and WR may be determined to be the same even if the separation distances XL and XR are different.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the lengths WL and WR are determined to be one of two lengths based on whether the separation distances XL and XR corresponding to the size of the recording paper S are equal to or greater than the predetermined distance Xs or less than the predetermined distance Xs, but this is not limiting. For example, three or more ranges may be set for each of the separation distances XL and XR, and the lengths WL and WR may be determined to be one of three or more lengths based on which of these three or more ranges the separation distances XL and XR fall within.

[0082] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the lengths WL and WR are determined by multiplying the separation distances XL and XR by a coefficient pre-stored in memory 84, so that the lengths WL and WR are determined to be shorter as the separation distances XL and XR are shorter. However, this is not limited to this. For example, two or more ranges may be set for each of the separation distances XL and XR, and the lengths WL and WR may be determined to be one of two or more lengths based on which of these two or more ranges the calculated separation distances XL and XR fall within. Even in this case, the lengths WL and WR are determined to be shorter as the separation distances XL and XR are shorter, but it is possible that the lengths WL and WR are determined to be the same even when the calculated separation distances XL and XR are different.

[0083] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the adjustment amount of the ink ejection amount for forming the dots DL and DR is determined to be one of two adjustment amounts based on whether the separation distances XL and XR are equal to or greater than the predetermined distance Xs or less than the predetermined distance Xs. However, this is not limited to this. For example, three or more ranges may be set for each of the separation distances XL and XR, and the adjustment amount of the ink ejection amount for forming the dots DL and DR may be determined to be one of three adjustment amounts based on which of these three or more ranges the separation distances XL and XR fall within. Alternatively, for example, if the head 4 is capable of continuously changing the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 10, the adjustment amount of the ink ejection amount for forming the dots DL and DR may be determined to be the adjustment amount obtained by multiplying the separation distances XL and XR by a preset coefficient.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the length WL is a length corresponding to the distance XL between the rib 16 located to the left of the left edge EL of the recording paper S and the rib 16 closest to the left edge EL of the recording paper S. The length WR is a length corresponding to the distance XR between the rib 16 located to the right of the right edge ER of the recording paper S and the rib 16 closest to the right edge ER of the recording paper S. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0085] For example, if the separation distance XL and the separation distance XR are approximately the same, such as when multiple ribs 16 are arranged symmetrically in the left and right directions relative to the center of the recording paper S supported by the platen 5, then both lengths WL and WR may be determined to be the same length according to the separation distance XL or the same length according to the separation distance XR.

[0086] Alternatively, for example, the length WL may be a length corresponding to the distance between the ribs 16 located to the left of the left edge EL of the recording paper S and the ribs 16 other than the first rib that is closest to the left edge EL of the recording paper S. Also, the length WR may be a length corresponding to the distance between the ribs 16 located to the right of the right edge ER of the recording paper S and the ribs 16 other than the second rib that is closest to the right edge ER of the recording paper S.

[0087] In the second embodiment, the position of the left edge EL of the recording paper S is detected, and the length WL is determined to be a length corresponding to the separation distance XL calculated from the detected position of the left edge EL. Also, the position of the right edge ER of the recording paper S is detected, and the length WR is determined to be a length corresponding to the separation distance XR calculated from the detected position of the right edge ER. However, this is not limited to this.

[0088] For example, if the multiple ribs 16 are arranged symmetrically in the left and right directions relative to the center of the recording paper S supported by the platen 5, and the separation distance XL and the separation distance XR are approximately the same, it is possible to detect only the position of either the left edge EL or the right edge ER of the recording paper S, and determine the lengths WL and WR to be the same length according to the separation distance XL calculated from the detected position of the left edge EL, or the same length according to the separation distance XR calculated from the detected position of the right edge ER.

[0089] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the positions of the edges EL and ER of the recording paper S are detected and the lengths WL and WR are determined only before the start of the recording process, but this is not limiting.

[0090] In the first modification, the control unit 80 records an image on the recording paper S by carrying out the process in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

[0091] More specifically, the control unit 80 executes the processes of S401, S402, and S404 to S407 similar to S201 to S206 in the second embodiment. After the first image data generation process of S402, the control unit executes the recording process similar to S207 in the second embodiment (S403), and then the process ends.

[0092] Furthermore, after the overflow amount determination process of S407, the control unit 80 starts the recording process (S408). The recording process started in S408 is the same as the recording process of S403. Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the recording process is completed (S409). If the recording process is completed (S409: YES), the process ends.

[0093] If the recording process is not complete (S409: NO), the control unit 80 determines whether the recording paper S has been transported a predetermined transport distance (S410). The predetermined transport distance may be the transport distance in one transport operation, or may be the transport distance in two or more transport operations. Here, in the first S410 after the recording process has started, it is determined whether the recording paper S has been transported a predetermined transport distance from the start of the recording process. In addition, in the second and subsequent S410 after the recording process has started, it is determined whether the recording paper S has been transported a predetermined transport distance from the time when it was determined in the previous S410 that the recording paper S had been transported a predetermined transport distance.

[0094] If the recording paper S has not been conveyed the predetermined conveyance distance (S410: NO), the process returns to S409. If the recording paper S has been conveyed the predetermined conveyance distance (S410: YES), the control unit 80 temporarily suspends the recording process (S411). Next, the control unit 80 executes the same edge position detection process as in S406 (S412), and executes the same overhang amount determination process as in S407 (S413). Thereafter, the control unit 80 resumes the recording process (S414), and the process returns to S409.

[0095] When borderless recording is performed by repeatedly performing a recording pass and a transport operation, the recording paper S may shift slightly in position to the left and right during transport. In Modification 1, the positions of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S are detected each time the recording paper S is transported a predetermined transport distance, and the separation distances XL and XR are calculated based on the detected positions of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S. The lengths WL and WR are then determined based on the calculated separation distances XL and XR. This makes it possible to minimize areas where ink does not adhere to the edges of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S, regardless of the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions, during borderless recording, while making it difficult for ink to adhere to the ribs 16.

[0096] In the second modification, the control unit 80 records an image on the recording paper S by carrying out the process in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

[0097] More specifically, the control unit 80 executes the processes of S501 to S508 similar to S401 to S408 in Modification 1. After starting the recording process in S508, the control unit 80 determines whether the recording process is complete (S509). If the recording process is complete (S509: YES), the process ends.

[0098] If the recording process is not complete (S509: NO), the control unit 80 determines whether a predetermined number of recording passes have been performed (S510). The predetermined number may be one, or two or more. Here, in the first S510 after the recording process has started, it is determined whether a predetermined number of recording passes have been performed since the start of the recording process. In addition, in the second and subsequent S510 after the recording process has started, it is determined whether a predetermined number of recording passes have been performed since the time when it was determined in the previous S510 that the predetermined number of recording passes had been performed.

[0099] If the predetermined number of printing passes has not been performed (S510: NO), the process returns to S509. If the predetermined number of printing passes has been performed (S510: YES), the control unit 80 temporarily suspends the printing process (S511). Next, the control unit 80 executes the same edge position detection process as in S506 (S512), and executes the same overhang amount determination process as in S507 (S513). Thereafter, the control unit 80 resumes the printing process (S514), and the process returns to S509.

[0100] When borderless recording is performed by repeatedly performing recording passes and transport operations, the recording paper S may shift slightly in position to the left and right during transport by the transport operations. In Modification 2, the positions of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S are detected each time a predetermined number of recording passes are performed, and the separation distances XL and XR are calculated based on the detected positions of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S. The lengths WL and WR are then determined based on the calculated separation distances XL and XR. This makes it possible to minimize areas where ink does not adhere to the edges of the left edge EL and right edge ER of the recording paper S, regardless of the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions, during borderless recording, while making it difficult for ink to adhere to the ribs 16.

[0101] In the first to third embodiments, the second image data generation process generates image data for image G3 by enlarging or reducing the image indicated by the image data included in the recording command at the same predetermined magnification regardless of the size of the recording paper S, but this is not limited to this. The second image data generation process may also generate image data for image G3 by enlarging or reducing the image indicated by the image data included in the recording command at different magnifications depending on the size of the recording paper S.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above example, in the paper cassette 8, the recording paper S stored in the paper storage section 21 is positioned so that the center positions of the left edge EL and the right edge ER in the left and right directions are the same regardless of its size, but this is not limited to this.

[0103] In the third modification, as shown in FIG. 12, a paper cassette 100 has a paper storage section 21 and positioning members 22A and 22B similar to the paper cassette 8 shown in FIG.

[0104] However, paper cassette 100 differs from paper cassette 8 in the following respects: In paper cassette 100, positioning member 22A can be moved leftward and rightward along grooves 101 that extend leftward and rightward to match the size of recording paper S. On the other hand, in paper cassette 100, positioning member 22B is fixed to paper cassette 100 and cannot be moved leftward or rightward.

[0105] In the paper cassette 100, the positioning member 22A can be moved left and right in this manner, while the positioning member 22B cannot be moved left and right. As a result, the recording paper S stored in the paper storage section 21 and positioned by the positioning members 22A and 22B is positioned so that the position of the right edge ER in the left and right directions is the same regardless of its size.

[0106] In Modification 3, as in the first to third embodiments, when performing borderless recording, the length by which ink spills leftward from the left edge EL of the recording paper S, or the adjustment amount of ink ejection volume for forming dots DL spilling beyond the left edge EL of the recording paper S, is determined based on the size of the recording paper S, separation distance XL, etc. Also, when performing borderless recording, the length by which ink spills rightward from the right edge ER of the recording paper S, or the adjustment amount of ink ejection volume for forming dots DR spilling beyond the right edge ER of the recording paper S, is determined based on the size of the recording paper S, separation distance XR, etc.

[0107] In Modification 3, the recording paper S is positioned by the positioning members 22A and 22B so that the position of the right edge ER of the recording paper S in the left and right directions is the same regardless of the size of the recording paper S. In this case, the position of the left edge EL of the recording paper S in the left and right directions during recording differs depending on the size of the recording paper S. Therefore, if the length WL for borderless recording is the same regardless of the size of the recording paper S, depending on the size of the recording paper S, the separation distance XL may be small, making it easier for ink to adhere to the ribs 16.

[0108] Therefore, in Modification 3, when performing borderless recording, the length by which ink extends leftward from the left edge EL of the recording paper S, or the adjustment amount of ink ejection volume for forming dots DL that extend beyond the left edge EL of the recording paper S, is determined based on the size of the recording paper S, the separation distance XL, etc. In this way, when performing borderless recording, regardless of the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions, it is possible to minimize the formation of areas on the edge of the left edge EL of the recording paper S where ink does not adhere, while making it difficult for ink to adhere to the ribs 16.

[0109] In Modification 3, as described above, the position of the right edge ER of the recording paper S, as positioned by the positioning members 22A and 22B, is the same regardless of the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions. However, the position of the recording paper S in the left and right directions may shift slightly during the paper feeding process, and the degree of this shift may vary depending on the size of the recording paper S. Therefore, in Modification 3 as well, when performing borderless recording, the length by which the ink extends to the right from the right edge ER of the recording paper S, or the adjustment amount of the ink ejection amount for forming dots DR that extend beyond the right edge ER of the recording paper S, is determined based on the size of the recording paper S, the separation distance XR, etc. This makes it possible to minimize the area where ink does not adhere to the edge of the right edge ER of the recording paper S when performing borderless recording, regardless of the size of the recording paper S in the left and right directions, while making it difficult for ink to adhere to the ribs 16.

[0110] In addition, in Modification 3, positioning member 22A may be configured to be unable to move leftward or rightward, while positioning member 22B may be configured to be able to move leftward or rightward. In this case, recording paper S stored in paper storage section 21 and positioned by positioning members 22A and 22B is positioned so that the left and right positions of the left edge EL are the same regardless of the size of the recording paper S. In this case, the right direction corresponds to the "first direction" of the present invention, and the left direction corresponds to the "second direction" of the present invention. Also, the right edge ER of recording paper S corresponds to the "first edge" of the present invention, and the right edge of recording paper S corresponds to the "second edge" of the present invention.

[0111] In the above example, the recording paper S is supplied from a paper cassette, but this is not limiting. For example, the recording paper S may be supplied from a manual feed tray that is located behind the transport rollers 6A and 6B and into which the user inserts the recording paper S toward the front.

[0112] In the above example, the length by which ink spills over the edge of the recording paper S when performing borderless recording, or the adjustment amount of ink ejection amount to form dots spilling over the edge of the recording paper S, was determined for both the left and right edges of the recording paper S based on the size of the recording paper S, the distance between the edge of the recording paper S and the rib 16, etc. However, this is not limited to this. The length by which ink spills over the edge of the recording paper S, or the adjustment amount of ink ejection amount to form dots spilling over the edge of the recording paper S, may also be determined for only one of the left and right edges of the recording paper S based on the size of the recording paper S, the distance between the edge of the recording paper S and the rib 16, etc.

[0113] Furthermore, the above examples do not mention ink spilling over the edges of the recording paper S when performing borderless recording at the leading and trailing edges of the recording paper S. In this regard, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the length by which ink spills over the edges of the recording paper S when performing borderless recording for at least one of the leading and trailing edges of the recording paper S may be determined depending on the leading and trailing sizes of the recording paper S. Alternatively, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the length by which ink spills over the edges of the recording paper S when performing borderless recording may be set to a uniform length for the leading and trailing edges of the recording paper S, regardless of the leading and trailing sizes of the recording paper S.

[0114] Also, for example, in the third embodiment, the adjustment amount of the ink ejection amount for forming dots that extend beyond the edge of the recording paper S may be determined for at least one of the leading edge and trailing edge of the recording paper S, depending on the leading and trailing sizes of the recording paper S. Alternatively, for example, in the third embodiment, for the leading edge and trailing edge of the recording paper S, the ink ejection amount for forming dots that extend beyond the edge of the recording paper S when performing borderless recording may not need to be adjusted from the ejection amount determined based on image data, regardless of the leading edge and trailing edge of the recording paper S.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above example, the length by which the ink spills over the edge of the recording paper S or the adjustment amount of the ink ejection amount for forming dots spilling over the edge of the recording paper S is varied depending on the size of the recording paper S, the distance between the edge of the recording paper S and the rib 16, etc. However, this is not limited to this. The method of depositing ink may be varied by a method other than varying the length by which the ink spills over the edge of the recording paper S or varying the adjustment amount of the ink ejection amount for forming dots spilling over the edge of the recording paper S.

[0116] In the above, we have described an example in which the present invention is applied to an inkjet printer equipped with a so-called serial head that ejects ink from multiple nozzles while moving left and right together with the carriage, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet printer equipped with a so-called line head that extends left and right over the entire length of the platen 5. The present invention can also be applied to a laser printer that records images by adhering toner to recording paper. In this case, the toner corresponds to the "colorant" of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1. Printer 4 heads 5 Platen 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B Conveyor rollers 16 Ribs 22A, 22B Positioning members 80 Control Unit 89 Media Sensor

Claims

1. a platen that supports a recording medium; a recording unit that faces the platen and performs recording on the recording medium by depositing a coloring material onto the recording medium supported by the platen; a control unit, The platen is a plurality of ribs disposed on a surface of the platen facing the recording unit, arranged at intervals in a first direction, protruding toward the recording unit, and in contact with the recording medium; The control unit Controlling the recording unit by depositing the coloring material on the recording medium so that the coloring material protrudes in the first direction from a first end, which is a leading edge of the recording medium in the first direction, to perform borderless recording with no margins at least on an edge of the first end of the recording medium; When the borderless recording is performed, An image recording device characterized in that the color material is adhered to the recording medium so that a first length, which is the length of the color material that extends from the first end of the recording medium in the first direction, is a length corresponding to the size of the recording medium in the first direction.

2. a positioning unit that contacts the first end of the recording medium and a second end that is a leading end in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and positions the recording medium in the first direction; The image recording device described in claim 1, characterized in that the positioning unit is configured to position the recording medium in the first direction so that the center position between the first end and the second end in the first direction of the recording medium is the same regardless of the size of the recording medium in the first direction.

3. a positioning unit that contacts the first end of the recording medium and a second end that is a leading end in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and positions the recording medium in the first direction; The image recording device described in claim 1, characterized in that the positioning unit is configured to position the recording medium in the first direction so that the position of the second end of the recording medium in the second direction is the same regardless of the size of the recording medium in the first direction.

4. The image recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first length is a length corresponding to the distance between the first end and a first rib that is closest to the first end of the recording medium among the ribs located in the first direction relative to the first end.

5. The control unit Controlling the recording unit the coloring material is applied to the recording medium so that the coloring material protrudes in the second direction from a second end, which is a leading edge of the recording medium in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby performing the borderless recording with no margin at least on an edge of the second end of the recording medium; When the borderless recording is performed, The coloring material is adhered to the recording medium so that a second length, which is a length of the coloring material that protrudes from a second end of the recording medium in the second direction, corresponds to a size of the recording medium in the first direction; When the recording unit is controlled to perform the borderless recording, the first length corresponds to a distance between the first end and a first rib that is closest to the first end among the ribs positioned in the first direction relative to the recording medium, The image recording device described in claim 4, characterized in that the color material is adhered to the recording medium so that the second length is a length corresponding to the distance between the second end and a second rib among the ribs located in the second direction relative to the recording medium that is closest to the second end.

6. The control unit Controlling the recording unit As the recording medium, the borderless recording can be performed on a first recording medium and a second recording medium that is spaced apart from the first recording medium by a different distance, 5. The image recording device according to claim 4, wherein the first length is different when performing the borderless recording on the first recording medium and when performing the borderless recording on the second recording medium.

7. the first recording medium is spaced apart from the first recording medium by a predetermined distance or more; the second recording medium is spaced from the recording medium by a distance less than the predetermined distance; The control unit Controlling the recording unit 7. The image recording device according to claim 6, wherein when performing the borderless recording on the second recording medium, the color material is applied to the recording medium so that the first length is shorter than when performing the borderless recording on the first recording medium.

8. the first length is 1.5 mm or more when performing borderless recording on the first recording medium, 8. The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first length is less than 1.5 mm when performing borderless recording on the second recording medium.

9. an edge detection unit that detects the position of at least one of the first edge of the recording medium and a second edge that is a leading edge of the recording medium in a second direction opposite to the first direction, The control unit calculating the separation distance based on the position detected by the edge detection unit; 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first length is determined based on the calculated separation distance.

10. The image recording device according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit determines the first length so that the shorter the calculated separation distance is, the shorter the first length becomes.

11. a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium in a third direction that intersects with the first direction, The control unit performing the borderless recording by repeatedly controlling the recording unit to deposit the color material on the recording medium and the transport unit to transport the recording medium in the third direction; When the borderless recording is performed, each time the conveying unit conveys the recording medium by a predetermined conveying amount, causing the edge detection unit to detect a position of at least one of the first edge and the second edge, and calculating the separation distance based on the detected position; 10. The image recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first length is determined based on the calculated separation distance.

12. a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium in a third direction that intersects with the first direction, The control unit performing the borderless recording by repeatedly controlling the recording unit to deposit the color material on the recording medium and the transport unit to transport the recording medium in the third direction; When the borderless recording is performed, each time the attachment operation is performed a predetermined number of times, causing the edge detection unit to detect a position of at least one of the first edge and the second edge, and calculating the separation distance based on the detected position; 10. The image recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first length is determined based on the calculated separation distance.

13. The control unit When the recording unit is controlled to perform the borderless recording, generating image data of an image obtained by enlarging or reducing the image instructed to be recorded at a predetermined magnification, regardless of the size of the recording medium in the first direction; The image recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the color material is applied to the recording medium based on a data portion of the image data that corresponds to the size of the recording medium in the first direction and the first length.

14. a platen that supports a recording medium; a recording unit that faces the platen and performs recording on the recording medium by depositing a coloring material onto the recording medium supported by the platen; a control unit, The platen is a plurality of ribs disposed on a surface of the platen facing the recording unit, arranged at intervals in a first direction, protruding toward the recording unit, and in contact with the recording medium; The control unit Controlling the recording unit by depositing the coloring material on the recording medium so that the coloring material protrudes in the first direction from a first end, which is a leading edge of the recording medium in the first direction, to perform borderless recording with no margins at least on an edge of the first end of the recording medium; When the borderless recording is performed, An image recording device characterized in that the method of applying the color material varies depending on the distance between the first end and a first rib that is closest to the first end among the ribs located in the first direction relative to the recording medium.

15. The control unit Controlling the recording unit The recording medium may include a first recording medium having a separation distance equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, and a second recording medium having a separation distance less than the predetermined distance, and the recording medium may be subjected to the borderless recording.

15. The image recording device according to claim 14, wherein when performing the borderless recording on the second recording medium, the recording unit causes the amount of color material that protrudes from the recording medium in the first direction to be smaller than when performing the borderless recording on the first recording medium.

16. The control unit Controlling the recording unit The recording medium may include a first recording medium having a separation distance equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, and a second recording medium having a separation distance less than the predetermined distance, and the recording medium may be subjected to the borderless recording. The image recording device described in claim 14, characterized in that when performing borderless recording on the second recording medium, the colorant is adhered to the recording medium so that a first length, which is the length by which the colorant extends from the first end of the recording medium in the first direction, is shorter than when performing borderless recording on the first recording medium.

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