Recording device, control method, and program

Abstract

In a recording device that fixes an image onto a recording medium by heat treatment, the effect of heating during fixing on the recording medium is suppressed. [Solution] The recording device of the present invention includes: recording means for recording an image on a recording medium; transport means for transporting the recording medium in a first direction; fixing means for fixing the image recorded on the recording medium by heating the recording medium; measuring means for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium in the first direction before and after the heating treatment by the fixing means at a plurality of locations in a second direction which intersects the first direction; and heating control means for changing the temperature in the heating treatment according to the measurement results by the measuring means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that fixes an image on a recording medium by performing heat treatment.

Background Art

[0002] In a recording apparatus that records an image by applying ink or the like to a recording medium, there is one that fixes the image by heating the recording medium after recording the image. In such a heat treatment, the larger the amount of heat applied to the recording medium, the more the evaporation of the solvent contained in the ink, the melting of the resin, and the film formation are promoted, and the image tends to be fixed in a short time and reliably. However, depending on the heating temperature, the molecular structure of the recording medium may change, and the recording medium may expand and contract. Therefore, it is preferable that the amount of heat is adjusted to such an extent that suitable fixing can be obtained without causing expansion and contraction. Such a suitable amount of heat depends on the material of the recording medium. Further, even with the same material, the heat capacity also changes depending on the thickness and size of the recording medium.

[0003] Regarding the control of the heat treatment, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of measuring the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium in the width direction before and after heating, and determining the fixing temperature to be lower than the glass transition point at which the molecular structure of the recording medium changes by determining whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, some relatively large recording devices, such as those used in the sign display industry, have a structure in which multiple heaters are arranged in the width direction of the recording medium. In recording devices with such a structure, a slight temperature difference occurs between the center and the edges (heater-adjacent parts) of each heater, and a temperature difference also occurs in the recording medium being heated. Due to the effect of this temperature difference, local differences in the amount of expansion and contraction occur in the recording medium. After heating and fixing, the recording medium is wound up, but the aforementioned differences in the amount of expansion and contraction cause deformation (bumping, wrinkles) of the recording medium, leading to the problem of winding failure.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to suppress the effect of heating on a recording medium in a recording device that fixes an image on a recording medium by applying heat treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The recording device of the present invention includes recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, transport means for transporting the recording medium in a first direction, fixing means for fixing the image recorded on the recording medium by heating the recording medium, measuring means for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium in the first direction before and after the heating treatment by the fixing means at multiple locations in a second direction which intersects the first direction, and heating control means for changing the temperature in the heating treatment according to the measurement results from the measuring means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, in a recording device that fixes an image onto a recording medium by heat treatment, it is possible to suppress the effect of heating on the recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the recording device. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the carriage. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an optical sensor. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the fixing device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the spool member. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the configuration related to winding. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the recording device. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the recording device. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the heating control process in the present embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing another example of a pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing another example of a pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of the measured values and the amount of expansion and contraction before and after heating for each measurement location. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the state determination process. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen for setting a threshold value and an example of the threshold value. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen for setting a threshold value and an example of the threshold value. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen for setting a threshold value. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the fixing temperature change process. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention, and not all combinations of the features described in the present embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention.

[0011] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the recording apparatus 100. FIG. 1(a) shows the external appearance of the entire apparatus, and FIG. 1(b) shows a state in which the upper cover 110 of FIG. 1(a) is opened and the internal structure can be seen. In the present embodiment, as an example of the recording apparatus 100, an inkjet recording apparatus will be described. The recording apparatus 100 uses ink as a recording material and performs image recording by applying the ink onto the recording medium 105 by an inkjet recording method. The recording medium 105 is conveyed with the Y direction shown in FIG. 1 as the conveyance direction (first direction). The carriage 101 mounts the recording head 102 and reciprocates in the X direction intersecting the Y direction. The X direction is the width direction (second direction) of the recording medium 105. The recording apparatus 100 has a so-called serial type recording head that records an image on the recording medium 105 by discharging ink from the recording head 102 as the carriage 101 moves in the X direction. Note that the present invention is also applicable to an inkjet recording apparatus having a so-called line type recording head in which the ejection port array is configured to cover a recording width size in the X direction of the recording medium 105 or more. Further, the recording apparatus 100 may be an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral; multi-functional peripheral device) in which not only a recording function but also a scanning function, a FAX function, a transmission function, etc. are integrated. In the present embodiment, the control unit (such as a CPU) of the recording apparatus 100 executes the processes described later to realize the functions according to the present invention.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 100 includes a carriage 101, a recording head 102, a carriage belt 103, a guide shaft 104, a platen 106, a fixing device 108, an input / output unit 109, an upper cover 110, an ink tank 111, a spool member 112, a take-up roll driving device 113, and the like.

[0013] The input / output unit 109 is an operation panel that integrates a display and a touch panel, and is located on the main body of the recording device 100. The display of the input / output unit 109 shows information related to the status and settings of the recording device 100, such as the ink level and the types of recording media 105 available. By operating the operation panel, the user can select the type of recording media 105 and make various settings related to image recording and fixing.

[0014] The carriage 101 is configured to reciprocate along the guide shaft 104 in the X direction via the carriage belt 103, driven by the carriage motor.

[0015] The recording head 102 is positioned so that its nozzle surface, which has multiple nozzles capable of ejecting ink supplied from the ink tank 111, faces the recording medium 105. Each nozzle of the recording head 102 is equipped with a recording element that generates ejection energy for ejecting ink. The recording head 102 moves back and forth in the X direction together with the carriage 101, and during this movement, it ejects ink according to the recording signal and drive pulse output from the CPU 701 and records to the recording medium 105.

[0016] The recording medium 105 is transported on the platen 106 in the Y direction by transport rollers (not shown). The Y direction intersects with the X direction, which is the direction of movement of the carriage 101, and in the example of Figure 1, it is perpendicular to the X direction. In the following explanation, the Y direction will also be referred to as the transport direction of the recording medium 105. In the Y direction, the paper feed side of the platen 106 is considered the upstream side, and the paper discharge side (winding roll drive device 113 side) is considered the downstream side, with transport from upstream to downstream being called forward transport and transport from downstream to upstream being called reverse transport. The recording operation is performed by the carriage 101 scanning the recording medium 105, which has been transported on the platen 106 by the transport rollers, in the X direction, and ejecting ink from the recording head 102. In the following explanation, the position in the Y direction on the recording medium 105 where the recording operation is performed will be referred to as the recording position. When the carriage 101 moves to the edge of the recording area on the recording medium 105, the transport rollers transport the recording medium 105 by a certain amount, moving the area where the next recording operation will be performed to the scanning position (recording position) of the recording head 102. By repeating the above operations, the image is recorded.

[0017] In this embodiment, the ink used for recording is an ink containing resin particles. When heat is applied to the ink, the water evaporates, the resin particles melt and mix with the pigment, forming a film on the surface of the recording medium 105, which then hardens. A recording medium 105 used in an inkjet recording device using a typical water-based ink requires an ink-receiving layer to catch the ink and suppress bleeding. However, the recording device using the above-mentioned ink can record even on a recording medium 105 that does not have an ink-receiving layer.

[0018] After the image is recorded, the recording medium 105 is transported to the fuser 108. The fuser 108 is positioned downstream of the recording position in the transport direction (Y direction) of the recording medium 105. The fuser 108 hardens the ink by applying heat to the recording medium 105 and discharges the recording medium 105 in a state where the ink has been fixed on it (finished state). The recording medium 105 discharged from the fuser 108 is wound onto a winding spool (spool member 112). The winding spool is driven by a winding roll drive device 113, and the recording medium 105 is wound into a roll.

[0019] Here, we will briefly explain the recording medium 105. In the manufacturing process of polymer films that serve as recording media 105 used in industries such as the sign display industry, a process called stretching is generally performed, in which the film is stretched in a certain direction. At this time, the molecules of the film align in a certain direction, causing a characteristic crystallization called orientation crystallization, and a unique structure called a fibrous structure is formed. Such a fibrous structure has a low entropy state at room temperature, but when the temperature exceeds a temperature called the glass transition point, the entropy increases and the amorphous molecules become able to move. As a result, shrinkage due to entropy elasticity (rubber elasticity) occurs, leading to deformation and changes in the rigidity of the film. Therefore, when heat treatment is performed by the fuser 108, expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105 is caused. In this embodiment, a continuous sheet that is continuous in the transport direction is used as the recording medium 105. After the image is recorded and fixed, the continuous sheet is wound into a roll.

[0020] <Carriage configuration> Figure 2 shows the configuration of the carriage 101. The carriage 101 is a unit having a head holder 202 and capable of scanning the recording medium 105 in the width direction, i.e., in the X direction, which is the carriage movement direction. The head holder 202 is a member that holds the recording head 102 and the optical sensor 201. As shown in Figure 2, the optical sensor 201 is positioned at the forward or reverse side end of the recording head 102. The optical sensor 201 may also be provided at the forward and reverse side ends of the recording head 102, respectively. The position of the bottom surface of the optical sensor 201 in the height direction (Z direction) is positioned at the same position as or higher than the bottom surface of the recording head 102 so as not to come into contact with the recording medium 105 when the carriage moves.

[0021] <Optical sensor configuration> Figure 3 is a schematic YZ cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical sensor 201. The optical sensor 201 is a so-called reflective sensor and has a first LED 301, a second LED 302, a third LED 303, a first photodiode 304, a second photodiode 305, and a third photodiode 306 as optical elements. In this embodiment, the first LED 301 and the first photodiode 304 are used to measure the pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction, which will be described later, so the other explanations are omitted. The first LED 301 is a light source having an irradiation angle of normal (90°) to the surface (measurement surface) of the recording medium 105. The first photodiode 304 receives the reflected light irradiated from the first LED 301 and reflected on the recording medium 105 at an angle of 45° with respect to the Z direction. In other words, the optical sensor 201 forms an optical system that detects the so-called diffuse reflection component of the reflected light from the recording medium 105. While the angle of reflected light is not limited to 45°, 45° is preferable considering robustness against head height fluctuations. The optical sensor 201 outputs characteristic values ​​of the received reflected light to the CPU 701. Based on the characteristic values ​​of the reflected light output from the optical sensor 201, the CPU 701 detects the position of the image recorded on the recording medium 105.

[0022] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the optical sensor 201 is installed on the carriage 101, but other configurations are also possible. The optical sensor 201 may be fixedly installed on the recording device 100, for example, or it may be installed downstream of the fuser 108. Alternatively, a measuring instrument separate from the recording device 100 may be used, and the characteristic values ​​of the reflected light measured by the measuring instrument may be transmitted to the recording device 100. The measuring instrument measures characteristic values ​​such as diffuse reflection and specular reflection of light irradiated onto the recording medium 105.

[0023] <Fuser Unit Configuration> Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the fuser unit 108. Figure 4(a) is a schematic YZ cross-sectional diagram showing the internal configuration of the fuser unit 108.

[0024] The fuser unit 108 has a blower fan 402, a heater 403, and a temperature sensor 404 inside a chamber 401. The blower fan 402 is an axial-flow type blower fan that takes in outside air and blows it into the chamber 401. The heater 403 heats the air from the blower fan 402 to make warm air. Multiple openings are provided on the surface of the chamber 401 facing the recording medium 105, and warm air is sent to the recording medium 105 from these openings, contributing to ink fixing. The fixing temperature by the heater 403, that is, the heating temperature by the heater 403, can be changed by the control of the CPU 701, and a fixing temperature suitable for the target recording medium 105 is determined by a process described later. The heater 403 has a temperature sensor 404, and stable heater temperature control is possible by temperature feedback from the temperature sensor 404. Note that the change in the above fixing temperature can also be determined by the change in the surface temperature of the recording medium. To measure the surface temperature of the recording medium, a temperature sensor can be provided near the recording medium. In this embodiment, a non-contact type ink fixer is illustrated, which uses a blower fan 402 and a heater 403 to blow warm air onto the recording medium 105. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and contact type heaters or radiant heaters may also be used.

[0025] Figure 4(b) is an XY plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the fuser 108 and the recording medium 105. The figure schematically shows the inside of the fuser 108. As shown in Figure 4(b), the fuser 108 has a plurality of heater units 410a, 410b, 410c, and 410d arranged in the width direction (X direction) of the recording medium 105. In the following description, if the heater units 410a, 410b, 410c, and 410d are not distinguished, they will be denoted by the reference numeral 410. Each heater unit 410 has a chamber 401, a blower fan 402, a heater 403, and a temperature sensor 404, similar to Figure 4(a). The heater 403 is located in the center of each heater unit 410 in the X direction.

[0026] The recording medium 105 is transported in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction. When the recording medium 105 is subjected to heat treatment using a fuser 108 having multiple heater units 410, the temperature on the recording medium 105 increases the closer it is to the heater 403, which is the heating element. As a result, a temperature difference occurs between the region on the recording medium 105 located directly below the center of each heater unit 410 (heater center) and the region on the recording medium 105 located directly below the end of each heater unit 410. Due to this temperature difference, the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105 before and after heating differs in each region in the X direction. Specifically, the amount of expansion and contraction in the region directly below the heater center is greater than that in the region directly below the heater end. In other words, a difference in the amount of expansion and contraction occurs in the width direction (X direction) of the recording medium 105.

[0027] Although the fuser 108 in Figure 4(b) is configured to have four heater units 410, the number of heater units 410 is not limited to four and can be any number.

[0028] <Spool component configuration> Figure 5 shows the configuration of a spool member 112 attached to a winding roll drive device 113. The spool member 112 includes a spool shaft 501, a friction member 502, a reference-side spool flange 503, a non-reference-side spool flange 504, and a spool gear 505. A reference-side spool flange 503 is provided at one end of the spool shaft 501, and a spool gear 505 for rotating the spool shaft 501 is attached to the other end. Friction members 502 are provided at both the reference-side spool flange 503 and the non-reference-side spool flange 504. The paper tube 506 is a member for attaching the front end of a recording medium 105 on which an image is recorded.

[0029] When setting the paper tube 506 onto the spool member 112, first, the non-reference side spool flange 504 fitted onto the spool shaft 501 is removed, and then the spool shaft 501 is inserted into the hollow hole of the paper tube 506. The outer diameter of the spool shaft 501 is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow hole of the paper tube 506. As a result, even when the spool shaft 501 is inserted into the hollow hole of the paper tube 506, a gap is formed between the spool shaft 501 and the paper tube 506, allowing the user to insert the spool shaft 501 into the hollow hole of the paper tube 506 with minimal force. When the spool shaft 501 is inserted into the hollow hole of the paper tube 506, the bottom right side of the paper tube 506 in Figure 5 comes into contact with the reference side spool flange 503. At this time, the friction member 502 provided on the reference side spool flange 503 is fitted into the hollow hole of the paper tube 506. As a result, the friction member 502 and the paper tube 506 come into contact, eliminating the gap formed between the spool shaft 501 and the paper tube 506, thus fixing the spool shaft 501 and the paper tube 506 in place. Subsequently, the non-reference side spool flange 504 is passed over the spool shaft 501, and the friction member 502 on the inside of the non-reference side spool flange 504 is fitted into the hollow hole of the paper tube 506. This fixes the paper tube 506 between the reference side spool flange 503 and the non-reference side spool flange 504, preventing the paper tube 506 from moving left or right on the spool shaft 501.

[0030] Furthermore, when attaching the recording medium 105 to a spool member for paper feeding of the roll-shaped recording medium 105, the above process can be performed using the recording medium 105 instead of the paper core 506.

[0031] <Configuration related to the supply and winding of recording media> Figure 6 shows the configuration for supply and winding. A roll of continuous sheet paper set in the paper feed roll drive device 601 is supplied so as to pass between the carriage 101 and the platen 106. The recording medium 105 on which an image has been recorded by the recording device 100 is wound up by a spool member 112 set in the winding roll drive device 113. There are two winding methods: an inward winding method and an outward winding method. These methods will be described below. In this embodiment, the recording medium 105 is wound up on a paper tube 506 attached to the spool member 112, but for example, the paper tube 506 may be directly attached to the winding roll drive device 113 without using the spool member 112.

[0032] Figure 6(a) shows the state in which the recording device 100 is winding the recording medium 105 onto the spool member 112 using the inward winding method. The inward winding method refers to a method in which the recording medium 105 is transported with the roll-shaped recording medium 105 set on the paper feed roll drive device 601, and the winding roll drive device 113 winds the recording medium 105 so that the side on which the image is recorded faces inward. In other words, the inward winding method refers to a method in which the recording medium 105 is wound so that the side on which the image is recorded on the recording medium 105 is in contact with the paper core 506. Figure 6(b) shows the state in which the recording device 100 is winding the recording medium 105 using the outward winding method. The outward winding method refers to a method in which the recording medium 105 is transported with the roll-shaped recording medium 105 set on the paper feed roll drive device 601, and the winding roll drive device 113 winds the recording medium 105 so that the side on which the image is recorded faces outward. In other words, the outward winding method refers to a method of winding the recording medium 105 so that the side of the recording medium 105 that does not have an image recorded on it is in contact with the paper tube 506.

[0033] In the example shown in the figure, the configuration of the paper feed roll drive device 601 is the same as that of the take-up roll drive device 113. However, the configuration for supplying the recording medium 105 is not limited to this; any configuration that transports the recording medium 105 to the recording position and then winds it up by the take-up roll drive device 113 after passing through the fuser 108 is acceptable.

[0034] When an image is recorded on the recording medium 105 and it is ejected from the fuser 108, the recording medium 105 hangs down due to its own weight. In order for the user to wind the hanging recording medium 105 onto the take-up roll drive unit 113, the user needs to fix the recording medium 105 to the paper tube 506 attached to the spool member 112 set in the take-up roll drive unit 113. Therefore, the user fixes the recording medium 105 to the paper tube 506 attached to the spool member 112 set in the take-up roll drive unit 113 using an adhesive material such as tape. At this time, the user can ensure that the recording medium 105 is wound up without distortion by fixing it so that the leading edge of the recording medium 105 is parallel to the axis of the paper tube 506.

[0035] However, as mentioned above, if the fuser 108 has a configuration in which multiple heater units 410 are arranged in parallel in the X direction, local differences in the amount of expansion and contraction occur in the width direction of the recording medium 105. Although the amount of winding rotation by the winding roll drive device 113 when winding the recording medium 105 is uniform in the X direction, the actual length of the recording medium 105 that is wound (winding amount) differs in each place where differences in the amount of expansion and contraction occur. For example, when the winding roll drive device 113 winds and rotates the recording medium 105 by 1.0 m, if there is a difference in the amount of expansion and contraction of 0.1%, the actual winding amount will differ by 1.0 mm between the place where the expansion and contraction is large and the place where the expansion and contraction is small, but it will be wound as is. If winding of the recording medium 105 continues in this state where differences in the amount of expansion and contraction occur, local deviations in the amount of winding will accumulate, causing deformation (bumps and wrinkles) of the recording medium 105 and resulting in a winding failure.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control unit of the recording device 100 performs heating control to suppress expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105 caused by the heating treatment by the fuser 108, and to suppress winding defects caused by local differences in the amount of expansion and contraction in the width direction of the recording medium 105.

[0037] <Control configuration of the recording device> Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the recording device 100. The recording device 100 includes a CPU 701, ROM 702, RAM 703, EEPROM 704, input / output control circuit 705, LED control circuit 707, A / D conversion circuit 708, image processing circuit 709, I / F circuit 710, timer 718, and various control circuits. The control circuits also include a recording head control circuit 711, an LF (line feed) motor drive circuit 712, a CR (carriage) motor drive circuit 714, a fan drive circuit 716, a heater drive circuit 717, and a winding roll drive circuit 719. In the configuration shown in Figure 7, there is one CPU 701, but multiple CPUs may be provided. In addition to the CPU 701, there may be a dedicated processor for performing specific processing.

[0038] The CPU 701 calls various programs stored in the EEPROM 704 or ROM 702 into the work area of ​​the RAM 703 and executes them. The CPU 701 executes processes to control the operation of each part of the recording device 100 based on the various programs. The ROM 702 is a non-volatile memory and stores, for example, a control program for controlling the recording device 100 and a program for realizing the functions of this embodiment. The functions of this embodiment are realized, for example, by the CPU 701 reading a program stored in the ROM 702 or EEPROM 704 into the RAM 703 and executing it. The RAM 703 is also used as the working memory of the CPU 701. The EEPROM 704 stores data that should be retained even when the power to the recording device 100 is turned off. At least the CPU 701 and the ROM 702 or EEPROM 704 realize the function of measuring the expansion and contraction amount of the recording medium 105, which will be described later, and the function related to heating control. Furthermore, the EEPROM 704 stores predetermined characteristic values ​​for each recording medium 105, fixing conditions (heater temperature, heating time, etc.), and thresholds referenced in the processing described later. The data such as characteristic values ​​for each recording medium 105, fixing conditions, and thresholds may be stored not in the storage medium within the recording device 100, but in ROM or HDD (hard disk drive) of a host computer connected to the recording device 100, or in external storage such as a server.

[0039] The interface circuit (I / F circuit) 710 connects the recording device 100 to an external network such as a LAN. The recording device 100 uses the I / F circuit 710 to send and receive various jobs and data with an external information processing device such as a host computer.

[0040] The input / output unit 109 includes an input unit and an output unit. The input unit includes input devices such as a touch panel, hard keys, and a numeric keypad. The input / output unit 109 receives instructions from the user to power on, to execute recording, and to set various functions, and inputs the received instructions to the CPU 701 via the input / output control circuit 705. The output unit includes an LED display, an LCD display, and a display control circuit. It receives screen data output from the CPU 701 via the input / output control circuit 705 and displays a screen based on the screen data on the display. For example, various device information such as power saving mode and setting screens for various functions that the recording device 100 can execute are displayed. In this embodiment, the input / output unit 109 is an operation panel provided on the recording device 100, and the input / output unit 109 is connected to the system bus 722 via the input / output control circuit 705 so as to be able to send and receive data. In this embodiment, the CPU 701 controls the notification of information to the output unit. The input / output control circuit 705 controls the operation of the input / output unit 109 under the control of the CPU 701.

[0041] The input unit may be an input device of a host computer connected to the recording device 100, and may be capable of receiving user instructions from the host computer. The output unit may be a display connected to a host computer connected to the recording device 100. Furthermore, if the input / output unit 109 has a touch panel, it may be capable of receiving user instructions via software keys. In addition, the input / output unit 109 may include a speaker and a microphone, receive voice input from the user, and output notifications to the user by voice.

[0042] The LED control circuit 707 is connected to the optical sensor 201 and the roll rotation amount sensor 721, and controls the operation of the optical sensor 201 and the roll rotation amount sensor 721 according to instructions from the CPU 701. When measurement is performed using the optical sensor 201, the LED control circuit 707 is driven by the CPU 701 and controlled to light up a predetermined LED in the optical sensor 201. Each photodiode of the optical sensor 201 outputs a signal corresponding to the received light to the A / D conversion circuit 708. The A / D conversion circuit 708 converts the signals acquired from each photodiode of the optical sensor 201 into digital signals, outputs them to the RAM 703, and stores them temporarily. Data that should be saved even when the recording device 100 is powered off is stored in the EEPROM 704.

[0043] The recording head control circuit 711 supplies drive signals corresponding to the recording data to the nozzle drive circuit (recording element), which is mounted on the recording head 102 and includes selectors and switches, and controls the recording operation of the recording head 102, such as the driving order of the nozzles having discharge ports. For example, when data to be recorded is transmitted to the I / F circuit 710 from an external source, the data to be recorded is temporarily stored in the RAM 703. Then, the recording head control circuit 711 drives the recording head 102 based on the recording data converted from the data to be recorded. At that time, the LF motor drive circuit 712 drives the LF motor 713 based on the bandwidth of the recording data, etc., and transports the recording medium 105 in the Y direction by rotating the transport roller connected to the LF motor 713. The CR motor drive circuit 714 drives the CR motor 715 to scan the carriage 101 in the X direction via the carriage belt 103.

[0044] The data sent from the I / F circuit 710 includes not only the data to be recorded, but also data set by the printer driver. In addition, the data to be recorded may be received from an external host computer via the I / F circuit 710 and stored in a memory unit such as RAM 703 or EEPROM 704, or it may be pre-stored in a memory unit such as a hard disk (not shown). The CPU 701 reads the image data from the memory unit and controls the image processing circuit 709 to perform conversion (binarization) into recording data for driving the recording head 102.

[0045] The image processing circuit 709 performs various image processing operations, including binarization, color space conversion, HV conversion, gamma correction, and image rotation.

[0046] The fan drive circuit 716 controls the amount of air blown from the fan by controlling the rotation speed of the blower fan 402.

[0047] The heater drive circuit 717 acquires fixing temperature setting information output from the CPU 701 and temperature feedback information from the temperature sensor 404 located immediately next to the heater 403, and controls the temperature of the heater 403 based on the acquired information.

[0048] Timer 718 measures the heating time by the fuser unit 108.

[0049] The winding roll drive circuit 719 drives the winding drive motor 720 based on the winding control signal output from the CPU 701 to wind up the recording medium 105. Since the winding diameter of the recording medium 105 changes as it is wound up, the winding roll drive circuit 719 controls the torque of the winding drive to keep it constant according to the winding diameter. The winding drive motor 720 is a motor for driving the roll to rotate the paper tube 506 in the forward and reverse directions via the spool member 112.

[0050] The roll rotation amount sensor 721 is a sensor (rotation angle detection sensor) for detecting the amount of rotation of the spool member 112, that is, the recording medium 105 being wound up. For example, it is a rotary encoder that outputs a number of pulses corresponding to the amount of rotation.

[0051] <Functional Configuration> Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration related to the heating control of the fuser 108. In order to perform heating control according to the expansion and contraction amount of the recording medium 105, the recording device 100 of this embodiment has a measuring unit 801 and a heating control unit 803. These functional units are realized by the CPU 701 of the recording device 100 executing processing according to a program described later. The program is stored in ROM 702 or EEPROM 704.

[0052] The measurement unit 801 measures the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105 in the transport direction (Y direction) before and after the heating treatment of the recording medium 105 by the fuser unit 108 at multiple locations in the width direction (X direction) of the recording medium 105. As measurement results, the measurement unit 801 outputs to the heating control unit 803 the maximum value of the expansion and contraction amount of the recording medium 105 in the transport direction (Y direction) and the difference in the expansion and contraction amount of the recording medium 105 in the width direction (X direction). The maximum value of the expansion and contraction amount is the maximum absolute value of the expansion and contraction amount at the multiple locations measured. The difference in expansion and contraction amount is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the expansion and contraction amount at the multiple locations in the width direction (X direction) measured. In the following description, the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105 in the transport direction (Y direction) before and after the heating treatment will be simply referred to as the expansion and contraction amount. Also, the difference in the expansion and contraction amount of the recording medium 105 in the width direction (X direction) will be simply referred to as the expansion and contraction difference.

[0053] The measuring unit 801 records a pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction on the recording medium 105 and measures the amount of expansion and contraction by optically reading the recorded pattern. In this embodiment, the pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction has multiple pairs of first and second images spaced a predetermined distance apart in the Y direction in the X direction. Based on the positions of the first and second images on the recording medium 105 detected by the optical sensor 201 and the amount of transport of the recording medium 105, the measuring unit 801 measures the distance in the Y direction between the pair of first and second images at multiple locations in the X direction. The distance in the Y direction between the pair of first and second images is called the inter-pattern length. That is, the inter-pattern length is measured at multiple locations in the X direction.

[0054] In this embodiment, the measuring unit 801 measures the pattern interval length using a reflective optical sensor 201. Specifically, the optical sensor 201 detects the recording positions of the first and second images on the recording medium 105 in the X and Y directions, respectively. The position in the X direction is measured by an encoder that detects the carriage position. The position in the Y direction is measured by a roll rotation amount sensor 721 provided on the winding drive motor 720.

[0055] The amount of expansion and contraction is determined based on the difference between the pattern spacing before and after the heat treatment, as measured by the measuring unit 801. Details regarding the pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction will be described later. The amount of expansion and contraction is determined, for example, by the following equation (1).

[0056] dL = 100 × (Ln - L0) / L0 ... (1)

[0057] Here, dL is the amount of expansion / contraction (%), Ln is the pattern spacing after heating (mm), and L0 is the pattern spacing before heating (mm). In other words, the amount of expansion / contraction is determined as the percentage difference (%) between the pattern spacing before heating and the pattern spacing before heating. If the recording medium 105 shrinks after heating, the amount of expansion / contraction is a negative value; if the recording medium 105 expands after heating, the amount of expansion / contraction is a positive value. Generally, the recording medium 105 shrinks when heated, so the amount of expansion / contraction is a negative value. The amount of expansion / contraction is determined for each of the multiple positions where the pattern spacing is measured.

[0058] The difference in expansion / contraction amount is the difference between the maximum and minimum absolute values ​​of the expansion / contraction amount at multiple locations in the width direction (X direction) of the recording medium 105. The measuring unit 801 determines the difference in expansion / contraction amount based on the maximum and minimum absolute values ​​of the expansion / contraction amount. The difference in expansion / contraction amount is determined, for example, by the following equation (2).

[0059] Difference in expansion / contraction = |dLmax| - |dLmin| ... (2) Here, |dLmax| is the maximum absolute value of the stretching amount at multiple positions in the X direction, and |dLmin| is the minimum absolute value of the stretching amount at multiple positions in the X direction.

[0060] In this embodiment, the measuring unit 801 measures the inter-pattern length described above in at least two regions, including a region where the surface temperature of the recording medium 105 is higher than a predetermined temperature (first region) and a region where the surface temperature is lower than the first region (second region). Specifically, the first region is the region that includes the position closest to the heater 403 of at least one of the multiple heater units 410 arranged in parallel on the fuser 108. The second region is the region that includes the position closest to the X-direction end of at least one of the multiple heater units 410, or the widthwise end of the recording medium 105. More preferably, the measuring unit 801 designates the region where the surface temperature of the recording medium 105 is at its highest temperature as the first region, and the region where the surface temperature of the recording medium 105 is at its lowest temperature as the second region. Then, the measuring unit 801 measures the inter-pattern length described above in at least two regions, including the first and second regions, and measures the amount of expansion and contraction.

[0061] Furthermore, the position and number of areas for measuring the expansion and contraction amount may differ depending on the width of the recording medium 105.

[0062] The heating control unit 803 executes heating control processing based on the measurement results from the measurement unit 801. As part of the heating control processing, the heating control unit 803 executes a fixing temperature change process 804. In the fixing temperature change process 804, the heating control unit 803 changes the temperature of the heater of the fuser 108 according to the measurement results from the measurement unit 801. The heating control unit 803 also executes a notification process 805. In the notification process 805, the heating control unit 803 determines the expansion and contraction state of the recording medium 105 according to the measurement results from the measurement unit 801 and notifies the user.

[0063] The heating control unit 803 determines a state value P indicating the expansion and contraction state of the recording medium 105, based at least on the comparison result between the difference in expansion and contraction amount and the first threshold a. The first threshold a is a threshold (winding failure threshold) for determining the possibility of winding failure, and a value is predetermined according to the type of recording medium 105, the allowable expansion and contraction value, or the recording mode. The allowable expansion and contraction value will be described later. If the difference in expansion and contraction amount is greater than the first threshold a, it indicates that the local difference in expansion and contraction amount in the X direction of the recording medium 105 is large, and it is determined that there is a possibility of winding failure. If the difference in expansion and contraction amount is greater than the first threshold a, the heating control unit 803 changes the temperature in the heating process of the fuser 108 to be lowered. If the difference in expansion and contraction amount is less than or equal to the first threshold a, it is determined that the local difference in expansion and contraction amount is within the allowable range.

[0064] The heating control unit 803 may, in addition to comparing the difference in expansion / contraction amount with the first threshold a, further compare the maximum value of the expansion / contraction amount with the second threshold b, and determine the state value P based on the results of these comparisons. The second threshold b is the expansion / contraction tolerance value, which is a threshold for determining dimensional accuracy, and may be arbitrarily set by the user or predetermined by the type of recording medium 105. Alternatively, the expansion / contraction tolerance value may be predetermined according to the recording mode. If the maximum value of the expansion / contraction amount is greater than the second threshold b, it indicates that the expansion / contraction in the Y direction due to heating is large and may not meet the dimensional accuracy of the finished product. As described above, the heating control unit 803 changes the temperature in the heating process of the fuser 108 to be lowered if at least one of the following conditions is met: the difference in expansion / contraction amount is greater than the first threshold a, or the maximum value of the expansion / contraction amount is greater than the second threshold b. If the maximum value of the expansion / contraction amount is less than or equal to the second threshold b, it indicates that the expansion / contraction amount is within the allowable range.

[0065] In this embodiment, the heating control unit 803 classifies the expansion and contraction state before and after heating into the following four states. The first state is when the difference in expansion and contraction amount is greater than the winding failure threshold (first threshold a) and the maximum expansion and contraction amount is less than or equal to the allowable expansion and contraction value (second threshold b). In this case, the state value P = 1. The second state is when the difference in expansion and contraction amount is less than or equal to the winding failure threshold (first threshold a) and the maximum expansion and contraction amount is greater than the allowable expansion and contraction value (second threshold b). In this case, the state value P = 2. The third state is when the difference in expansion and contraction amount is greater than the winding failure threshold (first threshold a) and the maximum expansion and contraction amount is greater than the allowable expansion and contraction value (second threshold b). In this case, the state value P = 3. The fourth state is when the difference in expansion and contraction amount is less than or equal to the winding failure threshold (first threshold a) and the maximum expansion and contraction amount is less than or equal to the allowable expansion and contraction value (second threshold b). In this case, the state value P = 0. The state value P is not limited to the four states described above; it is sufficient to configure the system to determine at least two states, namely whether or not a winding failure occurs. Furthermore, it may be configured to determine five or more states using other threshold conditions related to the amount of expansion and contraction.

[0066] The heating control unit 803 executes processing according to the determined state value P. Specifically, in the fixing temperature change processing 804, the heating control unit 803 decides whether or not to change the heating temperature in the fuser 108 according to the state value P. The heating control unit 803 also makes the content of the notification in the notification processing 805 different according to the state value P.

[0067] In the fixing temperature change process 804, the heating control unit 803 executes a process to lower the heater temperature of the fuser 108 if the value of state value P is 1, 2, or 3. If the value of state value P is 0, the heating control unit 803 determines the heater temperature set at that time as the fixing temperature. The process to lower the heater temperature may be forcibly executed when the state value P is 1, 2, or 3, or it may be executed after the user is asked whether or not to lower the temperature and the user replies that they wish to lower the temperature. The fixing temperature change process 804 will be described later.

[0068] In notification processing 805, the heating control unit 803 determines the notification content according to the value of the state value P. This results in notification content corresponding to the expansion and contraction state of the recording medium 105. For example, a notification may be issued indicating that winding failure may occur or that dimensional accuracy may not be met. The above-mentioned inquiry to the user regarding whether or not to lower the heating temperature may be made together with the notification of the expansion and contraction state of the recording medium 105 in notification processing 805. Notification processing 805 will be described later.

[0069] <Heat control treatment> Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the heating control process in this embodiment. The heating control process in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 9. The program corresponding to the flowchart shown in Figure 9 is recorded in the ROM 702 or EEPROM 704 of the recording device 100, called and executed by the CPU 701.

[0070] As described above, the temperature difference on the recording medium 105 caused by the heat treatment during fixing after recording an image on the recording medium 105 can result in localized differences in expansion and contraction, potentially leading to poor winding after ink fixing. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the fixing temperature so that the expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105 is within a range that allows for winding in good condition. This flowchart describes a method for deriving the optimal fixing temperature using the method of the present invention.

[0071] When the recording medium 105 is loaded into the recording device 100 by the user, and an instruction to execute the heating control process is input, for example, via the UI screen displayed on the input / output unit 109, the CPU 701 starts the flowchart shown in Figure 9. When this flowchart is started, the fixing temperature (heater setting temperature) is set to the maximum temperature allowed for the type of recording medium 105 and recording mode being used.

[0072] In S901, the CPU 701 performs a pattern recording operation for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction. During the recording operation, the CPU 701 transmits control signals and data to be recorded to the recording head control circuit 711, LF motor drive circuit 712, CR motor drive circuit 714, and winding roll drive circuit 719, and controls the recording head 102, LF motor 713, CR motor 715, and winding drive motor 720.

[0073] Here, we will describe the pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction and the heater positions. As an example, Figure 10 shows the pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction when the fuser 108 has four heater units 410a, 410b, 410c, and 410d in the X direction. The pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction is an image for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105 in the Y direction at multiple locations in the X direction. The pattern 1000 shown in Figure 10 includes a first image 1010 and a second image 1020 recorded at a predetermined distance from the first image in the Y direction. The first image 1010 includes four linear images 1011, 1012, 1013, and 1014 that are intermittently arranged in the X direction. Similarly, the second image 1020 includes four linear images 1021, 1022, 1023, and 1024 that are intermittently arranged in the X direction. Each of the linear images 1011, 1012, 1013, and 1014 contained in the first image 1010 is paired with each of the linear images 1021, 1022, 1023, and 1024 contained in the second image 1020. The positions of the paired linear images in the X direction are the same. The first image 1010 is recorded on the upstream side in the Y direction, and the second image 1020 is recorded on the downstream side. The distance (theoretical distance) between the first image 1010 and the second image 1020 is a fixed length, and in this embodiment, it is, for example, 200 mm.

[0074] Note that the distance between the first image 1010 and the second image 1020 (the length between patterns) is not limited to 200 mm, but can be any length. The longer the length between patterns, the higher the accuracy of calculating the amount of expansion and contraction, but the greater the consumption of the recording medium 105. Therefore, it is preferable to set the length between patterns to an optimal length considering both the accuracy of calculating the amount of expansion and contraction and the consumption of the recording medium 105. In this embodiment, the theoretical length between patterns of the pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction is set to a target accuracy of 0.1% or less for calculating the amount of expansion and contraction, and to an accuracy of ±0.1 mm for the edge detection function of the optical sensor 201. In this case, if the length between patterns is 200 mm, the amount of expansion and contraction can be calculated with an accuracy of 0.05%. In any case, any measurement method can be used as long as the length of the recording medium 105 in the transport direction can be measured at multiple X-direction positions.

[0075] In pattern 1000 shown in Figure 10, a pair of linear images 1011 and 1021 are recorded in the region of the recording medium 105 that passes over the location of the heater 403 of one of the heater units 410b, which is provided in multiple locations in the X direction. In the example in Figure 10, a heater 403 is provided at the center of each heater unit 410 in the X direction. Therefore, a pair of linear images 1011 and 1021 are recorded in the region of the recording medium 105 that passes near the center of heater unit 410b in the X direction. In addition, another pair of linear images 1012 and 1022 are recorded in the region of the recording medium 105 that passes over the end of heater unit 410b in the X direction. This region is at a lower temperature than the location where the linear images 1011 and 1021 were recorded after passing through the fuser 108. Furthermore, a pair of linear images 1013 and 1023 are recorded on the HP (home position) end of the recording medium 105, and a pair of linear images 1014 and 1024 are recorded on the opposite BP (basic point) end. The HP end is the home position end of the carriage 101, and therefore is in a fixed position regardless of the width of the recording medium 105. The opposite end is in a position corresponding to the width of the recording medium 105.

[0076] In the measurement of the inter-pattern length described later, the length in the Y direction between the linear images 1011, 1012, 1013, and 1014 contained in the first image 1010 and the corresponding linear images 1021, 1022, 1023, and 1024 contained in the second image 1020 is measured. In other words, the distance in the Y direction between two pairs of linear images recorded at the same position in the X direction is measured as the inter-pattern length. The reason for using the center and edges of the heater unit 410 as measurement points is to measure the difference in the amount of expansion and contraction in at least two regions with a temperature difference. That is, the temperature of the region on the recording medium 105 that has passed through the center of the heater unit 410 is higher than the temperature of the region on the recording medium 105 that has passed through the edge of the heater unit 410. Furthermore, the reason for including the edge of the recording medium 105 as a measurement point is that the edge of the recording medium 105 is located at the edge of the heater unit 410 and is therefore less affected by the heat from the heater.

[0077] Furthermore, the X-direction positions of the linear images included in the first and second images, which are recorded as patterns for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction, are not limited to the four locations shown in Figure 10.

[0078] As shown in the pattern 1100 in Figure 11, linear images 1111-1117 and 1121-1127 may be recorded in the respective regions on the recording medium 105 corresponding to the central and end portions of all heater units 410a, 410b, 410c, and 410d included in the fuser 108. Linear images 1111-1117 are the first images 1110 recorded on the upstream side in the Y direction, and linear images 1121-1127 are the second images 1120 recorded on the downstream side in the Y direction. The pairs of linear images 1111,1121, 1113,1123, 1115,1125, and 1117,1127 are recorded in the region passing through the central part of the heater. The pairs of linear images 1112,1122, 1114,1124, and 1116,1126 are recorded in the region passing through the heater end. When using the pattern in Figure 11, the inter-pattern length measurement described later measures the distance in the Y direction between each linear image 1111-1117 included in the first image 1110 and each linear image 1121-1127 included in the second image 1120 which are their counterparts. Furthermore, in the pattern in Figure 11, pairs of first and second images may also be recorded at the HP side end and BP side end of the recording medium 105, respectively.

[0079] Furthermore, the pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction may be modified by increasing or decreasing the number of linear images included in the first and second images based on the widthwise size of the recording medium 105 used.

[0080] Figure 12 shows a pattern 1200 for measuring expansion and contraction, used for a recording medium 105 that is narrower than the recording medium 105 used in the examples in Figures 10 and 11. In pattern 1200, linear images 1211-1214 and 1221-1224 are recorded in a total of four regions on the recording medium 105, which correspond to the central and end portions of two heater units 410a and 410b positioned where the recording medium 105 passes. Linear images 1211-1214 are the first image 1210, recorded on the upstream side in the Y direction, and linear images 1221-1224 are the second image 1220, recorded on the downstream side in the Y direction. The pair of linear images 1212,1222 and the pair of linear images 1214,1224 are recorded in the region passing through the central part of the heater. The pairs of linear images 1211,1221 and 1213,1223 are recorded in the region passing through the heater end. In addition, in the pattern shown in Figure 12, pairs of first and second images may be recorded at the HP side end and BP side end of the recording medium 105, respectively.

[0081] In any of the patterns shown in Figures 10 to 12, it is sufficient that a pair of first and second images can be recorded in at least two regions on the recording medium 105: a high-temperature region and a low-temperature region. The high-temperature region is a region with a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, and the low-temperature region is a region with a temperature lower than the high-temperature region. The predetermined temperature is, for example, the average temperature in the X direction of the recording medium 105 heated by the fuser 108. In the examples shown in Figures 10 to 12, the region passing through the center of the heater corresponds to the high-temperature region, and the region passing through the heater ends or the HP side end and BP side end correspond to the low-temperature region. More preferably, it is preferable to record the pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction and measure the length between patterns so that the measurement location includes two regions on the recording medium 105: the region with the highest temperature and the region with the lowest temperature.

[0082] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9, in S902, the CPU 701 measures the inter-pattern length before heating using the optical sensor 201. The measurement locations are those corresponding to the patterns recorded in S901, as shown in Figures 10 to 12. That is, if patterns (first image and second image) are recorded in four regions in the width direction of the recording medium 105 as shown in Figure 10, the distance between the first image and the second image is measured for each of those four regions. Specifically, the distance between linear image 1014 and linear image 1024, the distance between linear image 1011 and linear image 1021, the distance between linear image 1012 and linear image 1022, and the distance between linear image 1013 and linear image 1023 are measured.

[0083] In measuring the length between patterns, the optical sensor 201 emits light from the first LED 301 at a 90° angle in the Z direction, receives the reflected light from the pattern on the recording medium 105 at a 45° angle in the Z direction, and detects the diffuse reflection component. The optical sensor 201 detects the reflected light from the recording medium 105 and outputs the detected value to the CPU 701. Based on the detected value output from the optical sensor 201, the CPU 701 detects, for example, the edge position of each linear image included in the pattern. The position in the X direction is detected by an encoder that detects the movement position of the carriage. The position in the Y direction is determined based on the amount of rotation of the winding roll detected by the roll rotation amount sensor 721.

[0084] Measurement by the optical sensor 201 can be performed simultaneously with pattern recording. First, the CPU 701 transports the recording medium 105 to a predetermined starting position and, while recording the second image (Y-direction position) downstream at that position, detects the second image using the optical sensor 201. Based on the output from the optical sensor 201, the CPU 701 detects linear images recorded intermittently at multiple X-direction positions and stores these detection positions in the RAM 703. Subsequently, the CPU 701 transports the recording medium 105 to the recording position of the first image while performing carriage movement operations and recording medium transport operations according to a preset recording mode. Once the recording medium 105 has been transported to the recording position of the first image, the CPU 701 records the first image (upstream) while detecting the first image using the optical sensor 201. Based on the output from the optical sensor 201, the CPU 701 detects linear images recorded intermittently at multiple X-direction positions and stores the detection positions in the RAM 703. The CPU 701 calculates the difference in the Y-direction positions of the paired first and second images detected at multiple positions in the X-direction and stores it in the RAM 703 as the pattern inter-pattern length L0 before heating. Once the pattern inter-pattern length L0 before heating has been measured for multiple positions in the X-direction, the process proceeds to S903.

[0085] In S903, the CPU 701 transports the recording medium 105 to the position of the fuser 108 and heats the area where the pattern is recorded at a predetermined temperature. After the heat treatment, the process proceeds to S904.

[0086] In S904, the CPU 701 measures the pattern spacing Ln after heating. The CPU 701 reverses the transport of the recording medium 105, which has been transported to the downstream side of the fuser 108, and returns it to the starting position described above. Then, while performing the same carriage and transport operations as when the first and second images were recorded, the position of each linear image is detected by the optical sensor 201. The CPU 701 calculates the difference in the Y-direction position of the paired first and second images at each detected position in the X-direction and stores it in the RAM 703 as the pattern spacing Ln after heating.

[0087] In the above process, the pattern lengths between linear images 1014 and 1024, between linear images 1011 and 1021, between linear images 1012 and 1022, and between linear images 1013 and 1023 are measured before and after the heat treatment.

[0088] In S905, the CPU 701 calculates the amount of expansion and contraction dL of the recording medium 105 before and after heating, based on the inter-pattern length L0 before heating. The amount of expansion and contraction dL is calculated using the above formula (1).

[0089] In S906, the CPU 701 determines whether the amount of expansion or contraction has been calculated for all measurement points in the X direction. If the calculation of the amount of expansion or contraction has not been completed for all measurement points, the process returns to S905 and repeats S905 and S906. By performing these steps, the amount of expansion or contraction of the recording medium 105 in the Y direction is calculated for multiple points in the X direction. If the calculation of the amount of expansion or contraction has been completed for all measurement points in the X direction, the process proceeds to S907.

[0090] In S907, the CPU 701 determines the maximum value and difference in the amount of stretching / decreasing from the multiple measurement results obtained up to S906 and temporarily stores them in the RAM 703. In this embodiment, since the amount of stretching / decreasing is determined with a positive or negative sign, the maximum value of the absolute value of the stretching / decreasing is taken as the maximum value of the stretching / decreasing. The difference in the amount of stretching / decreasing is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the stretching / decreasing at multiple measurement points in the X direction calculated up to S906. If the amount of stretching / decreasing is determined with a positive or negative sign, the difference between the maximum and minimum absolute values ​​of the stretching / decreasing is calculated as the difference in the amount of stretching / decreasing.

[0091] Table 1300, shown in Figure 13, shows examples of pattern spacing and expansion / contraction before and after heating, obtained as a result of processing S901 to S907. The values ​​in Table 1300 are for cases where the pattern spacing is measured at four locations in the X direction (heater center, heater end, HP side end, BP side end) using pattern 1000 for expansion / contraction measurement shown in Figure 10. As shown in Table 1300, at the heater center, the pattern spacing L0 before heating is measured as 200.0 mm, and the pattern spacing Ln after heating is measured as 199.6 mm. The expansion / contraction before and after heating is calculated as -0.20%. At the heater end, the pattern spacing L0 before heating is measured as 200.0 mm, and the pattern spacing Ln after heating is measured as 199.9 mm. The expansion / contraction before and after heating is calculated as -0.05%. At the HP end, the pattern spacing L0 before heating is measured as 200.0 mm, and the pattern spacing Ln after heating is measured as 199.8 mm. The expansion / contraction amount before and after heating is calculated as -0.10%. At the BP end, the pattern spacing L0 before heating is measured as 200.0 mm, and the pattern spacing Ln after heating is measured as 199.8 mm. The expansion / contraction amount before and after heating is calculated as -0.10%. The sign "-" for the expansion / contraction amount indicates that the recording medium 105 has shrunk after heating relative to the pre-heating state.

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 13, the maximum expansion / contraction is 0.20% at the center of the heater. The minimum expansion / contraction is 0.05% at the end of the heater. Therefore, the difference in expansion / contraction in the X direction is 0.15%.

[0093] Note that the method for determining the difference in the amount of expansion and contraction is not limited to the method described above. For example, the difference in the absolute values ​​of the amount of expansion and contraction at multiple measurement points in the X direction may be calculated for all combinations of measurement points, and the maximum value of the calculated difference may be determined as the difference in the amount of expansion and contraction in the X direction. Once the processing up to S907 is completed, proceed to S908.

[0094] In S908, the CPU 701 performs a state determination process. This process determines a state value P indicating the state of expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105 based on the maximum value of the expansion and contraction amount and the difference in expansion and contraction amount determined in the processes up to S907. Specifically, the CPU 701 determines whether the recording medium 105 is in a state where heating may cause winding defects, or whether the finished product may not meet the dimensional accuracy requirements due to heating. Based on these determination results, the CPU 701 determines a state value P indicating the state of expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105. The process in S908 will be described later.

[0095] In S909, the CPU 701 executes a fixing temperature change process. The CPU 701 changes the fixing temperature according to the expansion / contraction state (state value P) of the recording medium 105 determined in S908. It also notifies the user about the expansion / contraction state of the recording medium 105 according to the state value P. The processing in S909 will be described later.

[0096] <State determination process> Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the state determination process in this embodiment. Referring to Figure 14, the state determination process executed in S908 will be explained. This flowchart is started by the CPU 701 when the maximum value of the expansion / contraction amount in the transport direction of the recording medium 105 and the difference in the expansion / contraction amount in the width direction of the recording medium 105 are determined by the processes in S901 to S907 in Figure 9.

[0097] In S1401, the CPU 701 obtains from the RAM 703 the maximum value of the expansion and contraction amount of the recording medium 105 in the transport direction (Y direction) and the difference in expansion and contraction amount of the recording medium 105 in the width direction (X direction), which were determined by the measurement process in Figure 9.

[0098] In S1402, the CPU 701 sets thresholds for determining the state. In this embodiment, threshold conditions are set to determine the optimal fixing temperature for suppressing the expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105 and for winding the recording medium 105 normally. The CPU 701 sets a first threshold a for determining winding defects and a second threshold b for determining whether the dimensional accuracy is met. The CPU 701 compares the first threshold a with the difference in expansion and contraction in the X direction obtained as a measurement result to determine whether the difference in expansion and contraction in the X direction is within a range in which winding defects of the recording medium 105 do not occur. In the following description, the first threshold a will also be referred to as the winding defect threshold. The CPU 701 also compares the second threshold b with the maximum value of the expansion and contraction in the Y direction obtained as a measurement result to determine whether the expansion and contraction in the Y direction meets the dimensional accuracy (is within the acceptable range). In the following description, the second threshold b will also be referred to as the expansion and contraction tolerance value. The first threshold a and the second threshold b may be predetermined values ​​for each type of recording medium 105, predetermined values ​​according to the recording mode, or values ​​arbitrarily set by the user. If the first threshold a and the second threshold b are predetermined values, in S1402 the CPU 701 retrieves the first threshold a and the second threshold b stored in the EEPROM 704. If the user sets the first threshold a and the second threshold b arbitrarily, in S1402 the CPU 701 displays a user interface screen (UI screen) and accepts the first threshold a and the second threshold b.

[0099] Figure 15 shows an example of a UI screen for setting a threshold (second threshold b). The UI screen is displayed on the display of the input / output unit 109 of the recording device 100 based on display instructions from the CPU 701. Alternatively, the UI screen may be displayed on the display of a host computer connected to the recording device 100. The UI screen accepts user operations via the input / output unit 109 or via the input device of the host computer. Signals indicating operations received on the UI screen are input to the CPU 701.

[0100] The UI screen 1500 shown in Figure 15(a) is displayed in the media registration function of the recording device 100 and accepts the registration and editing of the media name (name of the recording medium 105), recording mode, and stretch tolerance value (second threshold b). The user can arbitrarily input the media name, recording mode, and stretch tolerance value (second threshold b) on the UI screen 1500. In this example, the recording mode is set to "6-pass standard" and the number of passes in multi-pass recording is set, but the recording mode is not limited to this. The user can arbitrarily set the recording mode. Any numerical value can be entered in the stretch tolerance value (second threshold b) field 1501.

[0101] The UI screen 1510 shown in Figure 15(b) is an example in which, in addition to the UI screen 1500 in Figure 15(a), the stretch tolerance value (second threshold) can be selected from multiple candidates displayed in the pull-down menu 1512. In Figures 15(a) and (b), the first threshold a (winding failure threshold) may also be accepted as an arbitrary numerical value, or a numerical value may be selected from the pull-down menu 1512.

[0102] Furthermore, the first threshold a (winding failure threshold) may be stored in the EEPROM 704 in association with the second threshold b (stretch tolerance). Figure 15(c) shows a table 1520 that associates the first threshold a (winding failure threshold) and the second threshold b (stretch tolerance). The table 1520 shown in Figure 15(c) shows an example in which a winding failure threshold is set for each value of the stretch tolerance. For example, a winding failure threshold of "0.1%" is associated with a stretch tolerance of "-0.1%". A winding failure threshold of "0.1%" is associated with a stretch tolerance of "-0.2%". A winding failure threshold of "0.2%" is associated with a stretch tolerance of "-0.3%". When the stretch tolerance (second threshold) is set by the user on the UI screen 1510, the CPU 701 obtains the winding failure threshold associated with the stretch tolerance from the EEPROM 704 and sets it as the first threshold a.

[0103] Furthermore, the first threshold a (winding failure threshold) and the second threshold b (stretch tolerance) may be predetermined for each type of recording medium 105 and stored in the EEPROM 704. Figure 15(d) shows a table 1530 that associates the types of recording medium 105 with the first threshold a (winding failure threshold) and the second threshold b (stretch tolerance). In the table 1530 shown in Figure 15(d), for example, "tarpaulin" is associated with a stretch tolerance of "-0.3%" and a winding failure threshold of "0.3%". Also, "PVC sheet with release paper" is associated with a stretch tolerance of "-0.1%" and a winding failure threshold of "0.1%", and "PET film" is associated with a stretch tolerance of "-0.2%" and a winding failure threshold of "0.1%". In this case, when the type of recording medium 105 is set by the user, the CPU 701 obtains and sets the first threshold a and second threshold b associated with the type of recording medium 105 from the EEPROM 704.

[0104] Furthermore, the first threshold a (winding failure threshold) and the second threshold b (stretch tolerance) may be set according to the recording mode. Figure 16 shows a UI screen for setting thresholds according to the recording mode and an example of thresholds.

[0105] The UI screen 1600 shown in Figure 16(a) is a screen that accepts settings for the recording mode for heating control. The user can set the media name and recording mode on the UI screen 1600. In this example, the recording mode can be selected from either the productivity priority mode or the dimension priority mode from the pull-down menu 1601. In this case, as shown in Figure 16(b), the first threshold a (winding failure threshold) and the second threshold b (expansion tolerance) are predetermined for each recording mode and stored in the EEPROM 704.

[0106] The dimension-priority mode prioritizes dimensional accuracy and performs heat fixing at a relatively low temperature for a long period of time. On the other hand, the productivity-priority mode improves productivity by performing heat fixing at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time than the dimension-priority mode. Therefore, in the dimension-priority mode, the expansion / contraction tolerance (absolute value) and the winding defect threshold are set to smaller values ​​compared to the productivity-priority mode. In the example in Figure 16(b), the expansion / contraction tolerance is set to "-0.1%" in the dimension-priority mode and "-0.3%" in the productivity-priority mode. The winding defect threshold is set to "0.1%" in the dimension-priority mode and "0.2%" in the productivity-priority mode. Note that the types of recording modes for heating control are not limited to just two, the productivity-priority mode and the dimension-priority mode, but may be three or more. Furthermore, it may be possible to select a recording mode for each type of recording medium 105, and the expansion / contraction tolerance and winding defect threshold corresponding to the type of recording medium 105 and the recording mode may be predetermined and stored. The names of each mode are also arbitrary.

[0107] In the UI screen 1600 shown in Figure 16(a), the CPU 701 accepts the user's selection of a recording mode. When a recording mode is selected by the user on the UI screen 1600, the CPU 701 obtains and sets the first threshold a and second threshold b associated with the recording mode from the EEPROM 704.

[0108] The CPU 701 may also accept a selection from the user regarding whether to set the threshold based on the type of recording medium 105 (media type), the recording mode, or a user-defined threshold. Figure 17 shows an example of a UI screen that allows the user to select how to set the threshold.

[0109] The UI screen 1700 shown in Figure 17(a) is an example of a screen that accepts the selection of one of the following: "Media Type," "Recording Mode," or "User Settings." Slide buttons 1701 are displayed for each of "Media Type," "Recording Mode," and "User Settings," and the color of the buttons changes when selected. In the example in Figure 17(a), "Media Type" is selected, and "Recording Mode" and "User Settings" are not selected. When "Media Type" is selected, the UI screen 1700 displays the types of selectable recording media 105, which can be selected from a pull-down menu 1702. When any type of recording media 105 is selected, the CPU 701 obtains the winding failure threshold and stretch tolerance value, which are determined in association with the type of recording media 105, from the table 1530 shown in Figure 15(d), and sets them as the first threshold a and second threshold b. In this case, the input field 1703 for the stretch tolerance value becomes uneditable.

[0110] The UI screen 1710 shown in Figure 17(b) is a screen that accepts the selection of one of the following: "Media Type," "Recording Mode," or "User Settings," and shows the state where "Recording Mode" is selected. "Media Type" and "User Settings" are not selected. When "Recording Mode" is selected, the selectable recording modes are displayed on the UI screen 1700 via a pull-down menu 1712. When any recording mode is selected, the CPU 701 obtains the winding failure threshold and stretch tolerance value associated with the recording mode from the table 1610 shown in Figure 16(b) and sets them as the first threshold a and second threshold b. In this case, the input field 1703 for the stretch tolerance value becomes uneditable.

[0111] The UI screen 1720 shown in Figure 17(c) is a screen that accepts the selection of one of the following: "Media Type," "Recording Mode," or "User Settings," and shows the state where "User Settings" is selected. "Media Type" and "Recording Mode" are not selected. When "User Settings" is selected, the CPU 701 accepts input to the input field 1703 for the stretch tolerance value. Alternatively, the CPU 701 may display a list of configurable stretch tolerance values ​​in a pull-down menu 1512, as shown in Figure 15(b), and accept selection. Once a stretch tolerance value is set, the CPU 701 obtains the winding failure threshold associated with the stretch tolerance value from the table 1520 (Figure 15(c)) stored in the EEPROM 704 and sets them as the first threshold a and second threshold b, respectively. The first threshold a and second threshold b set by the user operation are stored in the EEPROM 704. Return to the explanation of Figure 14.

[0112] In S1403, the CPU 701 initializes the state value P to 0. The state value P is a parameter that indicates the state of expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105, and is determined based on the measurement results of the expansion and contraction amount.

[0113] In S1404, the CPU 701 compares the difference in expansion / contraction amount obtained in S1401 with the first threshold a (winding failure threshold) set in S1402. If the CPU 701 determines that the difference in expansion / contraction amount exceeds the first threshold a, the process proceeds to S1405.

[0114] In S1405, CPU 701 adds 1 to the state value P and proceeds to S1406. If CPU 701 determines in S1404 that the difference in expansion / contraction amount is less than or equal to the first threshold a, S1405 is skipped and the process proceeds to S1406.

[0115] In S1406, CPU 701 compares the maximum value of the stretching amount obtained in S1401 with the second threshold b (stretching amount threshold) set in S1402. If CPU 701 determines that the maximum value of the stretching amount exceeds the second threshold b, the process proceeds to S1407.

[0116] In S1407, CPU701 adds 2 to the state value P and proceeds to S1408. In S1406, if CPU701 determines that the expansion / contraction amount is less than or equal to the second threshold b, S1407 is skipped and the process proceeds to S1408.

[0117] In S1408, CPU 701 saves the state value P determined by the processing up to S1407 to RAM 703 and terminates this flowchart. As a result of the processing in this flowchart, the state value P is one of 0, 1, 2, or 3.

[0118] <Fixing temperature change processing / notification processing> Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed in S909. This flowchart is executed by the CPU 701 once the state value P is determined by the state determination process in Figure 14.

[0119] In S1801, CPU701 obtains the state value P from RAM703.

[0120] In the processing of S1802 to S1807, CPU 701 determines the content of the notification to the user according to the acquired status value P.

[0121] If CPU701 determines in S1802 that P=3, that is, if the amount of expansion / contraction exceeds the first threshold a (allowable expansion / contraction value) and the difference in expansion / contraction exceeds the second threshold b (winding failure threshold), proceed to S1803. Otherwise, proceed to S1804.

[0122] If CPU701 determines in S1804 that P=2, that is, if the amount of expansion / contraction exceeds the first threshold a (allowable expansion / contraction value) and the difference in expansion / contraction is less than or equal to the second threshold b (winding failure threshold), proceed to S1805. Otherwise, proceed to S1806.

[0123] If CPU 701 determines in S1806 that P=1, that is, if the amount of stretching is less than or equal to the first threshold a (allowable stretching value), but the difference in stretching amount exceeds the second threshold b (winding failure threshold), the process proceeds to S1807. Otherwise, P=0. If P=0, the process proceeds to S1810 without performing any notification processing.

[0124] In S1803, CPU701 notifies the user that a winding defect has occurred and that the dimensional accuracy cannot be met. In the notification, CPU701 suggests (inquires) the user to lower the heating temperature.

[0125] Figure 19 shows an example of a notification screen. Figure 19(a) shows an example of a notification screen 1910 in S1803 that includes a notification. The notification screen 1910 displays the message, "The current heating temperature may cause deformation of the printed material due to the following reasons," along with the description of the problem 1911, which is "Excessive expansion and contraction of the printed material, failure to wind up the printed material." It also displays the message 1912, "Do you want to lower the heating temperature?", and "Yes" button 1913 and "No" button 1914. The "Yes" button 1913 is selected if the user wishes to lower the heating temperature, and the "No" button 1914 is selected if the user does not wish to lower the heating temperature.

[0126] In S1805, CPU701 notifies the user that the dimensional accuracy cannot be met. In the notification, CPU701 suggests (inquires) the user to lower the heating temperature. Figure 19(b) shows an example of the notification screen 1920, which is a UI screen that includes the notification in S1805. The notification screen 1920 displays the message, "The current heating temperature may cause deformation of the printed material due to the following reasons," along with the description of the problem, "Excessive expansion and contraction of the printed material," 1921. It also displays the message, "Do you want to lower the heating temperature?" 1912, and "Yes" buttons 1913 and "No" buttons 1914.

[0127] In S1807, CPU701 notifies the user that a winding failure may occur. In the notification, CPU701 suggests (inquires) the user to lower the heating temperature. Figure 19(c) shows an example of the notification screen 1930, which is a UI screen that includes the notification in S1807. The notification screen 1930 displays the message, "The current heating temperature may cause deformation of the printed material due to the following reasons," along with the description of the problem, "Printed material winding failure," 1931. It also displays the message, "Do you want to lower the heating temperature?", 1912, and "Yes" buttons 1913 and "No" buttons 1914.

[0128] If the user chooses to lower the heating temperature in S1808, that is, if the user selects the "Yes" button 1913 on the notification screen, the CPU 701 closes the notification screen and proceeds to S1809.

[0129] In S1809, the CPU 701 executes a process to lower the heating temperature of the fuser 108. This process may involve lowering the heater's set temperature by a predetermined temperature range, or, if the heater's output can be changed in multiple stages such as strong and weak, the output intensity may be reduced one stage at a time. After that, the process proceeds to S901 in Figure 9, and returns to recording the pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction.

[0130] If the user selects the "No" button 1914 on the notification screen, that is, if the user chooses not to lower the heating temperature in S1808, the CPU 701 closes the notification screen and proceeds to S1810. Similarly, if P=0, the process also proceeds to S1810.

[0131] In S1810, the CPU 701 determines the current heating temperature as the fixing temperature of the fuser 108 and stores it in the EEPROM 704. That is, in the heating control process shown in Figure 18, if either the threshold condition for the difference in the widthwise expansion / contraction amount of the recording medium 105 or the threshold condition for the expansion / contraction amount of the recording medium 105 in the transport direction is not met, the CPU 701 notifies the user to lower the heating temperature. If the user responds to the notification and agrees to lower the heating temperature, the CPU 701 executes the process of lowering the heating temperature and then performs the measurement of the pattern-to-pattern length before and after heating again. If both the threshold condition for the difference in expansion / contraction amount and the threshold condition for the expansion / contraction amount are met, the CPU 701 determines the temperature set for the heater as the fixing temperature. In this way, a fixing temperature is determined that can suppress dimensional accuracy and winding defects in the transport direction of the recording medium 105.

[0132] In the above-described flow, if P=1, 2, or 3, the heating temperature is lowered or the user is notified and consent is obtained from the user before the heating temperature is lowered, but this is not limited to this. If P=3 or P=1, that is, if the difference in expansion and contraction exceeds the first threshold a which is the winding threshold, the process may be forcibly advanced to S1809 and the heating temperature may be lowered. In this case, deformation (bumping, wrinkling) of the recording medium 105 is suppressed even without user operation. Also, if P=2, that is, if the amount of expansion and contraction exceeds the second threshold b, the process may be forcibly advanced to S1809 and the heating temperature may be lowered. In this case, even without user operation, the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium 105 is kept within the acceptable range and the dimensional accuracy is met.

[0133] Let's explain with a specific example. For instance, the user sets the first threshold a, which is the winding failure threshold, to "0.10%", and the second threshold b, which is the stretching amount threshold, to "-0.25%". In this case, in the example measurement result shown in Figure 13, the maximum stretching amount is "-0.20%", which satisfies the second threshold b, but the stretching amount difference is "0.15%", which exceeds the first threshold a. As a result, the parameter indicating the state is determined to be P=1. Therefore, the CPU 701 notifies the user of the possibility of a winding failure and also instructs them to lower the heating temperature. Note that the notification is not limited to display on the notification screen, but can also be made by outputting an audio message.

[0134] Based on the above, in a recording device 100 having a fixing section with a structure that causes local differences in expansion and contraction in the width direction of the recording medium 105, the heating process can be controlled to achieve a fixing temperature that satisfies dimensional accuracy in the transport direction of the recording medium 105 and suppresses winding defects. Therefore, the impact on the recording medium 105 due to heating during recording and fixing can be suppressed. This is particularly suitable for fixing images to large recording media 105, such as those used in the sign display industry.

[0135] In this embodiment, the CPU 701 of the recording device 100 sets the heater temperature at the start of the process shown in the flowchart to the highest temperature within the expected range (maximum temperature), and lowers the heater temperature if the conditions are not met. This makes it possible to automatically determine the optimal fixing temperature for the target recording medium 105. On the other hand, for recording mediums 105 that are expected to undergo significant expansion and contraction or deformation, it is preferable to start from a temperature lower than the maximum temperature mentioned above. Therefore, for recording mediums 105 with a high glass transition temperature of the substrate, processing can be started from the maximum temperature mentioned above, and for recording mediums 105 with a low glass transition temperature, processing can be started from a temperature lower than the maximum temperature, thereby reducing the number of trials. The CPU 701 may also accept the heater temperature setting at the start of processing from the user and start processing from the accepted temperature setting.

[0136] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe a recording device having a serial recording head, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also applicable to an inkjet recording device equipped with a so-called line-type recording head, in which the ejection port row is configured to extend across the recording width in the transport direction of the recording medium 105. Moreover, it is not limited to recording devices used in the sign display industry, but is also applicable to recording devices used in other industries. In addition, it is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the disclosed technical idea, and these are also understood to naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0137] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0138] The above-described embodiments include the following configurations.

[0139] (Composition 1) A recording means for recording images on a recording medium, A transport means for transporting the recording medium in a first direction, Fixing means for fixing the image recorded on the recording medium by heating the recording medium, A measuring means for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium in the first direction before and after the heat treatment by the fixing means at multiple locations in a second direction which intersects the first direction, A heating control means that changes the temperature in the heating process according to the measurement results from the measuring means, A recording device characterized by comprising the following features.

[0140] (Configuration 2) The recording device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the heating control means lowers the temperature in the heating process when the difference in the amount of expansion and contraction measured at multiple locations in the second direction is greater than a first threshold.

[0141] (Composition 3) The recording device according to Configuration 1, wherein the heating control means lowers the temperature in the heating process when at least one of the following occurs: the difference in the amount of expansion and contraction measured at multiple locations in the second direction is greater than a first threshold, or the maximum value of the amount of expansion and contraction measured at multiple locations in the second direction is greater than a second threshold different from the first threshold.

[0142] (Composition 4) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the heating control means further inquires with the user whether or not to change the temperature before changing the temperature in the heating process, and determines whether or not to change the temperature based on the user's response to the inquiry. (Composition 5) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a notification means for notifying the effect of the heat treatment on the recording medium.

[0143] (Composition 6) The recording medium is a continuous sheet that is continuous in the first direction, A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a winding means for winding up the continuous sheet.

[0144] (Composition 7) The recording device according to configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the first threshold is a threshold for determining the possibility of causing a winding failure of the recording medium.

[0145] (Composition 8) The recording device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the second threshold is a threshold for determining whether the amount of expansion or contraction of the recording medium in the first direction is within an acceptable range.

[0146] (Composition 9) The recording device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the first threshold and the second threshold are determined according to the type of recording medium.

[0147] (Composition 10) The recording device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the first threshold and the second threshold are determined according to the recording mode.

[0148] (Composition 11) The recording device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the first threshold and the second threshold are values ​​set by the user.

[0149] (Composition 12) The recording device according to any one of configurations 3, 7, and 9-11, further comprising display means for displaying a user interface screen for setting the first threshold and the second threshold.

[0150] (Composition 13) The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that the measuring means measures the amount of expansion and contraction in at least two regions, including a first region where the temperature of the recording medium is higher than a predetermined temperature and a second region where the temperature is lower than the first region, after the heat treatment by the fixing means.

[0151] (Composition 14) The fixing means comprises a plurality of heaters for performing the heat treatment. The recording device according to configuration 13, characterized in that the first region and the second region are determined based on the arrangement of the heaters.

[0152] (Composition 15) The recording apparatus according to configuration 13, characterized in that the measuring means measures the amount of expansion and contraction in the region where the temperature of the recording medium is highest after the heat treatment by the fixing means as the first region, and measures the amount of expansion and contraction in the region where the temperature of the recording medium is lowest after the heat treatment by the fixing means as the second region.

[0153] (Composition 16) The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, characterized in that the measuring means varies the area for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction depending on the size of the recording medium in the second direction.

[0154] (Composition 17) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, characterized in that the measuring means records a pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction on the recording medium and measures the amount of expansion and contraction by optically reading the recorded pattern.

[0155] (Composition 18) The pattern has a plurality of pairs of first and second images spaced a predetermined distance apart in the first direction, The recording device according to configuration 17, characterized in that the measuring means measures the distance in the first direction between the pair of first and second images at multiple locations in the second direction, based on the detection positions of the first and second images recorded on the recording medium by the optical sensors and the amount transported by the transport means.

[0156] (Composition 19) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18, characterized in that the recording means records the image on the recording medium by moving a recording head, which has a plurality of ejection ports capable of ejecting ink onto the recording medium, in the second direction and ejecting the ink from the ejection ports.

[0157] (Composition 20) A control method for a recording device that fixes an image recorded on a recording medium by performing a heat treatment on the recording medium, A step of measuring the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium in the transport direction before and after the heat treatment at multiple locations in a direction intersecting the transport direction, A step of changing the temperature in the heat treatment according to the measurement results, A control method characterized by including

[0158] (Composition 21) A program for causing a computer that controls a recording device to execute a control method, which fixes an image recorded on a recording medium by performing a heat treatment on the recording medium on which the image is recorded, The control method described above is A step of measuring the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium in the transport direction before and after the heat treatment at multiple locations in a direction intersecting the transport direction, A step of changing the temperature in the heat treatment according to the measurement results, A program characterized by including the following.

Claims

1. A recording means for recording images on a recording medium, A transport means for transporting the recording medium in a first direction, Fixing means for fixing the image recorded on the recording medium by heating the recording medium, A measuring means for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium in the first direction before and after the heat treatment by the fixing means at multiple locations in a second direction which intersects the first direction, A heating control means that changes the temperature in the heating process according to the measurement results from the measuring means, A recording device characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating control means lowers the temperature in the heating process when the difference in the amount of expansion and contraction measured at multiple locations in the second direction is greater than a first threshold.

3. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating control means lowers the temperature in the heating process when at least one of the following occurs: the difference in the amount of expansion and contraction measured at multiple locations in the second direction is greater than a first threshold, or the maximum value of the amount of expansion and contraction measured at multiple locations in the second direction is greater than a second threshold different from the first threshold.

4. The recording device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the heating control means inquires with the user whether or not to change the temperature before changing the temperature in the heating process, and determines whether or not to change the temperature based on the user's response to the inquiry.

5. The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying the effect of the heat treatment on the recording medium.

6. The recording medium is a continuous sheet that is continuous in the first direction, The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a winding means for winding up the continuous sheet.

7. The recording device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first threshold is a threshold for determining the possibility of causing a winding failure of the recording medium.

8. The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second threshold is a threshold for determining whether the amount of expansion or contraction of the recording medium in the first direction is within an acceptable range.

9. The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first threshold and the second threshold are determined according to the type of recording medium.

10. The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first threshold and the second threshold are determined according to the recording mode.

11. The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first threshold and the second threshold are values ​​set by the user.

12. The recording device according to claim 3, further comprising display means for displaying a user interface screen for setting the first threshold and the second threshold.

13. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring means measures the amount of expansion and contraction in at least two regions, including a first region where the temperature of the recording medium is higher than a predetermined temperature and a second region where the temperature is lower than the first region, after the heat treatment by the fixing means.

14. The fixing means comprises a plurality of heaters for performing the heat treatment. The recording device according to claim 13, characterized in that the first region and the second region are determined based on the arrangement of the heaters.

15. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the measuring means measures the amount of expansion and contraction in the region where the temperature of the recording medium is highest after the heat treatment by the fixing means as the first region, and measures the amount of expansion and contraction in the region where the temperature of the recording medium is lowest after the heat treatment by the fixing means as the second region.

16. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring means varies the area for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction according to the size of the recording medium in the second direction.

17. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring means records a pattern for measuring the amount of expansion and contraction on the recording medium and measures the amount of expansion and contraction by optically reading the recorded pattern.

18. The pattern has a plurality of pairs of first and second images spaced a predetermined distance apart in the first direction, The recording apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the measuring means measures the distance in the first direction between the pair of first and second images at multiple locations in the second direction, based on the detection positions of the first and second images recorded on the recording medium by the optical sensors and the amount transported by the transport means.

19. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the recording means records the image on the recording medium by moving a recording head, which has a plurality of ejection ports capable of ejecting ink onto the recording medium, in the second direction and ejecting the ink from the ejection ports.

20. A control method for a recording device that fixes an image recorded on a recording medium by performing a heat treatment on the recording medium, A step of measuring the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium in the transport direction before and after the heat treatment at multiple locations in a direction intersecting the transport direction, A step of changing the temperature in the heat treatment according to the measurement results, A control method characterized by including

21. A program for causing a computer that controls a recording device to execute a control method, which fixes an image recorded on a recording medium by performing a heat treatment on the recording medium on which the image is recorded, The control method described above is A step of measuring the amount of expansion and contraction of the recording medium in the transport direction before and after the heat treatment at multiple locations in a direction intersecting the transport direction, A step of changing the temperature in the heat treatment according to the measurement results, A program characterized by including the following.

Images