JP2005254689A - Recording device and overheating avoidance method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording device such as an inkjet recording device, e.g., an inkjet printer and an image forming device such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer, which can continue recording as much as possible up to the number of recording papers required by a user in a safe temperature range, and to provide an overheating avoidance method of the recording device. <P>SOLUTION: When recording is performed in a recording mode selected on the basis of data recorded in a recording means 33 concerning a temperature change correspondent to the recording mode and temperature of the prescribed part detected by a temperature detection means 34 for detecting the temperature of the prescribed part, and it is determined that the temperature will reach the dangerous temperature, a control means 30 capable of selecting another recording mode is used to prevent the temperature of a prescribed part from reaching a dangerous temperature. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus such as an ink jet printer, a recording apparatus such as an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer, and a method for avoiding an excessive temperature rise of the recording apparatus.

  Conventionally, in such a recording apparatus, for the purpose of protecting a component that may fail, when the temperature of a predetermined part that causes a malfunction when the temperature is raised to a predetermined temperature or higher reaches the predetermined temperature or a temperature close thereto, Techniques for stopping printing or turning off the power are known. For example, in an ink jet recording apparatus, a technique is known in which the temperature of an ejection head that can be the heart of a recording configuration is controlled by stopping printing and the failure is prevented.

  As such a technique, for example, a technique related to an ink jet recording apparatus described in [Patent Document 1] is known. This technology divides the temperature range up to the temperature at which malfunctions occur into multiple temperature regions in stages, and notifies the user of danger information or stops operation according to the temperature region of each step. To do.

JP 7-47694 A

  However, the technique described in [Patent Document 1] has a problem that it may not be possible to perform the recording of the number of recording sheets requested by the user. That is, for example, in an inkjet recording apparatus, there are various recording modes regarding the type of paper, recording speed, etc., but depending on the recording mode, for example, the temperature rise rate of the ejection head is large, so even if the above-described technique is used, If continuous recording is performed, the temperature becomes so high that recording cannot be performed immediately, and recording may be inevitably interrupted, and it may not be possible to perform recording for the number of recordings requested by the user.

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus such as an ink jet printer, a recording apparatus such as an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer, and such recording, which can continue recording in a safe temperature range up to the number of recordings required by the user. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for avoiding an excessive temperature rise in a device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is a recording apparatus that performs recording in a recording mode selected from among a plurality of recording modes, wherein the temperature of a predetermined part inside the apparatus main body is detected. Temperature detecting means and recording means for recording data relating to a temperature change corresponding to the recording mode of the predetermined portion, and the temperature of the predetermined portion detected by the first temperature detecting means and the temperature recorded in the recording means When it is determined that the temperature of the predetermined part reaches the dangerous temperature when recording is performed in the selected first recording mode based on the data regarding the temperature change of the predetermined part, the temperature of the predetermined part reaches the dangerous temperature. And a control unit capable of selecting a second recording mode for avoiding this.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus according to the first aspect, when the control means determines that the temperature of the predetermined portion reaches a dangerous temperature regardless of which recording mode is selected, this fact is output. It is characterized by doing.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the recording apparatus according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a second temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature outside the apparatus body, wherein the control means is detected by the second temperature detecting means. The data is corrected and used in accordance with the measured temperature.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the control unit selects the second recording mode and then selects the first recording mode. When it is determined that the temperature of the predetermined portion does not reach the dangerous temperature, the first recording mode is selected.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the recording means has the data corresponding to each recording mode. To do.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the control means selects the second recording mode, this is output. To do.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an overheating avoidance method for a recording apparatus, wherein the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is used and the temperature of the predetermined portion is prevented from reaching a dangerous temperature. .

  The present invention is a recording apparatus that performs recording in a recording mode selected from a plurality of recording modes, the first temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of a predetermined part inside the apparatus main body, and the recording of the predetermined part. Recording means for recording data relating to temperature change corresponding to the mode, based on the temperature of the predetermined portion detected by the first temperature detection means and the data relating to temperature change of the predetermined portion recorded in the recording means; When recording is performed in the selected first recording mode, when it is determined that the temperature of the predetermined part reaches the dangerous temperature, the second recording mode for avoiding the temperature of the predetermined part reaching the dangerous temperature The control unit automatically selects a recording mode in which recording can be safely performed up to the number of recordings required by the user. Therefore, the user requests as much as possible in a safe temperature range without requiring the user twice, such as temporarily stopping recording and performing the operation for recording again. It is possible to provide a user-friendly recording device that prioritizes the number of recordings and can continue recording up to the number of recordings required by the user.

  When the control means determines that the temperature of the predetermined part reaches the dangerous temperature regardless of which recording mode is selected, if this is output, it is possible to record safely up to the number of recordings required by the user. It is possible to automatically select the recording mode that can be performed by the control means, and therefore, it is possible to stop the recording once and perform the operation for performing the recording again. In the area, give priority to the number of recordings requested by the user as much as possible, continue recording to the number of recordings requested by the user, and notify the user that, for example, the device may stop before reaching the dangerous temperature. Therefore, it is easy to understand that the user should take measures to avoid reaching the dangerous temperature before the dangerous temperature is reached, and provide a recording device that is more user-friendly. It can be.

  Having a second temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature outside the apparatus main body, and the control means correcting and using the data relating to the temperature change of the predetermined portion according to the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means; By doing so, it is possible to automatically select a more appropriate recording mode that can safely record up to the number of recordings required by the user by the control means, and therefore an operation for temporarily stopping recording and recording. The user-friendliness is such that the user's requested number of prints is prioritized as much as possible in the safe temperature range, and recording can be continued until the user's requested number of records, without the need for the user twice And a highly reliable recording apparatus can be provided.

  If the control means determines that the temperature of the predetermined portion does not reach the dangerous temperature even after selecting the first recording mode after selecting the second recording mode, selecting the first recording mode. By doing so, it is possible to automatically select a recording mode in which recording can be safely performed up to the number of recordings required by the user by the control means, and therefore, the recording operation is temporarily stopped and the operation for performing the recording is performed again. The user wants the number of recordings and recording modes requested by the user as much as possible in the safe temperature range without the user's hassle as much as possible up to the number of recordings requested by the user. It is possible to provide a recording apparatus that can continue recording in the recording mode and that is more user-friendly.

  Assuming that the recording means has data relating to the temperature change of the predetermined part corresponding to each of the recording modes, the number of recordings required by the user can be determined by accurately determining whether or not the dangerous temperature is reached. It is possible to select a recording mode in which recording can be performed safely more accurately and automatically by the control means. Therefore, it is possible for the user to temporarily stop recording and perform an operation for recording again. The user's requested number of prints is given priority as much as possible in a safe temperature range without any effort, and the user can continue to record more safely up to the number of records requested by the user. A high recording apparatus can be provided.

  If the control means outputs the fact when the second recording mode is selected, the control means automatically selects a recording mode capable of recording safely up to the number of recordings requested by the user. Therefore, recording that the user wants as much as possible in a safe temperature range without the need for the user twice, such as temporarily stopping recording and performing the operation for recording again. Recording can be continued up to the number of recordings requested by the user with priority given to the number of sheets, and it is easily recognized by the user that recording is performed in the second recording mode, and a user-friendly recording device can be provided.

  Since the present invention is a method for avoiding an excessive increase in temperature of a recording apparatus that uses the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and avoids the temperature of a predetermined portion from reaching a dangerous temperature, a user request is obtained. It is possible to automatically select a recording mode in which recording can be safely performed up to the number of recorded sheets by the control means. Therefore, the user can perform two operations such as temporarily suspending recording and performing recording again. Overheating of a recording device that is convenient for the user and can continue recording up to the number of recordings requested by the user, giving priority to the number of recordings requested by the user as much as possible in a safe temperature range. An avoidance method can be provided.

  FIG. 1 shows an outline of an ink jet printer as an ink jet recording apparatus which is an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The ink jet printer 100 is used to form an image, that is, to record, as a sheet-like recording medium, in addition to plain paper generally used for copying or the like, OHP sheets, cardboard, cardboard, cardboard, and envelopes. Is possible.

  The ink jet printer 100 is a belt driving roller 10, a tension roller 11, a conveying means wound around these two rollers 10 and 11, and a charging and conveying belt 12 as an endless belt, and the belt driving roller 10 is driven to rotate. Therefore, a drive system (not shown) constituted by drive means such as a motor as a sub-scanning motor (not shown) is provided. The charging / conveying belt 12 may be an endless belt in molding or an endless belt by connecting both ends. The charging / conveying belt 12 is formed with an insulating layer (not shown) on the surface layer so as to hold electric charges.

  The ink jet printer 100 also has a head 13 as an ink head as a recording means for performing recording by discharging ink onto a sheet as a recording medium (not shown) conveyed by the charging conveyance belt 12, and a head 13. A carriage 9 for reciprocating in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 when ink is ejected, and a main scanning motor (not shown) for reciprocating the carriage in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. And a power supply unit for supplying electric power to the electrical system of the inkjet printer 100.

  The ink jet printer 100 is also positioned between the belt driving roller 10 and the tension roller 11 and is disposed at a position facing the head 13 inside the charging and conveying belt 12, and guide members for guiding the charging and conveying belt 12 from the inside. As a charging means for charging the conveying guide plate 14 and the charging conveying belt 12 for electrostatically adsorbing the sheet to the charging conveying belt 12, and specifically, the insulating layer forming the surface layer of the charging conveying belt 12. And a charging roller 15.

  The ink jet printer 100 is also arranged on the upstream side of the head 13 in the moving direction A of the charging and conveying belt 12 so as to press the belt driving roller 10 via the charging and conveying belt 12, and the sheet is in close contact with the charging and conveying belt 12. The transport roller 16 is disposed on the downstream side of the head 13 in the moving direction A of the charging transport belt 12 so as to be pressed against the tension roller 11 via the charging transport belt 12, and the sheet is separated from the charging transport belt 12. And a separation claw 17.

  The ink jet printer 100 also includes a paper feed tray 18 on which paper is stacked, a paper feed roller 19 that feeds paper from the paper feed tray 18, and a separation that separates and feeds the paper sent from the paper feed roller 19. A pad 20 is provided. The paper feed tray 18, the paper feed roller 19, and the separation pad 20 constitute a paper feed unit 21.

  The ink jet printer 100 also includes a guide member 31 for guiding the sheet separated and sent by the separation pad 20, that is, the sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 21, substantially vertically upward, and the moving direction of the charging conveyance belt 12. The sheet on the upstream side of the conveying roller 16 in A and guided substantially upward in the vertical direction by the guide member 31 is changed by approximately 90 ° and conveyed in a substantially horizontal direction. And a guide member 32 for transporting between the transport rollers 16.

  The guide member 32 conveys in an arc shape between the guide member 32 and the charging conveyance belt 12 wound around the belt driving roller 10 so as to change the direction of the sheet guided substantially vertically upward by approximately 90 °. In order to form a path, the surface facing the charging / conveying belt 12 has an arc shape having a radius of curvature larger than that of the charging / conveying belt 12.

  The ink jet printer 100 also includes a roller pair 23 positioned on the downstream side of the head 13 in the direction A for conveying the sheet separated from the charging and conveying belt 12 by the separation claw 17, and the sheet sent by the roller pair 23. And a paper discharge tray 26 on which the paper is loaded. In FIG. 1, the roller pair 23 includes a spur roller 24 having a star-shaped cross section having a protrusion on the circumference, and a roller 25 that is in contact with and in contact with the spur roller 24.

  The spur roller 24 engages with the head side surface of the paper on the downstream side of the head 13 in the direction A, but the paper is not only ordinary plain paper but also OHP sheet, card, postcard or other thick paper. In the case of recording, it merely assists the feeding of the paper, and the paper is caught between the spur roller 24 and the roller 25, that is, the spur roller 24 is engaged with the paper. It does not define the gap between the surface and the head 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ink jet printer 100 also detects whether the leading edge of the paper separated from the charging conveyance belt 12 by the separation claw 17 has engaged with the roller pair 23, that is, whether it has engaged with the spur roller 24. It has a sensor 27 as means. The sensor 27 optically detects the leading edge of the paper.

  The ink jet printer 100 also includes sensors 28 and 29 as first temperature detecting means for detecting predetermined temperatures inside the main body of the ink jet printer 100, specifically, the head 13 and the motor described above, and an ink jet printer. 100 has an outside air temperature sensor (not shown) as second temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature outside the main body. The sensor 28 is disposed to face the head 13 and detects the temperature of the head 13. The sensor 29 is disposed in the vicinity of the belt driving roller 10 and detects the temperature of the motor described above.

  The inkjet printer 100 also includes a control unit 30 as a control unit that receives signals from the sensors 27, 28, and 29 and an outside air temperature sensor, and an accompanying input / output unit that is an input / output unit provided outside the main body of the inkjet printer 100. And a user I / F 39 shown in FIG. 3 for performing input / output between the operation panel and the control unit 30. The ink jet printer 100 can be connected to an external input / output device as an external input / output means such as a personal computer or a monitor. The external input / output device is connected to the control unit 30 via the user I / F 39.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the head 13, many nozzles 22 each eject ink in the moving direction A of the charging transport belt 12, that is, the paper transport direction A, and in this embodiment, nozzles 22 serving as 192 ejection ports. Is built-in. The nozzles 22 record the same image area by discharging ink a plurality of times as the carriage 9 reciprocates. For the sake of illustration, FIG. 2 shows a smaller number of nozzles 22 than actual.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 30 includes a temperature approximate value data storage memory 33 (hereinafter referred to as “memory 33”) as a recording means for storing temperature approximate value data as a temperature rise prediction curve, which will be described later, and a memory. A temperature comparison unit 36 that compares the temperature approximate value data read out from 33 and data relating to the temperature of a predetermined part received from the temperature detection unit 34 including the sensors 28 and 29, and generates correction data 35 described later, and a temperature comparison In accordance with the correction data 35 received from the unit 36, the operation unit 37 including the head 13 and the motor described above is controlled to control the overall operation of the ink jet printer 100, and the correction information 38 corresponding to the correction data 35 is stored in the user I. And an operation control unit 40 including a CPU that outputs to / F39. The temperature detector 34 includes an outside air temperature sensor in addition to the sensors 28 and 29.

  Here, the inkjet printer 100 can perform recording in a selected recording mode among a plurality of recording modes. Each recording mode is set according to the type of paper used for recording, such as plain paper or glossy paper, and the recording speed switched according to standard, speed priority, image quality priority, etc. The user can select whether to do it.

  The user selects the recording mode using the above-described operation panel or the external input device when the external input device is connected. The recording is performed by the user inputting the image information to be recorded and the number of recordings together with the recording mode. In some cases, such an external input device is substantially integrated with the external output device, and in this case, this constitutes an external input / output device.

  The temperature approximate value data is data relating to temperature changes in a predetermined portion corresponding to all the recording modes that can be selected in the ink jet printer 100, and is measured in advance as a function of the number of recorded sheets, in other words, the number of printed sheets as a variable. Is generated by. The predetermined portion mentioned here refers to a portion in the ink jet printer 100 main body, such as the head 13 and the motor described above, that may have a problem when the temperature is raised above a predetermined temperature.

  The temperature approximate value data is generated on a one-to-one basis for each predetermined portion and for every recording mode that can be selected in the ink jet printer 100, and is recorded in the temperature approximate value data storage memory 33. As shown in FIG. 4, the temperature approximate value data is defective at the recording mode shown as operation A, operation B, and operation C in FIG. 4 and the critical temperature set for each predetermined part, that is, the temperature above that temperature. This is significant in that it indicates how many sheets can be recorded in the recording mode based on the correlation with the temperature at which the recording can occur.

  In FIG. 4, the temperature approximate value data is a mode in which the rate of temperature change, that is, the slope is constant in each recording mode and changes in a straight line. In the operation C having the largest number, the limit temperature is reached with the smallest number of printed sheets n1, and in the operation A having the smallest inclination, the limit temperature is reached with the largest number of printed sheets n3, and the action B having an intermediate inclination between the actions C and A. Then, the limit temperature is reached by printing n2 sheets between n1 and n3.

  As is apparent from FIG. 4, the temperature change rate varies depending on the recording mode. For example, the temperature change rate is described with respect to the recording speed. In the speed priority mode, the motor temperature rise rate is large, and in the image quality priority mode. Have different characteristics depending on each part, such as a high heating rate of the head 13. Further, the limit temperature differs depending on each part, for example, 45 ° C. for the head 13 and 70 ° C. for the motor. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the temperature approximate value data changes in a straight line, but may change in a curved line.

  Here, in the example shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the user designates the number of n3 sheets to be recorded even though the user selects the recording mode corresponding to the operation C. In this case, if the recording is performed according to the user's instruction, the limit temperature is reached at the time of n1 sheets before the recording of n3 sheets, and there is a possibility of causing a failure of a predetermined part. However, in the inkjet printer 100, since the control means 30 performs control for avoiding the danger due to the excessive temperature rise and performs recording in a safe temperature range, there is no failure of a predetermined part.

  In the conventional recording apparatus, the apparatus is stopped when there is such a possibility. However, in the inkjet printer 100, priority is given to the number of recordings requested by the user, and recording is safely performed up to the number of recordings requested by the user. Further, in the conventional recording apparatus, when the apparatus is stopped, it is necessary for the user to select another recording mode and restart the recording. However, in the inkjet printer 100, the user requests Since a recording mode capable of recording safely up to the number of recording sheets is automatically selected, such a trouble is not caused twice.

  In order to realize this, in the inkjet printer 100, the control unit 30 uses the temperature comparison unit 36 to obtain the temperature of the predetermined part detected by the temperature detection unit 34 and the data related to the temperature change of the predetermined part recorded in the memory 33. When the temperature comparison unit 36 performs recording in the recording mode and the number of recordings selected by the user, it is determined that the temperature of the predetermined portion reaches the limit temperature before recording the specified number of sheets. At this time, it is possible to select another recording mode for avoiding that the temperature of the predetermined portion reaches the dangerous temperature, and when another recording mode is selected, the temperature comparison unit 36 converts this into correction data. 35 is output to the operation control unit 40, and the operation control unit 40 controls the operation unit 37 based on the correction data 35.

  A case where the temperature comparison unit 36 outputs the correction data 35 will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the user selects a recording mode corresponding to the operation C and designates n5 recording sheets between n2 and n3 sheets. At this time, if the recording is performed according to the user's instruction, the limit temperature is reached at the time of n1 sheets before the recording of n5 sheets, and there is a possibility that failure of a predetermined part, functional deterioration, or the like occurs. Therefore, the controller 30 records n4 sheets in the operation C as indicated by the arrow 41, and then selects the operation A and moves to the operation A as indicated by the arrow indicated by reference numeral 42. Record.

  If the recording is performed according to the user's instructions, the limit temperature will be reached before the recording of n5 sheets, the other recording mode should be selected, and which recording mode is appropriate to select. In order, since it is calculated in the control unit 30 instantaneously, for example, while recording one line in the operation C, it is possible to immediately shift to another recording mode at that time, but the example shown in FIG. In order to give priority to the user's instruction, first, recording is performed in operation C, and control is performed to record as many sheets as possible in operation C.

  Therefore, the temperature comparison unit 36 first determines to perform the operation A with the smallest inclination after the operation C, and then determines the maximum number n4 that can be recorded in the operation C from the transition of the temperature change in the operation A. Is calculated. As to how other recording modes are selected, priority may be given to performing as many recordings as possible in the recording mode designated by the user, as in the example shown in FIG. Priority may be given to recording in a recording mode as close as possible to the designated recording mode. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, if the operation B is a recording mode closer to the operation C than the operation A, a combination of the operation B and the operation A may be selected or designated. If the number of sheets is between n1 and n2, only the operation B may be selected.

  When the temperature comparison unit 36 outputs the correction data 35, recording is performed in a recording mode different from the recording mode designated by the user. Therefore, the control unit 30 uses the operation control unit 40 to record a recording mode different from the recording mode designated by the user. Is output to the operation panel or the external output device via the user I / F 39.

It should be noted that the user's permission can be a condition for actually starting recording in the recording mode corresponding to the correction data 35, and that fact is also output to the operation panel and the external output device, and the user's permission is given. You may make it wait until it gets.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, for only one of the predetermined parts, another recording mode is selected depending on whether or not the temperature of the part reaches the limit temperature. In some cases, it is determined for each predetermined part whether or not the limit temperature of the predetermined part is reached, and if the limit temperature is reached in any one part, the recording mode is not selected.

  When the control unit 30 determines that the temperature of the predetermined part reaches the limit temperature, that is, the dangerous temperature regardless of which recording mode is selected, the temperature of the predetermined part reaches the dangerous temperature regardless of which recording mode is selected. Is output to the operation panel and the external output device via the user I / F 39 to notify the user. At this time, the user is notified of the number of recordings until the dangerous temperature is reached, such as how many sheets or about how many sheets will reach the dangerous temperature in addition to the first effect or instead of the first effect (second ) And / or the fact that an operation to pause recording (third effect) may be output and notified. For the purpose of applying the present invention, “no matter which recording mode is selected, it is determined that the temperature of the predetermined part reaches the dangerous temperature” means that the first and / or second and / or The meaning of 3.

  Further, in order to ensure higher safety, the determination as to whether or not to perform such notification can use a safe temperature lower than the dangerous temperature as a threshold value. An example of this is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, such a safe temperature is indicated by a broken line as a danger notification temperature to the user. In this way, if such a notification is made to the user with a safe temperature lower than the dangerous temperature as a threshold, even if there is a slight error in the prediction due to some reason, there will be more problems such as equipment failure. It is surely prevented. The safety temperature is preferably about 3 ° C. lower than the limit temperature. In the head 13 having a limit temperature of 45 ° C., the safety temperature is set to 42 ° C., and a notification to the effect that the user will be informed as described later. Like to do.

In such control, the control unit 30 corrects and uses the temperature approximate value data according to the temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor described above. The reason for this will be explained.
Although it is desirable that the temperature approximate value data is generated according to all the outside air temperatures that are ambient ambient temperatures outside the main body of the inkjet printer 100, the temperature approximate value data is created in advance according to all the outside air temperatures, It is difficult to record in the memory 33.

  Therefore, the temperature approximate value data is created under a certain outside air temperature condition or created under a plurality of outside air temperature conditions and recorded in the memory 33. Then, when the inkjet printer 100 is used under an outside air temperature that is different from the outside air temperature condition and performs recording, if the temperature approximate value data recorded in the memory 33 is used as it is, the environment actually used is used. Underneath, there is a need to change the recording mode which is not necessary, and even in the changed recording mode, the limit temperature is reached, and the latter is particularly problematic.

  Therefore, the control unit 30 corrects and uses the temperature approximate value data according to the temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor. This example will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the limit temperature varies substantially between the case where the outside air temperature is T ° C. indicated by a one-dot chain line and the case where T ′ ° C. indicated by a solid line. That is, when the outside air temperature changes from T ° C. to T ′ ° C., the limit temperature is substantially lowered by ΔT ° C., which is the difference between T ° C. and T ′ ° C., and is substantially the same as operations A, B, and C, respectively. Even if the operations A ′, B ′, and C ′, which are operations, are performed, the number of printed sheets until the limit temperature is reached decreases. Therefore, the control unit 30 gives an offset value corresponding to ΔT ° C. by carrying the temperature approximate value data by ΔT ° C. according to the temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor, and offset caused by fluctuations in the outside air temperature. It is designed to be used after correcting the minutes.

  In this way, the control unit 30 controls the recording to be performed in a safe temperature range while avoiding that the temperature of the predetermined part reaches the limit temperature, that is, overheating, but is different from the user's designation. After recording is started by selecting a mode, the temperature at a predetermined portion may not reach the limit temperature even when recording is actually performed in the recording mode designated by the user due to, for example, a change in the outside air temperature.

  For this reason, the control unit 30 continues to monitor the temperature of the predetermined portion by the temperature detection unit 34 and the outside air temperature by the outside air temperature sensor even after selecting a recording mode different from the recording mode selected by the user, In FIG. 36, even if recording is performed in the recording mode designated by the user, it is determined whether the temperature of the predetermined portion does not reach the limit temperature. Even if recording is performed in the recording mode designated by the user. When it is determined that the temperature of the predetermined part does not reach the limit temperature, the recording mode designated by the user is selected and recording is performed.

  Also in this case, the temperature comparison unit 36 generates the correction data 35 and outputs the correction data 35 to the operation control unit 40. The operation control unit 40 controls the operation unit 37 based on the correction data 35 and is designated by the user. The recording mode is returned to the operation panel or the external output device via the user I / F 39 to the effect that the recording is performed in this recording mode.

  Based on the configuration and control example as described above, an example of control related to an excessive temperature rise avoidance method for avoiding the temperature of the predetermined portion in the inkjet printer 100 from reaching the dangerous temperature will be described with reference to FIG. The ink jet printer 100 according to the present embodiment includes the sensors 28 and 29 as the temperature detection unit 34 and the head 13 and the motor as predetermined portions. As described above, the recording mode is selected. In any given part, that is, the head 13 and the motor are not made to reach the dangerous temperature. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the head 13 and the motor are distinguished from each other for simplicity of explanation. Explain without.

  When the user designates / sets the recording mode, that is, the printing mode (S1), and the recording number, the recording image, etc. are designated, the recording is started. The temperature detected by the temperature detector 34 and the temperature approximate value data read from the memory 33 corresponding to the print mode designated by the user, that is, the temperature approximate line, are compared by the temperature comparator 36, and both of them are compared. Are matched, that is, whether or not the printing mode follows the temperature approximation line (S2).

  If they match, it is decided to select a temperature approximation line corresponding to the print mode designated by the user, that is, an approximation line selection process is performed (S3), and then a set curve, that is, a temperature approximation line is determined. When the recording is performed with the number of recordings designated by the user, the temperature comparison unit 36 determines whether or not the predetermined part reaches the dangerous temperature region (S5).

  On the other hand, if the two do not match, if the recording is performed with the number of recordings specified by the user using the temperature approximation line corresponding to the recording mode specified by the user, does the predetermined part reach the dangerous temperature region? If it is determined by the temperature comparison unit 36 (S4) and it is determined that the dangerous temperature region is reached, the same processing as that in the case where both of the above match is performed (S3, S5), and the dangerous temperature region is not reached. If it is determined that the recording mode has been determined, recording is continued in the printing mode designated and set by the user (S6), recording is performed until the designated number of recordings is reached, and printing is terminated (S8).

  If it is determined in step (S5) that the critical temperature range is reached, another print mode is selected instead of the print mode designated by the user, the print mode is changed (S7), and the changed print mode is selected. If printing is to be performed with the number of recordings designated by the user, it is determined whether or not the predetermined part reaches the dangerous temperature region (S9), and if it is determined that the dangerous temperature region is not reached, the above-described step (S4) is performed. ), The same processing as that performed when it is determined that the dangerous temperature region is not reached is performed, and printing is completed (S6, S8).

  In the above-described step (S9), if it is determined that the predetermined part reaches the dangerous temperature region if printing is performed with the recording number designated by the user in the changed print mode, another print mode is selected. Repeat the process. When it is determined that the dangerous temperature range is reached regardless of the printing mode, the control unit 30 determines whether the recording mode is selected by the user via the user I / F 39. A notification that the temperature of the part has reached the dangerous temperature, that is, a prediction of the dangerous temperature arrival is notified (S11), and whether or not the user has performed processing such as temporary stop of recording is determined (S12). If a printing mode that does not reach the dangerous temperature is found, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the predetermined part is within the safe temperature in the print mode, that is, whether or not the safe area is reached (S10).

  In this step (S10), when it is determined that the safety region is reached, the temperature comparison unit 36 outputs correction data 35 to the operation control unit 40, and the control unit 40 operates according to the correction data 35. 37, the correction information 38 is output to the user I / F 39, and the same processing as that in the case where it is determined that the dangerous temperature region is not reached in the above step (S4) is performed, and the printing is completed (S6, S8).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (10) that the safe area is not reached, another print mode is selected instead of the print mode selected at that time, and the print mode is changed (S7). The same processing as step (S9) is performed. In this case, from the viewpoint of simplification of control, it is possible not to change the print mode that has already been selected.

  In the above-described step (S12), after performing the processing in the above-described step (S11), the user is given a predetermined time sufficient to perform processing such as temporary stop of recording, and the user records within the predetermined time. When the process such as the temporary stop is not performed, the operation control unit 40 stops the operation unit 37 to forcibly perform the print stop process (S15), and the user pauses the recording within the predetermined time. When the process such as the above is performed, the temperature comparison unit 36 determines whether or not the temperature of the predetermined part reaches the safe area in the print mode at the time of the execution (S13).

In this step (S13), when it is determined that the safety area is not reached, a process of waiting until it is determined that the temperature of the predetermined portion is lowered and reaches the safety area is performed (S14), and the safety area is reached. If it is determined, the temperature comparison unit 36 outputs correction data 35 to the operation control unit 40, and the control unit 40 controls the operation unit 37 according to the correction data 35 and notifies the user I / F 39. On the other hand, the correction information 38 is output, and the same processing as the case where it is determined that the dangerous temperature region is not reached in the above step (S4) is performed, and the printing is finished (S6, S8).
In this way, in the inkjet printer 100 of this example, either the recording is completed when the number of sheets specified by the user is performed (S8), or the recording is terminated in the middle (S15). The operation is finished.

  In addition, the control unit 30 also controls which nozzle 29 discharges ink in accordance with the type of paper, the image to be recorded, and the like, and drive control of the paper feed roller 19. As described above, the paper type is input from the operation panel or the external input device. However, a paper type detection sensor is provided in the main body of the inkjet printer 100, and the paper type is detected by the paper type detection sensor. It is also possible to determine and select the recording mode according to the paper type detected by the paper type detection sensor.

  As described above, the ink jet printer 100 as a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied has been described as a mode for carrying out the present invention. However, the present invention is not an ink jet printer, but other types of ink jet recording apparatuses such as facsimiles, copying, etc. The present invention can be applied to a recording apparatus such as an image forming apparatus such as a machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine of these. In the above embodiment, only the ink head and the sub-scanning motor have been described as the predetermined portion. However, for example, a main scanning motor and a power supply unit may be used as the predetermined portion.

  In the above-described embodiment, from the viewpoint of performing more accurate control, the data relating to the temperature change corresponding to the recording mode of the predetermined portion is provided on a one-to-one basis with respect to the recording mode. From the viewpoint of lowering the capacity, similar data may be collected and provided for a plurality of recording modes. The application of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment unless particularly limited in the above description.

1 is a schematic front view of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of first temperature detection means and control means provided in the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a partially enlarged front view of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a correlation diagram showing data relating to a temperature change corresponding to a recording mode at a predetermined portion in the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing a recording mode so as to avoid the temperature of a predetermined part from reaching a dangerous temperature in the recording apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the example which performs danger notification to a user in temperature lower than dangerous temperature in the recording device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2 corrects and uses data related to a temperature change corresponding to a recording mode at a predetermined site in accordance with the temperature outside the apparatus main body. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control including changing a recording mode so as to avoid the temperature of a predetermined part from reaching a dangerous temperature in the recording apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2.

Explanation of symbols

13 Predetermined parts 28, 29 First temperature detection means 30 Control means 33 Recording means 100 Recording apparatus

Claims (7)

A recording apparatus that performs recording in a recording mode selected from a plurality of recording modes,
First temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of a predetermined part inside the apparatus body;
A recording means for recording data relating to a temperature change corresponding to the recording mode of the predetermined portion, the temperature of the predetermined portion detected by the first temperature detecting means and the temperature change of the predetermined portion recorded in the recording means In order to prevent the temperature of the predetermined part from reaching the dangerous temperature when it is determined that the temperature of the predetermined part reaches the dangerous temperature when recording is performed in the selected first recording mode based on the data regarding And a control unit capable of selecting the second recording mode.   2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the control means determines that the temperature of the predetermined portion reaches a dangerous temperature regardless of which recording mode is selected, the recording apparatus outputs this fact. .   3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second temperature detection means for detecting a temperature outside the apparatus main body, wherein the control means determines the data according to the temperature detected by the second temperature detection means. A recording apparatus characterized by correcting and using.   4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the control unit selects the second recording mode and the first recording mode is selected, the temperature of the predetermined portion becomes a dangerous temperature. A recording apparatus characterized by selecting a first recording mode when it is determined that the first recording mode is not reached.   5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit has the data corresponding to each recording mode.   6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs a message to the effect when the second recording mode is selected. A method for avoiding an excessive increase in temperature of a recording apparatus, wherein the recording apparatus according to claim 1 is used and the temperature of the predetermined portion is prevented from reaching a dangerous temperature.

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