Recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device that can cut media properly.SOLUTION: A recording device 1 is provided with: a conveying part 3 that conveys a recording medium 2 in a conveying direction; a recording part 30 that records an image on a recording surface of the recording medium 2 by discharging liquid thereto; a fixing part 200, arranged at a downstream side in the conveying direction with respect to the recording part 30, which fixes the image to the recording surface by heating the image; a cutting part 500, arranged at the downstream side in the conveying direction with respect to the fixing part 200, which cuts the recording medium 2; a blowing part 100 that blows air toward the recording surface of the recording medium 2, from an upstream side toward the downstream side in the conveying direction; and a control part that controls air volumes of the blowing part 100. The control part controls air volumes per unit time that is blown by the blowing part after the fixing part 200 has completely fixed the image until the cutting part 500 starts to cut the medium so that the volumes are larger than air volumes per unit time that is blown by the blowing part during recording operation by the recording part 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] As a recording apparatus that discharges a liquid such as ink onto a sheet-like recording medium to record characters and images, an inkjet recording apparatus is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which emulsion ink is discharged onto a recording medium and dried and fixed.

[0003] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a recording apparatus 6000 according to a comparative example. In the recording operation, the recording apparatus 6000 applies ink onto a medium 6002, which is a recording medium, while scanning a head 6004. The medium 6002 to which ink has been applied is conveyed to a fixing unit 6200. In the fixing unit 6200, warm air generated is blown onto the medium 6002, and the applied ink forms a film of emulsion and is fixed on the medium 6002. Further, the recording apparatus 6000 is provided with a platen air blowing unit 6100 for quickly drying the ink discharged from the head 6004 and landing on the medium 6002. The platen air blowing unit 6100 blows air from the upstream side to the downstream side of the head 6004 in the conveyance direction of the medium 6002.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the recording apparatus 6000, a cutter 6400 for cutting the medium 6002 after the fixing operation is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the head 6004. The cutter 6400 scans in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction to cut the medium 6002. However, when the medium 6002 is a heat-sensitive recording medium such as cross paper, clear film, or vinyl, the temperature of the medium 6002 rises and becomes soft due to the fixing operation. If such a medium 6002 is to be cut immediately after the fixing operation, the medium 6002 may bend and there is a risk that it cannot be cut in a straight line. Also, since the medium 6002 is softened by heat, there is a possibility that the cutter 6400 cannot enter the medium 6002 and thus cannot cut it.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a recording apparatus capable of appropriately cutting a medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, the recording apparatus of the present invention includes a conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium in the conveyance direction, a recording unit that records an image by discharging a liquid onto a recording surface of the recording medium, a fixing unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the recording unit and heats the image to fix it on the recording surface, a cutting unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the fixing unit and cuts the recording medium, a blowing unit that blows air from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction and toward the recording surface of the recording medium, a control unit that controls the air volume of the blowing unit, and is characterized in that the control unit controls the air volume per unit time of the blowing unit from after the fixing of the image by the fixing unit is completed until the cutting operation by the cutting unit to be larger than the air volume per unit time of the blowing unit during the recording operation by the recording unit. Also, to achieve the above object, the recording apparatus of the present invention A conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium in a conveyance direction, A recording unit that records an image by discharging a liquid onto a recording surface of the recording medium, A fixing unit that is disposed on the downstream side of the recording unit in the conveyance direction and heats the image to fix it on the recording surface, the fixing unit having an opening through which the recording medium that has completed the fixing of the image passes, A cutting unit that is disposed on the downstream side of the fixing unit in the conveyance direction and cuts the recording medium, A blowing unit that blows air from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction and toward the recording surface of the recording medium, A control unit that controls the air volume of the blowing unit, and A recording apparatus, wherein an opening area of the opening of the fixing unit is a first area during fixing of the image, and becomes a second area larger than the first area from the end of fixing of the image until a cutting operation by the cutting unit.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a recording apparatus capable of appropriately cutting a medium can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily and specifically described based on examples. Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] Also, although a plurality of features are described in the following embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention. Also, the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0012] <First Embodiment> (Overall Configuration) First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of a recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the recording apparatus 1. The recording apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer that prints by an inkjet method, and discharges a liquid such as ink onto the medium 2 to record an image on the surface of the medium 2. The recording apparatus 1 is a printer that discharges emulsion ink, but the type of ink is not limited in the application of the present invention.

[0013] Note that "recording" includes not only the case of forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also the case of forming images, patterns, patterns, etc. on a recording medium regardless of whether they are significant or not, or processing the medium, regardless of whether they are manifested so that they can be perceived visually by humans.

[0014] Furthermore, "ink" should be interpreted as widely as the above definition of "recording". Therefore, it represents a liquid that can be used for forming images, patterns, patterns, etc., processing the medium, or treating the ink (for example, coagulation or insolubilization of colorants in the ink applied to the medium) by being applied on the medium.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a state in which the medium 2 is being conveyed along the conveyance path inside the recording apparatus 1. As the medium 2, for example, an ink-absorbing medium such as paper or an ink-nonabsorbing medium such as vinyl chloride can be used. Details of the medium 2 will be described later.

[0016] The recording apparatus 1 includes a conveyance unit 3 as a conveyance unit that conveys the medium 2. The conveyance unit 3 is composed of a plurality of rollers, a paper discharge guide 8, etc. In FIG. 1, a pinch roller and an LF roller are shown as representative components of the conveyance unit 3.

[0017] The recording apparatus 1 includes a paper feed roll 7 as a supply unit that winds and supplies the medium 2 in a roll shape, and a take-up roll 9 as a take-up unit that winds and takes up the medium 2 in a roll shape. The recording apparatus 1 employs a so-called roll-to-roll method in which the medium 2 is wound around the paper feed roll 7 before printing and around the take-up roll 9 after printing. However, the conveyance method of the medium 2 is not limited to this, and for example, a method of conveying cut paper for printing may be employed.

[0018] The recording device 1 includes a recording unit 30 as a recording section configured by a head 4 which is a liquid ejection head, a carriage 5 that holds the head 4, and a platen 6 disposed to face the scanning area of the head 4 and the carriage 5. The recording unit 30 ejects ink (not shown) from the head 4 and applies the ink onto the media 2 while scanning the carriage 5 together with the head 4 in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the media 2. At this time, by continuously conveying the media 2 in the conveyance direction by the conveyance unit 3, an image is formed within the plane of the media 2.

[0019] The media 2 is supported from below by the platen 6, and ink is ejected from the head 4. In the following description, the scanning direction of the head 4 (carriage 5) is defined as the X direction, the conveyance direction of the media 2 at the position facing the head 4 is defined as the Y direction, and the vertical direction (gravity direction) is defined as the Z direction for explanation.

[0020] The recording device 1 includes a platen air supply unit 100 having a blower fan 101. The platen air supply unit 100 takes in outside air 10 which is air outside the recording device 1, and blows the air onto the surface of the media 2 on the platen 6 by the blower fan 101. Thereby, the evaporation of the moisture contained in the ink ejected onto the surface of the media 2 on the platen 6 can be promoted, and the fixing of the ink can be promoted. Further, ink mist that has been ejected from the head 4 and has not landed on the media 2 can be removed.

[0021] When a plurality of printing jobs are performed using roll paper, since printing is continuously performed on the media 2, printing and drying are continuously repeated. On the other hand, since cut paper is printed in one job per sheet of cut paper, printing and drying are each performed only once. When the carriage 5 moves to the end of the recording area on the media 2, the conveyance unit 3 conveys the media 2 by a certain amount and moves the area for the next conveyance to a position where the head 4 can record. Image recording is performed by repeating the above operations.

[0022] The medium 2 on which an image has been recorded by the recording unit is conveyed to the fixing unit 200 as a fixing part. In the fixing unit 200, heat is applied to the medium 2, the ink hardens and is fixed on the medium 2. The medium 2 on which the ink has been fixed on the surface is discharged from the fixing unit 200 and wound around the winding roll 9. When a cutting process is required after fixing, the medium 2 is cut by the cutter 500 as a cutting part.

[0023] (Fixing configuration) Next, the configuration of the fixing unit 200 will be described. The fixing unit 200 is a fixing part that dries and fixes the ink applied to the medium 2. The fixing unit 200 is substantially box-shaped, and its bottom surface faces the conveyance surface of the medium 2. By blowing warm air from the bottom surface toward the medium 2, the ink and the medium 2 are heated, the water and solvent contained in the ink evaporate, and the emulsion forms a film.

[0024] The fixing unit 200 according to the first embodiment includes a fan 201, a heater 202, a chamber 203, and a heat insulating material 204. The fan 201 is provided on the side surface of the chamber 203 that constitutes the outer wall of the fixing unit 200. The fan 201 blows air toward the inside of the chamber 203, and the air is heated by the heater 202 in the chamber 203 to generate warm air. Then, the generated warm air is guided to the medium 2 in the chamber 203, and the warm air is blown from the bottom surface 203a of the chamber facing the medium 2 toward the medium 2.

[0025] As the heater 202 serving as the heat source, for example, a heater in which an open coil type nichrome wire is held by mica or tiles (not shown) or a sheathed heater can be used. The heater 202 is arranged separately from the surface constituting the chamber 203 and is paired so that the air blown by the fan 201 directly hits the heater 202. A plurality of pairs of the fan 201 and the heater 202 are provided in the width direction of the recording apparatus 1, that is, in the X direction. A heat insulating material is provided on the outer periphery of the chamber 203, and even if the chamber 203 becomes high temperature due to the generated warm air, the outer periphery of the heat insulating material 204 is suppressed from becoming high temperature. The exterior 205 of the fixing unit 200 is provided on the outer periphery of the heat insulating material 204.

[0026] A part of the warm air blown from the chamber bottom surface 203a toward the medium 2 is exhausted, and a part is recovered to the fan 201. Note that the chamber bottom surface 203a is a surface facing the recording surface of the medium 2. The fixing unit 200 is provided with an intake part 206 that mixes the recovered warm air and the outside air and blows it into the chamber 203. The intake part 206 is provided with an intake part opening 206a, and the warm air and the outside air are sucked from the intake part opening 206a. The mixed warm air is blown into the chamber 203 by the fan 201 and is circulated and heated by the heater 202. A heat insulating material 204 is also provided on the outer periphery of the intake part 206, similar to the outer periphery of the chamber 203. Note that in the conveyance direction of the medium 2, the intake part 206 is arranged in the upstream part of the fixing unit 200.

[0027] The recording apparatus 1 includes a paper discharge guide 8 that serves as a paper passing surface for the medium 2. The paper discharge guide 8 is a guide member that guides the surface of the medium 2 opposite to the recording surface being conveyed. The platen 6 is arranged so that the placement surface of the medium 2 is substantially horizontal. In order to reduce the size of the recording apparatus 1, the entire fixing unit 200 including the paper discharge guide 8 is arranged obliquely. That is, the guide surface of the paper discharge guide 8 for the medium 2 extends in a direction intersecting the placement surface of the medium 2 of the platen 6. A substantially curvature is provided in the part of the paper discharge guide 8 on the platen 6 side in view of paper passing property.

[0028] In the conveyance direction of the medium 2, an opening through which the recording medium can pass is formed at the downstream end of the fixing unit 200. The opening is part of the space between the fixing unit 200 and the paper discharge guide 8. FIGS. 2(a) and (b) are schematic front views showing the opening of the fixing unit 200, and are views when seen in the conveyance direction of the medium 2 passing between the fixing unit 200 and the paper discharge guide 8. In the first embodiment, the fixing unit 200 is configured to be able to change the opening area of the opening to a first area A1 and a second area A2 larger than the first area.

[0029] In the conveyance direction of the medium 2, a flap 211 is provided at the downstream end of the fixing unit 200. The flap 211 is a plate-shaped moving member configured to be rotatable about a fulcrum 212 as a central axis. The flap 211 is formed such that its width in the width direction of the recording apparatus 1, that is, the X direction, is substantially equal to the width of the fixing unit 200.

[0030] The flap 211 is configured to be displaceable between two positions: a first position (closed position 211a) for closing the downstream opening of the fixing unit 200 and a second position (open position 211b) for opening the downstream opening. When the flap 211 is in the closed position 211a, the space at the downstream end of the fixing unit 200 is not completely closed, and at least an opening through which the medium 2 can pass remains open between the fixing unit 200 and the paper discharge guide 8.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2(a), when the flap 211 is in the closed position 211a, the opening area of the opening of the fixing unit 200 is the first area A1. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2(b), when the flap 211 is in the open position 211b, the opening area of the opening of the fixing unit 200 is the second area A2. Here, the opening area of the opening of the fixing unit 200 is the area when the opening between the fixing unit 200 and the paper discharge guide 8 at the downstream end of the fixing unit 200 is viewed in the conveyance direction of the medium 2.

[0032] In the present embodiment, although it is described that the opening area of the fixing unit 200 is changed by the rotation of the flap 211, a configuration using a shutter instead of the flap 211 may be employed. That is, the opening area of the opening of the fixing unit 200 may be changed by sliding in a direction having a component in a direction orthogonal to the paper discharge guide 8. Further, the opening area may be changed by opening and closing a part of the member provided at the opening of the fixing unit 200.

[0033] (Cutter Configuration) Next, the configuration of the cutter 500 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cutter 500. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the peripheral portion of the cutter 500.

[0034] The cutter 500 is a cutting unit (cutting unit) including a guide rail 501, a toothed belt 502, a carriage 510, and a cutter unit 507. The guide rail 501 guides the carriage 510 to be reciprocally movable along a direction (X direction) intersecting the conveyance direction (Y direction) of the sheet-like medium 2. In the first embodiment, the carriage 510 is guided to be reciprocally movable in the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction which is the conveyance direction of the medium 2. Hereinafter, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, one direction in the X direction is defined as the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is defined as the X2 direction, and they will be separately described as necessary.

[0035] The carriage 510 is connected to the belt 502. A cutter motor 503 and a motor pulley 508 are provided at one end (X1 direction side) in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 501. On the other hand, a tensioner pulley 509 and a tensioner spring (not shown) are provided at the other end (X2 direction side) in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 501. The belt 502 is stretched between the motor pulley 508 and the tensioner pulley 509. The belt 502 is tensioned by the tensioner spring urging the tensioner pulley 509 in the X2 direction, thereby preventing the teeth of the belt 502 from skipping.

[0036] The cutter unit 507 is detachably coupled to the carriage 510 from a predetermined coupling direction and is configured to be scannable in the X direction. The cutter unit 507 has a disk-shaped upper movable blade 512 and a lower movable blade 513 capable of cutting the medium 2. These upper movable blade 512 and lower movable blade 513 are arranged so as to intersect at a predetermined angle θ (intersection angle) as shown in FIG. 4, and the medium 2 is cut at these contact points. In the first embodiment, the upper movable blade 512 is arranged substantially parallel to the X1 direction which is the cutting direction, and the lower movable blade 513 is arranged to intersect the X1 direction.

[0037] The cutter unit 507 reciprocates in the X1 and X2 directions and cuts the medium 2 when moving in the X1 direction. Both the upper movable blade 512 and the lower movable blade 513 of the cutter unit 507 are disk-shaped blades provided with blades on their outer peripheral portions and are rotatably supported. The carriage 510 obtains a rotational force from the relative movement between itself and the belt 502, and rotates the upper movable blade 512 of the cutter unit 507 by this rotational force. Thereby, when cutting the medium 2, both the lower movable blade 513 and the upper movable blade 512 in contact therewith rotate.

[0038] During the image recording operation, the cutter unit 507 waits at the standby position P1 outside the end 2a of the medium 2, and moves from the standby position P1 in the cutting direction of the X1 direction when cutting the medium 2. After cutting the medium 2, it reverses at the inversion position P2 corresponding to the width of the medium 2 and returns to the standby position P1 to wait for the next cutting operation. The movement of the cutter unit 507 in the X2 direction does not contribute to the cutting operation.

[0039] The moving position of the cutter unit 507 in the X direction can be controlled based on the output signal (pulse signal) of an encoder (not shown) provided in the cutter motor 503. By grasping in advance the relationship between the number of pulses of the encoder 504 and the moving amount of the cutter unit 507, the moving amount of the cutter unit 507 can be obtained by counting the number of pulses of the encoder 504.

[0040] A sensor holder 505 is fixed at a fixed position near the standby position P1 of the cutter unit 507 when not cutting. The sensor holder 505 holds a standby position sensor 506. By detecting a sensor flag portion (not shown) arranged on the cutter unit 507 with the standby position sensor 506, the cutter unit 507 can be accurately stopped at the standby position P1. Also, the presence or absence of the cutter unit 507 at the standby position P1 can be detected by the standby position sensor 506.

[0041] (Media) In the present application, "media" refers not only to paper used in general recording devices, but also to materials such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, resin, wood, leather, etc. that can receive ink. In particular, "non-permeable media / low-permeability media" refers to non-absorbent media / low-absorbent media. Examples of non-permeable media include those not manufactured as media for aqueous inkjet ink such as glass, plastic, film, and Yupo. Also, for example, those not surface-treated for inkjet printing (i.e., not forming an ink absorption layer) such as those with a plastic film, paper, etc. substrate coated with a plastic. Examples of plastics include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. Specific examples of low-permeability media include media such as printing paper used in offset printing, etc. like art paper and coated paper. Examples of plastics include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. Specific examples of low-permeability media include media such as printing paper used in offset printing, etc. like art paper and coated paper.

[0042] This section explains printing paper (low-absorption media), which has very low permeability to water-based inks compared to paper specifically for inkjet printing. Printing paper is the official (real) printing paper that is actually used in production printing in offset printing to make the finished product (merchandise). Paper is made from pulp, and uncoated paper is used as is, while coated paper has the surface of the paper smoothly coated with a white pigment or the like. When inkjet recording is performed on coated paper, image defects due to ink overflow and drying defects are more noticeable. The coating layer is made of a mixture of paints such as sizing agents (synthetic resins, etc.) that limit the liquid absorbency of the gaps between the pulp and prevent bleeding of water-based pens, fillers (kaolin, etc.) that improve opacity, whiteness, and smoothness, and paper strength agents (starch, etc.), which are applied at a concentration of several g / m. 2 ~40g / m 2 The average capillary pore radius of coated paper is normally distributed around 0.06 μm, and water is permeated by a large number of capillaries (capillary phenomenon). However, the pore volume of printing paper is much smaller than that of paper specifically for inkjet printing, so water-based ink has low permeability, and the ink overflows on the paper surface, causing noticeable image defects and drying problems.

[0043] This article explains PVC sheets, which have no permeability to water-based inks compared to inkjet paper. PVC sheets are soft sheets made from polyvinyl chloride resin as the main ingredient and plasticizers added, and are excellent for printability in gravure printing and screen printing, and for embossing (creating a embossed pattern). This combination allows for a wide variety of expressions, and so they are used in many products such as tarpaulins, canvas, and wallpaper. However, because PVC sheets are made primarily from polyvinyl chloride resin, they have no permeability to water-based inks, and the ink overflows on the paper surface, causing noticeable image and drying problems.

[0044] In addition, for example, those not produced as media for aqueous inkjet inks such as glass, plastic, film, and Yupo can be mentioned. Further, for example, those not surface-treated for inkjet printing (i.e., those not forming an ink absorption layer), such as those in which plastic is coated on a base material such as a plastic film or paper, can be mentioned. Examples of the plastic include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like.

[0045] (Data processing step) FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the control system of the recording apparatus 1. The control unit 400 of the recording apparatus 1 includes a CPU 4031, a ROM 4032, and a RAM 4033. The CPU 4031 controls each part of the recording apparatus 1 including the carriage 5, the conveyance unit 3, the head 4, the fixing unit 200, the platen blowing unit 100, and the cutter 500 according to the control program stored in the ROM 4032. Various setting information such as the type and width of the media, the set temperature of the fixing unit, and the presence or absence of cutting the media is input to the CPU 4031 via the input interface 4035 from the operation panel 4034. Further, the CPU 4031 writes and reads to and from the RAM 4033, such as the set air volume. Note that the configuration of the control system shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example and is not limited to such a configuration.

[0046] (Optimal cutting temperature) FIG. 6 is a temperature table showing the maximum temperature appropriate for cutting for each media type in the first embodiment. It is single-sided. All media types supported by the recording device 1 are registered in column 601 of the temperature table. Also, the cut appropriate temperature Ta, which is the maximum temperature appropriate for cutting for each media type, is registered in column 602 of the temperature table. When the temperature of media 2 is equal to or lower than the cut appropriate temperature Ta, media 2 can be cut normally, and the risk of cut failure is small. For media types that can be cut at any temperature, the cut appropriate temperature Ta is not set. Note that the media types and cut appropriate temperature Ta in the temperature table shown in FIG. 6 are merely examples and can be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the fixing unit 200, cutter 500, etc.

[0047] For example, media that are particularly vulnerable to heat, such as cross paper and clear film, become soft and their temperature rises due to the warm air from the fixing unit 200 after passing through the fixing unit 200. If these media are to be cut while still at a high temperature after fixing, the media will bend and cannot be cut in a straight line. Or, because they have become soft due to heat, the cutter 500 cannot penetrate the media. To prevent such cut failures, it is ideal for the temperature of these media to be lower than the cut appropriate temperature Ta immediately before cutting.

[0048] (Cutting process) Next, the cutting process by the recording device 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a series of printing operations including the recording operation and cutting operation according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the printing operation will be described in detail along the flowchart.

[0049] Process S401 is a process of inputting printing conditions. In process S401, the user transmits the media type and image information to be printed by the recording device 1, and these information are stored in the recording device 1. After inputting the printing conditions, the process proceeds to process S402. The information transmission by the user is performed via the operation panel 4034 or an external device.

[0050] Step S402 is a step of moving the flap 211 to the closed position 211a. As described above, among the warm air blown from the fixing unit 200 to the medium 2, a part is exhausted outside the fixing unit 200, and the rest is collected by the fan 201. In order to improve the heating efficiency of the medium 2, it is desirable to reduce the amount of warm air exhausted outside the fixing unit 200 and increase the amount collected by the fan 201. Therefore, prior to the fixing process step, it is desirable to close the flap 211 to reduce the amount of warm air exhausted outside the fixing unit 200 as much as possible. After the flap 211 has moved to the closed position 211a where it is in the closed state, the process proceeds to S403.

[0051] Step S403 is a step of controlling the flow rate of the fan. According to the information in the print condition input process S401, the flow rate of the fan 201 of the fixing unit 200 and the flow rate of the blower fan 101 of the platen air supply unit 100 are controlled, and the process proceeds to S404. In the step S401 of print condition input, media information corresponding to the type of the media 2 input by the user is stored, and fan flow rate control similar to that in S403 may be performed according to the stored media information. At that time, the flow rate of the blower fan 101 of the platen air supply unit 100 is also controlled together.

[0052] Step S404 is a step of recording and drying the image. Here, the image information sent in the print condition input step S401 is recorded on the media 2 by the recording unit 30, and then the media 2 is dried by the fixing unit 200. At this time, the fan 201 and the blower fan 101 operate as controlled in S403. During the recording operation by the recording unit 30 and during the fixing operation by the fixing unit 200 (when the image is fixed), the flap 211 is located at the closed position 211a, and the opening area of the opening on the downstream side of the fixing unit 200 is the first area A1.

[0053] Process S405 is the process of drying completion. Drying completion means, for example, when the head 4 finishes the recording operation based on a job input to the recording apparatus 1, dries based on image information, etc., and is determined to be drying completed by the CPU 4031. For example, the length in the conveyance direction of the image is stored from the image data included in the job input to the recording apparatus 1, the conveyance amount of the medium 2 is specified from the drive amount of the conveyance unit 3, and it may be determined that drying is completed when the rear end (the upstream end in the conveyance direction) of the image reaches the downstream end of the fixing unit 200. When it is determined that drying has ended, the conveyance of the medium 2 by the conveyance unit 3 is stopped. Here, when a job including a plurality of image data is received in process S401 or when a plurality of jobs are received continuously, it is determined that drying is completed when the rear end of the last image reaches the downstream end of the fixing unit 200, and the conveyance of the medium 2 is stopped.

[0054] In the recording apparatus 1, after drying is completed, it is assumed that cutting is not automatically executed, and cutting is only performed when the user desires or during maintenance, etc., but it is not limited to this. After drying is completed in process S405, the process proceeds to process S406. Note that process S405 may be included in the drying process of process S404.

[0055] Process S406 is the process of turning off the cut permission flag. When a cut command comes after drying is completed, if the cut permission flag is not ON, basically cutting is not performed. After the cut permission flag is turned off in process S406, the process proceeds to determination S407.

[0056] Determination S407 is the process of determining whether the user desires a cut operation. This determination is made by the CPU 4031 determining, for example, whether the user has pressed the cut button on the operation panel. However, this is merely an example, and the determination method is not limited to this. If the result of determination S407 is YES, that is, if the user desires a cut operation, the process proceeds to process S408. If the result of determination S407 is NO, that is, if the user does not desire a cut operation, the process proceeds to process S414 and this flow ends.

[0057] Process S408 is a process of moving the flap 211 to the open position 211b. Here, by opening the flap 211, the space on the downstream side of the fixing unit 200 after drying is opened. By leaving the flap 211 open, in process S409 described later, the space between the fixing unit 200 and the paper discharge guide 8 is expanded, the cross-sectional area of the passage for the air flow of the platen air supply increases, and the air flow rate increases. That is, from after the image is fixed by the fixing unit 200 until the cutting operation by the cutter 500, the flap 211 is located at the open position 211b, and the opening area of the opening on the downstream side of the fixing unit 200 becomes the second area A2.

[0058] Process S409 is a process of stopping the heater 202 and the fan 201 of the fixing unit 200. In the first embodiment, the blower fan 101 of the platen air supply unit 100 continues to be in the ON state, and the heater 202 and the fan 201 of the fixing unit 200 are turned OFF. Process S410 is a process of controlling the air flow rate of the blower fan 101 of the platen air supply unit 100. In the first embodiment, after the heater 202 and the fan 201 of the fixing unit 200 are stopped, the air flow rate of the blower fan 101 is increased compared to the recording operation. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 1 showing the state of fan flow rate control during media cooling in process S409. As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8, the outside air 10 taken in by the blower fan 101 flows along the flow path formed along the conveyance direction of the media 2 from the recording unit 30 to the cutter 500.

[0059] The flow of the outside air 10 will be described in more detail. The outside air 10 first passes through the space above the media 2 on the platen 6, that is, the space where the recording surface of the media 2 faces (the space between the platen 6 and the head 4). The outside air 10 that has passed through the space then passes above the paper discharge guide 8 It passes through the space facing the recording surface of the medium 2 (the space between the fixing unit 200 and the paper discharge guide 8). By generating such an air current, the warm air in the space where the warm air flows between the fixing unit 200 and the medium 2 on the paper discharge guide 8 is forcibly ventilated with the outside air 10, and the relatively cold air is directly applied onto the medium 2, thereby cooling the entire medium 2. That is, by moving the flap 211 to the open position 211b, the medium 2 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0060] In the first embodiment, after fixing (after drying is completed), the air volume per unit time of the blower fan 101 during cooling of the medium before cutting is set to be larger than the air volume per unit time of the blower fan 101 during the recording operation by the head 4. For example, when the air volume of the blower fan 101 during the recording operation is set to 3.5 m / sec, it is preferable to set the air volume of the blower fan 101 during cooling of the medium to about 5 to 6 m / sec. In this way, when performing the cutting operation of the medium 2, the air volume of the blower fan 101 is increased in the process S410. With such a configuration, the air in the space between the fixing unit 200 and the paper discharge guide 8 is ventilated with cooler air, and the outside air 10 is applied to the medium 2 on the paper discharge guide 8 disposed at a position farther from the platen 6 than the blower fan 101, so that the medium 2 can be effectively cooled.

[0061] The process S411 is a process of performing a calculation process for obtaining the medium temperature Tt which is the latest temperature information of the medium 2. In the first embodiment, the medium temperature Tt is obtained by the CPU 4031 processing the following calculation formula (Formula 1). Let the temperature inside the machine be A °C, the room temperature (ambient temperature) be B °C, the rate coefficient at which the temperature of the medium 2 drops be c, the time elapsed since the completion of fixing be t seconds, and the medium temperature Tt after t seconds have elapsed since the completion of fixing be X °C. Then X is expressed as X = A - (A - B) × c × t... (Formula 1).

[0062] More specifically, the in-cabin temperature A°C is the temperature of the space through which the warm air flows between the fixing unit 200 and the medium 2, and the room temperature B°C is the outside air temperature outside the recording device 1. The in-cabin temperature A°C and the room temperature B°C can be obtained by, for example, a temperature sensor or the like. In the first embodiment, the temperature acquisition means for the medium 2 is constituted by these temperature sensors and the CPU 4031 as the calculation means. Here, for the room temperature B°C, it is more desirable to obtain and calculate the outside temperature by, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor or the like, but it may also be a preset constant. Note that the method for estimating the medium temperature Tt is not limited to the one using the above formula (1). For example, it may be configured such that the medium temperature Tt is directly obtained by a temperature acquisition means such as a temperature sensor.

[0063] The result of calculating the medium temperature Tt, which is the estimated temperature of the medium 2 in the first embodiment, by the above formula (1) is shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a table showing the in-cabin temperature and the medium temperature Tt for each elapsed time after turning off the fixing unit 200. The calculation result of the medium temperature Tt shown in FIG. 9 is X calculated by the above formula (1) with the in-cabin temperature being 80°C, the room temperature being 25°C, and the rate coefficient c at which the temperature of the medium 2 drops being 0.03. In the table shown in FIG. 9, column 701 represents the elapsed time after turning off the fixing unit 200, column 702 represents the in-cabin temperature, and column 703 represents the medium temperature Tt.

[0064] As time passes, the temperature between the fixing unit 200 and the medium 2 gradually drops, and accordingly, the medium temperature Tt just before cutting also drops. In particular, for cross paper and clear film where cutting defects are likely to occur, it can be seen that the temperature becomes suitable for cutting (50°C or less) around 6.5 seconds.

[0065] Determination S412 is a process of comparing whether the latest medium temperature Tt is a temperature suitable for cutting. In this determination, the CPU 4031 functions as the determination means, refers to the temperature table suitable for cutting for each medium type (FIG. 6), and compares the medium temperature Tt acquired in process S411 with the appropriate cutting temperature Ta. When the result of determination S412 is YES, that is, when the medium temperature If the temperature Tt is lower than the cutting appropriate temperature Ta, the process proceeds to S413. When the determination in S412 is NO, that is, when the media temperature Tt is equal to or higher than the cutting appropriate temperature Ta, the process returns to S411 to calculate the media temperature Tt again.

[0066] Since the latest media temperature Tt is lower than the cutting appropriate temperature Ta in process S413, it is a process of turning on the cut permission flag. After this, when a cut command comes, the cut can be performed. After the cut permission flag is turned on in process S413, the process proceeds to S414.

[0067] Process S414 is a process of performing a cutting operation on media 2 by cutter 500. After cutting media 2, the process proceeds to S414 and this flow ends. Thus, in the first embodiment, based on the determination result in S412, cutter 500 is driven to perform a cutting operation on media 2.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the flap 211 is moved to the open position 211b and the fixing unit 200 is switched off after the fixing operation (drying) is completely finished. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, it is also conceivable to adopt a configuration in which the opening operation of the flap 211 is started in a state where the fixing operation of more than 90% of the portions of the image formed on the surface of the medium 2 for which the fixing operation is to be performed by the fixing unit 200 is completed. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to configure such that the opening operation of the flap 211 is started when the fixing operation of the portion excluding the range of 2 mm from the upstream end in the conveyance direction of the image formed on the surface of the medium 2 is completed. Even in a state where a part of the fixing operation is not completed, if the opening operation of the flap 211 is started when the completion of the fixing operation is near, the fixing operation will be completed by the time the cutting operation of the medium 2 starts, and the cutting operation can be executed in a state where the image is appropriately fixed to the medium 2. Thus, when the opening operation of the flap 211 is started in a state where a part of the fixing operation is not completed, the conveyance of the medium 2 is continued while the opening operation of the flap 211 is being performed. Then, when the rear end (upstream end in the conveyance direction) of the last image of the job received in S401 reaches the downstream end of the fixing unit 200, the conveyance of the medium 2 is stopped.

[0069] As described above, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, since the cutting operation is executed after determining whether the temperature of the medium 2 is appropriate for the cutting operation, cutting defects can be suppressed. Further, since it is determined whether the cutting operation can be executed according to the type of the medium 2, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity by minimizing the standby time for cooling the medium 2.

[0070] Also, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, during the fixing operation, the flap 211 is located at the closed position 211a to promote the heating of the medium 2, and when performing the cutting operation, after the fixing operation, the flap 211 is located at the open position 211b to promote the cooling of the medium 2. That is, the heating and cooling of the medium 2 can be effectively implemented, improving productivity and suppressing cutting defects of the medium 2. In addition, since the platen air supply unit 100 is used for cooling the medium 2, it is not necessary to newly provide a dedicated air supply unit for medium cooling, and the size increase of the recording apparatus 1 can also be suppressed.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the fixing unit 200 is provided with a rotatable flap 211, and the opening area of the downstream end portion of the fixing unit 200 in the conveyance direction of the medium 2 is configured to be changeable. However, such a configuration is not limited thereto. For example, as a means for changing the opening area, a slidable door may be provided instead of the flap 211. By configuring the door to be movable between a closed position where the opening area is the first area and an open position where the opening area is a second area larger than the first area, the opening area of the downstream end portion of the fixing unit 200 can be changed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Further, a plurality of means for changing the opening area may be provided to configure the opening area to be changeable in three or more steps.

[0072] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the following description, among the configurations of the second embodiment, the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and the characteristic parts of the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the cutting process in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the steps from process S401 to process S408 and the steps from process S411 to process S414 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0074] In the second embodiment, when the flap 211 moves to the open position 211b in process S408, the process proceeds to S415. Process S415 is a step of stopping the heater 202 of the fixing unit 200. In the second embodiment, the blower fan 101 of the platen blower unit 100 continues to be in the ON state, only the heater 202 of the fixing unit 200 stops, and the fan 201 continues to be in the ON state. That is, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the fan 201 of the fixing unit 200 continues to be in the ON state during media cooling.

[0075] Process S416 is a step of controlling the air volume of the fan 201 of the fixing unit 200. In the second embodiment, after the heater 202 of the fixing unit 200 is stopped, the air volume of the fan 201 is increased as compared with that during the fixing operation. At this time, the air volume of the blower fan 101 of the platen blower unit 100 may be controlled to be increased as compared with that during the recording operation. Also, it is possible to increase only the air volume of the platen blower unit 100 without changing the air volume of the fan 201 of the fixing unit 200. Regarding whether to increase the air volume of both the blower fan 101 and the fan 201 or only one of them, it may be determined in consideration of the configuration of the recording apparatus 1, the cooling efficiency of the medium 2, etc.

[0076] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 1 showing the state of fan flow rate control during media cooling in process S415. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the warm air in the fixing unit 200 is ventilated with the outside air 10 taken in by the blower fan 101, so that the inside of the fixing unit 200 is cooled together with the medium 2. That is, in the second embodiment, the air between the fixing unit 200 and the medium 2 on the paper discharge guide 8 is cooled, and the fixing unit 200 itself is also cooled to cool the entire ambient temperature around the cutter 500. According to such a configuration, since the temperature of the fixing unit 200 and its peripheral part drops more quickly, the safety when the user takes out the cut product from the take-up roll 9 after cutting the medium 2 is improved.

[0077] As described above, also in the configuration of the second embodiment, by determining whether the temperature of the medium 2 is appropriate for the cutting operation and then executing the cutting operation, cutting defects can be suppressed. Further, since it is determined whether the cutting operation can be executed according to the type of the medium 2, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity by minimizing the waiting time for cooling the medium 2. Furthermore, during the fixing operation, the flap 211 is located at the closed position 211a to promote heating of the medium 2, and when the cutting operation is performed, after the fixing operation, the flap 211 is located at the open position 211b to promote cooling of the medium 2. That is, heating and cooling of the medium 2 can be effectively performed, productivity can be improved, and cutting defects of the medium 2 can be suppressed.

[0078] In the application of the present invention, it is not necessarily required to be configured to satisfy all the configurations of the above-described embodiments. Further, in the application of the present invention, the processes described as being performed by one device in the above-described embodiments may be executed in a distributed manner by a plurality of devices. Alternatively, the processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, it is possible to flexibly change how each function is realized by the hardware configuration.

[0079] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) A transport unit that transports a recording medium in a transport direction, A recording unit that records an image by discharging a liquid onto a recording surface of the recording medium, A fixing unit that is disposed on the downstream side of the recording unit in the transport direction and heats the image to fix it on the recording surface, A cutting unit that is disposed on the downstream side of the fixing unit in the transport direction and cuts the recording medium, A blowing unit that blows air from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction and toward the recording surface of the recording medium, A control unit that controls the air volume of the blowing unit, and The control unit controls the air volume per unit time of the air blowing unit from after the fixing of the image by the fixing unit until the cutting operation by the cutting unit to be larger than the air volume per unit time of the air blowing unit during the recording operation by the recording unit. The recording apparatus is characterized by this. (Configuration 2) A conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium in the conveyance direction, A recording unit that records an image by discharging a liquid onto the recording surface of the recording medium, A fixing unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the recording unit and heats the image to fix it on the recording surface, the fixing unit having an opening through which the recording medium that has completed the fixing of the image passes, A cutting unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the fixing unit and cuts the recording medium, An air blowing unit that blows air from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction and toward the recording surface of the recording medium, A control unit that controls the air volume of the air blowing unit, Comprising, The opening area of the opening of the fixing unit is a first area during the fixing of the image, and becomes a second area larger than the first area from after the completion of the fixing of the image until the cutting operation by the cutting unit. The recording apparatus is characterized by this. (Configuration 3) The air volume per unit time of the air blowing unit from after the upstream end of the image in the conveyance direction reaches the downstream end of the fixing unit in the conveyance direction until the cutting operation by the cutting unit is controlled to be larger than the air volume per unit time of the air blowing unit during the recording operation by the recording unit. The recording apparatus according to Configuration 1 is characterized by this. (Configuration 4) During the period from after the upstream end of the image in the conveyance direction reaches the downstream end of the fixing unit in the conveyance direction until the cutting operation by the cutting unit, the opening area of the opening becomes the second area larger than the first area. The recording apparatus according to Configuration 2 is characterized by this. (Configuration 5) The air blowing unit blows air from the upstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the recording unit, The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that a flow path through which air flows is formed along the conveyance direction from the recording unit to the cutting unit. (Configuration 6) The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the blowing unit blows air taken in from outside the recording apparatus toward the recording surface. (Configuration 7) The fixing unit includes a fan and a heating source that heats the air blown by the fan. The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the control unit controls the air volume of the fan of the fixing unit. (Configuration 8) The recording apparatus according to Configuration 7, characterized in that the control unit stops the fan and the heating source of the fixing unit between the end of the fixing of the image and the cutting operation. (Configuration 9) The recording apparatus according to Configuration 7, characterized in that the control unit stops the heating source and continuously drives the fan between the end of the fixing of the image and the cutting operation. (Configuration 10) The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the cutting unit has a blade configured to be scanable in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction. (Configuration 11) The fixing unit has an opening through which the recording medium that has completed the fixing of the image passes. The recording apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the opening area of the opening of the fixing unit is a first area during the fixing of the image, and a second area larger than the first area between the end of the fixing of the image and the cutting operation. (Configuration 12) The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 11, characterized in that the fixing unit has a moving member configured to be movable between a first position where the opening area is the first area and a second position where the opening area is the second area. (Configuration 13) The recording apparatus according to Configuration 12, wherein the moving member is a flap configured to be rotatable between the first position and the second position about a central axis extending in the width direction of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit. (Configuration 14) A supply unit located upstream of the recording unit in the conveying direction, for winding the recording medium in a roll shape to supply the recording medium; A winding unit located downstream of the cutting unit in the conveying direction, for winding the recording medium in a roll shape to wind up the recording medium; The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 13, comprising the above. (Configuration 15) Temperature acquisition means for acquiring the temperature of the recording medium; Judgment means for judging whether the temperature of the recording medium acquired by the temperature acquisition means is a temperature suitable for cutting the recording medium; The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 14, comprising the above. (Configuration 16) The recording apparatus according to Configuration 15, wherein the cutting unit is driven based on the judgment result of the judgment means. (Configuration 17) The temperature acquisition means acquires the temperature of the recording medium based on at least one of the temperature inside the fixing unit during fixing of the image, the ambient temperature where the recording apparatus is disposed, and the cooling rate coefficient of the recording medium. The recording apparatus according to Configuration 15 or 16, characterized by the above.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0080] 1... Recording apparatus, 2... Medium (recording medium), 3... Conveying unit (conveying section), 30... Recording unit (recording section), 100... Platen blowing unit (blowing section), 200... Fixing unit (fixing section), 400... Control unit, 500... Cutter (cutting section)

Claims

1. A conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium in a conveyance direction; A recording unit that records an image by discharging a liquid onto a recording surface of the recording medium; A fixing unit that is disposed downstream of the recording unit in the conveyance direction and heats the image to fix it on the recording surface; A cutting unit that is disposed downstream of the fixing unit in the conveyance direction and cuts the recording medium; A blowing unit that blows air from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction and toward the recording surface of the recording medium; A control unit that controls the air volume of the blowing unit; The recording apparatus is provided with: The control unit controls the air volume per unit time of the blowing unit from after the fixing of the image by the fixing unit is completed until the cutting operation by the cutting unit to be larger than the air volume per unit time of the blowing unit during the recording operation by the recording unit. The recording apparatus is characterized by this.

2. A conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium in a conveyance direction; A recording unit that records an image by discharging a liquid onto a recording surface of the recording medium; A fixing unit that is disposed downstream of the recording unit in the conveyance direction and heats the image to fix it on the recording surface, the fixing unit having an opening through which the recording medium that has completed the fixing of the image passes; A cutting unit that is disposed downstream of the fixing unit in the conveyance direction and cuts the recording medium; A blowing unit that blows air from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction and toward the recording surface of the recording medium; A control unit that controls the air volume of the blowing unit; The recording apparatus is provided with: The opening area of the opening of the fixing unit is a first area during the fixing of the image, and becomes a second area larger than the first area from after the fixing of the image is completed until the cutting operation by the cutting unit. The recording apparatus is characterized by this.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air volume per unit time of the blowing unit from after the upstream end of the image in the conveyance direction reaches the downstream end of the fixing unit in the conveyance direction until the cutting operation by the cutting unit is controlled to be larger than the air volume per unit time of the blowing unit during the recording operation by the recording unit.

4. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the opening area of the opening becomes the second area larger than the first area from after the upstream end of the image in the conveyance direction reaches the downstream end of the fixing unit in the conveyance direction until the cutting operation by the cutting unit.

5. The blowing unit blows air from the upstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the recording unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a flow path is formed through which air flows along the conveyance direction from the recording unit to the cutting unit.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air blowing unit blows air taken in from outside the recording apparatus toward the recording surface.

7. The fixing unit includes a fan and a heating source that heats the air blown by the fan. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit controls the air volume of the fan of the fixing unit.

8. After the fixing of the image is completed and until the cutting operation, the control unit The recording apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the fan and the heating source of the fixing unit are stopped.

9. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that after the fixing of the image is completed and until the cutting operation, the heating source is stopped and the fan is continuously driven.

10. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cutting unit has a blade configured to be scanable in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction.

11. The fixing unit has an opening through which the recording medium that has completed the fixing of the image passes. The opening area of the opening of the fixing unit is a first area during the fixing of the image, and a second area larger than the first area from after the fixing of the image is completed until the cutting operation. The recording apparatus according to claim 1.

12. The fixing unit has a moving member configured to be movable between a first position where the opening area is the first area and a second position where the opening area is the second area. The recording apparatus according to claim 2 or 11.

13. The moving member is a flap configured to be rotatable between the first position and the second position about a central axis extending in the width direction of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 12.

14. A supply unit located upstream of the recording unit in the conveyance direction, for winding the recording medium in a roll shape to supply the recording medium. A winding unit located downstream of the cutting unit in the conveyance direction, for winding the recording medium in a roll shape to wind up the recording medium. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising

15. Temperature acquisition means for acquiring the temperature of the recording medium. Determination means for determining whether the temperature of the recording medium acquired by the temperature acquisition means is a temperature suitable for cutting the recording medium; The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising the above.

16. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the cutting unit is driven based on the determination result of the determination means.

17. The temperature acquisition means acquires the temperature of the recording medium based on at least one of the temperature inside the fixing unit during fixing of the image, the environmental temperature where the recording apparatus is disposed, and the cooling rate coefficient of the recording medium. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, characterized by the above.

Images