Recording device and recording method

Abstract

To provide a recording device capable of improving throughput while securing an appropriate drying time.SOLUTION: A recording device includes a conveyance part, a recording part, a drying part and a control part for controlling the drying part. When an image is positioned in a position permitting recording, the control part conveys a recording medium to the conveyance part at a predetermined conveyance speed. When a blank area of a recording medium free from the need of recording is positioned in a position permitting recording, and an image does not exist between the drying part and the recording part, the control part conveys a recording medium to the conveyance part at a first conveyance speed faster than the predetermined conveyance speed. When a blank area is positioned in a position permitting recording, and an image exists between the drying part and the recording part, control means conveys a recording medium to conveyance means at a second conveyance speed slower than the first conveyance speed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording device and a recording method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printing device (recording device) in which a recording unit and a drying unit are arranged in a conveyance path of a recording medium. With this configuration, after recording, the ink applied to the recording medium is efficiently dried by the drying unit.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a recording device in which a recording unit and a drying unit are arranged in a recording medium transport path, and when there is a blank area on the sheet (recording medium) where no recording is to be performed, the recording device transports the sheet at a speed faster than the normal speed. This configuration improves throughput when there is a blank area on the sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-214767 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-28090 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when a sheet is conveyed at a speed faster than normal as in Patent Document 2, although throughput improves, the recording medium may not be sufficiently dried by the drying unit. Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not mention anything about ensuring an appropriate drying time when the conveying speed changes depending on the situation.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a recording apparatus that can improve throughput while ensuring an appropriate drying time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The recording device of the present disclosure is a recording device including: a conveying means for conveying a recording medium in a conveying direction; a recording means for recording an image by applying a liquid to the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; a drying means provided downstream of the recording means in a conveying path of the recording medium for drying the liquid applied by the recording means; and a control means for controlling the conveying means, the recording means, and the drying means, wherein (i) when an area of the recording medium where an image is to be recorded is located at a position where the recording means can perform recording, the control means causes the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a predetermined conveying speed, and (ii) when the recording means performs recording, the control means causes the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a predetermined conveying speed. (iii) when an area of the recording medium where it is not necessary to record is located at a position where it is possible for the recording means to record and there is no image recorded by the recording means between the drying means and the recording means, the control means causes the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a first conveying speed that is faster than the predetermined conveying speed; and (iv) when an area of the recording medium where it is not necessary to record is located at a position where it is possible for the recording means to record and there is an image recorded by the recording means between the drying means and the recording means, the control means causes the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a second conveying speed that is slower than the first conveying speed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the recording apparatus of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve throughput while ensuring an appropriate drying time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printing system that can be applied to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing apparatus that can be applied to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a drying unit that can be applied to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen that can be applied to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen that can be applied to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the recording apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a transport configuration that can be applied to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process when a recording operation is performed according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen that can be applied to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing details of processing in this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen that can be applied to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [First embodiment] <Recording System 100> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a recording system 100 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0011] In this disclosure, "recording" does not only mean forming meaningful information (for example, characters or figures that are visible to humans). "Recording" also means forming insignificant information. Furthermore, in this disclosure, "recording" broadly means forming an image, a design, a pattern, a structure, or a combination thereof on a recording medium, or processing the medium.

[0012] The term "recording medium" refers not only to paper used in general recording devices, but also to materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, resin, wood, and leather. The recording medium may be any material on which an image can be formed by impacting ink droplets. For example, various materials and shapes, such as paper, cloth, optical disc label surfaces, plastic sheets, overhead projector sheets, and envelopes, can be used.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a recording system 100 in this embodiment includes external devices (for example, a personal computer 101 and a smartphone 102), a LAN unit 103, and a recording device 104.

[0014] The recording device 104 is connected to an external device via a LAN unit 103 for connecting to a server (not shown). Specifically, the recording device 104 is connected to the external device via an interface of the external device (e.g., USB) and a network. Image data is transferred from the external device to the recording device 104 via the LAN unit 103. The LAN unit 103 may be wired or wireless, and is not limited as long as it is a communication method that can send and receive data. The LAN unit 103 may be provided inside the recording device 104, or may be provided outside the recording device 104 independently of the recording device 104.

[0015] <Recording Device 104> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the recording device 104 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0016] 2, the recording device 104 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 204, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 205. The HDD 205 stores image data of images recorded by a recording unit 208.

[0017] The recording device 104 includes a network driver 206 and a LAN unit 207. The recording device 104 includes a recording unit 208 that performs recording under the control of a CPU 201 serving as a control unit.

[0018] The recording unit 208 includes an input / output unit 209 that functions as a user interface. Examples of the user interface in the input / output unit 209 include an LCD, an LED, keys, and a touch panel. The recording unit 208 includes a transport unit 210 that transports a recording medium 300 (see FIG. 3), a recording head 211 that applies liquid to the recording medium, a carriage 212 to which the recording head 211 can be detachably attached, and a drying unit 213 that dries the recording medium. The recording unit 208 includes a density sensor 214 that can detect differences in density on the recording surface of the recording medium.

[0019] In this embodiment, the function of the information processing device for performing the process of determining the recording medium to be used (described later) is installed in the recording device 104. A control execution code (program) for the recording device 104 is stored in the ROM 202. Image data to be recorded during control execution of the recording device 104 is temporarily stored in the RAM 203.

[0020] NVRAM 204 (i.e., non-volatile memory) stores various data necessary for maintaining recording device 104 and information about images to be recorded. An example of information stored in NVRAM 204 is the minimum and maximum times required to properly dry recording medium 300 (not shown in FIG. 2).

[0021] The drying time of the recording medium 300 is determined appropriately depending on the recording conditions, environmental conditions, etc. The NVRAM 204 also stores the recording conditions and environmental conditions for appropriately drying the recording medium 300. For example, the NVRAM 204 stores the drying time depending on the type of recording medium 300, the recording mode, and the temperature (environmental temperature) and humidity (environmental humidity) around the recording device 104.

[0022] The LAN unit 207 can be connected to an interface of an external device and a server via a network, etc. The LAN unit 207 transmits and receives execution commands and data to and from the external device and the server via the LAN unit 103 (see FIG. 1). For example, when the recording unit 208 performs recording, a job including a recording execution command and image data is transferred from the external device via the LAN unit 103 (see FIG. 1). Of course, the job may also be input directly by the user via the input / output unit 209.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the appearance of the recording device 104. As shown in FIG.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3, the recording device 104 includes a drying unit 213. Inside the drying unit 213, the recording medium 300 to which ink has been applied is heated. By heating the recording medium 300, the ink hardens and becomes fixed to the recording surface of the recording medium 300. Although not shown in Fig. 3, further inside the drying unit 213, there are provided a recording head 211 that ejects ink to record an image on the recording medium, and a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium 300 in the conveying direction (Y direction), etc.

[0025] In the case of a serial inkjet printing device, print scanning by the print head 211 and a print medium conveyance operation are performed alternately. At this time, the print scanning speed and the conveyance distance of the conveyance operation (i.e., the time required to print a unit area) differ depending on the print mode. Therefore, the time it takes for an area on which an image is printed by the print head 211 to pass through the drying unit (i.e., the drying time) also differs depending on the print mode.

[0026] If the drying time is shorter than the minimum time possible for properly drying the recording medium 300, the ink may not be dried sufficiently, and various problems may occur, such as ink bleeding through. On the other hand, if the drying time of the recording medium 300 is longer than the maximum time possible for properly drying the recording medium 300, excessive heating may occur, resulting in a risk of image quality degradation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drying time of the recording medium 300 is controlled to be between the minimum and maximum times possible for properly drying the recording medium 300.

[0027] After the recording medium 300 has been properly dried and the ink has been fixed, the recording medium 300 is discharged from the drying unit 213.

[0028] The recording device 104 also includes an upper cover 301 that covers the top of the recording device 104. An input / output unit 209 is also provided on the top of the recording device 104.

[0029] In this embodiment, the input / output unit 209 is an operation panel. The display of the input / output unit 209 displays the remaining ink amount and possible types of recording medium 300. The user can select the type of recording medium 300 and configure recording settings by operating keys and the like included in a menu screen 500 (see FIG. 5) displayed on the display of the input / output unit 209.

[0030] <Drying section 213> FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the drying unit 213 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0031] 4, the drying unit 213 includes a chamber 401, an axial flow type blower fan 402, and a coil type heater 403 provided inside the chamber 401. A temperature sensor 404 for detecting the temperature of the heater 403 is attached to the heater 403.

[0032] The chamber 401 is provided with an inlet for taking in air from the outside of the chamber 401 to the inside, and a plurality of air outlets for blowing dry air from the inside of the chamber 401 to the outside.

[0033] A blower fan 402 is attached to the outside of the inlet. When the blower fan 402 rotates, air is taken in from the outside of the chamber 401 to the inside through the inlet. Inside the chamber 401, the taken-in air is heated by a heater 403. The temperature of the heater 403 is detected by a temperature sensor 404, and the detected temperature is appropriately fed back to perform stable temperature control.

[0034] Under such temperature control, the air taken into the chamber 401 is heated until it reaches a predetermined temperature. As the blower fan 402 continues to rotate, the air taken into the chamber 401 becomes dry air at a predetermined temperature and is blown from the air outlet onto the recording medium 300. Blowing of such dry air contributes to drying and fixing the ink applied to the recording medium 300.

[0035] In this embodiment, latex ink can be used as the ink. When heat is applied to the latex ink, the water evaporates, the latex resin dissolves and mixes with the pigment, and a film is formed on the recording surface of the recording medium 300, which then hardens. When a typical water-based ink is used, the recording medium 300 needs an ink-receiving layer to receive the ink and prevent bleeding. In contrast, when latex ink is used, it is possible to record on a recording medium 300 that does not have an ink-receiving layer.

[0036] <Menu screen 500> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen 500 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0037] 5, a menu screen 500 is displayed on the input / output unit 209. The menu screen 500 includes a "Paper Settings" button 501, an "Ink Settings" button 502, a "Priority Mode Settings" button 503, and a "Drying Settings" button 504.

[0038] By pressing the "Paper Settings" button 501, a paper selection screen (not shown) for inputting the type of recording medium 300 (not shown in FIG. 5) is displayed on the input / output unit 209. Via the paper selection screen, the user can input the type of paper (recording medium 300) to be used for recording.

[0039] If, for example, waterproof paper is selected via the paper selection screen, the "skip feed" described below will not be performed. As will be described in more detail later, "skip feed" means transporting the recording medium 300 at a speed faster than a preset speed. When recording on waterproof paper, it is necessary to ensure sufficient drying time. This is because waterproof paper absorbs ink less easily than other types of paper. Therefore, if recording is being performed on waterproof paper and the transport speed is made faster than the preset transport speed, there is a risk that sufficient drying time will not be ensured. For this reason, when waterproof paper is selected, the "skip feed" will not be performed.

[0040] However, "skip feed" may be performed after all of the recorded areas (i.e., images) on the recording medium 300 have passed through the drying unit 213 (not shown in FIG. 5). This is because, at this timing, the drying of the image recorded on the recording medium 300 has been completed, and there is a relatively high possibility that the ink has fixed on the recording medium 300.

[0041] That is, even if skip feeding is performed on the margin of the recording medium 300 at this timing, there is almost no effect on the image quality. Therefore, "skip feeding" may be performed after all of the images recorded on the recording medium 300 have passed through the drying unit 213.

[0042] Pressing the "Ink Settings" button 502 displays an ink selection screen (not shown) for inputting the type of ink to be applied to the recording medium 300 (not shown in FIG. 5). The ink selection screen allows the user to input the type of ink to be used for recording. The drying time of the recording medium 300 is determined taking into consideration various factors, including the type of ink. By inputting the type of ink via the ink selection screen, the CPU 201 (see FIG. 2) can acquire the type of ink when determining the drying time of the recording medium 300.

[0043] When the "priority mode setting" button 503 is pressed, a selection screen 600 (see FIG. 6) is displayed on the input / output unit 209.

[0044] <Selection screen 600> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen 600 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0045] 6, a selection screen 600 displayed on the input / output unit 209 includes a "speed" button 601 and an "image quality" button 602. By pressing the "speed" button 601 or the "image quality" button 602, the user can select whether to prioritize recording speed or image quality as the recording quality.

[0046] When the "Speed" button 601 is pressed by the user, printing speed takes priority over image quality. The printing speed when the "Speed" button 601 is pressed is faster than the printing speed when the "Image Quality" button 602 is pressed. However, the image quality when the "Speed" button 601 is pressed is lower than the image quality when the "Image Quality" button 602 is pressed. An example of the printing mode when the "Speed" button 601 is pressed is one-pass printing, which completes an image in one printing scan per unit area.

[0047] When the "Image Quality" button 602 is pressed by the user, image quality takes priority over printing speed. Specifically, when the "Image Quality" button 602 is pressed, "skip feed" is not performed. This is because if "skip feed" is performed when image quality takes priority over printing speed, sufficient drying time may not be ensured, which may result in problems such as ink bleed-through, making it impossible to obtain the desired image quality.

[0048] Furthermore, when the "image quality" button 602 is pressed, the image quality is improved compared to when the "speed" button 601 is pressed. However, the printing speed when the "image quality" button 602 is pressed is slower than when the "speed" button 601 is pressed. An example of the printing mode when the "image quality" button 602 is pressed is multi-pass printing, which completes an image in two or more printing scans per unit area.

[0049] In this way, the recording device 104 (not shown in FIG. 6) is configured so that the user can arbitrarily switch between prioritizing speed over image quality and prioritizing image quality over speed. The CPU 201 sets an appropriate recording mode based on the content input via the menu screen 500, etc.

[0050] Hereinafter, the explanation of the menu screen 500 will be continued with reference to FIG.

[0051] By pressing the "Drying Settings" button 504, a drying settings screen (not shown) related to drying of the recording medium is displayed on the input / output unit 209. The drying time of the recording medium 300 is calculated by multiplying the minimum and maximum drying times, which are preset for each type of recording medium 300, by an offset value according to the amount of ink applied and the temperature. On the other hand, the user may wish to manually change the calculated drying time. In such a case, the user can manually input and set the desired drying time via the drying settings screen (not shown).

[0052] It should be noted that these buttons described above are merely examples of keys displayed on the input / output unit 209. The input / output unit 209 may also display soft keys other than these.

[0053] <Internal structure of recording device 104> Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the recording unit of recording device 104. In Fig. 7, recording device 104 is shown with top cover 301 open.

[0054] 7, a recording head 211 and a carriage 212 are provided inside the recording device 104. Also provided inside the recording device 104 are a liquid storage section 700 that stores liquid, a carriage belt 701 for moving the carriage 212 back and forth, a shaft 702 that supports the carriage 212, and a platen 703 that supports the recording medium 300.

[0055] The recording device 104 of this embodiment is a so-called serial type recording device. A carriage 212 is slidably supported along a shaft 702 via a carriage belt 701, and moves back and forth in a scanning direction (X direction) that intersects with the transport direction.

[0056] Then, ink is ejected from the print head 211 onto the printing surface of the conveyed printing medium 300 while the carriage 212 is moved back and forth, thereby performing printing on the printing medium 300. As the carriage 212 moves forward or backward, printing of one band is performed on the printing medium 300. In other words, as the carriage 212 scans, an image of one band is formed on the printing medium 300. Note that one band means an area that can be printed by the print head 211 in one forward or backward movement.

[0057] Next, the recording medium 300 is conveyed by the conveying unit 210 (see FIG. 2) a predetermined conveyance distance in the conveyance direction. This predetermined conveyance distance is optimized depending on the recording mode. Then, the carriage 212 is moved again to record the next band. By repeating this operation, recording is performed on the recording surface of the recording medium 300.

[0058] A platen 703 is provided at a position facing the print head 211. During a printing operation, the print medium 300 is supported from below by the platen 703.

[0059] In this embodiment, six ink tanks are provided as the liquid storage portion 700. The six ink tanks store cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, and light magenta ink, respectively.

[0060] Energy generating elements (electrothermal converters) are also provided in the ink flow paths inside the recording head 211. When the energy generating elements are energized and generate thermal energy, the ink in the ink flow paths is heated and bubbles are generated by film boiling, and the resulting bubbling energy causes ink droplets to be ejected from the ejection ports.

[0061] The print head 211 of this embodiment has, on its surface facing the print medium 300, ejection port arrays (not shown), in which a plurality of ejection ports are arranged along the transport direction (-Y direction) of the print medium 300, the number of which corresponds to the number of ink colors, formed in the scanning direction (X direction) of the carriage 212. The print head 211 is capable of ejecting the six colors of ink described above from each ejection port array. In this way, the printing device 104 of this embodiment is configured to be able to perform full-color printing on the print medium 300.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a transport configuration for a recording medium 300 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0063] In this disclosure, the side of the conveyance path for the recording medium 300 where the recording medium 300 exists before recording is referred to as the upstream side (the right side in FIG. 8), with the recording head 211 as the boundary. On the other hand, the side of the conveyance path for the recording medium 300 where the recording medium 300 exists after recording is referred to as the downstream side (the left side in FIG. 8), with the recording head 211 as the boundary.

[0064] 8, a recording medium 300 in a state before recording is performed is attached upstream of the conveyance path in this embodiment. In this embodiment, continuous paper (more specifically, roll paper) is attached as the recording medium 300. The drying unit 213 is provided downstream of the recording head 211.

[0065] The transport unit 210, which can transport the recording medium 300, includes a first transport roller 801 and a second transport roller 802. With the recording medium 300 sandwiched between the first transport roller 801 and the second transport roller 802, the first transport roller 801 and the second transport roller 802 rotate in opposite directions to each other, thereby transporting the recording medium 300 in the transport direction (-Y direction).

[0066] The print head 211 has a plurality of ejection ports, including an uppermost ejection port 803 provided on the most upstream side and an uppermost ejection port 804 provided on the most downstream side.

[0067] A density sensor 214 is attached to the carriage 212. The density sensor 214 detects differences in density on the recording surface of the recording medium 300 by irradiating the recording surface with three-color LED light and receiving the reflected light with a photodiode. Specifically, the density sensor 214 detects differences in density on the recording surface by converting the analog signal received by the photodiode into a digital signal and acquiring a density value. If the detection result of the density sensor 214 is greater than a predetermined value, i.e., if the reflected light is stronger than a predetermined value, the CPU 201 can determine that no recording has been performed in that area. On the other hand, if the detection result of the density sensor 214 is smaller than the predetermined value, i.e., if the reflected light is weaker than a predetermined value, the CPU 201 can determine that recording has been performed in that area.

[0068] In this embodiment, using the density sensor 214 in this way, it is possible to determine whether the area of the recording medium 300 located directly below the recording head 211 is a recording area where recording has been performed by the recording head 211, or a blank area where no recording is required. However, the method for determining whether an area is a recording area or a blank area is not limited to this method. The CPU 201 can also make the determination based on the content of the received job and the progress of recording by the recording head 211.

[0069] The area of the recording medium 300 where the recording has been performed is transported toward the drying section 213. In the drying section 213, the ink is fixed to the recording medium 300. After the ink has been fixed to the recording medium 300, the recording medium 300 is taken up by a take-up device 806.

[0070] When the recording device 104 with one roll of paper loaded receives multiple jobs, the recording surface of the roll of paper is subjected to continuous printing and drying. As a result, the recording surface contains, in that order, a first ink-applied recording area (first image), a blank area (margin), and a second ink-applied recording area (second image). In this case, when the blank area is below the print head 211, it is conceivable to improve throughput by transporting the recording medium continuously rather than intermittently.

[0071] In this disclosure, the operation of continuously transporting the recording medium 300 when a blank area of the recording medium 300 passes under the recording head 211 is called "skip feed." For example, in the case of a print job with many blank areas, performing skip feed improves throughput compared to always transporting the recording medium 300 intermittently.

[0072] However, even if a blank area is located below the recording head 211, if there is an area among the recording areas recorded by the recording head 211 that has not yet passed through the drying section 213, skip feeding at a high conveying speed may result in insufficient fixation of the recording area.

[0073] On the other hand, if a blank area is located below the recording head 211 and the entire recording area (image) recorded by the recording head 211 has already passed through the drying section 213, skip feeding at high speed does not affect the image and can improve throughput.

[0074] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a blank area is located below the recording head 211, the CPU 201 determines whether to perform skip feed based on whether there is a recording area between the recording head 211 and the drying section 213 where the recording head 211 has already recorded.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by CPU 201 (see Fig. 2) when a print job is input to the recording apparatus of this embodiment. The series of processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 9 is performed by CPU 201 expanding program code stored in ROM 202 (see Fig. 2) into RAM 203 (see Fig. 2) and executing the program code.

[0076] 9 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC and an electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process indicates a step in the flowchart (the same applies hereinafter in this disclosure).

[0077] When a print job is input, in S901, the CPU 201 drives the drying unit 213 (not shown in FIG. 9). This puts the drying unit 213 in a state where it can perform a drying process on the recording medium 300 (not shown in FIG. 9). At this time, the CPU 201 may control the blower fan 402 and the heater 403 while observing the detection results of the temperature sensor 404 shown in FIG. 4, based on the type of ink, the type of recording medium, and the settings made via the "Drying Settings" button 504 (see FIG. 5). After completing the process of S901, the CPU 201 performs the process of S902.

[0078] In S902, the CPU 201 aligns (i.e., aligns) the recording medium 300 with the recording head 211 (not shown in FIG. 9). Specifically, the CPU 201 drives the conveyance unit 210 (not shown in FIG. 9) so that the leading portion of the image data indicated by the print job, the recording start position on the recording medium 300, and the position of the recording head 211 coincide with each other. After completing the process of S902, the CPU 201 performs the process of S903.

[0079] In S903, the CPU 201 drives the print head 211 (not shown in FIG. 9) while scanning the carriage 212, and performs printing of one band on the print medium 300. After completing the processing of S903, the CPU 201 performs the processing of S904.

[0080] In S904, the CPU 201 drives the conveying unit 210 to convey the recording medium 300 at the set conveying speed by a distance corresponding to one band.

[0081] In this embodiment, when an area of the recording medium 300 where an image should be recorded is located at a position where the recording head 211 can perform recording, the CPU 201 causes the conveyance unit 210 to convey the recording medium at a predetermined conveyance speed. For example, when one-pass printing is set as the printing mode, the recording medium 300 is conveyed a distance corresponding to the printing width of the recording head 211 (the distance between the most upstream outlet 803 and the most downstream outlet 804). Furthermore, when four-pass printing is set as the printing mode, the recording medium 300 is conveyed a distance corresponding to one-quarter of the printing width of the recording head 211 (the distance between the most upstream outlet 803 and the most downstream outlet 804). After completing the process of S904, the CPU 201 performs the process of S905.

[0082] In S905, the CPU 201 determines whether there is an image that the print head 211 should print consecutively to the image printed in the immediately preceding S904. If there is no image that should be printed consecutively ("NO" in S905), the CPU 201 performs the process of S906. On the other hand, if there is an image that should be printed consecutively ("YES" in S905), the CPU 201 performs the process of S903 again.

[0083] For example, if the image recorded in the previous step S904 was the final portion of the first image, the CPU 201 performs the process of S906. On the other hand, if the image recorded in the previous step S904 was a middle portion of the first image, the CPU 201 performs the process of S903 again to perform the next printing scan. This determination can be made based on the content of the print job and the progress of the printing operation in the print head 211.

[0084] In S906, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is a printing area between the print head 211 and the drying unit 213 based on the detection result of the density sensor 214 (not shown in FIG. 9). That is, it is determined whether or not part or all of the image currently formed on the printing medium 300 exists between the print head 211 and the drying unit 213. If there is no printing area between the print head 211 and the drying unit 213 ("NOT" in S906), the CPU 201 performs the process of S907. On the other hand, if there is a printing area between the print head 211 and the drying unit 213 ("YES" in S906), the CPU 201 performs the process of S903 again.

[0085] This determination may also be made based on the content of the received print job and the progress of the printing operation in the print head 211. For example, if the print head 211 is located in a blank area between the first image and the second image, and the first image is located between the print head 211 and the drying unit 213, the CPU 201 performs the process of S903 again. In this case, skip feed is not performed, and a printing scan without a discharge operation is performed in the next S903. Then, in S904, which follows S903, a transport operation for one band is performed. Note that in this case, the carriage does not need to be moved in S903.

[0086] On the other hand, if the recording head 211 is located in a blank area between the first image and the second image, and the first image is already located downstream of the drying unit 213, the CPU 201 performs the process of S907. In other words, if there is no recording area between the recording head 211 and the drying unit 213, the process of S907 is performed.

[0087] In S907, CPU 201 determines whether skip feeding is permitted based on various conditions input via menu screen 500 (see FIG. 5). If skip feeding is permitted (YES in S907), CPU 201 performs the process of S908. On the other hand, if skip feeding is not permitted (NO in S907), CPU 201 performs the process of S903 again.

[0088] For example, if the "Image Quality" button 602 (see FIG. 6) is pressed, it may be determined that skip feed is not permitted, and the process of S903 may be performed again. Also, if the type of recording medium 300 set via the "Paper Settings" button 501 is waterproof paper, sufficient drying time is required to dry waterproof paper. Therefore, if recording is being performed on waterproof paper, it may be determined that skip feed is not permitted, and the process of S903 may be performed again.

[0089] In S908, CPU 201 drives conveyance unit 210 to skip-feed recording medium 300. For example, if recording head 211 is located in a blank area between the first image area and the second image area, CPU 201 continuously conveys recording medium 300 until the beginning of the second image area is positioned directly below recording head 211. Also, if recording head 211 is located upstream of the second image area and no image exists after the second image area, CPU 201 continuously conveys the recording medium until the end of the print job passes drying unit 213. The conveyance speed at this time is set to a conveyance speed faster than the conveyance speed when recording an image (i.e., the conveyance speed averaged when the print scan in S903 and the conveyance operation in S904 are performed intermittently). After completing the process of S908, CPU 201 performs the process of S909.

[0090] In S909, CPU 201 determines whether all recording processes in the print job have been completed. If there is still data to be recorded (NO in S909), CPU 201 performs the process of S903 again and performs the next recording scan. For example, if the beginning of the second image area is transported to directly below recording head 211 by the skip feed in S908, it is determined in S909 that all recording processes in the print job have not been completed. Then, CPU 201 performs the process of S903 again to perform the first recording scan of the second image. On the other hand, if CPU 201 determines that all recording processes have been completed (YES in S909), it ends this flowchart.

[0091] As described above, in this embodiment, even if there is a blank area of the recording medium 300 directly below the recording head 211, skip feeding is not performed if there is a recording area (image) of the recording medium 300 between the recording head 211 and the drying unit 213. Then, skip feeding is permitted only when all of the images formed on the recording medium 300 are located downstream of the drying unit 213 and there is a blank area of the recording medium 300 directly below the recording head 211. With this configuration, even if the conveying speed of the recording medium 300 becomes faster than the preset normal conveying speed during a recording operation (when skip feeding is performed), it is possible to ensure the drying time of the image formed on the recording medium 300.

[0092] Therefore, according to the printing apparatus of this embodiment, it is possible to improve throughput while ensuring an appropriate drying time.

[0093] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, skip feeding was not permitted when an image was present between the print head and the drying unit. In contrast, the present embodiment aims to provide a printing apparatus that can improve throughput as much as possible even when an image is present between the print head and the drying unit. In the following explanation, explanations of configurations similar to or corresponding to those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be mainly explained.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the CPU 201 when a print job is input to the recording apparatus of this embodiment.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 10, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that skip feed conveying speed setting processing (S1001) is performed instead of S906 and S907 shown in Fig. 9. That is, if it is determined in S905 that the image recorded in the immediately preceding S903 is the final part of the first image, CPU 201 performs processing of S1001.

[0096] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the details of the process in S1001.

[0097] In S1101, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is a printing area between the print head 211 (not shown in FIG. 11) and the drying unit 213 (not shown in FIG. 11) based on the detection result of the density sensor 214 (not shown in FIG. 11). That is, in S1101, the same determination as in S906 (see FIG. 9) is made. If there is no printing area between the print head 211 and the drying unit 213 ("NOT" in S1101), the CPU 201 performs the process of S1102. On the other hand, if there is a printing area between the print head 211 and the drying unit 213 ("YES" in S906), the CPU 201 performs the process of S1103.

[0098] In S1102, the CPU 201 sets the first conveying speed, which is the fastest speed for skip feeding. In this case, all of the images formed on the recording medium 300 are located downstream of the drying unit 213, and the skip feeding speed does not affect the drying time. After the process of S1102 ends, in S908 (see FIG. 10), skip feeding is performed at the first conveying speed.

[0099] In S1103, the CPU 201 acquires various conditions set for the print job, such as the type of recording medium, the type of ink, the print mode, the ambient temperature, and the humidity, all of which are input via the menu screen 500 (see FIG. 5).

[0100] In S1104, the CPU 201 acquires a drying time that allows the recording area of the recording medium 300 to be properly dried. Specifically, the CPU 201 references the NVRAM 204 and acquires the "drying time" that corresponds to the various conditions acquired in S1103. The "drying time" refers to the time that allows the recording area of the recording medium 300 to be properly dried. The "drying time" may include the minimum time and the maximum time that allows the recording area to be properly dried.

[0101] In S1105, the CPU 201 determines whether the time it takes for the printed area to pass through the drying unit 213 when skip feeding is performed at a predetermined second conveying speed is shorter than the "drying time" acquired in S1102. The second conveying speed is adjusted so that a standard drying process can be performed on the printed area of the printing medium 300, and is slower than the first conveying speed. The second conveying speed may be calculated by adding a desired speed "V2" increased by skip feeding to a conveying speed "V1" averaged when the print scan in S903 and the conveying operation in S904 are performed intermittently. The second conveying speed may also be calculated by dividing the length "X (distance)" in the conveying direction in the drying unit 213 by the standard drying time "T."

[0102] If the "drying time" is insufficient when skip feed is performed at the second conveying speed (YES in S1105), CPU 201 performs the process of S1106. On the other hand, if the "drying time" can be secured even when skip feed is performed at the second conveying speed, CPU 201 performs the process of S1107.

[0103] In S1106, the CPU 201 sets a third conveying speed slower than the second conveying speed as the skip feed speed. The third conveying speed is preferably set to a speed at which the recording area passes through the drying unit 213 in the shortest drying time among the "drying times" acquired in S1104. That is, in S1106, a conveying speed is set that can properly dry the recording area of the recording medium 300 in the shortest time. However, examples of the third conveying speed are not limited to this. As long as the speed is equal to or faster than the above-mentioned conveying speed "V1," it is possible to improve throughput while performing an appropriate drying process. After the processing of S1106 is completed, skip feed is performed at the third conveying speed in S908 (see FIG. 10).

[0104] In S1107, the CPU 201 sets the transport speed during skip feed to the second transport speed. After the process of S1107 ends, in S908 (see FIG. 10), skip feed is performed at the second transport speed.

[0105] As described above, according to the recording device of this embodiment, even if an image exists between the recording head and the drying unit, the conveying speed is allowed to be faster than the normal conveying speed (V1). That is, in this embodiment, skip feed is performed even if an image exists between the recording head and the drying unit. The skip feed speed in this case is adjusted according to the type of recording medium, the recording mode, the type of ink used, and the like, so as to ensure an appropriate drying time for the recording area on the recording medium 300.

[0106] Therefore, according to the printing apparatus of this embodiment, even if an image exists between the print head and the drying unit, it is possible to improve the throughput more than in the first embodiment.

[0107] [Third embodiment] The present embodiment aims to provide a recording device that can further improve throughput compared to the first and second embodiments. While the first and second embodiments were described assuming that the recording medium is roll paper, the present embodiment will be described assuming that the recording medium is cut paper. In the following description, explanations of configurations similar to or corresponding to the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0108] When the recording medium is cut paper, the distance in the transport direction from the leading edge of the cut paper to the start position of recording may be long. For example, suppose the length of the cut paper in the transport direction is 3 m, and there is a continuous blank area of 1 m along the transport direction from the leading edge to the center of the cut paper. In this case, there is no need to record or dry this blank area.

[0109] Therefore, for example, when performing the alignment in S902 (see FIG. 10), throughput can be improved by skip-feeding the cut sheet by 1 meter from the leading edge. In this case, the conveying speed is preferably equivalent to the first conveying speed set in S1102.

[0110] Therefore, the recording device of this embodiment can further improve throughput compared to the first and second embodiments. The transport method of this embodiment can also be used when recording the first print job, even when using roll paper.

[0111] [Fourth embodiment] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen 1200 that can be applied to this embodiment. The confirmation screen 1200 is displayed on the input / output unit 209 after the processes of S1106 and S1107 shown in FIG.

[0112] 12, confirmation screen 1200 includes a question asking whether skip feeding is permitted, a "Yes" button 1201, and a "No" button 1202. When "Yes" button 1201 is pressed, CPU 201 (not shown in FIG. 12) controls conveyance unit 210 (not shown in FIG. 12) so as to permit skip feeding. On the other hand, when "No" button 1202 is pressed, CPU 201 controls conveyance unit 210 so as not to permit skip feeding.

[0113] With this configuration, even if the second or third conveying speed is temporarily set, skip feed is performed after confirmation by the user, making it easier to set an appropriate drying time. The timing at which the confirmation screen 1200 disappears from the input / output unit 209 is not particularly limited. For example, the confirmation screen 1200 may be displayed while skip feed is being performed, and may be hidden after the skip feed is completed.

[0114] Furthermore, when skip feeding is performed after the entire recording area has passed through the drying unit 213 (not shown in FIG. 12), a message informing the user that skip feeding will be performed may be displayed on the input / output unit 209. In this case, skip feeding may be performed without obtaining the user's consent, because at this point in time, recording on the recording medium 300 has been completed and only blank areas that do not require recording remain on the printing surface of the recording medium 300.

[0115] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiments, a so-called serial type print head that moves back and forth in the scanning direction is used. However, the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to a so-called full-line type printing device in which a print head having nozzles extending across the entire width direction (X direction) of the print medium is installed.

[0116] In a full-line type recording device, the recording head records on the recording medium 300 while its position relative to the recording medium 300 is fixed. In a full-line type recording device, transport during recording is continuous rather than intermittent, and this transport speed is set according to the drive frequency of the recording head, etc. If a blank area of an image is located at the position of the recording head, the recording medium can be skip-fed at a faster speed to the beginning of the next image, as in the above embodiment.

[0117] That is, in a full-line type recording apparatus, whether to perform skip feeding may be determined depending on whether a recording area exists between the recording head and the drying unit, as in the first embodiment.Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, the transport speed of skip feeding may be changed depending on whether a recording area exists between the recording head and the drying unit.

[0118] Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that integrates functions such as scanning, faxing, and transmission, as long as the device has a recording function.

[0119] In the above embodiment, a non-contact type drying unit using a combination of a blower fan and a coil heater to generate dry air is used. However, examples of drying units to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied are not limited to this. A contact type heater or a heater that uses radiant heat may also be used as the drying unit.

[0120] 11 is performed under the condition that waterproof paper is set via the "Paper Settings" button 501 in Fig. 5, the CPU 201 may set the conveying speed to be slower than the conveying speed when other paper with low water resistance is set. This is because waterproof paper absorbs ink less easily than other paper and requires sufficient drying time.

[0121] Furthermore, when the processing of S1106 and S1107 in FIG. 11 is performed under the condition that the "Image Quality" button 602 in FIG. 6 is pressed, the CPU 201 may set the conveying speed to be slower than the conveying speed when a recording quality that prioritizes speed over image quality is set.

[0122] In the above embodiment, ink droplets are ejected by generating film boiling using a heat generating element, but the method of ejecting ink droplets is not limited to this. The technology disclosed herein can also be applied to a print head that ejects liquid inside the print head by deforming a piezoelectric element.

[0123] In the above embodiment, ink is used as the liquid, but the liquid that can be used in the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to ink. Various recording liquids can be used as the liquid other than ink, including treatment liquids used for the purposes of improving the fixation of ink on a recording medium, reducing uneven gloss, and improving abrasion resistance.

[0124] The present disclosure includes the following configurations and methods.

[0125] [Configuration 1] a conveying means for conveying the recording medium in a conveying direction; a recording means for recording an image by applying a liquid to the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; a drying means provided downstream of the recording means in a conveyance path of the recording medium, for drying the liquid applied by the recording means; a control unit that controls the conveying unit, the recording unit, and the drying unit; A recording device comprising: (i) when an area on the recording medium where an image is to be recorded is located at a position where the recording means can perform recording, the control means causes the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a predetermined conveying speed; (ii) when an area of the recording medium where recording is not required is located at a position where the recording means can perform recording, and when no image recorded by the recording means exists between the drying means and the recording means, the control means causes the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a first conveying speed that is faster than the predetermined conveying speed; (iii) when an area of the recording medium where recording is not required is located at a position where the recording means can perform recording, and an image recorded by the recording means exists between the drying means and the recording means, the control means causes the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a second conveying speed slower than the first conveying speed; A recording device characterized by:

[0126] [Configuration 2] The second conveying speed is equal to the predetermined conveying speed. 2. The recording device according to claim 1.

[0127] [Configuration 3] The second conveying speed is faster than the predetermined conveying speed. 2. The recording device according to claim 1.

[0128] [Configuration 4] the second conveying speed is a speed at which the time required for the image recorded by the recording means to pass through the drying means is a predetermined drying time appropriate for drying the image. 4. The recording device according to configuration 3.

[0129] [Configuration 5] a setting unit that sets the drying time based on recording conditions including at least one of a type of recording medium, a type of liquid, a recording quality, an environmental temperature, and an environmental humidity; the control means sets the second conveying speed based on the drying time set by the setting means. 5. The recording device according to configuration 4.

[0130] [Configuration 6] further comprising an input means for a user to input at least a part of the recording conditions; 6. The recording device according to configuration 5.

[0131] [Configuration 7] a storage means for storing the recording conditions and the drying times in association with each other, the setting means sets the drying time corresponding to the recording conditions by referring to the storage means. 7. The recording device according to configuration 5 or 6.

[0132] [Configuration 8] the drying time includes a minimum time and a maximum time suitable for drying the image; 8. The recording device according to configuration 7.

[0133] [Configuration 9] When the setting means sets a recording quality that prioritizes image quality over speed, the control means sets the second conveying speed to be slower than when the recording quality that prioritizes speed over image quality is set. 9. The recording device according to any one of configurations 5 to 8.

[0134] [Configuration 10] When a highly water-resistant medium is set as the recording medium by the setting means, the control means sets the second transport speed to be slower than when a less water-resistant medium is set. 10. The recording device according to any one of configurations 5 to 9.

[0135] [Configuration 11] The recording medium is continuous paper. 11. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10.

[0136] [Configuration 12] The recording medium is cut paper. 12. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11.

[0137] [Configuration 13] The recording medium conveying device further includes a display unit that displays a screen for confirming whether or not to convey the recording medium at the first conveying speed. 13. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12.

[0138] [Configuration 14] The recording device is a serial type recording device in which the recording unit records an image by applying a liquid to a recording medium while moving in a direction intersecting a transport direction. 14. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0139] [Configuration 15] the recording device is a full-line type recording device in which the fixed recording means discharges liquid onto the recording medium transported by the transport means at the predetermined transport speed, thereby recording an image; 15. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14.

[0140] [Configuration 16] a detecting means for detecting the density of the recording medium between the drying means and the recording means; the control means determines whether the image is present between the drying means and the recording means based on the detection result of the detection means. 16. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15.

[0141] [Method 17] A control method for a recording device including: a conveying means for conveying a recording medium in a conveying direction; a recording means for recording an image by applying a liquid to the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; a drying means provided downstream of the recording means in the conveying direction for drying the liquid applied by the recording means; and the conveying means, When the image is located at a position where the recording can be performed, the conveying means is caused to convey the recording medium at a predetermined conveying speed; when a blank area of the recording medium where recording is not required is located at a position where recording can be performed and the image is not present between the drying means and the recording means, causing the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a first conveying speed that is faster than the predetermined conveying speed; A control method for a recording device, characterized in that, when the blank area is located at a position where the recording can be performed and the image is present between the drying means and the recording means, the conveying means is caused to convey the recording medium at a second conveying speed slower than the first conveying speed.

Claims

1. a conveying means for conveying the recording medium in a conveying direction; a recording means for recording an image by applying a liquid to the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; a drying means provided downstream of the recording means in a conveyance path of the recording medium, for drying the liquid applied by the recording means; a control unit that controls the conveying unit, the recording unit, and the drying unit; A recording device comprising: (i) when an area of the recording medium where an image is to be recorded is located at a position where the recording means can perform recording, the control means causes the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a predetermined conveying speed; (ii) when an area of the recording medium where recording is not required is located at a position where the recording means can perform recording, and when no image recorded by the recording means exists between the drying means and the recording means, the control means causes the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a first conveying speed that is faster than the predetermined conveying speed; (iii) when an area of the recording medium where recording is not required is located at a position where the recording means can perform recording, and an image recorded by the recording means exists between the drying means and the recording means, the control means causes the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a second conveying speed slower than the first conveying speed; A recording device characterized by:

2. the second conveying speed is equal to the predetermined conveying speed; The recording device according to claim 1 .

3. the second conveying speed is faster than the predetermined conveying speed; The recording device according to claim 1 .

4. the second conveying speed is a speed at which a time required for the image recorded by the recording means to pass through the drying means is a predetermined drying time appropriate for drying the image. The recording apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. a setting unit that sets the drying time based on recording conditions including at least one of a type of recording medium, a type of liquid, a recording quality, an environmental temperature, and an environmental humidity; the control means sets the second conveying speed based on the drying time set by the setting means.

5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4.

6. further comprising an input means for a user to input at least a part of the recording conditions; 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

7. a storage means for storing the recording conditions and the drying times in association with each other, the setting means sets the drying time corresponding to the recording conditions by referring to the storage means.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

8. the drying time includes a minimum time and a maximum time suitable for drying the image; 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7.

9. When the setting means sets a recording quality that prioritizes image quality over speed, the control means sets the second conveying speed to be slower than when the recording quality that prioritizes speed over image quality is set.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

10. When a medium with high water resistance is set as the recording medium by the setting means, the control means sets the second transport speed to be slower than when a medium with low water resistance is set.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

11. The recording medium is continuous paper. The recording device according to claim 1 .

12. The recording medium is cut paper. The recording device according to claim 1 .

13. a display unit that displays a screen for confirming whether or not to transport the recording medium at the first transport speed; The recording device according to claim 1 .

14. The recording device is a serial type recording device in which the recording unit records an image by applying a liquid to a recording medium while moving in a direction intersecting a transport direction. The recording device according to claim 1 .

15. the recording device is a full-line type recording device in which the fixed recording means discharges liquid onto the recording medium transported by the transport means at the predetermined transport speed, thereby recording an image; The recording device according to claim 1 .

16. a detecting means for detecting the density of the recording medium between the drying means and the recording means; the control means determines whether the image is present between the drying means and the recording means based on the detection result of the detection means. The recording device according to claim 1 .

17. A control method for a recording device including: a conveying means for conveying a recording medium in a conveying direction; a recording means for recording an image by applying a liquid to the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; a drying means provided downstream of the recording means in the conveying direction for drying the liquid applied by the recording means; and the conveying means, When the image is located at a position where the recording can be performed, the conveying means is caused to convey the recording medium at a predetermined conveying speed; when a blank area of the recording medium where no recording is required is located at a position where the recording can be performed and the image is not present between the drying means and the recording means, causing the conveying means to convey the recording medium at a first conveying speed that is faster than the predetermined conveying speed; A control method for a recording device, characterized in that when the blank area is located at a position where the recording can be performed and the image is present between the drying means and the recording means, the conveying means is caused to convey the recording medium at a second conveying speed slower than the first conveying speed.

Images