JP2008143044A - Recorder, recording part adjusting mechanism and recording part adjusting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recorder which can simply and accurately adjust the angle and position of the recording part even when performing the recording using special-features recording compositions in which the gap of a recording position can hardly be checked visually, a recording part adjusting mechanism and a recording part adjusting method. <P>SOLUTION: The printer is equipped with a recording head 6 for transparent inks for performing the recording with transparent inks, a flatness measuring device 13 for detecting the change of the flatness of a recording medium before and after printing with transparent inks or the change of the amount of a reflected light caused by the flatness change, an adjusting mechanism control part 18 for judging the positional gap of the recording position of transparent inks based on the detection result of the flatness measuring device 13 and an angle adjusting fixture and a position adjusting fixture for adjusting an angle and position which perform the adjustment of the recording head 6 for transparent inks so as to adjust the recording position of the transparent ink based on the judgement result of the adjusting mechanism control part 18. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording section adjustment mechanism, and a recording section adjustment method, and more particularly, a recording apparatus, a recording section adjustment mechanism, and a recording section adjustment that perform recording using a special color recording composition that does not change the hue of a recording medium. It is about the method.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, recording apparatuses that perform recording using special color (for example, transparent or white) recording ink or toner (special color recording composition) that do not change the hue of the recording medium even when recording on the recording medium are known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
By recording with ink or toner for spot color recording after recording with ink or toner containing color material, the image quality of the recorded image is improved or glossy feeling is given and high-definition image with photographic image quality Can be obtained.

  By the way, if the angle or position of the recording unit (recording head) is deviated, the recording position (landing position) of ink or the like recorded by the recording unit is deviated, and high-definition image recording cannot be performed. For this reason, in order to perform high-definition image recording, the recording position of the ink or toner recorded on the recording medium is detected, and when the recording position (recording head) is not recorded at an appropriate position, It is necessary to adjust the recording unit (recording head) because the position is shifted.

In this regard, for example, a plurality of patterns are recorded, the optical characteristics of each of the recorded patterns are measured, and based on the result, the print is aligned between the reciprocating scans of the print head (recording unit). A technique has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Also, defective nozzle detection is performed in which a test pattern is printed on a recording medium, and at the time of printing, the test pattern image is transparently read and detected by the image reading unit, and the position of the defective nozzle is detected based on the detection result. A recording apparatus having a section has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  However, when recording is performed with a special color (for example, transparent or white) recording ink or toner that does not change the hue of the recording medium, an optical method such as the technique described in Patent Document 2 is used. In addition, it is difficult to accurately detect the recording position by a method of reading a transmission image as in the technique described in Patent Document 3.

In this regard, for example, a technique for reading a special image such as a face photograph and a watermark pattern recorded on a medium by special ink printing by irradiating infrared light or the like is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 4). . According to the technique for detecting an image using infrared light or the like as described in Patent Document 4, recording using ink or toner that does not change the hue of a recording medium such as transparent ink (a composition for recording a special color) Can be visualized by wavelength components corresponding to ink or toner.
In addition, an apparatus has been proposed in which a transparent toner layer (a layer of a special color recording composition) is formed with a size larger than the size of the recording sheet so that the transparent toner layer is formed without chipping the recording sheet. (For example, refer to Patent Document 5).
JP 2002-207334 A JP 2000-037936 A JP 2006-069027 A JP 2006-155341 A JP 2004-151260 A

  However, as described in Patent Document 4, the method of detecting an image using infrared light or the like requires a means for irradiating infrared light or the like and a sensor for detecting the irradiated infrared light or the like. Therefore, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes large.

  In addition, as described in Patent Document 5, in the method of expanding the recording area only with the transparent toner and preventing the defect, the recording position is not accurate. For example, the partial position depends on the recording position of the ink or toner containing the color material. When recording clear toner, there is a risk that clear toner will not be recorded at a desired position. For this reason, there is a problem that high-definition image recording cannot be performed and the image quality of the recorded image is deteriorated.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and even when recording is performed using a special color recording composition in which the recording position deviation is difficult to visually confirm, It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus, a recording unit adjusting mechanism, and a recording unit adjusting method capable of easily and accurately adjusting the position.

In order to solve such a problem, the invention described in claim 1
In a recording apparatus for recording using a special color recording composition that does not change the hue of a recording medium,
A spot color recording section for recording with the spot color recording composition;
Detecting means for detecting a change in smoothness between a recording medium before recording and a recording medium after recording with the special color recording composition or a change in reflected light amount caused by a change in smoothness;
Based on the detection result by the detection means, a determination means for determining a displacement of the recording position of the spot color recording composition;
A recording unit adjusting unit that adjusts the recording unit for the special color so as to adjust a recording position of the composition for recording the special color based on a determination result by the determining unit;
It is characterized by having.

The invention described in claim 2 is the recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The detection means is a reflection caused by a change in smoothness before or after the recording of the spot color recording composition or a change in smoothness when the spot color recording composition is recorded on a recording medium for adjusting a recording position. It detects the change in the amount of light,
The recording medium for adjusting the recording position is characterized in that the surface shape changes at a pitch smaller than ½ of the minimum recording pixel of recording by the special color recording composition.

The invention described in claim 3 is the recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The detection means is a reflection caused by a change in smoothness before or after the recording of the spot color recording composition or a change in smoothness when the spot color recording composition is recorded on a recording medium for adjusting a recording position. It detects the change in the amount of light,
The recording medium for adjusting the recording position has a surface roughness in which at least half of the amount of the special color recording composition per pixel remains on the surface in recording with the special color recording composition. It is said.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 is the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In addition to the spot color recording section for recording with the spot color recording composition, a color recording section for recording with a color recording composition containing a color material,
After recording the color recording composition by the color recording section, recording the spot color recording composition by the spot color recording section,
The determination means is characterized in that the position shift of the recording position of the special color recording composition is determined based on the recording position of the special color recording composition with respect to the recording position of the color recording composition.

Next, the invention according to claim 5 is the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In addition to the spot color recording section for recording with the spot color recording composition, a color recording section for recording with a color recording composition containing a color material,
The spot color recording composition is recorded by the spot color recording unit before the color recording composition is recorded by the color recording unit.

Next, the invention according to claim 6 is the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The special color recording composition is a transparent recording ink or toner.

The invention according to claim 7 is the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The spot color recording composition is an active energy ray-curable ink or toner that cures when irradiated with active energy rays.

Further, the invention according to claim 8 is
A recording unit adjustment mechanism for adjusting a special color recording unit for recording with the special color recording composition,
Detecting means for detecting a change in smoothness between a recording medium before recording and a recording medium after recording with the special color recording composition or a change in reflected light amount caused by a change in smoothness;
Based on the detection result by the detection means, a determination means for determining a displacement of the recording position of the spot color recording composition;
A recording unit adjusting unit that adjusts the recording unit for the special color so as to adjust a recording position of the composition for recording the special color based on a determination result by the determining unit;
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 9 is
A recording part adjustment method for adjusting a special color recording part for recording with the special color recording composition,
A detection step for detecting a change in smoothness between a recording medium before recording and a recording medium after recording by the spot color recording composition or a change in reflected light amount caused by a change in smoothness;
A determination step of determining a displacement of a recording position of the spot color recording composition based on a detection result by the detection unit;
Based on the determination result by the determination means, a recording unit adjustment step for adjusting the recording unit for the special color so as to adjust the recording position of the composition for recording the special color;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the first, eighth, and ninth aspects of the invention, the change in the amount of reflected light caused by the change in the smoothness or the change in the smoothness of the recording medium before and after the recording with the special color recording composition is performed. Detection is performed to determine the recording position deviation of the spot color recording composition. For this reason, it is possible to easily and accurately detect whether or not there is a deviation in the angle and position of the recording portion that discharges the spot color recording composition, and it is difficult to visually confirm the recording position of transparent ink or the like. There is an effect that it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the recording section that records the composition for spot color recording is in a state suitable for performing high-quality and high-definition image recording.

  Further, when there is a deviation in the angle or position of the recording portion, the recording portion adjustment means can adjust the angle or position of the recording portion, so that the recording position deviation of the special color recording composition can be eliminated. High-quality and high-definition image recording can be performed.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when determining the presence or absence of the recording position shift of the special color recording composition, the surface has a pitch smaller than ½ of the minimum recording pixel of recording by the special color recording composition. Since a recording medium for adjusting the recording position whose shape changes is used, the spot color recording composition recorded on the recording medium remains on the surface of the recording medium, and the recording position of the spot color recording composition can be easily detected by the detecting means. There is an effect that can be done.

  Next, according to the invention described in claim 3, when determining the presence or absence of the recording position shift of the special color recording composition, the recording of the special color recording composition per pixel in the recording with the special color recording composition is performed. Since a recording medium for adjusting the recording position in which 1/2 or more of the amount is the surface roughness remaining on the surface is used, the special color recording composition recorded on the recording medium remains on the surface of the recording medium, and is detected by the detection means. There is an effect that the recording position of the spot color recording composition can be easily detected.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the recording with the color recording composition containing the color material is performed first, and then the recording with the special color recording composition is performed, and the recording position of the color recording composition is determined. The relative position of the recording position of the spot color recording composition is detected. Thereby, it is possible to easily detect the recording position deviation, and when the recording position deviation occurs, the recording unit can be adjusted so as to eliminate it.

  Furthermore, according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the recording with the special color recording composition is performed earlier than the recording with the color recording composition containing the color material. For this reason, it is possible to easily detect the change in the smoothness before and after the recording of the spot color recording composition or the change in the amount of reflected light caused by the change in the smoothness, and eliminate this when the recording position shift occurs. As described above, the recording section can be adjusted.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, since the special color recording composition is an ink or toner for transparent recording, for example, after recording with the color recording composition containing a color material, the special color recording composition is used. By performing recording according to the above, it is possible to form a glossy image and improve image quality. Even in such a case, the recording position shift of the spot color recording composition can be detected easily and accurately, and the angle and position of the recording unit for recording with the spot color recording composition can be adjusted. Play.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the special color recording composition is cured by irradiating active energy rays, it can be applied to a recording medium having poor absorbability such as ink or toner, such as a resin film. It is also possible to form an image. Even in such a case, the recording position shift of the spot color recording composition can be detected easily and accurately, and the angle and position of the recording unit for recording with the spot color recording composition can be adjusted. Play.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a recording unit adjusting mechanism and a recording apparatus including the recording unit adjusting mechanism according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, an image recording apparatus (recording apparatus) 100 is an image recording apparatus 100 of a serial print system. This image recording apparatus 100 is formed in a flat plate shape and has a recording medium 1. Is provided from the non-recording surface.

  Further, the image recording apparatus 100 includes, for example, a conveyance roller (not shown), and the recording medium 1 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow X (see FIG. 1) by rotating the conveyance roller by a recording medium conveyance mechanism 16 (see FIG. 5). Hereinafter, the recording medium 1 is conveyed in the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction Y (see FIG. 2)) orthogonal to the “main scanning direction X”.

As the recording medium 1 used for image recording in the present embodiment, various papers such as plain paper, recycled paper, and glossy paper, various fabrics, various non-woven fabrics, resins, metals, glass, and other recording materials are used. The medium 1 is applicable. As the form of the recording medium 1, various forms such as a roll form, a cut sheet form, and a plate form are applicable.
In addition, as will be described later, when adjusting the basic color recording heads 5, 5,. A medium 1a (see FIG. 6) is used. The material and form for forming the recording medium 1a for recording position adjustment are not particularly limited, as is the case with the recording medium 1 used for image recording.

  Further, a bar-shaped carriage rail 3 is disposed above the platen 2 so as to extend in the main scanning direction X. A carriage 4 is supported on the carriage rail 3 so as to be reciprocally movable along the carriage rail 3. The carriage 4 is reciprocated along the main scanning direction X by a carriage driving mechanism 17 (see FIG. 5). It has become so.

  The carriage 4 includes a color material corresponding to each color (black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y)) used in the image recording apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As a color recording section for recording with the color ink which is a composition, four basic color recording heads 5, 5... Are mounted as a group. The color of ink used in the image recording apparatus 100 is not limited to this, and for example, color inks such as light yellow (LY), light magenta (LM), and light cyan (LC) can be used. In this case, basic color recording heads 5, 5... Corresponding to the respective color inks are mounted on the carriage 4.

  Further, the hue of the recording medium 1 is not changed on the carriage 4 on the upstream side (left side in FIG. 1) in the main scanning direction X from the basic color recording heads 5, 5,. A transparent ink recording head 6 is provided as a special color recording section for discharging transparent ink (CL) as a special color recording composition. The number of transparent ink recording heads 6 is not limited to one, and a plurality of transparent ink recording heads 6 may be provided.

The ink used in the present embodiment is an active energy ray-curable ink having a property of being cured when irradiated with ultraviolet rays as active energy rays, and contains at least a polymerizable compound (a known polymerizable compound) as a main component. And a photoinitiator. In addition, the color ink includes a color material corresponding to each color.
The active energy ray curable inks are broadly classified into radical polymerization inks containing radical polymerizable compounds as polymerizable compounds and cationic polymerization inks containing cationic polymerizable compounds. Each ink can be applied as a form. Further, a hybrid ink in which a radical polymerization ink and a cation polymerization ink are combined may be applied as the ink used in this embodiment. However, cationic polymerization inks that have little or no inhibitory effect on the polymerization reaction due to oxygen are more excellent in functionality and versatility, and it is particularly preferable to use cationic polymerization inks. The cationic polymerization ink is a mixture containing at least a cationic polymerizable compound such as an oxetane compound, an epoxy compound, and a vinyl ether compound, and a photocationic initiator.

  The basic color recording heads 5, 5... And the transparent ink recording head 6 are disposed on a thin plate-like base member 7 (see FIG. 2), and an angle adjustment jig for adjusting the angle in the main scanning direction X. 8 and a position adjustment jig 9 that adjusts the position in the sub-scanning direction Y (the conveyance direction of the recording medium 1). The angle adjusting jig 8 and the position adjusting jig 9 adjust the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 so as to adjust the ink recording position (landing position) based on the determination result by the adjusting mechanism control unit 18 described later. It functions as a recording unit adjustment means to be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the angle adjusting jig 8 is provided in the vicinity of one end portion in the sub-scanning direction Y of each recording head 5, 5. Urging member 81 provided in contact with the side surface on the side, and an angle adjustment pressing member provided in contact with the side surface opposite to the surface on which the urging member 81 of the recording heads 5, 5,. 82. The positions where the urging member 81 and the angle adjustment pressing member 82 are provided are not limited to the illustrated example.

  The urging member 81 includes, for example, a spring (not shown), and urges the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 to the other side. The angle adjustment pressing member 82 is an electronic hammer that includes a piezoelectric element such as a piezoelectric element and presses the recording heads 5, 5,. By using such an electronic hammer as the angle adjustment pressing member 82, the angles of the recording heads 5, 5, ..., 6 can be finely adjusted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the downstream end of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 in the sub-scanning direction Y is slightly inclined to the right in the main scanning direction X, the recording head 5 , 5..., 6 are pressed from the right side to the left side in the main scanning direction X by the angle adjustment pressing member 82 until the longitudinal direction of the recording heads 5, 5. . The urging member 81 contracts by the amount pressed by the angle adjustment pressing member 82, and the angles of the recording heads 5, 5,.
Conversely, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the downstream end of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 in the sub-scanning direction Y is slightly inclined to the left in the main scanning direction X, the recording head The angle adjustment pressing member 82 is contracted until the longitudinal direction of 5, 5,..., 6 is parallel to the sub-scanning direction Y. When the angle adjustment pressing member 82 contracts, the urging member 81 extends correspondingly, and the angles of the recording heads 5, 5,.

Further, the position adjusting jig 9 includes an urging member 91 provided in contact with the downstream end face in the sub-scanning direction Y of each of the recording heads 5, 5. The position adjustment pressing member 92 is provided in contact with the upstream end surface in the direction Y.
The configuration of the urging member 91 and the position adjustment pressing member 92 is substantially the same as the configuration of the urging member 81 and the angle adjustment pressing member 82 of the angle adjustment jig 8.

For example, when the positions of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 are slightly shifted to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction Y, as shown in FIG. The end of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 is pressed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction Y by the position adjustment pressing member 92 until it reaches the correct position. The biasing member 91 contracts by the amount pressed by the position adjusting pressing member 92, and the positions of the recording heads 5, 5,.
Conversely, when the positions of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 are slightly displaced downstream in the sub-scanning direction Y, the recording heads 5, 5,. The position adjustment pressing member 92 is contracted until the proper position is reached. When the position adjustment pressing member 92 contracts, the urging member 91 extends correspondingly, and the positions of the recording heads 5, 5,.

  Further, between the transparent ink recording head 6 and the basic color recording head 5 and between the transparent ink recording head 6 and each side wall of the carriage 4, ultraviolet irradiation devices 11a and 11b as light irradiation devices are provided. Each is arranged. A plurality of ultraviolet irradiation devices 11 may be arranged at each position. Further, a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation devices 11 may be provided between the plurality of basic color recording heads 5, 5. By adopting such a configuration, each color ink ejected from each of the basic color recording heads 5, 5,... Can be cured at an early stage. And high-definition image recording can be performed.

  The ultraviolet irradiation devices 11 a and 11 b have ultraviolet light sources 12 a and 12 b that irradiate ultraviolet rays as light for curing and fixing the ink ejected and landed on the recording medium 1. As the ultraviolet light sources 12a and 12b, for example, a high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, a semiconductor laser, a cold cathode tube, an excimer lamp, or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) can be applied.

  Further, a smoothness measuring device 13 as a detecting means for measuring a change in the smoothness of the surface of the recording medium 1a (see FIG. 6) is provided at one end of the carriage 4 and facing the recording medium 1. ing. The smoothness measuring device 13 includes, for example, a needle portion 13a (see FIG. 6B), and measures the smoothness of the measurement target surface by bringing the tip of the needle portion 13a into contact with the surface of the measurement target. It is a measuring device.

The smoothness measuring device 13 is such that the tip of the needle portion 13a is positioned slightly above the surface of the recording medium 1 and moves in the main scanning direction X above the recording medium 1 as the carriage 4 moves. It has become. The needle portion 13a does not contact the tip when ink is not landed on the surface of the recording medium 1. However, when the ink is landed, the tip contacts the ink. As a result, the smoothness measuring device 13 detects a difference in level between a spot where the ink is not landed and a spot where the ink is landed on the recording medium 1, and detects a change in the smoothness of the surface of the recording medium 1. It is like that.
In addition, the position where the smoothness measuring apparatus 13 is provided is not limited to the position illustrated here. The smoothness measuring device 13 can be applied to devices other than those exemplified here as long as it can measure the change in the smoothness of the measurement target, and the configuration thereof is not particularly limited. For example, a non-contact type measuring device such as a laser shift meter may be used as the smoothness measuring device 13.

  Next, the control configuration of the image recording apparatus 100 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image recording apparatus 100 has various image recording conditions such as the image quality such as the glossiness of the recorded image, the type of the recording medium 1, and whether the color ink or the transparent ink is ejected first. The information input from the input unit 14 is sent to the main body control unit 15. The input unit 14 is, for example, a keyboard or an operation panel, and the user can select an image quality such as a glossy image quality or a matte image quality without glossiness by operating the keys or the panel. It can be done.

  The main body control unit 15 controls the carriage drive mechanism 17 to reciprocate the carriage 4 along the main scanning direction X, and conveys the recording medium 1 in the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction Y) in accordance with the operation of the carriage 4. As described above, the operation of the recording medium transport mechanism 16 is controlled.

  Further, image data relating to a recorded image input from an external device (not shown) such as a personal computer is sent to the main body control unit 15, and the main body control unit 15 sends the received image data. The basic color recording heads 5, 5... And the transparent ink recording head 6 are operated based on the information input from the input unit 14. Accordingly, an appropriate amount of ink is ejected from each of the recording heads 5, 5, 6, and a predetermined image is recorded on the recording medium 1. In the present embodiment, the main body control unit 15 moves the recording heads 5, 5... When the carriage 4 moves from the upstream side (left side in FIG. 1) to the downstream side (right side in FIG. 1) in the main scanning direction X. , 6 are operated to discharge ink.

  Further, the main body control unit 15 controls the ultraviolet irradiation devices 11a and 11b in accordance with the image recording conditions input from the input unit 14 to turn on the ultraviolet light sources 12a and 12b to irradiate ultraviolet rays. .

  The image recording apparatus 100 also includes a recording unit adjusting mechanism 20 that adjusts the angles of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 and the position in the sub-scanning direction Y. The recording unit adjusting mechanism 20 includes an angle adjusting jig 8, a position adjusting jig 9, a smoothness measuring device 13, and an adjusting mechanism control unit 18 for controlling them.

The adjustment mechanism control unit 18 includes a storage unit (not shown). The main body control unit 15 sends ejection information regarding where ink is to be ejected, and this information is stored in the storage unit of the adjustment mechanism control unit 18.
In addition, the detection result is sent from the smoothness measuring device 13 to the adjustment mechanism control unit 18, and the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 transmits the transparent ink and the color based on the detection result of the smoothness measurement device 13. It is determined whether or not the ink has landed out of the position where it should land originally (appropriate recording position).
In other words, the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 compares and contrasts the ink ejection information stored in the storage unit with the detection result sent from the smoothness measuring device 13, and the ink landing position is the ink landing point. By determining whether the position is deviated from the power position, the presence / absence of the positional deviation of the ink recording position, the direction and extent of the deviation, and the like are determined. Based on the determination result, the angle adjustment pressing member 82 and the position adjustment pressing member 92 are operated to adjust the recording heads 5, 5,.

A method for adjusting the angles of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 and the position in the sub-scanning direction Y (recording unit adjustment method) by the recording unit adjustment mechanism 20 will be described below.
In the present embodiment, the image recording apparatus 100 is not limited to the recording head 5 at the time of factory shipment, when the recording medium 1 is changed to one having a different thickness, or when a recording abnormality occurs during recording. When there is a possibility that the positional deviation of 5... 6 has occurred, the recording head adjustment mechanism 20 adjusts the recording heads 5, 5.

  When adjusting the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6, the user sets a recording medium 1a for recording position adjustment (see FIG. 6) at a predetermined position on the platen 2, and recording is performed using the recording medium 1a. I do. And the change of the smoothness of the recording medium 1a before recording and the smoothness of the recording medium 1a after recording is detected by the smoothness measuring device 13 (detection step).

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the recording medium 1a for recording position adjustment has an uneven surface. The unevenness applied to the recording medium 1a for adjusting the recording position is such that the distance P between the peaks of the unevenness is less than or equal to ½ of the recording resolution pitch of the recording heads 5, 5,. The surface shape of the medium 1a changes at a pitch smaller than 1/2 of the minimum recording pixel. As a result, more than half of the ink ejected from the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 and landed on the surface of the recording medium 1a remains on the unevenness, and the ink landing position can be easily detected by the smoothness measuring device 13. The smoothness measuring device 13 sends the detection result to the adjustment mechanism control unit 18.

  Specifically, first, the smoothness measuring device 13 detects the smoothness of the surface of the recording medium 1a for recording position adjustment before recording. Thereafter, the transparent ink, which is the special color recording composition, is ejected from the transparent ink recording head 6, which is the special color recording unit, onto the recording medium 1a. Then, the smoothness measuring device 13 detects the smoothness of the surface of the recording medium 1a after the recording of the transparent ink. Then, a change in smoothness between the recording medium 1a before recording and the recording medium 1a after recording is sent from the smoothness measuring device 13 to the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 as a detection result.

  Next, color inks of each color, which is a color recording composition containing a color material, are ejected onto the recording medium 1a from the basic color recording heads 5, 5,. Then, the smoothness measuring device 13 detects the smoothness of the surface of the recording medium 1a after recording the color ink. Then, a change in smoothness between the recording medium 1a before recording and the recording medium 1a after recording is sent from the smoothness measuring device 13 to the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 as a detection result.

  Based on the detection result sent from the smoothness measuring device 13, the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 determines whether or not the ink that has landed on the recording medium 1a has deviated from the original position. Existence is determined (determination step). Further, when there is a recording position shift, the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 determines the angle and direction of the position shift.

  That is, when the detection result is sent from the smoothness measuring device 13, the adjustment mechanism control unit 18, based on the ink ejection information stored in the storage unit and the detection result by the smoothness measuring device 13, the transparent ink, If the color ink recording position (landing position) is not shifted from the position where it should land originally (appropriate recording position), or if it is shifted, the direction and extent of the shift are determined. Then, based on the determination result, the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 operates the angle adjustment pressing member 82 and the position adjustment pressing member 92 to adjust the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 (recording unit adjustment process). .

  When the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 determines that the recording position deviation is caused by the angular deviation in the main scanning direction X of the recording heads 5, 5, 6, the ink adjusting position is operated by operating the angle adjustment pressing member 82. The angles of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 are adjusted so that the (landing position) is adjusted to an appropriate position.

  When it is determined that the recording position deviation is caused by the positional deviation in the sub-scanning direction Y of the recording heads 5, 5... 6, the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 operates the position adjustment pressing member 92 to record ink. The positions of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 are adjusted so that the position (landing position) is adjusted to an appropriate position.

  When it is determined that the recording position deviation is caused by the positional deviation in the main scanning direction X of the recording heads 5, 5... 6, the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 transmits the fact to the main body control unit 15. To do. In this case, the main body control unit 15 controls the recording heads 5, 5,.

Next, the operation of the image recording apparatus 100 in the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, as described above, recording is performed using the recording medium 1a for recording position adjustment as necessary, such as before performing an image recording operation, and the recording positions of the transparent ink and the color ink are shifted. Judge whether it is not. When it is determined that the recording position shift has occurred, the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 operates the angle adjustment pressing unit 82 and the position adjustment pressing unit 92 to adjust the recording heads 5, 5,. To eliminate the recording position deviation.

  When performing the image recording operation, the recording medium 1 for image recording is set at a predetermined position by the user, and the recording medium 1 is transported in the transport direction X by the recording medium transport mechanism 16. When the recording medium 1 reaches a predetermined position on the platen 2, the carriage 4 reciprocates along the carriage rail 3, and based on predetermined image data from the basic color recording heads 5, 5. Necessary ink is ejected. At the same time, the ultraviolet light sources 12a and 12b of the ultraviolet irradiation devices 11a and 11b are turned on, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the ink ejected onto the recording medium 1, whereby the ink is cured and fixed, and recording on the recording medium 1 is performed. An image is recorded on the surface.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when image recording is performed using transparent ink in addition to basic color ink, it is possible to easily and accurately detect the recording position shift of transparent ink.
If the recording position deviation occurs, the angle of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 and the position in the sub-scanning direction Y are adjusted, so that the recording position deviation can be easily eliminated. Thereby, even when image recording is performed using transparent ink whose recording position is difficult to visually confirm, high-definition image recording without recording position deviation can be performed.

  Further, when adjusting the angles of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 and the position in the sub-scanning direction Y, the surface shape is smaller than ½ of the minimum recording pixel, unlike the recording medium 1 used for image recording. Since the recording is performed using the recording medium 1a for adjusting the recording position that changes with the pitch, more than half of the ink ejected from the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 and landed on the surface of the recording medium 1a remains on the unevenness. The recording position (landing position) of the ink can be easily detected by the smoothness measuring device 13.

In the present embodiment, as the recording medium 1a for adjusting the recording position, a recording medium whose surface is uneven and the surface shape of the recording medium 1a changes at a pitch smaller than 1/2 of the minimum recording pixel is used. However, the recording medium 1a for adjusting the recording position is not limited to this.
For example, it is possible to use a surface roughness in which more than 1/2 of the amount of ink per pixel remains on the surface in recording with ink. In this case, the surface shape of the recording medium 1a is uneven. It is not limited to. If more than half of the amount of ink per pixel remains on the surface during ink recording, more than half of the ink ejected from the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 has landed on the surface of the recording medium 1a. The ink recording position (landing location) can be easily detected by the smoothness measuring device 13 while remaining on the unevenness.

Further, in the image recording apparatus 1 applied in the present embodiment, one transparent recording head 6 is provided on the carriage 4, but the number of the transparent recording heads 6 is not limited to this, and a plurality of transparent recording heads 6 are provided. The transparent recording heads 6 may be arranged side by side. Further, the transparent recording heads 6 may be provided on both sides of the basic color recording heads 5, 5,.
In this case, the transparent ink, which is a special color recording composition, can be ejected as a base on the recording medium 1 before image recording with the color ink.

Further, in the present embodiment, ink is ejected from the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 only when the carriage 4 moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the main scanning direction X. Ink may be ejected when moving in any direction of the main scanning direction X.
In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the transparent recording heads 32 are arranged on both sides of the basic color recording heads 31, 31,. An ultraviolet irradiation device 33 is arranged between the color recording head 31 and between each transparent recording head 32 and the side wall of the carriage 4. In this case as well, when adjusting the angles of the recording heads 31, 31,..., 32 and the position in the sub-scanning direction Y, first, transparent ink is ejected from each of the recording heads 32 for transparent recording of the recording medium 1a. A change in surface smoothness is detected, and then color ink is ejected from the basic color recording heads 32, 32... To detect a change in surface smoothness of the recording medium 1a.

In this embodiment, the case where a transparent ink is used as the special color recording composition that does not change the hue of the recording medium has been described as an example. However, the special color recording composition is not limited to the transparent ink. For example, when recording is performed using a white recording medium, white ink may be used as the special color recording composition.
When white ink is used as the special color recording composition, for example, the white ink is ejected onto the recording medium before the image recording with the color ink. As a result, the surface of the recording medium can be smoothed and image recording with color ink can be performed, and a high-definition image can be formed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case of using a transparent ink or a colored ink as an example of a special color recording composition that does not change the hue of the recording medium and a color recording composition including a color material is described. The recording composition and the color recording composition are not limited to ink, and may be, for example, toner.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the smoothness measuring device 13 as the detecting means detects a change in the smoothness of the surface of the recording medium 1a before and after recording, and based on the detection result, the presence / absence of a recording position shift or the like is detected. Although the determination is made, the detection means is not limited to one that detects a change in the smoothness of the surface of the recording medium 1a, and may be configured to detect a change in the amount of reflected light caused by the change in the smoothness. Good.

  Further, in the present embodiment, each component of the recording unit adjustment mechanism 20 is controlled, and the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 that functions as a determination unit that determines the displacement of the recording position controls each part of the main body of the image recording apparatus 100. Although provided separately from the main body control unit 15, the main body control unit may serve as a control unit that controls the recording unit adjustment mechanism 20.

In the present embodiment, the recording unit adjusting means for adjusting the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 includes an angle adjusting pressing member 82 and a position adjusting pressing member 92 constituted by an electronic hammer or the like. However, the recording unit adjusting means is not limited to the configuration exemplified here.
For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, a screw 35 and a pressing member 36 provided so that one side is in contact with the side surface of the screw 35 and the other side is in contact with the side surface of the recording heads 5, 5,. Accordingly, the angle adjustment pressing member 37 and the position adjustment pressing member 38 may be configured.

  FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8B, the screw 35 is formed in a conical shape so that its diameter becomes narrower as it goes downward. In this case, if the screw 35 is pushed down, the pressing member 36 is pushed by the side of the screw 35 to press the recording heads 5, 5,. For this reason, the adjustment mechanism control unit 18 moves up and down the screws 35 constituting the angle adjustment pressing member 37 and the position adjustment pressing member 38 based on the detection result by the smoothness measuring device 13, thereby recording heads 5, 5,. , 6 can be appropriately pressed to adjust the angles and positions of the recording heads 5, 5,.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image recording apparatus 100 reciprocates the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 mounted on the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction X, and moves the recording medium 1 in the transport direction (sub-scanning direction Y). The serial head type image recording apparatus 100 forms an image by ejecting ink from the recording heads 5, 5,... 6 while being conveyed, but the recording unit adjusting mechanism and the recording unit adjusting method according to the present invention are applied. A possible image recording apparatus may be a line head type image recording apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink from a recording head fixed to a printer body and transporting a recording medium.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the basic color recording heads 40, 40... For discharging the color inks are arranged so as to be parallel to the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction Z of the recording medium 1, and An ultraviolet irradiation device 42 for curing the ink ejected from the basic color recording heads 40, 40... Is disposed upstream of the recording heads 40, 40. The transparent ink recording head 41 is disposed on the upstream side in the direction Z. An ultraviolet irradiation device 42 for irradiating ultraviolet rays for curing the ink ejected from the transparent ink recording head 41 is disposed upstream of the transparent ink recording head 41 in the transport direction Z.

  In this case, when adjusting the angles of the recording heads 40, 40,..., 41 and the position in the transport direction Z, for example, first, transparent ink is ejected from the recording head 41 for transparent ink while transporting the recording medium 1a. Then, a change in the smoothness of the recording medium 1a before and after recording is detected, and then the recording medium transport mechanism (not shown) is operated in reverse to once return the recording medium 1a to the original position, and then for the basic color. Color ink is ejected from the recording heads 40, 40.

  In this embodiment, a change in the smoothness of the surface of the recording medium 1a before and after recording is detected by using the smoothness measuring device 13 for both the basic color recording heads 5, 5,... The recording position deviation is determined based on the detection result, and the angle of the recording heads 5, 5,..., 6 and the position in the sub-scanning direction Y are adjusted based on the determination result. The determination of the recording position deviation based on the detection result using and the adjustment of the recording head angle and the position in the sub-scanning direction Y based on this determination is performed only for the transparent ink recording head 6, and the basic color recording heads 5, 5,. As for the above, it is also possible to separately determine the recording position deviation by visual observation or the like and adjust the angle of the recording head and the position in the sub-scanning direction Y.

  Further, the image recording apparatus 100 according to the present invention may use any of the on-demand type or the continuous type recording heads 5, 5,... In addition, as a discharge method, for example, an electro-mechanical conversion method (for example, a single cavity type, a double cavity type, a bender type, a piston type, a shear mode type, a shared wall type, etc.), an electro-thermal conversion method (for example, , Thermal ink jet type, bubble jet (registered trademark) type), electrostatic suction type (for example, electric field control type, slit jet type, etc.) and discharge type (for example, spark jet type, etc.) The recording heads 5, 5... 6 may be used.

  In this embodiment, image recording is performed using ink that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. However, the ink is not necessarily limited to this, and for example, ultraviolet rays, electron beams, X-rays, and visible rays. The ink may be cured by irradiating an active energy ray other than ultraviolet rays such as electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays. In this case, a polymerizable compound that is polymerized and cured with an active energy ray other than ultraviolet rays and a photoinitiator that initiates a polymerization reaction between the polymerizable compounds with an active energy ray other than ultraviolet rays are applied to the ink. In addition, when an active energy ray-curable ink that is cured with an active energy ray other than ultraviolet rays is used, an irradiation device that irradiates the active energy rays is applied instead of the ultraviolet light source. Further, an ink that is cured and fixed without irradiating the irradiation device may be used.

  In addition, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

  Next, a recording unit adjusting mechanism according to the present invention and a second embodiment of a recording apparatus including the same will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the method of adjusting the recording unit by the recording unit adjustment mechanism. Therefore, the following description will particularly focus on differences from the first embodiment. .

  In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the image recording apparatus is a basic color ink recording head as a color recording portion that discharges color ink, which is a color recording composition, and a special color recording composition. The image recording apparatus includes a transparent recording head serving as a special color recording unit that discharges transparent ink, an ultraviolet irradiation device, and a recording unit adjustment mechanism, and includes a main body control unit similar to that of the first embodiment.

  As in the first embodiment, the recording unit adjustment mechanism includes a smoothness measuring device that functions as a detection unit, an angle adjustment jig and a position adjustment jig that function as a recording unit adjustment unit, and an adjustment mechanism control that functions as a determination unit. It is comprised with the part.

  Also in this embodiment, when adjusting the angle of the recording head and the position in the sub-scanning direction, recording is performed using the recording medium 1a for recording position adjustment, and the smoothness of the recording medium 1a before and after recording is adjusted. Detect changes.

  Here, the recording head angle and sub-scanning direction position adjustment method in the present embodiment will be described.

  In this embodiment, when adjusting the angle of the recording head and the position in the sub-scanning direction, the recording medium 1a for recording position adjustment is set at a predetermined position, and first, color ink is supplied from the recording head for basic colors. The change in the smoothness of the recording medium 1a before and after recording is detected by the smoothness measuring device. Thereafter, transparent ink is ejected from the recording head for transparent ink, and a change in smoothness of the recording medium 1a before and after recording is detected by the smoothness measuring device. Then, the adjustment mechanism control unit determines the recording position of the transparent ink with respect to the recording position (landing position) of the color ink based on the detection result from the smoothness measuring device, and the transparent ink is determined based on the relative positional relationship. The positional deviation of the recording position is determined.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the original recording position of a certain transparent ink is a position 3 pixels away from the recording position of the color ink in the right direction, the detection detected by the smoothness measuring device. When it is determined from the result that the transparent ink is recorded (landed) at a position 4 pixels away from the color ink recording position in the right direction as shown in FIG. The unit determines that the recording position of the transparent ink is shifted by one pixel in the right direction from the original recording position. Then, according to the determination result, the angle adjustment jig and the position adjustment jig are operated to adjust the transparent recording head to eliminate the recording position deviation of the transparent ink.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the recording position of the transparent ink with reference to the recording position of the color ink that has been recorded first, and to detect the recording position deviation of the transparent ink easily and accurately. be able to.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment.

1 is a front view showing a main configuration of a first embodiment of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the main configuration of an angle adjustment jig and a position adjustment jig provided in the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 3A and 3B are explanatory views for explaining the angle adjustment of the recording head by the angle adjusting jig. 4A and 4B are explanatory views for explaining the position adjustment of the recording head in the sub-scanning direction by the position adjusting jig. It is a principal block diagram showing an outline of a control configuration of the first embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention. It is the front view which showed the cross section of the recording medium for recording position adjustment. It is the front view which showed the principal part structure of the modification of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8A is a top view showing a main configuration of a modified example of the angle adjusting jig and the position adjusting jig shown in FIG. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of main parts of the angle adjustment jig and the position adjustment jig shown in FIG. It is the side view which showed the principal part structure of the modification of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory views for explaining a method for detecting a recording position shift by the recording adjustment mechanism in the second embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording medium 5 Basic color recording head 6 Transparent ink recording head 8 Angle adjustment jig 9 Position adjustment jig 13 Smoothness measuring device 15 Control unit 18 Adjustment mechanism control unit 20 Recording unit adjustment mechanism 82 Angle adjustment pressing member 92 Position Adjustment pressing member 100 Image recording apparatus X Main scanning direction Y Sub scanning direction Z Conveying direction

Claims (9)

In a recording apparatus for recording using a special color recording composition that does not change the hue of a recording medium,
A spot color recording section for recording with the spot color recording composition;
Detecting means for detecting a change in smoothness between a recording medium before recording and a recording medium after recording with the special color recording composition or a change in reflected light amount caused by a change in smoothness;
Based on the detection result by the detection means, a determination means for determining a displacement of the recording position of the spot color recording composition;
A recording unit adjusting unit that adjusts the recording unit for the special color so as to adjust a recording position of the composition for recording the special color based on a determination result by the determining unit;
A recording apparatus comprising: The detection means is a reflection caused by a change in smoothness before or after the recording of the spot color recording composition or a change in smoothness when the spot color recording composition is recorded on a recording medium for adjusting a recording position. It detects the change in the amount of light,
2. The surface shape of the recording medium for adjusting the recording position changes at a pitch smaller than ½ of a minimum recording pixel of recording by the special color recording composition. Recording device. The detection means is a reflection caused by a change in smoothness before or after the recording of the spot color recording composition or a change in smoothness when the spot color recording composition is recorded on a recording medium for adjusting a recording position. It detects the change in the amount of light,
The recording medium for adjusting the recording position has a surface roughness in which at least half of the amount of the special color recording composition per pixel remains on the surface in recording with the special color recording composition. The recording apparatus according to claim 1. In addition to the spot color recording section for recording with the spot color recording composition, a color recording section for recording with a color recording composition containing a color material,
After recording the color recording composition by the color recording section, recording the spot color recording composition by the spot color recording section,
2. The determination means for determining a positional shift of a recording position of the special color recording composition based on a recording position of the special color recording composition with respect to a recording position of the color recording composition. The recording apparatus according to claim 3. In addition to the spot color recording section for recording with the spot color recording composition, a color recording section for recording with a color recording composition containing a colorant is provided,
4. The recording of the special color recording composition by the special color recording unit is performed before the recording of the color recording composition by the color recording unit. 5. The recording device described in 1.   6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the special color recording composition is a transparent recording ink or toner.   The recording according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spot color recording composition is an active energy ray-curable ink or toner that cures when irradiated with an active energy ray. apparatus. A recording unit adjustment mechanism for adjusting a special color recording unit for recording with the special color recording composition,
Detecting means for detecting a change in smoothness between a recording medium before recording and a recording medium after recording with the special color recording composition or a change in reflected light amount caused by a change in smoothness;
Based on the detection result by the detection means, a determination means for determining a displacement of the recording position of the spot color recording composition;
A recording unit adjusting unit that adjusts the recording unit for the special color so as to adjust a recording position of the composition for recording the special color based on a determination result by the determining unit;
A recording unit adjusting mechanism comprising: A recording part adjustment method for adjusting a special color recording part for recording with the special color recording composition,
A detection step for detecting a change in smoothness between a recording medium before recording and a recording medium after recording by the spot color recording composition or a change in reflected light amount caused by a change in smoothness;
A determination step of determining a displacement of a recording position of the spot color recording composition based on a detection result by the detection unit;
Based on the determination result by the determination means, a recording unit adjustment step for adjusting the recording unit for the special color so as to adjust the recording position of the composition for recording the special color;
A recording unit adjustment method comprising:

Images