Recording device, control method, and program.

Abstract

The objective is to provide a recording device that can perform preheating efficiently. [Solution] The recording device comprises a recording head, a carriage, a heating unit that selectively performs an ejection operation to eject liquid and a heating operation to warm the liquid, and a control unit. If the distance from the reversal position where the scanning direction of the carriage switches to the position where ejection of the recording head begins in the next scan is longer than a predetermined distance, the control unit causes the heating unit to perform a heating operation while the carriage is accelerating in the next scan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording apparatus, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a recording apparatus that performs recording by discharging a liquid, the liquid may be heated before the start of recording to adjust the temperature of the liquid.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a recording apparatus that preheats (pre-heats) a liquid during acceleration of a carriage. According to the recording apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the temperature change of the liquid associated with the actual recording operation can be reduced, the density change associated with the temperature change can be reduced, and uneven density in the recorded image can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in order to perform preheating, it is necessary to secure a sufficient distance for accelerating the carriage. However, if for some reason it is not possible to secure a sufficient distance for accelerating the carriage, it becomes difficult to perform preheating during acceleration of the carriage. In this case, it is conceivable to perform preheating in a state where the carriage is stopped after the preceding scan is completed, and after the temperature of the liquid reaches a desired temperature, perform a subsequent scan. However, in this method, the carriage has to be temporarily stopped every time one scan is completed, and there is a risk of a decrease in throughput. [[ID= forty-one ]]

[0006] [[ID= forty-two ]] [[ID= forty-three ]]Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a recording apparatus that can perform preheating efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The recording device comprises a recording head that records an image on a recording medium by ejecting liquid, a carriage on which the recording head is mounted and which reciprocates along the scanning direction, a heating unit capable of selectively performing an ejection operation that ejects liquid from the recording head by heating a heating element provided on the recording head, and a heating operation that heats the heating element to warm the liquid contained in the recording head, and a control unit that controls the movement of the carriage and the heating unit, wherein the control unit causes the heating unit to perform the heating operation during the acceleration of the carriage in the next scan if the distance from the reversal position where the scanning direction of the carriage switches to the position where ejection of the recording head begins in the next scan is longer than a predetermined distance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The recording device of this disclosure allows for efficient preheating. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an example of a recording device that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view of a recording device applicable to one embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic bottom view of a carriage applicable to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram of a recording device applicable to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic perspective view of an element substrate that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 6] A figure showing an example of a pulse that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the pulse parameters. [Figure 8]A figure showing an example of a carriage reversal position that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing an example of preheating that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of preheating timing that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of preheating timing that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 12] A figure showing an example of carriage acceleration that can be applied to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] [First Embodiment] <Recording device 1> Figure 1 is a schematic external view of a recording device 1, which can be applied to this embodiment, as seen from the front.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the recording device 1 of this embodiment is an inkjet recording device that ejects ink as a liquid and records onto a recording medium. However, the technology of this disclosure is also applicable to various devices other than inkjet recording devices.

[0013] In the diagram, arrows X and Y indicate the horizontal directions, which are perpendicular to each other in a plane. Arrow Z indicates the vertical direction. In the orientation in which the recording device 1 is used, the upward direction (direction indicated by arrow Z) is the anti-gravity direction, and the downward direction is the gravity direction. The X direction is the width direction (left-right direction) of the recording device 1. The Y direction is the depth direction of the recording device 1.

[0014] Furthermore, "recording" includes not only the case of forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also the case of forming images, patterns, patterns, etc. on a recording medium regardless of whether they are significant or not, or performing processing on the medium, whether or not it is manifested so that it can be perceived visually by humans. In this embodiment, the case where the "recording medium" is sheet-shaped paper is assumed for explanation. However, the "recording medium" may be cloth, plastic, film, or the like.

[0015] The recording device 1 has an overall flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The recording device 1 includes a device main body 2 and a main body cover portion 3 having a plurality of covers. The main body cover portion 3 is provided so as to cover the device main body 2. The main body cover portion 3 constitutes the top portion of the recording device 1. In the main body cover portion 3, there are a feed cover 8 for setting a recording medium, an access cover 5 for performing maintenance work inside the device, and a tank cover 9 for covering a portion for supplying ink to the tank of the device.

[0016] The recording device 1 is provided with a scanner unit 4 for reading an image of a document. Similar to the access cover 5, it is also possible to perform maintenance work inside the device by opening and closing the entire scanner unit 4.

[0017] At the front of the recording device 1, there are provided a discharge portion 6 for discharging a recorded recording medium and an operation unit 7 for receiving an operation by an operator. The operation unit 7 includes a display portion in a touch panel format, receives an input operation by an operator, and displays various information. Further, a notification unit 10 is provided at the front of the recording device 1. The notification unit 10 can perform a sound-based notification for an operation on each part. Also, a waste liquid tank portion 11 for inserting a waste liquid tank is provided at the front of the recording device 1.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal mechanism of the recording device 1.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the recording device 1 includes a transport unit 21, a transport sensor 23, a feeding unit 20, a recording unit 26, a detection unit 27, and a cutter unit 29. The recording device 1 is a device that records images on a recording medium PM.

[0020] The recording medium PM is housed in the feeding unit 20. The feeding unit 20 is configured to accommodate cut paper of a size conforming to a predetermined standard and roll paper 28, which is a long sheet of paper wound into a roll, as objects selected as recording medium PM (hereinafter referred to as recording objects). An example of the above predetermined standard is the JIS standard (Japanese Industrial Standards).

[0021] The feeding unit 20 includes a loading unit 20a configured to hold multiple cut sheets of paper, and a mounting unit 20b that rotatably mounts a roll of paper 28 at a position different from the loading unit 20a. The loading unit 20a is located downstream of the mounting unit 20b in the transport direction (Y direction) of the recording medium PM. The recording operation of the roll of paper 28 supplied from the mounting unit 20b will be described below.

[0022] The mounting unit 20b includes a holding unit for holding a roll of paper 28, which is made of continuous paper wound into a roll, and a drive unit (not shown) for rotating the paper held in the holding unit. The mounting unit 20b supplies the roll of paper 28 in the paper feeding direction (direction indicated by arrow Y) and the unwinding direction (opposite direction to the paper feeding direction) by rotating the roll of paper 28 held in the holding unit. The spool member 24 is inserted into the paper core of the roll of paper 28 and is pivotally supported by the holding unit of the feeding unit 20. The feeding unit 20 rotates the roll of paper 28 by rotating the spool member 24 with a motor (not shown).

[0023] The transport unit 21 includes transport rollers for transporting the recording medium PM. In this embodiment, a pair of drive rollers 21a and driven rollers 21b are used as transport rollers. The transport unit 21 is equipped with a drive mechanism (not shown) that rotationally drives the drive rollers. The driven rollers 21b are pressed against the drive rollers 21a and rotate in a driven manner. The recording medium PM is held between the drive rollers 21a and the driven rollers 21b and transported on the platen 22.

[0024] As the drive mechanism for the transport unit 21, for example, a gear mechanism driven by a motor can be applied. The amount of rotation of the transport unit 21 is detected by a sensor (not shown, e.g., an encoder), and the amount of transported recording medium PM is controlled. In the following description, "upstream side" or "downstream side" means the upstream or downstream of the transport path of the recording medium PM.

[0025] The roll paper 28 and the transport unit 21 are positioned so that their axial directions are parallel to the scanning direction (±X direction) in which the carriage 25 reciprocates from left to right. The transport sensor 23 is positioned downstream of the transport unit 21 in the transport direction. An example of the transport sensor 23 is an optical sensor for determining whether the roll paper 28 is being transported properly to the transport unit 21. The recording unit 26 is positioned downstream of the transport unit 21. The recording unit 26 can record images on the recording medium PM transported by the transport unit 21.

[0026] The recording unit 26 of this embodiment includes a recording head 102 (see Figure 5) equipped with a plurality of nozzles 40 (see Figure 5, etc.) for ejecting ink, and a temperature sensor 53 (see Figure 5) for detecting the temperature of the recording head 102. The recording unit 26 is detachably mounted on the carriage 25. A tube for supplying ink to the recording unit 26 is connected to the carriage 25.

[0027] The carriage 25 is capable of reciprocating in the scanning direction (X direction) by a drive mechanism (not shown). An example of the drive mechanism for the carriage 25 is a belt drive mechanism driven by a motor. The position of the carriage 25 is detected by a detection unit 27 (see Figure 3) or a sensor (not shown) (e.g., an encoder). The movement of the carriage 25 is controlled according to these detection results.

[0028] The detection unit 27 can detect the image recorded on the recording medium PM, the edge of the recording medium PM, and the thickness of the recording medium PM. The detection unit 27 is mounted on the carriage 25. The detection unit 27 moves in the scanning direction together with the carriage 25. The detection result of the detection unit 27 is associated with the position of the recording medium PM based on the detection result of the position of the carriage 25 and the amount of recording medium PM transported by the transport unit 21. For example, the detection unit 27 can also detect the position of the carriage 25.

[0029] The detection unit 27 includes, for example, an optical sensor that includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The light-emitting element irradiates light toward the platen 22 or the recording medium PM (see Figure 2, etc.). The light-receiving element, on the other hand, receives the reflected light. When the detection unit 27 detects the leading edge position of the recording medium PM, for example, with the carriage 25 stopped in the transport path of the recording medium PM, the recording medium PM is transported in the paper-feed direction to pass the detection unit 27 once, and then the recording medium PM is transported in the reverse direction in the rewind direction.

[0030] Due to the difference in reflectivity between the platen 22 and the recording medium PM, the value received by the photodetector changes as the leading edge of the recording medium PM passes by. The position of the leading edge of the recording medium PM can be detected from the detected amount of rotation of the transport unit 21 in this case. Similarly, the position of the image recorded on the recording medium PM can also be detected based on the detected amount of rotation of the transport unit 21 at the point of change in the photodetector's reception result, and the detected position of the carriage 25.

[0031] The cutter unit 29 cuts the recording medium PM along the scanning direction. The cutter unit 29 is reciprocally movable in the scanning direction by a cutter motor (not shown). The cutter unit 29 is equipped with a cutter. The cutter unit 29 may also have a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure applied to the cutter.

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view of a carriage 25 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the carriage 25 comprises a recording unit 26, a detection unit 27, and an ink ejection nozzle 40. The detection unit 27 includes a first detection unit 27a and a second detection unit 27b. The first detection unit 27a and the second detection unit 27b are arranged along the scanning direction. The first detection unit 27a and the second detection unit 27b perform the aforementioned detection and other operations.

[0034] Multiple nozzles 40 are provided along the transport direction. Multiple nozzle rows 300, formed by the provision of multiple nozzles 40 along the transport direction, are provided along the scanning direction. A portion of the nozzle rows 300 (i.e., some of the multiple nozzles 40 constituting one row of nozzle rows 300), the first detection unit 27a, and the second detection unit 27b overlap when viewed from the scanning direction.

[0035] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of a recording device 1 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the recording device 1 includes a control unit 400. The control unit 400 includes an MPU 31 and a storage device 32. The recording device 1 includes an interface unit 33, a head driver 34a, a carriage driver 34b, a transport driver 34c, a feed driver 34d, a sensor group 35, and an operation unit 7. The sensor group 35 includes the detection unit 27 and the like described above.

[0037] The control unit 400 controls the recording head 102, the carriage motor 7a, the transport motor 9b, and the feed motor 8b.

[0038] The MPU 31 is a processor that controls the operation of the recording device 1 and processes data. The MPU 31 executes programs stored in the storage device 32 to control the entire recording device 1. The storage device 32 includes, for example, a ROM 32a and a RAM 32b. In addition to the programs executed by the MPU 31, the storage device 32 stores various data necessary for processing (for example, data received from the host computer 100).

[0039] The MPU 31 controls the display on the operation unit 7's display and receives operator input to the operation unit 7. The MPU 31 controls the recording head 102 via the head driver 34a. The MPU 31 controls the carriage motor 7a via the carriage driver 34b. The MPU 31 controls the transport motor 9b via the transport driver 34c. The MPU 31 controls the feed motor 8b via the feed driver 34d.

[0040] The MPU 31 acquires detection results from various sensor groups 35 provided in the recording device 1 and performs control operations. For example, the MPU 31 selectively performs an ejection operation to eject liquid from the recording head 102 by heating a heating element provided in the recording head 102, and a heating operation to heat the heating element in order to warm the liquid contained in the recording head 102.

[0041] The host computer 100 is, for example, a personal computer used by the operator, or a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone or tablet). A printer driver 101 is installed on the host computer 100 to perform communication between the host computer 100 and the recording device 1. Communication between the host computer 100 and the MPU 31 is performed via the interface unit 33.

[0042] For example, when the operator inputs a request to perform a recording operation to the host computer 100, the printer driver 101 collects the image data to be recorded and the settings related to recording (information such as the quality of the recorded image) and instructs the recording device 1 to perform the recording operation.

[0043] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an element substrate 50 that can be applied to this embodiment. In the recording head 102 (see Figure 4), the element substrate 50 is the part that ejects ink.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the element substrate 50 is mainly constructed by stacking flow channel members 54 on a substrate 51. Multiple heaters 52, which function as energy generating elements (heating elements in this embodiment) for generating energy to eject ink, are provided on the substrate 51 at a predetermined pitch along the transport direction.

[0045] In this embodiment, multiple heaters 52 are provided at a pitch of 600 dpi. Two rows of heaters, each composed of multiple heaters 52 arranged along the transport direction, are provided along the scanning direction. Between the two rows of heaters, an ink supply port 56 is provided, extending in the transport direction and penetrating the substrate 51 in the height direction (Z direction). Ink supplied from an ink tank (not shown) is supplied to the flow path member 54 via the ink supply port 56.

[0046] A temperature sensor 53 for detecting the temperature of the recording head 102 is provided at the edge of the upper surface of the substrate 51 (the surface facing the direction indicated by arrow Z in Figure 5). The temperature sensor 53 detects the temperature of the ink that is substantially in contact with the temperature sensor 53. In the flow path member 54, nozzles 40 are provided at positions opposite each of the multiple heaters 52. These nozzles 40 are arranged along the transport direction to form a nozzle row 300.

[0047] The two rows of nozzles 300 are arranged with a half-pitch offset in the transport direction. With this configuration, dots can be recorded at a recording resolution of 1200 dpi, which corresponds to this half-pitch. The flow path member 54 is provided with flow paths 59 connected to each of the multiple nozzles 40, and a common liquid chamber 60 that connects the ink supply port 56 to the multiple flow paths 59.

[0048] Under the above configuration, the ink supplied from the ink supply port 56 to the common liquid chamber 60 is guided to the nozzle 40 via each of the multiple flow paths 59. The ink guided to the nozzle 40 forms a meniscus.

[0049] When a voltage is applied to the heater 52 in a predetermined pulse according to the ejection signal, film boiling occurs in the ink in contact with the heater 52, and the growth energy of the generated bubbles causes the ink to be ejected as droplets from the nozzle 40 in the ejection direction (direction indicated by arrow Z).

[0050] The types of pulses in this embodiment will be described below using Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 7.

[0051] Figure 6(a) shows a discharge pulse P1 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0052] Figure 6(b) shows a temperature control pulse P2 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0053] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the parameters of each pulse shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b).

[0054] As shown in Figure 6(a), the ejection pulse P1 for ejecting ink has an ejection voltage Vop, an ejection pulse width Pop, and an ejection drive period T1. When the ejection pulse P1 is applied to the heater 52 (see Figure 5), film boiling occurs in the ink, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle 40 (see Figure 5, etc.).

[0055] As shown in Figure 6(b), the temperature control pulse P2 used for preheating has a temperature control voltage Vh, a temperature control pulse width Ph, and a temperature control drive period T2. The temperature control drive period T2 may be different from the ejection drive period T1. The temperature control pulse P2 is a pulse for warming the ink to a degree that does not reach the temperature at which the ink is ejected. Therefore, if the lower limit of the pulse width in the ejection pulse width Pop is Pth, the following relationship holds.

[0056] (Formula 1)...Ph <Pth<Pop

[0057] In this embodiment, preheating is performed for each scan. In principle, preheating is performed by applying a temperature control pulse P2 to each heater 52 (see Figure 5) while the carriage 25 (see Figure 2, etc.) performing one scan is accelerating.

[0058] However, if sufficient acceleration time cannot be obtained, preheating is performed with the carriage 25 stopped. Specifically, with the carriage 25 stopped, a temperature control pulse P2 is applied to each heater 52, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 (see Figure 5, etc.) exceeds a predetermined value, acceleration of the carriage 25 is started, and one scan is performed. During scanning, a discharge pulse P1 is applied to each heater 52 according to the discharge signal.

[0059] As the carriage 25 moves in the scanning direction, the recording unit 26 ejects ink according to the recording data, thereby recording one scan's worth of image onto the recording medium PM. Once one scan is completed by the recording unit 26, the recording medium PM is transported in the transport direction by a distance equivalent to one scan. By repeatedly alternating between scanning by the recording unit 26 and transporting the recording medium PM, an image is recorded onto the recording medium PM in stages.

[0060] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show examples of the inversion positions of the carriage 25 that can be applied to this embodiment. Note that in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the left end is shown when viewing the recording device 1 (see Figure 1, etc.) from the front, but the configuration of the right end when viewing the recording device 1 from the front is the same.

[0061] In this embodiment, an example of a reversal position is shown as the position where the carriage 25 switches between forward and reverse scanning. However, the example of a reversal position is not limited to this example. Another example of a reversal position is the position where the carriage 25 switches between reverse and forward scanning.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8(a), the recording device 1 is equipped with abutment member 30 that the carriage 25 can contact. For example, the reference position of the carriage 25 can be set by bringing the carriage 25 into contact with the abutment member 30. The position of the contact portion of the carriage 25 with the abutment member 30 is offset in the transport direction relative to the position where the nozzle 40 (see Figure 5, etc.) is located.

[0063] Furthermore, if abnormal reciprocating movement of the carriage 25 occurs for any reason, the carriage 25 may come into contact with the abutment member 30, stopping its movement. In this way, the abutment member 30 has the role of not only determining the reference position but also acting as a stopper. When scanning is performed normally, the carriage 25 reverses direction at a position where it does not come into contact with the abutment member 30.

[0064] For example, in micro-margin recording (recording that leaves a margin of 1.0 mm or less from the edge of the recording medium PM inward), the edge of the recording medium is detected with each recording scan, and the recording area for each scan is adjusted based on the detected edge position. In micro-margin recording, if the recording medium PM becomes skewed during transport, the edge of the recording medium PM (the left edge in the example of Figure 8(a)) may shift in the forward scanning direction (leftward in Figure 8). In this case, the recording position of the image is corrected to the left, and the scanning range of the carriage 25 is also corrected to the left in accordance with this correction.

[0065] In typical recording, the image is recorded with a margin of approximately 5.0 mm extending inward from the edge of the recording medium PM (the left edge in the example in Figure 8), so the risk of the carriage 25 coming into contact with the abutment member 30 is small.

[0066] However, when micro-margin recording is performed with a relatively small recording device 1, if the recording medium PM moves at an angle, the scanning range of the carriage 25 may also approach the abutment member 30. When the scanning range of the carriage 25 approaches the abutment member 30 in this way, there is a risk that the carriage 25 may come into contact with the abutment member 30, as shown in Figure 8(a). Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the carriage is managed so that the carriage can be stopped at an appropriate position even when the recording medium PM moves at an angle.

[0067] Figure 8(b) shows an example of a reversal position of the carriage 25 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0068] As shown in Figure 8(b), a second limit position LM2 of the scanning range of the carriage 25 is provided inside the first limit position LM1 where the abutment member 30 and the carriage 25 make contact. The second limit position LM2 is managed as an absolute coordinate that advances along the scanning direction from the reference position of the carriage 25. The second limit position LM2 is a value unique to the recording device 1, regardless of the position of the edge of the recording medium PM.

[0069] In this embodiment, the distance from the first limit position LM1 to the second limit position LM2 is approximately 1.0 mm. However, the distance from the first limit position LM1 to the second limit position LM2 is not limited to 1.0 mm. When a standard-sized recording medium PM is transported without skew, the scanning distance from the second limit position LM2 to the edge of the recording medium PM (the left edge in the example of Figure 8(b)) is approximately 78.4 mm. In a state without skew, with the carriage 25 positioned at the second limit position LM2, the distance from the edge of the recording medium PM (the left edge in the example of Figure 8(b)) to the nozzle 40 closest to that edge is approximately 17.0 mm.

[0070] In this embodiment, the ROM 32a stores the coordinates of the second limit position LM2, and during recording, it restricts (specifically stops) the movement of the carriage 25 so that it does not exceed the second limit position LM2. With this configuration, even if the recording medium PM is tilted, contact between the carriage 25 and the abutment member 30 during scanning can be suppressed. Furthermore, the execution of preheating during each scan is appropriately controlled in accordance with this carriage 25 movement control.

[0071] In this embodiment, the description assumed that a second limit position LM2 is provided to suppress contact between the carriage 25 and the abutment member 30. However, other limit positions different from the second limit position LM2 may be provided to suppress contact between the carriage 25 and other members.

[0072] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing how to determine preheating and the inversion position of the carriage 25 (see Figure 2, etc.) in each recording scan of this embodiment. The symbol "S" in Figure 9 represents a step. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed by the MPU 31 loading the program code stored in ROM 32a into RAM 32b (see Figure 4) and executing it. This flowchart is started in each recording scan when the detection unit 27 detects the edge of the recording medium PM (see Figure 2, etc.).

[0073] In S901, the MPU31 acquires the position of the edge in the width direction (X direction) of the recording medium PM detected by the detection unit 27 (see Figure 3, etc.).

[0074] In S902, the MPU 31 obtains the inversion position of the carriage 25 when switching from the current scan to the next scan. The inversion position of the carriage 25 is derived using the position of the edge in the width direction of the recording medium PM detected by the detection unit 27. The inversion position must be such that the nozzle row 300 on the upstream side of the recording head in the scanning direction moves a predetermined distance further in the scanning direction from the edge of the image, and this predetermined distance varies depending on the recording conditions (recording mode). Therefore, the MPU 31 derives the inversion position based on the edge position detected in S901 and the recording conditions (recording mode).

[0075] However, if the edge position detected in the previous S901 cannot be immediately used due to processing speed or other reasons, the edge position information detected in a prior scan may be applied. In this case, the average value may be derived using the edge positions detected in multiple prior scans. This method can suppress abrupt changes in control and reduce distortion at the edges of the image.

[0076] In S903, the MPU31 obtains the position of the second limit position LM2 (see Figures 8(a) and 8(b)). Specifically, it refers to the ROM32a and obtains the coordinates of the second limit position LM2 corresponding to the recording conditions (recording mode).

[0077] In S904, the MPU31 acquires the ink temperature. Specifically, it acquires the current reading from the temperature sensor 53 (Figure 5).

[0078] In S905, the MPU31 determines whether the inversion position of the carriage 25, derived in S902, is outside the second limit position LM2. If the inversion position of the carriage 25 is outside the second limit position LM2 (YES in S905), the MPU31 executes the process in S906. If the inversion position of the carriage 25 is inside the second limit position LM2 (NO in S905), the MPU31 executes the process in S910.

[0079] In S906, the MPU31 changes the inversion position of the carriage 25 from the position obtained in S902 to the second limit position LM2.

[0080] In S907, the MPU31 determines whether the ink temperature obtained in S904 is below a predetermined value. If the ink temperature is below the predetermined value (YES in S907), the MPU31 executes the process in S908. If the ink temperature exceeds the predetermined value (NO in S907), the MPU31 executes the process in S911.

[0081] In S908, the MPU31 determines whether the distance required for preheating is longer than the distance from the second limit position LM2 to the recording start position. If the distance required for preheating is longer than the distance from the second limit position LM2 to the recording start position (YES in S908), the MPU31 executes the process in S909. If the distance required for preheating is less than or equal to the distance from the second limit position LM2 to the recording start position (NO in S908), the MPU31 executes the process in S912.

[0082] In S909, the MPU31 decides to perform preheating while the carriage 25 is stopped.

[0083] If, in S905, the MPU 31 determines that the inversion position of the carriage 25 is inside the second limit position LM2, then in S910, the MPU 31 decides to preheat the carriage 25 while it is accelerating.

[0084] If, in S907, it is determined that the ink temperature is below a predetermined value, then in S911, the MPU31 decides not to perform preheating.

[0085] In S908, if it is determined that the distance required for preheating is less than or equal to the distance from the second limit position LM2 to the recording start position, in S912, the MPU 31 decides to perform preheating while the carriage 25 is accelerating.

[0086] For example, if this process is completed after processing in S909, the carriage 25 stops at the second limit position according to the setting in S906, and preheating is performed while the carriage 25 is stopped according to the setting in S909. After that, the carriage 25 starts scanning with a changed scanning direction.

[0087] Furthermore, if this process is completed after the processing in S910, the carriage 25 reverses at the reversal position acquired in S902 and starts the next scan, and preheating is performed during acceleration.

[0088] Furthermore, if this process is completed after processing in S911, the carriage 25 will invert at the second limit position according to the setting in S906 and start the next scan, and no preheating will be performed.

[0089] Furthermore, if this process is completed after processing in S912, the carriage 25 reverses at the second limit position according to the setting in S906 and starts the next scan, and preheating is performed during acceleration.

[0090] The above describes the processing flow for determining the inversion position of carriage 25 and deciding whether or not to perform preheating.

[0091] Figure 10 shows the preheating timing applicable to this embodiment. In Figure 10, the explanation assumes that the process in S912 (see Figure 9) has been performed.

[0092] As shown in Figure 10, during the forward scan, the carriage 25 (see Figure 2, etc.) decelerates as it approaches the end of the recording area. Then, at the moment when the forward scan and reverse scan switch (i.e., at the reversal position), the carriage 25 temporarily stops. After that, during the reverse scan, the carriage 25 accelerates and, after entering the recording area, continues the reverse scan while maintaining a constant speed.

[0093] In this embodiment, preheating is performed from the start of the rescan until the carriage 25 reaches the recording area of ​​the rescan. That is, preheating is performed while the carriage 25 is accelerating. The same process is followed when switching from the rescan to the forward scan.

[0094] As described above, according to the recording device 1 of this embodiment (see Figure 1, etc.), if preheating is required at the start of the recording scan and the necessary acceleration distance for preheating is secured, preheating is performed while the carriage 25 is accelerating. On the other hand, if preheating is required but the necessary acceleration distance for preheating is not secured, preheating is performed while the carriage is stopped. For example, after the completion of the forward scan and before the start of the reverse scan, preheating is performed with the carriage 25 stopped.

[0095] With this configuration, if preheating is required, it is performed during carriage acceleration as a general rule. On the other hand, preheating is performed while the carriage is stopped only when the distance required for preheating cannot be secured. Therefore, the time spent stopping the carriage for preheating can be minimized, and the decrease in overall throughput during recording can be suppressed.

[0096] Therefore, according to the recording device 1 of this embodiment, preheating can be performed efficiently.

[0097] Furthermore, in the recording device 1 of this embodiment, if the carriage inversion position is outside the second limit position, the carriage inversion position for the next scan is changed to the second limit position. With this configuration, even if some abnormality occurs during scanning (for example, the recording medium PM becomes skewed), the carriage inversion position is changed for the next scan so that clearance between the carriage and the abutment member is ensured.

[0098] Therefore, the risk of the carriage coming into contact with the abutment member can be reduced.

[0099] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the technology of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The objective of this embodiment is to provide a recording device 1 (see Figure 1, etc.) that can perform preheating more efficiently. In the following description, components that are the same as or corresponding to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted, and the differences will be described mainly.

[0100] In the first embodiment, preheating was performed while the carriage was accelerating, but the timing for performing preheating is not limited to when the carriage is accelerating. Preheating may also be performed while the carriage is decelerating.

[0101] Figure 11 shows the preheating timing that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0102] As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, preheating is performed from the time the recording of the forward scan is completed until the time the recording of the reverse scan is started. That is, preheating is performed during the deceleration of the carriage and during the acceleration of the carriage during the reverse scan. With this configuration, since preheating is started during the deceleration of the carriage during the forward scan, the distance required for preheating the carriage during the acceleration of the reverse scan can be reduced compared to the first embodiment. The same process is followed when switching from the reverse scan to the forward scan.

[0103] Therefore, the frequency of stopping the carriage for preheating can be reduced compared to the first embodiment, further increasing throughput. In addition, the carriage scanning area from the position where the carriage 25 is inverted to the edge of the image can be reduced compared to the first embodiment, making it possible to further miniaturize the device size.

[0104] In this embodiment as well, the flowchart in Figure 9 can be applied. In this case, for example, the MPU 31 may decide in S909 to perform preheating during deceleration and acceleration as shown in Figure 11, rather than stopping the carriage. Then, in S910 and S912, it may decide to perform preheating during acceleration as shown in Figure 10.

[0105] Therefore, according to the recording device 1 of this embodiment, preheating can be performed more efficiently. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the recording device 1.

[0106] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the technology of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The objective of this embodiment is to provide a recording device 1 (see Figure 1, etc.) that can perform preheating even when the distance over which preheating can be performed is relatively short. In the following description, components that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted, and the differences will be described mainly.

[0107] Figure 12 shows the change in acceleration of the carriage 25 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0108] As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, both preheating and recording operations are performed during the acceleration of the carriage 25 (see Figure 2, etc.). However, the acceleration during preheating and the acceleration during recording are made different. Specifically, the acceleration during preheating (slope of carriage velocity) is made smaller than the acceleration during recording (slope of carriage velocity).

[0109] This is to reduce the distance the carriage 25 travels during preheating. With this configuration, even in a relatively small recording device, if the distance between the edge of the recording medium PM (see Figure 2, etc.) and the limit position where the carriage 25 can move is short, the carriage 25 will travel that distance at a relatively slow speed. Therefore, the time required for preheating can be secured. For example, even if there is relatively little margin in the width direction of the recording medium PM, preheating can be performed by keeping the acceleration of the carriage 25 relatively small.

[0110] In this embodiment as well, the flowchart in Figure 9 can be applied. In this case, for example, if it is decided to perform preheating during acceleration in S910 or S912, the carriage will be accelerated in the state shown in Figure 12.

[0111] In this embodiment, the acceleration during preheating is constant, but the acceleration can be changed during preheating as long as the necessary preheating time can be secured and it does not affect the size of the recording device 1. The same applies to the first embodiment.

[0112] As described above, the recording device 1 of this embodiment allows preheating to be performed even when the distance over which preheating can be performed is relatively short. Furthermore, with the configuration of this embodiment, throughput does not decrease compared to when preheating is performed with the carriage 25 stopped.

[0113] [Other embodiments] The order of the processes shown in Figure 9 may be rearranged as appropriate, or the processes may be performed simultaneously.

[0114] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the inversion position of the carriage 25 was outside the second limit position, the inversion position of the carriage 25 was uniformly changed to the second limit position. However, the inversion position of the carriage 25 may be changed to a position other than the second limit position if it is possible to avoid the carriage 25 contacting the abutment member and the timing of ending preheating is in time for the start of recording.

[0115] This disclosure includes the following configuration and method:

[0116] [Configuration 1] A recording head that records an image onto a recording medium by ejecting a liquid, A carriage equipped with the aforementioned recording head and which performs reciprocating scanning along the scanning direction, A heating unit capable of selectively performing a discharge operation to discharge liquid from the recording head by heating a heating element provided on the recording head, and a heating operation to heat the heating element in order to warm the liquid contained in the recording head. A control unit that controls the movement of the carriage and the heating unit, Equipped with, The control unit, If the distance from the reversal position where the scanning direction of the carriage switches to the position where the recording head starts to eject in the next scan is longer than a predetermined distance, the heating unit is made to perform the heating operation while the carriage is accelerating in the next scan. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0117] [Configuration 2] The control unit, If the distance from the reversal position where the scanning direction of the carriage switches to the position where the recording head starts to eject in the next scan is less than or equal to the predetermined distance, the heating unit is made to perform the heating operation while the carriage is stopped before the next scan. The recording device described in Configuration 1.

[0118] [Configuration 3] The recording head further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the liquid contained within it. The control unit, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature, will not allow the heating unit to perform the heating operation in the next scan. A recording device as described in configuration 1 or 2.

[0119] [Structure 4] The system further includes a detection unit that moves together with the carriage and detects the edge of the recording medium in the scanning direction, The control unit derives the inversion position based on the position of the edge of the recording medium detected by the detection unit. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 3 of the configuration.

[0120] [Composition 5] The control unit changes the inversion position to the limit position if the inversion position is located outside the scanning direction of a predetermined limit position in the movement of the carriage. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 4 of the configuration.

[0121] [Composition 6] The control unit causes the heating unit to perform the heating operation during the deceleration of the carriage in the current scan and during the acceleration of the carriage in the next scan. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 5 of the configuration.

[0122] [Composition 7] The control unit, during the acceleration of the carriage for the next scan, causes the heating unit to perform the heating operation before starting the discharge operation. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 6 of the configuration.

[0123] [Structure 8] The acceleration of the carriage during the heating operation is different from the acceleration of the carriage during the discharge operation. The recording device described in Configuration 7.

[0124] [Composition 9] The acceleration of the carriage during the heating operation is less than the acceleration of the carriage during the discharge operation. The recording device described in configuration 8.

[0125] [Method 10] A recording head that records an image onto a recording medium by ejecting a liquid, A carriage equipped with the aforementioned recording head and which performs reciprocating scanning along the scanning direction, A heating unit capable of selectively performing a discharge operation to discharge liquid from the recording head by heating a heating element provided on the recording head, and a heating operation to heat the heating element in order to warm the liquid contained in the recording head. A control method for a recording device comprising, If the distance from the reversal position where the scanning direction of the carriage switches to the position where the recording head starts to eject in the next scan is longer than a predetermined distance, the heating operation is performed while the carriage is accelerating in the next scan. A control method characterized by the following:

[0126] [Method 11] If the distance from the reversal position where the scanning direction of the carriage switches to the position where the recording head starts to eject in the next scan is less than or equal to the predetermined distance, the heating operation is performed while the carriage is stopped before the next scan. The control method described in Method 10.

[0127] [Method 12] The recording device further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the liquid contained in the recording head. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature, the heating operation will not be performed in the next scan. The control method described in method 10 or 11.

[0128] [Method 13] The recording device further includes a detection unit that moves together with the carriage and detects the edge of the recording medium in the scanning direction, Based on the position of the edge of the recording medium detected by the detection unit, the inversion position is derived. A control method according to any one of methods 10 to 12.

[0129] [Method 14] If the inversion position is located outside the scanning direction of a predetermined limit position in the movement of the carriage, the inversion position is changed to the limit position. A control method as described in any one of methods 10 to 13.

[0130] [Method 15] The heating operation is performed during the deceleration of the carriage in the current scan and during the acceleration of the carriage in the next scan. A control method as described in any one of methods 10 to 14.

[0131] [Method 16] During the acceleration of the carriage in the next scan, the discharge operation is started after the heating operation is performed. A control method as described in any one of methods 10 to 15.

[0132] [Method 17] The acceleration of the carriage during the heating operation is different from the acceleration of the carriage during the discharge operation. The control method described in Method 16.

[0133] [Method 18] The acceleration of the carriage during the heating operation is less than the acceleration of the carriage during the discharge operation. The control method described in Method 17.

[0134] [Method 19] A program for causing one or more processors in a computer to perform the control method described in any one of methods 10 to 18.

Claims

1. A recording head that records an image onto a recording medium by ejecting a liquid, A carriage equipped with the aforementioned recording head and which reciprocates along the scanning direction, A heating unit capable of selectively performing a discharge operation to discharge liquid from the recording head by heating a heating element provided on the recording head, and a heating operation to heat the heating element in order to warm the liquid contained in the recording head. A control unit that controls the movement of the carriage and the heating unit, Equipped with, The control unit, If the distance from the reversal position where the scanning direction of the carriage switches to the position where the recording head starts to eject in the next scan is longer than a predetermined distance, the heating unit is made to perform the heating operation while the carriage is accelerating in the next scan. A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit, If the distance from the reversal position where the scanning direction of the carriage switches to the position where the recording head starts to eject in the next scan is less than or equal to the predetermined distance, the heating unit is made to perform the heating operation while the carriage is stopped before the next scan. The recording device according to claim 1.

3. The recording head further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the liquid contained within it. The control unit, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature, will not allow the heating unit to perform the heating operation in the next scan. The recording device according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a detection unit that moves together with the carriage and detects the edge of the recording medium in the scanning direction, The control unit derives the inversion position based on the position of the edge of the recording medium detected by the detection unit. The recording device according to claim 1.

5. The control unit changes the inversion position to the limit position if the inversion position is located outside the scanning direction of a predetermined limit position in the movement of the carriage. The recording device according to claim 1.

6. The control unit causes the heating unit to perform the heating operation during the deceleration of the carriage in the current scan and during the acceleration of the carriage in the next scan. The recording device according to claim 1.

7. The control unit, during the acceleration of the carriage for the next scan, causes the heating unit to perform the heating operation before starting the discharge operation. The recording device according to claim 1.

8. The acceleration of the carriage during the heating operation is different from the acceleration of the carriage during the discharge operation. The recording device according to claim 7.

9. The acceleration of the carriage during the heating operation is less than the acceleration of the carriage during the discharge operation. The recording device according to claim 8.

10. A recording head that records an image onto a recording medium by ejecting a liquid, A carriage equipped with the aforementioned recording head and which reciprocates along the scanning direction, A heating unit capable of selectively performing a discharge operation to discharge liquid from the recording head by heating a heating element provided on the recording head, and a heating operation to heat the heating element in order to warm the liquid contained in the recording head. A control method for a recording device comprising, If the distance from the reversal position where the scanning direction of the carriage switches to the position where the recording head starts to eject in the next scan is longer than a predetermined distance, the heating operation is performed while the carriage is accelerating in the next scan. A control method characterized by the following:

11. If the distance from the reversal position where the scanning direction of the carriage switches to the position where the recording head starts to eject in the next scan is less than or equal to the predetermined distance, the heating operation is performed while the carriage is stopped before the next scan. The control method according to claim 10.

12. The recording device further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the liquid contained in the recording head. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature, the heating operation will not be performed in the next scan. The control method according to claim 10.

13. The recording device further includes a detection unit that moves together with the carriage and detects the edge of the recording medium in the scanning direction, Based on the position of the edge of the recording medium detected by the detection unit, the inversion position is derived. The control method according to claim 10.

14. If the inversion position is located outside the scanning direction of a predetermined limit position in the movement of the carriage, the inversion position is changed to the limit position. The control method according to claim 10.

15. The heating operation is performed during the deceleration of the carriage in the current scan and during the acceleration of the carriage in the next scan. The control method according to claim 10.

16. During the acceleration of the carriage in the next scan, the discharge operation is started after the heating operation is performed. The control method according to claim 10.

17. The acceleration of the carriage during the heating operation is different from the acceleration of the carriage during the discharge operation. The control method according to claim 16.

18. The acceleration of the carriage during the heating operation is less than the acceleration of the carriage during the discharge operation. The control method according to claim 17.

19. A program for causing one or more processors in a computer to execute the control method described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

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