Recording device

Abstract

To suppress productivity of a recording device from deteriorating.SOLUTION: A recording device is provided with: conveying means that conveys a recording medium having an image recorded thereon by recording means; detecting means that detects whether there is an abnormal module, in a plurality of modules for drying the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; and control means that when the detecting means detects that there is the abnormal module, executes either of first control of controlling output of a normal module out of the plurality of modules and second control of controlling conveyance speed of the recording medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for recording images. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-233663 discloses a method in which, in an inkjet recording apparatus, after printing, ink applied to the surface of a recording sheet is dried by a drying unit having a drying module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-224932 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the method of Patent Document 1, when the output of one of the drying modules drops, the recording device is stopped and the drying module is replaced. In other words, the recording device cannot be operated until the drying module replacement is completed, and there is a concern that downtime will occur for the user. Similarly, even in a configuration with multiple modules that cool the recording paper after drying, there is a risk that the productivity of the user will decrease if the recording device is stopped when the output of one of the modules drops. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A recording device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that it comprises a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which an image is recorded by a recording means, a detection means for detecting whether there is an abnormal module among a plurality of modules for drying the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means, and a control means for executing, when the detection means detects that there is an abnormal module, either a first control for controlling the output of a normal module from among the plurality of modules, or a second control for controlling the conveying speed of the recording medium. Effect of the Invention

[0006] A decrease in the productivity of the device can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a recording apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a control unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of a drying unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a cooling unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of a drying unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the output of a drying module is reduced. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the recording device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the recording device. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the recording device. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the recording device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of cooling modules arranged in a paper width direction. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the recording device. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of drying modules arranged in a paper width direction; [Figure 14] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of a recording apparatus. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of cooling parts arranged in a thickness direction. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the recording device. [Figure 17] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the recording device according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram showing an example of roll paper on which a plurality of images are printed in the paper width direction; [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of modules arranged in the paper width direction; [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the recording device. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the recording device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described. Note that the components described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the present disclosure is applied can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. In other words, the following embodiments do not limit the matters disclosed herein, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure. For example, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the following embodiments can be appropriately modified depending on the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the present disclosure is applied, and unless otherwise specified, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Note that the same components are described with the same symbols.

[0009] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a recording device 1 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the recording device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. First, the upper side of the paper in FIG. 1 is defined as the upper side of the recording device 1. The right-to-left direction of the paper in FIG. 1 is defined as the recording paper transport direction. The direction perpendicular to the paper in FIG. 1 is defined as the recording paper width direction. The recording device 1 in this embodiment is a high-speed line printer that uses continuous recording paper wound in a roll. For example, it is suitable for the printing field of mass printing in print laboratories and the like.

[0010] The recording device 1 in this embodiment has a control unit 101, a recording paper supply unit 102, a first conveying roller pair 103, a meandering correction unit 104, and a tension detection unit 105. The control unit 101 has a recording unit 106, an operation unit 107, a drying unit 108, a second conveying roller pair 109, a recording paper recovery unit 110, and a cooling unit 111. Furthermore, continuous recording paper (hereinafter referred to as recording paper) is conveyed along a recording paper conveyance path indicated by a solid line S in the figure. The control unit 101 will be described in detail later.

[0011] The recording paper supply unit 102 is a unit for holding recording paper and supplying the recording paper. The recording paper supply unit 102 is configured to store a roll 112 on which recording paper is wound in a roll shape, and to pull out and supply the recording paper. The number of rolls that can be stored in the recording paper supply unit 102 is not limited to one. For example, the recording paper supply unit 102 may be configured to store two or three or more rolls and to selectively pull out and supply the recording paper. Also, as long as the recording paper is continuous, it is not limited to being wound in a roll shape. For example, the recording paper may be perforated for each unit length, folded back at each perforation, stacked, and stored in the recording paper supply unit 102.

[0012] The first conveying roller pair 103 is a unit that feeds the recording paper along the recording paper conveying path (solid line S) and applies tension to the recording paper between the first conveying roller pair 103 and a second conveying roller pair 109 described later. The first conveying roller pair 103 rotates when a motor (not shown) is driven. The rotating first conveying roller pair 103 realizes tension conveyance.

[0013] The meandering correction unit 104 is a unit for correcting meandering in the width direction of the recording paper when the recording paper is conveyed under tension. The meandering correction unit 104 is configured to include a meandering correction roller 104a and a meandering detection sensor (not shown) that detects meandering of the recording paper. The meandering correction roller 104a can be controlled by a motor (not shown) to change the inclination of the recording paper in the recording paper conveying direction. In addition, the meandering correction of the recording paper is performed by the meandering correction roller 104a controlled based on the measurement of the meandering detection sensor. At this time, the recording paper is wrapped around the meandering correction roller 104a, thereby improving the meandering correction function. The tension detection unit 105 is a unit for detecting tension when tension conveyance is performed between the first conveying roller pair 103 and the second conveying roller pair 109.

[0014] The recording unit 106 has a recording head 113, a guide roller 114, and a head holder 115. The recording unit 106 is a recording paper processing unit that performs recording processing on the recording paper from above with the recording head 113 to record an image. The conveying path in the recording unit 106 is formed by the guide roller 114 arranged in an arc shape that is convex upward, and a certain tension is applied to the recording paper to ensure a clearance with the recording head 113. A plurality of recording heads 113 are arranged in an arc shape following the conveying path. The recording unit 106 has four line-type recording heads 113 corresponding to four colors, Bk (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). The number of colors and the number of recording heads 113 are not limited to four. The plurality of recording heads 113 are integrally held by the head holder 115. The head holder 115 is movable in the vertical direction so that the clearance between the recording paper and the recording head 113 can be changed. The inkjet method may employ a method using a heating element, a method using a piezoelectric element, a method using an electrostatic element, a method using a MEMS element, or the like. Ink of each color is supplied to the recording head 113 from an ink tank (not shown) via an ink tube.

[0015] The operation unit 107 has operation keys that accept operations from a user, and a liquid crystal display unit that displays image data output from the control unit 101. The operation keys may be hard keys or soft keys. The liquid crystal display unit may have a touch panel function. By operating the operation unit 107, the user can instruct the recording device 1 to control a printing process, etc.

[0016] The drying unit 108 is a unit that reduces the liquid content contained in the ink applied to the recording paper by the recording unit 106, and improves the fixation of the ink to the recording paper. In other words, the drying unit 108 dries the ink applied to the recording paper on which recording has been performed. Inside the drying unit 108, hot air is applied to at least the upper surface side of the passing recording paper to dry the ink-applied surface. Note that, in addition to the method of applying hot air, the drying method may be a combination of a method of irradiating the recording paper surface with electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, etc.) or a conductive heat transfer method by contact with a heating element.

[0017] The cooling section 111 is a unit that cools the recording paper heated in the drying section 108. The cooling section 111 can prevent heat from accumulating in the roll and ink from adhering to the surface of the conveying roller that comes into contact with the ink on the recording paper in the recording paper recovery section 110 described later. Inside the cooling section 111, air is blown to the printing surface side of the recording paper to cool the printing surface side. The cooling section 111 is configured to blow air at a desired wind speed from the outside of the recording device 1 through a duct (not shown) using a fan or the like. The cooling section 111 may also be configured to blow air at a temperature lower than the outside air temperature of the recording device 1 using a heat exchanger. The drying section 108 and the cooling section 111 are referred to as the air blowing unit 180 because they have the function of blowing air to act on the recording paper regardless of whether it is heated or not.

[0018] The second conveying roller pair 109, together with the first conveying roller pair 103, is a unit that conveys the recording paper while applying tension and adjusts the tension of the recording paper. The second conveying roller pair 109 is rotated by being driven by a motor (not shown). The tension of the recording paper is adjusted by a clutch (not shown) that can control the drive-connected torque, which will be described later, according to the tension value detected by the tension detection unit 105 controlled by the tension control unit 100. Note that, as an additional configuration for adjusting the tension of the recording paper, a configuration for controlling the speed of the second conveying roller pair 109 by the tension detection unit 105 may be added. In this case, there are two tension control methods: a torque control method that controls the torque value transmitted from the clutch, and a speed control method that controls the roller speed of the second conveying roller pair 109. The tension control methods can be switched or both can be used simultaneously depending on the purpose.

[0019] The recording paper recovery unit 110 is a unit for winding the recording paper that has been recorded on onto a core. The number of recoverable rolls is not limited to one. In other words, the recording paper recovery unit 110 may have two or three or more cores and may be configured to selectively switch between them to recover the recording paper. Depending on the content of the post-recording processing, the recording paper recovery unit 110 may be configured to cut the recording paper using a cutter and load the cut recording paper, rather than winding it onto a core.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 101 according to the present embodiment. The configuration of the control unit 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The control unit 101 is a unit that controls each unit of the entire recording apparatus. The control unit 101 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 220, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 221, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 222. The control unit 101 has an image memory 223, a host I / F (Interface) unit 224, a RIP processing unit 203, and a recording data generating unit 204. The control unit 101 has a nozzle data generating unit 205, a non-ejection nozzle information storage unit 206, a non-ejection complement processing unit 207, a head tilt information storage unit 208, and a head tilt correction unit 209. The control unit 101 has a nozzle data thinning unit 210, an ejection data transfer unit 211, a drying control unit 226, and a cooling control unit 227. These components, including the CPU 220 , are connected to a system bus 225 .

[0021] The CPU 220 is a central processing unit that loads a program stored in the ROM 222 or the like into the RAM 221, reads it out, and executes various controls for each unit described later. The RAM 221 is the main memory of the CPU 220, and is used as a temporary storage area for loading the program stored in the ROM 222 or the like. The control program stored in the ROM 222 includes an OS for performing time-sharing control in units of a large number of load modules by a system clock. The image memory 223 stores nozzle data and the like described later.

[0022] The host I / F unit 224 connects the host PC 116 and the control unit 101. Print data, control instructions, and the like are input from the host PC 116 to the control unit 101 via the host I / F unit 224. A user can operate the host PC 116 to instruct the recording device 1 to control printing processes and the like. The input print data is rendered by the RIP processing unit 203 to become multi-value bitmap data. The input print data is composed of, for example, PDL (Page Description Language). The multi-value bitmap data is subjected to ink color conversion and quantization processing by the recording data generating unit 204 to become halftone data of the ink colors. The halftone data is assigned to each nozzle by the nozzle data generating unit 205 for each color, and becomes nozzle data (binary data) of the number of nozzles for each line. The nozzle data is subjected to non-discharge complement processing (processing of reassigning ejection data assigned to non-discharge nozzles to nozzles that are not non-discharge nozzles) by the non-discharge complement processing unit 207 according to the non-discharge nozzle information stored in the non-discharge nozzle information storage unit 206. The nozzle data that has undergone non-discharge complement processing is subjected to head tilt correction (correction that moves the data in the transport direction in accordance with the amount of tilt) by a head tilt correction unit 209 in accordance with the head tilt information stored in a head tilt information storage unit 208. The nozzle data that has undergone head tilt correction in this manner is stored in an image memory 223. The nozzle data stored in the image memory 223 is transferred to a nozzle data thinning unit 210. The transferred nozzle data after tilt correction is subjected to thinning processing by the nozzle data thinning unit 210, and is transferred to a print head 212 by an ejection data transfer unit 211.

[0023] The control unit 101 also controls the temperatures of the drying module A120, drying module B130, drying module C140, and drying module D150 in the drying control unit 226. The control unit 101 can determine whether each drying module is normal by polling each drying module or by receiving a normal temperature. The control unit 101 and the cooling control unit 227 control the rotation speed of the fans of the cooling module A160 and cooling module B170. The control unit 101 can determine whether the fans are rotating normally by an encoder unit (not shown) in the fans or a detection unit that detects a lock (rotation failure) of the fans.

[0024] The configuration of the drying module (A) 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration inside the drying module 120. The drying module 120 has a temperature regulator 301, a heater module 302 which is a heating means, a temperature sensor 303, and a blower fan 304 (hereinafter referred to as a fan) which blows hot air. The temperature regulator 301 receives information on a target temperature from the drying control unit 226. The temperature regulator 301 controls the ON / OFF of the heater module 302 based on temperature measurement data in the heater module 302 output from the temperature sensor 303. However, the temperature regulator 301 controls the heater module 302 to be repeatedly turned ON / OFF according to a duty ratio, rather than being either ON or OFF. For example, when the target temperature is 70° C., upon acquiring temperature measurement data from the temperature sensor 303 indicating that the temperature inside the heater module 302 is 60° C., the temperature regulator 301 controls the duty ratio to 100% or the like so as to increase the temperature of the heater module 302. Note that this value is merely an example and is variable.

[0025] FIG. 3(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the drying module (A) 120 as viewed from the paper conveying direction. The configuration of the drying module A 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 3(b). The drying module A 120 has an air passage formed by a duct 305. A heater module 302 and a fan 304 are provided in the air passage. The fan 304 blows air heated by the heater module 302 (hereinafter referred to as a heater) in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The blown air passes through a nozzle portion 306 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drying module 120 on the recording paper side, and is blown onto the recording paper on the conveying path S.

[0026] The configuration of the cooling module (A) 160 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration inside the cooling module 160. The cooling module 160 has fans 401 and 402. The control unit 101 controls the rotation speeds of the fans 401 and 402 via the cooling control unit 227. FIG. 4(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the cooling module 160 as seen from the paper conveying direction. The fans 401 and 402 are provided in an air passage formed by a duct 403. The fans 401 and 402 blow air in the direction of the arrows in the figure. The blown air passes through a nozzle unit 404 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cooling module 160 on the recording paper side and is blown onto the recording paper on the conveying path S.

[0027] FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the drying unit 108 as viewed from the front direction of the recording device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the device front direction). The drying unit 108 will be described with reference to FIG. 5(a). In FIG. 5(a), the recording paper is transported in the recording paper transport direction through the recording paper transport path (solid line S). At that time, the recording paper passes through the inside of the drying unit 108. The drying module (A) 120, the drying module (B) 130, the drying module (C) 140, and the drying module (D) 150 provided inside the drying unit 108 apply hot air from the upper surface side of the passing recording paper to dry the ink application surface of the recording paper. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the heater power of each drying module is set to 100 [W (watts)], and the width of the module as viewed from the device front direction is 1 [m]. As setting information, the heater target temperature is set to 60 [°C], and the recording paper transport speed is set to 1 [m / s]. Note that the heater power of the drying module, the width of the drying module, the heater target temperature, and the conveying speed of the recording paper are not limited to these, and modified values ​​may be applied. In this embodiment, for example, a heat quantity of 400 [J (Joules)] is required to dry the ink applied to the recording paper. Therefore, a total heat quantity of 400 [J] is supplied to the conveyed recording paper. Note that the heat quantity for drying the ink differs depending on the recording paper, and is a variable value.

[0028] Fig. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the power supplied to the drying module and the temperature of the drying module. For example, when the power supplied is 100 [W], the temperature of the drying module is 60 [°C]. When the power is 150 [W], the temperature is 80 [°C]. Note that these relationship values ​​between power and temperature are only examples and are variable values ​​that change depending on the heater material, etc.

[0029] Fig. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the drying section 108 as seen from the front of the device when the output of the drying module 140 has decreased. Fig. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the power and temperature (hereinafter referred to as power / temperature) of the drying module 130 and the drying module 150 are increased in Fig. 6(a). Fig. 6(c) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the conveying speed of the recording paper is decreased in Fig. 6(a). With reference to Figs. 6(a) to (c), the control executed by the control section 101 when the output of the drying module has decreased will be described.

[0030] In this embodiment, a case where there is no output from the drying module 140 will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 6A, the drying modules 120, 130, and 150 are each supplied with 100 [W] of power and are operating normally. In other words, the three normal drying modules provide a heat quantity of 3×100 [W]×1 [s (second)]=300 [J]. However, since there is no output from the drying module 140, there is a shortage of 100 [W]×1 [s]=100 [J] for the heat quantity of 400 [J] required to dry the ink. As shown in FIG. 6B, in order to compensate for the shortage of heat quantity, for example, the CPU 220 of the control unit 101 controls to increase the power / temperature of the drying module 130 and the drying module 150 (neighboring modules to be described later). In this embodiment, for example, the power of the drying module 130 and the drying module 150 is increased to 150 [W] to compensate for the shortage of heat quantity of 100 [J].

[0031] Here, we will explain how to calculate power. Heat, power, and time are Calorific value [J] = Electric power [W] × Time [s]...Formula (1) In order to compensate for the lack of heat quantity of 100 [J] by the drying module 130 and the drying module 150, it is necessary to increase the power by 50 [J] each. Here, the time it takes for a recording medium with a conveying speed of 1 [m / s] to pass through a drying module with a module width of 1 [m] is 1 [s]. That is, in one drying module, according to the above-mentioned formula (1), in order to compensate for the lack of heat quantity of 50 [J], it is necessary to increase the power by 50 [W]. That is, the power of each of the drying modules 130 and 150 needs to be 100 [W] + 50 [W] = 150 [W]. Also, as for the temperature of the drying module, it can be seen from FIG. 5 (b) that when the power is 150 [W], the temperature is 80 [°C]. That is, the CPU 220 of the control unit 101 controls the power and temperature of each of the drying modules 130 and 150 to be increased to the above-mentioned values.

[0032] Next, the control for reducing the conveying speed of the recording paper will be described. To compensate for the lack of heat of 100 [J], the heat of 400 [J] required for drying the ink must be provided by a total of 300 [W] of power of the drying modules operating normally in the drying unit 108. To achieve this, in this embodiment, the CPU 220 of the control unit 101 can perform control for reducing the conveying speed of the recording paper, as shown in FIG. 6(c).

[0033] The method for calculating the conveying speed will now be described. If the required heat amount of 400 [J] is provided by three normal drying modules 120, 130, and 150, then the heat amount provided by one drying module is 400 [J] divided by 3. In other words, from the above-mentioned formula (1), it is necessary to pass the recording paper through one drying module with a power of 100 [W] for 4 / 3 (4 divided by 3) [s]. Therefore, the conveying speed of the recording paper is calculated to be 0.75 [m / s].

[0034] In this embodiment, the case where the output of the drying module is reduced and there is no output from the drying module 140 (the output is 0) has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the same may be applied to a drying module that has not reached the target temperature or target power. In addition, when the output of the drying module is reduced, the control unit 101 controls to increase the power / temperature of the drying module in the vicinity of the drying module whose output has been reduced, or to reduce the conveying speed. However, the heat-resistant temperature differs depending on the type of recording paper being conveyed. For example, the heat-resistant temperature is 100[°C] for paper and 70[°C] for film. Therefore, when the recording paper is paper, the temperature of the drying module can be increased, but when the recording paper is film, the temperature of the drying module cannot be increased due to the heat-resistant temperature. For this reason, as described in FIG. 6(c), the control to reduce the conveying speed is adopted. The CPU 220 of the control unit 101 determines which control to adopt.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the control unit 101 of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 7, the control when the output of the drying module is reduced will be described. The process shown in FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU 220 of the control unit 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 222 or the like into the RAM 221 and executing the program by the CPU 220. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 7 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or an electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process indicates a step in the flowchart (the same applies to the flowcharts in the following specification).

[0036] In S701, CPU 220 starts printing. After that, CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S702. In S702, CPU 220 judges whether or not the drying module is operating normally. If CPU 220 judges that the drying module is operating normally (Yes), it proceeds to the process of S702, and if CPU 220 judges that the drying module is not operating normally (No), it proceeds to the process of S703. In other words, CPU 220 continues the process of S702 until it judges that the drying module is not operating normally.

[0037] In S703, the CPU 220 determines the number of drying modules that are not operating normally. For example, if there is a drying module with a reduced output, the CPU 220 determines the number of drying modules with a reduced output. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S704. In S704, the CPU 220 calculates the insufficient amount of heat from the amount of heat required to dry the ink on the recording paper based on the number of drying modules with a reduced output, as shown in the description of FIG. 6. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S705. In S705, the CPU 220 calculates the power value / temperature of the neighboring module of the drying module to make up for the insufficient amount of heat (hereinafter referred to as the insufficient amount of heat), as shown in the description of FIG. 6(b). After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S706. Here, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the neighboring module is a normal module that is one module away from the drying module with a reduced output. In other words, when the output of the drying module 140 is reduced, the drying module 130 and the drying module 150 are neighboring modules, but are not limited to this. For example, the neighboring modules may be normal drying modules that are two or more neighboring modules away from the drying module with reduced output, depending on the number and arrangement of the drying modules, etc.

[0038] In S706, CPU 220 determines whether the recording paper corresponds to the temperature calculated in S705. That is, CPU 220 determines whether the temperature calculated in S705 is less than the heat resistance temperature of the recording paper. If CPU 220 determines that the temperature calculated in S705 is less than the heat resistance temperature of the recording paper (Yes), it proceeds to processing of S707, and if CPU 220 determines that the temperature calculated in S705 is equal to or greater than the heat resistance temperature of the recording paper (No), it proceeds to processing of S708. In S707, CPU 220 changes the power value / temperature to be set in the drying module based on the result calculated in S705, controls the drying module via drying control unit 226, and ends this processing.

[0039] In S708, the CPU 220 calculates the conveying speed of the recording paper to compensate for the insufficient heat quantity, as described in the description of FIG. 6C. Then, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S709. In S709, the CPU 220 changes the conveying speed based on the result of the calculation in S708. The CPU 220 controls the first conveying roller pair 103 and the second conveying roller pair 109 so that the recording paper is conveyed at the changed conveying speed, and ends this process.

[0040] Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing a modified example of the process of Fig. 7. With reference to Fig. 8, the control when a flow for selecting whether to reduce the conveying speed of the recording paper or to increase the temperature of the adjacent module is added to the process of Fig. 7 will be described while pointing out the differences from Fig. 7. Note that the process from S701 to S709 in Fig. 8 is the same as the process described in Fig. 7, and therefore the description will be omitted.

[0041] In S801, the CPU 220 displays on the operation unit 107 a screen for allowing the user to select whether to reduce the conveying speed of the recording paper or to increase the power value / temperature of the module adjacent to the drying module whose output has decreased. At this time, the user selects whether to reduce the conveying speed or to increase the power value / temperature of the module adjacent to the drying module. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S802.

[0042] In S802, the CPU 220 determines whether or not "Increase the power value / temperature of the nearby module" has been selected. If the CPU 220 determines that "Increase the power value / temperature of the nearby module" has been selected (Yes), the CPU 220 proceeds to processing of S707, and if the CPU 220 determines that "Slow down the transport speed" has been selected (No), the CPU 220 proceeds to processing of S708.

[0043] As described in Fig. 7, when the output of the drying module is reduced, the recording device in this embodiment calculates the power value / temperature of the nearby module and performs control to compensate for the insufficient output, taking into account the heat resistance temperature of the recording paper. In other words, the recording device performs control to increase the power value / temperature of the nearby module or to reduce the conveying speed of the recording paper. This prevents the quality of the image printed on the recording paper from deteriorating due to the reduction in the output of the drying module, and allows the recording device to continue operating without stopping.

[0044] In the recording device of this embodiment, the continuous recording medium is processed by the successive steps of printing, drying, and cooling. In other words, if the conveying speed is reduced, the printing process speed is also reduced accordingly. As described in FIG. 7, if the conveying speed is within the allowable range of the heat resistance temperature of the recording paper, the power value / temperature of the nearby module is increased without reducing the conveying speed, so that the printing speed can be maintained.

[0045] According to this embodiment, even if the output of the drying module is reduced, the image quality of the recording device can be maintained at a good level while suppressing a decrease in productivity. Also, as described in FIG. 8, when the output of the drying module is reduced, the recording device in this embodiment accepts a user's operation to increase the power value / temperature of a nearby module or to reduce the conveying speed of the recording paper. In other words, it is possible to realize control that takes the user's judgment into consideration.

[0046] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the overall configuration of the recording device 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the first embodiment will be used. The same components as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description will be omitted as appropriate. In the first embodiment, when the output of the drying module is reduced, the control for reducing the conveying speed of the recording paper or increasing the power value / temperature of the module adjacent to the drying module whose output is reduced is described. In this embodiment, the control performed by the control unit 101 when the output of the cooling module is reduced in the cooling unit 111 of the recording device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the control unit 101 of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 9 is realized by the CPU 220 of the control unit 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 222 or the like into the RAM 221.

[0047] In S901, CPU 220 starts printing. After that, CPU 220 proceeds to process S902. In S902, CPU 220 determines whether or not the cooling module is operating normally. If CPU 220 determines that the cooling module is operating normally (Yes), it proceeds to process S902, and if CPU 220 determines that the cooling module is not operating normally (No), it proceeds to process S903. In other words, CPU 220 continues to process S902 until it determines that the cooling module is not operating normally.

[0048] In S903, the CPU 220 determines the number of cooling modules that are not operating normally and that were detected in S902. For example, if there is a cooling module with reduced output, the CPU 220 determines the number of cooling modules with reduced output. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S904. In S904, the CPU 220 calculates the insufficient amount of heat to be removed (hereinafter referred to as insufficient removed heat amount) based on the number of cooling modules with reduced output. For example, the insufficient removed heat amount can be calculated by subtracting the amount of heat that the current cooling module can remove from the amount of heat provided by the drying module, but the calculation method is not limited to this. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S905.

[0049] In S905, the CPU 220 acquires the required speed increase of the fan of the module adjacent to the cooling module. In this embodiment, the speed increase is the number of revolutions of the fan that is increased to compensate for the insufficient amount of heat to be removed. The CPU 220 acquires the speed increase of the fan from a known theoretical formula, a table for acquiring a predetermined parameter, an actual measurement value output from a sensor, or a combination of these. As another configuration, a thermometer that measures the temperature of the recording paper in a non-contact manner may be installed behind the cooling unit 111, and the number of revolutions of the fan may be feedback-controlled from the temperature data output from the thermometer to acquire the speed increase of the fan. The description of the module adjacent to the cooling unit is as described above.

[0050] In S906, CPU 220 determines whether the fan rotation speed when increased based on the amount of speed increase acquired in S905 is within the allowable range of the fan specifications. In other words, CPU 220 determines whether the fan rotation speed when increased is within the allowable range of the fan specifications. If CPU 220 determines that the fan rotation speed is within the allowable range of the fan specifications (Yes), it proceeds to processing of S907, and if it determines that the fan rotation speed is not within the allowable range of the fan specifications (No), it proceeds to processing of S910.

[0051] In S907, the CPU 220 displays on the operation unit 107 a screen for allowing the user to select whether to reduce the conveying speed of the recording paper or to increase the fan speed. At this time, the user selects whether to reduce the conveying speed or to increase the fan speed. The CPU 220 then proceeds to processing of S908. In S908, the CPU 220 determines whether reducing the conveying speed of the recording paper has been selected. If the CPU 220 determines that reducing the conveying speed of the recording paper has been selected (Yes), the CPU 220 proceeds to processing of S910, and if the CPU 220 determines that this has not been selected (No), the CPU 220 proceeds to processing of S909.

[0052] In S909, the CPU 220 increases the rotation speed of the fan of the module adjacent to the cooling module whose output has decreased based on the fan speed increase amount obtained in S905, and ends this process. In S910, the CPU 220 obtains the conveying speed of the recording paper. For example, the conveying speed may be obtained from the theoretical formula and table described in S905. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S911. In S911, the CPU 220 changes the conveying speed of the recording paper based on the conveying speed obtained in S910, and ends this process. Note that, in the configuration of the recording device 1 shown in FIG. 1, there are two cooling modules, 160 and 170, arranged in the conveying direction, but the same effect can be obtained even if there are multiple modules, not limited to two.

[0053] In FIG. 9, a process for enabling production to continue by increasing the rotation speed of the fan or decreasing the conveying speed is described. Next, a process for adjusting the air temperature by cooling the air taken in by the cooling module with a heat exchanger (not shown) and improving the heat removal power is described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the control unit 101 of the recording device 1 according to the present embodiment. A process executed by the control unit 101 when the output of the cooling module is reduced will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Note that the processes from S1001 to S1004, S1010, and S1011 are similar to the processes from S901 to S904, S910, and S911, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0054] In S1005, the CPU 220 acquires the amount of heat to be removed when the heat exchanger operates for the module adjacent to the cooling module whose output has decreased (hereinafter referred to as the amount of removed heat). The CPU 220 acquires the amount of removed heat from a theoretical formula, a table, an actual measurement value output from a sensor, or a combination of these. Thereafter, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1006. In S1006, the CPU 220 judges whether the setting value of the heat exchanger used when acquiring the amount of removed heat in S1005 is within the allowable range of the heat exchanger specifications. If the CPU 220 judges that it is within the allowable range of the heat exchanger specifications (Yes), it proceeds to the process of S1007, and if it judges that it is not within the allowable range of the heat exchanger specifications (No), it proceeds to the process of S1010.

[0055] In S1007, the CPU 220 displays on the operation unit 107 a message to allow the user to select whether to reduce the conveying speed of the recording paper or to remove heat by the heat exchanger. At this time, the user selects whether to reduce the conveying speed or to remove heat by the heat exchanger. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1008.

[0056] In S1008, CPU 220 determines whether or not slowing down the recording paper transport speed was selected in S1007. If CPU 220 determines that slowing down the recording paper transport speed was selected (Yes), it proceeds to processing of S1010, and if CPU 220 determines that slowing down the recording paper transport speed was not selected (No), it proceeds to processing of S1009. In S1009, CPU 220 operates the heat exchanger of the module adjacent to the cooling module whose output has decreased based on the amount of heat removed by the heat exchanger obtained in S1005, and ends this processing.

[0057] According to this embodiment, even if the output of the cooling module is reduced, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity while maintaining good image quality of the recording apparatus.

[0058] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the following description, the overall configuration of the recording device 1 is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, and therefore these are to be used. Also, the same components as those of the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the control for decreasing the recording paper transport speed or increasing the power value / temperature of a nearby module when multiple modules are lined up in the paper transport direction was described. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the control for the case where multiple modules are lined up in the paper width direction is described.

[0060] 11(a) to (c) are diagrams showing an example of the relationship between an image printed on a recording sheet and a cooling module. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of a recording sheet on which an image "(rectangle) A" close to the recording sheet width is laid out in the sheet width direction within the width of the recording sheet. FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of a recording sheet in which a rectangular image (part marked "A") occupies most of the sheet width direction. Since the fans 401 and 402 of the cooling module 160 shown in FIG. 4(b) are arranged in the sheet width direction, if only one of them has a reduced output and stops, only the other image will be cooled quickly. In other words, there is a risk of color unevenness being caused for a large image that spans the sheet width direction. Therefore, in order to maintain good image quality, when multiple fans are arranged in the sheet width direction like the fans 401 and 402, it is necessary to stop the multiple fans arranged in the sheet width direction, including those whose output has not been reduced. FIG. 11(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example in which two cooling modules 160 are arranged in the sheet width direction. The cooling module 160r and the cooling module 160f have fans 401r and 402r, and fans 401f and 402f, respectively. In Fig. 11(c), the cooling module 160f is disposed on the front side of the device. The cooling module 160f is disposed to face the cooling module 160r in a predetermined direction.

[0061] Here, as shown in FIG. 11(c), the cooling module 160f is arranged to face the cooling module 160r. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the cooling modules as shown in FIG. 11(c) is referred to as facing in the paper width direction. In addition, 401r and 402r are fans on the side facing the cooling module 160f in the paper width direction. In addition, 401f and 402f are fans on the side facing the cooling module 160r in the paper width direction. In addition, the cooling module 160f and the cooling module 160r are collectively referred to as a pair of cooling modules. Note that the arrangement of the two cooling modules is not limited to this. For example, as long as the cooling modules are arranged so that the printed image can be maintained in a good condition when all the cooling modules are operating normally, the arrangement does not matter. When two cooling modules are arranged in the paper width direction as shown in FIG. 11(c), it is preferable to stop all the fans (401f·r, 402f·r) when the output of one fan of the cooling modules decreases.

[0062] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 101 of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 12, a process executed by the CPU 220 of the control unit 101 when one of the fans of a pair of cooling modules is not operating normally will be described.

[0063] In S1201, the CPU 220 starts printing. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1202. In S1202, the CPU 220 judges whether or not the fan of the cooling module is operating normally. If the CPU 220 judges that the fan of the cooling module is operating normally (Yes), the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1202, and if the CPU 220 judges that the fan of the cooling module is not operating normally (No), the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1203. That is, the CPU 220 continues the process of S1202 until it judges that the fan of the cooling module is not operating normally. In S1203, the CPU 220 stops the fan that is judged to be abnormal in S1202. For example, if the CPU 220 judges that the fan 401f and the fan 402f of the cooling module 160f are abnormal, the CPU 220 stops the fan. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1204.

[0064] In S1204, the CPU 220 notifies the user of the abnormality in the cooling module determined to be abnormal in S1202. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1205. In S1205, the CPU 220 stops the fan on the side facing the paper width direction. Specifically, if it is determined in S1202 that there is an abnormality in the fan of the cooling module 160f, the CPU 220 stops the fan 401r and the fan 402r. After that, the CPU 220 adds the number of cooling modules whose fans have been stopped to the number of cooling modules whose output has decreased, and performs the same process as the flow after S904 in FIG. 9 or S1004 in FIG. 10.

[0065] FIG. 13(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of two drying modules arranged in the paper width direction as viewed from the conveying direction. In FIG. 13(a), a drying module 120r and a drying module 120f are arranged. The drying module 120r and the drying module 120f have heaters 302r and 302f, and fans 304r and 304f, respectively. In FIG. 13(a), the drying module 120f is arranged on the front side of the device. The drying module 120r and the drying module 120f apply hot air from above the recording paper conveyed in the direction from the paper surface of FIG. 13(a) to the back side of the recording paper, thereby drying the ink. The positional relationship between the drying module 120r and the drying module 120f is the same as the positional relationship of the cooling module described in FIG. 11(c), and the same applies to the fifth embodiment.

[0066] Fig. 13(b) is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 101 of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment. With reference to Fig. 13(b), a description will be given of processing executed by the CPU 220 of the control unit 101 when one of a pair of drying modules is not operating normally.

[0067] In S1301, the CPU 220 starts printing. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1302. In S1302, the CPU 220 judges whether or not the fan of the drying module is operating normally. If the CPU 220 judges that the fan of the drying module is operating normally (Yes), the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1306, and if the CPU 220 judges that the fan of the drying module is not operating normally (No), the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1303.

[0068] In S1303, the CPU 220 stops the heater operated by the fan determined to have an abnormality in S1301, and stops the fan. Specifically, when the CPU 220 determines that the fan 304f of the drying module 120f has an abnormality, the CPU 220 stops the heater 302f and stops the fan 304f. The heater of the drying module is stopped to prevent so-called dry burning. Thereafter, the CPU 220 proceeds to processing of S1304. In S1304, the CPU 220 notifies the user of the fan abnormality. Thereafter, the CPU 220 proceeds to processing of S1305. In S1305, the CPU 220 stops the heater on the side facing the drying module having the abnormal fan in the paper width direction, stops the fan on the side facing the paper width direction, and ends this processing.

[0069] In S1306, CPU 220 determines whether the heater of the drying module is operating normally. If CPU 220 determines that the heater is operating normally (Yes), it ends this process, and if it determines that the heater is not operating normally (No), it proceeds to process S1307. In S1307, CPU 220 stops the heater determined to be abnormal in S1306. Then, CPU 220 proceeds to process S1308. In S1308, CPU 220 notifies the user of the heater abnormality. Then, CPU 220 proceeds to process S1309.

[0070] In S1309, the CPU 220 stops the heater on the side facing the drying module having the heater determined to be abnormal in the paper width direction in S1306. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1310. In S1310, the CPU 220 stops the fans of the pair of drying modules including the drying module having the abnormal heater, and ends this process. Specifically, if the CPU 220 determines that there is an abnormality in the heater 302f of the drying module 120f, it stops the fans 304f and 304r.

[0071] After this process is completed, if CPU 220 determines that the fans and heaters of the drying modules are operating normally, it proceeds to the process of S702 in Fig. 7 or Fig. 8. On the other hand, if CPU 220 determines that there is an abnormality in either the fans or the heaters, it adds the number of stopped drying modules to the number of drying modules with reduced output, and performs the same process as the flow from S703 onwards in Fig. 7 or Fig. 8.

[0072] According to this embodiment, even if the output of the cooling module and the drying module is reduced, it is possible to maintain the image quality of the same image at a good level and maintain productivity.

[0073] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the following description, the overall configuration of the recording device is the same as that of the first to third embodiments, and therefore these are to be incorporated. Also, the same components as those of the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0074] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a recording device according to this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 14, modules arranged on the print surface side and the non-print surface side of a recording sheet will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, the drying module of the drying section 108 and the cooling module of the cooling section 111 heat and cool both sides of the recording sheet, respectively, to enhance heat transfer efficiency. The recording device 1 has, in the drying section 108, drying modules 120U to 150U arranged on the print surface side and 120L to 150L arranged on the non-print surface side, in that order from the upstream in the transport direction. Also, the recording device 1 has, in the cooling section 111, cooling modules 160U and 170U arranged on the print surface side and 160L and 170L arranged on the non-print surface side, in that order from the upstream in the transport direction.

[0075] 15(a) to (c) are diagrams showing an example of a partially enlarged cross section of the cooling modules 160U, 160L, 170U, and 170L as viewed from the front of the device. With reference to FIG. 15(a) to (c), a case will be described in which any of the cooling modules arranged on the print surface side and the non-print surface side is not operating normally. FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing a case in which all of the cooling modules are operating normally. In FIG. 15(a), the cooling module 160L is arranged on the non-print surface side of the recording paper. Moreover, the cooling module 160U is arranged so as to face the cooling module 160L across the recording paper. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the cooling modules as shown in FIG. 15(a) is referred to as facing in the thickness direction. That is, in FIG. 15(a), the cooling module 160L is a module facing the cooling module 160U in the thickness direction. Moreover, the cooling module 160U is a module facing the cooling module 160L in the thickness direction. 15(a), two cooling modules 160U and 160L arranged are referred to as a pair of cooling modules. This arrangement also applies to a drying module, which will be described later.

[0076] FIG. 15(b) is a diagram showing a case where the output of the cooling module 160L is reduced. At this time, the airflow does not act locally or is weakened near the cooling module 160L, so the recording paper receives the airflow from the cooling module 160U side and bends toward the cooling module 160L. As a result, the surface of the recording paper on the non-printing side may be scratched by rubbing against the cooling module 160L. At the same time, the distance between the blowing port of the cooling module 160U and the recording paper becomes farther, so the heat transfer rate decreases, and as a result, the desired cooling conditions may not be obtained. FIG. 15(c) shows a case where the output of the cooling module 160U side is reduced, which is the opposite to FIG. 15(b). At this time, the airflow from the printing side does not act, so the surface of the recording paper rubs against the cooling module 160U. As a result, there is a risk of scratches occurring on the recording paper itself and the image itself. Since the distance between the hot air outlet of the cooling module 160L and the recording paper increases, the heat transfer coefficient decreases, and as a result, the desired drying conditions may not be obtained. Furthermore, when the recording paper comes into contact with the cooling module, frictional resistance occurs during transportation, causing uneven transportation speed. If the uneven transportation speed propagates through the recording paper, printing becomes unstable, which may lead to image defects. In other words, in a pair of cooling modules, if the output of one cooling module decreases, it is preferable to stop both cooling modules (160U and 160L in FIG. 15).

[0077] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 101 of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment. With reference to Fig. 16, a process executed by the CPU 220 of the control unit 101 when one of a pair of cooling modules is not operating normally will be described.

[0078] In S1601, CPU 220 starts printing. After that, CPU 220 proceeds to process S1602. In S1602, CPU 220 determines whether or not the fan of the cooling module is operating normally. If CPU 220 determines that the fan of the cooling module is operating normally (Yes), it proceeds to process S1602, and if CPU 220 determines that the fan is not operating normally (No), it proceeds to process S1603. In other words, CPU 220 continues to process S1602 until it determines that there is an abnormality in the fan of the cooling module.

[0079] In S1603, CPU 220 stops the fan determined to be abnormal in S1602. After that, CPU 220 proceeds to processing of S1604. In S1604, CPU 220 notifies the user of the abnormality in the cooling module. After that, CPU 220 proceeds to processing of S1605. In S1605, CPU 220 stops the fan facing the cooling module having the abnormal fan in the thickness direction, and performs processing similar to the flow from S904 in FIG. 9 or S1004 onwards in FIG. 10.

[0080] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 101 of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment. With reference to Fig. 17, a process executed by the control unit 101 when one of a pair of drying modules is not operating normally will be described.

[0081] In S1701, CPU 220 starts printing. After that, CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1702. In S1702, CPU 220 judges whether or not the fan of the drying module is operating normally. If CPU 220 judges that the fan of the drying module is operating normally (Yes), it proceeds to the process of S1703, and if CPU 220 judges that the fan of the drying module is not operating normally (No), it proceeds to the process of S1704.

[0082] In S1704, the CPU 220 stops the heater acting on the fan determined to be abnormal in S1702, and stops the fan. Here, it is assumed that there are a pair of drying modules, the drying module 120U and the drying module 120L, facing each other in the thickness direction. When the CPU 220 determines that there is an abnormality in the fan of the drying module 120U, it stops the heater of the drying module 120U and stops the abnormal fan. Thereafter, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1705. In S1705, the CPU 220 notifies the user of the abnormality of the fan. Thereafter, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1706. In S1706, the CPU 220 stops the heater acting on the fan facing the drying module having the fan determined to be abnormal in the thickness direction, stops the fan, and ends this process. That is, when the CPU 220 determines that there is an abnormality in the fan of the drying module 120U, it stops the heater of the drying module 120L and stops the fan of the drying module 120L.

[0083] In S1703, CPU 220 determines whether the heater of the drying module is operating normally. If CPU 220 determines that the heater of the drying module is operating normally (Yes), it ends this process, and if it determines that the heater is not operating normally (No), it proceeds to process S1707. In S1707, CPU 220 stops the heater determined to be abnormal in S1703. Then, CPU 220 proceeds to process S1708. In S1708, CPU 220 notifies the user of the heater abnormality. Then, CPU 220 proceeds to process S1709.

[0084] In S1709, the CPU 220 stops the heater on the side facing the drying module having the heater determined to be abnormal in the thickness direction in S1703. That is, if the CPU 220 determines that the heater of the drying module 120U is abnormal, it stops the heater of the drying module 120L. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S1710. In S1710, the CPU 220 stops the fans of the pair of drying modules including the drying module having the abnormal heater, and ends this process. Specifically, if the CPU 220 determines that the heater of the drying module 120U is abnormal, it stops the fan of the drying module 120U and the fan of the drying module 120L. After the end of this process, as described in the first to third embodiments, a process of changing the conveying speed or the temperature setting value is performed.

[0085] According to this embodiment, in a pair of cooling modules and a pair of drying modules arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction, even if the output of one of the modules decreases, the image quality of the same image on the recording paper can be maintained good.

[0086] Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the following description, the overall configuration of the recording device is the same as that of the first to fourth embodiments, and therefore these are to be used as reference. The same components as those of the first to fourth embodiments are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0087] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a recording sheet on which images "(rectangle) A" and "(hexagon) B" are laid out in the width direction of the recording sheet. Depending on the application, the recording sheet shown in Fig. 18 may be cut by a slitter between images "A" and "B", and images "A" and "B" may be treated as two separate rolls.

[0088] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between a recording paper and a pair of drying modules, and a recording paper and a pair of cooling modules, similar to FIG. 11. FIG. 19(a) is a diagram showing the recording paper of FIG. 18 as seen from the printed surface side. FIG. 19(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of two cooling modules arranged in the paper width direction as seen from the transport direction. FIG. 19(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of two drying modules arranged in the paper width direction as seen from the transport direction. FIGS. 19(b) and (c) each show an example of a case where there is an abnormality in the module on the front side of the device (the x mark in the figure means that the output has decreased).

[0089] 19(b), when there is an abnormality in cooling module 160f, the user may decide to give top priority to the production of the roll on which image "B" is printed, and to lower the priority of image quality for image "A." In this case, it is not necessarily necessary to stop the fans (401r and 402r) of the modules facing the cooling module with reduced output in the paper width direction.

[0090] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 101 of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment. With reference to Fig. 20, a description will be given of control executed by the CPU 220 of the control unit 101 when one of a pair of cooling modules has an abnormality.

[0091] In S2001, the CPU 220 starts printing. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S2002. In S2002, the CPU 220 judges whether or not the fan of the cooling module is operating normally. If the CPU 220 judges that the fan of the cooling module is operating normally (Yes), the process ends, and if the CPU 220 judges that the fan is not operating normally (No), the process proceeds to the process of S2003. In S2003, the CPU 220 stops the fan that was judged to be abnormal in S2002. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S2004. In S2004, the CPU 220 notifies the user of the fan abnormality. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S2005.

[0092] In S2005, the CPU 220 judges whether or not there is a judgment to prioritize continued operation. As described above, the judgment to prioritize continued operation is a judgment to lower the image quality of an image cooled by a fan with reduced output and prioritize the image quality of an image cooled by a normal fan. That is, the CPU 220 judges whether or not to continue operation using a cooling module whose output is not reduced. At this time, the CPU 220 displays on the operation unit 107 to allow the user to select whether to continue operation (priority judgment to continue operation), and accepts the judgment by the user. If the CPU 220 judges that there is a priority judgment to continue operation (Yes), it drives the fan on the side facing the cooling module having the fan with reduced output in the paper width direction as it is, and ends this process. On the other hand, if the CPU 220 judges that there is not a priority judgment to continue operation (No), it proceeds to the process of S2006. In S2006, the CPU 220 stops the fan on the side facing the cooling module having the fan determined to be abnormal in S2002 in the paper width direction, and ends this process.

[0093] Next, as shown in FIG. 19(c), a case where the drying module 120f has an abnormality will be described. In this case, the user may decide to give top priority to the production of the roll on which the image "B" is printed, and to lower the priority of the image quality for the image "A". In this case, it is not necessary to stop the fan 304r and the heater 302r of the module facing the drying module with reduced output in the paper width direction. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the control unit 101 of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 21, a process executed by the CPU 220 of the control unit 101 when one of a pair of drying modules has an abnormality will be described. As described above, FIG. 19(c) illustrates a case where the module on the front side of the device has an abnormality. In other words, the flow described in FIG. 21 is to determine whether there is an abnormality in the fan or heater of the module on the front side of the device.

[0094] In S2101, the CPU 220 starts printing. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S2102. In S2102, the CPU 220 judges whether or not the fan of the drying module is operating normally. If the CPU 220 judges that the fan of the drying module is operating normally (Yes), it ends this process, and if it judges that the fan is not operating normally (No), it proceeds to the process of S2103.

[0095] In S2103, the CPU 220 stops the heater operated by the fan determined to be abnormal in S2102, and stops the fan. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 19(c), if there is an abnormality in the fan 304f of the drying module 120f, the CPU 220 stops the heater 302f and stops the fan 304f. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S2104. In S2104, the CPU 220 notifies the user of the fan abnormality. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S2105.

[0096] In S2105, CPU 220 determines whether or not there is a continuation operation priority judgment 1. As described above, continuation operation priority judgment 1 is a judgment that gives top priority to the production of the roll on which image "B" is printed, and allows the priority of image quality to be lowered with respect to image "A". In other words, CPU 220 determines whether or not to continue operation using a drying module whose output has not decreased. At this time, CPU 220 displays a message on operation unit 107 for selecting whether or not to continue operation (continuation operation priority judgment 1), and accepts the user's decision. If CPU 220 determines that there is a continuation operation priority judgment 1 (Yes), it proceeds to processing of S2107, and if it determines that there is not (No), it proceeds to processing of S2106.

[0097] In S2106, the CPU 220 stops the heater operated by the fan facing the drying module having the fan determined to be abnormal in S2102 in the paper width direction, stops the fan, and ends this process. Specifically, when the CPU 220 determines that the fan 304f of the drying module 120f is abnormal, it stops the fan 304r and the heater 302r of the drying module 120r.

[0098] In S2107, the CPU 220 judges whether or not the heaters other than the heater stopped in S2103 are operating normally. That is, when the heater 302f of the drying module 120f is stopped in S2103, the CPU 220 judges whether the heaters of the other drying modules (not shown) arranged in the front direction of the apparatus, except for the heater 302f, are operating normally. If the CPU 220 judges that the heaters are operating normally (Yes), it ends this process, and if it judges that they are not operating normally (No), it proceeds to the process of S2108. In S2108, the CPU 220 stops the heater that is determined to be abnormal in S2107. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S2109. In S2109, the CPU 220 notifies the user of the heater abnormality. After that, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S2110.

[0099] In S2110, the CPU 220 judges whether or not there is a continuation operation priority judgment 2. The continuation operation priority judgment 2 is a judgment as to whether or not to continue operation in a situation where, for example, there is an abnormality in the fan 304f of the drying module 120f and there is also an abnormality in the heater of another drying module arranged in the front direction of the device. At this time, the CPU 220 displays on the operation unit 107 a display for selecting whether or not to continue operation (continuation operation priority judgment 2) and accepts the judgment by the user. If the CPU 220 judges that there is a continuation operation priority judgment 2 (Yes), it proceeds to processing of S2111, and if it judges that there is not (No), it proceeds to processing of S2112. In S2111, the CPU 220 stops the fan acting on the heater stopped in S2108, and ends this processing.

[0100] In S2112, the CPU 220 stops the heater on the side facing the drying module having the heater stopped in S2103 in the paper width direction. Specifically, if the CPU 220 determines in S2102 that there is an abnormality in the fan 304f of the drying module 120f, it stops the heater 302r of the drying module 120r. Thereafter, the CPU 220 proceeds to the process of S2113. In S2113, the CPU 220 stops the fan acting on the heater stopped in S2112, and ends this process. Specifically, if the CPU 220 stops the heater 302r of the drying module 120r in S2112, it stops the fan 304r of the drying module 120r.

[0101] As described above, with reference to FIG. 21, the case where the output of the fan 304 and the heater 302 of the drying module 120 in the front direction of the apparatus is reduced is described as an example. However, in reality, a case is considered where the drying module in the front direction of the apparatus stops due to an abnormality in the fan 304, and further, the drying module in the rear direction of the apparatus stops due to an abnormality in the heater 302. Furthermore, it is also possible that three or more modules stop. Here, the rear direction of the apparatus is, for example, the direction from left to right on the paper surface of FIG. 19(c). That is, in FIG. 19(c), the drying module in the rear direction of the apparatus is the drying module on the side where the drying module 120r is arranged. Even in the above case, if the user wants to continue operating the recording apparatus (S2110), according to the first embodiment, it is possible to control "increase the power value / temperature" or "reduce the conveying speed" using the remaining normal drying module. Thereby, for example, when the printing of the image "B" in FIG. 18 is prioritized, it is also possible to set the temperature or conveying speed suitable for the image "B" and continue printing. Similarly, even if multiple cooling modules stop operating as in the second embodiment, operation can be continued with printing given top priority.

[0102] According to this embodiment, when multiple images are laid out on a recording sheet in the paper width direction, even if the output of either one of the pair of cooling modules or the pair of drying modules drops, the operation of the recording apparatus can be continued, thereby maintaining the productivity of the recording apparatus.

[0103] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0104] The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations typified by the following recording apparatus examples.

[0105] <Configuration 1> a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording means; a detection unit for detecting whether or not there is an abnormal module among a plurality of modules for drying the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit; a control means for executing, when the detection means detects that there is an abnormal module, either a first control for controlling an output of a normal module among the plurality of modules, or a second control for controlling a conveying speed of the recording medium; A recording device comprising: <Configuration 2> 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means, when executing the first control, controls an output of the normal module disposed in the vicinity of the abnormal module. <Configuration 3> 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires, when the detection unit detects that there is an abnormal module, a temperature to be set for the normal module. <Configuration 4> The recording device according to configuration 3, further comprising a display unit that displays a message to allow the user to select whether to reduce the conveying speed of the recording medium or to increase the temperature of the normal module when the temperature acquired by the acquisition unit is lower than the heat resistance temperature of the recording medium. <Component 5> 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, when the temperature acquired by the acquisition means is lower than the heat-resistant temperature of the recording medium, the control means executes the first control. <Component 6> 4. The recording apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein, when the temperature acquired by the acquisition means is equal to or higher than the heat resistance temperature of the recording medium, the control means executes the second control. <Component 7> a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording means; a detection means for detecting whether or not there is an abnormal module among a plurality of modules each having a fan for cooling the recording medium transported by the transport means; a control means for executing, when the detection means detects that there is an abnormal module, either a first control for controlling an output of a normal module among the plurality of modules, or a second control for controlling a conveying speed of the recording medium; A recording device comprising: <Component 8> 8. The recording apparatus according to configuration 7, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires an amount of increase in speed of a fan of the normal module when the detection unit detects that there is an abnormal module. <Component 9> The recording device according to configuration 8, wherein, when the amount of increase in the fan speed acquired by the acquisition means is within an allowable range in the specifications of the fan, the control means executes control to increase the rotation speed of the fan of the normal module. <Component 10> Each of the plurality of modules further includes a heat exchanger for cooling air taken in by the module; 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control means operates the heat exchanger of the normal module instead of executing the first control. <Component 11> a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording means; a first module for cooling the recording medium transported by the transport means, and a second module for cooling the recording medium, the second module being disposed so as to face the first module in a predetermined direction; A detection means for detecting an abnormality in the first module; a control means for executing control to stop the output of the first module and the output of the second module when an abnormality is detected in the first module by the detection means; A recording device comprising: <Component 12> 12. The recording apparatus according to configuration 11, wherein the second module is disposed so as to face the first module in a paper width direction of the recording medium. <Component 13> 12. The recording apparatus according to configuration 11, wherein the second module is disposed opposite to the first module in a thickness direction of the recording medium. <Component 14> a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording means; a first module having a heater and a fan for drying the recording medium transported by the transport means, and a second module arranged to face the first module in a predetermined direction and having a heater and a fan for drying the recording medium; A detection means for detecting an abnormality in the first module; a control means for executing control to stop the output of the first module and the output of the second module when an abnormality is detected in the first module by the detection means; A recording device comprising: <Component 15> The recording device described in configuration 14, characterized in that when the detection means detects an abnormality in the heater or fan of the first module, the control means executes control to stop the output of the first module and the output of the second module. <Component 16> 15. The recording apparatus according to configuration 14, wherein the second module is disposed opposite the first module in a paper width direction of the recording medium. <Component 17> 15. The recording apparatus according to configuration 14, wherein the second module is disposed opposite to the first module in a thickness direction of the recording medium. <Component 18> a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording means; a first module for cooling the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means, and a second module for cooling the recording medium, the second module being disposed opposite the first module in a paper width direction of the recording medium; A detection means for detecting an abnormality in the first module; a determination means for determining whether there is a decision to maintain the output of the second module; a control means for executing control to stop an output of the first module and to maintain an output of the second module when the detection means detects an abnormality in the first module and the determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred; A recording device comprising: <Component 19> The recording device described in configuration 18, characterized in that when the detection means detects an abnormality in the first module and the judgment means judges that there is no abnormality, the control means executes control to stop the output of the first module and the second module. <Component 20> a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording means; a detection unit that detects whether or not there is an abnormality in a plurality of modules for drying the recording medium transported by the transport unit; a first determination means for determining whether or not there is a determination to maintain an output of a second module among the plurality of modules, the second module being disposed opposite the first module in a paper width direction of the recording medium when an abnormality is detected in a first module among the plurality of modules by the detection means; a control means for executing control to stop the output of the first module and to maintain the output of the second module when the first determination means determines that the determination has been made; A recording device comprising: <Component 21> The recording device described in configuration 20, further comprising a second judgment means for, when the detection means detects an abnormality in a module other than the first module among the plurality of modules, judging whether there is a judgment to maintain the output of the second module. <Component 22> 22. The recording apparatus according to configuration 21, wherein when the second determination means determines that the abnormality has occurred, the output of the module in which the abnormality has been detected is stopped. <Component 23> 22. The recording apparatus according to configuration 21, wherein when the second determination means determines that the determination is not made, the output of the second module is stopped. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 Recording device 108 Drying section 111 Cooling section

Claims

1. a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording means; a detection unit for detecting whether or not there is an abnormal module among a plurality of modules for drying the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit; a control means for executing, when the detection means detects that there is an abnormal module, either a first control for controlling an output of a normal module among the plurality of modules, or a second control for controlling a conveying speed of the recording medium; A recording device comprising:

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when executing the first control, the control means controls an output of the normal module disposed in the vicinity of the abnormal module.

3. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires, when the detection unit detects that there is an abnormal module, a temperature to be set for the normal module.

4. The recording device according to claim 3, further comprising a display unit that displays a message to allow the user to select whether to reduce the conveying speed of the recording medium or to increase the temperature of the normal module when the temperature acquired by the acquisition unit is lower than the heat resistance temperature of the recording medium.

5. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, when the temperature acquired by the acquisition means is lower than a heat-resistant temperature of the recording medium, the control means executes the first control.

6. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, when the temperature acquired by the acquisition means is equal to or higher than a heat resistant temperature of the recording medium, the control means executes the second control.

7. a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording means; a detection means for detecting whether or not there is an abnormal module among a plurality of modules each having a fan for cooling the recording medium transported by the transport means; a control means for executing, when the detection means detects that there is an abnormal module, either a first control for controlling an output of a normal module among the plurality of modules, or a second control for controlling a conveying speed of the recording medium; A recording device comprising:

8. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires an amount of increase in speed of a fan of the normal module when the detection unit detects that there is an abnormal module.

9. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, when the amount of increase in the fan speed acquired by the acquisition means is within an allowable range in the specifications of the fan, the control means executes control to increase the rotation speed of the fan of the normal module.

10. Each of the plurality of modules further includes a heat exchanger for cooling air taken in by the module; 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said control means operates a heat exchanger of said normal module instead of controlling the output of said normal module.

11. a conveying means for conveying the recording medium on which the image is recorded by the recording means; a first module for cooling the recording medium transported by the transport means, and a second module for cooling the recording medium, the second module being disposed so as to face the first module in a predetermined direction; a detection means for detecting an abnormality in the first module; a control means for executing control to stop the output of the first module and the output of the second module when an abnormality is detected in the first module by the detection means; A recording device comprising:

12. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second module is disposed so as to face the first module in a paper width direction of the recording medium.

13. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second module is disposed so as to face the first module in a thickness direction of the recording medium.

14. a conveying means for conveying the recording medium on which the image is recorded by the recording means; a first module having a heater and a fan for drying the recording medium transported by the transport means, and a second module arranged to face the first module in a predetermined direction and having a heater and a fan for drying the recording medium; a detection means for detecting an abnormality in the first module; a control means for executing control to stop the output of the first module and the output of the second module when an abnormality is detected in the first module by the detection means; A recording device comprising:

15. 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein when the detection means detects an abnormality in the heater or fan of the first module, the control means executes control to stop the output of the first module and the output of the second module.

16. 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second module is disposed so as to face the first module in a paper width direction of the recording medium.

17. 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second module is disposed so as to face the first module in a thickness direction of the recording medium.

18. a conveying means for conveying the recording medium on which the image is recorded by the recording means; a first module for cooling the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means, and a second module for cooling the recording medium, the second module being disposed opposite the first module in a paper width direction of the recording medium; a detection means for detecting an abnormality in the first module; a determination means for determining whether there is a determination to maintain the output of the second module; a control means for executing control to stop an output of the first module and to maintain an output of the second module when the detection means detects an abnormality in the first module and the determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred; A recording device comprising:

19. The recording apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that when the detection means detects an abnormality in the first module and the judgment means judges that there is no abnormality, the control means executes control to stop the output of the first module and the second module.

20. a conveying means for conveying the recording medium on which the image is recorded by the recording means; a detection unit that detects whether or not there is an abnormality in a plurality of modules for drying the recording medium transported by the transport unit; a first determination means for determining whether or not there is a determination to maintain an output of a second module among the plurality of modules, the second module being disposed opposite the first module in a paper width direction of the recording medium when an abnormality is detected in a first module among the plurality of modules by the detection means; a control means for executing control to stop the output of the first module and to maintain the output of the second module when the first determination means determines that the determination has been made; A recording device comprising:

21. The recording apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a second judgment means for, when the detection means detects an abnormality in a module other than the first module among the plurality of modules, determining whether there is a judgment to maintain the output of the second module.

22. 22. The recording apparatus according to claim 21, wherein when the second determination means determines that the abnormality has occurred, the output of the module in which the abnormality has been detected is stopped.

23. 22. The recording apparatus according to claim 21, wherein when the second determination means determines that the determination is not made, the output of the second module is stopped.

Images