JP4280453B2 - Recording apparatus and recording head temperature management method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a recording head temperature management method, and more particularly to temperature control of a recording head in a recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium by the recording head.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in a recording device as an information output device in a word processor, personal computer, facsimile, etc., which outputs information such as desired characters and images to a sheet-like recording medium such as paper or film, the recording medium such as paper 2. Description of the Related Art Serial recording type recording apparatuses that perform recording while reciprocating a recording head in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction are generally widely used from the viewpoints of low cost and easy miniaturization.
[0003]
Such a recording apparatus has been widely researched and developed in the past. For example, an inkjet recording apparatus using an inkjet recording head, a thermal transfer recording apparatus using a thermal recording head, and the like are widely spread.
[0004]
In such a recording apparatus, recording is performed, that is, as the recording head is driven, the temperature of the recording head often increases, and if the temperature of the recording head reaches an excessively high temperature, recording is performed. Problems with images and others will occur.
[0005]
In order to prevent this, such a device detects the temperature of the recording head, and if the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the recording speed is delayed, that is, the maximum driving frequency of the recording head is reduced. In some cases, the recording head is controlled so as not to fall into an excessively high temperature by temporarily stopping recording and waiting for a predetermined time.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the maximum drive frequency of the recording head is reduced, the speed of relative movement between the recording head and the recording medium when performing recording must also be reduced, and the configuration of the drive mechanism, the control circuit, etc. become complicated. There arises a problem that the cost of the entire apparatus increases.
[0007]
Further, in the case where the control is performed so that the recording is temporarily interrupted and waits for a predetermined time, there arises a problem that the output speed is extremely lowered when the standby time is increased.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and can prevent problems caused by a rise in the temperature of the recording head while suppressing a decrease in output speed as much as possible with a simple configuration and control that does not cost much. An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature management method for a recording apparatus and a recording head.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the recording apparatus of the present invention has a recording head and a recording medium that move intermittently relative to each other, and the recording head can record one recording area during the relative movement. A recording apparatus in which a recording head performs recording on a recording medium by one or more relative movements,
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the recording head;
A comparison means for comparing the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection means with a threshold value;
As a result of the comparison, While the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold, do not start the new relative movement with recording. Control means for controlling;
When the number of relative movements in the recording area is the same The length of the area in which the recording head records during one relative movement in the relative movement direction The lower the threshold is, the lower the threshold value is set, and the number of relative movements of the recording head relative to the threshold value when the relative number of relative movements of the recording head is the first number is the same in the length of the relative movement direction. The threshold is set low when is a second number less than the first number Threshold setting means.
[0010]
Further, the temperature management method for a recording head according to the present invention that achieves the above object provides a recording area in which the recording head and the recording medium move intermittently relative to each other, and the recording head can record during one relative movement. A temperature management method for a recording head of a recording apparatus in which the recording head performs recording on a recording medium by one or more relative movements relative to the recording medium,
A temperature detecting step for detecting the temperature of the recording head;
A comparison step of comparing the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection step with a threshold value;
As a result of the comparison, While the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold, do not start the new relative movement with recording. A control process to control;
When the number of relative movements in the recording area is the same The length of the area in which the recording head records during one relative movement in the relative movement direction The lower the threshold is, the lower the threshold value is set, and the number of relative movements of the recording head relative to the threshold value when the relative number of relative movements of the recording head is the first number is the same in the length of the relative movement direction. The threshold is set low when is a second number less than the first number A threshold setting step.
[0011]
In other words, according to the present invention, the temperature of the recording head is detected and detected in a recording apparatus in which the recording head and the recording medium move intermittently relative to each other and the recording head performs recording on the recording medium during the relative movement. The recording temperature is compared with a predetermined threshold value, and the start of a new relative movement with recording is controlled according to the comparison result, and the recording head records the threshold value during one relative movement. It is set according to information related to the number of pixels.
[0012]
According to this, for example, when the temperature of the recording head is equal to or higher than a threshold value set according to information on the number of pixels on which the recording head performs recording during one relative movement, a new relative with recording is performed. The movement can be prevented from starting.
[0013]
Therefore, a complicated configuration and control are unnecessary, and it is possible to prevent a problem due to a rise in the temperature of the recording head while suppressing a decrease in output speed as much as possible without incurring costs.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015]
In the embodiment described below, a serial recording type inkjet recording apparatus (printer) will be described as an example.
[0016]
In this specification, “recording” (sometimes referred to as “printing”) is not only for forming significant information such as characters and graphics, but also for human beings, regardless of whether it is significant or not. Regardless of whether or not it is manifested, it also represents a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a recording medium or the medium is processed.
[0017]
“Recording medium” refers not only to paper used in general recording apparatuses but also widely to cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, and the like that can accept ink. Shall.
[0018]
Furthermore, “ink” (sometimes referred to as “liquid”) is to be interpreted broadly in the same way as the definition of “recording (printing)” above. It represents a liquid that can be used for forming a pattern or the like, processing a recording medium, or processing an ink (for example, solidification or insolubilization of a colorant in ink applied to the recording medium).
[0019]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an ink jet printer as a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, a recording medium (hereinafter also referred to as a medium) M is indicated by an arrow F in FIG. Conveyed in the direction.
[0021]
Guide shafts 3 a and 3 b are arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) of the medium M, and the carriage 4 on which the ink jet recording head 5 is mounted is driven by the carriage motor 6 in the drawing. It is reciprocated (scanned) in the direction of arrow S (main scanning direction).
[0022]
The medium M is intermittently conveyed by the conveyance motor 1, but when the medium M is stopped, the ink jet recording head 5 is reciprocally scanned in the main scanning direction. Recording is performed by discharging the ink.
[0023]
In the ink jet recording head 5, 256 ejection openings (nozzles) are arranged at 600 dpi (dot / inch) intervals in the sub-scanning direction, and ink is locally distributed in the ink flow path communicating with each ejection opening. Electrothermal converters are provided for heating the film to cause film boiling and ejecting ink by the pressure.
[0024]
Further, the inkjet recording head 5 is provided with a diode sensor 50 for temperature detection (see FIG. 2) on the same substrate as the substrate on which the electrothermal transducer is provided.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the ink jet printer shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, 20 is an interface for transmitting / receiving data such as image data and control commands to / from the host device H, 21 is an MPU that executes various control procedures, and 22 is a control procedure that is executed by the MPU. A ROM 23 for storing programs, fixed data, and the like is a DRAM for temporarily storing various data (recording data to be supplied to the inkjet recording head 5 and the like).
[0026]
Reference numeral 24 denotes a gate array that controls supply of recording data to the inkjet recording head 5, and also controls data transfer among the interface 20, MPU 21, and DRAM 23. Reference numerals 25 and 26 denote motor drivers for driving the carriage motor 6 and the conveyance motor 1, respectively, and 27 denotes a head driver for driving the inkjet recording head 5.
[0027]
Reference numeral 50 denotes the above-described diode sensor for detecting the temperature of the inkjet recording head 5, and the detection data is sent to the MPU 21.
[0028]
Next, an example of recording an image of one page in the image recording sequence in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS.
[0029]
In FIG. 3, when image data including control data is input from the host device H (step S301), the ink jet printer of this embodiment drives the transport motor 1 and the like to move the medium M to a predetermined recording start position. (Step S302).
[0030]
Thereafter, the MPU 21 uses the table as illustrated in FIG. 4 stored in the ROM 22 in accordance with the size data in the main scanning direction of the recorded image included in the control data, and the inkjet recording head 5 uses the table. A threshold (hereinafter referred to as a weight temperature T) used for control for delaying the start of a new main scan accompanied by ink ejection (recording) _W Is set (step S303).
[0031]
This threshold (weight temperature T _W ) Is a temperature of the ink jet recording head 5 detected by the diode sensor 50 (hereinafter referred to as a head temperature T). _H (Refer to step S305).
[0032]
Here, a method of creating the table illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described below. In the present embodiment, the main scanning speed is 10 inches / second (hereinafter referred to as inch / s) while the ink jet recording head 5 performs ink ejection (recording), and is controlled to be substantially constant. Is done. In addition, the maximum drive (ink discharge) frequency of the inkjet recording head 5 is 6 KHz.
[0033]
Further, as described above, the inkjet recording head 5 in the present embodiment has 256 ejection openings arranged at 600 dpi intervals in the sub-scanning direction, and is accompanied by ink ejection (recording) by the inkjet recording head 5. The amount of sub-scanning (conveyance of the medium M) after scanning is the maximum length in the sub-scanning direction of the recording area in which the inkjet recording head 5 can record during one main scanning, that is, (256/600) inches. It is.
[0034]
Accordingly, the resolution of the ink jet printer of the present embodiment is 600 dpi (main scanning direction) × 600 dpi (sub-scanning direction).
[0035]
In the ink jet printer as described above, the maximum number of dots that can be recorded by the ink jet recording head 5 during one main scanning is uniquely determined according to the size of the recorded image in the main scanning direction. Further, the time required to record the maximum number of dots is also uniquely determined.
[0036]
Accordingly, the detection temperature of the ink jet recording head 5 by the diode sensor 50 (head temperature T _H ) Is the weight temperature T _W If the start of a new main scan with recording (ink ejection) is delayed until the head temperature T becomes smaller than the head temperature T during the image recording, depending on the size of the recorded image in the main scanning direction. _H The maximum value reached is almost determined.
[0037]
By the way, head temperature T _H If it becomes too high, the following problems will occur in the ink jet printer of this embodiment.
[0038]
When the ink jet recording head 5 is driven to perform recording, the head temperature T is driven by the driving (ink discharge). _H Rises. At the same time, the temperature of the ink in the inkjet recording head 5 also rises. When the temperature of the ink rises, dissolved gas in the ink is deposited and becomes bubbles, and is accumulated in the ink channel and the common ink chamber communicating with each ink channel.
[0039]
Then, if the bubbles obstruct ink supply to the common ink chamber, ejection failure (non-ejection) from all ejection ports will occur.
[0040]
Therefore, in the ink jet printer of the present embodiment, control is performed so that the maximum temperature reached by the ink jet recording head 5 during image recording is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (a specific value in the present embodiment is about 70 ° C.).
[0041]
Therefore, the recorded image (as information regarding the number of pixels on which the inkjet recording head 5 performs recording during one main scan) such that the maximum temperature of the inkjet recording head 5 during image recording does not exceed a predetermined value is recorded. The weight temperature T according to the size in the main scanning direction _W Is obtained by a relational expression derived from experiments or some measurements, and a table as illustrated in FIG. 4 is created.
[0042]
Note that the ink jet printer of this embodiment cannot record an image whose main scanning direction size exceeds 44 inches.
[0043]
Using the table created in this way, the weight temperature T in accordance with the size data in the main scanning direction of the recorded image. _W Is set (step S303). After that, the head temperature T _H Is started (step S304), and the detected head temperature T _H And weight temperature T _W Is determined (step S305).
[0044]
If the result of determination in step S305 is “No”, that is, the head temperature T _H Is the weight temperature T _W If so, the process returns to step S304 and the head temperature T _H Detection and determination in step S305. That is, the head temperature T _H Is the weight temperature T _W Wait until less than.
[0045]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S305 is “Yes”, that is, the head temperature T _H Is the weight temperature T _W If it is less than the head temperature T _H 1 is terminated (step S306), and then the carriage 4 shown in FIG. 1 starts main scanning in the direction of arrow S1 (hereinafter referred to as the forward direction) (step S307).
[0046]
The carriage 4 is accelerated after starting the main scanning in the forward direction, and the main scanning speed becomes a substantially constant speed of 10 inches / s until the inkjet recording head 5 reaches a predetermined recording (ink ejection) start position. It is controlled to become.
[0047]
While the carriage 4 performs main scanning at a substantially constant speed, the ink jet recording head 5 converts the recording data from the predetermined recording start position to the recording end position corresponding to the size data in the main scanning direction of the recorded image. Accordingly, ink droplets are ejected onto the medium M and recording is performed (step S308).
[0048]
Thereafter, the carriage 4 is decelerated, and when the main scanning in the forward direction is completed and stopped, the carriage 4 is reversed, and main scanning is performed in the direction indicated by the arrow S2 in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as the backward direction) (step S309). Return to the carriage home position.
[0049]
During this time, the medium M is sub-scanned by the maximum length in the sub-scanning direction of the area where the ink jet recording head 5 can record during the main scanning in the forward direction, that is, (256/600) inches (step S310). ).
[0050]
As described above, when one round-trip scanning is completed, it is determined whether or not the image data has already been completed (step S311). If this determination is “No”, the process returns to step S304. The processes up to step S311 are performed again.
[0051]
That is, as described above, recording by the inkjet recording head 5, sub-scanning, and the like are performed at the head temperature T. _H And weight temperature T _W This is repeated until the end of the image data while adjusting the start timing of the main scanning.
[0052]
On the other hand, if the determination in step S311 is “Yes”, the medium M is ejected by driving the transport motor 1 or the like (step S312).
[0053]
As described above, in this embodiment, the head temperature T during image recording is recorded. _H Is always maintained at a temperature that does not cause the above-mentioned problems.
[0054]
That is, by performing the simple configuration and control as described above, it is possible to obtain a good recorded image by suppressing a reduction in output speed and preventing the occurrence of the above-described problems without cost. .
[0055]
[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and characteristic parts of the second embodiment will be mainly described.
[0056]
In the first embodiment, the amount of sub-scanning performed after main scanning with recording is the so-called maximum length in the sub-scanning direction of the recording area that can be recorded by the recording head during one main scanning. Although the pass recording method is employed, the printer according to the present embodiment employs the one-pass recording method as the high-speed mode and the so-called two-pass recording method as the high-quality mode.
[0057]
An image recording sequence in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0058]
In FIG. 3, when image data including control data is input from the host device H (see FIG. 2) (step S301), the ink jet printer of the present embodiment has the transport motor 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and the like. Is driven to feed the medium M to a predetermined recording start position (step S302).
[0059]
Thereafter, the MPU 21 (see FIG. 2) waits according to the size data in the main scanning direction of the recorded image and the mode data indicating the high-speed mode or the high-quality mode included in the control data. Temperature T _W Is set (step S303).
[0060]
At this time, when the mode data is data indicating the high-speed mode, the table illustrated in FIG. 4 is used as in the first embodiment. Since the subsequent sequences are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0061]
On the other hand, when the mode data is data indicating the high image quality mode, the wait temperature T in step S303 is displayed. _W The table illustrated in FIG. 5 is used for setting. The reason why different tables are used is that the high image quality mode employs a so-called two-pass recording method, and details thereof will be described later.
[0062]
Weight temperature T _W After setting the head temperature T _H Is started (step S304), and the detected head temperature T _H And weight temperature T _W Is determined (step S305).
[0063]
If the result of determination in step S305 is “No”, that is, the head temperature T _H Is the weight temperature T _W If so, the process returns to step S304 and the head temperature T _H Detection and determination in step S305. That is, the head temperature T _H Is the weight temperature T _W Wait until less than.
[0064]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S305 is “Yes”, that is, the head temperature T _H Is the weight temperature T _W If it is less than the head temperature T _H 1 is finished (step S306), and then the carriage 4 shown in FIG. 1 starts main scanning in the direction of arrow S1 (forward direction) (step S307).
[0065]
The carriage 4 is accelerated after starting the main scanning in the forward direction, and the main scanning speed is 10 inches until the ink jet recording head 5 mounted on the carriage 4 reaches a predetermined recording (ink ejection) start position. / S is controlled to be a substantially constant speed.
[0066]
While the carriage 4 performs main scanning at a substantially constant speed, the ink jet recording head 5 converts the predetermined recording start position to the recording end position corresponding to the size data in the main scanning direction of the recording image. Accordingly, ink droplets are ejected onto the medium M and recording is performed (step S308).
[0067]
At this time, the maximum drive (ink discharge) frequency of the inkjet recording head 5 is 6 kHz, and a mask as shown in FIG. 6 is used. That is, recording (ink ejection) is not performed on the pixels corresponding to the portions shown in black in FIG.
[0068]
Therefore, the maximum number of dots that can be recorded by the inkjet recording head 5 during one main scanning with recording in the high image quality mode (two-pass recording method) is (the number of pixels corresponding to the black portion). Therefore, the number of pixels corresponding to the white-painted portion is the same as that in the high-speed mode (one-pass recording method).
[0069]
This is the weight temperature T performed in step S303 in the high image quality mode (two-pass recording method). _W This is because the table shown in FIG. 5 different from FIG.
[0070]
Note that the table illustrated in FIG. 5 is obtained by relational expressions derived from experiments or some measurements, as in the first embodiment.
[0071]
When the recording (ink ejection) during the main scanning in the forward direction by the inkjet recording head 5 in step S308 is completed, the carriage 4 is decelerated, and when the main scanning in the forward direction is completed, the carriage 4 is reversed, and the direction of the arrow S2 in FIG. Main scanning is performed in the backward direction (step S309), and the carriage returns to the carriage home position side.
[0072]
During this time, the medium M is sub-scanned by half the maximum length in the sub-scanning direction of the area in which the inkjet recording head 5 can record during the main scanning in the forward direction, that is, (128/600) inches. (Step S310).
[0073]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the image data has already been completed (step S311). If this determination is “No”, the process returns to step S304, and the processing up to step S311 is performed again. That is, as described above, recording by the inkjet recording head 5, sub-scanning, and the like are performed at the head temperature T. _H And weight temperature T _W This is repeated until the end of the image data while adjusting the start timing of the main scanning.
[0074]
However, at this time, the mask used for printing (ink ejection) during the main scanning in the odd number of forward directions and the recording (ink ejection) during the main scanning in the forward direction of the even numbers. Unlike the mask used, the relationship between the two masks is a complementary front-back relationship. (See Fig. 6)
In the high image quality mode (two-pass recording method), the control as described above may result from variations in the amount of ink droplets ejected from the plurality of ejection ports of the inkjet recording head 5. Occurrence of image unevenness and streaks can be suppressed.
[0075]
On the other hand, if the determination in step S311 is “Yes”, the medium M is ejected by driving the transport motor 1 or the like (step S312).
[0076]
By configuring and controlling as described above, in the present embodiment, the head temperature T during image recording is performed in both the high-speed mode and the high-quality mode. _H Can always be maintained at a temperature at which the above-described problems do not occur.
[0077]
That is, by setting the weight temperature in the high image quality mode (two-pass recording method) higher than the weight temperature in the high-speed mode (one-pass recording method), the output speed in the high-speed mode is higher than that in the high-image mode. The output speed can be further reduced, and the above-described problems can be prevented from occurring in both the high-speed mode and the high-quality mode, and a good recorded image can be obtained.
[0078]
In the second embodiment, the example in which the 1-pass recording method is employed as the high-speed mode and the 2-pass recording method is employed as the high-quality mode has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The number of passes in the high-speed mode and the high-quality mode is not limited.
[0079]
In the second embodiment, the weight temperature is changed according to the size data and mode data in the main scanning direction of the recorded image. However, the weight temperature may be controlled to change only according to the mode data. The present invention is effective.
[0080]
Similarly, the number of mode data is not limited to two, that is, the high speed mode and the high image quality mode, and can be a number corresponding to the recording mode of the recording apparatus.
[0081]
The number of inkjet recording heads in the first and second embodiments is one, but the present invention is not limited to such an example, and includes a plurality of inkjet recording heads, each having a different color. The present invention is also effective for an ink jet printer that can perform color recording by discharging the ink.
[0082]
For such a printer, for example, each ink jet recording head may be provided with a detecting means for detecting the temperature, and control may be performed so that the temperature is detected until the detected temperature of the highest temperature recording head becomes lower than the weight temperature. .
[0083]
[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0084]
The third embodiment is also an example in which the present invention is applied to a serial recording type inkjet printer, and the schematic configuration and control configuration of the present embodiment are the same as those shown in FIGS. Omitted.
[0085]
In the first and second embodiments, the weight temperature T depends on the control data input together with the image data, such as the main scanning direction size of the recorded image and the recording mode. _W In this embodiment, the weight temperature T is set according to the image data itself. _W Set.
[0086]
Hereinafter, the image recording sequence in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 and FIGS.
[0087]
In FIG. 7, when image data including control data is input from the host device H (see FIG. 2) (step S701), the ink jet printer of the present embodiment uses the transport motor 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and the like. Is driven to feed the medium M to a predetermined recording start position (step S702).
[0088]
On the other hand, the MPU 21 (see FIG. 2) develops the image data into recording data to be supplied to the ink jet recording head 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and is accompanied by recording (ink ejection) by the ink jet recording head 5. The number of dots recorded by the inkjet recording head 5 during the next main scan of the carriage 4 (see FIG. 1) is counted, and the result (count value) is stored in the DRAM 23 together with the developed recording data. (Step S703).
[0089]
Thereafter, the MPU 21 uses the table as illustrated in FIG. 8 stored in the ROM 22 (see FIG. 2) according to the count value, and uses the weight temperature T _W Is set (step S704).
[0090]
Weight temperature T _W When the setting of the head is completed, the head temperature T _H Is started (step S705), and the detected head temperature T _H And weight temperature T _W Is determined (compared) (step S706).
[0091]
If the result of determination in step S706 is “No”, that is, the head temperature T _H Is the weight temperature T _W If so, the process returns to step S705, and the determination in step S706 is performed. That is, the head temperature T _H Is the weight temperature T _W Wait until less than.
[0092]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S706 is “Yes”, that is, the head temperature T _H Is the weight temperature T _W If it is less than the head temperature T _H (Step S707), and then the carriage 4 starts main scanning in the direction of arrow S1 (forward direction) in FIG. 1 (step S708).
[0093]
The carriage 4 is accelerated after starting the main scanning in the forward direction, and the main scanning speed is substantially reduced until the inkjet recording head 5 mounted on the carriage 4 reaches a predetermined recording (ink ejection) start position. It is controlled to be constant.
[0094]
While the carriage 4 performs main scanning at a substantially constant speed, the inkjet recording head 5 performs recording by ejecting ink droplets onto the medium M in accordance with the recording data stored in the DRAM 23 ( Step S709).
[0095]
Thereafter, the carriage 4 is decelerated, and when the forward main scanning is finished and stopped, the carriage 4 is reversed, and the main scanning is performed in the direction indicated by the arrow S2 in FIG. 1 (reverse direction) (step S710). Return to the position side.
[0096]
During this time, the medium M is sub-scanned by (256/600) inches as in the first embodiment (step S711).
[0097]
As described above, when one round-trip scanning is completed, it is determined whether or not the image data has already been completed (step S712). If the result of this determination is “No”, step S703 is performed. The process up to step S712 is performed again.
[0098]
That is, the weight temperature T set in accordance with the number of dots recorded by the inkjet recording head 5 during the main scanning with recording. _W And head temperature T _H In comparison with the above, while adjusting the start timing of each main scan accompanying recording, the above-described recording by the inkjet recording head 5, sub-scanning, and the like are repeated until the image data is completed.
[0099]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S712 is “Yes”, the medium M is ejected by driving the transport motor 1 or the like (step S713).
[0100]
By configuring and controlling as described above, the weight temperature T corresponding to variously varying image data is obtained. _W Can be set, and the head temperature T during image recording is suppressed while suppressing the decrease in the image output speed as much as possible. _H Can always be maintained at a temperature at which the above-described problems do not occur.
[0101]
Therefore, for example, even in an image in which the recording image has the same size (length) in the main scanning direction but the dot density of the recording data developed from the image data is different, each main scanning accompanying recording is performed. The weight temperature T _W By setting the above, the head temperature T is reduced while suppressing the decrease in the image output speed as much as possible. _H Can be suppressed appropriately.
[0102]
The table illustrated in FIG. 8 is obtained by a relational expression derived from an experiment or some measurements, similarly to the table used in the first and second embodiments.
[0103]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, the weight temperature T varies according to the count value for each main scan with recording, which varies depending on the image data. _W By setting this, it is possible to prevent the above-described problems from occurring while suppressing the decrease in output speed as much as possible, and obtain a good recorded image.
[0104]
In the third embodiment, an example in which one inkjet recording head is mounted on one carriage has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and an inkjet mounted on a carriage. There may be a plurality of recording heads.
[0105]
For such an example, for example, after waiting until the head temperature of each inkjet recording head becomes lower than the weight temperature set for each inkjet recording head, main scanning with carriage recording is started. It may be controlled to.
[0106]
In the third embodiment, an ink jet recording apparatus adopting a one-pass recording method has been described as an example. However, the present invention is a so-called multi-pass recording method such as a two-pass recording method or a four-pass recording method. It can also be applied to a recording apparatus that employs the
[0107]
[Other Embodiments]
Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, control is performed so that recording (ink ejection) is performed by the ink jet recording head only during main scanning in the forward direction of the carriage, but main scanning in the backward direction is performed. In the meantime, it may be controlled to perform recording (ink ejection).
[0108]
In addition, for example, it is possible to provide a detection means for detecting the environmental temperature in the vicinity of the recording head such as a carriage, and to further change the weight temperature according to the detected temperature. This is preferable.
[0109]
In the first to third embodiments, the carriage main scanning speed while the ink jet recording head performs recording (ink ejection) is substantially constant. However, the present invention can be applied even when the speed is not substantially constant. Is effective.
[0110]
Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the example in which the present invention is applied to a so-called serial recording type ink jet printer in which the ink jet recording head and the medium scan in two main and sub directions has been described. In other types, for example, the ink discharge ports of the ink jet recording head are arranged over the shortest length of the maximum size medium that can be used, so that only the medium moves and recording is performed during the movement. The present invention is also effective for a full-line type ink jet printer.
[0111]
For a full-line type ink jet printer as described above, for example, recording (until the temperature detected by the ink jet recording head becomes lower than the weight temperature set according to the length of the recorded image in the medium movement direction, etc.) Control may be performed so that the start of movement of a new medium accompanied by (ink ejection) is delayed (standby).
[0112]
Furthermore, for the full-line type ink jet printer as described above, for example, diode sensors are provided at a plurality of locations for detecting the temperature of the ink jet recording head, and the maximum value and the average value of the detected temperatures, etc. It is also effective to control so that the start of movement of a new medium accompanied by recording (ink ejection) is delayed until the temperature becomes lower than the weight temperature.
[0113]
In the first to third embodiments, an electrothermal converter is provided in the ink flow path communicating with the ejection port of the inkjet recording head, and the ink is locally heated by energizing the electrothermal converter. The example in which the present invention is applied to the ink jet printer that causes film boiling and ejects ink by the pressure has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example, and other types of ink jet printers. The present invention is also effective for a printer.
[0114]
Furthermore, the present invention is effective not only for an ink jet printer but also for a recording apparatus of another recording system such as a thermal printer, and is not limited to a recording apparatus, but has any function for performing recording with a recording head. The present invention is applicable to an apparatus.
[0115]
The above-described embodiment includes means (for example, an electrothermal converter, a laser beam, etc.) that generates thermal energy as energy used for causing ink ejection, particularly in the ink jet recording system, and the thermal energy By using a system that causes a change in the state of the ink, higher recording density and higher definition can be achieved.
[0116]
As its typical configuration and principle, for example, those performed using the basic principle disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796 are preferable. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path holding the liquid (ink). By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and applying a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to the electrothermal transducer, the thermal energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the recording head This is effective because film boiling occurs on the heat acting surface of the liquid, and as a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to the drive signal on a one-to-one basis can be formed.
[0117]
By the growth and contraction of the bubbles, liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable that the drive signal has a pulse shape, since the bubble growth and contraction is performed immediately and appropriately, and thus it is possible to achieve discharge of a liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness.
[0118]
As this pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further excellent recording can be performed by employing the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface.
[0119]
As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination configuration (straight liquid flow path or right-angle liquid flow path) of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal transducer as disclosed in each of the above-mentioned specifications, the heat acting surface The configurations described in US Pat. No. 4,558,333 and US Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose a configuration in which is arranged in a bending region, are also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-123670, which discloses a configuration in which a common slot is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal transducer, or an opening that absorbs a pressure wave of thermal energy is discharged to a plurality of electrothermal transducers. A configuration based on Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-138461 disclosing a configuration corresponding to each part may be adopted.
[0120]
In addition to the cartridge-type recording head in which the ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself described in the above embodiment, it can be electrically connected to the apparatus body by being attached to the apparatus body. A replaceable chip type recording head that can supply ink from the apparatus main body may be used.
[0121]
In addition, it is preferable to add recovery means, preliminary means, and the like for the recording head to the configuration of the recording apparatus described above because the recording operation can be further stabilized. Specific examples thereof include a capping unit for the recording head, a cleaning unit, a pressurizing or sucking unit, an electrothermal converter, a heating element different from this, or a preheating unit using a combination thereof. In addition, it is effective to provide a preliminary ejection mode for performing ejection different from recording in order to perform stable recording.
[0122]
Further, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but the recording head may be integrated or may be a combination of a plurality of colors. An apparatus having at least one of full colors can also be provided.
[0123]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), or a device (for example, a copier, a facsimile device, etc.) composed of a single device. You may apply to.
[0124]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for implementing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the.
[0125]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0126]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0127]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0128]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0129]
When the present invention is applied to the above storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above (shown in FIGS. 3 and / or 7).
[0130]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, for example, the temperature of the recording head is set according to information on the number of pixels that the recording head performs recording during one relative movement between the recording head and the recording medium. When the threshold value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, it is possible to prevent a new relative movement accompanying recording from being started between the recording head and the recording medium.
[0131]
Therefore, a complicated configuration and control are unnecessary, and it is possible to prevent a problem due to a rise in the temperature of the recording head while suppressing a decrease in output speed as much as possible without incurring costs.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of an ink jet printer as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the ink jet printer as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an image recording sequence according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a table used for weight temperature setting in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a table used for setting the weight temperature for the high image quality mode in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a mask used in the high image quality mode in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image recording sequence according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a table used for weight temperature setting in the third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Transport motor
2 Platen roller
3 Guide shaft
4 Carriage
5 Inkjet recording head
6 Carriage motor
20 interface
21 MPU
22 ROM
23 DRAM
24 Gate array
25, 26 Motor driver
27 Head driver
50 Diode sensor

Claims (10)

The recording head and the recording medium are relatively moved relative to each other, and the recording head is moved by one or more times of the relative movement with respect to the recording area in which the recording head can record during one relative movement. A recording device for recording
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the recording head;
A comparison means for comparing the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection means with a threshold value;
As a result of the comparison, while the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, control means for controlling not to start the new relative movement with recording ;
In the case where the number of times of relative movement of the recording area is the same, the threshold value is set lower as the length of the relative movement direction of the area recorded by the recording head during one relative movement is longer, and For the length in the relative movement direction within the same range, the second number of times that the relative movement of the recording head is less than the first number is less than the threshold value when the number of relative movements is the first number of times. And a threshold value setting means for setting the threshold value at a low time . The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threshold setting unit includes a correspondence table of information regarding the length in the relative movement direction and the number of times of relative movement of the recording area and the threshold. The threshold setting means includes information on the length in the relative movement direction and the number of times of relative movement in the recording area, information based on the maximum number of dots that can be recorded by the recording head during one relative movement, and the recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that setting the threshold value according to. 2. The recording head according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the recording heads are provided, and the temperature detecting means is provided in each recording head, and the comparing means compares the highest detected temperature detected with the threshold value. 4. The recording apparatus according to any one of items 3 . A plurality of the recording heads are provided, and the temperature detecting means is provided in each recording head, and the comparing means compares the detected temperature of each recording head with the threshold set for each recording head. the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 3, characterized by. The recording head and the recording medium are relatively moved relative to each other, and the recording head is moved by one or more times of the relative movement with respect to the recording area in which the recording head can record during one relative movement. A temperature management method for a recording head of a recording apparatus that performs recording with respect to
A temperature detecting step for detecting the temperature of the recording head;
A comparison step of comparing the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection step with a threshold value;
As a result of the comparison, while the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, a control step for controlling not to start the new relative movement with recording ; and
In the case where the number of times of relative movement of the recording area is the same, the threshold value is set lower as the length of the relative movement direction of the area recorded by the recording head during one relative movement is longer, and For the length in the relative movement direction within the same range, the second number of times that the relative movement of the recording head is less than the first number is less than the threshold value when the number of relative movements is the first number of times. And a threshold value setting step for setting the threshold value at a low time . The print head temperature management according to claim 6 , wherein the threshold value setting step uses a correspondence table of information on the length in the relative movement direction and the number of times of relative movement of the print area and the threshold value. Method. The threshold setting step includes information on the length in the relative movement direction and the number of times of relative movement in the recording area, information based on the maximum number of dots that can be recorded by the recording head during one relative movement, The temperature management method for a recording head according to claim 6, wherein the threshold value is set in accordance with the recording head temperature. A plurality of said recording head, said temperature sensing step is performed by each recording head, said comparison means, claim 6, characterized by comparing the the detected highest the sensed temperature threshold value 8 The temperature management method for a recording head according to any one of the above. A plurality of the recording heads are provided, and the temperature detection step is performed by each recording head , and the comparison unit compares the detected temperature of each recording head with the threshold set for each recording head. 9. The temperature management method for a recording head according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein:

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