Recording device, control method of recording device and program

Abstract

To achieve recovery processing in which a service life of a recording head can be suppressed from being shortened.SOLUTION: A recording device according to one embodiment in the present invention comprises: a recording head that has a discharge port for discharging liquid and a recording element for generating energy that is required for discharging liquid; recovery processing means that recovers a discharge state of the recording head; and transiting means that transits recovery processing by the recovery processing means into a state where the processing can be executed, on the basis of estimation information enabling the discharge state to be estimated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In conventional recording devices, an image is formed on a recording medium by conveying the recording medium and ejecting ink droplets toward the recording medium from the nozzles of a recording head. Methods for generating energy to eject ink from the nozzles of the recording head include a method that uses electromechanical conversion elements such as piezoelectric elements to pressurize the ink, and a method that uses the pressure of bubbles generated by heating the ink using electromagnetic waves such as lasers. Another method generates bubbles by heating the ink using electrothermal conversion elements (hereinafter referred to as "heaters") that have heating resistors.

[0003] In a print head using this heater, the heater heats the ink, causing the ink to burn onto the surface, which can significantly change the ink ejection speed. Many of the inks used in such print heads are dye- or pigment-based inks, and many of these colorants are insoluble or poorly soluble in water. Therefore, insoluble or poorly soluble substances tend to burn onto the heater, which can easily change the ejection characteristics.

[0004] It is known that if ink that burns easily is used continuously, the heater will become burned, causing significant changes in the ejection characteristics (for example, a decrease in the ejection speed). This change in ejection characteristics can cause image defects, such as the appearance of thin lines due to misalignment of the ink droplets, distorted characters, and changes in color.

[0005] To address this problem of image degradation, Patent Document 1 discloses a head having an upper protective layer arranged in an area including the heater's heat application portion so as to be electrically connectable to serve as an electrode for causing an electrochemical reaction with the ink. This upper protective layer is made of a material that contains a metal that dissolves due to an electrochemical reaction and does not form an oxide film that prevents the dissolution when heated, causing an electrochemical reaction to occur and dissolving the surface layer of the upper protective layer. This makes it possible to remove kogation on the heat application portion. This process is called kogation removal treatment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-101557 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, the surface layer of the upper protective layer is eluted each time the kogation removal process is performed, so the number of times the kogation removal process can be performed is limited by the thickness of the layer that forms the upper protective layer. Therefore, if a configuration is adopted that allows the user to perform the kogation removal process at any time, there is a risk that the life of the print head will be shorter than expected if the user performs the kogation removal process at an inappropriate time.

[0008] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to realize a recovery process that suppresses a decrease in the lifespan of a print head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is a recording device characterized by having a recording head having an ejection port for ejecting liquid and a recording element for generating the energy required to eject the liquid, a recovery processing means for recovering the ejection state of the recording head, and a transition means for transitioning the recovery processing by the recovery processing means to an executable state based on estimation information that can estimate the ejection state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a recovery process that suppresses a decrease in the lifespan of the print head. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a recording device [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an overview of the control system of the recording device [Figure 3] Detailed block diagram of the printer control unit [Figure 4] A diagram showing the structure of a recording head [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a standby position and a maintenance position of a recording head. [Figure 6] A diagram showing a cap tray of a recording device [Figure 7] A diagram showing the maintenance tray of the recording device [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a maintenance operation for a recording head. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a heat application portion in a recording element substrate of a recording head; [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart of a control flow according to a first embodiment; [Figure 11] A diagram showing the screen transitions of the GUI screens displayed on the operation panel of the recording device. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the screen transitions of the GUI screens displayed on the operation panel of the recording device. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the screen transitions of the GUI screens displayed on the operation panel of the recording device. [Figure 14]A diagram showing the screen transitions of the GUI screens displayed on the operation panel of the recording device. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the screen transitions of the GUI screens displayed on the operation panel of the recording device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the technical ideas of the present disclosure more than necessary. Furthermore, not all of the features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential as means for solving the problems of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the following embodiments will be described using an inkjet recording apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a recording apparatus) as an example.

[0013] [First embodiment] <Configuration of recording device> 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a recording apparatus 100. The recording apparatus 100 is a sheet-fed recording apparatus that produces a recorded matter by forming an ink image on a recording medium 101 using two types of liquid: a treatment liquid and ink. In this embodiment, the X direction corresponds to the width direction (total length direction) of the recording apparatus 100, the Y direction corresponds to the depth direction of the recording apparatus 100, and the Z direction corresponds to the height direction (direction of gravity) of the recording apparatus 100. Note that in this example, since the recording medium 101 is transported in the X direction, the X direction also corresponds to the transport direction of the recording medium, and the Y direction also corresponds to the width direction of the recording medium.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 100 includes a transport unit 107 that transports the recording medium 101, a paper feed unit 106 that feeds the recording medium 101 to the transport unit 107, and a paper discharge unit 108 that collects the printed recording medium 101 from the transport unit 107. The recording apparatus 100 also includes a first recording head that applies a treatment liquid that reacts with ink onto the recording medium 101, and a second recording head that applies ink to the recording medium 101 to which the treatment liquid has been applied, thereby forming an ink image. The first and second recording heads are collectively referred to as recording heads 102. Units (not shown) that have functions such as drying, fixing, cooling, and paper reversal may be added to the transport unit 107 at any position depending on the system.

[0015] <Control System> 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control system that controls the recording device 100. This control system has, as its components, a recording data generation unit 201, an operation control unit 202, a printer control unit 203, a recording medium transport control unit 204, and an inkjet device 205. The recording data generation unit 201 is a module that generates recording data and sends the generated recording data to the printer control unit 203. The recording data generation unit 201 may be provided within the recording device 100, or may be configured as an external print server or the like.

[0016] The operation control unit 202 is a module that is operated by a user or a service technician and that receives instructions from the user or a service technician. Specifically, the operation control unit 202 includes an operation panel provided on the recording device 100 and an operation PC connected to the recording device 100. In this embodiment, the operation control unit 202 is described as an operation panel. The printer control unit 203 is a module that executes the recording process. The recording medium transport control unit 204 is a module that transports the recording medium. The inkjet device 205 is a module used for recording. In the following, a case where the user operates the operation control unit 202 will be described as an example, but a service technician may also operate it.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the printer control unit 203 in detail. FIG. 3 also includes other components shown in FIG. 2. The printer control unit 203 has a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an ASIC 304, and a head control unit 305. The CPU 301 controls the entire recording apparatus 100. The ROM 302 stores the control program for the CPU 301. The RAM 303 temporarily stores data and is used as a work memory when executing programs. The ASIC 304 is an application-specific integrated circuit incorporating a network controller, a serial IF controller, a head data generation controller, a motor controller, and the like. The head control unit 305 generates ejection data used by the inkjet device 205, generates drive voltages, and performs other functions.

[0018] <Transport unit> The transport unit 107 in the recording unit 110 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. In the recording unit 110, the recording head 102 ejects liquid from above in the direction of gravity onto the transported recording medium 101. This ejection action performs the recording process and forms an image. The transport unit 107 in the recording unit 110 is provided with a horizontal transport belt 107a so that the transport behavior of the recording medium directly below the recording head 102 is stable. The transport belt 107a transports the recording medium 101 sent from the paper feed unit 106 in the +X direction while being sucked in the -Z direction.

[0019] The type of recording medium 101 is not particularly limited, and any known recording medium can be used. As the recording medium 101, not only sheets cut to a predetermined size but also long objects wound in a roll can be used. The material of the recording medium 101 can be paper, plastic film, wood board, cardboard, metal film, or the like.

[0020] The recording medium 101 is transported in the transport direction (X direction) by a transport unit 107. The transport belt 107a is a belt that rotates around a rotation axis that extends in the depth direction (Y direction) that intersects with the transport direction, and is made of a material such as resin or metal. The transport belt 107a is a suction transport belt that is configured so that a suction pump installed inside the belt can adsorb and fix the recording medium 101 through a number of holes in the belt. Note that the method of fixing and transporting the recording medium is not limited to the above-mentioned method of fixing and transporting the recording medium by suction. For example, a method of adsorbing and transporting the recording medium by static electricity may also be used, and the method of fixing and transporting the recording medium 101 can be selected appropriately depending on the system.

[0021] The arrow on the inside of the transport unit 107 in Fig. 1 indicates the rotation direction of the transport belt 107a, and the arrow on the outside of the transport unit 107 in Fig. 1 indicates the transport path of the recording medium 101. The recording medium 101 is transported from the paper feed unit 106 to the transport unit 107. In the recording section 110, an ink image is formed by applying treatment liquid and ink to the recording medium 101 on the transport unit 107 by the recording head 102. The recording medium 101 on which the ink image has been formed is transported by the transport unit 107 to the paper discharge unit 108, and the transported recording medium 101 is stacked in the paper discharge unit 108.

[0022] <Recording head> The recording head will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. The recording head 102 is a full-line head extending in the paper width direction (Y direction). The recording head 102 has a plurality of ejection ports 404 (details of which will be described later with reference to FIG. 4) arranged in an area covering the width of the image recording area of ​​the largest usable size recording medium 101. An ejection surface with the ejection ports open is provided on the lower surface of the recording head 102 in the direction of gravity (the recording medium 101 side). When recording on the recording medium 101, the ejection surface of the recording head 102 is fixed facing the recording medium 101 (transport unit 107) while maintaining a small gap (of the order of a few millimeters) between the ejection surface and the surface of the recording medium 101 being transported. The position of the recording head at this time is called the "recording position."

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of print heads are arranged along the transport direction (X direction) as the print head 102. In this example, a first print head that applies treatment liquid is provided upstream in the transport direction from a second print head that applies ink, and four second print heads are provided in sequence downstream in the transport direction from the first print head. These four second print heads correspond to line-type print heads for four colors: Bk (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). Note that the type of color, the order of the colors, and the number of colors are not limited to the example shown here. The liquid ejected by the print head 102 is supplied to the print head 102 from an ink tank (not shown) via an ink tube.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the print head 102. FIG. 4(a) is a plan view showing the ejection surface of the print head 102. FIG. 4(a) is a view of the print head 102 as viewed from the -Z direction. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the print head 102 has a plurality of print element substrates 401, each having a plurality of ejection ports 404 (FIG. 4(b)) that eject liquid (treatment liquid, ink), aligned in the paper width direction (Y direction). Positioning members 403 for the print head 102 are provided on both ends of the array of print element substrates 401. The positioning members 403 are configured to be able to abut against a print head positioning member (not shown) provided on the opposing transport unit side. The abutment between the print head positioning member and the positioning member 403 determines the distance between the ejection surface of the print head 102 and the transport belt 107a. Similarly, the positioning member 403 comes into contact with a recording head positioning member (not shown) provided on the maintenance unit 120 side (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 5), thereby allowing various maintenance operations to be carried out appropriately.

[0025] FIG. 4(b) is a schematic diagram of the recording element substrate 401 as viewed from the -Z direction. Here, the surface on which the ejection ports 404 are provided will be described as the top surface. FIG. 4(c) is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4(b). The surface (ejection surface) of the recording element substrate 401 is made of resin. The recording element substrate 401 is provided with a plurality of ejection ports 404 arranged in rows for ejecting liquid (treatment liquid, ink). The ejection ports 404 are arranged in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the transport direction (X direction) of the recording medium 101. Any row formed by a plurality of ejection ports 404 arranged in the Y direction is referred to as an "ejection port row." As shown in FIG. 4(b), the multiple ejection port rows on the recording element substrate 401 are arranged so that their positions in the X direction are different. Specifically, four ejection port rows are arranged in the X direction, each with 512 ejection ports arranged at 600 dpi (dots per inch). Furthermore, two adjacent rows of ejection ports are arranged with a 1200 dpi offset in the Y direction. Below the resin part in which the ejection port rows are formed, a pressure chamber 23 is provided for each ejection port 404, as shown in Figure 4(c). By controlling the pressure in the pressure chamber 23, ink can be ejected from any of the ejection ports 404.

[0026] The printing element substrate 401 is constructed by laminating a Si substrate made of Si and an ejection port forming member made of photosensitive resin. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the printing elements 15 are formed on one side of the Si substrate, and grooves that form the liquid supply path 18 and the liquid recovery path 19 extending along the ejection port array are formed on the back side. A pressure difference occurs between the liquid supply path 18 and the liquid recovery path 19. When liquid is ejected from multiple ejection ports 404 to perform printing, this pressure difference causes a flow of liquid at ejection ports 404 that are not ejecting. That is, the liquid in the liquid supply path 18 provided in the Si substrate flows to the liquid recovery path 19 via the supply port 17a, the pressure chamber 23, and the recovery port 17b. This flow prevents the viscosity of the liquid from increasing at the ejection ports 404 and the pressure chambers 23 that are not ejecting liquid. This flow also allows thickened ink, bubbles, foreign matter, and the like that are generated by evaporation from the ejection ports 404 to be collected in the liquid recovery path 19. In this way, in the print head of this embodiment, the increase in viscosity of the liquid near the pressure chambers 23 and the ejection ports 404 can be suppressed, and therefore, ejection distortion and ejection failure can be suppressed, resulting in high-quality printing.

[0027] <Maintenance unit> 5 is a schematic diagram of the recording unit 110 showing the recording head in a standby position. The "standby position" corresponds to the standby position of the recording head when no recording operation is being performed. In the standby position, the recording head 102 waits in a position retracted upward in the direction of gravity relative to the recording position.

[0028] The print head 102 is movable to a maintenance position. A maintenance unit 120 is configured to be movable into a space extending below the print head 102 in the direction of gravity when the print head 102 is in the standby position. The "maintenance position" refers to a position in which the print head 102 has moved downward in the direction of gravity from the standby position so that the print head 102 abuts against the moved maintenance unit 120. For example, when capping the print head 102 after printing is completed, the print head 102 moves to the maintenance position. Also, for example, when dirt or the like adheres to the ejection surface of the print head 102, causing poor liquid ejection, the print head 102 moves to the maintenance position for maintenance.

[0029] When the print head 102 moves to the standby position, a space is formed between the print head 102 and the transport unit 107. This allows the maintenance unit 120, which is movable in the transport direction (X direction), to move to a position facing the print head.

[0030] 5, the maintenance unit 120 includes a cap tray 121 for protecting the ejection surface (so-called capping), and a cleaning tray 122 for performing maintenance (also called recovery processing) on ​​the ejection surface. A plurality of cap mechanisms 500 are arranged in the maintenance unit 120 (see FIG. 6(b)), and a plurality of cleaning mechanisms 600 are arranged in the cleaning tray 122 (see FIG. 7(b)).

[0031] The cap tray 121 and cleaning tray 122 are configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the device (X direction, the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 5) by a drive motor (not shown) and rails provided on the housing. In this embodiment, since a total of five recording heads 102 are provided, a total of five cap mechanisms 500 and five cleaning mechanisms 600 are provided corresponding to the recording heads 102.

[0032] The capping mechanism 500 is provided with printhead positioning members 502 because it must abut properly against the printhead 102 (see FIG. 6A). The printhead positioning members 502 are arranged on the front and rear of the capping mechanism 500 in the sheet width direction (Y direction). That is, printhead positioning members 502 used to position one printhead 102 relative to the capping mechanism 500 are arranged on each of the -Y direction side and the +Y direction side of the capping mechanism 500. The printhead 102 and the capping mechanism 500 are positioned by the positioning members 403 (see FIG. 4A) provided on both ends of the printhead 102 abutting against the printhead positioning members 502 of the capping mechanism 500. By being positioned relative to the printhead 102, the capping mechanism 500 can protect the ejection surface of the printhead 102 and suppress moisture evaporation from the nozzles.

[0033] 7(b) is a perspective view of the cleaning tray 122, which, like the cap tray 121, is provided with a plurality of print head positioning members (not shown) for positioning the plurality of print heads 102. The positioning configuration is the same as that of the cap tray 121 described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] The positioning configuration is not particularly limited, and may be a configuration in which a part of the recording head 102 is pressed against the inside of the cleaning tray 122, or a configuration in which the cleaning tray 122 and the recording head 102 are positioned using holes and pins provided in the cleaning tray 122 and the recording head 102.

[0035] As described above, five cleaning mechanisms 600 in this embodiment are provided on the cleaning tray 122, corresponding to the number (five) of print heads 102. As shown in FIG. 7(a), each cleaning mechanism 600 has a wiper unit 601 and a suction wiper unit 604.

[0036] 8(a), the wiper unit 601 and the suction wiper unit 604 can be raised and lowered individually in the Z direction by a cam mechanism (not shown). By scanning either the wiper unit 601 or the suction wiper unit 604 in the direction of the array of the outlets 404 while the wiper unit 601 or the suction wiper unit 604 is raised, different recovery processes (recovery process by the wiper unit 601, recovery process by the suction wiper unit 604) can be achieved using the same drive source.

[0037] The wiper unit 601 is a member for wiping the ejection surface of the print head 102, and has a flexible, plate-like rubber blade 603 attached to a holder 602 (see FIG. 7(a)). As shown in FIG. 8(b), the rubber blade 603 is pressed against the print head 102 and made to slide in the Y direction against the surface of the ejection surface, thereby wiping away ink droplets and other debris such as paper dust that has adhered near the ejection ports 404. In this embodiment, the recovery process performed by the wiper unit 601 is referred to as "recovery process A (also referred to as first recovery process)."

[0038] Recovery process A by the wiper unit 601 is selectively executed based on the judgment of the user who has seen the state of the actually output printout, etc. Note that recovery process A has the weakest recovery capability among recovery process A and recovery processes B and C, which will be described later, and is the recovery process that the user can always execute.

[0039] The suction wiper unit 604 is a member that applies negative pressure to the ejection surface of the recording head 102 and sucks and wipes the ejection surface. The suction wiper unit 604 has an elastic tube 606 fixed to a holder 605, and a suction tube 607 connected to the elastic tube 606 (see FIG. 7(a)).

[0040] The elastic tube 606 is sized to cover multiple ejection ports 404 in the arrangement direction of the ejection ports 404 (Y direction) and to cover all of the ejection port rows in the direction intersecting the ejection port arrangement direction (X direction). As shown in FIG. 8(c), the open end of the elastic tube 606 is pressed against the ejection surface, and a suction pump (not shown) connected to the elastic tube 606 via a suction tube 607 is operated to move the ejection surface in the Y direction. In this manner, the elastic tube 606 is brought into sliding contact with the entire ejection surface, performing suction and wiping simultaneously. By performing suction wiping, it is possible to suck and remove dust such as paper dust adhering to the entire ejection surface, including the vicinity of the ejection ports 404, solidified ink adhering thereto, as well as air bubbles and thickened recording liquid present inside the ejection ports 404 and pressure chambers. In this embodiment, the recovery process performed by the suction wiper unit 604 is referred to as "recovery process B (also referred to as second recovery process)."

[0041] Recovery process B (also referred to as second recovery process) by the suction wiper unit 604 has a stronger recovery effect than recovery process A by the wiper unit 601, but also has the disadvantage of consuming more ink. Therefore, recovery process B is selectively executed based on the judgment of the user who has seen the state of the printed matter that has actually been output.

[0042] <Kogane removal process and its issues> The structure of the thermal application portion of the recording element substrate 401 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9(a) is a schematic enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the thermal application portion of the recording element substrate 401. Fig. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed dotted line IXb-IXb in Fig. 9(a).

[0043] In the print head 102, a printing element substrate 401 is formed by stacking multiple layers on a substrate made of silicon. In this embodiment, a heat storage layer made of a thermal oxide film, a SiO film, a SiN film, or the like is disposed on the substrate. A heating resistor (heater) 926 is disposed on the heat storage layer, and an electrode wiring layer (not shown) made of a metal material such as Al, Al-Si, or Al-Cu is connected to the heating resistor (heater) 926 via a tungsten plug 928. An insulating protective layer 927 is disposed on the heating resistor (heater) 926. The insulating protective layer 927 is an insulating layer disposed on the heating resistor (heater) 926 so as to cover the heating resistor (heater) 926. The insulating protective layer 927 is formed of a SiO film, a SiN film, or the like.

[0044] A protective layer for blocking contact with liquid is disposed on the insulating protective layer 927. This protective layer is made up of a lower protective layer 925, an upper protective layer 924, and an adhesive protective layer 923, and protects the surface of the heating resistor (heater) 926 from chemical and physical shocks caused by heat generation by the heating resistor (heater) 926.

[0045] In this embodiment, the lower protective layer 925 is made of tantalum (Ta), the upper protective layer 924 is made of iridium (Ir), and the adhesive protective layer 923 is made of tantalum (Ta). Furthermore, the protective layers made of these materials are conductive. A protective layer 922 is disposed on the adhesive protective layer 923 for liquid resistance and to improve adhesion with the ejection port formation member 92. The protective layer 922 is made of SiC. The upper protective layer 924 contains a metal that dissolves into the liquid due to an electrochemical reaction, and is made of a material that does not form an oxide film that prevents dissolution into the liquid when heated.

[0046] When the liquid is discharged, the upper part of the upper protective layer 924 comes into contact with the liquid, and the temperature of the liquid rises instantaneously at the upper part, causing bubbles to form, which then disappear, creating a harsh environment in which cavitation occurs. For this reason, in this embodiment, the upper protective layer 924 is made of a highly corrosion-resistant and reliable iridium material, and is formed at a position corresponding to the heating resistor (heater) 926, and comes into contact with the liquid.

[0047] In this embodiment, an ink circulation configuration is adopted in which liquid is supplied from the supply port 17a and recovered to the recovery port 17b inside the pressure chamber 23. Therefore, over the heating resistor (heater) 926 during printing, the liquid flows from the supply port 17a on the upstream side toward the recovery port 17b on the downstream side.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the upper protective layer 924 is made of iridium, a process for removing kogation deposits on the upper protective layer 924 of the heater is performed. This process is referred to as a "kogation removal process." More specifically, an electrochemical reaction occurs by using the portion of the upper protective layer 924 directly above the heating resistor (heater) 926 as one of the electrodes 921, causing the upper protective layer 924 to dissolve into the ink. This process removes kogation deposits on the upper protective layer 924. Applying a potential of 4.0 V to the electrode 921 for 30 seconds dissolves the upper protective layer 924 by approximately 2 nm, but this condition is not limited and the amount of dissolution can be set as desired. By removing the kogation deposits on the upper protective layer 924 in this manner, the heater surface is left free of kogation or with minimal kogation. In this embodiment, the kogation removal process is referred to as a "recovery process C (also referred to as a third recovery process)."

[0049] However, there is a problem in that the number of times this kogation removal process can be performed is limited by the remaining thickness of the layer that forms the heater's upper protective layer 924. The heater's upper protective layer 924 is approximately 40 nm thick, and the minimum thickness of the upper protective layer required to prevent ink from penetrating the heater layer is 20 nm. Therefore, if a single kogation removal process dissolves approximately 2 nm of the layer, the number of kogation removal processes that can be performed during the usable life of the print head is limited to 10. It is difficult for users to determine from the print results that the image defect is due to heater scorching, and they may be unable to select an appropriate recovery process from the multiple recovery processes and end up performing the kogation removal process. If the kogation removal process is performed at an inappropriate time or frequency, the 10 possible times will be used up earlier than expected, resulting in the print head reaching the end of its life earlier than expected.

[0050] Furthermore, when the kogation removal process is performed, the upper protective layer 924 on the heater dissolves, leaving the surface free of kogation. This is equivalent to a brand new recording head, and to resume normal printing operations, various adjustment sequences, such as head aging, ink droplet placement adjustment, and image irregularity correction, that are performed when a new recording head is installed, must be performed again. Since performing these adjustment sequences often takes at least several tens of minutes, this time represents downtime for the recording device, preventing users from printing. This downtime, particularly for commercial and industrial recording devices, can have a negative impact on the workflow, including the target number of prints for the day, the printing schedule, and post-printing processes such as binding and shipping.

[0051] <Performing burnt removal processing> The execution of the kogation removal process (recovery process C) in the print head 102 described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a series of processes including a determination step for determining whether to transition to a state in which the kogation removal process can be executed. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in FIG. 10 are performed by the CPU 304 expanding program code stored in ROM 302 into RAM 303 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 10 may be executed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electrical circuit.

[0052] The number of times that the kogation removal process (recovery process C) can be performed is limited (upper limit). Therefore, in this embodiment, a determination is made as to whether or not to transition to a state in which the kogation removal process can be performed based on information that can estimate the ejection state of the print head (referred to as estimated information), and the number of heater drive times is used as this estimated information. The reason for this is that the amount of kogation that accumulates on the heater is proportional to the number of heater drive times, and it is known that the number of heater drive times affects the ejection state of the print head (for example, a decrease in ejection speed).

[0053] FIG. 11 shows the transition of GUI screens displayed on the operation panel when recovery processing is performed on the print head 102. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a user issues an instruction to perform maintenance processing via an operation panel provided on the printing apparatus. Note that the menu configuration is not limited to that shown in FIG. 11 and may be appropriately designed depending on the system. Furthermore, the user's input means is not limited to the operation panel (touch panel), and menu items can also be selected using physical keys, a mouse, or the like.

[0054] The recording apparatus includes a counting unit for counting the number of heater activations in the print head 102 corresponding to the image printed during the print processing of a job and obtaining a count value. While it is desirable to count the number of heater activations for each individual heater, counting the number of heater activations would require a large circuit scale. Therefore, multiple heaters may be grouped and counted for each group. In this embodiment, the width direction of the image area to be printed is divided into rectangular regions each 16 pixels wide at 1200 dpi, and multiple heaters belonging to each region are grouped and the number of heater activations is counted for each group. The nozzles are arranged at 600 dpi and form four nozzle arrays. Therefore, the number of heater activations D for each group is counted. Since the number of heater activations D for each of the 32 heaters is unknown, it is desirable to treat it as the average heater activation number Dave (= heater activation number D / 32). The number of heater activations for each region is stored in a nonvolatile memory provided in the recording apparatus 100 main body.

[0055] In step S1001, the CPU 301 of the recording device 100 executes the print process of the job. Note that hereinafter, "step S~" will be abbreviated to "S~".

[0056] In S1002, the CPU 301 uses the ASIC 304 to calculate the number of heater drives associated with the execution of the print processing of the job based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit 201, and adds the calculated number of heater drives to the variable of the average heater drive number Dave. This makes it possible to calculate the average heater drive number Dave after the execution of the print processing of the job.

[0057] In S1003, the CPU 301 determines whether the average heater drive count Dave calculated in S1002 is smaller than a predetermined threshold. If the determination result in this step is true, the series of processes ends, whereas if the determination result is false, the process proceeds to S1004. In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold in this step is set to 5×10 per heater. 8This corresponds to the number of times the ejection speed drops by approximately 2 m / s from the initial speed and begins to affect the image. This value may differ depending on the print head driving conditions and ink type, and should be set appropriately for the system. If the heater drive count is below the predetermined threshold value (YES in S1003), it is estimated that the deposition of kogation on the heater is not progressing and will not affect the ejection state. Therefore, in this case, "Recovery Process C" remains in an unexecutable state (i.e., the execution possibility parameter for Recovery Process C is not updated). This is intended to prevent the inadvertent execution of the kogation removal process "Recovery Process C," since it is estimated that the heater drive count is low and there is little kogation deposition on the heater.

[0058] Here, an example of the display transition of the GUI screen displayed on the operation panel constituting the operation control unit 202 (FIG. 3) in the state of YES in S1003 will be described with reference to FIG. 11(a). First, the user selects "Maintenance" from the menu screen 1101 of the operation panel. In FIG. 11(a), hatching on a button on the operation panel means that the button has been selected and executed, and the downward arrow in the figure indicates the transition of the screen display as a result of the execution. Note that this expression rule is similarly applied to the subsequent figures.

[0059] By selecting "Maintenance", the GUI screen displayed on the operation panel transitions from a menu screen 1101 to a maintenance screen 1102. At this time, it is possible to select one of the multiple types of recovery processes executed by the multiple types of recovery process means provided in the recording device. In this case, recovery processes A and B are selectable. Recovery process C is grayed out and cannot be selected (the button for recovery process C cannot be pressed). The user selects a recovery process according to their purpose.

[0060] For example, if fine streaks appear in the output image due to a small number of non-ejecting nozzles, it is highly likely that paper dust or other debris has adhered to the ejection surface of the print head, hindering ink ejection, and so wiping the ejection surface is the optimal solution. Therefore, in this case, the user should select "Recovery Process A," which executes wiping of the ejection surface.

[0061] When the user selects "Recovery Process A" on the maintenance screen 1102, the GUI screen displayed on the operation panel transitions from the maintenance screen 1102 to a screen 1103 for recovery process A. On the screen 1103 for recovery process A, it is confirmed whether or not to execute recovery process A, and recovery process A is executed by selecting "Yes." Furthermore, if part of the output image is faded or non-ejection is confirmed over a wide area, it is possible to select the more powerful recovery process B.

[0062] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 10 , if the heater drive count is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (NO in S1003), it is estimated that the deposition of kogation on the heater is progressing and is beginning to affect the ejection state. Therefore, in S1004, the CPU 301 transitions recovery process C to an executable state based on the user's intention. Specifically, the execution parameter for recovery process C is updated from a value indicating that recovery process C is not executable to a value indicating that recovery process C is executable. Note that it is also possible to control recovery process C to be executed automatically when the heater drive count reaches a predetermined threshold. However, as mentioned above, the kogation removal process "recovery process C" may incur downtime due to the execution of various adjustment sequences, which may adversely affect the user's printing schedule. Therefore, execution of "recovery process C" must be based on the user's intention.

[0063] Here, an example of the display transition of the GUI screen displayed on the operation panel constituting the operation control unit 202 (FIG. 3) in the state of S1004 will be described with reference to FIG. 11(b). First, the user selects "Maintenance" from the menu screen 1104 of the operation panel. By selecting "Maintenance", the GUI screen displayed on the operation panel transitions from the menu screen 1104 to a maintenance screen 1105. At this time, it is possible to select a plurality of recovery processes provided by the recording device. In this case, recovery processes A, B, and C are available for selection. The user selects a recovery process according to their purpose. Note that although recovery process C is available for selection, it is not necessary to select it, and the user can select according to their purpose.

[0064] When the user selects "recovery process C" on the maintenance screen 1105, the GUI screen displayed on the operation panel transitions from the maintenance screen 1105 to a screen 1106 for recovery process C. On the screen 1106 for recovery process C, the user is asked whether or not to execute recovery process C. If the user considers the downtime that will result from executing recovery process C and determines that the printing schedule for that day will not be affected, for example, during the lunch break or after work, recovery process C is executed by selecting "Yes."

[0065] Returning to the description of Fig. 10, in S1005, the CPU 301 determines whether recovery process C has been executed, specifically, whether the CPU 301 has accepted the user's selection of "recovery process C" via the maintenance screen 1105. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1006. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the series of processes ends.

[0066] In S1006, the CPU 301 resets the heater drive count value stored in the nonvolatile memory of the recording apparatus 100 body, i.e., sets it to zero. This step makes it impossible to select "Recovery Process C," as shown on the maintenance screen 1102. This configuration prevents the user from inadvertently executing the kogation removal process, and prevents the lifespan of the print head from being drastically shortened as a result of accidentally executing the kogation removal process, which has a limited number of executions.

[0067] On the other hand, even if recovery process C is selectable, if the execute button (specifically, the "Yes" button on the recovery process C screen 1106) is not selected, a NO determination is made in S1005 and the series of processes ends. Therefore, in the print processing of the next job and thereafter, recovery process C will be displayed in an enabled (selectable) state on the maintenance screen until recovery process C is executed. This allows the user to execute recovery process C at a convenient time in their print schedule. As a secondary effect, for users who do not require extremely high image quality, just because recovery process C is selectable, there is no need to execute recovery process C immediately. By executing recovery process C when it is recognized that image quality has deteriorated, the time until the kogation removal process is executed can be extended. This can ultimately extend the life of the print head.

[0068] In this embodiment, the operation panel is configured to display recovery process C, which cannot be executed, in a grayed-out state. However, the means for switching between executable and inexecutable status of recovery process C is not limited to this and should be designed appropriately depending on the system. For example, as shown in the maintenance screen 1201 of FIG. 12(a), recovery process C may be hidden in advance so that it cannot be selected. Furthermore, as shown in the maintenance screen 1202 and the recovery process C screen 1203 of FIG. 12(b), even if the process appears selectable on the display, selecting it may transition to a screen that indicates that the process cannot be executed. Furthermore, even if the process appears selectable on the display, the execution may be skipped as an internal process (not shown), and the operation after the execution instruction may be switched to make the process inexecutable.

[0069] Furthermore, when recovery process C is performed, the surface layer of the heater portion of the print head is dissolved, returning it to a brand new condition, and various adjustment sequences are then performed before printing can be resumed. These adjustment sequences include a print head aging process (aging ejection operation), registration adjustment, and head shading, which are intended to stabilize the ejection characteristics (e.g., ejection speed) and correct the ink droplet landing position and image unevenness. These various adjustment sequences should be performed in conjunction with recovery process C because the ejection speed, which had decreased due to the removal of the kogation on the heater, returns to its initial state, and the ejection characteristics and the landing position of the ejected ink droplets change significantly before and after recovery process C.

[0070] Execution of various adjustment sequences takes at least several tens of minutes. Once the user executes recovery process C, a period of time during which printing is not possible, i.e., downtime of the recording device, will occur. Therefore, as shown in the recovery process C screen 1302 in FIG. 13, an estimate of the time required for recovery process C and the associated operations may be displayed, and the execution process may be started only after confirming the user's intention to execute the process.

[0071] Furthermore, because it is difficult for a user to determine whether the heater drive count has reached a predetermined threshold, the user may not recognize that recovery process C is now selectable on the maintenance screen. Therefore, in S1004 of FIG. 10 , it is desirable to notify the user that recovery process C has transitioned to an executable state. For example, as shown in FIG. 14( a), a menu screen 1401 may be configured to prompt the user to transition to the maintenance screen by partially displaying a message informing the user that recovery process C has transitioned to an executable state and recommending execution of recovery process C. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14( b), a pop-up screen 1402 may be displayed on the operation panel to notify the user that recovery process C has transitioned to an executable state, prompting the user to transition to a maintenance screen 1403 by selecting “Yes” or “No” to confirm the user's intention to execute the process. When the user views the pop-up screen 1402 and selects “Yes,” the pop-up screen 1402 displayed on the operation panel is dismissed, and the maintenance screen 1403 is displayed. Note that recovery process C may be executed directly by selecting “Yes.” Also, it is desirable that selecting "No" here returns to the home screen without executing any processing. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and any configuration can be used as long as it can notify the user that the state has transitioned to one in which recovery processing C can be executed.

[0072] Additionally, as an embodiment assuming a situation in which the user cannot immediately execute recovery process C, a configuration will be described that includes a mode in which the user can reserve execution of recovery process C by specifying an execution date and time, taking into account the user's own printing schedule (this mode will be referred to as a reserved execution mode). A maintenance screen 1501 in FIG. 15 is a maintenance screen that is displayed after the state has transitioned to one in which "recovery process C," a kogation removal process, can be executed. When a user views the maintenance screen 1501 and selects recovery process C, the GUI screen displayed on the operation panel transitions from the maintenance screen 1501 to a screen 1502 for recovery process C. The user can select immediate execution, reserved execution, or cancellation via the screen 1502 for recovery process C.

[0073] Specifically, suppose that a user who has viewed the recovery process C screen 1502 considers his or her own print schedule and finds that immediate execution of recovery process C is not possible, but that execution can be scheduled. In this situation, when the user selects scheduled execution (presses the "Scheduled Execution" button), the GUI screen displayed on the operation panel transitions from the recovery process C screen 1502 to a scheduled execution screen 1503. Via this scheduled execution screen 1503, the user can input a convenient date and time, and recovery process C and the associated adjustment sequence will be automatically executed at the timing indicated by the input value. For example, by setting the execution date and time to a time during the lunch break or after work when the recording device 100 is idle, it is possible to instruct the execution of recovery process C and the associated adjustment sequence without affecting the print schedule.

[0074] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve kogation removal processing that does not affect productivity or printing schedules while maintaining the life of the print head.

[0075] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, the heater drive count (count value) is used as inferred information from which the ejection state can be estimated in order to transition to a state in which the kogation removal process can be executed. This is because it is known that kogation on the heater accumulates in proportion to the heater drive count, which affects the ejection state (for example, reduces the ejection speed). However, the inferred information from which the ejection state can be estimated is not limited to the heater drive count, and other parameters may be used. In this embodiment, a form will be described in which a parameter other than the heater drive count is used as inferred information from which the ejection state can be estimated.

[0076] The minimum ejection voltage may be used as estimation information for estimating the ejection state. The minimum ejection voltage refers to the minimum voltage required to eject ink droplets relative to a reference ejection pulse. It is known that the minimum ejection voltage increases when kogation builds up on the heater. This is because the kogation buildup on the heater reduces the efficiency of heat transfer to the ink when the heater is driven, resulting in an increase in the voltage required to eject ink. Therefore, by periodically measuring changes in the minimum ejection voltage, the degree of kogation buildup on the heater can be estimated, thereby indirectly estimating the ejection state of the print head. For example, by transitioning to a state in which kogation removal processing can be performed when the minimum ejection voltage changes by +0.8 V from the initial state, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved. The threshold used to determine whether or not to transition can be appropriately set based on the print head usage conditions (e.g., ambient temperature) and the ink combination. For example, if the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and ink that easily scorches is used, a low threshold can be set to correspond to this.

[0077] The minimum ejection voltage can be detected by printing a predetermined pattern while gradually lowering the drive voltage and measuring the drive voltage setting at which the pattern becomes faded and cannot be printed for the first time. Furthermore, if the recording apparatus is equipped with an ejection detection device, there is no need to print; instead, the drive voltage can be gradually lowered and the voltage value measured at the timing when the output of the ejection detection device changes from ejection to non-ejection. The latter is a more suitable configuration because it does not require the use of a recording medium (paper) and does not require the recorded material to be analyzed.

[0078] For the same reason, the same effect can be obtained by using the minimum ejection pulse width for the reference driving voltage.

[0079] The number of non-ejecting heaters may be used as estimation information for estimating the ejection state. As kogation continues to accumulate on a heater, the efficiency of heat transfer to ink when the heater is driven continues to decrease, eventually rendering that heater unable to eject. Therefore, by periodically detecting the number of non-ejecting heaters, the degree of kogation on the heater can be estimated, thereby indirectly estimating the ejection state of the print head. For example, by transitioning the print head to a state in which kogation removal processing can be performed when the number of non-ejecting heaters increases by 100 from the initial state, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved. The threshold used to determine whether or not to transition may be appropriately set based on the print head usage conditions (e.g., ambient temperature) and the ink combination. For example, if the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and ink that easily scorches is used, a low threshold may be set to correspond to this.

[0080] The number of non-ejecting heaters can be detected by printing a check pattern that can distinguish whether each heater is ejecting or not, analyzing the printout, and counting the number of missing heaters. Also, if the recording apparatus is equipped with a ejection detection device, there is no need to print a check pattern; the number of non-ejecting heaters can be detected by executing an ejection detection process for the entire recording head. The latter is a more preferable configuration because it does not use a recording medium (paper) and does not require analysis of the printout.

[0081] Furthermore, by using the position distribution information of non-ejecting heaters relative to the print head, it is possible to estimate the ejection state more accurately. For example, if non-ejecting heaters are distributed in isolation from one another in one or more regions, this is likely due to the adhesion of paper dust or other debris, causing temporary non-ejection, so the system does not transition to a state in which recovery process C can be executed. On the other hand, if non-ejecting heaters are concentrated in a specific region, it is likely that repeated printing has caused kogation to adhere to heaters that have been driven frequently, leading to non-ejection, so the system transitions to a state in which recovery process C can be executed.

[0082] The density (information) of the output image may be used as estimation information for estimating the ejection state. When kogation accumulates on the heater, the efficiency of heat transfer to the ink when the heater is activated decreases, resulting in a state in which the amount of ink droplets ejected decreases. Therefore, the degree of kogation on the heater can be estimated by periodically detecting the density of the output image, thereby making it possible to indirectly estimate the ejection state of the print head. For example, by transitioning to a state in which kogation removal processing can be performed when the brightness (information) changes by more than a predetermined value, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved. The threshold used to determine whether or not to transition may be appropriately set based on the usage status of the print head (environmental temperature, etc.) and the combination of inks. For example, if the environmental temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and ink that easily scorches is used, a low threshold may be set as a corresponding threshold.

[0083] The density of the output image can be detected by printing an image pattern with a predetermined duty and obtaining the output value with a density detection device. If the recording device does not have a density detection device, it is also possible to scan the output and convert the signal value into, for example, brightness, and use the brightness as a substitute for density.

[0084] The cumulative number of printed pages of the recording device may be used as estimation information for estimating the ejection state. Because kogation on the heater increases in proportion to the number of times the heater is driven, a rough correlation with the cumulative number of printed pages is known. Therefore, the degree of kogation on the heater can be estimated based on the transition in the cumulative number of printed pages, making it possible to indirectly estimate the ejection state of the print head. For example, by transitioning to a state in which kogation removal processing can be performed when the cumulative number of printed pages exceeds 2 million, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved. The threshold used to determine whether to transition can be appropriately set based on the usage status of the print head (e.g., ambient temperature) and the ink combination. For example, if the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and ink that easily scorches is used, a lower threshold can be set as a corresponding threshold. Furthermore, if the recording device can transport recording media of multiple sizes (including a predetermined first size), the cumulative number of printed pages of recording media other than the first size can be converted and counted as the number of printed pages of the first size recording media. For example, consider a recording device that transports A3 size paper vertically and A4 size paper horizontally, and counts the number of A3 size prints and the number of A4 size prints. In this case, the cumulative number of prints = number of A3 size prints x 2 + number of A4 size prints, and the number of A3 size prints can be treated as the number of A4 size prints.

[0085] The cumulative printing time of the recording device may be used as estimation information for estimating the ejection state. Because kogation on the heater increases in proportion to the number of times the heater is driven, a rough correlation with the cumulative printing time is known. Therefore, the degree of kogation on the heater can be estimated based on the progress of the cumulative printing time, making it possible to indirectly estimate the ejection state of the print head. For example, by transitioning to a state in which kogation removal processing can be performed when the cumulative printing time exceeds 1,000 hours, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved. The threshold used to determine whether to transition can be appropriately set based on the usage status of the print head (environmental temperature, etc.) and the combination of inks. For example, if the environmental temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and ink that easily scorches is used, a low threshold can be set to correspond to this.

[0086] Information on the change in the number of non-ejecting heaters after a recovery process is executed may be used as estimation information for estimating the ejection state. If the number of non-ejecting heaters decreases by executing the normal recovery processes (recovery process A and recovery process B) described in the first embodiment, it is considered that the non-ejection state was temporary due to dust such as paper dust before the normal recovery process was executed. If the non-ejection state is caused by kogation on the heaters, the number of non-ejecting heaters should not change because the kogation cannot be removed even by executing recovery process A or recovery process B. Therefore, the ejection state of the print head can be estimated based on the change in the number of non-ejecting heaters after the normal recovery process is executed. For example, in a situation where a predetermined number or more non-ejecting heaters have occurred, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained by transitioning to a state in which the kogation removal process can be executed when the number of non-ejecting heaters no longer changes after the normal recovery process is executed.

[0087] In this embodiment, in order to transition to a state in which the kogation removal process can be performed, information other than the heater drive count is used as estimation information for estimating the ejection state. Specifically, this information includes the minimum possible ejection voltage value, the minimum possible ejection pulse width, the number of non-ejecting heaters, the density of the output image, the brightness of the output image, the cumulative number of printed sheets, the cumulative printing time, and information on changes in the number of non-ejecting heaters after the recovery process is performed. By using any one or a combination of several of the information listed here, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Alternatively, a combination of two or more of the information listed here and the heater drive count may be used.

[0088] [Other embodiments] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0089] [Technical Features of the Present Disclosure] The present disclosure includes the following configurations.

[0090] <Configuration 1> A recording device comprising: a recording head having an ejection port for ejecting liquid and a recording element for generating the energy required to eject the liquid; recovery processing means for recovering the ejection state of the recording head; and transition means for transitioning the recovery processing by the recovery processing means to an executable state based on estimation information that can estimate the ejection state. <Configuration 2> The recording device according to Configuration 1, wherein the recovery process includes a first recovery process that has a limit on the number of times it can be executed. <Configuration 3> The recording apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the first recovery process is a kogation removal process for removing kogation on the recording head. <Configuration 4> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein execution of recovery processing by the recovery processing means is instructed by a user or a service person via an operation control means. <Configuration 5> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the recovery processing means has a plurality of types of recovery processing means, the recovery processing includes a plurality of types of recovery processing, the operation control means includes an operation panel provided in the recording device, and a GUI screen is displayed on the operation panel. <Configuration 6> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the GUI screen selectively displays the plurality of types of recovery processing. <Configuration 7> A recording device described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the GUI screen has a first button for selecting the first recovery process, and the first button cannot be pressed when the first recovery process cannot be executed. <Configuration 8> A recording device described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that when the first recovery process cannot be executed, the GUI screen does not have a first button for selecting the first recovery process, and when the transition means transitions to a state where the first recovery process can be executed, the first button is displayed on the GUI screen. <Configuration 9> A recording device described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that when the first recovery process cannot be executed, the GUI screen has a first button for selecting the first recovery process, and when the first button is pressed when the first recovery process cannot be executed, the first recovery process is not executed. <Configuration 10> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the GUI screen includes a screen that displays an estimate of the time required for the first recovery process and the processing of operations associated with the first recovery process. <Configuration 11> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the GUI screen includes a screen recommending execution of the first recovery process. <Configuration 12> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein immediate execution, scheduled execution, or cancellation of the first recovery process can be selected via the GUI screen. <Configuration 13> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein when the scheduled execution is selected, the first recovery process is executed at a designated time. <Configuration 14> A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that the estimated information is any one of information based on the number of heater drives, minimum possible ejection voltage value, minimum possible ejection pulse width, number of non-ejecting heaters, density of output image, brightness of output image, cumulative number of printed sheets, cumulative printing time, and number of non-ejecting heaters after recovery processing is executed, or a combination of several of these. <Configuration 15> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the plurality of types of recovery processes include a second recovery process that is always executable, the plurality of types of recovery process means includes a second recovery process means that executes the first recovery process, and the recovery process means includes a wiper unit. <Configuration 16> The recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 15, wherein the plurality of types of recovery processes include a third recovery process, the plurality of types of recovery process means include a third recovery process means that executes the third recovery process, and the third recovery process means includes a suction wiper unit. <Configuration 17> The multiple types of recovery processing means include a first recovery processing means that performs the first recovery processing, and the first recovery processing means includes the recording element and an upper protective layer that is arranged to be electrically connectable to serve as an electrode for causing an electrochemical reaction with the liquid in an area including the recording element, and the upper protective layer includes a metal that dissolves due to an electrochemical reaction and is formed of a material that does not form an oxide film that prevents the dissolution when heated, and the first recovery processing is a process that removes kogation that adheres to the recording element by causing an electrochemical reaction to dissolve a surface layer of the upper protective layer. 17. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, <Configuration 18> The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 17, further comprising an execution unit that executes an adjustment sequence for the recording head when the first recovery process is executed. <Configuration 19> The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 18, wherein the adjustment sequence includes an aging ejection operation of the recording head, registration adjustment, and head shading. <Control Method> A control method for a recording device having a recording head having an ejection port for ejecting liquid and a recording element for generating the energy required to eject the liquid, and a recovery processing means for recovering the ejection state of the recording head, the control method comprising a transition step for transitioning the recovery processing by the recovery processing means to an executable state based on estimation information that can estimate the ejection state. <Program> A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for a recording device having a recording head having an ejection port for ejecting liquid and a recording element for generating the energy required to eject the liquid, and a recovery processing means for recovering the ejection state of the recording head, the control method comprising a transition step for transitioning the recovery processing by the recovery processing means to an executable state based on estimation information that can estimate the ejection state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 100 Recording device 102 recording head 203 Printer control unit 304 CPU 924 Upper protective layer

Claims

1. a print head having a discharge port for discharging a liquid and a print element for generating energy required for discharging the liquid; recovery processing means for recovering the ejection state of the recording head; transition means for transitioning the recovery processing by the recovery processing means to an executable state based on estimation information that can estimate the ejection state; having A recording device characterized by:

2. the recovery process includes a first recovery process that has a limited number of execution times; 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording medium.

3. the first recovery process is a kogation removal process for removing kogation on the recording head; 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The execution of the recovery process by the recovery process means is instructed by a user or a serviceman via an operation control means.

4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The recovery processing means includes a plurality of types of recovery processing means, The recovery process includes a plurality of types of recovery processes, the operation control means includes an operation panel provided on the recording device, A GUI screen is displayed on the operation panel.

5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4.

6. the GUI screen selectively displays the plurality of types of recovery processes; 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

7. the GUI screen has a first button for selecting the first recovery process, The first button cannot be pressed in a state in which the first recovery process cannot be executed.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6.

8. When the first recovery process is not executable, the GUI screen does not have a first button for selecting the first recovery process; When the transition means transitions to a state in which the first recovery process can be executed, the first button is displayed on the GUI screen.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6.

9. when the first recovery process is not executable, the GUI screen has a first button for selecting the first recovery process; If the first button is pressed when the first recovery process cannot be executed, the first recovery process is not executed.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6.

10. the GUI screen includes a screen for displaying an estimate of the time required for the first recovery process and for processing an operation associated with the first recovery process; 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

11. the GUI screen includes a screen recommending execution of the first recovery process; 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

12. The GUI screen allows selection of immediate execution, scheduled execution, or cancellation of the first recovery process.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

13. When the scheduled execution is selected, the first recovery process is executed at a designated time.

13. The recording apparatus according to claim 12.

14. The estimated information is any one of the following information based on the number of heater driving times, the minimum possible ejection voltage value, the minimum possible ejection pulse width, the number of non-ejecting heaters, the density of the output image, the brightness of the output image, the cumulative number of printed sheets, the cumulative printing time, and the number of non-ejecting heaters after the execution of the recovery process, or a combination of several of these information.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is a recording medium.

15. the plurality of types of recovery processes includes a second recovery process that is always executable, the plurality of types of recovery processing means include a second recovery processing means that executes the first recovery processing, The recovery processing means includes a wiper unit.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

16. the plurality of types of recovery processes includes a third recovery process, the plurality of types of recovery processing means includes a third recovery processing means that executes the third recovery processing, the third recovery processing means includes a suction wiper unit, 16. The recording apparatus according to claim 15.

17. the plurality of types of recovery processing means includes a first recovery processing means that executes the first recovery processing, the first recovery processing means includes the recording element and an upper protective layer disposed in an area including the recording element so as to be electrically connectable to the recording element and to serve as an electrode for causing an electrochemical reaction with the liquid; the upper protective layer contains a metal that dissolves due to an electrochemical reaction and is formed of a material that does not form an oxide film that prevents the dissolution due to heating; the first recovery process is a process of removing kogation adhering to the recording elements by causing an electrochemical reaction to dissolve the surface layer of the upper protective layer; 17. The recording apparatus according to claim 16.

18. further comprising an execution unit that executes an adjustment sequence for the print head when the first recovery process is executed; 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

19. the adjustment sequence includes an aging ejection operation of the print head, registration adjustment, and head shading; 20. The recording apparatus according to claim 18,

20. a print head having a discharge port for discharging a liquid and a print element for generating energy required for discharging the liquid; recovery processing means for recovering the ejection state of the recording head; A method for controlling a recording device comprising: a transition step of transitioning the recovery processing by the recovery processing means to an executable state based on estimation information that can estimate the ejection state; A control method comprising:

21. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 20.

Images