JP2017030300A - Recording device and recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording device and a recording method capable of performing recording in which an occurrence of an excessive temperature rise in an electronic component is suppressed while suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs.SOLUTION: Since an excessive temperature rise in an electronic component is unlikely to occur when the time from the start of recording is relatively short, a first recording mode S32 in which power consumption per unit time is large is executed. Since an excessive temperature rise in the electronic component is likely to occur when the time from the start of recording is relatively long, a second recording mode S33 in which power consumption per unit time is small is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a recording method.

  Inkjet recording, which uses a recording head having a plurality of ejection openings for ejecting ink, drives the recording head when power is supplied from a drive power supply, and thereby ejects ink onto a recording medium to record an image Devices are conventionally known. In such an ink jet recording apparatus, it is also known to perform recording on a recording medium while scanning the recording medium a plurality of times to perform recording on the entire area of the recording medium.

  In such an ink jet recording apparatus, an electronic component such as a control board provided in the apparatus may be excessively heated, and the electronic component may be damaged by the excessive temperature increase. On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, a temperature sensor is provided in the vicinity of an electronic component, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes higher than a predetermined threshold value, a predetermined standby is performed between a plurality of scans of the recording head. It is described that the occurrence of the above excessive temperature rise is suppressed by providing time.

JP 2010-240952 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, a temperature sensor must be provided in the vicinity of the electronic component, which causes an increase in manufacturing cost of the ink jet recording apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to perform recording while suppressing an increase in the temperature of electronic components while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

  In view of this, the present invention provides a recording head having a plurality of ejection openings for ejecting liquid, scanning means for relatively scanning the recording head and the recording medium, and first information relating to the time from the start of recording. Among a plurality of recording modes including at least a first acquisition unit for acquiring the first recording mode, a first recording mode, and a second recording mode that consumes less power per unit time than the first recording mode, Determining means for determining one recording mode as a recording mode; and in accordance with the recording mode determined by the determining means, the liquid is discharged while the scanning means performs relative scanning between the recording head and the recording medium. And a recording control unit that controls to perform recording on the recording medium by discharging, wherein the determination unit includes: (i) the first acquisition unit; When the time indicated by the first information acquired by (1) is the first time, the recording mode is determined as the recording mode for executing the first recording mode, and (ii) acquired by the first acquisition means When the time indicated by the first information is a second time longer than the first time, the recording mode is determined to execute the second recording mode.

  According to the recording apparatus and the recording method of the present invention, it is possible to perform recording while suppressing the occurrence of overheating of electronic components while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

It is a perspective view of a recording device applied in an embodiment. It is a perspective view of a recording part applied in an embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the recording head applied in the embodiment. It is a perspective view of the recovery part applied in an embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the recording control system in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating capping control in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the count process in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the recording mode determination process in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the count process in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the count process in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the recording mode determination process in embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view partially showing an internal configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as a recording apparatus) 1000 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 1000 includes a paper feeding unit 101, a conveyance unit 102, a recording mechanism unit 103, and a recovery mechanism unit 104. The paper supply unit 101 supplies a recording medium into the apparatus main body. The transport unit 102 transports the recording material supplied by the paper feed unit 101 in the Y direction (transport direction). The recording unit 103 records an image on a recording medium based on the image information. The recovery unit 104 performs a recovery operation so as to maintain the ink ejection performance of the recording head in order to maintain the image quality to be recorded.

  The paper feeding unit 101 feeds the recording medium into the apparatus main body. The recording media stacked on the paper feed unit 101 are separated and sent one by one by a paper feed roller (not shown) driven by a paper feed motor (not shown) and fed to the transport unit 102.

  The transport unit 102 transports the recording material supplied from the paper feed unit 101. The recording medium fed to the conveyance unit 102 is sandwiched between a conveyance roller 121 driven by a conveyance motor (not shown) and a pinch roller (not shown), and conveyed through the recording unit 103.

  The recording unit 103 records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium from a recording head described later based on the image data. The recording unit 103 includes a carriage 6 that can reciprocate (reciprocate scanning) in the X direction (scanning direction) that intersects the Y direction, and recording cartridges 3 a and 3 b that are mounted on the carriage 6 to be described later. Yes.

  The carriage 6 is supported so as to be able to reciprocate in the X direction along a guide rail installed in the recording apparatus. The carriage 6 reciprocates in a recording area when recording on a recording medium via a carriage belt 124 driven by a carriage motor (not shown). The position and speed of the carriage 6 are detected by an encoder sensor (not shown) mounted on the carriage 6 and an encoder scale 125 stretched around the recording apparatus, and the movement of the carriage 6 is controlled based on these positions and speed. When the carriage 6 is moving, recording is performed on the recording medium by ejecting ink from the recording cartridges 3a and 3b. The recording medium recorded by the recording unit 103 is sandwiched between a discharge roller (not shown) that is driven in synchronization with the transfer roller 121 by the transfer unit 102 and a spur (not shown) that is pressed by the discharge roller, and goes out of the recording apparatus. The paper is ejected.

  The recovery unit 104 recovers the state of the discharge port surface to a normal state by wiping ink drops adhering to the surface of the discharge port member described later. The recovery unit 104 includes a capping mechanism (hereinafter also referred to as a cap) for covering the discharge port after recording, which will be described later, and a wiping mechanism for wiping the discharge port surface. The recovery unit 104 includes a slider 7 that is slidable within a predetermined area following the movement of the carriage 6 when the carriage 6 moves toward the recovery unit 104.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram for explaining the recording cartridges 3a and 3b according to the present embodiment in detail. The recording cartridge 3 a includes a recording head 5 a for discharging cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, which are color inks, of the recording head 5. The recording cartridge 3a includes three ink tanks (not shown) that store the respective color inks, and a recording head 5a that is formed integrally with the ink tank and that discharges ink supplied from each ink tank. ing. The recording cartridge 3 b includes a recording head 5 b for ejecting black ink out of the recording head 5. The recording cartridge 3b includes an ink tank (not shown) that stores black ink, and a recording head 5b that is integrally formed and discharges ink supplied from the ink tank, which will be described later. The recording head 5a has an ejection port array 512 that ejects cyan ink, an ejection port array 513 that ejects magenta ink, an ejection port array 514 that ejects yellow ink, and the recording head 5b has an ejection port array 522 that ejects black ink. Have. These discharge ports are provided on the surface of the discharge port member 530 (hereinafter also referred to as a discharge port formation surface or a discharge port surface). The color discharge port arrays 512 to 514 may be formed on the same integral discharge port member 530 or may be formed on separate discharge port members.

  In the present embodiment, the recording cartridge corresponding to the color ink shown in FIG. 2A and the recording cartridge corresponding to the black ink are described. However, other embodiments are possible. For example, the recording head 5 integrally including a cyan ink ejection port array 512, a magenta ink ejection port array 513, a yellow ink ejection port array 514, and a black ink ejection port array 522 shown in FIG. The provided recording cartridge 3 may be used. In the cartridge 3, the ink tanks 4 of the respective colors are provided so as to be detachable from the recording head 5 and can be exchanged.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining in detail the surface of the recording head 5 according to the present embodiment on the side where the discharge port surface is provided.

  The cyan ink ejection port array 512, the magenta ink ejection port array 513, and the yellow ink ejection port array 514 have 64 ejection ports from the respective ejection ports N 0 to N 63 formed on the surface of the ejection port member 530. The outlets are formed by arranging 600 outlets per inch (600 dpi) in the Y direction (predetermined direction). The ejection port array 522 that ejects black ink is configured by arranging 80 ejection ports from the ejection port N0 to the ejection port N79 formed on the surface of the ejection port member 530 in the Y direction at 600 dpi. . The cyan ink ejection port array 512, the magenta ink ejection port array 513, and the yellow ink ejection port array 514 are arranged side by side with a distance d therebetween in the X direction. The black ink ejection port array 522 is located at a position where the center in the Y direction coincides with that of the yellow ink ejection port array, and is spaced apart by a distance D that is greater than the distance d in the X direction.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the recovery unit 104 according to the present embodiment in detail.

  The recovery unit 104 includes a cap 1 </ b> A for covering the discharge port formation surface arranged in the discharge port row 512, the discharge port row 513, and the discharge port row 514 and the discharge port formation surface arranged in the discharge port row 522. And a cap 1B for covering the surface. Further, the recovery unit 104 wipes the wiper surface arranged in the discharge port array 512, the wiper 8 for wiping the discharge port surface arranged in the discharge port array 512, the discharge port array 513, and the discharge port array 514. A wiper 9 is also installed.

  The recovery unit 104 performs capping (sealing operation) control of the ejection port formation surface in accordance with the presence or absence of a recording job, as will be described later. When capping is performed, first, the recording unit 103 is moved in the X direction until the recording unit 103 is located at a position facing the recovery unit 104 in the Z direction. Then, the recovery unit 104 is moved in the Z direction to a capping position in the Z direction where the caps 1A and 1B can cover the ejection port formation surface.

  When performing wiping (wiping operation), after the recording unit 103 is moved in the X direction and the recording unit 103 and the recovery unit 104 face each other in the Z direction, the recovery unit 104 is moved by the wipers 8 and 9. It is moved to the wiping position in the Z direction where the surface of the discharge port member 530 can be wiped. In this state, the recording unit 103 and the recovery unit 104 are relatively moved in the X direction to bring the discharge port surface into contact with the wipers 8 and 9, thereby wiping the discharge port surface.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system in the present embodiment.

  A programmable peripheral interface (PPI) 131 of the recording apparatus receives a recording information signal including a command signal (command) and recording data transmitted from a PC which is the host apparatus 136, and transfers this to the CPU 150. The PPI 131 sends status information of the printer 1000 to the host device 136 as necessary. The PPI 131 performs input / output with the console 106 having a setting input unit for the user to make various settings for the recording apparatus and a display unit for displaying a message to the user. The PPI 131 further receives a signal input from a sensor group 107 including a home position sensor that detects that the recording unit 103 is at the home position, a capping sensor, and the like.

  The CPU 150 controls each unit in the recording apparatus via the address bus 117 and the data bus 118 according to the processing procedure and setting control program stored in the control ROM 135. The RAM 133 stores a received signal or is used as a work area for the CPU 150 and temporarily stores various data. The font generation ROM 134 stores pattern information such as characters and records corresponding to the code information, and outputs various pattern information corresponding to the input code information. The print buffer 121 is for storing recording data expanded in the RAM 133 or the like.

  In addition to the control program, the control ROM 135 can store various data including data necessary for detection of ejection frequency and setting of drive energy in the present invention. Such data includes, for example, the number of scans of the print head for the unit area (number of print passes when performing multi-pass printing), the scan speed of the print head, the print head height setting, and the ink per unit area of the print medium There are data indicating the driving amount of the recording head, the scanning direction of the recording head, and the like. Also included in the storable data are mask types for data thinning applied when performing multi-pass printing, drive conditions for the print heads 5a and 5b, ink dot size to be printed, and print medium transport conditions. .

  The motor drivers 114 to 116 are drivers for driving the capping motor 113, the carriage motor 23, and the paper feed motor 24, respectively, under the control of the CPU 150. The sheet sensor 109 detects the presence or absence of a recording medium, that is, whether or not the recording medium is supplied to a position where recording by the recording heads 5a and 5b is possible. A head driver 111 is a driver for driving the recording heads 5a and 5b in accordance with the recording information signal. The drive power source 120 supplies power to the above-described units, and includes an AC adapter and a battery as a drive power source device. Recording is performed with the power supplied from the drive power source 120.

  Note that in a recording system including the recording apparatus 1000 and a host apparatus 136 that supplies a recording information signal thereto, recording from the host apparatus 136 to the recording apparatus 1000 via a parallel port, an infrared port, a network, or the like. Can send data.

(Capping control)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of capping control performed in this embodiment.

  After the recording job is input to the recording apparatus 1000, a cap open operation is performed in step S11. Specifically, the recovery unit 104 is moved upstream (downward) in the Z direction, and the covering of the discharge port formation surface by the caps 1A and 1B is released. Thereafter, ink is ejected from the recording head to perform recording.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the input recording job remains in step S12. If it is determined that the recording job remains, the determination in step S12 is repeated at predetermined time intervals until all the recording jobs are processed. If it is determined that no recording job remains, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since all recording jobs have been processed. If it is determined that the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed, the process returns to step S12 again, and the determinations in steps S12 and S13 are repeated until the predetermined time T1 has elapsed. If the next recording job is newly input to the recording apparatus 1000 during this period, it is determined in step S12 that the recording job remains.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S14 to perform a cap closing operation. Specifically, the recovery unit 104 is moved downstream (upward) in the Z direction, and the cap 1A and 1B cover the ejection port formation surface.

(Excessive temperature rise suppression control)
As described above, when the electronic components in the recording apparatus are overheated, the electronic components may be damaged. Here, the temperature of the electronic component becomes easier as the time for continuous recording becomes longer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the time for continuous recording of the recording apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as continuous recording time) is counted using a timer, and when the acquired count value becomes relatively large, the temperature rises excessively. Assuming that the temperature is likely to occur, a recording mode is executed in which the amount of heat generation is small, that is, the power consumption per unit time is small. Thereby, since it is possible to suppress overheating of the electronic component without providing a temperature sensor in the recording apparatus, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the recording apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, the time after the covering of the ejection port formation surface by the caps 1A and 1B is released is counted (measured) using the timer (cap open timer) as the above-described continuous recording time. However, for example, the time after the recording apparatus 1000 receives the recording job may be counted as the above-described continuous recording time.

  Hereinafter, suppression control of excessive temperature rise in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the process of the count process of the cap open timer in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the count process of the cap open timer shown in FIG. 7 is executed every 100 ms (0.1 s). Moreover, the cap open timer may be provided in the CPU 150 or may be provided separately from the CPU 150.

  When the count process of the cap open timer is started, first, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the cap 1A, 1B is covered with the discharge port formation surface (cap open state). When it is determined that the cap is open, the count value of the cap open timer that has been accumulated and counted up to that point is increased by 0.1 s. Here, the increment of the count value is 0.1 s because in this embodiment, the count process of the cap open timer shown in FIG. 7 is performed every 0.1 s.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the cap is not open (cap closed), the count value of the cap open timer that has been accumulated and counted so far is reset (initialized) in step S23.

  By performing the above processing every 0.1 s, it is possible to obtain time after the covering of the ejection port formation surface by the caps 1A and 1B is released.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of recording mode determination processing in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the recording mode determination process shown in FIG. 8 is executed every time recording is performed on one recording medium.

  First, in step S31, the count value of the cap open timer when recording on one recording medium is read, and the count value is compared with a predetermined threshold value T2.

Here, as the threshold value T2, a time shorter than the time required for the electronic component to overheat due to continuous recording is determined. For example, in this embodiment, the electronic component is unlikely to overheat even if continuous recording is performed for 60 minutes, but there is a possibility that overheating occurs if continuous recording is performed for 120 minutes. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a value of 3.6 × 10 ³ s (= 60 minutes) is used as the threshold T2.

  If it is determined in step S31 that the count value of the cap open timer is smaller than the threshold value T2, it is considered that the electronic component will not overheat for a while. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S32, and is selected as a recording mode for executing a first recording mode (normal recording mode) described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the count value of the cap open timer is larger than the threshold value T2, when recording is performed in the first recording mode, the electronic component is overheated during recording on the recording medium. there is a possibility. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S33, and a second recording mode (excess temperature rise suppression recording mode) described later is selected as the recording mode to be executed.

  Then, after the recording mode to be executed in step S32 or step S33 is determined, recording on the recording medium is executed in step S34 according to the recording mode.

  The first recording mode and the second recording mode will be described in detail.

  The first recording mode is a recording mode that is executed when it is considered that an excessive temperature rise of the electronic component does not occur, and is continuously scanned without providing any waiting time between a plurality of scans of the recording head with respect to the recording medium. This is a recording mode for performing recording. Therefore, recording on the recording medium can be performed in a relatively short time.

  On the other hand, the second recording mode is a recording mode that is executed when there is a possibility that an excessive temperature rise of the electronic component occurs, and is a recording mode that consumes less power per unit time than the first recording mode. Specifically, in the second recording mode in the present embodiment, a predetermined standby time is provided between a plurality of scans on the recording medium, and scanning of the recording head is waited for the standby time, and then each of a plurality of scans. Control the recording so that In this standby time, preliminary ejection of ink that does not contribute to image recording may be performed, but the recording head is not driven more than when ink is ejected during image recording. Therefore, according to the second recording mode, power consumption per unit time is smaller than that in the first recording mode. In the present embodiment, the predetermined standby time is set to 0.3 s, but this value can be set appropriately differently.

  According to the second recording mode in which the recording head stands by between a plurality of scans, the time required for recording is longer than that in the first recording mode, but the power consumption per unit time is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress overheating of the electronic component.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the count value of the cap open timer is smaller than the threshold value T2, the recording in which the first recording mode is executed in which the recording head does not stand by between a plurality of scans. Determine as the mode. Thereby, recording can be performed in a relatively short time. On the other hand, when the count value of the cap open timer is larger than the threshold value T2, it is determined as the recording mode for executing the second recording mode in which each scanning is performed after the recording head is made to wait for a predetermined waiting time between scans. This makes it possible to perform recording while suppressing excessive temperature rise of the electronic component without providing a temperature sensor in the apparatus.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, a mode is described in which the count value of the cap open timer is immediately reset when the cap 1A, 1B is covered with the discharge port formation surface (becomes a cap closed state). .

  On the other hand, this embodiment describes a mode in which the count value of the cap open timer is not reset until a certain amount of time has elapsed even when the cap is closed.

  The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above will be omitted.

  If the cap open state lasts for a relatively long time in the previous recording, the electronic component may remain at a relatively high temperature for a while even after the cap closed state. In such a case, if the count value of the cap open timer is reset, the electronic component is maintained in a high temperature state in the subsequent recording, and the power consumption is relatively high despite the fact that it is close to the excessive temperature rise. There is a possibility that the small second recording mode cannot be executed.

  In view of the above points, in this embodiment, in addition to the cap open timer, a timer (cap close timer) that is different from the cap open timer is used for the time after the ejection port forming surface is covered with the caps 1A and 1B. To count. When the count value of the cap close timer becomes relatively large, the count value of the cap open timer is reset on the assumption that the recording stop time is sufficient and the high-temperature state of the electronic component is resolved.

  In this embodiment, the case of using the count value of the cap close timer is described. However, any count value obtained by counting the time after continuous recording is stopped may be used. It is not limited to the form to be used. For example, the time after the recording job received by the recording apparatus 1000 disappears is counted as the time after recording stops, and the count value is used as the count value of the above-mentioned cap close timer. good.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process of counting the cap close timer in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the count processing of the cap close timer shown in FIG. 9 is executed every 100 ms (0.1 s). Further, the cap close timer may be provided in the CPU 150 or may be provided separately from the CPU 150. Here, in this embodiment, the count process by the cap close timer and the count process by the cap open timer are executed at the same timing.

  When the count process of the cap close timer is started, first, in step S41, it is determined whether or not the cap 1A, 1B is covering the ejection port formation surface (cap closed state). If it is determined that the cap is closed, the count value of the cap close timer that has been accumulated and counted so far is increased by 0.1 s in step S42. Here, the increment of the count value is 0.1 s, as in the count process in the cap open timer in the first embodiment, the count process of the cap close timer shown in FIG. 9 is performed every 0.1 s. Because.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the cap is not closed (cap open state), the count value of the cap close timer that has been accumulated and counted so far is reset (initialized) in step S43.

  By performing the above processing every 0.1 s, it is possible to obtain time after the cap 1A, 1B covers the ejection port formation surface.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of the count process of the cap open timer in the present embodiment. Here, in this embodiment, the count process by the cap close timer and the count process by the cap open timer are executed at the same timing. Therefore, the count process of the cap open timer shown in FIG. 10 is also executed every 100 ms (0.1 s).

  In the count process of the cap open timer in the present embodiment, first, in step S51, it is determined whether or not the covering of the ejection port formation surface by the caps 1A and 1B is released (cap open state). If it is determined that the cap is open, the process proceeds to step S52, and the count value of the cap open timer that has been accumulated and counted so far is increased by 0.1 s. Here, the reason why the increment of the count value is 0.1 s is that the count process of the cap open timer shown in FIG. 10 is performed every 0.1 s in the present embodiment.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the cap is not open (cap closed state), the count value of the cap close timer is read in step S53, and the count value is compared with a predetermined threshold value T3.

Here, even if the electronic component is in a high temperature state, it is preferable that the time required until the high temperature state is eliminated is set to the threshold value T3. In the present embodiment, as an example, a value of 3.0 × 10 ² s (= 5 minutes) is used as the threshold T3.

  If it is determined in step S53 that the count value of the cap close timer is larger than the threshold value T3, it is considered that the recording stop time is sufficient and the high temperature state of the electronic component has been eliminated. Reset (initialize) the count value of the accumulated cap open timer.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S53 that the count value of the cap close timer is smaller than the threshold value T3, the high temperature state of the electronic component may be maintained. Therefore, in this case, the count value of the cap open timer is not reset, and the value is maintained as it is in step S55.

  In the present embodiment, the count value of the cap open timer counted as described above in step S31 of the recording mode determination process shown in FIG. 8 is used.

  Thus, as in the first embodiment, when the time from the start of recording is long, the count value of the cap open timer is increased in step S52 of FIG. The timer count value is relatively large, and the second recording mode is selected in which standby is performed between scans in order to suppress overheating of the electronic component.

  Further, in the present embodiment, even when the time since the start of recording is short, a different recording mode is selected depending on the time after the recording is stopped.

  Specifically, if the time since the recording was stopped is long, even if the electronic component was at a high temperature in the previous recording, the recording was performed for a time sufficient to eliminate the high temperature state. Since it is stopped, it is considered that an excessive temperature rise of the electronic component does not occur. In this case, since the count value of the cap close timer becomes relatively large, the count value of the cap open timer is reset in step S54 of FIG. Therefore, when the time since the start of recording is short and the time after the recording is stopped is long, the first recording is performed without waiting between scans in order to shorten the time required for recording. Select the recording mode.

  On the other hand, when the time since the recording was stopped is short, there is a possibility that the high-temperature state of the electronic component generated in the previous recording is not solved even if the time after the recording is started is short. For this reason, there is a risk of excessive temperature rise of the electronic component. In this case, since the count value of the cap close timer becomes relatively small, the count value of the cap open timer is maintained in step S55 of FIG. Therefore, when the time since the start of recording is short and the time after the recording is stopped is short, the excessive temperature rise of the electronic component is suppressed depending on the count value of the cap open timer in the previous recording. Therefore, the second recording mode that waits between scans may be selected.

  According to the present embodiment, even when the electronic component is in a high temperature state to some extent in the previous recording, it is possible to perform recording while suppressing the excessive temperature rise of the electronic component.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments described above, a mode has been described in which a plurality of recording modes are switched based on the count value of the cap open timer.

  On the other hand, this embodiment describes a mode in which a plurality of recording modes are switched based on a user input in addition to the count value of the cap open timer.

  The description of the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments described above will be omitted.

  The recording apparatus in the present embodiment selects one of the two recording modes, a high-speed recording mode that emphasizes recording speed and a high-quality recording mode that emphasizes recording image quality, according to a user instruction via the PPI 131. Can be executed. Here, the high-speed recording mode is a recording mode in which recording is performed by scanning the recording head once with respect to a unit area on the recording medium. The high image quality recording mode is a recording mode in which recording is performed by causing the recording head to scan the unit area on the recording medium eight times. In the high-quality recording mode, since the recording is performed by dividing the unit area by 8 scans, the recording can be performed with better image quality than the high-speed recording mode, but the recording speed is high-speed recording. It will be slower than the mode.

  Here, in the high image quality recording mode, the number of ink ejections per scan is smaller than in the high speed recording mode. For this reason, in the high image quality recording mode, the power consumption per unit time is reduced, so that it is difficult for the electronic components to overheat.

  In view of the above points, in the present embodiment, when the high-quality recording mode is selected according to a user instruction, the power consumption per unit time described in the first and second embodiments is set. There is no switching to the small recording mode (excess temperature rise suppression mode), that is, the recording mode for recording with a waiting time between scans. On the other hand, when the high-speed recording mode is selected as the recording mode to be executed by the user's instruction, the recording mode with low power consumption per unit time (suppression of excessive temperature rise) is performed as in the first and second embodiments. Mode), that is, switching to a recording mode for recording with a waiting time between scans.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of recording mode determination processing in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the recording mode determination process shown in FIG. 11 is executed every time recording is performed on one recording medium.

  In step S61, it is determined whether or not the recording mode selected by the user's instruction is a high image quality recording mode. If the high image quality recording mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step S62, and the recording mode is determined to execute the high image quality recording mode (third recording mode) regardless of the count value of the cap open timer.

  If it is determined that the recording mode selected in step S61 is not the high-quality recording mode, that is, the high-speed recording mode, the process proceeds to step S63. The processes in step S63, step S64, and step S65 are the same as the processes in step S41, step S42, and step S43 shown in FIG.

  Then, after the recording mode to be executed is determined in any of step S62, step S64, and step S65, recording on the recording medium is executed in step S66 according to the recording mode.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the consumption per unit time is performed only when the user selects a recording mode that may cause overheating of the electronic component among the plurality of recording modes that can be selected by the user. It is possible to switch to a recording mode with low power.

  In the present embodiment, the user can select two recording modes, the high-quality recording mode and the high-speed recording mode. However, the present embodiment can be selected from among three or more recording modes. Can be applied. Even in such a case, the recording mode in which the overheating of the electronic component is less likely to occur among the plurality of recording modes, or the recording mode that may cause other adverse effects by switching to the overheating suppression mode is selected. In some cases, the recording mode selected by the user is executed regardless of the count value of the cap open timer, and when the other recording mode is selected, the recording mode selected according to the count value of the cap open timer is selected. Switching to the excessive temperature rise suppression mode may be performed.

  Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the recording mode in which recording is performed without providing a waiting time between scans as the recording mode in which the power consumption per unit time is relatively large is relatively small in power consumption per unit time. As the recording mode, a mode is described in which the recording mode is performed in which each scanning is performed after a standby time is provided between the scans, but the present invention can be implemented in other modes. For example, a recording mode in which the scanning speed of the recording head is relatively high as a recording mode with relatively high power consumption per unit time, and a scanning speed of the recording head is relatively slow as a recording mode in which power consumption per unit time is relatively small. The recording mode may be executed. In addition, as a recording mode in which power consumption per unit time is relatively large, a recording mode in which recording is performed while providing a comparatively short standby time between scans is performed as a recording mode in which power consumption per unit time is relatively small. A recording mode in which recording is performed while providing a relatively long standby time may be used.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the count value of the cap open timer is compared with the threshold value T2, and the mode for switching to the excessive temperature rise suppression mode according to the result is described. do not have to. When the count value of the cap open timer is a relatively small first count value, the first recording mode is selected, and when the count value is a relatively large second count value, the second recording mode is selected. For example, the effect of the present invention can be obtained at least when the count value of the cap open timer is the first count value and the second count value.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the recording apparatus and the recording method are described. However, the present invention is an image processing apparatus (host apparatus) or an image processing method that generates data for performing the recording method described in each embodiment. May be. Furthermore, the present invention can be widely applied to a form in which a program for causing the recording apparatus to function is prepared separately from the recording apparatus or a form provided in a part of the recording apparatus.

  The “recording medium” includes not only paper used in general recording apparatuses but also a wide range of cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, and the like that can accept ink. .

  Furthermore, “ink” is applied to a recording medium as well as a liquid containing a coloring material, thereby forming an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like, processing of the recording medium, or ink processing (for example, a recording medium) And a liquid that can be used for solidification or insolubilization of the colorant in the ink applied to the ink.

1a, 1b Cap 5a, 5b Recording head 120 Drive power supply 150 CPU

Claims (22)

A recording head having a plurality of ejection openings for ejecting liquid;
Scanning means for relatively scanning the recording head and the recording medium;
First acquisition means for acquiring first information relating to time since the start of recording;
As a recording mode for executing one recording mode among a plurality of recording modes including at least a first recording mode and a second recording mode that consumes less power per unit time than the first recording mode. A decision means to decide;
According to the recording mode determined by the determining means, control is performed so that recording is performed on the recording medium by ejecting liquid while performing a relative scan between the recording head and the recording medium by the scanning means. A recording control means, comprising:
The determining unit determines (i) the recording mode to execute the first recording mode when the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquiring unit is a first time. (Ii) The recording for executing the second recording mode when the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquiring means is a second time longer than the first time. A recording apparatus characterized by determining the mode.   The determination means includes: (i) a first threshold value that the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquisition means is longer than the first time and shorter than the second time. The first recording mode is determined as the recording mode to be executed when the time is shorter than (ii) the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquisition unit is less than the first threshold The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording mode is determined as the recording mode for executing the second recording mode when the length is long. The scanning unit scans the recording head a plurality of times with respect to the recording medium,
The first recording mode is a recording mode in which the recording medium is scanned a plurality of times without providing a waiting time between scanning of the recording head by the scanning unit.
The second recording mode is a recording mode in which the recording medium is scanned a plurality of times while providing a predetermined standby time between scanning of the recording head by the scanning unit. The recording apparatus according to 1 or 2. The scanning unit scans the recording head a plurality of times with respect to the recording medium,
The first recording mode is a recording mode in which the recording medium is scanned a plurality of times while providing a first waiting time between scanning of the recording head by the scanning unit.
In the second recording mode, the recording medium performs scanning a plurality of times while providing a second standby time longer than the first standby time between scanning of the recording head by the scanning unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a mode. The first recording mode is a recording mode in which the recording head is scanned at a first speed by the scanning unit,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second recording mode is a recording mode in which the scanning unit scans the recording head at a second speed slower than the first speed. . A cap capable of covering the surface on which the discharge port is formed;
The said 1st acquisition means acquires the information regarding the time after the coating | cover of the formation surface of the said discharge port by the said cap was cancelled | released as said 1st information. The recording apparatus according to item 1. A second acquisition means for acquiring second information relating to the time since the recording was stopped;
(I) the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquisition unit is the first time, and the second acquired by the second acquisition unit; If the time indicated by the information is the third time, the recording mode is determined to execute the first recording mode, and (ii) the first information acquired by the first acquisition means indicates When the time is the first time and the time indicated by the second information acquired by the second acquisition means is a fourth time shorter than the third time, the second time (Iii) when the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquisition means is the second time, the second acquisition means The second information acquired by Recording apparatus according to any one of 6 claim 1, wherein the determining as said recording mode for executing the second recording mode regardless of the time indicated.   The determination means includes: (i) a first threshold value that the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquisition means is longer than the first time and shorter than the second time. Shorter than the second threshold, and the time indicated by the second information acquired by the second acquisition means is longer than the fourth time and shorter than the third time. If it is long, the recording mode is determined as the recording mode for executing the first recording mode, and (ii) the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquisition unit is shorter than the first threshold, When the time indicated by the second information acquired by the second acquisition unit is shorter than the second threshold, the recording mode is determined to execute the second recording mode, and (iii) Acquired by the first acquisition means When the time indicated by the first information is longer than the first threshold, the second recording mode is executed regardless of the time indicated by the second information acquired by the second acquisition means. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recording mode is determined.   The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second threshold value is smaller than the first threshold value. A cap capable of covering the surface on which the discharge port is formed;
The said 2nd acquisition means acquires the information regarding the time after the coating | cover of the formation surface of the said discharge port by the said cap was performed as said 2nd information. The recording apparatus according to item 1. The scanning means can scan a unit area on the recording medium a plurality of times,
The plurality of recording modes further include a third recording mode in which the number of scans with respect to the unit area is greater than that in the first recording mode,
The determining means includes
First determining means for determining one recording mode based on a user instruction among a plurality of recording modes including the first recording mode and the third recording mode and not including the second recording mode. When,
(I) The first recording mode is determined as the one recording mode by the first determination unit, and the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquisition unit is the first time. Is determined as the recording mode for executing the first recording mode, (ii) the first recording mode is determined as the one recording mode by the first determining means, and When the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquisition means is the second time, the recording mode is determined to execute the second recording mode, and (iii) the first When the third recording mode is determined as the one recording mode by the determining means, the third recording mode is independent of the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquiring means. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the second determining means for determining as the recording mode to perform the recording mode, characterized in that it consists of.   12. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the recording mode to execute one recording mode from the plurality of recording modes every time recording is performed on one recording medium. The recording apparatus according to item 1. A drive power supply for supplying power to the recording apparatus;
13. The recording control unit according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit controls the recording head to discharge the liquid by driving the recording head using electric power supplied from the driving power source. 13. Recording device.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is an ink containing a color material. A recording head having a plurality of ejection openings for ejecting liquid;
A cap capable of covering the formation surface of the discharge port;
Scanning means for relatively scanning the recording head and the recording medium;
First measuring means for measuring a time after the covering of the formation surface of the discharge port by the cap is released;
As a recording mode for executing one recording mode among a plurality of recording modes including at least a first recording mode and a second recording mode that consumes less power per unit time than the first recording mode. A decision means to decide;
According to the recording mode determined by the determining means, control is performed so that recording is performed on the recording medium by ejecting liquid while performing a relative scan between the recording head and the recording medium by the scanning means. A recording control means, comprising:
The determining means determines (i) the recording mode to execute the first recording mode when the time measured by the first measuring means is the first time, and (ii) the first The recording apparatus, wherein when the time measured by the measuring means is a second time longer than the first time, the recording mode is determined to execute the second recording mode.   The determining means is (i) when the time measured by the first measuring means is longer than the first time and shorter than a first threshold shorter than the second time. (Ii) the recording for executing the second recording mode when the time measured by the first measuring means is longer than the first threshold value. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the recording apparatus is determined as a mode.   The first measurement unit initializes the time measured by the first measurement unit when the cap is covered with the formation surface of the discharge port. 16. The recording device according to 16. A second measuring means for measuring a time from when the formation surface of the discharge port is covered by the cap;
The first measuring means is (i) when the formation surface of the discharge port is covered with the cap and the time measured by the second measuring means is a third time. The time measured by one measuring means is initialized, (ii) the discharge port is covered with the cap, and the time measured by the second measuring means is shorter than the third time. The recording apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein when the time is a fourth time, the time measured by the first measuring means is maintained.   The first measuring means is (i) covering the ejection port formation surface with the cap, and the time measured by the second measuring means is longer than the fourth time, and If it is longer than the second threshold, which is shorter than the third time, the time measured by the first measuring means is initialized, and (ii) the discharge port forming surface is covered with the cap. The time measured by the first measuring means is maintained when the time measured by the second measuring means is shorter than the second threshold value. Recording device.   The said 2nd measurement means initializes the time measured by the said 2nd measurement means, when the covering of the formation surface of the said discharge port by the said cap is cancelled | released. 19. The recording device according to 19. A recording method for recording using a recording head having a plurality of ejection openings for ejecting liquid,
A scanning step of relatively scanning the recording head and the recording medium;
A first acquisition step of acquiring first information relating to a time from the start of recording;
A recording control step of controlling the recording medium to perform recording by discharging liquid while performing a relative scan between the recording head and the recording medium in the scanning step;
The recording control step performs (i) the first recording when the time indicated by the first information acquired by the first acquisition step is a first time, and (ii) the first When the time indicated by the first information acquired in the acquisition step is a second time longer than the first time, the second power consumption is lower than that in the first recording. A recording method comprising performing recording. A recording method for recording using a recording head having a plurality of discharge ports for discharging a liquid, and a cap capable of covering the formation surface of the discharge ports,
A scanning step of relatively scanning the recording head and the recording medium;
A first measurement step of measuring a time after the covering of the formation surface of the discharge port by the cap is released;
A recording control step of controlling the recording medium to perform recording by discharging liquid while performing a relative scan between the recording head and the recording medium in the scanning step;
The recording control step executes (i) the first recording when the time measured by the first measuring step is the first time, and (ii) measured by the first measuring step. A recording method comprising: executing a second recording that consumes less power per unit time than the first recording when the time is a second time longer than the first time.

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