Recording device, information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an art which can accurately acquire a calibration value for calibrating a detection temperature of a temperature sensor provided at a recording head.SOLUTION: A recording device includes: recording means which makes records on a recording medium; supply means which supplies an ink to the recording means; first detection means which detects a temperature of the ink supplied to the recording means; second detection means which detects a temperature of the recording means; and acquiring means which acquires a calibration value for calibrating a second detection temperature based on a first detection temperature in the first detection means and the second detection temperature in the second detection means when the ink is supplied to the recording means by the supply means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device, an information processing device, a recording processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In an inkjet printing apparatus, the print head that ejects ink is controlled based on the temperature of the print head. Such a print head is provided with a diode sensor as a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature. Note that the diode sensor has a large offset error. For this reason, the temperature detected by the diode sensor is generally calibrated based on the environmental temperature detected by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor.

[0003] Specifically, a calibration value for calibrating the detected temperature is obtained, and this calibration value is obtained based on the temperature of the print head and the environmental temperature. Therefore, when obtaining the calibration value, it is assumed that the temperature of the print head and the environmental temperature are almost the same. However, for example, when a print head is mounted on a recording device at room temperature immediately after being carried out from a car under the blazing sun or from a cold warehouse, it is not possible to obtain a proper calibration value.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for quickly acquiring a calibration value for calibrating a temperature detected by a temperature sensor provided in a print head even if the temperature of the print head deviates from the environmental temperature. Specifically, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 estimates the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the print head when the temperature of the print head approaches the environmental temperature during filling of the print head with ink, and acquires a calibration value based on the estimated temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-104185 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the temperature of the ink filled into the print head. Therefore, when the temperature of the ink filled into the print head deviates from the environmental temperature, it is not possible to properly estimate the detected temperature when the print head approaches the environmental temperature, and it is not possible to obtain an accurate calibration value.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a technique capable of accurately acquiring a calibration value for calibrating the temperature detected by a temperature sensor provided in a print head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of a recording device according to the present invention is characterized in having a recording means for recording on a recording medium, a supplying means for supplying ink to the recording means, a first detection means for detecting the temperature of the ink supplied to the recording means, a second detection means for detecting the temperature of the recording means, and an acquisition means for acquiring a first calibration value for calibrating the second detected temperature based on a first detected temperature by the first detection means and a second detected temperature by the second detection means when ink is supplied to the recording means by the supplying means. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately obtain a calibration value for calibrating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor provided in the print head. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a diagonal configuration of a configuration for realizing a recording function of a recording device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the printing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an ink flow path in an element substrate. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement positions of a head temperature sensor and the like on an element substrate. [Figure 7] 6 is a graph showing changes in the detected temperatures of the sensors and the actual temperature of the print head. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing detailed processing contents of an acquisition process in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is a graph showing changes in the detected temperatures of the sensors and the actual temperature of the print head. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing detailed processing contents of an acquisition process in a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing detailed processing contents of an acquisition process in a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a circuit for detecting the temperature of a print head. [Figure 13] Image showing calibration of the variation in the detected temperature of the head temperature sensor [Figure 14] 1 is a table showing the relationship between the proportionality coefficient and the position of the ink temperature sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a recording device, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the present embodiment are essential to the determination means of the present invention. In addition, the positions, shapes, and the like of the components described in the present embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to only those.

[0012] In this specification, a form in which only ink is ejected as a printing agent in a printing apparatus will be described, but the printing agent that can be ejected by a printing apparatus is not limited to ink. The printing agent includes various well-known printing agents used in printing, such as a processing liquid that performs a predetermined process on the ejected ink.

[0013] In this specification, "recording" refers not only to the formation of meaningful information such as characters and figures, but also to both meaningful and insignificant information. It also broadly includes the formation of images, patterns, and the like on a recording medium, or the processing of the medium, regardless of whether they are manifested in a way that humans can visually perceive. In this specification, "recording medium" refers not only to paper used in general recording devices, but also to cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, resin, wood, leather, and other materials that can accept the recording agent used.

[0014] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, a "nozzle" refers to an ejection port that ejects ink or a flow path that communicates with the ejection port, and a "printing element" refers to an element that is provided corresponding to the ejection port and generates energy used to eject ink. The printing element is provided, for example, at a position opposite the ejection port. In addition, in this specification, an "element substrate for a print head" does not refer to a simple base body made of a silicon semiconductor, but refers to a substrate on which each element and wiring are provided. Furthermore, "on the substrate" does not simply refer to the top of the element substrate, but includes the surface of the element substrate and the inside of the element substrate near the surface.

[0015] (First embodiment) First, a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0016] <Recording device> Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a configuration for realizing the recording function of a recording device. In this embodiment, a multifunction device having a recording function and a reading function is described as an example of the recording device, but in Fig. 1, only the configuration for realizing the recording function is shown for ease of understanding. Various known technologies can be used for the configuration for realizing the reading function.

[0017] The recording device 10 includes a transport unit 12 that transports a recording medium S in a Y direction, and a recording head 14 that extends in an X direction intersecting the Y direction (orthogonal in this embodiment) and ejects ink onto the recording medium S transported by the transport unit 12. The recording device 10 is a full-line type recording device that performs continuous recording while transporting multiple recording media S continuously or intermittently. The recording media S may be cut sheets or continuous roll sheets.

[0018] The recording head 14 has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting ink are arranged along an X direction intersecting with a Y direction, which is the transport direction of the recording medium S, on a surface (nozzle surface) facing the transported recording medium S. The recording head 14 also includes a negative pressure control unit 16 that controls the pressure (negative pressure) in the ink paths, a common liquid flow path 18 that communicates with the negative pressure control unit 16, and a liquid connection part 20 that serves as an ink supply port and discharge port for the common liquid flow path 18. The negative pressure control unit 16, the common liquid flow path 18, and the liquid connection part 20 are provided in a housing 22.

[0019] In the recording head 14, ink supplied from one liquid connection part 20 into the recording head 14 is supplied to an ink path provided in the housing 22 via the negative pressure control unit 16 and the common liquid flow path 18, and is then supplied to an element substrate 314 (see FIG. 3) described below. Ink discharged from the element substrate 314 is transported to the common liquid flow path 18 via the ink path, and then discharged from the other liquid connection part 20.

[0020] The recording device 10 is configured to be capable of full-color recording using black (K) ink, cyan (C) ink, magenta (M) ink, and yellow (Y) ink. Therefore, nozzle rows corresponding to each ink are formed on the nozzle surface of the recording head 14. The recording device 10 is equipped with a main tank 302 (see FIG. 3) that independently stores each ink. The main tank 302 is connected to the liquid connection part 20 of the recording head 14 via an ink supply unit 304 (see FIG. 3).

[0021] The recording head 14 is electrically connected to an electrical control unit (not shown) that transmits power and control signals to the recording head 14. In this embodiment, the recording head 14 is configured to eject ink by an inkjet method that utilizes thermal energy. Therefore, each nozzle in the recording head 14 is provided with an electrothermal conversion element (heater) as a recording element. A pulse voltage corresponding to a control signal output from the electrical control unit is applied to the electrothermal conversion element. This causes film boiling in the ink near the electrothermal conversion element, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle by the growth energy of the generated bubbles. In this way, in this embodiment, the recording head 14 functions as a recording unit (ejection unit) that ejects ink onto a recording medium.

[0022] The transport unit 12 includes two transport rollers 24, 26 arranged at a distance G from each other in the Y direction, and a belt 28 stretched endlessly between the transport rollers 24, 26. The recording medium S is placed on the belt 28 and transported. The transport mechanism for the recording medium in the transport unit 12 is not limited to a configuration using the transport rollers 24, 26 and the belt 28. For example, the recording medium may be transported by a pair of rollers that nip the recording medium on the upstream and downstream sides of the transport direction of the recording head 14, and various known technologies can be used for the transport mechanism.

[0023] <Configuration of the control system of the recording device> Next, the configuration of the control system of the recording device 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the recording device 10. The recording device 10 includes a print engine unit 202 that mainly controls the operation of the components related to the recording function, a scanner engine unit 204 that controls the components related to the reading function, and a controller unit 206 that controls the overall operation of the recording device 10. The print engine unit 202 includes a print controller 208 that includes an MPU and a non-volatile memory (such as an EEPROM). The print controller 208 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 202 according to instructions from a main controller 210 of the controller unit 206. Various mechanisms of the scanner engine unit 204 are controlled by the main controller 210 of the controller unit 206.

[0024] =Controller Unit= In the controller unit 206, a main controller 210 constituted by a CPU controls the entire recording device 10 using a RAM 214 as a working area in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 212. For example, when a recording job is input from a host device 290 via a host I / F 216 or a wireless I / F 218, an image processing unit 220 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data in accordance with instructions from the main controller 210. The main controller 210 then transmits the image data that has been subjected to the image processing to the print engine unit 202 via a print engine I / F 222.

[0025] The recording device 10 may obtain image data from the host device 290 via wireless communication or wired communication, or may obtain image data from an external storage device (such as a USB memory) connected to the recording device 10. The communication method used for wireless communication or wired communication is not limited. For example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used as a communication method used for wireless communication. Also, USB or the like can be used as a communication method used for wired communication. Also, for example, when a read command is input from the host device 290, the main controller 210 transmits the read command to the scanner engine unit 204 via the scanner engine I / F 224.

[0026] The operation panel 226 is a unit through which the user performs input and output to the recording device 10. The user can use the operation panel 226 to instruct operations such as copying and scanning, set the recording mode, and recognize information about the recording device 10.

[0027] =Print Engine Unit= In the print engine unit 202, a print controller 208 constituted by a CPU controls various mechanisms provided in the print engine unit 202 according to programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 228, using a RAM 230 as a working area.

[0028] When various commands and image data are received via the controller I / F 232, the print controller 208 temporarily stores them in the RAM 230. The print controller 208 causes the image processing controller 234 to convert the stored image data into recording data so that the recording head 14 can use it for a recording operation. When the recording data is generated, the print controller 208 causes the recording head 14 to execute a recording operation based on the recording data via the head I / F 236. At this time, the print controller 208 drives the conveying rollers 24, 26 (see FIG. 1) via the conveying control unit 238 to convey the recording medium S. According to the instructions of the print controller 208, the recording operation by the recording head 14 is executed in conjunction with the conveying operation of the recording medium S, and recording processing is performed.

[0029] The head carriage control unit 240 changes the orientation and position of the print head 14 depending on the operating state, such as the maintenance state and printing state, of the printing apparatus 10. The ink supply control unit 242 controls the ink supply unit 304 so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the print head 14 falls within an appropriate range. The maintenance control unit 244 controls the operation of a cap unit and a wiping unit in a maintenance unit (not shown) when performing a maintenance operation on the print head 14.

[0030] The environmental temperature sensor 246 detects the temperature of the environment in which the print head 14 is located, that is, the temperature around the print head 14. The ink temperature sensor 248 is installed in a flow path that supplies ink to the print head 14, and detects the temperature of the ink flowing through the flow path. The ink temperature sensor 248 and the environmental temperature sensor 246 are temperature detection elements, and for example, a thermistor is used. Note that the ink temperature sensor 248 and the environmental temperature sensor 246 are sensors with higher accuracy than the head temperature sensor 250. Based on the temperature information detected by the environmental temperature sensor 246, the ink temperature sensor 248, and a head temperature sensor 250 (described later) provided in the print head 14, the print controller 208 appropriately controls each component. In this embodiment, the environmental temperature sensor 246 functions as a detection unit that detects the environmental temperature, and the ink temperature sensor 248 functions as a detection unit that detects the temperature of the ink filled (supplied) to the print head 14.

[0031] =Scanner Engine Unit= In the scanner engine unit 204, the main controller 210 controls the hardware resources of the scanner controller 252 using the RAM 214 as a working area according to the program and various parameters stored in the ROM 212. This controls the reading mechanism of the recording device 10. For example, the main controller 210 controls the hardware resources of the scanner controller 252 via the controller I / F 254, so that the document loaded on the ADF (not shown) by the user is conveyed via the conveyance control unit 256 and read by the sensor 258. The scanner controller 252 then stores the read image data in the RAM 260. The print engine unit 202 receives the image data read by the reading mechanism and converts the image data into recording data, thereby allowing the recording head 14 to perform a recording operation based on the image data read by the reading mechanism.

[0032] <Ink supply mechanism> Next, a description will be given of an ink supply mechanism for supplying ink to the recording head 14 in the recording apparatus 10 and recovering ink from the recording head 14. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a circulation path that forms the ink supply mechanism in the recording apparatus 10.

[0033] As described above, in the recording device 10, the recording head 14 that ejects ink and the main tank 302 that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head 14 are connected via the ink supply unit 304. The ink supply unit 304 supplies the ink stored in the main tank 302 to the recording head 14. The recording device 10 is configured to eject four different inks. For this reason, the recording device 10 is provided with the configuration shown in FIG. 3 for each type of ink. The ink supply unit 304 is basically controlled by the ink supply control unit 242.

[0034] In the recording device 10, a main tank 302, an ink supply unit 304, and the recording head 14 form a circulation path 300 that can circulate ink between the ink supply unit 304 and the recording head 14. In this circulation path 300, ink stored in the main tank 302 is supplied to the recording head 14 via the ink supply unit 304, and ink that is not used for recording by the recording head 14 is collected by the ink supply unit 304 and is supplied to the recording head 14 again.

[0035] The ink supply unit 304 includes a sub-tank 306 capable of storing ink supplied from the main tank 302. In the circulation path 300, ink is mainly circulated between the sub-tank 306 and the print head 14. Therefore, the ink stored in the sub-tank 306 is supplied to the print head 14, which performs printing using the supplied ink, and the ink not used in printing is collected in the sub-tank 306.

[0036] The ink supply unit 304 includes a supply flow path C2 for supplying ink from a sub-tank 306 that stores a predetermined amount of ink to the print head 14, and a recovery flow path C4 for recovering ink from the print head 14 to the sub-tank 306. In the circulation path 300, the ink circulates mainly through the sub-tank 306, the supply flow path C2, the print head 14, and the recovery flow path C4.

[0037] A flow path C0 through which air flows is connected to the subtank 306. A decompression pump P0 is provided in the flow path C0. The decompression pump P0 serves as a negative pressure generating source for decompressing the inside of the subtank 306. The subtank 306 is also provided with a liquid level detector 308 composed of a plurality of electrode pins. The ink supply control unit 242 can detect the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the subtank 306, that is, the remaining amount of ink, by detecting the presence or absence of a conductive current between the plurality of electrode pins in the liquid level detector 308. The subtank 306 is also provided with an air release valve V0 for connecting the inside of the subtank 306 to the atmosphere or isolating it from the atmosphere.

[0038] The ink supply unit 304 includes a connection flow path C1 that connects the main tank 302 and the sub tank 306. In the ink supply unit 304, ink stored in the main tank 302 is supplied to the sub tank 306 via the connection flow path C1. The main tank 302 is configured to be detachable from the recording device 10. The connection flow path C1 is provided with a tank supply valve V1 for connecting the main tank 302 and the sub tank 306 and for isolating the sub tank 306 from the main tank 302.

[0039] When the ink level detection unit 308 detects that the ink in the subtank 306 is less than a predetermined amount, the ink supply control unit 242 closes the atmosphere release valve V0, the supply valve V2 (described later), the recovery valve V4 (described later), and the replacement valve V5 (described later). At this time, the ink supply control unit 242 also opens the tank supply valve V1. After that, the ink supply control unit 242 drives the decompression pump P0. As a result, the inside of the subtank 306 becomes negative pressure, and ink is supplied from the main tank 302 to the subtank 306. Then, when the ink level detection unit 308 detects that the ink in the subtank 306 has exceeded a predetermined amount, the ink supply control unit 242 closes the tank supply valve V1 and stops the decompression pump P0. As a result, the supply of ink from the main tank 302 to the subtank 306 is stopped.

[0040] The supply flow path C2 is provided with a supply pump P1 and a supply valve V2. During a recording operation, the supply valve V2 is opened and the supply pump P1 is driven, so that ink is supplied to the recording head 14 while circulating the ink in the circulation path 300. The amount of ink ejected by the recording head 14 per unit time varies according to image data. The drive of the supply pump P1 is set so that the ink flow rate in the circulation path 300 can also be used when the recording head 14 performs a recording operation that maximizes the amount of ink consumed per unit time.

[0041] The supply flow path C2 is provided with a relief flow path C3. The relief flow path C3 is located upstream of the supply valve V2 and serves as a flow path connecting the upstream and downstream sides of the supply pump P1. The relief flow path C3 is provided with a relief valve V3, which is a differential pressure valve. The relief valve V3 is not opened and closed by a drive mechanism, but regulates the flow of ink in the relief flow path C3 by the biasing force of a spring. When the pressure applied to the relief valve V3 by the ink in the relief flow path C3 reaches a predetermined pressure, the relief valve V3 opens against the biasing force of the spring, allowing the flow of ink in the relief flow path C3.

[0042] For example, assume that the amount of ink supplied per unit time to the IN flow path 18a by the supply pump P1 is greater than the total value of the ejection amount per unit time of the recording head 14 and the flow rate of ink per unit time flowing to the recovery flow path C4 by the recovery pump P2. The IN flow path 18a, the recovery pump P2, and the recovery flow path C4 will be described later. In this case, the relief valve V3 is opened according to the pressure acting on it. This forms a circulation flow path consisting of a part of the supply flow path C2 and the relief flow path C3. By providing the relief flow path C3, the amount of ink supplied to the recording head 14 is adjusted according to the ink consumption amount in the recording head 14, and the pressure in the circulation path 300 can be stabilized regardless of the image data.

[0043] The recovery flow path C4 is provided with a recovery pump P2 and a recovery valve V4. The recovery pump P2 serves as a negative pressure generating source to suck ink from the recording head 14 when circulating ink in the circulation path 300. Driving the recovery pump P2 generates an appropriate pressure difference between the IN flow path 18a and the OUT flow path 18b (described later) in the recording head 14, and can generate a flow of ink from the IN flow path 18a to the OUT flow path 18b.

[0044] The recovery valve V4 also functions as a valve for preventing the backflow of ink when no printing operation is being performed, that is, when no ink is circulating in the circulation path 300. Depending on the position of the print head 14 relative to the sub tank 306, when the supply pump P1 and the recovery pump P2 are not driven, there is a risk that ink will flow from the sub tank 306 toward the print head 14 due to the head difference between the sub tank 306 and the print head 14. In order to prevent such a flow, the recovery valve V4 is provided in the recovery flow path C4. The supply valve V2 also functions as a valve for preventing the supply of ink from the sub tank 306 to the print head 14 when no printing operation is being performed, that is, when no ink is circulating in the circulation path 300.

[0045] The ink supply unit 304 includes a head replacement flow path C5 that connects the downstream side of the supply valve V2 in the supply circuit C2 with the sub-tank 306. The head replacement flow path C5 includes a head replacement valve V5. One end of the head replacement flow path C5 is connected to the supply flow path C2 at a predetermined position downstream of the supply valve V2 and upstream of the recording head 14. The other end of the head replacement flow path C5 is connected to the upper side of the sub-tank 306 at a height position where ink is not located even when a predetermined amount of ink is stored in the sub-tank 306. The head replacement flow path C5 is used when extracting ink from the recording head 14 mounted on the recording device 10, such as when replacing the recording head 14 or when transporting the recording device 10. The head replacement valve V5 is controlled by the ink supply control unit 242 so as to be closed except when filling the recording head 14 with ink and when recovering ink from the recording head 14. An ink temperature sensor 248 capable of detecting the temperature of ink flowing into the printhead is provided in the supply flow path C2 near the connection portion with the printhead .

[0046] In the recording head 14, the ink supplied from the supply flow path C2 passes through a filter 310 and is then supplied to the first negative pressure control unit 16a and the second negative pressure control unit 16b. The first negative pressure control unit 16a has a control pressure set to a weaker negative pressure (negative pressure with a smaller pressure difference from atmospheric pressure) than the second negative pressure control unit 16b, for example, -90 mmAq. The second negative pressure control unit 16b has a control pressure set to a stronger negative pressure (negative pressure with a larger pressure difference from atmospheric pressure) than the first negative pressure control unit 16a, for example, -180 mmAq. The pressures in the first negative pressure control unit 16a and the second negative pressure control unit 16b are generated within an appropriate range by driving the recovery pump P2.

[0047] The recording head 14 includes an ink ejection section 312 in which a plurality of element substrates 314, each having a plurality of nozzles arranged thereon, are arranged on a surface facing the recording medium S transported by the transport section 12, and in which a nozzle row extending in the X direction is formed for each type of ink. The ink ejection section 312 includes an IN flow path 18a for guiding ink supplied from the first negative pressure control unit 16a, and an OUT flow path 18b for guiding ink supplied from the second negative pressure control unit 16b. The IN flow path 18a and the OUT flow path 18b extend in the arrangement direction of the element substrate 314.

[0048] In the ink ejection section 312, the element substrate 314 and the IN flow path 18a are connected, and the element substrate 314 and the OUT flow path 18b are connected. Therefore, in each element substrate 314, ink flows in from the IN flow path 18a where the negative pressure is relatively weak, and ink flows out to the OUT flow path 18b where the negative pressure is relatively strong. Therefore, when ink circulates in the circulation path 300, ink flows in the element substrate 314. When ink is ejected in the element substrate 314, a part of the ink flowing from the IN flow path 18a to the OUT flow path 18b is consumed by being ejected from the nozzle, but the ink that is not ejected flows out to the recovery flow path C4 via the OUT flow path 18b. In the circulation path 300, ink is circulated in the nozzles of each element substrate 314 regardless of the ejection frequency, so that the temperature rise in the area where the ejection frequency is high and the viscosity increase of the ink that has accumulated in the area where the ejection frequency is low can be suppressed, and the ink can be ejected stably from each nozzle.

[0049] <Configuration of element substrate> Next, the configuration of the element substrate 314 will be described. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the element substrate 314. The element substrate 314 has a laminated structure in which four members are laminated. Specifically, a third flow path member 402, a second flow path member 404, a first flow path member 406, and a discharge port forming member 408 are laminated in this order.

[0050] The third flow path member 402 is formed with communication openings 410 and 412 connected to the IN flow path 18a, and communication openings 414 and 416 connected to the OUT flow path 18b. The communication openings 410 and 412 are formed at positions overlapping each other in a width direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the "width direction") perpendicular to the extension direction, with a gap in between, of the third flow path member 402. The communication openings 414 and 416 are formed at positions different from the communication openings 410 and 412 in the width direction. The communication openings 414 and 416 are formed at positions overlapping each other in the width direction, with a gap in between, of the extension direction.

[0051] The second flow path member 404 is formed with a common supply flow path 418 that extends along the extension direction and communicates with the communication ports 410, 412 when stacked on the third flow path member 402. The second flow path member 404 is also formed with a common recovery flow path 420 that extends along the extension direction and communicates with the communication ports 414, 416 when stacked on the third flow path member 402. In the second flow path member 404, the common supply flow path 418 and the common recovery flow path 420 are provided parallel to each other at different positions in the width direction.

[0052] The first flow path member 406 is formed with individual supply flow paths 422 arranged in a plurality of pieces along the extension direction, and communicating with the common supply flow path 418 when stacked on the second flow path member 404. The first flow path member 406 is also formed with individual recovery flow paths 424 arranged in a plurality of pieces along the extension direction at intervals from the individual supply flow paths 422 in the width direction, and communicating with the common recovery flow path 420 when stacked on the second flow path member 404. Furthermore, the first flow path member 406 is formed with a plurality of recording elements 426 arranged at regular intervals along the extension direction between the individual supply flow paths 422 and the individual recovery flow paths 424 in the width direction, and a partition wall 428 is formed between each recording element 426. Although not shown, the first flow path member 406 is also formed with a driving circuit for supplying power to each recording element 426.

[0053] The ejection orifice forming member 408 has ejection orifices 430 for ejecting ink formed at positions corresponding to the recording elements 426 when the ejection orifice forming member 408 is laminated on the first flow path member 406 .

[0054] In the element substrate 314, ink flowing in from the IN flow path 18a passes through the communication ports 410, 412, the common supply flow path 418, and the individual supply flow path 422, and flows into a pressure chamber 502 (see FIG. 5) formed by the partition wall 428, the first flow path member 406, and the ejection port forming member 408. Furthermore, of the ink that has flowed into the pressure chamber 502, ink that has not been ejected from the ejection port 430 passes through the individual recovery flow path 424, the common recovery flow path 420, and the communication ports 414, 416, and flows out to the OUT flow path 18b.

[0055] In this embodiment, the recording element 426 is an electrothermal conversion element that generates thermal energy by applying a voltage. When a voltage is applied to the recording element 426 in response to a control signal, film boiling occurs in the ink in contact with the recording element 426, and ink droplets are ejected from the ejection port 430 at a position corresponding to the recording element 426 by the growth energy of the generated bubbles. In this specification, as described above, the ejection port including the ejection port 430 and the pressure chamber 502 and the flow path communicating therewith are referred to as a nozzle. In addition, the recording element 426 is not limited to an electrothermal conversion element, and various known energy generating elements such as a piezoelectric element can be used.

[0056] In the explanation using Fig. 4, for ease of understanding, a configuration corresponding to one nozzle row on the element substrate 314 has been explained. In this embodiment, the recording head 14 is configured to eject four types of ink, and therefore such configurations are formed on the nozzle surface according to the types of ink. Also, the above-mentioned shapes of the flow paths and the positions where they are formed are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0057] <Ink flow through the nozzle> Next, the ink flow in the vicinity of the nozzle will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the ink flow in the nozzle, where (a) is a plan view of a portion of the recording element 426, focusing on the ejection port 430, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Vb-Vb in (a).

[0058] The ink that has flowed into the individual supply flow path 422 passes through a pressure chamber 502 formed by a partition wall 428 and the like, and flows out into an individual recovery flow path 424. When a voltage pulse is applied to the recording element 426, film boiling occurs in the ink flowing through the pressure chamber 502, and part of the ink in the pressure chamber 502 is ejected as a droplet from the ejection port 430 due to the growth energy of the bubbles.

[0059] When the pressure chamber 502 is filled with ink, a meniscus is formed inside the ejection port 430 by the ink. The meniscus inside the ejection port 430 is exposed to the atmosphere, and the liquid components in the ink evaporate. Therefore, in the ejection port 430 that ejects ink less frequently during a recording operation, the meniscus is exposed to the atmosphere for a long time, which may cause the liquid components to evaporate and increase the ink viscosity. In this embodiment, the ink is circulated in the circulation path 300 including the flow path in the element substrate 314. Therefore, during circulation, the ink near the meniscus is also circulated by the flow generated in the pressure chamber 502, and the increase in the ink viscosity can be suppressed in each ejection port 430 regardless of the ink ejection frequency.

[0060] <Head temperature sensor placement> Next, the arrangement of the head temperature sensor 250 capable of detecting the temperature of the print head 14 will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the head temperature sensor 250, where (a) is a diagram showing the arrangement positions of the head temperature sensor 250 and the sub-heater on the element substrate 314, and (b) is a diagram showing the arrangement positions of the substrate inlet and substrate outlet on the element substrate 314. In Fig. 6, for ease of understanding, the configuration of the element substrate 314 other than the head temperature sensor 250, the sub-heater, the substrate inlet, and the substrate outlet is omitted.

[0061] In the ink ejection section 312, a plurality of element substrates 314 are arranged in the extension direction (X direction) of the print head 14. In this embodiment, each of the element substrates 314 is formed into a congruent parallelogram. Each element substrate 314 is divided into 40 regions (4 in the short direction and 10 in the long direction), and a sub-heater 602 and a head temperature sensor 250 are arranged in each divided region. The sub-heater 602 is configured to heat the temperature of the element substrate 314 for each divided region, and in this embodiment, an electrothermal conversion element is used. The sub-heater 602 is configured to be provided separately from the print element 426 for generating ejection energy. In addition, the head temperature sensor 250 is a temperature detection element, and for example, a diode sensor is used. In this embodiment, the head temperature sensor 250 functions as a detection unit that detects the temperature of the print head 14.

[0062] Further, each element substrate 314 is provided with a substrate inlet 604 and a substrate outlet 606. In the element substrate 314, ink flows into the element substrate 314 through the substrate inlet 604, and flows out from the element substrate 314 through the substrate outlet 606. The substrate inlet 604 corresponds to the communication ports 410 and 412 in FIG. 4, and the substrate outlet 606 corresponds to the communication ports 414 and 416 in FIG. 4. The number and arrangement positions of the substrate inlet 604 and the substrate outlet 606 can be changed as appropriate. For this reason, the arrangement positions and the number of each communication port in FIG. 4 do not correspond to the arrangement positions and the number of the substrate inlet and the substrate outlet in FIG. 6.

[0063] The ink supply control unit 242 controls the driving of the sub-heaters 602 arranged in each block, as well as the driving of the supply pump P1 and the recovery pump P2, based on the temperature detected by the head temperature sensor 250 arranged in each divided area of ​​the element substrate 314.

[0064] <Acquisition process> In the above configuration, the recording device 10 replaces the recording head 14 depending on the usage state of the recording head 14. Here, in the recording head 14, a diode sensor is used as the head temperature sensor 250 on the element substrate 314. Note that since the diode sensor has a large offset error, the detected temperature of the head temperature sensor 250 needs to be calibrated. Therefore, after replacing the recording head 14, the recording device 10 executes an acquisition process to acquire a calibration value for calibrating the detected temperature of the head temperature sensor 250.

[0065] Here, the recording device 10 is equipped with, as temperature sensors, an environmental temperature sensor 246 that detects the environmental temperature in the vicinity of the recording head 14, an ink temperature sensor 248 that detects the temperature of ink flowing into the recording head 14, and a head temperature sensor 250. Note that the environmental temperature sensor 246 and the ink temperature sensor 248 have higher detection accuracy than the head temperature sensor 250.

[0066] The following describes the process of acquiring a calibration value for calibrating the temperature detected by the head temperature sensor 250. Note that the acquisition process is executed in parallel with the process of filling the replaced print head 14 with ink.

[0067] = Overview = First, an outline of the acquisition process executed in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing changes in the temperature detected by the head temperature sensor 250, the temperature detected by the ink temperature sensor 248, and the actual temperature of the print head 14 when the replaced print head 14 is filled with ink. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents temperature. In FIG. 7, the actual temperature of the print head at the start of filling the print head 14 (t=0) is set to 40° C., and the temperature of the ink in the circulation path 300 is set to 25° C. In FIG. 7, the change in the temperature Td detected by the head temperature sensor 250 after filling the print head 14 is started is shown by a two-dot chain line, the change in the temperature Ti detected by the ink temperature sensor 248 is shown by a dashed line, and the change in the actual temperature Th of the print head 14 is shown by a solid line. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the temperature of the ink in the circulation path 300 is equal to or close to the environmental temperature in the vicinity of the print head 14.

[0068] When the ink filling of the print head 14, that is, the supply of ink to the replaced print head 14, is started, the ink in the circulation path 300 flows into the print head 14 after its temperature is detected by the ink temperature sensor 248. Therefore, the detected temperature by the ink temperature sensor 248 is the ink temperature in the circulation path 300. Furthermore, since the ink in the circulation path 300 continues to flow into the print head 14 until the ink filling is completed, the detected temperature Ti by the ink temperature sensor 248 is always constant. Note that the ink filling (supply) is executed by the print controller 208 controlling the ink supply control unit 242. Thus, in this embodiment, the print controller 208 and the ink supply control unit 242 function as a supply unit that supplies ink to the print head 14.

[0069] The actual temperature Th of the print head 14 is the accurate temperature of the print head 14, and is the temperature that should be detected by the head temperature sensor 250. In this embodiment, since the substrate inlet 604 and the substrate outlet 606 are provided at multiple locations, at a predetermined timing P0 before the ink filling is completed, the actual temperature Th of the print head 14 becomes the same as the detected temperature Ti by the ink temperature sensor 248. However, when the detected temperature Td of the head temperature sensor 250 differs from the detected temperature Ti at the predetermined timing P0, the detected temperature Td needs to be calibrated.

[0070] The actual temperature Th coincides with the detected temperature Ti between the predetermined timing P0 and the timing Pf when the ink filling ends. Therefore, the calibration value Tadj for calibrating the detected temperature Td can be calculated by the following formula using the temperature Td detected by the head temperature sensor 250 at the timing Pf when the ink filling ends and the temperature Ti detected by the ink temperature sensor 248. Tadj = Ti - Td (1)

[0071] That is, the calibration value Tadj is a value obtained by subtracting the detection temperature Td from the detection temperature Ti. In the above formula (1), the detection temperatures Td and Ti are not limited to the detection temperatures at the timing Pf. The detection temperatures Td and Ti may be at any timing between a predetermined timing P0 and the timing Pf at which the actual temperature Th and the detection temperature Ti coincide. The timing is determined, for example, experimentally, depending on, for example, the type of ink and the constituent material of the print head.

[0072] = Specific processing = Next, the specific processing contents of the acquisition process will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing contents of the acquisition process. The series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 are performed by the print controller 208 expanding the program code stored in the ROM 228 into the RAM 230 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 8 may be performed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electric circuit. In this specification, the symbol S in the description of each process in the flowchart means a step in that flowchart.

[0073] When the acquisition process is started, first, in S802, the print controller 208 starts detecting the temperature of the print head 14 by the head temperature sensor 250. The head temperature sensor 250 that starts the detection is, for example, a predetermined head temperature sensor 250 that is set in advance. In addition, in S804, the print controller 208 starts detecting the temperature of the ink flowing into the print head 14 by the ink temperature sensor 248. Note that S804 may be executed before S802, or S802 and S804 may be executed simultaneously. In the print controller 208, for example, in S806 described later, the head temperature sensor 250 and the ink temperature sensor 248 continue to detect the temperature at regular intervals until it is determined that the ink filling into the print head 14 has been completed. Thereafter, in S806, the print controller 208 determines whether the ink filling into the replaced print head 14 has been completed.

[0074] If it is determined in S806 that the ink filling is not completed, the process returns to S806. If it is determined in S806 that the ink filling is completed, the process proceeds to S808. In S808, the print controller 208 acquires the temperature Td detected by the head temperature sensor 250 at a predetermined timing and the temperature Ti detected by the ink temperature sensor 248. The predetermined timing may be, for example, the timing when the ink filling is completed (or the timing of detection closest to the timing when the ink filling is completed). Next, in S810, the print controller 208 acquires the calibration value Tadj using the detection temperature Td and detection temperature Ti acquired in S808, and ends this acquisition process. In S810, the calibration value Tadj is acquired using the above formula (1).

[0075] The calibration value acquired by the acquisition process is stored, for example, in a storage area of ​​the print engine unit 202 or the controller unit 206. In control using the detected temperature Td of the head temperature sensor 250, control is executed based on the detected temperature Td plus the calibration value Tadj. In this manner, in this embodiment, the print controller 208 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the calibration value for calibrating the detected temperature of the head temperature sensor 250.

[0076] In the above description of the acquisition process, the temperatures detected by the head temperature sensor 250 and the ink temperature sensor 248 are continuously acquired during ink refilling, but the present invention is not limited to this. The acquisition process may be started, and it may be determined whether a predetermined timing has arrived, and when it is determined that the predetermined timing has arrived, the detected temperature Td of the head temperature sensor 250 and the detected temperature Ti of the ink temperature sensor 248 may be acquired. In this case, in S810, the calibration value Tadj is acquired based on the detected temperature Td and the detected temperature Ti acquired at the predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be, for example, the timing Pf at which the refilling of the replaced print head 14 with ink is completed, or any timing between the predetermined timing P0 (see FIG. 7) at which the actual temperature Th and the detected temperature Ti match and the timing Pf.

[0077] <Action and effect> As described above, in this embodiment, the temperature information is the temperature of the ink flowing into the print head 14 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the print head 14, and the calibration value is obtained based on the above formula (1). The calibration value can be obtained from the temperature information obtained while filling the print head 14 with ink after replacement, and the time required just to obtain the calibration value is shortened. In addition, the temperature information including the ink temperature can be used to accurately obtain the calibration value for calibrating the temperature detected by the head temperature sensor.

[0078] Second embodiment Next, a recording device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In the following description, the same or corresponding configurations as those of the recording device according to the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] In a recording device that controls the ink temperature with a cooling mechanism or a recording device that has a main tank installed immediately after being carried out from a car in the hot sun or a cold warehouse, the temperature of the circulating ink will deviate from the environmental temperature. For this reason, in such a recording device, it is difficult to accurately obtain a calibration value for a temperature sensor provided in the recording head using a known technique that uses the temperature of the recording head and the environmental temperature as temperature information.

[0080] Therefore, in the second embodiment, even if the temperature of the ink flowing into the print head deviates from the environmental temperature, the calibration value can be obtained with high accuracy. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the temperature information includes the temperature detected by the environmental temperature sensor in addition to the temperature detected by the head temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the ink temperature sensor. The acquisition process executed by the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0081] <Acquisition process> An overview of the acquisition process executed by the recording device according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0082] = Overview = First, an outline of the acquisition process executed by the recording device according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing changes in the temperature Td detected by the head temperature sensor 250, the temperature Ti detected by the ink temperature sensor 248, and the actual temperature Th of the recording head 14 when the replaced recording head 14 is filled with ink. In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents temperature. In FIG. 9, the actual temperature Th of the recording head at the start of filling the recording head 14 (t=0) is set to 40° C., the temperature of the ink in the circulation path 300 is set to 25° C., and the environmental temperature Te is set to 30° C. In FIG. 9, the change in the detected temperature Td after the start of filling the recording head 14 is shown by a two-dot chain line, the change in the detected temperature Ti is shown by a dashed line, the change in the actual temperature Th is shown by a solid line, and the environmental temperature Te is shown by a dashed line. The environmental temperature Te is the temperature detected by the environmental temperature sensor 246.

[0083] When filling of the print head 14 with ink starts, the ink in the circulation path 300 flows into the print head 14 after its temperature is detected by the ink temperature sensor 248. At this time, because the environmental temperature Te and the temperature of the ink in the circulation path 300 are different, heat transfer occurs between the ink in the circulation path 300 and the environment until filling of the ink is completed. Specifically, heat transfer occurs between the ink circulating in the circulation path 300 (i.e., the ink heading from the subtank 306 toward the print head 14) and the ink that has flowed into the print head 14, and the print head 14 and the space nearby. For this reason, after filling of the ink starts, the temperature Ti detected by the ink temperature sensor 248 approaches the environmental temperature Te as time passes.

[0084] As described in the first embodiment, if there is no deviation between the environmental temperature and the ink temperature in the circulation path 300, the actual temperature Th of the print head 14 will match the ink temperature, that is, the temperature Ti detected by the ink temperature sensor 248, at the end of filling. However, if there is a deviation between the environmental temperature and the ink temperature in the circulation path 300, the actual temperature Th at the end of filling will differ by ΔT from the temperature Ti detected by the ink temperature sensor 248.

[0085] ΔT occurs because heat transfers between the ink and the environment from the ink temperature sensor 248 provided outside the print head 14 until it reaches the head temperature sensor 250 provided inside the print head 14. For this reason, if a proportionality coefficient proportional to the heat transfer rate between the ink and the environment from the ink temperature sensor 248 until it reaches the head temperature sensor 250 is A, ΔT is expressed by the following equation. ΔT = A(Ti - Te) (2)

[0086] The temperature Ti' of the ink when it reaches the head temperature sensor 250 is the detected temperature Ti minus ΔT, and the actual temperature Th at the end of filling matches Ti', that is, Th=Ti'. In other words, Th=Ti-A(Ti-Te). As a result, the calibration value Tadj of the head temperature sensor 250 is Tadj=Ti'-Td, and can be calculated by the following formula. Tadj={Ti-A(Ti-Te)}-Td ··· (3)

[0087] = Specific processing = Next, the specific processing contents of the acquisition processing executed by the recording device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing contents of the acquisition processing executed by the recording device 10 according to the second embodiment. A series of processes shown in the flowchart of Fig. 10 is performed by the print controller 208 expanding the program code stored in the ROM 228 into the RAM 230 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 10 may be executed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electric circuit.

[0088] In the recording device 10, when filling of the replaced recording head 14 with ink begins, the print controller 208 starts an acquisition process for acquiring a calibration value for calibrating the detected temperature of the head temperature sensor 250.

[0089] When the acquisition process is started, first, in S1002, the print controller 208 starts detecting the temperature of the print head 14 by the head temperature sensor 250. The head temperature sensor 250 that starts the detection is, for example, a predetermined head temperature sensor 250 that is set in advance. In addition, in S1004, the print controller 208 starts detecting the temperature of the ink flowing into the print head 14 by the ink temperature sensor 248. Furthermore, in S1006, the print controller 208 starts detecting the temperature around the print head 14 by the environmental temperature sensor 246. Note that the execution order of S1002, S1004, and S1006 is not limited to the above-mentioned order, and may be any order. Also, S1002, S1004, and S1006 may be executed simultaneously. In these processes, the print controller 208 continues to detect the temperature at each temperature sensor at regular intervals until it is determined that the ink filling of the print head 14 has been completed, for example, in S1008 described later.

[0090] Next, in S1008, the print controller 208 determines whether or not the ink filling of the replaced print head 14 has been completed. If it is determined in S1008 that the ink filling has not been completed, the process returns to S1008. If it is determined in S1008 that the ink filling has been completed, the process proceeds to S1010. In S1010, the print controller 208 acquires the temperatures detected by each sensor at the time when the ink filling has been completed (or at the detection timing closest to the time when the ink filling has been completed). That is, in S1010, the print controller 208 acquires the temperature detected by the head temperature sensor 250, the temperature detected by the ink temperature sensor 248, and the temperature detected by the environmental temperature sensor 246 (environmental temperature Te).

[0091] Thereafter, in S1012, the print controller 208 acquires the calibration value Tadj using the detected temperature Td, the detected temperature Ti, and the environmental temperature Te acquired in S1010, and ends this acquisition process. In S1012, the calibration value Tadj is acquired using the above formula (3). The calibration value acquired by the acquisition process is stored, for example, in a storage area of ​​the print engine unit 202 or the controller unit 206. Then, in control using the detected temperature Td of the head temperature sensor 250, control is executed based on a value obtained by adding the calibration value Tadj to the detected temperature Td.

[0092] In the above description of the acquisition process, the temperatures detected by the head temperature sensor 250, the ink temperature sensor 248, and the environmental temperature sensor 246 are continuously acquired during ink refilling, but this is not limited to this. For example, at the timing when it is determined that ink refilling has ended, the detected temperatures of the head temperature sensor 250, the ink temperature sensor 248, and the environmental temperature sensor 246 may be acquired, and the calibration value Tadj may be acquired from the above formula (3) using the acquired detected temperatures.

[0093] <Action and effect> As described above, in this embodiment, the calibration value for calibrating the temperature detected by the head temperature sensor 250 is obtained by the above formula (3) using the temperatures detected by the head temperature sensor 250, the ink temperature sensor 248, and the environmental temperature sensor 246. In addition to the advantageous effects of the first embodiment, this makes it possible to obtain the calibration value with high accuracy even if the temperature of the ink flowing into the print head 14 deviates from the environmental temperature.

[0094] Third embodiment Next, a recording device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are used for the same or corresponding configurations as those in the recording device according to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that a calibration value is acquired for each head temperature sensor 250 in order to accommodate variations in detected temperature between the multiple head temperature sensors 250 provided on the element substrate 314. The acquisition process executed in the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0096] <Acquisition process> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing contents of the acquisition process executed by the recording device 10 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a circuit for detecting the temperature of the print head 14, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image of calibrating individual variations in the detected temperature by the head temperature sensor 250. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing contents of the acquisition process executed by the recording device 10 according to the third embodiment. A series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 are performed by the print controller 208 expanding the program code stored in the ROM 228 into the RAM 230 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 11 may be executed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electric circuit.

[0097] In the recording device 10, when filling of the replaced recording head 14 with ink begins, the print controller 208 starts an acquisition process for acquiring a calibration value for calibrating the detected temperature of the head temperature sensor 250.

[0098] When the acquisition process is started, first, in S1102, the print controller 208 acquires a first calibration value for each head temperature sensor 250. The first calibration value is a calibration value for calibrating individual variations in the detected temperature in each head temperature sensor 250, and is a unique value provided for each head temperature sensor 250.

[0099] In the circuit that detects the temperature of the printhead 14, a bias current is supplied to the head temperature sensor 250 by a constant current circuit 1202 provided outside the printhead 14, and the forward voltage of the head temperature sensor 250 is amplified by amplifier circuits 1204 and 1206 (see FIG. 12). The output voltage of the amplifier circuit 1206 is then converted to digital data by an A / D conversion circuit 1208, and the print controller 208 obtains temperature information (detected temperature) of the printhead 14 based on the digital data.

[0100] Here, the relationship between the forward voltage Vf of the head temperature sensor 250 and the detected temperature is 2.1 mV / ° C., and the forward voltage Vf is amplified by a factor of two by the amplifier circuit 1204 and is amplified by a factor of five by the amplifier circuit 1206. In other words, the forward voltage Vf is amplified by a factor of ten through the two amplifier circuits 1204 and 1206. Therefore, the relationship between the amplified forward voltage Vf and the detected temperature becomes 21 mV / ° C. when it is input to the A / D conversion circuit 1208.

[0101] The offset error Eofs of the head temperature sensor 250 is ±25 mV with respect to the forward voltage Vf, which, when converted to a detected temperature, becomes ±11.9° C. based on a relationship of 2.1 mV / ° C. The offset error Eofs is a systematic error, that is, due to individual variations, and does not fluctuate.

[0102] Furthermore, if the input voltage range of the A / D conversion circuit 1208 is 3.3 V and the resolution is 10 bits, the detection temperature range is obtained by dividing the input voltage range by the amplified forward voltage Vf, which is 157° C. (=3.3 V / 21 mV / ° C.). The resolution when quantizing the analog value to a digital value is obtained by dividing the detection temperature range by the resolution, which is in units of 0.15° C. (=157° C. / 1024). The A / D conversion error Ead by the A / D conversion circuit 1208 is an accidental error and therefore varies depending on the detection conditions, etc.

[0103] In an inspection process before shipping the print head 14, the offset error Eofs of each head temperature sensor 250 is detected in a state in which an A / D conversion error Ead is added within a predetermined input voltage range of the A / D conversion circuit 1208. Then, the detected offset error Eofs of each head temperature sensor 250 is stored in a storage medium of the print head 14.

[0104] Therefore, in S1102, a first calibration value for calibrating the detected temperature of each head temperature sensor 250 is calculated from the stored offset error Eofs of each head temperature sensor 250 so that the detected temperature is the same as that of the reference head temperature sensor 250 (see FIG. 13). Note that the reference head temperature sensor 250 is one of the multiple head temperature sensors 250 in the replaced print head 14, for example, the head temperature sensor 250 closest to the substrate inlet 604 through which ink flows in. Hereinafter, the "reference head temperature sensor 250" will be appropriately referred to as the "reference head temperature sensor 250."

[0105] Note that the offset error Eofs of each head temperature sensor 250 is obtained in the detection process and stored in the storage medium of the print head 14, but this is not limited to this. For example, before filling the replaced print head 14 with ink, the offset error Eofs may be obtained based on the output value from each head temperature sensor 250 when the temperature of the print head 14 is constant.

[0106] Return to FIG. 11. Next, in S1104, the print controller 208 starts detecting the temperature of the print head 14 by the reference head temperature sensor 250. Also, in S1106, the print controller 208 starts detecting the temperature of the ink flowing into the print head 14 by the ink temperature sensor 248. Furthermore, in S1108, the print controller 208 detects the temperature around the print head 14 by the environmental temperature sensor 246. Note that the execution order of S1104, S1106, and S1108 is not limited to the above-mentioned order, and may be any order. Also, S1104, S1106, and S1108 may be executed simultaneously. Furthermore, S1104, S1106, and S1108 may be executed in parallel with S1102. Furthermore, in S1104, S1106, and S1108, the print controller 208 continues to detect the temperature at each temperature sensor at regular intervals until it is determined in S1110 described below that the refilling of the print head 14 with ink has been completed.

[0107] Next, in S1110, the print controller 208 determines whether or not the ink filling of the replaced print head 14 has been completed. If it is determined in S1110 that the ink filling has not been completed, the process returns to S1110. If it is determined in S1110 that the ink filling has been completed, the process proceeds to S1112. In S1112, the print controller 208 acquires the temperatures detected by each sensor at the time when the ink filling has been completed (or the detection timing closest to the timing when the ink filling has been completed). That is, in S1112, the print controller 208 acquires the temperature detected by the reference head temperature sensor 250, the temperature detected by the ink temperature sensor 248, and the temperature detected by the environmental temperature sensor 246 (environmental temperature Te).

[0108] Then, in S1114, the print controller 208 acquires a second calibration value using the detected temperature Td, the detected temperature Ti, and the environmental temperature Te acquired in S1112. In S1114, the calibration value is acquired using the following formula (4) based on the above formula (3). Tadj2={Ti-A(Ti-Te)}-Td_base ··· (4) It should be noted that Tadj2 is a second calibration value, and Td_base is the temperature detected by the reference head temperature sensor 250.

[0109] After acquiring the second calibration value, the process proceeds to S1116, where the print controller 208 adds the first calibration value and the second calibration value for each head temperature sensor 250 to acquire the calibration value Tadj to be applied, and ends this acquisition process. In this acquisition process, a unique calibration value is acquired for each head temperature sensor 250. The calibration value acquired by the acquisition process is associated with the corresponding head temperature sensor 250 and stored, for example, in a storage area of ​​the print engine unit 202 or the controller unit 206. Then, in control using the detected temperature Td of the head temperature sensor 250, control is executed based on a value obtained by adding the calibration value Tadj to the detected temperature Td.

[0110] In the above description of the acquisition process, the temperatures detected by the reference head temperature sensor 250, the ink temperature sensor 248, and the environmental temperature sensor 246 are continuously acquired during ink refilling, but this is not limited to this. For example, the temperatures detected by the reference head temperature sensor 250, the ink temperature sensor 248, and the environmental temperature sensor 246 may be acquired at the timing when it is determined that ink refilling has ended, and the second calibration value may be acquired from the above formula (4) using the acquired detected temperatures.

[0111] Here, the proportionality coefficient A is determined by the transfer of heat between the ink and the environment from the ink temperature sensor 248 to the head temperature sensor 250. For this reason, the proportionality coefficient A is made to differ depending on the distance between the ink temperature sensor 248 and the head temperature sensor 250.

[0112] For example, the proportionality coefficient A at a position close to the ink inlet to the recording head 14, that is, at a position where the distance between the ink temperature sensor 248 and the head temperature sensor 250 is relatively short, is set to 0.1. At this time, the proportionality coefficient A at a position far from the ink inlet to the recording head 14, that is, at a position where the distance between the ink temperature sensor 248 and the head temperature sensor 250 is relatively long, is 0.5 (see FIG. 14).

[0113] Such a proportionality coefficient A is measured in advance by an experiment. Then, in order to make it possible to change the proportionality coefficient A in response to a change in the reference head temperature sensor 250, a table showing the relationship between the proportionality coefficient A and the position of the head temperature sensor 250 relative to the ink temperature sensor 248 is stored in a storage area of ​​the print controller 208 or the like.

[0114] The transfer of heat (for example, the amount of heat transferred per unit time) between the ink and the environment (the installation environment of the recording head 14) varies depending on the ink flow speed, the type of ink, the flow path material, etc., in addition to the distance between the ink temperature sensor 248 and the head temperature sensor 250. For this reason, the table to be stored may be a table showing the relationship between each condition, which is a combination of different values ​​of the distance, ink flow speed, ink type, flow path material, etc., and the proportionality coefficient A.

[0115] <Action and effect> As described above, in this embodiment, for each head temperature sensor 250, a first calibration value for the reference head temperature sensor 250 is obtained based on the offset error Eofs of each head temperature sensor 250 stored in the storage medium of the print head 14. Also, a second correction value for correcting the detected temperature of the reference head temperature sensor 250 is obtained by the above formula (4) using the detected temperatures of the reference head temperature sensor 250, the ink temperature sensor 248, and the environmental temperature sensor 246. Then, the first calibration value and the second calibration value are added to obtain a calibration value for each head temperature sensor 250. This makes it possible to perform more appropriate calibration for each head temperature sensor 250 in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments.

[0116] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiment may be modified as shown in the following (1) to (7).

[0117] (1) Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the apparatus to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to a recording apparatus. The present invention can be applied to various known apparatuses that obtain a desired result by controlling based on a temperature detected by a temperature sensor with a large offset error, such as a diode sensor.

[0118] (2) In the above embodiment, the recording device 10 is a full-line type recording device, but is not limited to this. A recording device to which the present invention can be applied may be a so-called serial scan type recording device that ejects ink onto a recording medium while moving in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording medium to record. In addition, in the above embodiment, the recording device 10 is configured to have a recording function and a reading function, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to have various known functions in addition to the recording function and the reading function, or may be configured to have only the recording function.

[0119] (3) In the above embodiment, the print controller 208 in the recording device 10 acquires a calibration value for calibrating the temperature detected by the head temperature sensor 250, but this is not limited to the above. In other words, the calibration value may be acquired by an information processing device, such as a general-purpose personal computer, connected to the recording device 10, using the temperatures detected by the head temperature sensor 250, the ink temperature sensor 248, the environmental temperature sensor 246, etc.

[0120] (4) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the recording device 10 may be configured to be able to select one acquisition process from at least two of the acquisition processes according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment. Also, although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the newly replaced recording head 14 may be a brand new recording head that is not filled with ink, or may be a used recording head that is filled with ink.

[0121] (5) Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the circulation path 300 may be provided with a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the circulating ink. By using the temperature control unit, the ink in the circulation path can be kept constant regardless of the environmental temperature, making it possible to obtain a calibration value using the above formula (1).

[0122] (6) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for realizing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or device via a network or a print medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for realizing one or more of the functions.

[0123] (7) The above embodiment and the various configurations shown in (1) to (6) above may be combined as appropriate.

[0124] The disclosure of the above embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) A recording means for recording on a recording medium; A supplying means for supplying ink to the recording means; a first detection means for detecting the temperature of the ink supplied to the recording means; A second detection means for detecting the temperature of the recording means; and an acquisition means for acquiring a first calibration value for calibrating the second detected temperature based on a first detected temperature by the first detection means and a second detected temperature by the second detection means when ink is supplied to the recording means by the supply means. (Configuration 2) 2. The recording apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the acquiring means acquires a value obtained by subtracting the second detected temperature from the first detected temperature as the first calibration value. (Configuration 3) the recording means includes a substrate capable of ejecting ink using energy generated by a recording element; 3. The recording apparatus described in Calibration 1 or 2, wherein the second detection means is a temperature detection element provided on the substrate. (Configuration 4) 4. The recording apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the temperature detection element is provided in plurality. (Configuration 5) Further comprising a third detection means for detecting an environmental temperature, The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition means acquires the first calibration value based on the first detected temperature, the second detected temperature, and a third detected temperature by the third detection means. (Configuration 6) The recording device described in configuration 5, characterized in that, when the first calibration value is Tadj, the first detected temperature is Ti, the second detected temperature is Td, the third detected temperature is Te, and a proportionality coefficient proportional to the heat transfer rate between the ink and the environment is A, the acquisition means acquires the first calibration value by the following formula. Tadj={Ti-A(Ti-Te)}-Td (Configuration 7) the recording means includes a substrate capable of ejecting ink using energy generated by a recording element; the substrate includes a plurality of temperature detection elements as the second detection means, The acquisition means includes: obtain a second calibration value for calibrating temperatures detected by temperature detection elements other than a reference temperature detection element among the plurality of temperature detection elements to the detection temperature detected by the reference temperature detection element, and a third calibration value for calibrating the detection temperature detected by the reference temperature detection element based on the detection temperature of the reference temperature detection element, the first detection temperature, and the third detection temperature; The recording apparatus according to configuration 5, wherein the second calibration value and the third calibration value are added together to obtain the first calibration value for each of the plurality of temperature detection elements. (Configuration 8) The recording device described in configuration 7, characterized in that, when the third calibration value is Tadj2, the first detected temperature is Ti, the detected temperature Td_base of the reference temperature detection element is Te, the third detected temperature is Te, and a proportionality coefficient proportional to the heat transfer rate between the ink and the environment is A, the acquisition means acquires the third calibration value by the following formula. Tadj2={Ti-A(Ti-Te)}-Td_base (Configuration 9) The recording apparatus according to configuration 7 or 8, wherein the reference temperature detection element is, among the plurality of temperature detection elements, the temperature detection element that is closest to an inlet through which ink flows into the substrate. (Configuration 10) The recording apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the proportionality coefficient A changes according to the distance of the reference temperature detection element from an inlet through which ink flows into the substrate. (Configuration 11) 11. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, further comprising a circulation path capable of circulating ink by supplying ink to the recording means and recovering ink from the recording means. (Configuration 12) 12. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, further comprising a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of ink supplied to the recording means. (Configuration 13) supplying ink to the recording means by the supplying means is filling the recording means with ink after replacement; 13. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the timing of detection at the first detection temperature and the second detection temperature is the timing at which the filling is completed. (Configuration 14) An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a first calibration value for calibrating a second detected temperature based on a first detected temperature detected by a first detection means for detecting the temperature of ink supplied to an ejection means for ejecting ink, and a second detected temperature detected by a second detection means for detecting the temperature of the ejection means. (Configuration 15) The information processing device according to configuration 14, wherein the acquisition means acquires the first calibration value based on the first detection temperature, the second detection temperature, and a third detection temperature detected by a third detection means that detects an environmental temperature. (Configuration 16) The acquisition means includes: obtain a second calibration value for calibrating a detected temperature by a temperature detection element other than a reference temperature detection element among the plurality of temperature detection elements that are the second detection means to a detected temperature by the reference temperature detection element, and a third calibration value for calibrating the detected temperature by the reference temperature detection element based on the detected temperature of the reference temperature detection element, the first detected temperature, and the third detected temperature; 16. The information processing device according to configuration 15, wherein the second calibration value and the third calibration value are added together to obtain the first calibration value for each of the plurality of temperature detection elements. (Configuration 17) An information processing method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a first calibration value for calibrating a second detected temperature based on a first detected temperature detected by a first detection means that detects the temperature of ink supplied to an ejection means that ejects ink, and a second detected temperature detected by a second detection means that detects the temperature of the ejection means. (Configuration 18) The information processing method described in configuration 17, wherein in the acquisition process, the first calibration value is acquired based on a third detection temperature detected by a third detection means that detects the first detection temperature, the second detection temperature, and environmental temperature. (Configuration 19) In the obtaining step, obtain a second calibration value for calibrating a detected temperature by a temperature detection element other than a reference temperature detection element among the plurality of temperature detection elements that are the second detection means to a detected temperature by the reference temperature detection element, and a third calibration value for calibrating the detected temperature by the reference temperature detection element based on the detected temperature of the reference temperature detection element, the first detected temperature, and the third detected temperature; 19. The information processing method according to configuration 18, further comprising: adding the second calibration value and the third calibration value to obtain the first calibration value for each of the plurality of temperature detection elements. (Configuration 20) 17. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to any one of configurations 14 to 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10 Recording Device 14 Recording head 208 Print Controller 248 Ink Temperature Sensor 250 Head Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. A recording means for recording on a recording medium; A supplying means for supplying ink to the recording means; a first detection means for detecting a temperature of the ink supplied to the recording means; a second detection means for detecting the temperature of the recording means; and an acquisition means for acquiring a first calibration value for calibrating the second detected temperature based on a first detected temperature by the first detection means and a second detected temperature by the second detection means when ink is supplied to the recording means by the supply means.

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a value obtained by subtracting the second detected temperature from the first detected temperature as the first calibration value.

3. the recording means includes a substrate capable of ejecting ink using energy generated by a recording element; 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second detection means is a temperature detection element provided on the substrate.

4. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the temperature detection elements are provided.

5. Further comprising a third detection means for detecting an environmental temperature, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first calibration value based on the first detected temperature, the second detected temperature, and a third detected temperature by the third detection unit.

6. The recording device according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the first calibration value is Tadj, the first detected temperature is Ti, the second detected temperature is Td, the third detected temperature is Te, and a proportionality coefficient proportional to the heat transfer rate between the ink and the environment is A, the acquisition means acquires the first calibration value by the following formula. Tadj={Ti-A(Ti-Te)}-Td

7. the recording means includes a substrate capable of ejecting ink using energy generated by a recording element; the substrate includes a plurality of temperature detection elements as the second detection means, The acquisition means includes: obtain a second calibration value for calibrating temperatures detected by temperature detection elements other than a reference temperature detection element among the plurality of temperature detection elements to the detection temperature detected by the reference temperature detection element, and a third calibration value for calibrating the detection temperature detected by the reference temperature detection element based on the detection temperature of the reference temperature detection element, the first detection temperature, and the third detection temperature; 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second calibration value and the third calibration value are added together to obtain the first calibration value for each of the plurality of temperature detection elements.

8. The recording device described in claim 7, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the third calibration value by the following formula, where the third calibration value is Tadj2, the first detected temperature is Ti, the detected temperature at the reference temperature detection element is Td_base, the third detected temperature is Te, and a proportionality coefficient proportional to the heat transfer rate between the ink and the environment is A. Tadj2={Ti-A(Ti-Te)}-Td_base

9. 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the reference temperature detection element is, among the plurality of temperature detection elements, a temperature detection element that is closest to an inlet through which ink flows into the substrate.

10. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the proportionality coefficient A changes in accordance with a distance of the reference temperature detection element from an inlet through which ink flows into the substrate.

11. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a circulation path capable of circulating ink by supplying ink to said recording means and recovering ink from said recording means.

12. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature control means for controlling a temperature of the ink supplied to said recording means.

13. supplying ink to the recording means by the supplying means is filling the recording means with ink after replacement; 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing of detection of the first detection temperature and the second detection temperature is a timing at which the filling is completed.

14. An information processing device characterized by comprising an acquisition means for acquiring a first calibration value for calibrating a second detected temperature based on a first detected temperature detected by a first detection means for detecting the temperature of ink supplied to an ejection means for ejecting ink, and a second detected temperature detected by a second detection means for detecting the temperature of the ejection means.

15. 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the acquisition means acquires the first calibration value based on the first detected temperature, the second detected temperature, and a third detected temperature detected by a third detection means that detects an environmental temperature.

16. The acquisition means includes: obtain a second calibration value for calibrating temperatures detected by temperature detection elements other than a reference temperature detection element among the plurality of temperature detection elements that are the second detection means to the detection temperature detected by the reference temperature detection element, and a third calibration value for calibrating the detection temperature detected by the reference temperature detection element based on the detection temperature of the reference temperature detection element, the first detection temperature, and the third detection temperature; 16 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the second calibration value and the third calibration value are added together to obtain the first calibration value for each of the plurality of temperature detection elements.

17. An information processing method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a first calibration value for calibrating a second detected temperature based on a first detected temperature detected by a first detection means that detects the temperature of ink supplied to an ejection means that ejects ink, and a second detected temperature detected by a second detection means that detects the temperature of the ejection means.

18. 18. The information processing method according to claim 17, wherein in the acquisition step, the first calibration value is acquired based on a third detection temperature detected by a third detection means for detecting the first detection temperature, the second detection temperature, and an environmental temperature.

19. In the obtaining step, obtain a second calibration value for calibrating temperatures detected by temperature detection elements other than a reference temperature detection element among the plurality of temperature detection elements that are the second detection means to the detection temperature detected by the reference temperature detection element, and a third calibration value for calibrating the detection temperature detected by the reference temperature detection element based on the detection temperature of the reference temperature detection element, the first detection temperature, and the third detection temperature; 20. The information processing method according to claim 18, further comprising: adding the second calibration value and the third calibration value to obtain the first calibration value for each of the plurality of temperature detection elements.

20. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

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