JP2012056290A - Image recorder and method for controlling the image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and accurately perform image recording and post-processing on first and second surfaces of each of recording media diversified in width with common software without increasing a cost.SOLUTION: The image recorder where a first recording medium end reading part 10 comprising an A-side end detection part 10-1 and a B-side end detection part 10-2 is arranged on the upstream side of a first image recording part 20 for recording a first surface image g1 on a first surface being the surface side of the recording medium 61, and a single second recording medium end reading part 11 detecting a side end B on an opposite side to the A-side end detection part 10-1 is arranged on the upstream side of a second image recording part 30 for recording a second surface image g2 on a second surface being the back surface of the recording medium 61, is constituted such that a recording start position S1 to start recording the first surface image g1 on the surface side and a back surface recording start position S2 to start recording the second surface image g2 on the back side are aligned in a memory space or an X-Y coordinate system, whereby the number of sensors for detecting the side ends of the recording medium 61 is reduced, and also control software is made common to the first surface and the second surface.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording technique, and more particularly to a control technique for correcting an image recording position by detecting an end of a continuous recording medium that is conveyed.

  As one of image recording apparatuses that record an image on a recording medium such as paper, an ink jet full-line color printer that performs recording processing (recording of recording data) on the recording medium is known. Inkjet full-line color printers have a recording head in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink are formed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in which the recording medium is conveyed (main scanning direction). The ink colors are arranged apart from each other in the sub-scanning direction.

  In such an image recording apparatus, a recording process is performed by ejecting ink droplets from a plurality of nozzles of a recording head onto a recording medium held and conveyed by a conveyance system. In such an image recording apparatus, a cut sheet-shaped recording medium cut in advance to a predetermined size and a continuous sheet medium such as roll paper frequently used for industrial use are used.

  Generally, when an image recording apparatus that performs a recording process on a continuous sheet receives a recording instruction from a higher-level apparatus, the image recording apparatus performs a recording process on the continuous sheet based on the recording data included in the received recording instruction and the recording process number instruction. Such an image recording apparatus is configured so that recording can be performed by separate recording heads on the first surface which is the front surface of the continuous sheet and the second surface which is the back surface. In order not to be affected by the deviation of the transport position occurring in the recording medium, it is arranged so as to be larger than the recording area width. Also, such an image recording apparatus detects the end position of the paper so that the ink is ejected without being mistakenly ejected outside the recording area even when the above-described misalignment of the transport position occurs. Considered.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, as such a control technique, a sensor for detecting a paper edge is provided on the upstream and downstream sides in the paper conveyance direction with the image recording unit interposed therebetween, and the paper is further upstream than the upstream sensor. A technique is disclosed in which a sheet width direction position correcting unit that is pressed against one side end of the sheet is provided to detect the amount of sheet misalignment and correct the sheet position.

JP 7-291497 A

  However, in the paper width detection method of Patent Document 1 described above, when the recording head is arranged so that printing can be performed on the back surface, which is the second surface, new paper edges are provided upstream and downstream of the recording head for the second surface. A sensor for detection is required, and the cost increases, and the sensor is installed on one side of the paper. Therefore, recording is performed when paper other than standard paper or paper with a preset paper width is used. The image is recorded outside the area.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording function having an image recording function on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of a recording medium and a post-processing function on at least one of the first and second surfaces on the downstream side. Image recording technology capable of easily and accurately realizing image recording and post-processing on the first and second surfaces of recording media of various widths using common software without increasing costs Is to provide.

A first aspect of the present invention is a transport mechanism for transporting a recording medium;
A first image recording unit for recording a first image on the first surface of the recording medium;
Side end position detection means for detecting the position of one side end of the recording medium, and a width for detecting the width of the recording medium, provided upstream of the first image recording unit in the conveyance direction of the recording medium First recording medium edge detection means for determining a recording start position of the first image on the first surface, including detection means;
Post-processing means disposed downstream of the first image recording unit and performing desired post-processing in accordance with the recording position of the first image on the first surface;
When the post-processing is performed on a second surface which is provided on the recording medium conveyance path between the post-processing means and the first image recording unit and which is opposite to the first surface, the side edge position is set. When the post-processing is performed on the same first surface as that of the first image, the same as the side edge position detection unit, when the post-processing is performed on the same first surface as that of the first image. Second recording medium edge detection means arranged at a position for detecting the side edge of the recording medium on the side;
An image recording apparatus comprising the above is provided.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a transport mechanism that transports a recording medium, a first image recording unit that records a first image on the first surface of the recording medium, and a downstream side of the first image recording unit And a post-processing means for performing a desired post-processing in accordance with the recording position of the first image on the first surface.
By detecting the position of one side edge of the recording medium and the width of the recording medium upstream of the first image recording unit in the conveyance direction of the recording medium, the first surface on the first surface is detected. A first detection step for determining an image recording start position;
When the post-processing is performed on a second surface that is opposite to the first surface in the transport path of the recording medium between the post-processing means and the first image recording unit, the first detection step; When the side edge of the recording medium on the opposite side is detected and the post-processing is performed on the same first surface as the first image, the side edge of the recording medium on the same side as the first detection step is detected. A second detection step of detecting a part;
A method for controlling an image recording apparatus including the above is provided.

  According to the present invention, an image recording function having an image recording function on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the recording medium and a post-processing function on at least one of the first and second surfaces on the downstream side thereof. Image recording technology capable of easily and accurately realizing image recording and post-processing on the first and second surfaces of recording media of various widths using common software without increasing costs Can be provided.

1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a configuration of an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a schematic developed side view schematically showing an arrangement configuration excluding a control system of an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a developed plan view for explaining an installation position of a recording medium edge reading unit in the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a developed side view for explaining an installation position of a recording medium edge reading unit in the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an expanded plan view for demonstrating another installation position of the recording-medium edge part reading part in the image recording apparatus as a comparative example. It is a conceptual diagram explaining commonality of the control method in the 1st image recording control part in the image recording device concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention, and a 2nd image recording control part. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a control method in a first image recording control unit and a second image recording control unit in an image recording apparatus of a comparative example. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the mask control in the image recording apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an expansion | deployment top view which shows the modification of the image recording device concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a developed plan view for explaining an installation position of a recording medium edge reading unit in an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a developed side view for explaining an installation position of a recording medium edge reading unit in an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the common use of the software of the recording process and post-process in the 1st surface and the 2nd surface in the recording medium in the image recording device concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 9 is a developed plan view for explaining an installation position when a recording medium edge reading unit is installed in a post-processing mechanism in an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a developed plan view for explaining an installation position of a recording medium edge reading unit in an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a developed side view for explaining an installation position of a recording medium edge reading unit in an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the detection method of the paper width in the image recording apparatus concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a development plan view for explaining an installation position when a recording medium edge reading unit is installed in a post-processing mechanism in an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In the following description of each embodiment, X is the main scanning direction, Y is the transport direction, and Z is the direction perpendicular to X and Y.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic developed side view schematically showing an arrangement configuration excluding the control system of the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The image recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 2, a first recording medium end reading unit 10 (first recording medium end detecting unit), and a second recording medium end reading unit 11 (second recording medium). A recording medium edge detection unit), a first image recording unit 20, a second image recording unit 30 (post-processing unit), and a transport mechanism 40.

  The control unit 2 includes, for example, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) having a control function and an arithmetic function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that serves as an MPU work memory, and the like. And a non-insertable memory for storing setting values relating to the control of the image recording apparatus 1. The control unit 2 includes at least a first image recording control unit 3 and a second image recording control unit 4. Further, the control unit 2 has a configuration in which a control program is stored in advance in, for example, a ROM, and the control program is read out and executed by the MPU, whereby the first image recording control unit 3 and the second image recording control are performed. Function as part 4.

  The host device 60 is connected as an external device of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment via, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The host device 60 corresponds to a computer operated by a user who causes the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment to perform image recording, and provides job information to the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. J0 is given to notify the start of image recording.

  The job information J0 includes recording data d0 for the recording medium 61, job information J1 and job information J2 for each of the first surface 61a and the second surface 61b.

When the control unit 2 receives the image recording start instruction from the host device 60, the control unit 2 records the recording data d0, the recording data d1 for recording the first surface image g1, which is the front surface (first surface 61a) of the recording medium 61, and the back surface ( The recording is divided into recording data d2 for recording the second surface image g2 which is the second surface 61b).
The control unit 2 starts transferring the recording data d1 and d2 to the first side image memory 3a and the second side image memory 4a, respectively, and the first image recording control unit 3 and the second image recording control unit 4 Job information J1 and job information J2 are notified to each.

  The first image recording control unit 3 receives the job information J1 notified from the upper level, the sheet edge position information 10e of the recording medium 61 conveyed from the first recording medium edge reading unit 10, and the conveyance information generation unit 41. Based on the notified conveyance information 41a, the recording position of the recording medium 61 in the main scanning direction (width direction) and the recording position in the sub-scanning direction (conveyance direction) are determined and the recording color and the recording head to be used are selected. The image recording unit 20 is instructed to record an image.

  When the first image recording unit 20 receives a recording instruction from the first image recording control unit 3, the first image recording unit 20 performs reading processing of the recording data d 1 from the first surface image memory 3 a and also performs first recording on the first recording head driving unit 21. The head unit 22 is driven to discharge ink based on the dot image of the first surface image g1 based on the read recording data d1, so that the first surface image g1 on the first surface 61a of the recording medium 61 is discharged. Make a record.

  The second image recording control unit 4 is notified from the job information J2 notified from the upper level, the sheet edge position information 11e of the recording medium 61 conveyed from the second recording medium edge reading unit 11, and the conveyance information generation unit 41. The recording position in the main scanning direction and the recording position in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium 61 are determined from the transport information 41a, and the recording color and recording head to be used are selected, and the second image recording unit 30 is instructed to record the image To do.

  When the second image recording unit 30 receives a recording instruction from the second image recording control unit 4, the second image recording unit 30 reads out the recording data d <b> 2 from the second surface image memory 4 a, and performs second recording on the second recording head driving unit 31. The second surface image on the second surface 61b of the recording medium 61 (the back surface of the first surface 61a) is driven by driving the head unit 32 to eject ink based on the dot image of the read recording data d2. Record g2.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the transport mechanism 40 is a medium transport unit that transports the recording medium 61, and includes a transport information generation unit 41, a transport drive unit 42, and a first medium carrier 43 (transport mechanism). The second medium carrier 44 (conveying mechanism) and the guide roller 45 are included.

  The first medium carrier 43 is provided at a position facing the ink discharge port of the first recording head unit 22 in the first image recording unit 20. The first medium carrier 43 is an aluminum drum, and is configured to be able to wind the recording medium 61 at a predetermined winding angle.

  Further, a conveyance information generation unit 41 is provided on the rotation shaft of the first medium carrier 43. The conveyance information generation unit 41 rotates according to the rotation of the first medium carrier 43, and a detection pulse corresponding to the rotation position of the first medium carrier 43 is output as the conveyance information 41a. This detection pulse is input as conveyance information 41 a to the first image recording control unit 3 and the second image recording control unit 4, and is input as a recording control pulse to the first image recording unit 20 and the second image recording unit 30.

  In addition, the conveyance information generation part 41 in the image recording apparatus 1 of this Embodiment is comprised by the rotary encoder, for example.

  The second medium carrier 44 is provided at a position facing the ink ejection opening of the second recording head unit 32 in the second image recording unit 30. The second medium carrier 44 has the same configuration as the first medium carrier 43, and is configured so that the recording medium 61 can be wound at a predetermined winding angle. Further, a conveyance driving unit 42 made of a motor or the like is provided on the rotation shaft of the second medium carrier 44.

Here, the conveying operation by the conveying mechanism 40 and the image recording operations by the first image recording unit 20 and the second image recording unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG.
The recording medium supply unit 46 is disposed as an unwinding unit that rotatably holds the recording medium 61 and unwinds the recording medium 61 to the first medium carrier 43.

In the present embodiment, the recording medium supply unit 46 holds roll paper as the recording medium 61.
The recording medium supply unit 46 is provided with a powder clutch (not shown) that uses magnetic powder (powder), and has a function of applying a constant back tension in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 61. .

When the control unit 2 drives the transport driving unit 42 disposed in the transport mechanism 40, the second medium carrier 44 rotates.
As a result, the recording medium 61 supplied from the recording medium supply unit 46 passes through the guide roller 45-1, and is further wound and held by the first medium carrier 43, and then the ink discharge of the first image recording unit 20 is performed. It is conveyed to a position facing the exit.

  The first image recording control unit 3 acquires a pulse corresponding to the rotation amount of the first medium carrier 43 as the conveyance information 41 a from the conveyance information generation unit 41, and controls the ejection timing by the first image recording unit 20. Then, the first surface image g1 is recorded on the first surface 61a.

  Further, the recording medium 61 on which the first image recording unit 20 has recorded the image on the first surface 61a is a second medium via the guide roller 45-2, the guide roller 45-3, and the guide roller 45-4. It is wound and held by the carrier 44 and conveyed to a position facing the ink discharge port of the second image recording unit 30.

  The second image recording control unit 4 acquires a pulse corresponding to the rotation amount of the first medium carrier 43 as the conveyance information 41 a from the conveyance information generation unit 41, and controls the ejection timing by the second image recording unit 30. Then, the recording process of the second surface image g2 on the second surface 61b is performed.

  Next, the recording medium 61 on which the image is recorded on the second surface 61b by the second image recording unit 30 passes through the guide roller 45-5, the guide roller 45-6, and the guide roller 45-7, and is not shown. After being sent to the post-processing mechanism, it is discharged out of the apparatus.

In the recording medium 61, a vertical drag is generated on the first medium carrier 43 from the outer peripheral surface by the tension at the start of winding of the first medium carrier 43 and the tension at the end of winding.
Accordingly, the recording medium 61 is held on the first medium carrier 43 by the friction coefficient between the first medium carrier 43 and the recording medium 61.

The recording medium 61 generates a vertical drag on the second medium carrier 44 from the outer peripheral surface by the tension at the start of winding of the second medium carrier 44 and the tension at the end of winding.
Accordingly, the recording medium 61 is held on the second medium carrier 44 by the friction coefficient between the second medium carrier 44 and the recording medium 61.

  Next, the first recording medium end reading unit 10 (10-1, 10-2) and the second recording medium end reading unit 11 according to the first embodiment are attached by an attachment position 11A and other attachment positions 11B. Differences in control methods between the first image recording control unit 3 and the second image recording control unit 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6. FIG.

FIG. 3A is a developed plan view for explaining the installation position of the recording medium edge reading unit in the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a developed side view for explaining the installation position of the recording medium edge reading unit in the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a developed plan view for explaining another installation position of the recording medium edge reading unit in the image recording apparatus as a comparative example.
FIG. 5A is a conceptual diagram for explaining commonality of control methods in the first image recording control unit and the second image recording control unit in the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a conceptual diagram illustrating the control methods in the first image recording control unit and the second image recording control unit in the image recording apparatus of the comparative example.
FIG. 5C is a conceptual diagram illustrating mask control in the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As described above, the first image recording control unit 3 and the second image recording control unit 4 function by the MPU of the control unit 2 reading and executing the control program stored in the ROM.

  3A and 3B show the first image recording unit 20, the first recording medium edge reading unit 10, the second image recording when the recording medium 61 according to the first embodiment is developed from the paper feeding part to the paper discharging part. 3 shows a positional relationship corresponding to the recording medium 61 of the unit 30 and the second recording medium end reading unit 11, FIG. 3A shows a development plane, and FIG. 3B shows a development side.

  The first image recording unit 20 is attached so as to record an image on the first surface 61a, and the first recording medium end reading unit 10 is arranged on both sides of the first surface 61a on the paper end (side end A side, side). It is attached to a position where the end B side) can be detected.

  That is, in the case of the present embodiment, one A side end detection unit 10-1 (side end position detection means) constituting the first recording medium end reading unit 10 uses the side end A of the recording medium 61 as a reference. It is provided for detection as a position. The other B-side edge detection unit 10-2 (width detection means) is provided to detect the side edge B of the recording medium 61 and determine the paper width W of the recording medium 61.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the second image recording unit 30 is attached to record the second surface image g2 on the second surface 61b, and the second recording medium edge reading unit 11 is the second surface. The paper edge on the side edge portion B side of 61b is attached to a position where it can be detected, and gives a reference position for recording the second surface image g2 on the second surface 61b.

  Here, the first image recording unit 20 includes, for example, a first recording head unit 22 of four colors (K, C, M, Y), and each color head unit includes six heads.

  For example, the K color is the recording head section 22-1-1-1 to 22-1-6, the C color is 22-2-1 to 22-2-6, the M color is 22-3-1 to 22-3-6, The Y color is composed of 22-4-1 to 22-4-6.

  Here, in the first recording head unit 22, as an example, a plurality of short heads are arranged in the main scanning direction such that the end portions thereof overlap with each other when viewed from the sub-scanning direction, thereby forming the sheet of the recording medium 61. A line head for one color that is sufficiently longer than the width W is formed.

That is, in 22-nm, which is the code of the first recording head unit 22, n indicates the number of the line head corresponding to each color, and m is the individual short length constituting each line head (22-n). Shows the head. In the following description, the recording head unit 22-nm is referred to. In addition, the position of each discharge port is referred to as a discharge port position 22-nmp.
The same applies to the second image recording unit 30 described later.

  The first image recording control unit 3 calculates the sheet width from the information of the A side end detection unit 10-1 and the B side end detection unit 10-2 of the first recording medium end reading unit 10 installed on the upstream side in the transport direction. Is detected, the recording head unit 22-n to be ejected is selected, and the recording range (the range of the ejection port to be operated in the main scanning direction) is determined. The first image recording unit 20 performs recording on the first surface 61 a side of the recording medium 61 based on an instruction from the first image recording control unit 3.

  Further, when the second image recording control unit 4 detects the sheet end on the side end B side of the recording medium 61 from the second recording medium end reading unit 11 installed on the upstream side in the transport direction, the first recording medium The recording head 32-n to be ejected is selected based on the information on the paper width W acquired by the A-side end detection unit 10-1 and the B-side end detection unit 10-2 of the end reading unit 10, and recording is performed. Determine the range. The second image recording unit 30 performs recording on the second surface 61 b side of the recording medium 61 based on an instruction from the second image recording control unit 4. Thereby, the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment realizes image recording on the recording medium 61 other than the standard paper without ejecting ink outside the recording area.

  For comparison with the configuration of the image recording apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, FIG. 4 shows a configuration in which the arrangement position of the second recording medium end reading unit 11 is different from that of the present embodiment. That is, in the configuration of FIG. 4 of this comparative example, only the point where the second recording medium edge reading unit 11 is attached to a position where the A side of the second surface 61b can be detected (attachment position 11A) is the above-described figure. Different from 3A and FIG. 3B.

  FIG. 5A shows the case where the second recording medium end reading unit 11 is attached at the position in FIGS. 3A and 3B as in the present embodiment, and FIG. 5B shows the second recording medium at the position in FIG. 4 of the comparative example. The control method of the 1st image recording control part 3 at the time of attaching the edge part reading part 11 and the 2nd image recording control part 4 is shown.

  In the case of the present embodiment in which the second recording medium end reading unit 11 is attached at the position of FIGS. 3A and 3B, both the first surface 61a and the second surface 61b are image recording start positions, that is, image images, as shown in FIG. 5A. The offset in the X direction with respect to the images (the first surface image g1 and the second surface image g2) is the same position as the reference position X0.

  That is, the access control for the recording data d1 of the first surface image g1 and the recording data d2 of the second surface image g2 developed in the memory space of the first surface image memory 3a and the second surface image memory 4a is the same. . As a result, the control program for realizing the first image recording control unit 3 and the second image recording control unit 4 can be a single control program having a common function and operation.

  The reason for this is that, in the present embodiment, the A-side end detection unit 10-1 of the first recording medium end reading unit 10 arranged to detect the side end A on the first surface 61a as a reference position, The second recording medium end reading unit 11 is disposed at the attachment position 11B so that the second end 61b opposite to the first surface 61a is detected with the side end B opposite to the first surface 61a as the reference position. Because it is.

  On the other hand, as will be described later, in the case of the comparative example of FIG. 4, the offset in the X direction with respect to the image image (first surface image g1, second surface image g2) and the reference position X0 are opposite as shown in FIG. 5B. Become. For this reason, access control for the first image memory 3a and the second image memory 4a is different from each other, and different controls are used to implement each of the first image recording controller 3 and the second image recording controller 4, etc. A program is required.

  FIG. 5C shows how the first image recording control unit 3 selects the first recording head unit 22 in mask control or the like. First, a preset reference position X0 of the A-side end detector 10-1 of the first recording medium end reader 10 is stored in the memory. The first image recording control unit 3 discharges the recording head unit 22-2-1 corresponding to the pixel position 10-1-edge detected by the A-side end detection unit 10-1 of the first recording medium end reading unit 10. Ejection control is performed so that an image is recorded using an area of the first recording head unit 22 inside the ejection port position 22-2-1-4 located at a position Xoffset away from the exit position 22-2-1-1. . Control that selectively operates the ejection ports in the range necessary for recording the first surface image g1 and the second surface image g2 in this way is called mask control.

  The alignment of the first surface image g1 and the second surface image g2 with respect to each of the first surface 61a and the second surface 61b of the recording medium 61 in the control unit 2 of the present embodiment is performed by the following procedure as an example. .

(Step 101)
First, the A side end detection unit 10-1 of the first recording medium end reading unit 10 recognizes the detection position P1 of the side end A serving as the reference position of the recording medium 61, and the B side end detection unit on the opposite side. 10-2 recognizes the detection position P2 of the side edge B, and calculates the paper width W of the recording medium 61 as the distance between the detection positions P1 and P2.

(Step 102)
Based on the job information J1 from the host device 60, the recording range width H of the first surface image g1 on the first surface 61a and the offset (Xoffset) from the side edge A are acquired.

(Step 103)
The recording start position S1 of the first surface image g1 is calculated from the conveyance information 41a from the conveyance information generation unit 41 and the above-described steps 101 and 102 (first detection step), and the first surface 61a of the recording medium 61 is recorded on the first surface 61a. Recording of the first surface image g1 is performed.

(Step 104)
In the second image recording unit 30 on the downstream side, the conveyance information 41a from the conveyance information generation unit 41 and the detection of the side end B recognized as the reference position by the second recording medium end reading unit 11 (attachment position 11B). From the position P3 and the job information J2 (paper width W, recording range width H, and offset X), the back surface recording start position S2 of the second surface image g2 on the second surface 61b is calculated (second detection step). Recording of the second surface image g2 on the second surface 61b is started from the back surface recording start position S2.

  As described above, in the image recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the recording positions of the first surface image g1 and the second surface image g2 on the first surface 61a (front surface) and the second surface 61b (back surface) of the recording medium 61, respectively. Can be matched.

  On the other hand, when the second recording medium end reading unit 11 is attached to the attachment position 11A of FIG. 4 of the comparative example, the image image (first surface image g1) is formed on the first surface 61a and the second surface 61b as shown in FIG. 5B. , The X direction with respect to the second surface image g2) and the reference position are reversed.

  In FIG. 4 of the comparative example, the X-direction offset and the reference position of the first surface 61a can be adjusted to the second surface 61b side, but the address image and the coordinate direction of a general memory space are reversed. Considering that the control of the software of the control unit 2 becomes complicated and that the image data and job information transmitted from the printer driver of the host device 60 are also controlled in this coordinate space, the recording data d1, The recording data d2 must also be generated separately.

  Therefore, in the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the second recording medium end reading unit 11 is attached to the attachment position 11B in FIGS. 3A and 3B opposite to the A side end detection unit 10-1. In the recording of the first surface image g1 and the second surface image g2 on each of the first surface 61a and the second surface 61b of the recording medium 61 by detecting the side edge B as a reference position for processing on the second surface 61b side. By making the control method and the recording medium edge detection method the same, a control program for realizing the first image recording control unit 3 and the second image recording control unit 4 that perform mask control and the like is simply shared in common. can do.

FIG. 6 is a developed plan view showing a modification of the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
In the image recording apparatus 1 using continuous paper such as the recording medium 61 of the first embodiment, the post-processing mechanism 50 may be optionally installed on the medium after image recording.

  As this post-processing, for example, the formation of perforations aligned with the recording position of the first-surface image g1 of the first surface 61a can be considered. In this post-processing, the perforation formation pattern can be regarded as an image. For example, control similar to mask control using the control data corresponding to the recording data d1 as described above in order to control the processing range of the post-processing for the recording medium 61 in accordance with the recording position of the first surface image g1. Necessary.

In the example of FIG. 6, on the downstream side of the first image recording unit 20 in the conveyance direction of the recording medium 61, a post-processing mechanism unit 50-1 (post-processing unit), a post-processing mechanism unit 50-2 (post-processing unit), The post-processing mechanism unit 50-3 (post-processing unit) is sequentially arranged.
The post-processing mechanism unit 50-1 may be the second image recording unit 30 described above.

  The post-processing mechanism unit 50-1 and the post-processing mechanism unit 50-2 are provided with a post-processing mechanism 51-1 and a post-processing mechanism 51-2 that perform post-processing on the second surface 61b side of the recording medium 61. .

  In the case of the post-processing mechanism 51-1 and the post-processing mechanism 51-2, the post-processing recording medium end reading unit 11-1 (second recording medium end detecting unit) is provided in the same manner as the second image recording unit 30 described above. The post-processing recording medium edge reading unit 11-2 (third recording medium edge detection means) is disposed at the attachment position 11B for detecting the side edge B side.

  Accordingly, the control data of the post-processing mechanism 51-1 and the post-processing mechanism 51-2 is stored in the second manner in the same manner as the image recording, as in the second recording medium edge reading unit 11 of the second image recording unit 30 described above. When developing in the plane image memory 4a, the access control can be made common with the first plane image memory 3a on the first plane 61a side, and the control method and the recording medium edge detection method are made the same to make the control program the same. Can be simple.

  On the other hand, since the post-processing mechanism 51-3 is arranged so that the post-processing mechanism 51-3 performs processing on the first surface 61a side, the post-processing recording medium edge reading unit 11-3 (third) The recording medium edge detection means) is arranged at the side of the attachment position 11A opposite to the post-processing recording medium edge reading unit 11-1 and the post-processing recording medium edge reading unit 11-2. It is assumed that the part A is detected as a reference position.

  As a result, the access control of the control data stored in the first surface image memory 3a for controlling the post-processing mechanism 51-3 that performs the post-processing on the first surface 61a is performed on the first image recording unit 20 described above. The control program can be similarly simplified by making the control method and the recording medium edge detection method the same.

  As described above, according to the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the recording medium edge reading portion of the second surface 61b is conveyed between the first surface 61a and the second surface 61b in the image recording start direction. By installing at the same position in the same direction, the recording medium edge reading unit of the second surface 61b is unified, and the image recording control method on both sides is unified, thereby reducing the cost of hardware. It is possible to provide an image recording apparatus 1 and a control method thereof that can simplify the control program.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the first surface image g1 recorded on the first surface 61a on the front side of the recording medium 61 and the second surface image g2 recorded on the second surface 61b on the back side are highly accurate. Positioning is possible, and high-quality double-sided image recording is possible.

  Furthermore, according to the modification of the first embodiment, when image recording and post-processing are combined, the first surface image g1 recorded on the first surface 61a of the recording medium 61 and the second surface of the recording medium 61 are combined. It is possible to improve post-processing alignment accuracy with respect to the surface 61b or the first surface 61a and realize high-quality double-sided processing with respect to the recording medium 61.

  That is, according to the first embodiment, even in the recording medium 61 other than the standard paper, the first recording medium edge reading unit 10 detects the paper width W without discharging ink outside the recording area. Even if the number of sensors of the second recording medium end reading unit 11 for detecting the paper end of the second surface 61b is smaller than that of the first recording medium end reading unit 10 for detecting the paper end of the first surface 61a. Since the software for recording control and post-processing control is common, the inexpensive image recording apparatus 1 can be provided.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7A is a developed plan view for explaining the installation position of the recording medium edge reading unit in the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 7B is a developed side view for explaining the installation position of the recording medium edge reading unit in the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a conceptual diagram for explaining common use of software for recording processing and post-processing on the first surface and the second surface in the recording medium in the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  FIG. 8B is a developed plan view for explaining the installation position when the recording medium edge reading unit is installed in the post-processing mechanism in the image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In the image recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the sensor of the first recording medium end reading unit 10 is only the A side end detecting unit 10-1 that detects the side end A of the recording medium 61, and the other side. A recording medium abutting member 47 is installed instead of the B-side end detection unit 10-2. Since the positional relationship between the recording medium abutting member 47 and the A-side end detection unit 10-1 is determined in advance, the sheet width W is detected from the detection result of the A-side end detection unit 10-1, and the first The point which implement | achieves mask control in the image recording control part 3 and the 2nd image recording control part 4 differs from the above-mentioned Embodiment 1. FIG.

Accordingly, common components are denoted by common reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.
Also in the case of the second embodiment, the position where the second recording medium end reading unit 11 is installed is illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, and the A side end detecting unit 10-that detects the side end A is used. 1, the mounting position 11B is set so as to detect the side end B side of the recording medium 61.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8A, the memory space of the first surface image memory 3a and the second surface image memory 4a and the handling of the recording data d1 and the recording data d2 in the XY coordinate system become common, and the first image It is possible to share image recording control software for realizing the recording control unit 3, the second image recording control unit 4, and the like.

In the second embodiment, the first recording medium end reading unit 10 includes the A side end detecting unit 10-1 and the recording medium abutting member 47. In addition to the reference position of the side end A, The paper width W is also detected at the same time.
8B, in the case of the post-processing mechanism unit 50-3 including the post-processing mechanism 51-3 that performs post-processing on the same first surface 61a as the first image recording unit 20, the side end By arranging the post-processing recording medium edge reading unit 11-3 at the attachment position 11A for detecting the part A, the effect of FIG. 8A can be realized.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, the installation position of the recording medium abutting member 47 (width detection means) is different from that of the second embodiment.
FIG. 9A is a developed plan view for explaining an installation position of a recording medium edge reading unit in an image recording apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9B is a developed side view for explaining the installation position of the recording medium edge reading unit in the image recording apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a paper width detection method in an image recording apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 11 is an exploded plan view for explaining an installation position when a recording medium edge reading unit is installed in a post-processing mechanism in an image recording apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  Also in the case of the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the position where the second recording medium end reading unit 11 is installed is the A side end detection unit 10-that detects the side end A. 1, the mounting position 11B is set so as to detect the side end B side of the recording medium 61.

  Thereby, also in the case of the form 3, as shown in FIG. 8A, the memory space of the first surface image memory 3a and the second surface image memory 4a, and the recording data d1 and the recording data d2 in the XY coordinate system are handled. The image recording control software for realizing the first image recording control unit 3 and the second image recording control unit 4 can be shared.

  FIG. 10 shows a method of detecting the paper width W in the first recording medium edge reading unit 10 according to the third embodiment. A recording medium abutting member 47 is provided on the paper feeding side, and the side edge of the recording medium 61 is shown. By causing the portion A to abut against the recording medium abutting member 47, the amount of deviation X10 in the width direction from the end position detected by the first recording medium end reading unit 10 and the angle at which the recording medium 61 is skewed θ can be obtained.

  Further, based on the distance L between the contact position of the side end A in the recording medium abutting member 47 and the installation position of the second recording medium end reading unit 11 in the conveyance direction of the recording medium 61, and the angle θ, It is possible to calculate the amount of displacement X11 in the width direction at the position of the second recording medium end reading unit 11.

  Further, since the sheet width Ws of the recording medium 61 skewed can be obtained from the position of the recording medium abutting member 47 and the detection position of the second recording medium end reading unit 11, the sheet width W can be obtained from here. Is calculated by Ws−X11, and the first image recording control unit 3 and the second image recording control unit 4 perform mask control on the recording medium 61.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11, an image recording apparatus using continuous paper such as the recording medium 61 includes a post-processing mechanism 50 for performing desired post-processing on the recording medium 61 after image recording. May be installed as an option.
FIG. 11 is the same as FIG. 6 described above except that a recording medium abutting member 47 is provided instead of the B-side end detection unit 10-2.

  In the third embodiment, the modified example in which the post-processing mechanism unit 50-1, the post-processing mechanism unit 50-2, and the post-processing mechanism unit 50-3 are provided also in the above-described first and second embodiments shown in FIG. Similarly, when the post-processing mechanism 51-1 and the post-processing mechanism 51-2 for performing post-processing are provided on the second surface 61b opposite to the first surface 61a, the side end B side is detected. By disposing the post-processing recording medium edge reading unit 11-1 and the post-processing recording medium edge reading unit 11-2 at the attachment position 11B, as shown in FIG. There is an advantage that the surface 61a and the second surface 61b can be shared.

  That is, the same control method and recording medium edge detection method are used for image recording on the first surface 61a and post-processing for the second surface 61b, so that the control program for image recording and post-processing is similarly simplified. Can do.

  Further, in the case of the post-processing mechanism unit 50-3 including the post-processing mechanism 51-3 that performs post-processing on the same first surface 61a as the first image recording unit 20, the attachment for detecting the side end A is performed. By arranging the post-processing recording medium edge reading unit 11-3 at the position 11A, the effect of FIG. 8A can be realized.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the first surface image g1 recorded on the first surface 61a on the front surface of the recording medium 61 and the post-processing to be performed on the second surface 61b or the first surface 61a on the back are high. Accurate alignment is possible, and high-quality double-side processing on the recording medium 61 is possible.

  Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the configuration exemplified in the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the description of each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention, an example in which the recording medium end reading unit is installed on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium 61 with respect to the recording head and the post-processing mechanism is shown. In addition, a configuration in which the recording medium end reading unit is arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction may be used.

(Appendix 1)
At least one post-processing mechanism is arranged downstream of the image recording position of the first image with respect to the first surface of the recording medium in the transport direction of the recording medium, and is adjusted to the position of the first image on the first surface. In a control method of an image recording apparatus for performing processing,
When arranging the post-processing mechanism that performs the post-processing on the second surface that is front and back with the first surface, or when arranging the post-processing mechanism that performs the post-processing on the first surface, The side edge of the recording medium is set such that the post-processing start position of the post-processing mechanism is the same as the recording start position of the first image with respect to the coordinate axis formed by the transport direction and the width direction of the recording medium. A control method for an image recording apparatus, comprising: a side end position detecting unit for detecting a position.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image recording device 2 Control part 3 1st image recording control part 3a 1st surface image memory 4 2nd image recording control part 4a 2nd surface image memory 10 1st recording medium edge part reading part 10-1 A side edge detection part 10-2 B-side edge detection unit 10e Paper edge position information 11 Second recording medium edge reading unit 11-1 Post-processing recording medium edge reading unit 11-2 Post-processing recording medium edge reading unit 11-3 Rear Processing recording medium edge reading section 11A Mounting position 11B Mounting position 11e Paper edge position information 20 First image recording section 21 First recording head driving section 22 First recording head section 30 Second image recording section 31 Second recording head driving Unit 32 second recording head unit 40 transport mechanism 41 transport information generation unit 41a transport information 42 transport drive unit 43 first medium carrier 44 second medium carrier 45 guide roller 46 recording medium supply unit 4 7 Recording medium abutting member 50 Post-processing mechanism 50-1 Post-processing mechanism unit 50-2 Post-processing mechanism unit 50-3 Post-processing mechanism unit 51-1 Post-processing mechanism 51-2 Post-processing mechanism 51-3 Post-processing mechanism 60 Host device 61 Recording medium 61a First surface 61b Second surface H Recording range width P1 Detection position P2 Detection position P3 Detection position S1 Recording start position S2 Back surface recording start position

Claims (8)

A transport mechanism for transporting the recording medium;
A first image recording unit for recording a first image on the first surface of the recording medium;
Side end position detection means for detecting the position of one side end of the recording medium, and a width for detecting the width of the recording medium, provided upstream of the first image recording unit in the conveyance direction of the recording medium First recording medium edge detection means for determining a recording start position of the first image on the first surface, including detection means;
Post-processing means disposed downstream of the first image recording unit and performing desired post-processing in accordance with the recording position of the first image on the first surface;
When the post-processing is performed on a second surface which is provided on the recording medium conveyance path between the post-processing means and the first image recording unit and which is opposite to the first surface, the side edge position is set. When the post-processing is performed on the same first surface as that of the first image, the same as the side edge position detection unit, when the post-processing is performed on the same first surface as that of the first image. Second recording medium edge detection means arranged at a position for detecting the side edge of the recording medium on the side;
An image recording apparatus comprising: The image recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The side end position detecting means constituting the first recording medium end detecting means is a first line sensor arranged to intersect one first side end of the recording medium, and the width detecting means Is a second line sensor arranged to cross the other second side end of the recording medium,
The second recording medium end detection means provided on the upstream side of the post-processing means is a third line sensor arranged to intersect the first side end or the second side end.
An image recording apparatus. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The side end position detecting means constituting the first recording medium end detecting means is a first line sensor arranged to intersect one first side end of the recording medium, and the width detecting means Is a recording medium abutting member arranged so as to restrict displacement in the width direction of the recording medium in contact with the first side end or the second side end of the recording medium,
The second recording medium end detection means provided on the upstream side of the post-processing means is a third line sensor arranged to intersect the first side end or the second side end.
An image recording apparatus. In the image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing means is a second image recording unit that records a second image as the post-processing on the second surface that is opposite to the first surface of the recording medium. In the image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The post-processing means includes
A second image recording unit that records a second image as the post-processing on the second surface that is opposite to the first surface of the recording medium;
At least one post-processing mechanism that is disposed downstream of the second image recording unit and performs processing other than recording of the first image and the second image on the recording medium;
An image recording apparatus comprising: A transport mechanism for transporting the recording medium; a first image recording unit that records a first image on the first surface of the recording medium; and a downstream side of the first image recording unit, In a control method for an image recording apparatus, comprising post-processing means for performing desired post-processing according to the recording position of the first image,
By detecting the position of one side edge of the recording medium and the width of the recording medium upstream of the first image recording unit in the conveyance direction of the recording medium, the first surface on the first surface is detected. A first detection step for determining an image recording start position;
When the post-processing is performed on a second surface that is opposite to the first surface in the transport path of the recording medium between the post-processing means and the first image recording unit, the first detection step; When the side edge of the recording medium on the opposite side is detected and the post-processing is performed on the same first surface as the first image, the side edge of the recording medium on the same side as the first detection step is detected. A second detection step of detecting a part;
A control method for an image recording apparatus. In the control method of the image recording device according to claim 6,
In the first detection step, a position of the side end portion of the recording medium is detected using a first line sensor arranged to intersect one first side end portion of the recording medium, and the recording medium Detecting the width of the recording medium using a second line sensor arranged to cross the other second side end of the recording medium;
In the second detection step, the position of the side end portion of the recording medium is detected by using a third line sensor arranged to intersect the first side end portion or the second side end portion. A control method for an image recording apparatus. In the control method of the image recording device according to claim 6 or 7,
Control of the image recording apparatus, wherein the post-processing means is a second image recording unit that records a second image as the post-processing on the second surface that is opposite to the first surface of the recording medium. Method.