JP4348931B2 - Inkjet printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus. In particular, it has an image processing means for processing an image and a plurality of movable print heads, and ejects ink from the print head to print the image processed by the image processing means on a printing medium. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, color ink jet printers of a type that eject ink of several colors from a print head and form ink dots on printing paper have become widespread as computer output devices. Recently, a relatively large color inkjet printer that uses a plurality of print heads to print on printing paper such as roll paper has also been realized (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such a color ink jet printer includes an image processing unit for processing an image and a plurality of movable print heads, and ejects ink from the print head to process the image processed by the image processing unit. Is printed on printing paper.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-158735 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the above-described color inkjet printer having a plurality of print heads can be expected to be highly customizable due to the presence of a plurality of print heads, as compared to a color inkjet printer having a single print head. For example, when some print heads cannot be used due to a failure or the like, the print heads can be printed only by other print heads, or a plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more print head groups. There is a possibility that customization such as printing a plurality of images independent from each other can be easily realized for each group.
However, when there are a plurality of print heads and there is only one image processing means for processing an image to be printed by the print head, it is difficult to easily realize the customization.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a printing apparatus with high customization.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The main present invention comprises a plurality of image processing means for processing image data and converting it into print data; Same ink Each having a plurality of print heads each having nozzle rows arranged along a predetermined direction and having the predetermined direction aligned in the same direction, and converted by the plurality of image processing means In an ink jet printer that prints an image on a single printing medium by ejecting ink from the plurality of print heads based on print data, the plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more print head groups. For each print head group, each image processing means of the plurality of image processing means is provided, The plurality of print heads include print heads having different positions in the predetermined direction, and printing the plurality of images by the plurality of print head groups by printing an image for each print head group. Inkjet printer featuring It is.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
A printing apparatus having an image processing means for processing an image and a plurality of movable print heads, ejecting ink from the print head, and printing the image processed by the image processing means on a printing medium A printing apparatus comprising: the image processing unit for each print head group when the plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more print head groups.
[0008]
By having the image processing means for each print head group when the plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more print head groups, a highly customizable printing apparatus can be realized.
[0009]
The print head group may form a unitized print head unit, and the print head unit may be detachable from the printing apparatus main body.
In this way, the number of print head units to be used can be easily adjusted according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed, the printing speed, etc. Become.
[0010]
The two or more image processing means may be individually unitized, and the unitized image processing means may be detachable from the printing apparatus main body.
[0011]
In this way, it becomes possible to easily adjust the number of image processing means to be used according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed and the printing speed. Become.
[0012]
In addition, an ink discharge control unit for controlling the ink discharge by the print head may be provided for each print head group.
In this way, it is possible to more effectively exhibit the high customizability due to the presence of a plurality of print heads.
[0013]
The two or more ink discharge control means may be individually unitized, and the unitized ink discharge control means may be detachable from the printing apparatus main body.
In this way, it becomes possible to easily adjust the number of ink ejection control means to be used according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed and the printing speed. Get higher.
[0014]
In addition, the print head group forms a unitized print head unit, and the print head unit includes an ink storage portion for storing ink supplied to the print head provided in the print head unit. It is good also as having.
In this way, it becomes possible to easily adjust the number of ink containing sections according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed and the printing speed, and the customizability is further improved.
[0015]
In addition, a plurality of cleaning units for cleaning each of the print heads is formed, and the plurality of cleaning units form two or more cleaning units that are unitized for each print head group. The printing apparatus main body may be detachable.
In this way, the number of cleaning units can be easily adjusted according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed, the printing speed, and the like, and the customization becomes higher.
[0016]
Further, the cleaning unit may include a protection unit for protecting the print head.
In this way, the number of protection means can be easily adjusted according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed and the printing speed, and the customization becomes higher.
[0017]
When the image processing is performed by each of the image processing means, the images processed by the image processing means belong to the print head group corresponding to the image processing means in the order in which the processing is completed. It is good also as printing on the said to-be-printed body by discharging ink from a printing head.
In this way, it is possible to more effectively realize high-speed printing using the above-described high customization of the printing apparatus.
[0018]
In addition, the image processing unit for processing an image and a plurality of movable print heads are provided, and ink is ejected from the print head to print the image processed by the image processing unit on a printing medium. In the printing apparatus, each of the print head groups when the plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more print head groups has the image processing means, and the print head group is a unitized print head unit. The print head unit is detachable from the printing apparatus main body, two or more of the image processing means are individually unitized, and the unitized image processing means is attached to the printing apparatus main body. Each of the print head groups has ink discharge control means for controlling ink discharge by the print head, and the two or more ink discharge control means are individually provided. The unitized and unitized ink discharge control means is detachable from the printing apparatus main body, and the print head unit contains ink to be supplied to the print head provided in the print head unit. A plurality of cleaning means for cleaning each of the print heads, and the plurality of cleaning means includes two cleaning units that are unitized for each print head group. As described above, the cleaning unit is detachable from the main body of the printing apparatus, and the cleaning unit has protection means for protecting the print head, and each of the image processing means can process an image. When the processing is performed, the images processed by the image processing means are transferred to the image processing means in the order in which the processing is completed. Printing apparatus is feasible, characterized by printed by ejecting ink from a print head belonging to the print head group in the medium to be printed.
In this way, the effects of the present invention can be achieved most effectively because all the effects described above can be achieved.
[0019]
=== Example of Printing Apparatus ===
1 and 2 are perspective views showing an outline of a color inkjet printer 20 as an example of a printing apparatus. The color printer 20 corresponds to relatively large printing paper such as roll paper, JIS standard A row 0 paper and B row 0 paper, and in the example of FIGS. 20 is provided with roll paper. Note that the color ink jet printer 20 shown in FIG. 1 and the color ink jet printer 20 shown in FIG.
[0020]
The color inkjet printer 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a paper feed motor 31 and a map that is driven by the paper feed motor 31 and feeds a roll paper P as a printing medium in a paper feed direction (hereinafter also referred to as a sub-scanning direction). A roller 24, a roll paper holder 27 on which the roll paper P can be set, a paper pressing roller 29 for pressing the roll paper P against the map roller 24, a platen 26 capable of supporting the roll paper P, and a number of nozzles A print head 36 having a plurality of print heads 36 and movable in the main scanning direction, a carriage motor 30, a traction belt 32 driven by the carriage motor 30 to move the carriage 28, and a carriage 28. And a guide rail 34 for guiding.
[0021]
The roll paper P is set in the roll paper holder 27. The roll paper P is pressed against the map roller 24 by the paper pressing roller 29, and is rotated in the paper feed direction on the surface of the platen 26 as the map roller 24 rotates. The carriage 28 is pulled by a pulling belt 32 driven by a carriage motor 30 and moves in the main scanning direction along the guide rail 34. The carriage 28 is moved in the main scanning direction while feeding the roll paper P in the paper feeding direction, and printing is performed by ejecting ink from a plurality of print heads 36 provided in the carriage 28.
[0022]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the color inkjet printer 20 includes a plurality of cleaning mechanisms 11 as an example of a cleaning unit for cleaning the print head 36. Details of the cleaning mechanism 11 will be described later.
[0023]
=== Configuration of Print Head and Print Head Cleaning Mechanism ===
Next, the configuration of the print head 36 and the cleaning mechanism 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the print head 36. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the cleaning mechanism 11.
As shown in FIG. 3, the print head 36 includes a black nozzle row, a cyan nozzle row, a light cyan nozzle row, a magenta nozzle row, a light magenta nozzle row, and a yellow nozzle row arranged on a straight line along the sub-scanning direction. have.
[0024]
The black nozzle row has 180 nozzles # 1 to # 180. The nozzles # 1,..., # 180 in the black nozzle row are arranged at a constant nozzle pitch k · D along the sub-scanning direction. Here, D is the dot pitch in the sub-scanning direction, and k is an integer. The dot pitch D in the sub-scanning direction is equal to the pitch of the main scanning line (raster line). Hereinafter, the integer k representing the nozzle pitch k · D is simply referred to as “nozzle pitch k”. In the example of FIG. 3, the nozzle pitch k is 4 dots. However, the nozzle pitch k can be set to an arbitrary integer.
[0025]
The same applies to the cyan nozzle row, light cyan nozzle row, magenta nozzle row, light magenta nozzle row, and yellow nozzle row. That is, each nozzle row has 180 nozzles # 1 to # 180 and is arranged at a constant nozzle pitch k · D along the sub-scanning direction.
[0026]
During printing, ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles while the print head 36 is moving at a constant speed in the main scanning direction together with the carriage 28. However, depending on the printing method, not all nozzles are always used, and only some nozzles may be used.
[0027]
In FIG. 3, the ink color of each row is black nozzle row, cyan nozzle row, light cyan nozzle row, magenta nozzle row, light magenta nozzle row, and yellow nozzle row from the left side of the drawing, but is not limited thereto. Instead, the ink colors in each row may be arranged in other arrangement orders.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning mechanism 11 includes a head cap 210, hoses 220a, 220b, and 220c, and pump rollers 230a, 230b, and 230c. In FIG. 4, the hoses 220a and 220c are shown only halfway, and the pump rollers 230a and 230c are not shown. However, their configuration and operation will be described using the hose 220b and the pump roller 230b that function similarly. , Duplicate descriptions are omitted. As shown in FIG. 4, the inner space of the head cap 210 is partitioned into three suction chambers Va, Vb, and Vc. When the head cap 210 is raised, the head cap 210 comes into close contact with the lower surface of the print head 36. A closed space that covers the light magenta nozzle row and the yellow nozzle row is formed. The suction chambers Va, Vb, and Vc are connected to hoses 220a, 220b, and 220c, respectively.
[0029]
The pump roller 230b has two small rollers 232 and 234 in the vicinity of the peripheral edge. A hose 220b is wound around these two rollers 232 and 234. When driven by a cleaning motor (not shown) and the pump roller 230b rotates in the direction of the arrow, the air in the hose 220b is pushed by the small rollers 232 and 242 and the closed space in the head cap 210 is thereby exhausted. As a result, ink is sucked from each nozzle of the print head 36 and discharged to a waste ink discharge portion (not shown) via the hose 220b.
[0030]
When the cleaning mechanism 11 is not in operation, the head cap 210 functions as a protection means for protecting the print head.
[0031]
=== Example of Overall Configuration of Printing System ===
Next, an example of the overall configuration of the printing system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system including the color inkjet printer 20 described above. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image processing unit 38.
[0032]
This printing system includes a computer 90 and a color inkjet printer 20 as an example of a printing apparatus. The printing system including the color inkjet printer 20 and the computer 90 can also be called a “printing apparatus” in a broad sense. Although not shown, from the computer 90, the color inkjet printer 20, a display device such as a CRT 21 or a liquid crystal display device, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, a drive device such as a flexible drive device or a CD-ROM drive device, or the like. A printing system has been built.
[0033]
In the computer 90, an application program 95 operates under a predetermined operating system. The operating system incorporates a video driver 91, and an application program 95 that performs image retouching or the like performs desired processing on the image to be processed, and also sends an image to the CRT 21 via the video driver 91. it's shown.
[0034]
When the application program 95 issues a print command, an image processing unit 38 as an example of image processing means provided in the color inkjet printer 20 receives image data from the application program 95 and converts it into print data PD. As shown in FIG. 6, the image processing unit 38 includes a resolution conversion module 97, a color conversion module 98, a halftone module 99, a rasterizer 100, a UI printer interface module 102, and a color conversion lookup table. An LUT, a buffer memory 50, and an image buffer 52 are provided.
[0035]
The resolution conversion module 97 plays a role of converting the resolution of the color image data formed by the application program 95 into the print resolution. The image data thus converted in resolution is still image information composed of three color components of RGB. The color conversion module 98 converts RGB image data into multi-gradation data of a plurality of ink colors that can be used by the color inkjet printer 20 for each pixel while referring to the color conversion lookup table LUT.
[0036]
The color-converted multi-gradation data has, for example, 256 gradation values. The halftone module 99 performs so-called halftone processing to generate halftone image data. The halftone image data is rearranged in the desired data order by the rasterizer 100, and is output to the buffer memory 50 together with various commands COM as final print data PD. The print data PD includes raster data indicating the dot formation state during each main scan and data indicating the sub-scan feed amount.
[0037]
On the other hand, the user interface display module 101 provided in the computer 90 has a function of displaying various user interface windows related to printing and a function of receiving user input in these windows. For example, the user can instruct the user interface display module 101 that the type and size of the printing paper, the print head is to be cleaned, and the like.
[0038]
The UI printer interface module 102 has a function of taking an interface between the user interface display module 101 and the color inkjet printer 20. Interpret the command instructed by the user through the user interface and send various commands COM to the buffer memory 50, or conversely interpret the command COM received from the buffer memory 50 and perform various displays on the user interface. . For example, the instruction relating to the type, size, print head cleaning, and the like of the printing paper received by the user interface display module 101 is sent to the UI printer interface module 102, and the UI printer interface module 102 sends the instructed instruction. The command COM is transmitted to the buffer memory 50 after interpretation.
[0039]
The print data PD and various commands COM output from the rasterizer 100 and the command COM output from the UI printer interface module 102 are temporarily stored in the buffer memory 50. The color inkjet printer 20 receives these by the buffer memory 50 and then transmits them to the image buffer 52 or the system controller 54. The image buffer 52 stores print data PD of a plurality of color components received by the buffer memory 50.
[0040]
In addition to the image processing unit 38 described above, the color inkjet printer 20 includes a system controller 54 that controls the operation of the entire color inkjet printer 20, a main memory 56, and an EEPROM 58. The system controller 54 further includes a main scanning drive circuit 61 that drives the carriage motor 30, a sub-scanning drive circuit 62 that drives the paper feed motor 31, and a head as an example of an ink discharge control unit that controls the print head 36. The control unit 63 and the cleaning mechanism control circuit 13 are connected.
[0041]
In the color ink jet printer 20, the system controller 54 reads necessary information from the print data from the buffer memory 50, and on the basis of this, the system controller 54 sends it to the main scanning drive circuit 61, the sub-scanning drive circuit 62, the head control unit 63, and the like. Send a control signal to it. Further, the head control unit 63 reads out print data of each color component from the image buffer 52 in accordance with a control signal from the system controller 54, and drives the nozzles of each color provided in the print head 36 in response thereto. Further, the cleaning mechanism control circuit 13 controls the cleaning mechanism 11 described above to execute cleaning of the print head.
[0042]
By the way, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the color inkjet printer 20 described above includes a plurality of print heads 36. The group when the plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more groups is referred to as a print head group 69. For example, in the present embodiment, the number of the print heads 36 is eight, and four print head groups 69 obtained by combining two of these, that is, the first print head group 69a and the second print head group 69b. A third print head group 69c and a fourth print head group 69d are provided. As shown in FIG. 5, each print head group 69 includes a unitized print head unit 65, that is, a first print head unit 65a, a second print head unit 65b, a third print head unit 65c, and a fourth print head unit 65. Each print head unit 65 is configured to be detachable from the printer main body. Further, each print head unit 65 includes an ink tank 67 as an example of an ink storage unit for storing ink supplied to the print head 36 provided in the print head unit 65.
[0043]
The color inkjet printer 20 also has the head control unit 63 described above for each print head group 69. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first head control unit 63a corresponding to the first print head group 69a, the second head control unit 63b corresponding to the second print head group 69b, and the third print head group 69c are supported. A fourth head control unit 63d corresponding to the third head control unit 63c and the fourth print head group 69d is provided. Each head control unit 63 is individually unitized, and the unitized head control unit 63 is configured to be detachable from the printer main body.
[0044]
Similarly, the color inkjet printer 20 also has the above-described image processing unit 38 for each print head group 69. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first image processing unit 38a corresponding to the first print head group 69a, the second image processing unit 38b corresponding to the second print head group 69b, and the third print head group 69c are supported. A fourth image processing unit 38d corresponding to the third image processing unit 38c and the fourth print head group 69d is provided. Each image processing unit 38 is individually unitized, and the unitized image processing unit 38 is configured to be detachable from the printer main body.
[0045]
The plurality of cleaning mechanisms 11 described above form two or more cleaning units 15 that are unitized for each print head group 69. That is, the cleaning mechanism 11 is provided corresponding to each print head 36, and the number thereof is eight in the present embodiment. Then, four sets of the cleaning mechanisms 11 obtained by combining these two in correspondence with the print head group 69 described above are each a unitized cleaning unit 15, that is, a first cleaning unit 15a, a second cleaning unit 15b, A third cleaning unit 15c and a fourth cleaning unit 15d are formed. Each cleaning unit 15 is configured to be detachable from the printer body.
[0046]
Next, the operation of the printing system described above will be described. First, the user instructs the type, size, and the like of the printing paper on the user interface display module 101. Further, the user interface display module 101 can instruct to print a plurality of images for each print head group 69. In the present embodiment, four images are printed for each of the four print head groups 69. That is, the first image is printed using the print head 36 belonging to the first print head group 69a, the second image is printed using the print head 36 belonging to the second print head group 69b, and the print head belonging to the third print head group 69c. Is used to instruct to print the third image and the fourth image using the print head belonging to the fourth print head group 69d. These instructions received by the user interface display module 101 are sent to the UI printer interface module 102 provided in the four image processing units 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d described above, and the UI printer interface module 102 is instructed. The command COM is transmitted to the buffer memory 50 by interpreting the received command.
[0047]
Next, the user instructs the application program 95 or the like to perform printing. When the application program 95 that has received this instruction issues a print command, the four image processing units 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d described above receive the image data of the four images from the application program 95, respectively, and print these data. After conversion to PD, it is sent to the buffer memory 50 together with various commands COM. Each of the image processing units 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d receives the print data PD corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth images by the buffer memory 50 and then transmits them to the image buffer 52. .
[0048]
Each image processing unit 38 a, 38 b, 38 c, 38 d transmits the above-described command COM to the system controller 54 after receiving it by the buffer memory 50. Based on the information received from the buffer memory 50 in each of the image processing units 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d, the system controller 54 performs the main scanning driving circuit 61, the sub scanning driving circuit 62, and the four heads described above. A control signal is sent to the control units 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d.
[0049]
Each head control unit 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d is sent from the image buffer 52 in the image processing unit 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d corresponding to each head control unit 63 in accordance with a control signal from the system controller 54. Read the print data of each color component. Each head control unit 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d controls the print heads 36 belonging to the corresponding print head groups 69a, 69b, 69c, 69d according to the read data.
[0050]
The sub-scanning drive circuit 62 controls the paper feed motor 31 to feed the roll paper P, while the main scanning drive circuit 61 controls the carriage motor 30 to move the carriage 28 in the main scanning direction. Ink is ejected from the print head 36 controlled by the print head control units 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d, and printing is performed on the roll paper P.
[0051]
In the above, when the first image, the second image, the third image, and the fourth image are processed by the respective image processing units 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d, the processing is completed. The images are printed on the roll paper P in order. That is, instead of waiting for the completion of the image processing of the four images to start printing the image on the roll paper P, the first to fourth images are processed independently of each other, and the roll is performed. Printed on paper P.
[0052]
Next, the operation of the printing system when the print head 36 is cleaned will be described. First, the user instructs the user interface display module 101 to perform cleaning and the print head 36 to perform cleaning. These instructions received by the user interface display module 101 are image processing units corresponding to the print head group 69 including the print head 36 to be cleaned among the four image processing units 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d. 38. Here, the image processing unit is a first image processing unit 38a.
[0053]
The first image processing unit 38 a receives the instruction by the UI printer interface module 102, and the UI printer interface module 102 interprets the instructed instruction and transmits a command COM to the buffer memory 50. Further, the first image processing unit 38 a transmits the above-described command COM to the system controller 54 after being received by the buffer memory 50.
The system controller 54 sends a control signal to the cleaning mechanism control circuit 13 based on the information received from the buffer memory 50 in the image processing unit 38a.
[0054]
Then, the cleaning mechanism control circuit 13 controls the cleaning mechanism 11 provided in the first cleaning unit 15a, and the print head 36 provided in the first print head unit 65a is cleaned by the method described above.
[0055]
Thus, by having an image processing unit for each print head group when a plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more print head groups, a highly customizable color inkjet printer can be realized.
[0056]
That is, as described in the section of the problem to be solved by the invention, the above-described color ink jet printer having a plurality of print heads has a plurality of print heads as compared to a color ink jet printer having a single print head. High customizability can be expected. For example, when some print heads cannot be used due to a failure or the like, the print heads can be printed only by other print heads, or a plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more print head groups. There is a possibility that customization such as printing a plurality of images independent from each other can be easily realized for each group.
[0057]
However, when there are a plurality of print heads and there is only one image processing unit for processing an image to be printed by the print head, it is difficult to easily realize the customization.
Thus, in this way, an image processing unit is provided for each print head group when a plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more print head groups.
In this way, for example, when some of the print heads cannot be used due to a failure or the like, and when it is possible to print only with other print heads, it corresponds to the print head group to which the other print heads belong. By using only the processed image processing unit, it is possible to appropriately ensure the customizability of the color inkjet printer.
[0058]
In addition, when printing a plurality of mutually independent images for each print head group when a plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more print head groups, the image processing units corresponding to each print head group mutually By processing each of the independent images, it is possible to appropriately ensure the customizability of the color inkjet printer.
Therefore, as described above, a highly customizable color inkjet printer can be realized.
[0059]
In the above description, the number of print heads is eight. However, the number of print heads is not limited to this.
[0060]
In the above description, the eight print heads are divided into four print head groups each including two print heads. However, the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, eight print heads are divided into three print head groups, two of these print head groups each having three print heads and the other one having two print heads. It is good also as having. Further, the print head group may have one print head.
[0061]
In the above description, four images are printed for each of the four print head groups. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one image is printed using the four print head groups. It is good.
[0062]
In the above description, the image processing unit shown in FIG. 6 has been described as an example of the image processing unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is for sending print data to the head control unit 63. In addition, any image processing apparatus that processes an image output from an application or the like may be used. For example, when color conversion is performed by the color conversion module 98, it is not always necessary to refer to the color conversion table, and halftone processing when performing image processing is not necessarily executed. The image processing unit may not include a function related to a user interface such as the UI printer interface module 102.
[0063]
=== Other Embodiments ===
As described above, the printing apparatus and the like according to the present invention have been described based on one embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Absent. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes the equivalents thereof.
[0064]
In the above-described embodiment, the printing paper has been described as an example of the printing body. However, a film, a cloth, a thin metal plate, or the like may be used as the printing body. Further, although roll paper has been described as an example of print paper, A-line 0-number paper, B-line 0-number paper, or the like may be used as print paper.
[0065]
In the above embodiment, a color inkjet printer has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a monochrome inkjet printer.
[0066]
In the above embodiment, the print head group forms a unitized print head unit, and the print head unit is detachable from the printer body. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something.
However, in such a case, the number of print head units to be used can be easily adjusted according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed, the printing speed, etc. The above-described embodiment is more desirable in terms of increase.
[0067]
In the above embodiment, two or more image processing units are individually unitized, and the unitized image processing units are detachable from the printer body. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
However, in such a case, the number of image processing units to be used can be easily adjusted according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed, the printing speed, etc. The above-described embodiment is more desirable in terms of increase.
[0068]
In the above embodiment, each print head group has a head control unit for controlling the ejection of ink by the print head. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
However, the above-described embodiment is more desirable in that it makes it possible to more effectively exhibit the high customizability due to the presence of a plurality of print heads.
[0069]
Further, in the above embodiment, two or more head control units are individually unitized, and the unitized head control unit is detachable from the printer body. However, the present invention is not limited to this. is not.
However, in such a case, the number of head control units to be used can be easily adjusted according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed and the printing speed, thereby further customizability. The above-described embodiment is more desirable in terms of increase.
[0070]
In the above embodiment, the print head group forms a unitized print head unit, and the print head unit contains ink supplied to a print head provided in the print head unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
However, in such a case, the number of ink tanks can be easily adjusted according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed, the printing speed, etc. Therefore, the above embodiment is preferable.
[0071]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, there are a plurality of cleaning mechanisms for cleaning each of the print heads, and the plurality of cleaning mechanisms include two or more cleaning units that are unitized for each print head group. The cleaning unit is formed and detachable from the printer body, but is not limited thereto.
However, in such a case, the number of cleaning units can be easily adjusted according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed, the printing speed, etc. Therefore, the above embodiment is preferable.
[0072]
In the above embodiment, the cleaning unit has the head cap for protecting the print head. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
However, in such a case, the number of head caps can be easily adjusted according to the user's request for printing such as the size of the image to be printed, the printing speed, etc. Therefore, the above embodiment is preferable.
[0073]
In the above embodiment, when the image processing is performed by each of the image processing units, the images processed by the image processing unit correspond to the image processing units in the order in which the processing is completed. Although the ink is ejected from the print heads belonging to the print head group and printed on the roll paper, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to start printing an image on the roll paper P after all the image processing has been completed.
However, in such a case, the above-described embodiment is preferable in that the high-customization described above of the color ink-jet printer can be used to realize the printing speed more effectively.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a highly customizable printing apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a color inkjet printer 20;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an outline of a color inkjet printer 20;
3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a print head 36. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a cleaning mechanism 11;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system including a color inkjet printer.
6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit 38. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Cleaning Mechanism 13 Cleaning Mechanism Control Circuit
15 Cleaning unit 15a First cleaning unit
15b Second cleaning unit 15c Third cleaning unit
15d Fourth cleaning unit 17 Head cap
20 Color inkjet printer 21 CRT
24 Smapola 26 Platen
27 Roll paper holder 28 Carriage
29 Paper pressing roller 30 Carriage motor
31 Paper feed motor 32 Traction belt
34 Guide rail 36 Print head
38 Image processing unit 38a First image processing unit
38b Second image processing unit 38c Third image processing unit
38d Fourth image processing unit 50 Buffer memory
52 Image buffer 54 System controller
56 Main memory 58 EEPROM
61 Main scan drive circuit 62 Sub scan drive circuit
63 Head control unit 63a First head control unit
63b Second head control unit 63c Third head control unit
63d Fourth head control unit 65 Print head unit
65a First print head unit 65b Second print head unit
65c Third print head unit 65d Fourth print head unit
67 Ink tank 69 Print head group
69a First print head group 69b Second print head group
69c Third print head group 69d Fourth print head group
90 Computer 91 Video driver
95 Application program 97 Resolution conversion module
98 color conversion module 99 halftone module
100 Rasterizer 101 User interface display module
102 UI printer interface module 210 Head cap
220a hose 220b hose
220c hose 230a pump roller
230b Pump roller 230c Pump roller
232 Small roller 234 Small roller
COM command LUT color conversion lookup table
P roll paper PD print data
Va suction chamber Vb suction chamber Vc suction chamber

Claims (9)

A plurality of image processing means for processing image data and converting it into print data, and a nozzle array that discharges the same ink and is arranged along a predetermined direction, and arranges the predetermined direction in the same direction A plurality of print heads,
In an inkjet printer that discharges ink from the plurality of print heads and prints an image on a single substrate based on the print data converted by the plurality of image processing units,
For each print head group when the plurality of print heads are grouped into two or more print head groups, each of the image processing means of the plurality of image processing means,
The plurality of print heads include print heads having different positions in the predetermined direction,
An ink jet printer that prints a plurality of images by a plurality of print head groups by printing an image for each print head group. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein
The print head group forms a unitized print head unit;
An ink jet printer, wherein the print head unit is detachable from the ink jet printer main body. The inkjet printer according to claim 1 or 2,
The plurality of image processing means are individually unitized,
An ink jet printer wherein the unitized image processing means is detachable from the ink jet printer main body. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An ink jet printer comprising an ink discharge control means for controlling ink discharge by the print head for each print head group. The inkjet printer according to claim 4.
Two or more ink ejection control means are individually unitized,
An ink jet printer characterized in that the unitized ink discharge control means is detachable from the ink jet printer main body. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The print head group forms a unitized print head unit;
The ink jet printer, wherein the print head unit has an ink containing portion for containing ink supplied to a print head provided in the print head unit. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A plurality of cleaning means for cleaning each of the print heads;
The plurality of cleaning means form two or more cleaning units unitized for each print head group,
The ink jet printer, wherein the cleaning unit is detachable from the ink jet printer main body. The inkjet printer according to claim 7, wherein
The ink jet printer, wherein the cleaning unit includes a protection unit for protecting the print head. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
When the image data is converted into the print data by each of the image processing means, ink is supplied from the print heads belonging to the print head group corresponding to the image processing means in the order in which the conversion is completed. An ink jet printer that discharges and prints an image on the substrate.

Images