JP2000127543A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption of a stepping motor due to excitation by counting the stop time of the stepping motor or a unit corresponding thereto and releasing excitation of the stepping motor when the count reaches a predetermined reference value. SOLUTION: An SRAM 202 is provided at a control section 112 in order to store the clock interruption time or a count, i.e., the number of count steps, representative of some time. The counter in the SRAM 202 performs up-count when an LF stepping motor 109 stops and a current count is compared with a predetermined threshold value. If the current count is higher than the threshold value, excitation of the LF stepping motor 109 is released. Since excitation is released upon elapsing a predetermined reference time after stoppage of the LF stepping motor 109, temperature rise and power consumption can be suppressed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a recording apparatus having a stepping motor as a driving source.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a stepping motor has been used as a driving source for a reciprocating carriage of a serial printer and a paper feed mechanism, a CR step motor has been used for reciprocating the carriage, and an LF step motor has been used for driving the paper feeding mechanism. A motor is used.

In this serial printer, the carriage reciprocation and the paper feed mechanism are stopped at predetermined positions so that the next printing is performed from a predetermined position. When each mechanism is stopped, these step motors are excited. A state is taken and the stop position is maintained.

The reason why such a method is adopted is that if each mechanism cannot hold the stop position, the following problems will occur. In other words, when the paper feed mechanism is stopped at a predetermined position and some external force is applied to the paper feed mechanism and the paper feed mechanism moves from a predetermined position, printing may overlap or a blank space may appear. This is because the print quality deteriorates. On the other hand, in the case of the carriage reciprocating mechanism, the positional deviation is suddenly performed at the time of the next ramp-up, and adverse effects such as an increase in the reverse sound of the carriage occur.

[0005]

However, if the stepping motor is left in the excited state, there is a problem that the power consumption of the motor and the motor driver increases and heat is generated.

As a method for solving such a problem,
For example, one described in JP-A-2-69281 is known. In this method, the application of the voltage is stopped by detecting that there is no printing paper in the printer, but according to this method, when the printing paper is present in the printer, the motor continues to operate. Energized, for example, when a large amount of print data is processed in a fed state,
When the host hangs up, there is a problem that power is continuously consumed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus which can solve the above-mentioned problems and can reduce power consumption due to excitation of a step motor.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for holding excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor as a driving source is stopped. Counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the above, and excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when the stop time counted by the counting means becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined reference time or reference count value. It is characterized by having.

In the first aspect, the step motor may be a step motor for sub-scanning a print medium.

[0010] In the first aspect, the step motor may be a step motor for causing the print head to perform main scanning.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for maintaining the excitation of a step motor while the step motor as a driving source is stopped, wherein a motor temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the step motor; Based on a predetermined equation representing a relationship in which the excitation release time or the excitation release count value decreases as the temperature of the step motor increases,
Calculating means for calculating an excitation release time or an excitation release count value from the temperature detected by the motor temperature detection means; and determining a reference time or a reference count value based on the excitation release time or the excitation release count value calculated by the calculation means. Changing means for changing at the timing of, a counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the stepping motor, and a stop time or count value counted by the counting means being a reference value changed by the changing means. An excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when the time or the reference count value is exceeded.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for maintaining excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor is stopped, wherein the higher the temperature of the step motor, the longer the excitation release time or the excitation release. Storing means for storing the correspondence relationship in which the count value becomes smaller as a table; motor temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the step motor; and excitation release time or release corresponding to the temperature detected by the motor temperature detecting means. Changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing with the de-energized time or the de-energized count value taken out from the storing means, and corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor; Counting means for counting units; Counted stop time or count value, characterized by comprising an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it becomes changed reference time or more than the reference count value by said changing means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for maintaining the excitation of a step motor while the step motor as a driving source is stopped, wherein the driver detects the temperature of a motor driver for driving the step motor. A temperature detection means and an excitation release time or an excitation release time based on a temperature detected by the driver temperature detection means, based on a predetermined expression representing a relation that the excitation release time or the excitation release count value decreases as the temperature of the motor driver increases. Calculating means for calculating the count value; changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value with the excitation release time or the excitation release count value calculated by the calculating means;
Counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the stepping motor, and the stop time or count value counted by the count means is greater than or equal to the reference time or reference count value changed by the change means. And a step of releasing the excitation of the stepping motor.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus, the excitation of the step motor is maintained while the step motor as the driving source is stopped, and the excitation becomes higher as the temperature of the motor driver driving the step motor becomes higher. Storing means for storing a table showing a correspondence relationship in which the release time or the excitation release count value becomes smaller; driver temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the motor driver; and excitation corresponding to the temperature detected by the driver temperature detecting means. Changing means for changing the reference time or reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the release time or the excitation release count value from the storing means, and using the extracted release time or excitation release count value, and the step motor stop time or Counting hands that count units equivalent to time And excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when the stop time or the count value counted by the counting means becomes equal to or longer than the reference time or the reference count value changed by the changing means. It is characterized by the following.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for holding excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor as a driving source is stopped, wherein a power supply temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of a power supply of the recording apparatus. And calculating the excitation release time or the excitation release count value from the temperature detected by the power supply temperature detection means, based on a predetermined expression representing a relationship that the excitation release time or the excitation release count value becomes smaller as the temperature of the power supply becomes higher. Calculating means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the excitation release time or the excitation release count value calculated by the calculation means; and a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor. Counting means for counting the stop time or the count counted by the counting means. But it is characterized in that an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is changed reference time or more reference count value by said changing means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for maintaining excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor as a driving source is stopped. Storing means for storing the correspondence in which the excitation release count value becomes smaller as a table, power supply temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the power supply, and excitation release time corresponding to the temperature of the power supply detected by the power supply temperature detection means Or, changing means for taking out the excitation release count value from the storage means, and changing the reference time or reference count value at a predetermined timing with the taken out excitation release time or excitation release count value,
Counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the stepping motor, and the stop time or count value counted by the count means is greater than or equal to the reference time or reference count value changed by the change means. And a step of releasing the excitation of the stepping motor.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for holding an excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor as a driving source is stopped. An excitation release time or an excitation release count value is calculated from the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature detection means, based on a predetermined equation representing a relationship that the excitation release time or the excitation release count value becomes smaller as the ambient temperature becomes higher. Calculating means;
Changing means for changing the reference time or reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the excitation release time or the excitation release count value calculated by the calculation means, and counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor And excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when the stop time or the count value counted by the counting means becomes equal to or longer than the reference time or the reference count value changed by the changing means. It is characterized by the following.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for maintaining the excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor as a driving source is stopped. Storing means for storing a correspondence in which the release count value is reduced in a table, an ambient temperature detecting means for detecting the ambient temperature, and an excitation release time or excitation release corresponding to the ambient temperature detected by the atmospheric temperature detecting means Changing means for taking out the count value from the storing means, changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing with the taken-out excitation release time or the taken-out excitation release count value, and a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor; Counting means for counting Outage time or count value, characterized by comprising an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is more changed reference time or reference count value by said changing means.

A recording apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a recording apparatus for holding the excitation of the step motor while the step motor as a driving source is stopped, wherein the temperature of the step motor is estimated from the power consumption of the step motor. A temperature estimating means, and an excitation release time or an excitation release time based on the temperature estimated by the temperature estimating means, based on a predetermined equation representing a relation that the excitation release time or the excitation release count value decreases as the temperature of the step motor becomes higher. Calculating means for calculating the count value; changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the excitation release time or the excitation release count value calculated by the calculating means; and the stop time or time of the step motor Counting means for counting a unit corresponding to Cement outage time or count value, characterized by comprising an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is changed reference time or more reference count value by said changing means.

In a recording apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus for holding the excitation of the step motor as a driving source while the step motor is stopped, the excitation release time or the excitation release count value increases as the estimated temperature increases. A storing means for storing the correspondence that becomes smaller as a table,
Temperature estimating means for estimating the temperature of the step motor from the power consumption of the step motor, and an excitation release time or an excitation release count value corresponding to the temperature estimated by the temperature estimating means are taken out from the storage means. Changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the excitation release time or the excitation release count value; counting means for counting a release count value corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor; When the stop time or the count value counted by the above becomes equal to or longer than the reference time or the reference count value changed by the changing means, the motor further comprises an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor. .

In the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the temperature estimating means obtains the power consumption of the step motor from a unit corresponding to a drive time or time of the step motor in a unit interval corresponding to a predetermined time or time. Can be.

In the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the temperature estimating means can obtain the power consumption of the step motor from the print data amount.

In any one of claims 1 to 15,
A recording head for image formation, which performs recording by discharging ink from discharge ports using thermal energy, and includes a thermal energy generating element for generating thermal energy for discharging the ink. It can have a head.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
An embodiment will be described. This is an example of a serial type inkjet printer equipped with a recording head with an ink tank. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 107 denotes a conveyance roller for conveying a print medium in the sub-scanning direction. 10
Reference numeral 9 denotes an LF step motor,
Is used to drive the transport roller 107.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a guide shaft, which is provided along the transport roller 107 and guides a recording head / carriage (hereinafter, referred to as a recording head) 101 in the main scanning direction. Chassis 103
It is fixed to. The recording head 101 has a bearing 101a.
Are slidable with respect to the guide shaft 102.
A belt 104 is stretched between a drive pulley on the CR step motor 105 side and an idle pulley 106, and the belt 104 and the recording head 101 are connected.

A control unit 112 controls the drive of the LF step motor 109 and the CR step motor 105 and also controls the drive of the recording head 101.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a paper feed tray, and the print medium 11
1 for stacking. Paper tray 11
0, the print medium 111 is fed by a pickup mechanism (not shown) at the start of printing.
1 is conveyed by the conveying roller 107 in the sub-scanning direction by an appropriate feed amount at any time in synchronization with the reciprocating movement of the carriage 101, and printing is performed. After printing, print medium 111
Is discharged by the conveying roller 107 and a discharge mechanism (not shown).

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the control section 112 of FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numerals 101, 105, and 109 correspond to those in FIG.
The same parts are shown. 203 is ROM (read only memor)
y), and the control program and the threshold value tr are stored. The threshold value tr is such that the excitation voltage and current are sufficiently small,
When heat generation of the motor or the like is suppressed even by long-time excitation, it is preferable to set the value as small as possible without impairing motor operation in order to suppress power consumption. Further, when the excitation voltage and current are large and the heat generation of the step motor or the like becomes a problem due to the long-time excitation, the threshold value tr is set to a value that does not cause a problem due to the heat generation even at the usage limit ambient temperature.

Reference numeral 202 denotes an SRAM (static random access).
memory), and the counter value tn is stored,
A counter is configured, and the counting unit of the counter is, for example, a time such as a clock interrupt time or the number of count steps representing a certain time. Here, for simplicity, the count unit is a time unit of one.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU (central processing uni
t), and according to the control program in the ROM 203,
CR step motor 10 via motor driver 204
5 and the drive of the LF step motor 109 via the motor driver 205 to control the drive of the recording head 101. When the CPU 201 releases the excitation once and drives the step motor again,
In order to prevent the displacement of the step motor driving start position, the excitation is performed again or the step motor is adjusted.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the LF step motor drive control program stored in the ROM 203 of FIG. The LF step motor 109 is driven, the print medium 111 is transported by the transport roller 107 to the printing start position, and the drive of the LF step motor 109 is stopped (the LF step motor 10 during the drive stop).
9 remains excited) (step S3 during the conveyance)
01 until it stops (S30)
1). If it is determined in step S301 that the LF step motor has stopped, the counter in the SRAM 202 is reset, that is, tn is set to 0 (S302).
The counter increments by one count (S303), and it is determined whether or not the LF step motor 109 is stopped (S304). Here, the count unit is, for example, a time such as a clock interruption time or the number of count steps representing a certain time. If it is determined that the LF step motor 109 is still stopped, that is, if the recording head 101 is performing a print scan, it is determined whether the relationship between the current count number tn and the count threshold tr is tn ≧ tr. A determination is made (S305). For example, by calculating the threshold tr = 100 in advance by an experimental value or calculation, in this case, the current count number tn is 1
Therefore, a negative determination is made and the process returns to step S303.

Thereafter, each time the counter counts up by one count, the LF step motor 109
It is determined whether or not is stopped (S304). When it is determined that the LF step motor 109 is not stopped, that is, when the print scan is completed and the print medium 111 is conveyed to the next print position by the LF step motor 109, the counter is disabled. (S307), and then return to step S301. On the other hand, if it is determined that the LF step motor 109 is stopped (S304), and if it is determined that the relationship between the current count number tn and the count threshold tr is tn ≧ tr (S305), the LF step motor 109 is stopped. The excitation is released (S306).

The current count number tn and count threshold tr
Is satisfied, for example, after the printing is completed and the driving of the LF step motor 109 for discharging the paper is completed, or after the printing medium 111 is transported to the next printing position. There are cases where a lot of time is spent processing data, and cases where the host computer hangs up. In such a case, the excitation is released.

As described above, when the predetermined reference time elapses after the stop of the LF step motor 109, the excitation is released, so that the temperature rise and the power consumption of the LF step motor 109 and the motor driver 205 can be suppressed. Can be.

The determination as to whether or not the step motor is stopped in step 304 may be made at a certain count interval.

In this embodiment, an example in which the threshold value tr is adopted as the threshold value, that is, an example in which one threshold value is set has been described. However, a plurality of threshold values are provided depending on the operation sequence and the state of various sensors. Using the threshold value
The timing of the excitation release may be switched.

Although the example of the LF step motor 109 has been described above, the excitation of the CR step motor 105 can be canceled essentially in the same manner, and the description is omitted. When the present invention is applied to the LF step motor 109,
By maintaining the stop position of the LF step motor 109, image quality can be maintained, temperature rise can be prevented, and power consumption can be reduced.
When applied to 5, the impact noise at the time of carriage reversal due to holding of the stop position of the CR step motor 105 can be mitigated, temperature rise can be prevented, and power consumption can be reduced.

Further, the present invention is applied to a CR step motor 10.
5. It can be applied to one or both of the LF step motors 109, and can also be applied to other recovery motors, paper feed motors, paper discharge motors, etc. singly or in combination.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
An embodiment will be described. In FIG. 4, the same parts as those in FIG. A temperature sensor 401 detects the temperature of the CR step motor 105 in cooperation with the CPU 501 (FIG. 5). Reference numeral 402 denotes a temperature sensor, which is LF in cooperation with the CPU 501 (FIG. 5).
The temperature of the step motor 109 is detected. 4
Reference numeral 12 denotes a control unit,
9 and the drive of the CR step motor 105 and the print head 101.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the control section 412 of FIG. In FIG. 5, 105, 109, 202, 20
Reference numerals 4,205 denote the same parts as in FIG. 503 is EEPR
OM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM)
And the control program and the threshold value trn are stored. Reference numeral 501 denotes a CPU which controls the drive of the CR step motor 105 via the motor driver 204 and the LF step motor 109 via the motor driver 205 in accordance with a control program of the EEPROM 503.
Is driven to control the recording head 101, and a threshold value corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 401 and 402 is calculated from a predetermined formula.
The threshold trn of the ROM 503 is changed at a predetermined timing. It is desirable to change the threshold value trn at a timing at which the temperature of the step motor can be reflected almost in real time, such as when resetting the counter tn (S302 in FIG. 3) or when comparing with the threshold value (S305 in FIG. 3). However, the present invention is not limited to this.

The above-mentioned predetermined equation is, for example, a relation shown in FIG. 6, that is, the LF step motor 109 (or C
Since the function expression represents a relationship that the excitation release time becomes shorter as the temperature of the R step motor 105 becomes higher, the LF step motor 109 (or the CR step motor 10
When the temperature of 5) has risen, the time until the excitation is released is shortened, and the LF step motor 109 and the CR step motor 105, the motor driver 204,
Excessive temperature rise with 205 can be prevented.

<Third Embodiment> This embodiment is a second embodiment.
In comparison with the third embodiment, the method of changing the threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 is different. That is, in the second embodiment, the threshold value corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 401 and 402 is calculated from a predetermined formula, and the calculated threshold value is used to change the threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 at a predetermined timing. I did it.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the LF step motor 109 (or the CR step motor 10
The correspondence relationship in which the threshold value decreases as the temperature increases in 5) is stored in the EEPROM 503 as a table,
From this EEPROM 503, the temperature sensors 401, 40
2, the threshold value corresponding to the temperature detected is taken out, and the threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 is changed with the taken out threshold value. Therefore, the present embodiment can provide the same effects as those of the second embodiment.

<Fourth Embodiment> This embodiment is a second embodiment.
Speaking of a comparison with this embodiment, the method for obtaining the threshold is different. That is, in the second embodiment, the temperature sensor 4
01 (or temperature sensor 402)
A threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the R step motor 105 (or the LF step motor 109) is calculated from a predetermined formula, and the calculated threshold value is used as the threshold value tr of the EEPROM 503.
n is changed at a predetermined timing.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the temperatures of the motor drivers 204 and 205 are detected by a temperature sensor (not shown), and a threshold value corresponding to the detected temperature is calculated from a predetermined formula. And the EEPROM 503
Is changed at a predetermined timing. The predetermined expression in the present embodiment is a function expression representing a relationship in which the threshold value decreases as the temperature of motor driver 205 (or motor driver 204) increases. Therefore, the present embodiment can provide the same effects as those of the second embodiment.

<Fifth Embodiment> This embodiment is a fourth embodiment.
In comparison with the third embodiment, the method of changing the threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 is different. That is, in the fourth embodiment, a threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the motor drivers 204 and 205 detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) is calculated from a predetermined formula, and the calculated threshold value is used as the EEPR.
The threshold value trn of the OM 503 is changed at a predetermined timing.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the correspondence relationship in which the threshold value decreases as the temperature of the motor driver 205 (or the motor driver 204) increases becomes stored in the EEPROM 503 as a table.
A threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the motor driver 205 (or motor driver 204) detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) is extracted from the PROM 503, and the threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 is changed with the extracted threshold value. Therefore, the present embodiment can provide the same effects as the fourth embodiment.

<Sixth Embodiment> This embodiment relates to the second embodiment.
Speaking of a comparison with this embodiment, the method for obtaining the threshold is different. That is, in the second embodiment, the temperature sensor 4
01 (or temperature sensor 402)
A threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the R step motor 105 (or the LF step motor 109) is calculated from a predetermined formula, and the calculated threshold value is used as the threshold value tr of the EEPROM 503.
n is changed at a predetermined timing. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the temperature of a power supply (not shown) of the apparatus is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown), and a threshold value corresponding to the detected temperature is calculated from a predetermined equation. , The threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 is changed at a predetermined timing. The predetermined expression in the present embodiment is a function expression representing a relationship in which the threshold value decreases as the temperature of a power supply (not shown) increases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent an excessive rise in temperature of the power supply of the present apparatus.

<Seventh Embodiment> This embodiment relates to a sixth embodiment.
In comparison with the third embodiment, the method of changing the threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 is different. That is, in the sixth embodiment, the threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the power supply (not shown) of the apparatus detected by the temperature sensor (not shown) is calculated from a predetermined formula, and the calculated threshold value is used as the EEPROM 50.
The threshold value trn of No. 3 is changed at a predetermined timing.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the correspondence relationship in which the threshold value becomes smaller as the temperature of the power supply (not shown) becomes higher is stored in the EEPROM 503 as a table, and the correspondence is detected by the temperature sensor (not shown). In addition, a threshold value corresponding to the temperature of a power supply (not shown) of the apparatus is extracted, and the extracted threshold value is used as the EEPR.
The threshold value trn of the OM 503 is changed. Therefore, the present embodiment can provide the same effects as the sixth embodiment.

<Eighth Embodiment> This embodiment relates to a second embodiment.
Speaking of a comparison with this embodiment, the method for obtaining the threshold is different. That is, in the second embodiment, the temperature sensor 4
01 (or temperature sensor 402)
A threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the R step motor 105 (or the LF step motor 109) is calculated from a predetermined formula, and the calculated threshold value is used as the threshold value tr of the EEPROM 503.
n is changed at a predetermined timing. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the ambient temperature is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) (for example, the ambient temperature of the printer is detected at the time of soft power on), and a threshold value corresponding to the detected ambient temperature is set to a predetermined value. The threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 is changed at a predetermined timing using the calculated threshold value. The predetermined expression in the present embodiment is a function expression representing a relationship in which the threshold value decreases as the ambient temperature increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent an excessive rise in temperature of the atmosphere.

<Ninth Embodiment> This embodiment relates to an eighth embodiment.
In comparison with the third embodiment, the method of changing the threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 is different. That is, in the eighth embodiment, a threshold value corresponding to the ambient temperature detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) is calculated from a predetermined formula, and the calculated threshold value is used to change the threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 at a predetermined timing. I did it.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the correspondence relationship in which the threshold value becomes smaller as the ambient temperature becomes higher is stored as a table in the EEPROM 503,
A threshold value corresponding to the ambient temperature detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) is extracted from the EPROM 503, and the threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 is changed by the extracted threshold value. Therefore, the present embodiment can provide the same effects as the eighth embodiment.

<Tenth Embodiment> This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that an EEPROM 503 is used.
Is different in the method of changing the threshold value trn. That is, in the second embodiment, the threshold value corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 401 and 402 is calculated from a predetermined formula, and the calculated threshold value is used to change the threshold value trn of the EEPROM 503 at a predetermined timing. I did it.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the LF step motor 109 (or the CR step motor 10
The temperature of the LF step motor 109 (or the CR step motor 105) is estimated from the power consumption of 5), a threshold corresponding to the estimated temperature is calculated from a predetermined formula, and the calculated threshold is used as the threshold trn of the EEPROM 503. Is changed at a predetermined timing.

LF step motor 109 (or CR
The power consumption of the step motor 105) can be obtained from the drive time of the LF step motor 109 (or the CR step motor 105) within a predetermined time interval, and can be obtained from the print data amount.

Further, since the above-mentioned predetermined equation is a function equation representing a relation that the excitation release time becomes shorter as the estimated temperature becomes higher, the present embodiment can provide the same effect as the second embodiment. it can.

<Eleventh Embodiment> This embodiment is different from the tenth embodiment in that an EEPROM 50 is used.
3 is different in the method of changing the threshold value trn. That is, the first
In an embodiment of the present invention, a threshold value corresponding to the estimated temperature is calculated from a predetermined formula, and the calculated threshold value is used as the threshold value of the EEPROM 50.
The threshold value trn of No. 3 is changed at a predetermined timing.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a correspondence relationship in which the threshold value becomes smaller as the estimated temperature becomes higher is stored in the EEPROM 503 as a table.
The threshold corresponding to the estimated temperature is extracted from the PROM 503, and the extracted threshold is used as the threshold tr of the EEPROM 503.
n was changed. Therefore, this embodiment is the first embodiment.
The same effects as in the embodiment of FIG.

In the excitation release method according to the seventh to eleventh embodiments described above, the excitation time is desired to be set long, but a large holding torque is required as the holding torque of the step motor, and the temperature of the motor or the like at the time of excitation is increased. It is particularly effective when the rise is significant.

[0062]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the above configuration is adopted, the power consumption of the stepping motor can be reduced and the heat generation can be suppressed.

According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, since the above-described configuration is employed, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the step motor and prevent an excessive rise in temperature.

According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the power supply of the step motor can be reduced and the temperature of the step motor and the motor driver can be prevented from being excessively increased. it can.

According to the eighth and ninth aspects of the present invention, since the above-described configuration is employed, the power consumption of the step motor can be reduced, and the temperature of the step motor, the motor driver, and the power supply can be prevented from being excessively increased. be able to.

According to the present invention, the power consumption of the step motor can be reduced, and the excessive temperature rise of the step motor, the motor driver, the power supply and the atmosphere can be prevented. Can be prevented.

According to the twelfth and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, since the above construction is adopted, the power consumption of the step motor can be reduced without using a means for detecting the temperature, and the excessive temperature rise can be prevented. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit 112 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an LF step motor drive control program stored in a ROM 203 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit 412 in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a threshold tr based on the temperature of the LF step motor 109;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a graph used to obtain n.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Recording head / carriage 105 CR step motor 109 LF step motor 201 CPU 202 SRAM 203 ROM 204, 205 Motor driver 401, 402 Temperature sensor

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AQ05 HH11 HJ02 HJ05 HK10 HK11 HK23 HN15 2C480 CA01 CA02 CA45 CB03 CB42 EA30 EA31 5H580 AA05 BB01 BB05 FA01 FA10 FA13 FA14 FB05 FD13 FD16 GG04 GG04 GG08

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus for holding the excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor is stopped, a counting means for counting a stop time of the step motor or a unit corresponding to the time; A recording apparatus comprising: excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when the counted stop time or count value becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined reference time or reference count value. 2. A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said step motor is a step motor for sub-scanning a print medium. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the step motor is a step motor that causes a print head to perform main scanning. 4. A recording apparatus for holding excitation of a step motor while the step motor as a driving source is stopped, comprising: a motor temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the step motor; Calculating means for calculating the excitation release time or the excitation release count value from the temperature detected by the motor temperature detection means, based on a predetermined equation representing a relationship in which the release time or the excitation release count value becomes smaller; Changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the set excitation release time or the excitation release count value; counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor; The stop time or count value counted by Recording apparatus characterized by comprising an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is changed reference time or more reference count value by means. 5. A recording apparatus for holding excitation of a step motor as a drive source while the step motor is stopped, wherein a table shows a correspondence relationship in which the higher the temperature of the step motor, the smaller the excitation release time or the excitation release count value. Storing means, and a motor temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the step motor, and an excitation release time or an excitation release count value corresponding to the temperature detected by the motor temperature detecting means are taken out from the storing means, Changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the extracted excitation release time or the excitation release count value; counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor; If the stop time counted by the counting means Recording apparatus characterized by the count value, and a excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is changed reference time or more reference count value by said changing means. 6. A recording device for holding excitation of a step motor as a drive source while the step motor is stopped, comprising: driver temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of a motor driver for driving the step motor; Calculation means for calculating the excitation release time or the excitation release count value from the temperature detected by the driver temperature detection means, based on a predetermined equation representing a relationship in which the excitation release time or the excitation release count value becomes smaller as the temperature becomes higher, Changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value with the excitation release time or the excitation release count value calculated by the calculation means; counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor; Stop time or count value counted by means The recording apparatus characterized by comprising an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is changed reference time or more reference count value by said changing means. 7. A recording apparatus for maintaining excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor is stopped, wherein the higher the temperature of the motor driver driving the step motor, the smaller the excitation release time or the excitation release count value. Storing means for storing a correspondence relationship as a table; driver temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the motor driver; and an excitation release time or an excitation release count value corresponding to the temperature detected by the driver temperature detection means. Changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the excitation release time or the excitation release count value taken out from the storage means, and a count for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor. Means, and the counting means Recording means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when the stopped time or count value which has been counted is equal to or longer than the reference time or reference count value changed by the change means. apparatus. 8. A recording apparatus that maintains excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor is stopped, comprising: a power supply temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of a power supply of the recording apparatus; Calculation means for calculating the excitation release time or the excitation release count value from the temperature detected by the power supply temperature detection means, based on a predetermined equation representing a relationship in which the excitation release time or the excitation release count value becomes smaller, Changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the calculated excitation release time or excitation release count value; counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor; The stop time or count value counted by the means is changed by the changing means. Recording apparatus characterized by comprising an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is the reference time or more reference count value was. 9. A recording apparatus that maintains excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor is stopped, wherein the higher the temperature of the power supply of the recording apparatus, the smaller the excitation release time or the excitation release count value. A power supply temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the power supply, and an excitation release time or an excitation release count value corresponding to the temperature of the power supply detected by the power supply temperature detecting means. Change means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing with the taken-out excitation release time or the take-off release count value, and counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor. The stop time or count value counted by the counting means The recording apparatus characterized by comprising an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is changed reference time or more reference count value by said changing means. 10. A recording apparatus that maintains excitation of a step motor as a drive source while the step motor is stopped, wherein: an ambient temperature detecting means for detecting an ambient temperature of the recording apparatus; Calculating means for calculating the excitation release time or the excitation release count value from the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature detecting means, based on a predetermined equation representing the relationship that the time or the excitation release count value becomes smaller, Changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the set excitation release time or the excitation release count value; counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor; The stop time or count value counted by Recording apparatus characterized by comprising an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is changed reference time or more reference count value by. 11. A recording apparatus for maintaining excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor is stopped, the correspondence relation that the excitation release time or the excitation release count value decreases as the ambient temperature of the recording apparatus increases. A storage unit stored as a table, an ambient temperature detection unit for detecting the ambient temperature, and an excitation release time or an excitation release count value corresponding to the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature detection unit, taken out of the store unit, Changing means for changing the reference time or reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the extracted excitation release time or excitation release count value; counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor; Stop time or cow counted by means DOO value, recording apparatus characterized by comprising an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is more changed reference time or reference count value by said changing means. 12. A recording apparatus for holding excitation of a step motor as a driving source while the step motor is stopped, a temperature estimating means for estimating a temperature of the step motor from power consumption of the step motor; Calculation means for calculating the excitation release time or the excitation release count value from the temperature estimated by the temperature estimating means, based on a predetermined equation representing a relationship in which the excitation release time or the excitation release count value decreases as the temperature of the temperature increases, Changing means for changing the reference time or the reference count value at a predetermined timing based on the excitation release time or the excitation release count value calculated by the calculation means; and a counting means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor. The stop time counted by the counting means or Count value is, the recording apparatus characterized by comprising an excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is more changed reference time or reference count value by said changing means. 13. A recording apparatus for holding the excitation of a step motor as a drive source while the step motor is stopped, wherein a table is used to store a correspondence relationship in which the excitation release time or the excitation release count value becomes smaller as the estimated temperature becomes higher. Storing means, a temperature estimating means for estimating the temperature of the step motor from the power consumption of the step motor, and an excitation release time or an excitation release count value corresponding to the temperature estimated by the temperature estimating means. Change means for changing the reference time or reference count value at a predetermined timing with the taken-out excitation release time or the take-off release count value, and a count means for counting a unit corresponding to the stop time or time of the step motor, If the stop time counted by the counting means Recording apparatus characterized by the count value, and a excitation canceling means for canceling the excitation of the step motor when it is changed reference time or more reference count value by said changing means. 14. The temperature estimating means according to claim 12, wherein the temperature estimating means calculates the power consumption of the step motor from a unit corresponding to the drive time or time of the step motor in a unit interval corresponding to a predetermined time or time. A recording device characterized in that it is obtained. 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the temperature estimating unit obtains the power consumption of the step motor from a print data amount. 16. A recording head according to claim 1, wherein the recording is performed by discharging ink from a discharge port using thermal energy as a recording head for forming an image. A recording head having a thermal energy generating element for generating thermal energy for the recording.