Recording apparatus and recording method

Abstract

 A recording apparatus includes a transport mechanism (3) that can intermittently move a movable belt (10) capable of supporting a recording medium (P); a feeding unit (2) that feeds the recording medium left in a stretched state to the movable belt by receiving tension from the recording medium in response to the intermittent movement of the movable belt; and a recording mechanism (4) that performs recording by causing a recording head (7) to reciprocate in a direction (B) which intersects a transport direction (A) of the recording medium. When the load sensor detects the load which is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, a first load reduction mode for driving the feeding motor is performed so as to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the movable belt.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that includes a transport mechanism which supports and transports a recording medium by using a movable belt, and to a recording method for the same.

2. Related Art

[0002] In the related art, recording apparatuses that include a transport mechanism which supports and transports a recording medium by using a movable belt have been used. Out of the recording apparatuses as described above, a recording apparatus that includes a feeding unit which feeds the recording medium to the movable belt capable of supporting the recording medium has been used. For example, JP-A-2005-219845 discloses an image forming apparatus serving as the recording apparatus, which includes a recording medium supply device serving as the feeding unit.

[0003] In a recording apparatus that includes a feeding unit which feeds a recording medium to a movable belt capable of supporting the recording medium, depending on the type and size of the recording medium or environmental conditions, in some cases, an excessive load is applied to a feeding motor which drives the feeding unit. The description, "the excessive load is applied to the feeding motor" means that an excessive force is applied to the recording medium since the recording medium is pulled to the feeding unit side from a movable belt. In some cases, the recording medium is damaged or wrinkles are caused to occur thereon. Heat generation or breakdown due to the excessive load applied to the feeding motor can be settled by taking a countermeasure of using a feeding motor which has long durability or which is produced based on high torque specifications. However, it is not possible to prevent the recording medium from being damaged or wrinkled, and additionally the feeding motor becomes expensive. Therefore, in the related art, in order to prevent the excessive load from being applied to the motor (the excessive force from being applied to the recording medium), a load sensor is disposed. In this manner, if the load sensor detects that the excessive load is applied to the motor, a feedback control is performed by rotating the motor so as to reduce the load.

[0004] However, in the above-described feedback control, the motor is rotated after the excessive load is applied to the motor. Consequently, in some cases, an advantageous effect cannot be sufficiently obtained when preventing the excessive load from being applied to the motor. The load applied to the motor reaches a peak before the motor is rotated (moment when the force is applied to the motor left in a stopped state). Therefore, even if the motor is rotated after detecting that the excessive load is applied to the motor, the load is repeatedly applied thereto. Then, the load is gradually accumulated in the motor, thereby resulting in a case where the motor becomes hot, for example.

[0005] That is, in the related art, in the recording apparatus that includes a movable belt capable of supporting a recording medium and a feeding unit which feeds the recording medium to the movable belt, it is insufficient to prevent the excessive load from being applied to the feeding motor of the feeding unit.

SUMMARY

[0006] An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to prevent an excessive load from being applied to a feeding motor which drives a feeding unit, in a recording apparatus that includes a movable belt capable of supporting a recording medium and the feeding unit which feeds the recording medium to the movable belt.

[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a recording apparatus including a transport mechanism that can intermittently move a movable belt capable of supporting a recording medium; a feeding unit that feeds the recording medium left in a stretched state to the movable belt by receiving tension from the recording medium in response to the intermittent movement of the movable belt; and a recording mechanism that performs recording by causing a recording head to reciprocate in a direction which intersects a transport direction of the recording medium. The feeding unit has a feeding motor serving as a drive source and a load sensor of the feeding motor which can detect a load based on the tension. When the load sensor detects the load which is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value in the intermittent movement of the movable belt, a first load reduction mode for driving the feeding motor is performed so as to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the movable belt.

[0008] Here, the aspect may include a configuration where it is possible "to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in the stretched state of the recording medium". If it is possible to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in the stretched state of the recording medium, the aspect may include a configuration where it is also possible to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in a slack state of the recording medium.

[0009] In addition, the description, "that the recording medium left in a stretched state is fed to the movable belt by receiving tension from the recording medium in response to the intermittent movement of the movable belt" means that the recording medium is fed to the movable belt after the tension from the recording medium is received. That is, in addition to a configuration where the feedback control in the related art can be performed, in a configuration where the force is applied to the recording medium, that is, to a side opposite to a side where the recording medium is fed to the movable belt in the feeding unit (configuration where a so-called back tension is applied), the meaning also includes a configuration where the recording medium is fed by the drive force of the movable belt by releasing the force of the opposite side after the feeding unit receives the tension applied from the recording medium. Furthermore, the meaning also includes a configuration where the recording medium is caused to maintain the stretched state by using the weight of the recording medium itself and the recording medium is fed by mainly using the drive force of the movable belt.

[0010] In addition, the description "that the recording medium is fed to the movable belt in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the movable belt" does not mean that the recording medium is fed after detection, whenever the load sensor detects the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value, as is in the feedback control in the related art. The description means that if the load sensor detects the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the recording medium is fed in synchronization with the intermittent movement after the movable belt is intermittently moved several times from the second time (that is, subsequent) movement, for example.

[0011] In this case, if on one occasion, the load sensor detects the load which is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value in the intermittent movement of the movable belt, it is possible to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in synchronization with the next intermittent movement of the movable belt. That is, in the next intermittent movement of the movable belt, it is possible to prevent the force from being applied to the feeding motor in a state where the motor is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the load from being accumulated in the feeding motor due to the repeated intermittent movement of the movable belt.

[0012] In this case, without decelerating the movement speed of the movable belt, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the feeding motor. Therefore, it is possible to prevent throughput from being decreased.

[0013] In the recording apparatus, the recording medium may have a roll shape. The feeding unit may feed the roll-shaped recording medium in response to a rotation drive of the feeding motor. In the first load reduction mode, during the intermittent movement of the movable belt, in the recording medium having the largest roll diameter which is supposed to be used, and the recording medium having the smallest roll diameter which is supposed to be used, the feeding motor may be driven under a drive condition where the recording medium maintains the stretched state and the load is smaller than the threshold value.

[0014] In this case, during the intermittent movement of the movable belt, for the recording medium having the largest roll diameter which is supposed to be used, and the recording medium having the smallest roll diameter which is supposed to be used, the feeding motor is driven under the drive condition where the recording medium maintains the stretched state. Therefore, even when using the recording medium having any roll diameter which is supposed to be used, it is possible to feed the recording medium in the stretched state of the recording medium.

[0015] In addition, in this case, during the intermittent movement of the movable belt, for the recording medium having the largest roll diameter which is supposed to be used, and the recording medium having the smallest roll diameter which is supposed to be used, the feeding motor is driven under the drive condition where the load is smaller than the threshold value. Therefore, even when using the recording medium having any roll diameter which is supposed to be used, it is possible to cause the load to be smaller than the threshold value.

[0016] The "drive condition" means a drive speed of the feeding motor, a rotation angle of the feeding motor and the like.

[0017] In the recording apparatus, when detecting the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value in the first load reduction mode, a second load reduction mode for decelerating a movement speed (in other words, reducing the speed) of the movable belt during the intermittent movement of the movable belt may be performed.

[0018] In this case, for example, when detecting the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value even in the first load reduction mode, such as when the roll-shaped recording medium adheres thereto in the roll shape and is unlikely to be fed, it is possible to perform the second load reduction mode during the intermittent movement of the movable belt. That is, it is possible to more effectively prevent the excessive load from being applied to the feeding motor which drives the feeding unit.

[0019] In the recording apparatus, when detecting the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value in the second load reduction mode, a third load reduction mode for driving the feeding motor and decelerating the movement speed of the movable belt may be performed so as to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the movable belt.

[0020] In this case, for example, when detecting the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value even in the first load reduction mode and the second load reduction mode, such as when the roll-shaped recording medium adheres thereto in the roll shape and is unlikely to be fed, it is possible to perform the third load reduction mode during the intermittent movement of the movable belt. That is, it is possible to more effectively prevent the excessive load from being applied to the feeding motor which drives the feeding unit.

[0021] In the recording apparatus, when the load sensor detects the load which is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, a fourth load reduction mode for decelerating an acceleration speed (in other words, reducing the acceleration of the belt) during the intermittent movement of the movable belt may be performed.

[0022] Here, the description of "decelerating the acceleration speed during the intermittent movement of the movable belt" means decelerating an acceleration speed in a state where the movable belt is stopped and then is caused to move during the intermittent movement of the movable belt. That is, it does not mean decelerating the maximum speed when the movable belt is moved.

[0023] In this case, the acceleration speed during the intermittent movement of the movable belt is decelerated. Accordingly, it is possible to more effectively prevent the load from being applied to the feeding motor during the intermittent movement. In addition, only the acceleration when the movable belt is moved is reduced and the maximum speed is not reduced. In this manner, it is possible to prevent throughput from being decreased.

[0024] In the recording apparatus, the movable belt may be an adhesive belt.

[0025] In the recording apparatus having the adhesive belt (belt having a coated adhesive which holds the recording medium by detachably adhering the recording medium on a surface for setting the recording medium) serving as the movable belt, it is possible to stably support the recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to preferably use the adhesive belt as the movable belt.

[0026] In this case, since the recording medium can be stably supported, it is possible to improve the quality of the recorded image.

[0027] In addition, in the recording apparatus including the adhesive belt, the recording medium firmly adheres to the adhesive belt. Accordingly, there is a tendency to increase the load which is applied to the feeding motor when the movable belt is moved. However, according to the aspect, even in the recording apparatus including the adhesive belt, it is possible to prevent the excessive load from being applied to the feeding motor.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a recording method using a recording apparatus which includes a transport mechanism that can intermittently move a movable belt capable of supporting a recording medium; a feeding unit that feeds the recording medium left in a stretched state to the movable belt by receiving tension from the recording medium in response to the intermittent movement of the movable belt; and a recording mechanism that performs recording by causing a recording head to reciprocate in a direction which intersects a transport direction of the recording medium, in which the feeding unit has a feeding motor serving as a drive source and a load sensor of the feeding motor which can detect a load based on the tension. The method includes driving the feeding motor so as to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the movable belt, when the load sensor detects the load which is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0029] According to the aspect, if on one occasion, the load sensor detects the load which is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value in the intermittent movement of the movable belt, it is possible to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in synchronization with the next intermittent movement of the movable belt. That is, in the next intermittent movement of the movable belt, it is possible to prevent the force from being applied to the feeding motor in a state where the motor is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the load from being accumulated in the feeding motor due to the repeated intermittent movement of the movable belt.

[0030] According to the aspect, without reducing the movement speed of the movable belt, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the feeding motor. Therefore, it is possible to prevent throughput from being decreased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating an embodiment of a recording apparatus of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the embodiment of the recording apparatus of the invention.

Figs. 3A to 3D illustrate first to third load reduction modes of the recording apparatus of the invention.

Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate a fourth load reduction mode of the recording apparatus of the invention.

Figs. 5A and 5B show a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a recording method of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment of Recording Apparatus (Figs. 1 to 4B)

[0032] Hereinafter, a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] First, the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention will be described. The recording apparatus of the embodiment has a configuration including an adhesive belt serving as a movable belt. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, an electrostatic adsorption type of movable belt can also be used.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a recording apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] The recording apparatus 1 of the embodiment includes a feeding unit 2 which can feed a roll R1 of a recording medium P for recording. In addition, the recording apparatus 1 includes a transport mechanism 3 which transports the recording medium P in a transport direction A by using an adhesive belt 10 serving as the movable belt. In addition, the recording apparatus 1 includes a recording mechanism 4 which performs recording by causing a recording head 7 to reciprocate in a scanning direction B which intersects the transport direction A of the recording medium P. In addition, the recording apparatus 1 includes a cleaning mechanism 15 of the adhesive belt 10. In addition, the recording apparatus 1 includes a winding mechanism 18 which has a winding shaft 17 for winding the recording medium P and a cutter 16 for cutting the wound recording medium P.

[0036] The feeding unit 2 includes a rotary shaft 5 serving as a setting position of the roll R1 of the recording medium P to be recorded. The feeding unit 2 is configured to be capable of feeding the recording medium P to the transport mechanism 3 from the roll R1 set in the rotary shaft 5 via a driven roller 6. When the recording medium P is fed to the transport mechanism 3, the rotary shaft 5 is rotated in a rotation direction C.

[0037] The rotary shaft 5 is rotatable by using a feeding motor 28 (refer to Fig. 2) as a drive source, and has a load sensor 36 (refer to Fig. 2) which can detect a load applied to the feeding motor 28 based on tension applied from the recording medium P in response to an intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10.

[0038] The transport mechanism 3 includes the adhesive belt 10 which performs transporting by placing the recording medium P delivered from the feeding unit 2 thereon, a transport roller 8 which moves the adhesive belt 10, and a driven roller 9. The recording medium P is pressed to the adhesive belt 10 by a pressure roller 12 so that the recording medium P adheres to and is placed on the adhesive belt 10. When the recording medium P is transported, the transport roller 8 is rotated in the rotation direction C.

[0039] The recording mechanism 4 has a recording head 7, a carriage (not illustrated) on which the recording head 7 is mounted, and a carriage motor 26 (refer to Fig. 2) which causes the carriage to reciprocate in the scanning direction B. The scanning direction B in Fig. 1 is a direction perpendicular to a paper surface in Fig. 1.

[0040] During the recording, the recording scan is performed by causing the recording head 7 to reciprocate. However, during the recording scan (during the movement of the recording head 7), the transport mechanism 3 stops transporting the recording medium P. In other words, during the recording, reciprocating scanning of the recording head 7 and transporting of the recording medium P are alternately performed. That is, during the recording, corresponding to the reciprocating scan of the recording head 7, the transport mechanism 3 intermittently transports the recording medium P.

[0041] The cleaning mechanism 15 of the adhesive belt 10 has a cleaning unit 13 configured so that multiple cleaning rollers are connected to one another in a rotary shaft direction, and a tray 14 which contains a cleaning agent for cleaning the cleaning unit 13.

[0042] The winding mechanism 18 is a mechanism for winding the recorded recording medium P which is transported from the transport mechanism 3 via a driven roller 11. The winding mechanism 18 can wind the recording medium P as a roll R2 by setting a winding paper tube in the winding shaft 17 and gradually winding the recording medium around the winding paper tube.

[0043] Next, an electrical configuration in the recording apparatus 1 of the embodiment will be described.

[0044] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the recording apparatus 1 of the embodiment.

[0045] A CPU 21 which performs overall controls of the recording apparatus 1 is disposed in a control unit 20. A ROM 23 which stores various control programs executed by the CPU 21, and a RAM 24 which can temporarily store data are connected to the CPU 21 via a system bus 22. In addition, the CPU 21 is connected to a head drive unit 25 for driving the recording head 7, via the system bus 22.

[0046] In addition, the CPU 21 is connected to a motor drive unit 32 for driving a carriage motor 26, a belt motor 27, the feeding motor 28 and a winding motor 29, via the system bus 22.

[0047] Here, the carriage motor 26 is a motor for moving the carriage on which the recording head 7 is mounted. In addition, the belt motor 27 is a motor for driving the transport roller 8. In addition, the feeding motor 28 is a rotary mechanism of the rotary shaft 5, and is a motor for driving the rotary shaft 5 in order to feed the recording medium P to the transport mechanism 3. Then, the winding motor 29 is a drive motor for rotating the winding shaft 17.

[0048] In addition, the CPU 21 is connected to a cutter drive unit 33 for driving a cutter 16 so as to cut the recording medium P, via the system bus 22.

[0049] Furthermore, the CPU 21 is connected to a monitor 34 and a control panel 35 which are disposed in the recording apparatus 1, a load sensor 36 which can detect a load applied to the feeding motor 28, and an interface 31 for inputting recording data from an external device such as a PC via an input and output unit 30 for transmitting and receiving data and signals.

[0050] The recording apparatus 1 of the embodiment has a first load reduction mode, a second load reduction mode, a third load reduction mode and a fourth load reduction mode in order to reduce the load applied to the feeding motor 28. Then, a program for executing these modes is stored in the ROM 23.

[0051] More specifically, in the first load reduction mode, when the load sensor 36 detects the load which is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 20 controls the feeding motor 28 to be driven so as to feed the recording medium P to the adhesive belt 10 in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, when the adhesive belt 10 is intermittently moved several times from the second time movement.

[0052] In addition, in the second load reduction mode, when the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected in the first load reduction mode, the control unit 20 controls to decelerate a movement speed of the adhesive belt 10 during the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, instead of feeding the recording medium P to the adhesive belt 10 in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, when the adhesive belt 10 is intermittently moved several times from the second time movement.

[0053] In addition, in the third load reduction mode, when the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected in the second load reduction mode, the control unit 20 controls to feed the recording medium P to the adhesive belt 10 in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, and controls to decelerate the movement speed of the adhesive belt 10 during the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, when the adhesive belt 10 is intermittently moved several times from the second time movement.

[0054] Then, in the fourth load reduction mode, when the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected in the third load reduction mode, the control unit 20 controls to decelerate an acceleration speed during the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, when the adhesive belt 10 is intermittently moved several times from the second time movement.

[0055] The recording apparatus 1 of the embodiment sequentially performs the first load reduction mode, the second load reduction mode, the third load reduction mode and the fourth load reduction mode, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, after performing the first load reduction mode, the third load reduction mode may be performed without performing the second load reduction mode. Alternatively, the fourth load reduction mode may be performed in combination with these modes.

[0056] Next, the first to third load reduction modes in the recording apparatus 1 of the embodiment will be described.

[0057] Figs. 3A to 3D illustrate the first to third load reduction modes.

[0058] Fig. 3A illustrates a movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 and a load L applied to the feeding motor 28 in the time corresponding thereto, when only a feedback control in the related art is performed as a load reduction mode.

[0059] In Fig. 3A, the load L applied to the feeding motor 28 corresponding to the movement start caused by the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10 reaches a peak, and thus, the load L at the peak is equal to or greater than a threshold value T1.

[0060] The threshold value T1 is a predetermined threshold value based on an allowable load, even when using the recording medium P having the largest roll diameter which is supposed to be used, and even when using the recording medium P having the smallest roll diameter which is supposed to be used. In addition, a threshold value T2 is a predetermined threshold value based on a condition that the recording medium P maintains a stretched state, even when using the recording medium P having the largest roll diameter which is supposed to be used, and even when using the recording medium P having the smallest roll diameter which is supposed to be used. That is, it is preferable that a range of the load L be equal to or greater than the threshold value T2, and smaller than the threshold value T1.

[0061] Fig. 3B illustrates the movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 and the load L applied to the feeding motor 28 in the time corresponding thereto, when performing the first load reduction mode.

[0062] In Fig. 3B, the feeding motor 28 is driven so as to feed the recording medium P to the adhesive belt 10 in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10. Therefore, the load L at the peak is smaller than the threshold value T1. That is, the range of the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2, and smaller than the threshold value T1, even at the peak.

[0063] Fig. 3C illustrates the movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 and the load L applied to the feeding motor 28 in the time corresponding thereto, when performing the second load reduction mode. In Fig. 3C, in a movement state during the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, the movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 is slower than the movement speed V in Fig. 3A.

[0064] In Fig. 3C, the belt motor 27 is driven so as to decelerate the movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 during the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10. Therefore, the load L at the peak is smaller than the threshold value T1. That is, the range of the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2, and smaller than the threshold value T1, even at the peak. It is possible to decrease a value of the load L at the peak as much as the movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 is decelerated.

[0065] Fig. 3D illustrates the movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 and the load L applied to the feeding motor 28 in the time corresponding thereto, when performing the third load reduction mode. Even in Fig. 3D, similar to Fig. 3C, in the movement state during the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, the movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 is slower than the movement speed V in Fig. 3A.

[0066] In Fig. 3D, the feeding motor 28 is driven so as to feed the recording medium P to the adhesive belt 10 in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, and the belt motor 27 is driven so as to decelerate the movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 during the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10. Therefore, the load L at the peak is smaller than the threshold value T1. That is, the range of the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2, and smaller than the threshold value T1, even at the peak. An advantageous effect in decreasing the value of the load L at the peak is more excellent than that of the first load reduction mode and the second load reduction mode.

[0067] Next, the fourth load reduction mode in the recording apparatus 1 of the embodiment will be described.

[0068] Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate the fourth load reduction mode.

[0069] The recording apparatus 1 of the embodiment performs the fourth load reduction mode after performing the first to third load reduction modes, or together with the first to third load reduction modes. However, a case will be described where the fourth load reduction mode is individually performed after performing the first to third load reduction modes.

[0070] Fig. 4A illustrates the movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 and the load L applied to the feeding motor 28 in the time corresponding thereto, when only the feedback control in the related art is performed as the load reduction mode. That is, since Fig. 4A is similar to Fig. 3A, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] Fig. 4B illustrates the movement speed V of the adhesive belt 10 and the load L applied to the feeding motor 28 in the time corresponding thereto, when performing the fourth load reduction mode. In Fig. 4B, an acceleration speed which is a change rate in the movement speed V when a stopped state is transferred to a movement state during the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10 is slower than that of Fig. 4A.

[0072] In Fig. 4B, the belt motor 27 is driven so as to decelerate the acceleration speed during the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10. Therefore, the load L at the peak is smaller than the threshold value T1. That is, the range of the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2, and smaller than the threshold value T1, even at the peak. It is possible to decrease the value of the load L at the peak as much as the acceleration speed during the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10 is decelerated.

[0073] Instead of not performing the feedback control in the related art, the above-described first to fourth load reduction modes are performed together with the feedback control in the related art. For example, in the first load reduction mode, the feeding motor 28 is driven so as to feed the recording medium P to the adhesive belt 10 in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10. However, after an initial operation of the feeding motor 28 which corresponds to the synchronization in each intermittent movement, the feedback control in the related art is performed.

Embodiment of Recording Method (Figs. 5A and 5B)

[0074] Next, a recording method of the embodiment will be described.

[0075] Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate a flowchart illustrating the recording method of the embodiment.

[0076] The recording method of the embodiment is an embodiment achieved by using the recording apparatus 1 of the above-described embodiment.

[0077] In the recording method of the embodiment, if the recording apparatus 1 has recording data input thereto, initially in step S110, the control unit 20 controls the adhesive belt 10 to intermittently move. The control unit 20 causes the load sensor 36 to input the load L applied to the feeding motor 28 at that time, and determines whether or not the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1.

[0078] In step S110, when it is determined that the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S120 to raise a flag for performing the first load reduction mode in the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10 from the second time movement. Specifically, in the first load reduction mode, during the second time (i.e. the subsequent) intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, the control unit 20 controls the drive of the feeding motor 28 so as to feed the recording medium P to the adhesive belt 10 in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10.

[0079] In step S110, when it is determined that the load L is smaller than the threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S130 in which the control unit 20 determines whether or not the recording of the recording data input to the recording apparatus 1 is completed. In step S130, when it is determined that the recording is not completed, the process returns to step S110 until it is determined that the recording is completed. When it is determined that the recording is completed, the recording method according to the embodiment is completed.

[0080] If the flag for performing the first load reduction mode is raised in step S120, it is determined whether or not the recording is completed in step S140. When it is determined that the recording is not completed, the process proceeds to step S150. When it is determined that the recording is completed, the recording method according to the embodiment is completed.

[0081] In step S150, the control unit 20 controls the adhesive belt 10 to intermittently move. The control unit 20 causes the load sensor 36 to input the load L applied to the feeding motor 28 at that time, and determines whether or not the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1.

[0082] In step S150, when it is determined that the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S160 to raise a flag for performing the second load reduction mode in the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10 from the second time movement. Specifically, in the second load reduction mode, during the second time (i.e. the subsequent) intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, the control unit 20 controls the drive of the belt motor 27 so as to decelerate the movement speed of the adhesive belt 10. In the embodiment, along with the second load reduction mode being performed, the drive control for the feeding motor 28 which is performed in the first load reduction mode is not performed. However, the recording method may be configured so that the drive control is performed.

[0083] In step S150, when it is determined that the load L is smaller than the threshold value T1, the process returns to step S140.

[0084] If the flag for performing the second load reduction mode is raised in step S160, in step S170, it is determined whether or not the recording is completed. When it is determined that the recording is not completed, the process proceeds to step S180. When it is determined that the recording is completed, the recording method according to the embodiment is completed.

[0085] In step S180, the control unit 20 controls the adhesive belt 10 to intermittently move. The control unit 20 causes the load sensor 36 to input the load L applied to the feeding motor 28 at that time, and determines whether or not the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1.

[0086] In step S180, when it is determined that the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S190 to raise a flag for performing the third load reduction mode in the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10 from the second time movement. Specifically, in the third load reduction mode, during the second time (i.e. the subsequent) intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, the control unit 20 controls the drive of the feeding motor 28 so as to feed the recording medium P to the adhesive belt 10 in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, and controls the drive of the belt motor 27 so as to decelerate the movement speed of the adhesive belt 10.

[0087] In step S180, when it is determined that the load L is smaller than the threshold value T1, the process returns to step S170.

[0088] If the flag for performing the third load reduction mode is raised in step S190, in step S200, it is determined whether or not the recording is completed. When it is determined that the recording is not completed, the process proceeds to step S210. When it is determined that the recording is completed, the recording method according to the embodiment is completed.

[0089] In step S210, the control unit 20 controls the adhesive belt 10 to intermittently move. The control unit 20 causes the load sensor 36 to input the load L applied to the feeding motor 28 at that time, and determines whether or not the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1.

[0090] In step S210, when it is determined that the load L is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S220 to raise a flag for performing the fourth load reduction mode in the intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10 from the second time movement. Specifically, in the fourth load reduction mode, during the second time (i.e. the subsequent) intermittent movement of the adhesive belt 10, the control unit 20 controls the drive of the belt motor 27 so as to reduce the acceleration of the adhesive belt 10 during the intermittent movement. In the embodiment, the fourth load reduction mode is performed after the first to third load reduction modes are performed. However, the recording method may be configured so that the fourth load reduction mode is performed together with one or more of the first to third load reduction modes being performed.

[0091] In step S210, when it is determined that the load L is smaller than the threshold value T1, the process returns to step S200.

[0092] If the flag for performing the fourth load reduction mode is raised in step S220, in step S230, it is determined whether or not the recording is completed, and the recording is performed in the fourth load reduction mode until it is determined that the recording is completed. When it is determined that the recording is completed, the recording method according to the embodiment is completed.

[0093] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of further example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Claims

1. A recording apparatus (1) comprising:

a transport mechanism (3) that can intermittently move a movable belt (10) capable of supporting a recording medium (P);

a feeding unit (2) for feeding the recording medium left in a stretched state to the movable belt by receiving tension from the recording medium in response to the intermittent movement of the movable belt; and

a recording mechanism (4) for performing recording by causing a recording head (7) to reciprocate in a direction (B) which intersects a transport direction (A) of the recording medium,

wherein the feeding unit has a feeding motor (28) serving as a drive source and a load sensor (36) of the feeding motor which can detect a load based on the tension, and

wherein when the load sensor detects a load which is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (T1) in the intermittent movement of the movable belt, the printer is adapted to perform a first load reduction mode for driving the feeding motor so as to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the movable belt.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the recording medium has a roll shape,
wherein the feeding unit is adapted to feed the roll-shaped recording medium in response to a rotation drive of the feeding motor, and
wherein in the first load reduction mode, during the intermittent movement of the movable belt, for the recording medium having the largest roll diameter which is supposed to be used, and the recording medium having the smallest roll diameter which is supposed to be used, the feeding motor is arranged to be driven under a drive condition where the recording medium maintains the stretched state and the load is smaller than the threshold value.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2,
wherein when detecting the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value in the first load reduction mode, the printer is adapted to perform a second load reduction mode for reducing a movement speed of the movable belt during the intermittent movement of the movable belt.

4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein when detecting the load which is equal to or greater than the threshold value in the second load reduction mode, the printer is adapted to perform a third load reduction mode for driving the feeding motor and reducing the movement speed of the movable belt so as to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the movable belt.

5. The recording apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein when the load sensor detects the load which is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the printer is adapted to perform a fourth load reduction mode for reducing an acceleration during the intermittent movement of the movable belt.

6. The recording apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the movable belt is an adhesive belt.

7. A recording method using a recording apparatus (1) which includes a transport mechanism (3) that can intermittently move a movable belt (10) capable of supporting a recording medium; a feeding unit (3) that feeds the recording medium left in a stretched state to the movable belt by receiving tension from the recording medium in response to the intermittent movement of the movable belt; and a recording mechanism (4) that performs recording by causing a recording head (7) to reciprocate in a direction (B) which intersects a transport direction (A) of the recording medium, in which the feeding unit has a feeding motor (28) serving as a drive source and a load sensor (36) of the feeding motor which can detect a load based on the tension, the method comprising:

driving the feeding motor so as to feed the recording medium to the movable belt in synchronization with the intermittent movement of the movable belt, when the load sensor detects the load which is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Drawing